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A Baby in Alaska

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He needs short-term help…

But will he find a lasting love?

Sam Frazier has three weeks in Alaska to acquire a small aviation company and serve as best man in a wedding—all with his infant nephew in tow. Thankfully, maid of honor and pilot Rylee Madden can’t resist helping the new guardian, even if the acquisition might eliminate her job. The arrangement is temporary, and romance isn’t an option. But will caring for baby Silas together change their minds?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Home to Hearts Bay

Book 1: An Alaskan Secret
Book 2: The Twins' Alaskan Adventure
Book 3: His Alaskan Redemption
Book 4: A Baby in Alaska

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

9 people are currently reading
2039 people want to read

About the author

Heidi McCahan

45 books500 followers
Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She is a bestselling author of several books, including Her Alaskan Family and A Baby in Alaska. A perfect day for Heidi includes a huge cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She makes her home in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle. Heidi is represented by Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency. A Winter of Sweet Secrets, Heidi’s next novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, releases on September 30, 2025.

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5 stars
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27 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,089 reviews123 followers
February 18, 2024
I really liked Rylee and her family, everyone needs someone like Rylee in there life. I did not care for Sam at all though.
1,065 reviews23 followers
January 23, 2024
I really enjoyed reading A Baby in Alaska! The main characters, Sam Frazier and Rylee Madden, are very likeable and well-developed characters. The health issues of Sam's six-month old nephew made me feel even more for the poor little tyke that had lost both his parents just days before his trip to Alaska. I loved how the Madden family steps in to help Sam even though his family's acquisition of the local airline may endanger Rylee's job. Rylee and Sam's flightseeing trip adds excitement to the book. The romance is a slow burn. Rylee was extremely hurt by her last boyfriend and has no intention of leaving the island that she loves. Sam has his life all planned out to serve a noble cause. In spite of all the obstacles, author Heidi McCahan is able to give them a very believable HEA. There is a great epilogue. I would happily read more of the books in this series and other works by this author.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written contemporary romance.
Profile Image for Marie.
578 reviews23 followers
February 11, 2024
Thank you in advance to the author, Heidi McCahan, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

What’s interesting about this book – it not only is released during Harlequin’s 75th anniversary, but it is the author’s 15th published book. But, that isn’t the only milestone in a way.

While I’d gotten several Love Inspired books, under the Steeple Hill banner back in the early 2000’s, it was the author’s book – Their Baby Blessing (2019) – that reintroduced me to the line. From there – I was hooked. As it was part of a series (Merritt’s Crossing), I put Their Unexpected Arrangement on my TBR, but I did read the third book in that series though. I also put the author’s unconnected book – The Firefighter’s Twins on my TBR as well.

This is the fifth (5th) book in the Home to Hearts Bay series. And, given how connected the stories are – I’d definitely read them in order. I haven’t read books #1, #2, or #4. However, like her other books, they’re also on my TBR.


Returning for this book:

🏫 Tess Madden-Hale (Book #1 – An Alaskan Secret)
👨🏻 Asher (Tess’ husband)
☕ Eliana (Book #2 – The Twins’ Alaskan Adventure)
👨🏻 Tate (Eliana’s husband)
👩🏻‍⚕️ Mia (one of the Madden siblings) (Book #3 – His Alaskan Redemption)
🦀 Gus (Mia’s husband)
🎀 Poppy (Gus’ daughter)
👩🏻 Rylee (Mia’s sister)
🧬 Lexi (Mia was accidentally switched with her, part of book #3’s storyline) (Book #4 – Her Alaskan Companion)
🚓 Heath (Lexi’s husband)


McCahan then introduces readers to:

💼 Sam Frazier
👶🏻 Silas (Sam’s nephew)
🛩️ Paul
🛩️ Libby
🤵🏻‍♂️ Josh
👰🏻‍♀️ Crystal
💐 Chelsea

Sam’s parents are introduced as well.

Absent from this book is Liesel, Poppy’s mom. I would’ve liked to know where she ended up or what happened after the third book. Also, it seemed to me (though I might’ve read this too fast) – some of the other kids were missing.

