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Sweet Home, Alaska #2
Once Upon a Cabin
Two sisters from Texas find themselves exiled to Alaska . . . and thrown into the arms of two very different men.
Tori and McKenna St. James have been living comfortably on their trust funds in Dallas. But their uncle Monty, keeper of the purse strings, decides to push them out of their comfort zones by requiring them to spend one year in Alaska or lose their inheritance. Initially the sisters are stunned, but they aren't willing to back down from the challenge.
Tori is sent to a primitive homestead outside the tiny town of Sweet Home. She had been prepared to forego fashion magazines and lattes, but not electricity and running water! Will her rugged wilderness guide, Jesse Montana, teach her to survive, or send her fleeing back to civilization? Meanwhile, outdoorsy McKenna is stuck within the concrete walls of an Anchorage bank. Her sexy boss Luke McAvoy is tasked with teaching her the business but what he’s really doing is tempting her. Not that she’s the type to fall for a stuffed suit like him.
Tori and McKenna find much needed solace with Sweet Home’s Sisterhood of the Quilt. Will this crafty group of women be up to the challenge of teaching two outsiders how to sew—and perhaps how to love?
Tori and McKenna St. James have been living comfortably on their trust funds in Dallas. But their uncle Monty, keeper of the purse strings, decides to push them out of their comfort zones by requiring them to spend one year in Alaska or lose their inheritance. Initially the sisters are stunned, but they aren't willing to back down from the challenge.
Tori is sent to a primitive homestead outside the tiny town of Sweet Home. She had been prepared to forego fashion magazines and lattes, but not electricity and running water! Will her rugged wilderness guide, Jesse Montana, teach her to survive, or send her fleeing back to civilization? Meanwhile, outdoorsy McKenna is stuck within the concrete walls of an Anchorage bank. Her sexy boss Luke McAvoy is tasked with teaching her the business but what he’s really doing is tempting her. Not that she’s the type to fall for a stuffed suit like him.
Tori and McKenna find much needed solace with Sweet Home’s Sisterhood of the Quilt. Will this crafty group of women be up to the challenge of teaching two outsiders how to sew—and perhaps how to love?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
28 people are currently reading
1855 people want to read
About the author
Patience Griffin
20 books695 followersAward-winning author Patience Griffin has been writing and sewing her whole life but didn’t discover her love of quilting until her late thirties. She decided the best way to acquire her first quilt was to make one for herself. At nearly the same time, she started commuting three and half hours a day for her dream engineering job. To pass the time on the long drive, she got hooked on audiobooks—especially books with love stories.
Within a couple of years, she was writing stories of her own. It was no surprise to her family and friends when she combined her love of quilting, her small town roots, and her obsession with Scottish romances into novels.
She has gained some recognition with her September 11th Story Quilt which has toured the country as the property of the Pentagon. She has a master's degree in nuclear engineering but spends her days writing stories about hearth and home, and dreaming about the fictional small town of Gandiegow, Scotland.
Within a couple of years, she was writing stories of her own. It was no surprise to her family and friends when she combined her love of quilting, her small town roots, and her obsession with Scottish romances into novels.
She has gained some recognition with her September 11th Story Quilt which has toured the country as the property of the Pentagon. She has a master's degree in nuclear engineering but spends her days writing stories about hearth and home, and dreaming about the fictional small town of Gandiegow, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 12, 2021
Good story but some mixed feelings with this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I was a little perplexed in the extreme situations these women were put into. Thankfully, they had their male “teachers“ that are going to show them and teach them everything they need to know, but it’s still left me feeling a bit uncomfortable with the choice and actions.
The uncle even went so far as to leave one of the girls with no form of communication to her sister, or anyone, plus no power/water while living in the wilderness. While personally, if this was me, I would’ve never spoken to the man again. Thankfully, these ladies took the highroad and embraced their changes rather well.
They learned to overcome and appreciate hard work and challenges. The towns people stepped up and embraced the sisters with amazing support and care. Their two companions / new love interests made Once Upon a Cabin into a real feel good, wholesome, clean romance which makes the heart happy.
Griffin crafts a story with grace, low angst, and major feels. While I would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the budding relationships, the story leaves you with a smile and fondness for Sweet Home, Alaska.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/once-upon-a-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I was a little perplexed in the extreme situations these women were put into. Thankfully, they had their male “teachers“ that are going to show them and teach them everything they need to know, but it’s still left me feeling a bit uncomfortable with the choice and actions.
