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Aggie's Inheritance #2
For Keeps
Her first six months of "motherhood" included an ant infestation, a major move, house renovation, and lessons in how to be a mom to eight lively children. Now that the house is nearly complete, her children are headed back to school, and she has a few tantrums under her hymn-singing belt, Aggie is certain life will settle down. Poor Aggie... William makes his intentions known, Luke and his mother are always there for her, and between a new kitten, a box full of puppies, and chicken pox, Aggie's home begins to resemble the local zoo! Her children keep testing the waters, the unrealistic budgets she makes refuse to balance, and she learns that life with children means that nothing stays done and perfect for long. Add Geraldine and her histrionics to the mix and it's no wonder she's ready to run away from home. When a surprise letter arrives, everything could turn upside down. Relief is in sight, but can she bring herself to jump to plan B? Has this just been a practice game, or is she playing for keeps? Will her household shrink drastically, or will it expand?
404 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2010
142 people are currently reading
687 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 17, 2017
Well, apparently I liked this book since I read it in one day - basically in one sitting. =)
As I mentioned in my review of the last book, this series can be a bit hard to get into because there are a LOT of characters to try and keep track of. Eventually I just gave up on trying to keep track of them, and overtime I kinda got the picture.
This book had a lot more romance in it than the first book, but it wasn't the annoying kind of romance at all, so yay! Like, really: A big YAY for that! I didn't agree with everything as far as the romance goes, but mostly because I think there should have been more emphasis on things that weren't really mentioned. I was overwhelmingly happy that the author didn't make physical attributes a big part of the plot. OH happy day! (If you can't tell, this is something that REALLY bothers me in books. So, to have a book that was sweet, somewhat romantic, but totally wholesome made me very happy.)
There were several "lessons" taught in this book, but the author does it in such a way that I never feel like I'm being preached at, so that's pretty fantastic. I very much like learning from books, but I don't like being preached at in novels.
Once again there were a few minor things I didn't agree with, but overall I really liked the book. And yes, once again I did buy the third book in the series and begin reading it...
As I mentioned in my review of the last book, this series can be a bit hard to get into because there are a LOT of characters to try and keep track of. Eventually I just gave up on trying to keep track of them, and overtime I kinda got the picture.
This book had a lot more romance in it than the first book, but it wasn't the annoying kind of romance at all, so yay! Like, really: A big YAY for that! I didn't agree with everything as far as the romance goes, but mostly because I think there should have been more emphasis on things that weren't really mentioned. I was overwhelmingly happy that the author didn't make physical attributes a big part of the plot. OH happy day! (If you can't tell, this is something that REALLY bothers me in books. So, to have a book that was sweet, somewhat romantic, but totally wholesome made me very happy.)
There were several "lessons" taught in this book, but the author does it in such a way that I never feel like I'm being preached at, so that's pretty fantastic. I very much like learning from books, but I don't like being preached at in novels.
Once again there were a few minor things I didn't agree with, but overall I really liked the book. And yes, once again I did buy the third book in the series and begin reading it...
April 5, 2019
Whew! I am so relieved! I knew there was only one right person for Aggie, and I'm so glad she figured it out, too. :) My heart slowly eased down out of my throat over the course of the story as it became more and more clear that this wasn't just my imagination; it was really what the author intended all along. Also, kudos on making me really think it could go either way at first! (Not that I wanted it to.) It's rare to have my heartstrings pulled so hard without being sure that the author's the one doing the pulling. ;)
And on that note--
I loved seeing the way that Aggie's friends and family helped out when she needed it. I enjoyed having more time with Tina and like the fact that even "Murphy" is being drawn in. But apparently a restraining order is not enough for grandma. X(
Other loves--Luke's nickname for Aggie, all the IM chat sessions, the kids and their different personalities and quirks, an unusual trio of bedtime prayers, "imaginationally challenged" gifts--I could go on, but I won't.
I really liked the way the questions of personal convictions were handled, particularly with the skirt issue, which can be a touchy one. But I was just a little disappointed that the kissing-before-marriage question seemed to be downplayed as the product of an emotional teenage experience and somewhat over-the-top vow that was more of a hindrance than a blessing. But I think that's my only complaint.
