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Advent
Curtis Brighton is the enigma of Delta Advertising. Why is the highest paid, most successful man in the office not getting the promotions that he has earned? Why is his wallet worn out, his briefcase falling apart, and why doesn’t he at least participate in the office “Secret Santa?”
These are questions that plague Lita Cathey. After three years sitting across from him, she knows only his work ethic and strange propensity to disappear from the office in a rush.
As the month counts down, the most unlikely relationship builds until Lita’s heart is so entangled that she has to face her own fears.
Merry Christmas, Lita!
These are questions that plague Lita Cathey. After three years sitting across from him, she knows only his work ethic and strange propensity to disappear from the office in a rush.
As the month counts down, the most unlikely relationship builds until Lita’s heart is so entangled that she has to face her own fears.
Merry Christmas, Lita!
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
47 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
289 books1,824 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 55 reviews
November 27, 2022
I liked this story, but it wasn’t a favorite.
Curtis was nice and I loved his relationship and care for his mom, but he really seemed to be full of himself. Not in the sense that most people think, but in the opposite. “I’m not good enough, or rich enough, or xyz” and it got a bit annoying.
I liked Lita at first. I liked her determination to be a friend to Curtis even when it was difficult, but she got a bit too pushy and did the chasing and then wanted to run when it seemed he was growing interested in her which didn’t make sense to me. I mean, I know and understood why she wanted to run, but if she was that nervous and scared, why was she chasing Curtis?
Other characters were liked and not liked. I’m sorry, but Lita’s mom was rude and very selfish in doing things she knew her daughter hadn’t wanted and then acting like she was sorry but not really because "we’re doing things my way anyway," and Lita just went along with it. Lita tells Curtis her mom won’t always act that way, yet if she’s acting that way about one of the biggest days of your life, what makes you so sure she won’t continue to try and manage things later?
I liked getting so see some characters from some other books.
Overall, I did like the story, some parts were more enjoyable than others. There were times when I wished things would happen a little quicker as it seemed to drag a few times.
There were a few kisses, but nothing really descriptive.
Curtis was nice and I loved his relationship and care for his mom, but he really seemed to be full of himself. Not in the sense that most people think, but in the opposite. “I’m not good enough, or rich enough, or xyz” and it got a bit annoying.
I liked Lita at first. I liked her determination to be a friend to Curtis even when it was difficult, but she got a bit too pushy and did the chasing and then wanted to run when it seemed he was growing interested in her which didn’t make sense to me. I mean, I know and understood why she wanted to run, but if she was that nervous and scared, why was she chasing Curtis?
Other characters were liked and not liked. I’m sorry, but Lita’s mom was rude and very selfish in doing things she knew her daughter hadn’t wanted and then acting like she was sorry but not really because "we’re doing things my way anyway," and Lita just went along with it. Lita tells Curtis her mom won’t always act that way, yet if she’s acting that way about one of the biggest days of your life, what makes you so sure she won’t continue to try and manage things later?
I liked getting so see some characters from some other books.
Overall, I did like the story, some parts were more enjoyable than others. There were times when I wished things would happen a little quicker as it seemed to drag a few times.
There were a few kisses, but nothing really descriptive.
October 29, 2017
Not exactly Beauty the Beast...
Lita is truly a beautiful woman who has worked for three years in close proximity with Curtis, an unassuming, and in his eyes, unattractive man. When Curtis delivers papers to Lita at home, it changes the tone of their relationship. The story that unfolds is a lesson in not judging a book by it's cover, and that everyone carries a burden they're unwilling to share. Read Advent, and discover what can happen when you bring those burdens to the foot of the Cross.
Lita is truly a beautiful woman who has worked for three years in close proximity with Curtis, an unassuming, and in his eyes, unattractive man. When Curtis delivers papers to Lita at home, it changes the tone of their relationship. The story that unfolds is a lesson in not judging a book by it's cover, and that everyone carries a burden they're unwilling to share. Read Advent, and discover what can happen when you bring those burdens to the foot of the Cross.
December 28, 2012
This one was just okay for me. I really started out liking it and enjoying the story, but about half way through I found myself a bit bored...and I must admit, a little annoyed with a few of the characters. It had a few cute moments but is not one I would care to read again.
