• 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
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

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

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

When Is It Too Early for Valentine’s Day Stories?

by Chautona Havig · 24 Comments

The email came out of the blue. Could I look over a new Austen retelling and give some input?

Um, duh!

I’d read Barbara Cornthwaite’s George Knightley Esquire books, her Christmas story about Edmund and Fanny from Mansfield Park in The Very Austen Christmas anthology, and a few other non-Austen works, but never had I seen her do anything with Elizabeth Bennet and her beloved Darcy.

Double, duh!

Shocker of shockers, I loved it. She had an unexpected twist that took the story to new heights of fun. Mr. Darcy as a clergyman? (and not in a Freaky Friday-like mashup with Mr. Collins?) I mean, come on…

A Very Austen Valentine

Then I was given the opportunity to join the blog tour for the anthology that Pretense and Prejudice was slated for, A Very Austen Valentine. I jumped at it. Valentine’s Day and Austen? Who could resist?

But then the date came. My day… January 6th. My sister’s birthday. At first, it felt a little like listening to Christmas music in the middle of October—you know, something you have to do on the sly or your #4daughter might just string you up and force-feed autumn leaves down your throat until you embrace a bit more of fall!

Then it hit me. Even #4daughter wouldn’t say October was too early for Christmas novels…

When Is It Too Early for Valentine's Day Stories?

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Additionally, I was provided with a review copy and chose to leave one.

When Is It Too Early for Valentine’s Day Stories?

How about never? No, really. I mean, who cares if we read about them in January, February, or July? Valentine’s stories in September? Sounds good to me!

A Very Austen Valentine

Especially when you’re talking about Austen inspired stories. And this anthology has them all. Anne & Frederick? Check! Elizabeth Darcy’s daughter and the son of a beloved character in Sense & Sensibility? Check! Sir Walter Elliot & Lady Catherine de Bourgh? Check, check! Lizzie & Darcy? Check-Check-Check!

That’s right, every other story in this exciting collection includes Austen’s most popular couple and most in new and unique ways. Most of the authors did not deviate from the characters’ personalities we all know and love, but where they did, it was to a purpose instead of because they didn’t know what they were doing. That made it nice.

The writing, diction, and syntax—excellent.

Okay, there were a couple of spots where modern phrases might have been used back then, but they felt crazy modern–ankle-biter, for one.  But none of them were things I didn’t think WOULD be said. I was also too lazy to look them up.  Just bein’ real here.

The plots and twists and characterizations… also excellent. I have my favorites, of course, and one was a bit of a surprise.

First, there was Laura Hile’s excellent Sir Walter Takes a Wife. Oh, goodness but that man’s ridiculousness shone. He was exactly who he always has been. Lady Catherine de Bourgh was exactly who she has always been. And yet, somehow, you enjoy this story and root for the ridiculous. Only Laura Hile could pull that off.

A Very Austen Valentine

Then there was Barbara Cornthwaite’s Pretense & Prejudice. Prevarication rules the day as Darcy and Elizabeth face off in a battle of wits, intrigue, and a bit of sleuthing. I loved seeing every bit of each of them who we know them to be while making us feel as though we get to see more, too.

Barbara has a particular talent for it that I’ve noted in the past. (I really need to move that review over here!)

And my unexpected favorite (although I enjoyed them all, even more than the last collection) would be Susan Kaye’s The Lover’s Ruse. In this retelling of part of Persuasion, Ms. Kaye gives us who Anne really is. In all honesty, I didn’t like it at first. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that I flipped the pages faster and faster. Yeah. It’s good—really good. It’s nice seeing what should have happened come into play.

A Very Austen Valentine

Recommended for Austen lovers everywhere.

My only caveats are regarding the first book (which I really did love. If it hadn’t been for the first caveat, it might have been my favorite).

