• 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

Will Leaving Darkness Offer You Hope?

by Challice Neipp · 12 Comments

“Aren’t you afraid that he’ll start up with the porn again?”

To this day, I don’t know what made me ask the question. First, it was none of my business. Second, what a way to slap a friend in the face!

I don’t recall her exact reply. In fact, when we talked about it a few years later, and I brought up what I remembered her saying, she said, “That sounds more like you than me.” And she was right. I’d somehow taken her words and “translated” them into Chautona-ese.

Basically, she said, “What right do I have to bring up the sins that God says He ‘remembers no more’?”

That alone was a great lesson, but she taught me a greater one that I didn’t “get” for quite a few years. The power of letting the past go—forgiveness.

A lot of men would have beaten themselves up for their mistakes. I don’t know if her husband did or not. What I do know is that she gave him such a beautiful gift in “remembering his past no more” that way.

Not all mental illness comes out of a past full of regret, but some does. My experience is more with watching genetic depression attack and wound those who have had a “trouble-free” past. Still, when I had a chance to request a novel that dealt with depression and its effects on our lives, I had to take it. I requested Leaving Darkness with a heavy heart.

After all, it wouldn’t be an easy read.

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

Will Leaving Darkness Offer You Hope?

Written in a natural, relational style, Leaving Darkness tells one man’s journey through his pain to healing. Greg Schaffer creates a protagonist you care about, and his supporting characters are equally interesting and relatable. That said, the antagonist—if he is that–is a different matter.

It’s hard to tell what “Allan’s” role in the story is. Still, that character was the most stereotypical of them all. I could predict his moves not because I got to know a character super well but because he behaved like every other selfish, successful man in fiction.

After a minor inconsistency in the beginning, everything fell into place. Actually, that’s one of the problems with it. With little time and effort, change happened and things just seemed to magically fall into place. Even before conversion (which I was thankful for, actually), after a couple of visits, Lowell nearly changes his entire way of thinking overnight.

As a whole, understanding, change, and repentance all fell a little “on the nose” for me. That and a particular line, something like, “How do you expect God to forgive you if you won’t forgive yourself?” were some of my biggest complaints.

Oddly enough, one of the book’s biggest weaknesses could be one of it’s greatest strengths.

I don’t know how else to describe it, but the book reads a bit like someone took a “how to” book on dealing with depression and addiction and fictionalized it. Instead of “anecdotes” to illustrate a point, the entire manual was laid out for the reader in a fictional setting.

I don’t exaggerate. One meeting is told in such precise detail that I didn’t feel I was “emotionally there” as much as I was intellectually present to learn the day’s lesson. It’s better than that sounds, but it’s still… textbook.

I so wanted to love this book.

And I can’t say I dislike it. I don’t. Leaving Darkness just feels a little too neat and tidy. The people I know who deal with depression cannot ask for help. Most aren’t capable of it. They wouldn’t see a flyer on the wall and think, “Maybe I should see what that’s about.” They can’t choose to leave the darkness behind. They don’t even try. Instead, others have to bring the light to them, set it nearby, and be with them, helping without being asked.

Because they won’t ask. It will never happen.

In case that sounds too dark and fatalistic, I got that from someone who lives with it daily. Who sees it in her extended family—who knows just how bad it gets. From someone who has to bring that light when even hers begins to dim from the constant darkness she tries to fight in those she loves.

So maybe I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would.

Still, I have to applaud Mr. Schaffer for addressing a difficult topic. Yet another non-fiction, self-help book wouldn’t likely make an impact, but maybe a novel like this, even if it’s a little “convenient” at times, would help someone see that they aren’t alone.

And if one person sees that, perhaps he or she will also see that there’s hope and help to get through the darkness. It likely won’t happen as neatly or quickly as in this book, but I think most people understand that sometimes this is how things happen in fiction.

This is my prayer for this book.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « 7 Reviews of Loss, Love, & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes
Next Post: Patriotism and Heroism and Why It Matters in a Book »

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. Linda Moffitt says

    March 2, 2019 at 1:44 pm

    Thanks for sharing this Book’s Blog Tour on your blog. Sounds like a Great Book ?

    Reply
  2. Dianna says

    February 28, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    Loved this post. It’s so much more than a book review!
    I’m that skeptic sitting in the background thinking, “But what if….”
    You’re right — when God says He forgets it, so should I!

    Reply
  3. Rita Wray says

    February 28, 2019 at 3:44 pm

    Sounds like a good book.

    Reply
  4. Debbie P says

    February 28, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    This sounds like a very good and important read.

    Reply
  5. Amelia says

    February 28, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  6. Faith Creech says

    February 28, 2019 at 10:31 am

    I am really looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the chance to win this giveaway.

    Reply
  7. Vicki Hancock says

    February 28, 2019 at 9:49 am

    As someone that has struggled with depression my whole life, no it’s not easy to just find a group and be good. I’ve been on meds since my early thirties but struggled long before that. Another problem with depression is people (as in my son) get on meds, start to feel better, and stop them. It’s a life long struggle for a lot of people including myself. Also a lot of people don’t want to be associated with “depression”. It’s not something you can help and the stigma can be very hard. I’ve just learned that I have to take meds and that’s what it is.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 28, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      This is SOOOOOOO true. We’ve watched this cycle in our family and while I understand that no one likes taking “extra chemicals” you do what you have to do to keep your mind healthy.

      Reply
    • REBEKAH WALKER says

      February 28, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      I just wanted to send a virtual ((hug)) to you, Vicki. There is definitely still a stigma, but I know that as I began to share my story, God led me to so many who understand and support me and to so many who I can help the way I’ve been helped. I’ll pray for you and your son to find that as well.

