• 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

Weddings Can Be Great Fun or Utterly Boring. It’s All about Perspective

by Chautona Havig · 2 Comments

Kari Trumbo's Matchmaker's Best Friend is one of the loveliest stories I've read in a long time. You'll love this friends to more story from a beloved author. via @chautonahavig

I felt sorry for them. My daughters stood at the front of the building in “heels” (for them anyway) and cradling branches (yes BRANCHES) of lilacs in their arms. And the wedding sermon droned on.  For over an hour.  No joke. No exaggeration. Some of the girls shifted. Fidgeted.  I didn’t blame them.  #3Daughter stood there unmoving for the whole thing.  I was SO impressed.

A couple of years later, we attended another wedding. The sermon there lasted maybe fifteen minutes–a homily, really, but just as rich and meaningful. One of my girls, still “scarred” from the never-ending wedding sermon said, “That’s it.  At my wedding, I want it to be short and snappy–just like that one.”

We tease her about that even today. We threaten to pay the minister to just keep going on repeat until she figures it out and orders him to stop.  That one has just enough sass to do it, too.  I love that about her.

I haven’t been to a lot of weddings in my life., but I have learned one thing in that half dozen or so I have been to.

matchmaker's best friend

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

Weddings Can Be Great Fun or Utterly Boring. It’s All about Perspective.

This is even doubly true about wedding sermons. Let’s face it. People are usually there for the couple, right?  So when a minister can give a really good sermon in a short amount of time, it keeps from detracting too much from the purpose of the occasion while still giving the couple a strong send-off, too.  Win-win, right?

Why am I writing about weddings and wedding sermons?  Is my next Marriages of Convictions story coming?  Actually, it is, but no. That’s not why I’m writing.

This week, Matchmaker’s Best Friend, the next book in the Independence Islands Series, released.

Guys, I loved this book so much.  I loved a friendship so strong that a man knew what lengths he could and should go to in order to snap a woman out of her fears and into trusting the One who can help us overcome those fears.

I’ll be honest. If Kari Trumbo’s Mike hadn’t been her best friend, if he hadn’t known her as well as he did and didn’t know how far he could or should push to do what she needed him to do… for her, his actions might have been a little… unhealthy?  Maybe.  I don’t know. It’s fiction.  In fiction, you can get away with things that in real life I might bop someone over the head with.

But in Matchmaker’s Best Friend, it doesn’t matter.  Because they are those friends. In fact, they remind me of my Joel and Cassie in how well they know each other and what the other needs–in how much they’re willing to sacrifice their own wants and needs for what is best for the other.

There are so many beautiful things about this book.  Friendship, love, self-sacrifice, trust… and of course, a fabulous wedding, because Pen Reese knows how to throw a party!

But I think the most beautiful thing about the book is that in a sense, it is a wedding sermon. It’s a reminder of giving ourselves up for another person, for loving someone more than ourselves, and for looking to Jesus when it seems like everything that can go wrong has.

For the release of Matchmaker’s Best Friend, the authors have gotten together to share their favorite parts of a wedding.

Obviously, mine was the sermon.  It might seem a bit odd that someone who can’t stand preachy fiction loves a good sermon, but hey.  I do.  I think a wedding sermon tells a lot about at least three people–the bride, the groom, and who they chose to officiate.

You’ll want to visit the other authors’ blogs in order to enter to win one of the many prizes we have for this release!  Kari Trumbo has been sharing some of her teasers this week and this one was one of my personal favorites.

matchmaker's best friend

Get your entries in (and find out the other authors’ favorite bits of weddings below:

Kari Trumbo

Rachel Skatvold

Tabitha Bouldin

Carolyn Miller

Chautona Havig (That’s me!)

Melissa Wardwell (tomorrow!)

Sandy Barela & Celebrate Lit Publishing (Sunday!)

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Giveaways, New Release

Previous Post: « A Great Mystery Author for You to Watch Out For!
Next Post: 3 Great New Romantic Suspense Novels for Your Springtime Reads »

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. Mallori N. says

    April 5, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    I definitely prefer short. I freely admit that I have a hard time listening to sermons and remaining focused on the words and message the entire time.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      April 7, 2021 at 4:41 am

      Makes sense to me. They claim most people can only concentrate for about 20 minutes anyway…

      Reply

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
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Reposted from @margueritemgray Come take a visit t Reposted from @margueritemgray Come take a visit to our newest set of islands – The Suamalie Islands! These islands are very different from the Independence Islands because they are touristy. Another way this series is different is we have added more authors. You will see some familiar Independence Islands authors but will also see some brand-new ones. Just like with our Independence Islands, each author will follow a type of business that goes across all the different islands.

There is a Giveaway of a $50 Amazon card to celebrate this new series. Enter January 28-February 5. https://promosimple.com/ps/245c3/suamalie-giveaway

Find out more about each book and author in the series by going to the publisher’s page: http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/suamaliegiveaway/

#giveaway #suamalieislands #celebratelit
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Reposted from @choosingjoynovels I may personally Reposted from @choosingjoynovels I may personally have been run into by a limb or two...

#funny #tree #blind #visuallyimpaired #blindauthor #authorsofinstagram #christianauthor #fictionauthor #historicalfictionauthor #romanticfiction #romancenovel
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
  • 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!