• 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

The First Exclusive Glimpse of the Next Not-So Fairy Tale

by Chautona Havig · 10 Comments

What began as a “short story” became a series beginning with Princess Paisley. Not satisfied with that story (a rather silly and ridiculous tale), I embarked on a journey to tell a real fairy tale–one full of adventure and courage.  One that cost the hero dearly if he dared to be the hero.  I think I did that with Everard.

But then I met a maid–a special girl from a faraway country. Like Paisley (the shepherdess princess) and Everard (the shyest prince alive), Leicelin of Verdonia has something… unique about her. Few people have seen her, but one who has calls her The Beauty of Verdonia.

Without further adieu…

The First Exclusive Glimpse of the Next Not-So Fairy Tale

Note: links are likely affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Please also remember the content on this website is copyrighted and may not be distributed without proper attribution.

The First Exclusive Glimpse of the Next Not-So Fairy Tale

Surrounded by the cerulean waters of the Abscindian Sea, the large island of Verdonia sits as if abandoned by the rest of the world. As all kingdoms should, Verdonia has villages, subjects, a castle, a king, and a queen. And, as all fairy tales should, this story has a princess—the Princess of Verdonia. Leicelin.

I have heaping quantities of information to share with you, but alas I am not permitted to do so. An author must resist the temptation to tell her audience all that she knows. One must show the reader, lead them through the facts and thoughts, actions and emotions.

Alas, I want to delve into the tale and give you all the juicy little tidbits that will help you see this fascinating place. I’m just dying to tell you about Leicelin, describe her home, explain why she’s almost twenty-one and no one has even hinted at a Majority Ball— oh dear. I’m doing it already. Show don’t tell. Got it.

Where was I? Oh, cerulean waters and the beautiful land of Verdonia… no wait. Leicelin. That’s it. Sorry. On the morning that my story opens, Leicelin rushed here and there about her work. What was it, you ask? I shall tell you. Dressing for a visiting dignitary’s visit? Not quite. However, dresses were involved. Does that count?

Let’s step into the stone room at the back corner of the castle and peek in on her while she works.

Leicelin wiped the back of her sleeve across her forehead, mopping up the perspiration that persisted in forming as she scrubbed the hem of the dress, but she lost hope. It was ruined. As she hung it on the line with the rest of the morning’s wash, she tried to imagine who at the castle might fit into it.

“It must be cut down for Floria, I suppose. It was my last good dress too.” She would have to ask her father for more materials to make a new dress. Then again, perhaps her mother had an old one she could remake. “I’ll ask about that instead.”

Her fingers trailed along the hem, measuring how high the stain went. Less than three inches. “I could cut it off…”

“My princess, you musn’t. You are too old to wear dresses above your ankles.” Alma stepped into the room, shaking her head. “We will have to make a new one.”

“I think I’ll ask Mother if she has any old ones to remake.”

“You’re the king’s daughter. You should have new dresses when you need them.”

She shook her head and picked up a pair of linen breeches belonging to her father and soaked them in the tub. “Perhaps. However, to do that means we tax our people—taxes they cannot afford. How is that right? Fatherly would never approve.

“Your father is the best king we’ve ever had—generous to us to a fault as well—but his daughter shouldn’t be dressed in rags just because our kingdom has fallen on hard times.”

Everard- Not-so-fairy-talesSynopsis: A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.

The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned nearly a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.

Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.

Will he succeed? Will he overcome the personal demons that threaten all he is working for?

Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

Share169
Pin
Post
Email
171Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
171Shares

Filed Under: Short Stories Tagged With: The Not-So-Fairy Tales Series

Previous Post: « What I Thought of Indivisible & Should I See the Movie?
Next Post: Who Doesn’t Love a Killer Christmas Gift? »

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. Vickie Edwards says

    October 15, 2018 at 6:17 am

    YAY, This series is so fun!

    Reply
  2. Ava Gunn Kinsey says

    October 13, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    If I read them out of order, will that matter?

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 13, 2018 at 12:52 pm

      Nope! Not this far. But you will want to read Paisley BEFORE Beauty. 🙂

      Reply
  3. mtysar says

    October 12, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    Yay!! I’ve been waiting for another not so fairy tale! ! Whoohoo! . …. .. when?:-P

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 13, 2018 at 1:55 am

      No clue. But it’s fun!

