Alaskan Holiday: A Novel
Written by Debbie Macomber
Narrated by Laurel Rankin and Luke Daniels
3.5/5
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Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
“Picture-perfect . . . this charmer will please Macomber fans and newcomers alike.”—Publishers Weekly
Before beginning her dream job as sous chef in one of Seattle’s hottest new restaurants, Josie Avery takes a summer position cooking at a lakeside lodge in the remote Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie falls for the rustic charms of the local community—including Jack Corcoran, the crotchety keeper of Ponder’s famed sourdough starter, and, in particular, the quiet and intense Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith.
Josie and Palmer become close during the long Alaskan summer days, but Josie knows that, come fall, she’ll be returning to reality and the career she’s worked so hard for. Palmer, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to make Josie his wife and to keep her in Ponder. But Josie can’t imagine abandoning her mother back in the Emerald City and sacrificing her career to stay in this isolated town—not even for a man she’s quickly coming to love.
Fate has other plans. Josie misses the last boat out of town before winter sets in, stranding her in Ponder and putting her dream job at risk. As the holidays approach, Josie and Palmer must grapple with the complications that arise when dreams confront reality, and the Christmas magic that can happen when they put their faith in love.
Debbie Macomber is at her best in this beautiful holiday story about the far journeys we travel to find a place to call home.
Praise for Alaskan Holiday
“[A] tender romance lightly brushed with holiday magic.”—Library Journal
“[A] thoroughly charming holiday romance.”—Booklist
Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author and a leading voice in women’s fiction today. She is a multiple award winner with more than 200 million copies of her books in print. Five of her Christmas titles have been made into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, as well as a series based on her bestselling Cedar Cove stories. For more information, visit her website:www.DebbieMacomber.com.
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Reviews for Alaskan Holiday
79 ratings14 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Seattle is where Josie has always wanted to be, with her mom and in a restaurant that would allow her to use her culinary degree. The summer before her career was to begin, she took a job at an Alaskan lodge. The town of Ponder has only a few permanent residents, one of them is Palmer, who finds the new cook at the lodge to turn his world upside down. Getting her to stay in Ponder may take more than just a marriage proposal.
This Macomber book is a little different than most. When we first meet Josie and Palmer, they are already a couple, if not completely in love. The story basically starts at the marriage proposal. I missed the meet, the fall, and a lot of the little things that make a Macomber story so sweet. This 2nd half of the story was good, I just felt like I missed the 1st half. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5It won’t win any literary awards, but this is exactly what it says on the tin, and exactly what I felt I needed - a nice, light-hearted (slightly cheesy) romance.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Palmer, Josie, and who can forget Jack, along with the whole of Ponder, Alaska, steal into your heart like a cold wind on a dark winter night, illuminated by the brilliance of the Northern lights.
What begins as a job between jobs turns into the possibility of something more for Josie when connections are made and relationships are forged that were never expected. The romance is demure, but their hearts are fully invested, even if some are slower than others to admit that simple fact...and surprise, it's not the guy! But I digress...we've a bumbled proposal, a lack of shared worries to complicate things, and the classic appearance of the green-eyed monster when there was really no need to worry that keep the story interesting...though I for one was happy enough with the long-distance romance that seemed meant to be, but the HOW was up in the air!
This was only my second read of this author's work, but I definitely enjoyed it. A great read this time of year or any for that matter...and a great big thanks to dear old mom for the Christmas gift (nice pick!)! Recommended for Contemporary Romance fans as well as Women's or General Fiction.
**from my own personal library - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Debbie Macomber is one of my don't miss authors, especially at Christmas time. This is her Christmas story for 2018, however, it was not as Christmassy as most of her other books. I still enjoyed it a lot, as there was everything I have come to expect from her books; friendships, romance, some angst and finally a happily ever after.
Josie takes a temporary job position as a chef in Ponder, Alaska, with plans to return home to Seattle for a job with a renowned chef when the town closed down in the fall. It’s a huge opportunity and Josie can’t wait, that is, until she falls for Palmer. Not only has she fallen for Palmer, but she has grown to love the town. Palmer loves her as well and asks her to stay in Ponder and marry him. Josie can’t just pass up this job opportunity of a lifetime. as well as missing her mother who is back in Seattle. Josie also isn’t sure if living in the remote town of Ponder will be fulfilling enough for her. Palmer, on the other hand, is sure Ponder is where he wants to stay. When Josie sleeps in on the morning she is supposed to leave, she misses the final ferry out until Spring. Will she find a way to get Seattle, or will Palmer be able to convince her to stay in Ponder so they can start a life together?
As usual, I fell in love with the characters in this story. I was rooting for Josie and Palmer to get together and deal with whatever befell them. There were times I was frustrated with both Josie and Palmer, but was able to get over it after yelling at the book a few time. The setting of Ponder was beautiful. I loved the descriptions of laying back and watching the Northern Lights and the clear sky. The way the sounds were described and the animals pulled me in. The secondary characters had a life of their own. Jack, the old guide with the bottomless pit for a stomach, was hilarious. This was a relatively short story that I read quite quickly, but enjoyed a lot. I recommend it to anyone who loves Debbie Macomber's sweet, romantic, wholesome stories. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Josie’s summer job cooking at the lodge in Alaska was never meant to be her end goal, but was only leading up to her dream job: being a sous chef to a renowned chef in Seattle. But she did not anticipate becoming close to a craftman in Alaska. Palmer makes swords the old fashioned way, and he was garnering a lot of attention for his handmade swords. Josie has to leave, in spite of her growing feelings for Palmer, and he has to let her go. But her job in Seattle was quite an eye-opener, and not exactly what she expected. This romantic tale is a quick read, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks in any way. With delightful characters in a lovely setting, this story will keep readers turning pages until the happy ending.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Alaskan Holiday is a charming story. I loved Debbie Macomber’s descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the people who live in Ponder. Jack Corcoran’s is a delightful character. He is rough around the edges, but a softy inside. He loves to eat and wants to keep his favorite chef in Alaska. Jack provides plenty of humor in Alaskan Holiday. Josie has fallen for the quiet, rugged Palmer Saxon who is a master swordsmith. But she does not want to leave her mother alone in Seattle plus she has gotten her dream job of working for a big name chef. But if two people love each other, life has a way of working things out. Compromise is the key to any relationship. I thought Alaskan Holiday was well-written, with engaging characters and a good flow. While the story does have an expected outcome, it did not hinder my reading pleasure. Debbie Macomber has a way of drawing readers into her books and keeping them entertained. I am giving Alaskan Holiday 4 out of 5 stars. Alaskan Holiday is a light, feel good story which is just what we need during the holiday season.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5There's just something about a nice clean love story at Christmas, and Debbie Macomber knows how to write them. Josie goes to work as a seasonal chef for an Alaskan lodge just below the arctic circle. She meets Palmer, a sword-maker. He pierces her heart. He proposes the night before she is to leave, but she needs a chance to be Chef Anton's sous chef. She misses her plane that will eventually take her back to Seattle, but Palmer arranges for her to get back to Seattle. Palmer's older friend Jack is the biggest fan of Josie's cooking and tries to help Jack come up with ways to win her back. Will they succeed? I'm sure you already know it's a "happily ever after ending," but I'll let you discover how it unfolds.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Really cute and quick holiday read.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5You really can't go wrong with a Debbie Macomber novel. When I think of holiday reads, I instantly think of Debbie Macomber. Thus the reason when I saw this new book I wanted to read it.
The characters and the storyline are really good. While, Josie and Palmer don't spend a lot of time together; it just goes to show you that sex is not always required to make a great book. Although, Palmer was acting kind of like a jerk and being childish when he was ignoring Josie's texts. He is lucky that he did not totally ruin his chances with Josie before it was too late. Both Josie and Palmer did have some help in the form of friend, Jack. Maybe not the best help but well intended help. Speaking of Jack, he kept me laughing. His insatiable appetite and not so subtle nudging.
As I stated, I loved the characters and the nice storyline. It made for some good reading. Once, I started reading I couldn't stop. This book is the perfect one to snuggle up by the fireplace and read. It really will get you into the holiday mood. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5As always, Debbie Macomber brings her readers a romance with a happily ever after ending. It's always refreshing to pick up one of her romance novels - they are quick reads with people who solve all of their problems and end up happy. What can be wrong with that?
Josie is a chef who takes a summer job working at a resort off the beaten path in Alaska. She has a job waiting for her in Seattle and despite her initial misgivings, she learns to love Alaska and the people that she comes into contact with during the summer - especially Palmer, a local craftsman. When it's time for her to return home to Seattle, she misses the last boat out of the area for the winter which puts her dream job at risk but also keeps her close to Palmer. How this problem is solved makes for an interesting Christmas romance.
This was enjoyable read that will keep you in the Christmas spirit when life gets hectic around the holidays. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It's hard to resist a new Debbie Macomber holiday read to kick off winter reading, plus it is set in Alaska! What was unique about this story was that Josie and Palmer's initial relationship has taken place before the story begins, during the summer months that Josie is the chef at a nearby lodge in the desolate town of Ponder. It's very remote, only accessible by plane and then only when the weather cooperates during the long winter months. Josie is set to head back to Seattle for her dream chef job at a new restaurant and Palmer's reticence hinders his ability to make his feelings known. What a fun story, as the two come to grips with their true feelings. And for such a short book, the secondary characters are surprisingly fun with their appearances.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber
Alternating chapters of each of the main characters, book is located at Ponder, Alaska.
Josie had been hired at the lodge and her time was up-the lodge was shutting down and she was heading back to Seattle.
Love the events for no special reason why the community gets together.
Story also follows Palmer who is a worker and the lodge and he favors Josie and wants her to stay but he can't express himself in words. He knows her suitcases are packed.
His sister Alicia and she's asking if he's going to propose to Josie. Love hearing how they were raised near the Arctic Circle.
Like all the food combinations and Palmer's career, priceless being able to use her hands to make a living. Like hearing about his work.
Love hearing of the salmon ping pong game LOL lots of fun travel described. He finishes his project and wants to deliver it before Christmas. He and Jack make plans and things don't go according to plan.
She is so innovative and creative. Great holiday read when things are so unpredictable.
Inclues an excerpt from another book by the author. About the author is listed at the end.
Received this review copy from andom House Publishing Group - Ballantine via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AlaskanHoliday #NetGalley - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Debbie Macomber gives us a sweet story of love, but also fulfilling your life dreams.
As we read the author gives us both sides of the dilemma that now hounds these two, the beginnings of love.
We also get to see through their eyes the beauty of this desolate land and how these people cope year-round.
There is a theme of food here, and you’re going to love the character of Jack. This story will keep you page turning and wanting more once that final page is turned.
I received this book from Net Galley and the Publisher Ballantine Books, and was not required to give a positive review - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This story was about reaching for your dreams & works no to achieve them. Josie & her mother have worked hard to insure she received her culinary education & degree. Now, she’s graduated & received an offer to work under one of the premier chefs in his new restaurant. It’s what she’s wanted all her life. Just one catch! The job doesn’t start for 6 months until the restaurant is finished. To earn money in the meantime, Josie takes on a job cooking for a lodge in Alaska. Not only does she love the country, she finds the love of her life, Palmer. How can she leave him now that the summer is over? On the other hand, how can she give up her dream & disappoint her mother?
Palmer can’t believe it. He loves his life in Alaska & the open beauty of the country. His job enables him to live anywhere but he can’t stand crowds. He’s been waiting forever for her to walk into his life. How can he let her go? But, how can he ask her to give up her dreams? He proposes a long distance relationship but as her calls dwindle down, his jealousy grows. Is she really that busy at work or did she find someone new?
Debbie Macomber has written another excellent, moving story. Her characters are well rounded & realistic. The interactions between Palmer & Jess paint the perfect picture of their love, the turmoil of the decision & the toll that decision takes on each of them. Ms. Macomber shows that we all continually grow & our dreams change as we grow. They evolve. I loved that this story made me think about how my dreams have changed & the effect circumstances had on that change. Ms. Macomber has a talent for taking what lives in our hearts & minds & putting it into words!