I know I've said it before, but I really like the Independence Islands series! It's one of the fictional places that I wish I could visit in real life. I have also always wanted to ride a ferry.

This book in the series is about a young lady Kendall, who along with her younger sister Carly, starts a mobile veterinarian business on Merriweather Island. Their brother, who also loved animals, had died unexpectedly sometime previously and, in honor of him, Carly became a veterinarian assistant. Carly is somewhat of a party girl, mostly because she is newly free and independent and like most young people, wants to have fun. Kendall is several years older (and wiser) and has her hands full: "Tyler had let her down, Carly was being a jerk, her mother was still breathing down her neck even from hundreds of miles away and now she'd have to spend more money she didn't have on roof repairs."

Tyler is a very strong and loyal man -- loyal to his sister's family and the memory of his brother-in-law who was killed in action. Tyler was injured in the same battle that killed his brother-in-law and came home to recover, care for his sister and her family, and get ready to go back into the military in order to finish what he started. He and Kendall both are very high-character people, very admirable. However, due to a real-to-life conflict, neither are sure if they will continue being a couple.

Besides the characters and the settings, I also enjoyed the faith element of this book.

"Yeah, I guess the image of the anchor really stuck with her. She said of all the people who'd tried to talk to her about God, your explanation made the most impact. I believe it, too. Whatever life throws our way or whatever storm comes to wreak havoc in our lives, God is always there holding on to us. He'll never let us go, no matter what."

That quote is a great reminder! Later it proves to be an encouragement to Kendall:

"But that isn't going to stop me from doing what I know is right. Know why?" She looked up at him again, fighting tears. 'Why?' 'Because I know a God who's bigger than my fear. He's my anchor and protector.' "

And then later:

"We can't control what the future holds. That's up to God. But we can make the most of every moment He gives us."

Celebrate Lit offered me the opportunity to receive this book and review it. I'm glad I did! Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!

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.