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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
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Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
byChautona Havig

I had another lovely conversation with Toni Shiloh last month. Her latest book, The Love Script released and boy does it promise to be another #BookTouchdown!  Listen in to what you’ll find in this Love in the Spotlight series and especially in The Love Script.

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

How Many Lies Does It Take to Expose the Truth That Love Brings?

Authors tell me over and over that they experience the same things I do when I’m writing. You start helping your characters work through their problems, and as you do, the Lord starts exposing your own.  He helps you understand where you need growth and helps pull weeds that try to choke out that growth.

The Love Script has a great twist of someone trying to use a lie to smooth over the gossipy ripples of false reporting (genius way to handle it, eh?) and oh the fall out.

Toni promises we’ll see some great wisdom from Lamont’s mother and some deep truths that Neveah discovers.

The Love Truth by Toni Shiloh

A Hollywood hair stylist.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

The silver screen’s latest heartthrob.

Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for a fake relationship–something he never thought he’d consider in a million years.

A love that goes off script.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

You can find out more about Toni on her WEBSITE.  Follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

And don’t forget that you can get 30% off the book with free shipping at BakerBookHouse.com. And you can get You Make It Feel Like Christmas, too!

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Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
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I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "A I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "Anne" story without Gilbert and Diana... meet Gage. He's not quite Gilbert, but he's got everything a Gilbert should have--including the ability to completely annoy Anne when he doesn't mean to. She's speaking to him here... barely.
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I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "A I love this book so much. And it wouldn't be an "Anne" story without Gilbert and Diana... meet Gage. He's not quite Gilbert, but he's got everything a Gilbert should have--including the ability to completely annoy Anne when he doesn't mean to. She's speaking to him here... barely.
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