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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Sometimes Even a Good Book Isn’t a Good Fit

by Chautona Havig · 3 Comments

Enduring Love tackles some difficult subjects, and I really wanted to be able to read it. Unfortunately, I just couldn't finish. via @chautonahavig

I’ve been looking forward to this review for weeks. I love when authors tackle difficult subjects and don’t pretend that people wearing the name of Christ always remember that and act like it.

However, as I started reading this book, I instantly became uncomfortable. Still, sometimes we have to see a little ugliness to appreciate the beauty.

If only that ugliness didn’t have to be quite so vivid.  I don’t want the kind of details I’m given about what goes on in the privacy of someone’s bedroom even if it is “off-screen.”  And I was given more than I could handle–from more than one perspective and more than one “relationship.”

Truthfully, I read farther than I should have because I could see what the author is doing with this story.  It’s an important topic. Unfortunately, it’s done in a way I just can’t read, and I’m sorry about that. I gave my word that I’d read this book, and I just couldn’t.

What I can tell you:

Many reviews on this tour give this book high praise. Reviewers mentioned the issues I had, but some said it got better later.  From what I can tell, this is a very redemptive story. Additionally, the characters do focus on the Lord even in their messy selves (and isn’t that what we want?).

The writing has a few problems–mainly, point of view shifts within scenes and an awful lot of telling/explaining. However, if the other issues weren’t there, I doubt it would have affected a star rating for me.  I’m not sure, but I don’t think so. Additionally, some sections got a bit preachy.

As it is, I won’t be leaving a review because that would be unjust to the author. My personal comfort zone is not her fault. That said, if the book had included a synopsis that either alluded to or outright said what the topic of the story was, and was forthright about that the sexual content in the book, I would not have requested the review copy I received.

Sometimes Even a Good Book Isn’t a Good Fit

 

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Comments

  1. Danyelle Scroggins says

    March 23, 2020 at 12:15 pm

    I am ever so grateful for the honesty of your opinion. I have come to realize that my writings aren’t “fit” for everyone but for those who have embraced Christ and through this book, have turned from their decisions to divorce but decided instead, to stay married and to stand of God’s Word, I am most blessed.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 23, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Thank you for not taking offense–none was certainly intended. I pray the book will find its way into the perfect hands so lives may be blessed.

      Reply
  2. Andrea Stoeckel says

    March 21, 2020 at 6:15 am

    I get that “uncomfort” feeling in a lot of genres. I have often found that African American writers are more inclined to be more “specific” than you might think is necessary, but I also remember when historical romance had a formula of 3 bedroom scenes per book spaced out in specific places or your manuscript would be rejected… ::shrug shoulders::

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 472: A Chat with Shelley Shepard Gray
byChautona Havig

 It may seem weird, but my favorite way to read Amish fiction is with mystery or suspense added. I think I like the juxtaposition of the “simple, quiet” life and the upheaval. Listen in to my chat with Shelley Shepard Gray about her newest book, Unshaken.

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

There are so many questions about the Amish, their ways of life, and their differences from us and from each other. We talked about the differences between people, sure, but we also looked at how the Amish look for the ways people are similar to them etc.

Of course, we also talked about the Rumors in Ross County series and how her newest book connects.

 Unshaken  by Shelley Shepard Gray

He helps her hide until danger has passed. She hopes her cover lasts long enough. When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn’t find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman. Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev–which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate–and there’s no telling what lengths he will go.

You can learn more about Shelley on her WEBSITE.  Don’t forget to follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

AND!!!  Don’t miss her Buggy Bunch group on Facebook, too! 

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

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Episode 472: A Chat with Shelley Shepard Gray
Episode 472: A Chat with Shelley Shepard Gray
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