The Because Fiction Podcast

Chautona Havig
  • 4.9 (23)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

Exploring Christian Fiction from its early days to the most anticipated upcoming books. We love all fiction that points the reader to Jesus. Let's talk books!

  1. 5d ago

    A Chat with Gloriaea about Broken Algorithm

    I really love a good book with broken people finding redemption.  So when I got to chat with Gloriaea about her book, Broken Algorithm, I knew this was going to be right up my alley. Listen in and see why I'm so excited. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. We chatted about so many things, including the inspiration for the book, her setting--all the things! Broken Algorithm by Gloriaea All she wanted was a home… Brit has moved from one prison to another since she was eight. Now she's free, and nothing will stop her from getting back her family. Nothing…except the people who tore her life apart. She didn't need his help. So why was he everywhere? Sam finally has his life on track. Working for the Canadian federal police is miles away from his teenage rebellion. Nothing could prepare him for the petite ex-convict with magnetic coffee eyes. The clock is ticking for Brit's family reunion and shadowy figures haunt her steps. Will Brit discover the true meaning of home? Or will she lose the family she has sacrificed everything to save? Learn more on Gloriaea's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    33 min

  2. Jun 20

    A Chat with Chris Underwood about The Cold Winter Grid-Down Series

    A chilling read from Chris Underwood... literally. What happens if you're in the Midwest in winter and the power goes out? Listen in as I chat with Chris Underwood about his Cold Winter series. Content warning: While these books do have characters who are Christians and live their faith, the first book (not sure about the rest) does include a few instances of foul language in the first few chapters. I'm switching from audio to print to finish. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Talking about all the research he did for this series was a blast. I loved hearing about his travels with the crew and the prepper side--everything. The Cold Winter Grid-Down Series by Chris Underwood  The Cold Winter Series begins with a power grid failure at Niagara Falls three days before Christmas, as a snowstorm approaches. Welcome to The Cold Winter. It follows a group of families in Central Ohio who want to help stranded motorists who end up on their porch. Even when doing the right thing doesn't work out, they keep on trying. There is a sense of morality and faith as the emergency continues to worsen. In the second book, they learn that the power outage is an attack on the nation, and join a civilian minuteman militia to fight back. The third book of the series ramps up the action and features the first major battles of the minutemen militia. Since modern machinery cannot be trusted, vintage military equipment is utilized by the militia, such as a Huey Helicopter and a WWII Landing Ship, the LST-325. This ship is an actual floating museum on the Ohio River and is used by this militia to go upstream to rescue a VIP and bring him to safety. River locks are liberated from the enemy, and a dramatic battle is staged on Wheeling Island, where the landing ship performs much as it did on D-Day in Normandy: Landing aground with troops and equipment pouring out the front for battle! The fourth installment of the series introduces more vintage equipment, including a Cobra Attack Helicopter and a P-47 Thunderbolt, to fight modern naval ships in an effort to liberate the Niagara Falls power station from the enemy. Even the WWII Destroyer, USS The Sullivans, in its current engineless state at the Buffalo Naval Museum, is somehow used in the battle! It's an epic showdown of antique airpower against modern naval might! Learn more on Chris's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    35 min

  3. Jun 17

    A Chat with Laura Ashwood about A Life Rewritten

    One of my favorite people, Laura Ashwood has expanded one of her earlier and republished it. Women's fiction lovers should not miss this story!  Listen in as we chat about A Life Rewritten. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Laura Ashwood is an eclectic author with books in historical romance, royal romcom, and women's fiction. Don't miss out on her other awesome books as well! A Life Rewritten by Laura Ashwood Get lost in an absolutely fabulous read, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer. One woman's life falls apart in a single night. What she builds in its place will change everything. Abby Whitney had it all—or so she thought. A glittering Manhattan life. A powerful husband. A future that seemed secure. But when her husband, Michael Whitney, dies suddenly, Abby discovers the shocking truth: the man she loved was living a double life, and he's left behind a daughter who has no one else in the world. Becoming guardian to eight-year-old Cami forces Abby to confront the wreckage of her marriage and the emptiness of her own existence. Trading the scrutiny of New York's high society for the quiet shores of Bluefin Bay, North Carolina, she begins to uncover the strength she never knew she had. As Abby attempts to mother a grieving child, she discovers friendship, purpose, and the stirrings of a love that's honest and true. But will she be able to let go of the woman she used to be? A heart-stirring novel of betrayal, resilience, and the healing power of love, this is an unforgettable story about finding home where you least expect it—and becoming who you were always meant to be.  Learn more on Laura's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    33 min

