What do you think?
Rate this book
Sight Unseen #1
None So Blind
Dani and Ella Weeks–two women who share one thing in common–the same life, the same family, and the same body.
When Dani wakes with no knowledge of who or where she is–no memories of her life at all–David and Dani Weeks discover that “til death do us part” takes on an entirely unexpected meaning. Practically speaking, Dani died. But she didn’t.
In a desperate attempt to separate the old life from the new, Dani insists on a new name–Ella.
Ella’s doctors can’t explain what happened. Her children can’t understand why she doesn’t know them, and her husband finds himself torn between admiration for the “new” version of his wife and missing the woman he’s known for over fifteen years.
Will Ella ever regain her memory? Why does their pastor suspect it’s one great hoax?
When Dani wakes with no knowledge of who or where she is–no memories of her life at all–David and Dani Weeks discover that “til death do us part” takes on an entirely unexpected meaning. Practically speaking, Dani died. But she didn’t.
In a desperate attempt to separate the old life from the new, Dani insists on a new name–Ella.
Ella’s doctors can’t explain what happened. Her children can’t understand why she doesn’t know them, and her husband finds himself torn between admiration for the “new” version of his wife and missing the woman he’s known for over fifteen years.
Will Ella ever regain her memory? Why does their pastor suspect it’s one great hoax?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2013
86 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
275 books1,834 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 13, 2017
Uh, wow. This author can put together a story for sure, but this one was strange, with some good parts scattered throughout. The whole Dani forgetting who she was and then morphing into Ella made my brain whirl. I like the spiritual content and the many thought-worthy discussions, but I didn't like Dani/Ella that much. I do have the next book, so I'm really excited about diving into that one and seeing if it will answer any more questions that I have. I understand the concept that Dani couldn't stand herself, and I think the whole part with Ella was to show that we can choose to make our lives glorifying to God. But it doesn't have to take a loss of memory ;)
As for content, there were several comments between the married couple that were awkward. I would be careful to give this book to readers under eighteen. Even I think I would enjoy this better if I was married. I actually was close to not finishing this book when Reid came into the picture and I was just like, "This is making me want to scream."
So yeah, I have to say this book was too stressful for me to read right now. Some points were definitely 3 or 4 star material, but overall I didn't love this book. I'm not sure if I even liked it. But Chautona Havig is a great author and she always brings me back to her books one way or another ;)
As for content, there were several comments between the married couple that were awkward. I would be careful to give this book to readers under eighteen. Even I think I would enjoy this better if I was married. I actually was close to not finishing this book when Reid came into the picture and I was just like, "This is making me want to scream."
So yeah, I have to say this book was too stressful for me to read right now. Some points were definitely 3 or 4 star material, but overall I didn't love this book. I'm not sure if I even liked it. But Chautona Havig is a great author and she always brings me back to her books one way or another ;)
January 17, 2023
Not recommended for teen or early twenty readers unless they are married.
I picked up this book with some hesitancy. I mean the whole idea of someone waking up and not remembering who they are, where they are, or anything seemed a little strange. And it was. But it also made me think. What would it be like to wake up like that?
Dani/Ella did struggle a lot. She was different than who she was before, but people kept commenting that “you did or didn’t to such and such before” and it really bothered her. It would have bothered me too!
I liked David. No, I didn’t always sympathize with him as much as maybe I should have, but I did respect his commitment to staying married to his wife no matter what personality she had.
There was a point in the story where I got so mad at a character! He was basically saying “God didn’t really mean what He said, did He?” And there was the “pastor” who gave such bad advice. I was just thankful that Ella was wise enough to ask for Scripture to back up what he said and neither one could give it! But still, I detested Reid! Charity was sweet and perfect for Ella. I really appreciate the Biblical advice given to Ella that even if she didn’t remember it, she had still vowed before God to be faithful to her husband until death parted them. She wasn’t dead even if it sort of felt that way.
I really disliked Ella’s parents and were glad they weren’t in the story much.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone in their teens or early twenties unless they were married because there were some hints and talk about things married couples do. Nothing was shown, no scene took you "up to the door” so to speak, but I would still say this was for older readers. There were some kisses between the husband and wife.
Reid shows interest in Ella even though he knows she’s married. (Ella just sees him as a friend who listens to her.)
Overall, I did like the story, or at least most of it. One issue wasn’t resolved at all and seemed almost forgotten, but perhaps there is more about it in the next book.
January 30, 2021
This book deserves a bit of attention for its original plot. A woman called Daniella wakes up one day and doesn’t recognise herself. Why is she so over weight? Why is her hair so lank, her hair so drab, her room so awful? Needless to say she doesn’t recognise her husband or kids either. But since it’s a choice of a mental facility or staying in her ‘home’ she decides to give the strange family a try.
The best way to think of this is as a redemption novel. The main character doesn’t like the person she deduces other people see her as. She doesn’t like who she is at all. So she exercises, cleans, buys new clothes, redecorates (kind of inspiring actually especially as she achieves excellent results really quickly).
But what to do with the husband and children she doesn’t remember choosing? Does God require her to honor marriage vows she doesn’t even remember making?
I think what I most liked about this was the concept. It’s true that how we are now is probably different to our much younger self imagined. If we went from being a young child to an adult, would we like what we see? And also if we couldn’t remember our past traumas, would we still retain our fears? Eg the main character has no longer has a fear of water because she’s forgotten the childhood incident that led to the fear.
Interesting questions and all wrestled with in the context of faith.
Some niggles. I wasn’t sure why she was so afraid of her husband who is a kind and reasonable man especially since she didn’t have any remembered fear of men. I thought it was a touch over-written in places. And a couple of threads are not resolved in this - the ‘why’ this happened and also another more minor mystery but there are three books in this series that build.
None So Blind (Sight Unseen Book 1)
The best way to think of this is as a redemption novel. The main character doesn’t like the person she deduces other people see her as. She doesn’t like who she is at all. So she exercises, cleans, buys new clothes, redecorates (kind of inspiring actually especially as she achieves excellent results really quickly).
But what to do with the husband and children she doesn’t remember choosing? Does God require her to honor marriage vows she doesn’t even remember making?
I think what I most liked about this was the concept. It’s true that how we are now is probably different to our much younger self imagined. If we went from being a young child to an adult, would we like what we see? And also if we couldn’t remember our past traumas, would we still retain our fears? Eg the main character has no longer has a fear of water because she’s forgotten the childhood incident that led to the fear.
Interesting questions and all wrestled with in the context of faith.
Some niggles. I wasn’t sure why she was so afraid of her husband who is a kind and reasonable man especially since she didn’t have any remembered fear of men. I thought it was a touch over-written in places. And a couple of threads are not resolved in this - the ‘why’ this happened and also another more minor mystery but there are three books in this series that build.
None So Blind (Sight Unseen Book 1)
June 19, 2017
None So Blind by Chautona Havig is a delightful Christian novel. It is the first in the sight Unseen series and I cannot wait for the rest. None So Blind is a cleverly constructed novel about an awakening and second chances.
The novel has God at the centre. Characters pray and turn to Him. The local pastor helps to instruct in a godly way and provide answers to questions.
There is the theme of trust - both human and divine. "Remember you can choose to trust in His faithfulness." Trust is a choice. We can give in to fears or we can trust God. We need to trust others too as we were never meant to live in isolation.
The novel is about identity. We all need to know who we are. A name change signifies a change in character. Most importantly we need to know whose we are. If we forget everything else, we must not forget that we are a child of God.
It is important to grow and expand our knowledge. We are never too old to learn new things.
As with everything, relationships need time, care and attention to grow. Likewise we need to invest into our relationship with God by spending time with Him and studying His word.
Family and love are important. Families need to love each other and grow relationships.
None So Blind was a fun read and a different read. The plotline was unique and cleverly constructed. I cannot wait for book two. I love all Chautona Havig's writings.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel has God at the centre. Characters pray and turn to Him. The local pastor helps to instruct in a godly way and provide answers to questions.
There is the theme of trust - both human and divine. "Remember you can choose to trust in His faithfulness." Trust is a choice. We can give in to fears or we can trust God. We need to trust others too as we were never meant to live in isolation.
The novel is about identity. We all need to know who we are. A name change signifies a change in character. Most importantly we need to know whose we are. If we forget everything else, we must not forget that we are a child of God.
It is important to grow and expand our knowledge. We are never too old to learn new things.
As with everything, relationships need time, care and attention to grow. Likewise we need to invest into our relationship with God by spending time with Him and studying His word.
Family and love are important. Families need to love each other and grow relationships.
None So Blind was a fun read and a different read. The plotline was unique and cleverly constructed. I cannot wait for book two. I love all Chautona Havig's writings.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 21, 2017
When I opened this book to read it, I wasnt sure what to expect or where I going to travel next. I was pleasantly surprised!!