May 13, 2016
It was ok, I'm sorry but I think our main character Lita acted desperate pretty much the whole time. I'm not a big fan of the girls chasing the boys. I get her trying to help Curtis which was noble, but he was too stiff, not a swoony hero at all.
Moral note: Too clean
Moral note: Too clean
March 10, 2025
Four - four point five Stars
So good!
Quick Review
Advent by Chautona Havig
Rating: Four point five stars.
Language/Profanity: Mention of cursing.
Faith: Going to church; praying; mention of Bible reading; talk of how going to church doesn't make someone a Christian.
Romance/Sex: Flirting; marriage; kissing; eloping (sorta').
Violence ect.: NA
Other: A guy (in the past) uses the Bible as an excuse for making his 'girlfriend' almost sleep with him (doesn't happen); Alzheimers; someone says a main character must be gay (NOT TRUE) and honestly not what I want to read... But I guess the world is like that now.
Part of a Series: In the world of many of Chautona Havig's books but a standalone book.
Bible Verse:
John 1:29 KJV
[29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
So good!
Quick Review
Advent by Chautona Havig
Rating: Four point five stars.
Language/Profanity: Mention of cursing.
Faith: Going to church; praying; mention of Bible reading; talk of how going to church doesn't make someone a Christian.
Romance/Sex: Flirting; marriage; kissing; eloping (sorta').
Violence ect.: NA
Other: A guy (in the past) uses the Bible as an excuse for making his 'girlfriend' almost sleep with him (doesn't happen); Alzheimers; someone says a main character must be gay (NOT TRUE) and honestly not what I want to read... But I guess the world is like that now.
Part of a Series: In the world of many of Chautona Havig's books but a standalone book.
Bible Verse:
John 1:29 KJV
[29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
December 10, 2012
Summary:Curtis Brighton: the enigma of Delta Advertising. Why doesn’t the highest paid, most successful man in the office receive the promotions that he has earned? Why is his wallet worn out and his briefcase falling apart, and why doesn’t he at least participate in the office “Secret Santa?” These and other questions plague his cubicle- mate, Lita Cathey. After three years of sitting across from him, she knows only his work ethic and his strange propensity to disappear from the office in a rush. As the month counts down, the most unlikely relationship builds until Lita’s heart is so entangled that she has to face her own fears. Why is a Christian woman panicked at the thought of a man sold-out to Jesus?
I have never read any of this author's other books. This was a fun, light holiday read, that I got as a kindle freebie.
I liked Curtis and Lita. They have the strengths and weaknesses of real people. From A. Calcut’s comments: “Every woman that has ever heard the saying...If you want to know how a man will treat his wife, watch how he treats his mother...cannot help to fall a little bit in love with Curtis.” I agree. Curtis is delightful. Lita is a generous and kind woman.
I gave this a three because I would have liked to have seen the storyline and characters developed more than they were. The ending was a little abrupt. I kept looking for the next page, until I finally realized that was the end of the book.
December 29, 2012
This is overall a fun and very enjoyable read. Lita is quite pushy in her pursuit of Curtis, which is something you don't see a lot of in Christian fiction, but in this case it makes for a really fun time. Curtis's love for his mother is amazing; he is unbelievably patient with her and is very self-sacrificing in his own desires, to the point that you might think "is this guy for real?", but somehow it completely works and doesn't seem forced at all.
Towards the end I lost a little enthusiasm when an issue from Lita's past suddenly pops up and starts to cause trouble in her relationship with Curtis. I wasn't thrilled how she had so doggedly pursued Curtis when she must've known this particular issue would eventually cause problems. It's just a minor annoyance, it certainly didn't stop me from reading, but in my mind it just didn't quite fit with the rest of the story.
Chautona Havig is a very unique voice in the Christian fiction market; I'm so glad to have discovered her books. Her stories and characters are fresh and original; definitely not cookie-cutter copies of everything else out there! As for this book, Advent, I do recommend it if you're looking for a nice Christmas-time story. It's unique and enjoyable, and I'm glad to have read it.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Towards the end I lost a little enthusiasm when an issue from Lita's past suddenly pops up and starts to cause trouble in her relationship with Curtis. I wasn't thrilled how she had so doggedly pursued Curtis when she must've known this particular issue would eventually cause problems. It's just a minor annoyance, it certainly didn't stop me from reading, but in my mind it just didn't quite fit with the rest of the story.
