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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Curious Minds Want to Know: What Is Your Absolute Favorite Book? Why?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Rebuilding Hearts released yesterday (you've got to read this book! #BecauseLibrarian!) and Carolyn Miller wants to know our favorite books. via @chautonahavig

“You’re my favorite.”

My daughter grins first at me and then over at her siblings. They pretend to be upset, but mostly they just roll their eyes. After all, next week, or perhaps tomorrow, maybe even five minutes from now… Yep. It’ll be their turn. My “favorite child” changes faster than a toddler’s opinion of his favorite food.

I try to remember that when someone asks the rude, obnoxious, and otherwise cruel question: “What is your favorite book?”

Because it really is like asking who my favorite child is. With nine kids, I’m totally outnumbered if I irritate them too much. It’s even worse when a book I thought I hated turns out to be great the second time I read it. Yes, I reread books.  I even reread ones I didn’t like to find out if I can articulate why better.  And… yep. I even change my mind on those.

The reverse is true as well.  I can love a book today. It just hit a sweet spot I didn’t know I had.  And BAM!  Reread to get all the vibes all over again and…. fizzle, sputter, splat.  Total flop.  Why did I think that was a good book?

And still, I sit here without an answer to the question before us:

Rebuilding Hearts

Curious Minds Want to Know: What Is Your Absolute Favorite Book? Why?

If you asked for this year, I could narrow this down to maybe five.  The Gold in These Hills, Rose Among Thornes, The Words Between Us… so many good ones.

If you asked the most inspiring (and all of this is obviously outside the Bible) book… I could give you A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and why that book made such an impact on my life. I almost did that, you know. But seriously, I have several posts here about that book already. We don’t need another, and it’s not actually my favorite book of all time.  Is it?

So here I am back at square one. And I’ve decided how to narrow it.  Out of thousands and thousands (not an exaggeration) of books I’ve read, I’m narrowing it down to almost thirty because, after all, this is to celebrate Carolyn’s new release, Rebuilding Hearts. So I’m going with my favorite book of the Independence Islands Series and why. I hope I don’t stomp any feelings here. I could easily name one from each author as a favorite, but Carolyn Miller is to blame for this. That’s all I’m saying.  😉

So… favorite book of this series so far?  I’m going with Kari Trumbo’s Sweet Rivals.  I could have chosen Tabitha Bouldin’s Falling for the First Mate or Melissa Wardwell’s Blessings in the Bargain.  Maybe Rachel Skatvold’s Elnora Monet or one of my books (I’ve loved writing them, after all). Hey, I could even have chosen Carolyn’s release from yesterday, Rebuilding Hearts.

But I’m choosing Kari’s Sweet Rivals because I want this book as a movie.  It has everything Hallmark wants in a movie (romance, tension, super-cute couple) and everything I love in a book. The characters aren’t carbon copies of ones you’ve read in every romance.  There’s depth to the story and its subplots. And… it has a strong faith element that doesn’t whack you upside the head like a fire and brimstone preacher in your sleep.

Okay… now I feel like a heel.

Kind of like I do for that first five seconds after naming xyz kid my favorite. But as I said there… this could change the second someone says, “Oh, remember what Rachel did in Stranded on Sparrow?”  Or, “Didn’t you love reading Thaddeus’ story?”  That’s fine.  It’s this minute in time right now, right here, gun to my head.  Favorite Independence Islands book… until it’s not… Sweet Rivals.

But seriously… Carolyn’s Rebuilding Hearts… I’m telling you… Check it out.

rebuilding heartsRebuilding Hearts by Carolyn Miller

Who knew a bank robbery could show a girl that good guys still exist?

Tim Franklin. Quiet, shy, almost incapable of speaking to a girl, and a budding horticulturist. Oh, and he survived a bank robbery five years ago, not to mention its resulting trauma.

Bookworm Bella Dwyer just wants to feel safe, and Tim’s actions during the robbery made her believe there might be guys who live up to her fictional heroes. Trouble is, a chance with Tim seems as remote as this year’s celebrity heartthrob.

Instead, she settled for a relationship with a guy who’s commitment-phobic.

So when Bella encounters Tim on tiny Sparrow Island, the challenges of her past and present collide, and she questions whether there really is a future with a man who can’t commit.

In a leap of faith, Bella dumps her boyfriend, even before shy-guy Tim can make a move. But in wanting to live by faith and conquer fear, has she made the right choice, or are her hopes for freedom and a future destined to fail?

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

The Independence Islands authors are at it again!

Join us for fun, prizes, and all about our favorite books to celebrate Carolyn’s release of (a really great book, that now that I think of it, also would make a great movie. Just sayin’!)!

Carolyn Miller – June 28

Chautona Havig  – June 29

Melissa Wardwell – June 30

Kari Trumbo – July 1

Rachel Skatvold – July 2

Tabitha Bouldin –July 3

Sandy Barela – July 4

Get your entry in for prizes here and on each blog!

