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New Cheltenham Shopkeepers
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue
A borrowed dress, half-completed marriage counseling, and a last-minute theft.
Let's face it. Weddings equal stress for the families involved. Preachers, however, have it easy. Or so they say.
Ty Jamison’s first parishioner is getting married. Though he’s performed many services at the little chapel in New Cheltenham–grand affairs, all designed to give the illusion of simplicity–all of them were strangers to him.
So when Lara Priest asks him to perform the ceremony at her wedding, and to use the chapel, of course, Ty is thrilled. That joy fades as one by one, things go wrong. From a groom who refuses to attend pre-marital counseling to Lara discovering that her dream wedding dress is a no-can-do, what can go wrong seems to.
And like so many weddings that movies are made of, things go from bad to worse to “worser.”
All the while, Ty tries to remind himself that he only has to provide a little premarital counseling, show up, perform the service, and find a way to hide his broken heart through the whole ordeal.
All in a life’s work.
Let's face it. Weddings equal stress for the families involved. Preachers, however, have it easy. Or so they say.
Ty Jamison’s first parishioner is getting married. Though he’s performed many services at the little chapel in New Cheltenham–grand affairs, all designed to give the illusion of simplicity–all of them were strangers to him.
So when Lara Priest asks him to perform the ceremony at her wedding, and to use the chapel, of course, Ty is thrilled. That joy fades as one by one, things go wrong. From a groom who refuses to attend pre-marital counseling to Lara discovering that her dream wedding dress is a no-can-do, what can go wrong seems to.
And like so many weddings that movies are made of, things go from bad to worse to “worser.”
All the while, Ty tries to remind himself that he only has to provide a little premarital counseling, show up, perform the service, and find a way to hide his broken heart through the whole ordeal.
All in a life’s work.
250 pages, Unknown Binding
Published June 1, 2019
About the author
Chautona Havig
281 books1,873 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
June 12, 2019
What a delightful story! This book felt a lot more like some of Chautona Havig’s earlier books, with that slight twist that is hers alone, just enough depth to make you think, and a good story to go alongside.
I haven’t read many books that specifically dealt with the issue of interdenominational marriage. I know it’s done fairly often, but usually one spouse or the other joins the other church before the marriage. Personally, I believe this could be a big issue if not handled carefully—I expect most of us have a story or more to tell about ones that didn’t pan out so well. But what I appreciated in this book was the balance of “this is going to be hard” with “but God’s got it under control.” The struggles friends around Lara had when trying to decide how to voice their concerns felt all to real, and often those concerns can be shared in ways that make a person feel defensive. So the gentle truth shared here was a special encouragement.
In all, this wasn’t the deepest of novels—but just deep enough that I’d love to see this author write a story about the same topic post-marriage. I think that could be interesting, too! Still, it was an encouraging read, and a good one, overall.
Best quote:
“She needs a guy who is happy with her being who she is, instead of who he wants her to be.” —Lauren
Funniest quote:
“He kissed her goodnight with as much interest and passion as a rubber ducky in a kissing booth.”
Oh. And don’t miss one particular scene in chapter 18…it’s a gem! I laughed so hard!
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I haven’t read many books that specifically dealt with the issue of interdenominational marriage. I know it’s done fairly often, but usually one spouse or the other joins the other church before the marriage. Personally, I believe this could be a big issue if not handled carefully—I expect most of us have a story or more to tell about ones that didn’t pan out so well. But what I appreciated in this book was the balance of “this is going to be hard” with “but God’s got it under control.” The struggles friends around Lara had when trying to decide how to voice their concerns felt all to real, and often those concerns can be shared in ways that make a person feel defensive. So the gentle truth shared here was a special encouragement.
In all, this wasn’t the deepest of novels—but just deep enough that I’d love to see this author write a story about the same topic post-marriage. I think that could be interesting, too! Still, it was an encouraging read, and a good one, overall.