      Reply
  4. Jo Ann Ann Honaker says

    October 12, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    Yay!!!! Sounds wonderful. But I rather liked Princess Paisley…

    Reply
  5. Florence Wright says

    October 12, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    I almost face planted onto my laptop. I have a confession … I don’t think I read Everard!!! Forgive me (groveling)!! I went to see on Amazon and clicked to get the book – if I already had it, Amazon would have told me. They didn’t. But honestly, I’m quite relieved now, because when I read your post, I thought I was having a serious memory issue, because I didn’t remember ANYTHING of what you described from that book. OH MY … I’m a slacker fan!! So, it’s on my list now 🙂 I’ll get it done!!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 13, 2018 at 1:56 am

      Hee hee. I love it. “Slacker fan.” Mmmmwwaaahahah

      Reply
  6. Rebecca Pittman says

    October 12, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    Any idea when this book will go on the list of releases?

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      October 13, 2018 at 1:59 am

      Not sure I am actually reconsidering part of my plot. I need to talk to Clark about it and see what he thinks. Sometimes getting an outside perspective really helps.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
byChautona Havig

 Oh, wow.  When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book.  Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!  

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

When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato… sniff). I can’t wait to see what she coes up with next.

 House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

Learn more about Margaret on her WEBSITE and 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 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
June 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 437: A Chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
June 9, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 436: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
June 7, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 435: A Chat with Rachel Keith
June 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 434: A Chat with Lynn U. Watson
May 31, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 433: A Chat with Megan Soja
May 26, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 432: A Chat with Crystal Caudill
May 24, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 431: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
May 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 430: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
May 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 429: A Chat with J. A. Webb
May 12, 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 The Last Gasp--a mystery set in 1920s Hollywood and with a Cinderella twist.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free! https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
OR
You can also get The Last Gasp and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, and now she's on the first book (after the prequel, Induction) of The Agency Files.
When Erika is ripped from her bed (literally) by strangers claiming to be doing it for "her own safety," she's not convinced. Can you blame her? Listen in to learn more. One chapter a day throughout the month and the whole book will be uploaded as one video at the end. So listen FREE daily (or to each chapter so you can find your place easily), or all at once on a long car ride or decluttering binge (oh, wait. Is that just me?).
Check out the other books she has on her channel... also free! AND, please subscribe and make her day (it's a lot of work!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hnf_Ztodag&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2CQxqZjoGUiFK5mPPbJIbb

OR

You can also get Justified means and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
14h
Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman ab Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman abducted to protect her from him?  Bioterrorism, Russian mafia, and what? Another agency?  What's going on in The Agency now?
Listen to the whole book FREE, narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo (don't forget to subscribe!!!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-TZlGhUFcE&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ1Cg738W1MSQlHIuFe45v_WListen to a chapter a day OR to the whole thing at the end of the month.  The previous four Agency books are also available to listen to FREE.
#TheAgencyFiles
#ChristFic
#ChristianSuspense
#kindleUnlimited
I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not to promise when/what. #BecauseLife.  I can't control what's happening, but I can control not starting to release stuff only to have it stall again.  I am determined that when I start sending out episodes again (they are being written every chance I need a break from other things), they won't ever stop until the story is done.  I just need a huge lead and it's not big enough. Sorry.
If you have a question you want me to answer, leave it in the comments OR... zip me an email at chautona@chautona.com.  I'll try to work them in (and will probably combine those that are really similar.
#AuthorLife
#WriterLife
#AuthorsOfInstagram
#CharacterDevelopment
#AmWriting
#TheVintageWren
#SerialNovels
#365THOUSANDDaysOfGreen (or so it seems)
Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's regime deported ten thousand children to Holland, Sweden, and even England on what was known as the Kindertransport. Two desperate mothers send their only childrent to safety on this Kindertransport, but when those children arrive, nothing is as it seems or should be.  A war-time mystery twist on "Hansel and Gretel" set just before the invasion of Poland.
Available as an audiobook FREE on Youtube, narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo
https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos

#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristFic
#HistoricalChristianMystery
#KindleUnlimited
Last night's moon was particularly lovely. #Ridge Last night's moon was particularly lovely. 
#RidgecrestCA
#Walking
Ever feel like you've lost control of your house.. Ever feel like you've lost control of your house... and your life?  Yeah. You're not alone. Meet Kaye. Wife, Mom, and competitive shopper (or so she wishes--erm, wished). But when the day comes that she can't find even ONE of the half dozen whatzits that they've bought over the years, she sort of loses it (her mind). Then her whole FAMILY loses it (their stuff, that is!).
Narrated by the FABULOUS Christa DelSorbo, Confessions of a De-Cluttering Junkie is availble FREE on YouTube at https://youtu.be/WPgAaOP-cvA?si=MZtVxW39q7RMmwB *whistles
#FreeAudiobooks
#KindleUnlimited
#ChristFic
#ChristianFiction
#ChristianWomensFiction
#Decluttering
#Minimalism
#Humor
  • 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!