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However, summertime and anytime is the time to celebrate Christmas in North Pole, Alaska. They play carols days a year; all of the shops and stores are Christmas-themed and sell Christmas souvenirs; there's a big, giant Santa in town. Okay, the picture is clear. Even though there wasn't a mountain of snow, there was still enough of the Chri First of all, I must mention that I picked this book up expected a cute holiday story and instead was surprised to find it takes place during the summer.
Even though there wasn't a mountain of snow, there was still enough of the Christmas feel to make me appreciate it during this time of year. Sam sells everything, buys an RV, and moves to Alaska. I loved her sense of adventure and her spunky personality. She's definitely not perfect--forgets to do important things--but she is very compassionate and knows exactly how to handle difficult situations. Bryce has had a hard life and is therefore a pretty tough guy--very rough around the edges. Yet, Sam somehow softens him up.
She isn't afraid to treat him the way he wants to be treated, and deserves to be. He's a protector and provider and takes his roles in life very seriously. I loved Aunt Olive! I was happy to see that this was a two-fold romance and was satisfied with the ending. Dec 29, Ellen Maze rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Samantha Sinclair is a 27 yr-old baby sister to a week's worth of brothers, none of which believe that she can make it on her own.
With the weight of this knowledge on her shoulders, Sam attempts to prove to her loving yet overbearing family that she knows what she is doing. With an RV, a hard-won degree in culinary arts, and a promise of employment, Sam treks across the nation from Baltimore all the way to North Pole, Alaska to pursue her new, independent life running her own kitchen in a local Samantha Sinclair is a 27 yr-old baby sister to a week's worth of brothers, none of which believe that she can make it on her own.
With an RV, a hard-won degree in culinary arts, and a promise of employment, Sam treks across the nation from Baltimore all the way to North Pole, Alaska to pursue her new, independent life running her own kitchen in a local hotel. He grumbles constantly about the commercialization of the Day, but in his heart, he is empty and burdened with his own hypocrisy. Haunted by the deaths of his parents, a harrowing injury on the battlefield, the deaths of his fellow soldiers, and the recent break-up of an engagement, Bryce crawls back home to take over his Aunt Olive's Christmas store.
Bryce's life intersects Sam's as her hotel chef job falls through the day she arrives and a job offer by Aunt Olive follows directly after. Olive is wise and god-fearing and she lovingly steers the two young people together as they do their individual best to avoid falling for each other. Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska is chock full of sing-song dialogue and oh-so-natural communication between its characters. It was impossible for me to suppress a smile as I overheard conversations between Bryce and Sam, eavesdropped into their points of view and rooted along with Aunt Olive for their budding love.
I was infatuated with the characters from the get-go and like all excellent authors; Loree causes her readers to empathize completely and with abandon. Because of Loree's superb literary prowess, I understood the pain of the ex-marine confused and addled by the beauty taking over his shop. And I was Samantha; full of love, faith and an unending hope that God has a plan for my life. Author Loree Lough has not forgotten what it feels like to fall into real love for the first time and because of this, many pages of my copy of Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska are stained with happy tears.
This is the first book I have ever read in this genre, and certainly not my last. Loree has found a lifelong fan and friend in me.
I wanted to add how much I love the cover art and appreciate the silky, smooth matte finish. Although smaller than I like I prefer 13pt , the print is an easy-to-read font that gave me no trouble. The author used flawless POV changes point of view and employed a flowing style of prose that enabled me to read this book in one sitting. Ellen C Maze, author Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider http: Oct 19, Alisa rated it really liked it. This was a cute, sweet, clean romance Since the death of his parents and, honestly, even long before his parents died they are the only family they have.
Bryce hates living in a place where the commercial side of Christmas is celebrated year-round and wants to sell Rudolph's the Christmas knick-knack shop that his aunt has been running since his parents' death and use the funds to open a carpentry sho This was a cute, sweet, clean romance Bryce hates living in a place where the commercial side of Christmas is celebrated year-round and wants to sell Rudolph's the Christmas knick-knack shop that his aunt has been running since his parents' death and use the funds to open a carpentry shop.