      Reply
  8. Rebekah Walker says

    February 28, 2019 at 8:45 am

    This is interesting. As someone who has a past with depression, anxiety, and borderline suicidal thoughts, I too would be skeptical of “nice, neat, and tied with a bow” yet I also KNOW that finally speaking aloud what was going on in my head is what began to break its power over me. I found the answers, support, and physical help I needed. I appreciate anyone who is shedding light on a subject that is still taboo, especially among Christians and in church’s where “prayer and God’s Word should be enough.” Prayer and Scripture are powerful, yet they are often not enough for full deliverance when there is a very real need for physical and nutritional support. I’m grateful God brought me through that darkness and gave me tools in ALL areas to put down what was going on in my body. My desire is to reach as many others as I can now. Those who are suffering behind closed doors like I was. I hope this book does impact lives. Those who are suffering need to know there IS hope and their lives have purpose. ??

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 28, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      AMEN. While the solutions were a bit convenient and “quick” compared to what I’ve seen play out in real lives, I’m not sure what the author could have done without having the book take place over much longer periods of time. Perhaps just journal entries in the interim between long, terribly long gaps? I don’t know. I think with what he had to work with, he did a reasonably good job, and more importantly, HE TACKLED IT. that alone is huge.

      Reply
      • REBEKAH WALKER says

        February 28, 2019 at 2:33 pm

        Yes, I agree! Just in tackling it and showing that there’s hope is a HUGE undertaking. I’m grateful he did. I hope to get to read this one day.

        Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
byChautona Havig

I had a chat with actor and author Henry O. Arnold a while back, and boy did we have a lot of fun. His Song of Prophets and Kings series features the advent of Israel’s kings from Samuel’s birth through David hiding from Saul (so far) and onward. Listen in as we chat about his most recent release, The Singer of Israel.

 

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

What Made David Such a Man after God’s Heart?

I think this series will show us. I love that Henry O. Arnold started back at Samuel’s story to prepare us for the story of arguably the most influential king of Israel. Yes, Solomon was the wisest and richest, but David offered something that Solomon didn’t have. He was an average guy—a shepherd, no less—chosen by God to lead his country.

In a sense, it’s kind of the ancient Jewish version of a poor, everyday guy growing up to become President of the United States. If you know what I mean.

This five-book series is available as an eBook, in print, and as an audiobook, too! Henry read a snippet of it to us, and boy you get a feel for his love of Scripture and God’s people as he reads.

And if that wasn’t enough, he even gave us a hint of his upcoming Christian suspense/thriller “series. He says he has two books planned for sure, so… at least a duology, but maybe we can talk him into a trilogy at least? Get those odd numbers and everything?

The Singer of Israel by Henry O. Arnold

A singer’s voice inspires a troubled nation…A shepherd’s courage vanquishes a giant

The last official act of the prophet of Yahweh was to secretly anoint a replacement for the king of Israel who has been brought low by an unbalanced mind. The great prophet of Israel lives in fear of the wrath of the king. Then out of the hills of Bethlehem emerges the last-born son of a family of shepherds to become the unforeseen hero of Israel.

When David sings of the glory of Yahweh, this shepherd wins the hearts of the royal family and restores King Saul’s troubled mind. But when the singer/shepherd defeats the champion of the Philistines in single combat, David becomes forever known as “the giant slayer.” Saul quickly sees that David is now a threat to his kingdom and secretly plots to have him killed.

David may be the champion of the people of Israel, but he must live under the constant threat of Saul’s wrath until he is finally forced to flee for his life.

The Singer of Israel is a tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love, and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

You can learn more about Henry on this 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 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
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
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 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

  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?
  • Why Would Anyone Send Beautiful, Thorny Roses with Strange Messages?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Found this book at our local bookstore, Red Rock Found this book at our local bookstore,  Red Rock Books. It changed one direction of my next Bookstrings novel. I think we need more emphasis on picture books. So... this will sit around to inspire. 
#Bookstrings 
#bookishbooks
Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here th Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here they are!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting to see how they turn out, and they’re AMAZING!!! Gahh I love these post cards! 
If you love them too, you can check out the link in my bio!!

#digitalart #redbubbleartist #iloveart
When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squ When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squeal and accept before she changes her mind d. Eeep! I love her Chaparral Hearts series!
#AmReading 
#historicalromance 
#ChristFic
My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However, I My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However,  I found this while sorting my books in our home library and decided to read it now. Delightful. 
#yearofgoudge
#ChristianFantasy
Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to t Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart with Book 2 in the series, Wheelers Design.

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?
	
Wheelers Design releases March 28, but you can pre-order now: 

Pre-order the ebook copy now to get a special pre-order price of $2.99 https://buff.ly/3TPO7NT

Preorder the paperback copy to get 30% off plus free shipping. Just fill out the form https://buff.ly/40aLI2s 

#preorder #newrelease #cleanreads #contemporaryfiction
New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past couple of weeks.  Looking forward to reading this one by Cindy Woodsmall.  Haven't read anything by her in years. 
#AmReading 
#christianfictionreaders 
#ChristFic 
#amishfiction
Reading right now. It's so good!!! Reposted from Reading right now.  It's so good!!!

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks ⏰ If you haven’t read Cold Dead Night, you can enter to win it! Plus 45+ exciting Inspirational Mysteries & Thrillers from a great
collection of authors... AND a brand new eReader :D
--
Enter 👉 via link in bio.
When you’re done, comment to let me know you’ve entered!
  • 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!