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
byChautona Havig

To Love a Viking by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore has been released, and I got to chat with them about it last week. Guys, this series!  If the Christian influence on Viking history isn’t enough, what about adventure, fight scenes, and romance that won’t make you blush? How about that a damsel is in distress and… gets rescued by another woman instead of the stereotypical DUDE! Listen in!

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

Are You Ready for an Exciting New Viking Series from 2 Great Authors?

 

One of the biggest surprises I recall from researching books by different authors was that the cozy mystery and suspense author I liked and respected, Heather Day Gilbert, had also written historical Viking books! I made the erroneous assumption that they were romance and skipped them (for the time being… I knew I’d read them some day), and then something happened.

A few months ago, I saw this cover.  With Heather’s name on it.  And some other gal I hadn’t heard of–Jen Cudmore.  What is this deliciousness?  The cover was AMAZING… not stereotypical nor was it inauthentic.  It was just GOOD (not to mention gorgeous) and with the Celtic frame (the Vikings did go over to Scotland/Ireland after all), I just felt like it hit all the sweet spots.

Well… the book is here, folks.  And I’ve got a copy in my hot little hands.  No, really. It’s July. And I live in the desert.  My hands are totally hot and in totally all the wrong ways. Just throwin’ that out there.

Anyway, Heather and Jen chatted with me about To Love a Viking, and oh my!  This book sounds fabulous. We know Viking women were strong. Even those that weren’t warriors had to survive Nordic winters. Ergo, strong.  But what about strong enough to build a new society with people they’d once fought against. Oh, and rescue a damsel in distress #BecauseYeah!

I’m ready to dive in to To Love a Viking myself, and I hope you’ll grab a copy, too. It promises to be incredible.

To Love a Viking by Heather Day Gilbert and Jen Cudmore

Get swept up in an enthralling new romance series featuring women who rule the hearts of Viking men.

ELLISIF Forced into a financially advantageous marriage that spirals into a nightmare, Ellisif cannot help but imagine what might have been and ache for what was lost. The only lights in her life are her daughters and the friendships she’s forged with the household servants.

Though seven years have passed since Ellisif wed another man, Dagar still cannot forget the woman who captured his youthful heart. As the Viking warrior battles for his country’s future, he finds himself entangled in a personal war for Ellisif’s freedom that could cost his family their reputation and standing with the king. If he risks all, can he save the woman whose face still haunts his dreams? And if given another chance, will she choose him?

INARA Escaped slave Inara is determined to start a new life. Under the guidance of warrior and shipbuilder Håkon, her sword skill grows, as does her confidence that the Viking men will accept her as a warrior in her own right.

When she is selected to lead a perilous rescue mission to protect Ellisif, Inara finds herself blindsided by feelings for Håkon…and by threats to her freedom far closer than she feared. As dreams and desires collide, she wrestles against the lies holding her captive. Can she conquer her doubts before all that she’s hoped for slips from her hands?

Written by award-winning historical author Heather Day Gilbert and fresh voice Jen Cudmore, two love stories entwine in this sweeping Viking-era romance, the first novel in the Tavland Vikings series.

You can find out more about the series and the authors on Heather’s WEBSITE.

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Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 154: A Chat with Romantic Suspense Author, Sami A. Abrams
June 28, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 153: A Chat with Historical Author, Tracie Peterson
June 21, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 152: A Chat with Contemporary Romance Author, Amy Anguish
June 14, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 151: A Chat with Christian Romance Author, Carrie Padgett
June 10, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 150: A Chat with Mystery/Thriller Author, Steven C Harms
June 7, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 149: A Chat with Jennifer Sienes about Night Songs (and more!)
June 3, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 148: A Chat with Author, James R. Hannibal
May 31, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 147: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Jubilee Lipsey
May 27, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 146: A Chat about The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher
May 24, 2022
Chautona Havig
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The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't e The end of Finding a Memory had a twist I didn't even see coming, and now... it's time to find out what happened... and get Mallory and Benjamin's story.  I can't wait to share it with you!
Releases July 26. Stay tuned for release day fun from Minnesota!  WOOT!  An #affiliate preorder link (at a discount) is in my bio.
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It's July!!! Time for a new book from the Read You It's July!!! Time for a new book from the Read Your Bookshelf Challenge by @chantelreadsallday 
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Reposted from @lianaygeorge Are you looking for yo Reposted from @lianaygeorge Are you looking for your next summer read?  Searching for the PERFECT addition to your #bookstack?  Want to travel to another country without stepping through your front door?

I have the series for you!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Now through July 4th, preorder Perfectly Placed (either digital or paperback) and get a digital copy of Perfectly Arranged FREE! 

All you need to do is purchase Perfectly Placed, DM or email me with proof of purchase, and I'll send you a digital copy of Perfectly Arranged.  It's that easy!!! If you've already read Perfectly Arranged you can gift it to the person of your choice.

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Reposted from @lianaygeorge There's only one more Reposted from @lianaygeorge There's only one more day left to enter my Goodreads Giveaway!!

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