Tuesday, November 17, 2020

About the Book

Book: Her Merriweather Hero

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 27, 2020

He just wanted a place to rest and recuperate.

She only needed a repairman to help fix up her beach house.

For marine sergeant, Tyler Banner, nothing could be further from the memories of his time in Iraq than the slow, easy pace on Merriweather Island. Taking up a job as a physical trainer serves to keep him in shape while he enjoys a little downtime. Making friends with the local vet—veterinarian,that is—on his morning jog is just a bonus.

When Kendall’s sister tricked her into recruiting Tyler’s help one day, she didn’t fortify herself against a breach to her heart. Making friends with the marine was easy, but helping him overcome the PTSD that holds him captive isn’t. As she picks her way across a minefield of memories and horrors Tyler endured, Kendall begins to hope he could be the man she’s prayed for.

Falling in love wasn’t in Tyler’s orders, but a new deployment to Iraq is. How can he convince Kendall not to go AWOL when she hears? What can he do to convince her that they’ll make it… together?

This “Merriweather book” is the fourth in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

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 inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on 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, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island 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

Her Merriweather Hero has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding stories I have written. Often when I am starting a new book, I immerse myself in the world-building process, which involves a lot of research and notetaking. This time around, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Celebrate Lit and the authors in the Independence Islands Series to map out these beautiful island stories. It has been an exciting journey so far.

This story was inspired by my parents who met through letters while my dad was in the Marine Corps. They both came from different backgrounds, with my mom being from Massachusetts and my dad from a small town in Iowa, but their differences didn’t stop them from falling in love. For Her Merriweather Hero, I used themes of opposites attracting, New England, and the Marine Corps from my parent’s love story.

Kendall is a young veterinarian who moves to the Independence Islands with her sister to start a new mobile clinic. There, she meets Sergeant Tyler Banner who is on medical leave after a tour overseas. She tries to avoid Tyler at first, determined to concentrate on making her business a success, but over time she can’t ignore the handsome military guy who keeps ‘accidently’ crossing her path. It doesn’t help he lives a few doors down from her fixer-upper beach house. Can she continue to try to ignore him or is it true that opposites attract?

This romantic island tale is also inspired by the verses from Hebrews 6:18-19 which describe God as our anchor. The characters feel tossed around by waves of difficulties at certain parts of the story, but He is always the anchor who keeps them secured.

MY REVIEW

I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying this series. Is it too much to ask for this place to be real? I want to live on the island and feel the breeze on my face. It would be nice to walk on the beach and hear the waves crash against the rocks. Each book in this series can be read alone, but I highly no insist that you read all of them. Some characters do make appearances in others books which make you feel like seeing family again.

This story focuses on two sisters who decide to come to the island and start a mobile vet clinic. Oh how I loved reading how the sisters had little spats but always seemed to find their way to forgive each other. Kendall is the oldest and has hopes that her sister will not back out of being her assistant at the clinic. There are some funny moments in the story when they first see the house that Kendall bought sight unseen. It is definitely a fixer upper and I chuckled when they realized how much work it needed.

Kendall’s sister sure can be stubborn at times. She still has trouble attending church after something happens that makes her angry at God. Just being on the island with Kendall may help her renew her relationship with God. One thing I really liked about her was how much she wanted to help Kendall grow her business. It is a great example of family working together and encouraging each other.

Tyler is my favorite character because he is kindhearted and willing to help others. I appreciated the author highlighting him as a marine. Seeing his friend pay the ultimate sacrifice makes him feel guilty. He doesn’t focus on his own injury but instead helps out his sister who was married to his best friend. I liked how the author talks about PTSD and shows how Tyler still needs to seek counseling to help him.

Guilt and fear seem to be a theme in this story. Some feel guilt over a loss while others fear of being hurt. The faith element is very good in the story and mentions several scriptures about these subjects. God doesn’t want us to live in fear. He wants us to trust Him and allow him to heal the pain and hurt we carry around. It’s a good story where love grows between two people. It won’t be easy for them but they will need to give God their burdens and let Him work out whatever obstacles they face. I loved how they Kendall tells Tyler she will wait for him to return . I want to say thank you to all who have served and still serve for our country. We appreciate your sacrifice to keep this nation safe from the enemy. I am hoping at some point in the series we catch up with Kendall and Tyler because I don’t feel like their story was complete.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Daysong Reflections, November 16

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 17

Inklings and notions, November 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 18

Joanne Markey, November 18

For Him and My Family, November 19

Emily Yager, November 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20