• 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
    • 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

Laura Hile: Favorite Authors

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

I was first introduced to Austen-inspired fiction by my dear friend and editor, Barbara Cornthwaite. She did a fabulous job with writing Austen’s Emma from Knightley’s perspective.  And let me tell you, I loved it.  She managed to show a modern audience what Knightley saw in the spoiled, selfish heroine who I suspect wasn’t as deeply criticized in Austen’s day as she is now.  Well, that just fueled a flame.  She then introduced me to Susan Kaye, Pamela Aidan, and Laura Hile.  While I enjoyed all the Wytherngate Press books, I especially loved Cornthwaite’s and Hile’s takes on familiar Austen characters.

Mercy's Embrace Books

Laura Hile first wrote of Elizabeth Elliot–the obnoxious older sister of the beloved Anne in Persuasion. I reviewed this series six years ago over at Paradoxology.  I thought I’d share it here before telling you about Ms. Hile’s latest triumph.

Mercy’s Embrace:

Did Austen write a more disliked family than the Elliots of Kellynch?  I don’t think so.  Perhaps some would disagree, but I cannot fathom how.  Between their pride, arrogance, self-absorbed obsession with wealth and appearance, “every feeling revolts!”  So, when I saw Laura Hile’s book about Elizabeth Elliot, I wondered why she’d bothered.  Who cares about Elizabeth Elliot?  “I wouldn’t care if she were alive or dead only that she was Anne’s sister.”  (loosely paraphrased quote by Mr. E from Emma.  My apologies Miss Austen.)  However, when I read the publisher’s synopsis, I confess I was a little intrigued.   This is what I read.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

So Rough a Course
For a fun speculation as to what happened to Anne’s sister, Elizabeth, I recommend this series! For more about it, check my review HERE.

Twenty-nine winters’ revolving frosts…
have brought no change
to Miss Elliot’s matrimonial state.

Elizabeth Elliot is as beautiful as ever, yet no gentleman of proper stature has requested her hand. Lady Russell claims she is too particular, but Elizabeth begs to differ. She is not about to settle for a gentleman of no distinction like her sister Mary. Nor will she follow her heart and marry a commoner with no title but Captain—that was Anne’s mistake. As for romance and the tender stirrings of the heart, why, only a simpleton would fall prey to such foolishness!

But when the proud Miss Elliot encounters a pair of smiling Irish eyes in a most unsuitable man of vulgar connections, she is tempted to change her opinion. Almost.

Jane Austen’s beloved Persuasion provides the backdrop for this first in a series of delightful romps set in Regency England.

After that, who could resist at least giving the book a small chance?  Well, I’m here with fork in hand and chewing my fried crow.  I was hooked long before the end of the first chapter.  Ms. Hile has a delightful ability to keep you in Regency England while showing that human nature is still human nature, regardless of century, and therefore, make the reader nod when people behave in stunningly familiar ways.

When I started reading, I was afraid she’d make Elizabeth highly reformed.  I had horrible visions of her serving as a missionary to street urchins or marrying a day laborer much to the shock of her family and friends.  Thankfully, Ms. Hile has some common sense and a feeling for the proportion of things.  She did not change Elizabeth Elliot’s character at all.  In fact, because this story is centered around Elizabeth, you really do see her faults in glaring clarity in a way that the original story couldn’t have tried to do.

So, why do I like books about such an unsympathetic character?

Well, because that’s the best part of these books– she becomes sympathetic slowly but surely.  She doesn’t become another Anne or a Fanny Price or anything, but you see more depth of her character, and the character of Patrick Gill helps show sides of her personality that she’s never had a chance to develop.

The Elizabeth Elliot that you meet in the first book is precisely the one you knew and disliked from Persuasion, and is still the same person at the end of the third book, but with new facets of her personality revealed in a way that makes you like her even while disliking her.  She grows, matures, and has a new appeal, but she is still Elizabeth Elliot– Anne’s obnoxious and haughty sister.  You finish the third book with the feeling that she might even grow a bit more of a heart given time.

So many Regency era books are difficult to lose yourself in, because of the particular style of writing.  As much as I love Austen, I am rarely caught away in the story so much that I have a hard time coming back to reality.  I just enjoy the literary fun and never think much about the style.  However, Laura Hile, as did Barbara Cornthwaite in her book, managed to maintain that Regency style and feeling while still managing to transport me from the present into the past.  That takes some skillful writing.  These Crown Hill Writers Guild authors do not disappoint!

