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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Happy New Year!

by Chautona Havig · 24 Comments

image courtesy of stockfreeimages.com/Eyes2thesky2003

2012 was a really rough year for our family.  After finally paying off the bills from the 2011 financial medical and dental fiasco, 2012 seemed to be going fine… until June 6th hit.  My grandson tripped over a downed power line near their house and was electrocuted.  After nearly a month in the hospital, several surgeries, and 15 years of future surgeries ahead of him, he finally came home.

The end of June brought my first book promotion and it was a crazy success.  I was so thrilled.  In the first 24 hours my book was downloaded something like every six and a half seconds!  Since then, we’ve had over one hundred THOUSAND downloads of Ready or Not alone!

It seemed as if life was looking up.  Then Thanksgiving hit and we lost my sister-in-law, Robin.  That was rough.  I really didn’t think the year could get any worse, but Saturday it did. My husband, Kevin, found himself in a horrible situation–one no one wants to be in. Because I don’t know what is going to happen, I’m not going to explain further.  That said, almost as bad as the horrible tragedy was, the rumors, false news reports, and insensitivity shown both our family and another’s is truly heartbreaking.

So, I’m sure you can imagine why we’re eager to start a fresh year.  I’m praying that 2013 is a year of healing for so many things–Stephen’s legs, the Minnesota Havig family’s hearts, and now our family’s life and the hearts of another broken family in our town.

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Comments

  1. Connie Williams says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    Shared on facebook! I am hooked on your writing! My mother in law has now started reading your books after I told her how great you were 🙂 You and your family are in my prayers! May this be a healthier Happy New Year for you and yours! God bless you!

    Reply
  2. Maggie says

    January 2, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. You have been knocked around so much this past year that 2013 has to hold more peace and joy for you.

    Reply
  3. Lynn :) says

    January 1, 2013 at 9:37 pm

    The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still …. Exodus 14:14

    Reply
  4. Michelle Gallegos says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    You have given me many hours of reading pleasure and lots of things to think about as a result of your words.Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m praying for health,happiness,and many blessings for you and your family in this New Year.

    Reply
  5. Colleen Parker says

    January 1, 2013 at 11:19 am

    Shared on Facebook

    Praying you will see God’s Hand as He walks with you through all of this. May His comfort and peace surround each person touched by these situations and may your faith be strengthened as you grow deeper than you knew was possible.

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:25 am

      Thank you so much for your prayers. 🙂

      Reply
  6. PS says

    January 1, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Downloaded previously and enjoyed the book more than expected.
    I pray that you have a very blessed 2013.

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:25 am

      Thank you so much for your prayers.

      Reply
  7. Mary Jo Clack says

    January 1, 2013 at 10:10 am

    I pinned the cover.
    pinned the trailer.
    shared on Facebook.
    Pray that 2013 is a great year for you and your family.

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:26 am

      thank you, Mary Jo. I appreciate that.

      Reply
  8. Courtney says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:18 am

    You don’t need to enter me in the giveaway. I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you and your family. I will be praying for resolution and healing. {HUGS}

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:27 am

      Thank you so much. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Angie Jones says

    January 1, 2013 at 7:03 am

    Shared on Facebook
    Tweeted
    pinned cover
    Pinned trailer

    (And told my sisters and sister-in-law all about you at Christmas, but that probably doesn’t count!!)

    Reply
  10. Mackenzie says

    January 1, 2013 at 6:43 am

    I pinned the cover and the trailer

    Reply
  11. Sarah says

    January 1, 2013 at 6:21 am

    My prayers are with you and your family. The song “I’ll praise you in this storm” by Casting Crowns” is always a blessing to me when trouble and misfortune arise. Give it a listen and hopefully it will do the same for you.
    I love your books and look forward to more this year.
    Sarah
    January 1 9:20am EST

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:25 am

      Thank you. I’ll do that. I truly appreciate it.

      Reply
  12. Tonya says

    January 1, 2013 at 5:57 am

    I have been praying for your family since Saturday! My children know yours. I’m praying for you to feel God’s arms around you in this and always. I am downloading your book . God bless you !

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:24 am

      Thank you, Tonya. It’s pretty hard to read some of the things out there. I would ignore it all, but I think that would be worse than not. So far, I haven’t read a single accurate account. Hoping tomorrow to see a lot of the inaccuracies corrected.

      Reply
  13. Stacy says

    January 1, 2013 at 5:45 am

    Downloaded
    liked
    shared on Facebook
    Tweeted
    Pinned Trailer
    Pinned cover

    Reply
  14. Joy says

    January 1, 2013 at 5:42 am

    I pray God brings a miraculous resolution to Kevin’s horrible situation and restoration to all those relationships that have been damaged by this difficult time. Until He does, I’ll ask that He grants you and your family His peace that passes all understanding.

    I downloaded

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:26 am

      I truly appreciate it. My ultimate comfort is that this did not surprise the Lord. He had this handled before it happened.

      Reply
  15. Debbie Griffith says

    January 1, 2013 at 2:02 am

    I have you and your family in my prayers. I’m just so sorry that you are having to go through such a difficult time and that there is so much insensitivity being shown. Just know that whatever you are facing, God is right there beside you, every step of the way and if needed He will carry you when you become weary.

    I downloaded and “liked”
    I shared on Facebook

    Reply
  16. Claudia says

    January 1, 2013 at 12:18 am

    Praying for you and your family. Your books have brought so many good things to my life. I wish you a 2013 filled with joy and heavenly surprises.

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      January 1, 2013 at 11:27 am

      Aw… thank you. I needed to hear that today.

      Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 549: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
byChautona Havig

I’ve been anxious to read this one since the moment I saw it. I mean, come on! Secrets are always cool but then Frank L. Baum? And The Pilgrim’s Progress? WHAT? Listen in as Laura DeNooyer and I chat about A Hundred Magical Reasons.

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

The L. Frank Baum connection was a draw, but then she brought in The Pilgrim’s Progress, and it took the whole story idea to a new level!

I had a blast chatting with Laura and I’m excited to read this one. It’ll probably be my flight read tomorrow. EEEP!

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

Some fairy tales don’t end when the story is over…they begin when the truth is finally told.

At eighty-eight, Charlotte Rose Gordon has spent a lifetime guarding secrets—burdens that have turned her into the town’s most notorious recluse. But before her story ends, she has one final quest: to set the past right and clear her husband’s name.

Even if it means facing the dragons she’s spent decades avoiding.

Carrie Kruisselbrink is fighting dragons of her own. Fresh out of college and desperate to escape the weight of her parents’ expectations, she risks everything to chase a dream that feels just out of reach.

An unlikely job with the reclusive Mrs. Gordon seems like a temporary solution. Until it becomes something much more.

As Charlotte begins to unravel her past—from a stifling childhood to an extraordinary friendship with author L. Frank Baum—Carrie is drawn into a story filled with imagination, loss, and long-buried truth.

But the deeper Carrie digs, the more she’s forced to confront her own fears, her own choices… and the cost of living someone else’s life.

Because some stories were never meant to stay hidden.

Spanning generations and woven with echoes of a beloved literary legacy, A Hundred Magical Reasons is a moving tale of courage, identity, and the kind of hope that only comes when truth, grace, and imagination collide.

Can two women from different generations find the strength to rewrite their stories—before time runs out?

Step into a story of secrets, second chances, and the courage to believe again.

Learn more on Laura’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

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Episode 549: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
Episode 549: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
June 8, 2026
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Episode 548: A Chat with Sarah Heatwole
June 6, 2026
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Episode 547: A Chat with Terri McAdoo
June 1, 2026
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Episode 546: A Chat with Chuck Richardson
May 30, 2026
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Episode 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
May 25, 2026
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Episode 544: A Chat with Nicholas Teeguarden
May 23, 2026
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Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel
May 19, 2026
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Episode 542: A Chat with Megan Schaulis
May 16, 2026
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Episode 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
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For example, while writing Meddlin' Madeline, I al For example, while writing Meddlin' Madeline, I always play @AdamGSwanson on YouTube so I can stay in touch with her favorite music: Ragtime (I still have CDs of his to use for giveaways with Looks Can Kill. Must get that written. Stay tuned for more about THAT.
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Ever notice how you best know yourself--and know y Ever notice how you best know yourself--and know yourself the least?  We humans are weird that way. Sometimes I think the Lord allows us to be blind to parts of ourselves for a time so as not to drive us too crazy too quickly. Or something.
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If you have a question you want me to answer, leave it in the comments OR... zip me an email at chautona@chautona.com.  I'll try to work them in (and will probably combine those that are really similar.
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Okay, it's actually a short story, but... IYKYK. Okay,  it's actually a short story, but... IYKYK.
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Clearly,  he wasn't talking about me, considering the whole patience being a virtue thing.
Sigh
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