Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska

by Loree Lough

a crossing book club edition

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christmas, Romance, Christian, Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance, Fiction

428 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

With the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”

With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.

Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, simple read, likable characters and setting.

[Redheads Review it Better · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I read mostly read what my family and friends like to call smut, but I read this book for a book club I help with (check out shameless page promotion: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...) and at first I wasn't sure that I was going to like it. When the first thing you are told is that it talks about God, you kind of take a step back and think, umm, ok do I really want to read this? Lol. My reasoning behind this is every Christian based book I have read, they have basically "shoved" religion down your throat. I have nothing against religious people in the least, I mean come on, I grew up in a Baptist church, I just don't appreciate an entire book that dedicates itself solely to getting the "word" out. That is not why I wanted to read the book in the first place. But you know what I found with LFYNPA? There was none of that. Yes they did go to church and pray but it wasn't what the sole purpose of the book was.

The romance between the two characters was so sweet and refreshing, it lightened my heart. A dirty book is really great but once in a while it's nice to kind of step away and read something different. It kind of restarts or refreshes your system. And it doesn't hurt to branch out to different type of genres either. Oh and another thing I loved about this book...it's based in North Pole, Alaska where it's Christmas season ALL the time. Anyone who knows me knows that I love, love, love Christmas. I think if I ever went there I wouldn't want to leave, well at least until that good ole Alaskan winter hits. Lol! I'm a Virginia girl, we don't get too much snow here and cold for us in winter is 40 degrees. The most snow we have got so far this year is 3in so far and I don't see much more in the future. Enough of my ramblings and back to the book. I do love how the character I pictured in my head for Sam was eerily close to the girl on the front. It's actually close to creeping me out.

There was one part of the story that actually had me in tears. I am not an easy crier but something takes place at the end of the book that reminded me of something that happened in our family a couple months ago. Let's just say that this part of the story abso-freaking-lutely broke my heart. I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it. :( You know it's a good book when you are emotionally involved with the characters, you cry like it is actually happening in your own life. I can definitely say that I look forward to reading more from Loree Lough in the future! She now has one more new fan to take on to her list. :)

[Anna Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish.

I could only tolerate the stupidity for one third of the book. I tried, I swear it, but... GAH, what morons!!! Over-reactive, bitchy morons with fabricated arguments written in for no good reason. It was painful and stupid. Example: He comes in and finds her on the top of a 12-ft ladder (no good reason why). He bellows at her to be careful, causing her to 'windmill' and then has to rescue her, and she's pissed that he scared her, and he's pissed that she's pissed... it's just St((O_o))pid beyond words.

And the whole 'S' thing. Her brothers are Steve, Stu, Seth, Shane, Spence, Scott, and BILL, because there weren't any other 'S' names. Really? How about Simon, Sean, Sid, Sawyer, Sebastian, Sven... her parents couldn't be THAT vacant.

Worse, it was contradictory. Page 11 tells us that Bryce (a guy, which should be Brice, because Bryce is the female version of the male name Brice (ie. Bryce Dallas Howard), but I shouldn't digress in the midst of pointing out something else that's wrong)...

Where was I?... Oh! Page 11 says that Bryce hates Christmas, candy canes, motorized santas, plastic elves, and ESPECIALLY that stupid holiday music. Then I go a mere three pages and on pg 14 it says, "Brice couldn't help but smile at the joyous laughter of children, harmonizing with Brenda Lee's rendition of 'Jingle Bell Rock' emananting from the loudspeakers". SERIOUSLY!?!?

We have power plays, contrived idiot behavior, over-dramatized reactions, and just all-around poor writing that made getting thru one third miserable. I called it quits. There are more pleasant things in life I could be doing. Like scouring the sink. Two other 'S's I can think of...

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love reading about Alaska but I had a hard time liking any of the characters and I expected a light read, but near the end it was (predictably) sad. It was basically like reading a really bad Hallmark movie.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I must mention that I picked this book up expected a cute holiday story and instead was surprised to find it takes place during the summer. However, summertime and anytime is the time to celebrate Christmas in North Pole, Alaska. They play carols 365 days a year; all of the shops and stores are Christmas-themed and sell Christmas souvenirs; there's a big, giant Santa in town. Okay, the picture is clear. Even though there wasn't a mountain of snow, there was still enough of the Christmas feel to make me appreciate it during this time of year.