One of the most delightful things about the book was seeing other Austen characters appear in the story.

Mr. Rushworth makes a grand showing as only he can.  His mother… oh dear, his mother.  Caroline Bingley is, of course, her normal obnoxious self.  It’s a delight to read and hate her at will.  I’ve always said that this is why I love fiction– it is not a sin to hate someone who doesn’t exist! :)

The end of the third book is one of the most brilliantly written things I’ve ever read.  Ms. Hile does a fabulous job of wrapping up the story with a satisfying ending, while still making you eager for more.  If she never wrote another volume, you’d not be left feeling like too much was left untied.  However, she does leave enough open to make the reader wonder if she might just favor us with a fourth book.

I highly recommend this series.  If you are a fan of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will not be disappointed.  Indeed, I do think even those who aren’t particularly drawn to that novel will like this series.  Don’t hesitate, dash over to Amazon and snag your copies today.

Laura Hile: Favorite Authors

Note: links in this post may be affiliate links for which I’ll receive a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Hile: Darcy by Any Other Name:

Hile: Darcy by Any Other NameC’mon.  With a background like that, is it any wonder that when I saw she had a new one I bought it immediately?  And this is what I posted on Amazon:

Oh boy. Where do I begin? Look I’ve read Ms. Hile’s other works, so I knew there was a strong chance I’d like the book. But the supernatural… at Netherfield? Can’t say I was confident that I’d LOVE it. I knew I’d like it. But love?

Well, judge for yourself. I found out about the book and bought it. For later. But I got curious. So I read a chapter. Two. Four. SIX. I finally made myself put it away for my own writing. Read seven and eight. Then I started using it as incentive. A chapter for every scene of my own I finished. Yeah. I know. Pathetic, right?

But while you can put aside a “good” story, a great one takes over. I spent all afternoon devouring this book. It was, in a word, amazing! I couldn’t put it down. When Kindle Cloud Reader SIGNED ME OUT at the climax, I almost created household panic with my growls and squeals. No. Joke.

So what is so great about this book?

I’ll tell you. I’m obliging that way. Ms. Hile managed to take a very modern idea (Freaky Friday) and interject it into a familiar setting and all without making it seem hokey or ridiculous. She made me believe this happened–that the odious Collins and supercilious Darcy swapped bodies–made me believe they were stuck there. Ms. Hile made me believe things that just don’t fit.

If that’s not great writing, I don’t know what is. There were tiny incongruities to the writing–turns of phrases that while probably period accurate (she is quite adept at her research) felt modern. In any other book, I might have knocked a star off for them. Or half a star. Maybe. But when I finished this book, I was so utterly thrilled and satisfied, the idea of giving it anything less than 5 stars–why, I cannot think of it without abhorrence. 😉

And isn’t that what makes a book five stars? Not its impeccable research (although that does help). It’s not the word-perfect adherence to diction or speech patterns. No, what makes a book a five-star book is its ability to transport you into a world you don’t want to leave.

Super tiny spoiler alert for emphasis.

…. are you ready?

…. scroll past if not….

Collins kisses Lizzy, and you don’t want to kill him. If that isn’t proof of a fabulously written and engaging book, I don’t know what is. Do yourself a favor. Get it. Just don’t let yourself start reading until you have time to read the whole thing. Wait’ll you have laundry to do or weeds to pick or tiles to de-mildew. Then escape. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.

Share115
Pin
Tweet
Email
120Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
120Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « A Unique, Hilarious Interview with Essie from Madeline
Next Post: Multiculturalism & The Birth of a Legacy »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
byChautona Havig

A chat with Sarah Sundin is always fun, so when I learned we’d be discussing her upcoming release, The Sound of Light, last October, I was excited. Well… we chatted, and it’s finally time to share that interview. Listen in to what the title means, where Sarah came up with it, and the delightful story that she’s got waiting for us. I’m glad this episode came out in time for me to get the 40% off and free shipping deal from Baker because I apparently didn’t order it back when we chatted!

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

How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I didn’t know much about Denmark and WWII, so chatting with Sarah about The Sound of Light shed definite light (no pun intended) on the history of the Danes and how they stood up to Hitler… and got away with it (for the most part).

