NORTH TO DRY CREEK: The road to Alaska is paved with love
Hunter Jacobson wants no part of his grandfather's matchmaking. The lone cowboy is certain that's what the old man is doing when he trades part of their Montana ranch for Scarlett Murphy's claim to an old Alaska gold mine. Or is he running one of his legendary scams on the sweet single mom? A trip to Dry Creek, Alaska, reveals the truth—and brings Hunter and Scarlett face-to-face with a past family feud and a vulnerable present. But surprisingly it's the future that intrigues Hunter most…if he can get Scarlett to make him her groom.
Janet grew up in the wide open spaces of rural Montana and now lives in the urban spaces of Pasadena, California. She's used both of these locations in her books. Her Dry Creek, Montana series numbers over twenty novels now and her Pasadena books, The Sisterhood of the Dropped Stitches, number four.
Sweet romance with a slight bit of suspense to it. Scarlett is recently divorced from a husband who turned out to be a drug dealer and is ready for a new start. When she received a message from her grandfather's old mining partner offering part of his Montana ranch in exchange for her claim on an old gold mine, she couldn't wait to check it out. Hunter was dismayed when he finds out about his grandfather's offer. Colin is well known for his scams, and Hunter doesn't want to see her and her son hurt.
The first meeting between Hunter and Scarlett was less than cordial. Hunter does his best to convince Scarlett that she wants no part of the deal, while Scarlett believes that Hunter has an agenda of his own regarding the property. Both of them have major trust issues that are evident from the start. Scarlett has been let down or betrayed by most of the men in her life and is determined to rely only on herself. Hunter has spent so many years trying to clean up after his grandfather's schemes that he is certain that Colin has some kind of trickery in mind. He also discovers that Colin is trying his hand at matchmaking, and Hunter wants no part of it.
I liked both Scarlett and Hunter. Scarlett is independent and cautious. She is also a woman to whom family is important. She's a terrific mom and very protective of her son, especially when she believes he is threatened. I also liked her relationship with her grandmother. Hunter is a man who feels things very deeply. After losing his parents when he was a child, he became intent on watching out for others. He feels a lot of guilt over the death of his parents, and also that he hasn't been able to control his grandfather's schemes.
The development of the relationship between Hunter and Scarlett happened very quickly. Hunter admired Scarlett's determination to make a better life for her family. He also bonded with her son Joey. It was fun to see the two of them together, especially in comparison with the boy's father. Scarlett was a little slower because her trust issues ran very deep. She began to soften toward Hunter when she saw him with Joey. I especially loved the scene where he taught Joey how to fall. I loved Hunter's insistence on going back to Alaska with Scarlett to help her. His presence made a big difference in how she handled the things that happened while they were there and went a long way toward showing her that she could trust him. Their declarations of their feelings came quickly, but they also took the time afterward to get to know each other better. I liked the epilogue, especially the way it gave Hunter a new appreciation of his hometown and its residents.
I loved the trip to Alaska and the revelations about the history between Scarlett's family and Hunter's. This helped relieve Hunter's mind about Colin's intentions. There were some interesting conversations involving Scarlett's grandmother and Hunter's grandfather, showing that some trust problems were long-standing.
There was also trouble waiting for Scarlett when they returned. She had received a threat against Joey before she left, thanks to her ex-husband's criminal activities. Finding her house ransacked added to her stress. The confrontation with her ex was intense with its resolution precipitated by an unexpected source.
