Bentley Girard’s about to propose… to a guy she doesn’t even love.Not THAT way anyway.After studying everything the Bible has to say about marriage, she’s decided she wants in. Now. So who’s going to take her up on that offer?And just why did no one reminded her that those vows include that little word, “love?”Oops!With her Bible in her hip pocket and a shiny new ring on her finger, Bentley … pocket and a shiny new ring on her finger, Bentley navigates this new world of marriage with grace and… oh, who is she kidding? She flounders until she gets a sure footing and hangs on tight.
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Chautona Havig’s latest book, Blessing Bentley, is truly a blessing in so many ways.
Havig begins with an unusual, albeit Biblical, concept of marriage and continues from there. Of course, the idea is not for everyone, as she explains. However, after reading the story, I believe anyone contemplating a Godly and God-glorifying marriage should read Blessing Bentley.
Havig has a way of combining humor and truth in such a way as to leave you laughing even as you contemplate what she says. In this way, she’s better able to get her point(s) across, too, without you feeling as if you’re being beat over the head with Bible verses and hyperbole.
I’ll not recap the story; I’m only going to say you really should read it if you like unconventional Christian love stories, adorably quirky characters and depth to the plot.
I enjoy Chautona’s sense of humor so much and appreciate her commitment to God. I have read several of her books and follow her on social media, which has helped me to get to know her some. Her humor never ceases to amaze me.
I received Blessing Bentley from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
PS Don’t you love the cover?!!!!!!!!!!
5 Things from Blessing Bentley
1)Marriage is meant to glorify God as you choose to honor your spouse
2)Bentley studies what the Bible says about marriage and is convicted that she should marry
3)Gary is a landscaper in need of an office manager
4)An incident with a tiller sends Bentley to the bath… fully clothed
5)”Lord, I don’t know what any of it means, or if Bentley is just crazy. Then again, it never occurred to me that if it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone before sin, how much worse is it for us now?
Blessing Bentley is an interesting take on the institute of marriage set in the genre of fiction. I found many of the ideas thought provoking and the characters where hysterical at times. (Man-azon, that is all I will say.)I laughed in quite a few places. I read the some sentences more than once in an effort to process exactly what the character was saying. Not in a bad way. More like taking in her thoughts to better understand. As you will read below, there are two more books coming in this series and I can’t wait to see what happens next as I know Chautona Havig has a wonderful way of weaving characters from other stories into whatever it is that she is working on.
My Thoughts on Blessing Bentley:
I fell in love with Chautona Havig as an author when I read my first novel by her. It’s all been uphill since. Each book I read by her just leaves me wanting more. The characters are complex and unique. They seem to jump off the page and set up residence in my living room. Each one has a special way about them and I can’t figure out how she can keep them all straight when she’s writing!
So many of the characters and books take place in one small town called Fairbury. It’s funny because I actually know a town by that name that I’ve spent some time in. I love how they make cameo appearances in each other’s books and you get to learn tiny bits and pieces about their lives again. Makes it almost but not quite such a sad time when each series ends.
I really can’t describe the writing style. It’s something I’ve not come across before. Unique doesn’t even do it justice. Somehow no matter whether a character is a main one or a supporting one they draw me in and I’m involved. These are the best types of books! Somehow each character also makes you want to know all about them and I find myself hoping they each end up with a book or two of their own. Because I know they each have a story and I want to know their stories!
I’m invested now. These characters are my friends and I have to find out what happens and how their life ends up.
Blessing Bentley is the same way. I am intrigued by Bentley. One, her name. It sounds so manly. Not exactly a feminine name like Willow(another favorite character coming at you).
Why is that her name? Where is her family? Why is she living by herself? Who is Tait to her? Why would she propose? Who wants a marriage without love?
See. So many questions. And when I have questions I just keep reading. Because I can’t stop until I know all the answers. And then when the book ends and I still have questions I go in search of the next book in the series and might maybe make stink eyes at the author’s picture when it’s not immediately available.
You definitely want to read this book. But I don’t like romance? Is that you? Are you saying that in a whiny voice? Too bad. You will love this book even if you don’t like romance, even if you don’t consider Christian fiction or inspirational romance or whatever genre you want to classify this book. This book is a great one and this author is definitely worth a read or two or fifty.
Run to your Kindle account and get your copy now. I have to say this author is the sole reason I signed up for Kindle Unlimited through my Amazon account. Because so many of her books are on there for free with it and I can’t stop reading her books. Eventually, I’m going to run out and then I may start writing nice fan mail letters begging for more. Or hopefully, she’ll keep me supplied.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I had absolutely no preformed expectations when I agreed to review Blessing Bentley. Honestly I probably thought that with a cover that cute, the book had to be a good one. That might not be the most accurate way to choose a book but in this case my instincts were on the mark.
Blessing Bentley may be the most unique novel about the path to marriage that I have ever encountered. With a quirky, determined, and dedicated to the Lord heroine it was a given that there would be plenty of humorous moments and there were. Yet blended in with Bentley’s unusual ideas about marriage was an in-depth study of what the Bible has to say about marriage.
