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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Is This Fabulous Fitness Program for Perfect Curves?

by Chautona Havig · 24 Comments

Christmas 1982.  The Esplanade—Oxnard, California. The store sold nothing but mugs, and I read every one of them. I bought one for a friend that showed a hippo, a flying bird, and two sheep.  Cracked up all the way home on that one (hippo, birdie, two ewes).

But then there was this other one.  I debated for hours.  Literally.  I came back to the store at least half a dozen times before I plunked down the last of my Christmas shopping money and watched the gal wrap up the mug.

Aunt Marilyn would love it… or she’d kill me.

The delight on her face when I handed her a wrapped box—nerve-wracking. Would she switch to embarrassment?  Hurt?  Anger?  Would my dad kill me for being disrespectful?

She opened it… laughed.  Gave me a hug and filled it with coffee right then. Okay, she washed it first. Let’s not get too crazy with the facts.  But still, she did.

What did it say?

“Ewes not fat. Ewes just fluffy.” 

Apparently, sheep puns were the in thing in 1982.  Probably from all that partying. (I sure hope that’s how that song I’ve never heard but have heard people talk about for like three decades goes).

Aunt Marilyn loved that saying. She’d seen it on a sweatshirt in a catalog when I was at her house one day and had laughed and laughed.  That laughter is why I took a chance on offending her.

Back then, I couldn’t imagine that thirty years later, I’d be sitting in a Denny’s booth writing out the story for people to read… and carrying an extra ten to fifteen pounds for every child I’d ever had. I often point to a roll here or there and name it.  “That’s Jenna, that thigh is totally Challice, this chunk is Ethan…”

I also don’t play games. The truth is: I’m fat.  I want to say, “And I’m okay with that,” but that’s not quite true.  It’s more that I’m okay with saying I’m fat rather than trying to sugar coat it by saying I’m “carrying a few extra pounds” or “I’m fluffy.”

As a writer, I sometimes write deliberately skinny or overweight people. Usually, though, I just write people and let the reader decide how “fluffy” they are or aren’t.

But readers often say they like having characters on the larger side. So, when I saw a new book by Robin Helm—one in which Elizabeth Bennet is a little on the “more to love” side–I had to read it.

So, I asked her if I could order one. She sen a copy of More to Love to me as a gift.  And then when the tour opened up with Celebrate Lit, well… the least I could do is sign up!  So, I did!…

And in it… Jane Bennet helps Elizabeth with her “fluffy” issues.

More to Love Tour

Note: Links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, I was given this book and volunteered to review it.

What Is This Fabulous Fitness Program for Perfect Curves?

In her usual creative style, Robin Helm has conceived a Lizzy Bennet who is self-conscious about her weight. We can thank our beloved Darcy for that one, but it does make for an interesting character shift.

We’re used to seeing Elizabeth as strong-minded, confident, and perhaps “obstinate and headstrong?”

And yes, she most certainly is, but there’s more to her, too.

I’ll be honest.  The insecurity she displays about her weight and girth didn’t seem to fit her at first.  Of all the Bennet girls, only Mary seems less inclined to be influenced by someone’s opinion of her.  After all, in Austen’s version, she always seems more amused than insulted by Darcy’s “not handsome enough to tempt me” statement.

However, the more I thought about it, and the further into the story I went, the more plausible it became.  After all, the most practical woman can become ridiculously self-conscious of her weight.

Once that idea planted itself in my mind, other issues I had with her character disappeared. It all made sense.

I think with this book, Ms. Helm makes two very important points.  First, body image issues aren’t just a twentieth or twenty-first-century issue. Women, in general, care about their appearance, and while ideal size preferences vary by culture, being found wanting is generally disappointing.

Sure, Jane Bennet helps her sister shed a few pounds, but hers was not the “fabulous fitness program for perfect curves.”

That, Ms. Helm teaches us, is love.

Seriously, I’m glad I requested a review copy for that little bit alone.

Recommended for lovers of Regency and other historical fiction, Austen lovers, and especially of the #TeamLizzzyandDarcy fan club. Purists may take issue with a few small departures from the original, but aside from that, the only other expected objections will be a few small things some may consider loose ends. I see why these were let go and didn’t object myself. As with most Regency fiction, the protestations of love and affection were… profuse.  I did realize, however, why this may have been a genuine thing back then.

The opportunity for physical affection came at too great a price. In its place: words… lots of sappy words. 😉

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Comments

  1. Rosie says

    June 1, 2019 at 6:14 am

    This sounds very interesting!

    Reply
  2. Robin Helm says

    May 18, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    Exactly so, Vivian. That’s my premise.

    Good luck!

    Reply
  3. Caryl Kane says

    May 15, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    Sounds wonderful!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 18, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      Thank you, Caryl. Good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply
  4. DarcyBennett says

    May 15, 2019 at 7:26 am

    The book sounds wonderful and one that is unique as I’ve never read a story where Elizabeth was self-conscious about her weight which is definitely something I can relate to.

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 18, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      DarcyBennett, I have struggled with my weight for nearly all of my life. It was not so difficult until I turned 40. Since then, the fight has not been as successful. lol

      Good luck!

      Reply
  5. Vivian Furbay says

    May 14, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    Man’s looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 18, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      Exactly so, Vivian. That’s my premise.

      Good luck!

      Reply
  6. Emma says

    May 13, 2019 at 8:49 pm

    This sounds good! One of my dad’s favorite lines to Mom was, “More of you to love, my dear!”

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 18, 2019 at 1:47 pm

      I think I would like your dad, Emma. He sounds like a very sweet man.

      Good luck to you!

      Reply
  7. Marisela Zuniga says

    May 13, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    This sounds so great!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 18, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      Thank you, Marisela! Good luck!

      Reply
  8. Dianna says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:52 pm

    Love this post! I name my rolls after my kids, too.
    Didn’t realize this book was a P&P spinoff. Count me in!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 18, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Hi, Dianna! I released so much emotional energy writing this book, channeling my my feelings of frustration at fighting my weight most of my life.

      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply
  9. Debbie P says

    May 13, 2019 at 2:12 pm

    This book sounds like a really great read.

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 13, 2019 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you, Debbie. Good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply
  10. Amelia says

    May 13, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    This book sounds good. I will be adding it to my reading list!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 13, 2019 at 3:21 pm

      I hope you like it, Amelia! Best of luck to you.

      Reply
  11. Patty says

    May 13, 2019 at 6:13 am

    As one who is ‘fluffy’ I do enjoy books with more realistic size characters!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 13, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Hello, Patty. It was very important to me that my hero acknowledge he was wrong and assure her his love was not based on her weight or dress size. If a man loves a woman only when she’s young and thin, what will he do when she ages and gains weight?

      Good luck in the giveaway, my dear.

      Reply
  12. Andrea Stoeckel says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:42 am

    Morning Chautona! You know me, but you may not have known me 300+ heavier. My secret? I stopped dieting, stopped “diet” soda, stopped hiding….I’m still no lightweight but I am who G-d made…grand and glorious!

    I still believe it’s the “skinny Minnies ” who are the “problem”…

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      May 13, 2019 at 12:23 pm

      Hi, Andrea! So glad you stopped by to comment. My personal feeling is we should accept the person and not worry about the body type. Diet soda just makes me hungry. I stopped drinking them several years ago. Same with artificial sweetners. I now use only Stevia. No hiding!

      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply
  13. Robin Helm says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:17 am

    Hi, Chautona. Thank you for guesting me on your blog, and may I just say, what a wonderful review! You “got” every point I wanted to make.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      May 13, 2019 at 2:53 pm

      YAY!

      Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
byChautona Havig

Terry Garner joined me tonight to chat about his fascinating Biblical Fiction series, Magi Journey. Starting way back in Assyria, through Babylon, and into Persia, the series chronicles two timelines–first that of the Israelite kings, and then of a fascinating family back in Persia… Listen in to see the hope this Magi family found in Scripture and how it led them to Bethlehem. 

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

This isn’t just another “traveling to Bethlehem with gold” story of the Magi. No, Terry Garner links the Israelite kings from Ahaz through the destruction of the temple and into captivity with a family who discovers that God has promised redemption for those outside Israel as well. Follow a physical and a faith journey across the ages all the way to the hope of an age.

With extensive and meticulous research, Terry Garner looks at Scripture and compares it with historical secular accounts. Even more exciting, however, are the things he discovered along the way. He talks about Jewish historians discounting Scriptural accounts of historical events to explain away the supernatural as if God Almighty… isn’t!

And then, Terry explains how he’s also writing a nonfiction book to help readers pull all the pieces from Scripture and see what God has promised us… so that we may know His plans. I’m excited about that book, but I confess, learning he’s working on a spinoff of the Magi series excited me even more. EEEP!

Terry Garner has all his books on sale right now!

The paperbacks are on sale for 9.95 and the box set (also available on Kindle Unlimited) is on sale for 4.99!

Magi Journey by Terry Garner

A sweeping historical saga from the courts of Tiglath-Piliser III in Assyria to the sleepy town of Bethlehem. History is seen through the eyes of the Magi as they journey from 734 BC to -0- AD.

Explore with the Magi the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Witness God’s judgment on Israel, Assyria, and Babylon. And rejoice in the redemption of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Join the Magi as they answer the question that is critical to every man and woman, “Who Is This Messiah?”

Learn more about Terry on his WEBSITE.

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

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Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
Episode 217: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Terry Garner
March 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
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Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
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Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
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Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
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Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
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Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
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