One man’s last Christmas wish might change two lives forever.Mallory Barrows has one last Christmas with her uncle. She’s determined to make it the best one he’s ever had.She knows when she asks what he wants as his final gift, it won’t be a tie or a new mug. He won’t need those where he’s going, and he’s quite happy about that.Mallory just didn’t think he wanted a miracle wrapped in paper and … miracle wrapped in paper and tied with a shiny red bow!
Christmas on Breakers Point is the introductory book to the Independence Islands Series.
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MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Christmas on Breakers Point is the first book introducing the new Independence Islands Series from Celebration Lit publishing. I had the honor of reading the book with it was first published, and now I am reviewing the Audiobook. I am just starting to listen to audiobooks, I enjoy them but I wouldn’t want this to be my only way of reading books. I did very much enjoy this one. Christa DelSorbo does a fabulous job of narrating this book. Her voice is easing to listen to and she reads in a way you can understand and enjoy.
Chautona Havig is a wonderful author and I love this story. While is isn’t the story I was expecting as a beginning of a series, with the sadness and emotions so tight, Havig does an amazing job of weaving it all together and creating an ending to carry on the series. If you are looking for a book to try as an audio book, I highly recommend this one. Audiobooks need stellar narrators, and Christa DelSorbo is just that!
A 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.
For several years now, Chautona Havig has been one of my favorite authors. I love reading her books and the variety of stories she has to tell. This book is the first book in the series of books for the Independence Island series that will include stories from a variety of authors. She has a way of creating characters and settings that draw the reader into the story.
Mallory and her Uncle Bud tugged at my heartstrings with the love they had for each other. I appreciated the details about her turning in her resignation to her boss. The emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows kept this story interesting. At many points, I wanted to shed tears over the idea of Uncle Bud dying. He was a character that pulled me into the story.
I have to say having read this book; I looked forward to hearing this book as an audiobook, and the audio version definitely lived up to my expectations. I feel like the narrator did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the characters and the storyline in this book. While not a light-hearted read, this story and the narration provided a worthwhile reading experience.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
What a powerfully emotional journey. The author had me crying by the second chapter and often thereafter. Of course, the fact that I have lost loved ones may enter into the reaction, but the story is so endearing and touches the heart that you can hardly help but weep at times. Poignant and real, you feel like you’re in the midst of the unfolding drama. You don’t have to have read any of the other books in this collection to connect with the characters and experience a satisfying tale. Mallory Barrows takes a leave from her job to care for her dying uncle—a very special man in her life—who lives on an island. She seeks to help fulfill his dying wish with a unique Christmas gift, one that leads to frank conversations about faith and falling away and working through issues. The dialogue was great—so natural and compelling. And the narration was superb in this audio book. The reader’s voice caught the emotions and nuances well, adding to the delight. I highly recommend this heart-rending novel. It’s well worth the tears. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t read the back cover copy of Christmas on Breakers Point before listening to the audio book, but I was aware of the contemporary romance series and several of the authors. Chautona Having’s introduction to the series is not your typical romance. And while it took me aback when I realized this fact, it also added a unique twist to the story.
This is also not a light-hearted, feel-good Christmas story. While it takes place during the Christmas season, there is a lot of turmoil happening with Mallory, Uncle Bud, Joanie, and Geoff. And you get all of their perspectives in this short (under 200 pages) read.
For those who prefer their books in audio format, Christa DelSorbo does an excellent job of bringing the island to life in her narration.
If you are looking for a feel-good Christmas story or one heavy on romance, this is not the book for you. But, if you want to be challenged to take a look at where you are in your faith and how you project that on to others, then Christmas on Breakers Point is exactly what you are looking for.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Christmas on Breakers Point is part of the Independence Islands and one of Chautona Havig’s contribution to it. I love the beautiful and romantic setting. It was a plus to be during the greatest season of the year – Christmas. However, it does cover some difficult issues. Many readers will be able to relate to Mallory and know what she is going through. I wanted to keep reading to see how it would all end for her.
Christmas on Breakers Point is narrated by Christa DelSorbo. Her performance on bringing this tale to life is superb. She made it so easy to continue to keep listening and she did a wonderful job.
Christmas on Breakers Point is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend for readers who enjoy reading clean and inspiring fiction.
I received an audio version of Christmas on Breakers Point from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
What would YOU chose: either/or/both?
“It’s not about rejecting everything you’ve ever known. It’s about being honest with who you really are—even with yourself.”
Mallory goes back to Breakers Point when her dear Uncle Bud begins his last months before he dies. Who would have thought that by being with him during this time would give her the strength to live?
