Review - - Five Alarm Love

Five Alarm Love

by Jillian David

Yukon Valley, Alaska Hospital Series - Book 3

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Lives—and hearts—are on the line in Yukon Valley, Alaska.

Yukon Valley Fire Chief Tuli Sampson has spent years protecting his hometown, but the only thing he’s ever wanted to save is Louise Wright’s heart. His childhood best friend has always been his anchor, steady and unyielding like the Yukon River. Now, with his career thriving and his charm earning him fame as a tourist influencer, Tuli is ready to risk it all for the woman who’s been his forever girl.

Louise Wright, a shy and dedicated medic, has spent her life dreaming of more—more courage, more love, and maybe even Tuli. He’s always been her secret wish, the one man who could make her heart race faster than a snowstorm. But just as their undeniable chemistry sparks into something real, Lou receives devastating news that threatens to shatter their future.

Caught between her own happiness and Tuli’s, Louise chooses his. But in a town where matchmakers never quit and love runs deeper than the salmon-filled rivers, can these childhood friends turn years of longing into a lifetime together?

PJ's Thoughts:

I've thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series but admit that I've been eagerly anticipating Tuli's story the whole time. Happy to say it did not disappoint. 

If you enjoy small-town, friends-to-lovers romance with a good-hearted hero (with a Golden Retriever personality), a shy heroine who has been publicly humiliated by her ex, meddling friends and family, and a twisty mystery (seems like someone is out to derail the whole town), all set in beautiful - but treacherous - rural Alaska, give Five Alarm Love a try. Then circle back and get the first two books in the series too. I enthusiastically recommend them all.

Review - - Paging Dr. Breakup

Paging Dr. Breakup

by Jillian David

Yukon Valley, Alaska - Book 2

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Widow Deirdre Steen has spent the last five years making sure she’s the best chief nursing officer Yukon Valley Hospital has ever seen. It cost her a personal life—and protected her heart. But now her childhood friend, Dr. Calvin Garrett—the one who got away—is temporarily lending his emergency medicine skills to their rural hospital in Alaska’s interior. The community’s relentless matchmaking network loves a challenge, which leaves Deirdre with one viable option: a fake dating pact with Calvin until the spring Breakup Festival and his inevitable departure to his regular job and his life in Seattle.

Calvin moved away years ago rather than watch his best friend marry Deirdre. Now, amazingly, she’s in Calvin’s bed and the center of his world. Yet a woman like Deirdre deserves forever—as well as a man who didn’t finish as runner-up the first time around.

Can an Alaskan spring thaw help two wounded healers thaw the ice surrounding their hearts and fulfill this second chance at love?

PJ's Thoughts:

Jillian David takes readers back to small-town Alaska with a new story in her Yukon Valley, Alaska series. This time, it's a second-chance romance between Deidre and Calvin, former best friends with some hefty emotional baggage between them.

I really enjoyed this book. Reading it was like taking a trip to Yukon Valley, experiencing all rural Alaska has to offer, and catching up with good friends. The author does an excellent job of staging, within the hospital, in the town, and in the wilderness. 

I love the foundation of friendship between Calvin and Deirdre. Even with the cracks in that foundation formed by their years of separation, it still provides a solid basis on which to build. David explores deeply emotional facets of both characters as they grapple with feelings of desire, guilt, grief, and hope without allowing the story to get too heavy. 

As with book one, the citizens of Yukon Valley play pivotal roles in this second book, especially of the meddling matchmaking type. Well meaning, yes, but also hilariously nosy in their attempts. 

If you like a story that explores second chances with the one who got away, moving forward after a spouse's death and best friends-to-lovers, all wrapped up in a charming small-town romance with humor, a bit of danger, community spirit, fake dating, hospital situations, and a hard-won happy ending, pick up a copy of Paging Dr. Breakup. It's a humorous, heart-tugging, enjoyable read. 

Review - - Dr. Alaska

Dr. Alaska

by Jillian David

Yukon Valley, Alaska - Book 1

Publisher: Tule

Release Date: January 14, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Grey’s Anatomy, meet Northern Exposure…

Lee Tipton, MD, takes running from her past to an extreme, hotfooting it from Georgia to a temporary position at Yukon Valley Hospital in chilly Alaska. Her newly purchased winter gear may protect her from the elements, but no amount of insulation can protect her from her deep-seated fear that a romantic partner will once again use her for personal gains. Despite the hospital staff’s matchmaking efforts, Lee swears she has no interest in the town’s cocky lead paramedic, even if his sexy smile sets off palpitations.