I couldn't imagine waking up and not knowing myself or not knowing my family.
I couldn't imagine putting them thought what Ella/Dani did even tho it wasnt her fault.
Imagine waking up and havingbto relearn everything u once knew and reknowing the people who were your friends and family.
Not me. There's no way I could go thro that and hopefully will never have to.
I did enjoy knowing that David was a faithful husband never giving up on his wife. I think this was a better or worse situations. Bless David!! He bacame my hero!!
My husband is sort of like him. He's there when I'm sick or hurting but in other ways he's not. He is who he is.
I love him regardless. Makes me wonder tho if I woke up someday not remembering who I was what he would do?
I have to admit, I learned to like Ella. I enjoyed Ella and David's banter and even snickered at them. My husband thinks I'm crazy for laughing out loud in particular scenes throughout this wonderful book.
I could just "see" what the expressions on the children's faces were when they "discovered" their new side of their mom.
I also enjoyed the fact that the author mentions our Lord through this book.
She talks about how He is with this family through thick and thin no matter what their problems are. He is with us no matter what we just have to ask and talk to Him as tho He were here in person.
I am glad He is my one true friend that I can count on no matter what.
I'm also glad that Ella found him again through David. I really admired David's faih and I'll never tire of saying so.
Thank you Chautona for a wonderful story and taking me where no man has ever gone before.
I received this book for free.
No compensation was. received nd all words arw my own!!!!
I couldn't imagine waking up and not knowing myself or not knowing my family.
I couldn't imagine putting them thought what Ella/Dani did even tho it wasnt her fault.
Imagine waking up and havingbto relearn everything u once knew and reknowing the people who were your friends and family.
Not me. There's no way I could go thro that and hopefully will never have to.
I did enjoy knowing that David was a faithful husband never giving up on his wife. I think this was a better or worse situations. Bless David!! He bacame my hero!!
My husband is sort of like him. He's there when I'm sick or hurting but in other ways he's not. He is who he is.
I love him regardless. Makes me wonder tho if I woke up someday not remembering who I was what he would do?
I have to admit, I learned to like Ella. I enjoyed Ella and David's banter and even snickered at them. My husband thinks I'm crazy for laughing out loud in particular scenes throughout this wonderful book.
I could just "see" what the expressions on the children's faces were when they "discovered" their new side of their mom.
I also enjoyed the fact that the author mentions our Lord through this book.
She talks about how He is with this family through thick and thin no matter what their problems are. He is with us no matter what we just have to ask and talk to Him as tho He were here in person.
I am glad He is my one true friend that I can count on no matter what.
I'm also glad that Ella found him again through David. I really admired David's faih and I'll never tire of saying so.
Thank you Chautona for a wonderful story and taking me where no man has ever gone before.
I received this book for free.
No compensation was. received nd all words arw my own!!!!
June 21, 2017
This was my first book by Chautona and I have to say, Yay! I have just found another author I enjoy! It was tough to put this one down and I had it read in just a few days. She did an amazing job of writing a compelling story that felt believable and yet, I sure hope it doesn't happen to me.
The characters drew me in immediately. I struggled with Dani, the main character. She had some really good qualities, or at least the new Dani, now Ella did. But she also grated just a little on my nerves, and I can't really put my finger on why. Some times I wanted to cheer her on and praise her for all she was accomplishing and other times I wanted to wring her neck. David her husband was probably my favorite character, mostly I guess because he was somewhat of a hero. He was there for her regardless and he could easily have chosen an out. Another character I really liked was Charity. This woman made the people from the Bible seem like her best friends and she could totally give you a Bible character to relate to for whatever situation you found yourself in. She inspired me.
I thought the emotional tension in the book was very real! I cannot imagine waking up one day and not knowing who I was, or on the flip side, not being remembered by my spouse or parent. Sometimes I wanted to laugh and sometimes I wanted to cry, or maybe scream! I think Chautona drew out a part of me, I would rather not deal with LOL. I loved the way Ella and David worked through their differences, how the pastor helped David see what he needed to do, and how David was so patient in waiting on Ella, and yet it was obvious that he struggled too!
Thank you Chautona for writing an amazing book! One that is still on my mind as I cannot get these characters out of my head. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This book was provided to me free from Celebrate Lit to read. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The characters drew me in immediately. I struggled with Dani, the main character. She had some really good qualities, or at least the new Dani, now Ella did. But she also grated just a little on my nerves, and I can't really put my finger on why. Some times I wanted to cheer her on and praise her for all she was accomplishing and other times I wanted to wring her neck. David her husband was probably my favorite character, mostly I guess because he was somewhat of a hero. He was there for her regardless and he could easily have chosen an out. Another character I really liked was Charity. This woman made the people from the Bible seem like her best friends and she could totally give you a Bible character to relate to for whatever situation you found yourself in. She inspired me.
I thought the emotional tension in the book was very real! I cannot imagine waking up one day and not knowing who I was, or on the flip side, not being remembered by my spouse or parent. Sometimes I wanted to laugh and sometimes I wanted to cry, or maybe scream! I think Chautona drew out a part of me, I would rather not deal with LOL. I loved the way Ella and David worked through their differences, how the pastor helped David see what he needed to do, and how David was so patient in waiting on Ella, and yet it was obvious that he struggled too!
Thank you Chautona for writing an amazing book! One that is still on my mind as I cannot get these characters out of my head. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This book was provided to me free from Celebrate Lit to read. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 20, 2017
Usually when I find out one of my favorite authors has a new book out, I can't start reading it soon enough, but for some reason, this book has been sitting unread in my Kindle library since a few months after it came out almost four years ago. I just couldn't get excited about the premise for some reason. I knew I'd eventually read it because Chautona Havig's books are always worth it, but I needed something to push it to the front of my TBR list. That something came when I saw this tour happening in anticipation of book 2 in the series which will come out later this year!
As expected, I did have a hard time getting into the book, but once I did, I struggled to put it down. I folded laundry while reading it, did a puzzle with my littlest while reading it, and was up way too late several nights in a row with it. Mrs. Havig knows how to weave a tale! What I loved the most about the book was the mystery of it all - how did this happen and how could it possibly resolve well? (And a few other questions I won't share because of spoilers.) What I didn't love about the book was that very little of the mystery was resolved. By the end, I realized that the book was supposed to be more about the journey than the mystery, but I had been on the wrong "train," and I wasn't really that into the journey.
I know from experience that Mrs. Havig is very responsive to reader questions so I zipped her a message asking if we would ever have any resolution to the mystery. As I expected, she responded quickly and graciously that my questions will be answered.... in book 3!!! I can hardly stand it!!!
Well, at least book 2 is coming out later this summer... Stay tuned for my review of Will Not See at the end of August because now that I've started this series, there will be no holding me back!
As expected, I did have a hard time getting into the book, but once I did, I struggled to put it down. I folded laundry while reading it, did a puzzle with my littlest while reading it, and was up way too late several nights in a row with it. Mrs. Havig knows how to weave a tale! What I loved the most about the book was the mystery of it all - how did this happen and how could it possibly resolve well? (And a few other questions I won't share because of spoilers.) What I didn't love about the book was that very little of the mystery was resolved. By the end, I realized that the book was supposed to be more about the journey than the mystery, but I had been on the wrong "train," and I wasn't really that into the journey.
I know from experience that Mrs. Havig is very responsive to reader questions so I zipped her a message asking if we would ever have any resolution to the mystery. As I expected, she responded quickly and graciously that my questions will be answered.... in book 3!!! I can hardly stand it!!!
Well, at least book 2 is coming out later this summer... Stay tuned for my review of Will Not See at the end of August because now that I've started this series, there will be no holding me back!
June 15, 2017
Thursday, June 15, 2017
None So Blind by Chautona Havig, © 2013
My Review
This is a book about grace ~ to the hearer, the observer, and internally for each. Entering a home you do not recognize, having a husband and your children you do not know ~ gathering pieces only by what you are told. Having no relational "database" to draw from, you do not have a beginning or an end before today. How long have you been gone? Returning to your family when you look the same on the outside but are unaware of a time before.
I liked how the author portrayed each character's thoughts and actions. Some secondary characters giving information that was not beneficial and how the main characters threaded through those entanglements by searching and replacing with truth. The reactions of the children showed an underlying foundation they had of trust and security; to approach uncertainty while remaining steadfast in daily activity.
Loss of memory is real. Whether blocked by trauma suddenly or over time closing off association that cannot be remembered. This story is a gathering of change to move forward. Determination and relearning steps brought Daniella Weeks to a life with openings and not deterioration in a gradual decline.
Viewpoints of those to let in or selectively remove was a big denominator in this story. Those who came alongside to encourage brought great depth.
True love is an act of the will––a conscious decision
to do what is best for the other person
instead of ourselves.
~ Billy Graham
***Thank you, author Chautona Havig for having a print copy sent to me. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
None So Blind by Chautona Havig, © 2013
My Review
This is a book about grace ~ to the hearer, the observer, and internally for each. Entering a home you do not recognize, having a husband and your children you do not know ~ gathering pieces only by what you are told. Having no relational "database" to draw from, you do not have a beginning or an end before today. How long have you been gone? Returning to your family when you look the same on the outside but are unaware of a time before.
I liked how the author portrayed each character's thoughts and actions. Some secondary characters giving information that was not beneficial and how the main characters threaded through those entanglements by searching and replacing with truth. The reactions of the children showed an underlying foundation they had of trust and security; to approach uncertainty while remaining steadfast in daily activity.
Loss of memory is real. Whether blocked by trauma suddenly or over time closing off association that cannot be remembered. This story is a gathering of change to move forward. Determination and relearning steps brought Daniella Weeks to a life with openings and not deterioration in a gradual decline.
Viewpoints of those to let in or selectively remove was a big denominator in this story. Those who came alongside to encourage brought great depth.
True love is an act of the will––a conscious decision
to do what is best for the other person
instead of ourselves.
~ Billy Graham
***Thank you, author Chautona Havig for having a print copy sent to me. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
May 25, 2017
Is this a parable? Is this a mystery? Is this a Christian fairy tale? If it's anything, it's a hidden message to women everywhere about identity, and the link between our past, our present, and our role in our own fate. It is a dream that takes on reality and pushes the reader to consider what your life says to others. Who are you? What are you living for? Why are you the way you are? When we read, we live vicariously through the main character. In the case of Dani/Ella we see what life could be for us if we take the opportunity to start over. This is not a story as much as it is a motivating allegory to not settle for what you have, but to pursue life and joy and real relationships. It shows the fulfilling life that the Proverbs 31 woman found, and compares her with the one in Proverbs 14:1 who tears down her house with her own hands. And in the end, the reader is shaken to apply the secret sermon to your own life. Very much enjoyed this strange and mind-boggling journey into changing. And it all started for her on Easter weekend. Go figure.
July 10, 2017
None So Blind by Chautona Havig and Giveaway!
I have just finished reading None So Blind. It was intriguing. Why would a woman, a wife and mother in a stable relationship wake up one day not knowing who she was? Every memory is gone, Her choices are a mental facility or go home to strangers. How would you react? I really enjoyed the storyline, I believe it to be unique to anything I have read. I liked how David put Ella's needs before his own. A wonderful book and I look forward to reading Will Not See due out this summer.
nonesoblindcover
Book Title: None So Blind
Author: Chautona Havig
Release date: September 29, 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Dani and Ella Weeks–two women who share one thing in common. The same life, the same family, and the same body.
When Dani wakes with no knowledge of who or where she is–no memories of her life at all–David and Dani Weeks discover that “til death do us part” takes on an entirely unexpected meaning. Practically speaking, Dani died. But she didn’t.
What’s a gal to do?
In a desperate attempt to separate the old life from the new, Dani insists on a new name, a twist of her old one–Ella.
Ella’s doctors can’t explain what happened. Her children can’t understand why she doesn’t know them. David, her husband, finds himself torn between admiration for the “new” version of his wife and missing the woman he’s known for over fifteen years.
Will Ella ever regain her memory? Why does their pastor suspect it’s one great hoax?
About the Author
media-headshot-smChautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and five of her nine children. Through her novels, she hopes to encourage Christians in their walk with Jesus.
Guest post from Chautona Havig
“Who are you, again?”
“I’m Joe’s, daughter. Vyonie.” My sister pointed to me. “This is Chautona.”
For some odd reason, the niece she spent the least amount of time with, Aunt Doris remembered—somewhat. But she didn’t remember Vyonie from what I could tell. She smiled at me, that amazing, sweet smile I’d never forget. She asked how I was. I always thought that Mrs. Sanderson—mother of John, Alicia, and Carl on the TV show, Little House on the Prairie—looked and sounded like Aunt Doris. Of course, that memory of me didn’t last. A minute or two later, she gave me a big smile and asked if she knew me.
It gave me a picture of what it must have been like for my character, Ella Weeks—to wake up every day with these children there—children who knew her, but she didn’t remember. The hurt she caused every time she had to struggle to admit she didn’t know something she probably should—again. So, I thought I’d ask her to tell us about it.
Ella: People often assume that the worst part of losing my memory are the memories that disappeared, too. But it’s not. A much as I’d love to remember my wedding day, my daughter’s first steps, my son’s first words, or that moment I realized I was pregnant with my third, those are blessings that I don’t think about often. No, what hurts most is seeing the pain in my children’s eyes when they need me to remember something and I can’t. For me, not remembering their first day of kindergarten is an inconvenience. For them, it’s a further reminder that if they didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t know them. That without them pushing themselves into my life, I wouldn’t care about them any more than any other human in my path. I do now, of course, but not at first. I hate that they heard David say once, “…she doesn’t know me. She doesn’t trust me. She doesn’t know our children. She tries, but she could walk out of our lives tomorrow and never miss us.”
Living so close to it every day, I missed those little bits of pain that I inflicted without meaning to, but when I went with our Bible study to a nursing home and visited with the residents, then I saw it. Women with tears running down their cheeks as loved ones patted their hands and tried to comfort. I heard one man offer to find a woman’s father. She squeezed him close and whispered, “It’s okay, Daddy. I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The man promised to try to find her father in the meantime.
Those people there—most of them didn’t realize they didn’t remember someone important. They didn’t struggle to remember this or that. Their dementia had gotten bad enough that their lives had gone from constant frustration to, by comparison, blissful oblivion.
And their families withered with each forgotten face, name, moment.
That’s what my “episode” did for my family. It caused them pain that just resurfaced every time something new happened. Pain that I didn’t know I inflicted. And since that visit, I have a greater compassion and awareness of just how amazing and powerful memories are.
I also have a greater appreciation for those beautiful words in Isaiah when the Lord promised… “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.”
You see, there’s a lifetime of the sins that Jesus died for buried somewhere in my brain—or, at least at one time there was. I know that those sins were in there because the ones I committed yesterday are there today. The ones I’ve already confessed and been forgiven for—I beat myself up for the next morning. A week later. A month. But the Lord has wiped them clean. I just keep smearing them back out there again as if to say, “But You don’t get how BAD I was.” Yeah. The arrogance, right? Because an almighty, holy God can’t possibly understand how sinful a sinner that He had to DIE to save from those sins… is. The arrogance? That’s an understatement.
But all those years before that horrible morning… gone. Maybe I stole something. I don’t know. It was forgiven, wiped clean, and then wiped from my memory. I can’t rehash it with the Lord over and over. I can’t drag it back up like a wife who won’t let her husband forget the one time he forgot her birthday. I can’t use it as a whip to beat myself up with. And I think there’s something beautiful in that.
Do I wish I could stop hurting my family with my blank past? Of course. But am I also grateful for a living picture of the fresh start the Lord gives His people at salvation? Definitely. I hope I never take it for granted again.
Blog Stops
June 15: Blogging With Carol
June 15: Genesis 5020
June 15: Lane Hill House
June 16: Red Headed Book Lady
June 16: The Scribbler
June 16: Moments Dipped in Ink
June 17: Back Porch Reads
June 17: The Power of Words
June 17: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 18: Carpe Diem
June 18: A Baker’s Perspective
June 19: Christian Bookaholic
June 19: Quiet Quilter
June 20: The Fizzy Pop Collection
June 20: Mommynificent
June 21: Seasons of Opportunities
June 21: Truth and Grace Writing and Life Coaching
June 22: Pursuing Stacie
June 22: Remembrancy
June 23: Pause for Tales
June 23: Avid Reader Book Reviews
June 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
June 24: Bigreadersite
June 24: CAFINATED READS
June 25: Lots of Helpers
June 25: Ashley’s Bookshelf
June 26: Blossoms and Blessings
June 26: A Reader’s Brain
June 27: Margaret Kazmierczak
June 27: His Grace is Sufficient
June 28: Just Jo’Anne
June 28: Henry Happens
June 28: Reader’s Cozy Corner
Giveaway
bf3041c3-aba6-432d-bade-2a2bc46cd775To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize that includes:
1 $25 Amazon Gift Card
1 Paperback Copy of None So Blind
1 Paperback Copy of Will Not See
1 Lampwork Necklace
1 Cool denim mini-backpack (to hold your stuff!)
1 Custom Travel Mug (with quote from book)
1 FREE eBook code to share with a friend!
Check out this cool video from Chautona: https://youtu.be/5K_cTjlg4S8
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ba35
I have just finished reading None So Blind. It was intriguing. Why would a woman, a wife and mother in a stable relationship wake up one day not knowing who she was? Every memory is gone, Her choices are a mental facility or go home to strangers. How would you react? I really enjoyed the storyline, I believe it to be unique to anything I have read. I liked how David put Ella's needs before his own. A wonderful book and I look forward to reading Will Not See due out this summer.
nonesoblindcover
Book Title: None So Blind
Author: Chautona Havig
Release date: September 29, 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Dani and Ella Weeks–two women who share one thing in common. The same life, the same family, and the same body.
When Dani wakes with no knowledge of who or where she is–no memories of her life at all–David and Dani Weeks discover that “til death do us part” takes on an entirely unexpected meaning. Practically speaking, Dani died. But she didn’t.
What’s a gal to do?
In a desperate attempt to separate the old life from the new, Dani insists on a new name, a twist of her old one–Ella.
Ella’s doctors can’t explain what happened. Her children can’t understand why she doesn’t know them. David, her husband, finds himself torn between admiration for the “new” version of his wife and missing the woman he’s known for over fifteen years.
Will Ella ever regain her memory? Why does their pastor suspect it’s one great hoax?
About the Author
media-headshot-smChautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and five of her nine children. Through her novels, she hopes to encourage Christians in their walk with Jesus.
Guest post from Chautona Havig
“Who are you, again?”
“I’m Joe’s, daughter. Vyonie.” My sister pointed to me. “This is Chautona.”
For some odd reason, the niece she spent the least amount of time with, Aunt Doris remembered—somewhat. But she didn’t remember Vyonie from what I could tell. She smiled at me, that amazing, sweet smile I’d never forget. She asked how I was. I always thought that Mrs. Sanderson—mother of John, Alicia, and Carl on the TV show, Little House on the Prairie—looked and sounded like Aunt Doris. Of course, that memory of me didn’t last. A minute or two later, she gave me a big smile and asked if she knew me.
It gave me a picture of what it must have been like for my character, Ella Weeks—to wake up every day with these children there—children who knew her, but she didn’t remember. The hurt she caused every time she had to struggle to admit she didn’t know something she probably should—again. So, I thought I’d ask her to tell us about it.
Ella: People often assume that the worst part of losing my memory are the memories that disappeared, too. But it’s not. A much as I’d love to remember my wedding day, my daughter’s first steps, my son’s first words, or that moment I realized I was pregnant with my third, those are blessings that I don’t think about often. No, what hurts most is seeing the pain in my children’s eyes when they need me to remember something and I can’t. For me, not remembering their first day of kindergarten is an inconvenience. For them, it’s a further reminder that if they didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t know them. That without them pushing themselves into my life, I wouldn’t care about them any more than any other human in my path. I do now, of course, but not at first. I hate that they heard David say once, “…she doesn’t know me. She doesn’t trust me. She doesn’t know our children. She tries, but she could walk out of our lives tomorrow and never miss us.”
Living so close to it every day, I missed those little bits of pain that I inflicted without meaning to, but when I went with our Bible study to a nursing home and visited with the residents, then I saw it. Women with tears running down their cheeks as loved ones patted their hands and tried to comfort. I heard one man offer to find a woman’s father. She squeezed him close and whispered, “It’s okay, Daddy. I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The man promised to try to find her father in the meantime.
Those people there—most of them didn’t realize they didn’t remember someone important. They didn’t struggle to remember this or that. Their dementia had gotten bad enough that their lives had gone from constant frustration to, by comparison, blissful oblivion.
And their families withered with each forgotten face, name, moment.
That’s what my “episode” did for my family. It caused them pain that just resurfaced every time something new happened. Pain that I didn’t know I inflicted. And since that visit, I have a greater compassion and awareness of just how amazing and powerful memories are.
I also have a greater appreciation for those beautiful words in Isaiah when the Lord promised… “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.”
You see, there’s a lifetime of the sins that Jesus died for buried somewhere in my brain—or, at least at one time there was. I know that those sins were in there because the ones I committed yesterday are there today. The ones I’ve already confessed and been forgiven for—I beat myself up for the next morning. A week later. A month. But the Lord has wiped them clean. I just keep smearing them back out there again as if to say, “But You don’t get how BAD I was.” Yeah. The arrogance, right? Because an almighty, holy God can’t possibly understand how sinful a sinner that He had to DIE to save from those sins… is. The arrogance? That’s an understatement.
But all those years before that horrible morning… gone. Maybe I stole something. I don’t know. It was forgiven, wiped clean, and then wiped from my memory. I can’t rehash it with the Lord over and over. I can’t drag it back up like a wife who won’t let her husband forget the one time he forgot her birthday. I can’t use it as a whip to beat myself up with. And I think there’s something beautiful in that.
Do I wish I could stop hurting my family with my blank past? Of course. But am I also grateful for a living picture of the fresh start the Lord gives His people at salvation? Definitely. I hope I never take it for granted again.
Blog Stops
June 15: Blogging With Carol
June 15: Genesis 5020
June 15: Lane Hill House
June 16: Red Headed Book Lady
June 16: The Scribbler
June 16: Moments Dipped in Ink
June 17: Back Porch Reads
June 17: The Power of Words
June 17: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 18: Carpe Diem
June 18: A Baker’s Perspective
June 19: Christian Bookaholic
June 19: Quiet Quilter
June 20: The Fizzy Pop Collection
June 20: Mommynificent
June 21: Seasons of Opportunities
June 21: Truth and Grace Writing and Life Coaching
June 22: Pursuing Stacie
June 22: Remembrancy
June 23: Pause for Tales
June 23: Avid Reader Book Reviews
June 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
June 24: Bigreadersite
June 24: CAFINATED READS
June 25: Lots of Helpers
June 25: Ashley’s Bookshelf
June 26: Blossoms and Blessings
June 26: A Reader’s Brain
June 27: Margaret Kazmierczak
June 27: His Grace is Sufficient
June 28: Just Jo’Anne
June 28: Henry Happens
June 28: Reader’s Cozy Corner
Giveaway
bf3041c3-aba6-432d-bade-2a2bc46cd775To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize that includes:
1 $25 Amazon Gift Card
1 Paperback Copy of None So Blind
1 Paperback Copy of Will Not See
1 Lampwork Necklace
1 Cool denim mini-backpack (to hold your stuff!)
1 Custom Travel Mug (with quote from book)
1 FREE eBook code to share with a friend!
Check out this cool video from Chautona: https://youtu.be/5K_cTjlg4S8
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ba35
March 25, 2019
Mysteries have become one of my more favorite genres in the last few years. When I had the chance to read None So Blind, I didn’t know what to expect—but I didn’t expect to be sucked into the story as much as I was! It turned out to be a very worthwhile book, and came to me in a time and place where I really needed a reset from the cares of life.
Ella’s struggles to know who she was and learn to live in a situation that she didn’t fully understand were quite profound. I’ve never read a book quite like this before, because it showed perspectives that you don’t normally see. When she woke up without any memories, Ella had to learn who she was all over again—and in the process, made discoveries about how certain attributes that are good can also become major failings as well.
Seeing her desire to follow the Lord, her longing to help her family, and her determination to make things better before a problem even developed were all challenging to me. One of my biggest takeaways was that even if I don’t understand why I am the way I am, I can trust that the Lord knows and is working out what is best for me.
This book isn’t only the story of a woman rediscovering herself, though. There’s a certain mystery and a thread of allegory that really makes this book shine. I greatly enjoyed the read, even though it sucked me in and made it hard to live daily life in between chapters. I would recommend it to others.
Ella’s struggles to know who she was and learn to live in a situation that she didn’t fully understand were quite profound. I’ve never read a book quite like this before, because it showed perspectives that you don’t normally see. When she woke up without any memories, Ella had to learn who she was all over again—and in the process, made discoveries about how certain attributes that are good can also become major failings as well.
Seeing her desire to follow the Lord, her longing to help her family, and her determination to make things better before a problem even developed were all challenging to me. One of my biggest takeaways was that even if I don’t understand why I am the way I am, I can trust that the Lord knows and is working out what is best for me.
This book isn’t only the story of a woman rediscovering herself, though. There’s a certain mystery and a thread of allegory that really makes this book shine. I greatly enjoyed the read, even though it sucked me in and made it hard to live daily life in between chapters. I would recommend it to others.
June 30, 2017
One thing I love about Chautona Havig—and something that always amazes me about her—is her ability to take a very improbable scenario and make it sound quite plausible. For example, what if you woke up one morning and had no idea who you were and where you were, and why a strange man was in bed with you? That's what happened to Dani Weeks! I was quite intrigued by her struggles, and the way she tried to reconcile her former personality with her present one. I'll have to admit that my toes were stepped on a few times as Ella (she changed her nickname to reflect that she was a different person) learned what a lazy person Dani had been. I loved this book, and am really looking forward to reading the sequel soon.