Told with author Chautona Havig’s faithful grace-filled style and proficient ability, each character seems as real as you and I are. I found myself laughing and crying with warmth, fear and a truthful bit of anger as the inevitable happens. For Bud, it is beginning again. For Mallory, a whole new world. And, btw, the cookies sound divine. Highly recommended 5/5
5 things from Christmas on Breakers point
1) Mallory Barrows is determined this Christmas is going to be the best ever.
2) Uncle Bud calls for Mallory to be with him for his “expiration date” from cancer
3) A Christmas wish for Joanie to come back to Christ and get re-engaged to Geoff.
4) The Islands decide to try out Mallory’s idea of mobile businesses— giving them the amenities of the big city, without giving up their island way of life.
5) “Her eyes lit up. A hug nearly squeezed the life out of him, and her kiss on the cheek revived him again.”
Fabulous set up for the series. A real-life example of working out faith personally. A tear-jerker
This was such a lovely book! It had all the parts of a Christmas story that I love, but it also had some deeper portions, too.
The plot was quite unusual. I loved seeing the relationship Mallory had with her uncle, and watching that unfold as the book went on. They both loved each other and loved the Lord, and although they both wished things could be different, they tried to grasp each day as it came, and I really loved their attitude. Then there’s this whole thing about Mallory trying to get her Uncle Bud a nearly-impossible Christmas gift—leading a woman back to the Lord—which created some very unique, interesting, and thought-provoking conversations.
As far as Christmas stories go, I think this is one of my favorites. It’s not a romance—well, not really—but it shows the deep love family can have, and is also a beautiful reflection of God’s love for us. Recommended. It’s a sweet read.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Author Chautona Havig brings us a book that is poignant, yet always hopeful. She tackles a couple of tough situations but again, always with hope and love.
Set during Christmas time, which for me always means snow, cold, etc, Havig wrote in such a way that I was able to experience Christmas in a warm(er) climate and found I could enjoy the experience. Her descriptions are wonderful, but it’s the characters you’ll fall in love with. Deep, with a true love of God, I came to love them, especially Uncle Bud. I loved that God was allowed to work in the way He wanted. Beautiful!
If you enjoy contemporary fiction you will enjoy Christmas on Breakers Point!
What I think you should know:
Christmas on Breakers Point is the first in the Independence Islands series, it is a Contemporary Christian Fiction. If you are wanting a light hearted Christmas story, this is not the book for you, however if you are looking for a beautiful story that will leave you thinking long after you have finished it, this is a wonderful book.
The story is set on an Island off the coast of Georgia, Mallory Barrows has received a call from her Uncle that he has terminal cancer and his “expiration date” is drawing near, she returns to the Island where she spent her summers growing up she wants to cherish the time she has left with him. Uncle Bud’s final wish is not an easy one and it will take a miracle.
What I think about Christmas on Breakers Point:
If you expecting a happy Christmas story based on the cover you need to keep looking Chautona Havig has written a tough and hard hitting book, a book that doesn’t sugar coat illness and loss. A book that shows the grief over someone who has stepped away from their faith. Christmas on Breakers Point is a book that I will recommend to everyone I know. The review took longer for me to write as I don’t know how to adequately do it justice. It is such an amazing story of love, faith and loss. Havig has once again written a book that captured me from the first page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
“Don’t know how people do it without Him, lil’ girl. I just don’t.”
I love the hope that this book carries. I loved that the story was told from each character’s point of view. This story will drive you to the Bible. At one point reading, I stopped, went to the Bible and started reading. I enjoyed the faith, patience and love that radiated from the book. I loved how priorities were placed on the right things. The author brought to us what is most important in our Christian race and that was perfect for me.
Uncle Bud was just a darling. I enjoyed reading about his life and how his life affected people. His love for his niece was amazing. He held closest and dear to his heart what was dear to God’s heart; the salvation of man. And even in his pain, even when his mortal body was failing him, he held onto the God.
Mallory! She was the epitome of selflessness. Her strength and doggedness was her most shunning virtue.
This book will tug at your heart to set priorities straight and to have a heart for the things God has a heart for.
I recommend this to people who love stories with depth.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
I read this book back in 2019 and picked it as one if my favorites for the year. This year I received the audio copy to review. Now I will confess that I have never listened to an audio book before. I have all kinds of excuses why I haven’t listened to one before. I started the book and sat down to follow along. Oh my was I in for a treat. The narrator has this soothing voice that carries you from page to page. She makes the story come to life as she speaks with clarity and emotion. Christa DelSorbo has made me a fan of audios. With her gift of making this story even better has made me want to hear more from her. It is no surprise that I already loved the book, but now with the addition of audio, it is a joy to experience the story once again. I hope you enjoy my review that follows and please consider getting the audio version as well as the book.
