by Debbie Macomber
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
An uplifting Christmas tale, set in the Alaskan wilderness, about finding love where it's least expected--from the #1 New York Times bestselling author who's one of America's most beloved storytellers.
Before beginning her new job as sous chef at one of Seattle's finest restaurants, Josie Stewart takes on a six-month position cooking at a lodge in an Alaskan lake town. It's only temporary--or so she thinks, as she becomes a valued part of the local community, falling in love with the people who call the Klutina Lake home. But one man, in particular, stands out among Josie's new friends: Palmer Saxon, a quiet, intense sword craftsman, whose very existence forces her to question whether her heart wants to return to Washington at all.
I love to kick off the holiday season with Debbie Macomber’s holiday novel. This year, Alaskan Holiday was a mix of romance, growth and humor. Grab your hot cocoa and enjoy this sweet, simple story nestled in the remote town of Ponder, Alaska.
When the story begins, it is the end of the Alaskan summer and our heroine, Josie Stewart is getting ready to return home and begin her career as a sous chef in one of Seattle’s finest restaurants. She has spent the past six months working as the cook for the lodge in Ponder Alaska. Local resident and sword craftsman, Palmer Saxon is trying to work up the courage to ask Josie to marry him and stay in Alaska. The two have enjoyed a wonderful summer together and he cannot imagine life without her.
We kind of came into the story at the end of a summer romance. In a typical romance, we would have gotten the summer romance and ended with the proposal. Instead, we get a realistic story that begins at the decision. Because, let‘s face it- leaving one’s life behind to start a new life, particularly in a harsh (yet, amazingly beautiful) climate such as Ponder isn’t easy.
I fell in love with Ponder Alaska and the folks there. Jack, a town local made me grin with his constant hunger and talk of food. His advice on women and relationships was hilarious. Poor, Palmer is a reserved guy. He has zero experience with relationships and oh boy… everyone meddles and comes to his aid.
Alaskan Holiday is a story of love, faith, finding one’s self and taking a chance. Sometimes your five-year plan isn’t what you wanted at all. The story was magical, with snow, lush landscape and humor. The romance was slow-burning and felt genuine.
If you are looking for a fast, sweet, memorable story to kickoff your holiday season, Alaskan Holiday is the perfect place to start.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds wonderful. I love the Alaska setting and maybe it’s because I was parked in front of the TV watching Hallmark Christmas movies all day yesterday, but doesn’t it sound like the perfect Hallmark film?
Kimberly
Yes, a lot of her Christmas books end up as Hallmark movies for just that reason.
Olivia Roach
I’ve been watching a telly series I love called Young & Hungry and in there a character is a sous chef as well, so I love that there is one in this book too! Sometimes we gotta love these remote settings featured in books. It sounds truly heart warming <3
Kimberly
I love foodie books with chefs and talks of dishes.
Debbie Haupt
Now why don’t I start my holiday reading with a Christmas story by Debbie. I do love her novels. and this one sounds like just what I need to get away from this cruel cruel world for just a little while. Thanks Kim
Kimberly
Yes, she always delivers.
Dani Eide
Great premise; love the idea the author starts with the proposal. I would think it would be a difficult decision. Career you’ve worked hard on gaining experience to move up the ladder. Thanks Kimberly! ❤️❤️
Kimberly
It was refreshingly different.
Ethan
One of my best friends from college grew up in Alaska. He had some great stories! I’ve broken down and started reading a holiday novel, so I’m officially in the spirit!
Kimberly
It is on my bucket list to visit.
Claire
This sounds like a cute read for the winter season! I haven’t read any winter-themed books yet and I’ve been searching for some once Thanksgiving ends. I hope you have a wonderful week!
claire @ clairefy
Kimberly
Enjoy Claire. Pre-blogging I would start reading holiday/winter themed books Thanksgiving weekend, but now with the #HoHoHoRAT I host each year I read most the first two weeks of November.
Anne
I like cooking and Alaska. It sounds interesting. Nice review. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
Me too, well I enjoy baking more
Sophia Rose
I thought this was a sweetie, too. Jack was my favorite. 🙂
Kimberly
Hehe..yes I love secondary characters like Jack who really shine
Angela Adams
What a great book to review and to start off the Holiday season! I miss Debbie’s “Mrs. Miracle” character at this time of year. Thanks for the post, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family!
Kimberly
Oh those were fun books, and I enjoy the Hallmark movies
Tracy Terry
This isn’t an author who is wildly popular here in the UK and as such we don’t often find her books in charity shops so I was delighted when I came across one recently.
A great review of what sounds like perfect festive reading.
Kimberly
Well bummer, but also cool you found a copy.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I read a DM’s holiday book last year and really enjoyed it! I love the sound of an Alaskan Lodge, because I’d love to visit one someday. And I do like the shy, reserved guys like Palmer for a love interest. I’m going to check this one out! Wonderful review, Kimberly! 🙂
Kimberly
Enjoy. I try to read one every year.
Melliane
It’s always nice to have a story like that
Kimberly
Agreed. Melliane. Have a good night.
ShootingStarsMag
Sounds like a really cute one, and I LOVE those dogs on the cover. Oh goodness!
-Lauren
Kimberly
Yeah I love the cover too.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This book would put me in the mood for Christmas. The cover alone makes me want to pull out all my Christmas decorations! Love the review. I have to add this one to my TBR list to get next shopping trip.
Mary
Kimberly
She kicks off my holiday spirit.
Nadene
Small town and winter romance great combination. This sounds like it could be a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Kimberly
It will probably end up as one…her’s often do!
Melanie Simmons
Great review. I kept thinking of Palmer, Alaska, when you mentioned Palmer. Funny that she picked to name a person the same as a town in Alaska. I have really enjoyed books set in Alaska. I also find it interesting that she starts this book towards the potential end of the romance instead of the beginning. Nice change up.
Kimberly
It was different and I am with you, I love the setting. Thanks Melanie
Pek Sim Koay
i do love a good chef romance, falling in love with a person is as good as falling in love with food
Kimberly
LOL, so true!