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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

My Top 10 Anticipated Summer Reads & Why They Made the Cut

by Chautona Havig · 4 Comments

Every day it seems—twice a day, even. The post appears on Facebook, Instagram, even Twitter. “Show us your TBR pile!”
Also, for those who’ve managed to avoid all that internet speak, “TBR,”  just means to be read. Beautiful pictures of stacks of books… They make my heart sing. Oh, they do. But they also make my eyes turn to a poison green (not really—just enjoy the semi-literary flight of fancy).

You see, a decade ago, I couldn’t comprehend a “TBR” pile—not of books that you hadn’t already read. If I dashed down to the bookstore and bought three or four books, they’d be read by morning. I just never had a “fresh pile” lying around.

I do now.

Enter full-time writing. Yep. When your free time dwindles to no time at all, the important things often get shoved by the wayside. Organizing your cabinets, making meals, cleaning the closet… oh yeah, and binge-reading four books in a day. Those nights of stumbling to brush my teeth in a book-drunk stupor? GONE.

It’s so sad.

Fortunately, to write well, one must read. So, I do. But not as much as I’d like. But this summer, I was determined. I’d collect recommended books, books I’d been dying to read for ages, and books I’ve been wanting to finish but never had time. And I’d try to get through as many as possible. I’d compile a great list of “summer reads.”

Ten, though. I promised myself ten full books.

My Top 10 Anticipated Summer Reads & Why They Made the Cut

Links in this post are mostly affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

So… My Top 10 Anticipated Summer Reads & Why They Made the Cut

*note: I have not read these, but since all but 3 mentioned are Christian fiction and the others were recommended to me by conscientious readers, I do not expect objectionale material in them.

Love's Gentle Shore1. On Love’s Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson

The last book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series—how could I not? Well, and I’m almost done with it. For the second time. In a row. Just sayin’. Stay tuned for the review on July 4th!

Death by the Book by Julianna Deering2. Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

Book two of the Drew Farthering Mystery series. I just had to. If you read my review of Murder on the Moor, you’ll know why. That reminds me. Did I ever review The Rules of Murder?

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma3. Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

I’ve been half done with this book for ages which is WEIRD. Because usually, if I can put a book down, it’s not that good of a book. But this one is! It’s really good. Holds my attention! I’m dying to finish. So I am. And then I can finally review the second book in the series, Daisies are Forever.

Never Tomorrow- Judith Rolfs4. Never Tomorrow by Judith Rolfs

I received this as a gift when I met Judith last fall, and I’ve been dying to read it since. It’s time to do that. She won out over Purple Rain on Dogwood Lilies by giving it to me just a few days before Brian Voigt gave me his. I think his goes on the Autumn Reads list. What do you think?

Storming by K.M. Weiland5. Storming by K.M. Weiland

When Katie sent me this book, I was DYING to start it that minute. And I did. But I made myself put it away after a few paragraphs and use it as a reward. I’ve done that a few times, and even reread bits while my ankle healed, but surprisingly, I couldn’t read much with my bum ankle. So, I am letting myself finish. Because I can. And because this is a seriously good book.

A Twist of Faith- Pepper Basham6. A Twist of Faith by Pepper Basham

So we all know how much I LOVED Pepper’s Just the Way You Are—despite the abundance of lip-lock in the thing. Well, she recommended this book as one that might hide the red cheeks that only make me look like I forgot sunscreen in this blazing heat.

Kennedy Stern Suspense Box Set7. Unplanned: A Kennedy Stern Suspense by Alanna Terry

I was just going to buy the one book, but EEEP! The whole set is available for 9.99. I’m going to go by the recommendations and reviews and nab that sucker while I can. Besides, that makes it count as one book, so I can read three in one! WOOT!

8. Being Dead Is No Excuse by Gayden Metcalfe & Charlotte Hays

Being Dead Is No Excuse--Metcalfe & Hayes

Don’t the authors’ names scream southern? Yep! This was a gift from April, one of my readers. When I met her last autumn, she thrust this book into my hands and told me I had to read it for my research on the upcoming series I have planned. It takes place in Savannah, so I’ve got to get that stuff right, you know? A few minutes later, while I worked on my friend’s porch, she dashed across the street and popped another book in the mail slot— Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat. She Just Weighs Heavy by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. That goes on the autumn reads list, too—at the top. So I can truthfully say I read it—and probably have to admit I shouldn’t have waited so long.

Eleni by Nicholas Gage9. Eleni by Nicholas Gage

My dear Greek friend, Vicky, gave me this book for my birthday last year and I STILL haven’t read it. Well, guess what? I’m reading it for my birthday THIS year. YEAH. I can’t wait. My daughter has at least read some of it because she told me it was sad. Can’t wait. It looks amazing.

