Chautona Havig writes books that remain some of my favorite books. The setting of New Cheltenham brings this series of books to life. I dreamed of a happily, ever after for Mitchell and Brenna. Plus, the fact Brenna homeschools her younger sister Lauren draws me into the story even more.

I found myself caught up in this story as much as earlier stories including these characters. This book provides the perfect quick read for the holidays with the twist of a groom left at the altar, a bride who still wants to marry him, and the bride’s little sister who meddles.

While this book is part of a series, I feel it could be a stand-alone book as well. So check it out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Ghosted at the Altar is a contemporary romance novella by Chautona Havig. It is the third story in the New Cheltenham Shopkeepers series, and although it could be considered a stand-alone, I'd recommend reading the first one as I think it would add more depth and background to the story. The author does a great job of keeping the reader wondering why in the world would a bride run away just as she is to walk down the aisle. And then wondering is it the end of that relationship, or will Brenna be able to face her fears and return to Mitchell? I love the character of Lauren, the teenaged sister. She just takes the situation in hand and is determined to see her sister get married. Set around the Christmas season, Ghosted at the Altar is a fun and quick read. Readers who enjoy quirky characters, holiday stories, and a sweet romance will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit, and I was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour. ( )

Ghosted at the Altar is a Christmas romance story written by Chautona Havig. This is a well written story that brings back characters from the earlier stories in the series. So it is best to read them in the order the author suggests below to get the full story.

The story opens with Mitchell waiting at the altar for Brenna to walk through the doors, but no one is opening the doors and she flees. Both admit they love each other and want to eventually get married. With her sister’s help, he is able to understand what caused her to flee.

This is a fun story to read. I enjoyed the humor written in with the character of the girls’ aunt. Brenna’s sister is my favorite character in this story. She has so much energy and wants to help others so much. Her love for others shines through the story. This is a nice story of having faith in and supporting others as they work through things in their past.

I received an ebook copy of this story from the author through Celebrate Lit, this is my honest review. ( )

I honestly wasn’t sure what to think of Ghosted at the Altar by Chautona Havig for much of the story. Brenna flees her wedding to Mitchell but still loves him and wants to marry him? There’s a very unusual premise.
What made me like this novel was its ending. All of the sudden, I ”got it.” What had previously made little sense to me before, now made perfect sense. A literary coup d’etat as Brenna, Mitchell, and Brenna’s sister, Lauren, travel from the botched wedding to the finale. Havig took me from incredulity to applause. I do wish some of the characters had more openly shared their feelings. Unfortunately, many times people choose not to be transparent, and life truly is as messy as the novel.
Lauren was an amazing character. She often seemed to be the one in the ”mothering” position of the two orphaned girls, although she was only fourteen.
I also loved finding out just exactly why Aunt (gimme) Mercy was called that. Hilarious!
I received a copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, and all opinions are my own. ( )

I am laughing at myself right now because I had no idea what ghosted and marriage had in common. Silly me not knowing that someone was about to be left awkwardly in front of everyone at the altar. The author delivers a funny story complete with a very opinionated teenager. Wait I take that back. She seemed more mature than the bride and groom in this story. While I liked Brenna and Mitchell, my heart went to Lauren.

I loved her attitude and determination to get these two silly people married off. Something caused Brenna to bolt but what was it? The story is lighter than most of the authors books, but it was just what I needed to lighten my gloomy mood. Things that seem so hard to talk about to others is exactly what needed to happen in this story. Oh there is much miscommunication and unsaid words that crescendo to a big mess.

Mitchell is left wondering why Brenna suddenly changed her mind sheer seconds before taking her graceful walk down the aisle. The decorations are all in order, the food is ready to serve and I Do’s are about to be declared. In a split second we have a runaway bride. Now it might seem like this is a short funny story, but just beneath the surface is the meaning for all to glean from . Forgiveness is the key in this story. Brenna does something she instantly regrets. How will she be able to explain to Mitchell why she ran? My big question was who is Charlie and how does he play into the story?

I did walk away from this story with a lesson on forgiveness. We also see the ugliness of pride and how it can turn someone bitter. I have to say what I liked the most was how a young woman of fifteen became the voice of reason and wanted the best for everyone. Do we overlook teenagers at times because we think they are too young to understand adult issues? Well shame on us for not looking past a stigmatism in the world and not look at the heart . I just got schooled on being judgmental about youth and I want to change that.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )