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Not-So-Fairy Tales #1
Princess Paisley
Fairy tales aren't just for children anymore! Welcome to Jackalopany! Meet King Jack and Queen Felicia and their estimable children, Paisley and Jackson. Paisley has reached the year of her majority and is about to endure her "Majority Ball." She's unique, prank-loving, and not ready to change her life. She'd rather continue her days herding sheep, playing her harp, and avoiding the responsibilities associated with the Jackalopian throne. The shepherd Henry, Prince Rupert of Froggilandria, Kyle of Kaiandra, Marcus of Wellsbiundia, and the amusing Cletus of Rednecky all battle for the hand (and possibly the rest of) Princess Paisley. Will Darius of Griffinland foil the plans of so many? Will tragedy leave the Jackalopian throne bereft of an heir? And last but not least, will the narrator ever stop yammering about the rigors and rules of the fairytale genre?
338 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2010
19 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
274 books1,840 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 14, 2012
I liked the story of Paisley Paisley but I found the narration annoying. I felt like the authoress was trying too hard to be funny. without all of the silly narrations I would say this was a 4/4.5 star book.
February 4, 2013
Simply delightful!
March 21, 2025
The most fun I've had reading in ages!
I love the narrator's POV woven into the storyline itself. I love how each character is treated like a real person with real feelings and thoughts (except that one bad guy...) and the fathoms (that fairytale jargon has gotten to my head, hasn't it?) of truth and good principles on dating, marriage, sibling relationships, practical jokes, and parenting (whether or not one is a queen or king).
I would recommend this to just about anyone looking for a good, clean, and hilarious read, especially if one doesn't mind (or wholly adheres to) showing and telling of God's hand in life.
I love the narrator's POV woven into the storyline itself. I love how each character is treated like a real person with real feelings and thoughts (except that one bad guy...) and the fathoms (that fairytale jargon has gotten to my head, hasn't it?) of truth and good principles on dating, marriage, sibling relationships, practical jokes, and parenting (whether or not one is a queen or king).
I would recommend this to just about anyone looking for a good, clean, and hilarious read, especially if one doesn't mind (or wholly adheres to) showing and telling of God's hand in life.
May 17, 2022
We loved Princess Paisley! I read it aloud to my children, and they constantly wanted more chapters. My 12-year-old son is really into fairy tale retellings right now, and he loved it so much that he wants a print copy. We thoroughly enjoyed Paisley’s interactions with the princes who came to try to win her hand, and I loved the author’s asides about the nature of fairy tales. This book was pure fun to read together.
February 2, 2018
Wonderful story. A must read for Chautona fans
Princess Paisley is a fun story, full of chuckles. The way the narrative was written was brilliant.
This book, and it's companion, Everard, are a must read as I stated in the headline.
Princess Paisley is a fun story, full of chuckles. The way the narrative was written was brilliant.
This book, and it's companion, Everard, are a must read as I stated in the headline.
October 29, 2017
This was a sweet, silly fairytale-type story with a Christian world view. Very enjoyable.
June 26, 2023
Hate reading on the kindle but this was the only book i would read on said kindle so i read it many a time lol
October 25, 2022
An interesting story with a lot of funny moments, some suspense, danger and a sad death. Clean story. I was happy to see the character I was rooting for prevail in the end.
October 21, 2012
I enjoy reading most princess books, and this one was a good read. Like the princesses of other contemporary princess stories, Princess Paisley is not the traditional fairy tale princess. She's pretty, but not exceptional. Smart, headstrong, and witty, Paisley has to pick a suitor. Will she choose her lifelong friend or the prince she has just met? When her life is threatened, both men work together to rescue her. Action, adventure, tragedy, love -- all of these work together for a satisfying story.
The narrator's insistence on addressing the reader directly and explaining some aspect of the fairytale genre, although interesting at the beginning of the story, became annoying as the story progressed. I hope the author drops the intrusive narrator in the sequel.
The narrator's insistence on addressing the reader directly and explaining some aspect of the fairytale genre, although interesting at the beginning of the story, became annoying as the story progressed. I hope the author drops the intrusive narrator in the sequel.
December 24, 2012
This book was a riot. Kind of like if Lemony Snickett got a rosier outlook on life and started writing fairytales about princesses who herd sheep.
After reading a lot of lackluster free ebooks lately, this one was a breath of fresh air. Well-written, and with a plot I couldn't exactly predict (even though I knew the prince and the princess would wind up together). The book is full of that author-to-reader narrative humor, making it a light, fun read.
