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. 23h ago

    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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. May 30

    A Chat with Chuck Richardson about Paradise Unfallen

    What if Earth had a twin planet, but the people God created there never sinned?  Listen in as Chuck Richardson and I chat about his book and what it all could mean if it happened. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I'm still reeling from the idea that a sinless sacrifice is what was needed, so a sinless human (as Jesus was) could actually pay the price for sinful man in this fictional world he's created. Assuming he even goes that route someday. Still fascinating. Paradise Unfallen by Chuck Richardson What if Adam and Eve had resisted the serpent? Welcome to Erimea-Earth's twin world, untouched by original sin. Solis and Livi, the first parents of Erimea, begin their lives in perfect fellowship with God. But their obedience does not end the war. Satan and his legions simply turn their fury upon the new world. As the population of Erimea rises, tensions crack the harmony of paradise. A powerful life-giving resource becomes scarce. Rumors spread. God is silent. And a restless humanity flirts with fear, force, and false gods. To save their descendants from repeating Earth's tragedy, Solis and Livi must confront deception, division, and the relentless pressure of darkness. Their journey-from innocence to holiness-will determine the future of an unfallen world. If you enjoy Christian fantasy, biblical what-ifs, spiritual warfare, and epic worldbuilding, you will love Paradise Unfallen. Perfect for fans of: C.S. Lewis Ted Dekker Step into the world that might have been-and the war that still rages. Learn more on Chuck'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 and more!

    51 min

  4. May 25

    A Chat with Gina Holder about The Escape Game

    Getting to chat with Gina Holder was a blessing because that meant I could finally read her books!  Listen in as we chat about her newest release, The Escape Game. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Spoiler alert: This series is definitely on my FAVORITE series this year list.  You don't want to miss it! The Escape Game by Gina Holder  Twenty years ago, the world's leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she's been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father's journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they're no longer guests. They're players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi's missing father and Liam's sister—but also closer to a killer who has spent years perfecting a game no one survives. With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal. Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb? Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire. Learn more on Gina'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 and more!

    33 min

  5. May 23

    A Chat with Nicholas Teeguarden about The Copper Scroll

    I loved my conversation with Nicholas Teeguarden about his Masa Chronicles, and I loved the story. Listen in and see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. For those of you looking for action over romance, you get it in this book! There IS a light romance, yes, but it's strongly secondary to the main plot. Note: I read the book and LOVED this story. I really loved the story, actually. I listened to the audio, though, and since I was so excited about the audiobook, I thought I should mention that I didn't enjoy the audio experience. My biggest complaint is the pronunciation of so many things.  Story great. Others might not have trouble, but I needed to be honest about that since I was so excited to see it. The Copper Scroll  by Nicholas Teeguarden Book of the Year Finalist A lost scroll. A deadly secret. A race across the Middle East—where every clue could be fatal. When grad student and Army veteran Joshua Bennett uncovers a cryptic Dead Sea artifact, he's thrust into a world of coded messages, ruthless rivals, and ancient conspiracies. Every answer leads to new danger—and every ally could be an enemy. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and Indiana Jones—this is a clean, high-octane archaeological thriller you won't want to put down. Learn more on Nicholas'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 and more!

    32 min

  6. May 19

    A Chat with Stephanie Cardel about This Isn't Shakespeare

    I love it when YA deals with real issues kids face, so I was crazy excited to hear about Stephanie Cardel's This Isn't Shakespeare. From what direction her life should go to peer pressure of various kinds, Cardel weaves a story that I feel is important. Listen in and learn why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This Isn't Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel To be or not to be…a professional dancer. Seventeen-year-old Madison is a hopeless romantic who loves quoting Shakespeare and dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer—a dream she hides, afraid of disappointing her mom and her boyfriend. But when her dreams fall apart, she believes it's a sign from God that she should commit to her boyfriend and make a new dream. When she realizes God wouldn't give her a sign that points her to sin, the happily-ever-after she's planned crumbles. Now Madison must confront the lies she's told herself and all the red flags she's ignored. In the process, she begins to understand that seeking God's will may not lead to a perfectly scripted ending—but it might just lead to something real.  Learn more on Stephanie'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 and more!

    37 min

  7. May 16

    A Chat with Megan Schaulis about Rebuilder (book 3 of the Susa Chronicles)

    Author of the Susa Chronicles, Megan Schaulis came on and chatted with me about all things Susa. Listen in as we learn about the world of Rebuilder. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Just a reminder. Megan recommends having both Protector and Proclaimer on hand, because there's definitely a cliffhanger! Rebuilder by Megan Schaulis Bitter and broken from his imprisonment in the Citadel, Hatch can't stand to watch the woman he loves start her new life. When the king offers him a position as the governor of Evania, an island territory populated by Alphanites, Hatch sees the job as a chance to escape his heartache. But from the moment his crutches hit the sand of this tropical island, Hatch is deemed an outsider, particularly by Myah, an artsy adrenaline junkie the locals have nicknamed "Princess." Myah is content to spend her days writing letters to her far-off fiancé. The last thing she needs is a government official taking over Evania and poking at old wounds. But when an enemy attack causes the island to start sinking into the sea, Myah must convince the sullen governor that her home is worth saving. With only fifty-two days to stabilize the island, Hatch and Myah must confront the pasts they both long to leave behind. As the ground literally sinks beneath them, will they drown in their regrets or ride the waves of change to a future neither could've imagined? Listen to the first episode about the Susa Chronicles HERE.  Learn more about Megan on her 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 and more!

    1h 1m

  8. May 11

    A Chat with Demi Griffin about Cerulean Rose

    What happens when an author writes an intense epic fantasy and collapses exhausted at the end?  She writes a romantasy trilogy, of course! Listen in as Demi Griffin and I chat about her newest series and why you should read it (I can't wait!) note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Okay, stop right now and head over and check out the hardback cover! Isn't it FABULOUS?? EEEP! This series has everything I think people are looking for, fantasy and romance combined without all the "spicy smut." Add faith and... WHEEEEEEEEE! Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORNS. Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean's citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary. In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey. An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn't bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish. A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural's heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince's heart, overcome a king's prejudice, and save Cerulean's Rose?  Learn more about Demi on her  WEBSITE and 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!

    48 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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