Book, Chapter, & Vows

Written by Chautona Havig

Narrated by Christa DelSorbo

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.

So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

This Breakers Head novel is Chautona Havig’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
• Release date: Sep 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781951839710

Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Past Forward series and Ready or Not, among many other novels. When not writing, she enjoys paper crafting, sewing, and, of course, reading. She lives in a small, remote town in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and seven of her nine children.

Reviews for Book, Chapter, & Vows

[ibjoy1953 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOKI was glad to read Mallory’s story in Book, Chapter, & Vows by Chautona Havig. Ben and Mallory are such a sweet couple, but both have things they need to take care of before a relationship can happen.This is such a fun story! I love the island, the beach lifestyle, it’s all so entertaining. Author  Chautona Havig does a fabulous job writing this book. I love the characters, both the new ones we meet and those we know from other books. There are many flavors of characters, and all have their perfect part in the story. I enjoyed watching as they develop well as the story unfolds. For me, the plot flows smoothly, yet there is enough intense emotions that kept my nose in the book to the last page. This is a beautiful romance, and I love the way Chautona Havig weaves scripture and the Christian life in the lives of the characters,  and she writes it in such a subtle way it doesn’t offend at all. I love Ben and Mallory’s story, and I love the ending! I encourage you to check out Book, Chapter, & Vows by Chautona Havig, especially if you enjoy a good sweet romance.I love all of the island books, starting with the Independent Island series that has turned into many islands and even more books by Celebrate Lit Publishing. I hope we have more coming in the future! I am very happy to give this book Five StarsA special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[robbyefaye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am always so excited to read Chautona Havig's books, and I was especially excited to read Book, Chapter, & Vows. It was almost cruel and unusual punishment to have to wait through all the other great books in the Independence Islands series to learn Mallory Barrows "happily ever after." But, I will say, the storyline more than made up for the wait.Havig has a wonderful way with words; her apothegms are always accurate and really enhance the narrative. "If the primary love of your life isn't Jesus, you'll fail the one you vow to love until death" struck a chord with me since it succinctly captures the reality of marriage.Mallory has always been near and dear to my heart. She had the moxie to begin something I would love to do on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, start a mobile book and coffee shop. But, alas sadly, I have always been constrained by my age, health, the need to provide for a family, a lack of resources and time, as well as a deep-seated fear of failing.There were so many questions about characters,(one in particular), that were answered along with a mystery surrounding Mallory's boyfriend, Benjamin Hornigold. I am so sad that this is Chautona Havig's final book for this engaging and delightful series.I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Book, Chapter & Vows, by Chautona Havig, is the 25th book in the Independence Island Series, the first of Breakers Point. This is a series that is being written by six different authors and covers five different island. This is a well written, fun, easy to read romance that had mystery woven through it. This is a nice stand alone story, but it does have characters from earlier books, so it is best to read them in order.This story focuses on Mallory, the bookshop/coffee shop owner, and Ben, a fisherman. I enjoyed this story a lot. Mallory and Ben feel like old friends, and the story shows they are well liked by many on the islands. I enjoyed how many members of the different island worked together to help them when needed. I especially enjoyed the secondary story of solving the mystery concerning her Uncle Bud. The author does a wonderful job of writing about the sensitive topic of reading disorders, and shows how people can deal with them.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This journey finds us discovering more about Mallory. I have always liked her character and now we are on a mission to see how her relationship with Benjamin will go. There is a real struggle within Mallory about her feelings and we can feel the turmoil within her. When an unexpected ex visits, Mallory starts to question her life. Did she do the right thing when she and Trevor didn’t work out? Why is he suddenly back in town? Benjamin is trying so hard to let his relationship with Mallory blossom, but little things start getting in the way. Seeing Mallory kiss her ex doesn’t give him an ego boost and now he is wondering if there is more to what he saw. A rumor is floating around that Mallory is leaving. I liked how Benjamin didn’t over react and relied on God and prayed about the situation. I’m sure some of us would have reacted differently and confronted the situation. It is a good lesson to not believe gossip but allow God to handle the situation. One thing that really stands out in this book is how we need to appreciate the little moments in our life. We become so focused on our jobs or whatever keeps our focus from the little blessings we have each day. Recognize the family and friends that support you and be thankful for the time you spend with them. There is a certain ex that just won’t go away. Trevor keeps coming back to talk to Mallory but she wants nothing to do with him. Her frustration is causing her to be short tempered and maybe has put a little distance between her and Benjamin. I loved how the author illustrated the ups and downs of a relationship and how we can let our pride get in the way. We see the flaws the characters have and I found them relatable for many of us. Our stubbornness sometimes gets in the way and if we aren’t careful, we will miss what God has for us. There is an emotional time in the story where we learn more about Uncle Bud and I was amazed at what was uncovered about his past. Doing the right thing can cause others to be hurt but in the end following God’s direction will always be enough. I think as Benjamin learns about Bud he starts to feel a little more comfortable sharing his secret with Mallory. It is a very profound moment because the author shows how telling the truth frees you from what has been holding you back. I have enjoyed each book the author has contributed to this inspiring series. The way she is able to make her characters realistic helps readers connect with each one. Thank you for all the beautiful memories you have given me on this journey and the many lessons on faith, trust and unconditional love. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Say the hard things. Admit the faults, choose to make the sacrifices, step out in faith.”A lady after my own heart, who loves books, coffee, (and other hot drinks) and loves to sell them together! Mallory Barrows is struggling to make her dream of a small bookmobile/ hot drink shop on the islands a reality. Now she has finally fallen for islander Benjamin Hornigold, a young friend of her beloved uncle Bud. Benjamin loves Mallory enough to do almost anything for her- except bare his soul of the secret that could separate them.Chautona Havig invites us to slow down and return to life on Independence Islands, where Mallory Barrows is hoping for that big question from her true love, Benjamin. But deep-seated fears in both Mallory and Benjamin could overpower their love as a new threat or two lingers on the horizon. Will a joint project of love and some negative examples from the past be enough combined with faith and prayer to see these lovers united, or are they destined to a repeat of their loved ones’ examples?The quote at the top expresses one of the basic truths of the novel. So many to be gleaned from a Havig book. Another truth Havig’s characters are confronted with, one it took me years to learn, is this one:“the Lord blesses our service however we offer it, but that doesn’t mean that every job is ours to do. He said sometimes we need to step aside because that frees up the work for the person the Lord has planned for it, and it frees us to do the work He has planned for us. I never saw it that way.” So happy Mallory and Benjamin could learn this early in life! It will save them a lot of frustration, thinking they are serving the Lord, when He may have other people better equipped for the job.And Havig always makes me smile! “Is that what you get with a degree and success? A masters in rudeness?” This is especially potent as it applies to the characters’ situations.Bottom line: if it’s a Havig novel you’re considering, buy it!! One read won’t do it justice. Considering the spiritual and wisdom value of this book, coupled with the entertainment value, I give it five stars!I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.