Chautona Havig is a very unique voice in the Christian fiction market; I'm so glad to have discovered her books. Her stories and characters are fresh and original; definitely not cookie-cutter copies of everything else out there! As for this book, Advent, I do recommend it if you're looking for a nice Christmas-time story. It's unique and enjoyable, and I'm glad to have read it.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
December 11, 2015
Again, another goodie by Chautona Havig. Heartwarming, fun, and full of depth. I have never been disappointed in one of her books and this one followed suit. It is amazing what you find when you open yourself up to all the wonderful things God has for you.
December 17, 2012
2.5 Stars. I didn't really care for this couple. Their insecurities, especially his, made them (him) rude, I didn't see his big draw and she seemed to have to buy his attention...
December 6, 2012
typical Havig where the heroine and hero misunderstand each other at every turn and she cries a lot.....
October 6, 2021
Lovely story, helps you realize how much we tend to judge others without making an effort to know them. Everyone has problems in their lives that aren't apparent to others. I liked how the two main characters changed and grew throughout the story, coming to grips with their insecurities. Pretty much spot on dealing with the subject of a parent with Alzheimer's disease and how challenging it is to care for them. Parts of the story had me laughing out loud.
December 30, 2017
This is a pleasant story that could really take place any time of the year. It's not a real page turner of a novel. But one that you can relax with and enjoy. There are lessons to be learned here, but it's not too "preachy". It's a story about what happens when you give in to your true feelings and be genuine with another person.
January 5, 2023
A fun, sweet Christmas read. Curtis and Lita aren't your typical romance couple, and that is exactly what I love about them. Their struggles and the difficulties they face as individuals and a couple are dealt with realistically, with failures, successes, laugher, and tears. Lots of tears, but only because of Lita's overactive tear ducts.
December 22, 2023
I enjoyed 31 Kisses right before reading Advent, so I was hoping for a similar experience, but alas, I was disappointed. The heroine was SO pushy and always flinging money at the hero. What self-respecting guy would want that All. The. Time.? The book also dragged on quite a bit even though their relationship moved way too fast.
November 22, 2020
Such a good book
Every time I read one of Chautona's books it is never what I expect. It's even better. This one was no exception. I loved the characters. I loved the friendship turned romance. I loved the laughter and the tears. I loved it all!
Every time I read one of Chautona's books it is never what I expect. It's even better. This one was no exception. I loved the characters. I loved the friendship turned romance. I loved the laughter and the tears. I loved it all!
July 22, 2021
Great Christian book
I have read several of this lady' s books and they are always good Christian books and they show how God gives the people in them the love they are looking for.
I have read several of this lady' s books and they are always good Christian books and they show how God gives the people in them the love they are looking for.
December 20, 2024
Fun light story.
Office romance with a twist. I loved how they took care of the mom that struggled with memory issues. I really liked how they handled the healing from past relationships too.
Office romance with a twist. I loved how they took care of the mom that struggled with memory issues. I really liked how they handled the healing from past relationships too.
January 3, 2018
Advent
What a heartwarming story! Loved every minute of it. Didn't know what could possibly happen, as things progressed, but all turned out so very wonderful!
What a heartwarming story! Loved every minute of it. Didn't know what could possibly happen, as things progressed, but all turned out so very wonderful!
January 18, 2018
It started out cute, but became very drawn out, unrealistic and boring.
November 20, 2019
Excellent! I love this Christmas novel! I think I read it every year. The characters are great and the plot is so different! I love that Curtis isn’t a handsome man. Not everyone is!
September 10, 2021
Christmas, or Anytime
A charming, quirky romance, with believable, outside the box characters. Just the kind of thing to expect from Chautona Hzvig
A charming, quirky romance, with believable, outside the box characters. Just the kind of thing to expect from Chautona Hzvig
November 9, 2021
This was a good, clean read and people who like that genre will probably like this book. Of the three books I have read by this author, this is my least favorite.
July 30, 2023
I enjoy reading this book. Make you think about friendship.
December 29, 2023
Great story!!!
I learned a lot about Alzheimer's, about females who cry in any emotion, and about caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. Thank you for a fun and informative book.
I learned a lot about Alzheimer's, about females who cry in any emotion, and about caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. Thank you for a fun and informative book.