Maverick Steen learned his one simple rule of romance the hard way: no dating outsiders. That includes the hospital’s newest fish-out-of-water doctor, whom he finds himself paired with as they navigate critical care cases and snowmobile accidents. Yet when Lee embraces the beauty in the Alaskan interior and cottons to his sled dog team of misfits, suddenly, Maverick’s heart—and his bed—feel a whole lot warmer.

But can they say yes to love before Lee’s assignment ends?

PJ's Thoughts:

They had me at "Grey's Anatomy, meet Northern Exposure." As a huge fan of both shows (though I finally tossed in the Grey's towel a few years ago), I was already predisposed to enjoy this book before turning the first page. Happily, the story itself kept me entertained and left me eager for book two. 

I love a fish out of water story and from the first pages we are made delightfully aware that Georgia-born Lee is exactly that. Then, of course, one of the first people she encounters before even arriving in Yukon Valley is a paramedic who, well, let's just say, doesn't make the best first impression. But, dear readers, there be sparks between these two! Adversaries to lovers, anyone?

What follows is a fun, somewhat emotional, and a bit suspenseful journey that had me happily immersing myself in dogsled rides, hospital emergencies, newfound friendships, slowly rebuilt trust, complicated family dynamics, quirky matchmaking locals, and a heart-tugging romance. 

Bring on book two, please. I'm ready for a return visit to Yukon Valley, Alaska. 

Review & Giveaway - - Flirting with Alaska

Flirting with Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

Moose Falls, Alaska - Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: December 10, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Caleb Stone isn’t ready to give up his Hollywood dreams. But after a disastrous run on a reality dating show paints him as an unapologetic player, Caleb needs a little time and space to regroup. Luckily, his hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska has both, plus a job helping his brothers run Yukon Cider. Even dialed down, Caleb’s flirtatious vibes are a hit at work, except for one woman who seems completely, totally, frustratingly immune to his charms–—the gorgeous new photographer for Yukon Cider’s upcoming ad campaign.

Single mom Sophia Brand isn’t made of ice—resisting Caleb’s devilishly sexy grin is hard, especially when it’s so often directed her way. It’s just that she’s been burned by handsome smiles before. Now, she’s focused on setting a good example for her daughter, and that means not getting sidetracked by Caleb’s dazzling charisma.

But as they work together on the campaign, Caleb and Sophia begin to let their guard down. Can he prove that beneath his playboy persona, Caleb is a leading man worthy of a starring role in Sophia’s heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

I am thoroughly enjoying the Stone brothers, each different but equally compelling. When I began this second book in the trilogy, I fully expected gorgeous, charming, middle brother Caleb to be my least favorite of the three but this hero has layers I had yet to discover. Much like Sophia does throughout the course of their journey.

Sophia and Caleb both carry emotional baggage from past relationships that continue to intrude on their present lives. In Sophia's case, it's the father of her daughter who suddenly decides he wants to be a part of his child's life after ignoring her since birth while for Caleb it's not only the unresolved issues with his estranged father that have significantly impacted his life choices but also a highly edited reality television show that painted him in the worst possible light, a light that Sophia, along with most of the country, believes is true. I enjoyed watching the layers slowly peel away and reveal truths about both of them. I especially enjoyed watching the endearing relationship between Caleb and Sophia's young daughter evolve. Nothing tests the true measure of a man, nor exposes his flaws, like babysitting an active four-year-old. In young Lily's eyes, Caleb is more than worthy but what will Sophia think?

If you enjoy sweet romance set in small-town Alaska with complicated family dynamics, a close-knit community, well-developed characters, and an elderly grandmother set on bringing her grandsons home and seeing them happily settled, give Flirting with Alaska a try. It will stand on its own but I think you'll enjoy it even more if you read Falling for Alaska first. (Click to read my review)

Have you read any of Belle Calhoune's books?

Have you ever visited Alaska?

What reality TV shows (if any) do you enjoy watching?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 20 will receive a print copy of Flirting with Alaska.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Falling for Alaska

Falling for Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: March 26, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

A small-town restaurateur and a big city former football player go head-to-head in this heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance . . .
 