The uncle even went so far as to leave one of the girls with no form of communication to her sister, or anyone, plus no power/water while living in the wilderness. While personally, if this was me, I would’ve never spoken to the man again. Thankfully, these ladies took the highroad and embraced their changes rather well.
They learned to overcome and appreciate hard work and challenges. The towns people stepped up and embraced the sisters with amazing support and care. Their two companions / new love interests made Once Upon a Cabin into a real feel good, wholesome, clean romance which makes the heart happy.
Griffin crafts a story with grace, low angst, and major feels. While I would have enjoyed a bit more depth to the budding relationships, the story leaves you with a smile and fondness for Sweet Home, Alaska.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/once-upon-a-...
January 7, 2022
Liked the first book, but at 62% I just can't go on anymore. Both couples are hot and cold and the situation these girls are thrown into just isn't believable.
My attention keeps drifting every time I pick this up to finish so it's best I just throw in the towel.
Thanks to Berkley for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
My attention keeps drifting every time I pick this up to finish so it's best I just throw in the towel.
Thanks to Berkley for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2021
4.5 stars
Once Upon a Cabin is the second book in the Sweet Home, Alaska series, and I absolutely loved it! I loved it because you get two romances brewing at the same time for two sisters who couldn’t be more different but are inseparable. In order to keep their inheritance, their uncle is requiring them to spend a year in Alaska with some constraints and with some guidance. It is a cross between an opposite attraction and a fish out of water story with wonderful results for Tori and McKenna St. James. Asthmatic and fragile Tori is required to live in a primitive homestead miles outside of Sweet Home and outdoorsy McKenna must spend her time in a bank in Anchorage. What makes it even more challenge is that they are paired with two men they both find attractive but definitely off limits. Easier said than done when they both find themselves leaning a little bit on both Luke and Jesse, and the Sisterhood of the Quilt ladies, to survive the next year in Alaska.
I enjoyed the transformation that both girls had to go through and learn what they can do and who they can count on for support. When both girls are together they get welcomed into the Sisterhood of the Quilt group and they learn that they can turn doodles into a cottage industry with the help of fellow Alaskan women sewers. Tori learns that she isn’t as frail as everyone thinks she is and that she can do it by pushing herself out of her comfort zone. McKenna doesn’t like the banking job at first, but she got excited when she was able to help families save their homes from foreclosure and make a difference in people’s lives. When she helps Tori get her Alaska Chic business off the ground she finds herself once again helping the women of Sweet Home support themselves.
Once Upon a Cabin is such a fun and enjoyable story with likeable characters and a cute dog too. I can’t imagine being in their shoes having their life turned inside out but it made them a better person in the long run. The story flowed well and the characters grew into stronger women. An added bonus was a character visiting from a previous series. I’m having a good time with this series and look forward to the next story.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Once Upon a Cabin is the second book in the Sweet Home, Alaska series, and I absolutely loved it! I loved it because you get two romances brewing at the same time for two sisters who couldn’t be more different but are inseparable. In order to keep their inheritance, their uncle is requiring them to spend a year in Alaska with some constraints and with some guidance. It is a cross between an opposite attraction and a fish out of water story with wonderful results for Tori and McKenna St. James. Asthmatic and fragile Tori is required to live in a primitive homestead miles outside of Sweet Home and outdoorsy McKenna must spend her time in a bank in Anchorage. What makes it even more challenge is that they are paired with two men they both find attractive but definitely off limits. Easier said than done when they both find themselves leaning a little bit on both Luke and Jesse, and the Sisterhood of the Quilt ladies, to survive the next year in Alaska.
I enjoyed the transformation that both girls had to go through and learn what they can do and who they can count on for support. When both girls are together they get welcomed into the Sisterhood of the Quilt group and they learn that they can turn doodles into a cottage industry with the help of fellow Alaskan women sewers. Tori learns that she isn’t as frail as everyone thinks she is and that she can do it by pushing herself out of her comfort zone. McKenna doesn’t like the banking job at first, but she got excited when she was able to help families save their homes from foreclosure and make a difference in people’s lives. When she helps Tori get her Alaska Chic business off the ground she finds herself once again helping the women of Sweet Home support themselves.
