Blog + Review Tour: Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Healing Skye

Series: Coastal Hearts

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC

Release Date: December 16, 2021

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance

People can’t be trusted.

Animals always made more sense than humans did to marine biologist Skye Youngblood. After her mother’s suicide, she left Alabama and never looked back. These days, she pours her heart into protecting nature’s sea creatures. When she returns to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a temporary manatee migration study, her dark past is much too close. She can’t let her guard down. But how can she keep her heart hidden when a kind man with a genuine smile makes her want a fresh start?

Charter fishing pays the bills for widower Pete Thompson and his little girl, but like his father, a pastor, Pete can’t help but fish for men. Only, after growing up under constant scrutiny as a preacher’s kid, Pete’s ways are a bit more unconventional. And the bulk of his life revolves around raising his precious daughter.

When he witnesses the car wreck of a new marine biologist on the island, it doesn’t take a genius to see that more than just her physical pain needs tending. Pete feels called to help Skye find true healing, but he’s navigating dangerous waters. And he’s not at all sure he’ll walk away unscathed.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

EXCERPT

“Skye,” he whispered. “Look at me.” He cupped her cheeks, and she raised her eyes to his. “We’re all broken.”
Her gaze sought his. Searching. “What if I’m shattered beyond repair?”
“I wish I could take away your pain, but I’m just a man. God can heal our hearts. Your heart. He can lift us up and help us go on, despite what life or evil men dole out.”
“I hope you’re right.” Her hands covered his. “Because I’d like to…”
He shuddered at the slight touch. “You’d like to what?”
Her teeth caught her lip, and she dropped her gaze to his mouth. “I’d like to try.”
“I’ll let you take the lead.” He lowered his forehead almost to hers, so close her breath stroked his skin. “However you’re comfortable.”
Her face turned up, her look penetrating. Heat charged through him, but he didn’t dare move.
Hesitantly, soft lips brushed his, and her fingers feathered through his hair. His pulse thudded, and blood rushed in his ears. His thinking stalled as she took her time exploring his mouth with her kisses. Gently, he kissed her back, and all at once, with every single fiber of his being, he knew.
There was no turning back now. He was hopelessly in love with this woman. With Skye.

MY REVIEW

It takes a lot to trigger me, but when I am in a depressive state I have to be very careful about what I read. There are times when I think I can handle a certain subject matter, and dive in head first into a story, but then I read something and it causes me to revert back to a painful time in my life. Sadly, that’s what happened to me when I started reading Healing Skye.

I could relate to Skye more than I care to admit. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say I felt the pain and sorrow on an incredibly deep level, my heartstrings being tugged so tightly that it was almost physically painful. What Skye endured is real and me, and many others, have lived it firsthand. Because of these parallels, there were parts that I had to skim through for my own wellbeing, so just know that this novel can be triggering for some, the subject matter going deep.

In saying that, I was not a fan of Skye’s character. I know that she is guarded due to past trauma, but there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way, especially at the beginning, but watching her and Pete’s relationship grow redeemed her character in my eyes, and was a good reminder of what patience and love can do. Healing Skye shows a powerfully redemptive story, and is a wonderful reminder that you are never too broken for God to work in your life. I will never tire of reading redemptive stories like these!

Though this was a tougher read for me, I can appreciate good writing, deep character development, and a story that doesn’t shy away from tougher subject matter. Life is messy, but Healing Skye gives hope that no matter the trials of life, as long as you’re breathing your story is not over, and God can use it all for His good and His glory.

I am very thankful that I stuck it out, and was able to get past my triggers to enjoy this novel. I put it down feeling better than when I started, not having as deep of a depressed feeling, but instead feeling hope, and seeing a silver lining, and for that I am grateful.

My Rating: ★★★★

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award-winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Skye, a T-shirt supporting the Manatee Network, magnetic butterfly bookmarks, prayers to share, a creative Bible study journal, a magnet, and a seashell from the author!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 24, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited for JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.