This story was an emotional journey that I was hesitant to take because it deals with someone who has colon cancer. My brother passed away in March 2019 from colon cancer and I took care of him until he passed. The author does an excellent job of being sensitive to death as we get to know Uncle Bud.
I loved everything about him but especially his faith. Oh how that man loved God and wanted everyone else to know him as well. His relationship with Mallory is special and their time together was spent laughing, reminiscing and sharing God with each other. Uncle Bud has one last gift he wants from Mallory before he dies. Will she be able to give him the gift ?
Mallory is everything I hope for in a character. She is loving, giving and always thinking of others. Taking care of her Uncle Bud is a time for her to cherish memories and give him comfort and peace during the time he has left. I loved how faith is shared in the story and the discussions that take place between several characters. The doubt that someone has about God is well written. I have often asked some of the same questions in my walk. I do find that people get legalistic and judgmental. It is hard to fit in sometimes when you see things that don’t line up with the bible.
The story is a beautiful reminder that life is short and we need to take every moment to share God, love each other and be a Godly example to others. I can’t count how many times I cried throughout the story but I do know they were healing tears. I needed this book at this moment to help me grieve my loss. Before my brother passed, I was determined to lead him to Christ. The Friday before he passed he said the salvation prayer the best he could. With tears streaming down both our cheeks, he gave his heart to Jesus.
I appreciate an author that isn’t afraid to give both sides of the debate whether God is real or not. The author’s voice can be heard in the characters as they give their arguments and right there is sweet Uncle Bud loving how bold his niece is. His heart was full of love and he knew he could prepare himself for his “expiration date.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Christmas on Breakers Point
Christmas on Breakers Point is a special story. Mallory goes there to care for her uncle in his last days. They have a very special bond. He asked her to do one thing before he dies. Will she be able to accomplish it.
It was refreshing to read a book that was not a typical romance. A wonderful love story. A love story of friendship, family and Jesus. This is a book that is hard to review because I don’t to give any of the story away. I recommend reading this book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
My Thoughts on Christmas on Breakers Point:
I go into any book by Chautona Havig knowing that I’m going to love it. She’s got such a wonderfully unique voice that I know it’s going to be something I enjoy. I also know that it is going to be a good solid Christian book that will either test me or give me something that I truly need in my faith. Her verses and Bible bits are always well-timed and fully used in my life.
This is the start of a new series and I can say I am pleased to be hooked on a series from the beginning! You’re going to love this book and I’m sure we’ll all love the full series as well!
Mallory goes in to quit her job because she must go to her Uncle as he faces his last days. What she’s not prepared for is the kindness and understanding of her boss. And thus begins a new chapter in her life.
While my parents and close aunts and uncles are still living I can’t say the same for my grandparents and greats. My grandpa was the youngest of 13 children and they are all gone but one now.
Miracles do happen. In fact they still happen everyday in the world around me and you. I experienced one just today answering a Christmas wish from one of my children through some dear members of our community. Look for them and you’ll find them just like Mallory finally does in this book.
And just read the book. Because it’s amazing.
I bought a copy to gift to my mom because I loved it that much!
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.
Chautona Having has created another wonderful world where characters face lives full of challenges and opportunities of change. And the awesome thing about this book is that the end is not the end. The series will continue with her vivacious character Mallory Barrows and other authors will add their own characters giving this island series many avenues to inspire readers.
Speaking of inspiration, Chautona allows her characters to be real with questions about faith, Christianity, worldly and spiritual issues, life, death. You name it, she is not shy at confronting what we all struggle with every day, either personally or with someone we know. I’m glad I had the chance to read this series at the beginning, knowing that there are many more books to come.
Thank you for supplying readers with a unique experience on a set of islands where we can feel at home with big hearted characters.
This well written book kindled a great deal of thought in my mind. Mallory Barrows returns to Breakers Point because her Uncle Bud is dying. Since he played a very important part as she grew up, it is very important to both of them that she is here at this time. Uncle Bud has a very different request for his Christmas gift, one which Mallory wants very much to give him, but wonders if she really can.
There are many wonderful traditions that happen around Breakers Point. I particularly loved the lighthouse decorating party. All the neighbors near and far come to help and bring a little joy to Uncle Bud – including Joanie who used to visit often, until their beliefs began to differ.
‘You can fight with others of that planet that is going to burn up someday, or you can fight with the One who made it.’ Something to think about when considering where you stand in your faith.
I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Every year I intend to read lots of Christmas books during November and December, but somehow this doesn’t usually happen. When your to-read list has gone well past the point of no return, it becomes difficult to fit in all of the books that you expect to get through. As a book reviewer, it’s nice to have a set schedule in advance, and another perk is the opportunity to branch out and take a chance on books that are different from what you usually choose. “Christmas on Breakers Point” fits the bill! I have to admit that I am not at all an island or beach girl, although I have always loved lighthouses, and I’m not gung-ho for romances either, so I had some trepidation going into this one. As it turns out, I ended up enjoying it immensely!
