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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Sometimes the Best Reads Are Out of Your Usual Comfort Zone

by Chautona Havig ·

Of Ink and Sea is nothing what I expected--and everything. Only one thing could have made it any better, but I'll just enjoy it as is. via @chautonahavig

The cover drew me first–that ethereal blend of coastal beauty and a woman in a diaphanous gown. The title then caught my attention. Of Ink and Sea.  Something about it called to me.  A closer look turned my admiration for the cover to a bit of disappointment. The woman floated in air.  Nothing to anchor her and not fading into oblivion as is often the case with similar cover elements.

Partway into the book, I grinned at that cover.  Truth be told, I probably looked like a greedy King Midas the moment he discovers the existence of Rumplestilskin!

I’ve not read a book like it in a long time, and had I known some of the elements, I might have passed it by.  I’m so glad I didn’t–know or pass it by, that is.

Of Ink and Sea

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Sometimes the Best Reads Are Out of Your Usual Comfort Zone

I’d never heard of Clarissa Kae before requesting a review copy of her recent release. The synopsis pulled me in because really, who can resist the call of Cornwall, Wales, and the sea? After reading Of Ink and Sea, I feel like I should say the siren call.

What I didn’t know when I picked up the book was that I was about to be treated to a delicate, gut-ripping, aching, gritty split-time tale spanning over four hundred years. No, those adjectives do not contradict. There’s a gossamer thread woven through the dual stories in here that whispers hope to the characters and the readers.  Like a spider’s silk, it’s deceptively fine and delicate, but it’s as strong as steel.

This is one of those rare times I’ll say that the first-person perspective used in the present-day part of the novel isn’t only “not annoying,” it’s perfect. This perspective is exactly what the book needs to ensure we deeply connect with Sienna.

But that’s not all.

Of Ink and Sea also manages to weave paranormal elements into a story in a way that makes you believe the story exactly as told. Only the tiniest bit of well-placed repetition hints of where to pay attention, but not once did I feel like, “Yeah. You already said that.”  Instead, it almost serves as a silent warning–foreshadowing used in a way I’ve rarely seen.  Or, rather, seen used so well.

If you’re looking for strong, Christian elements, you’ll only find themes that allude to them.  This isn’t Christian fiction. However, the way the author shows humanity in its weakest and strongest elements, and the consequences of those elements, offers at least a Christian worldview, for the most part.

I do have a caveat.

If paranormal elements bother you–and by that, I mean “seeing” into the past and future, knowing, family curses (not shown in any kind of demonic glory)–this book won’t be for you. One woman in this book was branded a “witch” by those who feared her four hundred years ago. My take from the story is that the author didn’t see it that way, but chose to allow the characters living in the time to agree or disagree based on their knowledge and understanding of things. It was rather brilliant.

That said, this is fantasy.  It’s deliberately “paranormal” rather than a representation of characters who are using ungodly, supernatural power to do what is forbidden.  This is a story told as if in a world where these things can happen. The biggest thing is, however, that world looks just like ours. Most of the world would think these characters are crazy.  For heavens’ sake, the characters in Of Ink and Sea think they’re crazy. But here’s the deal.

No one in this book turns to any outside source or acknowledges anything or anyone for this ability. It’s just there–a part of the story.  Much like a superhero is just there–able to fly or stop a train, or whatever. Because it’s who he is, even if no one else in the world can do what he does.

Recommended?

Well, yeah. If you love split-time novels, a hint of history that isn’t the most common era, and if you don’t mind a couple of minor historical liberties taken (super minor… a hymn brought back a century or so etc.)…  If you love books that show a strong, realistic character growth arc, and if you love beautiful writing that occasionally dips its toes into spooky without actually becoming scary, this is the book for you.

However, if you don’t like to step out of realism, I’d skip it.  As for me, I’ve got her other books lined up on my Kindle.  Clarissa Kae might not write my favorite genre, Christian fiction, but her, Of Ink and Sea, has pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a beautiful story. She’s suspended reality for me in a way that I’d like to experience again.

of ink and seaAbout the Book

Book:  Of Ink and Sea

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Romance with historical and paranormal elements

The Bristol Sea divides Cornwall and Wales—and sings an enticing tale to Sienna Rothesay, an English born, American raised photographer.  Since childhood, she’s fought the temptation to listen to its siren song.

When Ioan Waif, an enigmatic neighbor from her Welsh days calls her home to care for her ailing grandfather, Sienna is faced with an old myth that hints at a nefarious secret, linking her ancestors with Ioan’s.
To uncover the truth, she must walk the blurry path between legend and reality but with more questions than answers, she fears giving in to her heart will cost Sienna her head.
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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
byChautona Havig

Fans of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series are doing happy dances following the release of an exciting new spin-off series, Last Chance Fire and Rescue. Expired Return brings back a few favorite characters and kicks off another of Sunrise Publishing’s author/mentor led fiction seasons! Listen in to find out what happens when an author brings back a guy she dropped a building on a couple of books back…

 

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

When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver!

Let’s face it. Authors might SOMETIMES be “done” with a series, but readers often want more… indefinitely. Well, with the brilliance of Sunrise Publishing’s mentor model, authors get to collaborate with authors they trust to do their “worlds” proud while still having time to write new, exciting things as well. And some of the Sunrise lead authors even write in the spin-off series–like Lisa Phillips and Trisha Goyer!

This new Last Chance County series promises everything we love about Lisa Phillips’ world–danger, intrigue, heart-stopping suspense, drama… you know… all the feels. But in addition to her own release, Expired Return, this series also introduces us to new authors who have been carefully vetted and selected to ensure they do justice to Lisa’s Last Chance characters. I, for one, can’t wait to check it all out.

Lisa and I chatted about what she plans for the series,Lisa hinted about a possible super-secret reveal coming soon, and I even poked her with the idea of a Last Chance Christmas.

Help me convince them on that, will ya?

But this new book… Whoa…

Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

  • Book 1: Expired Return
  • Book 2: Expired Hope (coming soon)
  • Book 3: Expired Promise (coming soon)
  • Book 4: Expired Vows (coming soon)

Last Chance County

  • Book 1: Expired Refuge
  • Book 2: Expired Secrets
  • Book 3: Expired Cache
  • Book 4: Expired Hero
  • Book 5: Expired Game
  • Book 6: Expired Plot
  • Book 7: Expired Getaway
  • Book 8: Expired Betrayal
  • Book 9: Expired Flight
  • Book 10: Expired End

Learn more about Lisa and her books on her WEBSITE.

Learn more about the different seasons (series) offered by Sunrise Publishing or how to audition with them on the Sunrise Publishing WEBSITE.

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Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
BONUS Episode: The Bookish Podcast Tag!
February 4, 2023
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Episode 205: A Chat about Cold Light of Day with Elizabeth Goddard
February 3, 2023
Chautona Havig
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
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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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Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is officially available in e-book, paperback and in #kindleunlimited ♥️♥️

Treat yourself to this swoony, sweet romance! 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Link in bio 

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Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice at every turn, but will he catch up to her?
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Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
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Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADO Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADOW IN MOSCOW will be available on June 13, 2023!! I can’t wait for you to meet Cold War spies, Anya Kadinova and Ingrid Bauer. You can pre-order your copy today!!
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Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Ligh Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Light is now available from @revellfiction , and it received a starred review from Booklist!

In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden--a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

Read more and find purchase links in the Linktree in my bio!
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Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠ ⁠ Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠
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One more week until the release of Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray! Preorder now for 30% off plus free shipping or the ebook copy for only $2.99. Bonus gift with either! ⁠
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