Timber Ridge

Port Promise #1

by Kelly Collins

From award winning author Kelly Collins comes a small town, single dad, neighbors-to-lovers romance…

When teacher Timber Moore applies for a job in tiny Port Promise, Alaska, her quest is to educate the youth and uncover the identity of the father she's never known. Port Promise, with its whispering woods and close-knit community, holds the key to her past. But her arrival stirs up more than just a summer breeze.

Kane Hollister, a single father and seasoned fisherman, has learned the hard way that outsiders bring storms. He's still mending nets from when a charismatic do-gooder sailed in and out of his life, leaving him with a child to raise alone. His walls are up, but Timber has a knack for finding the cracks in his defenses.

She’s a woman with a lesson plan but no map for her heart's journey. He’s a man whose trust is as scarce as daylight in winter. Can they move beyond their pasts to chart a future together, or will history's echoes dictate their fate?

Set against the rugged backdrop of a small Alaskan island, Timber Ridge weaves together the warmth of community, the pain of the past, and the soft whisper of love that says, "home isn't just a place."

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Ebooks, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

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You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

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Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Serendipity, it seems, has a sense of humor. Every false note, every twist in my path, has led me to this moment, this place, where I am exactly where I’m meant to be.” — Timber Ridge by Kelly Collins

Well, this was an adorable read!

Thank you to Kelly and her team for an early copy of Timber Ridge! It was my first book my Kelly and I really enjoyed the writing and the story.

Timber Ridge follows a lost teacher to Alaska where she is trying to find answers to her past but when she arrives, she gets so much more than she bargained for.

While cleaning out her late mothers things, Timber discovers a post card from Port Promise, Alaska which sparks her interest in trying to find answers to who her father is. After she sees a summer teaching job post for the same town she knows she needs to go and see what the universe is trying to tell her with these signs.
Upon her arrival to Port Promise, she meets Kane Hollister, a grumpy single dad who thinks she’s just another outsider planning to stir things up and bail. As the two of them get to know each other and their day-to-day lives become more entangled, can they each let go of their past grievances to give their flickering spark a chance?

This was such a sweet (with some spice!) romance! I really loved Timber’s character. She’s been dealt a heavy blow in her life but she still perseveres and is always willing to try something new. Kane was a great grumpy single dad with a heart of gold. He’s the backbone of his family and his weariness was so warranted and watching him crumble under Timber’s presence was so heartwarming.

I can’t wait for Finn and Lena’s story! I think it’s going to be a hoot!

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber Ridge is the exciting start to a new series by one of my favourite authors. I always feel captivated by Kelly Collins's stories. This book is filled with great characters and compelling storylines that kept me engrossed right until the end. I particularly enjoyed witnessing the rapid growth of Timber and Hailey's bond, as well as seeing how Timber helped fill the void in Hailey's heart.

In the Alaskan small town of Port Promise, teacher Timber Moore is a temporary resident with a secret from her past to uncover, not just there for the kids. Kane Hollister, a single father and fisherman, yearns for a family life akin to his parents', but is hesitant to open his heart again.

I am eagerly looking forward to delving into more of this new series and meeting additional locals of Port Promise in Alaska.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet standalone romance between a reacher from Arizona and a single father fisherman from Alaska.

After Timber's mother dies she finds a postcard from Port Promise which she hopes might help her find out who her father was, so she sets off to become the summer school teacher. What she finds is a way of life that she never knew she wanted.

I loved the mix of laid-back and self-sufficient lifestyle Port Promise had. How everyone looked out for each other showed a sense of community and Timber slotted right into the town without really trying. I loved all the characters in the small town.

Kane was a local and loved his home. All he wanted was to find what his parents had, but his last 'relationship' left him with a daughter and a very flighty ex. He was reluctant to put his heart out there again.

These two have an attraction from the beginning, and the way they try not to give in to it was so sweet and lovely to read, but they can't resist the attraction forever, not after a very scary night - life was just too short. But just as these two connect, outside influences make them question their future.

I wasn't expecting the twist in the story for Timber, but I love that she found her connection to the town.

This was a super sweet story and I enjoyed every page.

