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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Kind of Fiend Would Break a Poor, Unsuspecting Nutcracker?

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

Who stole the nutcracker? We're out to find out as part of the release fun for The Nutcracker's Suite! Read and enter to win the giveaway! via @chautonahavig

the nutcracker release

Twenty nutcrackers lay spread out before me.  One by one, I grabbed my gold cord and tied it on. Must. Get. This done.

Around me, young people walked through the house–first out to my son’s “shed-room” and then back into the bathroom or to the kitchen for a drink and a piece of Hungarian coffee cake.  Those kids can plow through a Hungarian coffee cake, let me tell you!

My chair rolled–maybe it was an earthquake, or perhaps I rocked weirdly without noticing, but out of the blue, it rolled. I grabbed for the table, and in doing so, knocked off one of the nutcrackers.  When I bent over to pick it up, my heart sank.  “Oh, no!  I broke the nutcracker.”

That shock was nothing to the “Aha!” I got when a guy burst into the room, Tommy gun drawn, and pointed right at me.  “Aha!”

Somehow, I managed not to blurt out, “You already said that.”  Survival from mobsters 101. Don’t antagonize the guy with the gun.

Part of me wanted to ask just what the “aha” was about, but again. Gun.  I was willing to wait to be enlightened–preferably not as a prelude to my demise.

What Kind of Fiend Would Break a Poor, Unsuspecting Nutcracker?

the nutcracker

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

“Where is it?”

“What?”  Okay, so I kind of squeaked it out. Who knew what a wimp I was?  Not me.  After all, after nearly shooting out my own eye as a kid, you’d think I’d be hardened to the dangers of guns or something.  Apparently not.

“The nutcracker.”

Okay, so my prudence went out the window right about then.  I pointed to the table with nineteen perfect little nutcracker ornaments.  “Right there.”

“No, the nutcracker–the one you broke. We know you broke it. You admitted it. I heard you.”

Okay, this guy was just weird.  “Okay…” I held out my hand with the three broken pieces of my little ornament–just a flat, laser-cut piece of wood. Nothing special. “Here. I did it.  Sue me.”

“Not that one!  The one in Meyer’s office.”

Is it just me, or is it rude for people to ask for something, you give it to them, and then it’s not good enough.  As if it’s your fault the idiot–I mean, person–didn’t get specific to begin with?  Just asking… for a friend.  Okay, fine. For me. It’s for me.

“I broke this…” I shook the pieces at him in my clenched fist (you know, the one I wanted to shove through his face) nutcracker ornament when I obviously got startled.  Probably my subconscious hearing you come in, which makes it your fault, by the way. As for Meyer? That was in a book… and happened a hundred years ago almost.  Go read it to find out who did it.  I’m innocent.”

When the guy raised his gun as if to coldcock me for not being cooperative, I tapped a button on my phone.  The contact info for a friend of mine–a local detective.  “Hey, Nathan? I’ve got this guy in my house threatening me with a Tommy gun because I don’t have and won’t confess to breaking a fictional nutcracker. Can you do something about this?”

“Fictional nutcracker?  Did you write the book?”

I swallowed hard.  “Well, yes.”

“Then, I’d say you broke the nutcracker in the book, anyway.  Meanwhile, let this guy know that I’m on my way and will arrest him for assault if he’s still there when I get there.”

When I turned away from the phone, the room was empty… save one kid who stared at me holding a fistful of Hungarian coffee cake pieces. “I’ll put them back… I’m sorry…”

Okay, I’ll admit. I was tempted to let the kid squirm, but I couldn’t do it. Clearly, whatever nutcracker he’s all broken up about, I didn’t damage it. I suspect he saw my addressed Christmas cards on the table, though, so watch out, Cathe Swanson. I bet he’s headed your way next.

The Nutcracker’s Suite

“Time to dance, sugarplum.”

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.

When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing the race is on to prove he’s behind the murder. Police and mobsters alike are after Milo Natale, and he who finds Milo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.

A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the offing. Milo and Clarice must find who killed Topo’s man and why before the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clarice off, too.

This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.

Friday, The Nutcracker’s Suite Released!

Follow all the stories to find out who did it and how or why!  (And to get entries in to win one of the fabulous prizes!

April Hayman – Nov 26
Marji Laine Clubine – Nov 27
Chautona Havig – Nov 28
Cathe Swanson – Nov 29
Denise Lauren Barela – Nov 30
Rebekah Jones – Dec 1
Sandy Barela – Dec 2
Liz Tolsma – Dec 3 

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Comments

  1. Cheryl Arcemont says

    November 28, 2021 at 5:57 am

    This sounds like a great book added to this collection! Bravo!

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
byChautona Havig

A chat with Sarah Sundin is always fun, so when I learned we’d be discussing her upcoming release, The Sound of Light, last October, I was excited. Well… we chatted, and it’s finally time to share that interview. Listen in to what the title means, where Sarah came up with it, and the delightful story that she’s got waiting for us. I’m glad this episode came out in time for me to get the 40% off and free shipping deal from Baker because I apparently didn’t order it back when we chatted!

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

How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I didn’t know much about Denmark and WWII, so chatting with Sarah about The Sound of Light shed definite light (no pun intended) on the history of the Danes and how they stood up to Hitler… and got away with it (for the most part).

The Sound of Light tells the story of a physicist who meets a “slow, dull” guy who intrigues her in spite of herself. Come on… if that doesn’t grab you… Maybe the fact that this slow dude is really an Olympic rower in disguise who uses his father’s company as a front for who he is and how he helps Jews escape?  Yeah. That.

As always, Sarah Sundin has done her research and the result is a gripping story of resistance, protection, and ultimately love for God, our fellow man, and maybe… each other.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for my copy of The Sound of Light to arrive.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research–her life’s dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement’s legendary Havmand–the merman–and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

You can also grab this book from Baker Book House at 40% off with free shipping! (which is cheaper than the Kindle version!)

And you can learn more about Sarah Sundin on her WEBSITE.

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

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Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
January 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
January 27, 2023
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Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
Chautona Havig
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
Chautona Havig
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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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?

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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
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