Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig has been one of my favorite Christian fiction authors for years, but in the last few years, I haven’t kept up with her new releases as diligently as I wish. I was thrilled to pull this book off the shelf recently and read it—I loved the novellas in this series, and knew a full-length novel would be good, too. I wasn’t wrong!

Harper is officially my favorite introverted main character. Ever, I think—at least, I don’t remember reading many other books that feature a show more character as introverted as she is! I loved her snarky t-shirts, and her struggle to interact with people; I could easily imagine myself in her shoes. Then there’s Noah and darling Bennie. I loved watching their relationship grow as the book progressed!

I wish I could read all the books recommended in this book. All the way through, I kept wondering if it would be possible to use this book as a reading challenge of sorts, but I know I’d never get through everything. Sigh. I did love all the bookish references, though, and it made me long to work in a bookstore even more than I did before.

Highly recommended if you love reading about reading, relatable characters, some sweet romance, and a strong father/son relationship. This was a great story, and I’m looking forward to reading Clock Tower Bound when I have a chance!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it. show less

After reading a slightly more difficult book, I was ready for something light, cheerful, fast-paced, and short. This book fit the bill perfectly. I’ve been looking forward to reading this for quite a while now, and I must say—it lived up to my expectations. I loved the way the characters had their struggles, but fought through them; I loved the message of identity that came through this story; I loved the romance. And the humor! I caught myself laughing out loud several times, especially show more as one of the characters pretended to have a twin sister…that created some unique, and very funny, occurrences. I don’t agree with her choice to lie to other people, but I understand why she did it, all the same. I loved the creativity that came through this book, as well. This was a sweet, fun story, and I hope I get a chance to read some of the other books in this collection sometime, too! show less

A dear bookish friend decided that I needed this book after I had commented on her review of the same. She surprised me with an e-copy added to my teetering TBR (To Be Read) pile, for which I shall ever be appreciative and thankful.

This was a sweet Christian story set in a favorite spot of mine, the charming and historic town of Red Wing, Minnesota. Certainly all of the references to favorite spots enjoyed there during a visit were fun and brought back a flood of wonderful memories. show more Additionally, the book beautifully captured the charm and wonder infused within this community.

But what truly delights the reader most of all is the sweet interaction of the characters, each one broken in their own special way. Yet, each character, through prayer and faith, seeks the path their Father intended for them. Often, that path is not obvious and brings some challenges. There is the bookish Harper Brevig whose Great Aunt Lorene, with tremendous faith in Harper, leaves to her in her estate, Twice Sold Tales bookstore in Red Wing. Harper loves books more than anything...including people (challenge #1). Then there's Noah Lyndon Lampe and his suddenly discovered son, Bennie as they discover the meaning of family and a precious relationship with one another (challenge #2). Milton is a "fixer" who when initially brought into the bookstore by Harper's brother, was summarily dismissed by Harper. Yet upon reflection, Harper discovers the need for his services and brings him back to Twice Sold Tales in order to staunch the outflow of cash as Harper tries to make a go with the bookstore (challenge #3). All in all, this was an absolutely charming and delightful story. show less

Let me perfectly blunt, there is only one thing I dislike about reading a novel by Chautona Havig. The one thing I dislike is that once I begin reading I have a terrible time putting her books down until I finish them. Then I realize I also dislike a second thing about her books – and that is that inevitably they have to end. You see I am someone who loves reading. I read this novel in its original form, Noble Pursuits, and thoroughly enjoyed it. So I have to say I was interested in seeing show more how the updated book would turn out. And I have to say I loved it.

Nolan Burke portrays all the characteristics of a Godly man who wants to find a Godly woman. I think one of my favorite parts of this story is when he is going through his list of what he is looking for in a woman. At the beginning of the book, I appreciated reading his observations about the women he came in contact with through various situations. More importantly, I appreciated when his friend Traci enters the ladies’ room and heard the primarily “catty” comments the women were making. Suddenly she understood what Nolan was experiencing.

Grace is a character I fell in love with immediately. She exudes everything a woman should be. The two make a perfect match. So if you want to read a wonderfully captivating story, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. show less