He would still be a marine if it weren't for the injury that left him blind in one eye and with a scar so hideous he has to wear a patch over one eye so he doesn't scare young children. Sam has 7 older brothers so she may be petite, but she's definitely tough. She arrives to find out the owner has given the job to his nephew.
Too proud to return back to Maryland defeated Sam answers an ad to manage a Christmas store called Rudolph's. She and Aunt Olive hit it off right away She would hit it off right away with Bryce if he didn't have so many walls up to protect his heart. There is a part towards the end of the book that is really sad and had me crying, but it's a short part of the story. This is a great read if you're in the mood for a cute, sweet, clean romance with a touch of sadness.
Jan 02, Christy Wilhelm rated it really liked it. This was such a sweet book. The Characters were very normal in the way that they got to know each other. It must be what they call dating and getting to know each other, a talent that most people now a days have lost. No one in this book was texting, sext-ing or generally not paying attention to each other. Loree Lough has a way with words that is touching and yet straight forward.
This is an Inspirational book so here is the scoop on the Christian factor. It was never in your face or hell and dam nation. It was more, this is my life and this is how I live it. They pray and attend church and are not embarrassed to do so one bit. I grew up this way, but now with this modern world and PC patrol, sometimes I feel that it's strange praying and bringing God into situations.
I envied Sam in her stead fast manner. I think that I could relate more to Bryce. He has a more cautious look to God. Afghanistan Vet, he's experienced times where he wondered where the big guy was, but in the end I think he knew his true feelings. This is a good book. If you've never read Inspirational, don't be afraid of this one.
I promise you won't get struck by lighting: Mar 10, Cindy rated it really liked it. Sam Sinclair is HOT!! Steaming mad that is. She sold her townhouse, and her possessions, bought an RV and drove to Alaska with a letter of a promise of a job, only to arrive to find out the boss let his nephew have the job. Lucky for her she is quickly able to find a job managing a Christmas gift shop, and quickly is in love with her job!
Always a great lover and fan of Christmas, working in a shop that is all about Christmas seems to be a place where Sam fits right in. Plus Olive, the store owner's aunt, is a dear and quickly becomes a close friend. Bryce Stone, is a veteran. And he hates the commercialization of Christmas.
And of all the places he could live, he lives in North Pole Alaska. He is the owner of the store where Sam is working. Having lost an eye while in Afghanistan, he is very timid and leery of women.
His fiancee had dumped him after the accident, so trusting women did not come natural to him. Follow this story as Olive orchestrates a romance between the two of them, and finally has romance in her own life.
A beautiful story that will have you laughing at the antics of Olive, Samantha and crying at the sorrows Bryce faces. Definitely a book to read. Nov 03, Janet Marie Dowell rated it it was amazing. This book transports you to a real Winter Wonderland! Bryce Stone is a tough ex-marine who comes home to North Pole where it is Christmas all year long. He comes home to start his own furniture shop when his Aunt Olive decides to retire and leaves the family's Christmas shop to him.
Being a "Scrooge," he is not happy with the gift. Olive told him to put a want ad in the paper about a manager for the store. She drives to North Pole in a huge RV. When she gets there, there is an "Misunderstanding" about the Chef job. In the local paper there, she finds a want ad about a manager of a Christmas Shop. She applies for the job but what she doesn't know is that the job requires a lot more than she bargained for.
I love the character "Olive" because she reminds me of my grandmother She says whatever's on her mind no matter what. We all should have people like her in our lives who loves us enough to tell us what we need to hear whether we want to hear it or not. To read about her adventures in North Pole, you are going to have to read the book!
Dec 26, Amber Stokes rated it it was amazing. Don't wait until next Christmas to pick up a copy of this sweet book--it's a holiday treat that should be enjoyed any time of the year! This book is like the charm bracelet from the movie The Santa Clause 2. The interesting date "Santa" finds himself with his first time around has a Christmas charm bracelet, which she say she wears "year round to keep the spirit alive. I love how creative this book is! The characters are unique, from the former Marine who hates the commercialism of Christmas and yet has to run a Christmas shop!
The story kept me turning those pages, and while it was a really fun read, it also included some sadder and deeper moments. The ending came together a little abruptly for me, but once I finished the epilogue I was quite satisfied. With great Alaskan and Christmas imagery, great characters, and great lessons on love, patience, and understanding, this book is delightful!
View all 6 comments. I was drawn to this book by the title. I lived close to North Pole, AK and wanted to see how the story portrayed the town. The story follows Samantha 'Sam' Sinclair, as she arrives to North Pole, Alaska having sold her town home and a lot of her possessions, to come be a chef at hotel restaurant in town. However, the day she arrived, she found out the owner gave the job to his nephew. Sam is now left with out a job and now home. She only has an RV. After having the proverbial rug out from under h I was drawn to this book by the title. After having the proverbial rug out from under her feet, Sam is determined to find a job in this town.
She loves that the Christmas spirit is everywhere. Bryce Stone has only been back to North Pole for a few weeks. He's been discharged from the Marines and has moved back home after receiving an injury in combat that left him blind in one eye. After his parents died, Bryce was left his parent's Christmas shop in the small town.
He is not one to sit behind a counter, so he leaves his Aunt Olive to find a manager for the store while he does his best to get a carpentry shop started. It was a bit predictable, but it was a nice light read. My only issue with the story however was the way North Pole was portrayed. I will say, the people there are very nice!
I use to visit the town a few times a year. They also have amazing food! Check out Diners, Drive-in, and Dives It is also a Christmas town through and through. Christmas lights are decked out as candy canes, all of the restaurants are decorated year round, and I will also say, they have a fantastic coffee shack!
The book portrayed the town a little bigger then it really is and the drive to Fairbanks isn't that long. The book mentions that the men to women ratio is , but no explanation is given. Those were just a couple of things that stood out to me. Apr 11, Anna Marie rated it did not like it. I could only tolerate the stupidity for one third of the book.
I tried, I swear it, but Over-reactive, bitchy morons with fabricated arguments written in for no good reason. It was painful and stupid. He comes in and finds her on the top of a ft ladder no good reason why. He bellows at her to be careful, causing her to 'windmill' and then has to rescue her, and she's pissed that he scared her, and he's pissed that she's pissed And the whole 'S' thing. Worse, it was contradictory. Page 11 tells us that Bryce a guy, which should be Brice, because Bryce is the female version of the male name Brice ie. Bryce Dallas Howard , but I shouldn't digress in the midst of pointing out something else that's wrong Then I go a mere three pages and on pg 14 it says, "Brice couldn't help but smile at the joyous laughter of children, harmonizing with Brenda Lee's rendition of 'Jingle Bell Rock' emananting from the loudspeakers".
We have power plays, contrived idiot behavior, over-dramatized reactions, and just all-around poor writing that made getting thru one third miserable. I called it quits.
There are more pleasant things in life I could be doing. Like scouring the sink. Two other 'S's I can think of Bryce is an ex marine who has come back home to a small town in Alaska known as North Pole.
This makes it even harder when he has been left the family knick-knack shop that his parents owned and whilst growing up, his much loved aunt Olive kept going but is now moving to Florida. Rel On Wednesday, December 9, 2 Comments. I can't wait to read this book myself.
It's waiting for me on my TBR mountain. Your email address will not be published. Want to share Relz Reviewz with your reading friends? Grab this widget for your blog or web site by copying the code below:. Relz Reviewz offers author interviews, character spotlights, book reviews, contests and giveaways, publishing news, and cover art sneak peeks for the best in Christian fiction. You Might Also Like Ausjenny December 9, at My friend in Alaska lives near North Pole. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.
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