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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 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
byChautona Havig

When Lara d’Entremont began describing her YA portal fantasy, The Painted Fairytale, I knew this would be right up my alley. Listen in and see how art becomes the portal to other worlds!

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

Portal fantasy is my favorite, so I was crazy excited to learn about this one–especially the art tie-in. I can’t wait to dive in myself.

We chatted about her characters, the world, and the faith that connects them.

The Painted Fairytale by Lara d’Entremont

Seventeen-year-old Wren Devine refuses to share her art with anyone-other than her parents and her sister (who died three years prior). But when her mother submits her artwork to a mentorship program, and she gets accepted, Wren is forced to display her artwork for the eccentric Professor Hayes. Despite her fears, Wren hopes this mentorship will finally make her as worthy as her sister.

But this mentorship is about more than painting.

Wren soon learns that she has a magical ability to turn her paintings into portals to travel not only to other places but also to another world entirely. An eerie children’s book in the professor’s classroom reveals a wicked pirate with a vengeance who has her eye on Stefan Branson, a former student of Professor Hayes.

As all four of these lives intersect, it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret–some more deadly than others. The longer these secrets brew, the more deadly and heavy they become, and possibly lead to never seeing her former, earthly realm again. Wren must not only learn to release the shadow of her beloved sister but step boldly into her own world.

Learn more about Lara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.or on Subtack.

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

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Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d’Entremont
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