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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.  😀

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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

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
byChautona Havig

Debut Author, Sara Brunsvold, is bursting on the Christian Women’s fiction scene with an amazing book, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. With characters who have captivated my heart from page one (and enough quirkiness to keep my attention to the last), Sara Brunsvold is sure to become a favorite author, and this book is already on my top five of the year before it’s even released!

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

This Novel Isn’t Even Available Yet, and It’s in My Top 5!

If you’d told me that I’d fall so in love with two chapters of a book that it would push that book into my top five of the year so far, well… I’d have laughed.

The joke’s on me because it happened with Sara Brunsvold’s The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. This debut women’s fiction novel has a bit of a split-time element and is set in Kansas City. Trust me when I say that meeting Clara was one of the most fun introductions to a character I’ve ever had. I just love this woman, and I’m drumming my fingers to get to read more about her.  Not surprising considering it won the ACFW Genesis’s award a couple of years back. 😀

Sara says her passion is intergenerational stories, and you definitely get this with Aidyn and her “assignment,” Mrs. Kipp.  But you also get inter-cultural and ideological influences in this book as well.

And then there’s that next book she has coming out.  You know, the one about a gal cooking her way through her grandma’s German cookbook?  Yeah.  The one we have to wait until early 2024 for?  Yeah. That one.  Sigh.

When Sara told us about her favorite authors, a lot of things made sense.  Just sayin’. Find out which of Katherine Reay’s books are her favorites and how she fangirled over Reay’s response to an email (and why you should email your favorite author!).

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care.

But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her–but she’s going to have to work for it.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You’ll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

This book is 40% off with free shipping from Baker Book House. That’s less than the Kindle version if you like paper!

You can learn more about Sara at her WEBSITE (and sign up for that newsletter so you can get Mrs.Kip’s 8 Rules to Live By). Oh, and if she does those videos of her cooking through that book, you’ll want to know when/where to find them.

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Episode 145: A Chat with Debut Women's Fiction Author, Sara Brunsvold
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