What I think you should know:
Returning to Breakers by Rachel Skatvold is part of the Independence Island Series and the fourth book set on Breakers. The series is contemporary Christian fiction set on a fictional Island chain off the coast of Georgia, USA. This book does give updates on characters in previous books so for fullest enjoyment I would not recommend that you start with this book. This book features Tiffany Hill who has been in several of the previous books as well Kendall and Tyler.

What you might need to know:
Tiffany’s husband was killed in action prior to the start of this book.

What I think about this book:
We were introduced to Liam, who arrived after over 15 years away from the Island. He returns with a lot of guilt and anger. His story was an interesting twist I was not expecting. After watching Tiffany and her children in the previous books, I was very intrigued to see how her story unfolded. It was interesting to see her navigate love, grief and guilt. Skatvold has done a wonderful job of creating characters who are realistic and captivating. I am not ready for this series to end, I have fallen in love with the characters, laughed with them, cried with them and waited to see where the story takes them. I love how the author brought together all of the characters from the previous books to rally around Tiffany and show her love. This was the perfect ending to this part of the series. I look forward to reading more of Skatvold’s works in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

In Rachel Skatvold's final contribution to the Independence Islands Breaker's Head series, I enjoyed getting to know Tiffany Hill and Liam Hadler. Each character had to overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. However, the book unequivocally demonstrates that with God, anything is possible.

The narrative highlights family, faith and the kindness and generosity of close friends. Anyone would love to get to know the island's residents and become friends with them.

Returning to Breakers, despite being a novella in a collection, can be read independently, as can the other works in the same series. (It was also fun to catch up with characters from other books in the series, too.)

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own. ( )

Returning to Breakers by Rachel Skatvold, is the 28th book in the Independence Island Series, the fourth of Breakers Point. This is a series that is being written by six different authors and covers five different island. This is a nice stand alone story, but it does have characters from earlier books, so it is best to read them in order. In this story we reunite with Tiffany, her brother Tyler and his girlfriend, Kendal.

Tiffany inherited her parents’ store and has been working very long hours to keep it going, while others care for her children. When she finally confides in Kendal, Kendal and Tyler send her and her children away for a relaxing vacation. At the same resort her high school boyfriend, Liam, staying. After being gone for 16 years, Liam has returned to the island but has a difficult time going to see his father.

This is such a sweet story. I enjoyed reading of how even when Tiffany and her children were away, her friends and family checked up on her and how they helped her out. This is a great story that shows friends and family want to help, if they are just given the chance. It also shows the importance of communication. This is also a great story of second chances, not just for Tiffany and Liam, but also for Liam and his father. .

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )

"Returning to Breakers" by Rachel Skatvold continues the Independence Islands series, which includes six authors writing about people on five different islands. One of the things I love about this series is how all of the stories connect, and characters you grow to know reappear. In this story, we discover how Tiffany Hill, a Marine widow, finds herself raising three children and recognizing that her dream job of running the family business has become a burden. As a military spouse, I could appreciate the struggles she has to deal with, such as figuring out how to balance life, work, and children. But I recognize my blessing in my husband still being alive.

Tiffany is blessed with family and friends who love her and bless her in so many ways. If you enjoy reading books that include mentions of amazing desserts, this book is perfect for you.

Liam Hadler, Tiffany’s long ago sweetheart, returns to the islands after a call with his mother. He finds himself struggling with the past, including whether he should attempt to reconcile with his father. Through the pages of this book, he discovers that sometimes what we believe about people and events are not necessarily the truth, and sometimes what we believe is important turns out to be wrong.

Moreover, second chances sometimes give us more than we ever hoped or dreamed of if we just step out in faith and believe God knows what is best for us.

So I recommend checking out this book along with all the books in the series. While you may read this book on its own, you will lose something by not reading the books in order. So check out this book and series for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I am sad that this is the author’s last contribution to this series. I love visiting the island and getting reacquainted with the characters. The authors that write this series are very good at having different characters from each others books make appearances in their book. I was excited to see two characters in particular in this book and how the author brings their story to a close.

Our focus in this story involves two people that knew each other back in high school. Tiffany has really been busy raising three children alone, coping with her husband’s death and running the family store. I had to laugh at the cash registers used because I can remember them when I was a checker at a grocery store when I was a teenager. They jammed all the time and was so frustrating to use. Tiffany is overwhelmed with employees not showing up and it puts her having to stay later to close up. I think she needs a much needed break.

Liam has come back to see his father and hopefully repair their relationship. He still holds some bitterness but knows that it is time to make amends. You can feel the chill in the air as he arrives at his father’s home. I don’t think Liam knew just how ill his father is until he talks to his doctor. His dad needs a kidney transplant and Liam is determined to be the donor. How will he convince his father to let him do this without a fight?

The author brings Liam and Tiffany together in a unique way. Tiffany is blessed with a mini vacation for her and her children at the resort where Liam is staying at. After sixteen years Liam’s first eye contact is with Tiffany having green goop on her face. The details of this encounter is a little funny and I enjoyed them getting to see each other again.

Tiffany struggles with letting others help her but as she spends time praying she realizes that God is teaching her to let others help her and spend less time worrying about everything. It can be hard for us sometimes to admit we need help. Once we let go of our pride, we can start to see God’s direction for our lives.

Liam’s lesson is understanding that he not only needs to forgive his father but God as well. We all have asked the question, “Why did God allow this to happen?” For Liam it was seeing his parents divorce that had caused him to become angry. I liked how the author illustrates forgiveness and how important it is to get rid of bitterness. The ending is beautiful and shares new beginnings for several characters.

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