• 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
    • 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

Warning: This Book Isn’t Free from Sexual Tension

by Chautona Havig · 6 Comments

“…just so glad I can grab any book with your name on the cover and know it’s safe for my kids and grandkids to read…”

The longer the woman talks, the drier my throat becomes. I try to speak—I fail. Half-gasping, half-wailing to the Lord for help, the words miraculously (okay, a bit of hyperbole there) burst through the instant desert otherwise known as my throat. “Don’t.” It comes out in a squeak, but I try again.

No, really. Don’t. I have a couple of books I don’t recommend for younger teens or those who have led a more sheltered existence.”

Warning: This Book Isn't Free from Sexual Tension

Three books come to mind in a scenario like this.

Not a WordFirst, there’s Not a Word. That book deals with a difficult topic—that sexual temptation isn’t just a male thing. I know it is hard to imagine, but there are still churches, camps, and similar places that treat sexual temptation as a boy’s curse and a girl’s job to prevent… in those boys! Both are untrue. And so, in that book, I really stressed what happens when we perpetuate this fallacy and leave our daughters surprised at their own sexual struggles.

Effective Immediately also has a short scene that is awkward and uncomfortable. I don’t think I took it too far. I wanted to show the situation for the horrible thing it was without dragging the reader too deeply into that muck. I wanted to show it—not plop you in the center of it. But, it’s still several paragraphs that I wouldn’t want my twelve-year-old to read. She probably wouldn’t “get it.” And if she did, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

As I said in THIS POST, I work very hard to ensure kids wouldn’t get an education from my books that should come from their parents.

But one book of mine should come with one of those warning labels:

Warning: This Book Isn’t Free from Sexual Tension

Okay, that’s a bit of an understatement. Speak Now has more than just sexual tension. And yes, it’s sort of “click bait,” but I did it for a reason. I hope you’ll forgive it when you see why. Because let’s face it, all books have some sexual tension somewhere. But compared to most of my books, this one has serious issues to consider.

Why would I do that if I avoid most of that stuff?

Because it’s real. And it’s out there. And it’s a part of our everyday lives. And in Speak Now, I chose to show just how easy it is to justify, to convince yourself, to “go there.” And once you’ve taken steps toward “moral failure,” it’s even harder to step back again.

And I wanted to show that temptation isn’t reserved only for those who are careless with their study of the Word—who claim a relationship with Jesus the Christ that they don’t actually live. Committed, godly, sold-out-for-Jesus Christians are tempted. Daily. Sometimes hourly. Married or single, young or old, mature or still feeding on the “milk of the Word,” every last one of us are subject to temptation.

** Spoiler alert**

Speak Now Cover ImageFor those who need to know before reading a book just how “far they go,” I’ll tell you. They get a hotel room. They get into that room with every intention of using it. And all without ever touching. I was as graphic as I could be about the desire without pushing it into emotional porn. I did it for a reason. I ran right up to that line of appropriateness, and while I didn’t lean over it, I didn’t lean back either. I pulled no punches…

Right up to the moment when one of them snapped out of their desire-driven decision and woke them up.

And I did that for a reason, too. Because so often I hear people say, “Well, once you’ve gone that far…”

It’s a lie. A lie from the pit. I don’t want this post to get too graphic either, so I’ll put it this way. There isn’t any moment… not ANY that is too late to separate and say, like Paul Sutton did in A Walk in the Clouds,

You can’t imagine how I want you. But… I won’t hurt you that way. I won’t.”

So yeah. Speak Now might need a warning label, but I guarantee it’s safer than cigarettes, gasoline, and a million other things known to cause cancer in the State of California.

 

Update:  

A couple of the commenters reminded me of other books I should add to the “warning” list.  While still free from graphic and overt sexuality compared to most of what you find, these books also have themes or scenes that you want to be aware of before you hand over to someone who isn’t married or isn’t anywhere near ready to be.

Christmas Embers:  Deals with adultery, sexual temptation, and the devastation they have on the entire church.

HearthLand: How the church handles unrepentant, ongoing sexual sin and what it does to community.

None So Blind:  There’s nothing strictly overt in it, but the confusion about marriage vows and what it all means might be a bit mature for younger readers.

Overall:  Apparently I’m much more forthright about cycles and things in my books than I am IRL.  Who knew?  Snort  So, if your girls aren’t comfortable there, it is something to be a ware of.

 

Speak Now Quotes

Share168
Pin
Tweet
Email
168Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
168Shares

Related

Filed Under: .99, Writing Tagged With: Rockland Chronicles

Previous Post: « The Unexpected Blessing of Unlikely Mentors
Next Post: What Is the Best way to Choose a Genre? »

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. Emilee says

    June 22, 2017 at 7:34 am

    I took the “bait”. I haven’t read any of your books but intend to. I feel the same way about many of the books I read (for mature readers only) and I read only CF. The reality of it is though that many of these teens or preteens are reading/ viewing much more provocative movies and books. A 12 year old girl at my church had A Fault in Our Stars in her library bag yesterday. I am glad you put the “warning” out though. Parents should monitor their kids/teens literature, bottom line. But sadly most don’t.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 22, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      I think it’s best. I would appreciate it, even if I didn’t think it was an issue for my kid. And yes, unfortunately, most American kids are exposed to worse in the hallways of their schools than in my obok, but I’m still careful.

      Reply
      • Emilee Douglas says

        June 23, 2017 at 3:24 am

        So true, it breaks my heart at what my kids have seen and heard at school. I wish I could have sheltered them more.