The Sound of Light tells the story of a physicist who meets a “slow, dull” guy who intrigues her in spite of herself. Come on… if that doesn’t grab you… Maybe the fact that this slow dude is really an Olympic rower in disguise who uses his father’s company as a front for who he is and how he helps Jews escape?  Yeah. That.

As always, Sarah Sundin has done her research and the result is a gripping story of resistance, protection, and ultimately love for God, our fellow man, and maybe… each other.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for my copy of The Sound of Light to arrive.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research–her life’s dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement’s legendary Havmand–the merman–and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

You can also grab this book from Baker Book House at 40% off with free shipping! (which is cheaper than the Kindle version!)

And you can learn more about Sarah Sundin on her 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 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
January 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
January 27, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 200: Comparing & Contrasting Two Split-Time Novels
January 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 199: A Chat about Karl May with Robert Stermscheg
January 13, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 198: A Chat about Everything Is Just Beginning with Erin Bartels
January 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 197: A Chat with Amish Author, Shelley Shepard Gray
January 6, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 196: A Chat with Rom-Com Author by Becca Kinzer
January 3, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 195: A Chat about What I Would Say with Liz Tolsma
December 23, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

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

  • How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title
  • Why Doing the Right Thing at the Wrong Time Is No Picnic!
  • What Happens When You Throw an English Beauty into the Jacobite Rebellion?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
5-star read for me. Reposted from @sarahsundinaut 5-star read for me.

Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor A DNA test reveals a family secret, leading to a journal of a Jewish woman in occupied Greece. A rich and powerful World War II novel from @authorliztolsma . More here on my blog: https://www.sarahsundin.com/what-i-would-tell-you-by-liz-tolsma/ (Clickable link in the Linktree in my bio under Book Recommendations)
.
,
#whatiwouldtellyou #histfic #historicalfiction #timeslip #wwiinovel #wwiifiction
This was a total 5-star read for me. Reposted fro This was a total 5-star read for me.

Reposted from @patriciaraybon She's a clever girl! Somehow my detective Annalee Spain made her way onto the Ladies in Blue listopia on Goodreads! I didn't see any other women of color on the list, but there she is. Represent, Annalee!
.
#mystery #mysterynovel #mysterynovels #mysterynovelsforfans #historicalfiction #historicalmystery #christianfiction #womensfiction #readmorewomen #readmorewomenofcolor #readmorewomenofcolour #authorsofinsta #authorsofig #bookstagrammer #blackbookstagram #blackbooks #blackbooksmatter #goodreads #goodread #goodreading
Reposted from @celebratelit This is something that Reposted from @celebratelit This is something that holds true today. We are constantly surrounded by fake reality, especially with social media. Where have you seen genuineness, whether in others or yourself?

•
•
•

#thelastgasp #chautonahavig #celebratelit #everaftermysteries #christianfictionreaders #christianfictionromance #historicalfiction #suspense #bookstagram #bookreadersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram
Can you believe it's already February? My book for Can you believe it's already February? My book for  @chantelreadsallday 's Read Your Bookshelf Challenge is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen , and my Elizabeth Goudge book of the month is Island Magic.
#AmReading 
#ReadYourBookshelfChallenge2023 
#ElizabethGoudge
Lazy nights are beautiful. #toothlessthedog Lazy nights are beautiful. 
#toothlessthedog
Reposted from @celebratelit It's time to go on a n Reposted from @celebratelit It's time to go on a new adventure! We want you to join us and our authors, including Chautona Havig, Amanda Tru, Rachel Skatvold, Susan K. Beatty, Tabitha Bouldin, Marguerite Martin Gray, Melissa Wardwell, Jennifer Pierce, and Heidi Gray Mcgill, on an expedition to the Suamalie Islands. We'll get to meet new people, explore the islands, and find out their secrets. Follow the link below to find out more information, and enter the giveaway!

http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/suamaliegiveaway/

•
•
•

#celebratelit #suamalieislands #chautonahavig #amandatru #rachelskatvold #susankbeatty #tabithabouldin #margueritemartingray #melissawardwell #jenniferpierce #heidigraymcgill #christianfiction #contemporaryfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks 🚒 It's heating u Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks 🚒 It's heating up! 🚒 
Only 2 days left to get your copy of Expired Return the pre-release sale price!
Link in bio.

#avidreadersofchristianfiction #amreading #sweetromance #firefighternovel #christianromanticsuspense #sunrisepublishing #lastchancefireandrescue
  • 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!