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An Alaskan Homecoming
“Ever after” wasn’t the plan…
Until now!
Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband!
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Northern Lights Novel
Book 1: The Alaskan Catch
Book 2: A Gift for Santa
Book 3: Alaskan Hideaway
Book 4: An Alaskan Proposal
Book 5: Sweet Home Alaska
Book 6: Alaskan Dreams
Book 7: An Alaskan Family Christmas
Book 8: An Alaskan Homecoming
Until now!
Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband!
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
A Northern Lights Novel
Book 1: The Alaskan Catch
Book 2: A Gift for Santa
Book 3: Alaskan Hideaway
Book 4: An Alaskan Proposal
Book 5: Sweet Home Alaska
Book 6: Alaskan Dreams
Book 7: An Alaskan Family Christmas
Book 8: An Alaskan Homecoming
- GenresContemporary
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
1 person is currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Beth Carpenter
63 books674 followersBeth 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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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 30, 2021
4.5 stars
I love the Northern Lights romance series by Beth Carpenter! It’s one of the few long-running series that I’ve been reading since book 1 released, and every time I learn of a new one coming out I do a little happy dance. The Alaskan setting, the great characters, and the engaging story lines check all my reader boxes …. and An Alaskan Homecoming adds my favorite romance trope (marriage-of-convenience with a little friends to more) as the icing on the cake!
Rowan and Zack are immediately likable protagonists, and the author does a fabulous job of taking us inside the joys & tensions in their lives – both individually and as their lives begin to intersect. We feel the genuine affection for Zack’s sweet little sister Becca from both characters, the weight of the responsibility Zack feels as her temporary guardian & executor of his dad’s estate, the push-and-pull of Rowan’s heart vs. the expectations of others. In between we get to spend time with some of my fave Northern Lights characters – Patrick, Lauren, Bonnie & her group of friends, and of course the goats – from Alaskan Dreams, as well as other animals with big personalities that will surely make you smile.
I also really liked the way the marriage-of-convenience plot point was set up. We don’t get into that part of the story until about halfway through, which allows us to get to know Zack and Rowan apart from that trope… and lets them get reacquainted with each other as adults. Sparks fly from ‘you may kiss your bride’, as though it suddenly occurs to them that they are attracted to each other lol, and I loved all the great kissing opportunities the author gave them.
Bottom Line: Carpenter’s Northern Lights series just keeps getting better and better! Marriage of convenience? Adorable animals? Alaska? Swoony kisses? Yes please! An Alaskan Homecoming is full of sweet moments and sparks, laughter and great kisses, with a multi-layered story and endearing characters. You’ll love meeting Zack and Rowan and Becca and watching them become a family. We also get to revisit the goat farm from one of my personal fave books in the series – Alaskan Dreams – though each book can easily be read as a standalone too. Engaging writing draws you in and keeps you turning the pages, with characters that feel like friends – and yummy food too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I love the Northern Lights romance series by Beth Carpenter! It’s one of the few long-running series that I’ve been reading since book 1 released, and every time I learn of a new one coming out I do a little happy dance. The Alaskan setting, the great characters, and the engaging story lines check all my reader boxes …. and An Alaskan Homecoming adds my favorite romance trope (marriage-of-convenience with a little friends to more) as the icing on the cake!
Rowan and Zack are immediately likable protagonists, and the author does a fabulous job of taking us inside the joys & tensions in their lives – both individually and as their lives begin to intersect. We feel the genuine affection for Zack’s sweet little sister Becca from both characters, the weight of the responsibility Zack feels as her temporary guardian & executor of his dad’s estate, the push-and-pull of Rowan’s heart vs. the expectations of others. In between we get to spend time with some of my fave Northern Lights characters – Patrick, Lauren, Bonnie & her group of friends, and of course the goats – from Alaskan Dreams, as well as other animals with big personalities that will surely make you smile.
I also really liked the way the marriage-of-convenience plot point was set up. We don’t get into that part of the story until about halfway through, which allows us to get to know Zack and Rowan apart from that trope… and lets them get reacquainted with each other as adults. Sparks fly from ‘you may kiss your bride’, as though it suddenly occurs to them that they are attracted to each other lol, and I loved all the great kissing opportunities the author gave them.
Bottom Line: Carpenter’s Northern Lights series just keeps getting better and better! Marriage of convenience? Adorable animals? Alaska? Swoony kisses? Yes please! An Alaskan Homecoming is full of sweet moments and sparks, laughter and great kisses, with a multi-layered story and endearing characters. You’ll love meeting Zack and Rowan and Becca and watching them become a family. We also get to revisit the goat farm from one of my personal fave books in the series – Alaskan Dreams – though each book can easily be read as a standalone too. Engaging writing draws you in and keeps you turning the pages, with characters that feel like friends – and yummy food too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 20, 2021
Thank you in advance to the author, Beth Carpenter, for providing a complimentary review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not required or requested, all words are my own.
