• 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
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

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

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Sometimes the Second Time Is the Charm

by Chautona Havig · 7 Comments

In the Cradle Lies offers geneology, mystery, and a blend of historical and contemporary fiction in one, impossible-to-put-down book. Can't wait for the next. via @chautonahavig

“Wait, you didn’t like the first book so you asked to read the next one in the series?”

Look, I get it. My mother’s incredulity fit.  Who does that, anyway?

Apparently, I do.  I tried to explain. “I knew before I finished the last book that I would be reading the next.  The author is excellent with words, I loved this historical part of the story, and I loved the genealogical premise. I think it just took a bit of work to kick it off well.”

Still, I had a tiny bit of trepidation as I grabbed my book and hiked off to Denny’s for a good read and a book review.  I had to go back in for my box of Kleenex.

Yes, I am sick (sinus infection). No, it is not appropriate to spend your night at a restaurant when you’re sick.  Thankfully, Thursday nights at Denny’s are pretty dead, and I knew they’d keep folks far away from me.  I needed that distance from home so I wouldn’t be tempted to give up and crawl in bed.

Just keepin’ it real.

With a glass of Coke in one hand and a Kleenex in the other, I began reading.  For the record, you don’t want to borrow that book.  Or, if you do, spray it with Lysol first.  You’ve been warned.

Never has not plowing through a book from beginning to end been more difficult.  I kept reading and reading… until my sinuses said, “NO MORE.”

I looked at the clock.  It was only 2:00.  For me, that’s FOUR MORE HOURS until bedtime.  Oh, and get this.  I was only on chapter twelve.  I’d been reading for three hours.  The book should have been done.  But I was only on there????

That’s when I realized that I’d never make it.

I’m sitting here with my eyes barely open, my nose is threatening to put Ridgecrest on the map for volcanic eruptions now, and I’m trying to tell you guys why you want to read this book that I haven’t even finished yet.  #becausefiction

In the Cradle Lies review

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

Sometimes the Second Time Is the Charm

One of the best things about a great premise and a series is that if one of the books doesn’t do it for you, the next just might.  While I didn’t love The Inn at Hidden Run like I wanted to, I loved the premise and the author’s writing.  Something told me that the next book would knock it out of the park.

In one of those rare, lovely times that I enjoy so much… I was right.

In the Cradle Lies corrects everything that I didn’t love about the first book as well as standing alone as a great story period.  I sat glued to every page and wanted more even when I had to put it down to get that important little thing we sometimes call “sleep.”

Excellent characterization, interesting plot lines, and dual-time story that keeps you riveted to every page, there really isn’t too much to quibble with.

If I had to find any fault (and I may amend this review later to reflect this) it would be that it has a similar root to the first book’s story.  Additionally, the spiritual element dances along the lines of someone being “good at heart” when Scripture makes it clear none of us are good at all.  Still, I get what the author meant by that, and I chose to see that–that people sometimes make decisions that aren’t right because in the moment, they think it is the right option.  It’s a fact of life, not the author’s recommendation for how to behave.  She showed it well.

Tucker is a bit melodramatic, much like Meri in the first book was, but this one it seemed to fit more somehow.  I don’t know. It just didn’t bother me like it did in the first.  I’m thrilled to have requested a free review copy, to have read it, can’t wait for the next, and recommend it for anyone who loves light romance, a good mystery, and dual-timeline stories.

Share64
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Life Lessons and Insights in the Most Unexpected Places
Next Post: Are Hedgehogs Immune to Stranger Danger? »

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. Olivia Newport says

    December 13, 2019 at 7:35 am

    Thanks for giving the series a second chance. Hope you feel better.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 13, 2019 at 11:21 am

      So excited for the next!

      Reply
  2. Melissa Wenger says

    December 7, 2019 at 5:25 am

    I like a good suspenseful book as long as it’s not spooky enough to keep me up at night. This one sounds great!

    Reply
  3. James Robert says

    December 7, 2019 at 4:31 am

    Your book sounds like a great read and thank you for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  4. Emma says

    December 6, 2019 at 11:43 am

    I read this one a month or two ago, and could hardly put it down. Of course, I had most of Tucker’s mystery figured out long before the end, but loved seeing the changes in him and how everything was worked out.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:32 pm

      That’s exactly my experience. I think. 😉

      Reply
  5. Amelia says

    December 6, 2019 at 10:43 am

    Thanks for the review!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
byChautona Havig

Terry Garner joined me tonight to chat about his fascinating Biblical Fiction series, Magi Journey. Starting way back in Assyria, through Babylon, and into Persia, the series chronicles two timelines–first that of the Israelite kings, and then of a fascinating family back in Persia… Listen in to see the hope this Magi family found in Scripture and how it led them to Bethlehem. 

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

This isn’t just another “traveling to Bethlehem with gold” story of the Magi. No, Terry Garner links the Israelite kings from Ahaz through the destruction of the temple and into captivity with a family who discovers that God has promised redemption for those outside Israel as well. Follow a physical and a faith journey across the ages all the way to the hope of an age.

With extensive and meticulous research, Terry Garner looks at Scripture and compares it with historical secular accounts. Even more exciting, however, are the things he discovered along the way. He talks about Jewish historians discounting Scriptural accounts of historical events to explain away the supernatural as if God Almighty… isn’t!

And then, Terry explains how he’s also writing a nonfiction book to help readers pull all the pieces from Scripture and see what God has promised us… so that we may know His plans. I’m excited about that book, but I confess, learning he’s working on a spinoff of the Magi series excited me even more. EEEP!

Terry Garner has all his books on sale right now!

The paperbacks are on sale for 9.95 and the box set (also available on Kindle Unlimited) is on sale for 4.99!

Magi Journey by Terry Garner

A sweeping historical saga from the courts of Tiglath-Piliser III in Assyria to the sleepy town of Bethlehem. History is seen through the eyes of the Magi as they journey from 734 BC to -0- AD.

Explore with the Magi the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Witness God’s judgment on Israel, Assyria, and Babylon. And rejoice in the redemption of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Join the Magi as they answer the question that is critical to every man and woman, “Who Is This Messiah?”

Learn more about Terry on his WEBSITE.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
March 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Are You Ready for an Epic Journey through Time to Faith?
  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
April is here! I almost did a prank video where I April is here! I almost did a prank video where I packed up all the books for @chantelreadsallday 's #ReadYourBookshelfChallenge2023 and shoved them in the back of the car to be hauled off, but I didn't think anyone would believe it. 
For "a different genre" we have historical (March was suspense). Evening by Nicholas Gage. I peeked inside and do remember some, but I can't remember the story,  and I didn't log it on Goodreads,  so I'm reading/rereading it this month. 
For my #YearOfGoudge , I've got The Dean's Watch. 
#AmReading 
#AprilTBR
Today's TBR is all new (and tomorrow brings two mo Today's TBR is all new (and tomorrow brings two more new ones!). 
First up, The Letter Carrier by @lclewis
Followed by Spy X Family 7
and finally, Burn the Dawn by @lisaphillipsbks 
What are you reading?
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
#manga 
#AmReading
Reposted from @celebratelit A FEW MORE DAYS! A fe Reposted from @celebratelit A FEW MORE DAYS!

A few more days until the release of Persuade Me Not by Joanne Markey! You can preorder now to get the paperback copy for…
Reposted from @heatherdaygilbert Meet introverted, Reposted from @heatherdaygilbert Meet introverted, video-gaming, exotic pet-sitting sleuth #BelindaBlake. You can pick up Book 1 in the #ExoticPetSitter #cozymystery series…
Reposted from @stephanielandsem Want to know more Reposted from @stephanielandsem Want to know more about the primary and secondary historical sources I discovered while researching Code Name Edelweiss? Ask me anything…
Reposted from @lianaygeorge It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY! Reposted from @lianaygeorge It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY!!! My publisher @‌ScriveningsPress is offering the first book in the Hopeful Heart series, Perfectly Arranged, for FREE…
Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga ✨Last day of Mi Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga ✨Last day of Middle Grade March! ✨
📚
Wow, it seriously flew by! Except for last week (but we won’t talk about that).
📚
Here’s one last…
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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