About the Book

Book Title: Chasing Embers (Hart Ranch, Book 2)

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Romance / Contemporary Western

Release date: August 20, 2018

ANNABELLE HART thought owning the family ranch would be everything she ever dreamed of and more. The Montana wilderness has always flowed like blood through her veins, but she can’t understand why her heart feels so empty inside.

Three years after leaving Montana to become a wild land firefighter, COLTON BROOKS still dreams about the girl he left behind at Hart Ranch. He prays for her happiness, believing she deserves someone better than him, but doubts he will ever love again.

When their paths intersect again, will the embers of their past romance be rekindled, or will an unexpected disaster change life as they know it forever?

Click here to purchase 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 third book in her new Hart Ranch Series. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.

Guest Post from Rachel Skatvold

Chasing Embers is a sequel I have been excited to write since the release of Escaping Reality over two years ago. To be honest, while writing book one, I thought it would just be a standalone story and not part of a series. However, Logan’s strong-willed little sister, Belle, was determined to have her own story and I’m thrilled that she is finally getting one!

One of the theme verses from Chasing Embers is Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” In the story, the characters go through some trials that seem impossible to overcome. In order to keep their loved ones and the ranch safe, the Hart family must cling tightly to their faith and trust that God always keeps his promises. The events of the story also serve as a reminder that God can do mighty things through us if we allow him to.

Chasing Embers is a heartwarming tale of lost love, second chances and choosing to love even when it is difficult. Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice with Belle and Colton as you read their love story. To find out more about Chasing Embers by Rachel Skatvold, read the summary above.

My Thoughts

Chasing Embers is my first read of a Rachel Skatvold novel. I did enjoy this story overall, but wish I had read book 1, Escaping Reality, first so I would have had a better grasp of the characters. I do recommend reading book 1 before you sit down to read Chasing Embers.

I appreciate that God clearly takes center stage in the lives of the Hart family. I especially like how it is almost second nature for Belle to turn to God in every situation. She talks to God often, and not just for the BIG stuff. Belle’s constant turning to God throughout the course of the novel is a great reminder to me to take everything to Jesus. It’s really easy to go to Him for the big things in life, but sometimes I struggle to remember to discuss the mundane things as well. Belle is a good illustration of what a real relationship with God looks like.

One of the more dominate themes throughout this book comes from Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” Whenever things are repeated in the Bible, we should all stop and take notice because it means the topic is really important to God. Waiting has been a struggle for me since I was a small toddler. But, God says, “Wait,” so I need to wait. I need to remember, as Belle and Colton often do too, that God is the Boss, He’s in control, and all things will happen in His time. Again, this message is another great reminder!

My most favorite aspect of this story is Colton’s perspective as a firefighter. My father is a fire captain for Los Angeles County in California. I 100% respect firemen and the excruciatingly hard work they do to keep us safe. Here in California, we’ve been inundated by fires for a couple of months now. As just one example of the extreme working conditions our CA firemen are experiencing right now, my dad went to work on August 1st after his regularly scheduled days off and didn’t come home again until August 18th. Can you imagine working 18 straight days protecting strangers? I dislike immensely having to stay late at school for meetings. There’s no way I could fathom being in my classroom for 18 days straight. Bottom line, firemen are true heroes. These men and women absolutely deserve our respect. I really appreciate that Chasing Embers illustrates a small glimpse into the hardships, worries, and backbreaking/dangerous work our firemen deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I do have one small issue with this story. As individual characters, I enjoyed Belle and Colton. I found them to be well-written and believable. BUT, as a couple I struggled to buy in to their relationship and the theme of second-chance relationships. It is very clear that they are each other’s first love and they are “the ones who got away.” It is very clear that in the past they really loved one other. But, in the present part of the story, I struggled with the idea that they would become a couple. They have exceptionally bad communication skills, and they seem to be around each other very little over the course of the story. I didn’t feel the passion between them because they were so busy trying to get away from one another for various reasons. For me, if they could have had a bit more interaction with one another throughout the story I think I would have bought the happily ever after a little better.

Chasing Embers is a fast-paced and easy read filled with endearing characters, some very realistic fire/action scenes, and timely messages. If you are looking for an engaging Contemporary Christian Romance than Chasing Embers is definitely the book for you.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a $30 Amazon gift card!!

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/d1f3/chasing-emberscelebration-tour-giveaway

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BLOG STOPS

Reading Is My SuperPower, August 23

Among the Reads, August 23

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, August 24

The Christian Fiction Girl, August 25

Blossoms and Blessings, August 25

Bibliophile Reviews, August 26

Janices book reviews, August 27

Kat’s Corner Books, August 28

Daysong Reflections, August 28

Luv’N Lambert Life, August 29

Remembrancy, August 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 30

proud to be an autism mom, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Carpe Diem, September 2

A Baker’s Perspective, September 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 4

Bigreadersite, September 4