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Home to Owl Creek #2
An Alaskan Twin Surprise
The family he was supposed to have…
His runaway bride is back…
With twins!
The last person Gabriel Lawson expects to find in town is Rachel Marshall—especially with twin toddlers in tow. Gabriel refuses to risk his heart again on the woman who left him at the altar years ago. But working to renovate her mother’s house means he must spend time with Rachel and her adorable twins…and soon he can’t help but wish they were his family.
His runaway bride is back…
With twins!
The last person Gabriel Lawson expects to find in town is Rachel Marshall—especially with twin toddlers in tow. Gabriel refuses to risk his heart again on the woman who left him at the altar years ago. But working to renovate her mother’s house means he must spend time with Rachel and her adorable twins…and soon he can’t help but wish they were his family.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
54 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Belle Calhoune
95 books434 followersBelle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 15, 2020
5 stars. This book is a second chance romance and it deals a lot with forgiveness and letting go of fear that gets in the way of you living your life. It was all so well done. I loved both main characters and found them both to be relatable. Rachel only wanted what was best for everyone around her, sometimes at her own expense. She also had some trauma and fears that she couldn’t seem to move past. Gabriel was a sweetheart who’d been hurt. He wanted to make things work but anger kept getting in his way. Seeing them both work to overcome their issues was great. I believed in their romance and their chemistry. There was so much hurt there but when they figured it out in the end it was more than worth it. Just a very sweet and beautiful love story. I cannot wait for book three.
{Challenges completed:
✔Game Night: 12 Days of Christmas Challenge
✔Game Night: Never Have I Ever Team Challenge - Week 7}
{Challenges completed:
✔Game Night: 12 Days of Christmas Challenge
✔Game Night: Never Have I Ever Team Challenge - Week 7}
January 18, 2021
I'll be chatting about my thoughts on this one this upcoming Saturday with my friend's Sarah and Chloe, on Chloe's Youtube channel, Always Booked.
This is my first Love Inspired, Harlequin romance and I liked it. I am definitely interested in reading more from Belle Calhoune. I have seen reviews from readers who felt this one was "preachy" but I didn't get that vibe though there are a lot of references to faith in the story. I didn't think it was overdone, you're just reading from the perspective of characters whose faith is a very important part of their life.
It is a second chance romance and in true Harlequin fashion, the second chance romance as a trope was done so well-if you want a basic blueprint for the trope, give this one a go!
I really liked the Alaskan setting. Alaska is in my top 3 places I want to go and always serves as such a needed fictional escape and I loved that not only are we in Alaska, but that we are following people of color in Alaska. Having served in the military and deployed with teams stationed in Alaska, I know that there are people of color in the state..though that doesn't seem to be the case when you look at fiction set in the state! I loved that the hero is a bush pilot. Loved that the character is a single mom, nurse..and is doing just fine but things could be so complimented if they give their love another chance.
This is my first Love Inspired, Harlequin romance and I liked it. I am definitely interested in reading more from Belle Calhoune. I have seen reviews from readers who felt this one was "preachy" but I didn't get that vibe though there are a lot of references to faith in the story. I didn't think it was overdone, you're just reading from the perspective of characters whose faith is a very important part of their life.
It is a second chance romance and in true Harlequin fashion, the second chance romance as a trope was done so well-if you want a basic blueprint for the trope, give this one a go!
I really liked the Alaskan setting. Alaska is in my top 3 places I want to go and always serves as such a needed fictional escape and I loved that not only are we in Alaska, but that we are following people of color in Alaska. Having served in the military and deployed with teams stationed in Alaska, I know that there are people of color in the state..though that doesn't seem to be the case when you look at fiction set in the state! I loved that the hero is a bush pilot. Loved that the character is a single mom, nurse..and is doing just fine but things could be so complimented if they give their love another chance.
March 23, 2021
While it wasn’t a stellar read for me, I definitely found it heartwarming. My favorite parts were honestly the parts where Gabriel bonds with the twins. So cute! Rachel was an enjoyable lead and I liked getting to know her.
I did wish there had been a bit more resolution on some of the things raised in the course of the story. For example, Rachel’s mother doesn’t tell anyone she has grandchildren, and the reader is allowed to infer it’s because she is embarrassed they are born out of wedlock. However, the minute Rachel comes, she seems to throw off all of that. There are multiple “mismatches” throughout the plot like that, which left the book feeling slightly off-kilter. The mother getting treatment; the brother being there and getting on the plane with them but not getting mentioned afterward...so on.
I really enjoyed the glimpses into other characters we loved from the past and will be glad to return to Owl Creek for the next installment.
I did wish there had been a bit more resolution on some of the things raised in the course of the story. For example, Rachel’s mother doesn’t tell anyone she has grandchildren, and the reader is allowed to infer it’s because she is embarrassed they are born out of wedlock. However, the minute Rachel comes, she seems to throw off all of that. There are multiple “mismatches” throughout the plot like that, which left the book feeling slightly off-kilter. The mother getting treatment; the brother being there and getting on the plane with them but not getting mentioned afterward...so on.
I really enjoyed the glimpses into other characters we loved from the past and will be glad to return to Owl Creek for the next installment.
April 21, 2020
What a wonderful story, packed full of emotion! The two main characters, Gabriel and Rachel were both very likable characters and I felt for both of them as they tried to work through their feelings and see if they could get along while Rachel was home to take care of her sick mother.
It was easy to see that these two characters still cared for each other, yet there were huge obstacles to finding a happily-ever-after. There was apologizing to be done, forgiveness to give, hurt to put behind them, and fear to overcome. These complicated issues and great chemistry between Gabriel and Rachel made for a beautiful reconciliation story, complete with two adorable baby girls! I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was easy to see that these two characters still cared for each other, yet there were huge obstacles to finding a happily-ever-after. There was apologizing to be done, forgiveness to give, hurt to put behind them, and fear to overcome. These complicated issues and great chemistry between Gabriel and Rachel made for a beautiful reconciliation story, complete with two adorable baby girls! I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 25, 2020
Twins, the state of Alaska, airplanes and a truly loving hero . . . this was a delightful Memorial Day Weekend read.
May 1, 2020
Woohoo! Calhoune takes us back to Alaska in her second Owl Creek novel. And isn't that cover divine? Babies to smoosh and that loving gaze between the hero and heroine -- absolutely toe-curling. I'd buy it just on the cover's merit but Belle Calhoune is an auto-buy author for me too.
So, what happens when the runaway bride returns three years later? A lot of heart tugging angst, that's what! Especially since she's toting along twin one-year-olds. Tongues are wagging in this small Northern town and Gabriel feels like he's been sucker punched when he runs into her unexpectedly for the first time...and many times afterwards.
What made Rachel run? Calhoune teases her readers with intriguing bits of back story, digging deeper with each reveal. I could really relate to Rachel -- not as a runaway bride :-) but as someone who has allowed fear to dictate actions that cripple relationships and opportunities. But she's stopped running. She's a stronger woman of faith now and while she doesn't expect to be reunited with Gabriel, she wants a chance to explain and apologize.
He's gutted. His friends are indignant on his behalf. Nobody wants to see him hurt again but Gabriel is a kind, decent, caring man and it isn't long before he's helping Rachel and her mom and becoming bewitched by those cute baby girls....and that special spark is back!
Pages flew by as I devoured their love story. I love a good reunion romance and this one is excellent!
So, what happens when the runaway bride returns three years later? A lot of heart tugging angst, that's what! Especially since she's toting along twin one-year-olds. Tongues are wagging in this small Northern town and Gabriel feels like he's been sucker punched when he runs into her unexpectedly for the first time...and many times afterwards.
What made Rachel run? Calhoune teases her readers with intriguing bits of back story, digging deeper with each reveal. I could really relate to Rachel -- not as a runaway bride :-) but as someone who has allowed fear to dictate actions that cripple relationships and opportunities. But she's stopped running. She's a stronger woman of faith now and while she doesn't expect to be reunited with Gabriel, she wants a chance to explain and apologize.
He's gutted. His friends are indignant on his behalf. Nobody wants to see him hurt again but Gabriel is a kind, decent, caring man and it isn't long before he's helping Rachel and her mom and becoming bewitched by those cute baby girls....and that special spark is back!
Pages flew by as I devoured their love story. I love a good reunion romance and this one is excellent!
May 3, 2020
Would you want to read a story that has one young woman who fled town several years ago, a mother who is battling cancer, and a man who was left at the alter with no explanations as to why. What about the complication of returning to a small town with twin daughters but no husband in tow? Do you still want to read it? Well, you should because it would be a wonderful Christian romance that could have only been written by Belle Calhoune!
If you are looking for Christian romance with a theme of forgiveness and redemption, you will want to read An Alaskan Twin Surprise. It's the second book that Calhoune has set in Owl Creek and and I hope that she will take us there again.
I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from the author but I wasn't obligated to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
My full review can be seen at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
If you are looking for Christian romance with a theme of forgiveness and redemption, you will want to read An Alaskan Twin Surprise. It's the second book that Calhoune has set in Owl Creek and and I hope that she will take us there again.
I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from the author but I wasn't obligated to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
My full review can be seen at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
April 19, 2020
Rachel is back in Owl Creek to take care of her mother. Gabriel is the man renovating her mom’s house. He’s also the man Rachel left just days before their wedding three years prior. He doesn’t expect to see her again, and he certainly doesn’t expect to see she has twins!
Gabriel is determined to keep his heart closed. Rachel is hoping there will be forgiveness so they can peacefully co-exist. But can they do more than just “co-exist”? Can they learn to love and trust again? To come together...as a family? Read to find out - you won’t be disappointed!
Gabriel is determined to keep his heart closed. Rachel is hoping there will be forgiveness so they can peacefully co-exist. But can they do more than just “co-exist”? Can they learn to love and trust again? To come together...as a family? Read to find out - you won’t be disappointed!
May 15, 2020
I really enjoyed going back to Owl Creek. Gabriel was in book one of this series. I’m so glad we got his story. I can’t imagine the emotions a man who’s left at the altar would be and then she comes back with twins. The author does a good job in articulating those feelings well. We didn’t want to like Rachel, because we heard about her in book 1. However, she proved to be a likable character. The reasons behind her leaving are revealed here as well. Honesty with one another is good and so is forgiveness. I received a copy of this book from the author. All views stated here are my own.
February 19, 2023
Book By State Challenge (Alaska)
Want something love inspired to read? Check out Belle Calhoune’s An Alaskan Twin Surprise. A reunited love, faith based love story that will warm your soul and give you all the feel goods. I absolutely adore and love the Owl Creek Series 🦉❄️.
Want something love inspired to read? Check out Belle Calhoune’s An Alaskan Twin Surprise. A reunited love, faith based love story that will warm your soul and give you all the feel goods. I absolutely adore and love the Owl Creek Series 🦉❄️.
January 18, 2021
I thought this book was really charming and really sweet. I love a second chance romance and this one did not disappoint. I loved the faith based element and the fact that it was all clean. The only thing I didn't love about this book is how short it is, but thats true for all of the Harlequin love inspired. I wanted more from the story and more from the couple to push it into 5 star territory, but overall I really enjoyed this! It made you think about what you would do for love. Can it overcome fear?
SPOILERS AHEAD:
This book is about Rachel and Gabriel. Once upon a time they were engaged but then she left town and broke off their relationship. Years later she's back now and she's got twin girls. She's back to take care of her mom who is suffering from breast cancer. She wants to convince her to seek treatment but she's hesitant. Gabriel is helping her make a playroom but he doesn't know its for Rachel. When she comes back there is some tension between them (and his mom) because she broke his heart, but she had a reason. He is a bush pilot, as was her dad. Her dad died in a plane crash and unbeknownst to Gabriel, Rachel witnessed it. She got really scared and ran. At the end, he decides to be a regular pilot and only fly safer routes and they live happily ever after with her staying in Alaska.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
This book is about Rachel and Gabriel. Once upon a time they were engaged but then she left town and broke off their relationship. Years later she's back now and she's got twin girls. She's back to take care of her mom who is suffering from breast cancer. She wants to convince her to seek treatment but she's hesitant. Gabriel is helping her make a playroom but he doesn't know its for Rachel. When she comes back there is some tension between them (and his mom) because she broke his heart, but she had a reason. He is a bush pilot, as was her dad. Her dad died in a plane crash and unbeknownst to Gabriel, Rachel witnessed it. She got really scared and ran. At the end, he decides to be a regular pilot and only fly safer routes and they live happily ever after with her staying in Alaska.
April 20, 2020
"An Alaskan Twin Surprise;" by Belle Calhoune is no surprise another winner! I'm so excited to visit Owl Creek, Alaska. This is book 2 in her Home to Owl Creek series! The first book is, "Her Alaskan Secret Family."
Rachel Marshall has returned to her hometown of Owl Creek to take care of her ailing mom. She is not alone, though. She brings one year old twin daughters with her. This comes as a surprise to everyone in her small hometown especially Gabriel Lawson. Her one time fiancé she left two days before their wedding. This is a story about second chances and not letting fear win. Gabriel is afraid to of letting his heart fall twice for Rachel after she broke it the first time. Rachel is afraid of Gabriel being a bush pilot. Can they somehow overcome their fear to give love another chance and become the family they have always wanted? You'll have to read the book to find out!
On a side note...Can we just give a shoutout to the awesome cover? It's beautiful. I'm drawn to covers and this one had me chomping at the bit to read. Harlequin has stepped up their game with the amazing covers on Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense!
Rachel Marshall has returned to her hometown of Owl Creek to take care of her ailing mom. She is not alone, though. She brings one year old twin daughters with her. This comes as a surprise to everyone in her small hometown especially Gabriel Lawson. Her one time fiancé she left two days before their wedding. This is a story about second chances and not letting fear win. Gabriel is afraid to of letting his heart fall twice for Rachel after she broke it the first time. Rachel is afraid of Gabriel being a bush pilot. Can they somehow overcome their fear to give love another chance and become the family they have always wanted? You'll have to read the book to find out!
On a side note...Can we just give a shoutout to the awesome cover? It's beautiful. I'm drawn to covers and this one had me chomping at the bit to read. Harlequin has stepped up their game with the amazing covers on Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense!
January 15, 2021
I enjoyed the second-chance relationship element of this book, the chemistry was there and I think their was lots of believable communication (good and bad!) as well as processing of emotions, all of which was good. For me the relationship was the star of the show.
This was my first foray into Christian romance, and although it wasn't heavy handed or preachy, it was ever present the novel in terms of a source of inspirations, what guided decisions, etc. and I think that's just not for me. I think I'm also realizing I don't enjoy small town settings that much, the constant awareness of judgement from others, the everyone being in everyone's business, that just riled me. Let the people get to know each other again if that's what they want!
Read as it is the January 2021 choice for the The Book Sisters Book Club: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
This was my first foray into Christian romance, and although it wasn't heavy handed or preachy, it was ever present the novel in terms of a source of inspirations, what guided decisions, etc. and I think that's just not for me. I think I'm also realizing I don't enjoy small town settings that much, the constant awareness of judgement from others, the everyone being in everyone's business, that just riled me. Let the people get to know each other again if that's what they want!
Read as it is the January 2021 choice for the The Book Sisters Book Club: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 4, 2021
2,5 stars rounded up to 3.
liked some parts of the romance but I think Christian Romance is too preachy for me. I like subtle hints about the goodness we should do/think.
I am glad I read it though because I wanted to explore new subgenres in my reading and I got my answer ;)
liked some parts of the romance but I think Christian Romance is too preachy for me. I like subtle hints about the goodness we should do/think.
I am glad I read it though because I wanted to explore new subgenres in my reading and I got my answer ;)
April 26, 2020
An Alaskan Twin Surprise (Home to Owl Creek Book 2)
By ;Belle Calhoune
224 pages
Publication date: May 1, 2020
Publisher: Love Inspired
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐My Review⭐
Belle Calhoune’s new book, An Alaskan Twin Surprise is a sweet romantic read filled with lovable realistic characters and is everything a sweet romance should be.
It is the second book in the Home to Owl Creek series and the story of Rachel Marshall and Gabriel Lawson. Both captured my heart, along with those adorable infant twin girls.The last person Gabriel Lawson expects to find in town is Rachel Marshall. Especially with twin toddlers in tow. Gabriel refuses to risk his heart again on the woman who left him at the altar years ago. But working to renovate her mother’s house means he must spend time with Rachel and her adorable twins…and soon he can’t help but wish they were his family.
The Book moves at a good pace and all of the characters are well developed and likeable. Once I picked up this book i couldn't put it down. (Read all of it in one setting ) . The author writes in such a way I felt like I was right there. Belle Calhoune did an amazing job of bringing Owl Creek
and all of the characters to life. I can’t say enough good things about this emotional heartwarming story.
I can’t wait for the next one in this series. This is one romance you will not want to miss. This is the second book I've read by the author, and definitely will not be the last.
As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
*******Disclosure*******
I received a paper copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own.
*************************
#BelleCalhoune
#Romance
#AnAlaskanTwinSurprise
By ;Belle Calhoune
224 pages
Publication date: May 1, 2020
Publisher: Love Inspired
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐My Review⭐
Belle Calhoune’s new book, An Alaskan Twin Surprise is a sweet romantic read filled with lovable realistic characters and is everything a sweet romance should be.
It is the second book in the Home to Owl Creek series and the story of Rachel Marshall and Gabriel Lawson. Both captured my heart, along with those adorable infant twin girls.The last person Gabriel Lawson expects to find in town is Rachel Marshall. Especially with twin toddlers in tow. Gabriel refuses to risk his heart again on the woman who left him at the altar years ago. But working to renovate her mother’s house means he must spend time with Rachel and her adorable twins…and soon he can’t help but wish they were his family.
The Book moves at a good pace and all of the characters are well developed and likeable. Once I picked up this book i couldn't put it down. (Read all of it in one setting ) . The author writes in such a way I felt like I was right there. Belle Calhoune did an amazing job of bringing Owl Creek
and all of the characters to life. I can’t say enough good things about this emotional heartwarming story.
I can’t wait for the next one in this series. This is one romance you will not want to miss. This is the second book I've read by the author, and definitely will not be the last.
As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
*******Disclosure*******
I received a paper copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own.
*************************
#BelleCalhoune
#Romance
#AnAlaskanTwinSurprise
March 26, 2020
Oh my goodness! This book brought out so many emotions!
Rachel Marshall comes back to her hometown to take care of her terminally ill mother. She left three years prior, a mere couple of days before she was supposed to get married. Now she is back with toddler twins, trying to do what is right by helping out her mother.
Gabriel Lawson was once engaged to Rachel and it took him a very long time to get over her leaving without an explanation. Nothing can prepare him for seeing her again...and her girls.
As they are around each other more and more, Rachel and Gabriel realize that it was the fact that Gabriel is a pilot that ultimately is the reason why Rachel ran away. I myself have dealt with PTSD and even though a person knows that what they are feeling is extreme, there is nothing they can do about feeling that way. That was why Rachel just couldn’t marry a pilot after her father dying in a plane crash. So even though I felt awful for Gabriel, I absolutely understood Rachel’s thoughts too! They were so much in love, but just couldn’t bridge that issue.
Will they be able to overcome those differences to find happiness or will Gabriel being a pilot continue to stand in the way of their happiness?
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves second chance love stories! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Rachel Marshall comes back to her hometown to take care of her terminally ill mother. She left three years prior, a mere couple of days before she was supposed to get married. Now she is back with toddler twins, trying to do what is right by helping out her mother.
Gabriel Lawson was once engaged to Rachel and it took him a very long time to get over her leaving without an explanation. Nothing can prepare him for seeing her again...and her girls.
As they are around each other more and more, Rachel and Gabriel realize that it was the fact that Gabriel is a pilot that ultimately is the reason why Rachel ran away. I myself have dealt with PTSD and even though a person knows that what they are feeling is extreme, there is nothing they can do about feeling that way. That was why Rachel just couldn’t marry a pilot after her father dying in a plane crash. So even though I felt awful for Gabriel, I absolutely understood Rachel’s thoughts too! They were so much in love, but just couldn’t bridge that issue.
Will they be able to overcome those differences to find happiness or will Gabriel being a pilot continue to stand in the way of their happiness?
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves second chance love stories! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
March 8, 2020
This book's main focus is about forgiveness and that is a great test in this story! Rachel left Gabriel at the altar years ago. How do you get over something like that? All your hopes and dreams were shattered on that day and in that act. Suddenly he opens and door one day and there stands Rachel, in his hometown and everything comes rushing back to him...the betrayal, the pain, the anguish. He can't do this again! But he's renovating her mother's house and that means he'll be seeing Rachel - AND her twins! How is he going to manage that??? I can't imagine! Rachel knows she ran scared several years ago and left the best man she ever knew. She can only hope that Gabriel can forgive her and they can somehow co-exist in the same town. Of course they can't get back together, but just move on from their ruined wedding....or can they get back together??? Loved this story and highly recommend it!!!
March 25, 2022
Lovely read from Belle Calhoune!
Love Inspired provides readers with some of the sweetest and coziest romances and this book delivered! Rachel and Gabriel are a reunion romance after she left him at alter several years ago and due to her mother's health issues, is thrust back into the town of Owl Creek. Speaking of, this town sounds absolutely delightful (if you don't think of how cold Alaska is)! BC created faith and family-oriented small town. I want to try chocolates and drink tea right along with the characters!
Another great addition to the location was the Hero's occupation: seaplane pilot! I knew nothing about seaplanes and I thought that was a unique job and seriously considering a trip to AK.
The twin daughters, Rachel, Gabriel, and Owl Creek inhabitants, I just adored this story and looking forward to more from this series and author.
Love Inspired provides readers with some of the sweetest and coziest romances and this book delivered! Rachel and Gabriel are a reunion romance after she left him at alter several years ago and due to her mother's health issues, is thrust back into the town of Owl Creek. Speaking of, this town sounds absolutely delightful (if you don't think of how cold Alaska is)! BC created faith and family-oriented small town. I want to try chocolates and drink tea right along with the characters!
Another great addition to the location was the Hero's occupation: seaplane pilot! I knew nothing about seaplanes and I thought that was a unique job and seriously considering a trip to AK.
The twin daughters, Rachel, Gabriel, and Owl Creek inhabitants, I just adored this story and looking forward to more from this series and author.
July 2, 2020
I won a copy of this book from the author, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is a beautiful story at second chances. Rachel & Gabriel were suppose to get married, but she got a case of cold feet. She was worried of losing him in a plane accident like she lost her father. She never dealt with those feelings when she was younger and as it got closer to the wedding the fear showed up and she tried telling him, but he didn't understand. She loved him, there is a secret his mom knows about her that never has been told. Rachel ended up moving to Denver and became a nurse/midwife. Three years later she is back because her mom is dealing with breast cancer and she wants to help. But she is coming with her twin toddler girls, no one other than her mom knows about them. But when she gets there can she and Gabriel talk and figure out if there is a second chance for true love.
August 27, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Belle Calhoune. It is a Love Inspired book. I usually love these books and this book was no exception. Belle Calhoune does an amazing job of bringing her characters to life. I found myself hoping that the people of Owl Creek, Alaska (which is the setting of this novel) would be able to forgive and give the main character, Rachel Marshall, a second chance. Though Rachel had a lot of explaining to do with the people of Owl Creek especially her ex-fiancé, you could tell she really did have the desire to fix what she broke when she left town abruptly. Reading this book makes me want to go back and read the first one in this series and also to read the future ones in the series as this one is the second of four (number four comes out in 2021). I will definitely be adding this author to the list of authors I like to read.
April 28, 2020
I wanted to share my love of this story first of all. I saw this as a story of making mistakes and facing them, growing, forgiveness, selflessness, and that good ole love. The determination that Rachel shows to face her past and move forward is something that many of us can relate to, but many of us don’t have that fortitude to do it. Gabriel has taken the past of being left at the altar by Rachel and grown. He has still cared if others even when he could of become an angry man. The growth of each of them independently as people helped them grow together. I could personally feel the story. It is as if Belle Calhoune read my nonexistent autobiography. Thank you for the beautiful story. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
July 17, 2023
I loved the 1st book in this series but this one was eh... It kept my attention but I was just a little annoyed with the characters. Like if Gabriel was that in love with Rachel I feel like he would have been way more understanding and sympathetic towards her when her dad died and if Rachel had just easily spoke up, they wouldn't have been in that situation. I just think the reason for their initial breakup was too out there and no one would have actually handled the situation in that manner. I just feel like there could have been a more thought out and realistic reason for Rachel to flee the wedding.
April 20, 2020
Forgiveness and faith, that's what Rachel and Gabriel exhibit in this second chance romance to come to terms with all of the wrongs that need to be made right. After all, living in the past when you still love someone gets you nowhere.
An Alaskan Twin Surprise is such a heartwarming and endearing read. The characters are lovable and will have you rooting for them along the way. I haven't met a Belle Calhoune book that I haven't liked yet, and as always, I look forward to reading many more because it’s sure to be a good read.
An Alaskan Twin Surprise is such a heartwarming and endearing read. The characters are lovable and will have you rooting for them along the way. I haven't met a Belle Calhoune book that I haven't liked yet, and as always, I look forward to reading many more because it’s sure to be a good read.
May 31, 2020
This book stresses forgiveness. Rachel fled town 3 years ago, shortly before her wedding to Gabriel. She left a note, but did not explain. Now she’s back to take care of her mother, who’s battling cancer. And she has one year old twin girls. She’s afraid to talk to him, but finally breaks down and tells him why. They slowly start to grow close again, then the same fear overcomes her. But with prayer, and her mother’s shove, can they finally find their way back to each other? A beautiful, thought-provoking story.
June 27, 2020
Author Belle Calhoune is still fairly new to me, but I’m enjoying her books very much. I’ve never been to Alaska but reading her stories vividly shows me what it’s like. And it’s beautiful.
Her characters are strong and well developed. They make mistakes. Big ones. They forgive each other. They take care of each other. I’d love to have a cup of coffee and chat. And those twins are adorable.
If you enjoy a clean, light romance that truly does have depth then I highly recommend this book. And have you looked at the cover? I love it!
Her characters are strong and well developed. They make mistakes. Big ones. They forgive each other. They take care of each other. I’d love to have a cup of coffee and chat. And those twins are adorable.
If you enjoy a clean, light romance that truly does have depth then I highly recommend this book. And have you looked at the cover? I love it!
July 20, 2023
Rachel & Gabriel. Friends once. Engaged once. Almost married, once. But all of that is their past. Now they are both lonely and living with regrets of could’ve, would’ve, and should’ve. These are some of my favorite types of romance stories. Friends once, then more than friends, often times with a wrinkle or two, and then friends, and more than friend with a happy horizon in the forecast. After much upset, can these two find their way out of the fog, and muck to forge a new and lasting relationship?
January 3, 2021
I liked this story.
The characters were written in a believable way and you could understand why they felt the way they did. I did however find that the story was shortened and that there could have been more depth to certain parts of the narrative.
This is Rachel and Gabriel's story. They were engaged but Rachel left before the wedding. She comes back to Owl Creek to look after her mother. It is a story of forgiveness, learning the truth about people and finding hope in the future.
The characters were written in a believable way and you could understand why they felt the way they did. I did however find that the story was shortened and that there could have been more depth to certain parts of the narrative.
This is Rachel and Gabriel's story. They were engaged but Rachel left before the wedding. She comes back to Owl Creek to look after her mother. It is a story of forgiveness, learning the truth about people and finding hope in the future.
January 10, 2021
AN ALASKAN TWIN SURPRISE, Belle Calhoune’s second Owl Creek novel is a wonderful reunion romance where Gabriel and Rachel find another chance at love and forgiveness. AN ALASKAN TWIN SURPRISE is packed with emotion and a theme of forgiveness and redemption. Belle Calhoune set the pace with well-developed characters you cannot help but fall in love. I received this complimentary copy from the author exchange for my honest review.
December 13, 2025
An Alaskan Twin Surprise
Another great story about finding love. Rachel and returned tomOwl Creek to care for her mother who had cancer. Her former boyfriend, Gabriel, a bush pilot, still loved her. She had ditched him prior to the wedding due to fear from his bush pilot work. Her father had died in a plane crash and she feared for Gabriel. Trying to find their happiness, more to come.
Another great story about finding love. Rachel and returned tomOwl Creek to care for her mother who had cancer. Her former boyfriend, Gabriel, a bush pilot, still loved her. She had ditched him prior to the wedding due to fear from his bush pilot work. Her father had died in a plane crash and she feared for Gabriel. Trying to find their happiness, more to come.
February 11, 2021
Very Enjoyable Read
This is my first time reading anything written by this author, Belle Calhoune! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Gabriel and Rachel and those twins were so adorable!
I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Calhoune! Grab your copy if you haven’t read this yet! Kudos, Belle! 💜
This is my first time reading anything written by this author, Belle Calhoune! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Gabriel and Rachel and those twins were so adorable!
I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Calhoune! Grab your copy if you haven’t read this yet! Kudos, Belle! 💜
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