This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Penguin Random House Audio
Released on October 2, 2018
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
The Delight
I’ve only read one other Debbie Macomber book, but it was last year’s Christmas release. It was heartwarming and sugary holiday goodness that I wanted more of. Add in that this one was set in Alaska and Luke Daniels was one of the narrators? I was all in.
Review
Palmer grew up in a remote and small Alaskan town which left him well-prepared for simple and wild wilderness living, but not so much when it came to falling for a big city woman who has her eyes on a culinary prize working for a renowned chef in her home town of Seattle.
Josie had come to the local lodge to be the chef for the summer and it was over the summer when Palmer fell in love. The night before she needs to leave on the last boat out (literally), Palmer delivers an awkward, heartfelt proposal and, as much as she likes him, she says no because her dream is not in small town Alaska. Then she misses the boat and it is to the man she shot down that she must beg help to find a way back to Seattle in time not to lose the opportunity to work her dream job. Palmer loves her so of course he breaks his own heart and finds a way so she can go.
Christmas magic and an old adage of distance and fondness might be just what this pair need to find their way back together.
Alaskan Holiday is a shorter novel that took little time at all to enjoy. It jumped into the story well after the beginning and middle of the romance. That threw me off a tad and it basically starts with a break up of sorts thought it is tempered into a tentative long distance relationship. Like the previous story, this is a light and comfy sweet story. I enjoyed it for a lovely holiday escape. The Alaskan setting and that small town (though, just so you know there are city scenes, t00). Quirky characters, particularly old Jack, are my thing. I won’t say it dug deep or was as well-developed as I like, but it hit the spot for my mood. Palmer and Josie made a good couple and I liked them, but the romance wasn’t my biggest draw as much as the overall story.
The narration team of Luke Daniels and Laurel Rankin were great. I thought they portrayed their characters and the tone of the story well. Jack might have been an over the top character, but I’m also pretty sure he would have been that way in just print. I thought the audio added more enjoyment for me and, though Laurel Rankin was a first, I would add her to my list of narrators like Luke Daniels that I already enjoy and seek out their work.
All in all, it was a foodie lovers dream with all the food and the holiday feels and Alaskan settings had me envious and wanting my own Alaskan Holiday. For those who want a sweet and easy, engaging holiday contemporary romance, this is a lovely option.
My thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alaskan Holiday wins my prize for book with whom I’d curl up in PJs with a hot candycane cocoa and, also it gets awarded the prize for destination holiday setting. It is this gal’s dream to go to Alaska- yes, even for the long winters (which those who know a bit about me, know I love). Other than at home, where would you like to spend your holiday season? If you drink hot cocoa, do you have a favorite add-in?
Challenges
New Release #187
Audio #84
HoHoHoRAT #3
Recommendations
