• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Just What Is/Are Deceptive Appearances about Anyway?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Did you know Deceptive Appearances was the original title for Justified Means?

Yep!  I really loved the title, but as the story developed, so did the underlying struggle of whether or not the end ever justifies the means.  Is committing one crime to prevent a worse one ever acceptable?

Can you, for example, steal a car to rush someone to the hospital for life-saving treatment?  Yes, stealing that car is wrong, and the reason for doing so is commendable, even.  But does it excuse the thief’s actions?  I don’t know.  I can’t imagine doing it.

I also can’t imagine allowing someone to die if I could do anything to stop it.  Is a fine or jail worth a life?  Yeah.  I think it is.  But… wrong is wrong.  In the words of a child I know and love, “Some things just feel ‘wronger.'”

Exploring how a Christian could reconcile his or her faith in a job that requires lawbreaking on a daily basis was an exercise in stepping outside my comfort zone and trying to understand another side of life I’d likely never see.  (Because, really?  An organization that manages to exist outside the law in cooperation with the law?  I grant that I expect my readers to suspend a bit of reality for that.)

Just What Is/Are Deceptive  Appearances about Anyway?

Note: links are potentially affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

I thought I’d want to interview Keith–to ask him why he does what he does. 

But that’s kind of expected, right?  And we went through his issues a bit in Effective Immediately.

So Erika was the next logical choice, but well, we get to see her .02 in the books as well.  So, that left me with either Karen (often his partner and obviously respects him) or Mark.

I chose Mark. 

Why?  Well, for two reasons. One:  I thought we might get a view we haven’t seen before.  If we’re lucky.  And two:  It’ll come in handy for the book about when Keith started with The Agency.  Win-win.  (yeah… total milking-it-for-all-its-worth.)  So without further ado… Mark!

Chautona:  Okay, Mark.  Spill the beans.  What made you hire Keith?

Mark:  He came highly recommended when he retired from military special forces.

Chautona:  Isn’t he kind of young for military retirement when you consider how highly trained he was?

Mark: Actually, I don’t know.  All I do know is that his retirement is classified, and he can’t talk about it.  Actually, he can’t talk about most of his military service, but he’s got great boot camp stories.

Chautona:  Cool!  If I ever do an alternate reality version of Mac and Savvy, I know who to ask for boot camp ideas.

So, was Keith eager to start with  The Agency, or did he take some persuasion?

Mark:  In a sense, both. I knew that because of his strong faith, he might be averse to some aspects of our jobs, so I just left him alone for about six weeks.  That’s about how long it takes these guys to go from determined to live a “normal life” (the ones who want that, of course) and bored-out-of-their-minds crazy.

Chautona: How do you approach someone with a job opportunity like that?  I mean, aren’t they likely to run after hearing, “You might be required to abduct someone for their own protection. Are you okay with that?”

Mark: Actually, if I answer this, your readers are going to get huge spoilers.  River Song would never approve. I will say this.  Because of how they are referred to me, they are predisposed to accept that what we do may not be legal, but it is “sanctioned” so to speak.

Chautona: So speaking of legalities and stuff, how do you think Keith justifies his work? How does he reconcile his faith and some of the things he has to do?

Mark:  Well, obviously asking him would be smart, but from my perspective, it is all about serving others.

And really, isn’t that what Jesus did?

Chautona: So… serving.  That’s still not getting to the crux of what I’m looking for.  How does it override other parts of his faith that say he is to submit himself to his authorities–government, local, spiritual, etc.?

Mark: Like I said. It’s about service, and that’s what Jesus did.  And it all spirals from there. He really wrestled with the idea at first.  I didn’t try to convince him. Somehow, I knew that would backfire. Instead, I had him talk about it with people who could know what he would be doing and getting their input on it. The man who introduced us was very beneficial. That’s all I’m saying.

Chautona: Okay, so that explains why he would want to do the job.  And you’re right, it really fits who Keith is and what is important to him.  But how does he reconcile his faith which says, “Do not steal” with stealing a woman from her bed in the middle of the night and holding her captive?

That is against the law of the land and therefore against Scripture (even if God didn’t have a thing or two to say about keeping people captive!).

Mark: Well, at the very simplest level (which ironically is also kind of convoluted), those highest up in world governments know we exist and do not interfere because we do things the laws can’t allow them to do.  So, our authorities do allow it.  I think at the very basic level, when you strip aside all other rules, you have this guy who is working at a job that allows him to serve others with the full knowledge and non-interference of his government and other world governments.

That doesn’t interfere with Keith’s faith at all.

Chautona:  Okay.  I can see that.  Thanks!  It’ll help me when I share the beginning of Keith’s story.

Mark: Be careful of that. You wouldn’t want to put my best guy in danger.

How’s that for a teaser?

Share431
Pin
Tweet
Email
431Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
431Shares

Related

Filed Under: Author Q & A

Previous Post: « If You Give an Author a Character…
Next Post: Character Interview: Kaye »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
byChautona Havig

Debut Author, Sara Brunsvold, is bursting on the Christian Women’s fiction scene with an amazing book, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. With characters who have captivated my heart from page one (and enough quirkiness to keep my attention to the last), Sara Brunsvold is sure to become a favorite author, and this book is already on my top five of the year before it’s even released!

Note links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

This Novel Isn’t Even Available Yet, and It’s in My Top 5!

If you’d told me that I’d fall so in love with two chapters of a book that it would push that book into my top five of the year so far, well… I’d have laughed.

The joke’s on me because it happened with Sara Brunsvold’s The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. This debut women’s fiction novel has a bit of a split-time element and is set in Kansas City. Trust me when I say that meeting Clara was one of the most fun introductions to a character I’ve ever had. I just love this woman, and I’m drumming my fingers to get to read more about her.  Not surprising considering it won the ACFW Genesis’s award a couple of years back. 😀

Sara says her passion is intergenerational stories, and you definitely get this with Aidyn and her “assignment,” Mrs. Kipp.  But you also get inter-cultural and ideological influences in this book as well.

And then there’s that next book she has coming out.  You know, the one about a gal cooking her way through her grandma’s German cookbook?  Yeah.  The one we have to wait until early 2024 for?  Yeah. That one.  Sigh.

When Sara told us about her favorite authors, a lot of things made sense.  Just sayin’. Find out which of Katherine Reay’s books are her favorites and how she fangirled over Reay’s response to an email (and why you should email your favorite author!).

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care.

But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her–but she’s going to have to work for it.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You’ll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

This book is 40% off with free shipping from Baker Book House. That’s less than the Kindle version if you like paper!

You can learn more about Sara at her WEBSITE (and sign up for that newsletter so you can get Mrs.Kip’s 8 Rules to Live By). Oh, and if she does those videos of her cooking through that book, you’ll want to know when/where to find them.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
May 20, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 144: Chatting about Restored Grace with Kathleen J. Robison
May 17, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 143: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Mary Alford
May 13, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 142: A Chat about A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma
May 10, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 141: A Chat with Elizabeth Goddard about Critical Alliance
May 3, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 140: A Chat about When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart
April 29, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 139: A Chat with Middle-Grade Author, RM Ruiz
April 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 138: A Gush about a Good (more like GREAT) Read & GoodReads
April 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 137: A Chat with Contemporary Romance Author, Mandi Blake
April 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 136: A Chat with Middle-Grade Historical Author, Marie Sontag
April 15, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

  • Now, Did You Hear about That Time I Ended up in High Water? (June 2, 2022)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Happens When the Past Rears Its Ugly Head and Murder Ensues?
  • This Novel Isn’t Even Available Yet, and It’s in My Top 5!
  • What Wonderful Author Combines Romantic Suspense and Women’s Fiction Elements?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
Due:6 months ago
53.1%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
Reposted from @beckylewis345 Life can be hard. Ent Reposted from @beckylewis345 Life can be hard. Enter cozies like A Sprinkle in Time by Dana Mentink. Clean, with a sweet romance, whose amateur sleuth runs a delectable shake shop. A dog, a child, precocious twins who work for the shake shop, and lovable Papa Luis. Plus, of course, plenty of suspects. “Murder, mayhem, and milkshakes. Who’d a thunk it?”

Trinidad Jones becomes someone I truly care about in this book. I am amazed at how she and Gabe’s two other former wives forgive each other and actually become friends. Not just friends, but family, as thick as blood. Now there is a small cluster of characters to follow and enjoy in this town of Upper Sprocket. Fun!

I enjoy the inclusion of dogs, children, and special-needs people, and Dana Mentink brings them all to our Shimmy and Shake Shop story. Noodles is old, but what a loyal companion, and, wow, does he have an amazing ability or two! Little  Felice adds warmth and vulnerability to the tale. Doug, the special-needs brother of Trinity’s love interest, Quinn, adds reality and complexity to the novel. 

Mentink has a good sense of humor and I laughed out loud several times. Just what I want out of a cozy. Mystery, romance, great characters, laughter. A fun occupation that the sleuth actually works at. I am happy to report I made it through the book without indulging in ice cream! But, can you?

I am looking forward to more murder and mayhem in Upper Sprocket! Plus more Freakshakes! 

———————————————————————
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. (I also bought my own copy.) No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
———————————————————————
Notable Quotables:
“He was merely a friend the way a Ming vase was just an old pot.”

“There’s your plan and God’s plan, and your plan…” “Doesn’t count,”

“Maybe it’s one of those weird small-town happenings.” “A body in your trunk isn’t a happening, it’s a horror movie,”

“It wasn’t an easy thing to command the heart to feel what the brain ordered.”

“Rumors carry so much more weight than the truth, sometimes.”
Giveaway on blog in bio.
#celebratelit
#danamentink
#frozendesserts
#justdeserts 
#justiceforsprockett
#amreadingcozies
Reposted from @celebratelit Did you know that When Reposted from @celebratelit Did you know that When the Pilot Falls by April Hayman from the Ever After Mystery series is 25% off with the Celebrate Lit Summer Sale? 

More about the book: 
In 1923, there aren’t many pilots, but Willie Labeau didn’t let that stop… her.

A bear of a man, Hugh Taylor, needs a stunt plane pilot, and despite their rocky introduction, Willie sets off for golden California and a new life as his pilot. There’s just one little thing she has to do in addition to flying.

Leave his past alone. Period.

When the flame of her own curiosity becomes fanned by encouragement from Willie’s sister, the feisty pilot can’t help but do just a little investigating.

And Hugh vanishes.

Friends rally around her, and with all the information she can find in hand, Willie sets off to rescue Hugh and battle the evil family holding him hostage.

A fierce air race, a sincere act of humility—are they enough to free Hugh and give Willie a chance to be with him… forever?

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. When the Pilot Falls offers a retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch hearts soar and daring dos.

Link in bio! 

#aprilhayman #whenthepilotfalls #everaftermysteries #celebratelit #christianfiction #historicalfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram
Dial W for Wrangler: Vi's just trying to sell used Dial W for Wrangler: Vi's just trying to sell used recliners and old, broken wagon wheels.  She can't help it if folks keep asking for help with their love lives... can she?
See the lengths Wade goes to in his quest to behave like a rational guy.
Releases Tuesday, May 24. Available on 
#Kindle
#KindleUnlimited
#PaperbackBooks

#ChristFic
#YouAreOnTheAir
#ContemporaryChristianSweetRomance

Leave a comment request and I'll send you a link. :D
Ready for giveaways and fun? I sure hope so, beca Ready for giveaways and fun?  I sure hope so, because I'm planning on loads!
Win books (mine and others'), fun swag (Do you see those cute pins and reading list bookmarks?), and more!
Starts off Tuesday morning! (or maybe tomorrow... or this evening... depends on how much willpower I actually have!) Join us in the You Are on the Air Reader group!
#booklaunch
#newrelease
#Giveaways
#YouAreOnTheAir
Link to group is in my bio!
And tomorrow the GoodReads Giveaway begins!
How does this author celebrate a finished book? By How does this author celebrate a finished book? By reading someone else's finished book. 😀 
#amending
#needicecream 
#onthemenu
#freakshakes
"Murder, mayhem, and milkshakes. Who'd a thunk "Murder,  mayhem,  and milkshakes.  Who'd a thunk it?"
@dana_mentink 
#shimmyandshakeshop
#cozymystery 
#needicecream
Love it when publishers use plays on words. #amend Love it when publishers use plays on words.
#amending
#cozymysterybooks 
@dana_mentink
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!