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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

How a Beautiful, Heartbreaking Old Song Inspired My Newest Romance

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

I'm so excited about the Finding a Memory release today! This book has a story behind the story behind the story. Find out what it is! via @chautonahavig

This will probably shock many of you, but I’m here to confess that I was a weird kid.  I’ll give you a second to let that sink in.  Done laughing?  Yeah.  Didn’t think so. I’ll wait…

Look, while my friends were listening to Bon Jovi, U2, Cindy Lauper, and who knows who else (I remember those names)… METALLICA!  Yes. That one.  Anyway, while they listened to those groups, I liked The Sons of the Pioneers, Patsy Cline, Jo Stafford, The Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four… oh, and Patti Paige.

Okay, so I was weird. But the 80’s were a time of individualization and all that jazz.  They just didn’t like jazz then.  I did.  Again… *shrugs*

While my friends wore stirrup pants and acid wash jeans, I wore handsewn (not just handmade, but actually sewn without a machine) prairie dresses.  #becauseme.

While humming Patsy Cline, The Kingston Trio, Roger Miller, and of course, Patti Paige.

From “Tennessee Waltz” to “Old Cape Cod,” I was all about the Pattiness of the Paige.  Especially one heartwrenching song…

“Go on with the Wedding.”

One woman. Two men. Both trying to be the honorable hero.  In the end, “Fred” wins the hero award by losing the girl and stepping out of the picture.

Finding a Memory Release

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

How a Beautiful, Heartbreaking Old Song Inspired My Newest Romance

For decades I wondered.  “What happened to Fred?”

Well, folks.  Now you find out.  Because in today’s Finding a Memory release, the first from Sparrow Island, we get a book inspired by that song.  We find out what happened to “Fred.”  Or rather, to Patti and Francis from the 1970s. Did she regret her choice?  Did he find someone else? Well…

Finding a MemoryFinding a Memory by Chautona Havig

He loved her then. Will she love him now?

When Mallory Barrows finds an old diary in a box of books, the story she finds within sends her on the hunt for the owner–and maybe more.

Theirs is a story ripped from a country song. A wedding, a former love presumed dead, her new love stepping aside. And over forty years later, their story is one few remember.

With Mallory determined to find the people in the pages of that diary, one couple is offered the second chance of a lifetime.

This “second-chance / seasoned romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

AND… My FINAL book in the Independence Islands series,

Book, Chapter, & Vows

is now available for PREORDER!  Check it out! I’m so excited to share Mallory’s and Benjamin’s story (and a bit more of Bud’s, too!)!!!

Isn’t the cover book-a-licious?

Book, Chapter & Vows

Book, Chapter, & Vows

Book, Chapter, & Vows

Why can't the past stay in the past?

She told him falling in love wasn't in the plan, but she wasn't complaining. Now... now she's not so sure.

Order Now!
About the Book

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

Related

Details
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Independence Island Series, Book 25
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Collection, Romance
Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
Publication Year: 2022
ASIN: B09R1Q1PCV
List Price: 9.99
eBook Price: 5.99
Audiobook Price: 12.99
Order Now
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Other Books in "Independence Island Series"
Flipping Hearts
Dual Power of Convenience
Finding a Memory
Christmas on Breakers Point
Bookers on the Rocks
Preview

ALSO!  The box set for Elnora Island is here!

Elnora Island Series

New businesses and friendships bring new joys… and trials. How are the new businesses on the islands succeeding in settling in and establishing themselves? Find out as you step off the ferry and onto Elnora Island.

Read all six books of the second island featured in the Independence Islands Series today!

Bookers on the Rocks by Chautona Havig— For twenty-five years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. So when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works–one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages” of his life!

Heart Pressed by Melissa Wardwell— The Sweetheart Festival, an Elnora Island institution, has sparked more than a few romances over the years, but who would have thought it would light a fire in two hearts from two of the island’s oldest families. When Amara Martin and Dante Greco meet, sparks fly that may ignite more than romance.

Matchmaker’s Best Friend

by Kari Trumbo— When they dated ten years ago as teens, it almost destroyed their friendship. So Pen Reese did the only logical thing.  She lied about how she felt—and still feels—about him. She’s still paying for that lie.

The Elnora Monet by Rachel Skatvold— Islanders call him the Elnora Monet. Is that island speak for “pompous, arrogant jerk?” When Carly Mulligan volunteered to make house calls on Elnora, she never imagined treating the richest cat on the islands. What other feline has his own wing in a mansion like the Belshaw Estate?

Stealing the First Mate by Tabitha Bouldin— Single and happy is not an oxymoron. Right? Nigel Jones has loved Darcy for ages, but her father (his boss, of course) ordered him to keep his feelings to himself, thanks to a stupid mistake that Darcy (thankfully) doesn’t know about. Too bad her dad does.

Regaining Mercy by Carolyn Miller— A mom ready to do anything for her son. A man determined to win the woman he loves.

Going on Love at First Glance had seemed like such a good idea. She didn’t care about finding Mr. Right. No, Mindy Murray chose the reality TV show for more mercenary reasons. A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do when it comes to feeding her son.

Now you can read all the “Elnora books” in one convenient set of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

I’ll add the link for this when it’s available (just drumming our fingers!).

Find Out What Songs Stir the Hearts of the Other Authors in this Finding the Memory Release Celebration!

The Independence Islands authors are celebrating the Finding a Memory release with me by sharing songs that always choke them up.  You can find them below (and get those entries in!!)

  • Chautona Havig (here! Today!)
  • Melissa Wardwell (Jan 26)
  • Kari Trumbo  (Jan 27)
  • Rachel Skatvold  (Jan 28)
  • Tabitha Bouldin  (Jan 29)
  • Carolyn Miller  (Jan 30)
  • Celebrate Lit (Sandy! Jan 31)

And get your entries in!

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
byChautona Havig

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to help with whatever the family was doing, so Great Aunt Tissy gave you a stack of napkins and told you to put one at each plate? Remember how she commented on what a  “big girl” you were?  And then, as if that weren’t bad enough… remember how you were fourteen and a “big girl” was the last thing you wanted to be? 

RM Ruiz’ The Chosen Kids Saga does just the opposite. She has a cast of related characters who are given real work by God–important work. They’re pulling on the armor of God and doing real battle with real enemies of the Kingdom of God and all while He works out their sanctification. Listen in to where she got the idea and where the Chosen Kids are going next.

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

What if God Decided to Use Ordinary Kids to Battle the Underworld?

Can I just say that I love the respect Rosemary shows her characters? These kids, as young as eleven, aren’t told to fold napkins and praised as if they saved the world. They’re given tools and assignments and do save the world… or at least a piece of it and with the real help of the Holy Spirit. How cool is that?

And she does it with a tortilla in one hand and some eye and mouth-watering chili stuffs in the other.

Oh… and don’t forget the research for Encounter at Paradise that sent her up a literal slippery slope into frozen tundra. In July. #BecauseResearch.

And the result is book two of the Chosen Kids Saga! (To listen to the first episode where we talked more about the first book, go HERE.)

The Chosen Kids: Encounter at Paradise by RM Ruiz

A thrilling adventure for middle-grade readers, showcasing the supernatural powers of God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.This is the second book of The Chosen Kids Saga.The Chosen Kids are ready for their second mission!

It’s been two weeks since Caiden and his family’s summer of fun turned into a secret quest for God. After their first mission, the Chosen Kids step into their new roles without fear or reluctance. With revived faith and God’s blessed tools, they embark on their second hunt—ready to track, capture, and expel the enemy.

But the day turns into a tedious game of hide-and-seek as the family races to get ahead of the fiend. When the unthinkable happens, and their mission becomes personal, they must keep the faith and trust God’s plan. They could set things right with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but only if they obey His commands completely. Caiden thinks he’s uncovered the answer, but no one ever listens to the youngest cousin…

With nightfall quickly approaching, the Chosen Kids set a trap.

But if their plan fails, they could lose one of their most valuable assets, and their quest will end in heartbreak and disaster.

In this next chapter of the Chosen Kids Saga, readers will see the cousins in action as they take on their new roles with renewed spirits. Just like the first book, this fast-paced adventure includes family love, kid banter, and humor with even more adventure, danger, and spiritual growth!

This series mixes fantasy and adventure elements with transparent Christian themes for young believers who want a story that includes gospel truths without reading through symbolism.

Middle-grade readers will follow along as these flawed, relatable characters—still finding their way in Christ—embark on a life-transforming quest to save humanity. With family love, spiritual growth, kid banter, and humor all mixed in for a fun and exciting journey.

The adventure starts with Encounter at the Dunes and continues in Encounter at Paradise. Grab a copy of both to begin the redemptive journey today! Book three, Encounter At Ambrose, coming summer 2024.

Learn more about the series, the characters, and Rosemary at TheChosenKids.com

And the series she mentioned was The Son of Angels.

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

  • Apple 
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  • and more!

 

Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
June 6, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 233: A Chat about In Feast or Famine with Mesu Andrews
June 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 232: A Chat with Janine Rosche
May 30, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
May 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 230: A Chat with Bryan Timothy Mitchell
May 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 229: A Chat about Murmur in the Mud Caves with Kathleen Denly
May 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
May 9, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
May 5, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 226: A Chat with Archaeological Thriller Author, Doug Powell
May 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 225: A Chat with Dani Pettrey
April 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
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