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Northern Lights #3

Alaskan Hideaway

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He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone

…but is it what he really wants?

Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?

368 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2018

12 people are currently reading
492 people want to read

About the author

Beth Carpenter

63 books673 followers
Beth Carpenter believes that life is brighter in the company of a dog, that love and laughter are inseparable, and that there is no such thing as “too many books.”

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews738 followers
July 10, 2018
The Alaskan Catch by Beth Carpenter is the latest in the Northern Lights series and did not disappoint the reader! This was a very captivating tale of two people very familiar with loss and a feeling of void in their lives.
The two key individuals in this story, recently experienced traumatic personal loss and unexpected change in their lives. One is very Bitter and wants to be left alone, the other is very positive, surrounding her and her Goddaughter with people and staying busy.

Still, one is doing all in his power to make sure justice is served and feels no compassion for anyone. The other relies on Faith and trusts in God that there is a reason for all things. She feels the day will come when all will be understood.

Best selling Author, R.D. Macleod has a dog and a new, secluded home. Ursula Anderson has a B & B.and a very precocious, talented goddaughter. The new owner of the property Ursula had hoped to purchase fenced off the path at the end of his property Ursula's guests have always used to get to the ski/snowshoe area.

At first, Ursula tries to persuade with "honey instead of vinegar", but then she has a change of attitude when he refuses to allow the use of his property.

Alaskan Hideaway is an uplifting, inspiring tale, ideal fo Book Clubs, which effectively addresses the issues of pain, loss, sorrow, anger, forgiveness, unselfish service, compromise and leaving judgment of others to a higher authority.

I offer a Five Stars rating of this novel.
*This was gifted to me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book516 followers
July 27, 2018
I love this Northern Lights series by Beth Carpenter! The vivid Alaskan setting makes me want to pack my bags and move there right away, and all the characters feel like friends.

In Alaskan Hideaway, we get to focus on Ursula, her goddaughter Rory, and their new neighbor Mac (and his lovable dog Blossom). Ursula and Mac are older than the usual romance novel couple, but the closer i get to their ages the more I enjoy reading books with older characters. And really their ages aren’t mentioned more than an occasional subtle reference, so the fact that they are older doesn’t overpower the story in any way. Rory is adorable and earnest, and her love for animals made me smile on more than one occasion. Blossom steals every scene she’s in, her spot-on wriggles and wags and loving gestures proving that the author knows and loves dogs too.

Each of these three main characters has experienced great loss, and this initially bonds them together like nothing else really can. Mac and Rory have both suffered more heartache than most of us ever will, and yet thanks to Ursula’s empathetic heart – the kind that always seems to know what someone needs – and her joyful spirit keep this story from becoming too depressing or heavy. She is a breath of fresh air wherever she goes, and I wish she a) were real and b) lived close to me because she also has a tendency to bring yummy food wherever she goes!

Bottom Line: Alaskan Hideaway is a sweet story of friendship, community, empathy, and healing. The romance progresses at a natural pace (not too rushed, not too slow) and Mac’s Oklahoma cowboy self will have you swooning every time his drawl and use of darlin’ resurfaces. The delightfully-rendered setting will have you adding Alaska to your bucket list for sure, and each of the main characters has you fully invested in their story from the moment you meet them. This can easily be read as a standalone but you really must read the first two books at some point, too, because they’re just as good! The perfect reading choice for fans of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Becky.
3,437 reviews142 followers
July 12, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 7/12/18.

This one pushed all of my "yes" buttons!

An older heroine and hero, with a slow but satisfying romance? Check!

A widow who had a wonderful first marriage, has been content with her life in widowhood, but is willing to give love another chance with the right person? Check!

A hard-headed hero who eventually manages to figure out for himself when he's going down the path of self-destruction? Check! (Okay, so nature gave him a little help here. Still, it didn't have to be beaten into him, and he wasn't an over-the-top jerk in the meantime. Just a middling jerk ;))

A precocious but realistic pre-teen and lovable canine? Check, and check!

I loved Alaskan Hideaway. It is loosely related to the first book in the series ( The Alaskan Catch )--Ursula is Sam's foster mother--and the characters from book two ( A Gift for Santa ) make appearances, but it would also work just fine as a standalone. If you can manage to read this book and not want to go back to read the others, you're a stronger person than I am.