June 27, 2017
“Who are you?” my father-in-law quizzed as I prevented his pathway out of the front door. “You can’t keep me here you know, all Polish Officers are charged with the duty of escaping if caught” – this will always be a painful memory for me.
“Dad, you are not in a POW camp now – the war is long over, you are safe.”
“I know you’re a German in disguise; you can’t fool me.” He retreated upstairs to his granddad annexe, muttering to himself how silly he had been to get caught.
Each day we, as a family had to deal with this dilemma. It was exhausting for us and frustrating for dad. Reading None So Blind therefore has been interesting to read as it deals with the issues of memory loss.
My Penny’s Worth
Loosing my memory!
Sometimes I think it would be convenient to wake up one morning with no memory, not knowing who I am – not responding to the name “mum”. Unfortunately, I don’t think I would get away with it!
The characters – Dani/Ella
The characters provided plenty of interest, Dani/Ella revealing her journeyBook review None So Blind by Chautona Havig through thoughts and words, fighting to find out who she had been and struggling with how to move forward. I grappled with Ella as she caused anguish to her family, then remembered as with my father-in-law it wasn’t her fault.
Furthermore, I didn’t like Ella’s selfishness as it hurt David and the children but understood her reasons, trapped as she was – great writing as it really made me feel those emotions.
David
Book review None So Blind by Chautona HavigDavid, the gentle backbone of the family, tries to keep things together, inwardly weeping for his wife, Dani. I wanted to hug him at times, along with his children who wrestled with a mum who wasn’t their mum. His love reflected the love of Jesus who never gives up on us. Consequently, I could really feel his anguish through the book as he waited for Dani/Ella to find herself.
Did I like the story?
This well-crafted story had me wondering if David and Ella would overcome. My favourite moment was the description of their first kiss, “The kiss surprised them. Though brief and somewhat wistful, the tentative movements forged delicate chains linking their hearts.” – but was it enough to embrace a hopeful future? – You will need to read the book to find out. I loved the Christian elements weaving in and out adding weight and substance to the plot.
My verdict
This narrative, unique in its telling, is worth reading as it will have you jumping from one emotion to the next, right up to the last pages. To top it all it does not finish there! I will give it *****
Thank you Chautona Havig for writing it.
*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
“Dad, you are not in a POW camp now – the war is long over, you are safe.”
“I know you’re a German in disguise; you can’t fool me.” He retreated upstairs to his granddad annexe, muttering to himself how silly he had been to get caught.
Each day we, as a family had to deal with this dilemma. It was exhausting for us and frustrating for dad. Reading None So Blind therefore has been interesting to read as it deals with the issues of memory loss.
My Penny’s Worth
Loosing my memory!
Sometimes I think it would be convenient to wake up one morning with no memory, not knowing who I am – not responding to the name “mum”. Unfortunately, I don’t think I would get away with it!
The characters – Dani/Ella
The characters provided plenty of interest, Dani/Ella revealing her journeyBook review None So Blind by Chautona Havig through thoughts and words, fighting to find out who she had been and struggling with how to move forward. I grappled with Ella as she caused anguish to her family, then remembered as with my father-in-law it wasn’t her fault.
Furthermore, I didn’t like Ella’s selfishness as it hurt David and the children but understood her reasons, trapped as she was – great writing as it really made me feel those emotions.
David
Book review None So Blind by Chautona HavigDavid, the gentle backbone of the family, tries to keep things together, inwardly weeping for his wife, Dani. I wanted to hug him at times, along with his children who wrestled with a mum who wasn’t their mum. His love reflected the love of Jesus who never gives up on us. Consequently, I could really feel his anguish through the book as he waited for Dani/Ella to find herself.
Did I like the story?
This well-crafted story had me wondering if David and Ella would overcome. My favourite moment was the description of their first kiss, “The kiss surprised them. Though brief and somewhat wistful, the tentative movements forged delicate chains linking their hearts.” – but was it enough to embrace a hopeful future? – You will need to read the book to find out. I loved the Christian elements weaving in and out adding weight and substance to the plot.
My verdict
This narrative, unique in its telling, is worth reading as it will have you jumping from one emotion to the next, right up to the last pages. To top it all it does not finish there! I will give it *****
Thank you Chautona Havig for writing it.
*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
May 16, 2017
"None So Blind" (Sight Unseen) (Volume 1) by Chautona Havig
What if you woke up tomorrow and couldn't remember anything about your past, who the people around you are, the place you are residing, and how exactly you should look?
There are no answers as to the cause of this sudden memory loss, although similar symptoms occur from head injuries. There is no cure, at least as far as anyone knows.
Suddenly you are rebuilding your life, learning to do things over, learning to trust yourself and others around you, learning to be comfortable in your own skin. Becoming someone you and other people like better than your previous self. Experiencing "firsts," because you don't remember having been through them before.
What would you do if this happened to you?
Chautona Havig has written a truly wonderful novel about a woman who goes through the above. She writes of her struggles and accomplishments. She writes of her worries and gains. Her trust issues as they falter and improve. She writes of the story of Ella...a strong and magnificent character who brings this novel alive, as do the other individual in the novel.
There is a psychiatrist that may give you the creeps (I disliked her from word one and didn't trust her). A church leader who has great guidance and suggestions, while also faltering at times given the odd situation. Friends and neighbors who want to be supportive but are also curious. And of course a husband and children who have to walk this new path with her, while hopefully not losing her.
I loved Ella and the joy she brought to her family and how she made her own way little by little. I loved that she had her own style and way of looking at things. The joy she brought to her family, even when she had personal doubts. I loved that she found her own way...back to herself, her family, her friends, and her support system. She is an honest and truthful character. The others are realistic and believable. The situation one plausible, albeit potentially not in this odd situation. It is just a truly wonderful, engaging, and interesting novel.
Honestly, I believe both men and women would find "None So Blind" a great read. I know I sure did, both times I read it.
Rating: 4.7
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What if you woke up tomorrow and couldn't remember anything about your past, who the people around you are, the place you are residing, and how exactly you should look?
There are no answers as to the cause of this sudden memory loss, although similar symptoms occur from head injuries. There is no cure, at least as far as anyone knows.
Suddenly you are rebuilding your life, learning to do things over, learning to trust yourself and others around you, learning to be comfortable in your own skin. Becoming someone you and other people like better than your previous self. Experiencing "firsts," because you don't remember having been through them before.
What would you do if this happened to you?
Chautona Havig has written a truly wonderful novel about a woman who goes through the above. She writes of her struggles and accomplishments. She writes of her worries and gains. Her trust issues as they falter and improve. She writes of the story of Ella...a strong and magnificent character who brings this novel alive, as do the other individual in the novel.
There is a psychiatrist that may give you the creeps (I disliked her from word one and didn't trust her). A church leader who has great guidance and suggestions, while also faltering at times given the odd situation. Friends and neighbors who want to be supportive but are also curious. And of course a husband and children who have to walk this new path with her, while hopefully not losing her.
I loved Ella and the joy she brought to her family and how she made her own way little by little. I loved that she had her own style and way of looking at things. The joy she brought to her family, even when she had personal doubts. I loved that she found her own way...back to herself, her family, her friends, and her support system. She is an honest and truthful character. The others are realistic and believable. The situation one plausible, albeit potentially not in this odd situation. It is just a truly wonderful, engaging, and interesting novel.
Honestly, I believe both men and women would find "None So Blind" a great read. I know I sure did, both times I read it.
Rating: 4.7
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 17, 2017
Wow, is my first thought when I think of this book now that I have finish reading it. I loved it! Yes, while reading it I was thinking I want it to end a certain way but now that I have read the story to the end I think it had the perfect ending and I am anxiously awaiting book 2 in this series.
"None So Blind" by Chautona Havig is the first book in the (Sight Unseen) series and I literally read this book well into the midnight hours.
I was thinking I want to wake up and not remember the parts about me that I don't like just like Dani Weeks and then to be able to be make myself into someone that people like. But the more I think about it, I don't think I would like that because not only does Ella not remember the things she doesn't like about Dani ( yes the characters in the story tells her what she was like in the past) she doesn't remember her children! How awful is that for Dani and the kids! I know this is maybe just too much info in a review but I am thinking about my grandma before she died, she was forgetting things and names, but I prayed "Please don't let her forget me" and I will be forever grateful and thankful that she remember me till the end!
I really thought it was interesting to consider the two points of view of rather Ella was still bound to David and her wedding vows because even through Dani had kinda of died ( not body wise but had no remembrance of saying them. I know what my thoughts are considering this and would love having feedback on other readers thoughts considering this!
I think I am going to say that my favorite character in this story is David, and that is because he supported both Dani and Ella.
