100 episodes

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!

The Because Fiction Podcast Chautona Havig

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 18 Ratings

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!

    A Chat with Jordan Millsaps (finally!)

    A Chat with Jordan Millsaps (finally!)

    Ahh... I thought I'd found all the episodes that got lost in the wake of the great mess that was my December, but guys. I found another one. You missed out on the exciting rom-com series that I got to chat about with Jordan Millsaps back in... October I think! But I found episodes and checked and yep. She was supposed to be early December... and it never happened.  Here she is with fun stories that I'm still excited to talk about! (Sorry, Jordan!)
    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
    When Flash Fiction Sparks a Whole New Writing Path
    Jordan Millsaps started off writing historical romance, but if you look at her debut novels... they're not.  They're contemporary rom-com and they sound hilarious. While I'm eager to read both, of course, I have to admit that March or not, I'm diving into The Holiday Exchange the moment I finish my current rom-com.  See, this is what I get for holding out for Christmas last October. Christmas was derailed and I missed out. Well no more!
    But if a guy with social anxiety and a teacher needing his help aren't calling to you, what about a guy needing a date to his brother's wedding... to his ex-fiancee?  I mean, come on!  This Boyfriend in the Bargain series promises to be a whole lot of fun. 
    If you doubt me, check out the synopses!  
    But... one tiny good thing has happened out of my fiasco with getting her episode out... Jordan's next book is coming out in just two weeks!  That's right! The Parenting Pact releases on April 2, and it's up for preorder now! 
    The Parenting Pact by Jordan Millsaps
    Being a single parent isn’t easy. Finding love as a single parent? That’s not even on my radar.

    I’ve been parenting my son on my own for five years since my husband passed.

    But now that I’ve started my own interior design business, I’m beginning to realize I could use some extra help. What I need is a partner, someone to share the day-to-day logistics of running a house, raising a kid, and operating my business.

    What I don’t need is to complicate my life with romance, no matter what my best friend says.

    When I meet Chris, a single dad from my neighborhood, I get a crazy idea. My plan is definitely outside the box, but I think we can make it work – as long as I can keep things platonic.

    But Chris is patient, persistent, passionate…all the P-words that make staying only friends harder than I thought it would be.

    The Parenting Pact is book #2 in the Boyfriend in the Bargain series but can be read as a standalone.

    What to expect from The Parenting Pact:
    Dual POV Friends-to-more He falls first Single parents Love after loss Closed door/kissing only Trigger warning for discussion of loss of a spouse/parent Learn more about Jordan Millsaps on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
    And if you missed her Christmas Book Guide we talked about, you can find that HERE.  Christmas in July is coming...
    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
    A Chat with Marie Sontag about a New Series!

    A Chat with Marie Sontag about a New Series!

    Marie Sontag writes youth fiction blending fictional characters with historical people to create a great story. From ancient times to westward expansion to WWII Poland, her books make history come alive. Listen in to what you'll find in her latest series!
    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
    In Difficult Times, People of All Ages Discover Their True Characters
    The first time I chatted with Marie Sontag (listen HERE), I learned about her Ancient Elements series and her Whitcomb Discoveries series, but in this episode, we heard all about the exciting WWII series (and a companion graphic novel) she has featuring Polish Boy Scouts.  How cool is that?
    Oh, and we learned about what she's doing with the Cold War, too. EEEP!
    Underground Scouts by Marie Sontag
    Warsaw, Poland
    September 8, 1939
    Their scoutmaster's chair squeaked as he shifted his weight. "What I am about to ask from all of you is a personal sacrifice on behalf of Poland. Your final decision is, of course, up to you. You must each make your own decision."
    A hush filled the room. The Scouts' pale faces betrayed the struggle that plagued them all.
    Tadzio broke the spell. "I mean no disrespect, Professor. I don't know why my father had to leave, but since he's gone, my family is my priority."
    Squaring her shoulders, Magdalena inched forward on her chair. "And earlier this week my father's brother and his wife were killed when a bomb hit their apartment building in Warsaw." Her voice quivered. "Now, we're also caring for our orphaned 11-year-old cousin, Józefina."
    Tadzio nodded. "Since I am the eldest son, my first responsibility is to my family."
    "Well spoken, son." Professor Handelsman studied Tadzio over the top of his glasses. "What about the rest of you?"
    Tadzio's patrol leader, Andrzej, spoke first. "This is what we've prepared for all summer. The Scout training we received in the Kampinos Forest these past few months-first aid, food storage, water purification, map reading skills, Morse Code, riflery-it all prepared us for this moment. I will give my all for Poland."
    Lech smoothed back his thick, black hair. "Andrzej's right. It's time to take a stand."
    First Lech, then Andrzej, and finally Lech's younger brother, Stefan, rose to their feet with raised chins, they punched their fists into the air and shouted in unison. "Czuwaj!
    Be vigilant! Stay awake! Be prepared!"
    Tadzio and Magdalena weren't prepared for their Polish Scoutmaster's challenge. Not until their parents disappeared. A Young Adult historical novel, Underground Scouts brings to light the brave efforts of Polish Boy Scouts and Girl Guides who fought alongside the Polish Underground during World War II.
    Learn more about Marie on her WEBSITE (and learn about her group of Christian youth authors) and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
    My apologies to Marie for the lateness of her episode. It was supposed to release about the time of my husband's accident, and I just realized it never did!  AAAK!
    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    • 42 min
    A Chat with Laura Conaway about Romantic Suspense

    A Chat with Laura Conaway about Romantic Suspense

    While not technically a debut author, Laura Conaway is, however, a debut Love Inspired Suspense author!  Her book, Silencing the Witness just came out in January. Listen in to see why I am extra excited about this one!
    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
    What Is It about Photo Recognition Suspense Novels, Anyway?
    Look, I don't know about you, but ever since I read Dee Henderson's Danger in the Shadows, I've loved a story where someone just happens to snap just the right photo at just the right time and it's seen by just the wrong person. Laura Conaway has a new book out where that very thing happens in a totally different way, and I'm down for it.  Like, where's my book???
    (spoiler: on my shelf!)
    We chatted about how Laura got the idea for Silencing the Witness, about the faith in the book and...
    About what's coming.  And guys... buy some earplugs, because I owe her a rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."  That's all I'm sayin'!
    Well, that and don't miss the "attempted murder" on the cover of this book!
    Silencing the Witness by Laura Conaway.
    A protected witness is exposed… the race is on to keep her alive.
    When her photo is leaked in the local paper, Avery Sanford’s identity in witness protection is compromised. She's the key witness to a murder, and a ruthless drug ring will stop at nothing to silence her. With attackers on her tail, Avery has no choice but to accept the help of former army commander Seth Brown. But keeping Avery alive long enough to testify could be the end for them both… 
    From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    • 23 min
    A Chat with Antony Barone Kolenc

    A Chat with Antony Barone Kolenc

    Last time I talked to Antony Barone Kolenc, I was enthralled with the idea of his Harwood Mysteries.  Well, all those awards he's won, I think the books live up to the idea, don't you?  Well, with a new one released at the end of last year and another coming this year, plus another book and a new series in the works... well, listen in. We've got a lot to talk about.
    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
    These Are Exactly My Favorite Kinds of Mysteries! Let's see... an era or situation I'm not familiar with... interesting characters... rich faith woven in naturally... a nun who just looks at a crucifix to answer the question, "Why do I have to suffer like this...?"  Um... YEAH!
    Antony Barone Kolenc has really knocked it out of the park with this series. Set in the 12th Century, these young folks deal with a variety of issues, and even have to travel to Portugal in one!  EEEP!
    His newest book, Murder at Penwood Manor, we're looking at crusaders and murders, and oh my!  Life-changing stuff going on (and a bit of age-appropriate romance as well!).  
    Like a lot of middle-grade fiction, this series grows with the kids reading it, so what was upper middle grade in the beginning becomes lower YA by the end.  I love that he's done this.  Because Kolenc is a conscientious writer, father, and Christian, younger advanced readers binging the series won't be subjected to the garbage often found in YA stuff while the stories will still keep the attention of teens.  A win all around.
    Kolenc also talked about another book he released just yesterday, Penny and the Stolen Chalice. This is for younger middle-grade readers and features non-Catholic Penny who is determined to find out who stole the Eucharist chalice during Mass.  Note: Non-Catholic parents should read reviews to be prepared to discuss the theological ideas in the book.
    Finally, we got a sneak peek into the next series he's working on. Just the tiniest sneakiest of peeks.  But I'm eager to learn more!
    Murder at Penwood Manor by Antony Barone Kolenc Xan and Christina embark on a journey to Harwood Abbey, where they reunite with their old friends, Lucy and Joshua. When a brutal murder occurs at nearby Penwood Manor, all evidence points to Laurence, a Crusader recently returned from the Holy Land. Unconvinced of the man’s guilt, Xan and his friends must act swiftly to solve the crime.