There are going to be some circumstances that are sad or sobering for some readers. These surround the loss of Silas’ parents. McCahan also tackles the many ways of dealing with grief, especially among family members.

McCahan jumps straight into the story with Sam reflecting on the recent events surrounding the death of his brother (Lucas) and sister-in-law (Erin), which is how he became the guardian to his 6-month-old nephew Silas.

Not only is Sam supposed to travel to Alaska to be the best man in a wedding, he’s also going to act as Frazier’ Aviation’s representative to acquire Hearts Bay Aviation as the owners – Paul and Libby – are selling the business to move to Nevada to be with their daughter who needs help.

[As of note, I live in Nevada and would rather be in Alaska 🤣]

Rylee Madden is a pilot for Hearts Bay Aviation, and her friend Crystal wants her to be Maid of Honor (yes, she senses a set-up to be a date for the best man). Aware of the merger, Rylee is concerned whether or not she can keep her job – one that gives her a chance everyday to admire the beauty of her home state. She’s concerned the new company will want to bring in their own staff.

From the time Sam arrives in Hearts Bay with Silas, Rylee is there to help. Though the last thing she’s looking for is a romance. Rylee’s ex-boyfriend ran off to Texas with her cousin. They learn they’re respectively the best man and maid of honor.

Rylee isn’t the only one who isn’t hit by the romance bug. Sam is too focused on putting Silas’ needs first to properly care for him. He’s also got his family obligation, which is a sore spot. Sam would rather be helping friends provide clean water to certain areas of the world, and his stepping away from the family business is a sore spot for his father. So, romance is the farthest thing from his mind.

Rylee extends some hospitality to Sam and Silas, heading to her family’s house. Despite the upcoming acquisition, Sam is shocked to find how hospitable the Maddens are and finds some relief there.

However, Sam is going to have to sort out his childcare plans due to the wedding and the acquisition review. But, calming Silas down is another thing. Through Rylee and her sister Mia, they determine the source is the formula.

At each turn, Rylee is there for Sam and Silas – often providing a “family” like bond, despite the fact his family’s acquisition of Hearts Bay Aviation might cost her a job. It’s also clear that Sam has no intention of staying in Hearts Bay after the wedding and acquisition. And, Rylee has no intentions of leaving her home, even for a man she might love.

Her sisters want her to give love another shot, and Rylee isn’t sure her heart is ready. She also can’t take another broken heart either. Still, as she grows closer to Sam and Silas, she is wondering if there might be a chance.

Sam is also wondering if there is a chance, but he’s got three major issues – where he lives, his desire to do charity work, and working a relationship around his obligation to Silas.

Like with any romance – there are going to ups and downs, and even more so in a story with an aviation theme.

Despite the sad tones here or there, this was one of those books that grabbed me in and was hard to put down. How can anyone NOT be drawn in by that sweet cover? I sometimes kept reading – much to my detriment. While it took me a few days, had I not been sick, I would’ve finished it in 1-12 days as it is such a sweet, and easy read. Perfect pacing – at no time did it lag or feel as though the author was rushing through it. McCahan definitely had a way of bringing Alaska to life with the vivid descriptions, and perilous terrain.

She is one of the many authors who can take a sad story, and weave a hopeful and inspiring theme together. This is one of those close-proximity, second chance, slow-burn romances that when the story ends, readers will have a full and satisfying feeling.

I was absolutely disappointed with Sam’s father. While I understood he was mourning the loss of his son (and daughter-in-law), as well as a treasured member of the company – his attitude towards Sam in the beginning and almost to the end was unforgiveable. Not only was Sam also grieving the loss of his brother, but he was thrust into fatherhood instantly. This was on top of his duty to a friend, and the Hearts Bay acquisition. In that, McCahan demonstrated how family members treat each other even with a shared loss.

As this is from the Love Inspired line, there will be tones of the Christian faith in them. These are very light and subtle; some readers will hardly notice them.

I’m eager to see what McCahan plans next – whether it is another trip to Hearts Bay or another location in Alaska. Those who’ve read the previous four books should definitely pick this one up. I think I’d be safe in saying fans of the author won’t be disappointed.

Funny note about this story – I was born in Texas (where Tucker ran off to), and live in Nevada where Paul and Libby move to.
3,706 reviews40 followers
January 31, 2024
This is book four in The Home To The Hearts Bay series and it is Sam and Rylee’s story. Sam was grieving over the death of his brother Lucas and sister in law Erin while also becoming guardian to their son Silas who is 6 months old and on top of that he was due to travel to Hearts Bay in Alaska to deal with a buyout and now he would also have to take Silas with him meaning Sam would have to do his job while making sure that Silas was looked after so he would need some help and find a babysitter while he was there. Rylee worked at Hearts Bay Aviation and flew there planes to remote villages delivering the supplies that they need and she loved her job even though at the moment she was a bit anxious with the buyout and wondering if she would still have a job. Rylee met Sam at the airport and realised that his babysitter has let him down so she stepped in to help and the more time that they spent together with Silas the more there attraction and chemistry grew but once Sam’s job was done he would be leaving and going back to his life in Seattle and Rylee would be staying in Hearts Bay because she loved her hometown and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else so what will happen between them and will they be able to manage a future together as a family which is what they all want and deserve. This was a really beautiful and emotional story of loss, family, friendship, community, hope and love and I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.
141 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
“A Baby in Alaska” by Heidi McCahan, book review

Sam has had this Alaska trip planned ever since he was asked to be best man in the wedding. But now the trip is a bit more complicated, as he has to take Silas and all the baby equipment. Dealing with the grief from the death of his brother and sister-in-law is overwhelming. But now, Sam has to learn how to care for his nephew. 

Rylee has her dream job, pilot in Alaska. But now the owners of the company are retiring and she fears for her job. Maybe if she can make a good impression on the new owner, she can keep her job. So when Sam arrives, she puts on her best smile and is ready to impress him. She is surprised that he has a baby in tow, but with the help of her family, they make Sam and Silas welcome in Alaska.

This is a sweet story of a successful business man who is honoring his family obligations and work obligations at the same time. He quickly learns that raising a child is not a solo endeavor and the help of others when freely given is well received. The author develops the characters well, and they are likable. The story flows and kept my attention, making me want to keep reading when I should have put the book down to take care of chores. While the ending was a bit predictable, the story had some twists and turns that were unexpected. Overall, great read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
3,544 reviews40 followers
January 10, 2024
This standalone in the series is a clean, Christian romance that takes the readers to Hearts Bay, Alaska . This is a close knit community where Rylee Madden lives and works as a pilot at Hearts Bay Aviation. A company soon to be acquired by the well respected Seattle based company, Frazier Aviation.
Sam Frazier never expected to be the one in charge of the acquisition, especially since his dreams are not those of his father’s . But upon his brother’s death he has not only been assigned to take over the acquisition, but is now the guardian for his 6 months old nephew.
Traveling to Hearts Bay with baby Silas, both for the acquisition and to be best man to his good friend from college, he is overwhelmed with the responsibilities.
Whom he never expected to meet was Rylee.
The attraction is there but Rylee has been hurt and abandoned before, not only by someone she loved, but she feels , also by God. Meanwhile, Sam has plans of leaving Hearts Bay after the acquisition.
In the end, will they realize that God never abandons us and that instead he gives us second chances?
This was a touching story about loss, trust, faith and second chances in life and love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Elaine Applebury.
720 reviews5 followers
March 20, 2024
Heidi McCahan writes a heartwarming story with good storyline, good characters, and a satisfying ending.
Through tragedy, Sam Frazier has become his infant nephew’s guardian. Sam has no experience with babies and takes off to Heart’s Bay, Alaska, with baby Silas in tow. He is to be best man in a wedding and complete the acquisition of an aviation company all while on Orca Island. Rylee Madden loves her job as a pilot on Orca Island, but her boss is planning to sell. She is to show the new guy around and answer his questions. Will she lose her job when the new group takes over? Now she also has to add being maid of honor for her friend. Can she juggle all the responsibilities?
Profile Image for Tara Robinson.
153 reviews19 followers
December 26, 2023
I love this sweet, heartwarming story. It's full of love, faith, hope, trust and helping others in need. Sam Frazier becomes the guardian of his orphaned baby nephew. He has struggles along the way, not sure how to care for a baby. While in Alaska Rylee Madden comes to Sam's rescue. A Baby in Alaska is part of the Home to Hearts Bay series. I couldn't stop reading this story. This author knows how to keep you entertained from beginning to end of the story. A must read for sure!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
4,506 reviews38 followers
January 24, 2024
A Baby in Alaska is a Christian, heartwarming, inspirational romance. Unexpected parent Sam, adorable baby Silas, and Alaskan pilot Rylee are the major characters in this well written tale about loss, faith, trust and second chances. I love Rylee’s large supportive family. This book grabbed me, transported me to Hearts Bay and kept me there until I reached the end. You do not want to miss this book!
4,922 reviews30 followers
January 24, 2024
Enjoyed this sweet clean romance with Sam Frazier and Rylee Madden who meet when he goes to Alaska to work out details of purchasing an aviation company where she is a pilot. The complication of his six month old nephew that he has guardianship of since his brother and sister-in-law were killed. Rylee is worried about her job as a pilot that Sam is buying but she can her family are the ones that step up to help with little Silas. Loved this book and the characters as well.
380 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2025
This was a prize book. So glad I had a chance to read it. The story had a mystery Sam working for his or working for a clean water project. It had romance too. Baby Silas was just what you needed for humor. I wondered about the grandparents not helping out. The wedding seemed to be a good diversion.
162 reviews
January 2, 2024
If I could give this amazing book ten stars I would! From page one you will fall in love with Rylee, Sam and Silas. Each page is filled with twists that stir all your senses. This may be Heidi’s best book yet!
Profile Image for Marta Aldrighetti.
562 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
Rylee lives in the island of Hearts Bay and works for Hearts Bay Aviation as pilot.
Her job is in danger..
Her life is busy and she's always ready to help who is in need. Now she needs help.
Nice lovely characters, I'll miss them, nice story.
466 reviews
January 31, 2024
glad to read another great story