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,677 reviews582 followers
June 26, 2018
The gentle pace of this story took me a bit to get into, but I enjoyed Ursula's story of those in her life whom she loves and supports. She and Mac are an older couple which generally isn't my preferred age for the romance books I read, but I appreciated their perspective on life, their wisdom and sacrifices. Ursula is active with running the inn and cross-country skiing, and brings joy to many, including the young girl she is raising and her friends and family in the community. I loved how she and various business owners quickly work together to throw a reporter off the scent of Mac's trail. Mac is one tormented character, and the persistence of Ursula's genuine compassion and acts of kindness draw him out of the darkness where he can feel hope and experience a respite from his inner pain. As their friendship deepens, Mac is able to provide support to Ursula as well, and though they have their share of bumps in the road, the romance blossomed naturally. The setting of Alaska in the winter was perfect and I loved the little details that brought it to life, especially the reindeer run which sounds like a riot! Alaskan Hideaway is a nice follow up to the previous books in the series, and I look forward to more from the author.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Hallie (Hallie Reads).
1,510 reviews154 followers
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January 22, 2019
Beth Carpenter’s snow-filled Alaskan Hideaway is the perfect escape when the heat of summer gets to be too much. It’s sweet and romantic and plenty of Alaskan fun—don’t miss it.

An innkeeper who takes care of her orphaned goddaughter, Ursula Anderson has a tendency to try to fix anything she sees go wrong. When grieving author R.D. “Mac” Maclead moves into the next-door cabin, she cannot resist the opportunities to pull him out of his shell of loneliness and solitude (despite his protestations). With heartwarming and heartbreaking moments alike, aided by a spirited girl and beloved dog, their friendship and romance develops endearingly throughout the pages. It is no easy journey for these two, but the growth they experience is well worth it.

So, I enjoyed the story of Alaskan Hideaway, and I’m sure other readers who enjoyed contemporary romance will enjoy this one, too. Though it’s the third in Carpenter’s Northern Lights series, it can easily be read on its own (but if you’re like me, Alaskan Hideaway will leave you wanting to go and read the first two, too).

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

Thanks to Prism Book Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Alaskan Hideaway and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
1,632 reviews29 followers
July 1, 2018
Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter
Book 3 of 4 in A Northern Lights Novel (4 Book Series
He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone
…but is it what he really wants?
Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?
This is Ursula Anderson and R.D. “Mac” Macleod's story.
SNOW CRUNCHED UNDER Ursula’s ski poles as she pushed up the rise and stopped at the top of the hill to catch her breath. She’d earned an Anchorski second-place medal in the over-fifty age group a few winters ago, but that didn’t mean she could keep up with her eight-year-old goddaughter. From somewhere nearby, a raven cackled as though amused at these earthbound creatures with boards strapped to their feet.
“Remember, pizza,” Ursula called. The little girl instantly spread the tails of her skis and slid to a stop.
“GOOD GIRL. You ran off the evil intruders, didn’t you?” Mac rubbed behind the dog’s rosebud ears. She wiggled in delight. “We don’t want a bunch of nosy people poking around here, do we? No we don’t.” He’d been a little surprised at the dog’s performance. She wasn’t usually so aggressive. She must have found something sinister about the two skiers, which was odd since one of them was a child. Not that people were above using children in their schemes. He’d had photographers try the “my kid lost a baseball in your yard” trick more than once.
The whole point of this impromptu move to Alaska was to get away from people. Especially some members of the tabloid press.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Beth Carpenter.
Northern Lights
1. The Alaskan Catch
2. A Gift for Santa
3. Alaskan Hideaway
4. An Alaskan Proposal
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,536 reviews45 followers
July 1, 2018
Heart-wrenchingly emotional! With the next book in her Northern Lights series, Beth Carpenter takes us into the heart of a man who has lost his motivation in the world. He thinks all he needs is to hole up and be alone, but when he's challenged again and again by a pushy neighbor and her adorable goddaughter, he actually sees the world brightening up a bit. There are a couple of story lines melding together to complete this story, and both are emotional and sad, but there's also an amazing connection between the this man, woman and child that makes you hope against hope for the healing they all need. A really great read!

R.D. *Mac* Macleod needs to be alone. An accomplished author for years, Mac no longer has an inspiration to open his laptop, much less try to meet the next deadline looming. He's lost the one person who was most dear to him ... and he's consumed with a soul crushing guilt that he can't get past. He leaves his home and heads to Alaska where he can live on his own without people bothering him ... only it doesn't take long for a pesky neighbor to come knocking!

B & B owner Ursula Anderson knows loss, and when she gets to know Mac and sees how overcome he is with his despair, she's not sure she can help him. But being around Ursula and the adorable little girl she's raising brightens Mac's demeanor. Can the life she can offer truly be enough for this man or will he continue to let his perceived failure eat away at him?
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,373 reviews31 followers
June 4, 2018
Distrust

I so enjoy this author’s writing style. Easy to read, fast-paced, mature, never boring. She reveals just enough of the storyline at a time to keep the reader interested and wanting more. It’s like unwrapping a present, a little at a time.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, some of which were seen previously in other works. It can be read a s a stand-alone.
The mystery was intriguing. Mac, a famous author, moves next door to Ursula. He is “hiding out” from the paparazzi while trying to solve the mystery of his daughter’s murder. He trusts no one and is determined to remain a hermit, hiding from the outside world. Ursula, owner of an inn and friendly as can be, tries to be neighbourly and befriend Mac but he’s cutting her off at every turn and obviously suspicious and distrustful of her motives. I enjoyed watching their relationship play out.
I took my time reading this book and savoured it.
There is a perfect balance of dialogue and description so that I don’t feel like I need to skip over any parts when I’m reading Beth Carpenter’s books. I love her work and I highly recommend it. I was given an early copy of Alaskan Hideaway and chose to review it. These are my thoughts. I received no compensation for this review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 27 books596 followers
July 13, 2018
From the first chapter, I was instantly hooked. Certain stories evoke just the right imagery and emotion in a reader. Alaskan Hideaway is one of those books.

I have long been drawn to Alaska, probably because I'm from the opposite end of the States. Beth Carpenter gives us a rare gift in allowing us to visit there. It almost feels as though we are visiting Ursula's B&B, or escaping into the wilderness with Mac. I quickly fell in love with these characters, with Ursula and her struggle to help her goddaughter Rory, and Mac's tragic past. Each of these characters are united in their understood grief. Their pasts allow them to build the bridge into something new.

For Ursula and Mac, it's not love at first sight. Mac just wants to be left alone, while Ursula only wants access to the ski trails that run through his property. Neither can come to an agreement, but this is only the beginning of what becomes an unexpected, beautiful love story. This is a book and a romance about the little, in-between moments that make life worth living. The details and baring between kindred souls that reminds us we aren't alone in our tragedy.

The perfect read for all ages, when you need that extra dose of hope for happiness, and the faith in second chances.
Profile Image for Sonnetta.
443 reviews
June 26, 2018
I like this book because it was about an older couple in their late forties and the issues that they faced in that period of their life. It was not a rush into love that you would expect from someone who is in their 20's. The author did a great job of creating their story so that it seems a natural progression. There were issues that needed to be faced and dealt with before anything can happen. I loved Ursula and her empathetic soul. She had a warmth that touches everyone. Rory was amazing because she had a resilience of a child even though she was grieving. Mac was the guy that some would want to stay away from and some would be drawn to because of his pain. Blossom, the dog, loved everyone unconditionally. They needed each other to heal and grow. This story reminds us of the power of love and forgiveness.

I received this complementary copy from the author and the opinion expressed are entirely my own.
934 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2018
I received Alaskan Hideaway as a giveaway gift from the author.In Northern Lights series number three. Beth Carpenter. Author Mac Macleod moves to Alaska to get away from reporters. His daughter was murdered and he blames himself. He feels the boyfriend did it. Not they have to locate him. Mac hires investigates to find him. Mac buys a house next to a B&B that runs a ski hill. First thing Mac does is close a gate that was open for the skier to use to get to another area. B&B owner, Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, talk to Mac about opening the gate. It takes them a while to get him to open the gate. The three of them become friends. Plus Mac's dog, Blossom. During this whole time Mac is dealing with his daughter death. A very touching, romantic and funny at times, book. A very good read. Can't wait to read more in the series.
Profile Image for Marcie Robinson.
357 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2018
“Alaskan Hideaway” by Beth Carpenter is part of her Northern Lights series. You don’t have to have read the first two to thoroughly enjoy this one.

R.D. “Mac” Macleod comes to Alaska to hide from reporters and to deal with the pain of losing his daughter. All he wants is to be alone. He doesn’t want, or need, friends.
Ursula Anderson, owner of the B&B next door, needs access to the ski trails that cut across Mac’s property. Their first meeting isn’t what Ursula expects.
The two become friends, Ursula’s goddaughter Rory and Mac’s dog Blossom also helping them to connect.
Mac is there for Ursula when Rory’s guardianship is questioned, just as Ursula is there for Mac when he finds the truth about his daughter’s death.

“Alaskan Hideaway” is about hope, healing, and forgiveness. It will touch your heart more than you expect.

Profile Image for Toth Jo-Ann.
675 reviews14 followers
July 1, 2018
This is the third book in this series. I loved meeting Mac, Ursla and Rory. This book had two stories in one. There was Mac's story of loss of a daughter thru a crime that was not of his doing. Then there was Rory's story of losing parents thru a bad furnace. Then there is Ursula who as a child lost a brother but the family never recovered. So she has helped Rory with her loss of parents in a very positive way. In an unknown way she also helps Mac to come to terms with his life. It is very well written. It draws you into the story. As the story unfolds you get to see how each character draws out the other one. You get to briefly meet Sam, Dana and Adam in this story again. It is a great story with highs and lows. But its worth a read. You may need a Kleenex in a few places but you will also laugh with this story. Its a story worth picking up.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,654 reviews15 followers
July 11, 2018
Alaskan Hideaway

So nice that Mac was from the same town that I live. Enjoyed the characters. Always good with animals in a book especially dogs, loved the name Blossom. But there a squirrel that was sorta pet, enjoyed the scenes with the squirrel in it. One part talks about the squirrel being a tease, I know that is true because there is squirrels in our backyard that teases our dogs. Ursula has custody of her Goddaughter named Rory, the little added so much to the story. Mac had come to Alaska to get away and be alone but things don’t work that way. I received an complementary copy of the book from Prism book tours, I was not required to leave a positive review. This review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Darlene Fredette.
Author 12 books74 followers
May 29, 2020
4.5 Stars. This heartwarming story is an emotional ride. Ursula raising her granddaughter, Rory, who has lost her parents, and Mac who is suffering his own traumatic grief. A slightly older couple, Ursula and Mac have great chemistry and their interaction steals every scene. The wintry visual draws you into the setting with added glimpses of the Northern Lights. There are several twists, making this book a page-turner. Will Ursula lose Rory and will Mac get justice? The story-line is so interesting; you won’t want to put the book down. The Northern Lights Series is fast becoming one of my favourites. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
Profile Image for Readsandeats.
1,094 reviews27 followers
October 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
We meet Ursula who runs a lovely B&B called Forget Me Not. She is guardian to her GodDaughter Rory. Both love skiing and nature.
Mac rents the chalet next door and shuts the gate between the properties. This is unsettling as Ursula,Rory and their guests use the short cut at the corner of the property to get to the ski runs quicker.
Ursula dedjuices that Mac is hurting in many ways and does her best to help him.
There are lovely scenes of Rory's inteaction with various animals and with Ursula and Mac.
I loved the descriptions of the Northern Lights.

I would recommend this book
2,256 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2018
Beth Carpenter's book, Alaskan Hideaway, is a romance about second chances and trying to heal from old wounds. It's about finding the courage to fall in love again. I liked that the main characters in this story were middle aged. I liked that the author showed that there are many ways for people and animals to form a "family". Ursula and Mac don't find an easy path to happiness and I was entertained by the way they changed by the end of the book. After reading this Northern Lights novel, I want to read the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Liz Flaherty.
Author 75 books351 followers
July 15, 2018
There is so much to love here that I don't know where to begin. For me, though, it was with protagonists in their early fifties who are smart and kind and loving people with all the baggage and angst that comes with achieving that. The setting, Alaska at its finest, was wonderful. A train ride, the Northern Lights, the realism of not everything being right down the road. And the story, which provided both heartbreak and heroic heart-mending, perfect ingredients in the recipe of a love story. Not my first Beth Carpenter story and definitely not my last.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
563 reviews10 followers
July 13, 2018
Alaskan Hideaway is the third book in the Northern Lights series by Beth Carpenter. In this book Beth takes on an emotional story of two people who are in need of a second chance. The many depths of emotions that you will read as you are reading through Ursula and Mac's story will keep you emotionally in tune with the store. I thoroughly enjoyed it just as well as I have the rest of Beth's work I have read.
1,412 reviews16 followers
June 11, 2018
I enjoyed reading the story, this is about an older woman and man, it also has a dog and child, there are great descriptions about the Alaskan area. I was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. I have read several of her books and love them. if you have read any of her books you have to read this one. if you like dogs you will love Blossom
Profile Image for Natalya.
534 reviews20 followers
July 2, 2018
This was my first book by Beth and it wouldn’t be the last! I have enjoyed it.
It will tug on your heart strings: the heartbreak and suffering, redemption and forgiveness, tender hope and growing love!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Profile Image for Alisha Collins.
377 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2018
Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad I did.
I started this book yesterday and didn’t put it down until I was finished. Past hurts, new beginnings, and sweet romance are in store for you in this story. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sandra Eidson.
204 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2018
Excellent book. Grief is hard to deal with then to find this sick guy killed his daughter just the way he used in one of his books had to be earth shattering. Enjoyed finding this disgruntled person had a human side after all.
Profile Image for Tammy.
26 reviews
June 5, 2019
Absolutely loved the serene feel of this read, the stunningly beautiful descriptions of Alaska and the romantic spin from a male point of view. Lush and lovely. Two kind people helping each other figure their way through grief, heart breaking and heart warming nicely meshed.
Profile Image for Jane.
371 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2019
Review of Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter. Mac travels to Alaska to be alone. After the death of his daughter, he blames himself. But Ursula and her goddaughter bond with his dog. Ursula is always bringing him food. Rory keeps inviting him places. Blossom, his dog, loves spending time with Rory. Finally the killer of his daughter is found. Mac recedes back into his grief. It takes a bird to bring him out of his grief. I knew some about Alaska and a friend has sent me pictures of Auroras. A great read.
517 reviews
July 1, 2018
Warning! Before reading this book, make sure you have some yummy baked goods around, because before it’s over, you will be craving some!I really really enjoyed this story. I want to be like Ursula when I grow up! She is so empathetic, kind, giving, and caring. She seems to know what someone needs right when they need it, and she isn’t afraid to put herself out there to help.

Mac is not only mourning his daughters death, but he is also trying to get over the guilt he feels for not being able to prevent it. He goes to Alaska to grieve and be alone. What he didn’t count on was Ursula and her goddaughter Rory! As much as he tries to ignore them, they are not going to let him sit around and grieve his life away.

I loved how Beth wrote Mac. You felt his grief and guilt, but because of his relationship with Ursula, and his subsequent healing, the story was not dark and depressing, but one of hope.

I Loved the Alaskan setting and, at times, wished there were photos in the book! This is part of a series, but can totally be read as a stand-alone. I will be going back and reading the others in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
131 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2019
A, placre to hide

Ursula was raising her God daughter when Mac came

to Alaska to escape the trauma OF His daughter 's murder. Neither wanted a relationship but they soon became friends and spent a lot of time together. A sweet Romance with a dash of thril!er that keeps the reader wondering if the missing murderer would ever be found.
Profile Image for SARAH TAYLOR.
299 reviews67 followers
January 22, 2019
This was such a great book cant wait to read another book by this wonderful Author I gave this book a 5 star because it is such a great read! If you haven't read you need too you wont be disappointed!
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
July 11, 2018
Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter

Mac and Ursula were quite different. She was very friendly, positive and hospitable. Mac was … not. Both had lived through loss and dealt with grief, but the way they responded was different. And they needed each other. I may have liked them and their relationship even more because they were in many ways similar to my husband and myself.

I really appreciated the way that Mac knew how to apologize. He made some big mistakes, yet he was willing to admit them and do his best to make amends. It was lovely how he bought so many flowers the one time. In fact, she hadn’t even known he had accused her, she only sensed he was angry, which made it even sweeter.

Several parts lightened the tone from the deep heart issues that Mac had to work through. It was cute how Ursula and her friends banded together to send the reporter on a wild goose chase.

I enjoyed Rory, Ursula’s goddaughter, and her sweet, outgoing manner. A number of animals had roles that added to the interest. I especially liked the whittling that Mac did, making wood spirits and the descriptions of that process enhanced the story as well.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

Get a preview of Alaskan Hideaway at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Prism Book Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
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