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Tarnished Silver
Secrets are like sins. Eventually, someone exposes them.
Audrey Seever, owner of Fairbury’s favorite sweet shop has kept one secret for twenty-five years. Given her choice, she’d take that secret to the grave. Even more, she’s convinced she has that right. After all, even the commercials say it. “What happens in Vegas…”
With Christmas coming, Audrey is buried in new ice cream flavors, bon-bons, pies, breads, cakes, and other tempting treats. She hardly has time to sleep, much less do things like cook for herself, clean up after herself, or do any holiday decorating.
Enter Kelly Cox. It was just supposed to be a simple trade—a little decorating and light housekeeping in exchange for a few Christmas treats.
Neither of them had any idea that she’d run across that oh, so carefully guarded secret.
Though she knows it’s none of her business, Kelly can’t help investigating, and before long, finds herself in the middle of more drama than she’d ever imagined possible. When Audrey learns what Kelly has done, Kelly finds herself fighting to salvage more than her friendship. Her marriage and reputation are on the line as well.
Tarnished When Christmas doesn’t seem so merry anymore.
Audrey Seever, owner of Fairbury’s favorite sweet shop has kept one secret for twenty-five years. Given her choice, she’d take that secret to the grave. Even more, she’s convinced she has that right. After all, even the commercials say it. “What happens in Vegas…”
With Christmas coming, Audrey is buried in new ice cream flavors, bon-bons, pies, breads, cakes, and other tempting treats. She hardly has time to sleep, much less do things like cook for herself, clean up after herself, or do any holiday decorating.
Enter Kelly Cox. It was just supposed to be a simple trade—a little decorating and light housekeeping in exchange for a few Christmas treats.
Neither of them had any idea that she’d run across that oh, so carefully guarded secret.
Though she knows it’s none of her business, Kelly can’t help investigating, and before long, finds herself in the middle of more drama than she’d ever imagined possible. When Audrey learns what Kelly has done, Kelly finds herself fighting to salvage more than her friendship. Her marriage and reputation are on the line as well.
Tarnished When Christmas doesn’t seem so merry anymore.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2013
154 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
274 books1,840 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 6, 2024
I loved this Christmas romance book. My first ever Chautona Havig book and definitely won't be the last. I loved the characters!
July 5, 2018
Chautona Havig is a writer who can cross genres and styles while still maintaining her own “voice.” Tarnished Silver is a story of two stubborn people who are forced to confront the 25 year old secret they thought they had buried. Their story reminded me of the urgent attitude of the young lovers in Romeo and Juliet. The story is enhanced by a sensitive portrayal of multicultural relationships.
September 3, 2016
Christmas in August? Why not! I loved this story--very unusual, and very gripping. Highly recommend it.
December 5, 2025
I had a significantly incorrect idea of what this book would be about before I started reading it. I think I misread something in the back cover 'blurb'. Whoops!
Though I do not think this book was as strong as 'Carol and the Belles', I did appreciate that the characters were portrayed as we all are, wildly imperfect. Once I got past what Kelly had set in motion, and her repentance from said actions, I was able to more fully embrace the story.
Without giving spoilers, I will say that I actually ended up rooting for the characters to make good choices and find happiness, whereas I wasn't sure that I even *liked* them in the beginning.
Though I do not think this book was as strong as 'Carol and the Belles', I did appreciate that the characters were portrayed as we all are, wildly imperfect. Once I got past what Kelly had set in motion, and her repentance from said actions, I was able to more fully embrace the story.
Without giving spoilers, I will say that I actually ended up rooting for the characters to make good choices and find happiness, whereas I wasn't sure that I even *liked* them in the beginning.
December 27, 2024
I didn’t realize this was Christian Fiction when I picked it up. I’ve read one other Christian Fiction before and it wasn’t nearly as preachy as this book. The writing was decent but the plot was utterly ridiculous and I didn’t feel the connection between Audrey and Zain. I only kept reading because I was using this book for a monthly prompt for a reading challenge and didn’t feel like finding a different book to fit the challenge.
July 22, 2016
(Sigh) I loved this book. I would like to leave it at that, as I just now finished it and I'm still basking in the fond feelings. But it wouldn't be helpful to prospective readers to leave it there.
Seriously, I think Chatona Havig is one of my favorite authors. I held off reading her Past Forward books for a long time, as I had never read anything by Miss Havig. But when I finally did I was blown away. Then I went on to try other authors and genres for about 6 months. But this one was Chistmassy looking, and this is the season, so I picked it up... I'm so glad I read Tarnished Silver. Wow! Brilliant writing, masterful character development, ZERO boring areas with dull space fillers. Oh, and it totally doesn't have to be Christmas to read this. Only a couple parts of it are actually set around that season. It's a book weaving 25 years together with perfectly timed and executed flashbacks, but mostly in the present.