Life After by Katie Ganshert10. Life After by Katherine Ganshert

Okay, I didn’t choose this one JUST because it takes place in Chicago, or because it feels like it’s going to have a taste of another favorite Chicago fictional story for me—the movie Return to Me. No… I really did choose it because it looks like a fabulously crafted story. I hope I’m right. Oh, and on Return to Me? LOVE that movie. But Jim Belushi needs a filter on his mouth a time or three. Just warnin’ you.

Which ones didn’t make the summer reads cut this time?

In case you can’t read that picture, I thought I’d share the ones that didn’t make it for summer, but probably will for autumn!

  • In Plain Sight by Marlayne Giron. Aliens among the Amish? C’mon. I’ve gotta check it out, right?
  • Purple Rain on Dogwood Lilies by Brian Voigt. The next book is coming out soon. Gotta catch up!
  • People of the Book by Kathi Macias. Read the synopsis. It says it all!
  • Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin. You know, I’ve been dying to read her books for ages. It’s time.
  • Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl. It was recommended. The reviews look great. That’s all I need!

    Christy Barritt Autograph
    Never say Christy won’t help with a joke…
  • Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt. I’ve been meaning to read these for years. I OWN THEM ALL. My husband has read them all. In fact, I even have a book signed to him by her. It’s time.
  • The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron. Look, every time I see a “What are you reading” list or a “What should I read” post, someone mentions this book. Then a bunch of people jump on and say, “THAT BOOK IS AMAZING!” So, I want to see if I agree! (Bet I do!)
  • Rhapsody in Red by Donn Taylor. The only reason this book didn’t make the summer reads final cut is that I couldn’t find it on Kindle and I don’t know the guy enough to know if I’d want to pay to ship it to another reader or not. That’s the only reason.
  • Who Is Harrison Sawyer? By Aaron Gansky. I saw Gansky and automatically read “Alton Gansky” instead of Aaron. I loved Distant Memory, so I chose this. And it looks good. Even if it isn’t the “right guy.”
  • A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawanna Blackwell. I loved her Gresham Chronicles books, so I thought I’d give this one a shot, too.
  • The Sweetest Rain by Myra Johnson. Frankly, I chose it because it takes place in the 30s. And it’s time for a good 30s book for me.
  • The Spindle Chair by Shellie Arnold. I wasn’t that intrigued by the synopsis, but the “A Happily Even After” tagline for the series? Sold me on giving it a shot.
  • 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith. My daughter bought me the series at the thrift store—in hardback. I loved the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency “movies,” so it’s time to see if I love these, too!
  • The Memoir of Johnny Divine by Camille Eide. Confession. I almost bumped one of the ones up there for this one. I’m REALLY dying to read it. It sounds AWESOME! Sigh.

There you have it. And because I love you guys, I’ll share one of my reads with one of you if you’ll tell me what’s on your summer reads list, and if any of these intrigue you! What do you think?

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Comments

  1. Kathleen says

    July 3, 2017 at 11:14 pm

    I haven’t read Just the Way You Are, yet. It’s on *my* TBR. 🙂 However, I can tell you I loved Twist of Faith! I actually reviewed it on my own blog: http://bit.ly/2tLmR9Y

    I haven’t read Through Waters Deep yet, but I was recently given a free copy of Anchor in the Storm (the second book in the series) so TWD is on my TBR now! BTW I read that Through Waters Deep was the 2016 Carol Award winner, so it should be a great read.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      July 3, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      YAY! Thank you for telling me about Through Waters Deep! I’m excited! I HAVE to read these!!!

      AND… Seeing the Twist of Faith review on your blog is one reason I was excited to contact you! WOOT!

      Reply

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Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
by Chautona Havig

The cover got me first.  It was “my” Madeline, but of course, no one could tell if they didn’t know the photographer’s work. So, combine WWI, poppies, and “my” Madeline… well, I had to read it, right?  Yeah. Among the Poppies (review here) by J’nell Ciesielski was the best debut novel I’ve ever read.  Bar none.  I became an instant fan of J’nell Ciesielski that day, and I’ve read everything she’s written ever since.

So, when I heard about her newest release, of course, I wanted to read it.  I wanted to talk to her about it–all the things. So, let’s talk about this book.

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

My First “Top Book” of 2021 Begins HERE!

I had a wonderful discussion with J’nell about her newest release (as in releases TODAY!), Beauty Among Ruins, about her vision for writing Christian fiction, and the goals Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins has for some of their Christian fiction titles/authors!