Content--over-the-top accusations of inappropriate conduct (not spelled out); a few awkward comments; mentions of issues found in books/movies that are being previewed for kids (including the long form of a curse word, a picture of an unclothed woman, marital infidelity, etc.); mentions of wanting to kiss; mentions of "making out" (in memories and people's expectations only); mentions of physical and emotional abuse; a few wounds and blood (not graphic)
And on that note--
I loved seeing the way that Aggie's friends and family helped out when she needed it. I enjoyed having more time with Tina and like the fact that even "Murphy" is being drawn in. But apparently a restraining order is not enough for grandma. X(
Other loves--Luke's nickname for Aggie, all the IM chat sessions, the kids and their different personalities and quirks, an unusual trio of bedtime prayers, "imaginationally challenged" gifts--I could go on, but I won't.
I really liked the way the questions of personal convictions were handled, particularly with the skirt issue, which can be a touchy one. But I was just a little disappointed that the kissing-before-marriage question seemed to be downplayed as the product of an emotional teenage experience and somewhat over-the-top vow that was more of a hindrance than a blessing. But I think that's my only complaint.
Content--over-the-top accusations of inappropriate conduct (not spelled out); a few awkward comments; mentions of issues found in books/movies that are being previewed for kids (including the long form of a curse word, a picture of an unclothed woman, marital infidelity, etc.); mentions of wanting to kiss; mentions of "making out" (in memories and people's expectations only); mentions of physical and emotional abuse; a few wounds and blood (not graphic)
October 10, 2022
Awesome book!!! I've been reading this series out loud to some of my siblings, and we've been loving them. It almost feels like we're part of Aggie's life, and we always can't wait to see what happens next. Luke is basically perfect, but not in an annoying way. Love him to death!!! He's so sweet, and so good for Aggie and the kids. <3 William is also great, even with his (kinda major, but usually well meaning) flaws.
Each of the kids are so sweet and loveable as well. So excited to read more!
Each of the kids are so sweet and loveable as well. So excited to read more!
August 29, 2014
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for mild romance, reading level
Best for Ages: 13 and up
It took me long enough to read the second book in the Aggie’s Inheritance series, but I am so glad I finally made the time for it. It was even better than the first book.
Watching as Aggie deals with school and chicken pox, as well as her own romantic life, was so enjoyable. Yes, at times the story can seem a bit slow or Aggie’s whining becomes a bit much, but it was still wonderful.
As the romance develops, I especially enjoyed seeing how Aggie explains things to Vannie and how she makes the right decisions. I also love the part in this story where Aggie explains the difference between doing something (such as wearing skirts, or saving your first kiss for your wedding day) can be a wonderful standard to have, or a legalistic tool to make you look more spiritual.
One of the things I loved best about these books is that each of the kids is different, and it really shows in the book. Sometimes, when writing about large families, the kids all come out sounding the same. Havig did a great job of making them each sound different.
I highly recommend this book for those who enjoyed the first book, love god-honoring romance, and stories about ordinary people.
One of the things I most appreciated about this book was Jay’s struggle to accept Hope’s faith. It wasn’t easy for him, and it wasn’t quick. Too many books make it sound so easy, but often it is a long struggle.
The romance in this book, like all of Havig’s books, is sweet and based on friendship, not just gushy feelings. I love the way she balances the friendship and the romance so well in her stories.
There were some sad parts to this book, but it made it really, really good. I don’t have a single complaint about this story.
I highly recommend this book to those who like romance that is based on something more than feelings, stories about everyday people, and authors who are not afraid to let their faith take center stage.
Best for Ages: 13 and up
It took me long enough to read the second book in the Aggie’s Inheritance series, but I am so glad I finally made the time for it. It was even better than the first book.
Watching as Aggie deals with school and chicken pox, as well as her own romantic life, was so enjoyable. Yes, at times the story can seem a bit slow or Aggie’s whining becomes a bit much, but it was still wonderful.