This was my second read of the author’s Northern Lights series, and like the one before it – it tended to act as a standalone read. The characters from An Alaskan Christmas Family did not appear in this novel. I had no trouble in figuring out the key characters and didn’t feel like there was anything missing.
That said, I would like to read the other six (6) books in the series.
Right off the cute and whimsical cover make me wonder where this is – isn’t Alaska cold and snowy? She’s wearing shorts? But, at least the author got Las Vegas’s “dry heat” right!
I’m not too sure about the moose in the background though. Of course they do play a slight roll in this book.
An Alaskan Homecoming introduced me to Zack, Rowan, and Zack’s super-cute little sister, Becca. These three so so perfect from the beginning it makes you wonder how anyone could separate them. There’s a few glitches: Rowan is unhappily engaged to Sutton Tanaka, and Zack is Becca’s temporary guardian. Becca’s biological mom is roaming the Caribbean after Zack’s father’s death. She was wife #4.
Plots like the “fake” marriage for any reason tend to have me on edge. Usually fake marriage stories don’t end well, especially when they’re exposed. What’s so sweet about this one? It works. The cover story to the end – it works! Kudos to Carpenter on that one.
Rowan, like me, is a people pleaser. We don’t like conflict. She put everyone’s needs ahead of her own (I’m definitely guilty of that one), sometimes to her own detriment (again, guilty). It’s no surprise that she’s found herself engaged to Sutton.
The other supporting characters were alternately charming and cringe-worthy: Rowan’s grandmother (a delight), Sutton (neutral, clear he isn’t “in love” with Rowan), Rowan’s uber irritating mother, just to name a few. There is quite the cast in this book.
Even though the story grabbed me right off. For me, didn’t pick up until I was about one-third (1/3) of the way in despite Carpenter’s use of relatively short chapters. This “line” is notoriously known for its long chapters. There were also a few spelling and punctuation issues in it, but those weren’t too distracting. The author is very descriptive with some scenes – especially the food related ones.
Right off – Rowan is visiting from Japan where she lives. It’s an interesting choice for a character to live. Then again, Rowan has grown up all over the world. She’s merely in Alaska to help her grandmother.
Zack has his own issues, he’s trying to manage the Vet Clinic along with his house and truck, along with caring for Becca. A few more dollars would help keep WildER operating.
Rowan is also one-third (1/3) owner of her family’s endeavor – Now and Forever Farms. The farm is known, locally, for its delicious blends of goat cheese.
By chapter three, Rowan is wondering if she really loves Sutton. And, she wonders if hers and Sutton’s “love” falls into the “good enough” category since it definitely isn’t the stuff from movies and television. It is here that another plot point comes up – a recipe contest. And, Rowan admits she had considered culinary school before her parents detoured her education.
When Zack comes out to help with one of the goats, he and Rowan reconnect and he offers her a tour of the clinic. Because of “rules”, he passes her off as a volunteer, but Rowan becomes more.
Zack also has his hands full with his father’s widow – Clarissa. It is clear right off that she only cares about the money and the lifestyle it affords her. She has a problem with her credit card and calls Zack – and that is the basis of their relationship. It’s clear that Zack’s only concern is his sister’s well-being and he is ready to fight for custody.
He's also trying to find the will and pre-nup that have mysteriously gone missing. So, Carpenter has a few story arcs going on here that are entertaining and keep the reader engaged.
But, as soon as Zack and Rowan reconnect, he begins to consider dating her. That is until he learns about Sutton.
Still, that doesn’t stop Rowan from organizing a fundraiser to assist Zack’s vet efforts. And, Rowan is soon “in” with Zack’s group.
Of course, Rowan decides that she can’t marry Sutton and decides to visit him while he’s on a business trip in California. She tells Zack they’ll have a “date” when she gets back. Sutton’s “treatment” of Rowan is really shameful – he basically takes the ring until she “is ready”. She’s absolutely done after a pat on the head.
But, the trip isn’t a total loss as she meets a couple who is eager to help with the fundraiser. This was also an interesting plot down the road in the book. And, I was beginning to wonder if I could trust these people.
It isn’t until half (½) into the book that the fake marriage comes up as a result of Zack’s custody battle to keep Becca as her mother isn’t maternally inclined. In addition, Becca prefers Zack to her mother. And, it would also help Rowan shed herself of Sutton as even her mother refuses to take no for an answer. And, there is a reason for the rush for Sutton and Rowan to marry.
Zack is concerned that Rowan will give up too much. I enjoyed the fact that they didn’t rush into the fake marriage, but talked it out as if it was a real marriage. They decide to give it a year – especially after Zack gets a letter from Clarissa’s attorney.
The author sends them off to Las Vegas for a quickie marriage – and I LOVED how the characters saw the chapel, the heat (as I was reading it, we set a record high of 116° which is high for June), as well as the process. I know most of it – I live here. Zack’s comment on page 211 about it being the temperature of the sun – no joke. And, there was a recent meme illustrating that for a joke. And, yes – we’re often told “it’s a dry heat”.