Best quote:
“She needs a guy who is happy with her being who she is, instead of who he wants her to be.” —Lauren
Funniest quote:
“He kissed her goodnight with as much interest and passion as a rubber ducky in a kissing booth.”
Oh. And don’t miss one particular scene in chapter 18…it’s a gem! I laughed so hard!
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
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January 30, 2025For walking in blind, I quickly found myself invested in this wedding hoopla novel!
When it comes to red flags, Preston was a neon sign. I wanted to yell for Lara to GET OUT far sooner than her friends and her minister did. As the reader, we get the front row seat to her controlling, red flagged relationship, but she can’t see it. Her friends do and do caution her, but she doesn’t see it yet.
The resolution at the end was fast. Without going into spoilers, I was relieved and also surprised. It’s set up in a way that doesn’t feel weird, but if it happened in real life, there’d be more than a few raised eyebrows.
I genuinely like Ty. His heart for his work was admirable even if he was mistaken (as he eventually figured out) about thinking two faiths could “work it out.”
Another thing that I appreciated was how Havig handled the “steamy romances” and the Christian woman discussion. It was a frank, honest conversation and one of the few books I’ve read that acknowledge this conversation.
I’ll confess I was lost a few times when it came to POVs, mostly because I read this in a migraine-hangover and the similar L-names had my mushy brain wrapped up in tulle, haha.
Now I absolutely NEED Mitchell & Breanna’s story because… MITCHELL & BREANNA 😍
When it comes to red flags, Preston was a neon sign. I wanted to yell for Lara to GET OUT far sooner than her friends and her minister did. As the reader, we get the front row seat to her controlling, red flagged relationship, but she can’t see it. Her friends do and do caution her, but she doesn’t see it yet.
The resolution at the end was fast. Without going into spoilers, I was relieved and also surprised. It’s set up in a way that doesn’t feel weird, but if it happened in real life, there’d be more than a few raised eyebrows.
I genuinely like Ty. His heart for his work was admirable even if he was mistaken (as he eventually figured out) about thinking two faiths could “work it out.”
Another thing that I appreciated was how Havig handled the “steamy romances” and the Christian woman discussion. It was a frank, honest conversation and one of the few books I’ve read that acknowledge this conversation.
I’ll confess I was lost a few times when it came to POVs, mostly because I read this in a migraine-hangover and the similar L-names had my mushy brain wrapped up in tulle, haha.
Now I absolutely NEED Mitchell & Breanna’s story because… MITCHELL & BREANNA 😍
June 29, 2020
I’m not sure what I think of this story. In some ways it was good. In other ways I was really bothered by things that were in it.
Things I liked:
Lara was really sweet and she was willing to do anything to make her fiancé happy.
Ty seemed like a good man. He was willing to spend his own money to make someone happy.
I liked reading more about some characters from another book.
Things I didn’t like:
Lara never was willing to stand up for herself until the very end and it really, really bugged me.
I didn’t really like the fact that Ty was counseling an engaged woman alone. No one else was even in the building much less in the room.
The fiancé was a jerk and no one seemed to care enough to say something.
No one mentioned the dangers of trying to marry someone of a different faith to Lara. Until the end. It was as though everyone thought it didn’t matter.
Only the 12-year-old girl was willing to say what was right and what she thought.
There were one time in the book when I had absolutely no idea who was talking or where they were for several pages. Other times it felt as though the story was written so quickly that information was just ignored or left out and I was jolted in my reading because of it.
Yes, the book did turn out right in the end, but I don’t think I’d read it again.
Things I liked:
Lara was really sweet and she was willing to do anything to make her fiancé happy.
Ty seemed like a good man. He was willing to spend his own money to make someone happy.
I liked reading more about some characters from another book.
Things I didn’t like:
Lara never was willing to stand up for herself until the very end and it really, really bugged me.
I didn’t really like the fact that Ty was counseling an engaged woman alone. No one else was even in the building much less in the room.
