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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

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Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
byChautona Havig

Fans of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series are doing happy dances following the release of an exciting new spin-off series, Last Chance Fire and Rescue. Expired Return brings back a few favorite characters and kicks off another of Sunrise Publishing’s author/mentor led fiction seasons! Listen in to find out what happens when an author brings back a guy she dropped a building on a couple of books back…

 

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

When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver!

Let’s face it. Authors might SOMETIMES be “done” with a series, but readers often want more… indefinitely. Well, with the brilliance of Sunrise Publishing’s mentor model, authors get to collaborate with authors they trust to do their “worlds” proud while still having time to write new, exciting things as well. And some of the Sunrise lead authors even write in the spin-off series–like Lisa Phillips and Trisha Goyer!

This new Last Chance County series promises everything we love about Lisa Phillips’ world–danger, intrigue, heart-stopping suspense, drama… you know… all the feels. But in addition to her own release, Expired Return, this series also introduces us to new authors who have been carefully vetted and selected to ensure they do justice to Lisa’s Last Chance characters. I, for one, can’t wait to check it all out.

Lisa and I chatted about what she plans for the series,Lisa hinted about a possible super-secret reveal coming soon, and I even poked her with the idea of a Last Chance Christmas.

Help me convince them on that, will ya?

But this new book… Whoa…

Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

  • Book 1: Expired Return
  • Book 2: Expired Hope (coming soon)
  • Book 3: Expired Promise (coming soon)
  • Book 4: Expired Vows (coming soon)

Last Chance County

  • Book 1: Expired Refuge
  • Book 2: Expired Secrets
  • Book 3: Expired Cache
  • Book 4: Expired Hero
  • Book 5: Expired Game
  • Book 6: Expired Plot
  • Book 7: Expired Getaway
  • Book 8: Expired Betrayal
  • Book 9: Expired Flight
  • Book 10: Expired End

Learn more about Lisa and her books on her WEBSITE.

Learn more about the different seasons (series) offered by Sunrise Publishing or how to audition with them on the Sunrise Publishing WEBSITE.

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Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
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My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

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Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
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Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
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