The fifth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series, Byrd’s Eye View sees Madeline back at home in Rockland and determined to stay out of trouble, although that’s not likely to happen, is it?
If everything looks so perfect, how does she know it’s all wrong?
Madeline just wanted to learn to develop her own pictures. It seemed an innocent enough pastime until she sees something in the developer’s tray that piques her meddlesome curiosity.
Now she’s on the hunt for clues to spare a man’s life, and she might just land her father in hot political waters while she’s at it.
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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.
My Review
Despite her valiant attempts to do so, Meddlin’ Madeline (one of my favorite heroines) cannot hold back her innately curious nature. The newest volume in the superb series is thoroughly engaging, entertaining and deftly pulls the reader into the deepening mystery that is afoot. Giving equal attention to matters of the heart, Byrd’s Eye View, has more than satisfied this unabashed fan of Meddlin’ Madeline and her cohorts. Thank you Chautona Havig for also giving us much to ponder as we thoroughly enjoy this latest adventure in the life of a wonderful young woman. Very highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
More from Chautona
It’s Like This Book Didn’t Want to Be!
It’s an hour and a half from my mother’s old house in Missouri to the Springfield airport—a perfect distance for plotting out a book. So, when I had to drive back to swap out rental cars, I decided to work on the early 2020 books. Up first… Madeline #5.
Often when I’m plotting out a new book, the first few minutes are kind of jumbled messes as I consider this plot point or that and get into a work flow, and that day was no exception. However, by the time I hit the interstate again, I’d done it. Madeline would learn how to develop pictures in this one. The plot would revolve around that new skill.
By the time I hit Noel, I’d really come up with a cool book idea. I was so excited. You have no idea. Then, as I passed Noel on my way to the hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, I stopped on the side of the road so I cold turn off the voice recorder and start working on another book.
The recorder was off. All my “brilliant ideas” were gone.
Sometimes, I wish I was a crier. It would have been appropriate right there. Just sayin’.Click To TweetDetermined to record the ideas all over again before I forgot them, I started the first few things, watching the recorder bars rise and fall with the inflection of my voice. It worked great.
The only problem was I couldn’t remember anything I’d come up with. Photography. That was it.
That’s when I called my friend and wailed.
Look, it had been a hard couple of weeks, a rough day, and now this. But, complaining about it offered enough catharsis that by the time I went back to Springfield the next week, I was able to record most of it again. Some of it was actually better.
Little hint: it usually is the second or third round of ideas.
By the time I’d finished, I knew what happened and what havoc it would cause, but not to whom or why. Enter Clark.
You know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that HERE—halfway down the pageish—and be assured that I didn’t do it).
So, just as I was getting into Byrd’s Eye View, Clark and I met up at Denny’s to figure out how to make all the elements I had work.
My one issue became another one. Why became totally different from anything I’d considered. Who became a great reason for it to make things tough on Madeline’s father, and a previous thing I’d thought was a bit excessive became more so… and more believable at the same time. How cool is that?
There was still one problem, though.
I wasn’t done with the book I needed to finish before I could immerse myself in this one.
And this book needed to be done yesterday.
Look, I had actually considered not doing this book until later in the year. For a few minutes, I wished that I had. But Madeline always comes out in February/March and I’d kind of like to keep it that way. So…
Despite losing my notes, having plotter’s block, having Clark upset everything I’d planned and making it better… again. It’s here. And I think it’s my favorite one yet. Who am I kidding? Of course it is!
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of all five paperbacks in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Blog Stops
Through the Lens of Scripture, March 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13
Texas Book-aholic, March 14
Daysong Reflections, March 15
Mary Hake, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 16
Inklings and notions, March 17
For Him and My Family, March 18
Betti Mace, March 19
deb’s Book Review, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
Godly Book Reviews, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 23
Carpe Diem, March 23
She Lives To Read, March 24
Bigreadersite, March 24
Lots of Helpers, March 25
Pause for Tales, March 26
janicesbookreviews, March 26
Rita Wray says
March 23, 2020 at 1:00 pmSounds like a great book.
Emma says
March 23, 2020 at 8:26 pmI’m really looking forward to reading the rest of this book!
Caryl Kane says
March 25, 2020 at 9:39 amWonderful review! This series sounds like a must read.
Carol says
March 26, 2020 at 9:47 amThis is a fantastic series! I’m looking forward to this book!