    Who could have committed such a horrible killing, and is anyone safe?
    Is Laurence tormented by demons, or is he haunted by some other secret?
    And will Xan be forever changed by the choice Lucy and Christina present to him?
    Learn more about Antony Barone Kolenc on his WEBSITE and follow him on GoodReads and BookBub.
    You can also listen to his first episode HERE.
    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    • 40 min
    A Chat with Romcom Author, Jessica Kate

    A Chat with Romcom Author, Jessica Kate

    What do you get when you mix faith, family, and small towns?  Well with Jessica Kate's latest release, Drive You Crazy, you get a hilarious "loathe to love" romcom in her new Amity Creek series!  Listen in to learn more!
    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
    Jessica Kate, author of A Girl's Guide to the Outback and Love and Other Mistakes, has a fun new small-town romcom series set in Washington State.  I mean, she had me at "romcom" but then when she says it kicks off when a guy our heroine calls Dracula drops a tree on her car, I was 100% all in. Can you blame me?
    But while Amity Creek only has one full-length novel (just released), there are a few short novels/stories as well.  
    Not only that, but she's just released Three Aussie Kisses and A New Year's Kiss as well!
    Drive You Crazy by Jessica Kate
    Fans of Emily Henry and Gilmore Girls will adore this swoon-worthy enemies-to-love romance about how faith, family and small towns are never as simple as they seem.
    Bubbly newspaper editor Ashley Anderson is ecstatic to finally call this small town in Washington State 'home'—until she accidentally angers her newspaper's biggest advertisers, and they boycott. Her neighbor Justin has the family connections to get the town back on her side—but asking for help from the man she's nicknamed 'Dracula' is a last resort.
    Living next door, rebel-with-a-cause teacher Justin Hastings can't escape Amity Creek fast enough. But when a good deed goes awry, it's his fault that Ashley's car is out of action, and they're forced to carpool until he can make things right.
    Thrust into one another's daily lives, Ashley and Justin learn that little is black-and-white—not small-town life, not family, and not each other. But there's a fork in the road, and it seems God has these two destined for separate paths. Can the road less traveled ever lead them back to love?
    Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this must-read inspirational romance about the complexities—and the beauty—of true love in all its forms.
    Learn more about Jessica Kate on her WEBSITE. Also, 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!

    • 27 min
    A Chat with Debut Novelist, Nancy C. Williams

    A Chat with Debut Novelist, Nancy C. Williams

    Anyone who knows Nancy C. Williams knows that she can tell a great story.  I've sat around tables listening to her tales for years and never get tired of it.  Listen in to the stories she tells about Siberia, Seabees, wasps (not capitalized), and FedEx.  
    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
    What Do Houses with Chicken Legs Have to Do with Russian MIGs?
    Nancy C. Williams has been writing advertising copy and other professional works for over thirty years, but now that she's dipped her toes into fiction, she's got the bug, and she's here to tell us about it.
    Her novel, To Love a Falcon, is the latest in the Ever After Mystery Series (the 1940s line) and features the Russian fairy tale "Finist the Falcon."  While you don't need to read the fairy tale to enjoy the novel, it's short and you will get little nuggets out of Nancy's story that you might have missed otherwise.
    Nancy drew on her experience going to Siberia for her son's adoption, a story her father-in-law told about WWII, and even her time with FedEx riding in the jump seat (think Tom Hanks and Castaway. Nancy didn't crash, thank goodness!)
    Add to that Providential provision in her writing center of a whole display of Russian toys and fairy tales and well... she just had to write this book.  I do not confess to begging her to do it. Nope. No confession here.  *whistles.
    To Love a Falcon by Nancy C. Williams
    When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her deeper into Siberia.
    Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.
    A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance...igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?
    Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?
    To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.
    To learn more about Nancy C. Williams, visit 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!

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

Flyover County ,

Love Christian Fiction

I discoverd this podcast this morning. I am giddy! We need this and more like this to counterbalance the darkness in this world.
I look forward to listing to the back issues.
As an author of Christian Fiction, I hope we can have a conversation one day.
Richard Skorupski

Violinauthor ,

Wonderful podcast

I love hearing about new books with Christian values. The host is so energetic it keeps the discussions lively and fun.

KinestaticAuthor ,

Entertaining and delightful

Chautona Havig is a delightful host and provides listeners with entertaining and fun interviews. You just feel better after hearing one of these episodes.

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