I've read every Dry Creek book but I have to admit that this one is among my favorites! I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline! I loved the weaving of the two Dry Creeks and of course, I always enjoy returning to Dry Creek, Montana anytime just to visit familiar characters like Mrs. Hargrove and places like the café! In this book, we meet Hunter Jacobson. His grandfather, Colin, has been known to run some legendary scams in his time and Hunter is tired of it! Hunter and be be his brothers have been embarrassed enough as they grew up. Colin raised them when Hunter's parents died in a car crash. But now, a pretty woman shows up in Dry Creek, Montana claiming she has a contract from Colin to trade part of their ranch for her claim to an old Alaskan gold mine. Hunter does his best to be honest with Scarlett about his grandfather's scams because he doesn't want her to get hurt. The more time he spends with her and her sweet 5 year old son, the more drawn he is to her. He can't believe his grandfather would just trade these two things! What's the angle? He even involves his lawyer! Something has to be wrong! There's been a family feud also, involving Scarlett's grandmother. They all end up going back to Nome, Alaska to check on the gold mine and run into Scarlett's ex-husband who is involved in criminal activity! This book has something for everyone! I enjoyed seeing how Hunter and Scarlett worked through so many issues in their own lives and then together.
Alaskan Sweethearts by Janet Tronstad North to Dry Creek Series Book One Hunter Jacobson has to stop his grandfather once again. He thought the man was done with his illegal schemes, but it seems he was wrong. Or was he? The older man may be trying to right old wrongs, but Hunter wasn’t going to let his guard down so easily.
Scarlett Murphy needed a new start badly. When receiving a letter that the man who had done her grandfather wrong so long ago was giving them a home and property, she allowed a ray of hope in her life. Taking all her hopes and dreams she travels from Alaska to Montana to seal her future...and she may find more than she expected.
Trust doesn’t come easy for Scarlett or Hunter. Colin Jacobson has done enough in his past to make it hard for either of them to trust the older man. And Hunter knows about an added piece of the puzzle...his grandpa is trying to play matchmaker and Hunter finds himself not so opposed to the idea of it.
I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next stories in this series. Many of the old Dry Creek favorites are in here along with several new ones. http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
I wanted to read this book because the cover looked intriguing. I was thinking of a sweet, clean romance with the setting in Alaska but this is not this book.
The story opens up with Hunter Jacobson driving up on his family ranch in Dry Creek, MONTANA! Yep, not even in Alaska. Scarlett Murphy is waiting on the front porch. He notices her and then asks her who she is, what she's doing there, etc.
The plot centers around Hunter's grandfather and his past mistake with Scarlett's grandmother. Grandfather has sent Scarlett a legal document saying that a portion of his ranch is now owned by the Murphy's. When Hunter learns about this, he vows to correct this error and send this poor woman and her child home. But things don't go this way.
From the first chapter, I discovered that this book doesn't have the best writing. The story was less detailed than most novels and things didn't make sense. Scarlett really didn't make sense to me. The author adds in about 4 paragraphs of why Scarlett doesn't trust people and why, then by the next chapter, she is kissing Hunter. By this time, they had known each others for 2 hours.
I was already at 32% when I reached chapter 3. I would consider this book a novella. It has many open ended thoughts and missing details. The characters didn't make sense and they needed a lot more time spent on developing and explaining them.
The book has several bits included about faith and trusting God. I wouldn't quite classify this as Christian fiction but there were some spots where the characters spoke about God.
Overall, I cannot believe that there are discussion questions in the back of this book. I'm floored about this. At no time, does this story warrant detailed discussion questions about the behaviors, choices and morals of these characters. The story lacks such basic facts and story telling that there isn't any flesh on the bone, let alone much to discuss. WOW! Most of the book takes place in Montana. Alaska doesn't come into the picture until 60% of the book. I feel the title is misleading. The author's note says she wanted a story that takes place in Alaska but it hardly does. I was able to complete this book in around 2 hours. I found the mystery with the grandfather boring and it wasn't much of a mystery. I kinda knew where this was gonna go. I cannot recommend.
Content: clean
I got this free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
One place is called Dry Creek Alaska where an old gold mine holds many memories for one Colin Jacobson. He and a friend fell in love with the same woman and it began a road of many mistakes for Colin,when he left knowing he could not give his love as much as his friend could. An accident left three brothers without parents and Colin became their gaurdian raising them the best he knew how. Dry Creek Montana was home for the boys and their grandfather and as the story begins they are grown and dealing with some of the mistakes the grandfather had made long ago. Scarlett is the granddaughter of Colin's one time love and she has came with papers to be signed to the old homestead in Alaska. "Gramps is at it again" is the first thought that his grandson Hunter has and he wants to help Scarlett and her grandma not be disappointed. This story has many facets-Lost love,lost faith,lost trust. Can they be found? Going back to Alaska helps Hunter find a new beginning.
Thanks Janet for a wonderful story once again. two Dry Creek's make for a charming story.
Sweet romances, drug dealers, family relationships, misunderstandings, a mysterious threat, and a sweet child are all present in Janet Tronstad's latest book, Alaskan Sweethearts. This is the first book in a delightful new series tying together Dry Creek, Montana and Dry Creek, Alaska. The Jacobson and Murphy families have a past history, and it is not a good one. Trust has been destroyed, and will be tough to restore. The main characters, Hunter and Scarlett, are ones the reader will care about and sympathize with. Most of the book takes place in Montana, although it does move to Alaska part of the way through. When you want a light, satisfying read, this one is perfect. I already bought another copy to give to a friend, and look forward to discovering how this series will progress.
Would you like it if your grandpa was trying to find you a bride, but basically everything he did he would mess up at? Hunter Jacobson doesn't want his grandfather to do any matchmaking for him. The cowboy is certain that the old man is doing this when he trades some of their Montana ranch for a claim from Scarlett Murphy that is to an old Alaska gold mine. Or is he running one of his usual scams on this sweet single mom? This is a summary of the book Alaskan Sweethearts. This book is interesting because the author used good characterization and a fun setting in this book. This book does a good job of clearly displaying the characteristics of each people. Scarlett Murphy is a person who is very dependent, not easily fooled, and doesn't trust people quickly. His eyes softened and Scarlett wasn't sure she was ready for that. She couldn't care about him...not until she could trust him. “Well, you're not getting part of the property, no matter who you are.” She glared at him. “No commission. No finders fee. We Murphys don't fool easily. So I'm asking again. What are you doing here.” This evidence from the book shows that Scarlett is a dependent person who doesn't need help with stuff and she can do it herself. There's more characterization of characters that this book displays. Hunter Jacobson is a caring person who doesnt want anyone to be a victim of his grandfather's problems. “I'm here to see Mr. Colin Jacobson.” “I know,” Hunter said, careful to keep his voice steady. He didn't want to alarm the cat, but he needed Scarlett Murphy’s cooperation. “I'd advise you to leave town without talking to him.” This evidence shows that Hunter doesn't want anyone to get hurt by his grandfathers ways. These are two examples of characterization shown in this book. This book shows how each character acts and their likes and dislikes. This book does a good job of stating the setting clearly. There are many examples of the setting in this book. One setting takes place in a town in Montana by where the Jacobson’s live. This town was lived in but not fancy. Even the church, though obviously well kept, wasn't intimidating. There were a couple of willow trees in the fenced yards of a few houses, but there were no lawns, although she did see an old garden troll standing on the ground beside someone's door. Dried tuffs of grass stuck out from the dirt randomly in yards and wild areas alike. Everything was worn; the vehicles by the café were obviously used. This evidence proves that the setting in this book is a place where everything is more used, well worn, and older. These are some good examples of the setting in this book. This shows the setting in this story and helps you understand where this is taking place and what time period it takes place. The author uses unique characterization and a good setting and that is why this book is interesting, suspenseful and keeps you wanting to read more. Reading this book gives you a good idea on how important it is for yeah characters personality to be unique to keep the story not dull. Alaskan Sweethearts is a fun book and should be read by all people that like to read love inspired books.
It just wasnt good. No chemistry .. predictable in all the worst ways .. too religious. Just not something i could ever read again. Barely made it thru 265 pages.
Hunter Jacobson is the eldest of three boys who were raised by their con-artist grandfather after their parents died. While the younger brothers left the family ranch, Hunter always felt responsible to stay close to his grandfather and make amends to those who he has conned over the years. Hunter thinks his grandfather has given up his wily ways until the beautiful Scarlett Murphy and her young son Joey arrive from Alaska to take over the old Jacobson homestead. Hunter is convinced his grandfather is trying to swindle the new newly divorced Scarlett and does everything he can to stop his grandfather.
Scarlett Murphy is newly divorced from a liar and cheat and now has major trust issues. While she is attracted to Hunter, she knows not to trust anyone. Her priority is to settle her grandmother and young son on their new land which the elder Jacobson offered to them in order to right a wrong he made against Scarlett’s grandfather and grandmother sixty years earlier.
Since Hunter is trying to figure out his grandfather’s angle in this con, he and the elder Jacobson escort Scarlett and Joey back to Alaska to settle the paperwork and help move them to Montana. Once they are in Alaska and faced with a kidnapping threat for Joey, Mr. Jacobson comes clean that his motive for giving the Murphys the land and old house is because he did not list the elder Murphy on their gold mine claim sixty years ago when they were partners. He kept the late Mr. Murphy’s name off the claim in retaliation for Mr. Murphy stealing Scarlett’s grandmother. It turns out Mr. Jacobson is still in love with Scarlett’s grandmother and wants another chance at love with her.
Through watching their grandparents rekindle their love, Hunter and Scarlett realize their feelings for each other are growing, too. Will Scarlett learn to trust Hunter enough to let him in?
This was a sweet love story and easy, light read. There is no physical intimacy in this novel which enhances the sweetness of the story. While Ms. Tronstad did a wonderful job of reconnecting the two families, I didn’t feel we saw enough of Hunter’s and Scarlett’s emotional connection. I would like to have seen them spend more one-on-one time together, talking and getting to know each other better.
We did not meet Hunter’s and Scarlett’s siblings in this story but all were discussed so I think we may get to know each of them in future installments of this series.
I have only read one other book by Janet Tronstad. I wish I could go back and read the whole series of Dry Creek books. I have enjoyed the two that I have read. I like Hunter he tries so hard to be honest and keep his grandfather on the straight path. He is a rancher. It is a clean read. Does talk a lot about faith, trust and prayer as just part of the story.
Hunter is the oldest of the family. His parents died in a car crash when he was young and his grandfather raised them. Hunter tries to make up for his grandfathers faults. He does not trust him.
Scarlett Murphy does not trust men. She has come to Montana because Mr. Colin Jacobson had written to her grandmother to make amends for something that happened decades ago. He wanted to give them some acreage and house. Scarlett is a divorced single mother. She wants to bring her family here and work the land.
Joey is five years old and scared of a lot of things. He likes the Jacobsons. He has a teddy bear he takes everywhere.
Colin Jacobson used to be a miner in Alaska. He loved Scarlett's grandmother but she got engaged to his partner. He has lots of schemes that go wrong. He took in his three grandsons and raised them after their parents died.
I thought their would be more of the story about Alaska from the title. Their is a little. If you have been reading this series you will see a lot of familiar faces I am sure.
The setting for most of the book is Dry Creek, Montana and Nome, Alaska.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review of it from Net Galley and Harlequin.
Every so often I like to go back to my “reading roots” and grab a Harlequin Romance! (This is where my love for reading as an adult really kicked in! I’ve always loved to read, but this was where I began devouring books. They were my total gateway drug!) And when I saw Alaskan Sweethearts on Netgalley? I took it as a sign – I love Alaska, and was really wishing I could go back, so I HAD to read this. (I was only momentarily disappointed when I realized the bulk of the book took place in Montana – but that’s ok, it was such a sweet story!)
Hunter is one of those broody heroes that you can’t help but love. And Scarlett is one of those stubborn leading ladies that you just want to smack sometimes – her ex-husband was an emotionally abusive jerk (or at least, he didn’t give a darn about her or their son) and so she’s understandably skeptical – but that led to annoyance on my part more often than not! But for me, I loved Hunter’s grandpa. I wish we’d had more of him! (And we eventually did, a little bit.)
Alaskan Sweethearts is exactly what one expects of a Harlequin Romance – especially the Love Inspired line! It’s short, sweet and to the point. There’s a dose of faith in this one, being part of the Love Inspired, but it doesn’t go beyond a trip to church on a Sunday. We quickly ride the roller coaster of love with Hunter and Scarlett, and in the end? All the t’s are crossed and the i’s dotted. It’s a satisfying romance, worth of a quick weekend read!
I chose to read this book and review it because my nephew who is in the Army is stationed in Alaska with his family and they are enjoying all the beauties of Alaskan living. I love watching shows about Alaska and the beautiful scenery. The story begins in Montana and ends up in Alaska as the family decides to go back to Dry Creek, Alaska to the mine. Hunter may not be so interested in his grandfather's matchmaking but he does seem highly interested in the lovely young single mom, Scarlett, and her adorable little boy, Joey. He helps Joey overcome some of his fears. Scarlett is having a hard time trusting others after the things her ex-husband did. She is living in fear of her life. I won't spoil the story for readers so I will stop there to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It did have descriptions of lots of the beautiful Alaskan and Montana scenery. It also had just enough mystery to solve to satisfy my love of suspense as well as some good old-fashioned romance. I rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers. I received a free pdf version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book starts out slow, but the pace picks up, love the characters, and the story line (from Montana to Alaska). The hero Hunter, is a lone cowboy with two brothers that were raised by his grandfather after the death of their parents. Now Colin (the Grandfather) wants to play match maker for Hunter. Colin spend his early years in Alaska working a gold mine. With the money he made, he purchased 80 areas in Montana, leaving the woman he loved behind to another. With all the schemes Colin does, Hunter is trying to save the heroine (Scarlett) from being cheated. But Scarlett is in no mind to listen to Hunter, she just wants the land the Colin is giving her and Hunter is afraid that it’s just another of his granddads crazy schemes. Colin, Scarlett and Hunter travel to Alaska, where Colin meets once again the love of his life. The action really picks up here. The ending of this story is great, but I am not telling you, you’ll have to read it yourself.
Scarlett Murphy and her son, Joey, have flown over 2,000 miles from Dry Creek, Alaska to Dry Creek, Montana. Colin Jacobsen, father of Hunter Jacobsen, had sent a contract for the Murphy's to sign in acceptance of an old house and some land in exchange for the old mine in Alaska that he and Scarlett's grandfather mined many moons ago.
Scarlett is determined to get this place as she and her mother are barely getting by. No one knows this though. Hunter is afraid that his grandfather is up to one of his schemes again and somebody will get hurt. He is trying to find a way to not have Scarlett or her family get hurt.
Hunter cannot figure out what his grandfather is up to in the least. Scarlett is a beautiful woman and his grandfather is matchmaking also.
I received this book from the author, Janet Tronstad. I think you will like this book as much as I did. It's part love story and some mystery to it. Enjoy.
Hunter Jacobson's grandfather, Colin, had always been a scammer. He always wanted to "Get rich quick." He raised Hunter & his two brothers but the schemes made it hard on the boys; Hunter's brothers left home leaving him to deal with their grandpa. Colin's last scheme cost him the love of his life, Maggie. To make up for it, he offers Maggie's granddaughter, Scarlett, part of their Montana Ranch.
Hunter thought all women were the same until he met Scarlett. She is a single mom of a little boy! Scarlett has a mind of her own and says what she thinks! She has been hurt just as Hunter has so they both have trust issues.
To find out if Colin Redeems himself and if Hunter & Scarlett get past their mistrust, you are going to have to read the book! Happy Reading!
We get a good contrast between Montana and Alaska in this interesting book. A young mother and a truculent rancher come together to sort out a feud over a mine. There is an elderly reprobate in the mix, trusted by neither of them, as well as a young boy who is the lady's son.
While I liked that the book went to Alaska I could not see any mother bringing her child there when she knew the child was in serious danger from a gang in that town. Also, the lady tells us that she has a major dilemma, and a clue to its resolution is instantly presented to the reader. This comes across as amateurish and gives away the story.
The romance is nice and gentle, a way of building bridges rather than the previous generation's destructiveness.
I liked how this book started with the man’s point of view. A lot of times you start right out with the main female character in some kind of distress. This book has the story start with the main male character driving to a meeting he needs to get to right away. I liked how the story progressed and how the two characters came to know and like each other despite their initial distrust of one another. I thought the story moved quickly and was interesting. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I would recommend it to those who like a quick modern romance with a Christian theme.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
What man has broken, God can heal. Scarlett has suffered from betrayal from her ex husband and fed stories of deceipt from childhood regarding an old family friend. She has seen and felt the pain of breaking someone's trust. She no longer wishes to give her heart... or her trust... to anyone. Hunter is a more trusting soul. However, growing up with a sweet, old con man, he understands that trust is an elusive thing. The stigma from his grandfather's cons follows him around coloring the world's perception of him. Can Scarlett and Hunter build a foundation of trust? Only through placing their trust in the one who will never let them down.
A lost love was carried deep in two hearts for many years. With misunderstandings and a little deception, Margaret thought the worst about her lost love, Colin Jacobson. But now he was old and worried about his grandson, Hunter, becoming lonely too. He had a plan. He had lived in Alaska at one time, even another Dry Creek!? And he had heard that his old flame had a lovely granddaughter. The wheels were turning and he also remembered that in the old days, gold was thought to be on some property he half-owned. Without Hunter even suspecting, the old man made some contacts and now Hunter can't get away from the situation. Read this one for a romantic twist! Ending up back in Montana.
This was ok. I didn't love it, but I didn't not like it. The relationship between Hunter and Scarlett felt pretty forced, especially considering they knew each other a total of three, maybe four days by the end of the book. I can see them being mutually attracted to each other and gaining respect for each other in that sort of time frame, but it felt pretty improbable for them to have already developed the sort of deep and abiding feelings that make for a good relationship, especially with Scarlett being so guarded throughout and, at times, downright mean to Hunter. It didn't help that the characters felt pretty flat, for all their backstory and history.
Hunter and Scarlett's Grandparents have a past. Hunter's grandfather is a con-artist, so when he wants to give Scarlett and her family some land to make up for past sins, no one believes him it is for real.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this branch of the Dry Creek series,
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a light enjoyable quick read.
I am always a fan of Janet Tronstad, and always a fan of Dry Creek. I love the merging from Alaska to Montana. It was a cute change up, and characters that once again made their way into my heart! Love the theme of trust in this book. Something I can always apply in my own life. I cannot wait for more in this series!
Hunter Jacobson keeps trying to make reparations for his grandfathers schemes, but this one... Scarlett Murphy has come to town to lay claim to part of their land due to a gold mining conflict between the grandparents years ago. Can Scarlett and Hunter trust each other? Will Scarlett's son Joey be hurt in the process?
I got this book free from Janet Tronstad herself. I love reading about Alaska and the Elkton Ranch. Janet's books never disappoint. The Characters seems so real with real life problems. Ican'tr wait to read more in the series.
As usual Janet has out done herself with another Dry Creek outing. I can hardly wait for the rest of the story to unfold with Hunter's brothers and Scarlett's sisters and the gold mine. These books are truly a blessing !!!
Felt kind of jumpy and disjointed at times; things moved at weird rates to me. I enjoyed it and would be interested in reading the other books in the series, but I don't think they'll be must-reads for me.