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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 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
byChautona Havig

There aren’t enough authors willing to tackle the difficult stories. There just aren’t.  Many (guilty here!) feel inadequate to the task, want to escape the tough stuff rather than confront it–so many reasons. Listen in as I chat with D. T. Powell about what made her write, With Mercy’s Eyes.

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

 Loved chatting with Powell about her heart for those who often find it hard to interact with Christians–whose choices make others uncomfortable.  Powell shows love and compassion without ignoring Biblical truth, and the result is a powerful story we could all learn from.

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she? – – – – – – – With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing, contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

Learn more about on WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

 

withmercyseyes.com

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Episode 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
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October 6, 2025
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October 4, 2025
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