Let’s start with this book: Beauty Among Ruins.  Guys… this book. Lily and Alec just hit the top tier of favorite characters ever. Not only that, but J’nell Ciesielski adds depth and richness to her cast by having supporting characters that I’m dying to know more about.  Sequel perchance?  I’d love that. Just sayin’…

We learned the history of the book, how it got its title… hint, the original was hilarious but um… yeah.  Not one that I’d grab off the shelf unless I saw J’nell’s name on it!), and some of the research she had to do to keep her from using the hackneyed old solutions to familiar problems in early 20th century England… well!  WHEW!

Oh, and speaking of those problems… One of J’nell’s most brilliant skills is taking the spine of a story you think you’ve read before and turning it into something fresh and new. For example, in Beauty Among Ruins, you have an American heiress, an aristocratic family who are floundering to keep up the family estate, a crumbling manor house turned into a hospital, and wounded soldiers.  Sound familiar?

It’s not. And that’s the brilliance of J’nell.

Add to that a storyline that keeps you guessing and full of rich history that never weighs you down with preachiness (seriously, preachy fiction isn’t just for Bible. It also happens with science, politics… and history!

Speaking of preachy fiction…

As much as I loved talking about her book, one of the highlights of the interview is getting an insider’s understanding of where Thomas Nelson is taking some of their fiction.

I’ve been an outspoken critic of the lack of spiritual content in the Christian Fiction coming out of Thomas Nelson in recent years. When you buy “Christian fiction,” you expect to find something other than just “clean fiction.”

In my discussion with J’nell, she described the publisher’s goal of using fiction with a Christian worldview and subtle elements to bridge the gap between Christian fiction and the general market. Knowing this is the plan rather than just a watering down of faith or something. Knowing that those elements are woven into subtext to be a gentle reach to readers who otherwise might not pick up Christian fiction makes that lack of overtness much more palatable.

Additionally, J’nell didn’t just write a “clean” book. The spiritual elements are in there. They’re just layered into that subtext. I found myself going to the Bible to see what it said about several things.  This is what I want from my Christian fiction.  I don’t’ need a token prayer or Bible verse.  Those do nothing for me. But give me something to chew on for a while, and I’m thrilled.

J’nell Ciesielski does that beautifully and has from the very first book of hers I read.

She also told me about a book coming out this summer… The Ice Swan.  Isn’t that cover GORGEOUS?

I’m so excited about Beauty Among Ruins  that I’m also giving away a copy of J’nell Ciesielski ‘s book to one commenter.

Go to https://chautona.com/because-fiction-42 and tell me if you’ve ever read anything by J’nell and what your favorite was if you have. I’ll try to draw next week when I do episode 43.

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

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Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski
January 13, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 41: A Chat with Jennifer Pierce
January 5, 2021
Chautona Havig
Episode 40: My Favorite Book of 2020
December 8, 2020
Chautona Havig
Episode 39: A Chat with L.K. Simonds
December 1, 2020
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Episode 38: Dan Smith & Saving Ebenezer
November 24, 2020
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Episode 37: A Chat with Sara Beth Williams
November 17, 2020
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Episode 36: A Chat with Jennifer Beckstrand
November 10, 2020
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Episode 35: What Is This NaNoWriMo Thing All About?
November 3, 2020
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Episode 34: 5 Cheap & Easy Ways to Feed a Book Habit
October 27, 2020
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Episode 33: 2020 Christmas Collections
October 20, 2020
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I get you, Keith. I get you. Justified Means: book I get you, Keith. I get you.
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
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Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
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Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @tabithaboul Reposted from @karitrumbo Repost from @tabithabouldin
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Who wouldn't want it?  Justified Means: book one Who wouldn't want it? 
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
#christiansuspense
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Reposted from @becausefictionpodcast Episode 42: A Reposted from @becausefictionpodcast Episode 42: A Chat with J'nell Ciesielski

I had a wonderful discussion with J'nell about her newest release (as in TODAY!), Beauty Among Ruins, about her vision for writing Christian fiction, and the goals Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins has for some of their Christian fiction titles/authors!

Stay tuned for more in depth show notes in just a bit!

© © Chautona Havig 2020
@jnellciesielski
#becausefiction
#podcasts
#Christfic
#christianfiction
Kind of depressing but true... Justified Means: bo Kind of depressing but true...
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
#christiansuspense
#christianfiction
#Christfic
#KindleUnlimited
Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is Justified Means: book one in the Agency Files, is on tour with Celebrate lit. Visit celebratelit.com to find a link to follow the blog tours and check out the reviews. 
#christiansuspense
#christianfiction
#Christfic
#KindleUnlimited
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