From the wedding, Carpenter quickly, though not rushing, sets the stage for Rowan’s new life as Zack’s wife. And, quickly transitions into the main story of the fundraiser as well as Clarissa’s financial issues. And, an earlier plot point comes back to confront Rowan and force her to consider her future,
There were a few “oh, I’m not liking this part” moments and some I thought were going to end in disaster. And, without a spoiler, I can’t reveal whether I was right or wrong.
As with most romances, this does have a “happily-ever-after” ending, though it takes a bit to get there. There wasn’t much conflict, and it was such a sweet read. I loved the little suspense about the paperwork and Clarissa. Carpenter really kept that little surprise until almost the end.
And, a sweet lesson – don’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to love.
While I appreciate the author expeditiously getting rid of Sutton, I really wanted a better or more of a resolution with him. It was interesting to see Rowan’s parents’ disparity with regard to that relationship.
There are a few funny moments in this – one is a reference to leftover coffee being referred to as “road tar”. I can relate to that. Another moment was similar to a scene in an episode of CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted. The line from that episode was Jess LaCroix telling a woman that he understood what she was explaining to him, but then retracting and saying he didn’t understand (“I understand. No, I don’t understand”).
In this book, it is Rowan who has a similar moment. Zack is explaining how Clarissa “acts” towards Becca (her daughter). Rowan stated “I see”, but shakes her head and states “I don’t see”.
It was interesting to see the similarity, but also so easy to understand the confusion when you’re trying to understand something, but honestly can’t.
As this is the Heartwarming line, it is a clean read with no foul language. There are no intimate scenes and only minor kissing involved. Sweet, wholesome, beautiful summer read.
Fans of the author, those who’ve read the previous novels, and those who have an overall enjoyment of the genre are sure to love this latest release.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
This was my second read of the author’s Northern Lights series, and like the one before it – it tended to act as a standalone read. The characters from An Alaskan Christmas Family did not appear in this novel. I had no trouble in figuring out the key characters and didn’t feel like there was anything missing.
That said, I would like to read the other six (6) books in the series.
Right off the cute and whimsical cover make me wonder where this is – isn’t Alaska cold and snowy? She’s wearing shorts? But, at least the author got Las Vegas’s “dry heat” right!
I’m not too sure about the moose in the background though. Of course they do play a slight roll in this book.
An Alaskan Homecoming introduced me to Zack, Rowan, and Zack’s super-cute little sister, Becca. These three so so perfect from the beginning it makes you wonder how anyone could separate them. There’s a few glitches: Rowan is unhappily engaged to Sutton Tanaka, and Zack is Becca’s temporary guardian. Becca’s biological mom is roaming the Caribbean after Zack’s father’s death. She was wife #4.
Plots like the “fake” marriage for any reason tend to have me on edge. Usually fake marriage stories don’t end well, especially when they’re exposed. What’s so sweet about this one? It works. The cover story to the end – it works! Kudos to Carpenter on that one.
Rowan, like me, is a people pleaser. We don’t like conflict. She put everyone’s needs ahead of her own (I’m definitely guilty of that one), sometimes to her own detriment (again, guilty). It’s no surprise that she’s found herself engaged to Sutton.
The other supporting characters were alternately charming and cringe-worthy: Rowan’s grandmother (a delight), Sutton (neutral, clear he isn’t “in love” with Rowan), Rowan’s uber irritating mother, just to name a few. There is quite the cast in this book.
Even though the story grabbed me right off. For me, didn’t pick up until I was about one-third (1/3) of the way in despite Carpenter’s use of relatively short chapters. This “line” is notoriously known for its long chapters. There were also a few spelling and punctuation issues in it, but those weren’t too distracting. The author is very descriptive with some scenes – especially the food related ones.
Right off – Rowan is visiting from Japan where she lives. It’s an interesting choice for a character to live. Then again, Rowan has grown up all over the world. She’s merely in Alaska to help her grandmother.
Zack has his own issues, he’s trying to manage the Vet Clinic along with his house and truck, along with caring for Becca. A few more dollars would help keep WildER operating.
Rowan is also one-third (1/3) owner of her family’s endeavor – Now and Forever Farms. The farm is known, locally, for its delicious blends of goat cheese.
By chapter three, Rowan is wondering if she really loves Sutton. And, she wonders if hers and Sutton’s “love” falls into the “good enough” category since it definitely isn’t the stuff from movies and television. It is here that another plot point comes up – a recipe contest. And, Rowan admits she had considered culinary school before her parents detoured her education.
When Zack comes out to help with one of the goats, he and Rowan reconnect and he offers her a tour of the clinic. Because of “rules”, he passes her off as a volunteer, but Rowan becomes more.
Zack also has his hands full with his father’s widow – Clarissa. It is clear right off that she only cares about the money and the lifestyle it affords her. She has a problem with her credit card and calls Zack – and that is the basis of their relationship. It’s clear that Zack’s only concern is his sister’s well-being and he is ready to fight for custody.
He's also trying to find the will and pre-nup that have mysteriously gone missing. So, Carpenter has a few story arcs going on here that are entertaining and keep the reader engaged.
But, as soon as Zack and Rowan reconnect, he begins to consider dating her. That is until he learns about Sutton.
Still, that doesn’t stop Rowan from organizing a fundraiser to assist Zack’s vet efforts. And, Rowan is soon “in” with Zack’s group.
Of course, Rowan decides that she can’t marry Sutton and decides to visit him while he’s on a business trip in California. She tells Zack they’ll have a “date” when she gets back. Sutton’s “treatment” of Rowan is really shameful – he basically takes the ring until she “is ready”. She’s absolutely done after a pat on the head.
But, the trip isn’t a total loss as she meets a couple who is eager to help with the fundraiser. This was also an interesting plot down the road in the book. And, I was beginning to wonder if I could trust these people.
It isn’t until half (½) into the book that the fake marriage comes up as a result of Zack’s custody battle to keep Becca as her mother isn’t maternally inclined. In addition, Becca prefers Zack to her mother. And, it would also help Rowan shed herself of Sutton as even her mother refuses to take no for an answer. And, there is a reason for the rush for Sutton and Rowan to marry.
Zack is concerned that Rowan will give up too much. I enjoyed the fact that they didn’t rush into the fake marriage, but talked it out as if it was a real marriage. They decide to give it a year – especially after Zack gets a letter from Clarissa’s attorney.
The author sends them off to Las Vegas for a quickie marriage – and I LOVED how the characters saw the chapel, the heat (as I was reading it, we set a record high of 116° which is high for June), as well as the process. I know most of it – I live here. Zack’s comment on page 211 about it being the temperature of the sun – no joke. And, there was a recent meme illustrating that for a joke. And, yes – we’re often told “it’s a dry heat”.
From the wedding, Carpenter quickly, though not rushing, sets the stage for Rowan’s new life as Zack’s wife. And, quickly transitions into the main story of the fundraiser as well as Clarissa’s financial issues. And, an earlier plot point comes back to confront Rowan and force her to consider her future,
There were a few “oh, I’m not liking this part” moments and some I thought were going to end in disaster. And, without a spoiler, I can’t reveal whether I was right or wrong.
As with most romances, this does have a “happily-ever-after” ending, though it takes a bit to get there. There wasn’t much conflict, and it was such a sweet read. I loved the little suspense about the paperwork and Clarissa. Carpenter really kept that little surprise until almost the end.
And, a sweet lesson – don’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to love.
While I appreciate the author expeditiously getting rid of Sutton, I really wanted a better or more of a resolution with him. It was interesting to see Rowan’s parents’ disparity with regard to that relationship.
There are a few funny moments in this – one is a reference to leftover coffee being referred to as “road tar”. I can relate to that. Another moment was similar to a scene in an episode of CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted. The line from that episode was Jess LaCroix telling a woman that he understood what she was explaining to him, but then retracting and saying he didn’t understand (“I understand. No, I don’t understand”).
In this book, it is Rowan who has a similar moment. Zack is explaining how Clarissa “acts” towards Becca (her daughter). Rowan stated “I see”, but shakes her head and states “I don’t see”.
It was interesting to see the similarity, but also so easy to understand the confusion when you’re trying to understand something, but honestly can’t.
As this is the Heartwarming line, it is a clean read with no foul language. There are no intimate scenes and only minor kissing involved. Sweet, wholesome, beautiful summer read.
Fans of the author, those who’ve read the previous novels, and those who have an overall enjoyment of the genre are sure to love this latest release.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
June 25, 2021
Thank you Prism Book Tours and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
AN ALASKAN HOMECOMING
By: Beth Carpenter
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
AN ALASKAN HOMECOMING is part of Beth Carpenter's Northern Lights series, but this book works fine as a standalone read. Additionally, coming from the Harlequin Heartwarming line of books, you can rest assured that the romance is clean. Marriage of convenience isn't one of my favorite tropes, but this is an adorable story all the same.
Rowan and Zach are easy to like, entertaining and share an undeniable chemistry that pulls the story together nicely. The Alaskan setting is enviable when you live in Florida! I flew through this book, and it was overall lovely. There is nothing groundbreaking here, but it is a quick delightful treat. Maybe that's exactly what you need!
ABOUT THE BOOK
“Ever after” wasn’t the plan…
Until now!
Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband!
AN ALASKAN HOMECOMING
By: Beth Carpenter
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
AN ALASKAN HOMECOMING is part of Beth Carpenter's Northern Lights series, but this book works fine as a standalone read. Additionally, coming from the Harlequin Heartwarming line of books, you can rest assured that the romance is clean. Marriage of convenience isn't one of my favorite tropes, but this is an adorable story all the same.
Rowan and Zach are easy to like, entertaining and share an undeniable chemistry that pulls the story together nicely. The Alaskan setting is enviable when you live in Florida! I flew through this book, and it was overall lovely. There is nothing groundbreaking here, but it is a quick delightful treat. Maybe that's exactly what you need!
ABOUT THE BOOK
“Ever after” wasn’t the plan…
Until now!
Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband!
June 24, 2021
What a fun marriage of convenience story! I loved that these two characters were genuinely nice people who hoped to help each other out with their marriage plans. Seeing Zack and Rowan interact with Rowan’s younger sister, Becca, made it immediately clear that these three should be a family. It was a lot of fun watching how everything came together.
The romance that developed between Rowan and Zack was great and the peek into the wildlife center and the fundraising plans was a lot of fun. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. It is part of a series, yet can be easily read as a stand alone novel.
(4.5 stars)
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...
The romance that developed between Rowan and Zack was great and the peek into the wildlife center and the fundraising plans was a lot of fun. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. It is part of a series, yet can be easily read as a stand alone novel.
(4.5 stars)
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 5, 2021
Some might think that by book eight a series would start to fizzle out, but that is not the case with The Northern Lights. Rowan and Zach hold their own in another great read. The story line is well-written and captivating. The wildlife rehabilitation hooked me right away, as did Zach, the irresistible veterinarian. I enjoyed watching the attraction grow between Rowan and Zach through their fake marriage. The scenes with Zach’s little sister are heartwarming. The added mystery of a missing will is a surprising and enjoyable plot twist. And the adorable goats are back! The author has created a stunning visual within the pages of this series. I can’t wait to return to Alaska! Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.
June 24, 2021
I love this series!! Including An Alaskan Homecoming, I've read the last four. They can totally be read as stand-alone books, so don't let the fact that the book is part of a series stop you from enjoying this wonderfully sweet romance. And since it's part of the Harlequin Heartwarming line, you can rest assured that it is a clean romance.
If you're like I am, you love thinking about Alaska, but you wouldn't actually want to live there...maybe not even visit. I mean, there are GRIZZLY BEARS! Reading books set in Alaska and watching reality shows or documentaries about Alaska allow me to fill my need for the last great frontier. Beth Carpenter's books are among the best ones I've read that are set in Alaska. I love her descriptive language and how she makes it clear that it's not always snowy! Play that "what's the first word that pops into your head when I say the word...." game and say "Alaska." I'll bet your partner says snow! But I digress...
An Alaskan Homecoming has Rowan O'Shea visiting and helping her grandmother out while she recovers from surgery. If you read Alaskan Dreams, you'll remember her grandma from that book since Rowan's brother is Patrick, a main character in that one. Their grandmother is super independent and capable, so she really doesn't need too much help. However, Rowan is grateful for the escape! You've got to read this to understand what all Rowan needs to escape from!
The characters jump off of the pages of An Alaskan Homecoming just like they do in all of Beth's books that I've read. They have depth to them. Realistic characters make books so much more believable. Are you perfect? Neither are they! They've got hang-ups and stubborn streaks hidden behind their public personas. The main characters aren't the only well-written ones in the book. I love how the author gives the supporting characters so much personality, and they play important roles.
Of course, the best part of the book is this "fake marriage!" Now, this is a romance book, so you know there's going to be a happily ever after, right? How the characters get to happily ever after is adorable, humorous, romantic, and at times frustrating! It's like real life...conflict happens. How you and your significant other deal with the conflicts is what makes or breaks a relationship.
An Alaskan Homecoming is a quick read since it will have you turning the pages well past your bedtime. The characters, their stories, the setting, and the sweet romance make An Alaskan Homecoming a truly entertaining, memorable read. I highly recommend it to all clean romance lovers!
If you're like I am, you love thinking about Alaska, but you wouldn't actually want to live there...maybe not even visit. I mean, there are GRIZZLY BEARS! Reading books set in Alaska and watching reality shows or documentaries about Alaska allow me to fill my need for the last great frontier. Beth Carpenter's books are among the best ones I've read that are set in Alaska. I love her descriptive language and how she makes it clear that it's not always snowy! Play that "what's the first word that pops into your head when I say the word...." game and say "Alaska." I'll bet your partner says snow! But I digress...
An Alaskan Homecoming has Rowan O'Shea visiting and helping her grandmother out while she recovers from surgery. If you read Alaskan Dreams, you'll remember her grandma from that book since Rowan's brother is Patrick, a main character in that one. Their grandmother is super independent and capable, so she really doesn't need too much help. However, Rowan is grateful for the escape! You've got to read this to understand what all Rowan needs to escape from!
The characters jump off of the pages of An Alaskan Homecoming just like they do in all of Beth's books that I've read. They have depth to them. Realistic characters make books so much more believable. Are you perfect? Neither are they! They've got hang-ups and stubborn streaks hidden behind their public personas. The main characters aren't the only well-written ones in the book. I love how the author gives the supporting characters so much personality, and they play important roles.
Of course, the best part of the book is this "fake marriage!" Now, this is a romance book, so you know there's going to be a happily ever after, right? How the characters get to happily ever after is adorable, humorous, romantic, and at times frustrating! It's like real life...conflict happens. How you and your significant other deal with the conflicts is what makes or breaks a relationship.
An Alaskan Homecoming is a quick read since it will have you turning the pages well past your bedtime. The characters, their stories, the setting, and the sweet romance make An Alaskan Homecoming a truly entertaining, memorable read. I highly recommend it to all clean romance lovers!
June 21, 2021
Some of my favorite characters in Beth Carpenter’s previous Alaskan series books are back in An Alaskan Homecoming. Yep, those adorable and hilarious goats make a return appearance and they are just as charming and whimsical as they were the first time around.
But Carpenter takes it up a notch by adding a couple of little girls to the mix as Rowan and Zack agree to help each other with a fake marriage. We get a good sense of the need for the ruse with the first half of the book leading up to it. Rowan feels unheard and Zack wants to protect his little sister.
If all of that doesn’t convince you, there’s some delicious food, wild animals, gorgeous settings, and Gran and her gal pals are back too. Carpenter makes each book fresh and engaging even when we’ve visited before, and that’s why she’s an author I keep coming back to.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
But Carpenter takes it up a notch by adding a couple of little girls to the mix as Rowan and Zack agree to help each other with a fake marriage. We get a good sense of the need for the ruse with the first half of the book leading up to it. Rowan feels unheard and Zack wants to protect his little sister.
If all of that doesn’t convince you, there’s some delicious food, wild animals, gorgeous settings, and Gran and her gal pals are back too. Carpenter makes each book fresh and engaging even when we’ve visited before, and that’s why she’s an author I keep coming back to.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2021
Sweet, charming and immensely enjoyable, readers are sure to fall under the spell of Beth Carpenter’s emotionally satisfying new romance, An Alaskan Homecoming.
When Rowan O’Shea decided to go visit her family in the tiny Alaskan town she calls home, she never imagined that she would find herself wanting to stick around. With her personal life in tatters and everything far from rosy in her life, Rowan cannot help but wonder whether home is where she needs to be for the time being and worlds away from all the drama and turmoil that had threatened to overwhelm her. Rowan thinks that at long last she has found somewhere she can be happy again, but there is a snag which she hopes veterinarian Zach Vogel will be able to help her out with: marriage!
Zach cannot believe his ears: Rowan O’Shea wants him to enter into a fake marriage with her in order to get herself out of a bind! Zach has never heard something so ludicrous, but as he begins to come round to the idea, he cannot help but wonder whether Rowan’s crazy idea might actually end up having some merit. A marriage of convenience would certainly help solve some of his problems as well. After all, this will be a marriage in name only without the added complications of feelings and emotions. However, what neither one of them imagined was finding themselves falling head over heels with their convenient spouse!
Will Rowan and Zach manage to find a way to be together? Will they find the courage to admit the truth about their feelings for one another? Or will their fears end up putting paid to any hope they might have had of a future together?
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Beth Carpenter’s latest novel, An Alaskan Homecoming. As always, Beth Carpenter’s love for Alaska shines through and in her fabulous new novel for Harlequin Heartwarming, she sprinkles plenty of wit, pathos and emotion in a tantalizing contemporary romance that readers will not want to put down.
Rowan and Zach are two delightful characters readers are going to adore. Beautifully rendered and wonderfully drawn, readers are sure to cheer them on their way to their much-deserved happy ending.
A terrific small-town romance that will brighten up every reader’s day, Beth Carpenter’s An Alaskan Homecoming is sure to steal everyone’s hearts!
When Rowan O’Shea decided to go visit her family in the tiny Alaskan town she calls home, she never imagined that she would find herself wanting to stick around. With her personal life in tatters and everything far from rosy in her life, Rowan cannot help but wonder whether home is where she needs to be for the time being and worlds away from all the drama and turmoil that had threatened to overwhelm her. Rowan thinks that at long last she has found somewhere she can be happy again, but there is a snag which she hopes veterinarian Zach Vogel will be able to help her out with: marriage!
Zach cannot believe his ears: Rowan O’Shea wants him to enter into a fake marriage with her in order to get herself out of a bind! Zach has never heard something so ludicrous, but as he begins to come round to the idea, he cannot help but wonder whether Rowan’s crazy idea might actually end up having some merit. A marriage of convenience would certainly help solve some of his problems as well. After all, this will be a marriage in name only without the added complications of feelings and emotions. However, what neither one of them imagined was finding themselves falling head over heels with their convenient spouse!
Will Rowan and Zach manage to find a way to be together? Will they find the courage to admit the truth about their feelings for one another? Or will their fears end up putting paid to any hope they might have had of a future together?
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Beth Carpenter’s latest novel, An Alaskan Homecoming. As always, Beth Carpenter’s love for Alaska shines through and in her fabulous new novel for Harlequin Heartwarming, she sprinkles plenty of wit, pathos and emotion in a tantalizing contemporary romance that readers will not want to put down.
Rowan and Zach are two delightful characters readers are going to adore. Beautifully rendered and wonderfully drawn, readers are sure to cheer them on their way to their much-deserved happy ending.
A terrific small-town romance that will brighten up every reader’s day, Beth Carpenter’s An Alaskan Homecoming is sure to steal everyone’s hearts!
June 26, 2021
A modern day marriage of convenience story, I couldn't be more pleased. Rowan has come to Alaska to help her grandmother during her surgery. It is a relative minor surgery and everyone knows that there is a deeper reason why Rowan has left Tokyo to come to Alaska.
Living in Alaska for a brief time when she was sixteen, Rowan and Zack, the town vet, had been acquaintances. Now meeting up with him again, they both could be the answer to each other's dilemmas. Especially since Zack is trying to keep his custody of his little sister, a wife would certainly go a long way with helping that.
Their reasons for marrying, if even for only a year and they both consider this a fake marriage, are plausible. But it is more than a fake marriage. It is very real by the courts and becoming very real in their hearts as well. This was a refreshing read of a marriage that starts out as something else between two friends and becomes a true love between a couple meant to be. The love and the self-sacrifice between them made for a refreshing and sweet read. Plus there was a goat farm which made me want to pet some goats.
I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Living in Alaska for a brief time when she was sixteen, Rowan and Zack, the town vet, had been acquaintances. Now meeting up with him again, they both could be the answer to each other's dilemmas. Especially since Zack is trying to keep his custody of his little sister, a wife would certainly go a long way with helping that.
Their reasons for marrying, if even for only a year and they both consider this a fake marriage, are plausible. But it is more than a fake marriage. It is very real by the courts and becoming very real in their hearts as well. This was a refreshing read of a marriage that starts out as something else between two friends and becomes a true love between a couple meant to be. The love and the self-sacrifice between them made for a refreshing and sweet read. Plus there was a goat farm which made me want to pet some goats.
I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
June 22, 2021
An Alaskan Homecoming is a sweet, heartwarming, marriage of convenience romance. I fell in love with Rowan, Zack and Becca. With these personable characters, Lauren's goats, a cooking competition, an unwanted finance, a greedy stepmother, and a missing will, there is plenty of drama to keep the reader's interest in this well written romance. I just sat down and read the entire book to see how Ms. Carpenter would bring everything to a very satisfying conclusion. I agree with another reviewer who said each time I read another book in this series, it becomes my favorite!
October 13, 2021
Talk about lively this book has alot of laughter and joy in it. Beth Carpenter weaves a story from start to finish of joy, laughter and decisions to be made. I love the characters from previous books and the new ones we meet. I enjoyed reading Rowan and Zack's story. Rowan's character is one many can relate to in some way. What seems like a simple solution becomes a treasure in so many ways. Rowan's journey is one of discovery and it also becomes one for Zack as well. It's well written and a hard book to put down. Great job Beth. J
May 28, 2021
Every time one of Beth Carpenter's Northern Lights series comes out, I swear it's my favorite. This one is...yes, my favorite. Rowan and Zack are my favorites, too. I think marriage of convenience is a hard trope to pull off in contemporary romance, but it definitely worked in this story. It was fun to revisit characters from other books in the series, particularly Laurel and Patrick's goats!
February 28, 2023
Thank you Beth for this sweet happy ending book. I won a copy from Beth on a giveaway and I’m so glad I took the time to read it. True friendships and romance are hard to find. Great story and love the characters. Will look for many stories by Beth in the future
June 27, 2021
My review of An Alaskan Homecoming is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
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February 25, 2023*read for popular fiction course*
cute and cliché. overall a fun and easy read.
cute and cliché. overall a fun and easy read.
June 1, 2021
Love the 'marriage of convenience' story line. Rowan and Zack are SO good for one another but they are both trying to work thru things in their own lives to work on their marriage, right? As you may guess, these two develop deep feelings, and love, for one another. It just sorta sneaks up on them!
Zack is trying his best to take care of his half sister, Becca. She is adorable and precocious and bonds instantly with Rowan. Rowan is running from her life - she has much trouble getting people to hear what she is saying or to take what she is saying seriously. I understand her frustration.
These two are adorable together and it is a wonderful return visit, for me, to the Northern Lights series. I truly enjoyed.
Zack is trying his best to take care of his half sister, Becca. She is adorable and precocious and bonds instantly with Rowan. Rowan is running from her life - she has much trouble getting people to hear what she is saying or to take what she is saying seriously. I understand her frustration.
These two are adorable together and it is a wonderful return visit, for me, to the Northern Lights series. I truly enjoyed.
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May 1, 2021Categories
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Family Life Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Northern Lights Novel (Book #8)
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Family Life Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Northern Lights Novel (Book #8)
May 28, 2021
Another in the Northern Lights series, in which Rowan O'Shea has an interfering mother she is desperate to escape along with dumping the fiance she never wanted but now has. Her grandmother needs help after surgery, so Rowan goes home to Alaska to help her out. While there, she renews her acquaintance with Zack Vogel, now a veterinarian who runs a wildlife refuge for injured animals until they can be released back into the wild.
Zack is caring for his kid half-sister who needs the security Zack can provide, but which is threatened by the little girl's mother, who is intent on securing all of the little girl's inheritance in addition to what she is supposed to have obtained through a prenup. But the prenup is gone, as is what Zack is certain is a more recent will than the one the woman is insisting be used.
When Rowan tells Zack his chances of securing custody of Becca if he'll marry her, Zack isn't sure, but desperate times require desperate measures--until both realize that their quickie Vegas marriage is something both want and for longer than the one year they've agreed upon.
But will their efforts work without having found the missing documents? And what will happen at the end of that year of a fake marriage?
Zack is caring for his kid half-sister who needs the security Zack can provide, but which is threatened by the little girl's mother, who is intent on securing all of the little girl's inheritance in addition to what she is supposed to have obtained through a prenup. But the prenup is gone, as is what Zack is certain is a more recent will than the one the woman is insisting be used.
When Rowan tells Zack his chances of securing custody of Becca if he'll marry her, Zack isn't sure, but desperate times require desperate measures--until both realize that their quickie Vegas marriage is something both want and for longer than the one year they've agreed upon.
But will their efforts work without having found the missing documents? And what will happen at the end of that year of a fake marriage?
reviewed
October 18, 2021Oh, this book proved to be a much-needed escape to Alaska!
Rowan O'Shea only intends to be home temporarily to help her grandmother, but leaving Alaska holds little appeal, given all she left behind. Naturally, it looks like a fake marriage to veterinarian Zack Vogel could be the solution to her problems—but even more naturally, feelings begin to develop, making the solution more like a (delightful) complication.
I cannot resist a fake relationship; I love just about every one I read! It is then only to be expected that Beth Carpenter's An Alaskan Homecoming was so much fun to read, and I enjoyed every page of it. Any other reader in need of a heartwarming contemporary romance, check out this book (and series).
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.
Rowan O'Shea only intends to be home temporarily to help her grandmother, but leaving Alaska holds little appeal, given all she left behind. Naturally, it looks like a fake marriage to veterinarian Zack Vogel could be the solution to her problems—but even more naturally, feelings begin to develop, making the solution more like a (delightful) complication.
I cannot resist a fake relationship; I love just about every one I read! It is then only to be expected that Beth Carpenter's An Alaskan Homecoming was so much fun to read, and I enjoyed every page of it. Any other reader in need of a heartwarming contemporary romance, check out this book (and series).
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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.
June 27, 2021
An Alaskan Homecoming is the eighth book in A Northern Light series. It was the first I have read by this author, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. It was well written and easy to read with beautiful descriptions of Alaska. The characters were charming, relatable, and had depth. I always love a “marriage of convenience” between two friends that slowly grows into love. In this case, it was for the sake of the adorable Becca.
Zack Vogel is an over-worked veterinarian who lives in the small town of Palmer and is trying to get custody of Becca, his half-sister. He runs the local vet clinic and volunteers at WildER, a rehabilitation center for wildlife. WildER is in desperate need of funds and Zack hates being in the spotlight. Rowan O’Shea was visiting the small town where she used to spend summers with her grandmother. She had found herself pressured into accepting a marriage proposal right before she left Japan for Alaska. Now she must find a way of breaking it off, but Rowan hates conflict and her mother is pressuring her to set a date.
This was a beautiful and heartwarming story of two people marrying to help each other out. I loved seeing Rowan and Zack’s friendship grow and develop into love. Rowan finally was able to set boundaries with her mother and start thinking of what she wants. Zack was so supportive of Rowan and such a great influence on Becca. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read future books by this author.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zack Vogel is an over-worked veterinarian who lives in the small town of Palmer and is trying to get custody of Becca, his half-sister. He runs the local vet clinic and volunteers at WildER, a rehabilitation center for wildlife. WildER is in desperate need of funds and Zack hates being in the spotlight. Rowan O’Shea was visiting the small town where she used to spend summers with her grandmother. She had found herself pressured into accepting a marriage proposal right before she left Japan for Alaska. Now she must find a way of breaking it off, but Rowan hates conflict and her mother is pressuring her to set a date.
This was a beautiful and heartwarming story of two people marrying to help each other out. I loved seeing Rowan and Zack’s friendship grow and develop into love. Rowan finally was able to set boundaries with her mother and start thinking of what she wants. Zack was so supportive of Rowan and such a great influence on Becca. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read future books by this author.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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