As the romance develops, I especially enjoyed seeing how Aggie explains things to Vannie and how she makes the right decisions. I also love the part in this story where Aggie explains the difference between doing something (such as wearing skirts, or saving your first kiss for your wedding day) can be a wonderful standard to have, or a legalistic tool to make you look more spiritual.
One of the things I loved best about these books is that each of the kids is different, and it really shows in the book. Sometimes, when writing about large families, the kids all come out sounding the same. Havig did a great job of making them each sound different.
I highly recommend this book for those who enjoyed the first book, love god-honoring romance, and stories about ordinary people.
One of the things I most appreciated about this book was Jay’s struggle to accept Hope’s faith. It wasn’t easy for him, and it wasn’t quick. Too many books make it sound so easy, but often it is a long struggle.
The romance in this book, like all of Havig’s books, is sweet and based on friendship, not just gushy feelings. I love the way she balances the friendship and the romance so well in her stories.
There were some sad parts to this book, but it made it really, really good. I don’t have a single complaint about this story.
I highly recommend this book to those who like romance that is based on something more than feelings, stories about everyday people, and authors who are not afraid to let their faith take center stage.
June 28, 2016
After finishing Ready or Not, I had to read this second book in the series. Aggie’s struggles in learning to be a homeschooler and her fight against chicken pox were rather amusing to read about. The romance (very clean romance, but definitely romance) was fun to watch as well.
October 10, 2023
Again, an enjoyable series but it just stretches on and on. ;)
June 28, 2019
The romance was really light in this story, but it was so present it was hard to ignore. However, I found the story delightful and it kept me reading.
I also loved the remodeling, even though some of them were a bit crazy!
I also loved the remodeling, even though some of them were a bit crazy!
January 15, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Ready or Not, the first book in the Aggie’s Inheritance series, when I read it a good while ago, and have been saying for a long time that I’d sure like to read the other two books! I got my chance this week when I was given an Amazon gift card for Mother’s Day. No problem deciding what to use it for—I couldn’t wait to read For Keeps and learn more of Aggie’s story.
Read my full review here.
August 18, 2012
I totally enjoyed reading this second Installment of Aggie's inheritence. The kids are all great fun and Williams bumbling and complete inability to speak to a woman is funny. Luke on the other hand is every womans dream! I cant wait to read the third book. I do have to say that the ending of this book was a true tear jerker!
October 4, 2012
Havig's fun writing tone was still present in book two, but I thought she should have kept the focus of the story on Aggie's parenting, with the romance being a secondary story. I also agree with another reviewer that the main characters' insecurities get a little old. (Grade: "B-".)
May 17, 2015
I liked this series. I think some of the storyline can be over the top, but overall, i would read it again.
December 7, 2020
I liked Chautona's book "Not a Word" and the first in the Meddlin' Madeline series more than I liked this one. When her sister dies, single Aggie is left with her sister's eight children. Aggie loves the children but finds eight children are a lot to handle. In spite of this, Aggie seems to think that the answer to all the kids' clothing problems is to start sewing all their clothes. That seems hard to believe under the circumstances. Then she decides it will be easier to homeschool them all rather than have to take them to several different schools. That's hard to believe as well. There are some good things here. Aggie's romance isn't all about physical attraction. She cares more about character. She makes good decisions about child rearing and really loves the kids. But after reading halfway through I just felt no desire to read any more. Though Aggie had a good attitude, the book seemed to be all about the dreary, mundane parts of life with not enough fun for me to enjoy finishing it.
October 17, 2020
This is the second book in this saga of Aggie and the kids. Here she finds out that two men are willing to marry her to help her out with the eight children. But only one is doing it for the right reason, love. His love for her is showing more and more. He does not want to control her life but enrich it to the best potential she can be. But is is William the sheriff or Luke the quiet one who is always there? Who is she going to pick? And is homeschooling the thing that the kids need most?
October 1, 2021
This is the continuing story of Aggie and her role as guardian to her eight nieces and nephews. I enjoyed the humor in the book and all the things that happen to this unconventional family. Of course I've been rooting for Luke as Aggie's suitor but felt like it is going too slowly. I'll be reading book #3 to see what happens next.
