Finding Home

Alder Creek #3

by Ginnie Carmichael

Poppy came first. That was the only rule.

Everything else—Olympic medals, my marriage, the life I thought I wanted—fell away the moment I became her mom. My ex-husband and former coach never forgave me for choosing her over more glory. So I packed us up and found Alder Creek: a small mountain town where I could open a ski shop, give Poppy stability, and finally breathe.

I had everything figured out. Stay focused. Keep my head down. Build a safe life for Poppy, and don't let anyone close enough to complicate it.

Then Connor Bryan wiped out on the slopes, and my daughter decided he needed rescuing.

Now he's everywhere. Bringing treats to the shop, making Poppy giggle, looking at me with that smile that never seems to fade. He finds joy in everything, like he's not carrying the weight of a carefully controlled world on his shoulders.

Connor makes me believe I could have more than just safety and survival. But I've spent too long building these walls to let them crumble, even for a man whose smile makes me want to try.

Finding Home is the third novel in the Alder Creek series. It’s a cozy small-town romance with all the sizzling chemistry and none of the spice. Each book can be read on its own, but you'll see familiar faces along the way.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

About the author

Ginnie Carmichael writes sweet small-town romance, the perfect blend of cozy and swoon-worthy. After years of traveling as a digital nomad, she’s now happily settled with her two cats, plenty of coffee, and endless love stories to tell.

When she’s not writing, she’s daydreaming new romances, curled up with a book, or unwinding with a cozy video game.

Reviews

[Gabrielle Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the series 🥰 I loved the slow burn and the found family 🥹 5⭐️

[Leah Pretty Pistolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating:
5⭐️1🌶️

🌟 Tropes You’ll Love:
🏡 Small Town Comfort
🌱 Healing & New Beginnings
🔥 Slow Burn (with soft spice)
💕 Love at the right time
🐾 Found Family / Supportive Community
✨ Emotional Rebuilding
😮‍💨 The Safe, Steady Hero


My Review
Finding who is book 3 in the Alder Creek series and it's a beautifully heart-tugging read that wraps you in warmth, slow-burn tension, and characters who feel real enough to step off the page. This book isn’t just a story — it’s a feeling. ✨🏡

✨Our FMC Juliana is resilient, strong, and healing from more than she lets on. Her journey is tender, emotional, and beautifully written. You can’t help rooting for her as she tries to rebuild, redefine herself, and figure out where she truly belongs. She has a little one named Poppy, she's Juliana's world and who will completely melt your heart with her cuteness! 💕🌿

🔥 Our MMC Connor is patient, steady, and the kind of man who loves with actions more than words. He’s the grounding force she didn’t know she needed. Charming yet gentle, protective without being controlling — an absolute top-tier book boyfriend. 😮‍💨💛

Together, their chemistry is soft, slow, and so real. The story definitely includes a touch of spice, but it’s warm and intimate — more about emotional closeness than heat, which fits the tone of the book perfectly. 🫶✨

This is one of those books that feels like stepping into a cozy cabin on a winter day — quiet, safe, comforting. The emotional growth, soft romance, and the sense of belonging make this story unforgettable. Carmichael nails that balance between heartfelt moments, gentle humor, and those tiny, intimate scenes that make your chest ache in the best way. 🥹💫

This series has a special place in my heart, and I highly recommend it

[DreadQueen CinnamonRoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EVERYTHING.

With the most perfect title, the third (and penultimate) book of the series hits every mark and brings all the most perfect tropes for this single mom, small town romance. Complete with the SWEETEST forehead kisses (I wouldn't do much for a Klondike bar, but I would do some STUFF for a tender little forehead kiss).

And no single mom story is complete without the most amazing kid. Poppy is, by far, my favorite kid from any single parent story I've read to date.

With no third act break up (YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!), this is by far one of the coziest small town romances. And a top favorite of mine forever.

100/10, I loved everything about this book.

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

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another hit in the Adler Creek series! I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from Connor as I didn’t feel like I got to know him that well in the previous books, but he did not disappoint at all. I loved his patience, care, and understanding of Juliana’s needs even when she couldn’t speak them. Juliana’s past hurt shines through in her story of healing and learning what love really looks like. Sweet, energetic Poppy is the perfect addition to this single mom story. I loved it from the first page.

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

[Mary Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Connor Bryan wiped out on the slopes, 6 year old Poppy, Juliana's daughter decided he needed rescuing.
So she give him pointers on his skis "he needs new ones" his form 'he needs lessons' and better yet she puts her mom forward as ski Instructor.
Connor is taken with both Polly and Juliana and find himself spending time with them..
Juliana starts to believe she could have more than just safety and survival. But is she brave enough to try.
Kept me reading and interested to the end.

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

[Casey Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much and each book is just as good as the last if not better. Poppy is such an incredible little girl and gives the story so much personality. Jules is a strong and resilient mom and Connor is such a great all around guy. Their dynamic was wonderful and the banter was even better. The pacing was perfect and I loved seeing another side of Alder Creek with the reoccurring characters come into play.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable, cozy small-town romance with the cutest character being Poppy! Wonderful writing and characters, my favorite book in the series so far.This book is absolutely the cutest and sweetest story! The chemistry, the emotions, the fun and witty banter… it was a delight from start to finish.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a fantastic read from start to finish. Wonderful storyline and characters. So worth the read. Highly recommend.

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

[Nancy Fagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story so much I read it in one sitting. The story progresses at a good pace and Poppy is enchanting. I highly recommend the book.
This book was received from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Julianna and Connor. They are so cute. I love their meet-cute with Poppy. Great characters.

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