I loved how the focus (main) character was Audrey for the beginning. Then as Kelly began cleaning Audrey's home, and nosing around in Audrey's private papers(out of curiosity as well as concern) Kelly became the focus. Then we swing back to Audrey as Kelly's interference turned the spotlight on Audrey and Zain.
You can't help but love all these characters, and love reading what will come next.
The writing about forgiveness is simply wonderful. Something is well written when you want to underline often, and which also brings clarity to thoughts you may have not even realized were vague in your mind.
I finished this book a few minutes ago with a sigh, both of satisfaction that it finished so well, and a sigh that says I'm sad it's over.
Please read this book! It's amazing!
Seriously, I think Chatona Havig is one of my favorite authors. I held off reading her Past Forward books for a long time, as I had never read anything by Miss Havig. But when I finally did I was blown away. Then I went on to try other authors and genres for about 6 months. But this one was Chistmassy looking, and this is the season, so I picked it up... I'm so glad I read Tarnished Silver. Wow! Brilliant writing, masterful character development, ZERO boring areas with dull space fillers. Oh, and it totally doesn't have to be Christmas to read this. Only a couple parts of it are actually set around that season. It's a book weaving 25 years together with perfectly timed and executed flashbacks, but mostly in the present.
I loved how the focus (main) character was Audrey for the beginning. Then as Kelly began cleaning Audrey's home, and nosing around in Audrey's private papers(out of curiosity as well as concern) Kelly became the focus. Then we swing back to Audrey as Kelly's interference turned the spotlight on Audrey and Zain.
You can't help but love all these characters, and love reading what will come next.
The writing about forgiveness is simply wonderful. Something is well written when you want to underline often, and which also brings clarity to thoughts you may have not even realized were vague in your mind.
I finished this book a few minutes ago with a sigh, both of satisfaction that it finished so well, and a sigh that says I'm sad it's over.
Please read this book! It's amazing!
April 27, 2019
For the record, this is not an overly Christmas-y book. I like Christmas, but I usually read Christmas books around...well, Christmas. This was totally appropriate to devour in the middle of the night in late April.
If you’re reading Chautona, you can count on quirky characters, laugh out loud funny, and some tough church topics too. This one hits big on honesty, forgiveness, reconciliation, toxic church gossip, and what those marriage vows really mean. But the thing is, you’ll find yourself thinking about all those topics, without even realizing it. Because you get so wrapped up in the story, it is impossible to feel preached at. And Chautona does what good storytellers do: she gives you questions to ponder, not answers to sermonize. Definitely recommend. As if staying up four hours past bedtime didn’t convince you of that!
If you’re reading Chautona, you can count on quirky characters, laugh out loud funny, and some tough church topics too. This one hits big on honesty, forgiveness, reconciliation, toxic church gossip, and what those marriage vows really mean. But the thing is, you’ll find yourself thinking about all those topics, without even realizing it. Because you get so wrapped up in the story, it is impossible to feel preached at. And Chautona does what good storytellers do: she gives you questions to ponder, not answers to sermonize. Definitely recommend. As if staying up four hours past bedtime didn’t convince you of that!
December 5, 2018
Unusual premise
What a great story woven through an unusual premise. Who is us know a couple who were married 25 years ago but separated that same day? Not only that but they kept their vow before God even though they were in different states and had no communication during that time. Intrigued? Read the book. You won't be sorry.
ommunicaton
What a great story woven through an unusual premise. Who is us know a couple who were married 25 years ago but separated that same day? Not only that but they kept their vow before God even though they were in different states and had no communication during that time. Intrigued? Read the book. You won't be sorry.
ommunicaton
December 9, 2022
Oh, my! This was quite the story. The situation seemed a little extreme and unlikely, but at the same time it didn't bother me because it makes me feel better about some of the stories I've come up with myself.
I liked two particular characters way more as adults then as teens. Ugh! Teens and romance just not my thing.
Kelly caused quite the mess but at the same time I loved that it happened because it showed a married couple having to work through things together and sometimes it wasn't always perfectly smooth just like in real relationships. It showed the messiness of marriage, but also the grace that should exist in Christian marriages. I loved that realness.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Yes, it was kind of a wild ride. And it felt like by 60% or so things kind of sped up. Also, sometimes I got confused, as if some small pieces were never explained or clarified, which is something I've noticed before with Chautona Havig's stories.