        Reply
        • Chautona Havig says

          June 23, 2017 at 1:09 pm

          I suspect you taught them as much with your example as they learned there, too. Kids pick up on ALL lessons… not just the bad ones.

          Reply
  2. Tina at Mommynificent says

    June 22, 2017 at 6:28 am

    I appreciate your candor and your warning since my girls do read some of your books. I agree – they won’t be reading these for a while yet. I would add Christmas Embers and Hearthland and probably None So Blind to your list as well. One other caveat I would give to moms considering giving your books to pre-teens and early teens like mine is that you are much more forthright about monthly cycles than we are in our family and that has spurred a few interesting conversations for us. This is definitely not a bad thing, but I always appreciate a heads-up so I can be prepared.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      June 22, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      Funny that you should say that about cycles in my books because we’re NOT so much at home. I tend to be exceptionally private about it. I completely forgot about Hearthland (Susannah) and Embers. I think I agree with you on None So Blind as well, but I also know everything in there would go right over my kids’ heads until the age when I wouldn’t care so I wouldn’t have thought of that one at all.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
byChautona Havig

Fans of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series are doing happy dances following the release of an exciting new spin-off series, Last Chance Fire and Rescue. Expired Return brings back a few favorite characters and kicks off another of Sunrise Publishing’s author/mentor led fiction seasons! Listen in to find out what happens when an author brings back a guy she dropped a building on a couple of books back…

 

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

When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver!

Let’s face it. Authors might SOMETIMES be “done” with a series, but readers often want more… indefinitely. Well, with the brilliance of Sunrise Publishing’s mentor model, authors get to collaborate with authors they trust to do their “worlds” proud while still having time to write new, exciting things as well. And some of the Sunrise lead authors even write in the spin-off series–like Lisa Phillips and Trisha Goyer!

This new Last Chance County series promises everything we love about Lisa Phillips’ world–danger, intrigue, heart-stopping suspense, drama… you know… all the feels. But in addition to her own release, Expired Return, this series also introduces us to new authors who have been carefully vetted and selected to ensure they do justice to Lisa’s Last Chance characters. I, for one, can’t wait to check it all out.

Lisa and I chatted about what she plans for the series,Lisa hinted about a possible super-secret reveal coming soon, and I even poked her with the idea of a Last Chance Christmas.

Help me convince them on that, will ya?

But this new book… Whoa…

Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

  • Book 1: Expired Return
  • Book 2: Expired Hope (coming soon)
  • Book 3: Expired Promise (coming soon)
  • Book 4: Expired Vows (coming soon)

Last Chance County

  • Book 1: Expired Refuge
  • Book 2: Expired Secrets
  • Book 3: Expired Cache
  • Book 4: Expired Hero
  • Book 5: Expired Game
  • Book 6: Expired Plot
  • Book 7: Expired Getaway
  • Book 8: Expired Betrayal
  • Book 9: Expired Flight
  • Book 10: Expired End

Learn more about Lisa and her books on her WEBSITE.

Learn more about the different seasons (series) offered by Sunrise Publishing or how to audition with them on the Sunrise Publishing WEBSITE.

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 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
BONUS Episode: The Bookish Podcast Tag!
February 4, 2023
Chautona
Episode 205: A Chat about Cold Light of Day with Elizabeth Goddard
February 3, 2023
Chautona Havig
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
Chautona Havig
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
Chautona Havig
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
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

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

  • When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver! (February 7, 2023)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • My (not so) Brilliant Answers to the Cool Bookish Podcast Tag
  • Are You Eager for This Thrilling, Suspenseful New Series?
  • How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is officially available in e-book, paperback and in #kindleunlimited ♥️♥️

Treat yourself to this swoony, sweet romance! 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Link in bio 

 #amreading #readersofinstagram #readersofig #igreads #holidaybooks #newbooks #kindleunlimitedromance #kindleunlimited #readersgonnaread #bookstagram #booknerdigans #booknerd #holidaybooks #newbooks #sweetromance #bookworm #bookshelf #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #amwriting #amwritingromance
Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice at every turn, but will he catch up to her?
 #fantasyreads #fantasy #bookstagram #books #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookworm #book #bookaddict #reading #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookcommunity #booklove #bookaholic #bookrecommendations #instabook #bookobsessed #instabooks #bookaesthetic #booklovers #readmorebooks #readingtime #bookishlove #booksofig #fantasybooks
Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADO Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADOW IN MOSCOW will be available on June 13, 2023!! I can’t wait for you to meet Cold War spies, Anya Kadinova and Ingrid Bauer. You can pre-order your copy today!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#authorsofinstagram #authorlife #authorsofig #authorsofinsta #authors #writersofinsta #writersofinstagram #writerlife #writersofig #readersofinstagram #booklovers #booklove #readersofinsta #readersofig #stories #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstragramreels #bookstagramreel #booktok #books #bookreels #booksofig #storytime #newrelease
Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Ligh Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Light is now available from @revellfiction , and it received a starred review from Booklist!

In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden--a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

Read more and find purchase links in the Linktree in my bio!
.
.
#thesoundoflight #thesoundoflightbook #wwiifiction #wwiinovel #histfic #historicalfiction
Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠ ⁠ Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠
⁠
One more week until the release of Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray! Preorder now for 30% off plus free shipping or the ebook copy for only $2.99. Bonus gift with either! ⁠
⁠
Click on the publishing page in the linktree in our bio then the 30% off in the menu! ⁠
⁠
⁠
#celebratelit #christianfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram #christian #fiction #books #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #faith #christianhistoricalromance #historicalromance #historical #romance #laboroflove #gardensintime #margueritemartingray #promiseofpurity
  • 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!