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The Agency Files #3
Effective Immediately
Keith Auger hasn’t had trouble reconciling his job with his faith—until now. As a security agent for The Agency, his career creates situations that redefine danger. As a Christian, he sleeps well, knowing that he serves mankind through his protection.
But when an assignment ends badly before it has a chance to begin, Keith questions everything—his job, his judgment, and even his faith. Feeling like a failure, he resigns and turns to his would-be girlfriend, Erika, for emotional support and advice.
Contrary to everything she’s ever felt or thought, Erika Polowski finds herself arguing in favor of a job she once didn’t understand, supporting a faith she doesn’t share, and reconciling the two in ways she never imagined possible. His quest to piece together the remnants of his shattered faith and to redeem himself in the eyes of a friend puts Keith in more danger than he realizes. As a result, both he and Erika must make decisions that could change the courses of their lives.
Keith must forgive himself for his failures and trust the Lord’s direction for his life. Erika rejects the idea that she needs forgiveness or faith. However, if she doesn’t yield to God, she’ll lose Keith. If she does, Erika fears she will lose herself.
Effective Immediately is the third book in The Agency Files series.
But when an assignment ends badly before it has a chance to begin, Keith questions everything—his job, his judgment, and even his faith. Feeling like a failure, he resigns and turns to his would-be girlfriend, Erika, for emotional support and advice.
Contrary to everything she’s ever felt or thought, Erika Polowski finds herself arguing in favor of a job she once didn’t understand, supporting a faith she doesn’t share, and reconciling the two in ways she never imagined possible. His quest to piece together the remnants of his shattered faith and to redeem himself in the eyes of a friend puts Keith in more danger than he realizes. As a result, both he and Erika must make decisions that could change the courses of their lives.
Keith must forgive himself for his failures and trust the Lord’s direction for his life. Erika rejects the idea that she needs forgiveness or faith. However, if she doesn’t yield to God, she’ll lose Keith. If she does, Erika fears she will lose herself.
Effective Immediately is the third book in The Agency Files series.
301 pages, ebook
First published September 26, 2014
66 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
275 books1,833 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 13, 2023
2023 Reread: Bumping it down to 3 stars (maybe 2.5), the mature content was definitely more than I remembered. Some of it was necessary to the plot, and I do really love this book, especially the later parts with Keith, but a lot of it could have been done better even if it deals with ugh situations, the author really could have described them without quite so much detail. It's a very necessary and pivotal feeling book to the series, and I did really enjoy it, but be prepared to potentially need to skim here and there. Content included I love this series, but really wish there wasn't quite so much ick content, even if it's realistic and not done especially poorly. If I read this particular one again, I would probably completely skip at least one scene.
***
2021 original read
1. Yep. Keith has gone crazy.
2. This book made me so sad. It also made me like Erika more. Somehow I don't hate Keith yet, though.
3. I loved this book. It made me upset, sad, happy, and kinda made me scream at the characters. Which is actually kinda sometimes a good thing to have in a book...the ending made everything better though. The rollercoaster was great, I just couldn't put the book down until I had finished which was sort of problematic.
4. As usual with this series, I believe this one also has mature content, but I don't really remember. Still 18+ though.
***
2021 original read
1. Yep. Keith has gone crazy.
2. This book made me so sad. It also made me like Erika more. Somehow I don't hate Keith yet, though.
3. I loved this book. It made me upset, sad, happy, and kinda made me scream at the characters. Which is actually kinda sometimes a good thing to have in a book...the ending made everything better though. The rollercoaster was great, I just couldn't put the book down until I had finished which was sort of problematic.
4. As usual with this series, I believe this one also has mature content, but I don't really remember. Still 18+ though.
January 24, 2024
Wow. Just wow. I’m blown away by the variety of genres that Chautona can write. You’d think she would be poor at one of them but nope. Anyway, this book was intense. It had issues of faith (that didn’t seem cheesy or overdone just so a Christian author could throw God in there) and it had some pretty messed up criminal activity things. The story kept me engaged until the end (which is bad because I needed to disengage and do productive things.)
I would not call this book a stand-alone and would suggest reading it while you still remember the characters in previous books. It makes a difference.
Romance-wise: clean. You are able to see the mental struggle with a Christian wrestling with what to do, and pre-marital relations are alluded to with a non Christian couple. Most impactful is the abduction of a person and the things she is subjected to- not quite rape, but nearly so. I struggled a bit as a sheltered adult and would not suggest this book for young adult readers without proofing by a parent.
Violence: some of it correlates with the above paragraph. There is some g u n violence and we actually do see some death. I actually was not bothered by that as much as by the abduction. Of the four Agency books I’ve read, this one was the heaviest by far.
I would not call this book a stand-alone and would suggest reading it while you still remember the characters in previous books. It makes a difference.
