He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone …but is it what he really wants? Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time … and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?
more
The gentle pace of this story took me a bit to get into, but I enjoyed Ursula’s story of those in her life whom she loves and supports. She and Mac are an older couple which generally isn’t my preferred age for the romance books I read, but I appreciated their perspective on life, their wisdom and sacrifices. Ursula is active with running the inn and cross-country skiing, and brings joy to many, including the young girl she is raising and her friends and family in the community. I loved how she and various business owners quickly work together to throw a reporter off the scent of Mac’s trail. Mac is one tormented character, and the persistence of Ursula’s genuine compassion and acts of kindness draw him out of the darkness where he can feel hope and experience a respite from his inner pain. As their friendship deepens, Mac is able to provide support to Ursula as well, and though they have their share of bumps in the road, the romance blossomed naturally. The setting of Alaska in the winter was perfect and I loved the little details that brought it to life, especially the reindeer run which sounds like a riot! Alaskan Hideaway is a nice follow up to the previous books in the series, and I look forward to more from the author.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I really enjoyed this touching tale, set in Alaska. I liked that the main characters, Mac and Ursula were over fifty, a trait that is not very common in the books that I read. I loved the little girl, Rory. She was sweet, smart, and very believable.
The guilt and burden that Mac carried around was heartbreaking. It was sad to learn about what had happened in his life, yet this was a hopeful book, as Mac began to learn to live life again.
Ursula was a breath of fresh air and had such a great attitude. She cared deeply for her friends and family and it was so fun to see how she gently impacted everyone she was around for the better.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A wonderful story with protagonists that stay with you long past “The End.”
Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter
Mac and Ursula were quite different. She was very friendly, positive and hospitable. Mac was … not. Both had lived through loss and dealt with grief, but the way they responded was different. And they needed each other. I may have liked them and their relationship even more because they were in many ways similar to my husband and myself.
I really appreciated the way that Mac knew how to apologize. He made some big mistakes, yet he was willing to admit them and do his best to make amends. It was lovely how he bought so many flowers the one time. In fact, she hadn’t even known he had accused her, she only sensed he was angry, which made it even sweeter.
Several parts lightened the tone from the deep heart issues that Mac had to work through. It was cute how Ursula and her friends banded together to send the reporter on a wild goose chase.
I enjoyed Rory, Ursula’s goddaughter, and her sweet, outgoing manner. A number of animals had roles that added to the interest. I especially liked the whittling that Mac did, making wood spirits and the descriptions of that process enhanced the story as well.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.
Get a preview of Alaskan Hideaway at amongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Prism Book Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Alaskan Hideaway
So nice that Mac was from the same town that I live. Enjoyed the characters. Always good with animals in a book especially dogs, loved the name Blossom. But there a squirrel that was sorta pet, enjoyed the scenes with the squirrel in it. One part talks about the squirrel being a tease, I know that is true because there is squirrels in our backyard that teases our dogs. Ursula has custody of her Goddaughter named Rory, the little added so much to the story. Mac had come to Alaska to get away and be alone but things don’t work that way. I received an complementary copy of the book from Prism book tours, I was not required to leave a positive review. This review is my own opinion.
Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad I did.
I started this book yesterday and didn’t put it down until I was finished. Past hurts, new beginnings, and sweet romance are in store for you in this story. I highly recommend this book.
Heart-wrenchingly emotional! With the next book in her Northern Lights series, Beth Carpenter takes us into the heart of a man who has lost his motivation in the world. He thinks all he needs is to hole up and be alone, but when he’s challenged again and again by a pushy neighbor and her adorable goddaughter, he actually sees the world brightening up a bit. There are a couple of story lines melding together to complete this story, and both are emotional and sad, but there’s also an amazing connection between the this man, woman and child that makes you hope against hope for the healing they all need. A really great read!
R.D. *Mac* Macleod needs to be alone. An accomplished author for years, Mac no longer has an inspiration to open his laptop, much less try to meet the next deadline looming. He’s lost the one person who was most dear to him … and he’s consumed with a soul crushing guilt that he can’t get past. He leaves his home and heads to Alaska where he can live on his own without people bothering him … only it doesn’t take long for a pesky neighbor to come knocking!
B & B owner Ursula Anderson knows loss, and when she gets to know Mac and sees how overcome he is with his despair, she’s not sure she can help him. But being around Ursula and the adorable little girl she’s raising brightens Mac’s demeanor. Can the life she can offer truly be enough for this man or will he continue to let his perceived failure eat away at him?
“Alaskan Hideaway” by Beth Carpenter is part of her Northern Lights series. You don’t have to have read the first two to thoroughly enjoy this one.
R.D. “Mac” Macleod comes to Alaska to hide from reporters and to deal with the pain of losing his daughter. All he wants is to be alone. He doesn’t want, or need, friends.
Ursula Anderson, owner of the B&B next door, needs access to the ski trails that cut across Mac’s property. Their first meeting isn’t what Ursula expects.
The two become friends, Ursula’s goddaughter Rory and Mac’s dog Blossom also helping them to connect.
Mac is there for Ursula when Rory’s guardianship is questioned, just as Ursula is there for Mac when he finds the truth about his daughter’s death.
“Alaskan Hideaway” is about hope, healing, and forgiveness. It will touch your heart more than you expect.
I enjoyed reading the story, this is an older couple , love that they are older, is you like second chances and animals, and children you will like the book. love Blossom you will also like the scenery that they talk about, very good, I was given a copy of the book, but this is an honest review. if you have read any of Beth Carpenters book you will want to read this story