August 10, 2024
Interesting
This book was an interesting read. There are lots of opportunities to laugh and some great characters. I found this to be an enjoyable read.
This book was an interesting read. There are lots of opportunities to laugh and some great characters. I found this to be an enjoyable read.
December 13, 2024
Another GREAT Holiday read!
Thoroughly enjoyable! Full of heart, healing and humor. I absolutely enjoyed this delightful tale. Chautona is quickly becoming a favorite author. ❤️
Thoroughly enjoyable! Full of heart, healing and humor. I absolutely enjoyed this delightful tale. Chautona is quickly becoming a favorite author. ❤️
December 14, 2024
DNF
So much back and forth in this book. Uncertainties, manipulative behaviors, unhealthy relationships, etc.
So much back and forth in this book. Uncertainties, manipulative behaviors, unhealthy relationships, etc.
December 24, 2024
Advent by Chautona Havig is a quick read.
Read for:
🎄Office romance
🎄Opposites attract
🎄Secret Santa
🎄His care for his mom
🎄nosy family
🎄Christmas vibes
I enjoyed this sweet story of learning to trust again.
★★★★/5
Read for:
🎄Office romance
🎄Opposites attract
🎄Secret Santa
🎄His care for his mom
🎄nosy family
🎄Christmas vibes
I enjoyed this sweet story of learning to trust again.
★★★★/5
December 26, 2023
2.5⭐️ hmm i liked the last book I read by this author much better (12 dates 4 December). This story overall just seemed to drag a bit and a couples times the dialogue was confusing. It also really frustrated me how manipulative Lita was especially near the beginning. I did NOT like that at all. She was trying to do kind things but it came across as sneaky/dishonest. I almost did not finish it. I did like how Lita and Curtis worked together to help his mom. The end was cute but abrupt. Overall it’s a clean story, but it was not my cup of tea.
June 7, 2013
Lita works in an advertising agency and sits across from Curtis. They have shared a cubicle for 3 years.
Curtis is a talented and successful ad man and yet in his relationship with his fellow employees he is totally invisible. Some people call him "The hermit".
By a fluke Lita gets an opportunity to talk to him and find out that he is not exactly the non-person he seems. And since she has always been interested to find out who he truly is, she starts a campaign to get to know him well.
This is a book about friendship that becomes love. It is also a story of Christmas and living life as a Christian.
There are issues in Curtis' life. His mother is ill and he is responsible for her care. Lita admires that quality of caring and it is one of the reasons she begins to see who he is as a truly giving person. But, she also sees that he has become so involved in his responsibilities at home and at work, he has become isolated and alone.
The story is well developed and the characters are people who are flawed but interesting.
Lita becomes annoying at times by inserting herself into the struggles Curtis faces. But, she is doing all this because she has fallen in love with him. Curtis is dragged into the real world, kicking and screaming and trying very hard to remain the isolated person he has been for quite some time.
The book is a page turner that kept me interested from beginning to end. There are well developed characters and a plot that is fast moving. The people in the book are people who basically are trying to do their best for the people around them.
I recommend the book to anyone who likes a romance based on Christian values and understandings. This author is new to me, and I look forward to reading other books she has written.
Curtis is a talented and successful ad man and yet in his relationship with his fellow employees he is totally invisible. Some people call him "The hermit".
By a fluke Lita gets an opportunity to talk to him and find out that he is not exactly the non-person he seems. And since she has always been interested to find out who he truly is, she starts a campaign to get to know him well.
This is a book about friendship that becomes love. It is also a story of Christmas and living life as a Christian.
There are issues in Curtis' life. His mother is ill and he is responsible for her care. Lita admires that quality of caring and it is one of the reasons she begins to see who he is as a truly giving person. But, she also sees that he has become so involved in his responsibilities at home and at work, he has become isolated and alone.
The story is well developed and the characters are people who are flawed but interesting.
Lita becomes annoying at times by inserting herself into the struggles Curtis faces. But, she is doing all this because she has fallen in love with him. Curtis is dragged into the real world, kicking and screaming and trying very hard to remain the isolated person he has been for quite some time.
The book is a page turner that kept me interested from beginning to end. There are well developed characters and a plot that is fast moving. The people in the book are people who basically are trying to do their best for the people around them.
I recommend the book to anyone who likes a romance based on Christian values and understandings. This author is new to me, and I look forward to reading other books she has written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews