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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

In the Good Old Summertime: Is this Book Worth it

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Painter Place has all the perfect elements for a great summer read, but did it live up to its potential? See what I thought and who I recommend it for. via @chautonahavig

Summer reads—the staple of book lovers everywhere. Well, and Christmas reads, and TBR (to be read) piles, and RRs (recommended reads) and… and…

Sometimes you see a book and the first thing you do is go, “THAT should be the top of a ‘Summer Reads’ list.

That’s how I felt when the opportunity to review Painter Place appeared. I took one look at it and just knew it’d be right up my alley. Add to that an interesting synopsis, and I figured it was an easy win!

In the Good Old Summertime: Is this Book Worth It?

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Additionally, I requested and received a free review copy of this book. Opinions were not required, but I give them freely.

In the Good Old Summertime: Is this Book Worth it

I’ve spent most of the day trying to figure out how to articulate (or write, I suppose) how I feel about this book. I wanted to love it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t.

Before I say much, I have to confess that I found myself skimming. A lot. I also only read to the 80% mark. I just. Couldn’t. Go. On.

This may have contributed to some of my issues, but the issues contributed to me beginning that skimming bit.

So, take it for what it’s worth.

Painter Place was a difficult and confusing book to follow. I found it hard to keep up with whose point of view it was and what was happening. The plot points were a bit convoluted, I think with an eye to slowly unveiling the underlying plots. Instead, I just didn’t know what was going on much of the time.

I also, unfortunately, didn’t connect with the characters, so I didn’t care much that I didn’t know. I just wanted to finish reading the review copy I was provided and move on. That feels horrible to say, and I don’t mean it to be unkind.

There’s just a disconnect with me and this book and I can’t explain it beyond that it didn’t capture or hold my attention. While I’m not sorry I requested and received a free review copy of Painter Place, I can’t say I recommend it without reservation. I think it would likely be most appreciated by people who read literary fiction and want “literary lite” and those who live in the Carolinas—particularly coastal.

painter place reviewBook: Painter Place

Author: Pamela Poole

Synopsis: In June of 1985, Caroline Painter’s uncle whisks her away from her island home at Painter Place to film an art video in the harbor village of Mevagissey.

But instead of clearing her head, the young artist becomes entangled in adventure on the English Channel when she influences a rock star’s contract and the media launches her into fame. When she returns home, she discovers a shattering secret that makes her question everything in her life. Can she trust the only one who says he understands?

NOTE: This novel is written from a Christian perspective and contains faith elements.

About the author:

“Inspiring Southern Ambiance”

Pamela Poole’s love for the South inspires all her books and paintings. It’s why she describes her work as “Southern Ambiance.” She and her husband Mark currently live in Raleigh, NC, but she considers the Lowcountry of SC “home.”

Her perspective on writing books and painting is like that of the iconic artist Norman Rockwell, who once said he knew life was not ideal, but it should be, so he chose to paint that way.

Pamela has experienced enough “reality” in life and now seeks the warm, whimsical, loveable, and ideal in her creativity. She hopes readers will laugh out loud, sigh, be inspired to reach higher, and feel refreshed, as if they’ve been for a walk in warm Southern sunshine!

Pamela writes clean fiction from a Christian worldview, but she was an artist before she felt led to become an author.

Her stories often feature artists and art perspectives that help any reader have a deeper appreciation for painting.

Pamela lives life loving Jesus and her family as a wife, mother, and Gigi, and she is blessed with true friends. She is a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and PaintNC. Readers and art enthusiasts alike can enjoy her Youtube channel and her painting demos.

Her blog can be found on her art and publishing websites.

Her illustrations for FREE coloring pages are her contribution to a cause she cares about, the healing that happens through art, and they can be downloaded on her websites. To enjoy the latest content, sign up for her newsletters and follow Pamela Poole Fine Art and Southern Sky Publishing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Purchase your copy of Painter Place here. 
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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
byChautona Havig

Nothing says fairy tale like a sweet western romance by an author like Karen Witemeyer… unless it’s a fairytale retelling set in Texas in the late 19th century, right?  Fairest of Heart takes the familiar “Snow White” and turns it on its head with retired cowboys, a self-absorbed actress, a Texas Ranger, and a sweet girl who knows the true Source of her beauty.  Listen in to see all the genius Easter eggs Witemeyer planted in this book.

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

Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart

I fell in love with the cover of Karen Witemeyer’s Head Over Heels a few years back (only to learn it’s much older than that, even), and meant to read that book.  I didn’t.  #BecauseIdiot. Well, that’ll be rectified just as soon as I’m done listening to her first book in a trilogy of fairytale retellings. I loaded it up on my Audible app tonight and wheeeeeeee. Here I go! So much for no new books until October. HA! 

Karen talks about her heart for young women today and how they’re taught by every bit of media blasting at them that they need to use their bodies to get what they need or want when the Lord has a better plan. And I can’t guarantee it, but I strongly suspect she does it without preaching. SQUEE!

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don’t forget the book is 30% off on BakerBookHouse.com.  

Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads.

And don’t forget her Posse Group on Facebook.

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

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Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
September 29, 2023
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Episode 264: A Chat with Romance Author, Sarah Monzon
September 26, 2023
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Episode 262: Chatting about The Legacy of Longdale Manor with Carrie Turansky
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Episode 261: Chatting with Christian Youth Fiction Author, Candice Yamnitz
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Episode 260: A Chat with Rachel Hauck
September 12, 2023
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Episode 259: A Chat with Debut Author, Laura Conaway
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