Wednesday, April 26, 2023

About the Book

Book: Wheeler’s Design

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: March 28, 2023

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?

Sabrina Wheeler, single mom and business owner, won a scholarship to expand her pottery studio on Luamua Island. Now, she can finally have the career and life she’s been praying for. The scholarship includes a mentor, and Sabrina is anxious to make a good impression.

For Chad Berkley, an impromptu business trip to the Suamalie Islands couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Aside from it triggering his OCD personality, he also has important obligations in Yorkshire, and being absent for a month was not in his plans. The new assignment is an honor, however, and a huge step up in his career. He can’t risk disappointing his boss now.

But then he sees Sabrina. After their brief meeting at the business conference, he hasn’t stopped thinking of her. How had he missed that she is the business owner he’s been sent to mentor? Talk about distractions on his first big assignment. Will he be able to push his personal feelings aside and keep his focus on business?

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!

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Sabrina Wheeler’s life has not gone quite the way she imagined. As a single mom, waitress, and in-home art studio owner with many responsibilities, she often wonders how her life could have gone if she’d taken a different path. After attending a small business convention and winning a scholarship to launch her mobile art studio, Sabriana sees her path shifting. Could this signal a new beginning for her? Find out in Wheeler’s Design.

Wheeler’s Design is inspired by the verse, Isaiah 64:8. “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.”

During hard times we can all feel as though our lives resemble lumps of discarded clay. Yet, the truth is, we are God’s masterpiece in progress. He is still molding and shaping us into what we are meant to be. He will never discard us if we are His children.

During high school, I discovered a love for making pottery. While learning the art, it amazed me clay can be recycled over and over if the project doesn’t turn out right. It only has to be dried out a little and wedged until all the air bubbles are out before it can be molded into something new. As a busy homeschool mom and author I don’t have as much time for art, but it is still something I enjoy and have taught my children how to throw a pot on our pottery wheel at home. This special experience with my kids provided the inspiration for the relationship between Sabrina and her daughter, Hazel, who both share a love for making pottery.

Thank you for following the celebration tour for Wheeler’s Design. Please remember to follow the blog stops this week and don’t forget to enter in the giveaway!

MY REVIEW

This story introduces us to Sabrina and Chad. There are some cameos from other characters from the previous series that add a bit of excitement. I loved how the author brings Chad to the islands where Sabrina lives and helps her see her dream of having her own shop come to life. I was able to really connect with Sabrina as she becomes a vital part of the story. The islands sound so nice and I love how you feel like you are there enjoying the scenery. I did have to go get some pineapple while reading the book though. You will understand why when you enjoy this wonderful adventure.

Let’s talk about Sabrina and her past a little. Her life was changed the minute she decided to let her guard down and go against what she knew was wrong. From that came a blessing of a wonderful child named Hazel. What we discover is how Sabrina was abandoned by the father as well as others and left to raise her daughter on her own. It is evident that Hazel is loved and has turned into a beautiful young girl with values and faith.

I loved how Sabrina is blessed with a scholarship to have a pottery shop on wheels. I enjoyed learning more about pottery and how much work it takes to make something. Sabrina’s knowledge is evident and her enthusiasm is contagious as Chad helps her design her new shop. What I found endearing was how Sabrina felt comfortable around Chad and allowed him to become acquainted with her daughter.

Chad has a lot going on with his mum being ill and now taking on the task of helping Sabrina. Leaving London to take on this new responsibility is challenging for him but I liked how his confidence was reinforced by his boss and Sabrina. Don’t miss the added bonus of seeing who Chad’s boss is and how generous he is to everyone. Chad is charming and easy to like with his positive attitude.

The story does have a few emotional moments that are important to mention. Without giving any details away be looking for a moment where forgiveness is illustrated. Oh how I loved the way the author shared this important scene that made me cry. I will never forget this from the book which says, “Holding on to bitterness is the worst kind of poison. It steals your life away.”

The other scene I will briefly mention is a moment where someone jumps to conclusion about a situation that almost causes a missed opportunity of happiness. We sometimes see a situation in the wrong way and pass judgment. This part in the story is significant because it allows us to see how we need to give grace and trust those we care about. I loved this story and found it to be very well written.

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