- duel pov
- small town
- he falls first
- forced proximity

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The post card that she finds will open a new chapter in Timber Moore’s life. After the death of her mother, she needs money to repair their home and a job that includes a place to live is just what she needs, but in Alaska? The post card she found from Port Promise, Alaska seems to be an omen, a sign and so she applies. Once she arrives, she realizes why she must have been the only applicant as the cabin is definitely primitive. Well, she has always enjoyed a challenge. She is also hoping to discover information about the father she has never known. Spending time with Kane Hollister, his young daughter Hailey and his extended family soon has her feeling wanted and loved. Hoping her mother may have visited Port Promise, it is not until she shares a photo that she begins to get some answers. As her love for both Kane and Hailey strengthens, what will she do when Hailey’s mother arrives? Will Timber feel the need to withdraw to give Hailey’s mother time and a chance to reconnect with her daughter? A truly beautiful and emotional journey for both Timber and Kane and a heartfelt beginning to this new series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding home in the most unlikeliest of places
Trying to find where she belongs Timber takes on a temporary job and heads to Port Promise in Alaska.
Loving the place and adjusting to life in the tiny town Timber gets to know the locals, especially the handsome single dad Kane.
While neither Kane or Timber are looking for partners they become closer by the day.
Feeling all alone in the world she tries to uncover the identity of her father with the little information her mum left.
This was a beautiful story of deep connections, the love of a child, a mystery to be unfolded, harsh times and finally decisions to be made.
Will Timber’s summer job lead to more than she ever hoped for?
Can she find the family she thought she would never have?
I loved this first story in the Port Promise series and all of the characters.
Looking forward to my next visit.

[Katy Battisti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber ridge was such a cute read. I enjoyed it a lot! The Alaskan small town of Port Promise gives me Aspen Cove vibes. I feel like Timber was very relatable, and down to earth. Someone you would love to have as a best friend. Kane, a single dad, he was dreamy, outdoorsy good man. I thought this was easy and fun to read. I’ve been in a reading funk and was slow going in but half way through I couldn’t put it down. I loved it and can’t wait for the next Hollister brother!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Timber was a school teacher from Phoenix and took a summer teaching job in a small town in Alaska. Her ulterior motive was hopefully to find out who her father was as she had never met him. She had a clue that maybe her mother had been in the small town in Alaska. I think I would have run when I saw how rustic the cabin was that they had for her to live in. Her teaching ended up being three young children. One of the children was Hailey who was the daughter of Kane who hired her. Kane was not the nicest when he first met Timber. The two each had bad pasts that made them not want anything to do with love. Hailey was five years old and stole my heart. Timber did an awesome job of teaching the three children that were all different ages. It was so interesting learning things about Alaska. I loved watching Kane and Timber fall in love. There were some happy times and some scary times in the book. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! That was just so stinking sweet. And left me nearly in tears a bunch of times. To me, this story was all about family; finding them, making them, keeping them. I adored Timber and Kane. It both broke my heart and renewed my spirit to watch them overcome all the obstacles in their way. And now that we’ve met the Hollister clan, I can’t wait to read more about them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Lady M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this authors Aspen Cove series so I decided to check out this new series. I wasn't sure what to think right away, but I quickly hot into the story. I loved seeing how quickly timber and Hailey bonded. The name of the book came from a sweet scene as well. This book isn't clean, but there is minimal swearing, no f bombs, and the one (I think just the one) sex scene was very tame. Kane has a few brothers, so I'm sure we'll get some more stories from Alaska.

[Juli Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romances are my favorite and Kelly is the queen of Small Town Romance.
I absolutely loved Kane and Timber's story. She came to Alaska hoping to find out about her dad who she doesn't know and finds love and family.
Kane is a single dad and kind of a grump which I also love in a hero. He's also enamored by Timber with the first meeting.
Loved reading how their love story evolved.
Looking forward to reading more in this new series.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kane and Timber find each other in a secluded small town in Alaska but can they have a chance to HEA? He was burn by his five years daughter’s leaving and has closed his heart to strangers and love. Timber came to Port Promise to find more about her absent father and found more that she bargained for. Can she stay and give a chance at having a future with Kane or will she return to her old life in Phoenix after experience love and a sense of really belonging?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a read that was emotional at times
but still had quite a few light hearted moments.
Well developed plot that has a lot of depth to it
and characters that are full of life on the pages.
All round it was a beautiful story to read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber Moore is searching for answers for her heritage when her Mother dies, by taking a job in Port Promise, Alaska. She takes a summer job teaching summer school and meets Kane Hollister. Kane has a daughter that was attending her class. The time spent together causes sparks that grow into love. True and enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming romance. Timber is a teacher who takes a job in a small town in Alaska. She meets single father, Kane, and the sparks ignite. It is a captivating story that draws the reader in. I recommend this book. I loved it and look forward to the future books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear Jerker!

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were coming in hot but even so, Hank told Timber, “This is as routine as knowing there will be a surprise test on Monday, Teach! “Alright, brace yourself, Timber.” “Fabulous,” she muttered, her voice trembling despite the sarcasm.” As they land without issue she hears Hank say, “Welcome to Port Promise. Alaska!” he says cheerfully too. “You’re all set,” Hank says with a hint of worry as he eyes the brewing storm clouds. “I was supposed to meet someone here.”

“That would be Kane,” he says. “He’s on his way. Kane operates on island time—it’s like waiting for paint to dry or dough to rise. You’ll adapt. You might even like the pace better than city life.” “So, what’s the game plan while I wait for this ‘island time’ to bring Kane around?” “Guard duty,” he answers, nodding toward the nearby box of birds. “Kane would have a fit if he found even one feather out of place.”

“I came here to teach, not to be a pet sitter.” “We all do our part when needed,” He says. “Alright, little ones,” she says with false confidence. “Time for your first lesson: Survival.” “Sarah? Is that you?” An older woman comes from the direction of a cozy, weather-beaten café. “Of course, you’re not Sarah.” (important clue) May invited her over to her café to have a hot coffee until Kane comes looking for her. It would at least take some of the chill away.

“Appreciate it, May, but first”—she glances down at the chirping box—” I gotta do something with these guys.” “Ah, always looking out for the young’uns,” she says. “You’ll fit right in.” She points up the dock and to the right. “The storage room is just over yonder. That should do for now. Just prop open the door a smidge for air.” May turns and walks back up the dock to her café. “Thank you,” Timber calls after her.
She lugs the box of chicks to the room, setting them carefully inside. “There you go, fluff balls.

You won’t be an eagle’s snack today.” “You signed up for this,” I remind myself. “Warmth first,” I say, as the incoming storm settles in my bones. “Everything else can wait.” A creaking and groaning sound draws Timber’s attention to the inlet. May pops her head out of the café door pointing to a large, imposing boat as it cuts through the choppy waters. “Looks like your man is here.” “Oh, he’s not my man.” The words claw their way out, each syllable a shard of glass in her throat. The ghost of her ex-husband lingers in a sharp presence that still cuts deep.

“Kane’s a good man. You could do worse,” May says. “I’m not looking,” she says flatly, the words a shield against expectations she can no longer bear. May’s lips curve up with a hint of knowing. “That’s when love finds ya.” Timber shoots her a cynical look. “Right, because I need love like a case of the pox—itchy, irritating, and leaves you scarred for life.” “Timber Moore?” His voice is like gravel, the words barely making it over the wind. “Yep, that’s me,” she says, trying to sound more confident than she is.

“Apologies for the delay. Had an argument with the engine earlier.” “You’re a long way from home. Why Alaska?” “I could use the extra money, plus it seems like it will be an adventure.” (Her truth is, she inherited her mother’s tiny one-bedroom home when she died, and everything from the plumbing to the air conditioner needs fixing. Summer jobs are hard to find, and this one landed in her lap.) “The quicker I get these fish offloaded, the faster your adventure begins. We need to get the salmon on ice before the storm hits.

Will you give me a hand?” “What do I have to do?” “Start loading the bin with fish.” Before Timber can process his words, he tosses a shiny, slippery body. She dodges it with a yelp. (Kane is an a$$ right here. Just because he was hurt by his ex doesn’t give him the right to be a jerk to all women who are outsiders.) “Wait, I’m not ready.” “Salmon waits for no one. (He’s a dildo for the next set of words. He should have just hired a babysitter instead of lying about the job and the cabin. Could be why his marriage didn't work he didn't talk and left things to others to fix.)

These fish are paying your salary,” he states flatly, making it clear that complaining is not an option. She catches the next glistening fish, but it slips through her fingers and hits the dock with a thud. “Fish are friends, not projectiles!” “Whoa, hold on a second.” “Storm’s about ready to break. We need to hurry.” When they’re finished Kane jumps to the dock and tosses several sanitizing wipes to her.

“Good job.” He hoists the mailbag over his shoulder and disappears briefly into one of the old shanty-style buildings while she attempts to remove the scales and slime from her hands and jacket. “Have you seen a box of birds?” Timber points to the storage closet. “May said to put them in there,” Kane grunts with acknowledgment, he strides over, retrieves the box, and for a moment, his gaze softens as he looks inside. “Will they be family pets?” Timber asked. He chuckles, closing the container with care. “Nope, they’re Sunday dinner in about three or four months.”

“Ah,” she says, the reality of her new life settling in. In an environment like this, sentimentality has no place. As a teacher, she’s learned to accept the reality of raising animals for food, understanding the necessity of it for survival. “Ready to see your new home?” “Yes.” “Then let’s go.” He takes off at a double-time pace.
Timber races down the dock to grab her duffle and rushes behind him along the wooden walkway that seems to go on forever. “How far does this go?”

She calls out as she races to catch up. “It connects most of the houses in town. It’s our version of a superhighway, but built for ATVs, snowmobiles, and foot traffic.” “That’s awesome.” “It’s convenient.” We walk for what seems like an eternity, but likely only ten minutes. “We’re here,” he says as he stops before a log cabin. She takes a moment to absorb the sight: weathered wood logs forming the walls, a pitched roof covered with green shingles or maybe moss. There’s a small porch adorned with a set of antlers over the door. Off to the side is a quaint water pump, which she finds oddly charming.

“Let me show you the inside.” Kane pushes open the unlocked door and leads her into the one-room cabin. “Cozy,” she says, trying to mask her disappointment. Inside, the reality is far from the fairy tale image she had conjured up. There are no rocking chairs flanking a stone fireplace. No quilts hanging on the walls. It's more utilitarian than charming. The room is sparse, with just a bed, a table, and chairs. The far wall is lined with shelves, and below them is something that resembles a sink.

This isn't the retreat she had envisioned. It's a stark reminder of the bare-bones functionality required to live here. She looks back at the door. “No locks?” “Not necessary,” he says. “You’ll find you have everything you need. There are battery-operated lanterns around the room.” He points out three. “You’ll need to start a fire.” In her head, she’s like, that one that belongs in a museum. I’ll get the first one as the smoke billows into the room he fiddles with the flue he gives it a rattle and then there's a clack.

The smoke clears after they are showered down with who knows what? What falls back into the flames. Between coughs, she says thanks. “Now let me take you to the outhouse.”“OUTHOUSE!?” His sister Eliza was not forthcoming with all the information needed to make a knowledgeable informed decision. Such a funny, wheel of adventure, and love. Follow the mystery and watch it unfold.

[Naianne Lara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t like the writing or the story, the characters are very insecure and the hero sometimes sounded toxic because he wanted someone to fill his needs and not once was willing to adapt. He needed a woman to have sex and a mother to his daughter and he got that with Timber who in turn needed a family after her mother died.

[Sara Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insta-lust
OWD (baby momma)


I hated that she abandoned that child because her worthless mom came back.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber and Kane’s story is a wonderful grumpy/sunshine romance set in wild and beautiful Alaska. It is a tender and charming story, with some very entertaining moments as well as a few emotional ones. Kane is the quintessential grumpy single dad who has been burned by an ex who chose to leave both him and their daughter behind. He is a doting father, brother and son, as well as a man the whole town relies upon. His job as a fisherman is hard exhausting work, made more difficult by a boat that has seen better days and needs to be replaced. Kane is not looking for love or a new relationship, and especially not with the pretty city girl who has arrived to take his sister’s place as teacher and general child care worker for the town’s children for the summer. Yet, that is exactly what happens. He falls head of heels for the woman who lights up his daughter’s life and makes any time he spends with her a joy. They are spending a lot of time together since a fire in her cabin brought her into the home he shares with his daughter.

Timber not only needs the money this job pays, but also some answers about her late mother’s past that seems to be tied to this town. She is strong-willed, determined and resilient, and takes action rather than panic in a crisis situation. Her sunshiny disposition, kindness and friendliness draw people to her and help her to form a strong rapport with the children, especially Kane’s daughter Hailey. Her sense of adventure, her joy in exploring and showing the kids new things makes her a great teacher/ childcare worker. She clearly loves kids and they love her. She has fallen hard for little Hailey and her big, tough and grumbly father. With her stay only being temporary, her heart is bound to get hurt again, it so are at least Tesoro other hearts that have come to live her.

I loved the sense of community in this small Alaskan town, where everyone knows and looks out for each other. Timber fits right in and even reminds everyone the importance of community and shared experiences. The Alaskan setting and the wonderful descriptions provided in this book make it even more enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I will most certainly recommend this book.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written and heart-warming romance had me laughing out loud in parts and reaching for a tissue at others. I loved both the main characters as well as their family and friends in Port Promise, as Timber finds her own special space in the small community. On a mission to discover her past, Timber answers an advertisement for a teaching post for the summer months in Alaska, but she gets far more than she expected. For a start, there is gruff Kane Hollister, who despises city women, but she surprises him. Kane discovers that Timber is far more versatile than he would have thought, especially since she came from Arizona. Although Timber had her own agenda she nevertheless found her heart being touched by Kane's sweet daughter and she quickly became part of the fabric of their lives. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, but Timber finds it much harder to say goodbye when her time is up than she would have anticipated. Fortunately, Kane understands her need for signs and he is happy to oblige, bringing this lovely novel to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ilaria Andreotti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un libro coccola per chi vuole immergersi in una storia carina, dolce, con tutti protagonisti gentili e altruisti.
Per questo motivo lo ritengo un tantino noioso. Non vedevo l'ora entrasse in scena l'ex di lui... Praticamente lui, il nostro protagonista, è un pescatore, 5 anni prima una ragazza forestiera passa del tempo nel piccolo paesino in cui lui vive, hanno una relazione e lei rimarrà incinta ma se ne andrà pochi mesi dopo la nascita della bambina.
La nostra protagonista principale accetta il lavoro estivo come insegnante del campo estivo del paesino con l'intento di scoprire che è suo padre perché è convinta che lui sia di quelle parti.
Quando finalmente i due protagonisti si mettono insieme rispunta l'ex di lui con la pretesa di cominciare a fare la mamma.
Onestamente quello è stato l'unico momento di brio del libro, terminato quando anche la nostra ex, antagonista, si addolcisce spingendo proprio i 2 protagonisti a tornare insieme dopo che Timber era partita e tornata in Arizona.
Non continuerò la serie, la storia era prevedibile e i personaggi troppo gentili e buoni. Non c'è stato brio in questo libro.

[Sandra Earnest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timber Moore has been duped. She came to Port Promise, Alaska to be a teacher for 2 months, only to find out that she's really just a glorified camp counselor. She loves the freedom she has in teaching her charges about Alaska, it's environment and to pass along some of the herbal knowledge that her mom taught her. Oh, and she came to find her father. She learned that he was from Port Promise and hopes to find him.

Single-dad, Kane Hollister is a fisherman. His troller is on its last leg and he needs to have a really good fishing season so that he can get a new boat. He has a 5-year-old daughter who's mom just comes and goes in their life. Kane sees this summer as a way to cement their future. He did NOT plan to fall for the new outsider.

Timber just fits into their community. She's a caring, giving, loving person and Port Promise can't help but fall in love with her, which includes Kane and his daughter, Hallie.

Great characters, beautiful scenery and a twist that you may not see coming. Take a vacation to Port Promise, Alaska and follow Timber and Kane on their journey to their happily ever after.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

A teacher from Arizona and a single dad from Alaska find the perfect balance of love, trust, and respect in a small town, Port Promise. Timber Ridge tugs at your heartstrings in this emotional love story between Kane and Timber.

Timber is looking for answers and she thinks she will find them in Alaska. So, she accepts a summer teaching position in Port Promise. When she arrives, it is unlike Arizona and learns quickly that small-town life is different but it might be what she has been looking for. Then, she meets Kane. He is a charming, caring single father who always put others needs above his own. He has put his love life on hold ever since his ex left him and their daughter and Timber is moving on from a divorce. I love the slow burn and how Timber and Kane's friendship came first and then romance followed.

This is a lovely summer read that features a charming hero with the most precious daughter and a heroine who finds her family.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

I need love like a case of the pox— itchy, irritating, and leaves you scarred for life.

My teacher never looked like that. Mrs. Miller had less hair than Dad and she was missing her front two teeth. She used to spit when she talked.

Generosity is a muscle you have to flex.

Timber, I promise to share my toys, to help you bake cookies, and to always give you lots of hugs. And Daddy, I will be good and not kiss anyone until I’m thirty-five.

My Review:

This was a relaxing, enjoyable, easy-to-follow, well-paced, and rather sweet tale and the perfect introduction to kick off a new series. The storylines were realistic yet entertaining with amusing hits of humor while populated with admirable characters who were instantly likable, endearing, and the salt of the earth types whom I would benefit from knowing and having in my own life. I look forward to many more future trips to the wilds of Point Promise.

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timber Moore finds a mysterious postcard in her mother's things after her mother has died. Hoping that the postcard will shed some light on her father, Timber takes a job in Port Promise, Alaska to try and track down the postcard writer.

While still settling in, Timber's cabin burns to the ground, forcing her to stay with her student Hailey and Haile's gruff father, Kane. Raising a daughter with an absent mother makes Kane resistant to forming connections with newcomers, they tend not to stay. Still the mutual admiration and attraction between Timber and Kane grows.

This is a very slow burn, low spice single parent romance that focuses on the heroine's journey of self discovery as she learns about her past and on the hero's process of opening himself to love. This was also a beautiful love letter to Alaska. If any of this appeals to you, this book is right up your alley!

3.5/5

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐨 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬, 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞…”

Timber Moore has landed in Port Promise, Alaska as the new teacher for the summer, but she is also searching for answers from her past. While Timber learns to adjust to living off the grid as a city girl, she finds love with single dad, Kane Hollister, and that maybe your roots do call you ‘home’ in unexpected ways.

I adored this book and felt it was so cozy. I absolutely loved May and the bond that Timber forms with Hailey. 🥰 I can’t wait to read Book 2 (Crystal Creek)!

𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮…
📍Alaska
🎣Rugged, Fisherman MMC
👩🏻‍🏫Teacher FMC
🧑‍🧒Single Dad
🏡Neighbors to Lovers
🔆Grumpy/Sunshine
🫶🏻Found family
😶‍🌫️Low Steam

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by Kelly Collins is fantastic.
Timber Moore has arrived in Port Promise, Alaska, to work as a teacher for the summer, but also to search for answers about her past, with only an unsigned postcard in hand.
Kane Hollister is a single father and seasoned fisherman, who doesn't like outsiders very much, as he hasn't had good experiences in the past.
When the place where Timber is staying catches fire and Kane offers her a place in his house, he didn't expect that his opinion of outsiders would change so much and that the bond his daughter Hailey and Timber have developed would be so strong.
And when Timber finally manages to put the pieces of her past together, will that be enough for her to decide to stay in Port Promise?
I loved the story, the characters and I'm looking forward to reading more about this small town in Alaska.
I highly recommend reading it.

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber comes to Alaska to escape so many things, loss of her marriage, the death of her mom and the heat of Arizona and wanting desperately to find who her father is. Kane has been left to raise his daughter when her mom decides to chase her dreams. These two could not be more opposite and yet somehow the sparks fly. When Timber has to live in the same house as Kane and his daughter its the chance they both need to find love.

The town of Port Promise is filled with people who become her family and well someone who actually is her family. There are adventures, love, some tears and a happily ever after.

Its a great story with so many people who will need to find their HEA that this series will happily go on for quite some time. Ms Collins writes from the heart and it shows.

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's here! The first book in a new series from Kelly Collins. Set in a small town in Alaska, this definitely hits one of my favorite genres. Single dad, new to town teacher looking to solve a mystery if her past... What more could you want?
Timber agrees to take a summer teaching job in a remote small town in Alaska without being told the whole situation. It wouldn't have really mattered though. Timber came to town looking for information about her father.
Kane is a fisherman in a remote Alaska town. He is a single dad with a busy life. He says he isn't looking for a relationship. He knows a woman isn't going to want to stay in their town.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber was brave going to a place so different from her home to search for clues from her past. If I heard I was staying in a place with an outhouse and no shower for weeks I wouldn’t have stuck around but she did and enjoyed all her new experiences. And it sounds like the people there have a tough life. Commercial fishing and working on oil rigs can be dangerous jobs as Kane experiences in the book. But Timber brings joy and a sense of community back to their small remote place. I would have loved a teacher like Timber that encourages her students to be creative in their learning. But she has some insecurities about her size, inability to have children, and Kane’s ex when she comes back thinking to just pick up from before with him and their precocious daughter Hailey.