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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What’s the Best Thing about Every Great New Book?

by Chautona Havig · 8 Comments

On a Summer Tide did more than give me a great introduction to a new series, it also helped me articulate something that has bothered me for a really long time. via @chautonahavig

If I’ve been asked once, it’s been a thousand or more times. “So, what makes a good book?”

That’s like asking what makes a “good kid.”

You can’t just pinpoint one thing (well, I suppose technically, you could say God and call that good) and that’s that. Lots of different things go into the shaping of what people eventually call a “good kid.”

And the same is true of a good book. For one thing, genre plays into it. What makes a great mystery can ruin a good romance—or make it better. So many factors play into it.

  • The author’s use of common tropes—and twists on them.
  • A way of describing things that stands out from all other authors.
  • Being so clever that you can make mud funny.

How can anyone possibly hope to identify that “best thing?”

Last night, I pulled out On a Summer Tide to read for this review, and someone asked me how I can stand to read so many books. Bless her heart. The poor girl was serious, too. I hope I didn’t offend her with my laughter.

Honestly, I don’t remember what I told her. Still, it sparked a conversation, and she eventually asked the question. “So, what makes a good book?”

And after that, I became determined to find something that every great new book has. It wasn’t easy, but I think I did it.

What's the Best Thing about Every Great New Book?

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, I requested a review copy of this book and chose to share what I thought of it.

What’s the Best Thing about Every Great New Book?

I’m calling it magnetism—that inability to put a book down. The reasons for it may be myriad, but the reality always means one thing—you’ve got a great book.

I’d requested a review copy of On a Summer Tide, and needed to get it done. So, in the wee hours last night, I started the book. Going to be totally honest here… I expected to skim a lot and reread on my trip out of town tomorrow.

This is where I say to myself, “You’re so cute.”

Like I could possibly skip a single word of this book. Every time I tried (all two or three of them, anyway), I found myself going back and rereading large bits to find any words I’d missed.

See, the story had a lot of fabulous elements—interesting plots and subplots, engaging characters, and a fabulous setting. With her usual skill, Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a multi-layered story that holds you riveted to the page.

She invites you into the lives of these characters and makes you care about what happens to them.

One of the most brilliant things about On a Summer Tide is that she manages to keep such diverse characters consistent with themselves. Maddie is always focused on where someone might need support and encouragement. One of the locals is always ribbing one of the others. From primary character to the rarely-mentioned supporting characters, they stay in character the entire time.

That’s tough to do, folks, and Ms. Fisher did it with deceptive ease. Trust me. There’s nothing “easy” about it, but she sure makes it look like it just naturally happens because that is who that character is.

The faith element might be my favorite thing about the whole book. It was real. It’s the kind of thing I see play out in the lives of people every week. Someone doesn’t hear about Jesus and instantly have an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible and Bible terms. Faith isn’t fully bloomed the moment someone miraculously discovers a “sinner’s prayer” without any help from another believer.

No, faith in this book comes quietly, gently, and with much resistance.

For those who want to know, there were two (that I recall) uses of a word that some would take issue with. Furthermore, sinners act like the sinners they are. And in the past, some redeemed sinners did some pretty awful stuff.

On a Summer Tide is recommended for people who have a strong connection to Maine, who love realistic characters and complex family stories, and just a hint of a gentle romance. Definitely recommended for people who enjoy a bit of understated depth to their fiction and a lighter sprinkling of romance.

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Comments

  1. Lacey Waters says

    May 25, 2019 at 7:42 am

    This sounds fantastic, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Arletta says

    May 24, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    Blueberry buckle or blueberry crisp – yum to both! Thanks for the review and for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  3. Patty says

    May 24, 2019 at 8:00 pm

    I’ve got this one on my Amazon wish list! I have never been to Maine but hope to get to visit through these characters and this book.

    Reply
  4. Caryl Kane says

    May 23, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    Thank you for the wonderful review! This books sounds like one not to miss.

    Reply
  5. Amelia says

    May 23, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    I really enjoy your reviews!

    Reply
  6. Paula Shreckhise says

    May 23, 2019 at 10:28 am

    I always appreciate your honest reviews. Now I can count on a good read in this book!

    Reply
  7. Shelia Garrison says

    May 23, 2019 at 9:29 am

    I had to laugh out loud when the lady ask how you can stand to read so many books! My answer would be, “There are so many stories and so little time. With Chautona Havig, Joy Ohagwu, Janette Oke, Judith Miller, John Michael Hileman, Lauraine Sneeling, Melanie Wilber, Tracie Peterson and Vikki Kestell, just to name a few, still writing new books. “How could I not always have one in my hand?””

    Reply
  8. Andrea Stoeckel says

    May 23, 2019 at 9:01 am

    SWF is always a go-to for me. I love her books

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
byChautona Havig

When I talked to Ernest Yip last month, I was crazy excited to learn about his fantasy novel, The Shattered King, an allegory about the attributes of God. Ernest talks about his inspiration, how he got started, and what’s coming next for us. I loved hearing more about the story and my copy is on its way to me now. EEEP! Listen in to learn more.

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

Experience the Attributes of God in a Whole New Way

In the tradition of Pilgrim’s Progress or the parables of Jesus, Ernest Yip brings us a story that introduces to a King like no other through the various attributes our main character meets through out the book. I love a good allegory, and listening to Ernest talk about his book had me choming at the bit to get started.

Though written for teens, The Shattered King is sure to appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I especially love how it is a great introduction to who God is without being a heavy or preachy tome of apologetics. Instead, we’re taken on an adventure to discover it all for ourselves.

I can’t wait to see what Yip does next!

The Shattered King by Ernest Yip

Finding his way home means finding something else first—someone else.

When a dark force shatters the benevolent and mighty king Eloa, the land of Astrea lies broken and dying. Though Eloa lives, he is a shadow of his true self, unable to restore his kingdom unless he is reunited with the living Fragments of his being and made whole again.

Catapulted into this unfamiliar world and gifted with a magical sword, teenager Jax faces the ultimate test—finding the lost Fragments of Eloa. Only by fulfilling this quest will he be able to return home. But there are new forces in power, forces that will do whatever it takes to thwart Jax’s efforts and defeat Eloa.

But Jax will soon find that Eloa is no ordinary king, and neither are his Fragments—

A creator of living stone beings A father of orphans in a storm-filled land A desert warrior of limitless power

And they aren’t the only ones out there…

Encounter the Fragments of The Shattered King, a tale of danger and discovery that explores timeless truths about the world we live in, where justice and mercy are sometimes the most powerful weapons.

You can find out more about Ernest from his WEBSITE.

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