Once Upon a Cabin is such a fun and enjoyable story with likeable characters and a cute dog too. I can’t imagine being in their shoes having their life turned inside out but it made them a better person in the long run. The story flowed well and the characters grew into stronger women. An added bonus was a character visiting from a previous series. I’m having a good time with this series and look forward to the next story.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 9, 2021
✦Review: ONCE UPON A CABIN by Patience Griffin https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bTP
Publication Date: November 30, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book, it captivated me even through the holiday season chaos. Granted, the situation the women were thrust into seemed rather extreme – but it made for a fun escape. Tori was a prissy city girl that I planned to dislike and failed. I liked her and how she pushed herself to rough it in the wilderness despite obvious limitations. Jesse was her “teacher” for the adventure and a perfect match for her. He taught her how to survive without a feeling of rescuing or pampering her. He let her be strong. (I loved the homesteading tips strewn into the storyline.) Tori’s sister McKenna was a secondary romance within the story. This outdoorsy woman had to spend a year in the city to learn the banking business. Personally, I thought she got off easy, especially with Luke there to be her mentor. I wish both romances had a bit more depth in the emotions. It felt like I was told they were falling for each other instead of shown.
I love small town romances that also showcase the people that live there. How others treat the couples reinforces the character’s worthiness of caring. It also helps when the townspeople are fun and engaging. In closing, this is a fun romance. No sexy-time, but I didn’t miss it. I’ve found a new author.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
KINDLE https://amzn.to/2ZzOfJz
Publication Date: November 30, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book, it captivated me even through the holiday season chaos. Granted, the situation the women were thrust into seemed rather extreme – but it made for a fun escape. Tori was a prissy city girl that I planned to dislike and failed. I liked her and how she pushed herself to rough it in the wilderness despite obvious limitations. Jesse was her “teacher” for the adventure and a perfect match for her. He taught her how to survive without a feeling of rescuing or pampering her. He let her be strong. (I loved the homesteading tips strewn into the storyline.) Tori’s sister McKenna was a secondary romance within the story. This outdoorsy woman had to spend a year in the city to learn the banking business. Personally, I thought she got off easy, especially with Luke there to be her mentor. I wish both romances had a bit more depth in the emotions. It felt like I was told they were falling for each other instead of shown.
I love small town romances that also showcase the people that live there. How others treat the couples reinforces the character’s worthiness of caring. It also helps when the townspeople are fun and engaging. In closing, this is a fun romance. No sexy-time, but I didn’t miss it. I’ve found a new author.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
KINDLE https://amzn.to/2ZzOfJz
December 16, 2021
Nice story set in Alaska. Tropes included: fish out of water, opposites attract, friends to lovers.
December 11, 2021
Victoria and McKenna St. James want for nothing. They have lost their parents and are in the loving care of their uncle Monty. There is nothing that they need or want that won't be in their hands just about instantly.
Uncle Monty thinks the girls are just too spoiled. He makes very specific arrangements for each of them to move to Alaska for a year and to learn how to exist without their unlimited trust funds. He sets the girls up seperately. Victoria will learn to create a homestead, and McKenna will be working at a bank. Each of the girls will have a mentor - Jesse Montana will be working with Tori and Luke McAvoy will be working with McKenna.
Right from the outset the girls have challenges. McKenna is more of the outside type and is comfortable in a nice pair of jeans. Instead, she is set up in a deluxe apartment and will be working at a bank, and that includes a wardrobe change to reflect her new job.
For Tori, she will be creating a homestead. She has a cabin, but it barely has anything, including not having power or running water. One of her challenges is the fact that she has severe asthma and will not be able to use her nebulizer. Jesse is determined to teach her everything she needs to know about homesteading and Tori cannot imagine how she will survive. Jesse doubts Tori will be up to the task, especially as he has a job that will soon take him away.
Bottom line - Tori really likes Jesse and McKenna really likes Luke. But, will it always be business first for Jesse and Luke, especially when they each start to feel more than drawn to the women? In this engaging read I was more drawn to Tori as I could not imagine being in the middle of Alaska, with almost nothing to sustain me, and the outside being full of predators. Then the fact that it would be next to impossible for Tori and McKenna to communicate, which was utterly difficult as the two are so very close. It became a story of grit and challenges that were difficult to imagine.
