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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Happens When a Great Act Shows Up in the Wrong Decade?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

I am so excited to share Murder at the Empire with you. But first, can you figure out where Cathe's entertainers ended up? via @chautonahavig

murder at the empire

We stepped off the train, and let me tell you, the world’s gone crazy! The automobiles! Big, round but with pointy bits. Women in hats and gloves like I’ve never seen.  And enough fabric in the skirts to make three dresses!

When we stepped out of the station, Joe tried hailing a cab, but I noticed something interesting. Nothing was familiar. For example, the street sign out there?  It didn’t say Canal Street.  It said Rockland Boulevard.  Not exactly one of Chicago’s major streets. I swear the conductor came through calling out for Union Station, Chicago. Now we’re in… Rockland? We aren’t supposed to be here for three weeks!

The streets were filled with those spiffy automobiles. Not just some here and there but everywhere! We dragged our instruments and trunks down the street a ways, trying to grab another cab. Me, I stared into a window where these boxes… that’s all I can call them.  Boxes. But they had moving pictures on the front.  Noise, too.  I couldn’t be certain, but I thought I heard something coming from them. Two women stood in some factory trying to do something with candy but it kept backing up so they started eating it as fast as they could.  We were all chuckling when Joe called for us.

Two cabs waited for us and our instruments.

He took us to a hotel down the street from the Rockland Orpheum, where we were supposed to play in a few weeks. Once we’d secured rooms, we kept exploring. Do you know how weird it is to have people decked out in odd costumes pointing at you as if you’re the one dressed oddly?

The biggest airplane I’ve ever seen soared overhead.  A few minutes later, another one did.  Big and shiny… I’ve never seen anything like it. The fellows were just saying that they’d like a better look at one, when another one flew over.  So low, too.  What if they crashed in the middle of the city?

As we neared the Orpheum, we decided to see one of the pictures. I wanted to see Reason for One More. It looked interesting.  A couple of the fellows wanted to see Plymouth Adventure. But everyone finally decided on The Quiet Man after the ticket girl told us it had a swoony hero and a big fight scene.  All the guys and dolls approved of that one.

In the lobby, there was a huge poster announcing a concert for some guy named Elvis. Joe pointed and laughed. “Looks like the guys have turned flapper here.”

Three girls walked past in those enormous skirts and wearing sweaters.  But these skirts were made out of felt and had little poodles appliqued to them.  The other gals mocked them, but I thought they were pretty cute. Right up to the moment when one of the girls sent us a dirty look and practically snarled at us. “Elvis is the best. What do you know?”

Then the picture started.

I knew something was terribly wrong when it came on… in color… and they were talking! I mean, all around the room we heard the dialogue, the music–and no organ! I didn’t know what to do.  There also weren’t any other acts. It was just the picture.

We just might be out of a job. That’s when I heard someone say, “This might just be the best picture of…” And my heart raced.  I grabbed Eleanor and told her to get the fellows. We had to get out of there.  We had to get on the train and hope it took us to Chicago this time because sweetie, we weren’t in 1926 anymore!  Time to get a wiggle on!

murder at the empire swanson

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

What Happens When a Great Act Shows Up in the Wrong Decade?

As you can see, the troubles with the mysteries continue. Cathe Swanson’s book, Murder at the Empire, released today!  Guys, this book is so good, but boy!  One of the Empire’s before-show acts is trapped in the wrong decades.  Follow along this week and figure out what decade each author finds the characters in!   You’ll want to visit:

  • Me!  (October 5–you’re here and I’m first this time) and then be sure to click around. I can’t get to the actual links right now. Facebook’s down…
  • April Hayman (October 6)
  • Denise Lauren Barela (October 7)
  • Marji Laine (October 8)
  • Sandy Barela (October 9)
  • Rebekah Jones (October 10)
  • Liz Tolsma (October 11)
  • Cathe Swanson (October 12)

murder at the empireMurder at the Empire by Cathe Swanson

Gayle Wells is a killer organist, but does a killer have her in his sights?

They call him the Emperor.  John Starek fills his theater with fine artwork and treasures. He’s particularly pleased to have one of the country’s first female organists – and he thinks Gayle Wells is the bee’s knees.

Despite pressure from her social crusader mother, Gayle isn’t interested in changing the world. She just wants a car of her own – and a career playing the organ at the Empire movie palace would be especially ducky.

Then the Empire’s treasures start disappearing and employees start dying. Are a few pieces of art really enough motive for the string of murders? Will Gayle be next?

Murder at the Empire brings the Nightingale into an elegant movie palace in the roaring 20’s – but the real excitement is all off-screen.

 Get your entries in for the giveaway by visiting the links above.  Mine is here:

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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:

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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
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Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
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Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
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Episode 200: Comparing & Contrasting Two Split-Time Novels
January 17, 2023
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Episode 199: A Chat about Karl May with Robert Stermscheg
January 13, 2023
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Episode 198: A Chat about Everything Is Just Beginning with Erin Bartels
January 10, 2023
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Episode 197: A Chat with Amish Author, Shelley Shepard Gray
January 6, 2023
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Episode 196: A Chat with Rom-Com Author by Becca Kinzer
January 3, 2023
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Episode 195: A Chat about What I Would Say with Liz Tolsma
December 23, 2022
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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?

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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
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