As part of the Independence Islands series, I looked forward to reading Flipping Hearts by Chautona Havig. I have to say this book lived up to my expectations. When a hurricane tears through the islands, many homes are damaged or destroyed. Broooks Craworth, of Hooper Island, agrees to let a television crew come in to help with repairs, believing the assistant who tells him they just want to help.

Brooks Craworth finds himself enraged by the lies told by the assistant, and anything the television show host does to improve it causes more problems and anger. When someone sets out to further destroy the relationship between the show’s crew and the island resident, Brooks and Bailey set out to find the real suspect. Add in getting to know some other side characters better, and I believe this book continues a perfect summer book to read. So check it out for yourself.

As an author, Chautona Havig creates books that draw me in and keep me reading. As part of the Indpendence Islands series, this book focuses on the idea of enemies to romance plot twist. Brooks Crawforth finds himself organizing repair crews after a hurricane. The business he runs with his father runs into some difficulties. Plus, he has to deal with Mallory Barrows and her television crew as they try to assist with repairs on the island.

I loved reading this book, so when I had the opportunity to review the audiobook, I looked forward to hearing Chautona Havig’s words come to life through the voice of Christa DelSorbo. This audiobook definitely lived up to my expectations. So if you enjoy audiobooks, check out this one for yourself. It is definitely worth hearing.

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

First off, I have to say, I am really beginning to appreciate all the awesomeness that Chautona Havig packs into almost any of her novels. Flipping Hearts is no exception. This novel is chock-full of Havig’s witticisms, humor, and quick and “modernized” Biblical references (ex: "God might as well have boomed out an audible “No!” from the heavens and physically opened the mouth of a random palm tree in a Balaam moment.”) Also, Havig has a knack for explaining Biblical concepts without being preachy, boring, or unnatural to the conversation. So I loved Flipping Hearts!

I started out listening to the audio version, provided by Celebrate Lit. The narrator, Christa DelSorbo, has a pleasing voice that varies according to character, accent, or action. All was good until my personal mental blocks came into play. After four chapters, I had to switch to the written version of the novel which I purchased myself. This is not a knock against DelSorbo. I just couldn’t concentrate on the book as I listened, but was distracted easily and missed many important facts of the story in those chapters. Also, I prefer to draw my own mental pictures of characters, and I had trouble with the “voice” of Brooks. To me, it sounded like an older man, not a young, eligible bachelor. I decided I could read visually and retain much more than I could by continuing to listen. Please, if you are not a strict visual learner as I obviously am, give this audiobook a try. I am certain many will adore the work DelSorbo has done.

I must say, I am not a big contemporary romance fan. But written by Havig, this story about two different island couples was irresistible to me! I certainly followed the red herrings provided and had the wrong perpetrator fingered most of the book. I felt the conflicts were very believable, not the kind where you say, “They just need to talk!”

Such a great contemporary romance. Don’t miss it, whether on audible or in writing!

Lots of Notable Quotables.

“real allure comes from deep within. It can’t be faked like eyelash thickness or color. It comes out because of who you are.”

“…when you say people are basically good and understanding at their core, you are saying that they don’t need Jesus, then. God says people’s hearts are wicked and sick.”

“So maybe it’s like how God made humans in His image? So, we’re like Him in that way. We can do good stuff because a good God made us, but that doesn’t excuse the bad stuff we think and do?” ( )

What I think you should know:
Flipping Hearts by Chautona Havig is the fourteenth book in the Independence Island Series and the first book set on Hooper. The series is contemporary Christian fiction set on a fictional Island chain off the coast of Georgia, USA. This book features several characters from previous books, such as Mallory and Benjamin. The main storyline for this book includes Brooks, an Islander and Bailey who arrives on the Island after a Hurricane to help with cleanup and restoration.

What I think about this book:
As someone who occasionally gets sucked into home renovation and house flipping tv series I will admit that this book was super intriguing to me, however I had never thought about what it would be like if the neighbors didn’t actually want them there at all. Havig created a fascinating story about a new Christian trying to find her way when it seems like the world is throwing everything it can at her to reverse course. Brooks is trying to redeem himself from the mistakes of his past. This was such a fun read, I enjoyed the story and the mystery of who is sabotaging Bailey. I also enjoyed catching up with Benjamin and Mallory and am more anxious than ever for their story and their happily ever after!

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

As part of the Independence Islands series, I looked forward to reading Flipping Hearts by Chautona Havig. I have to say this book lived up to my expectations. When a hurricane tears through the islands, many homes are damaged or destroyed. Broooks Craworth, of Hooper Island, agrees to let a television crew come in to help with repairs, believing the assistant who tells him they just want to help.

Brooks Craworth finds himself enraged by the lies told by the assistant, and anything the television show host does to improve it causes more problems and anger. When someone sets out to further destroy the relationship between the show’s crew and the island resident, Brooks and Bailey set out to find the real suspect. Add in getting to know some other side characters better, and I believe this book continues a perfect summer book to read. 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. ( )

Chautona Havig, the author of Flipping Hearts, turns Hooper Island on its heels when a national renovation show invades the island for makeovers.

I can not think of anyone better to write this edition of the Independence Islands book series. Havig has an unmatched knack for writing faith-themed, romantic, whodunnit comedic stories.

Brooks Crawforth and Bailey Barrett have a lot to work through because they clash from the moment they meet. Brooks feels misled, and Bailey is doing all she can to remedy the situation. What more could go wrong?

I enjoyed the curve thrown into the story with the underhanded villain who sabotages the work on the island. I also enjoyed catching up with old friends. Don’t despair if you haven’t read the other books in the series because Flipping Hearts works well as a standalone.

Take a trip to the Independence Islands, specifically Hooper Island, for your Labor Day-or any day-beach read.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own. ( )