I really enjoyed this story as the girls learned to cope with all of the changes they faced, all while they found love along the way. I especially liked it when the four of them were able to spend time together working on things. Once Upon a Cabin is the second book in the Sweet Home, Alaska series. The first book is One Snowy Night, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, but each book does do well as standalone novels.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Uncle Monty thinks the girls are just too spoiled. He makes very specific arrangements for each of them to move to Alaska for a year and to learn how to exist without their unlimited trust funds. He sets the girls up seperately. Victoria will learn to create a homestead, and McKenna will be working at a bank. Each of the girls will have a mentor - Jesse Montana will be working with Tori and Luke McAvoy will be working with McKenna.
Right from the outset the girls have challenges. McKenna is more of the outside type and is comfortable in a nice pair of jeans. Instead, she is set up in a deluxe apartment and will be working at a bank, and that includes a wardrobe change to reflect her new job.
For Tori, she will be creating a homestead. She has a cabin, but it barely has anything, including not having power or running water. One of her challenges is the fact that she has severe asthma and will not be able to use her nebulizer. Jesse is determined to teach her everything she needs to know about homesteading and Tori cannot imagine how she will survive. Jesse doubts Tori will be up to the task, especially as he has a job that will soon take him away.
Bottom line - Tori really likes Jesse and McKenna really likes Luke. But, will it always be business first for Jesse and Luke, especially when they each start to feel more than drawn to the women? In this engaging read I was more drawn to Tori as I could not imagine being in the middle of Alaska, with almost nothing to sustain me, and the outside being full of predators. Then the fact that it would be next to impossible for Tori and McKenna to communicate, which was utterly difficult as the two are so very close. It became a story of grit and challenges that were difficult to imagine.
I really enjoyed this story as the girls learned to cope with all of the changes they faced, all while they found love along the way. I especially liked it when the four of them were able to spend time together working on things. Once Upon a Cabin is the second book in the Sweet Home, Alaska series. The first book is One Snowy Night, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, but each book does do well as standalone novels.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 29, 2021
Wholesome romance. McKenna and Tori St. James have never had to survive without their trust funds and credit cards curtesy of their uncle Monty. He decides to cut them off and gives them a year to survive in Alaska. If they do it their inheritances will be restored. Upon arriving in Alaska the sisters are split up. One is to work at a bank in town. Another is set to a homestead house without electricity, plumbing or running water. This is a fish out of water story like Schitt's Creek. I was alarmed at the extreme's the one sister was put in especially with some of her medical issues. But the uncle arranged for men to help both adjust. (It still didn't seem an equal challenge.) Of course they're going to learn and have personal growth. I like the premise and how embracing others were to them and their situations. But I wasn't blown over by the romances. I am new to the author and this is the second in a series. I would read her again but have other books and authors I would make more a priority. Clean for language and intimacy. Extra kudos on the cute cover. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
Normally I am not a third person novel reader however I really liked sisters, Tori and McKenna and was interested to learn how they would fare in Alaska when their uncle decided to send them on a self-discovery trip. The love story was mostly with Tori and her homesteading teacher Jesse, but there was a little bit of side story with McKenna and her business banking manager Luke, that was a nice touch. Overall I thought the Sweet Home setting was well written, like the author had firsthand experience. There was a couple of typos and plot errors so I took off one star but it was a cute, easy read.
January 21, 2022
Thank you @berkleyromance for a copy of the book. I love books set in Alaska and this was a fun read. I really liked how the sisters took the change of living out of their comfort zone in stride.
I thought Uncle Monty was really mean even if he had good intentions on forcing his nieces to live this way and Tori with her health issues.
The town on Sweet Home and the people were amazing. I love how they were so welcoming. The romances between the 2 sisters were cute but I felt it needed more for me to buy into both of their Love stories.
I thought Uncle Monty was really mean even if he had good intentions on forcing his nieces to live this way and Tori with her health issues.
The town on Sweet Home and the people were amazing. I love how they were so welcoming. The romances between the 2 sisters were cute but I felt it needed more for me to buy into both of their Love stories.
December 8, 2021
I feel like this was the perfect level of Hallmark Alaskan romance for me. The sisters were similar enough to each other while still being different. Although, the "how did it end up this way" seemed a little far-fetched, I enjoyed it overall.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
December 2, 2021
Back to Alaska in this cute one. Two sisters are sent from their cozy life in Texas to live in Alaska.
.
This one reminded me a bit of The Simple Life, with a definite fish out of water vibes.
.
Not only are Tori and McKenna sent to Alaska but they are separated, and without each other in the wilds of Alaska they find themselves.
.
Thank you #NetGalley and @berkleypub for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
.
This one reminded me a bit of The Simple Life, with a definite fish out of water vibes.
.
Not only are Tori and McKenna sent to Alaska but they are separated, and without each other in the wilds of Alaska they find themselves.
.
Thank you #NetGalley and @berkleypub for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
I love a fish out of water story and this book gave me two for the price of one. Griffin takes readers back to the small Alaska town of Sweet Home for another enjoyable story with very little steam but a whole lot of feelings.
While both Tori and McKenna have journeys of growth, self-discovery, and romance in the book, it's Tori's story that took precedence for me. McKenna has always been a strong and confident woman while Tori's asthma and severe allergies have kept her in a "protected" status within the family. Being thrown into the unknown without her sister by her side tests both women in different ways.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Tori and Jesse as well as the sparks that stayed just at the edge of igniting. I also liked how he advocated for her without undermining her independence. Of course, he's not perfect and there were times I wasn't so fond of him but he comes through in the end. As a couple I was pulling for them all the way but it was Tori's individual journey that really tugged at my heart. I loved her evolution, much of which came about with the support and assistance of the women of Sweet Home. I also enjoyed the shifting dynamic and more equitable relationship between the sisters as a result of that evolution.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Sweet Home, especially after reading the teaser at the end of Once Upon a Cabin. I love second-chance romances and it's looking like that will be at the heart of book three. I'm hoping for plenty of community interaction, including Tori, Jesse, McKenna, Luke and other favorite Sweet Home citizens from the first two books.
Readers can enjoy Once Upon a Cabin as a standalone but I also recommend book one, One Snowy Night, featuring Hope McKnight and Donovan Stone. You'll be seeing both of them, especially Hope, in book two.
4.5 stars
*Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
While both Tori and McKenna have journeys of growth, self-discovery, and romance in the book, it's Tori's story that took precedence for me. McKenna has always been a strong and confident woman while Tori's asthma and severe allergies have kept her in a "protected" status within the family. Being thrown into the unknown without her sister by her side tests both women in different ways.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Tori and Jesse as well as the sparks that stayed just at the edge of igniting. I also liked how he advocated for her without undermining her independence. Of course, he's not perfect and there were times I wasn't so fond of him but he comes through in the end. As a couple I was pulling for them all the way but it was Tori's individual journey that really tugged at my heart. I loved her evolution, much of which came about with the support and assistance of the women of Sweet Home. I also enjoyed the shifting dynamic and more equitable relationship between the sisters as a result of that evolution.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Sweet Home, especially after reading the teaser at the end of Once Upon a Cabin. I love second-chance romances and it's looking like that will be at the heart of book three. I'm hoping for plenty of community interaction, including Tori, Jesse, McKenna, Luke and other favorite Sweet Home citizens from the first two books.
Readers can enjoy Once Upon a Cabin as a standalone but I also recommend book one, One Snowy Night, featuring Hope McKnight and Donovan Stone. You'll be seeing both of them, especially Hope, in book two.
4.5 stars
*Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
December 6, 2021
2.5 Stars
Tori and McKenna find themselves in Alaska trying to ensure that they keep their inheritance. The sisters are determined to do whatever it takes in Alaska but their uncle has really put them to the test. Tori is sent to a homestead where she is ultimately stripped of everything she knew. She has never had to rough it out a day. She is paired up with a handsome local guide who is prepared to show her around and teach her how to survive a year out in Alaska.
McKenna is a tomboy who loves being outside. She is forced to work in town in the bank. Her new boss, a stuffed-up suit, maybe cute but she could never imagine herself with a man like him. The more time she spends with Luke, the more she realizes that she likes him and maybe even the small town she is residing in.
This was a little too clean for my own taste, but I still enjoyed it and the cheesiness it brings to the table. Maybe because it is around the holiday time or even that the story is based in Alaska, it gave me a bit of comfort reading this. I really love Alaska-themed romances. I find them so intriguing and this one gave me an education on homesteads and how to rough it.
As the ladies find themselves falling in love with their companions, they also learn a lot about themselves. They join a quilting group with other women in the community. They forged a true sisterhood with the others in the town.
The story is predictable and there is not much in terms of angst but it is a quick read. The small town has it own quirks but it is fun. I liked that Uncle Monty pushed each lady out of their comfort zone.
I would recommend this for fans of a light, clean, small-town romance.
~ Samantha
Tori and McKenna find themselves in Alaska trying to ensure that they keep their inheritance. The sisters are determined to do whatever it takes in Alaska but their uncle has really put them to the test. Tori is sent to a homestead where she is ultimately stripped of everything she knew. She has never had to rough it out a day. She is paired up with a handsome local guide who is prepared to show her around and teach her how to survive a year out in Alaska.
McKenna is a tomboy who loves being outside. She is forced to work in town in the bank. Her new boss, a stuffed-up suit, maybe cute but she could never imagine herself with a man like him. The more time she spends with Luke, the more she realizes that she likes him and maybe even the small town she is residing in.
This was a little too clean for my own taste, but I still enjoyed it and the cheesiness it brings to the table. Maybe because it is around the holiday time or even that the story is based in Alaska, it gave me a bit of comfort reading this. I really love Alaska-themed romances. I find them so intriguing and this one gave me an education on homesteads and how to rough it.
As the ladies find themselves falling in love with their companions, they also learn a lot about themselves. They join a quilting group with other women in the community. They forged a true sisterhood with the others in the town.
The story is predictable and there is not much in terms of angst but it is a quick read. The small town has it own quirks but it is fun. I liked that Uncle Monty pushed each lady out of their comfort zone.
I would recommend this for fans of a light, clean, small-town romance.
~ Samantha
January 9, 2022
Tori and McKenna find themselves in Alaska trying to ensure that they keep their inheritance. The sisters are determined to do whatever it takes in Alaska but their uncle has really put them to the test. Tori is sent to a homestead where she is ultimately stripped of everything she knew. She has never had to rough it out a day. She is paired up with a handsome local guide who is prepared to show her around and teach her how to survive a year out in Alaska.
McKenna is a tomboy who loves being outside. She is forced to work in town in the bank. Her new boss, a stuffed-up suit, maybe cute but she could never imagine herself with a man like him. The more time she spends with Luke, the more she realizes that she likes him and maybe even the small town she is residing in.
This was a little too clean for my own taste, but I still enjoyed it and the cheesiness it brings to the table. Maybe because it is around the holiday time or even that the story is based in Alaska, it gave me a bit of comfort reading this. I really love Alaska themed romances. I find them so intriguing and this one gave me an education on homesteads and how to rough it.
As the ladies find themselves falling in love with their companions, they also learn a lot about themselves. They join a quilting group with other women in the community. They forged a true sisterhood with the others in the town.
The story is predictable and there is not much in terms of angst but it is a quick read. The small town has it own quirks but it is fun. I liked that Uncle Monty pushed each lady out of their comfort zone.
I would recommend this for fans of a light, clean, small-town romance.
2.5 romance
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
McKenna is a tomboy who loves being outside. She is forced to work in town in the bank. Her new boss, a stuffed-up suit, maybe cute but she could never imagine herself with a man like him. The more time she spends with Luke, the more she realizes that she likes him and maybe even the small town she is residing in.
This was a little too clean for my own taste, but I still enjoyed it and the cheesiness it brings to the table. Maybe because it is around the holiday time or even that the story is based in Alaska, it gave me a bit of comfort reading this. I really love Alaska themed romances. I find them so intriguing and this one gave me an education on homesteads and how to rough it.
As the ladies find themselves falling in love with their companions, they also learn a lot about themselves. They join a quilting group with other women in the community. They forged a true sisterhood with the others in the town.
The story is predictable and there is not much in terms of angst but it is a quick read. The small town has it own quirks but it is fun. I liked that Uncle Monty pushed each lady out of their comfort zone.
I would recommend this for fans of a light, clean, small-town romance.
2.5 romance
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
September 18, 2021
I've been on an Alaskan / small-town romance kick lately so I knew I had to read Once Upon a Cabin by Patience Griffin and I really enjoyed it! I wasn't familiar with this author prior to reading the book so I didn't realize that she writes clean romance. I like my books a little steamy (ok, a lot steamy) but I still enjoyed Once Upon a Cabin because the story was good.
The book revolves around two sisters, Tori and McKenna St. James, from Dallas, TX. Orphaned at a young age, their very successful and wealthy Uncle Monty ends up adopting them and they don't want for anything. They live very comfortably and don't know what it's like to struggle. Uncle Monty grew up humbly and wants to push the sisters out of their comfort zone, so he sends them to brave it out for a year in Alaska or they lose their inheritance.
The sisters couldn't be any more different from each other - Tori is a total fashionista and city-girl and McKenna is tomboyish and outdoorsy. Tori is sent to live on a homestead (without electricity and running water!) outside a tiny town called Sweet Home and McKenna is sent to work at a bank in Anchorage. A local resident named Jesse Montano is hired to be Tori's wilderness guide to teach her how to survive on the homestead (I've seriously learned everything there is to know about homesteading from this book, lol) and McKenna's boss, Luke McAvoy, is supposed to teach her the banking business.
The attraction is mutual between Tori and Jesse and McKenna and Luke and it only grows stronger the longer they stay in Alaska. Can the sisters survive the whole year in Alaska and will they find true love in the process?
I loved the sense of community and sisterhood in the book. If you're looking for a clean Alaskan romance with a captivating plot, then you'll enjoy this book! Looking forward to book 3 in the series!
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (rounded up to 4).
Thank you so much, NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The book revolves around two sisters, Tori and McKenna St. James, from Dallas, TX. Orphaned at a young age, their very successful and wealthy Uncle Monty ends up adopting them and they don't want for anything. They live very comfortably and don't know what it's like to struggle. Uncle Monty grew up humbly and wants to push the sisters out of their comfort zone, so he sends them to brave it out for a year in Alaska or they lose their inheritance.
The sisters couldn't be any more different from each other - Tori is a total fashionista and city-girl and McKenna is tomboyish and outdoorsy. Tori is sent to live on a homestead (without electricity and running water!) outside a tiny town called Sweet Home and McKenna is sent to work at a bank in Anchorage. A local resident named Jesse Montano is hired to be Tori's wilderness guide to teach her how to survive on the homestead (I've seriously learned everything there is to know about homesteading from this book, lol) and McKenna's boss, Luke McAvoy, is supposed to teach her the banking business.
The attraction is mutual between Tori and Jesse and McKenna and Luke and it only grows stronger the longer they stay in Alaska. Can the sisters survive the whole year in Alaska and will they find true love in the process?
I loved the sense of community and sisterhood in the book. If you're looking for a clean Alaskan romance with a captivating plot, then you'll enjoy this book! Looking forward to book 3 in the series!
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (rounded up to 4).
Thank you so much, NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2021
Cute, Fun, Quick Read, and Sweet. Those are words I would use to describe Once Upon a Cabin. From the first meeting of the sisters’ keepers, I knew where this story would head. I did not expect the sisters to adapt so well to the Alaskan world. I expected more push back and more problems and I was a little disappointed in that. I am not saying moving to Alaska came without any issues to Victoria and McKenna, but I would have had more problems adjusting.
I loved how the town welcomed Tori and McKenna into their community without any questions. They invited them to their quilting club, welcomed them to church, and helped Tori around the homestead. They took both girls in as one of their own and did everything they could to make their adjustment to life in Alaska as easy as possible.
Jesse and Luke (the guys to the girls) had their own stories and I would have loved to learn more about them, but I liked how they immediately became protective of the girls. They taught them how to live on their own, but they also respected their close bond and the fact that they came from a big city and needed help to adjust to their new lives.
Overall, Once Upon a Cabin was a good book. I read it in a day and enjoyed it.
I loved how the town welcomed Tori and McKenna into their community without any questions. They invited them to their quilting club, welcomed them to church, and helped Tori around the homestead. They took both girls in as one of their own and did everything they could to make their adjustment to life in Alaska as easy as possible.
Jesse and Luke (the guys to the girls) had their own stories and I would have loved to learn more about them, but I liked how they immediately became protective of the girls. They taught them how to live on their own, but they also respected their close bond and the fact that they came from a big city and needed help to adjust to their new lives.
Overall, Once Upon a Cabin was a good book. I read it in a day and enjoyed it.
January 31, 2022
A solid 3.5 for me.
I liked the four characters a lot. The sisters were bright and were great people.
Even though they had to deal with being moved away from home, they really did take into stride and I enjoyed that they didn't skulk for too long.
The men were great as well. Jesse was an outdoorsy man and very bossy while Luke was a sweetheart.
What I didn't enjoy the lack of time for any of the couples to actually talk to each other about their feelings; everyone knew it except them haha.
The ending though was very unrealistic with their uncle. They all hugged it out like he didn't just almost ruin or kill them.
What also bothered me were scenes from the quilting group and their interactions with the people there and the talk of design. It was boring and I skimmed through it.
I will continue with this author, I loved all her other books and will probably like the next ones she write.
I liked the four characters a lot. The sisters were bright and were great people.
Even though they had to deal with being moved away from home, they really did take into stride and I enjoyed that they didn't skulk for too long.
The men were great as well. Jesse was an outdoorsy man and very bossy while Luke was a sweetheart.
What I didn't enjoy the lack of time for any of the couples to actually talk to each other about their feelings; everyone knew it except them haha.
The ending though was very unrealistic with their uncle. They all hugged it out like he didn't just almost ruin or kill them.
What also bothered me were scenes from the quilting group and their interactions with the people there and the talk of design. It was boring and I skimmed through it.
I will continue with this author, I loved all her other books and will probably like the next ones she write.
February 3, 2022
I picked this up because my Mom really likes this author’s Scotland series (which I plan to listen to on audiobook since my library only has them in that format). This book was sweet, but had a few things that annoyed me. I failed to accept or visualize how animal patterns mixed with floral print as either cute or high fashion for Tori’s “designer creations”. All of her “cute, chic, but functional” clothes did not actually sound cute or remotely like anything that someone would pay lots of money for…but maybe that’s just me. Also, Tori’s quick conversion to church (while maybe true that it’s the way to get into small community socializing) bothered me. Jesse says “Go to church” so she does.
I don’t know if I will be continuing this author’s Alaska series but it was a decent read.
I don’t know if I will be continuing this author’s Alaska series but it was a decent read.
December 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in this series by Patience Griffin, One Snowy Night, but this book just didn't have a storyline that appealed to me. I felt very uncomfortable with the way Tori and Mckenna's uncle treated them. I found him to be way too harsh and a jerk. Even though this book ended happily for Tori and Mckenna I just couldn't get over the situations their uncle put them in. I liked Sweet Home, Alaska and the people there but this book was just not my cup of tea.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 2, 2022
I enjoyed the story of the two sisters finding their strength and self worth when placed out of their comfort zone. Interesting Homesteading aspects revealed that I hadn’t considered before. And enjoyed how important the community of women in helping support one another was stressed. Men can be nice but having a supportive, inclusive, caring and giving group of friends will get you through anything. I’ve loved all of Patience Griffin’s Gandiegow, Scotland series and now I’m hooked on theSweet Home Alaska series.
PS I listened to the audiobook and enjoy the narrator very much.
PS I listened to the audiobook and enjoy the narrator very much.
June 10, 2023
This was a sweet story about two sisters who live in Dallas and lack for nothing because of a rich uncle who supports them. But he suddenly cuts them off and tells them they are relocating to Alaska where they must live for a full year or they won’t be inheriting anything from him. It’s fun seeing these women branch out and grow and find true love in Alaska.
October 24, 2022
As always the best.
As always Patience Griffin comes through with a page Turner that is welcoming and cozy. You triumph with Tori as she learns new skills. And grow with McKenna as she comes into her own too.
As always Patience Griffin comes through with a page Turner that is welcoming and cozy. You triumph with Tori as she learns new skills. And grow with McKenna as she comes into her own too.
October 10, 2023
Cute story
I enjoyed this clean read about sisters discovering who they were and what they could accomplish. Great town and supporting characters. Felt it got to be a bit slow and long as the book worked towards a happy ending.
I enjoyed this clean read about sisters discovering who they were and what they could accomplish. Great town and supporting characters. Felt it got to be a bit slow and long as the book worked towards a happy ending.
December 2, 2021
I couldn’t finish this. I usually love books by Patience but this was too far fetched to be a fun read.
December 8, 2021
A Sweet Alaskan Romance
Two sisters find love & purpose when their wealthy uncle threatens to cut them out of his will if they don't live in Alaska for a year.
Two sisters find love & purpose when their wealthy uncle threatens to cut them out of his will if they don't live in Alaska for a year.
December 13, 2021
Cute story. Full RTC
December 27, 2021
A sweet romance. It felt a bit rushed and the young sisters didn't quite mesh up with the their interests, but the characters were endearing.
January 5, 2022
Great second book in a wonderful series
I love reading about Alaska and the wilderness. Sweet Home is an amazing town with wonderful people. Loved the characters and the storyline!
I love reading about Alaska and the wilderness. Sweet Home is an amazing town with wonderful people. Loved the characters and the storyline!
March 6, 2022
Definitely cannot wait to read the next book in this series! A winning combination of great characters, great small town location and interesting story!
May 10, 2022
Cute and cheesy. A good, fun beach read.
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