Life is too short to settle for just anyone.
Grace gave her whole heart to Jesus, but now he wants a part of it. What’s a woman to do?
All she ever wanted was to be a homemaker.
Sure, she has a degree in physics. Yes, she could have a lucrative job in Rockland, but Grace Buscher enjoys her life as a single homemaker. As they say, it’s her choice.
As a successful business owner, a handsome … business owner, a handsome guy, and heir to a small fortune, it’s no wonder Nolan Burke is one of Rockland’s most eligible bachelors. The problem is, he hasn’t met anyone who isn’t looking for a “trophy husband.”
Don’t family-centered women exist anymore?
Grace isn’t exactly eye candy. Nolan is a bit blind. So when an “accidental meeting” forges an unlikely friendship, it becomes obvious to everyone that it’s likely to become more.
But is Grace ready to give up the life she loves for the man she loves?
Find out in this completely updated, revised, and improved version of Chautona Havig’s first novel, Noble Pursuits.
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“‘I am anything but sophisticated…’ ‘You’re better’, Traci insisted.’You’re real'”
Grace Buscher is a woman who lives alone in the house she was born in in the Rockland suburb of Brunswick. After her father died, and her brother got married, she chose to remain in the house, alone, and seemingly cares for everyone neglecting herself at times. Educated, with an advanced degree, she chooses not to work outside of her home, doesn’t even drive, and gets by by making and selling canned fruit and caring for kids whose parents are struggling at times themselves.
Nolan Burke is tired of being chased for his money and his looks (maybe not in that order even). He moves into the house across the street from Grace, and his life changes. Armed with a “laundry list” of things he thinks should be part of a lifelong mate, his entire world is changed by a brief encounter with the woman across the street. Be careful what you pray for Nolan!
This was a fun, long ranger view of a slow building mature relationship. I am so glad I took my time and read it. It’s a “feel good” story. I am constantly amazed at the breadth of Author Chautona Havig’s writing. From the fantasy/fairy-tale to speculative fiction all injected with faith without apology, she is a consistently believable author I share with many people. Highly recommended. 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
This was such a sweet story! I rooted for the two main characters all the way through, but also loved Grace’s perspective of wanting to keep God front-center in her life.
For some reason—perhaps because I read this in a fairly stressful time?—I didn’t feel like it had as much depth as some of the author’s other books. But in saying that, there were so many little things I loved in here. The care and protection of family working together to help everyone. The love and concern shown to a family member who is blatantly against God. Much of this book is about love in action—in many different forms. And that is beautiful.
If you’re looking for a sweet story about a godly couple wanting to do what pleases and glorifies the Lord most, this would be a great choice. Grace’s decision to try to be a single homemaker was fascinating, and perhaps others would find it encouraging to see some of her reasons behind that as well. It’s not a glamorous life, but it can be very rich if such a path is chosen. A highly recommended story!
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I loved this book! The cover is gorgeous. And the author is a favorite of mine. The subject brought to mind a movement I’d read about recently about stay at home daughters. Basically women who’ve decided to stay under the head of their father, aka stay in his home, while waiting for their husband.
Now, Grace can’t do that because her father is dead, and she no longer lives with her brother as he’s married and expecting. But her brother does still have a say over her life as her father would.
I really loved the premise of Grace being a stay at home woman. She’s not a wife. She’s not a mother. Neither of those things is because she doesn’t want to be. She’s actually amazing with kids. And can she cook! Also, she’s super crafty. I’d love to be half that crafty!
Nolan moves to get away from the fortune-seeking women. He wants a woman he can marry, an old fashioned woman who wants kids and isn’t career-driven. Grace is pretty much the antithesis of the women who have been in his life up until now. Is he interested in her just because of that or for a deeper reason?
I loved that there was some mystery thrown into this book as well and that all of the characters have their own story to tell. I can’t wait to read some of the other stories!!
This is a book and an author that I highly recommend. Definitely read this book and then start reading ALL of her others. They’re great!
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.
