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Bookstrings
Hart of Noel: a Bookstrings "Noella"
Books and cookies–a match made in heaven? Not hardly. Josh Hart just wants his fledgling bookstore to have a chance, and with every car in the tiny town of Noel parking in front of his store, you’d think he had a good one. Again, not hardly. They’re all taking up his prime parking to get into Honey Pott’s Bakery. Josh is certain if Honey would quit parking her own oversized SUV right smack-dab in front of his door, maybe people could see the store. Enter Milton Coleridge and his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch). He loves the store, but he has bad news for Josh. Without some major changes, Noel’s first bookstore may be its last.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
6 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Chautona Havig
280 books1,852 followers**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 13, 2022
After reading
Spines & Leaves
, I was delighted to get to include Hart of Noel in my reading diet fairly quickly afterward. This was a fun story—short and sweet, but with that kick of depth that Havig manages to weave in no matter how long or short her stories are. Milton is such a great guy, and watching him patiently interact with frazzled, worn-out bookstore owners is very fun. Add to that his character of a parrotlet, and well…I’m a little envious of his job and pet. A great read, in all.
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
March 31, 2022
What a fun story! I wanted something light to read, that I knew I would thoroughly enjoy but that didn't take much brain power, and Hart of Noel was perfect this week. I love Chautona Havig's deeper books, but sometimes I just want something light. This is a delightful Christmas—or anytime—book. It was fun to spend time again with Milton and Atticus, and see him try to rescue another bookstore. I loved watching the tension between Joshua and Honey. How could she possibly not understand his problem with her big SUV parked in front of his store? Could they ever work out their differences and become friends?
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
November 28, 2024
Super cute but just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on...
October 22, 2023
4.25 stars - Read via Kindle.
Another great read from this author! At first I didn’t like Honey at all but I grew to love her! I like her fire and her bluntness. Her and Josh became a great balance. I enjoyed seeing Joshua blossom and let people in. And then there is Milton. Goodness he is just a jewel!!
I read book 1 first, then the prequel, and now this “NO-ELLA” so I am ready and waiting for book two later this year. This author’s books always touch my heart and make me smile. The foundation of faith is always there and I appreciate that very much.
Now I want a cinnamon bun—while reading a book—as a parrotlet flies above me—and a bossy cat rules the space around me. And I may travel to Iceland for Christmas on an annual basis.
Another great read from this author! At first I didn’t like Honey at all but I grew to love her! I like her fire and her bluntness. Her and Josh became a great balance. I enjoyed seeing Joshua blossom and let people in. And then there is Milton. Goodness he is just a jewel!!
I read book 1 first, then the prequel, and now this “NO-ELLA” so I am ready and waiting for book two later this year. This author’s books always touch my heart and make me smile. The foundation of faith is always there and I appreciate that very much.
Now I want a cinnamon bun—while reading a book—as a parrotlet flies above me—and a bossy cat rules the space around me. And I may travel to Iceland for Christmas on an annual basis.
January 25, 2022
Just like the previous in the series, this is a fun, fast read that was full of all the feels for me. Loved the setting, characters, and story so much! I foresee myself reading this one over and over again!
Josh Hart wants nothing more than to see his little bookstore succeed. If you looked out the front window of his store, you would think sales would be great with a full parking lot. Unfortunately, the cars are there to get into the bakery across the street and enjoy all the goodness baked by Honey Potts. Josh and Honey clash over the parking spots when Josh asks if she will park her own large SUV somewhere else so that people can actually see his store. Milton Coleridge comes to town with his parrotlet, Atticus and quickly sees that Josh is in desperate need of his help if he is going to keep his bookstore afloat.
Hart of Noel was everything I was hoping it was going to be: fun, entertaining, and just right to sit down and lose myself in fiction for a few hours. Chautona Havig has a way with crafting characters that are easy to all in love with and want to see them succeed. Her stories are quick and well written with characters that readers can relate to and feel themselves in the story. This story was perfect, especially for the holiday season and I am thankful to have had this to read and take myself out of the world and lose myself in fiction for a few hours. Josh was flustered from the start and with good reason, the start of his relationship with Holly was rough but it led to a way for them to work through it and find a good relationship that could lead to something. I recommend this book to those looking for a fun holiday read and with great characters and an even better storyline.
Josh Hart wants nothing more than to see his little bookstore succeed. If you looked out the front window of his store, you would think sales would be great with a full parking lot. Unfortunately, the cars are there to get into the bakery across the street and enjoy all the goodness baked by Honey Potts. Josh and Honey clash over the parking spots when Josh asks if she will park her own large SUV somewhere else so that people can actually see his store. Milton Coleridge comes to town with his parrotlet, Atticus and quickly sees that Josh is in desperate need of his help if he is going to keep his bookstore afloat.
Hart of Noel was everything I was hoping it was going to be: fun, entertaining, and just right to sit down and lose myself in fiction for a few hours. Chautona Havig has a way with crafting characters that are easy to all in love with and want to see them succeed. Her stories are quick and well written with characters that readers can relate to and feel themselves in the story. This story was perfect, especially for the holiday season and I am thankful to have had this to read and take myself out of the world and lose myself in fiction for a few hours. Josh was flustered from the start and with good reason, the start of his relationship with Holly was rough but it led to a way for them to work through it and find a good relationship that could lead to something. I recommend this book to those looking for a fun holiday read and with great characters and an even better storyline.
December 4, 2023
“‘No one who can read, ever looks at a book, even unopened on a shelf, like one who cannot.’”
Joshua Hart, local boy, former soldier, has just opened Hart of Noel - the town's first bookstore. Question becomes whether it can remain open when the small storefront in blocked by a walking ( driving) SUV advertising the bakery across the street. No one can see the store!
And the owner,Honey Potts, is more interested in her advertisement than the bookstore because she's an admitted non reader!
Into all this walks Milton Coleridge and Atticus (not Finch). Milton, the bookstore savior sees potential. Can he convince Joshua and Honey to work? be nice to each other at least? Maybe by doing so the whole town will benefit..
This is my third Bookstrings novel by Chautona Havig. These are great reads with the faithful foundation that permeates all of Ms Havig's work. In the ten years of reading her books, I find U can hardly wait for my next one. Take a chance; Highly Recommended 5/5
Joshua Hart, local boy, former soldier, has just opened Hart of Noel - the town's first bookstore. Question becomes whether it can remain open when the small storefront in blocked by a walking ( driving) SUV advertising the bakery across the street. No one can see the store!
And the owner,Honey Potts, is more interested in her advertisement than the bookstore because she's an admitted non reader!
Into all this walks Milton Coleridge and Atticus (not Finch). Milton, the bookstore savior sees potential. Can he convince Joshua and Honey to work? be nice to each other at least? Maybe by doing so the whole town will benefit..
This is my third Bookstrings novel by Chautona Havig. These are great reads with the faithful foundation that permeates all of Ms Havig's work. In the ten years of reading her books, I find U can hardly wait for my next one. Take a chance; Highly Recommended 5/5
January 31, 2024
A delightful book-centric Christmas novella that can be enjoyed any time of the year!
Gotta love a series about a man (and his parrotlet) who travel around saving independent bookstores. Milton is my hero — and he has a nifty sideline as a matchmaker. Love his quiet ways, earnest observations and the ability he has to see into the heart of a problem and offer solutions.
And Josh has a lot of problems. From a floundering bookstore to a volatile feud with the neighbourhood baker. You’ve heard of the grumpy sunshine trope? Well, this is a grumpy/grumpy trope. Josh and Honey are like oil and water. Always on the defensive when it comes to each other and apt to spew first, think later. Milton has his hands full with these two.
Such a fun little read. Dry humour, valiant efforts to save a bookstore and spark a romance all in the days leading up to Christmas. Along with oodles of sage Milton-isms. What’s not to love?
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/01/31/h...
Gotta love a series about a man (and his parrotlet) who travel around saving independent bookstores. Milton is my hero — and he has a nifty sideline as a matchmaker. Love his quiet ways, earnest observations and the ability he has to see into the heart of a problem and offer solutions.
And Josh has a lot of problems. From a floundering bookstore to a volatile feud with the neighbourhood baker. You’ve heard of the grumpy sunshine trope? Well, this is a grumpy/grumpy trope. Josh and Honey are like oil and water. Always on the defensive when it comes to each other and apt to spew first, think later. Milton has his hands full with these two.
Such a fun little read. Dry humour, valiant efforts to save a bookstore and spark a romance all in the days leading up to Christmas. Along with oodles of sage Milton-isms. What’s not to love?
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/01/31/h...
October 15, 2021
I have a lot of favorite Chautona Havig characters, but Milton is scooting his way up the list with each new Bookstrings story she writes! Now whenever Milton and Atticus not Finch decide to save a store, I want to be there because I know good things will happen! This book was particularly fun for me because the town of Noel, Missouri, where the book is set is a town I passed through every time I drove to college or back so this book brought out a lot of fond memories for me. But even if I'd never been to Noel, or if it didn't exist in the real world, I would still have enjoyed this book because: 1) Milton, 2) saving a locally-owned small bookstore, 3) believers acting like family and coming through for each other, and 4) the sweet sort of understated romance only Mrs. Havig can write.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team.
February 1, 2024
Short and sweet…literally. I really want to go to this bakery, even if it is imaginary! “I thought this was a book about a bookstore,” you may be wondering. Yes, yes it is.
Josh and Honey are so fun. And one of my favourite things about the Bookstrings books is getting to sightsee across the country. I love how this real town of Noel (with fictional characters and plot) came together in support of one of their own. It’s heartwarming.
I am both sad that I have finished the series, and heartened that there are more coming. I don’t think I’ll ever have enough of Milton and Atticus, and I love how we get to check in here and there on the characters from other bookstores. The Bookstrings books and novellas- or in this case, “noella”- are winners in my book and I think they will be joining the few and proud paperback books that are able to be purchased this year.
Josh and Honey are so fun. And one of my favourite things about the Bookstrings books is getting to sightsee across the country. I love how this real town of Noel (with fictional characters and plot) came together in support of one of their own. It’s heartwarming.
I am both sad that I have finished the series, and heartened that there are more coming. I don’t think I’ll ever have enough of Milton and Atticus, and I love how we get to check in here and there on the characters from other bookstores. The Bookstrings books and novellas- or in this case, “noella”- are winners in my book and I think they will be joining the few and proud paperback books that are able to be purchased this year.
October 6, 2021
Hart Of Noel by Chautona Havig is the most delightful tale showing how to get the spirit of Christmas flowing. It is set in a small town where a book shop and a coffee shop sit side by side – what could be better? Add in a shaggy dog, an independent cat and a bird called Atticus not Finch – and you have all the ingredients for a perfect read.
Smiles and kindness can melt hearts. Neighbours pull together when a crisis falls. Heads come together to think up ways to improve sales.
As the story heads towards Christmas, the reader is enchanted. Hart Of Noel is a hug in a book. It is delightful.
I received a free copy from the organisers of the Mosaic Collection. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Smiles and kindness can melt hearts. Neighbours pull together when a crisis falls. Heads come together to think up ways to improve sales.
As the story heads towards Christmas, the reader is enchanted. Hart Of Noel is a hug in a book. It is delightful.
I received a free copy from the organisers of the Mosaic Collection. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 13, 2021
I’m loving Milton and Atticus, and this book is a wonderful addition to their story. Okay, so maybe I especially love it because I have pet parrots of my own. 😊 And the bookstore! Yes, I did become incredibly emotionally attached to a fictional bookstore. And when the author almost … well, I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but my kids came running to see what had me yelling at my kindle! I absolutely recommend this book. If you haven’t read Spines and Leaves yet, you should (because it’s wonderful, too!), but it’s not necessary to read it before you read this story. This one can stand on its own.
I received an advance e-copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own. But I’ll be buying the paperback anyway. 😉
I received an advance e-copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own. But I’ll be buying the paperback anyway. 😉
November 28, 2024
I don't think I loved this book quite as much as some of her books, but I think that was because Honey annoyed me a lot. Like I'd struggle with her personality. She did grow on me as she grew in maturity, but she still had a personality that'd drive me crazy. However, I love all the baking and booking vibes, and the cozy Christmas vibes, and I loved seeing Milton again since I've read another of the books in this series. I hope there is eventually a Milton story because he needs one. I also enjoyed Joshua and his cat, such a fun pair. Overall, a cozy fun story for this Christmas season.
February 22, 2023
Hands down 5 stars. I loved it. So incredibly sweet. Loved the two main characters, although I felt Milton played more of a back seat role this time. However, the books and bookstore still played a major part in the story, which to me is essential. Picking up the next book immediately!
December 4, 2024
3.5 stars
There wasn’t a whole lot of Christmas in this book. It was more of saving a bookstore, and an enemies to lovers romance. It was sweet and clean and I enjoyed seeing Milton again. And that fact that it is set in a nearby town with my home town being mentioned just made it more fun.
There wasn’t a whole lot of Christmas in this book. It was more of saving a bookstore, and an enemies to lovers romance. It was sweet and clean and I enjoyed seeing Milton again. And that fact that it is set in a nearby town with my home town being mentioned just made it more fun.
December 26, 2024
This was a nice novella about rival business owners (one of them owns a bookshop). It is set at Christmas time.
I was rather lacking the “Christmas spirit” this year, so my low rating is more of a reflection of me than the book.
I was rather lacking the “Christmas spirit” this year, so my low rating is more of a reflection of me than the book.
December 15, 2025
This was a big improvement on Spines & Leaves. The prose was a lot more clear, and I found Joshua and Honey more compelling than Mercedes and Markus.
Overall, very cute and perfect to read at Christmastime.
Overall, very cute and perfect to read at Christmastime.
January 3, 2026
Just finished listening to this book on YouTube narrated by Christa DelSorbo. It was such a cute story. I'm interested to know where Milton goes on his next bookstore saving adventure and see if he does find love! I definitely recommend if you like Christmas love stories! ❤️
December 29, 2021
I loved this book!! I love to read so to have a book about a book store was fun! I enjoyed the characters and the conflict and resolution with a happy ending!!
October 19, 2023
We get to know Milton more in this next novella as he travels to another bookstore that is in desperate need of saving. Cute, faith-filled and quaint. Loved reading it
May 26, 2024
Light hearted fun. Loved it!
December 30, 2024
A great introduction to the Bookstrings series. I recommend reading the books in order. I am hoping Milton eventually gets his happily ever after.
March 4, 2025
A wonderful Christmas story.
This author is my current personal favorite because she writes things like this. Realistic, messy, honest, but clean, and challenging. Wow.
This author is my current personal favorite because she writes things like this. Realistic, messy, honest, but clean, and challenging. Wow.
March 6, 2026
It's a cute story, the FMC had to grow on me. The MMC in my opinion was a better man in the beginning of the story, but it was a cute love story.
January 18, 2024
Sweet novella. Perfect for Christmas time.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews