Josie's dream is to become a famous chef working in an elite restaurant with someone who can be a mentor to her. When she goes to Ponder, Alaska for a few months to work at a lodge, she meets Palmer, a swordsmith, and falls in love with him. She also makes friends with the lodge owners, a gluttonous man named Jack, and a woman who writes for a living. When Josie gets a job back home in Seattle at a prominent chef's new restaurant, she rejects Palmer's marriage proposal in order to further her career and go back to live with her mother. Will Josie's dream job be all she expects it to be, or will her heart win out?
I liked this book, but I thought the storyline and characters were on the weak side. I usually enjoy Debbie Macomber's books, but I was disappointed because this book didn't really seem like a Christmas story to me. Most of the characters were hard to like, Palmer's attitude from time to time annoyed me, and Jack's constant obsession with food seemed excessive. That being said, I enjoyed the Alaskan setting, and the descriptions of the landscape made me want to go visit Alaska. There were some funny moments, and the light subject matter was a welcome break from the intense books I've read lately. It was a cute story with a nice ending, and I believe many people will enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

ALASKAN HOLIDAY, the latest novel by best-selling author Debbie Macomber, is a heartwarming, sweet romance which will have even die-hard city girls wanting to move to the Alaskan wilderness. It’s a quick read with delightful characters, and like all Debbie Macomber novels, it would make a great Hallmark movie.

Josie Avery just graduated from culinary school and has already snagged her dream job: sous-chef in a new Seattle restaurant working under renowned chef Douglas Anton. The restaurant won’t be ready for several months, so Josie takes a summer job cooking in a lodge in Ponder, a small village in the Far North of Alaska. She enjoys the freedom she has to try new things in the kitchen, and she also enjoys the many different people she has met, especially master swordsmith Palmer Saxon. As much as she likes her life in Ponder, she can’t wait to get back to start her new career in Seattle at the end of the season.

Palmer Saxon has always lived in Ponder and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Ponder is full of outdoorsmen and women are scarce, and he knew that Josie was the one for him the minute he met her. After spending most of their free time together throughout the summer, Palmer realizes he can’t bear to let Josie go back to Seattle. With the inept encouragement of Jack, another die-hard Ponderite, Palmer proposes to Josie. While things don’t go exactly as he had hoped, fate steps in to give him another chance. Is there a chance that Josie could be happy living with him in Ponder? She may have no choice.

Palmer and Josie are both very likeable, well-written characters. It’s easy to gain insight into their personalities and their emotions because each chapter is written in the first person, alternating viewpoints from Palmer to Josie. The wonderful secondary characters add depth and texture, especially grumpy old Jack who wants Josie to stay in Ponder just to cook for him!

I enjoyed getting to know Ponder, the small town that is accessible only by ferry and seaplanes. It’s a way of life completely foreign to me, but the author makes it intriguing and romantic. From the northern lights to the various wildlife, experiencing the Far North of Alaska has been added to my bucket list. I do think, however, that I’ll skip the moose stroganoff!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Josie Avery was from Seattle and had gone to Ponder, Alaska for the summer to work as a chef in a lodge there before starting her big internship as a sous chef for a famous chef in Seattle. She had her life all planned out and then she met Palmer Saxon who lived in Ponder and had no intention of moving to the city, EVER. Palmer fell in love with Josie and wanted her to be his wife but when he waited until the day before she was to leave for Seattle to ask her to marry him, he upset the apple cart. Josie didn't want to live in Ponder. It was isolated and had few amenities and comforts of a less remote location. She did have feelings for Palmer but they just weren't enough to want to give up her plans. Right?

This story was beautifully woven. You began to see that some times love wins and the things you think you can't give up are the things that don't matter so much when the one you love is the most important thing in your life. This was a clean romantic story about patience and romance and understanding and love. I cheered for Palmer and Josie. Palmer was such a good man who just wanted Josie to be happy, while silently hoping and praying that she would choose him.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my review.

Another wonderful novel by Debbie Macomber. I always look forward to the holiday stories the most and this was no exception. If you are looking for a light-hearted read to put you in the spirit this is a must read!

Head to Alaska in another wonderful story from Debbie Macomber. Alaskan Holiday is perfect for this time of year and will give you tons of warm and cozy feels. No one spins a holiday story like Debbie Macomber and this one gives a great glimpse of life in the Alaskan wilderness. The story line and characters are not ones you will soon forget.....especially, Jack!! :)

Ballantine Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Alaskan Holiday. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Josie Avery has a life plan, one that does not include falling in love. Her future is in Seattle, but will a temporary job as a lodge chef in a small Alaskan town open her eyes to different possibilities?

Palmer Saxon was raised in a tiny town above the Arctic Circle with his sister Alicia. His life consists of crafting swords and surviving the Alaskan wilderness, so romance is far from his mind. Will meeting Josie change his future?

Debbie Macomber is known for her clean romances with well drawn characters and Alaskan Holiday is more of the same. A quick read, this relatively short novel is the type of book that readers can use to escape a harsh winter's day. Although there is nothing wrong with the book, there is nothing that stands out about the plot or the characters. Alaskan Holiday is light and fluffy, like newly fallen snow. Readers who are looking for a feel-good story, one that would be at home on the Hallmark channel as a made for television movie, will probably like Alaskan Holiday. It was just an average read for me, as its fairy tale like quality really had no basis in reality.

A nice, light, easy, typical DM read.

Josie is fresh out of culinary school and has been hired by a well known chef to be sous chef for the new restaurant he is opening in a couple months in Seattle. In the meantime, she decides to head to Ponder, AK where she is the chef at the local lodge. There she meets Palmer, a local who makes custom swords. Here enters the typical DM storyline.....they meet, the fall in love, they separate, they get back together. In between all of that is more of what we love and expect from DM, the good ole tugging of your heart strings.

Worth picking up! Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2573459670

Debbie Macomber's books are like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day; warm, cozy, and comfortable. This recent novel by Macomber' will not disappoint her fans. It's a sweet story with likeable characters that reads quickly. It's a perfect book for the Christmas season.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Debbie Macomber for the opportunity to read her latest work. As with all her books, this is a sweet tale and enjoyable read.

While waiting for her dream job as a chef in Seattle, Josie takes a job cooking at a lodge in a very remote Alaskan town. She enjoys the town and people more than she thought she would, especially Jack, a sort of father figure who loves Josie's cooking, and Palmer, a quiet swordmaker who falls quickly in love with Josie. When Josie misses the last boat out of town before winter, she is devastated that she may lose her job opportunity but still conflicted about her feelings for Palmer.

Just a quick, enjoyable read from the master of these type stories - descriptions of the hearty souls who live in remote Alaska are pretty amazing too!

Another Debbie Macomber hit! I love the easy cadence of Ms. Macomber's writing. The characters are likeable and you find yourself routing for them! A great way to spend a quiet evening!

I finished Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber last night. It was just the right amount of romance that I needed in between heavier reads.
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I’d recommend this book to a reader like my mom. 🤗 She loves Hallmark Channel movies and doesn’t want the books she reads to be sad at all. Just a light, feel-good read.
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet live story. The story is predictable. The characters are solid, this is a good read for anyone looking for a break from life's demands. It's a safe comforting love storey. No surprises, just enjoyment.

Josie has spent the past six months in Ponder, Alaska cooking at the town's lodge while waiting for her dream job to begin in Seattle with Chef Anton. A position others in her culinary school class would have loved to had. What Josie did not expect was to fall in love with the town and a particular young bachelor, Palmer, the local swordsmith. The night before she is to leave, Palmer tries to propose. Even if Palmer had been more romantic with his proposal Josie was still not going to stay. She has worked too hard to get her dream position. After missing the last ferry leaving Ponder for the season, Josie blames Palmer for her situation. In order to save what is left of their relationship Palmer finds a sea-tac plane leaving in a couple of weeks. When Josie gets to Seattle she realizes she left her heart in Ponder. Can Josie and Palmer find a way to both be happy and be together?

I can't start celebrating Christmas reading until I have read a Debbie Macomber Christmas story. Macomber has a knack for making one believe in love and happily ever afters especially around Christmas. I appreciate she can show love at its finest in a clean way. She doesn't feel the need to have sex scenes sully the beauty of true love.

This is the perfect book to grab on a cold, blustery Sunday afternoon while sitting in front of the Christmas tree sipping peppermint cocoa. It is the perfect length to read in one sitting.

I received a complimentary copy from Randon House Publishing through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber was a lovely romance novel that reminds you how precious love can be.

Josie Avery, a recent graduate from cooking school, has spent the summer in Alaska. Her job to cook in a very remote location is just for the summer. She is loving her adventure, using local foods and cooking for townspeople and visitors alike. She has a new job coming up in Seattle for a famous chef. She is excited about starting her new life in Seattle, but she really likes Palmer.

Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith works in the remote Alaskan wilderness. He can build swords anywhere, but the wilderness and quiet of Alaska speaks to him. He is entranced with Josie, walking with her every night. He is falling in love with Josie.

Palmer screws up his courage and asks Josie to marry him. She is quite mixed and saddened, but refuses because staying in Alaska is not her dream. And that is when things get quite interesting! Suffice to say, not everything that happens is expected.

Alaska Holidays by Debbie Macomber was a fun, sweet read.

Sometimes you just need an easy, cozy story and an inviting setting is a bonus!

My husband and I honeymooned in Alaska. If you’ve been there, too, you know why I’m drawn to anything that brings back a memory of it. Macomber’s Alaskan Holiday takes place in a remote and rustic lodge on a lake.

Josie Avery is a sous chef, and she’s been hired to work at a fancy Seattle restaurant, but just before she starts, she decides to spend a summer cooking at a lodge in Alaska. There she makes friends with two men, Jack Corcoran and Palmer Saxon.

She and Palmer grow especially close, but Josie keeps in the back of her mind she’ll be leaving soon. Palmer has other plans and wants to marry her.

Josie is not able to return to Seattle because of poor timing for the last boat out before winter, and she may lose her dream job.

The holidays are extra magical in this small Alaskan town and a sweet story evolves for Josie and Palmer.

Easy, breezy writing, a cozy and warm setting, the magical time of Christmas, and a couple looking to find love; Alaskan Holiday is a charming story from one of the most reliable authors out there, and this was just the type of palate cleanser I needed before I jump back in to some heavier reads.

Thanks to Random House/Ballantine for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

I regularly read all Debbie Macomber’s books as they come out. In case you are wondering, this is a typical Macomber book. However, it is not an earth-shattering, or actually very interesting, story. Prior to starting a job, a well-known chef’s new restaurant in Seattle, Josie Avery agrees to taking a summer position at a resort in the isolated Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie comes to enjoy the rural quietness of the small town, as well as the locals. Among those to whom Josie takes a fancy are Jack Corcoran the man who holds the sourdough starter for the town, and Palmer Saxon, a well-known master swordsman. Though other townsfolk wander in and out of the tale, the story centers around these three, as far as Ponder is concerned. During her stay in Ponder, Josie and Palmer become sort of an “item” in the town. When Josie is leaving, Palmer, in his own tongue-tied, stumbling way, proposes to her. However, Josie turns him down because the job at the Seattle restaurant is just too good to by-pass, Still, fate has other ideas, as Josie misses the last ferry out of town and thus must try to find her own way out of town or settle in for Ponder’s long, cold, isolated winter. All is not lost, as Palmer tells Josie about a friend who flies in and out periodically, who can probably help Josie out with a lift to the nearest town where she can get a plane to Seattle. Once in Seattle, Josie settles not her job at the new restaurant, but finds it is not what she thought it would be. Both she and Palmer continue their relationship, talking and discussing what is going on in their lives almost daily—which only serves to bring them closer and closer. How to fix the situation? Well, this young couple figures out ways, each one setting off to try to make things work in his/her own manner.

The story was well written, but predictable from the start. In fact, there was little in the story that was not predictable. I like the two main characters, Josie and Palmer, but especially thought Jack gave the book the extra oomph is needed to salvage it from utter failure. I think the fact that it was so well written, with good characterization and definite chemistry between Palmer and Josie is the main reason I kept reading. I have enjoyed all of Debbie Macomber’s books, some more than others, but this one just did not cut it much for me. Personally, I think it could easily have been a much shorter novella, which might have helped. The story flowed well, but definitely along familiar romance novel lines. It seemed even the stumbling blocks the pair encountered along the way to togetherness were not earth-shattering and definitely not new. The time frame was the Christmas holidays, though there was very little else about this season in the book. This is a good book for Debbie Macomber’s avid followers, though I am afraid they, like me, might find it a bit trite and not all that interesting. Still it is probably worth the time, if you like Debbie Macomber’s books. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

A fun little read up to a small town just as winter is setting in. Debbie Macomber always has a way of showing what you think you might like and remind you of all the things that didn't seem so important might be what truly feels like home. What a cozy read, Thank You Netgally for this opportunity!

Debbie Macomber has written a charming story of Josie, a trained chef who is spending the summer in Alaska before she starts her dream job in Seattle as a sous-chef in a new restaurant. She has made friends with many and fallen in love with Palmer, a master swordsmith and native to Alaska. She is torn between her desire to be a chef and her love for Palmer. Ms Macomber had never disappointed.

Josie Stewart takes on a cooking position for 6 months. She falls in love with The community but that’s not what her plan is. She wants to work in a top notch restaurant in Washington. But one Alaskan man Palmer Saxon makes her think to stay in Alaska or not.
Another wonderful romance by Debbie Macomber.

I love Debbie Macomber! Always such a sweet read! Another holiday hit, I couldn’t put it down! mrs, a miracle has always been a fan favorite and this book is right up there with it