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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

People are always asking me, “Where do I start?”

Sometimes, that’s an easy question to answer. I send them over to the Suggested Reading Order page and let them have at it. But not everyone wants to jump into the whole Rockland universe. It’s a lot of books, and why commit to it all if you don’t even know anything about it–or about my writing?  I get it. Sometimes folks are looking for a stand-alone, or for something for their kids, or they want a defined series of just a few books. They want mystery or women’s fiction rather than general or romance!

Gotcha covered. I came up with this as a solution. 🙂

Romance? Mystery? Suspense? Historical? Cozy? I’ve Got a Great Book for You!

Just find your favorite genre or trope below, and see what I recommend. I’ve tried really hard to give only one recommendation for each one BUT… I did do a couple where there are opposite styles in that genre!

Novellas:  Sometimes a novella is a great way to check out an author’s work, so if you want a short intro into my style, I’d go with

Random Acts of Shyness

Random Acts of Shyness

$9.99eBook: $3.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Novella, Romance

Heath Karras can tell you a dozen bizarre zoological facts, but he can't get a second date.

More info →
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Random Acts of Shyness
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Romance: Okay. Just to note, I don’t have a lot of straight-up romance books. Most of my books are romantic at some point, but as far as typical romance formula… I don’t often follow it. So there’s that. A good example of how that has worked in my books is

Not a Word

Not a Word

$14.99eBook: $4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Rockland, Romance

Every story has two sides, but not always are both told. Mac's silence left his reputation in shambles, but after years of trying to rebuild, two people re-enter his life who just might change his life for good.

More info →
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Not a Word
Buy now!

Historical Romance: One of my most popular books fits in this one. This is a mail-order bride story like you’ve never seen.

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit

$12.99eBook: $4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Westward Home and Hearts
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Western
Tags: Historical, Romance, Suspense

Mrs. Millie Crenshaw's selection process should ensure that her men and women have the best chance at a satisfactory (if not happy) lifetime together. If the rest of the world would just play by her rules, life would turn out just fine.

But they don't. And when young women go missing, one disappointed homesteader and a grieving young woman join forces to discover just where these brides-to-be are!

More info →
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Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

Women’s Fiction: Hands down, Shattering Secrets.

Shattering Secrets

Shattering Secrets

$14.99eBook: $5.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Genres: Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction
Tags: Recommended Books, Rockland

An annual Christmas project sends a professional blogger in search of a little boy's one and only Christmas wish—his father—and unearths a story with the potential to rip apart a family forever.

More info →

Mystery: Oh, this one is hard. I’m going to split it between historical and contemporary because those are very different.

Historical:

The Nutcracker’s Suite

The Nutcracker’s Suite

$9.99eBook: $4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Christmas Fiction, Book 5
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical, Mystery
Tags: Christmas Fiction, Collection, Historical, Mystery, Rockland, Romance

A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clarice Stahl, knows something is strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Meyer’s office, especially one in particular. Then murder strikes a little too close to home and uncorks a barrel of secrets.

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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The Nutcracker’s Suite
Buy now!

Contemporary:

Manuscript for Murder

Manuscript for Murder

12.99 / 3.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles, The Hartfield Mysteries, Book 1
Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Tags: Mystery, Recommended Books, Rockland, Romance

Meet Alexa Hartfield, one of Fairbury's most eligible bachelorettes, not to mention fashion connoisseur and celebrity author. She seems to have everything going for her... until someone starts replicating the murders she writes in real life. Can the police end this killing spree, or will this be the end of Alexa's writing career?

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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Manuscript for Murder
Buy now!

Suspense: This is another split one.  I have two options… slowly becoming more and more suspenseful through a series and jump into the suspense right now.

Slow burn (a very relationship-oriented book that ends with the kickoff of the suspense):

None So Blind: (Sight Unseen Book 1)

None So Blind: (Sight Unseen Book 1)

$12.99eBook: $4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles, Sight Unseen Series, Book 1
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Suspense
Tags: Rockland, Romance, Suspense

Lost in a mind without memories, Dani Weeks fights expectations, desires, and doubts to rise above her unusual and heartbreaking situation. Fully aware that she could walk out on her family with no regrets, her husband, David, must fight to save his marriage and get to know the woman he vowed to love until death.

More info →
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None So Blind: (Sight Unseen Book 1)
Buy now!

Traditional suspense:

Justified Means

Justified Means

12.99 / 4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles, The Agency Files, Book 1
Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
Tags: Mystery, Recommended Books, Rockland, Romance, Suspense

“You steal me from my house, drag me out here bound and gagged, hold me at gunpoint, and you’re worried about getting the tape off me gently? You’ve got some nerve!”

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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Justified Means
Buy now!

Christmas: I’ve written a TON of Christmas fiction. Novellas, full-length novels… EVEN a general market Santa book (I know… I know). I’m just going with one of my personal favorites.

The Matchmakers of Holly Circle

The Matchmakers of Holly Circle

14.99 / 4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Christmas Fiction
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Christmas Fiction, Rockland, Romance

They've been in love for ten years, but it takes an interfering neighbor with a penchant for poker to unravel the mystery of their persistent platonic relationship.

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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The Matchmakers of Holly Circle
Buy now!

Middle-Grade/Youth: This one is hard, too. It would take a lot to explain why, so I’m going to go with where I’d want a kid (or kid at heart!) to start.

Shadows & Secrets

Shadows & Secrets

$13.99eBook: $4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Annals of Wynnewood, Book 1
Genres: Action & Adventure, Christian Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Youth
Tags: Fantasy, Historical, Recommended Books, Youth Fiction

Follow Philip and the cloaked creature as they rescue a lame child, discover 'pirate treasure,' and test the mettle of true friendship. Shadows & Secrets is the first book in the Annals of Wynnewood

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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Shadows & Secrets
Buy now!

Sci-Fi: Yes! I have one!

Volition

Volition

$14.99eBook: $5.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles
Genres: Christian Fiction, Sci-Fi
Tags: Futuristic/Sci-Fi, Rockland

Andi Flanders planned a nice wedding, a happy life, and anything but being abducted to the future. What's with that?

More info →

And for favorite tropes and elements:

Most popular character: This one is tough. It’s pretty evenly split between Aggie and Willow AND… those series are kind of intertwined, so I’d start with Aggie only because it’s a traditional series instead of a serial novel.

Ready or Not

Ready or Not

14.99 / 4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles, The Aggie's Inheritance Series, Book 1
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tag: Rockland

It's Mom's Night Out meets Cheaper by the Dozen when 22-year-old Aggie "inherits" her eight nieces and nephews.

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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Ready or Not
Buy now!

Most impactful: I don’t know if this still true, but it’s the one people refer to the most that I remember. Note: it does have a slow (deliberately so) beginning.

Prairie

Prairie

12.99 / 4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Journey of Dreams, Book 1
Genre: Christian Fiction

Join Jessa Davidson as she wakes up in the land of her dreams, but is Prairie the dreams of her life come true--or her worst nightmare? Is it real? Is it permanent? Or will she awake to discover that she's lost her mind--or worse, her life?

And the biggest question on Jessa's heart? Does she care?

More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
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Prairie
Buy now!

Fun kids: If you want a series:

Ready or Not

Ready or Not

14.99 / 4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles, The Aggie's Inheritance Series, Book 1
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tag: Rockland

It's Mom's Night Out meets Cheaper by the Dozen when 22-year-old Aggie "inherits" her eight nieces and nephews.

More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Purchase with Paypal
Ready or Not
Buy now!

if you want just one kid and one book:

{Operation Posthaste}

{Operation Posthaste}

$9.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: The Rockland Chronicles
Genres: Christian Fiction, Comedy/Humor, Mystery, Romance
Tags: Mystery, Novella, Rockland, Romance

In class, Dylan learns all about secret British operations to ensure the security of their homeland. Well, he's got one of his own now.

More info →

Mature-Age Romance:

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory

$9.99eBook: $4.99Audiobook: $12.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Independence Islands: the Book Barrow, Book 5
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tag: Romance

The fifth book in the Independence Islands series focusing on Sparrow Island, Finding a Memory will touch your heart and fill it with hope and love.

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Western: Technically, Penelope’s Pursuit is a western, but for straight-up western with just a little romance (and a lot of humor) in it…

The Trouble with Nancy

The Trouble with Nancy

$12.99eBook: $4.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Genres: Historical, Romance, Western
Tags: Historical, Romance

Nancy Harrison has finally stepped out of her prissy box and tried to do something helpful--but did she go overboard in her first self-less act?

More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
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The Trouble with Nancy
Buy now!

Marriage of Convenience: I have a couple, including a whole series devoted to that idea. But for straight up… I’d go with

Dual Power of Convenience

Dual Power of Convenience

Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Independence Islands: the Book Barrow, Book 2
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Collection, Romance

Richard Danforth--a brand, spankin' new (barely but it counts) billionaire and his new property manager, Lyla Santana. It was a match made on paper—never have to see each other again.

 

More info →

WWII:

Deepest Roots of the Heart

Deepest Roots of the Heart

12.95 / 5.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Legacy of the Vines
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical, Romance
Tags: Historical, Recommended Books, Romance

Avelino Carrillo returns home from WWII with one goal in mind--to regain his family's vineyards and preserve the legacy passed down for generations.

More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Deepest Roots of the Heart
Buy now!

Bookish books:  I have a lot, but I recommend the Bookstrings series. Start with:

Spines & Leaves

Spines & Leaves

$7.99eBook: $2.99
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Bookstrings, Book 0
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
Tags: Collection, Novella

One man, one store, thousands of books.  What'll it take to keep this bookstore from becoming a book ghost town... and what'll it take for Milton to tie two heartstrings together?

More info →
Buy This Book Online
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Spines & Leaves
Buy now!

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 522: A Chat with Jill Eileen Smith
byChautona

I’ve always had a soft spot for the woman at the well, and chatting with Jill Eileen Smith about her book, A Deeper Well just made me decide my Biblical fiction book of the year. Listen in and see why.

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

Too often, the woman at the well gets a far worse rap than Jesus gave her, so I’m excited to see someone treating her situation with compassion AND Biblical truth. Eager to read.

A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith

Her broken heart thirsts for acceptance and love that seem out of reach–until an encounter at the well reveals what her soul truly longs for. In ancient Israel, soon after Nessa is of marriageable age, her father gives her to a wealthy widowed friend, capitalizing on her beauty to bring in the highest bride-price he can find. Nessa is devastated, as she had begged to marry Lavi, who returned her love and saw more in her than her appearance. Nessa’s betrothal leads to Lavi’s departure, compounding her grief, and she can never forget her forbidden first love. Nessa tries to accept her fate, but after only a year of marriage, tragedy hits her new family. She is sent back to her father, who quickly finds a young man who wants to marry the most beautiful woman in Sychar. Misfortune follows Nessa as she is passed from one marriage to the next–until she meets an unusual Jewish rabbi at the town’s well one afternoon, and her life is forever changed.

You can get A Deeper Well at 30% off with free shipping (as of today, anyway!) at BakerBookHouse.com.

Goodreads Giveaway going on in March 2026.

Learn more about Jill at her WEBSITE. and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