Sam sells everything, buys an RV, and moves to Alaska. I loved her sense of adventure and her spunky personality. She's definitely not perfect--forgets to do important things--but she is very compassionate and knows exactly how to handle difficult situations.

Bryce has had a hard life and is therefore a pretty tough guy--very rough around the edges. Yet, Sam somehow softens him up. She isn't afraid to treat him the way he wants to be treated, and deserves to be. He's a protector and provider and takes his roles in life very seriously.

I loved Aunt Olive! I was happy to see that this was a two-fold romance and was satisfied with the ending.

Content: there are some Christian elements, but it's not preachy; kissing. Clean.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but the female lead was a little too perfect, almost like a Mary Sue.

[Ellen Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Sinclair is a 27 yr-old baby sister to a week's worth of brothers, none of which believe that she can make it on her own. With the weight of this knowledge on her shoulders, Sam attempts to prove to her loving yet overbearing family that she knows what she is doing. With an RV, a hard-won degree in culinary arts, and a promise of employment, Sam treks across the nation from Baltimore all the way to North Pole, Alaska to pursue her new, independent life running her own kitchen in a local hotel.

Ex-Marine Bryce Stone has returned home to the place where he grew up; a tourist town where it is Christmas all year--North Pole, AK. He grumbles constantly about the commercialization of the Day, but in his heart, he is empty and burdened with his own hypocrisy. Haunted by the deaths of his parents, a harrowing injury on the battlefield, the deaths of his fellow soldiers, and the recent break-up of an engagement, Bryce crawls back home to take over his Aunt Olive's Christmas store.

Bryce's life intersects Sam's as her hotel chef job falls through the day she arrives and a job offer by Aunt Olive follows directly after. Olive is wise and god-fearing and she lovingly steers the two young people together as they do their individual best to avoid falling for each other.

Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska is chock full of sing-song dialogue and oh-so-natural communication between its characters. It was impossible for me to suppress a smile as I overheard conversations between Bryce and Sam, eavesdropped into their points of view and rooted along with Aunt Olive for their budding love. I was infatuated with the characters from the get-go and like all excellent authors; Loree causes her readers to empathize completely and with abandon. I was Bryce, I was Sam, and yes, I was also Aunt Olive. Because of Loree's superb literary prowess, I understood the pain of the ex-marine confused and addled by the beauty taking over his shop. And I was Samantha; full of love, faith and an unending hope that God has a plan for my life.

Author Loree Lough has not forgotten what it feels like to fall into real love for the first time and because of this, many pages of my copy of Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska are stained with happy tears. This is the first book I have ever read in this genre, and certainly not my last. Loree has found a lifelong fan and friend in me.

Unnecessary Technical notes: I wanted to add how much I love the cover art and appreciate the silky, smooth matte finish. Although smaller than I like (I prefer 13pt), the print is an easy-to-read font that gave me no trouble. The author used flawless POV changes (point of view) and employed a flowing style of prose that enabled me to read this book in one sitting.

Ellen C Maze, author Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider http://www.rabbitnovel.com

[Christy Wilhelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. The Characters were very normal in the way that they got to know each other. It must be what they call dating and getting to know each other, a talent that most people now a days have lost. No one in this book was texting, sext-ing or generally not paying attention to each other. This was refreshing in the sense that most H/H hop in the bed wagon by page 2 LOL. there were sweet and touching moments that had me laughing and chuckling, and also parts that made me tear up and sniffle. Loree Lough has a way with words that is touching and yet straight forward.
This is an Inspirational book so here is the scoop on the Christian factor. It was never in your face or hell and dam nation. It was more, this is my life and this is how I live it. They pray and attend church and are not embarrassed to do so one bit. I grew up this way, but now with this modern world and PC patrol, sometimes I feel that it's strange praying and bringing God into situations. I envied Sam in her stead fast manner.
I think that I could relate more to Bryce. He has a more cautious look to God. Afghanistan Vet, he's experienced times where he wondered where the big guy was, but in the end I think he knew his true feelings.