I liked two particular characters way more as adults then as teens. Ugh! Teens and romance just not my thing.
Kelly caused quite the mess but at the same time I loved that it happened because it showed a married couple having to work through things together and sometimes it wasn't always perfectly smooth just like in real relationships. It showed the messiness of marriage, but also the grace that should exist in Christian marriages. I loved that realness.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Yes, it was kind of a wild ride. And it felt like by 60% or so things kind of sped up. Also, sometimes I got confused, as if some small pieces were never explained or clarified, which is something I've noticed before with Chautona Havig's stories.
November 25, 2018
Excellent premise!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The story is one that I have never read before & I enjoyed that very much. This book has not only human love, but Christ love & forgiveness. How I wish more authors could write in the manner of this author! She has managed to write an incredible novel that is open & honest about love, sin, forgiveness, and justification for sin in easily understood way.
I was unable to stop reading & will read this book again! Highly recommended.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The story is one that I have never read before & I enjoyed that very much. This book has not only human love, but Christ love & forgiveness. How I wish more authors could write in the manner of this author! She has managed to write an incredible novel that is open & honest about love, sin, forgiveness, and justification for sin in easily understood way.
I was unable to stop reading & will read this book again! Highly recommended.
December 4, 2018
Interesting Plot Line
I had no idea where this story was going. As an avid reader, I usually have some clue! I ended up liking the plot, but for awhile I didn't think I would even finish because the constantly inserted thoughts of the characters were distracting and kept the story from moving forward. The author develops her characters well; they are people I'd like to know in homes I'd like to visit. Secondary characters are a hoot! I recommend this book with the caveat that the first third is slow and a little confusing.
I had no idea where this story was going. As an avid reader, I usually have some clue! I ended up liking the plot, but for awhile I didn't think I would even finish because the constantly inserted thoughts of the characters were distracting and kept the story from moving forward. The author develops her characters well; they are people I'd like to know in homes I'd like to visit. Secondary characters are a hoot! I recommend this book with the caveat that the first third is slow and a little confusing.
December 7, 2018
I was in the mood for a read that had a Christmas theme. "Tarnished Silver" title intrigued me and I just had to get a copy to read.
I wasn't disappointed as this story was an interesting read and most importantly kept my interest. So I give this 3 stars as an entertaining and interesting read.
I have checked to see if this author has other titles, I don't usually do that unless I enjoyed a good read.
So if you need something with a Holiday theme but not the usual or typical then pick up a copy of this little gem.
I wasn't disappointed as this story was an interesting read and most importantly kept my interest. So I give this 3 stars as an entertaining and interesting read.
I have checked to see if this author has other titles, I don't usually do that unless I enjoyed a good read.
So if you need something with a Holiday theme but not the usual or typical then pick up a copy of this little gem.
November 28, 2021
Audrey Seever is the owner of The Confectionary, and Christmas is the busiest time of the year. When her friend, Kelly Cox, offers to help out by being her housekeeper, Audrey takes her up on the offer. But when Kelly happens to run across a piece of information while cleaning, she gets herself involved in an investigation that turns things upside for both her and Audrey.
Enjoyable Christmas read.
Enjoyable Christmas read.
December 16, 2019
Brilliant!!
It annoys me when romance is too sweet. This was brilliant. It moved between the perspectives of Audrey, Kelly and another main protagonist well and covered a lot of story in a steady believable pace. it also raised some interesting theological questions without being preachy.
Totally recommend. Really stands out!
It annoys me when romance is too sweet. This was brilliant. It moved between the perspectives of Audrey, Kelly and another main protagonist well and covered a lot of story in a steady believable pace. it also raised some interesting theological questions without being preachy.
Totally recommend. Really stands out!
March 9, 2020
She did it again. I love her books. I didn’t see all the twists and turns coming. Yet I felt like I was right there involved in the book.
A great book and my poor husband got to hear all about "Christmas Adam" especially fitting since I started the book around Christmas Adam and finished it on Christmas eve.
A great book and my poor husband got to hear all about "Christmas Adam" especially fitting since I started the book around Christmas Adam and finished it on Christmas eve.
August 6, 2025
Delightful, Different
One of the more unusual, delightful, and entertaining Christian romance novels I've read in recent years! Combining young love with more mature love, baby Christian with mature, and mixing in culture and ethnicity! Characters were well developed with realistic conversations. Plot moved quickly, keeping me fully engaged!
