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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

When the Arrogance of Man Meets the Goodness of God?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Refining Josie, the last book in the Independence Islands series, is here, & the authors are talking about mistakes and misunderstandings. via @chautonahavig

I never knew how much I talked about my mistakes and misunderstandings until I had to write this post and realized I’ve shared most of the ones (if not all) that are remotely interesting. Let’s face it. I’ve got an unbelievable talent for blowing it. Case in point: I didn’t get this post finished last night. I was wandering down memory lane, reminiscing about the crazy things my dad and I used to do (he’s on hospice right now so… yeah), and totally spaced finishing it.

While I’d like to say most people forgive me… (they do), what astounds me more than anything is how God knew all the ways I’d slap Him in the face with my ingratitude, arrogance, and faithlessness. He knew, and He still chose to give me life–to give me the opportunity to be that messed-up person.

refining josie

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

When the Arrogance of Man Meets the Goodness of God?

Life–that’s what happens. Life. I’ve lived a life of failure. No doubt. But in that failure, God’s goodness has shone brighter than any star He created. It shines in the light of people who forgive. The glow of His grace illuminates confusing moments. In all, it’s a wonderful expression of that verse we all know so well.

Romans 8:28–And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

So why am I yammering on about the myriad mistakes and misunderstandings that would crush me without Jesus lifting them and dumping them on the cross?  Well, the FINAL book in the Independence Islands series released yesterday, and Carolyn asked the authors to share about mistakes and misunderstandings because those are the central theme of her final book.

Refining Josie Carolyn MillerRefining Josie by Carolyn Miller

What’ll it take for the prodigal daughter to share her deepest secrets… and her heart?

Josephine Green returns to the islands in an attempt to reconcile with her family, but with a cloud over the family business, and little in the way of gardening skills, Josie’s painful past and flaky ways prove less than endearing for Greener Gardens’ hardworking crew.

Stuck without any other options, Josie is forced to accept her sister’s offer of a job that takes her to Breakers Head where she encounters Aussie teacher, Lachlan Jones.

A long-lost relative might’ve brought Lachie to a tiny music recording studio on the Independence Islands, but it’s also brought questions about how to care for someone he barely knows, especially considering he’s the last family she has. Questions regarding his future soon pale when he encounters the vibrant-haired Josie, whose sass and attitude takes some getting used to.

Neither imagined more until they began to bond over music and environmental causes. Both discover that first impressions need not be lasting ones.

But with the future of Gardens Gardens looking shaky, and Josie’s faith and self-worth just as tenuous, can deepening a friendship into something more ever work? And what happens when Lachlan’s work means he has to return to Australia after Christmas? What’ll it take for two hearts to heal and make a future possible?

This Breakers Head novel is Carolyn Miller’s final book 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.

Don’t miss the other authors’ posts and giveaways!

Carolyn Miller: December 6

Chautona Havig: December 7

Melissa Wardwell: December 8

Kari Trumbo: December 9

Rachel Skatvold: December 10

Tabitha Bouldin: December 11

Celebrate Lit (Sandy Barela): December 12

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
byChautona Havig

Last fall, I talked with several authors about their novella collection (Episode 177) and learned about a new series they’d planned for 2023. Well, of course, I wanted to talk with them about it, and last week I “sat down” (I stand while recording, but you get my drift) with Heather Greer to talk about her book in the Stained Glass Legacy Series, Window of Opportunity.  I’ve been reading her book and am really enjoying it, so I was excited to talk about this 1920s story of friendship, romance, corruption, and more!  Listen in to find out what to expect from Heather Greer’s first historical romance!

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

Why Doing the Right Thing at the Wrong Time Is No Picnic!

Okay, you have to read the book to “get” that title, for the post, but I figured it’d make Heather smile.

Heather and I talked about the differences in writing contemporary versus historical fiction–including all the work that goes into research!  Did they have this thing or that then? Are we assuming too advanced or not advanced enough?  Did people actually use this word or that? It’s a complicated process, and it slows down the writing when you have to figure out if a train even went through that area and if so, which direction did it go?!  Not that this has ever happened to me!

But first, Heather told the story of how she met the other authors in this series at a writer’s retreat, and the idea for this entire four-book series (all releasing THIS YEAR) sparked conversations until they couldn’t not write it.  With each book being written in a different era (1920s, 1970s, contemporary, and future dystopian) AND with not only this stained-glass window but also the family of the young men we’ll meet in Heather’s book, Window of Opportunity.

Stay tuned for more interviews with other Stained-Glass Legacy authors. I hope to chat with all of them!

Window of Opportunity by Heather Greer

Faith and duty drive Evangeline Moore to protect her father’s pristine image as a judge in Harrisburg, Illinois. Her resolve’s biggest test? Dot, her childhood friend. With Evangeline beside her, Dot’s desire for the Roaring Twenties’ glitz and glamor leads the pair into questionable situations.

Born into a Chicago mob family, Brendan Dunne understands duty, but faith puts him at odds with his father’s demands. Even when his brother James’s propensity for trouble lands them in Harrisburg, the truth is undeniable. To their father, the lines he won’t cross mean Brendan will never measure up.

When circumstances push Brendan and Evangeline together, unexpected events create opportunities to break free of family expectations. Will they be brave enough to forge their own path before the window closes on their chance to change?

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Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
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
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Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
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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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Episode 197: A Chat with Amish Author, Shelley Shepard Gray
January 6, 2023
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Episode 196: A Chat with Rom-Com Author by Becca Kinzer
January 3, 2023
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Episode 195: A Chat about What I Would Say with Liz Tolsma
December 23, 2022
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Episode 194: Reading Challenges and The Space Between Words Gush
December 20, 2022
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Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Reposted from @margueritemgray Come take a visit t Reposted from @margueritemgray Come take a visit to our newest set of islands – The Suamalie Islands! These islands are very different from the Independence Islands because they are touristy. Another way this series is different is we have added more authors. You will see some familiar Independence Islands authors but will also see some brand-new ones. Just like with our Independence Islands, each author will follow a type of business that goes across all the different islands.

There is a Giveaway of a $50 Amazon card to celebrate this new series. Enter January 28-February 5. https://promosimple.com/ps/245c3/suamalie-giveaway

Find out more about each book and author in the series by going to the publisher’s page: http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/suamaliegiveaway/

#giveaway #suamalieislands #celebratelit
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Reposted from @choosingjoynovels I may personally Reposted from @choosingjoynovels I may personally have been run into by a limb or two...

#funny #tree #blind #visuallyimpaired #blindauthor #authorsofinstagram #christianauthor #fictionauthor #historicalfictionauthor #romanticfiction #romancenovel
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales which is on tour with Celebrate Lit! Check out the blogs and enter to win a cool prize package with a book, one of "Pepie's babies," and other fun bookish goodies!
Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
Reposted from @pepperbasham Thanks to @dareyoutore Reposted from @pepperbasham Thanks to @dareyoutoread for this fun graphic!! #thecairocurse #freddieandgrace4ever @barbourbooks #historicalromance
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