Those of you who are fans of Janet W. Ferguson‘s Coastal Hearts series are going to love Skye Youngblood’s story in Healing Skye. Okay, even if you haven’t read any of Janet’s books, if you like contemporary romance with more substance than fluff, you will want to get this book. Wonderful coastal setting, hurting but hopeful characters, and a message of redemption all make this book a recommended read!
People can’t be trusted.
Animals always made more sense than humans did to marine biologist Skye Youngblood. After her mother’s tragic death, 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.
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. 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.
My Impressions:
Summers often call for contemporary romance reads. If the book has a beach-y vibe, all the better. Healing Skye, a standalone novel in Janet W. Ferguson’s Coastal Hearts series, fits the bill. It is set on Dauphin Island and features Skye, a manatee researcher on temporary assignment. Her introduction to the area doesn’t start so well and causes her to depend on people to get her bearings. Skye has serious trust issues, which as you discover her past, you don’t blame her! She is constantly thrown together with Pete, who is the widowed dad of a young girl. His faith is an anchor for him, and he spends his time fishing for, well, fish (he’s a charter boat captain) and for men. I really liked these two characters, along with the secondary characters that facilitate the story. As I said, trust is hard-won with Skye, and I kept rooting for Pete to get past her defenses. I also liked that Pete, and Skye’s “mother” Miss Lydia hear God’s voice and act on it. Their example goes a long way in prompting Skye to listen for His voice. The romance is sweet, but the spiritual message is this book’s strength. A tie-in to Star Rising was an added bonus. Specific to the audiobook — the narrator did an excellent job. The pacing was perfect.
If you are looking for a contemporary romance to tuck into the pool bag, Healing Skye is an excellent choice. Real and relatable characters, tough issues, and a strong spiritual message make this a novel with depth and heart.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the audiobook. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thank you! So happy you enjoyed ti!