This is a good book. If you've never read Inspirational, don't be afraid of this one. I promise you won't get struck by lighting :)

Christy

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet, clean romance...

Bryce is an ex-marine living in North Pole, Alaska where he was raised by his Aunt Olive. Since the death of his parents (and, honestly, even long before his parents died) they are the only family they have. Bryce hates living in a place where the commercial side of Christmas is celebrated year-round and wants to sell Rudolph's (the Christmas knick-knack shop that his aunt has been running since his parents' death) and use the funds to open a carpentry shop. He would still be a marine if it weren't for the injury that left him blind in one eye and with a scar so hideous he has to wear a patch over one eye so he doesn't scare young children.

Sam has 7 older brothers so she may be petite, but she's definitely tough. She drives an RV from Maryland to North Pole, Alaska for her new job as a chef at the hotel there. She arrives to find out the owner has given the job to his nephew. Too proud to return back to Maryland defeated Sam answers an ad to manage a Christmas store called Rudolph's. She and Aunt Olive hit it off right away... She would hit it off right away with Bryce if he didn't have so many walls up to protect his heart.

There is a part towards the end of the book that is really sad and had me crying, but it's a short part of the story. This is a great read if you're in the mood for a cute, sweet, clean romance with a touch of sadness.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Sinclair is HOT!! Steaming mad that is. She sold her townhouse, and her possessions, bought an RV and drove to Alaska with a letter of a promise of a job, only to arrive to find out the boss let his nephew have the job. She is mad. Lucky for her she is quickly able to find a job managing a Christmas gift shop, and quickly is in love with her job! Always a great lover and fan of Christmas, working in a shop that is all about Christmas seems to be a place where Sam fits right in. Plus Olive, the store owner's aunt, is a dear and quickly becomes a close friend.

Bryce Stone, is a veteran. And he hates the commercialization of Christmas. And of all the places he could live, he lives in North Pole Alaska. He is the owner of the store where Sam is working. Having lost an eye while in Afghanistan, he is very timid and leery of women. His fiancee had dumped him after the accident, so trusting women did not come natural to him.

Follow this story as Olive orchestrates a romance between the two of them, and finally has romance in her own life. A beautiful story that will have you laughing at the antics of Olive, Samantha and crying at the sorrows Bryce faces. Definitely a book to read. 297 pages $12.99 US 4 stars



This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[Janet Marie Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loree truly NEVER disappoints!!! This book transports you to a real Winter Wonderland!

Bryce Stone is a tough ex-marine who comes home to North Pole where it is Christmas all year long. He comes home to start his own furniture shop when his Aunt Olive decides to retire and leaves the family's Christmas shop to him. Being a "Scrooge," he is not happy with the gift. Olive told him to put a want ad in the paper about a manager for the store.

Meanwhile Samantha Sinclair from Maryland answers an ad about being a chef in a hotel in North Pole. She drives to North Pole in a huge RV. When she gets there, there is an "Misunderstanding" about the Chef job. In the local paper there, she finds a want ad about a manager of a Christmas Shop. She applies for the job but what she doesn't know is that the job requires a lot more than she bargained for.

I love the character "Olive" because she reminds me of my grandmother....She says whatever's on her mind no matter what. We all should have people like her in our lives who loves us enough to tell us what we need to hear whether we want to hear it or not.

To read about her adventures in North Pole, you are going to have to read the book! Happy Reading

