Building Love

Love in Alaska #1

by Nina Potter

A heartwarming Alaska romance about finding love later in life - perfect for a cozy evening read!

In Silver Sound, Alaska, where Northern Lights paint possibilities across the winter sky.

Eleanor Matthews, the town's beloved matchmaker, has a plan to solve Silver Sound's bachelor problem.

Her first target?

Griffin Hayes, the gruff construction magnate who's built an empire but forgotten how to build a life. At fifty-eight, he's Alaska's most eligible blue-collar billionaire—and its most stubborn bachelor.

Enter Morgan Larson, a fifty-two-year-old former teacher seeking escape from her post-divorce rut.

When Eleanor's innovative matchmaking website pairs her with Griffin, Morgan finds herself trading her predictable life for an Alaskan adventure.

But can she convince a man married to his work that there's room in his perfectly ordered world for love?

As winter winds howl and Northern Lights dance, two hearts might just discover that it's never too late for a new beginning—even in Alaska's darkest season.

A warmhearted midlife romance

A matchmaking B&B owner with a heart of goldA grumpy construction tycoon with a hidden soft sideA divorced teacher ready for adventureSmall-town charm in stunning AlaskaA cozy B&B perfect for new beginningsMeddling but well-meaning localsWinter magic and Northern LightsWelcome to Silver Sound, Alaska, where second chances come with a view. Building Love is Book 1 in the "Love in Alaska" series, introducing you to a charming cast of characters in this small Alaskan town.

Perfect for readers who

Clean and wholesome romanceLater-in-life love storiesSmall-town Alaska settingsBlue-collar billionaire entrepreneursGrumpy/sunshine dynamicsCozy winter settingsSweet contemporary romanceMature characters finding loveCurl up with this heartwarming novella and fall in love with Silver Sound! This uplifting romance is a quick, cozy read that proves love can bloom even in Alaska's winter.

If you're looking for a short, sweet story about finding love in midlife against a stunning Alaskan backdrop, Building Love is perfect for you!

Book 1 in the "Love in Alaska" series - start your journey to Silver Sound today!

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2025

Reviews

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that a book makes me cry, but at one point in this story a lone tear could not help itself from escaping. I get very emotional with rejection scenes, and the one that happened here was just heart-wrenching to witness. Or maybe I'm just a sappy cry baby. Either way, it was a good cry nonetheless.

So we have our main characters, Morgan Larson and Griffin Hayes, both in their 50s and currently single. Morgan is recently divorced, just having ended a 25-year marriage where, in hindsight, she realizes she was never allowed to be fully herself. So the divorce is a precious opportunity for her to find and fully express herself again, and insisting that no man can ever make her feel small again.

Griffin, on the other hand, is a successful contractor, having built his construction empire from scratch using his rigid attention to detail and unrelenting control of everything. Any loss of control over any aspect of his life terrifies him, so for so long he has shied away from romantic relationships that are nothing but unpredictable and uncontrollable.

So how do they end up meeting each other? Well, through a modernized and carefully curated matchmaking scheme devised by the Alaskan small-town's first lady, Eleanor Matthews. She's become concerned with the growing number of their small-town's highly successful eligible bachelors, so she's stepped up in helping these gentlemen find their persons, one at a time.

So, from the moment of Morgan's and Griffin's first meeting over video call, I was hooked. I so thoroughly enjoyed the level of maturity that underlined their interactions. They were always level-headed whenever they got together and we're always candid about each other's thoughts and opinions. Even during their moments of confrontation, there was no unnecessary drama, just both of them speaking their minds in the most mature way possible.

Finally, I loved the closure made to Morgan's and Griffin's love story. It was heartwarming to see how each one of them made the other a much better person - with Morgan finally finding someone who allowed her to be truly herself and loved her mightily for it, and Griffin finally realizing that losing a bit of control is not always bad, especially when it is with someone who could help take the reins and steer with you.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way the matchmaking takes place in this sweet, clean later-in-life romance reminded me of a mail-order bride scenario but with all the modern day conveniences of emails, texts and video conferencing before the bride-to-be sets off for the extremes of Alaska. Except, in this the experience is advertised as an adventure, spend three months on them getting to know each other in the small town of Silver Spoon, Alaska. Why? Because the town has a bachelor problem, at least three successful men have poured their lives into their careers but have no one to share their lives with. First up is Griffin Hayes a silver haired construction magnate who has an issue with control and has built a wall around himself not allowing anyone in. Matchmaker Eleanor Matthews has selected, with the help of her nephew Alex’s matchmaking platform Northern Hearts Connection, fifty-two year old Wisconsin native Morgan Larson a divorced mother of an adult daughter to match with Griffin. Morgan has come to realize that she had gotten lost within her previous marriage with a controlling ex-husband who always made her feel as though she was wanting too much or taking up too much space. Her daughter Sarah suggests she do something brave and challenging for the New Year by responding to the matchmaking platform. Saying no yet doing the opposite she soon finds herself responding to a profile, answering emails, texts, taking video conferences and agreeing to fly to Alaska and experiencing many new challenges including the walls of Griffin Hayes.
I loved how these two seemed to respond favorably to each other from the very first video conference, almost reading the others thoughts, but yet with Griffin’s walls and Morgan’s past hurts this couple had struggles to get through. Many sweet moments but the scene in the library when Griffin let his walls dictate his words was heartbreaking 💔 and I didn’t see that coming at that time…I was actually anticipating that scene to be the happy ever after scene that does finally arrive a little later and it was possibly one of the most beautifully written ones I’ve read, from Griffin’s words to the descriptions of the aurora lights. Now I can’t wait to see what happens with the next bachelor.

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

[R.S.05 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after reading Nina Potter’s books, it’s that she never misses with a single one.

Another phenomenal story by this amazing author that had me hooked from the start.

Griffin Hayes and Morgan Larson’s story was one of a kind.

Both our main characters had their own previous problems / fears that had shaped them.

Griffin was reserved and grumpy, keeping walls up and not letting anyone in, while Morgan was unsure about herself, used to showing only a bit of who she was and not being herself fully.

Seeing them meet and connect, going through ups and downs, and in the end - even though they had a harsh fall out - still stick together, be there for each other, accept one another, and rely on each other, was beautiful.

A really amazing story, that was told in such a way that the whole book felt like a cozy, warm hug.

I loved the premise of this book - Eleanor’s matchmaking website for the bachelors in town - and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series and get to know the other couples!

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Sound ,Alaska where the possibilities are vast and those lights mesmerising on the horizon. Alaskan blue-collar billionaire is stubborn so there! Morgan Larson ,former teacher , age fifty two sets out to teach him a lesson or two. She’s in a post divorce rut and it’s hitting her in the gut. She’s worth a lot more than she’s had before and when Eleanor Mathews’ matchmaking website comes up with .Then there’s Griffin . Well let’s just same it could be time for tiffin. Griffin Morgan ,he’s a fifty eight , stubborn bachelor who can build anything but a life. He needs himself a wife ,I feel ,that would test her app make it real . That’s a wrap…Great writing ,so endearingly sweet,late in life strife. Well written and great characters.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding later in life story. I love stories about more mature people. Great start to this promising series. Garrett is extremely closed off to allowing anyone close. Morgan challenges his need to be in control. The emotional growth of both characters is wonderful to read. Loved how The Northern Lights are woven into the story. Highly recommend reading it.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan finds herself in an empty house and she feels lonely.
Griffin owns a construction company, but he feels lonely.
An app joins them, but now they have to develop a relationship where nothing and no one can help them.
Some relationships need time to be built along with patience, trust and love.
This was a nice story I enjoyed reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Morgan and Griffin is intriguing. A fun and entertaining read. It’s the first book of a new series by Nina, set in Alaska. The town with it’s customs, and how it copes with the weather is all part of the charm.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and look forward to reading more in this series.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with Morgan and Griffin agreeing to Eleanor's match making services. Morgan was so brave to pack up for 3 months and try out Alaska. I definitely loved how she found herself and found her voice. I loved this story.

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

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Griffin and Morgan, set in Alaska. I have a deeper appreciation for those who choose to live there. One of my favorite quotes: “Few of us find what we’re looking for…. More often, we find what we need.” Will they build walls or bridges? Enjoyed the story.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a tissue handy the afternoon you set aside for this contemporary short, sweet, wholesome, later-in-life small-town matchmaker romance novella in
Silver Sound, Alaska.

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

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Nina Potter. I’m not sure if I’ll read any others. Overall, the story was nice. It needed a bit more fleshing out, but I did like the characters and the premise. It is a clean romance, but it did have some language. Most would label it mild language, but there was just enough of it to bother me.

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a creative approach to matchmaking - I love it! And, I loved Griffin and Morgan's story - even with the twists and turns! I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series!!

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance set in a small town in Alaska with well-developed characters that are mature rather than the usual younger romance characters. I liked the slow burn pace of this love story while the Morgan and Griffin got to know each other. Enjoyable short read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story

This is a well done story that was chock full of all the emotions. The characters and the town were very well presented.