• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • 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
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • 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

Why Sometimes Awful Books Are the Best

by Chautona Havig · 10 Comments

Have you ever noticed how legal novels tend to have black, gray, and red covers?  Sometimes dark browns and golds. Sometimes dark blues. But seriously, though. I went looking on Amazon to see, and almost all of them were either some version of black and red or browns and golds.

I think that’s probably why the book stood out to me.  With dark to almost aqua blues and bold splashes of yellow in crisp, vivid colors, the cover spoke to me.  The title drew me in.  Delayed Justice. I mean, honestly.  Isn’t that what all justice is?

So, with everything going for it except an unfamiliar author, and they often tend to become very familiar once I’ve read a book or two—ahem—I decided to request a review copy.

It arrived months before the tour would begin.  I had plenty of time to read.  Plenty.

Then life threw me a curveball with an unexpected surgery. It took a few days to recuperate, but I was back on track. Curveball two hit—an unexpected trip to Oklahoma. And the hits just kept on coming.

So, I woke up this morning to a friendly reminder that my review was due. Tomorrow.

Fortunately, I’d planned for this (thank you, Lord, for my editorial calendar!).  But, that reminder got me reading a bit earlier.  I don’t know why.

Then it happened.  My daughter walked into the room. “Is it a good story?” (note: she didn’t ask if it was a good book).

“It’s a horrible story—amazing book.”

I think she walked away confused. I can’t be sure. You see, I was lost in the pages again.

Why Sometimes Awful Books Are the Best

Note: links are likely affiliate links. Additionally, I requested a review copy of this book. I chose to review it and here it is.

Why Sometimes Awful Books Are the Best

I’d never read anything by Cara Putman before Delayed Justice. Never fear. I’ll remedy that forthwith.

Look, there’s no way I’ll ever say this is a “good story.”  It’s not. It’s a horrible story that far too many boys and girls in the world can echo. It’s horrible and awful, and I hate that the need to write it exists.

Every bit of me wanted to throw it across the room as I read. But there was one problem.

I couldn’t stop turning the pages to pause long enough to aim.

It’s that good. It’s that awfully good.  Ms. Putman takes the horrible reality of child abuse and lays it out with no holds barred.

And yet she did—she held back exactly where she should. Not many authors know that delicate balance between dangling you over the cesspool of life so you are fully aware of its existence and the reason we’re to fight it without at least dipping a small toe into it.

Cara Putman didn’t.  Not even once.

We lived the horror with young Jamie without actually seeing or hearing anything too graphic.  We knew it was—we knew.  But with skillful writing and the brilliant use of subtext, we got a full picture without ever once having the veil of discretion raised.

Even if I didn’t like the characters, the description, the setting—the rest of the plot!  Even if I hated the rest of the book, I swear I’d have given her five stars just for that.

Look, when I realized that she was going to take us into the heart and mind of misused children, I didn’t know if I could take it. I can handle a lot, but sexual crimes are my personal line.  It’s just… I can’t.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m throwing a caveat out here. If abuse is a trigger for you, be warned.  You may have trauma reading this book.  I expected to close it and respectfully bow out of my commitment or skim anything remotely related to Jamie’s case.

It absolutely wasn’t necessary.

Were the characters great?  Yep.  For once, you have two broken people—one not ready to trust a romantic interest.  The other just barely ready to consider it.  Both navigated the change naturally and without instant changes of heart just because of hormones.  That alone should win Putman some sort of award.  I’ll nominate her for anything just for that alone.

But her descriptions.  Wow. She writes descriptions I love to read—just enough to let me see what’s going on and no more. I wasn’t overpowered by lengthy details about every knickknack on every shelf in every room as if she’d taken writing lessons from Dickens.

Thank you, Ms. Putman!

Instead, I learned about each character by what she did share… and each character was so raw and real I felt like I’d met them before.  Characterization—spot on.

Her writing style engages the senses and emotions exactly as it should. Only once (and remember, I read an advance reader copy, so it was likely corrected) did I find a couple of paragraphs where I wanted to say, “Okay… does every sentence need to start with ‘she’?”  That’s it.  That’s the only objection I had in the whole book.

Even the “conversion prayer” didn’t bug me like so many do. This wasn’t some Sunday school paper contrived tale. It was a realistic, reasonable moment that required prayer.

Score one for reality.

Frankly, I recommend this book to anyone—with a reminder of its content.  This is a hard-hitting book about topics that shouldn’t even exist!  And it’s handled with skill, sensitivity, and authenticity. Bravo.

Yeah. Sometimes awful books about terrible things are the best—at least when the author knows how to make sure we see the evil without being steeped in it.

Share230
Pin
Tweet
Email
234Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
234Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « What Did I Learn about the Seven Deadly Friendships?
Next Post: What I Thought of Indivisible & Should I See the Movie? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Cara Putman says

    October 10, 2018 at 11:55 am

    I am humbled and blown away by your review. WOW! Thank you for reading my book. And thank you for capturing the heart of the book. Most of all thanks for loving my characters and writing. Wow!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 10, 2018 at 4:34 pm

      It was an honor to read your book. I’m dying to start with the first now, but I have a few more reviews and manuscripts due, first. 😀

      Reply
  2. Paula Shreckhise says

    October 9, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    I love your reviews. You tell it like it is! I have been looking forward to reading this book. I’m reading #1 right now. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 9, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      I think you’ll really enjoy this. I’m going to go back and read the others now. This reads as a stand-alone, but I can tell there are other stories there. She does that better than most.