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming romance set in a warm and festive small town makes this story unforgettable. Add in a cast of characters that are so uniquely loveable and magic happens. Firm in their Christian beliefs, the main characters rely on their faith to carry them through their rocky moments in life. When they make it through those moments, through the kindness of others, they rein praise. The romance that begins between the two of them is beautiful, sweet and right out of a warm your heart holiday movie. With a delightful Christmas theme and moments so funny it’s hard not to laugh out loud, you’ll fall in love with this wonderful inspirational story.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this cute love story four stars, except for the fact that someone dies. There should be a warning for those types of things. And it should NOT happen in a book from this series. I expected a fun, light read and got a devastating read by the end. Sad. I mean, there is still a happy ending, but in my opinion it was too marred by sadness to be really happy. As a result of reading this book I'd like to visit North Pole, Alaska, however.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. I liked how Sam was determined to follow God's leading, even if it didn't look 'reasonable' to her parents and brothers. I liked that Sam and Bryce's Aunt Olive became friends quickly, and that Olive was able to encourage Sam in her efforts to befriend Bryce as well.
I especially liked that Sam and Bryce's relationship grew from a friendship, though because the timeline was condensed (months passing within the space of a few pages), sometimes it did seem a bit rushed.
I do wish we'd seen more of Bryce's return to faith . . . it is implied, but never really shown outright.
Overall, I enjoyed this new-to-me author's 'voice' and have put her on my list of authors to read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good and predictable. Very clean and definitely Christian. There were a few editing errors and some eye roll interactions that caused the 3 star review. It was humorous with some heart ache at the end. It does give the happily ever after you should expect from this genre. I have learned many of these feel good Christian romances write the main man in a weird way. They always try to throw in a distraction that you know is just a way to fluff the story. I will admit the author did a great job of pulling the heart strings at the right moment. That’s how I know I eventually fell into the world she painted, I cared what happened to the characters. I could see places she could have explained better or elaborated on, but I’m not a writer. I am sure the effort to put together a well told tale is difficult. There is usually a way to improve on a finished story. I have read few that we’re perfect. I would recommend this book and I want to check out other stories by this author.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one.Sam Sinclair came to be a cook in a hotel in North Pole Alaska but the owner gave it to his nephew.So she finds a job at a Christmas boutique.The owner is not a fan of Christmas but she is so the fun begins.

[Kate (The Shelf Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by the title. I lived close to North Pole, AK and wanted to see how the story portrayed the town.

The story follows Samantha 'Sam' Sinclair, as she arrives to North Pole, Alaska having sold her town home and a lot of her possessions, to come be a chef at hotel restaurant in town. However, the day she arrived, she found out the owner gave the job to his nephew. Sam is now left with out a job and now home. She only has an RV. After having the proverbial rug out from under her feet, Sam is determined to find a job in this town. She loves that the Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Bryce Stone has only been back to North Pole for a few weeks. He's been discharged from the Marines and has moved back home after receiving an injury in combat that left him blind in one eye. After his parents died, Bryce was left his parent's Christmas shop in the small town. He is not one to sit behind a counter, so he leaves his Aunt Olive to find a manager for the store while he does his best to get a carpentry shop started.

Love Finds You in North Pole Alaska is a sweet story. It was a bit predictable, but it was a nice light read. My only issue with the story however was the way North Pole was portrayed. I will say, the people there are very nice! I use to visit the town a few times a year. They also have amazing food! Check out Diners, Drive-in, and Dives...they list their best restaurants. It is also a Christmas town through and through. Christmas lights are decked out as candy canes, all of the restaurants are decorated year round, and I will also say, they have a fantastic coffee shack! The book portrayed the town a little bigger then it really is and the drive to Fairbanks isn't that long. The book mentions that the men to women ratio is 3-1, but no explanation is given. The reason for such a high ratio is the fact that right past North Pole is an Air Force Base and in Fairbanks is an Army Post. Those were just a couple of things that stood out to me.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bryce is an ex marine who has come back home to a small town in Alaska known as North Pole. Because of it's name, Christmas is the theme 24/7, 365 days of the year and there is no escape from reindeer to candy canes and due to not being able to escape the Christmas cheer, Bryce is not a fan. This makes it even harder when he has been left the family knick-knack shop that his parents owned and whilst growing up, his much loved aunt Olive kept going but is now moving to Florida. It is now Bryce's turn to work in the store and the thought of giving up his carpentry dreams to work in a stuffy store crammed of Christmas memorabilia is not something he is looking forward to. It isn't until he decides to hire a manager to take over from his aunt and Sam from Maryland is employed that where once he believed that nothing good ever happens in North Pole he is pleasantly mistaken.

This is a sweet romance that is heartfelt and although at times there are references to the Bible and characters praying, which I'm not a fan of, this is a very enjoyable read. It is easy for the reader to become absorbed in the likely characters lives and follow the tales of each characters trying to better themselves and make their dreams come true. Every element that is expected from a romance can be found in Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska and all the romantic readers out there will not disappointed.

