About the Book
Book: Corner Booth
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Release date:March 17, 2015
A rushed lunch and a bold move introduce Carlie to a stranger—one who hardly acknowledges her existence as he sits across from her, sharing his booth to save her a wait in a long line.
What began as a random encounter becomes a weekly date in which Carlie chatters about her life to a silent lunchmate. Much about him interests her–his slightly Euro fashion sense, his commitment to the work he does as he eats his lunch week after week, and his evident attention to the running monologue she shares between bites of meals that he inevitably pays for.
Dean gets to know the woman across from him–looks forward to their lunches each week, learns valuable lessons about himself—but when the cafe is threatened, and then when she doesn’t show up one day, he suspects their unusual friendship means more to him than he imagined.
Settle into the booth with Carlie and Dean and learn just how eloquent silence really is.
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"Corner Booth" by Chautona Having is a great book with unusual plot. I had to keep reading to see what would happen. This book reenforcing what we are studying in our Ladies Monday night Bible Study. We are learning to really listen to others without judging. This is exactly what Dean does for Callie.
More from Chautona
You know, originally, I had Dean as a guy who was too wrapped up in his own little world to care about anyone else—the stereotypical academic. I pictured him buried deep in original Biblical manuscripts, annoyed that anyone would dare to invade his study time.
But you know what? That’s the easycharacter.
When I went back to edit the book, I had this thought. What if Dean weren’t reclusive at all? What if he were kind of a know-it-all who couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself. Maybe a child prodigy who was used to people thinking him rather brilliant and looking for his insights.
Yeah… I could get into that.
There was just one small problem. I’d written the entire book without him talking much at all on those Wednesdays. Now what?
After much deliberation, even more prayer, and a bit of fudging, I came up with the solution. What if he just challenged himself for “one lunch?” Just one hour or so of not talking to prove to himself (and his peers) that he could do it.
How could he possibly know he’d set things up for months of wordless lunches—on his part? And what would a person learn in a situation like that?
I’ve never admitted this before, but I tested it a bit. At situations where I could, I forced myself to listen to people’s stories, their questions, their opinions. The hard part was not spending my listening time formulating my response (how rude anyway!). I really had to focus on exactly what they said, how their voice altered based on their emotions, and what others around us had to say to encourage (or not—too often not, I’ll admit).
I learned a lot with the experiment, and I’ll be honest. I still catch myself listening with an ear to how I’ll respond instead of really listening. No, I don’t expect to find some café romance for myself. My guy is amazing, and he’s probably the only person on the planet who could put up with me, so… I think I’ll keep him. But I do expect to keep learning how to really hear people. You know… kind of like Jesus did. Imagine that.
Blog Stops
Pause for Tales, May 9
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 9
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10
Lots of Helpers, May 11
Miriam Jacob, May 11
Texas Book-aholic, May 12
By the Book, May 13
Inklings and notions, May 14
Spoken from the Heart, May 15
For Him and My Family, May 15
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 16
deb’s Book Review, May 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18
Mary Hake, May 18
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 20
Blogging With Carol, May 21
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 21
Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1d735/corner-booth-celebration-tour-giveaway
Two little matchmakers could change everything…in this novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman.
Vannetta Chapman
is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of 39 full
length novels, plus various novella collections. She has written for
Abingdon Press, Harvest House Publishers, and Harper Collins Christian
Publishing. She currently writes for the Love Inspired line of Harlequin
Books. Chapman has received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol
Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and Christy Award finalist
(Anna’s Healing).
Would you like a shot of… death with that, sir?
Marji Laine
is a graduated home-schooling mom of four with two college students
staying in the nest for a little longer. She and her hubby of 34 years
also share their North Texas home with a rescue pup named Rosie. When
Marji isn’t editing or publishing the books for her authors at Write
Integrity Press, she indulges in penning her own mystery, suspense, and
romance novels. She loves acting in musical comedy, has directed many
stage productions, leads a high school Bible study and sings in her
church choir. She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, NASCAR to
football, Magnolia pie, white roses, green, and Hallmark Movies and
Mysteries. You can find her at her website: MarjiLaine.com
Speaking Life into Story
Seventeen-year-old
Joseph’s life is far from perfect. He does have his father’s favor and
trust, and the love of his younger brother Benjamin and sister Dinah.
What he does not have is the love of his ten older brothers. Embittered
by their father’s favor towards Joseph, his brothers take every
opportunity to spite him. Spurred to anger by their actions and
horrified by a threat made towards Benjamin, Joseph, overcome with fury,
tells them of his dreams – for his dreams show a future where they will
bow down to him.
Elizabeth Jacobson
is a middle-school math teacher in sunny California who loves the
Bible, fantasy, and science fiction. She got bit by the writing bug at
age thirteen and has been frantically putting words on pages ever since.
Her goal in writing is to share with the world the most important
message anyone can express: the Love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
One horrible misunderstanding. Two heartbroken people.
Originally from Australia, Joanne Markeynow lives in Ohio with her husband and seven children. When she’s not reading or writing, you might find her wandering the property with her kids in search of whatever seasonal treasure they’re trying to find.
Darkness is spreading through Zoura. Beyond the borders of the heathlands, innocent animals are being turned into monsters, and good men into pawns of the Dark One. Father has vanished after joining the Mighty Mercenaries and mother has gone missing in search of him.
Allen Brokkenis a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his blog https://www.allenbrokkenauthor.com.
A Journey She Did Not Choose Will Change Her Life Forever 
Karen Hancockhas won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.