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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 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
byChautona Havig

Nothing says fairy tale like a sweet western romance by an author like Karen Witemeyer… unless it’s a fairytale retelling set in Texas in the late 19th century, right?  Fairest of Heart takes the familiar “Snow White” and turns it on its head with retired cowboys, a self-absorbed actress, a Texas Ranger, and a sweet girl who knows the true Source of her beauty.  Listen in to see all the genius Easter eggs Witemeyer planted in this book.

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

Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart

I fell in love with the cover of Karen Witemeyer’s Head Over Heels a few years back (only to learn it’s much older than that, even), and meant to read that book.  I didn’t.  #BecauseIdiot. Well, that’ll be rectified just as soon as I’m done listening to her first book in a trilogy of fairytale retellings. I loaded it up on my Audible app tonight and wheeeeeeee. Here I go! So much for no new books until October. HA! 

Karen talks about her heart for young women today and how they’re taught by every bit of media blasting at them that they need to use their bodies to get what they need or want when the Lord has a better plan. And I can’t guarantee it, but I strongly suspect she does it without preaching. SQUEE!

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don’t forget the book is 30% off on BakerBookHouse.com.  

Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads.

And don’t forget her Posse Group on Facebook.

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

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Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
September 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 264: A Chat with Romance Author, Sarah Monzon
September 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
September 23, 2023
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Episode 262: Chatting about The Legacy of Longdale Manor with Carrie Turansky
September 19, 2023
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Episode 261: Chatting with Christian Youth Fiction Author, Candice Yamnitz
September 15, 2023
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Episode 260: A Chat with Rachel Hauck
September 12, 2023
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Episode 259: A Chat with Debut Author, Laura Conaway
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Episode 258: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember
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Episode 257: A Chat with Fantasy Author, N. Ford
September 1, 2023
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Episode 256: A Chat about Summer in the Spotlight w/ Liz Johnson
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