As the oldest of three brothers, former pro-football player Xavier Stone is no stranger to making tough calls. Like returning to his small hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska to help run his grandmother’s hard cider company and gastro pub. He agrees to keep an open mind, but between working with his estranged father and confronting heavy childhood memories with his brothers, Xavier’s ready to rush back to civilization. Even the stunning woman who runs his grandmother’s restaurant seems to instantly dislike him . . .

True Everett knows better than to let a ridiculously handsome man distract her, especially when it’s the same guy who stands between her and owning Northern Exposure, the tavern she manages. She didn’t pour her soul into the restaurant just for Xavier to swoop in and snatch away her dreams. But amid all the barbs—and, fine . . . all the sparks—flying, True glimpses the man beneath the swagger. That version of Xavier, the real one, might just steal True’s heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

Belle Calhoune is one of my favorite authors writing sweet, small-town romance and Alaska is one of my favorite romance settings. Put the two together and I was more than ready to be swept away by this first book in a new series featuring the three Stone brothers.

Falling for Alaska is a fun, charming read with emotional undertones. Xavier and True have great banter, wonderful chemistry, and a lot of fun. I love how Calhoune grows their relationship over the course of the book in addition to their own individual journeys. True's relationship with her younger brother (I adored him) and Xavier's complicated family ties all play significant roles in the evolution of these characters. I'm eager to discover more about the backstory of the Stone family as well as what happens going forward with Xavier's brothers, their grandmother, and their parents. There are issues still to be addressed. The Alaska setting is an important character as well, immersing me in her majestic, though sometimes dangerous, beauty. 

If you're looking for a sweet romance with plenty of chemistry, banter, meddling family, humor, and emotion, I recommend giving Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune a try. 

Review & Giveaway - - Happily Ever Alaska

Happily Ever Alaska

by Patience Griffin

Sweet Home, Alaska - Book 3

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: December 26, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Lolly Crocker bakes up warm desserts in her chilly Alaskan town, but can she handle the reigniting of an old flame?

Whenever things get too serious, baker Lolly Crocker knows it’s time to break it off with a guy. Without fail, her gut would tell her that the man she was dating was not Mr. Right. 

The one exception is Shaun Montana, her high school sweetheart. With Shaun, life felt complete; but her mother convinced her she was too young to be tied down, and Lolly broke up with him the night before she left for college.

While Lolly keeps every relationship light, Shaun is never less than fully committed—and still somehow his romances have all ended badly. When he comes back to Sweet Home, his attraction to Lolly is as fiery as ever, but he's determined to keep things casual for once...just when Lolly is finally ready to risk her heart on a second chance with the man she loved so long ago.

PJ's Thoughts:

Griffin takes readers back to her fictional small town of Sweet Home, Alaska for a second-chance romance that has the entire town taking sides. I enjoy Griffin's stories, her quirky side characters, sense of community, and depth of emotion. She gives her main couple a difficult path to happiness but with a satisfying emotional payoff in the end. I may shed tears on the journey but I'm always smiling when I turn the final page.

As with the earlier books in this series, there are multiple relationships at play in this book. In addition to the primary romance, a secondary couple whose relationship has slowly progressed through the first two books hits a potential bump in the road. Shaun's relationship with his mother is another focus, as is his mother's broken friendship with Lolly. Then there's the owner of the local general store who in addition to being the ringleader of the community quilting group also has her nose in pretty much everyone's relationships. I enjoyed seeing the personal growth of this particular character in this book. 

As for Shaun and Lolly, they say you never forget your first love. That certainly holds true for this couple but considering how their teenage romance ended, forgiveness might be a stretch too far for Shaun. I appreciated the time the author gave them to rebuild their relationship once Shaun returned home. It felt realistic, especially with the push and pull between them. My heart was flipping back and forth right along with the two of them. There were endearing moments when I could feel the love between them pushing for the surface but then something would happen to cause doubt and there I was fretting again. It left me eagerly flipping pages right up until the end, wondering how it would all work out...or if it would. Spoiler alert: it's a romance, it works out, but you'll need to read the book to discover how. ;-)