  4. Jun 15

    A Chat with Kayla E. Green about The Goodness of Unicorns

    I don't know about you, but the title, The Goodness of Unicorns, grabbed me.  That cover?  Also amazing! Listen in as Kayla M. Green chats about her writing and just what this goodness of unicorns is all about note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Eye color changing? Losing the ability to SEE color?  That totally grabbed me.  My copy is on my bookshelf waiting for a chance to read it. Yay! The Goodness of Unicorns by Kayla E. Green  One girl determined to heal her sister and another looking for purpose in a nation on the brink of war. And unicorns—with a twist you've never seen before. It's Rowan Tritonia's sixteenth Naming Anniversary. Her plans for the day never included a headache that causes her to almost faint on a day meant for celebration. When the world comes back into focus, her brown eyes have changed to magenta. But what scares her more is that everything around her is now black and white coupled with a mysterious ability to see the light and shadows in a person's soul. Then a local cleric implies that Rowan could have the power of Sight, a gift which has only been seen in the stories of unicorns in the Book of Verimor, an ancient text. Rowan is perplexed. Why would Verimor give her something she never asked for instead of answering her greatest prayer to help her younger sister, Blythe? News of the girl with Sight quickly travels beyond Rowan's local village. When the King of Wisteria learns of her gift from a letter, he summons her to the castle. With growing political tensions from neighboring nations, Rowan may be able to provide the aid they desperately need. Linnea, the king's sister and his primary advisor, prays that Rowan has truly been blessed by a unicorn and can save the nation and its people from encroaching darkness. Meanwhile, back at home, Blythe, sets out on her own journey. She feels helpless, tied down by the pain that keeps her homebound most of the time. Although she wears a smile to comfort those around her—especially her family—Blythe wonders if her life will ever amount to anything more than fading into the background. Is she truly too broken for any greater purpose, or can Verimor still use her? Don't forget to check out Kayla's Metamorphosis blog tour HERE. Learn more on Kayla's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    34 min

  5. Jun 13

    A Chat with Joan Lovestrand Farley about Letters to Cassie

    High school is hard enough without trying to navigate all the ups and downs without your mother.  Listen in as I talk with Joan Lovestrand Farley about Letters to Cassie, what you'll find inside, and why she wrote it. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I love the idea of a mother being so proactive as to write letters of encouragement and guidance when she realized she wouldn't be there to offer it in person.  My copy is at my house now, and I can't wait to get started on it. Letters to Cassie by Joan Lovestrand Farley Cassie always imagined her high school graduation would be a moment of celebration, surrounded by her family. But when her mother passes away from cancer just before her senior year, that dream shatters, and her future feels empty. Grief consumes her, and the path ahead seems impossible without her mom's steady guidance. Who am I? What are my strengths? What will I do with my life? Why does it all feel so meaningless? Even the smallest decisions feel overwhelming without her mom by her side-until her dad reveals something extraordinary: nine letters her mom wrote, each with a special task for her senior year. These letters become a lifeline, not just a series of challenges but a journey of healing, self-discovery, and faith. With each letter, Cassie is led closer to understanding her purpose and finding her identity as "God's girl," uncovering the depth of God's love for her. Follow Cassie on this emotional and empowering journey, and discover how these letters might inspire your own personal growth, one challenge at a time. Learn more on Joan's WEBSITE or her other WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon YouTube and more!