I may not agree with all the conclusions that Bentley reached and I probably wouldn’t advise young women to attempt to follow in her footsteps but she raised plenty of ideas that all married couples should consider, whether newlyweds or an old married couple like my husband and I who are quickly approaching fifty years together.
It was a lot of fun reading Blessing Bentley and I would definitely recommend it. I think it would be a wonderful book for young women who are beginning to think about their future marriage and what it should look like. Looking forward to the other books in this series. I hope the wait will not be too long!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Chautona Havig has written a funny, unique Christian contemporary fiction book that takes this romantic novel in an unexpected direction. Can the concept of “first comes marriage, then comes love” work in the lives of two dedicated Christian young adults? What if two Christian singles decide to get married, even if they have not dated or know each other well, so their “lives will glorify God”?
Bentley has been studying the concept of marriage in the Bible, and has decided that this is how she can best glorify God. Not being in a romantic relationship, she carefully considers all of her single male Christian friends and decides to ask Gary, a guy she greatly respects, to marry her. Gary accepts her proposal, and from that point the story has both its humorous, and sometimes surprisingly touching, moments. Even though their pastor and friends have concerns about their concept of marriage, they join together to help Gary and Bentley celebrate and survive their new life together.
Bentley is impulsive, out-going, funny, caring, and dedicated to living her life, as best she is able, according to God’s commands in the Bible. Gary is a nice, responsible, dedicated believer and lives a quiet single life. But as Bentley and Gary decide their marriage is God’s will for them, things do not go exactly as they anticipated. Their marriage holds some surprises for both of them, and it’s fun as the reader to see their characters change and grow all through the book.
This is a good story. Bentley’s character is a sparkling one, and following her through the book made me smile. Gary makes a great husband who must learn to understand his wife, and Bentley learns that true love is quite different than what she had always imagined.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What I think you should know:
Blessing Bentley is not your typical romance, first comes love, then comes…. Instead Bentley feels led to marry a Christian man who she can work with to Glorify God even if she is not in love with him. Chautona Havig has once again written a book in her fictionalized Rockland and surrounding suburbs, Bentley is a character that I don’t really remember “meeting”, but she hooks me quickly with her story.
What you might want to know:
Bentley has decided to marry, now she just has to find the husband. I don’t know how I would go about locating a husband if I wasn’t looking for love. This is like an arranged marriage only there is no one to arrange it for you. This makes for a very fun story!
What touched me about this book:
Bentley soon discovers that getting married isn’t the hardest part. After she is married, she realizes that she has to work at making the marriage successful. The man that she married is gem, I truly enjoyed his character and how both of them are willing to step out on faith. My only complaint is that I have to wait until 2020 for the next part of the series.
Who will love this book ( just to name a few)
Fans looking for a prolific new author
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Christian Romance
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
To be honest, the main reason I chose this book to review was because of the book cover. I love the colors, the format, I just love this over. But what I wasnt expecting is what the book is about. It’s very different from any book I’ve ever read. To choose someone to marry that you barely know, and marry because you want to glorify God is not the usually cost wedding. What will your family and friends think? And more importantly will the marriage last? Or will you get a few years into the marriage and hate each other so much you can’t stand to be around them? Author Chautona Havig tells her take on her new book, Blessing Bentley.
This is a really amazing story. While it is an off the wall concept for most people, for Christians, it can work. Bently wanted her marriage to glorify God so she went on a mission to find her new husband, they were married in an interesting and hilarious but yet perfect. Ms. Havig does an amazing job as she creates wonderful and quirky characters to fit her story. And they all develop so well as the story unfolds. And I have to say the marriage had plenty of its ups and downs like any marriage. It was fun and interesting to follow the couple on their journey through the struggles they had. And it’s a learning experience for those having these same struggles because it’s shows that couples can work through the difficult times as they trust the Lord to guide them. And that’s the read thing, trusting the Lord even in the hard times. And the main thing is commitment. No matter what, you trust God and commit to what He wants and your problems become easier. This is a wonderful book to read, serious and very funny as well.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is a contemporary Christian romance that glorifies God without needing to get out a magnifying glass to see if it does. It unapologetically gives glory to our maker throughout the entire book. Bravo! Author Havig is a modern day story teller extraordinaire. She takes words and weaves them into the most entertaining stories using her God given talent.
”Blessing Bentley” is my favorite one written by here. It is Book 1 in her new Marriage of Conviction Series. The author has done a thorough job researching scripture on marriage. She has compiled arguments on both sides of her debate. As I read this delightful novel, I found myself nodding my head and talking to the book, the characters, or perhaps Chautona, the author.
The characters are lovable. Some are predictable while others are complete surprises. The differences in ages allow for some humor and heartwarming moments. Bentley’s idea is good in theory but I can’t imagine doing it. However, television is filled with reality shows that are similar, just without the scripture.
So many life lessons are included in this book. Faith, family, forgiveness, friends, finances, trust, leaning on God, and praying. Communicating between a couple is essential and the shows that.