This was an amazing story. It was good to get to revisit this town and this family and meet some new characters.
Profile Image for D..
1,771 reviews
February 6, 2024
Sam needs help. Rylee will help. However, there are a few complications in this arrangement. This was an interesting take on this story and I really enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Eliana .
2,996 reviews24 followers
September 7, 2024
Sweetest story of second chance after hurt and betrayal! Already one of the best inspirational romance of the year.
Profile Image for Ann Brodeur.
Author 2 books265 followers
September 1, 2025
This one made me cry. It was a great book - loved reading Rylee's story and visiting characters from the previous novels in this series.
Profile Image for Kaethe.
148 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2024
Happy Book Birthday to Heidi McCahan! Thank you for this sweet ARC. I was delighted to return to Heart's Bay, Alaska, and get reacquainted with the Madden sisters. Cleverly combining the beloved tropes of single parent/adorable baby with a maid of honor/best man meet-cute, A Baby In Alaska throws Rylee Madden and Sam Frazier together in many less than perfect circumstances. Rylee's family and friends form a sort of Greek chorus, making it clear to the reader/audience how suited she and Sam are to each other, but all the two of them can see are the obstacles in their way. They're both Christian, and prayer is sprinkled throughout their daily lives, but are Sam and Rylee really listening to what the Lord is saying to them? It takes a dangerous situation and a couple of heart-to-hearts with family for them to see the path laid out before them that will turn this couple into a family. This is an ideal book for Valentine's/Galentine's Day gift-giving -- better yet, gift the whole Heart's Bay series!

4,506 reviews38 followers
January 24, 2024
A Baby in Alaska is a Christian, heartwarming, inspirational romance. Unexpected parent Sam, adorable baby Silas, and Alaskan pilot Rylee are the major characters in this well written tale about loss, faith, trust and second chances. I love Rylee’s large supportive family. This book grabbed me, transported me to Hearts Bay and kept me there until I reached the end. You do not want to miss this book!
Profile Image for Tonya Berry.
43 reviews
January 27, 2025
I loved this story! Romantic, family, fun! It was a trifecta in my opinion of everything that we need in our lives for a clean fun story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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