Returning to Breakers

Independence Islands: Breakers Head #4

by Rachel Skatvold

Sometimes God’s “why” comes too late… and just in time.

Tiffany Hill is a master at concealing her emotions. She can’t admit she has her own questions about God—like why He allowed her Marine husband to die in action. A single mom with three children to care for and the general store on Merriweather to run leaves little time for philosophizing. She has more pressing issues to deal with. Like how her dream of running the family business has become a burden.

Is keeping the business afloat even worth the effort anymore?

After high school and an unfortunate falling out with his father, Liam Hadler left Breakers Head, determined never to look back. He failed on that one, and one of many regrets was leaving his high school sweetheart behind to chase an impossible dream.

When his mother calls after his father suffers a stroke, Liam has a tough decision to make. Will he return to a place he’s avoided for sixteen years, and is making amends with his father even possible?

A chance encounter with Tiffany after so many years never occurred to him, but memories of their time together rekindles something he thought he’d lost. What’ll it take to persuade her to give him a second chance?

This Breakers Head novel is Rachel Skatvold’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, too, am returning to the charming Independence Islands to catch up with some island friends. First loves--most people have one but move on to the next more mature love. Tiffany, a widow with three children, encounters a love from years post. How does she catch up while holding onto the hurts of Liam leaving?
Life never has just one hurdle at a time. Usually they are in a long line, begging for attention. You determine which one is most important. Do you pick the easiest one or the more difficult? And most important, do you involve God in the formula?
Travel to Breakers to find out Tiffany's choice.
Bravo, Rachel!

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved what Rachel did with this book. It's like a mini-reunion of the beloved characters from each of her books, and especially of Tiffany and Kendall's stories--how they contrast and parallel. Love and forgiveness mingle in many ways until we end up with a happily-ever-after we've been waiting for.


Full disclosure--I am one of the authors in this multi-author series and therefore my opinion may be biased (although I doubt that would stop me from admitting I didn't like something), still... take my .02 with... well, a nickel's worth of sense. or is that cents...?

[Lila Diller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute second chance romance with faith woven in. I felt that this one was a bit scattered, as it brought in the perspectives of other couples we've already met in the series but didn't focus only on Tiff & Liam's story. I also felt that the crucial scenes were resolved way too easily. I know it's a novella, and I love novellas, but this one felt like it should have been longer. I guess that's a good thing, right?

Favorite quotes:
“Regrets encircled his heart and squeezed, like relentless jellyfish tentacles.” (ch 4)

“'Anyway, I was determined to accept aging gracefully and be thankful I had some gray hairs to show for it... I've reached the point in my life where I'm realizing the outside stuff outside stuff doesn't matter as much. What's more important is what's on the inside.'” (ch 6)

“Liam stayed silent as they made their way to the edge of the lookout and caught sight of the white sails on the horizon. How had time gone by so fast anyway? It was like a riptide, pulling away when he least expected.” (ch 15)

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been enjoying the Independence Island series. Returning to Breakers by Rachel Skatvold is book 28 in the Independence Island series and Book 4 in the Breakers Head series. The great thing about this series is that each book really reads great as a Standalone. A variety of Authors write the books and each book flows great.

Tiffany Hill is a Widowed Mom of 3 children. Her Husband, a Marine, died in action. She is trying to raise her children and run the Family Business General Store on Merriweather. She is wondering if she can continue running the business. Liam Hadler left Breakers Head right after High School and he was determined to never return. He receives a call from his mom that his Dad had a Stroke and she is requesting he return home. Liam left Breakers Head on bad terms with his Dad. The only regret he has about leaving is that he left his High School Sweetheart behind. He decides to return home for a bit and he just happens to run into Tiffany Hill, his High School Sweetheart. He feels a connection with her still. Will Liam be able to reconcile with his father? Will there be a Second Chance Romance between Liam and Tiffany?

I was totally engrossed in this book from the very first chapter. I really like that Tiffany is a strong woman who has the love and support of friends and family. They help take care of the kids while she works. Liam struggles with decisions and his past. I really saw growth in him as the book progresses. Tifanny had some struggles with her faith after her husband died. They both rely on God to help them through the changes in life, especially about the present and future. This is a book about Forgiveness, Second Chances, and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance books. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Donna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Breakers is a wonderful book. I have loved every single book in this series and truly didn’t want this one to end. Every book is wonderful and in this book, we get to visit lots of our old friends. I loved catching up with them in this book plus seeing Tiffany have some happiness in her life too.

In this book, we follow Tiffany as she navigates being a single mom and what is in her life and journey. She never imagined this for herself and yet here she is. When an old boyfriend from 16 years ago shows up and catches her at arguably, not her finest she has to wonder what the purpose of everything is.

Liam is home because his dad had a stroke. He never meant to come home. He and his father have a lot to make amends for. And yet, he’s determined to give his father the kidney that he needs.

The story that unfolds is a great one and I really enjoyed it. Add in getting to catch up with some of my old favorites and the book was even better. You’ll love this one. I’m sad to see the series ending.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, we follow the story of Tiffany Hill, a young widow who is busy trying to raise her three children and oversee their family’s business. Tiffany has been mourning the loss of Will, her husband who served in the Marines. She feels her life is just too busy for romance as she concentrates on the day-to-day business of living. But God’s timing is always perfect, and as Liam and Tiffany meet again many years after being high school sweethearts, she begins to wonder if maybe God has something new in store for her and her family.

I thought the author did a nice job of showing Tiffany’s faith and determination to follow God’s leading in her life. It took me some time to connect with the other main character, Liam, but as I read further in the book, I began to see his character grow and change for the better. I enjoyed reading their story and appreciated the emphasis on faith and trust all throughout the book. Although this book is part of a series, it reads well on its own. If you’ve read more in this series, you’ll enjoy seeing characters from previous books play a role in this story.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Breakers is book 29 in the Independence Island Series. This book is written by Rachel Skatvold. The Independence Island Series is a multi-author series that all ties around the island theme. In this story, we see a reunion of many of the characters from the author's previous books. I have been reading the whole series, but you will not feel like you are lost.

This story is Tiffany and Liam's story. Tiffany is a widow after her husband is killed in action. She is running the family business and has lost the joy that she had when they started the business. Liam left a long time ago and never looked back. He is summoned back when his father has a stroke. He has mixed feelings when he returns home.

I loved this story. I am really sad to see this series coming to an end. The characters are well written, the storyline is unique and I loved the interaction with the characters. The biblical lesson of forgiveness and not being stubborn are woven in flawlessly.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[ArynTheLibraryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! We finally get more time with Tiffany!! I really empathize with her frustration at being pulled so many directions at once, and trying to take care of as much as possible without asking for help or 'bothering' anyone.

I love the way the 'family' pulled together and helped Tiffany out, supporting her on both the work and home fronts, to give her the margin needed to get back her focus and rest some, so she could come back at normal life with fresh perspective, ideas, and energy.

And I was absolutely jealous of her kids both sleeping in AND being good nappers. Not my experience, even on active vacations, but it's good for the story.

Liam spent a lot of time fighting with forgiveness, wrestling in his own way. That part of the story is such a great lesson to everyone, because forgiveness isn't always easy, or natural. And when you're living with assumptions and opinions instead of facts that may or may not have been withheld from you, it can be even harder.

I received a copy of this book from #Celebratelit and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Breakers is Rachel Skatvold’s contribution to the contribution for the Breakers Head part from the Independence Islands series. I have always enjoyed reading books from this author and this one is not different. I enjoyed Tiffany and Liam’s tale. I could understand Tiffany’s test of faith after the death of her husband and her struggles with the aftershocks of it. I loved how the story gives some valuable lessons that so many readers, including myself, could learn from.

I am giving Returning to Breakers five stars. Readers who enjoy reading quick, sweet, and clean romantic fiction will want to snatch this one up. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Breakers Head series, Tabitha Bouldin’s Waiting on the Tides.

I received a digital copy of Returning to Breakers from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Breakers is another excellent title in the Independence Island series. Each book always has relationships and romance and lessons we all can learn. Rachel Skatvold reintroduces us to some characters we’ve met before in the series as well as introducing some new people.
When there are damaged relationships, someone has to make the first step. When Liam returns to the islands because his father’s health is failing, he runs into old friends (and an old girlfriend). Liam learns to heal the relationship with his father and gives his father a gift no one else could give. Tiffany learns to open her heart again - Liam hurt her many years ago and she lost her husband in combat.
Returning to Breakers is a clean adult romance. I recommend librarians read it before placing it in their k-12 Christian school library to make sure it is a fit for their audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Returning to Breakers. This is my honest review.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just so enjoy these island books! Not to mention this one is a second chance romance, and I’m such a sucker for those! I loved the paths of discovery the characters go through. The author did such a good job of making the characters and their issues realistic.

I loved how involved people were with each other's lives but at the same time not trying to control or steer where their lives are going. They just care and that is amazing. I loved Tiffany and her kids. Liam was a wonderful character as well. Just a wonderful read.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters on these Islands. I liked how this story was a second chance at love story. I liked seeing Liam learn to forgive his father for what had happened in the past. I liked seeing the healing in their relationship. I also liked how much the community was there for Tiffany and that they helped her to keep her store open. I like the sense of community in these books, they make you want to live there. Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Heather Greer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returning to Breakers has a lot of story packed in the pages. Tiffany and Liam both have things they need to work out in their lives, and neither expects their past relationship to be one of those things. WIth adulthood comes perspective, which prompts a renewal in their friendship as they help each other deal with their current situations. And neither one can deny the attraction that remains between them.
Return to Breakers is another enjoyable story in the Independence Islands Series, and I give it three stars. I received an ARC of this book from Celebrate Lit. The reviews and opinions are my own and freely given.

[Carol Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot is happening in this small area, in this book. These folks lives are full of major challenges. Sick parents, broken relationships, mended relationships, second chances, and most of all, where is God leading who in the middle of all this? It did feel the tiniest bit like I missed something, or I just didn't connect as much as I'd have liked to, but grief, forgiving, second chances and healing are the themes of this story. The children are really cute, I enjoyed them.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for this digital copy of this book. Reviews are all mine and a positive review is never required.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to the Independence Islands series. I am so glad Ms. Skatvold gave Tiffany her own story. While a secondary character in earlier books, I was always hoping she could find a happy-ever-after. This is a delightful second-chance at love story, but it is also one of moving pass grief and finding forgiveness. My favorite kind of story filled with family, faith and romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own

[Becky Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to get the rest of Kendall and Tyler's story as well as for Tiffany to get a second chance at love. I felt that there was a nice biblical faith thread and the characters grew and learned. We don't get to see Liam and Tiffany fall in love, they just see each other again and all the old feelings come flooding back. It was a little bit of a let down. I did like seeing the interactions between Tiffany's children and Liam.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story of forgiveness and a second chance of love. I loved the ending. if you haven’t read this series then I recommend that you do because they will leave your heart smiling.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and These to opinions aremy own.

[Teresa Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiff's Turn

To me it felt like the book started out slow, perhaps it was me. I was so excited to read it, but struggled with feeling Luke the characters were real to me. Overall I enjoyed the story and the seties.