I really didn't like Dani's parents,I was thinking Wow, we all know how Dani turned out to be the way she was.
I really feel sorry for Dani because she wasn't able to share her story and why she wasn't a likable person.
There is a mystery in the book and it is unsolved so I am hoping that the mystery is waiting to be unraveled in book 2.
"None So Blind" is definitely a five star book.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
"None So Blind" by Chautona Havig is the first book in the (Sight Unseen) series and I literally read this book well into the midnight hours.
I was thinking I want to wake up and not remember the parts about me that I don't like just like Dani Weeks and then to be able to be make myself into someone that people like. But the more I think about it, I don't think I would like that because not only does Ella not remember the things she doesn't like about Dani ( yes the characters in the story tells her what she was like in the past) she doesn't remember her children! How awful is that for Dani and the kids! I know this is maybe just too much info in a review but I am thinking about my grandma before she died, she was forgetting things and names, but I prayed "Please don't let her forget me" and I will be forever grateful and thankful that she remember me till the end!
I really thought it was interesting to consider the two points of view of rather Ella was still bound to David and her wedding vows because even through Dani had kinda of died ( not body wise but had no remembrance of saying them. I know what my thoughts are considering this and would love having feedback on other readers thoughts considering this!
I think I am going to say that my favorite character in this story is David, and that is because he supported both Dani and Ella.
I really didn't like Dani's parents,I was thinking Wow, we all know how Dani turned out to be the way she was.
I really feel sorry for Dani because she wasn't able to share her story and why she wasn't a likable person.
There is a mystery in the book and it is unsolved so I am hoping that the mystery is waiting to be unraveled in book 2.
"None So Blind" is definitely a five star book.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
June 18, 2017
Having had read some of Chautona's other novels, I was looking forward to this new one, which seemed to be very different from her usual creations. I certainly was NOT disappointed!! This author has a very special talent enabling her to portray faith, always in a positive light, in all of her main characters! Yes, some of them falter, as any other person does, in the difficult journey that life takes us on, however, there is always hope at the end of tunnel.
Chautona outdid herself in this novel! Her characters were so realistic and well described that I immediately found myself living with Ella , experiencing her every pain and confused thought. What a horrible fear she must have felt! She went to bed one day, awoke another, not knowing who or where she was!!! Who were these strangers who seemed to know her, even when she did not know herself?? I absolutely loved the way the author portrayed a positive faith by the characters, even when in their darkest moments. Ella was a unique individual who had strength beyond measure. I so admired her. She managed to bring happiness to others even while she faltered with her own life. Honestly, can you imagine living in a situation having had no memories of the past??
All of the characters were lovable in their own way. They had unbelievable struggles that took faith and time to overcome.
The plot moves steadily towards a happy ending. Does Ella regain her memory??? That, I can not tell you! However, this very strange situation this family finds themselves in , becomes the most positive , valuable experience that each has ever had . There were a few twists and turns, but I was kept busy just guessing what Ella would attempt to do with her life next!!
The underlying theme of forgiveness, second chances and the acceptance of change comes through loud and clear. We all need to have the faith that this family exhibits!
Was this book different from the usual that this author creates? Definitely, yes! But in a great way!! Don't miss this novel! A great read!
This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
June 21, 2017
For quite a while I have been a fan of Chautona Havig’s books, and when the opportunity came up to be part of the Celebrate Lit tour for “None So Blind”, I was thrilled to be allowed to be part of the tour. The concept of waking up and not knowing who you are or being able to recognize your family hits close to home since my grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease before her death.
Although, questions arise about whether Dani/Ella is faking her memory loss or not intrigues me. I can not fathom the idea of faking such a thing. I can not imagine someone going to such drastic measures and being able to fool everybody around her.
When Dani wakes up and comes “home”, I have to admire the way her husband handles everything. If Ella is faking because she so disliked what her life had become, I find that to be incredible. Her children, although disoriented by their mother’s memory loss, show amazing resiliency and adaptability in dealing with the changes in their home and in their mother in general.
Another plot twist arises when Ella finds a large sum of money hidden in her garage. This twist is mentioned briefly but is never resolved. I am really interested to see if this situation is resolved in the coming book(s) in the series.
The reliance on their Christian faith clearly helps the family endure the changes the memory loss brings. Also, I loved the contrast between Dani as a Christian before the memory loss to Ella after the memory loss. Dani takes avid notes and almost in some ways seems selfish and self-centered, although she clearly loves her family. Ella, on the other hand, appears to find other things to capture her attention and interest including improving her appearance.
The steps Dani/Ella’s husband is willing to go for her demonstrate true Christian love. He gives her space and time she needs to come to terms with all that has happened and their relationship. The guidance and counsel of their pastor and his wife again show true Christian values.
I truly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to my family and friends.
Although, questions arise about whether Dani/Ella is faking her memory loss or not intrigues me. I can not fathom the idea of faking such a thing. I can not imagine someone going to such drastic measures and being able to fool everybody around her.
When Dani wakes up and comes “home”, I have to admire the way her husband handles everything. If Ella is faking because she so disliked what her life had become, I find that to be incredible. Her children, although disoriented by their mother’s memory loss, show amazing resiliency and adaptability in dealing with the changes in their home and in their mother in general.
Another plot twist arises when Ella finds a large sum of money hidden in her garage. This twist is mentioned briefly but is never resolved. I am really interested to see if this situation is resolved in the coming book(s) in the series.
The reliance on their Christian faith clearly helps the family endure the changes the memory loss brings. Also, I loved the contrast between Dani as a Christian before the memory loss to Ella after the memory loss. Dani takes avid notes and almost in some ways seems selfish and self-centered, although she clearly loves her family. Ella, on the other hand, appears to find other things to capture her attention and interest including improving her appearance.
The steps Dani/Ella’s husband is willing to go for her demonstrate true Christian love. He gives her space and time she needs to come to terms with all that has happened and their relationship. The guidance and counsel of their pastor and his wife again show true Christian values.
I truly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to my family and friends.
June 14, 2017
None So Blind by Chautona Havig is a fascinating look at a 'what if' kind of story. What if you woke up one morning and didn't know who or where you were? Dani did just that. Who were these people who said they were her husband and three children? Who is that person in the mirror? Is it just a sci-fi dream? How can this be real? Readers are pulled into the story immediately with a scream of terror as a face appears out from under the covers in Dani's bed...a face she's never seen before--in a bedroom she doesn't recognize. The author does a masterful job of portraying the emotions and reactions of each individual in Dani's family. Panic, fear, anger, loss of control--of self, disbelief, helplessness. And the questions that arise-what happened to my mom? am I still married? how do I get my wife to trust and love me? is she just faking? and the universal question of why did this happen to me? to my family? The characters are strong and realistic and the story moves quickly with several twists and turns to the plot. Through it all is woven a strong thread of faith in a God who is there and a journey of learning to trust in Him. One sentence that was thought-provoking to me as Dani reflected on a friend's positive spin on the situation was "Loss of myself--is that what it means to die to self?" It reminds me of the changes in our lives as we become that new creation in Christ we are taught about in the Scriptures. As Dani and her husband deal with the aftermath of the amnesia, they hear counsel from several sources and realize that as logical as some advice is, looking to the truth of God's Word is the best source for counsel. None So Blind is a book that captured my imagination and has me wanting to read more of Havig's books. And also just wondering...what happened with the money! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
June 17, 2017
My Review
How many of us have wished for a new start – a blank slate wiped clean of past regrets, mistakes and painful memories? However, if we did get that blank slate, also gone would be the wonderful memories, thoughts and feelings, too. Tough choice? Let’s hope we never really have to make this choice or have thrust upon us the extraordinary challenges faced by Dani/Ella in None So Blind.
Chautona’s writing style is thoroughly engaging and this particular storyline is thoroughly intriguing. I found myself what-iffing and considering what life would look like if something like this happened to me or my loved ones. The clarity and depth with which this story is written clearly convey the bittersweet nature of life for everyone who loves someone living with profound memory loss. It’s one thing to experience dementia in an aging person, it’s quite another to be a young family having to live an entirely new reality as or with a totally new person.
You need to read this book because it is a very well written and amazing story that will leave you pondering your own reality and the essential fragility of life.
Another five stars for an amazingly gifted and prolific author, Chautona Havig!!
A few favorite quotes: “David opened the car door for her, enjoying the journey through her thought processes.”
“He often felt as though an outsider watching a world he knew was his but didn’t know how to enter.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
How many of us have wished for a new start – a blank slate wiped clean of past regrets, mistakes and painful memories? However, if we did get that blank slate, also gone would be the wonderful memories, thoughts and feelings, too. Tough choice? Let’s hope we never really have to make this choice or have thrust upon us the extraordinary challenges faced by Dani/Ella in None So Blind.