First, the book is much more sensual than I’m accustomed to reading. While the author, Robin Helm, doesn’t actually cross the line into actual sexual activity, she does flirt shamelessly with it, so to speak. Also, while this story is about married Elizabeth and Darcy, it was… a bit much, and some readers may take issue with it.

Note: none of the rest of the books are so overt in case other prudes like me were concerned.

Second, parts of the story lapse into the dreaded first-person/present tense. Ugh. Not my favorite.

Still, it’s a delightful story and an important one, I think. It emphasizes a lesson wives need to remember and with excellent writing skills (despite that present tense nonsense. 😉 to boot!

A Very Austen Valentine

Laura Hile has also blessed us with a bit more about it all.

Here’s to Love, Happiness, and Friendship!

“Love Makes the World Go Round” is a song I sang as a very young girl—before I learned that singing in public was not the thing. And yet, how very true this message is! Romantic love is what Valentine’s Day is all about. But there is also friendship love. And friendship love is at the core of our A Very Austen anthologies. These books are built because of friendship.

A Very Austen Valentine

As authors, we come from diverse backgrounds (and continents—Barbara lives in Ireland!). Even though most of us have not met in person, we are brought together by our love for Jane Austen and the Regency world of her novels, and also by our shared Christian faith.

A Very Austen ValentineThe novellas in A Very Austen Valentine are based on Jane Austen’s characters. I find it remarkable that there is such variety. Robin’s is pure romance, as adorable Elizabeth seeks to recapture her too-busy husband’s interest. Mandy’s is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, combined with characters from Sense and Sensibility. Wendi and Barbara take our beloved Darcy and Elizabeth through “but-what-if” misunderstandings and adventures. Susan turns back the clock for Persuasion’s Anne and Captain Wentworth. And my novella? Oh dear, what can I say? I bring two of Jane Austen’s worst snobs together in a laughable Valentine mash-up.

I should add that the A Very Austen anthologies can be enjoyed by most readers, from teens to grandmas. Our objective is to entertain and delight. I think you’ll enjoy our book.

Thanks, Laura for that neat little summary and insight into the collection!

Psst…

I’ll have a novella in the next Very Austen collection… Charming Miss Dashwood.  I think it’s time for Miss Margaret to grow up and be Miss Dashwood, now that her older sisters are married with children of their own, don’t you?  And… I can’t wait for you to see who introduces her to Mr. Thayer.  😀

Share107
Pin
Post
Email
114Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
114Shares

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « How to Reclaim Sanity & Start the New Year off Right
Next Post: 3 Reasons This Book Will Make You Sad »

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. Buturot says

    January 13, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Never too early, never too late…Alway’s Valentine’s day, in my state.

    Reply
  2. Debbie Fortin says

    January 11, 2019 at 4:59 am

    This looks like a fun anthology. Looking forward to reading these stories.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 11, 2019 at 5:10 am

      I recommend them. I can’t stop thinking about Robin’s story about Elizabeth and what she did to “win her husband without a word” so to speak.

      Reply
  3. darcybennett says

    January 7, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree it’s never too early for Valentine’s Day stories and should be read year-round especially when they are written by such a talented group of authors.

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      January 7, 2019 at 4:22 pm

      Hi, darcybennett. So glad you dropped by! I agree that any time is the perfect time for romance. ?

      Reply
  4. Janet Taylor says

    January 6, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    Thanks for the delightful post, Chautona. I loved the anthology. The stories were excellent.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 6, 2019 at 3:29 pm

      Wasn’t it a delight?

      Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      January 7, 2019 at 5:32 am

      Hi, Janet. We were thrilled and surprised to be named your favorite anthology of 2018! Thank you!

      Reply
  5. realworldbiblestudy says

    January 6, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    Ooh, I’m excited! I love an Austen twist!

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      January 6, 2019 at 1:04 pm

      Hi, realworldbiblestudy! There are plenty of Austen twists in the anthology to love – sequels, mashups, variations, alternate versions – take your pick. I enjoyed reading the stories from the other authors! Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 6, 2019 at 3:31 pm

      There are several awesome ones. 🙂

      Reply
    • Wendi Sotis says

      January 6, 2019 at 5:14 pm

      Hi realworldbiblestudy 🙂 I really enjoyed all of my co-author’s stories!

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        January 6, 2019 at 5:52 pm

        They really ARE all good. I love the range of “depth” for lack of better words. Some explored different things but none of them felt heavy. So Robin’s had AWESOME lessons for us but it never felt like we were being preached to. You even got some of that in Laura’s. Seeing Darcy and Lizzy totally out of their elements with Barbara’s–awesome. I can’t remember who wrote what of the others now (still kind of waking up) but I really liked the Elizabeth/Marianne children… a LOT. And the Wentworth… Susan’s! Yes, I loved seeing what might have happened if Lady Russell hadn’t been successful. She was still Anne, but without the years of disappointment that kind of repressed her for a bit.

        Reply
        • Susan Kaye says

          January 7, 2019 at 12:47 pm

          Thanks for the kind words, Chautona. Anne is a delight but can be dismal. She asserted herself when she got the chance to follow her heart and not bend her knee to family.

          Thanks again.

          Reply
  6. Robin Helm says

    January 6, 2019 at 10:23 am

    Hi, Chautona. Thank you for hosting us. Just an interesting side note: Mandy H. Cook? The “H” stands for Helm. She’s my elder daughter. And the picture of the girl sipping tea with Mandy’s second quote over it? That’s my younger daughter. She’s my cover for four (soon to be five) of my books.

    Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      January 6, 2019 at 10:25 am

      I’m looking forward to working with you in A Very Austen Romance!

      Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 6, 2019 at 3:32 pm

      Yep! 😀 I loved the covers with your daughter. And I loved that you used her. 🙂

      Reply
    • Wendi Sotis says

      January 6, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      Thanks so much for hosting us here, Chautona! It will be fun to work with you on the next anthology!

      Reply
  7. Mari Tysar says

    January 6, 2019 at 9:28 am

    Ok, now you seriously are a kindred spirit. Colin Firth (lmo) is the only worthy Mr Darcy ? I want to read all those books now!

    Reply
    • Mari Tysar says

      January 6, 2019 at 9:29 am

      The question mark was supposed to be a heart lol

      Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      January 6, 2019 at 10:26 am

      Hi, Mari! Glad to hear you are looking forward to reading our anthologies. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
    • Robin Helm says

      January 6, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      I must say I totally agree that Colin Firth is the definitive Darcy. He was perfect in the role.

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        January 6, 2019 at 3:31 pm

        YES! Totally agree. I did not care for the Kiera Knightley version at all.

        Reply
    • Wendi Sotis says

      January 6, 2019 at 5:21 pm

      Hi Mari! I have to agree about Colin Firth being perfect as Darcy!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

 I fell in love with Nancy’s writing with The Shell Collector. Imagine my joy when I discovered she has a SEQUEL! Eeep! Listen in and discover which characters you’ll find in To Light the Way Forward and what’s coming next for one of America’s favorite authors!

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

It’s been three years since Nancy and I had a chance to talk, and in that time, she’s been BUSY.  So in addition to falling in love with her character, Tug, and wanting to give him his own story, she’s written a small-town duet (and maybe we talked her into a third?) as well as a romcom duo!  Think we can talk her into a third of that series as well?  Because… SPOILER ALERT… we’re getting a third Shell Collector Series book, too! EEEP!

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector. “Bringing to life characters you can’t help but fall in love with, Nancy Naigle goes straight to the heart with this story of tragedy turned to triumph. A poignant reminder to never give up hope.”—Sheila Roberts, author of The Best Life Book Club Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug. But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild. As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Learn more about Nancy on her WEBSITEand follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
July 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 447: A Chat with Cate Touryan
July 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 446: A Chat with Rachel Chamberlayne
July 12, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 445: A Chat with Michelle Griep
July 7, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 444: A Chat with Rosey Lee
July 5, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 443: A Chat with Yvonne M. Morgan
June 30, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 442: A Chat with Liz Johnson
June 28, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 441: A Chat with Shannon Sue Dunlap
June 23, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 440: A Chat with Jordan Millsaps
June 21, 2025
Jordan Millsaps
Episode 439: A Chat with Laura Thomas
June 16, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Hiding from the gang that tried to kill him, Leo j Hiding from the gang that tried to kill him, Leo just wants to keep a low profile and start over. He didn't count on his first friend being someone like Allison.
The Kasimirs won't let him go unpunished.
Allison won't let him go unfriended.
What's a guy to do?
Listen FREE to a new chapter every day in November AND the complete book after the end of the month: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eLI5ZH6YUk&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2dDLCnbGRORVFd5Rg1y7rR&pp=iAQB
Also available on all major audiobook platforms AND on Kindle Unlimited.
Narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo
#Audiobooks
#YouTube
#FreeAudiobooks
#KindleUnlimited
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including TheNutcracker's Suite--a mystery set among the mob activity during the Prohibition era.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free!

OR

You can also get The Nutcracker's Suite and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
3d
Whoa... just in case we didn't understand, this b Whoa... just in case we didn't understand,  this bin has a HUGE instruction envelope to remind us and help with the super complicated job of building a box.
Audiobooks FREE? Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Na Audiobooks FREE?  Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo.
Get a new chapter every day until it's all uploaded OR listen to the FULL audiobook in one video once all chapters have been released!
Scott Keil's mission work tends to overtake both his and his daughter's life.  So when his daughter ropes Natalie Dersham to help out, he's thrilled.  When she starts playing matchmaker... well... okay, he's kind of thrilled about that, too.  The age gap?  Probably prohibitive but if it wasn't...
Available in print, on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, and now coming to all major audiobook platforms (and free on YouTube right now!)
#UnderTheHibiscus
#FreeAudiobook
#ChristFic
#KindleUnlimited
https://youtu.be/rzD7cULBeV8
I am SOOOOOOOOO excited about Everard's new cover! I am SOOOOOOOOO excited about Everard's new cover!  @PlethoraCreative did a fabulous job of redesigning the second book in the Not-So-Fairy Tales series (Book one updates coming soon!). Not only do we have Kindle and paperbacks, but hardbacks with DOUBLE-SIDED dust jackets are coming. Soon you can read with @notsquid's fabulous map open before you so you know exactly where Everard, Sevrin, and Sassy are headed next! EEEP
Available HERE: https://amzn.to/4eKL6sv  #AffiliateLink
#ChristFic
#ChristianMiddleGrade (older)
#ChristianFantasy
#ChristianFairyTale
#KindleUnlimited
#CoverRedesign
All she wanted was a festive-free Christmas. Solit All she wanted was a festive-free Christmas. Solitude far away from the fa-la-las.  Instead, she got snowbound in Wrightwood with a woman (aptly named Joy) who makes Buddy from Elf look like a Grinch.
Escape to Greenaway is next up in the Christmas in July celebration and FREE on Friday, July 18, 2025: https://amzn.to/4kIK9lI #affiliatelink
#Christfic
#ChristianRomance
#ChristianChristmasRomance
#ChristianWomensFiction
#FreeKindle
#KindleUnlimited
For my 25th anniversary, I wrote a book about a "s For my 25th anniversary, I wrote a book about a "silver anniversary" that wasn't the joyful thing people expect--until it was.  Tarnished Silver is FREE on 7/16/25 for Christmas in July. https://amzn.to/3GQkVE3 #AffiliateLink
#Christfic
#ChristmasRomance
#SmallTownRomance
#ChristianRomanticFiction
#KindleFree
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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