Blending a variety of engaging elements together, Chautona Havig writes “Christmas on Breakers Point” with both sadness and joy interlaced into each chapter. Despite being a short book, it reads like a full-length novel, with detail and depth that are not rushed yet also not dawdling. Had I known the plotline beforehand, I likely would have passed this one up for fear that it would be too sad, and this is just another reason that I like to enter into a book figuratively blind. One of the main characters has terminal cancer and an unattainable wish for Christmas, but thankfully God does the impossible every day, and He often works through people.
With finesse, Havig offers a story that is layered with sorrow yet filled with hope and joy. A terminal illness, lost love, and renounced faith all figure prominently, but I did not once think that the narrative was depressing. Instead, I found myself inspired by the sacrificial love and deep conversations of the characters, highlighting a multitude of passages that I felt were convicting and very pertinent in this day and age. Mallory seems to speak to the prodigal in all of us when she says, “You have decided how you want things to be, and because they’re not, you’re crying foul. You define what He does by what you want rather than what it is. He speaks to us today. Don’t tell me His Word doesn’t.” What it all comes down to is that life is not about us, but about HIM. “If you’re going to choose a cause over Jesus, then you’re choosing to die for that cause. You’re throwing what Jesus did for you and for all mankind up in His face.” When we follow His Word and walk in faithful obedience to Him, we have joy; all other paths lead to death.
There is so much to love about this first book in the Independence Islands series. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. Although obviously a great holiday read, this is one that can easily be enjoyed at any time of year. I think that everyone needs an Uncle Bud in their lives to speak truth, love, guide, and pray them through the good and the bad. One line from the book beautifully encapsulate the story: “A lifetime of moments could be summarized in a Breakers Point sunset.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Prepare yourself for heartbreak, second chances and deep spiritual discussions.
Uncle Bud was so charming and wonderful!! He had numerous terms of endearment for Mallory, almost always a different one. It was so sweet the names he chose. This man of faith knew that his “”expiration date”” was approaching rapidly and he had peace with God and was ready to go.
Mallory was a great character as well. When she received the call from Uncle Bud, she dropped everything to be by his side and even submitted a letter of resignation to her employer; despite the fact her job was quite lucrative. Once there, she poured her heart out to Uncle Bud and loved him the best way she could. And when he mentioned his Christmas wish, she did all she could to provide it for him. . . Even though it was really completely out of her power!
Geoff and Joanie had been in love since they were little. Everything made it look as though they were going to have their happily-ever-after until Joanie began to question her faith. When she walked away from all she believed, Geoff knew that he could no longer plan to marry her. His love for her never died; instead he remained her friend and prayed for her.
Mallory and Joanie had some incredibly insightful discussions about faith. Though she didn’t want to hurt Joanie, Mallory was bold in sharing with her and clearly showed her love as well. The debates they had were fascinating and challenging.
Uncle Bud’s situation was painful to read, though Chautona Havig was not graphic about his experiences and didn’t focus on the negatives of his health. It is possible this hit me harder than it might have otherwise as I am traveling a cancer journey with a dear friend of mine. Bud’s outlook and hope shone through, as did his great love for his great-niece.
I was so touched by the people of the islands and the way the rallied together and loved Bud. When Mallory called for help, they replied so quickly!! The gatherings, despite being last minute, were very amazing!!
If you enjoy stories rich with spiritual content, more focused on relationship than romance, Christmas on Breaker’s Point is a book you won’t want to miss.
Read my review of Christmas on Breakers Point 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.
When I signed on to review Christmas at Breakers Point I expected it to be a seaside Christmas romance due primarily to its cover. Truthfully I found very little romance in this novel and what was there actually took a back seat to the rest of the story. Not to say that was a bad thing. In fact this is a heart-warming yet sometimes poignant tale of the people in a small island town who rallied around an elderly man and his niece as they lived through the last days before his final breath on earth.
Honestly, I probably would not have chosen to read this book had I known I would read much of it sitting in my mother’s room in a hospice facility – just a little too close to home to my own situation. Yet it turned out to be an encouraging experience as I witnessed the interaction between Bud and his niece Mallory and her determination to make his last Christmas a wonderful experience for him. I loved how hard Mallory worked to make his Christmas wish come to pass, especially the numerous faith-building conversations between her and her friend whose disillusionment with other Christians had brought her to a crisis in her faith.
Strong characters, difficult situations, and a very strong Gospel message worked together to make Christmas at Breakers Point an excellent read even if it was not at all what I expected.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.