🏔️ 🏡 🦉 “Their Alaskan Past” (Home to Owl Creek #5) (2022) 🦉 🏡 🏔️ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Home to Owl Creek (Book #5)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 26, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335759247
ISBN-13: 978-1335759245
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“Could their unexpected reunion lead to a second chance?
She broke his heart years ago
But now she needs his help
Veterinarian Maya Roberts has complicated feelings about her ex—Iditarod racer Ace Reynolds—returning to Owl Creek, Alaska. But he’s the perfect person to help with her dog rescue. Now they’re working together, caught by their tangled past and still-unresolved feelings for each other. But a second chance with Ace isn’t just about forgiveness. It means sharing the secret that’s kept them apart…”
Thank you in advance to the author, Belle Calhoune, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This isn’t the very first book by the author I’ve read. Last year I read her No Ordinary Christmas, the first book in the Mistletoe, Maine series from Forever (a Read Forever/Hachette Imprint).
This is however, the first Love Inspired book by the author that I have read despite buying the first book in this series two years ago (February 2020) – Her Secret Alaskan Family, and winning a reissue of Reunited at Christmas.
Some series books can be read on their own. This can be read on its own, for the most part. However, many of the characters from the previous four books play either a significant role, or are mentioned here. In addition, some of the incidents might be referenced here as well. I would definitely suggest reading those four books before heading into this one. Those can be found at the links below.
I do need to get books #2-#4 in this series as I don’t have them.
The cover is the cutesy, standard of the couple as they should be – with their happy ever after ending (HEA). But, once you get to know the couple – Ace and Maya – you know it’s going to be a rough road for them in this emotional second-chance romance. In fact, at times, it seems almost impossible.
Returning characters (mentioned or appearance):
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Sage & Hank (Her Secret Alaskan Family)
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Gabe (An Alaskan Twin Surprise)
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Piper & Braden (Alaskan Christmas Redemption)
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Ella & Connor (Hiding in Alaska)
New characters:
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Ace Reynolds (former dog sled racer)
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Blue Reynolds (Ace’s father)
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Zach Reynolds (Ace’s younger brother)
🏔️ 🏡 🦉 Maya Roberts (Veterinarian, Ace’s ex-girlfriend)
As of note, there will be mentions of cancer, animal abuse, and kill shelters. Those with sensitivities to these topics will want to read with caution. The author doesn’t go into detail, but is realistic about the subjects.
I had to laugh and sympathize with Ace about his return to Owl Creek being more painful than a tooth extraction. Heads up – those are BAD. I had a bad lower molar extraction in 2006 – not a fun time at all.
If an accident and early retirement wasn’t bad enough for Ace’s ego, seeing Maya, the woman who dumped him five (5) years ago is another reason to add to his bad mood. Of course, Ace’s former racing dog, now a “tripod”, Luna – is crazy about Maya, who happened to have taken over her father’s veterinarian clinic.
Even worse than running into Maya, she would like him to help her with the dog rescue. Of course, he says no – only because it entails working with her. She didn’t think he’d be that jaded or cold after the break-up.
Ace’s attitude doesn’t get any better when he learns his father’s property is about to be foreclosed on.
Of course, Ace does the right thing by his dad, but it means eating humble pie to work for Maya. I definitely loved how Maya’s suggestion to hire his brother as an assistant was met with refusal, yet Ace ended up doing just that.
Yet, Ace still feels drawn to Maya because of her care and compassion towards animals, namely dogs. Still, the unresolved bitterness digs at him – with him directing it a Maya at the wrong time. But, by ignoring the feelings – he has no closure with the relationship. Still, he tries to temper his attitude to work with her to not only open the rescue, but ensure there are adequate funds.
There are some light-hearted moments tempered with the bitterness and resentment. There is also a reality that lurks behind the scenes as well.
And, as it is a romance – Maya and Ace start coming together, slowly. But, as usual – it won’t be easy. At times, it is even painful. Yet, it is also endearing and representative of God’s will.
This is one of those “aw, it looks so cute” kind of books, and drags you in with the emotional feels. I honestly read 102 pages within a few hours (was off and on due to other things I was doing at the time). Calhoune’s writing definitely draws the reader in and puts them in the scene with vivid descriptions and emotional dialogue.
It is also frustrating because of Maya’s reasoning for breaking things off and Ace’s hotheaded behavior, his stubbornness, and inability to want to listen. My heart broke for Maya because of her reason. At times I wanted to tell her she needed someone else and to let him go.
Ace’s attitude was frustrating, irritating, and in some ways very realistic. He also didn’t realize that her sister’s death in a car accident influenced her decisions, much like Ace letting his past influence his decision with Maya. I loved the author’s note in the back about trust being rebuilt (is it possible) and what isn’t forgivable. He wanted to forgive and yet didn’t because he didn’t want to get hurt again. That is understandable as well.
There was a bit of confusion when Maya would reference her health past. She would mention doctors in California with treatment in Seattle (Washington). There is a state between the two (Oregon). I don’t know if Maya lived in both places, or this was a bit of an error for a future book. It didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the book though. Then again, I might’ve read so fast I didn’t even see the reason for both locations.
I love how the author realistically dealt with the threat of cancer coming back and how people might do things differently with their lives, including a relationship and family planning. It isn’t something that ever goes away, it often lurks and strikes back at the wrong times – as if there is ever a good time.
I really had to chuckle at Ace’s light socket incident when he was five, as well as sympathize. I was about 2-3 when I did something similar. Mine was a long hair pin. In short, I used it to pry the kid proof cover off, stuck the pin in, and zap! Didn’t want to do it again. I wasn’t harmed, but shocked.
Calhoune definitely did something that needs to be done more – normalizing disabled pets. I see so many lively “different” pets on Instagram and it makes me smile at how adept they are at overcoming their disabilities. We truly could learn from them on that note.
Since this is Love Inspired, there will be themes of the Christian faith present – characters seeking the Lord’s guidance, references to God, second chances, and forgiveness. It is also a clean read with no bad language or mentions of intimacy. There are also subtle and not preachy lessons the author conveys as well.
Fans of the author and the genre will want to add this to their library.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, or the other two books I have of hers.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Previous books in the series:
Publisher: Love Inspired (December 17, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335487905
ISBN-13: 978-1335487902
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“Can she come home to a place she’s never known?
Everyone remembers the kidnapped Alaskan baby…but they don’t know she’s returned home.
Sage Duncan is the only person in Owl Creek who knows her true identity: the missing Alaskan chocolate heiress. Now she’s returned to Alaska to learn about the family she was stolen from—without disclosing her identity. But keeping her deep secret from gorgeous town sheriff Hank Crawford is much harder than Sage thought…especially when she finds herself falling for him.”
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 21, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335488162
ISBN-13: 978-1335488169
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“His runaway bride is back… With twins!
The last person Gabriel Lawson expects to find in town is Rachel Marshall—especially with twin toddlers in tow. Gabriel refuses to risk his heart again on the woman who left him at the altar years ago. But working to renovate her mother’s house means he must spend time with Rachel and her adorable twins…and soon he can’t help but wish they were his family.”
Publisher: Love Inspired (September 29, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335488456
ISBN-13: 978-1335488459
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“Before he gives his heart…
he’ll have to forgive himself.
Returning to Owl Creek after years away, Braden North’s determined to help his best friend, Piper Miller, save her failing diner. But as they work to revitalize her business, Braden’s convinced he must hide the truth about a tragedy from their past…or risk losing Piper for good. If he can find the courage, might telling her everything make this Christmas a time for healing and forgiveness?”
Publisher: Love Inspired (February 23, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 133548874X
ISBN-13: 978-1335488749
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“Can this witness risk opening her heart
in her new Alaskan home?
Forced to reinvent herself in witness protection, Isabelle Sanchez begins working for an Alaskan chocolate company under the alias Ella Perez. Her new warmhearted town is a peaceful refuge—as is the company of chocolate empire heir Connor North. She may never be able to tell Connor the truth about her fresh start…but can they find love despite her secrets?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Married to her college sweetheart, she is raising two lovely daughters in Connecticut. A dog lover, she has one mini poodle named Copper and a black lab, Beau. Writing for the Love Inspired line is a dream come true. Working at home in her pajamas is one of the best perks of the job. Belle enjoys summers in Cape Cod, traveling, and reading.
She can be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellecalhounebooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellecalhoune/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelleCalhoune
Website: https://bellecalhoune.com/
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