Romance-wise: clean. You are able to see the mental struggle with a Christian wrestling with what to do, and pre-marital relations are alluded to with a non Christian couple. Most impactful is the abduction of a person and the things she is subjected to- not quite rape, but nearly so. I struggled a bit as a sheltered adult and would not suggest this book for young adult readers without proofing by a parent.
Violence: some of it correlates with the above paragraph. There is some g u n violence and we actually do see some death. I actually was not bothered by that as much as by the abduction. Of the four Agency books I’ve read, this one was the heaviest by far.
September 8, 2019
To Trust or Not?
Fear is healthy. Too much can get you killed. Faith can sustain you but faith in yourself can be misplaced.
This series is amazing and I loved this book as much as the first two. Cannot wait to read the next and the next. I love the characters and watching them change and grow.
I need to know how it goes with Erika. I’ve gotta know what happens next with Claire and Mark. And does Keith survive?
Too many unanswered questions and I’m ready for the next protection assignment.
Fear is healthy. Too much can get you killed. Faith can sustain you but faith in yourself can be misplaced.
This series is amazing and I loved this book as much as the first two. Cannot wait to read the next and the next. I love the characters and watching them change and grow.
I need to know how it goes with Erika. I’ve gotta know what happens next with Claire and Mark. And does Keith survive?
Too many unanswered questions and I’m ready for the next protection assignment.
June 26, 2019
Wow!
Did I say WOW? What a ride. It was edge of the seat reading and I want more. I did have to put the book down for a day when one client was killed and the agent quit. In the few short pages, I wanted to be this clients friend, but then she was gone. I couldn't get it off my mind I had to finish the book. I highly recommend 'Effective Immediately' if you love clean thrillers with heart. You can't go wrong.
Did I say WOW? What a ride. It was edge of the seat reading and I want more. I did have to put the book down for a day when one client was killed and the agent quit. In the few short pages, I wanted to be this clients friend, but then she was gone. I couldn't get it off my mind I had to finish the book. I highly recommend 'Effective Immediately' if you love clean thrillers with heart. You can't go wrong.
January 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this, especially the struggle with:
pride, ego, being the 'best', and trying to do God's work in your own strength,
and then when you fail, the tendency to blame God.
But finally, how to apply God's works, to correct that.
As always this is well written, great characters, interesting twists in the plots,
scripture etc.
pride, ego, being the 'best', and trying to do God's work in your own strength,
and then when you fail, the tendency to blame God.
But finally, how to apply God's works, to correct that.
As always this is well written, great characters, interesting twists in the plots,
scripture etc.
October 4, 2024
This author and series continue to impress
As with the others in the series, this book has excellent character development, evidences masterful research, and yields a believable story that draws the reader in and demands “one more page” and “one more chapter” with the persistence of a drumbeat. I would write more, but I would rather start the next book!
As with the others in the series, this book has excellent character development, evidences masterful research, and yields a believable story that draws the reader in and demands “one more page” and “one more chapter” with the persistence of a drumbeat. I would write more, but I would rather start the next book!
July 4, 2017
Well worth reading
Good book. Lots of action and some mystery. I was confused by some parts that it seemed to be assumed the reader would get it. And the mc's struggle seemed to drag on a bit but it's good read with realistic struggles.
Good book. Lots of action and some mystery. I was confused by some parts that it seemed to be assumed the reader would get it. And the mc's struggle seemed to drag on a bit but it's good read with realistic struggles.
August 23, 2019
Excellent read
Well written. Unpredictable. Enjoyable. This author is talented and brave, willing to go against what you hope as a reader will happen, but only enough to keep you on your toes. Characters are relatable and feel real. Great clean suspense.
Well written. Unpredictable. Enjoyable. This author is talented and brave, willing to go against what you hope as a reader will happen, but only enough to keep you on your toes. Characters are relatable and feel real. Great clean suspense.
October 17, 2021
A well written book. Remarkable situations created deep thinking. How to protect people who were a threat to the devious schemes completed. Who to trust? What life is really about, and how to believe in God and trust Him. A great story that keeps your interest
May 26, 2024
I struggled with Keith in this one...but I kept thinking he was too far in to this whole thing to just live an ordinary life now...And that his heart would never be satisfied with the choices he was making.
November 14, 2018
Great book
I chose this particular rating because the book tells about how a man who loves God forgives himself when he is unable to keep a person safe.
I chose this particular rating because the book tells about how a man who loves God forgives himself when he is unable to keep a person safe.
February 18, 2019
A lesson in not letting pride run your life and lots of suspense!
October 31, 2021
So good!
This is a great series! Suspenseful, a page turner for sure! Great characters and great story!
I’m on to the next book in the series!!
This is a great series! Suspenseful, a page turner for sure! Great characters and great story!
I’m on to the next book in the series!!
February 5, 2022
Love this series - only bad part is that there are more books and they haven't been written yet!
July 3, 2024
Keeps you quessing
This book keeps you guessing. Not everything turns out as you think. Action, faith, death, it's all there. Ready to read book 4!
This book keeps you guessing. Not everything turns out as you think. Action, faith, death, it's all there. Ready to read book 4!
August 19, 2025
Suspenseful Christian Fiction
Effective Immediately is the third book in The Agency Files series by Chautona Having. The stories do follow in order and build on each other, so it is best to read them in order. This is a well written story that is easy to ready. It is fast paced and filled with action and suspense. The character are well developed, likable and caring people. I especially like Keith's character. He is so realistic with the struggles he has.
I voluntarily received a copy of this series from the author a while ago. I was not asked to write this honest review.
Effective Immediately is the third book in The Agency Files series by Chautona Having. The stories do follow in order and build on each other, so it is best to read them in order. This is a well written story that is easy to ready. It is fast paced and filled with action and suspense. The character are well developed, likable and caring people. I especially like Keith's character. He is so realistic with the struggles he has.
I voluntarily received a copy of this series from the author a while ago. I was not asked to write this honest review.
October 11, 2021
This is such an intriguing series. I have been thoroughly enjoying these books. The character, Keith, has totally captivated me, particularly in this book of the series.
December 20, 2014
[ I received this book free from the author, who I am an ongoing reader for . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"]
I have worked with Chautona in the past, so I am a big fan of her work. This is one of her best yet. The "Agency" series deals with very contemporary issues that effect us all in some way: terrorism, guns, emotions, violations...all the stuff we see nightly on the news. However, Tacit has a believers' heart and the ethics that go with that choice, and Keith Auger is also reflective of faith vs. work...add God to the mix, and look what happens now!
Keith's faith in God...and himself gets tripped up by terrorism in this third book. It is kind of a reflection on Jonah's story in the Old Testament....get tripped up, run away, try to hide...but can you? Sure there are stumbles, but with God- all things are possible for those who believe.
I have worked with Chautona in the past, so I am a big fan of her work. This is one of her best yet. The "Agency" series deals with very contemporary issues that effect us all in some way: terrorism, guns, emotions, violations...all the stuff we see nightly on the news. However, Tacit has a believers' heart and the ethics that go with that choice, and Keith Auger is also reflective of faith vs. work...add God to the mix, and look what happens now!
Keith's faith in God...and himself gets tripped up by terrorism in this third book. It is kind of a reflection on Jonah's story in the Old Testament....get tripped up, run away, try to hide...but can you? Sure there are stumbles, but with God- all things are possible for those who believe.
October 15, 2014
Faith, testing it, and many questions. Great read
I am a fan of Chautona and the Agency series.
This may be the best one yet.
Keith is super Christian which isn't a bad thing.
He is the type of person who you can see Christ through his daily living. He is what our Sunday school teachers taught us to do.
When he starts to question himself, he starts to doubt his faith in God.
Enter his girlfriend Erika who is not a Christian.
She starts questioning him and makes him take a look at his life and his direction.
I loved how her dad and Keith talk and question each other.
In this book the entire agency is tested, pushed to their limits, and crumbling.
This is a great book and everyone should be reading it.
I am a fan of Chautona and the Agency series.
This may be the best one yet.
Keith is super Christian which isn't a bad thing.
He is the type of person who you can see Christ through his daily living. He is what our Sunday school teachers taught us to do.
When he starts to question himself, he starts to doubt his faith in God.
Enter his girlfriend Erika who is not a Christian.
She starts questioning him and makes him take a look at his life and his direction.
I loved how her dad and Keith talk and question each other.
In this book the entire agency is tested, pushed to their limits, and crumbling.
This is a great book and everyone should be reading it.
January 19, 2025
fantastic series and book
This is more than a five star read.
An excellent series. It will grip you right at the start and you’ll end up binge reading all 5 books (you’ve been warned!)… but totally worth it !
This is written from multiple POV, there is mystery suspense and action, believable and done just right - not too fast, not too slow, not too much, bit too little. There is romance (although not the primary focus) and there is faith. Oh the faith element is masterfully done.
This is a series that you want to read in order. Each book is standalone in that it has a satisfying conclusion but there are some threads that carry through the series to the last book.
This is more than a five star read.
An excellent series. It will grip you right at the start and you’ll end up binge reading all 5 books (you’ve been warned!)… but totally worth it !
This is written from multiple POV, there is mystery suspense and action, believable and done just right - not too fast, not too slow, not too much, bit too little. There is romance (although not the primary focus) and there is faith. Oh the faith element is masterfully done.
This is a series that you want to read in order. Each book is standalone in that it has a satisfying conclusion but there are some threads that carry through the series to the last book.
September 19, 2025
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Justified Means, very much, but I never expected to get to go deeper into the lives of those characters and journey with them past that story, so this book, Effective Immediately, was such a treat! What I love about this book is how it is a unique and beautiful mixing of several genres that I really enjoy - action, suspense, undercover operations, romance, and personal spiritual journeys. I loved it and my raving even convinced my husband to give it a try! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews