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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

When You Wish Upon a Christmas Star…

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

We’re back for Wonderland Wednesday in our Wonderland Wishes promotion, and this week we’re featuring Kathleen Freeman’s Once upon a Christmas Star.

Ever since I read the synopsis, I have been dying to read this story, so when it came time for Kathleen’s feature, I asked if I could review it. She agreed. Thanks, Kathleen!

When You Wish Upon a Christmas Star...

Note: links in this post may be affiliate links which provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

When You Wish Upon a Christmas Star…

I distinctly remember the year my mother gave me O’ Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” to read. The story did deep, beautiful things in my soul. It resonated with me like my father’s weep-worthy ballads.

So when I went to school and told my friends, none of them thought it the beautiful and amazing like I did. They all said some variation of, “That’s horrible! Neither of them got a gift!”

But I saw it. Probably thanks to those years of listening to those ballads. I saw the richness and beauty of two people giving everything they had for another. My throat still aches thinking of the love and sacrifice.

Once upon a Christmas StarOf course, I had to buy the collection to read Once upon a Christmas Star. Finally.

That .99 price tag just about broke the budget, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. Take one for the team and all that. Flipping past other stories to get to it—also not easy. But I managed.

And the story opened.

Let’s start with the writing. Kathleen Freeman has a beautiful ability to dance on the edge of almost lyrical writing without weighing down the story with excess description and words. She knows just where to turn a phrase with beautiful precision and where to paint a simple picture.

Characters—she did a fabulous job of giving each person a distinct personality. Misty’s insecurities just fit. Her strengths tugged against her uncertainties.

Jack… I loved knowing him better because of what he did than what he said or others said about him. Things were obvious without being spoken. Freeman did a fabulous job of that.

Another couple… well, things went a bit swift there, but somehow it fit. It shouldn’t have, but it did.

And that horrible thing about novellas—the way they feel so rushed half the time?

Yeah. It didn’t happen.

My only, small but definitely there, objection to this story is how neatly one situation is wrapped up—a bit over-the-top neatly. However, because of part of the storyline—a bit about God being in the business of miracles—really did help make it work. It’s just my only objection, and I suspect many would have been disappointed if Freeman didn’t do that.

Once upon a Christmas Star is a rich story with well-rounded characters in a natural timeline. Only one tiny bit felt rushed and it still worked. It was as if she took the rushed element and made it part of the story. I recommend it to anyone who loves a story about Christmas joys.

You can follow Kathleen to learn more about her books on:

  • Facebook
  • Website
  • Pinterest
  • Goodreads
  • TripAdvisor
  • Instagram

If you missed the previous weeks’ posts from the other authors in the collection, you can find them here:

  • Lynnette Bonner
  • Jan Cline
  • Lesley McDaniel
  • Sylvia Stewart

Next week… Dori Harrell and her debut novella, A Christmas Hallelujah!

When You Wish Upon a Christmas Star...

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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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  • and more!
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
September 29, 2023
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Episode 264: A Chat with Romance Author, Sarah Monzon
September 26, 2023
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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
September 8, 2023
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Episode 258: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember
September 2, 2023
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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
August 29, 2023
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