    35 min

  6. Jun 8

    A Chat with Laura DeNooyer about A Hundred Magical Reasons

    I've been anxious to read this one since the moment I saw it. I mean, come on! Secrets are always cool but then Frank L. Baum? And The Pilgrim's Progress? WHAT?  Listen in as Laura DeNooyer and I chat about A Hundred Magical Reasons. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. The L. Frank Baum connection was a draw, but then she brought in The Pilgrim's Progress, and it took the whole story idea to a new level! I had a blast chatting with Laura and I'm excited to read this one. It'll probably be my flight read tomorrow.  EEEP!   A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer Some fairy tales don't end when the story is over…they begin when the truth is finally told. At eighty-eight, Charlotte Rose Gordon has spent a lifetime guarding secrets—burdens that have turned her into the town's most notorious recluse. But before her story ends, she has one final quest: to set the past right and clear her husband's name. Even if it means facing the dragons she's spent decades avoiding. Carrie Kruisselbrink is fighting dragons of her own. Fresh out of college and desperate to escape the weight of her parents' expectations, she risks everything to chase a dream that feels just out of reach. An unlikely job with the reclusive Mrs. Gordon seems like a temporary solution. Until it becomes something much more. As Charlotte begins to unravel her past—from a stifling childhood to an extraordinary friendship with author L. Frank Baum—Carrie is drawn into a story filled with imagination, loss, and long-buried truth. But the deeper Carrie digs, the more she's forced to confront her own fears, her own choices… and the cost of living someone else's life. Because some stories were never meant to stay hidden. Spanning generations and woven with echoes of a beloved literary legacy, A Hundred Magical Reasons is a moving tale of courage, identity, and the kind of hope that only comes when truth, grace, and imagination collide. Can two women from different generations find the strength to rewrite their stories—before time runs out? Step into a story of secrets, second chances, and the courage to believe again. Learn more on Laura's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    31 min

  7. Jun 6

    A Chat with Sarah Heatwole about Into the Promised Land

    Amish life in the Depression? Don't know why, but it never occurred to me that they would've felt the effects. And a fictionalized version of Sarah Heatwole's family's story?  Listen in and see why I bought my copy right away! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I'm always looking for great depression stories, but I have to admit that I didn't expect to find on about the Amish. I also loved hearing about them choosing Jesus above all.  Yep. Time to read! Into the Promised Land by Sarah Heatwole  As a child Andy Troyer longs for a brighter future, one free from the desperate shadow of hunger and loss. When his father becomes a minister, it lifts the family out of poverty, but the newfound improvement in circumstances does nothing to quell the desires in Andy's heart. Can the peaceful life his Amish community offers provide the answers he seeks, or will his heart carve its own path? In the neighboring district, Sylvia grows up in a world painted with love and privilege. An unexpected tragedy throws her life into turmoil, plunging her into a world of darkness. One night, a dream ignites a profound transformation within her, unfolding a journey infused with faith, redemption, and changing the trajectory of those around her forever. When Andy and Sylvia's paths converge, they find in each other a shared spirit and an undeniable connection. Their lives become intertwined as they fall in love with each other and Jesus. As they reckon with the repercussions of embracing their new beliefs, they must find the courage to follow their hearts. Inspired by a true story, Into the Promised Land is an old-fashioned tale of love and loss, courage and forgiveness, and the reminder that the irresistible call of God isn't always easy but following Him changes lives for eternity. Learn more on Sarah's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    31 min

  8. Jun 1

    A Chat with Terri McAdoo about Tattooed Woman at the Well

    Don't know about you, but even the title of Tattooed Woman at the Well screams, "Sign me up!"  I mean, that's pretty riveting, wouldn't you say?  Listen in and see why Terri McAdoo's book won the Genesis Award! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Okay, so trucks?  Not my thing.  Tattoos?  Not my thing.  This story?  Man, I NEED TO READ THIS. Because this is totally my thing.  I don't know why it's giving me contemporary The Count of Monte Cristo vibes, but it is.  Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo A tale of revenge, resilience, and redemption awaits in Terri McAdoo's Tattooed Woman at the Well. Step into the world of Bleu Yarbro, a tough-as-nails truck driver on a mission to right the wrongs of her past. Across America's highways, Bleu navigates an unpredictable landscape of bullies, thugs, and heartache. Her only solace is the rooftop garden where she grows irises in memory of her beloved grandpa. But as Bleu's quest for vengeance consumes her, she must confront the ultimate choice: Will she rise above revenge or sink under its weight? Buckle up for a fun and dangerous ride through the world of truck driving, tattooing, and temptation. With unlikely heroes and despicable villains at every turn, Tattooed Woman at the Well will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Can Bleu find redemption on the open road, or will her past catch up with her? Fans of gritty, character-driven novels won't want to miss this stunning debut from award-winning author Terri McAdoo.  Learn more on Terri's WEBSITE and follow 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 YouTube and more!

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Exploring Christian Fiction from its early days to the most anticipated upcoming books. We love all fiction that points the reader to Jesus. Let's talk books!

Information

  • Creator
    Chautona Havig
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chautona Havig 2025
  • Show Website
    The Because Fiction Podcast

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