• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

3 Excellent Reasons to Make Hymns a Priority in Your Life

by Chautona Havig · 4 Comments

We all know that I love hymns and am a bit of a storyteller myself, so it's no wonder that a book titled "I Love to Tell The Story" caught my eye. via @chautonahavig

Humming, “I love to tell the story…” began the questioning. “Are you like her? Do you sing hymns when you’re stressed or happy?”

You know that old saying, “If I had a dollar for…” Yeah. I could almost pay the mortgage every month with that one. Or at least, it feels like I could.

I also never know how to answer it. See, I do. I’m always singing—sometimes hymns, sometimes old pop music from the ’40s or ’50s. Sometimes one right after the other.

Seriously, in anticipation of this post, I made a “playlist” of the songs I’ve sung over the past week. It looks a lot like this:

  • Cielito Lindo
  • When We Meet in Sweet Communion
  • Sound the Battle Cry
  • Gringo’s Guitar
  • The Reverend Mr. Black
  • Our God Is Alive
  • South Coast
  • El Matador
  • Mission San Miguel (yeah… on a Spanish kick this week)
  • The whole Whatever Is True album
  • Oh, So Many Years

And more. Way more. Trust me. I sing when I don’t even know it. Don’t believe me? I sang from Bishop to Ridgecrest on the way back from our author retreat a couple of years ago. That’s 140 miles that Clark and April had to put up with me singing everything from “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder” to “The Sand and the Foam.”

But hymns? Yeah. I’d guess about half what I sing are hymns. From joy-filled “Hallelujah Praise Jehovah,” to broken, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Some of them, like “In the Garden,” I kind of feel guilty for singing. After all, it’s not exactly Scriptural. But it’s beautiful, and I think it reflects symbolism that is. I hope.

What does it have to do with Aggie?

Well, when I went to write Aggie’s character, I wanted to make her more purposeful with how she sang her hymns. Yes, sometimes when I need to kick my butler in gear, I’ll sing “To the work, to the work, we are servants of God…” However, it isn’t always my first response. Wish it was.

Confession: I often start talking to myself—saying what I want to be the truth… repeating it until I know how to behave the next time. It’s weird, but it’s me. Then I sing.

Still, like many of my readers, I’ve learned a lot from Aggie, so when I had the chance to review a book, I Love to Tell the Story, where hymns made an impact on someone’s life, I requested a review copy lickety splickety. And then I learned a few things. Three, to be exact.

I love to tell the story review

Note: links are likely affiliate links that provide me a small commission at no extra expense to you.

3 Excellent Reasons to Make Hymns a Priority in Your Life

I Love to Tell the Story… I’d seen another book by that title years ago—all about the backgrounds of many of the hymns we sing. It included John Newton’s salvation story on that slave ship and Horatio Spafford’s horrible inspiration for “It Is Well with My Soul.” I sing that one often, myself.

This book, however, had a subtitle. Growing up Blessed and Baptist in Small-Town Indiana. Well, the first church I ever attended regularly was a small Independent Fundamental Baptist church in Ventura, California in 1981. While the author, Susan Braum, is a little older than I am, it’s not by much. California isn’t Indiana, but I figured I’d relate to how hymns impacted her story just the same.

Look, I don’t know why I didn’t catch it when I requested the review copy, but I Love to Tell the Story really isn’t about those hymns at all—not even about how they impacted her as a child. Well, maybe about how she didn’t always want to sing them as solos, but…

I really had to change my expectations for the book after the second or third chapter. That’s when I went and reread the synopsis carefully. I’m glad I did. It wouldn’t have been just or kind to review the book based on my expectations rather than what the synopsis said it was.

And, I’d have lost out on some fun stories.

Look, I have to be honest. I Love to Tell the Story isn’t a book I would have chosen to read if I’d paid close attention to that synopsis. I don’t know Ms. Braun, so I don’t have a connection to her stories. I wish I’d realized earlier so I could have looked her up on social media and gotten to know her a bit better before I dove in. Memoirs are usually most meaningful to those who know the person unless the person is from someplace very different or has lived through something tragic.

For that reason, I should have gotten to know her a bit first.

But between my own history singing many of the same songs that Ms. Braun references as inspiration for each chapter, her stories, and the way that hymns seem to linger with people long after they’ve stopped singing them, as I read, I learned those three things I mentioned.

First: Hymns are like the soundtracks of our spiritual lives.

  • The way Susan Braun used the hymns to set the tone of her next story felt familiar—a quiet reminder that there are certain hymns that I equate with certain times of my life.
  • Summer in Oklahoma when I was thirteen— “Glory Land Way.”
  • The “church on the hill” in Noel, Missouri— “I’ll Live in Glory.”
  • School in Noel— “Face to Face.”

But my spiritual life has a soundtrack, too.

  • When I’m prideful— “Come Thou Fount” (that line, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it…”
  • When I’m weak— “Sound the Battle Cry”
  • When I’m struck with the grandeur of God’s Gifts— “Our God Is Alive.”
  • When I’m scared— “How Great Thou Art” (although I confess I couldn’t get out the words, “And when I think, that God His Son not sparing…” out when my grandson was on death’s door).

Second: (related to the first), Hymns are a way to pray when we can’t find words.

Look, I know the Holy Spirit fixes our fumbling, bumbling words and makes them a sweet aroma to the Lord. I know this. But I’m that person who would just seriously say, “Well, Holy Spirit, You know what I need, so can you fix me up with the Father?” Yeah. I’m that person. So hymns give me a place to start on the rare occasion that words fail me.

Third: Hymns join hearts together in a special way.

Okay, so all spiritual songs do. I get that. But much like a story, Ms. Braun tells of how even “non-church girls” sang hymns at a party once, they are kind of a unifier. Even the secular world will occasionally sing “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Thou Art.”

So, with all this hymn talking, what did I think of the memoir?

I Love to Tell the Story is an interesting story, although it’s a bit disjointed. Stories go back and forth in time enough that I had trouble following how old Ms. Braun was in some spots. The end, also, seemed rather rushed. We spent about three-quarters or more of the book with an under-eleven or so Susan and then the rest had a few chapters of her in high school.

Recommended for folks who grew up in the late sixties through the eighties. There are enough cultural references that you’ll have a walk through memory lane. Also recommended for people who feel like if you grew up in an evangelical or fundamental home/church environment, you’re doomed to hate God and anyone connected with Him. Ms. Braun defies that notion. As do I.

Still, if you love hymns, I Love to Tell the Story might interest you.

Share198
Pin
Post
Email
198Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
198Shares

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Is True Crime My New Favorite Fictional Escape?
Next Post: Why Every Great Sleuth Needs These 3 Important Things »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Caryl Kane says

    March 22, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Dianna says

    March 20, 2019 at 4:16 pm

    What a fun post for this book!
    My grandmother was the pianist at church forever. She finally passed the torch to someone else and I think she still misses it. I bet she’d love this book; she would relate to the positive memories connected with hymns.

    Reply
  3. Rita Wray says

    March 20, 2019 at 9:01 am

    Sounds like a great read.

    Reply
  4. Melissa W says

    March 20, 2019 at 4:45 am

    Singing definately does something to improve my mood! I’ve joined a community Christian choir the last 2 years that practices from January to March and it has made the winter go by so much faster!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
byChautona Havig

 Oh, wow.  When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book.  Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!  

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

When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato… sniff). I can’t wait to see what she coes up with next.

 House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

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

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
June 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 437: A Chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
June 9, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 436: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
June 7, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 435: A Chat with Rachel Keith
June 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 434: A Chat with Lynn U. Watson
May 31, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 433: A Chat with Megan Soja
May 26, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 432: A Chat with Crystal Caudill
May 24, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 431: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
May 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 430: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
May 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 429: A Chat with J. A. Webb
May 12, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assi Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assignment with The Agency be his last?

One missing man. One new agent. One chance to keep the (uncertain) client alive
The prequel novel to The Agency Files, Induction is Keith Auger's interview and... well.. induction into The Agency. Listen FREE on YouTube to the audiobook narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo .
Listen to each chapter separately for ease of finding where you are OR the whole book in one video (after Sept 30, 2024).
Also available from most audiobook retailers!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2AIQHYt1g3cWoBPneeilsa

#ChristianRomanticSuspense
#ChristFic
#Audiobooks
#ChristianAudiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
What makes an office manager go "rogue" and get al What makes an office manager go "rogue" and get all "agent-ified?" Danger to their best agent's girlfriend, that's what. She doens't know what she's doing (the girlfriend knows more!), and she's terrified they're one blink away from certain death, but if sheer force of will can keep Erika alive, well... they've got a fighting chance.
Book 5 of the Agency file is available FREE, chapter by chapter on YouTube AND... after 2/28/25 also available in one full-length video.  Listen in individual chapters to keep easy track of where you are or in one long chunk so you don't have to keep moving to the next. Whichever works best for you!
PLEASE consider subscribing to Christa's YouTube channel. We'd both appreciate it.  https://bit.ly/ChristaDelsorbo
#ChristianAudiobooks
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including The Last Gasp--a mystery set in 1920s Hollywood and with a Cinderella twist.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free! https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
OR
You can also get The Last Gasp and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, and now she's on the first book (after the prequel, Induction) of The Agency Files.
When Erika is ripped from her bed (literally) by strangers claiming to be doing it for "her own safety," she's not convinced. Can you blame her? Listen in to learn more. One chapter a day throughout the month and the whole book will be uploaded as one video at the end. So listen FREE daily (or to each chapter so you can find your place easily), or all at once on a long car ride or decluttering binge (oh, wait. Is that just me?).
Check out the other books she has on her channel... also free! AND, please subscribe and make her day (it's a lot of work!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hnf_Ztodag&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2CQxqZjoGUiFK5mPPbJIbb

OR

You can also get Justified means and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
14h
Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman ab Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman abducted to protect her from him?  Bioterrorism, Russian mafia, and what? Another agency?  What's going on in The Agency now?
Listen to the whole book FREE, narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo (don't forget to subscribe!!!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-TZlGhUFcE&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ1Cg738W1MSQlHIuFe45v_WListen to a chapter a day OR to the whole thing at the end of the month.  The previous four Agency books are also available to listen to FREE.
#TheAgencyFiles
#ChristFic
#ChristianSuspense
#Kindleunlimitedreads
I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not to promise when/what. #BecauseLife.  I can't control what's happening, but I can control not starting to release stuff only to have it stall again.  I am determined that when I start sending out episodes again (they are being written every chance I need a break from other things), they won't ever stop until the story is done.  I just need a huge lead and it's not big enough. Sorry.
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.
#AuthorLife
#WriterLife
#AuthorsOfInstagram
#CharacterDevelopment
#AmWriting
#TheVintageWren
#SerialNovels
#365THOUSANDDaysOfGreen (or so it seems)
Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's regime deported ten thousand children to Holland, Sweden, and even England on what was known as the Kindertransport. Two desperate mothers send their only childrent to safety on this Kindertransport, but when those children arrive, nothing is as it seems or should be.  A war-time mystery twist on "Hansel and Gretel" set just before the invasion of Poland.
Available as an audiobook FREE on Youtube, narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo
https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos

#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristFic
#HistoricalChristianMystery
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!