Jessa Davidson enjoyed a lifelong fascination and desire for life on the prairie. However, she never expected that fascination to become reality. A far cry from her apartment in Pittsburgh, the world of Prairie is more than just a change in geography--it's a change of life. In Prairie, Jessa examines the innermost parts of her soul and discovers desires she never knew she had.
From the moment she awoke, transported from the cold Pennsylvania winter, on the sunbathed summer prairie, she knew her life would never be the same.
The people of Prairie welcomed her and accepted her--almost without question, but so much of her life changed in that moment--her hopes, dreams, values, and the absolutes of things like time--that she feared accepting her new life as reality.
Is Prairie the dreams of her life come true--or her worst nightmare> Is it real? Is it permanent? Or will she awake to discover that she's lost her mind--or worse, her life?
And the biggest question on Jessa's heart? Does she care?
**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.
Prairie is in a category all its own. Chautona Havig has written books in a variety of genres; fantasy, fairy-tale, contemporary, mystery, suspense, romance, but I don't even know where to fit this one. While it is somewhat fantasy it doesn't have the "creatures" I come to expect from such a genre. It is contemporary while at the same time having a mix of a historical feel and even a bit of the fairy-tale. Whatever category this book fits into, it was an extremely pleasant surprise for me. I don't prefer first person narrative, I do prefer suspense, and yet everything about this book drew me in. I spent the first 3 or 4 chapters trying to figure out the how and why of where Jessa found herself. Then I decided to just go along for the ride. About the time I was comfortable with the ride, Jessa herself was asking the how and why of her journey. I kept waiting for the answer. Half way through I didn't even care about the answer anymore, the gentleness of this book drew me and comforted me.
I think what I loved most about this book was the absolute beauty of God, His love, His people. I saw a glimpse of how I believe the Church (His Bride) should be operating. I loved the poetic flow of the book. Above all, I loved the concept of time in Prairie. It made me stop and consider how I observe time, how I either struggle with it and fight it or find my contentment in it. How our dissatisfaction or anxious thoughts affect us. Of all the MANY themes flowing through the story of Jessa and her new life in Prairie, the wonderful gift of time is the one I choose to take away and ponder for a while.
Try it. I believe you will find yourself drawn in and will have several aspects to ponder once you are done.
Well, this was a very interesting fantasy story. First off, this is an author Havig story so I knew I was in for a ride, but I think out of all of her novels I have read this one might just be the quirkiest. It was a good read. I was pulled in from the very beginning with Jessa. The atmosphere came alive in my mind's eye and so did Jessa's confusion, even her peace.
I have not read a fantasy like this one before. Sometimes with fantasy I get confused as I try to imagine the new world the author is describing. Not so with Prairie. Prairie was a world very similar to ours. It was certainly different, just in ways that I was not expecting. I will leave that for the next dear reader to experience.
The lesson of contentment was a powerful one. Even a bit convicting. Contentment I have come to believe is a choice the we must make each day. Sometimes I fail, miserably, and I think this story shows what that could look like if we lived in Prairie. Lace that up with Jessa coming to terms with her childhood, her abandonment of her father, the death of her beloved mother, and some of her poor choices she made while still in our world and you have a good soul searching novel that has you looking deeper into your own life.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Almost six years ago, I won a paperback copy of Prairie in a giveaway that Chautona Havig did. She sent it to me, and I fell in love with this story! It is so good. I don’t like fantasy, as a rule, but I loved this book. When I read it again last week in preparation for this review, I loved it again. What a gentle story, with such great lessons. I loved watching Jessa learning the way of life in Prairie, and learning to be content. What an important lesson for all of us. One paragraph especially stood out to me; when I looked back just now, I found that I quoted the same thing in my review back then! “Jessa, it’s pride. Why does anyone do anything that others have done wrong? Why don’t the consequences of other’s sin prevent people from making the same mistakes? We’re prideful people. We think we’re above consequences. We’re sinners who won’t acknowledge our frailty.”
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good story with a lot of depth to it!