March 15, 2022
Fun Christian romance
So much to say that I enjoyed in this story. It's a continuation of Angie's journey into her inheritance of motherhood, and the exploration of her relationship with Luke. You won't regret the time current reading this second book in the Angie's Inheritance series.
So much to say that I enjoyed in this story. It's a continuation of Angie's journey into her inheritance of motherhood, and the exploration of her relationship with Luke. You won't regret the time current reading this second book in the Angie's Inheritance series.
September 1, 2025
Fabulous and family friendly book
Chautona Havig has done it again. While a bit slow to start in book one, this second installment in the Stuart-Miliken family series is steady and engaging right from page one. I’m so glad I kept on reading and now I am even more eager for book 3 than I was for this one. I hope this author lives forever and keeps writing!!
Chautona Havig has done it again. While a bit slow to start in book one, this second installment in the Stuart-Miliken family series is steady and engaging right from page one. I’m so glad I kept on reading and now I am even more eager for book 3 than I was for this one. I hope this author lives forever and keeps writing!!
September 26, 2019
Keeping is a no brainer
More real life struggles. Being given a way out, especially when you add love, is not the option. Love grows as do children with care and attention. This is a continuation of a wonderful saga.
More real life struggles. Being given a way out, especially when you add love, is not the option. Love grows as do children with care and attention. This is a continuation of a wonderful saga.
July 20, 2020
Loving Aggie
I am loving reading about Aggie and seeing so much of her in me or me in her. Plus her love story with Luke is wonderful and I love watching the kids behave and misbehave. Oh and let’s not get started on William.
I am loving reading about Aggie and seeing so much of her in me or me in her. Plus her love story with Luke is wonderful and I love watching the kids behave and misbehave. Oh and let’s not get started on William.
August 2, 2021
Fabulous
I am loving this series. I am always sad when I reach the end of the book. I feel as though I know the characters. Very pure, Christian story that is very well written and a great read.
I am loving this series. I am always sad when I reach the end of the book. I feel as though I know the characters. Very pure, Christian story that is very well written and a great read.
March 9, 2018
Lovely
So enjoyed Aggie finally realising her heart for Luke. She didn't seem to sing as much in this book. I highly recommend if you like clean faith based books.
So enjoyed Aggie finally realising her heart for Luke. She didn't seem to sing as much in this book. I highly recommend if you like clean faith based books.
September 12, 2018
RTC when I get on a computer
March 21, 2019
Keeps me wanting
This series has kept me wanting more! I have lost myself in the story of Aggie, Luke and all eight children.
This series has kept me wanting more! I have lost myself in the story of Aggie, Luke and all eight children.
August 30, 2019
I was excited to read this follow up. It did not disappoint. The story continued with the characters growing stronger
February 18, 2021
Life lessons
This book is a great read on how to handle every day life lessons and have God be a part of your daily life.
This book is a great read on how to handle every day life lessons and have God be a part of your daily life.
January 16, 2024
Excellent Read!
May 26, 2024
This is another really great book by Chautona... She really grabbed my heart and made me laugh. I wish I could add stars to this one.
July 6, 2024
Loved it!
I love the storyline of this “ready-made” family….. their ups and downs times 8!!
Looking forward to the next installment😉😉
I love the storyline of this “ready-made” family….. their ups and downs times 8!!
Looking forward to the next installment😉😉
February 14, 2025
Heart Warming
Gentle, clean romance. Morals, reasoning, family values. Old-School life doesn’t have to be boring. This family isn’t missing out :)
Gentle, clean romance. Morals, reasoning, family values. Old-School life doesn’t have to be boring. This family isn’t missing out :)
April 15, 2025
Inspiration
...for a tired mother. I love reading and rereading the Aggie books. They always inspire me to be a better mother.
...for a tired mother. I love reading and rereading the Aggie books. They always inspire me to be a better mother.
December 26, 2025
A great addition to the series, much like a continuation of the first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews