Between The Pages - Lights, Camera, Christmas Town

Lights, Camera, Christmas Town

Anna J. Stewart, Beth Carpenter, Cari Lynn Webb, Cheryl Harper, Leanne Bristow, Liz Flaherty, Melinda Curtis, and Tanya Agler 

October 2023 

What could make the holidays in Christmas Town even more magical? The arrival of a TV movie’s cast and crew to recreate one of their most beloved couple’s happily ever after! 

The snow is falling, the chestnuts are roasting, and Posey’s peppermint pies can’t keep up with demand! But there’s also mischief afoot as filming begins. Someone keeps sneaking Elmer the Elf into scenes, the town is buzzing with romantic gossip, and the Knotty Elves once again turn their creative endeavors from knitting to helping others find true love. 

Between The Pages 

Eight stories by eight different authors, yet the reading is smooth and connected. The plot is surrounded by a movie filmed in Christmas Town. New and old characters are spotlighted, each interesting and well-developed. The Knotty Elves are key to each story. The stories have a mixture of humor, drama, and lots of romance. This collection of stories is perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Alaskan Family Thanksgiving

An Alaskan Family Thanksgiving 

Beth Carpenter 

October 2022 

His task was simple… 

Until he met her. 

Adam Lloyd has one job: revitalize the newly acquired failing seniors’ apartment complex in picturesque Palmer, Alaska, by Thanksgiving. Falling for vivacious activities director Sunny Galloway and having his love of photography reawakened by her precocious daughter wasn’t part of his plan. His failure would mean eviction for the tight-knit residents and unemployment for Sunny. But even if he succeeds, he can’t stay in Palmer—can he? 

Between The Pages 

Book ten in the Northern Lights series is a sweet and heartwarming romance. The cast is entertaining with Adam and Sunny, Sunny’s adorable daughter, and the Mat Mates. They even have a Scrooge type of character who turns out to be a kind soul and helps save the day. There is a true sense of community within the senior’s residence that warms the heart. The story reads at a good pace but fuels heavy emotion during a crisis. Be sure to have a tissue or two nearby because those scenes are so endearing, you’ll smile and shed a tear at the same time. If you’re looking for a book to read on a lazy afternoon, I highly recommend this one. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Alaskan Family Found

An Alaskan Family Found

Beth Carpenter 

June 2022 

A temporary summer arrangement… 

Or their new forever? 

Alaskan peony farmer Caleb DeBoer can barely keep up with the weeds—let alone his willful teen daughter and being short-staffed at the start of wedding season. Luckily, sunny counselor Gen Rockford could really use a summer job and a place for her girls to live. Now what began as the perfect solution for Gen and Caleb is transforming into one unforgettable summer. But will one little secret ruin it all? 

Between The Pages 

I’m happy to be visiting Alaska again within the Northern Lights series. This story was captivating from the first chapter. The cast of characters are charming, from Caleb and Gen to Caleb’s daughter and Gen’s daughters. There’s even a dog named Thor and two delightful kittens, which appear on the beautiful cover. As a fan of flowers, having a plot set around a peony farm was fun and interesting. You could almost smell the flowers. This second chance story is filled with heartwarming emotions. There’s even a surprising twist when an adoption record is found. I’m staying in Alaska for a while and looking forward to reading book ten, An Alaskan Family Thanksgiving. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Alaskan Homecoming

An Alaskan Homecoming 

Beth Carpenter 

May 2021 

“Ever after” wasn’t the plan… 

Until now! 

Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband! 

Between The Pages 

Some might think that by book eight a series would start to fizzle out, but that is not the case with The Northern Lights. Rowan and Zach hold their own in another great read. The story line is well-written and captivating. The wildlife rehabilitation hooked me right away, as did Zach, the irresistible veterinarian. I enjoyed watching the attraction grow between Rowan and Zach through their fake marriage. The scenes with Zach’s little sister are heartwarming. The added mystery of a missing will is a surprising and enjoyable plot twist. And the adorable goats are back! The author has created a stunning visual within the pages of this series. I can’t wait to return to Alaska! 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Alaskan Family Christmas

An Alaskan Family Christmas

Beth Carpenter 

November 2020 

A little mix-up… 

Could make her Christmas wonderful! 

Natalie Weiss is mortified. After mistaking handsome Tanner Rockford for his cousin, she’s followed him to rural Alaska. Now she’s stranded—until Tanner invites her to spend Christmas with his family in their rustic, cozy cabin. But in this idyllic winter wonderland, Natalie discovers the family she’s never had…and the love she never knew she needed. But what happens when they all discover why she’s really there? 

Between The Pages 

Another great read in the Northern Lights series. Book seven wraps up Christmas with a sweet romance. Again, the author gives us a dreamy hero. Tanner is charming. Not only does he give Natalie a place to stay after she follows him off the train, but he also welcomes her into his family and helps her find his cousin. The story is beautiful written, and the setting is magical. With a secondary cast of Tanner’s relatives and Natalie’s friend, the story moves effortlessly from page to page. There’s a lot of fun in this book with playing in the snow, decorating the Christmas tree, and staring at the colours in the sky. This story makes you want to spend Christmas in Alaska in a warm cabin in the woods. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Alaskan Dreams

Alaskan Dreams

Beth Carpenter

May 2020 

The dream she wants 

The love she found

Lauren Shepherd has traded her hectic office job for a quiet life working on an elderly friend’s farm. Risking everything to move to Alaska might just be the perfect opportunity for her—if Lauren can convince handsome and fiercely protective Patrick O’Shea that she’s not swindling his grandmother. But when financial troubles threaten her dream, Lauren and Patrick unite in a hunt for a legendary treasure…only to discover something between them more precious than gold. 

Between The Pages 

Book six in the Northern Lights series is so much fun. The story line is captivating from beginning to end. The goats are adorable and create many laugh-out-loud moments. The author gives us another captivating hero in Patrick O’Shea. He is the perfect hero. Lauren has an emotional background, but entering a friendship with Patrick’s grandmother leads to a brighter future. Speaking of Patrick’s grandmother, Bonnie adds so much to this story as do her friends. And, as if this story couldn’t get better with mischievous goats and a touching romance, there’s a mystery to be solved on the Now and Forever Farm for Bradley’s Heart. This you-won’t-want-to-put-it-down book is a must read.

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Sweet Home Alaska

Sweet Home Alaska

Beth Carpenter

July 2019 

Some sparks last forever. 

But once burned… 

World traveler Dr. Scott Willingham is known for being calm and levelheaded—except where Volta Morgan is concerned. In the ten years since they parted, Scott still can’t forget her. Now he’s come to Alaska to find Volta and finally let her go, only to find their attraction is stronger than ever. Can Scott leave her behind one last time…or has he truly found a place to call home? 

Between The Pages 

The fifth book in the Northern Lights series is a hit. Volta is another great character we have seen within this series. Her story is a second chance at love. I liked Scott right away. His character is captivating, and he is perfect for Volta…and her daughter, Emma…who is adorable. This little girl lights up the pages. One of my favourite scenes is when Volta lashes out at her sister-in-law, which unleashes her inner mama bear. And there are horses! There are so many heartwarming scenes in this story, but the scenery is overall breathtaking. The author once again places you in the setting of beautiful Alaska, which is now on my list of places I want to visit. I am staying in Alaska for a while with Alaskan Dreams book six. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - An Alaskan Proposal

An Alaskan Proposal

Beth Carpenter 

January 2019 

Can he teach her survival skills— 

without endangering his heart? 

When Sabrina Bell taps Leith Jordan for a crash course in conquering the great Alaskan outdoors, he figures he’s on safe ground. They’re polar opposites and his spectacular home state’s just a pit stop for the hotshot fashionista. So no one’s more surprised than Leith when he starts falling for her. Now he’s a man with a plan: get Sabrina to fall in love with Alaska…and, hopefully, with him.  

Between The Pages 

This was such an enjoyable story. I was hooked at chapter one. Sabrina and Leith are the cutest couple and their budding romance was fun to read. The plot is not only engaging; it’s a learning tool in camping, fishing, and wildlife. As with the previous books in this series, the author places the reader in a breathtaking setting. This story will make you smile and laugh. As a dog person, the two adorable dogs were an additional bonus to the story line. Camping, fishing, and attending a wedding with the characters from the first three books made this book a page-turner. I am looking forward to the next adventure in this must read series. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Alaskan Hideaway

Alaskan Hideaway 
Beth Carpenter
July 2018

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone

…but is it what he really wants? 

Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself? 

Between The Pages 
This heartwarming story is an emotional ride. Ursula raising her granddaughter, Rory, who has lost her parents, and Mac who is suffering his own traumatic grief. A slightly older couple, Ursula and Mac have great chemistry and their interaction steals every scene. The wintry visual draws you into the setting with added glimpses of the Northern Lights. There are several twists, making this book a page-turner. Will Ursula lose Rory and will Mac get justice? The story-line is so interesting; you won’t want to put the book down. The Northern Lights Series is fast becoming one of my favourites.

Rating 
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - A Gift For Santa

A Gift For Santa 
Beth Carpenter
December 2017

It’s the season for giving…and starting over?

A reindeer farm without Santa wouldn’t be Christmas in Marissa Gray’s Alaskan hometown. Luckily Chris Allen’s there to pinch-hit, although for Marissa, seeing her ex-fiancé again brings back memories of what might have been. 

Ten years after their breakup, the feelings between the wildlife biologist and blue-eyed fisherman are stronger than ever. Only now there’s a foster kid in the mix, as well as the shocking crime that cost Marissa her job and her family’s security. She and Chris need to find their way to a meeting of minds and hearts to make this truly a season for second chances… 

Between The Pages 
This story not only takes place in the beautiful setting of Alaska, but even better on a reindeer farm. The author’s story-telling places you in the pages with a real visual picture that you’ll want to pat the reindeer. It was fun getting to know more about Chris, who was introduced in the first book in the Northern Lights Series. He took the lead in this story. His character is kind and forgiving, and he played the role of Santa with ease. When he connects with a foster child, the emotion packs a punch. Marissa has a lot going on with accusations of being part of a fraud scam, a missing ex, an ailing uncle, and running the family farm. This sweet story is filled with family, drama, some twists, and a bit of action, leading to a second chance for love and the beginning of new family.

Rating
4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - The Alaskan Catch

The Alaskan Catch 
Beth Carpenter
August 2017

Where life’s currents take you… 

Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It’s impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana’s no closer to finding the answers she came here for. 

Her brother’s best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He’s strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He’s also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana’s past… 

Between The Pages 
I just found out about the Northern Lights Series and wanted to start reading on the ground floor. Each book is a stand-alone title, but for me there’s nothing better than getting to know a new town and its characters from the beginning. The Alaskan Catch was a beautiful and emotional story. The author did a wonderful job placing me in the setting. The visual is breathtaking and interactive from the mountains, forests, wildlife, and riding the rapids. Dana and Sam are perfect for each other and their romance is so sweet. The additional characters are equally enjoyable, especially Dana’s brother, Chris, who could star in his own story. The plot includes a dramatic family twist that drew me into the story. I can’t wait to emerge further into this series.

Rating 
4.5 Stars