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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?

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Details
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Independence Island Series, Book 25
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Collection, Coming Soon, 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 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
byChautona Havig

To Love a Viking by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore has been released, and I got to chat with them about it last week. Guys, this series!  If the Christian influence on Viking history isn’t enough, what about adventure, fight scenes, and romance that won’t make you blush? How about that a damsel is in distress and… gets rescued by another woman instead of the stereotypical DUDE! Listen in!

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

Are You Ready for an Exciting New Viking Series from 2 Great Authors?

 

One of the biggest surprises I recall from researching books by different authors was that the cozy mystery and suspense author I liked and respected, Heather Day Gilbert, had also written historical Viking books! I made the erroneous assumption that they were romance and skipped them (for the time being… I knew I’d read them some day), and then something happened.

A few months ago, I saw this cover.  With Heather’s name on it.  And some other gal I hadn’t heard of–Jen Cudmore.  What is this deliciousness?  The cover was AMAZING… not stereotypical nor was it inauthentic.  It was just GOOD (not to mention gorgeous) and with the Celtic frame (the Vikings did go over to Scotland/Ireland after all), I just felt like it hit all the sweet spots.

Well… the book is here, folks.  And I’ve got a copy in my hot little hands.  No, really. It’s July. And I live in the desert.  My hands are totally hot and in totally all the wrong ways. Just throwin’ that out there.

Anyway, Heather and Jen chatted with me about To Love a Viking, and oh my!  This book sounds fabulous. We know Viking women were strong. Even those that weren’t warriors had to survive Nordic winters. Ergo, strong.  But what about strong enough to build a new society with people they’d once fought against. Oh, and rescue a damsel in distress #BecauseYeah!

I’m ready to dive in to To Love a Viking myself, and I hope you’ll grab a copy, too. It promises to be incredible.

To Love a Viking by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore

Get swept up in an enthralling new romance series featuring women who rule the hearts of Viking men.

ELLISIF Forced into a financially advantageous marriage that spirals into a nightmare, Ellisif cannot help but imagine what might have been and ache for what was lost. The only lights in her life are her daughters and the friendships she’s forged with the household servants.

Though seven years have passed since Ellisif wed another man, Dagar still cannot forget the woman who captured his youthful heart. As the Viking warrior battles for his country’s future, he finds himself entangled in a personal war for Ellisif’s freedom that could cost his family their reputation and standing with the king. If he risks all, can he save the woman whose face still haunts his dreams? And if given another chance, will she choose him?

INARA Escaped slave Inara is determined to start a new life. Under the guidance of warrior and shipbuilder Håkon, her sword skill grows, as does her confidence that the Viking men will accept her as a warrior in her own right.

When she is selected to lead a perilous rescue mission to protect Ellisif, Inara finds herself blindsided by feelings for Håkon…and by threats to her freedom far closer than she feared. As dreams and desires collide, she wrestles against the lies holding her captive. Can she conquer her doubts before all that she’s hoped for slips from her hands?

Written by award-winning historical author Heather Day Gilbert and fresh voice Jen Cudmore, two love stories entwine in this sweeping Viking-era romance, the first novel in the Tavland Vikings series.

You can find out more about the series and the authors on Heather’s WEBSITE.

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Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 154: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Sami A. Abrams
June 28, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
June 21, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 152: A Chat with Contemporary Romance Author, Amy Anguish
June 14, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 151: A Chat with Christian Romance Author, Carrie Padgett
June 10, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 150: A Chat with Mystery/Thriller Author, Steven C Harms
June 7, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 149: A Chat with Jennifer Sienes about Night Songs (and more!)
June 3, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 148: A Chat with Author, James R. Hannibal
May 31, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 147: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Jubilee Lipsey
May 27, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 146: A Chat about The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher
May 24, 2022
Chautona Havig
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The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't e The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't even see coming, and now... it's time to find out what happened... and get Mallory and Benjamin's story.  I can't wait to share it with you!
Releases July 26. Stay tuned for release day fun from Minnesota!  WOOT!  An #affiliate preorder link (at a discount) is in my bio.
#IndpendenceIslandsSeries
#ChristFic
#Preorder
#BeachReadsArentJustForSummerAnymore
It's July!!! Time for a new book from the Read You It's July!!! Time for a new book from the Read Your Bookshelf Challenge by @chantelreadsallday 
This is the first of two general market books on my list, though the last is a Thomas Nelson, so it may be as well. We'll see in December. 
#amreading 
#WWIIFiction 
#ReadYourBookshelfChallenge
Ever hear the saying "A poem a day keeps creativit Ever hear the saying "A poem a day keeps creativity at play?" 
Yeah, me neither.  Just made it up. But I think it's true.
#amreadingpoetry 
#poetry 
#emilydickinson
Dinner and the Gospels. It's a good life. #BibleS Dinner and the Gospels.  It's a good life.
#BibleStudy
#journible
Reposted from @lianaygeorge Are you looking for yo Reposted from @lianaygeorge Are you looking for your next summer read?  Searching for the PERFECT addition to your #bookstack?  Want to travel to another country without stepping through your front door?

I have the series for you!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Now through July 4th, preorder Perfectly Placed (either digital or paperback) and get a digital copy of Perfectly Arranged FREE! 

All you need to do is purchase Perfectly Placed, DM or email me with proof of purchase, and I'll send you a digital copy of Perfectly Arranged.  It's that easy!!! If you've already read Perfectly Arranged you can gift it to the person of your choice.

Link in bio

#lianageorgewriter #perfectlyplacednovel #perfectlyarrangednovel #bookgiveaway #tbrpile #preorder #bookaesthetic #comingsoon #freebook
Reposted from @jennifer_sienes Do you have a favor Reposted from @jennifer_sienes Do you have a favorite Proverb?

#books #faithinfluencer #christianfiction #mustread #fiction #christian #jennifersienes #illusions #traumaticbraininjury #tbi #inspirationalfiction #christiancontemporary #christianwomensfiction #womensfiction #christianReading #authorsofinstagram
Reposted from @lianaygeorge There's only one more Reposted from @lianaygeorge There's only one more day left to enter my Goodreads Giveaway!!

I'm giving 10 lucky winners a signed copy of my upcoming release, Perfectly Placed! Do you feel lucky? 

You can't win unless you enter, so get your name in the hat today! 

❗️Link in bio❗️

#lianageorgewriter #perfectlyplacednovel #giveaway #goodreadsgiveaway #bookshelf #tbrlist
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