Amy and Kensi at Character Cafe

Good morning, Eve. Oops, I mean Kensi. It’s hard to get used to using your other name. It’s really neat to see you making changes in your life, though. I hope you’ll be able to move on…

Thanks, Amy. After six years of being in survival mode after my fiancé died, when my bestie Ezra asked me to come help her with her book boat, I jumped at the chance to live in a seaside paradise.

Wow! Talk about a dream job — a bookstore in the water is very cool. It’s wonderful that Ezra’s father is in your life now to pray with you and advise you as well.

Yes. And wouldn’t you know, the man my best friend is soon to be engaged to is a counselor. And guess who needs counseling… [raises hand] Me!

You were very reluctant to start counseling, but I guarantee that you’ll be happy you went. And what a about the handsome bird watcher you ran into after a counseling session…

Simon… He’s a charming diamond-in-the-rough sort. He’s growing on me… but he asks too many questions, and he turns up where I happen to be way too often. I’m not sure if he is a creeper or if it’s just a coincidence.

Oh, I can vouch that it’s neither — which you’ll discover for yourself in time. Simon is a newish Christ-follower and is quite transparent about his struggles with giving up habits such as cursing. But he has a great heart and he will protect you. It’s safe to trust him, Kensi.

Well, after losing one love tragically, I’m not interested in putting myself out there again romantically. It’s hard for me to even see Ezra in love, and to be helping set up a [stops abruptly and puts hand over mouth]

Thanks for stopping before you spilled the beans. We don’t want to spoil any surprises. Let’s talk about menu items I think you will enjoy.

Good idea!

I enjoyed sitting in on some of your meals with Simon and others. Steak appears to be something you all like — whether it’s beef or tuna. So, I’ve picked out a breakfast steak dish and a tea that represents the dressing that Simon makes.

Garlic Steak Strata

https://girlcarnivore.com/web-stories/garlic-steak-strata-story/

Oh, and I had to add a bonus treat since I’d never heard of panikeke prior to reading your story.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/212389/samoan-panikeke/

This tea reminds me of your island and of the salad dressing Simon made! https://us.palaisdesthes.com/en_us/coral-garden

All three menu items sound delicious! Thanks for having me, Amy.

You are so welcome. Readers if you like a fast-paced and suspenseful love story set in a paradise location, make sure you read Trust Fall.

Book: Trust Fall

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 30, 2024

Protecting her without her knowledge might get them both killed.

Grief has held Eve “Kensi” Kensington captive long enough. Determined to move on after the death of her fiancé six years ago, Kensi moves to St. Alyn to help Ezra with the new boat book business. That there’s a great therapist on the island is just a bonus.

When the West Coast Agency learns that the former fiancée of a deceased informant is under the radar, Simon Garver is tasked to protect her—without her knowledge, if possible. Great. Listening in on her therapy sessions might be the worst thing he’s ever had to do as an agent.

Nope… scrap that. Falling for his client takes the cake.

When Kensi learns Simon has been keeping secrets from her, she’s done. Too bad the arrival of a guy sent to “take care of her” means she needs him. She’ll cooperate until she’s safe, toss the trust exercises her therapist has insisted on in the trash, and get back to her job on Ezra’s boat.

If only her heart would listen to the plan…

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.