North to Alaska: That Wintry Feeling / Borrowed Dreams

by Debbie Macomber

North to the Future!

That Wintry Feeling

She's not in Kansas anymore! Cathy Thompson was betrayed by the man she'd loved, a betrayal that sent her north to a new teaching job and a brand-new life. Now she's fallen in love with the grandeur of Alaska—and with a bush pilot named Grady Jones, who has custody of his young daughter, Angela. He offers Cathy a marriage of convenience, a proposal that, for him, isn't about love. But being together, being a family, helps Cathy forget her past. And it helps Grady find a future he hadn't expected!

Borrowed Dreams

Carly Grieves left Seattle for Anchorage because she was looking for a more adventurous life. She's accepted a job with a shipping company—a job that comes with plenty of challenges…including pilot Brand St. Clair. Despite her best intentions, she's falling in love with him. But Brand's a widower and Carly's afraid he's simply looking for a replacement wife. She's afraid to hope that he's fallen in love with her, too….

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

432 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too predictable. Why is every romance riddled with the same old "why we can't be together" theme? But they always end up together. I would have at least enjoyed a little more description of the Alaskan wilderness other than the occasional comment that it was such a beautiful place.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed both stories in this 2 for 1 book. Debbie Macomber writes two stories of finding love in Alaska.
The stories were touching and emotional. I recommend this book to all Debbie Macomber fans!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two enjoyable Alaskan romance stories. I enjoyed That Wintry Feeling more than I did Borrowed Dreams.

[Natalie Cyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5. these were two really good short romance stories and the angst hurt so bad but this book must’ve been written in the early 2010’s bc jeez it’s two stories of “i love u now marry em instantly and then birth my children” within like 2 months. it’s very traditional in the sense of the wife expected to mother the children and be home to take care of them. it just... rlly bothered me in that aspect.

[Jessie Pooley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started reading Debbie Macomber, because she writes stories set in Alaska, but really the location doesn't play a big part in her stories. I liked the first two I read - Alaskan Holiday and Starry Night. Read those instead of That Wintry Feeling and Borrowed Dreams. I saw this book in Walmart, but held off on buying and decided to get it from the library and I'm so glad I didn't spend any money on it. Both stories are essentially the same. Both female main characters have problems where they don't want to accept love from others. Enter an Alaskan pilot whose wife has passed away, leaving behind children, and almost instantly after meeting the girl decides they're going to marry and she'll be the new mother to his kids. This is the same in both stories, with only minor differences. Even the main character names are similar - Cathy and Carly.

Here are my reviews for the separate stories:

That Wintry Feeling - 1 star:
Don't bother with this book. There's nothing romantic about it. As if the volatile main characters aren't bad enough, there's even a pet death. At that point, I gave up and just skimmed to the end to see what happened. The only thing I liked about the book is Cathy's relationship with Grady's daughter, Angela.

Borrowed Dreams - 3 stars:
Even though I severely disliked the main character, this book still held my interest. I liked the love interest, Brand. Though set in Alaska, the location doesn't play a very big part in the story. The author's writing isn't very descriptive. I'd suggest reading "Starry Night" instead.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was rolling my eyes a lot while reading these two stories. The characters were so illogical and overemotional. Instead of talking things out with each other, they blew up because of miscommunication. Also, there's A LOT of physical intimacy in these stories. I prefer to read about what the characters do, say, think, and feel apart from all of that. BUT these stories were set in Alaska, so I loved that!

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both stories in this book were very good. They show how a person’s background and life can affect their lives in the future and what obstacles they go through to find happiness and love in their future lives.

[Lynn Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read this type of book but it was well worth it. I watch the Alaskan shows on TV so I tried it. The book is really wonderful. I read it in one day as it just keep you wanting to read one more page.

[Meagan Mothershed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book (two stories) I've read from this author. I found the characters to be immature and unlikable. There was little character development and the plot seemed rushed. I did not realize until after I finished reading them they were both originally published in the 80s so I'm hoping they were some of the first from this author and her writing has gotten better. I wouldn't say no to reading something else from her as long as it was newer.

[Judie Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually the combination of 2 books. "That Winter Feeling" and Borrowed dreams". Both take place in Alaska, but each is a very different story. Both about women wanting to get away from their current lives and find something different. Neither realize they will find love-despair, happiness and the makings of new families. A couple of really great love stories with happy endings.

[Sharon Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought I'd read this book because I was going on vacation to Alaska. Two books within one. Found both very predictable - only okay

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I'm not impressed.

The first story - That Wintry Feeling is about widower Bush pilot Grady Jones who happens to have a young daughter named Angela. Anyway, Grady meets and marries Angela's teacher, Cathy Thompson. Anyway, early on problems occur in the marriage and Grady becomes a workaholic to avoid Cathy but pisses me off because he doesn't realize the damage he is doing to his relationship with Angela.

The second story - Borrowed Dreams is about widower cargo pilot Brand St. Clair meets Carly Grieves. The two quickly fall in love and get married but soon Carly's insecurities threaten to destroy their marriage. I felt like screaming at Carly to seek therapy!

[Sasha Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Debbie Maccomber and her books usually never disappoint. However this one was a little too predictable and hard to read because of the characters being so annoying. A little bit of a nit picky thing is these two books were written in the mid 80’s but were compiled by Harlequen in 2014, well you could tell that they tried to update a few things by adding in “they listened to music on the iPad”, while still talking about using personals in the newspaper. And then also just randomly adding in using a cell phone, while still keeping in some fashion statements like wearing a 3 piece business suit (which seems very 80’s to me). Anyway, just a few annoying parts that made the books a bit less enjoyable for me.

[Nichole Voigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 good reads....The first one was Cathy the teacher who falls in love with one of her student’s dad Grady. She tries not to love him but you know how the story goes. The second one is Carly who has a horrible childhood and has a hard time accepting that she can love Brand. He has 2 kids and has been married. Can she love him? Or will she push him away? It holds you until the last few pages and then it ends! Not the best book you will ever read as far as content but good enjoyable love stories that make you happy!!!

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 4 out of 5]

First story, I read in a day. Needed something short & sweet.

Funny. I moved from story 1 here where there is a pilot in Alaska to “Shadow Flight” with flight to story 2 with more flying.

Second story took a couple of days which was nice to really be able to digest it.

The author gets her characters and you can totally relate.

Story 2, I can relate to feeling like Carly if I fell in love with a widower. Her background makes her feelings even more relatable, but I think we all want to yell at her like Diana did by some point.

[Chrissy Hale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many of Debbie’s books and I have never hated any of them…until now.

In the first story That Wintery Feeling, the hero was a jerk. He asked the heroine to marry him then he treats her like absolute garbage. It was bordering verbal abuse.

In the story Borrowed Dreams, the heroine was a raging jealous witch. She was literally jealous of a dead woman. She is the reason men say women are crazy.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two stories in this book.

1. That Wintry Feeling
Cathy Thompson accepts a job in Alaska, as she has been hurt by her boyfriend. When she
arrives in Alaska she meets Grady Jones. This is their story.

2. Borrowed Dreams
Carly Grieves' mother did not look after her as a mother should and Carly was removed to foster care. She decides to move to Alaska and accepted a job with a shipping company. She meets
Brand St. Clair. This is their story.

[Heather Bridson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read! I still love her stories, although the second one in this book irritated me. I just had a hard time reading a character that was so selfish and kept getting in her own way. It drove me nuts! Anyway, I still love all these books, and can't wait to read another. Would also love to see Alaska some day!

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a light-hearted book to off- set the heavy subject matter of the other book I'm reading at present. This book contains two stories. Debbie Macomber can always be counted on for a quick read. I didn't realize I had read Borrowed Dreams until I got into it and it wasso familiar. I enjoyed re-reading it.

[Chris Henken · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains two separate stories. I'm not a fan of romance in general, and the first story was absolutely ridiculous. Hot and cold emotions sometimes in the same paragraph that made no sense. The second story was more enjoyable and had a better story but it also contained some emotions that were too juvenile for the age of the characters.

[Marcela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. I have read some of Debbie Macomber’s books before and enjoyed them. After this nonsense, I won’t fall for the pretty cover of one of her books again. I did not like the way the men treated the women in this book. The women kind of had to fit their emotions to the man’s timeline of how long they could feel. Felt like I was stepping back a hundred years. No thank you. Bye Debbie Macomber.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

My full review can be read here: https://www.storybookem.com/post/book...

My official rating is 4 out of 10 planes

Kind of a disappointment, honestly. While it did make me laugh at parts, it was not at the level I expected from Debbie Mcomber. Maybe my second experience with Debbie Mcomber will be better.

[ren. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the two completely different relationship/marriage dynamics and characters. I preferred Brand & Carly’s story over Cathy & Grady’s, but overall the stories of finding love are beautiful. I also love the symbolization of the cold location of Alaska relating to the coldness Grady sometimes portrays as well as the hardships these two couples faced.

[Frances · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Debbie Macomber. These were two early books from the 1980’s. They have been repackaged with a beautiful cover of Alaska. Alaska had very little to do with the books. They were dated, unrelatable, main characters were self-centered and immature, and dare I say, boring. I fell into the “you can’t judge a book by its cover” category.

[Deane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the two stories in this book but I didn't like the repetition that went on and on....the way each of the women escaped to Alaska because of childhood or past experiences...Cathy was a teacher, Carly worked for an air transport company....both men, Grady and Brand were much more patient and kind that most men would be....in the end all is well.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Its two books in one. The first one I enjoyed the process of Carhy's growth from holding on to her past then actually falling for her husband.
The second one was harder for me to relate to. I couldn't stop reading the emotional roller coaster! My heart held its breath all the way to the end.

[Aletha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked that it was set in Alaska, in different parts of Alaska. I understood the struggles of the characters and the dilemma. I enjoyed the stories. However, there were plenty of typos and it is a set of stories that I would only recommend to someone who is in a cheesy, cliché, hallmarky mood.

[A L · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first story That wintry feeing, had a little mystery and romance. It also left you knowing that if any marriage is going to work there must be communication. Barrowed dreams the second story was way to predictable and boring.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am rarely a romance reader. But with COVID 19 and public library limitations, I am reading anything I can find. Book consists of two short stories set in Alaska. Nothing exciting or new, but decent escapism. I did catch myself crying over the death of a pet. That was about my only emotion.

[Kathleen Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was 2 books in one til I completed the first book. Good mindless reading with a happy ending. Don't know if I'll read the second story as it starts out quite similar to this one.