  • Apple
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  • and more!
Episode 522: A Chat with Jill Eileen Smith
Episode 522: A Chat with Jill Eileen Smith
March 9, 2026
Chautona
Episode 521: A Chat with Barbara M. Britton
March 7, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 520: A Chat with R. M. Ruiz
March 2, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 519: A Chat with Carrie Brownell
February 28, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 518: A Chat with Ashlyn McKayla Ohm
February 23, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode : A Chat with Rume Emma-Okerhe
February 21, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 516: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
February 16, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 515: A Chat with Heather Tabers
February 14, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 514: A Chat with Deborah Clack
February 9, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 513: A Chat with Amber Gabriel
February 7, 2026
Chautona Havig
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Don't miss the FULL audiobook FREE on Youtube on @ Don't miss the FULL audiobook FREE on Youtube on @ChristaDelSorbo's account. Pointed Suspicion might be the penultimate book in the series, but Take Cover is the FINAL book and... it's also free on YouTube.
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What's it about?
When protectors become targets, no one is safe.
Mark created The Agency to shield the innocent—but now an unknown foe fights to assume command. As shadowy threats tighten around Mark and his team, danger erupts on every front: terrorists at sea, betrayal within their ranks, and an enemy who always seems one step ahead.
While a Caribbean cruise turns deadly and secrets unravel in the agency’s halls, one shocking betrayal proves the enemy is closer than anyone imagined. Mark faces the fight of his life—not just for the future of his organization, but for the people he loves most. As faith and romance grow amid the fallout of shattered dreams, the stakes rise higher than ever.
The countdown to the series finale has begun… and survival is anything but guaranteed.

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Yesterday's launch of CrossWords at the store that Yesterday's launch of CrossWords at the store that inspired it all was a BLAST! We had so many people come out and cheer on the store, the founder's book, and my fictionalized rendition of what could happen there.  So much fun.
We have a prize winner (Congrats Etta H!) and we sold out. FAST.  I mean CRAZY fast (45 minutes and they were GONE... and I brought tons!). Sooo... Thanks again!
Special thanks to @christianbookandgiftgrv for having me and putting up with me making alter egos for you!  More is coming. Already got started. (yes, that is a hint)

Meanwhile, for those of you who aren't in the area or had life outside my silliness, the eBook releases on Tuesday and you can listen to the audiobook, one chapter a day through March (full ebook goes up at the end of March!) read by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo !  Whenever the audiobook platforms get it live, it'll be there, too but probably not until April.
The preorder price is still good through Tuesday, and it's almost 20% off the retail.  Here's a link!
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"Time to dance, sugar plum." The fabulous @Christ "Time to dance, sugar plum."

The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including TheNutcracker's Suite--a mystery set among the mob activity during the Prohibition era.

You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free!

OR

You can also get The Nutcracker's Suite and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
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3d
Gladys is sporting a cool prize bag before today's Gladys is sporting a cool prize bag before today's book signing at @christianbookandgiftgrv 
Had a blast meeting and seeing everyone!!!
Audiobooks FREE? Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Na Audiobooks FREE?  Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo.
Available in individual chapters OR listen to the FULL audiobook in one video!
Scott Keil's mission work tends to overtake both his and his daughter's life.  So when his daughter ropes Natalie Dersham to help out, he's thrilled.  When she starts playing matchmaker... well... okay, he's kind of thrilled about that, too.  The age gap?  Probably prohibitive but if it wasn't...

Also available in print, on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, and all major audiobook platforms,
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https://youtu.be/rzD7cULBeV8
Atticus is ready to launch... the book, too! Atticus is ready to launch... the book, too!
Two believers and one skeptic walk into a Christia Two believers and one skeptic walk into a Christian bookstore. Words ensue—including cross ones.
CrossWords has thrived for over fifty years, and Shiloh Scott runs it with equal parts Scripture, encouragement, and wholehearted hugs. So when she moves the store to a new location, she expects shelving chaos.
She does not expect to learn her nephew is done with Jesus.

It's time! CrossWords is coming March 9, 2026 UNLESS you want an early copy. Then zip on over to Christian Books & Gifts in Greeneville, TN on March 7, 2026 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.! We're having a FUN launch party to celebrate the store that inspired the story! (I just love that "store" is in the word "story. Sort of.) Thanks to @christianbookandgiftgrv for allowing me to "write lies about you." ;)
The audiobook chapters are already releasing on @ChristaDelSorbo 's YouTube channel!
Preorder here!  https://amzn.to/4b46lEl (Affiliate link!)
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