Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Rachel!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for having me today. I’m a follower of Jesus, stay at home mom, blogger and writer of Christian romance from the Midwest. I’m happily married to my wonderful husband of seven years and we have two sweet boys that are one and four. They keep me pretty busy but they are such a blessing.
What is your novel, Beauty Within, about?
Beauty Within is the first novella in the three part, Riley Family Legacy Series. This contemporary Christian love story unfolds with a young widow returning to her hometown in search of a new beginning with her two young children. Meanwhile, a handsome police officer from the city is on the run from dark shadows in his past. Will this unlikely pair be able to move past their circumstances and discover the Beauty Within God’s plan? Readers can click here to read the full summary.
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When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My love for reading and writing started when I was very young. However, I never dreamed about publishing anything until my junior year of college. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a teacher but changed my major after realizing how much time I would have to spend away from my two year old son. Soon after, I started writing my first full length novel, Enduring the Flames. This novel is not published yet but I’m hopeful that it will be soon.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I enjoy listening to Christian music while I write but each novel seems to have its own sound track. It’s never the same artist. For example, while writing my first novel, which is about a young Christian music artist, I listened to a lot of Kristian Stanfill songs.
Where do you like to write?
I have a writing desk in my living room, which I used mostly when my kids are taking a nap. However, most of the time I end up writing in my favorite chair whenever there is a free moment.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
As a stay at home mom, most of my day is spent with my kids. I love that I have the privilege of staying home and taking care of them while they are young. I also enjoy singing, reading and camping with my family.
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I love Christian romance, whether it’s contemporary or historical. I’ve always been a romantic at heart, so I enjoy reading love stories as long as they are sweet and squeaky clean.
What is your least favorite genre to read?
That’s a hard one since I read a large range of genres. I’m a social butterfly when it comes to books. However, I think I’d have to say thrillers or anything paranormal. I don’t reading something that will give me nightmares.
Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Great question! It’s hard to pick just one but I’d have to say, Australia. I love a good adventure.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
I love Mathew 5:14, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” It is the theme verse for my blog, Learning to Shine.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Right now my favorite song is He Knows My Name by Francesca Battestelli. Actually, I love all of her music.
Ooooh! I love that song! What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas!
What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
Fall has always been my favorite because I love sweater weather and the changing leaves. My birthday also falls in October so that’s another plus.
Some this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms
Chocolate or Vanilla? Definitely chocolate … yum!
Tea or Coffee? Iced Tea
Call or Text? Text … unless I have a lot to talk about
Cats or Dogs? Both!
Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl … who whoo! I get most of my writing done while the kids are asleep.
Introvert or Extrovert? Introvert
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Mystery or Romance? Romance, as long as it’s squeaky clean!
Sneakers or Sandals? Sandals or Flip flops
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
Yes! Thank you for asking. I’m currently working on the second installment of the Riley Family Legacy Novellas. It is called Beauty Unveiled and will be released in early April. I’m so excited to continue this series.
Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?
Thank you for having me. It’s been fun. For the readers: I have a rafflecopter giveaway for an eBook copy of Beauty Within, so don’t forget to enter. Also, I would love to connect with you through the links below. God bless!
First of all, congratulations on the release. This book sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how many books will there be in this series?
Hi Samantha. Thank you for commenting and for your interest in my book. To answer your question, I'm planning on having three books in this series. The second book, Beauty Unveiled will be released in early April. I will have more information on my website as the date gets closer. :) Thank you again and God bless.
Delete~Rachel
I love reading books about God's plans for us. They are not always the plans we had thought would be our paths in life.
ReplyDeleteHi Sonja! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I've enjoyed connecting with you. :)
Delete~Rachel
I do enjoy a good contemporary Christian love story & this one sounds like one I'd like!
ReplyDeletedkstevensneAT outlook DOtCoM
Thank you, Deanna. I've always enjoyed Christian love stories as well and I love the writing stories that include faith as the main theme. It's been great connecting with you. ~Rachel
DeleteThank you for featuring my interview today, Melanie. It's been such a blessing to connect with you and your readers today!
ReplyDelete~Rachel
What a wonderful interview. This sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for this opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Thank you for stopping by, Katrina! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the interview and it's great to connect with you. God bless. ~Rachel
DeleteI've been stuck (happily, lol) in a lot of historical and amish fiction, so I'd love a good contemporary romance to break the cycle. Thank you so much for this giveaway, and the chance to get to know another great Christian author!
DeleteHi Charii, I'm so glad you stopped by and entered in the giveaway! Thanks and it's great to connect with you. :)
Delete~Rachel
Are you going to homeschool your kiddos?
ReplyDeleteHi Jan. Thanks for stopping by! I have thought about homeschooling them but haven't made my mind up yet. I have some friends that do, so I have been gathering some information about it. :)
DeleteIt's nice to connect with you and I hope you have a blessed day.
~Rachel
Rachel, I love the quote you have posted on your blog that corresponds to this interview. I'm looking forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay! Thank you for stopping by and I'm so glad you enjoyed the quote from my book. It's been wonderful to connect with you and I hope you have a great weekend. :)
Delete~Rachel
I really enjoy Christian ficition as my favorite genere. I loved the interview with you Rachel Skatvold and learning more about you. I home school one of my children and we get alot of support from the cyber school. I was nervous at first but it's easy and worked out well. I suggest you call and get information and then make your mind up about it. Best of luck to you. Blessings, Deanne Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping and I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the interview, Deanne. I've always loved reading Christian fiction as well. It's always so uplifting. Also, thanks for the advice on homeschooling. I will have to look into it. God bless and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Delete~Rachel
You're a new author for me and I love new authors. I'd love to read "Beauty Within".
ReplyDeleteHi Becky! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your interest in my book. It's always wonderful to meet new friends. I hope you have a great weekend.
Delete~Rachel
I am glad to hear this will be a three part series, which means I will have more to read and enjoy. Thank you ! Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDeanne, thank you for sharing your excitement over this series! It is so encouraging and gets me excited for April when the second book comes out. :) Have a great day. ~Rachel
DeleteI would love to win your book to give to my church library. Of course, I will read it first.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Janet! Thank you for stopping by. I'm so glad to hear that you are excited about Beauty Within. It's great to connect with you and I hope you have a blessed day. ~Rachel
DeleteCongratulation, Kay! You are the winner of the free eBook version of Beauty Within. I will send you an email soon with your prize. Thank you to everyone who read this interview and participated in the giveaway. If you would like to stay updated on future giveaways, new book releases and more, please consider signing up for my free newsletter at www.rachelskatvold.com Thanks again and I've enjoyed connecting with all of you. God bless.
ReplyDelete~Rachel