My one complaint is that sometimes a POV change would start with a pronoun instead of the character's name, leaving me confused about who I was reading about. Aside from that, what a fun book!
After reading a lot of lackluster free ebooks lately, this one was a breath of fresh air. Well-written, and with a plot I couldn't exactly predict (even though I knew the prince and the princess would wind up together). The book is full of that author-to-reader narrative humor, making it a light, fun read.
My one complaint is that sometimes a POV change would start with a pronoun instead of the character's name, leaving me confused about who I was reading about. Aside from that, what a fun book!
October 24, 2012
I'm sure that the storyline is excellent (I do like Ms. Havig as a writer), but I can't even finish this book. The constant narrative interruptions is extremely intrusive and interrupts the story flow, making the narration VERY annoying.
I love fairy tales--even the unconventional ones--and never quit reading a book, but I just can't make it through this one. I will absolutely read Ms. Havig's books again, just not the ones from this series, which is highly unfortunate. (I hate giving bad reviews!!!!)
I love fairy tales--even the unconventional ones--and never quit reading a book, but I just can't make it through this one. I will absolutely read Ms. Havig's books again, just not the ones from this series, which is highly unfortunate. (I hate giving bad reviews!!!!)
October 26, 2012
3.5 I liked her writing style. The author is writing the story and then throws in lines writing to the reader explaining why she choose a word or phrase. Example if someone was to start with once upon a time (I had to start the book this way. This is how all fairytales start). There are some fun delightful exchanges between the characters. Princess paisley (the character) was easy for me to like and cheer for.
November 27, 2012
I enjoyed this little tale about a princess that wasn't so princess-y, making choices that weren't always cut-and-dry. The narrator's explanations of terms used in fairy tales and how royal people are expected to behave, did start to get old, but I was hooked on this story and really had no clue that it would end up being so complicated by the time they lived happily ever after. Great characters, nice descriptions, a fun read for all ages.
July 4, 2013
This was a cute fairytale with fun characters and a bit of action. I thought the action part was a little confusing, mostly because I couldn't figure out why she needed to cut off her hair if she was hiding where no one could see her anyway. But it was resolved well with a decent love story and I always enjoy well-written characters. Others have complained that the narrator was too intrusive. While I liked the overall style I agree that there were a few too many interruptions.
August 6, 2016
One of Havig's Best edited books!
JK Rowling's finess meets with a double dose of charm and faithful hearts to make for a something better than a fairytale or happily ever afters as Princess Paisley meets a Frogg capable of derailing her best laid plans during the week of her majority ball. Will she marry a toad? Will her wit tumble thrones?
Grab a box of tissues and find out as this one tickles more than just your funny bone!
JK Rowling's finess meets with a double dose of charm and faithful hearts to make for a something better than a fairytale or happily ever afters as Princess Paisley meets a Frogg capable of derailing her best laid plans during the week of her majority ball. Will she marry a toad? Will her wit tumble thrones?
Grab a box of tissues and find out as this one tickles more than just your funny bone!
February 14, 2024
I was surprisingly pleased with how good this book was!
1. It was completely clean, and sweet enemies to lovers (ish)
2. It has a slight Christian view and mentions praying and Jesus!! (I love that!)
3. It has a unique writing style that is very fairytale/ diary formatted/ storyteller like. (I enjoyed it!)
4. The story was good (a bit drawn out in spots though)
Overall, I recommend it and loved it!
1. It was completely clean, and sweet enemies to lovers (ish)
2. It has a slight Christian view and mentions praying and Jesus!! (I love that!)
3. It has a unique writing style that is very fairytale/ diary formatted/ storyteller like. (I enjoyed it!)
4. The story was good (a bit drawn out in spots though)
Overall, I recommend it and loved it!
August 16, 2014
While the story was good, I was distracted by all the author/narrator's side-comments. They might have been cute or funny if not so overdone. It makes me wonder if she is like Brielle, only with asides rather than italics. Anything overdone gets annoying. Unfortunately this distracted from the otherwise good story.
November 11, 2012
Fun, modern fairy tale. The narrator makes asides to the reader which are cute at first, but grow tedious as the book progresses.
February 8, 2015
I LOVED it! The beginning was a bit slow, But it just got better and better and better!!!
August 6, 2016
Cute and p erfect for readers of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews