Compass North

by Stephanie Joyce Cole

Is running away an act of cowardice or courage? Or both?

Meredith didn't plan to run away, but when she's presumed dead after a freak accident, she escapes the misery of her failed marriage and falls into a new identity in a small and quirky Alaska town. Her friendships with a fiery artist neighbor and her elderly, cranky landlady pull at the fabric of her carefully guarded secret. When her connection with a local fisherman unexpectedly blossoms, Merry must face her past so that she can move into the future she craves.

But is it really that simple? Someone is looking for her, someone who threatens her dream of a reinvented life.

"Stephanie Cole writes as artfully as a painter, as smooth as a latte, and with so much obvious affection for her characters it's contagious." --Rich Chiappone, Alaskan author of The Hunger of Crows

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

Hello Readers. Before becoming an author, I worked as an attorney and court administrator for many years in Anchorage, Alaska. I have a law degree from UCLA and a Master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I now live in Seattle, with a rather predatory (but lovable) Manx cat and a young standard poodle who is in perpetual motion.

At various times my books have been called mainstream fiction, women's fiction, mystery/suspense, contemporary romance, and romantic fiction with mystery/suspense elements. However you choose to label them, I hope you enjoy them.

My typical reader might be someone who has worked hard all day at the business of life. She's tired at the end of the day, and she has finally a little time to sit in a comfortable chair, pour herself a glass of wine or a cup of tea, and pick up a book that she wants to transport her. For a little while, she wants to be somewhere else, maybe to be someone else. She wants her day to drop away. I want my books to take her on that journey.

Both COMPASS NORTH and A LATE HARD FROST take place in Homer, Alaska, a quirky little town that is one of my favorite places in the world. Let me take you there...

Best,
Stephanie

Reviews

[Joyce Bamberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to those who enjoy women's lit. Fans of Jodi Piccoult and Kristin Hannah will love this book. The book has a strong protagonist who begins a new life in Homer, with new adventures and a new lover, only to find out her ex-husband hasn't forgotten her. An enjoyable read for adventure lovers who also like stories about Alaska.

[Karen M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really enjoying this story with it’s strong women, strong courageous women, who were survivors. Key word is “was” because just before the end this story took a turn that just did not fit in this storyline but more about that later.

The author’s description of the city (not town) of Homer, Alaska, leaves the incorrect impression that this place is very small, well, population 5,000 is not really small but I let the author have that one.

I could understand Merry’s desire to disappear, after all, her leaving on her planned trip to Alaska was certainly a way for her to run away from her husband and what he had done to her. I really enjoyed her step by step becoming more confident in herself and justifying to herself her lack of communication with the people who thought she was gone forever. Of course, there were all the secrets she was keeping from her new acquaintances and this did bother her.

Now the end or near the end there was no real explanation of Merry’s husband’s homicidal attack on her. I know, I know, he needed her to stay dead but good grief, disguised himself and had a gun?. Anyway, that’s where this book lost a point. It was too outrageous and didn’t really serve a purpose in the story.

I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway.

[Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compass North is a must read book for today's generation of women (and men), defining their role in a complex and fast changing world. It's said that there is nothing more temporary than a permanent situation, and that can certainly be true of contemporary marriages, which often seem to start off with enormous pressure and unattainable expectations, and change course rapidly with today's instant career and social changes.

Compass North is in the spirit of women "leaning in," but, rather than referencing a high-powered and ambitious career, describes the contemporary struggles of a normal American wife, trying to support her husband and make a home, and then dealing with the unexpected collapse of that dream.

The vehicle of her personal awakening and growth is a tragic accident that sends her on a unique journey to discover herself, her personal strength, her personal value, and her place in the world.

Building the story around the harsh climate of an Alaskan winter creates a simple and beautiful canvass to paint the stark choices and problems that most people face today ... although in very different ways.

It is also often said that there is nothing more permanent than a temporary situation, and the central character in this story discovers that strong and real lives are built more from experiencing one day at a time and letting each of those bricks create a strong foundation and structure, rather than following grandiose plans and professional goals.

The story is well-conceived and developed into a very good and easy to read book. While some might try to classify Compass North as a "women's book," it is far deeper than that and frames insights and lessons on contemporary life and relationships that make it an excellent book for anyone.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a First Read Winner of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was totally engrossed in this wonderfully written story, with many emotional ups and downs and I could relate to all the characters especially Meredith. This is one of those books that will stay with you long after you have finished and maybe we can persuade Stephanie Joyce Cole to write a sequel to this story to let us know what will happen next. Very entertaining and beautifully told.

[barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with complexity. Love to read a story that takes place in Alaska!

[Anita Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the story and the development of the characters, especially Merry. The ending came very abruptly at a cliffhanger. I’m not sure if there is another book for a series. If not, hopefully the author will write one to wrap up the story line. 3.5 stars.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just an okay read.

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Linda]

I am updating these #GoodreadsGiveaways I received but never finished. I started the book but couldn't finish it.

[Sarah Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

I enjoyed this tale very much. I was able to imagine the place and the inhabitants by the beautiful descriptive writing. I look forward to reading the next book!

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Compass North. It has compassionate people, a well described, picturesque locale of Homer, Alaska, and a compelling, fast-moving storyline. Starting over is something most of us have had to do, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes not. Occasionally we handle it better than Meredith did... But maybe not.

This was a fine tale, told very well. I will follow Stephanie Joyce Cole. Can not wait for another story form her vivid imagination.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Stephanie Joyce Cole, and Duncurra LLC. I have read and reviewed this tale of my own volition. This review is my honest opinion of this work.

pub date Nov 8, 2015
Duncurra LLC
Reviewed April 21 at Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon, B&N and BookBub. Not available at Kobo.

[D.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compass North is the story of Meredith and her escape from heartbreak into the wilds of Alaska. Meredith is presumed dead and hiding from the world in Homer, Alaska. There she meets a crotchety old woman that takes her in and develops friendships with other locals. She even develops a romance of sorts with a local fisherman. Her secrets threaten to destroy the new life she has built.

Cole is obviously a gifted writer. Her descriptions of Alaska and the characters of Compass North are vivid. I loved the small town of Homer and the eccentric personas in the town. I want to go visit and discover the gift shop where a local artist displays her exceptional pottery.

I liked the idea of this novel. A women re-inventing herself after suffering heartbreak. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Meredith’s self-pity and constant introspective thoughts didn’t interest me. I just wanted her to get on with it. Meredith’s romance with a local fisherman didn’t feel believable to me. Just like Meredith, I couldn’t figure out what he saw in her. I also thought the romance progressed in a very high schoolish manner.

Advertising this novel as mystery/thriller is a bit of a misnomer. Only at the very end of the book (literally at 90% finished) did a bit of action occur. It wasn’t mysterious as such, but a bit of a thrill to finish the book off.

I recommend this book to readers that are interested in self-discovery.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever thought about abandoning your life and starting over somewhere new, as someone new? That’s exactly what Meredith does in this book, and it made for a beautiful story.

Meredith is an easy character to feel sorry for. She’s obviously in shock when her life falls apart, and her whole adventure to Homer starts with her in that state of shock. It’s almost palpable, and I was impressed that the impression of Meredith’s mind came through so easily, especially since the setting and story were so clear.

The setting was definitely one of the highlights of the story. The feel of the rugged wilderness, and the sheer size and isolation of Alaska are very easily felt, as is the beauty. There was almost a feeling of awe about the land, and it slipped easily into the background of the story and left me loving the setting as much as the story itself.

The plot of the story was fairly straight forward and predict, but it was quick and fun. The focus was more of the characters, and the setting, and it felt beautiful. This made for a pleasant read that left me with warm squishy feelings.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I'll admit I found this book rather slow to start...until I realized this 'slowness' was just a feature of the author's voice, the way she chose to present this story, to unravel it to our gazes. I paused and paid heed to the words, and the images started forming. Vistas I could picture in every detail...because Ms. Cole had described it all in such lovely detail. Lyrical, whimsical, with a touch of magic to land you into this rabbit hole to a wonderland that somehow, is all about the normalcy of life, of a woman's mundane, everyday existence that tumbles onto itself during one fateful moment.

I warmed up to Meredith the more I read, and that wasn't hard, because of the way Ms. Cole writes. She ensconces you in the story, draws you into that world, then holds your hand all the way through, on this journey Meredith takes to find herself and the true meaning of her life.

Definitely the stuff women's fiction is made of. It's not chock full of friendships with BFFs and the like, but it brings you back to the basics of it all - feelings.

[Brenda Bittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compass North by Stephanie Joyce Cole is a wonderful read. The stories heroine Meredith is going through a rough patch in her life when an opportunity falls in to her lap to disappear. She knows its wrong but feels she needs this chance for herself. She ends up in Homer Alaska where a new life begins. New people and new relationships develop.
This is one of those stories I hope doesn't end with just one book. I hope Miss Cole will continue Merediths story.
As a woman I can identify with that feeling of wanting to just disappear and concentrate on me and my life for a while.
But the lesson here is that no matter where you go your problems will follow you until you deal with them directly.
I enjoyed this GoodReads win. If I weren't so busy this would have easily have been one of those books I would have read in one sitting.
Thank You so much Stephanie Joyce Cole and good luck to you.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heroine great flawed character

I loved the flaws of all the characters. Meredith's searching to recognize and overcome verbal abuse and become a strong individual again is well done. The Author does an excellent job in allowing the characters to all fail as well as succeed as they grow. I loved the ending, because life never finishes in a complete tidy package. While I understand the reason for the relationship between Nick and Merry, the adultery of the main character bothered me, (Personal belief) and is the only reason I give the book 4/5.

[Marilyn May · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner with heart

A Late Hard Frost is a worthy sequel to Stephanie Cole's Compass North. It was fun to return to these well-developed characters, and to spend a few more hours in beautiful Homer, Alaska. Cole has deftly balanced suspense and humanity. I was absolutely absorbed, could not wait to learn what would happen to each character. I hope we'll have a chance to check in on them again.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good first novel. Characters were interesting and she captured a nice sense of place. The ending was clunky and a bit over the top.

[J.A. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never thought of visiting Alaska until I started reading Compass North. What a nice story.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.