The fiancé was a jerk and no one seemed to care enough to say something.
No one mentioned the dangers of trying to marry someone of a different faith to Lara. Until the end. It was as though everyone thought it didn’t matter.
Only the 12-year-old girl was willing to say what was right and what she thought.
There were one time in the book when I had absolutely no idea who was talking or where they were for several pages. Other times it felt as though the story was written so quickly that information was just ignored or left out and I was jolted in my reading because of it.
Yes, the book did turn out right in the end, but I don’t think I’d read it again.
October 1, 2026
This is one of the worst books that I’ve read in my entire life. Avoid at all costs.
November 25, 2020
"God’s mercies are new every morning, and some afternoons, too."
What happens when things don't go as expected? Do you say "yes" because you are expected to? Or are you open to the leading of the spirit? Lara Priest has accepted the proposal of Preston St.James. The question is why? And we go through a number of twists, turns and dead ends to find the answer.
As a retired minister, I applaud the author for tackling a tough issue: interfaith marriage. It's one issue that can derail premarital counseling, something that I am a big fan of. There's a reluctance from the beginning that makes Ty question Preston's love for Lara, and vice versa. However, the spin Havig adds to the mix makes it truly a strong addition to the New Cheltenham series, which I did not read in order and would suggest others do [there are now 4]. Highly Recommended. 5/5
What happens when things don't go as expected? Do you say "yes" because you are expected to? Or are you open to the leading of the spirit? Lara Priest has accepted the proposal of Preston St.James. The question is why? And we go through a number of twists, turns and dead ends to find the answer.
As a retired minister, I applaud the author for tackling a tough issue: interfaith marriage. It's one issue that can derail premarital counseling, something that I am a big fan of. There's a reluctance from the beginning that makes Ty question Preston's love for Lara, and vice versa. However, the spin Havig adds to the mix makes it truly a strong addition to the New Cheltenham series, which I did not read in order and would suggest others do [there are now 4]. Highly Recommended. 5/5
May 28, 2019
This story was very good. I enjoyed the characters, mostly. Loved some characters, had strong feelings of dislike for others.
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue covered some important topics about relationships that are true in real life. Lara and Preston were getting married and there were so many things they needed to discuss, though most of the time the "discussions" ended with her always compromising. Compromising is not bad, but it should be compromising by both.
This was a story I couldn't put down because I had to know how it all worked out!
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue covered some important topics about relationships that are true in real life. Lara and Preston were getting married and there were so many things they needed to discuss, though most of the time the "discussions" ended with her always compromising. Compromising is not bad, but it should be compromising by both.
This was a story I couldn't put down because I had to know how it all worked out!
June 27, 2019
Different authors, different styles and unique stories make up this collection filled with hope and promise. Each author brings their style to the pages and delight readers with wonderful characters and a few laughs along the way.
I have read several books from Chautona Havig and each book has blessed me in some way. She has the ability to touch on subjects that may be painful, but gently guides readers through scripture and words to achieve a story that fills you with joy, compassion and a better understanding that God is always there.
In Something Borrowed, Someone Blue, I immediately feel in love with the characters. Lara is a hard working woman who has just gotten engaged to Preston. Oh my I could tell this was not going to be a happy wedding. They come from different backgrounds and Preston's parents are quite snobby. Lara needs to be on top of her game if this wedding is going to happen.
One of the descriptions in the story about a wedding took my breath away. The brilliance of using a floral arch to become "the flower girl" was a work of genius. The author does such an outstanding job of detailing dresses, flowers and even furniture that I was able to visualize it perfectly. I was captivated by Lara and how hard she tried be sure she was doing the right thing in marrying Preston.