One of the more unusual, delightful, and entertaining Christian romance novels I've read in recent years! Combining young love with more mature love, baby Christian with mature, and mixing in culture and ethnicity! Characters were well developed with realistic conversations. Plot moved quickly, keeping me fully engaged!
November 13, 2018
I loved this book. A best kept secret, rekindled romance that spanned 25 years of being apart. Very rich in cultural difference & Christianity which I struggled with at times, due to not to being a religious person.
January 5, 2025
This book is a dual timeline, I preferred the present over the past. I also like the fact that the chapters are written like letters.
I like how the author show different types of Christian behaviours and that they are not perfect.
I like how the author show different types of Christian behaviours and that they are not perfect.
November 5, 2019
Good read
Had a hard time putting it down. My only complaints are that it is somewhat repetitious at times. And other times I wasn't sure who was who.
Had a hard time putting it down. My only complaints are that it is somewhat repetitious at times. And other times I wasn't sure who was who.
November 30, 2020
Wonderful Read
Thoroughly enjoyable story. The premise was different than anything I have read before but I loved it. This author has quickly become a favorite of mine.
Thoroughly enjoyable story. The premise was different than anything I have read before but I loved it. This author has quickly become a favorite of mine.
January 2, 2021
Enjoyable Christmas season read
November 27, 2021
Great book
December 23, 2021
I loved this story! Even if parts of it were a bit far-fetched, it was so entertaining and sweet and hard to put down.
January 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this book with unusual/unique premise. Great Christian fiction with well developed characters showing their humanness, sin, forgiveness. Not preachy. Flows very well. We are reading this book for a book club.
December 16, 2022
Well, I read it in less than a day. I need to make sure I don't have plans when I start one of Chautona's books as I usually just want to sit and read them.
January 3, 2023
This was well written! I definitely identified with the character of Kelly. This is a good warning of not snooping and minding our own business lol.
January 6, 2024
Great story!!!
Hard to believe something like this could happen. But with Christians, it really could. Ms. Havig's stories can sure keep you interested.
Hard to believe something like this could happen. But with Christians, it really could. Ms. Havig's stories can sure keep you interested.
October 6, 2023
A well-written, interesting story with twists and turns. Who knew snooping could end up causing so much trouble as well as reuniting a couple who had parted 25 years ago due to misunderstandings and assumptions. Very satisfactory ending.
December 6, 2013
Once again Chautona proves what an incredible story teller she is. Her talents know no bounds. She slips those comedic lines amidst the emotionally charged thoughts and conversations and it cracks me up. I had to wipe the tears of laughter away numerous times and a few real ones as well.
I was quite excited to have a chance to get to know Kelly Cox and her husband a little better in this book. I loved her character who unintentionally did wrong in an attempt to right a wrong. Her husband is a very wise man who supports his wife and holds her accountable for the wrong she did, but showing his love for her all the while.
Zane and Audrey are quite interesting in their views of what happened 25 years. They both drew the wrong conclusion about each other which could have been avoided if they would have communicated. I think the biggest lesson I learned is that communication is essential to relationships.
I highly recommend this book. If you like clean romances with a bit of intrigue and humor thrown into the mix, you will surely love this book.
I was quite excited to have a chance to get to know Kelly Cox and her husband a little better in this book. I loved her character who unintentionally did wrong in an attempt to right a wrong. Her husband is a very wise man who supports his wife and holds her accountable for the wrong she did, but showing his love for her all the while.
Zane and Audrey are quite interesting in their views of what happened 25 years. They both drew the wrong conclusion about each other which could have been avoided if they would have communicated. I think the biggest lesson I learned is that communication is essential to relationships.
I highly recommend this book. If you like clean romances with a bit of intrigue and humor thrown into the mix, you will surely love this book.
December 20, 2013
I was captivated from the first page. Audrey owns a bakery and confectioner shop. Walking home from work one evening she comes across a young boy on his way to the store to purchase milk for the baby at home. The father has recently lost his job and Audrey knows the family is struggling. I loved that she offered a treat to the young boy if his mother approved and would come to pick the things up the next day. She was careful to protect the family's dignity while still offering what she could.
This is most definitely a Christian novel. The rest of the story focuses on the Christian community and their dealings with one another as friends and members of the congregation. It also addresses marriage and each partner's responsibility to the covenants they have made to each other and to the Lord.
This is most definitely a Christian novel. The rest of the story focuses on the Christian community and their dealings with one another as friends and members of the congregation. It also addresses marriage and each partner's responsibility to the covenants they have made to each other and to the Lord.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews