• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Book Would Make the Best Last Literary Meal?

by Chautona Havig · 18 Comments

Okay, let me just be super transparent here, okay? Last meal. When I saw that question on this week’s blog challenge, I kept wanting to ask, “What do you know that I don’t?”

It’s strange. I’ve never been afraid of death. Okay, I’m not so keen on the dying part. Not unless I get to do something super sudden or I die in my sleep. I’m good with either of those. But I don’t like pain, and I don’t like what watching people die does to their loved ones.

So the idea of a “last meal”? Yeah, didn’t sit well with me. Kind of heavy on the stomach, if you know what I mean.

Rib eye? My son’s amazing key lime cheesecake? Scallops? Hungarian coffee cake? Would I care? Probably not, if you want the truth. I mean, if I would, I wouldn’t have had to try to trick myself into an answer.

What Book Would Make The Best Last Literary Meal

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

But my last literary meal…

Whoa. When I got that idea—the idea that I have to choose one book to read—and then never get to read another book again… Wow.

My brain raced through every book I could remember. I deliberately removed the Bible from the options, because if it wasn’t, there’d be no dilemma.

Because I’m a writer, and because it’s what we writers do, I upped the ante. I added another restriction. “And it can’t be a book you’ve already read.”

*thud*

No, seriously. How do you decide what book will be the last you ever read—and you have to choose one you don’t know if it’s any good? I mean, think about that for a minute. That’s like saying, “Here’s a menu of all the foods you’ve never tried. Pick one. It’ll be the last you ever taste.”

*whimper*

And, if that wasn’t awful enough, I decided, in grand writerly fashion, to tack on just one more “can’t.”

It can’t be by an author I’ve ever read or listened to an audio book for. I threw the audio book in so I couldn’t take the “safe” route and go with Elizabeth Peters. I’ve listened to many of hers. Never read one.

The search began.

Apparently, I’m wider read than I thought. I went through list after list, book after book—everything I could imagine. Every time a title or cover grabbed me, I recognized the author—have books of his or hers on my shelf or my Kindle.

Look, it took a while, but I narrowed it down. This book was too cheesy. That one was too depressing. I thought maybe I wanted something fairytale-ish. Or maybe I wanted a mystery. I do love a good mystery. Suspense—nope. Didn’t find one I didn’t recognize, wasn’t in first person (NOT making my last literary meal my least favorite point of view!), or didn’t have a disappointing opening.

But eventually, I narrowed it down to two—one by an author I’ve never heard of and one by an author I have wanted to read for a long time.

First up:

Along the Broken RoadAlong the Broken Road

by Heather Burch

Synopsis: 

Armed with only a journal and a promise, soldier Ian Carlisle returns home to fulfill his friend’s dying wish: to find the man’s daughter and read her his journal, one page at a time. The woman he finds in River Rock, Missouri, is just as warmhearted, artistic, and feisty as her father described. Ian had fallen in love with Charlee McKinley before he even met her, but he has no idea if she’ll ever return his feelings.

Charlee loved her father—but she didn’t like him very much. Regimental and strict, Major Mack never approved of his daughter’s choices. So when a down-on-his-luck soldier arrives on Charlee’s doorstep, she’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but not her heart. It isn’t until he starts reading to her that the beautiful, touching words begin to unlock something deep inside. But when Ian reveals a secret that shakes Charlee to her core, will she close herself off to love out of fear?

Te Beautiful PretenderThe Beautiful Pretender

by Melanie Dickerson

Synopsis:

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences

Choosing? Almost impossible.

So I did what any rational person would.

I went to do something else. Came back. I tried to close one out and couldn’t. I could close out that other tab. Who won?

Heather Burch with Along the Broken Road. I just had to know what is in that journal. So you know what that means? I get to read it next. I mean, come on! It’s excellent stuff right there.

Of course, if I hadn’t written this BEFORE I read Pepper Basham’s Just the Way You Are, I’d probably have chosen Twist of Faith.  She recommended it next.

Share69
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews, General Information, Personal

Previous Post: « Why I Hate Summer Vacation More Every Year
Next Post: The Hidden Blessings in Losing Your Memory »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Photini says

    June 20, 2017 at 5:26 am

    I admit that this was a little hard for me. There are so many books by authors I know and love that I haven’t had a chance to read yet.

    BUT, if I could only read one book more – a book that I would have to stay with me for the rest of my life, I think I’d chose A Psalter for Prayer: An Adaptation of the Classic Miles Coverdale Translation which I have never read.