I loved this fiction offering by author Havig. I was invested in it within the first few pages and my attention stayed until “the end.” The conversations were witty, barbed, and humorous. The storyline had some twists and turns to keep it interesting. Characters were like old friends that I adored. My dishes piled up while I kept reading. It is that good!
I highly recommend this book. There were two things that I missed. Discussion Questions is the first. This book is perfect for a book club, maybe a newly engaged ladies’ group. Questions would be such an added bonus. So would recipe’s from the story. That’s becoming a common thing and I love getting to read about someone making and enjoying cookies or a casserole and then find the recipe in the book. Even without these, I still rate this 5 out of 5 stars.
A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own thoughts.
Blessing Bentley
A fun story. Bentley loses her job after buying a house. She decides to get married. She thinks that is the solution. She proposes to Gary. She believes getting married will be pleasing to God.
Her and Gary decide to get married in a couple of weeks. Her and Gary have never dated but are getting married. They have a lot of fun planning the wedding. Had a lot of funny moments. I enjoyed Bentley, she was quite the character.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This review is my own opinion.
Oh my! Oh my! What a wonderful journey I just took with the talented author , Chautona Havig. Her books always entertain me, male me laugh, give me hope and fills me with scriptures. This story is going on my 2019 favorite books. If you have not read a book by this author, I insist you read all her books. Her characters are fun, sassy and so realistic they become your friends.
I’m not going into much details about the book because that is for you to experience. I will tell you that Bentley (I love that name) is one person I would want as a friend. She is serious in her walk with Jesus, studies her bible and wants to glorify God in everything she does. The plot of this story is quite different from anything I have ever read. Do I think Bentley has lost her marbles? Not at all. In fact she is a woman who wants to be married so her and her husband can glorify God . Maybe you haven’t heard of that about marriage, so sit back and get ready for an adventure.
I loved, loved loved how the author takes us through scriptures about marriage and allows us to understand the thinking process of Bentley. Maybe it isn’t proper, but Bentley doesn’t hesitate to ask the man she believes God has for her to marry her. Well there are a few shall we say “things to work out.” They don’t really know each other, never been on a date together and never said “I love you to each other.” Those are small details that Bentley feels will fall into place
This book is not a “how to get married” book, rather a book about one insight into what marriage means to them. Bentley is sure she knows what she is doing and I loved watching her and the man she wants as her husband try to decide if this was what they should do. There are funny moments in the book that is a fingerprint of the authors writing style. There is never a dull moment in the book and it really made me look at marriage from a different viewpoint.
I won’t reveal the person she chooses but I will say that the author did catch me off guard a bit. Oh yes I had it all figured out who Bentley wanted, but in the authors style, she throws a curve ball and suddenly I’m swooning over Bentley’s choice. Remember that this is a fiction book and the author is not saying this is the way to marry. What she has done is taken a topic and shown a different way to look at marriage still using scriptures while giving us much to think about. I can’t say enough good things about this story without mentioning how creative the author is. I absolutely agree that there needs to be three books in this series. I eagerly await the next one and it can’t come soon enough.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
What if?
Leave it to Chautona Havig to take a perfectly ridiculous concept and work it into a story in a way that actually makes sense and teaches great lessons along the way!
Do I have your attention now? Because it isn’t really ridiculous. It’s just not done by Christians. The idea of entering a marriage with someone you only know on a casual basis, that you don’t love in “that” way and expect it to be honoring to God? Um, let me just say this is not mainstream.
While Bentley’s conclusion about marriage and the way she approached it may or may not match up with your understanding of what God intends, it is quite thought-provoking. Moreover, it can’t be denied that it is God’s will for those of us who are married to honor Him in our marriages. And every other area of our lives.
While I know it isn’t designed to be a primer on marriage, the things Bentley and her husband had to learn and the conflicts they had to resolve resulted in lessons that are valuable for all marriages. Because honestly, it doesn’t make a difference how the union comes about, God’s plan for marriage is for it to be a picture of Christ and His bride. So as this couple struggles through the process of becoming one, we, the readers, can benefit from their efforts.
Don’t be misled into thinking this is a super serious book. It is by Chautona Havig, after all! There is plenty of fun, swoony moments, and slightly quirky characters you’ll love to love.
In case you didn’t notice, I haven’t mentioned who Bentley proposed to. There were a number of choices. I also didn’t mention how many she proposed to. Or what the reactions were, of the men or of the friends and families. I’m just not sure if that would give anything away. I will tell you that the wedding was so funny and sweet and perfect! After all, what wedding do you really remember where everything came off without a hitch?
Was the story perfect? Not quite. But close enough I didn’t take away any from any of the stars. There was a reference to a deep, painful sin in her husband’s past that he wasn’t ready to share with her. I wanted to know what it was! And Bentley had this habit of saying things like “le sigh“. While it was revealed she was a fan of Pepe LePew, in my mind that didn’t quite explain it. Then again, I haven’t watched those cartoons since I was little. Would it have made more sense if I had? Perhaps? Fortunately, this was not overdone so I was okay with it.
Readers who enjoy stories that make them think, laugh, and swoon without making them blush will enjoy Blessing Bentley.
Read my review of Blessing Bentley by Chautona Havig at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.