If you enjoy second-chance romance, small-town Alaska settings, a strong sense of community, quirky characters, and emotionally satisfying happy endings, give this one a try. I also recommend the first two books in the series: One Snowy Night and Once Upon a Cabin. Click on the titles to read my reviews. 

~~~~~~~~~

Have you read Patience Griffin?

Do you enjoy books set in rural areas? Griffin has this series set in rural Alaska along with books set in a tiny coastal village in Scotland. 

Are you a quilter? Griffin is and quilting features prominently in all of her books. 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 5 will receive a print copy of Happily Ever Alaska. 

Review & Giveaway - - Alaska for Christmas

Alaska for Christmas

by Jennifer Snow

A Wild Coast Novel - Book 2

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: October 25, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Can a hometown Christmas bring together these two polar opposites?

After traveling to all corners of the globe, Isla Wakefield has returned home to celebrate Christmas with her adoptive family. The gorgeous Alaskan wilderness is the perfect place to recharge before moving on to her next adventure—whatever that may be. Too bad that being home means once more butting heads with Chief Petty Officer Aaron Segura, Port Serenity's resident buzzkill.

Isla’s fearless spirit has always infuriated Aaron—but fascinated him, too. Having lost his sister years ago, he’s never understood how some people can live so recklessly. But after a terrifying ice-climbing accident leaves Isla with amnesia, she and Aaron both see each other in a brand-new light. Forgetting the pain of her past makes Isla fearless in a completely different way. She’s not afraid to show Aaron exactly how she feels, yet he can’t help but wonder…will this temporary change of mind lead to a permanent change of heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm fascinated by amnesia, not that I'd want to experience it in reality or have it happen to someone I love. But in fiction I find it compelling and difficult to resist. That alone would have led me to this book but combine it with the ruggedness of Alaska (my new favorite romance setting) plus an enemies-to-lovers trope, and I'm in. 

Jennifer Snow is a relatively recent discovery for me but I've been enjoying the books of hers that I've read. Her characters are well developed, the stories flow smoothly, and her sense of place fully immerses me in the majesty - and danger - to be found in Alaska. I'm also enjoying the nod to a local legend (possibly true?) in this new series. 

One of my favorite aspects of Alaska for Christmas is how it explores the positive effects of Isla's amnesia and the impact on her life when she's in essence presented with a clean life slate. Not that it doesn't also focus on the emotional trauma - it does - but it's a much more hopeful, positive overall focus. Without the knowledge of her life history or recognition of anyone in her life, Isla is forced to slow down enough to take a closer look at her life goals, her motivation, herself. And when that new vision turns her in the direction of Aaron, something that never would have happened before, it affords the opportunity to both of them to discard their preconceived notions about the other and open their hearts to new possibilities.

Aaron is so endearing. My heart ached for what his family endured when he was in high school and the continuing disconnect between him and his parents. I love how he chooses to commemorate his sister through his Coast Guard rescue work and how that work results in leading him onto a new path with Isla. They have sizzling chemistry but they also have a sweetness between them that develops into a solid friendship with new parameters. Maybe all that pre-amnesia animosity between them was hiding something deeper that fear kept them from acknowledging all those years? Needless to say, I was in their corner cheering them on the entire way to their HEA, which came about in a grand-gesture way that was the perfect ending for a woman who, before her amnesia, had risked her life on a daily basis and a man who had embraced safety with all that he was. 

The surrounding cast of characters is solid and also well developed, giving readers insight into both main characters, both past and present. Isla's brother, Dex and his fiancée, Skylar (Sweet Home Alaska) feature prominently in this story as well as other family members, local Coast Guard teammates, and townspeople. Even with continuing characters, this book is written in such a way that readers new to Port Serenity should have no difficulty beginning the series with Alaska for Christmas. Though I recommend book one as well.

Bonus Novella

In Love in the Forecast, meteorologist Monica Mallard signs up for Port Serenity’s annual navigation contest as a distraction from recent heartbreak. But when she’s paired with silver fox Captain Keith Beaumont, Monica finds the second chance she never could have predicted.

PJ's Thoughts:

For fans of seasoned characters, this romance between Monica and Keith (Skylar's widowed father - Sweet Home Alaska) is an absolute delight, proving that there may be snow on the roof but there's still fire in the soul and you're never too old to embrace new adventures...or new love. 

Have you read Jennifer Snow yet?

Do you enjoy books set in Alaska?

What do you think about amnesia as a plot device? 

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 30 will receive a print copy of Alaska for Christmas.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review - - Reckless Fortune

Reckless Fortune 

by M. M. Crane

The Fortunes of Lost Lake - Book 2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: September 27, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

Bowie Fortune has always liked a risky proposition. A bush pilot out in the Last Frontier, flying in and out of places that give most pilots nightmares is what he lives for. That and his off-the-grid home out by Lost Lake, where his family has been living up close with the elements for generations. When his sister dares him to participate in the local version of a mail-order bride contest, he’s not interested—but Bowie doesn’t back down from a challenge. Even when the challenge turns out to be a woman who makes him want every last thing he knows he shouldn’t.
 
Entering a summer-long publicity stunt in far-off Alaska might seem extreme, but Autumn McCall has always had an indomitable spirit. She took care of her sisters and father after her mother died, and this is more of the same—since she intends to win the contest. Immersing herself in the pioneer lifestyle is one thing, but what she isn’t expecting is brooding, sharp-eyed Bowie with his wicked smile. As the sparks fly between them, will they burn each other alive—or learn how to simmer their way to a much bigger prize...together?

PJ's Thoughts:

What a fun, heartwarming, adventurous story! First of all, it's set in Alaska which is my new favorite contemporary romance location. Set your book in the stunningly beautiful, rugged, test-your-pioneer-spirit state and I am there for it. Second, it features a reality television, mail order bride contest premise and yeah, I'm totally into that. Third, both Bowie and Autumn are much more complex than they appear at first glance. Another plus! Add unexpected danger into the mix, a quirky, caring community of family and friends, emotional baggage the depth of which I was not expecting, and you have a totally immersive story I couldn't put down.

These characters were so endearing. I loved Bowie's adventurous spirit, his kindness, his humor, and his immediate attraction to Autumn even though the contest was not about romance. I loved his family, how they all embraced their Alaska lifestyle, and how they loved and supported one another...while still maintaining that teasing, snarky, sibling dynamic. Autumn's family was a bit more complex, with an unbalanced relationship dynamic to sort through, but no less staunch in their love and support of one another. I loved how Autumn threw herself into the contest, her competence and determination to win. My heart ached for how she viewed herself in relation to her sisters. It was so satisfying to watch her slowly begin to view herself as others viewed her. And so much fun to watch both Autumn and Bowie navigate the unexpected feelings that slowly developed between them. 

The danger Autumn and Bowie faced was an unexpected twist but one that afforded them the opportunity to confront their deepest fears and uncertainties as well as, for Bowie, the secret emotional trauma that had steered his life for too long. Kudos to the author for crafting this unexpected, life-altering scenario that left me with a bundle of feelings, including tears, laughter, breath-stealing anxiety, enthusiastic cheering, and the confidence that these two were destined for a long life of love and adventure together. 

If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced, heart-tugging story filled with adventure, witty banter, a community of quirky characters, well-placed humor, plenty of chemistry, danger, and unexpected emotional depth, join Autumn and Bowie in the Alaskan back country in M. M. Crane's Reckless Fortune. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

This is book two in Crane's The Fortunes of Lost Lake series. You do not have to read the books in order though now that I've met the main couple from book one, I will definitely be reading their story too. 

Review - - Alaska Dreams

Alaska Dreams

by Jennifer Snow

A Wild River Novel - Book 6

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Is she making the right decision…for her career and her heart?

Following a near-death experience, Selena Hudson is finally going after the career she wants. And since casting directors won’t see her as anything but a rom-com queen, Selena signs on to produce and star in her own movie—an edgy psychological thriller. But just as the cast and crew arrive on location in Wild River, Alaska, the leading man drops out of the production.

Reporter Gus Orosco is not hiding out in Wild River—he’s waiting for the dust to settle after his on-camera “overreaction” triggered by watching his ex-fiancee get engaged to a superstar hockey player. Gus doesn’t want to be anywhere near the film crew shooting at his family’s campgrounds, but Selena makes him an offer he can’t refuse: she’ll snag Gus an interview with Sports Beat if he’ll be her leading man. All Gus has to do is learn his lines, hit his marks and somehow ignore the sparks flying between them…even though they’re hot enough to melt the Alaskan snow.

PJ's Thoughts:

Three years ago I stumbled upon An Alaskan Christmas, the first book in Jennifer Snow's Wild River series. That was all it took to hook me on Snow's writing, her small Alaskan town, and all of the interesting people who call it home. 

Gus and Selena are both at a crossroads in their lives, let down by the people they loved, and struggling to forge new career paths. Well, Selena is forging ahead. Gus is still in the wallowing, I've lost everything stage. They should have a lot in common, and they do, but it will take a while for them to realize that. First, they'll have to move beyond their preconceived notions and instant animosity towards each other. And doesn't that turn out to be eye-opening fun!

I love these two together, their snappy banter, sizzling chemistry, and how their respect for one another slowly grows while they work together on Selena's film. I love Gus's innate goodness and the decisions he makes to protect and promote Selena. He doesn't always get it right but his heart is in the right place and I appreciate that he's willing to listen and learn. 

I was in Selena's corner, urging her on as she sticks to her determination to call her own career shots after being "herded" into movie roles by others since she was a child. She's finished being taken advantage of and that applies to her personal life as well. But, like Gus, she also is in want of emotional growth. Snow does a good job of moving their relationship, as well as their individual evolution, forward slowly and realistically, with a satisfying amount of steam, and a few potholes to test them along the way. By the time they reached their story's conclusion, I was fully confident in their future happiness and their professional success. 

As a fan of the series, it's always fun to catch up with former main, and secondary, characters from the earlier books. In this one, I especially enjoyed watching a certain almost-teen gradually coming into her own while helping on the movie set. She was an absolute delight. For readers new to Wild River, however, you should feel comfortable jumping in at any point in the series. Give this one a try. I enthusiastically recommend it. 

Review - - Once Upon a Cabin

Once Upon a Cabin

by Patience Griffin

Sweet Home, Alaska - Book 2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: November 30, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

Two sisters from Texas find themselves exiled to Alaska...and thrown into the arms of two very different men.

Tori and McKenna St. James have living comfortably on their trust funds in Dallas. But their Uncle Monty, keeper of the purse strings, decides to push them out of their comfort zones by requiring them to spend one year in Alaska or lose their inheritance. Initially the sisters are stunned, but they aren't willing to back down from the challenge. 

Tori is sent to a primitive homestead outside the tiny town of Sweet Home. She had been prepared to forego fashion magazines and lattes, but not electricity and running water! Will her rugged wilderness guide, Jesse Montana, teach her to survive, or send her fleeing back to civilization? Meanwhile, outdoorsy McKenna is stuck within the concrete walls of an Anchorage bank. Her sexy boss Luke McAvoy is tasked with teaching her the business but what he's really doing is tempting her. Not that she's the type to fall for a stuffed suit like him.

Tori and McKenna find much needed solace with Sweet Home's Sisterhood of the Quilt. Will this crafty group of women be up to the challenge of teaching two outsides how to sew -- and perhaps how to love?

PJ's Thoughts:

I love a fish out of water story and this book gave me two for the price of one. Griffin takes readers back to the small Alaska town of Sweet Home for another enjoyable story with very little steam but a whole lot of feelings. 

While both Tori and McKenna have journeys of growth, self-discovery, and romance in the book, it's Tori's story that took precedence for me. McKenna has always been a strong and confident woman while Tori's asthma and severe allergies have kept her in a "protected" status within the family. Being thrown into the unknown without her sister by her side tests both women in different ways. 

I enjoyed the push and pull between Tori and Jesse as well as the sparks that stayed just at the edge of igniting. I also liked how he advocated for her without undermining her independence. Of course, he's not perfect and there were times I wasn't so fond of him but he comes through in the end. As a couple I was pulling for them all the way but it was Tori's individual journey that really tugged at my heart. I loved her evolution, much of which came about with the support and assistance of the women of Sweet Home. I also enjoyed the shifting dynamic and more equitable relationship between the sisters as a result of that evolution.  

I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Sweet Home, especially after reading the teaser at the end of Once Upon a Cabin. I love second-chance romances and it's looking like that will be at the heart of book three. I'm hoping for plenty of community interaction, including Tori, Jesse, McKenna, Luke and other favorite Sweet Home citizens from the first two books. 

Readers can enjoy Once Upon a Cabin as a standalone but I also recommend book one, One Snowy Night, featuring Hope McKnight and Donovan Stone. You'll be seeing both of them, especially Hope, in book two.