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
At first I didn't think I would connect with a young woman waking up in a strange place, and her discoveries there. But I became enthralled as I read through this story and learned how the people lived in Prairie. The sense of community was their way of life. It took getting used to, but it was amazing.
I did not immediately connect with Jessa, but as the story progressed and I saw how she was so open to her new environment and community, I began liking her immensely.
All the "what ifs" of this new-to-Jessa land were fascinating to learn. I loved how a relationship with the Lord was so essential to the people's individual well-being, and to the community's success.
Readers who are fans of Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables will appreciate the references throughout this book. Readers of Christian fiction and fantasy will also enjoy this book.
I received an e-ARC of this book from the author, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Eeek, I absolutely loved this book! It was super intriguing, and kept me interested throughout the whole thing. I love Prairie, and all the amazing people there...! Especially Steve and Lloyd.❤️ It didn't end how I was originally really wanting it to end, and I thought I would be disappointed about that, but I wasn't really. I'm adding it to my list of favorite books, and I really want to get a physical copy of it now! XD
I was so confused when this book started. Where was the catch? Would she wake up and all the wonderful be a dream? I cried. Her pain was real to me. I mourned her losses. I felt hopeful as she saw a future begin to emerge from the confusion. This is the sweetest story about love in all the ways God made it and healing from all the sadness brokenness brings. It's one I am glad I read.
I am absolutely stunned by this book! Jessa goes to sleep one day and wakes up in a completely different world. However, this world is one that she has dreamed of and longed for since childhood. She believes God has granted her the deepest desires of her heart. She meets new friends and faces new challenges along the way. What does God hold in store for her? This book brings all the feelings: tears, laughter, romance...it's all there!
I am going to start this review with the posts that I posted on my Facebook page.
I am reading a book that I am not sure if I am enjoying it or not but I just read this and thought how true. This is about going or not going to church! " I just don't understand how you can believe and not go. It would be like being hungry, food is within your grasp, but you don't eat." ..............." How do you expect to eat at the Lord's Table, feed on His Bread, and nourish yourself with the fellowship of one-another if you never partake? "
The book has turned into one that I am going to recommend, "Prairie" by Chautona Havig. I just read " It hurts to talk about about those you've lost, but that hurt is proof that you are alive, that you were blessed with those people to begin with. Why should we accept, with pleasure, the blessings of the Lord and then turn up our noses when He calls some of those blessings home to Himself?" I didn't share this quote but want to share in this review because I think if we let it, it speaks to us all. " Do you think maybe it's wrong to invest so much emotional energy in regrets? The past can't be changed. It's done. The present and any future you have is a gift-a blessing.Why mar those with something that cannot be undone?" This novel is filled with life changing thoughts that could impact us in a positive way if we let it. This is a story of being content with your life and not wishing it away.
I was reading other reviews and one reviewer stated that she thought the book was too preachy, I didn't find the book that way at all, but if a reader finds it like that , the book is listed as Christian and I like that Christian principals are shared as part of the story.
I have to say that one theme in the book was a little hard for me to agreed completely with and that was if a couple have premarital sex, the man is guilty because women are to be protected. I believe both men and women are guilty of this sin. In Prairie, this is more of a belief especially if a baby is a result. I agreed that a baby is a gift from God. But both are guilty.
As I already stated I would recommend this book to readers.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these are my own opinions.
If ever a book was meant for me this one is it. I can’t believe how on point this story is for me. I am a huge fan of Little House on the Prairie. I have always loved that time period where people lived in a small town and had farms. Neighbors helped each other and families spent time together. I have wished so many times that my life was different. How many times have you said that you wish your life was different? Let’s unwrap this story together as we step into a place where there is no concept of time.
Jessa wakes up in a field filled with everything you would imagine from being on a farm. She has no concept of where she is and how she got there. Now I had to let that sink in. Did she just land Somewhere over the Rainbow? My heart beat a little faster as I took in everything that Jessa did. She was in the place she thought her life would be better at. Meeting the people in Prairie made her unsure of what was happening. Everyone helped each others out , they welcomed strangers yet seemed so removed from the world we know.
The simplicity of this place was heartwarming. I loved when Jessa is talking to Graham about going to church. His explanation is so on track that it hit me in the face. “How do you expect to eat at the Lord’s Table, feed on His Bread, and nourish yourself with one another if you never partake.” Well I think God just smacked me in the face with that statement. We need to surround ourselves with like minded people and fellowship at church. Why do we lose sight of God wanting to have a relationship with us?
The story is one that awakens an urgency within me. I pray from this day forward that I trust God with everything in my life. I want that childlike faith again and that hunger to be in His presence. Let Him settle my restlessness and be content where I am. Allow me to be joyful in the midst of a storm and give grace to others without judgment. Show me that the desires of my heart I have already received and remind me of the blessings of patience, family and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Prairie was a reread for me, I read it back in 2013 when it was first published, before I started actively reviewing what I was reading. I remember really enjoying it back then, so I jumped at the opportunity to be able to reread and review it.
It's been 8 years since my last encounter with the world of Prairie, my life has gone through a lot of changes, and I am older than I was back then. Needless to say, I had forgotten about a lot of the events that take place in the novel. I'll admit that I probably didn't enjoy it as much as I had in the past, but it was still a good book. And, having lived life a bit more, I was able to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the conversations and nuances throughout the book than I did when I was 18.
I enjoyed getting to know Jessa and seeing the world of Prairie through her eyes and how she adjusts to her new reality. I loved getting to know the people of Prairie and how things work, such as town decisions, money, work, etc. I also loved the message about contentment that is woven throughout the book. It is also interesting how in this world, Jessa is welcomed by most of the people, and they don't cast judgment on her because her actions before her arrival in Prairie. In some ways, I think we could all learn a little something from the book about how we should treat people in our everyday lives.
One of the only things that I didn't like was something that happens near the end because it felt rushed. I won't give anymore details because I don't want to spoil it for others who are interested in reading the book. I will admit I might be in the minority with that particular thing.
This is another great offering from Chautona Havig, and it shows that she is an author who can delve into a variety of different genres and I highly recommend giving Prairie a read!
Have you ever yearned for something so much that you thought it might come true? Or have you ever had a dream so realistic that when you woke up, you thought it had really happen? That’s what Jessa’s story felt like to me. She wanted the prairie life, and all that it entailed. so much so that it became a reality for her. What kind of reality is the question, and you’ll just have to read it to find out.
I am always a fan of Chautona’s writing. Her style is unique, yet I feel like I have been reading it forever. It has that “make yourself at home” feeling to it. She is no nonsense – you won’t find information dumping, boring storylines, etc… Now, at first I thought this story did kind of a little bit start out slow. But as I continued to read, it made sense. You needed to see all of this for the story later on to make sense and be able to move forward. You know what this reminded me of? Life. It isn’t always the fast track, and sometimes the Lord is telling us to slow down rather than hurry up and wait. So looking at it from this point of view kind of made it make sense.
I really like Jessa’s character. She had a lot going on, and it must have been overwhelming at times. But true to Chautona’s writing style, she doesn’t pull any punches. Chautona is not afraid to write or think outside the box, and I think that is why her stories pull me in like they do. I look forward to reading more in this series, and think you will too!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chautona Havig is a unique author and makes reading a book feel like you are reading out of the box. She is unique among authors with her books. They are always so memorable and make you do some thinking after you have read the book. She has a genre style that is all over in style. I guess this book was published 8 years ago.
At first, the book had me trying to piece it together but it was intriguing trying to grasp it and piece it together. In some ways, the book has an allegoric style to it but, at the same time, it is not your typical allegorical style you expect to find in a book.
The main character is Jessa from Pittsburgh who one day wakes up and is living a different life on the prairie. She is sure how she ended up on the prairie but she still recalls her memories. While wandering on the prairie she is found and taken into the local town. This town and the people are kind and have a much simpler life. The town folks are mostly Christians.
Jessa wonders if she has gone crazy or if she will one day wake up into her old life. She learns to be a better person and starts to accept her new reality.