What I think you should know:
Oh,Gracious! is a contemporary Christian fiction/ romance by Chautona Havig. Formerly released as Noble Pursuits, Havig has rewritten it. It is part of her Rockland Chronicles, a set of interconnected books and series that take place in her Fictional Rockland and surrounding towns. You will be introduced to some characters from her other stories in this book, however since this was originally her first book it will not contain any spoilers.
What I think about this book:
I am so torn about this book, as much as I enjoyed the story and as much as I wanted to LOVE Grace I found myself frustrated with her and found myself wishing that she would have had a more mature female spiritual leader to help her at times in the story. Grace felt that her calling in life was to be a homemaker and she was so determined to do it even if it was at the expense of having a family of her own. I felt she hid behind her relationship with God to keep from being hurt by a man. Nolan was easier for me to love. Yes he was portrayed as a typical man in that he was initially drawn to the woman he felt was physically attractive, but he redeemed himself by seeing beyond the physical. I thought that their story was beautiful and one of the best kinds of romances, a sweet friendship that grew into love. If you have never read one of Havig’s books this would be a good one to start with, and IF you have read any of the Rockland stories this might be a great time to see some beloved “friends”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Oh, Gracious. . .or should I say, oh, Grace!
Chautona Havig’s latest story, Oh, Gracious, is full of delight and joy. Of course, everything’s not always a bed of roses, either. There are trials, too. However, without the trials, the blessings would not be so sweet.
I was intrigued by the premise of a single Christian woman becoming a homemaker. I add, Christian, because Grace is allowing Christ, following Biblical principles, to become her husband, protector and provider.
Chautona also writes a realistic portrayal of a slightly overweight woman completely comfortable and happy with her body. I was gratified to see Grace’s joie de vivre and enjoyed her ability to throw caution to the wind and go for the gusto. For example, she rakes up a huge pile of fallen leaves and takes a running slide into it! What fun!!
I fell in love with all the characters, laughing and crying with them as the situation warranted. Anyone with friends and family like Grace’s has received a true blessing.
Oh, Gracious is a wonderful story, not to be missed. (And I have a sneaky suspicion that Grace’s personality mimics Chautona’s in many ways!)
I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating. I take so much pleasure in Chautona’s fun quirky sense of humor, and I 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 Oh, Gracious from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
I WANT TO BUT …
I am an avid Chautona Havig fan. Some of her stories have been guiding lights in the middle of some very dark times for me (Aggie Series to name one). The connection between a few of my struggles and that of the characters makes the storylines more believable for me. It is very rare for me to find something that I cannot relate to in a Chautona Havig book and I love it.
Oh, Gracious! did not do any of that for me, and that makes me sad.
Don’t get me wrong, there were funny moments as well as touching ones, but I felt nothing. I waited for the chemistry between Grace and Nolan. I waited for a personal connection with their plights. I waited for something that said, “You must have this in paperback so you can brag that you have it.” Sadly, none of that came.
Now, this does not mean that the book was poorly executed or that the characters were not well thought out–no way. This story was well written and plotted and much care was taken in the development of it. For all I know, it could be something as simple as my head just wasn’t in it or exhaustion at the end of the day hindered me from truly enjoying one of my favorite authors. And I think I can safely say that we have all been there.
At the end of the day, I would still encourage anyone to pick up this Chautona Havig book, and here is why. Just because it isn’t a favorite of mine or I didn’t fall head over heels in love with it, doesn’t mean you won’t. There may be something about Grace’s determination to make it as a “Single homemaker” that will resonate with you. Or that Nolan’s decision to be picky about the kind of woman he wants to spend his life with that will encourage you to make your own “list”. You could be looking for a book that is calming and simple to enjoy on your back porch this summer with a glass of tea. Whatever your case may be, please don’t completely turn away from this book because I couldn’t get into it.
**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicity. The views expressed are entirely my own. A favorable review was not required. Only a honest one.
There has never been a more appropriate title than Oh Gracious!
As a lover of every one of Chautona Havig’s books I could get my hands on. I knew that I had to see what the rewrite of her first published book was like, how much she had changed it, and what was new.
First off, I read the first version several years ago and since then my taste in reading has changed … It has grown and I no longer like books I once did due to the hated ability to tell a well written book from a badly written one. (Plot, style, character, etc.) Which is why I am glad I did not reread this book before the rewrite, I would not have enjoyed it as much as I did the first time, I would likely have found it painful.
A favorite read becoming dissatisfying is a sad day, indeed. But! But, but, but, with the changes, growth, and learning that the author has made since she first published this book it was in no way a disappointment. On the contrary, it made it stronger.
Noah has long been a favorite romance hero! I loved his arc the first time I read his and Grace’s story in Noble Pursuits, they were the same in the first book and in the rewrite.
Grace had me fascinated, her way of life so beautiful, so much what I’d love to have for myself … If I could but I can’t so, oh, well.
The new cover had me torn, it is so different! Now, I am in love with the way it fits the story.
You do not want to miss this embarrassing need to read romance.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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 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.
Chautona Havig’s Oh, Gracious! is part of the Rockland Chronicles. It is probably my favorite I have read by her to date. I was entertained with this fun and delightful story all the way through. I really enjoyed Grace from the start. I felt a connection to her from page one. I love the interactions between her and Nolan. The book does deal with some issues that many readers could relate to. I know I sure did. I had no problem having the whole book read in one sitting.
I am giving Oh, Gracious! a very well deserved five plus stars. I look forward to reading more by Chautona Havig in the near future. She is beginning to be one of my go to authors. She is a talented storyteller.
I recommend Oh, Gracious! for readers who enjoy a fun and clean romance. I do believe many will find some inspiration with in the pages.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Author Chautona Havig has written a page turning Christian contemporary romance that should not to be missed. “Oh, Gracious!” is an extraordinary fiction offering from the talented wordsmith Havig. I was immediately invested in the story.
This is the tale of Nolan Burke, deemed “most eligible bachelor” in his area. He is handsome, rich, and has extremely high stands when it comes to women. It is also the story of Grace Buscher. She is a self proclaimed homemaker. The two meet and become friends. Their story is filled with life lessons, inspiration, and humor.
Author Havig has a smooth style of writing. The story was easy to follow and flowed along at a nice pace. I enjoyed the characters. They were relatable and believable. It was easy to get to know them. The emotions were realistic and transferred off of the pages. It was easy to imagine being part of that circle of friends.
My favorite part off the novel was the message of faith. That is vital for me in Christian fiction. I want it front and center so it is not hidden. This one was right out there in the open. Books that have life lessons are also important. This one had many.
I have read many of author Havig’s books, but this one is by far my favorite. She keeps perfecting her gift. The characters’ faith journeys were moving. The message of inner beauty was timeless and essential. The children and animal were the cherry on top.
I highly recommend this fabulous book. It is a story that has stuck with me days after reading it. At the end readers are rewarded with a recipe from the story. (Another favorite thing of mine in a book.) Any reading group with benefit from this choice. I rated this a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these were my own words.
I have never been disappointed with a book written by this author and after reading this story I know why. Her ability to give depth to characters makes me invest in them. Now I didn’t like Nolan when I first met him in the story. Okay he was handsome, smart and wealthy. But really why does he think every woman falls at his feet? His intense search for the perfect girl for him irritated me at times. I laughed when he moved to another town where more single women were. But along my journey I discovered a man who wanted to be appreciated for his thoughtfulness and oh so enduring gentlemanly ways. Yes I came to like him and looked past his flaws to his heart.
Grace is someone you want to be friends with. She has a big heart for children and has a brother who is a tad overprotective. He wasn’t exactly thrilled that Grace had dinner with a stranger on her front porch. Nolan has definitely met his match when Grace is casual around him and not overly interested in his charm. I liked Grace’s way of life but it was obvious that she didn’t handle blessings very well. Oh it’s easy to give to others but when it comes to someone wanting to bless her, well that nasty pride starts coming out.
I loved getting to know Nolan and Grace as they stumble through getting better acquainted with each other. Grace is sure a stickler for wanting to do everything herself. The relationship is an honest look at two completely different personalities trying to mesh together to become a couple. I liked how the author gets to the gritty part of a relationship. I wanted to have them argue, have doubt and start to pull away and that is exactly what I got. I don’t like stories that are neatly wrapped up in a bow. I want to see the realistic relationships where each person has to examine themselves and see where pride is coming in.
I liked the story because faith played a big part in both Grace and Nolan’s life. Grace is the everyday girl who wants to please everyone and forgets that she deprives people from blessing her. Nathan is the guy girls want and his ego is bruised when Grace doesn’t fall all over him. One of the best relationship for me in the story was Grace and her brother. It is one that truly speaks how one should care for their family members. Yes, her brother was a bit of a helicopter brother, but he feels so passionate about making sure Grace is never hurt.
I loved the humor in the book and one particular part in the book which is a mistake on Nolan’s part is one of the best oops I’ve read. Always read what you have written before sending it off is my advice to Nolan. I would love to see this book as a movie and have already picked out the cast. As I finished the book, I thought how special this story is. It is a story of love, forgiveness and trusting God in all things. There is no such thing as the perfect person, but there is the right person who God has chosen for each of us.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
New and improved
My rating is 4.5 stars
I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been reading Chautona Havig’s books for a very long time. Not quite since the first one published but in that time, I’ve read most them. I have read Noble Pursuits, which is the original title of this re-write. And I do remember liking it a lot, though it has been so long I don’t remember much of it. So I was glad for a reason to re-read the story.
The author has a way of writing romance that is sweet and swoony but more about relationships and living the Christian life than about kisses and, well, romance. There is never a reason to be concerned about sharing them with a younger audience. Her stories include a bit of a challenge and always include life-changes for the characters as they learn to walk more closely with the Lord.
I loved the way that Nolan and Grace became friends and that he didn’t even realize how perfect she was for such a long time. Without giving too much away, one of my favorite moments is when Nolan realized how much he cared for her and yet couldn’t conjure up the color of her eyes or hair. He was so attracted to her that her physical appearance wasn’t important.
Grace struggled with wanting to be independent. She loved to give gifts and help others but had a problem with receiving gifts. Nolan was so sweet and spoke truth to her as he exhorted her to allow others the blessing of blessing her.
The misunderstanding that came from a misreferenced Bible verse was pretty funny! Grace’s big brother, Craig, is the epitome of the protective brother and his (over)reaction to a situation was funny, sweet and perfect! The twelve gifts of Christmas, despite being given before Christmas instead of after, were also fun and creative.
If you enjoy Christian fiction with a dash of humor, a pinch of snark, and a touch of romance, I encourage you to read Oh, Gracious!
Read my review of Oh, Gracious! 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.
Each one of Chautona’s books challenges me to look inward at my life and choices. I loved investing in the lives of Nolan and Grace in this one. Even though Grace has many characteristics different from me, I admire her gumption and goals. My personally could not risk so much for life choices, at least not the same choices. Grace is so unique with the way she reacts to situations. She challenges me to consider a simpler lifestyle and what it would take to achieve it. It reminds me of our world today with the stay at home mandate. Simple life and simple choices. Grace would fit right in with few changes.
Nolan loves “her quirky little ways”—his words, not mine. A person’s value needs to be seen through the eyes of Jesus not the world. Nolan seeks to follow his list for a perfect wife and finds someone the world would not have picked for him. It reminds me that God made us each so different with our quirks, flaws, talents. He never wanted us to be cookie cutter copies of each other. Size, color, height, wealth, education—each makes an individual unique.
As I read more from this author, I admire how she can present a subject—homemaker, poverty, homeschooling—and have others not criticize or demean the personal choices. It’s important to accept those choices in others.
Have fun with this one! I did.