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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

3 Reasons I’m Thankful for This New Release

by Chautona Havig · 11 Comments

Halstad House offers the best of a variety of books and yet still stands on its own as an engaging, interesting read you won't want to miss. See why here: via @chautonahavig

“Halstad House is like Grace Livingston Hill—you know, the good ones.”

My daughter nodded. She knew exactly what I meant. “So like Found Treasure and The Obsession of Victoria Gracen?”

Exactly like those two.

We both realized that few people would understand what I meant, though. She threw out a few other names. “The author of Not My Will?”

“Francena Arnold? Similar, but not as preachy as Arnold can be.”

After a moment’s thought, she tried another. “Louisa May Alcott?”

I shook my head. “No…”

And therein the problem lies. Sometimes, you can’t compare one book to another.

Love, Mary ElisabethBut I wanted to—I really wanted to. See, I’d come up with the perfect mashup for the author’s first book, Love, Mary Elizabeth (this made the top books of 2017 list HERE). This is what I said about that one:

Delightful. If I could only use one word to describe this story, it would be delightful. Written in a completely natural, believable style, this “story-in-letters” (epistolary) novel will delight readers of all ages. Martenson has written a story rich in characters, setting, and story and used them to their best potential. Love, Mary Elizabeth combines the style of Daddy Long Legs (Webster) and the relatability and joy of Understood Betsy (Canfield) into one, can’t-put-it-down novel.

By the time I finished, I felt like I wanted to move to Barstow myself!

Trying to mash up books or authors this time just didn’t work.

If I’d already written my “Six Books by Grace Livingston Hill That You Should Read” kind of blog post that I could link to—something that would explain what I mean when I say it feels like the best of GLH—I’d do it.

But I haven’t. Still, watch for that. I’ll do it soonish. Meanwhile, I’ve finally found two specific books that it feels like to me. It feels like a bit of a mashup between The Blue Castle (L.M. Montgomery) and Found Treasure (GLH). It isn’t that the stories are similar. They’re not. Instead, the tone, the humor, and the spiritual lessons that appear without pretense and preachiness are why I feel it blends the best elements of those books.

That leaves me with…

3 Reasons I'm Thankful for This New Release

Note: links are likely affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, while I was provided with an ARC, I purchased both the Kindle copy and two paperbacks, so I consider this a completely unbiased review.

3 Reasons I’m Thankful for This New Release

Characters. That’s the first one. Just as she did with her first book, Christy Martenson created a cast of various characters who stayed consistent—even in their personal growth arc. I’ll admit, Allie was my favorite. Martenson writes a realistic and interesting child and in a way that doesn’t make you feel like you should be reading a children’s book. Each family member and friend appeared as distinct individuals who captured my attention and made me want to know more.

Wholesomeness. That may not feel like much of a compliment these days. Trust me, it’s meant to be. Of late, when I see a book touted as “wholesome,” I cringe. The image of insipid story lines, Mary Sue characters, and heavy-handed sermonizing sends me running.

But there are a lot of wonderful books that I consider wholesome. The Anne books, Stevenson’s Miss Buncle books, and, of course, Daddy Long Legs!

Halstad House has the same, timeless feel as these books. Although they all take place in different eras in history, the same feel about them emerges. Feelings of home, friendship, and a “can-do” spirit.

Finally, there’s faith.

That’s the last one. Martenson wrote about true, gritty faith—and the loss of it. She didn’t do it by dragging us through muck and ick. Instead, she showed that sometimes “good people” get hit hard with the ugly reality of life, and when that happens, once faithful people just can’t anymore.

Can’t trust. Can’t hope. And worst of all, can’t turn to the One Who will help them… can again.

Yes, that’s terrible grammar. Too bad. It says what I mean best. So I’m leaving it.

Christy Martenson wrote a book that isn’t too fussy for daily wear or so simplistic that there’s no depth. No, she balances story with characterization and keeps the reader engaged from the first page to the last. I’m hoping she’ll tell Allie’s story next.  I’m sure there’s one in there somewhere.

Recommended for lovers of L.M. Montgomery, Jean Webster, and the finest of Grace Livingston Hill’s works. While I knew I loved the story from the first pages, I didn’t realize how much until I still found myself thinking of it days after I’d finished. Martenson has created timeless characters who steal into your heart and make it their home. Definitely made my top books of 2019 list.

Halstad House. Come for the cinnamon rolls, pass on the biscuits, but stay for the fellowship—the love.

Halstad HouseI ordered two paperback copies of Halstad House.

I don’t know when I’ll get them, but when they come in, I’ll be drawing a name for one of you to win a copy.  Just leave a comment and let me know what your favorite “wholesome” book is. (Lucinda, I know yours).

About the Halstad House:

A rambling white house. An unopened letter. A young woman in need of a miracle. Halstad House offers more than lodgings and a good meal to boarders. In the aftermath of World War I, the boarding house gives Grace Halstad a way to drown her heartache in never-ending work.

Seeds of bitterness have grown in her heart, but as much as she tries to shut Him out, the Lord is not giving up on her. Torn between the past and the future, in the wake of shattered dreams, can Grace risk opening her heart again?

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Comments

  1. Nisi says

    November 23, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    I enjoy a good GLH book. There are a few I like so much I reread them.

    Reply
  2. Gretchen Louise says

    November 23, 2019 at 11:51 am

    Little Women would have to be a favorite!

    (Not entering the drawing, but just had to comment…)

    Reply
  3. Rachel says

    November 23, 2019 at 5:19 am

    One favorite? Just one? I think I’ll have to go with Anne of Green Gables… though most of the titles you mentioned have been on that list for years! Now to hunt down the two I hadn’t heard of…

    Reply
  4. Kristi Stapler says

    November 22, 2019 at 9:39 am

    You caught my eye, mentioning “Not My Will” . . . . . was my absolute all-time FAVORITE book for decades. I can’t wait to read this one!

    Reply
  5. Rebekah says

    November 22, 2019 at 7:54 am

    …and how could I forget Thyra Ferre Bjorn’s Papa’s Wife & the rest of the series?

    Reply
  6. Rebekah says

    November 22, 2019 at 7:52 am

    I always liked GLH’s Marcia Schuyler. I guess because it felt different than many of her other books.
    But, LMM’s Mistress Pat / Pat of Silver Bush are my favorite wholesome books.
    Followed quickly by the Mitford series, Miss Read series, Sir Gibbie books by MacDonald, Gulley’s Harmony series, and maybe this list continues.

    Reply
  7. Rachel in Indo says

    November 22, 2019 at 6:14 am

    When I think of books similar to Francena Arnold And Grace Livingstone Hill, I think of Sallie Lee Bell. One book of hers in particular still stands out to me for the impact it had on me – The Torchbearer. I’ve kept my eye open for a used copy for many years (it was in my church library).

    Reply
  8. Suzanne says

    November 22, 2019 at 6:02 am

    Grace Livingston Hill! My goodness, how does one choose?! For now, let’s say “Through These Fires.”
    By the way, I’m really looking forward to your post about 6 books by GLH!

    Reply
  9. Andrea Stoeckel says

    November 22, 2019 at 5:58 am

    I could simply say Anne of Green Gables but mine is “Cheaper by the Dozen”…hey, I’m old

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 22, 2019 at 9:52 am

      Aw… the Gilbraiths. Who can’t help but love them.

      Reply
  10. Dana Wilson says

    November 22, 2019 at 5:17 am

    Looking forward to reading this one! As far as wholesome lit goes, I love Anne of Green Gables. Thanks for your post!

    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
October 27, 2025
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