• 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
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

My Dearest Dietrich: Is It My Favorite Book of the Year?

by Chautona Havig · 3 Comments

My Dearest Dietrich was probably the book I looked most forward to reading all year, but was it worth all the hype and anticipation? via @chautonahavig

Ithe cost of discipleshipt began with a little green book.  I liked the title. The Cost of Discipleship.

A friend had given it to me with assurances that I’d love the book. Odd thing is, I don’t even remember the first part of it.  I only remember when I got to the contrast between “cheap grace” and “costly grace.”

The words burned into my soul.

Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

How I understood that idea.  I’d seen it all my life.  There was always that one person who almost flaunted his or her sinful actions with the assurance that they’d “said a prayer” and grace covered everything he or she did now.  It’s as if Paul never said “God forbid!” about something like that.

Later, I saw Bonhoeffer in Michael Phillips’ character, Dieder Palacki.  I loved that man decrying our “razzle-dazzle” Christianity, and I could just see that had Bonhoeffer survived WWII, he might have had the same response to the American push to “save” the persecuted church behind the Iron Curtain. (You can find that bit in the “Secret of the Rose” series in Dawn of Liberty—read it.  You won’t regret it.)

Another quote that still sings in my heart when I think of Bonhoeffer is:

Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends.”

Is it any wonder that when I saw Amanda Barratt had written a fictionalized biography of the story of Maria Von Wedemeyer and Brother Bonhoeffer, that I immediately went to order a copy?  Before I could even do that, I was offered a free review copy of My Dearest Dietrich.  I accepted with indelicate and mortifying haste. While I think I said, “YES!  I’d love to have one,” my brain was really thinking, “Fork it over, woman!”

I confess this now only to show just how excited I was for this book.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, while I was provided with a review copy of the book, I also purchased my own Kindle copy as well.

My Dearest Dietrich: Is It My Favorite Book of the Year?

Well, the year isn’t over, so I can’t say unequivocally, but my tentative answer is a decided yes.

How’s that for wishy-washy?  Sorry, can’t help it.

If you don’t know the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his work to bring down Adolf Hitler, it would be best to read up a little on him before reading the book. Readers unfamiliar with him might find the book unsatisfactory, otherwise.

But My Dearest Dietrich offers what I love best in good fiction—heroism, self-sacrifice, faith, and love shown in action rather than effusive protestations of affection.

And Amanda Barratt managed it without yielding to the temptation to create a fast-paced, “whirlwind” style story. That sort of “it’s a war so let’s rush the narrative to give the illusion of tension and speed” would have destroyed this book’s greatest strength.  It flows at the natural pace of a couple who must wait, watch, and trust for the Lord’s timing to their lives, and all without prompting the drumming of fingers.

The attention to historical detail couldn’t be more impressive. It became most obvious only when I realized I hadn’t noticed it in the narrative.  It’s woven so delicately and deliberately through the story that instead of being slapped over the head with setting, facts, and figures, Barratt simply immerses you into a tale you hope never to emerge from.

And yet, when the story ends, you realize that for it to be the deeply moving, powerful, and life-changing story that it was, it couldn’t have been told any other way.  It had to end when and where it did. True stories work like that, and instead of trying to make a true story fit the romantic tropes that the genre demands, Ms. Barratt simply told their tale as God wrote it.

How could it be any better than that?

Recommended for lovers of history, WWII buffs, and for those who cherish the memory of a German theologian who loved Jesus even more than his beloved Maria.

My Dearest DietrichAbout My Dearest Dietrich: 

A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison

Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.

Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn’t always logical.

Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments.

There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he’s unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.

With their deep love comes risk–and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.

Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.

Share140
Pin
Post
Email
140Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
140Shares

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Do You Have a Smoke Screen Killing Your Confidence?
Next Post: 3 Reasons I’m Thankful for This New Release »

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. Joy @ Real World Bible Study says

    November 18, 2019 at 6:29 pm

    Added to wish list!

    Reply
  2. Peggy Nunn says

    November 18, 2019 at 7:15 am

    It sounds very intriguing. I am looking forward to reading it.

    Reply
  3. Andrea Stoeckel says

    November 18, 2019 at 6:00 am

    Bonhoeffer, (specifically Cost of Discipleship), was a theologian I was introduced to at Barrington College and went in depth at both Drew and UTS. One of my mentors spend years studying both him and Martin Buber.

    As for My Dearest Deitrich, I’m intrigued

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

 I fell in love with Nancy’s writing with The Shell Collector. Imagine my joy when I discovered she has a SEQUEL! Eeep! Listen in and discover which characters you’ll find in To Light the Way Forward and what’s coming next for one of America’s favorite authors!

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

It’s been three years since Nancy and I had a chance to talk, and in that time, she’s been BUSY.  So in addition to falling in love with her character, Tug, and wanting to give him his own story, she’s written a small-town duet (and maybe we talked her into a third?) as well as a romcom duo!  Think we can talk her into a third of that series as well?  Because… SPOILER ALERT… we’re getting a third Shell Collector Series book, too! EEEP!

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector. “Bringing to life characters you can’t help but fall in love with, Nancy Naigle goes straight to the heart with this story of tragedy turned to triumph. A poignant reminder to never give up hope.”—Sheila Roberts, author of The Best Life Book Club Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug. But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild. As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Learn more about Nancy on her WEBSITEand follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
July 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 447: A Chat with Cate Touryan
July 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 446: A Chat with Rachel Chamberlayne
July 12, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 445: A Chat with Michelle Griep
July 7, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 444: A Chat with Rosey Lee
July 5, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 443: A Chat with Yvonne M. Morgan
June 30, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 442: A Chat with Liz Johnson
June 28, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 441: A Chat with Shannon Sue Dunlap
June 23, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 440: A Chat with Jordan Millsaps
June 21, 2025
Jordan Millsaps
Episode 439: A Chat with Laura Thomas
June 16, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including TheNutcracker's Suite--a mystery set among the mob activity during the Prohibition era.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free!

OR

You can also get The Nutcracker's Suite and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
3d
Whoa... just in case we didn't understand, this b Whoa... just in case we didn't understand,  this bin has a HUGE instruction envelope to remind us and help with the super complicated job of building a box.
Audiobooks FREE? Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Na Audiobooks FREE?  Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo.
Get a new chapter every day until it's all uploaded OR listen to the FULL audiobook in one video once all chapters have been released!
Scott Keil's mission work tends to overtake both his and his daughter's life.  So when his daughter ropes Natalie Dersham to help out, he's thrilled.  When she starts playing matchmaker... well... okay, he's kind of thrilled about that, too.  The age gap?  Probably prohibitive but if it wasn't...
Available in print, on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, and now coming to all major audiobook platforms (and free on YouTube right now!)
#UnderTheHibiscus
#FreeAudiobook
#ChristFic
#KindleUnlimited
https://youtu.be/rzD7cULBeV8
I am SOOOOOOOOO excited about Everard's new cover! I am SOOOOOOOOO excited about Everard's new cover!  @PlethoraCreative did a fabulous job of redesigning the second book in the Not-So-Fairy Tales series (Book one updates coming soon!). Not only do we have Kindle and paperbacks, but hardbacks with DOUBLE-SIDED dust jackets are coming. Soon you can read with @notsquid's fabulous map open before you so you know exactly where Everard, Sevrin, and Sassy are headed next! EEEP
Available HERE: https://amzn.to/4eKL6sv  #AffiliateLink
#ChristFic
#ChristianMiddleGrade (older)
#ChristianFantasy
#ChristianFairyTale
#KindleUnlimited
#CoverRedesign
All she wanted was a festive-free Christmas. Solit All she wanted was a festive-free Christmas. Solitude far away from the fa-la-las.  Instead, she got snowbound in Wrightwood with a woman (aptly named Joy) who makes Buddy from Elf look like a Grinch.
Escape to Greenaway is next up in the Christmas in July celebration and FREE on Friday, July 18, 2025: https://amzn.to/4kIK9lI #affiliatelink
#Christfic
#ChristianRomance
#ChristianChristmasRomance
#ChristianWomensFiction
#FreeKindle
#KindleUnlimited
For my 25th anniversary, I wrote a book about a "s For my 25th anniversary, I wrote a book about a "silver anniversary" that wasn't the joyful thing people expect--until it was.  Tarnished Silver is FREE on 7/16/25 for Christmas in July. https://amzn.to/3GQkVE3 #AffiliateLink
#Christfic
#ChristmasRomance
#SmallTownRomance
#ChristianRomanticFiction
#KindleFree
#KindleUnlimited
All she wanted was a festive-free Christmas. Solit All she wanted was a festive-free Christmas. Solitude far away from the fa-la-las.  Instead, she got snowbound in Wrightwood with a woman (aptly named Joy) who makes Buddy from Elf look like a Grinch.
Next up in the Christmas in July celebration and FREE on Friday, July 18, 2025: https://amzn.to/4kIK9lI #affiliatelink
#Christfic
#ChristianRomance
#ChristianChristmasRomance
#ChristianWomensFiction
#FreeKindle
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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