• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • 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
  • 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

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

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 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

Hey, we’re back after a couple of weeks of vacation, and boy did I need it. And, have I got a fabulous interview for you. Nancy Naigle and I talked about her books, her most recent release, What Remains True as well as her Christmas books and the one I’m most anxious to read, The Shell Collector. Listen in and learn about what Nancy says about this bet she has going on in What Remains True. Great stuff!

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

Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?

As I said in the podcast, a while back, someone told me I’d LOVE The Shell Collector–one of those people who recommends books you HAVE to read if they say you do.  So I bought it and it’s been sitting on my shelf ever since. Well, now it’s on my GoodReads shelf, and I’m about to start it (and I optimistically thought I’d be done with it by the time this episode released. Oh, me of too much faith in myself and my time management!)

Author of over thirty books, not to mention a bestselling author who also has movies made of her novels (And The Shell Collector has been optioned! EEEP!), Nancy loves to write Christmas books and small-town stories. Seriously, as we talked, I felt like she was talking about me half the time. We’re so very alike in so many ways. It was fun.

Nancy also pointed out that her first books (if you go WAY back) are not Christian fiction and are a bit spicier than she prefers to write and definitely more than she writes today. So be warned there, but she did assure us that they are all closed-door books.

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

One woman wants to win a bet. One man wants to become a rodeo champion. One little girl may give them both something even better—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

“A commitment-phobic rodeo star and a divorcée with secrets find love in this wholesome romance. . . . As uplifting as it is sweet.”—Publishers Weekly

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too?

You can learn more about Nancy’s books and movies on her WEBSITE.

Oh, and PSST… I’m loving the audiobook of this one!

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 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 154: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Sami A. Abrams
June 28, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
June 21, 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

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads?
  • Take a Guess: Did We Skip Our Wedding to Avoid Complete Disaster?
  • What’s Better Than a Great Women’s Fiction Novel on a Summer’s Day?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
100%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
Reposted from @revolutionaryfaithseries Hello Read Reposted from @revolutionaryfaithseries Hello Readers!

Summer Book Lover's Day is August 9 and we are taking a whole week to celebrate!

 I want you to have a chance to win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Summer Book Lovers Giveaway.

 Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1f449/summer-book-lover-s-multi-author

 The event and giveaway is going on now through August 13.

#celebratelit #avidreadersofchristianfiction #multiauthorgiveaway
My Book Lover's Day read. I usually read 5 chapter My Book Lover's Day read. I usually read 5 chapters per day,  but I'm going to let myself enjoy 10 today.  And if it puts me close to the ND, maybe I'll go crazy and finish. I blame @lindsayharrelauthor 
#bookloversday 
#ChristFic 
#amreading 
#ReadYourBookshelfChallenge2022
When you take a picture of your dinner to torment When you take a picture of your dinner to torment your daughter. 
#ameating 
#lafiesta
Reposted from @danielleswritingspot The excitement Reposted from @danielleswritingspot The excitement surrounding As Silent as the Night continues to bless me. This incredible endorsement comes from Chautona Havig:⁠
⁠
“Enter 1930’s Chicago where Lucia needs to escape the clutches of a mafia thug and meet Gio, the man who will risk all to find her.⁠
⁠
Add to that heart-stopping moments of a different kind, and you’re left with a beautiful and heart-wrenching romance.”⁠
⁠
⁠
Only five weeks left to pre-order:⁠
https://daniellegrandinetti.com/as-silent-as-the-night/⁠
⁠
⁠📚
#endorsement #assilentasthenight #striketotheheartseries #amreading #christimasromance #sweetromance #romanticsuspense #historicalromance #cleanread #christianfiction⁠
@chautonahavig
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Win 40+ books or a Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself in Celebrate Lit's Summer Book Lovers Giveaway.

Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/1f449/summer-book-lover-s-multi-author

The event and giveaway is going on now through August 13.

#celebratelit #summerreads #christianromanticsuspense #christianfiction #sweetromance #sweetromancereads  #lisaphillipsbook
Mom got me a storm door for my birthday. It's goi Mom got me a storm door for my birthday.  It's going up today.  Eeep!!!
#TheShediffice
Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @maciestjame Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @maciestjames
•
It's a new month, which means there's a new Bingo card in the @sweetandswoonyromance promo? Just read eight books and comment on the below post to be eligible to win a $25 gift card. All eight books are FREE!!! Go check them out.

https://www.facebook.com/sweetandswoonyromance/posts/pfbid0uoZyfQCL5qzyMDsaJWnA8zLzfE8eJ2A8uEuLee6yqMmG1g48x1RZzUBEiBVU2yK3l

#newbooks #newbook #bookstagram #22Cowboys #22Cowboysfor1 #booklove #Christmasbooks #CowboyChristmas #CowboyforChristmas #ChristmasCollection #ChristmasCowboys #CowboyKisses #CowboyLove #ChristmasLoveStory #ChristmasRelease #Christmasromance #ChristmasWishes #ChristmasWishesCowboyKisses #holidayromance #MistletoeCowboy #MustLoveCowboys #Mustread #romancereader
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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