The characters are well developed. Chautona is very descriptive in her writing. A unforgettable book that will leave you pondering the message woven into the story.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Prairie is written by Chautona Havig. If you have not read anything by Chautona, you are missing out. The author writes across multiple genres. She is very talented and her writing is unique. You will be drawn into her stories as soon as you start reading.
Prarie was originally published in 2013. This book falls into the Contemporary Christian Fantasy genre. This book is about Jessa. she is originally from Pittsburg and wakes up one day on the Prairie. She does not know how she gets there - and she wanders around and is brought back to the town, which is ironically called Prairie. Jessa finds that she does not want to return to her old life - and is enjoying this new life. She finds so many lessons in this new reality. In Prairie, people are pure and generous. She realizes she has made a lot of mistakes in her life. She sees the forgiveness that they offer.
The author has done a really good job weaving Biblical Truth into her story. The story of God's forgiveness of us. This story would be perfect for a middle school youth group.
Well written characters, intriguing storyline. I always enjoy the stories by t his author.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.
If you are into Christian fantasy, there is a good chance that the first book in Chautona Havig's Journey of Dreams series might just be right up your alley. As I have said in the past, fantasy is not a genre that has ever been my first choice, and likely never will be. Still regardless of the genre she choose to write in, Chautona Havig's talent for world building and storytelling is always evident. Prairie is no exception.
The story started out a bit slow and a perhaps even a bit confusing at first, but as the story goes on it seemed to pick up and make a bit more sense. Do you ever hope for a different world? The main character in this story Jessa certainly did, and you can imagine her surprise when she woke up in that new world! This is such a unique story that you truly cannot help but be captivated. Regardless on if you are typically a fantasy fan or not, this book is an intriguing read that really feels like a genre all it's own.
Overall, this is a good read that anyone looking for an inspirational story can enjoy.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Many authors start with a “what if.” It seems like the “what if” for Prairie could easily have been - what if someone fell asleep and woke up in a place they wished they could visit when they were a child. Another “what if” could be based on the phrase “don’t wish your life away.” Jessa falls asleep in Pittsburgh and wakes up in a field in a place that reminds her of Little House on the Prairie. I loved how she took into consideration things people in the new location would not know or understand about Jessa’s former life. People age differently in the community of Prairie - they either learn to be content with their life the way it is or they age as they dream of a better future. Havig delivers a powerful message for her readers - God placed you where you are for a reason, learn to appreciate it and be content with it. Chautona Havig did an excellent job with these “what ifs.” I enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down. I hope that Havig has more modern day fantasies planned because this one was excellent and I’d love to read more.
I received a complimentary copy of Prairie. This is my honest review.
Okay, so if you’ve read any of my reviews you know that fantasy is just not something I love. I mean, it’s something my kids love but it’s just not my cup of tea. But you also should know that Chautona Havig is one of my favorite authors and I will read anything written by her.
This is the second fantasy-type book I’ve read by Chautona Havig and I have to say that I love it as much as the first one I read by her.
So where to start?
In Prairie, our main character wakes up to find herself in a different world. A world that she’s only dreamed of. Think of Little House on the Prairie, but not. Slight problem, she can’t go back to her world.
I loved getting sucked into this new world and can’t wait to read what comes next.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Prairie by Chautona Havig is yet again another genre of book this author chooses to write. She can write suspense, romance, women’s fiction and now fantasy. This book was different from the others I’ve read of hers and equally entertaining. The author has a way with descriptions, a way of bringing the reader into the action and scenes and a way of letting the author experience life from the point of view of the protagonist. This was a very interesting story. It took me a little to get into it because it was a different genre and type of book than I’m used to, but I’m glad I experienced it, and I’m glad there’s another in the series. The series title, Journey of Dreams, is very accurate. I received a complimentary copy of this book by the author, the opinions are strictly mine. I was under no obligation to review the book.
This story is not quite fantasy, but that's what it most closely fits. Jessa has found her self in another world, one that is more Amish in some ways than not. It's a practically perfect world, a type of utopia Here, Jessa has the chance a completely different life. A life with a baby, home, hearth, everything that was the idealistic life that a woman was typically taught to desire from a time "long ago."
Along the way, Jessa grows in grace, faith, and basically finds the roots of what use to be the ideal home and housewife, with faith of course. Sin, contentment, forgiveness, making wise choices are all part of this story. It's a very different read, but not an uninteresting one.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review is never required.
Prairie begins the Journey of Dreams series by Chautona Havig. This author has the talent to write any genre and this one is no different. I am not a huge fan of fantasy and / or science fiction genre of books. However, this one was a good read. It was unique and I found it to be refreshing to read something a little bit different. I enjoyed reading Jessa’s story. It was interesting what she learns and how she grows. A good faith filled tale.
I am giving Prairie four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fantasy fiction. I look forward to reading the next book from the Journey of Dreams series, Highlands. This one is most definitely worth a read.
I received a paperback copy of Prairie from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
This book intrigued me from the start. It is somewhat fantasy but doesn't have the creatures that I usually associate with fantasy. But it isn't 'reality' either. I really enjoyed the way the author writes, she is one of my favorites. Each type of story (because she does write many) has it's own distinct flair.
I loved Jessa. I will admit I felt a bit confused the first little bit of the book, but you just have to hang on for the author to show you everything. And trust me, you want to hang in there because the story is good! I can truly say it is unlike anything I've read before and I really enjoyed it.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Reading books by Chautona Havig gives me joy, and Prairie lived up to my expectations. The characters, scenery, and plot kept me interested. Jess a Davidson wakes up in the place of her dreams one day in the prairie. The people she encounters bring to life the ideas of Christian love.
This Christian fantasy novel is the first book in the Journey of Dreams series. I could not put this book down, in typical fashion for a book by Chautona Havig. I found myself wanting to visit Prairie myself. The ambiance of the place along with the people appears to be warm and welcoming. Ms. Havig builds wonderful worlds that draw you in and make you feel you are actually there.
I definitely recommend reading this book. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I've read a few books by Chautona Havig and this is definitely a different genre for her. In this story we meet Jessa who has dreamed to to live in the prairie and encounter the prairie life that it became a reality for her. Jessa has a lot going on and she keeps wondering how in the world she got to the Prairie. There is a mystery element that I won't reveal but it definitely keeps you reading to find out what happens.
It was a different type of story full of fantasy elements which is not my genre but Chautona does a wonderful job at pulling you in and weaving God's word throughout the story.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Where to start with this one? Where would you go if you could live in the world of your dreams and imagination? For Jessa, she finds herself in a world that resembles Little House on the Prairie, and yet isn't. A unique town, Jessa finds herself liking certain aspects of this new place and wondering if she will mind living out her life there.
I enjoyed the message of this story and getting to know the characters. It's a very unique, interesting story that I enjoyed immensely!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
This was definitely different from anything I had read before. She doesn't end up with who I thought she would, but I wasn't disappointed in the end. Definitely makes you think more about being content and seeing the blessings in your life, although it might have been a bit more meaningful if everything hadn't seemed to be handed to her with very little effort on her part once she arrived in Prairie.
If you enjoy fantasy, you will definitely want to read this! Above all else,to me, this book tells of the need for contentment. I want to live in this town of Prairie! A place where true Christian values are practiced and having " all things in common " is a treasure.
I did not know what to expect when I started reading Prairie, but I was intrigued even before the first chapter was read. I laughed and cried while reading. If you like clean stories that cause you to think and appreciate your life, you will love Prairie.
Prairie was a different book than what I typically read. It reminded me a bit of a dystopian society which I enjoy a lot. I was pleasantly surprised with the ways the author found to bring in other worldly ideas.
I enjoyed this book immensely. The story was such that the more I read, the more I wanted to know what would happen next. I want to read more books by Chautona Havig.
Prairie was extremely enjoyable to read. It was a very good story. I will definitely be looking to read more by Chautona Havig. I definitely recommend this book.
This is set in a fantasy world called Prairie. It talked a lot about finding contentment and what it might mean to different people. The character did a lot of soul searching in this story.