There is a lot to be said about Ty the pastor. He is charismatic and sincere at the same time. I began to wonder if he had eyes for a certain woman and was fighting off his feelings. I don't know why but I laughed when Preston doesn't show up for the first premarital counseling session with Lara. Really? "Take notes for us honey and we will get together and discuss them." I loved the questions Ty asked Lara in the session and it really made me think about my marriage. Why did I marry my husband? What attracted me to him? Have you been in love before? They are such simple questions but ones that are vital to a lasting relationship. I began to realize that the story is more than just about an upcoming marriage. It is about being with the right person and sharing the same goals. Being equally yoked is important and should never be dismissed. Another important part of a marriage is trust and communication. There doesn't seem to be much of that going on with this couple. I loved the story and the author writes with such clarity as she shares truth and wisdom through prayer and scripture. As always, I walk away from her stories with renewed hope and a deeper understanding of a loving God.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I have read several books from Chautona Havig and each book has blessed me in some way. She has the ability to touch on subjects that may be painful, but gently guides readers through scripture and words to achieve a story that fills you with joy, compassion and a better understanding that God is always there.
In Something Borrowed, Someone Blue, I immediately feel in love with the characters. Lara is a hard working woman who has just gotten engaged to Preston. Oh my I could tell this was not going to be a happy wedding. They come from different backgrounds and Preston's parents are quite snobby. Lara needs to be on top of her game if this wedding is going to happen.
One of the descriptions in the story about a wedding took my breath away. The brilliance of using a floral arch to become "the flower girl" was a work of genius. The author does such an outstanding job of detailing dresses, flowers and even furniture that I was able to visualize it perfectly. I was captivated by Lara and how hard she tried be sure she was doing the right thing in marrying Preston.
There is a lot to be said about Ty the pastor. He is charismatic and sincere at the same time. I began to wonder if he had eyes for a certain woman and was fighting off his feelings. I don't know why but I laughed when Preston doesn't show up for the first premarital counseling session with Lara. Really? "Take notes for us honey and we will get together and discuss them." I loved the questions Ty asked Lara in the session and it really made me think about my marriage. Why did I marry my husband? What attracted me to him? Have you been in love before? They are such simple questions but ones that are vital to a lasting relationship. I began to realize that the story is more than just about an upcoming marriage. It is about being with the right person and sharing the same goals. Being equally yoked is important and should never be dismissed. Another important part of a marriage is trust and communication. There doesn't seem to be much of that going on with this couple. I loved the story and the author writes with such clarity as she shares truth and wisdom through prayer and scripture. As always, I walk away from her stories with renewed hope and a deeper understanding of a loving God.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
June 18, 2019
This collection of five stories each written by a different author fit so well together that you easily step from one tale into the next. Each involves the main topic- a wedding, including wedding dress shops. What a great book to lose yourself in as you become immersed in the trials and challenges each bride experiences. Families, love and God's plans in individual's lives are a focus that we all need to think about, especially in the nerve wracking planning of a wedding.
Chautona Havig's novella, "Something Borrowed, Someoneone Blue" definitely stood out as one of my favorites. She is an author that I have admired for some time and I find myself always able to lose myself in her stories. The characters are engaging and have you walking alongside them in their challenge of preparing for the wedding of the century. They were so realistically and well described that I found they were easy to identify with. I felt every heartache that Lara Priest met as she tried to meet the needs of her groom and his family. I must admit that I wanted to shake him many times and wake him up so that he could see what an angel he was getting as his bride. However, the minister who was going to marry this couple became the saving grace. There was definitely more to Preston and his family than met the eye.
The plot moved quickly with many unexpected twists and turns keeping the reader totally engaged from beginning to end. Just when I thought plans couldn't be more bizarre and heartbreaking , another bump in the road would appear. AND.... it wasn't a small bump, it was a boulder!! I felt such sympathy for this young lady who just wanted to be a bride!! Shocking reveals concerning the groom and his family became apparent as the story progressed. Could Lara ever meet the expectations??? Could any one of us do it?? Was there a hidden agenda? If so, what was it???
This book is worthy of five stars. All stories were thoroughly enjoyed by this reader. God's plan becomes apparent in all of the tales. Sometimes we just need a bit of nudge to make us aware of it!
