A sweet Christmas read. The Alaskan setting added to the Christmas vibes. It was a fairly quick read as all love inspired books are but the reader gets so much out of it.

Alaskan Christmas Redemption is a cute, slow burn romance with a great cast of small town characters. Perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies!

Alaskan Christmas Redemption is a quick, easy read, great for whiling away an evening or weekend. It's a sweet friends to lovers romance, and I love the setting. There's just something about Alaska that fascinates me, so I'm always ready to gobble up stories set there. This one has the added bonus of the Christmas season, so I didn't even mind that it was predictable. The thing I did mind was how easy it would've been to deal with Braden's secret. I guess I just hoped for more, but that's the problem with secrets in stories like this one -they tend to either be huge or so small that you wonder why bother. This one fell into the latter category. On the plus side, the characters were interesting, and other than the secret, the story was engaging. It is a charming, clean romance, and it stands alone while still being part of a series.

I had a hard time with this title, I am thought it was slow starting. Once I got to the middle I enjoyed it more.

I would recommend this book, because I always feel that maybe it was me and the person I am recommending it too, will love it.

Thank you netgalley and harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

I was really excited to read a Love Inspired book set in Alaska, but this one missed the mark for me.

I loved the diner setting and the characters being old friends. But this book drug on for me. I hated that I knew right away what his secret was and that it drug on forever without him telling her. Even the epilogue a year later was so drawn out. I'm glad it had a happy ending and that the diner ended up successful.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I haven't read the earlier books in this mini-series, which probably explains why I felt a bit lost when I started reading Belle Calhoune's "Alaskan Christmas Redemption." There were references to several characters and past events that weren't fully explained, which led to some confusion on my part. For example, it wasn't mentioned until about halfway through the book that female lead character Piper's older brother Hank was actually her half-brother. I thought that might be why they had different last names, but it was somewhat confusing until the author confirmed that was the case.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing about this book that didn't make sense to me. Much of the plot revolved around childhood friends Piper and Braden working together to save Piper's family diner, but I couldn't figure out exactly why Piper was so convinced that Braden was the perfect person to help her. How exactly was Braden qualified to help a failing business? All he seemed to do was throw out random ideas, though they did miraculously seem to work. Was he a business major in college or something? Did he even go to college? We really didn't learn much about Braden's background aside from his family connections and his time traveling the world in pursuit of adventure.

I also thought that Braden's angst over his "role" in Piper's father's death was ridiculous and overblown. Aside from the fact that the whole thing could have been cleared up with a simple conversation if Braden hadn't been too cowardly to talk to his supposed best friend Piper, the fact is that Piper's father confronted Braden, not the other way around. As for Piper, while I agree with her that Braden shouldn't have lied about what happened on the day of her father's death, I thought she completely overreacted in blaming Braden. There's no way that Braden could have predicted her father's accident, and it wasn't fair for her to claim that he should have just apologized and accepted the blame for something he didn't do solely to avoid an argument.

Bottom line: while this book was not my cup of tea, it seems likely to appeal to fans of sweet, clean (kissing only) small town romance and Christian fiction. I would probably try another one of this author's books in the future.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an enjoyable story about two best friends who have encouraged and supported each other since childhood. However, now as young adults, they have grown apart because Braden has a secret he’s keeping from Piper. The guilt he feels over the death of Piper’s father has made him restless, and he’s traveled the world trying to unsuccessfully gain peace. Piper is desperate to save the diner that was so important to her dad. Braden steps up to help Piper with a business plan, and they work together to turn things around. Braden’s secret is still a wall between them, but as their feelings move from friendship to love, Braden still needs to find the courage to ask for forgiveness. He’s going to need to risk everything to see if he can have a future with Piper.

One of the things that I liked about this story was that the author allowed time for their relationship to grow from friendship to romance. The theme of giving and receiving forgiveness adds depth to the story. This is a good story, and I’m interested in reading more in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Her diner is in serious trouble and she's counting on her childhood best friend to help her find a way to keep her dad's dream alive while he left town to hide a secret from her and now must finally tell her the truth. Love, family, forgiveness, and friends to lovers culminate in this delightful story.

Alaskan Christmas Redemption is the third of the Home to Owl Creek series of standalone romances. I had no trouble reading it out of order though previous books' characters are strong secondary characters.

Piper Miller inherited the family diner when her dad died and was excited to carry on his dream by running the diner. Only, a series of expensive mishaps along with financial struggles have her at her wit's end on finding a way to bring in fresh revenue and stay open. She refuses to share her burden with her mom and older brother, but does hope that her best friend, now that he's back in town, will help her find a way. Meanwhile, Piper love Christmas, but it also reminds her of her loss so she fights grief and the feeling that she might want to exchange friend status for something more with Braden.

Braden North counted Piper as his closest friend until the day her world fell apart and he sees himself as responsible. He hid what he knew about her dad's death and left town because his guilt overwhelmed him. He's back and still trying to avoid Piper and the past, but her great need pulls him in and he starts to feel for her as someone more than a friend. The hard part is getting past the protective barrier around her heart from him because he left her once.

A gentle, sugary friends to lovers romance, emphasis on family, faith, and forgiveness, and set in a cozy Alaskan smalltown. The story has no sharp edges and it doesn't try to dig too deep. There are secrets and small twists when the truth comes out. But, for the most part, it swept me up in the spirit of Christmas and the feels.

I had a couple small distractions like not really agreeing with Piper about keeping her situation a secret from her family and definitely not agreeing with Braden about hoarding that secret well beyond it's use-by date. I felt the urge to lock the pair in a closet and make them talk it all out.

That said, they had to come to terms with their friendship was morphing even while they were great as friends and had a rich and full shared history. I loved them together and loved seeing them work to save the diner even while the season in the small town was celebrated beautifully.

All in all, my first visit with the author's writing and this series has me interested in future books, but also the two earlier Owl Creek books particularly Hank and Sage's story. Inspirational romance and sweet contemporary romance fans should definitely give this Christmas confection a taste.

Sweet, cozy, love story that is inclusive, clean, and perfect to curl up with in front of a fire and just smile as you watch it unfold.

Is it filled with twists and turns? No.

Is it groundbreaking? Also, no.

But I am a sucker for a damn good interracial love story that gives some representation of the love stories around me in my life, so my last question is this;

Is this a story that's relevant? Hell. Yes.

Filled with coziness and a beautiful winter setting, a handsome hero that makes you think of stolen kisses with a past love, and a small business owned by a smart, hardworking heroine called The Snowy Diner, this was absolutely a story I enjoyed and needed.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year. If ever there was a time to have faith, it’s during Christmas.”

Belle Calhoune welcomes readers back to Owl Creek, Alaska with Alaskan Christmas Redemption, the third book in her Home to Owl Creek series. Belle is a new to me author and I had no problem getting into the story. I can say that readers of this series will be happy to catch up on the previous couples.

Alaskan Christmas Redemption pairs best friends since childhood who have secrets that could destroy their families.

Four years ago, Piper Miller lost her father in a tragic snowmobile accident. Her best friend, Braden North was the first person to come across her father and tried to save him. After her father died, Piper took over his restaurant, The Snowy Owl. For six months, Braden supported Piper through her grief, until one day he just up and left without any reason as to why.

After three and a half years of traveling the world and seeking adventures, Braden has returned to Owl Creek. While he’s been gone, some things have changed, but unfortunately some things remain the same. Braden has been avoiding Piper, but when she finally requests that he stops by the diner, he can not come up with an excuse not to. He’s surprised to learn that the diner is in risk of having to close due to finances. He feels horrible for Piper, but he doesn’t think he can be around her. Ultimately, he agrees to help out but knows it will be hard to keep his secret.

Love Inspired is the inspirational romance line of Harlequin. The line is faith-based. In the past, I’ve read a book from this line and had God and religion crammed down my throat. I’m happy to say Belle didn’t do that. There is mention of God and a couple of prayers, but I didn’t find it to be too much. In fact, I thought it was very subtle.

I loved that this was a friends-to-lovers, small-town romance. The romance really sneaks up on you. Piper and Braden have known each other their entire lives, as have their families. I wish there would have been more family time and more Christmas moments. I mean Christmas is in the title. Ultimately, I found Alaskan Christmas Redemption to be about forgiveness, mainly learning to forgive yourself for things out of your control. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Real love is color blind.”

“Always trust your instincts.”

“It’s okay to be angry, but don’t stay that way.”

“Sometimes you have to leave a place to become the person you want to be.”

“Where there’s love there is understanding. Compassion. Redemption.”

“Words left unspoken tend to lead to missed opportunities.”

Alaskan Christmas Redemption is a sweet friends to lovers romance that will definitely get you into holiday spirit. Braden and Piper have always been best friends. Piper needs Braden's help to save her dying business. Can they get their friendship back and maybe more?

As I said, I did think this was a sweet romance. I liked that Braden and Piper had a history. I loved how they couple brought the best out in each other. My only issue was the secret that Braden carries was a little underwhelming and it could have been cleared up with one conversation. While it can be read as a stand alone, I did feel at a little bit of a disadvantage to not knowing back story for some of the peripheral characters. Overall it was a nice clean romance a sweet ending.

Braden and Piper were friends since preschool. Then something terrible happened to change that and life led them on different paths.

A few years later, Piper's diner is in trouble. But is he the right person to ask for help? A lot has changed for him too, but he still has feelings for Piper, and sweet memories of their friendship.

Many characters have difficult pasts and lives in Owl Creek. But can Piper and Braden rekindle what they once had? Braden's opinion of, and lasting feelings for, Piper, are so sweet and heartfelt that it made my own heart ache. He has a secret about years ago, but will he let it slip?

Braden's sister Sage was abducted and he's overjoyed when she is back. I really liked her straight-talking, but understanding attitude and the fact she was full of empathy and truth.

Piper is driven and Braden is sensitive and appreciates Piper. His family chocolate business is a hub in the town too, but Piper is important to him.

Owl Creek is a snowy, cosy place and the Snowy Owl Diner is an important place in the community. I loved the festive traditions

Alaskan Christmas Redemption is a realistic, heartwarming story that has an undercurrent of real-life problems such as sudden loss, economic hardship or being bi-racial as well as love and friendship.

Belle Calhoune creates a town that I felt immersed in and I felt for the characters. I was rooting for Braden and Piper. Friendship, loyalty and evaluating what's important are key themes here and ones I enjoy.

Can Piper trust Braden after his absence and the past? I was glad that Piper had her brother Hank too. The subplots of the diner situation and Braden and Piper as well as themes of secrets, feelings fate faith and love make this a great book for a lazy afternoon.

Thanks to Belle Calhoune and Harlequin Love Inspired for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4 stars

Cute holiday romance!

This was a very cute holiday romance. But it wasnt really for me. It had all the aspects of a book I would love,but the few cons really hendered my enjoyment of this one.
Pros:
-The holiday atmosphere was absolutely spot on. It did such a fantastic job of puting me in a Christmas mood!!
- Happily ever after
- Does a good job covering some hard topics like grief, guilt and how those things can hinder a relationship
- Believable friends to lovers romance.
- Fun small town setting and a diner that you are dying to go buy some pie from!
Cons:
-Religion. Lots of refference to god and prayers. Just not my thing.
- The "Secret" the male lead is keeping gets rather annoying. I felt it was such a trivial secret and was not that believable to cause that much grief.

Would I recommend it? Yes , in fact I've already started to talk about it with my friends because I know some of them love Christmas romance .
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First off I want to thank the publisher Love Inspired-HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) for inviting me to read and review this as well as NetGalley , because I know I keep saying this a lot but its true because their one of the publishers I go to for romance and with out them I wouldn't be finding news one try and linking so they need to get a big thanks from me. Now on to my thoughts of the book, the cover is cute and the romance was sweet , and I loved how it felt like a second chance romance , where two people who belong together

Four years ago Piper Miller’s father, Jack, died whilst out riding his snowmobile. Piper inherited his business, the Snowy Owl diner but was shocked to discover how much it is struggling financially and has been for years. She is so happy when her since childhood best friend Braden North returns to Owl Creek after an adventurous four years away. She knows something has changed about their relationship. He seems reticent about them being together and obviously has secrets he’s not sharing. He’s actually filled with guilt as he’d argued with Jack just before his death and has never admitted that to anyone. Can he find the courage to be honest with Piper? Can they work together to help reinvigorate her ailing business? Will love and faith find a way to help them both heal?

This is a very Christian romance, one with faith at its core. It is a story of guilt, healing, trusting in God, following your heart and taking a chance, believing God will guide you. It is set in a delightful community and it was great to reconnect with some of the characters from earlier books in this series. It is a story of family, friendship, community, faith and love.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I voluntarily read and have honestly reviewed.

Braden North has returned home and learns his best friend, Piper Miller, is in danger of losing her diner. His years away was because of a secret that he fears would make Piper hate him. Rather than lose her, he left to go on grand adventures. Nevertheless, Braden is determined to help Piper save her father's legacy. If only his heart didn't complicate matters.
The third book in the Home to Owl Creek series can also be read as a standalone, I haven't read the other two books in the series.
I found this to be a sweet story. I loved the banter and friendship between Piper and Braden. I also loved how they relied on each other. I felt that the 'secret' was more of a misunderstanding that Braden could have cleared up quickly with open communication. I especially enjoyed reading about how she revitalized her business but I was surprised that she hadn't thought of those initiatives on her own as she appeared to be resilient and creative. But it is so good to have a friend in your corner, who pushes you and who is willing to go the extra mile.
Overall, a feel good read.
Thank you #Harlequin and #Netgalley

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This was a sweet romance that had me cheering for the couple to be. Piper is running the diner that her beloved father used to own before his untimely and unexpected death. Unfortunately, the diner is operating way in the red and Piper needs a way to save it. Braden North, her childhood friend who disappeared from her life shortly after her father’s death, suddenly reappears and has a suggestion that may help save the diner. The relationship between the two of them sparkled like the Alaskan snow and was so evident to me as I read that they were destined to be together if both of them would just realize that no relationship is without hardships. I enjoyed reading the story of Piper and Braden, and the setting for the tale was perfect! I could so easily conjure up an image of the little Alaskan town in my mind that it became real to me. The author did a wonderful job of establishing the setting, lovable but flawed characters and a plot that just flowed. I especially enjoyed that it was a clean read that I can recommend to any of my friends who enjoy reading romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Alaskan Christmas Redemption is a short Christmas novella set in Owl Creek, Alaska. It is the third book in the Home to Owl Creek series.

Braden North has returned to Owl Creek after a lengthy absence. Guilt and a secret he has long harbored have kept him away. Shortly after his arrival, his best friend, Piper Miller, asks him to help save her family's diner, which was started by her late father. Braden's secret has distanced him from Piper for a long time. Will he consent to help her?

This was a nice inspirational Christmas romance. There is a solid theme of forgiveness and redemption. However, I feel the reason for Braden's distancing himself from Piper, his family, and his town was a little weak. There were few plot twists and the ending was predictable. However, it was still a fun Christmas read.

I enjoyed reading about the town of Owl Creek and will go back and read the first book.

If you enjoy Christmas romances and stories set in Alaska, give this one a try.

I received a free copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

Piper Miller is struggling to keep her family’s diner afloat in the small town of Owl Creek Alaska, after the passing of her father. She does not want to share her struggles with her mother or brother, so she feels she must do this on her own. If only she had her best friend by her side, but Braden has been gone for a few years. Can she save the diner and honor her father on her own?
Braden North has returned home after travelling the world for a few years. He is keeping a secret about the day that his best friend Pipers father was killed. He did not know how to tell her, so he ran. Now he is back and vows to help Piper however he can to make up for his secret. Will she be able to trust him after she finds out what he did the day her father died?
I loved this sweet story of two small town best friends rekindling their friendship and finding out that they may have deeper feelings for each other. I read this as a stand a lone novel, and had no trouble with the backstory of the supporting characters as Belle Calhoune, the author did a brilliant job of filling us in as the story progressed. This was the perfect novel for a chilly day curled up by the fire. Thank you so much to the author, Belle Calhoune, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.