[Lara Hulzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sam Sinclaire moves to North Pole, Alaska from Baltimore, she has high hopes about her new job as head chef for the biggest hotel in town. Upon arriving, however, she finds out the job has been given to the boss’ nephew, causing her to take a job managing a gift shop and living in her RV.

Bryce Strong grew up in North Pole where it is Christmas year-round. Having just returned from another tour of duty in Afghanistan as a Marine, he takes over the gift shop his parents left him when they died.

When Bryce’s Aunt Olive hires Sam to run the shop, he is attracted to the tiny, beauty, but can’t get past his hard-core ways to let her into his heart. Challenged by Bryce’s grumpy attitude, Sam is determined to get to the soft center of the tough Marine, encouraging him to trust in God again and open his heart.

This is a fun, romantic read that is actually set in the summer, but has Christmas all through it because of the town of North Pole. It has relatable characters and a relevant storyline. I loved it.

[Judine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting of this novel was incredibly clever. North Pole Alaska specializes in all things Christmas (go figure), and it was Samantha's dream place to live. When her guaranteed job as a chef falls through, she begins working for war veteran Bryce at his Christmas themed gift shop. While I loved Sam's relationship with Bryce's aunt Olive, it felt like some of Olive's story line was an unneccessary distraction to the main plot. I also thought some of the issues Bryce and Sam have to deal with are settled a little too easily and not necessarily believably. A light fun read, it still makes good book candy.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love find you in North Pole Alaska is a inspirational romance set in a real town of North Pole Alaska.
I am always a softie for a military hero and Bryce with his quirks was a memorable one. Bryce is handsome even with is patch.

This couple hit close to home for me. I could definitely relate to her tendencies to be scattered and distracted at home. The town was so charming I googled it after I finished the book.

You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book about a Marine injured in Afghanistan and a would be caterer who shows up about the same time in North Pole, Alaska to rebuild their lives after bad relationships. A really sweet book and filled with cute interactions that made me laugh out loud. As my Goodreads friends know, I love books about Christmas, so this was my beginning to the 2013 Christmas book marathon. You will love Aunt Olive in this book, and her courage facing some really tough decisions was inspiring.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this for a before Christmas read. I thought the romantic aspect of the book was very tender, and I even wound up in tears during several parts of the book! Bryce reminded me of a modern day Scrooge with his "Bah Humbug!" attitude about the town's perpetual Christmas, but I liked how Sam wound up working her way into Bryce's heart and helping him to find the spirit of Christmas. Would definitely own a copy of this story!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, mainly because of Samantha's {Sam's} personality. What a fun, loving, generous, humorous person to be around. Bryce is nearly her opposite, but also tends to make hilarious remarks, so it is interesting when they interact. The town of North Pole, Alaska was a beautiful and different one. Christmas music and decorations all year are loved by some and resented by others. Don't miss this quirky novel.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like racier romance novels, but have read and enjoyed tamer ones as well. This one started great. The storyline could have been fantastic, but then it kind of fizzeled for me. I like snappy dialogue and this just didn't snap. I kept thinking that the characters just wouldn't talk that way in real life. Maybe another author could do better.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, however, I was not expecting the turn it took for the last 1/3 of the story. The romantic comedy turned a bit more serious. So, beware if you are just looking for a light read. The setting and heroine, Sam, were delightful.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Christian fiction book shared with my Mom. This was a very quick read for me. The story was easy to get into and was sweet. There was a drawn out section that I felt was a little unnecessary, but I did enjoy reading the book. I am really enjoying this series!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read. I liked the subtle hints of Bryce and Samantha falling in love. I even cried at the end (but I am a sentimental person sometimes)!

I also enjoyed this because I have been to North Pole, Alaska and could picture the descriptions of the town and surrounding areas.

[Barbi Huhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this heartwarming story! The characters in the book were so relatable and likable. I really enjoyed getting to "know" Bryce and Sam and the trials that they faced separately and together.
The only problem that I have found with this series is that I want to visit the locations! ;)

[Pattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As sweet as a whole box of candy canes. Not my favorite in this "Love Finds You" genre, as the heroine seemed a bit too good to be true. But I enjoyed reading this book for all the landmarks, since we visited North Pole a few months ago.