This book was provided by CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
June 25, 2019
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue is a full length story in a the Second Yes collection, taking us back to New Cheltenham. At first it was a little odd knowing that the "romance" was between a woman who was already engaged with someone else, but as my college pastor (and who married us) always says, it's not over until they say "I do." See, he too fell in love with a woman who was engaged to someone else.
Chautona does a fantastic job portraying a growing relationship where both parties respect that boundary between engaged hands-off person and the growing together needed to form the bond of eternity.
I admire Ty and respect the self-control he had on not stepping over the line with Lara as he centered himself in prayer. Though, we see in the end, that even self-control can be taken too far. And I love his relationship with his mamma. I have my own prayer warrior mamma and the amazingness that comes from knowing your mamma will pray for you anytime day or night is a blessing I can never put into words. I think Ty would say the same thing. The fact that he calls her to ask for prayer is just...sigh. Melts my heart.
Lara is like so many of us, I think, though we always want to say "I wouldn't do that." She craves love. While she knows that God loves her, she struggles to see what's worth loving in the midst of the overwhelming questions about who she is.
I can't wait for the next installment! I hope this series continues long enough that we get to see Lauren grow up and take her turn on the crazy train to love.
Just one question remains: who do you think is next to get bit by the love bug in New Cheltenham? I know who I'm rooting for!
I received a complementary copy of this story. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Chautona does a fantastic job portraying a growing relationship where both parties respect that boundary between engaged hands-off person and the growing together needed to form the bond of eternity.
I admire Ty and respect the self-control he had on not stepping over the line with Lara as he centered himself in prayer. Though, we see in the end, that even self-control can be taken too far. And I love his relationship with his mamma. I have my own prayer warrior mamma and the amazingness that comes from knowing your mamma will pray for you anytime day or night is a blessing I can never put into words. I think Ty would say the same thing. The fact that he calls her to ask for prayer is just...sigh. Melts my heart.
Lara is like so many of us, I think, though we always want to say "I wouldn't do that." She craves love. While she knows that God loves her, she struggles to see what's worth loving in the midst of the overwhelming questions about who she is.
I can't wait for the next installment! I hope this series continues long enough that we get to see Lauren grow up and take her turn on the crazy train to love.
Just one question remains: who do you think is next to get bit by the love bug in New Cheltenham? I know who I'm rooting for!
I received a complementary copy of this story. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
May 14, 2019
I love reading Chautona Havig books, the characters are always interesting and never boring.
This book keeps up the tradition!
From the very first page to the end, I felt I was right there involved in these characters lives.
I wanted to be there for Lara and show her she didn’t need to let go of “her” wants for her wedding. I also wanted to find out just who this Preston is and what he was all about. He sort of gave me the creeps. Lara doesn’t seem to see the things which are changing as something she should be concerned about. Thankfully, she has a wonderful friend who is her pastor.
He has his concerns but doesn’t know what to do about them except pray and ask God for guidance. I loved the relationship between Ty and Lara and how their friendship grew.
I simply LOVED Lauren and her funny personality! What a fun character!
Chautona Havig writes in such a way the characters came to life, I felt I was right there with them.
The author has also written about a quaint town with many interesting qualities and people. The way it’s described will make you want to get in your car for a visit. Unfortunately, you’d have to leave your car parked somewhere else if you go to the town.
If you want to read a fun, sweet romance, with a bit of a mystery, which will leave you wanting to go to this quaint town of New Cheltenham to visit, then this is the book for you!
I received this book from the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book keeps up the tradition!
From the very first page to the end, I felt I was right there involved in these characters lives.
I wanted to be there for Lara and show her she didn’t need to let go of “her” wants for her wedding. I also wanted to find out just who this Preston is and what he was all about. He sort of gave me the creeps. Lara doesn’t seem to see the things which are changing as something she should be concerned about. Thankfully, she has a wonderful friend who is her pastor.
He has his concerns but doesn’t know what to do about them except pray and ask God for guidance. I loved the relationship between Ty and Lara and how their friendship grew.
I simply LOVED Lauren and her funny personality! What a fun character!
Chautona Havig writes in such a way the characters came to life, I felt I was right there with them.
The author has also written about a quaint town with many interesting qualities and people. The way it’s described will make you want to get in your car for a visit. Unfortunately, you’d have to leave your car parked somewhere else if you go to the town.
If you want to read a fun, sweet romance, with a bit of a mystery, which will leave you wanting to go to this quaint town of New Cheltenham to visit, then this is the book for you!
I received this book from the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2026
This was an interesting story--very enjoyable, but in some ways not quite realistic in my honest opinion. However, the expected ending was very sweet, and I enjoyed the way the author worked through the story and worked everything out. Since her various stories are so connected, I sometimes felt like I had missed something (probably would be explained if I'd read other books that connected some of the characters), but overall I was able to understand and enjoy the story. I look forward to reading more of her books.
February 4, 2025
Since reading the Aggie Series (which I highly recommend!), I’ve been hooked on Ms. Havig’s books. The Cheltenham series, in particular, is incredibly entertaining. Even though I haven’t read the books in order, it’s easy to follow the characters and their storylines. After reading some of the other books in the series, I was excited to fill in the missing pieces, and this latest installment did just that. I loved it from start to finish and would definitely recommend it to others!
February 1, 2026
Excellent story. Lots of twists and turns, and epic coup de gras.
Havig is truly a master storyteller. She has managed the nearly impossible: the quality sequel! Complete as a stand-alone novel, readers of book 1 in the series will appreciate the subtle depth this books brings to the original story line without bogging down the main plot of book 2. Must read series (but I say that about a lot of Chautona’s books!).
Havig is truly a master storyteller. She has managed the nearly impossible: the quality sequel! Complete as a stand-alone novel, readers of book 1 in the series will appreciate the subtle depth this books brings to the original story line without bogging down the main plot of book 2. Must read series (but I say that about a lot of Chautona’s books!).
September 30, 2022
Another great story...
Ms. Havig had written another great story. Two people with different backgrounds planning to join together in marriage. The reader gets to follow this whirlwind journey with unexpected twists and turns that are all wrapped up in a sweet little happily ever after. Grab a blanket, a beverage, and snuggle up for a great read.
Ms. Havig had written another great story. Two people with different backgrounds planning to join together in marriage. The reader gets to follow this whirlwind journey with unexpected twists and turns that are all wrapped up in a sweet little happily ever after. Grab a blanket, a beverage, and snuggle up for a great read.
May 21, 2019
I really liked this book. It's not a fluffy romance; it is a serious look at some points that should be considered very carefully before two people from different religious backgrounds are even engaged. At the same time, there are lighthearted moments, and a wonderful story that the serious points are woven into! This is the kind of story that made me fall in love with this author's works; I greatly appreciate a fun story that makes me think at the same time.
January 22, 2025
This was cute and a lot of fun though I did not like Preston ever. So many red flags. I so badly wanted to shake some sense into Lara. But loved seeing Lauren again. She's just the best. And Ty was great, though I'm not sure I'd want him for my pastor. lol
February 24, 2025
I had previously read this as part of a collection, but it stands alone well. It isn't so much romance as it is relationship - relationship with parents, with finance, with family, with friends and a little mystery and psychology thrown in. I enjoyed it as I do all this author's books.
May 23, 2025
The ending wasn't quite as satisfying as I'd hoped. I think I would have rather seen more of the action than be told about it, but the rest was an enjoyable read with some really important points brought up.
February 11, 2025
Loved every minute of Lara and Ty's story.
September 6, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
July 15, 2023
I normally love Chautona's books, but this one fell so short for me. I read about half and finally just stopped. I will most assuredly read more of her works though! She is an awesome author!
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