      Reply
  3. maggie kaz says

    October 9, 2018 at 10:07 am

    Wonderful review about an awful subject. I would recommend it too.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 9, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      Really love it.

      Reply
  4. Pamela Baier says

    October 9, 2018 at 9:03 am

    I love your reviews. Even if the book doesn’t seem like it is one I would like to read, you make them so intriguing I want to get them. It sounds like this is a hard book. They take me forever to read as I have to take a break sometimes. I am putting this on my TBR link. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 9, 2018 at 1:15 pm

      Compared to most, I didn’t have to put this one down because of how well she handled it. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Lila Diller says

    October 9, 2018 at 6:40 am

    Thank you so much for a wonderfully written review! I always love reading your reviews, because they’re as good as another story. 🙂

    “Both navigated the change naturally and without instant changes of heart just because of hormones. That alone should win Putman some sort of award.” I heartily agree! I’m so sick of hormones and looks being the main reason two characters “fall in love.” So thankful to see that there are still Christian authors trying to buck that trend.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 9, 2018 at 1:13 pm

      Right? In this one, when he noted her beauty (to himself) it was more because he learned something about her because of it and it made an impact on him.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
byChautona Havig

I had a chat with actor and author Henry O. Arnold a while back, and boy did we have a lot of fun. His Song of Prophets and Kings series features the advent of Israel’s kings from Samuel’s birth through David hiding from Saul (so far) and onward. Listen in as we chat about his most recent release, The Singer of Israel.

 

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

What Made David Such a Man after God’s Heart?

I think this series will show us. I love that Henry O. Arnold started back at Samuel’s story to prepare us for the story of arguably the most influential king of Israel. Yes, Solomon was the wisest and richest, but David offered something that Solomon didn’t have. He was an average guy—a shepherd, no less—chosen by God to lead his country.

In a sense, it’s kind of the ancient Jewish version of a poor, everyday guy growing up to become President of the United States. If you know what I mean.

This five-book series is available as an eBook, in print, and as an audiobook, too! Henry read a snippet of it to us, and boy you get a feel for his love of Scripture and God’s people as he reads.

And if that wasn’t enough, he even gave us a hint of his upcoming Christian suspense/thriller “series. He says he has two books planned for sure, so… at least a duology, but maybe we can talk him into a trilogy at least? Get those odd numbers and everything?

The Singer of Israel by Henry O. Arnold

A singer’s voice inspires a troubled nation…A shepherd’s courage vanquishes a giant

The last official act of the prophet of Yahweh was to secretly anoint a replacement for the king of Israel who has been brought low by an unbalanced mind. The great prophet of Israel lives in fear of the wrath of the king. Then out of the hills of Bethlehem emerges the last-born son of a family of shepherds to become the unforeseen hero of Israel.

When David sings of the glory of Yahweh, this shepherd wins the hearts of the royal family and restores King Saul’s troubled mind. But when the singer/shepherd defeats the champion of the Philistines in single combat, David becomes forever known as “the giant slayer.” Saul quickly sees that David is now a threat to his kingdom and secretly plots to have him killed.

David may be the champion of the people of Israel, but he must live under the constant threat of Saul’s wrath until he is finally forced to flee for his life.

The Singer of Israel is a tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love, and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

You can learn more about Henry on this WEBSITE.

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 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

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

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?
  • Why Would Anyone Send Beautiful, Thorny Roses with Strange Messages?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Found this book at our local bookstore, Red Rock Found this book at our local bookstore,  Red Rock Books. It changed one direction of my next Bookstrings novel. I think we need more emphasis on picture books. So... this will sit around to inspire. 
#Bookstrings 
#bookishbooks
Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here th Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here they are!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting to see how they turn out, and they’re AMAZING!!! Gahh I love these post cards! 
If you love them too, you can check out the link in my bio!!

#digitalart #redbubbleartist #iloveart
When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squ When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squeal and accept before she changes her mind d. Eeep! I love her Chaparral Hearts series!
#AmReading 
#historicalromance 
#ChristFic
My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However, I My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However,  I found this while sorting my books in our home library and decided to read it now. Delightful. 
#yearofgoudge
#ChristianFantasy
Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to t Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart with Book 2 in the series, Wheelers Design.

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?
	
Wheelers Design releases March 28, but you can pre-order now: 

Pre-order the ebook copy now to get a special pre-order price of $2.99 https://buff.ly/3TPO7NT

Preorder the paperback copy to get 30% off plus free shipping. Just fill out the form https://buff.ly/40aLI2s 

#preorder #newrelease #cleanreads #contemporaryfiction
New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past couple of weeks.  Looking forward to reading this one by Cindy Woodsmall.  Haven't read anything by her in years. 
#AmReading 
#christianfictionreaders 
#ChristFic 
#amishfiction
Reading right now. It's so good!!! Reposted from Reading right now.  It's so good!!!

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks ⏰ If you haven’t read Cold Dead Night, you can enter to win it! Plus 45+ exciting Inspirational Mysteries & Thrillers from a great
collection of authors... AND a brand new eReader :D
--
Enter 👉 via link in bio.
When you’re done, comment to let me know you’ve entered!
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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