Chautona’s writing style is thoroughly engaging and this particular storyline is thoroughly intriguing. I found myself what-iffing and considering what life would look like if something like this happened to me or my loved ones. The clarity and depth with which this story is written clearly convey the bittersweet nature of life for everyone who loves someone living with profound memory loss. It’s one thing to experience dementia in an aging person, it’s quite another to be a young family having to live an entirely new reality as or with a totally new person.
You need to read this book because it is a very well written and amazing story that will leave you pondering your own reality and the essential fragility of life.
Another five stars for an amazingly gifted and prolific author, Chautona Havig!!
A few favorite quotes: “David opened the car door for her, enjoying the journey through her thought processes.”
“He often felt as though an outsider watching a world he knew was his but didn’t know how to enter.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
June 21, 2017
Give me a moment to fangirl. I loved this book! I loved the premise, the execution, just the whole amazing mysterious thing. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't perfect but good gravy Mavis, it was amazing. Picture yourself in Daniella Weeks' shoes. Imagine waking in a body you don't recognize, with a family that are strangers, in a house that creeps you out. Imagine being poked and prodded at the hospital where they figure absolutely nothing out and give you the choice of going to this unloved house full of strangers or to an institution where you feel as though you will become a science experiment. Can you even begin to imagine the edges of it, forget putting yourself all the way in, just pick a part? As you learn about who you 'were' you become determined to be everything you weren't. And what to do the husband and kids?
There's one ball I feel like was dropped in a way that leaves me feeling confused and like there's a bigger story at play. Perhaps in sequels? Perhaps... Just a mini spoiler here but what about the money?!? I mean that's a chunk o' change that seems like it could be a big deal but then seems to fade into the ether. I also felt like the idea that the 'episode' was all a hoax was played up more in the synopsis and even in the story and didn't quite measure up to the hype it might have been. More on that later! That and one comma that feels awkward, that's all I got for the drawbacks for this book. I mean seriously people, it was so well crafted, so well told, so well...everything. Something I can't imagine in my wildest dreams and here Dani/Ella is living it at Havig has created it so almost seamlessly that I can almost put myself there. OK, perhaps just a moment of fangirl wasn't enough. I'll get back on track.
Mystery is the way to my heart and this book has it in such a refreshing way that I fell in love with the genre all over again. Add a little intrigue with the money and the idea that maybe perhaps Dani did this completely on purpose to force her to deal with the life changes she seems to not give two wits about but maybe? I mean Ella is bound and determined to be the opposite of Dani in almost every area of life. The romance of the book was even refreshing to engage while Ella and David worked at getting to know each other. The difficulty he had with not comparing and her difficulty with the idea he truly loved her for who she was now and not who she was or because he 'had to'. I'm excited to see where this series is going to develop next and with the next book coming out so very soon I don't have to wait too long!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit and the author. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
There's one ball I feel like was dropped in a way that leaves me feeling confused and like there's a bigger story at play. Perhaps in sequels? Perhaps... Just a mini spoiler here but what about the money?!? I mean that's a chunk o' change that seems like it could be a big deal but then seems to fade into the ether. I also felt like the idea that the 'episode' was all a hoax was played up more in the synopsis and even in the story and didn't quite measure up to the hype it might have been. More on that later! That and one comma that feels awkward, that's all I got for the drawbacks for this book. I mean seriously people, it was so well crafted, so well told, so well...everything. Something I can't imagine in my wildest dreams and here Dani/Ella is living it at Havig has created it so almost seamlessly that I can almost put myself there. OK, perhaps just a moment of fangirl wasn't enough. I'll get back on track.
Mystery is the way to my heart and this book has it in such a refreshing way that I fell in love with the genre all over again. Add a little intrigue with the money and the idea that maybe perhaps Dani did this completely on purpose to force her to deal with the life changes she seems to not give two wits about but maybe? I mean Ella is bound and determined to be the opposite of Dani in almost every area of life. The romance of the book was even refreshing to engage while Ella and David worked at getting to know each other. The difficulty he had with not comparing and her difficulty with the idea he truly loved her for who she was now and not who she was or because he 'had to'. I'm excited to see where this series is going to develop next and with the next book coming out so very soon I don't have to wait too long!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit and the author. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
June 21, 2017
Wouldn’t be nice to leave all of those personality traits we don’t like about ourselves behind and start with a clean slate?
The concept of None So Blind is a new one—one that hasn’t been beaten to death in the genres, one that (as far as I know) doesn’t have a specific trope assigned to it unless you count amnesia.
The author did an excellent job of turning my opinion of the main character around. At first, I didn’t like Ella but as I journeyed with her and got a glimpse of her heart, my opinion was swayed enough to change.
As Ella figures out her life and how to do new-to-her things, she also has to navigate relationships with people who already have an impression of her. The impression they formed via the before impression of Dani.
The kids are a nice addition to the story as Ella takes the time to learn who they are. As every parent well knows, no two children are alike. They each have their own unique personalities and they each deal with stress in different ways.
There are some POV issues and a bit of head hopping but once Ella began to settle into her life, I quit noticing them.
Overall, an enjoyable read with likable characters and a satisfying ending.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The concept of None So Blind is a new one—one that hasn’t been beaten to death in the genres, one that (as far as I know) doesn’t have a specific trope assigned to it unless you count amnesia.
The author did an excellent job of turning my opinion of the main character around. At first, I didn’t like Ella but as I journeyed with her and got a glimpse of her heart, my opinion was swayed enough to change.
As Ella figures out her life and how to do new-to-her things, she also has to navigate relationships with people who already have an impression of her. The impression they formed via the before impression of Dani.
The kids are a nice addition to the story as Ella takes the time to learn who they are. As every parent well knows, no two children are alike. They each have their own unique personalities and they each deal with stress in different ways.
There are some POV issues and a bit of head hopping but once Ella began to settle into her life, I quit noticing them.
Overall, an enjoyable read with likable characters and a satisfying ending.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 17, 2017
Page-turner.
From the moment I started None So Blind, I couldn't put it down. Chautona Havig adds just enough mystery to Dani/Ella's story that you can't stop reading. My favorite character by far was David, her husband. Then again, I'm pretty sure Chautona used my husband for inspiration. They seemed that much alike. David strives to do what's right in a very complicated situation.
I like how Chautona incorporates different beliefs in her characters. Often, I find in a book that each character believes exactly what the author does. In this book, the characters had their own convictions. Most of the time, it wasn't exact tenants of the faith, but rather the little choices we make as Christians. But she also shows what happens when bad advice is given.
I can't think of another book like this. The plot is unique, the characters unique, and the situation absolutely bizarre. In a few months, I will have the opportunity to review the sequel. I can't wait to read more. I've only read a few of Chautona's books, but I've never been disappointed.
I give this book five stars. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
From the moment I started None So Blind, I couldn't put it down. Chautona Havig adds just enough mystery to Dani/Ella's story that you can't stop reading. My favorite character by far was David, her husband. Then again, I'm pretty sure Chautona used my husband for inspiration. They seemed that much alike. David strives to do what's right in a very complicated situation.
I like how Chautona incorporates different beliefs in her characters. Often, I find in a book that each character believes exactly what the author does. In this book, the characters had their own convictions. Most of the time, it wasn't exact tenants of the faith, but rather the little choices we make as Christians. But she also shows what happens when bad advice is given.
I can't think of another book like this. The plot is unique, the characters unique, and the situation absolutely bizarre. In a few months, I will have the opportunity to review the sequel. I can't wait to read more. I've only read a few of Chautona's books, but I've never been disappointed.
I give this book five stars. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
June 18, 2017
Chautona Havig is a masterful storyteller. In None So Blind she has created such a unique story, and then added such depth and emotion that the readers are emotionally involved and feeling everything the characters are. I can only imagine the internal struggle Chautona must have had while writing this, and thinking about how it may affect her own life if she were to wake up with amnesia. I was certainly thinking about it, and then thanking God that I do not have that life.
Ella's struggles were real, and I'm glad Chautona chose to write the story the way she did. I think all too often we want the Hallmark version of the story, and quite frankly I like it when an author will step outside of that a bit and show some realistic reactions and raw emotions. Chautona did just that. This story is going to make you sad at times, smile at others, and above all it will make you think. It will remind you to cherish each day you have, and each morning you wake up knowing exactly who the people you love are. In addition, I think you'll find that you are inspired by Ella's journey. I certainly was.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ella's struggles were real, and I'm glad Chautona chose to write the story the way she did. I think all too often we want the Hallmark version of the story, and quite frankly I like it when an author will step outside of that a bit and show some realistic reactions and raw emotions. Chautona did just that. This story is going to make you sad at times, smile at others, and above all it will make you think. It will remind you to cherish each day you have, and each morning you wake up knowing exactly who the people you love are. In addition, I think you'll find that you are inspired by Ella's journey. I certainly was.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2017
What a bold story! None so blind is a dramatic read that didn't disappoint. This author has some mystery behind the entire Dani is now Ella issues. I felt very connected to Ella when she came home and hated her house, and when she started to take hold of her life and change it. This is a story that pulls you in and keeps you rooting for Dani/Ella. (Daniella, I love how the author did that!) Ella is totally different from Dani in so many ways, and yet, she is still the woman David married, the mother of his children. David is having to get to know his wife, a very different version of his wife, all over again. Even when somethings aggravated me, they made perfect sense on why they were the way they were.
Now really, what is going on with Pastor Vince? Why would he ever think that Dani became Ella on purpouse or for some other reason? This guy baffles me more than this family going through this entire major upheaval while holding onto God and trying to rebuild a life completely renovated.
A throughly fascinating read, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. I wasn't required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Now really, what is going on with Pastor Vince? Why would he ever think that Dani became Ella on purpouse or for some other reason? This guy baffles me more than this family going through this entire major upheaval while holding onto God and trying to rebuild a life completely renovated.
A throughly fascinating read, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. I wasn't required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 21, 2017
"None so Blind" is the first book in the "Sight Unseen" series. I'm not really sure why the book or the series is named that as they deal with memory loss, not loss of sight. This book was unlike any book I've read. I don't know how I'd classify the genre as it isn't a romance, but it has romance in it, it isn't a mystery, but it has mystery in it.... The story is told from the perspective of quite a few characters: Dani Weeks, David Weeks, Ella Weeks, Vincee Lanzo, Jared Weeks, Reid Wilcos, Charity Stafford, Lisa Lanzo, and Savannah Weeks. Often, we switch from one person to another and back again in the space of a paragraph. It took getting used to reading this style of book as most books stay with one character for longer before switching to another for a longer period of time. I never doubted Ella's memory loss, but I did wonder if she had done something to cause it in the first place. I was a little disappointed that we didn't have the answers to all the mystery elements, but I'm sure that they will be resolved in later books. I look forward to reading the second book, "Will Not See" later this summer.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.
June 26, 2017
This book is a seriously thought provoking read. Dani wakes up one morning but remembers nothing about her life. She doesn't remember her husband or kids, nothing about her life in the least. David is Dani's husband and he struggles with basically losing his wife of 15 years and no one knows why. There is nothing that should have caused her to lose all her memories. She is no longer Dani so she calls herself Ella to give herself an identity.
Wow, I think this book is a well written and eye opening book. It is Christian fiction and references faith and God frequently, which I love, and had to be a tough book to write. I felt so bad for Dani at the beginning. The panic attacks and loss of memory had to be terrifying. David may have become my favorite character just because he was so faithful. The family having to learn the new mom/wife and Dani/Ella having to relearn life and put her own twist on things was just not what I expected (in a good way).
It was a 4:5 for me. I think this book should be shared with the women in your family!
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.
Wow, I think this book is a well written and eye opening book. It is Christian fiction and references faith and God frequently, which I love, and had to be a tough book to write. I felt so bad for Dani at the beginning. The panic attacks and loss of memory had to be terrifying. David may have become my favorite character just because he was so faithful. The family having to learn the new mom/wife and Dani/Ella having to relearn life and put her own twist on things was just not what I expected (in a good way).
It was a 4:5 for me. I think this book should be shared with the women in your family!
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.
November 15, 2023
I was really enjoying it and then I got about halfway through and I hated it and then I got three quarters of the way through and then finished it and hey, that actually...was a good book?
Did enjoy it, mostly, when it didn't drive me crazy. It was interesting, and I definitely did have a hard time putting it down. Like I said, when it didn't drive me crazy. It did get me to actually audibly snicker at points, so it was funny as well.
Definitely mature references in ways that are necessary to a realistic plot, but done in a proper way that didn't bug me. Still, probably wouldn't recommend it to a younger reader, even if I thought it was well-done for even Chautona Havig, who definitely doesn't shy away from the consequences and implications of life.
Feel like Chautona Havig is such a good writer she can get away with....just well, pulling scenes and plots together in a way you don't feel like she should be able to do and get away with it being such a cohesive, engaging book still. It does give it a very real feel to it, even if you wonder how much thought was put into giving you one scene over another that could have been written. It works. It does work. And I always can't put it down, anyway.
Did enjoy it, mostly, when it didn't drive me crazy. It was interesting, and I definitely did have a hard time putting it down. Like I said, when it didn't drive me crazy. It did get me to actually audibly snicker at points, so it was funny as well.
Definitely mature references in ways that are necessary to a realistic plot, but done in a proper way that didn't bug me. Still, probably wouldn't recommend it to a younger reader, even if I thought it was well-done for even Chautona Havig, who definitely doesn't shy away from the consequences and implications of life.
Feel like Chautona Havig is such a good writer she can get away with....just well, pulling scenes and plots together in a way you don't feel like she should be able to do and get away with it being such a cohesive, engaging book still. It does give it a very real feel to it, even if you wonder how much thought was put into giving you one scene over another that could have been written. It works. It does work. And I always can't put it down, anyway.
June 23, 2017
None so Blind by Chautona Havig was definitely an escape from cookie cutter fiction. It was a very unique, compelling tale about a woman who wakes up with no memory of herself, her family, or where she is. And so begins ‘Danielle’s’ journey from the ‘Dani’ everyone calls her to ‘Ella’ the virtual antithesis of what everyone says she once was. This story explored a lot of unique themes, like different kinds of counsels and whether or not ‘till death do us part’ counts when your personality dies. It was sweet watching the love story between Ella and her poor husband David- again a very unique thing to see in Christian fiction; very refreshing. Perhaps the most compelling part of the story for me was trying to figure out what exactly happened to her… though it may or not be explained by the end of the book. All around, though, I recommend this book for anyone looking for something a little different to read.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all the views and opinions are my own.
http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/201...
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all the views and opinions are my own.
http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/201...
September 3, 2018
Wow! What can I say. This was a good book. Different than any I have ever read, but a great book.
Dani wakes up one morning and has no idea who she or her family are. Dani becomes Ella. Plain and simple.
Ella realizes at once, that she doesn't like anything about Dani. Her name, the color of the rooms, her hair, her weight, or even the way she arranged the kitchen.
Her husband David is a great guy that puts up with more than most husbands would. He lets her redo everything, even more or less, herself. She loses weight, changes her hair, and becomes Ella.
God has a big roll in their lives and helps David get through so many rough times. He is a good and faithful husband. The children love their mothers new ways. She now has time for them and takes more of an interest in them. She loves to bake and there is always cookies for them after school.
As I said, the book different. You just need to read it to understand it. This is a hard book to review.
This is my first time of reading anything by Chautona Havig, but I will read other stories by her. She is an amazing author.
Dani wakes up one morning and has no idea who she or her family are. Dani becomes Ella. Plain and simple.
Ella realizes at once, that she doesn't like anything about Dani. Her name, the color of the rooms, her hair, her weight, or even the way she arranged the kitchen.
Her husband David is a great guy that puts up with more than most husbands would. He lets her redo everything, even more or less, herself. She loses weight, changes her hair, and becomes Ella.
God has a big roll in their lives and helps David get through so many rough times. He is a good and faithful husband. The children love their mothers new ways. She now has time for them and takes more of an interest in them. She loves to bake and there is always cookies for them after school.
As I said, the book different. You just need to read it to understand it. This is a hard book to review.
This is my first time of reading anything by Chautona Havig, but I will read other stories by her. She is an amazing author.
June 17, 2017
You never know what you are going to get when you begin a book by an author you have never read before. Let me tell you, when you open this book you will get sucked in and have to keep reading to see what will happen next.
From the opening paragraph of this book you are thrown into the confusion of Dani’s world. I can’t even imagine waking up and not knowing where you are or even who you are. The doctor’s had no idea what happened either.
David is a wonderful husband, so patient and kind. I appreciated his struggle of wanting his wife back yet liking this new side of her and wondering what do you do with that?
It was great having the kids in their too. How does that affect that family? In a very big way and so hard to kids to understand.
This was a very interesting book that I couldn’t wait to get back to. The fast-pace kept me reading and wanting to find out what was going on.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own
From the opening paragraph of this book you are thrown into the confusion of Dani’s world. I can’t even imagine waking up and not knowing where you are or even who you are. The doctor’s had no idea what happened either.
David is a wonderful husband, so patient and kind. I appreciated his struggle of wanting his wife back yet liking this new side of her and wondering what do you do with that?
It was great having the kids in their too. How does that affect that family? In a very big way and so hard to kids to understand.
This was a very interesting book that I couldn’t wait to get back to. The fast-pace kept me reading and wanting to find out what was going on.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews