Book Review and Giveaway- Stranded on Sparrow Author: Rachel Skatvold On Tour With Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Stranded on Sparrow

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 26, 2022

If His eye is on the sparrow, where does that leave her?

Lia Diaz’s life has become an illusion. Fired from her perfect job, she’s living a lie to avoid censure from her critical family. So when Lia gets a call about her nana’s recent fall, she heads to Nana’s house to help out and regroup.

Things are looking up until she discovers that her childhood refuge, Nana’s home on Sparrow Island, has been condemned in the wake of Hurricane Arley. Time to regroup—again.

Getting stranded on Sparrow Island while visiting the house was not in those revised plans.

After “rescuing” his niece and a motley crew of animals, some might say Zachary Nolan has a hero complex. Zachary never thought that he would live life as a single dad. However, as a web designer he is able to spend lots of time with Violet, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. A call for help when Lia gets stranded there sends him rushing to the rescue. That hero complex thing again.

A hero and his niece offer new hope to Lia—maybe God’s eye is on Sparrow Island after all.

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

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

When I first saw the beautiful purple shade of the cover for Stranded on Sparrow, I knew I wanted to dedicate the book to my older sister, Jenny. Purple is her favorite color and like the main character in my book, Jenny is a talented photographer. She has taken most of my author photos and also our family photos every year. She has a good eye for choosing the right lighting and pose to perfectly complement the people she’s photographing. When my youngest son was a toddler, no professional photographer could persuade him to smile for a picture, except Jenny.

Besides her photography, Jenny was a positive role model for me growing up. She taught me how to be independent, comfortable in my own skin, and willing to try new things. She was also the person who taught me how to do my makeup. Similar to Lia in my book, Jenny’s adventurous and spunky personality makes her a fun person to be with. Through funny movie quotes, inside jokes between us and much more, she always manages to make me laugh when we are together. I am blessed to have a big sister like her.

This book is also inspired by a verse from Mathew 10:29-31. The verse says, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

There is a song my mom used to sing at church when I was a child that still encourages me called, “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” It is comforting to know our Heavenly Father takes such good care of His creation and cares even more for us. Things will go wrong in life but we can have peace knowing God is in control and never abandons His children.

My Thoughts

Stranded on Sparrow is written by Rachel Skatvold. This is book 22 in the Independance Island Series. The series is written by multiple authors and are all tied together by the Independance Island theme. I have been fortunate enough to read the entire series thus far - and they are all amazing. While they can all be read as stand alone books, former characters make appearances through the whole series. 

Lia Diaz has been constantly comparing herself to her sister. She feels like a major disappointment of the family. She has lost her job  - and is on the brink of losing her apartment. When her sister calls because their grandmother has had a fall, Lia feels this is a time to regroup and reconvene the plan for her life. She always had such great memories on Sparrow Island spending time with her grandmother. However, her grandmother's house is being repaired after being damaged by Hurricane Arley. Lia is a little bummed to be on Hooper Island instead. 

Lia is wrestling with some self esteem and anxiety issues. Her character is relatable. How often have we felt lower than others around us. Lia feels like she has lost her faith and does not feel God is even listening anymore. Zach is a single dad and Nana’s neighbor on Sparrow Island. Nana has become an adopted grandmother to Violet. He is a likable character and is drawn to Lia. He is such a sweet caring man. He is strong in his faith - but has not always been that way. 

The author crafts a wonderful reminder of how God has created us in HIS image. He made us and did not make junk. The doubt that we have in ourselves and in our short fallings HE wants to help fill that void. It’s a beautiful reminder that God is the ultimate healer. 

I enjoyed being able to revisit the author’s previous characters. There is also a continuing storyline that comes through with previous characters. However, if you have not read it, the author recaps it beautifully. The deeper I get into the series, the more these characters have become friends. I have seen them grow and evolve through the series

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27

Texas Book-aholic, May 28

Inklings and notions, May 29

lakesidelivingsite, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

deb’s Book Review, May 31

Aryn the Libraryan, June 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4

Miriam Jacob, June 4

Blossoms and Blessings, June 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

She Lives To Read, June 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 7

Blogging With Carol, June 8

Sylvan Musings, June 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1e374/stranded-on-sparrow-celebration-tour-giveaway