    This is a book that I have thought about in the past, but I have a wonderful Psalter that I read through 4 times a year. Sometimes I think I’d like to change, but it is so easy to stay with what is familiar. Hopefully, the translation would enhance, not detract, from what I have already memorized. That way everything I read could remain with me for life, even if I never saw another book.

    https://smile.amazon.com/Psalter-Prayer-David-Mitchell-James/dp/0884654184/ref=mt_paperback?_encoding=UTF8&me=

    Reply
  2. Pepper says

    June 16, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    Did you read ATOF???? 🙂 Inquiring minds want to know 🙂

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 16, 2017 at 6:43 pm

      1. You should be impressed that I didn’t even have to think about what you meant.
      2. It’s on my Kindle. I’m using it as a reward for finishing Will Not See. *whistles*

      Reply
      • Pepper says

        June 16, 2017 at 6:53 pm

        ACK!! I forget I use that abbreviation without thinking! So glad you deciphered that without too much difficulty 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you think. It’s a little more mellow than JTWYA 🙂

        Reply
  3. Alicia says

    June 14, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    I have a Heather Burch e-book titled “Something Like Family.” “Along the Broken Road” sounds just as intriguing. I have Kerry Lonsdale’s next read “Everything We Know,” which I have been waiting and wanting to read. And of course Liz Johnson’s next book (which you keep flaunting… :/ LOL) which I am impatiently waiting to read.

    Soooo…I have a dilemma. I want to know what that journal says, I want to know if the grandfather and grandson in “Something Like Family,” can find their way. I want to read James perspective in “All That We Keep,” after reading the first two fabulous books (“Everything We Know” and “All the Breaking Waves”) by Kerry Lonsdale. They just won’t be complete without it. And then we have Liz Johnson.

    So…if I go with an author I have not read it would be Heather Burch and while I want to know about the grandfather/grandson relationship, “Along the Broken Road” sounds like a romantic suspense or something along those lines. And that intrigue pulls at me.
    So you have my pick…though I would always wonder about James’ side in “All That We Keep.”

    There better be a library up there because goodness knows if it is the last book I ever read, I am going to struggle down here…Just sayin’

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 14, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      I always wonder how it could be that we wouldn’t care anymore. I feel like that’s the truth–that with the Lord, we’ll be so thrilled in His presence that it alone will be enough, but He is a Creator. And we’re made in His image. So then the confidence wavers.

      Reply
  4. Amelia says

    June 13, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    I think I would go with one I haven’t read yet. “Along the Broken Road” is on my To Read list.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 13, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      If you read it before me, let me know what you think.

      Reply
  5. Michelle says

    June 13, 2017 at 7:11 am

    Ok both of your choices sound extremely intriguing.
    Tempts me to choose one of those.
    But to be safe I’d probably choose one of yours I haven’t read (actually there are several). I’ve liked every one of your books I’ve read so I know I wouldn’t be sorry.
    But….I also have yet to read Beth Moore’s novel and that tops the list too. Can’t recall the title right now.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 13, 2017 at 7:35 am

      i’m looking forward to seeing which one I like most

      Reply
  6. Rebecca Pittman says

    June 12, 2017 at 9:32 am

    If I had to choose ONE, I think I’d choose Confessions of a De-cluttering Junkie and savor the fact that I wouldn’t have to every worry about housecleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering every again because the only way I’d never read again was if I was dying! Sigh. Poor Kaye would suffer it alone while I gloated over it…(hey, if I have to die, might as well enjoy something!)

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 12, 2017 at 10:55 am

      Purrlock would be proud!

      Reply
  7. Lucinda Culp says

    June 12, 2017 at 7:40 am

    I am shaking with laughter, Chautona! Totally ready to do battle over reading my beloved L.M. Montgomery’s “The Blue Castle”
    Bless you for saving me from needing to put on my war paint.
    In case anyone cares to read my comments, may I offer a bit of information that just tickled me to pieces? I discovered a treasure trove on Amazon of FREE Kindle books of Gene Stratton-Porter. One of the first “grown up” books my grandmother gave me was “Freckles” (which I finished a few minutes ago on my Kindle, yay!) While there is nothing quite like an old friend, in all it’s yellowing paged, dusky fragranced glory, they translate well enough digitally. Plus one can change fonts and yellow pages….what’s not to love? And, just for you, I will take into serious consideration doing the challenge, using YOUR stipulations. Deal?

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 12, 2017 at 10:56 am

      Deal. Did you read the Harvester?

      Reply
  8. Barbara says

    June 12, 2017 at 5:41 am

    That’s a hard choice. Hmmmm. And I have so many unread books here and on my Kindle, but I have to think what would be the last thing on my heart and mind before meeting Jesus face to face? That is a somewhat sobering thought.
    I think (and I know you aren’t a fan) it would be Israel, My Beloved, by Kay Arthur. To be caught up in the story of God’s great live of His chosen people, and then to wake up to see Him is perfect. At least in my mind 😉

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 12, 2017 at 10:58 am

      I love your idea, but you know I don’t love your book choice. Heee heee.

      Reply
  9. Rebekah says

    June 12, 2017 at 5:31 am

    I was thinking Past Forward, but I am currently lovinng Connilyn Cossette’s stuff. And you totally sold me on both of your choices.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 12, 2017 at 10:59 am

      I will now have to try Connilyn Cossette! Going on the list for #summerreads!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!