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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

So, What about Romance makes Annie Want to Run?

by Chautona Havig · 6 Comments

The synopsis glowed at me from my laptop.  Reality TV star. Golden, glittering life crashing down around her.  Running away.  Finding an Amish inn. Meeting new friends.

Unique, interesting.  Of course, the title made me nervous—Runaway Romance. With a title like that, it’d have sap and mush… great, heaping, gobs of it.  Could I take it?  Well, if I could get past a few dozen “stick-your-head-in-the-freezer” kisses from a certain other author, I could choke down a bit in this one, right?

And besides, I convinced myself I could take a Claritin or three before reading, right?

So, before I could change my mind, I clicked the link and filled out the blog tour request form.  I mean, who can resist a runaway reality star stranded at a Kentucky Amish inn?  Apparently, I can’t.

So what about Romance makes Annie want to Run? Runaway Romance review

So what did I think about Runaway Romance?

Um… okay.  The storyline is a clever idea.  I liked the idea of someone getting fed up with Hollywood and the sham of reality TV.  One of the things I liked most was the idea of the juxtaposition of reality TV star with the Amish.

I’ll be honest.  I wanted to love this book.  There was so much about it in its favor.  I just didn’t.  It didn’t take long before I was rooting for liking it.  By midway… I settled for finding it just “okay.”

And that’s all it ever became.  “Okay.”

Usually, when I read a book I don’t love, I do love the characters or the setting or the humor… the writing… something.  But this time… well, I still love the premise.  It’s an interesting idea. I don’t dislike the book, but none of the things that draw me into a book happened in this one.

Romance?  Oh, yeah.  It was there.  And it wasn’t even too sappy!  I didn’t need Claritin at all.  But the relationship was crazy fast.  Look, my parents met and married in six weeks.  I have read lots of books where people fall in love in just a couple of weeks.  But seriously, everyone in the book seemed to have instant attraction and connection that went way too fast.  Chemistry—non-existent.

I’m working hard here to find something that I really liked about the book.  And honestly, it’s the concept.  I just can’t rave about the execution.

Who might love this book?

Romance junkies—folks who just love to see a girl finally get a decent guy. Folks who love to see the Amish in a bit of a different light.  People who love happily-ever-afters.

And based on a couple of reviews, I’ll be checking out a couple of Miralee Ferrell’s books.  It sounds like they might be more my speed.  🙂

Oh, and why is Annie running from romance?  Well… some romance should be run from, and the one she ran from is definitely one.

 

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Comments

  1. Mary Stephens says

    April 27, 2018 at 8:27 am

    I didn’t read the book, but I saw the movie. It was nothing to write home about. I also dislike the whole “whirlwind romance” thing where people “fall in love” for a lifetime in 4 days, 6 hours, and 45 minutes. Meh. Not so much.

    Reply
    • Mary Stephens says

      April 30, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      By the way, this isn’t to say I haven’t run across *true* stories of people who fell in love very quickly and continued to fall in love for a lifetime. But it’s the rare exception in real life, not the norm. 🙂

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        April 30, 2018 at 9:26 pm

        I agree it isn’t the norm. But my parents met and married in 6 weeks. And 49 years later…

        Reply
  2. NZ Filbruns says

    December 9, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    This book does have an interesting setting, but it doesn’t sound like my cup of tea.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 10, 2017 at 12:22 am

      Stereotypical. Every person in it, actually. Odd. I hadn’t noticed that until I thought of it today.

      Reply
  3. honeybeerosewritings says

    December 9, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Missing pieces in Ann’s life feel like the embodiment of what I feel and I can’t tolerate deception like Hunter.

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 285: A Chat about Tangles and Tinsel with Jennifer Sienes
byChautona Havig

If you’re looking for a great Christmas read, Jennifer Siennes has a new Christmas novella you won’t want to miss. Part of the Bedford County series, Tangles and Tinsel offers a new start for Kimberly and a second chance at love for Jax. Listen in to learn more!

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

How One Great New Christmas Novella Made It on My List!

In this episode, we discussed the difference between Jennifer’s Apple Hill Series and her Bedford County Series.  

Jennifer also shared her new idea for a new series that I, for one, am eager to read. EEEP!

Tangles and Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes

Why didn’t her life get the memo regarding Christmas being about peace on Earth and goodwill to men?

For the first Christmas in years, Kimberley Saint John may actually get that peace on Earth she’s been dreaming of. Daddy has been sober for going on two years (a record), and if he stays that way, she might have a chance for a life of her own. Maybe even a family. And between you, her, and the fence post, she’d love it if that family included her childhood friend Jax Jenson and his kids.

Except he’s still mourning the loss of his wife.

Jax doesn’t understand why no one has snatched up sweet, beautiful, and funny Kim. Then again, the way she carries hurt and betrayal around like battle gear might have something to do with it. And he is not knight-in-shining-armor material. His wife could’ve told her that.

Kim’s dreams are shattered when Mama shows up, after a twenty-year absence, sending Kim into a tailspin of worry for her daddy. Desperate, she turns to the one man who gets her—Jax.

What will it take for Kim and Jax to untangle emotions that keep them from trusting in God’s sovereignty and find purpose through the pain?

Learn more about Jennifer Sienes and Tangles and Tinsel on her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

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Episode 285: A Chat about Tangles and Tinsel with Jennifer Sienes
Episode 285: A Chat about Tangles and Tinsel with Jennifer Sienes
December 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 284: A Chat with Cowboy Romance Author, Karen Baney
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Because Fiction 279: A Chat with Amish Author, Leslie Gould
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