Austin Gaines grew up knowing two things—he was born to be a professional bull rider and marry Laina Olsen, the girl next door. Achieving his dreams ends up being the easy part, but keeping hold of them proves impossible when an addiction tears his life apart. Years later and back on the right track, Austin finds himself only eight seconds away from winning the championship, but there’s just one problem. He can only think about the love he let slip through his fingers six years ago. Will a grand gesture on live television help him win back his wife’s heart? After six years of waiting, Laina is ready to let Austin go. Her strong-willed cowgirl heart has always helped her survive before, so Laina believes she could start a new life without him. However, she is blindsided when Austin shows up on her television screen, giving a sign he still loves her. Will eight seconds bring them back together or end in disaster? You’ll be on the edge of your seat while reading this suspenseful and romantic stand-alone tale in the Whispers in Wyoming Series, focusing on faith, redemption and second chances.
Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author of over a dozen books and a 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 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.
I was given this book by the author for my honest review and that’s what I will be giving, my honest review...
A Forgetful Heart by Rachel Skatvold is a beautiful Christian Romance. I didn’t believe she could beat her last book Guardian of Her Heart, but she has outdone herself. A Forgetful Heart is a beautiful, coming-back-together of a couple who love one another terribly and doesn’t want to be apart, but have found themselves exactly there. Laina is a strong, tender, Godly woman waiting and hoping and trusting God that Austin will find his way back to her and find his way to God. I truly loved this book. We all could learn from A Forgetful Heart.
A Rodeo Bull Rider, A Rancher, and A Chance For True Love Forever
Alaina and Austin were childhood friends, growing up on ranch. They rode horses, fished in the farm pond, and enjoyed each other's company. As they reached their teen years, it came naturally that they began doing things together, began dating, and finally married. Austin became a rodeo star, riding the huge bulls that were bucking and trying to throw him off so they could stomp him. Sometimes he rode the bull without a problem. Sometimes the bull won and tried his best to stomp. Over time, Austin had been on pain medication enough times that he liked the way he felt when on them. He had become addicted.
Alana tried to get him to stop using the drugs. We did not like the way they affected him. Three years after they were married, she left him and filed for divorce. They spoke at times and he wanted her to come back. He refused to gives up the drugs. She went ahead with the divorce , and after six years finally gave up on attempts at reconciliation. Then the bull got his revenge on Austin and injured him severely. He was tossed about, slammed to the ground, and stomped into th ground.
Alaina's friend and employer was watching the rodeo on TV and alerted Alaina to the accident at the rodeo. She gets in her pick-up and heads for the hospital, several hours way. She sits at his bedside for hours and he finally begins to regain consciousness. He awakens, but is on narcotics and will have to overcome his need for them. The divorce goes through and he will need to be clean of drugs before they will consider remarriage.
There is so much more. Get the book and see what happens.
Disclosure: I did receive a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I do love Skatvold's stories. They have a good balance between drama (without being too heavy or too mawkish) and flow with an uplifting ending. The characters are believable and face real-life issues (which I appreciate since books in this genre tend to be a bit "hallmark"-ish).
On any average day, you can catch me reading an epic or urban fantasy. So, "A Forgetful Heart" was a wonderful reprieve and a reminder that hope exists and redemption is always possible.
Only one downside, the dialogue can be a bit too "on the nose", but remains far better than other average romance novels.
On a more personal note, Rachel is just a wonderful person. I had the privilege of narrating another one of her works. She was always pleasant, professional, and understanding.
So, if you're looking for something positive in your life then, pick up a copy of "A Forgetful Heart".
In this suspenseful, romantic, stand-alone of faith, redemption and second chances, Austin Gaines grew up knowing he was born to be a professional bull rider and marry Laina Olsen, the girl next door. Achieving his dreams ends up being easy, but an addiction tears his life apart. Years later and back on the right track, Austin is eight seconds away from winning the championship, but he has let his love for Laina slip through his fingers six years ago. Can a grand gesture on live television help him win her heart again? After waiting six years, Laina is ready to let Austin go. Laina believes she could start a new life without him. She is blindsided when Austin shows up on her television screen, giving a sign he still loves her. Will they find their way back together, or will they end in disaster?
I chose to review an advance readers copy given to me.
Beautiful Story of Second Chances, God’s Plan and Love
This was a fast read but was very interesting all the way. The characters were realistic and endearing. It was a beautiful romantic story of how God works people’s lives and how He brings about second chances for those who believe in him.
Austin Gaines wants to become a famous bull rider and marry his long time love Laina Olsen. When they move away and get married, they leave everything behind. Marriages suffer trials and tribulations and Austin and Laina's were no exception. This is a fantastic hard to put down book! Faith, love, and second chances at romance!!
A story explaining that a person with God help can have a second chance. References Bible verses. Lots of forgiveness. If you like a story directly referencing a relationship with God as a way to turn your life around this is worth the read.
This is such an amazing series! I love seeing how God works in these characters lives. I would definitely recommend this series/book! I have many times.
This was my introduction to Rachel Skatvold, and it made me wonder why I waited to read her books. An awesome story about love, second chances, and the power of God. I loved it!
this was a good story. Lots of hidden drama going on. I love how they always had some sort of inner turmoil about their love and finally admitted it. I love this series,although it can be read as a stand alone book.
Great story!! I enjoyed the theme of forgiveness and love.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Very well done faith based contemporary western romance with a great story line. The editing (except for a couple of misspelled words) was good. This was an easy read with characters that were sincere and noteworthy. The religious aspect added strength to the story without lecturing or preaching and enhanced the story line.
The main characters obviously loved each other, even after being torn apart by addiction. The redemption of the H was inspiring and this formed the basis for the reconciliation between the H and h. The h was a loving, strong, independent woman. I want a Copper!
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I'm really enjoying watching God work in their lives as they get their HEA. I loved Laina and Austin’s story. They had much to overcome which made for a really great read.
Sometimes love is even more special the second or third time. This beautiful story is a great example of how sometimes hard times bring the biggest blessings.