Member Reviews

Their Alaskan Past was a great second chance at love story! I really felt for both Ace and Maya. The feelings they had for each other years earlier came roaring back when they started working together again to establish a dog rescue operation in their community.

Only Maya knew the reason she had broken Ace’s heart in the past. That secret stood between them for most of the story and I thought Maya grew a lot in her understanding that perhaps she hadn’t made the correct decision years earlier. She had her reasons, but she now felt very badly about how that reasoning had hurt Ace and kept even her family in the dark for years. I was happy when she finally opened up to those people who were important to her and I liked watching these two finally find their way back to each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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"Electrifying. Thrilling. They had truly shared a genuine love story."

Five years ago, Maya Roberts and Ace Reynolds were the “it” couple of Owl Creek, Alaska. Things changed for these two when Maya unexpectedly and without giving a reason ended things with Ace. She went to vet school in Seattle, Washington and Ace went on to put all of himself into being the best Iditarod racer he could be. During the last five years, the two haven’t seen or spoken to each other once. Now both find themselves back in Owl Creek. Maya has recently taken over her father’s vet practice. Ace has returned after ending his highly successful racing career after a horrific accident.

A follow-up appointment for Ace’s beloved dog Luna leads him to Dr. Roberts’s vet clinic. Ace is shocked to discover Maya has replaced her father at the clinic. Neither expected to see each other and both are out of sorts by the unexpected face-to-face. Maya uses the opportunity to offer Ace a job as coordinator for the new Owl Creek Dog Rescue she’s been trying to start. Eventually, Ace reluctantly agrees. Working together almost daily brings back memories of the good times and love they once shared. It also brings back past hurts and resentment. When Maya and Ace decide to give their relationship another chance, she knows that the only way to truly move forward is to be honest about the past. But that past is full of secrets that can destroy everything they’re working to build.

Their Alaskan Past by Belle Calhoune is the fifth book in her Home to Owl Creek series. This is a standalone read, however, readers of the series get cameos from past characters. At the beginning of the book, Belle has a note to readers, where she gives a little more information on this couple. I loved that Ace and Maya are so evenly matched. Honestly, it's pretty hard for me to think of another couple that is like two pieces to a puzzle. They fit and are equals. These two have this incredible love that even time doesn't stop. I'm becoming a sucker for second-chance romances, especially when I know that neither party really wanted to end things or they ended things as a way to save themselves from something.

What I like if not love about Belle and her writing of this series is that religion isn't crammed down your throat. You're able to look inward and put yourself in the characters' shoes. I kind of like that. Maya and Ace have real-life challenges that at some point in time, to some degree, we all have had or experienced.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Not all prayers are answered the way we hope they’ll be. It doesn’t mean He isn’t listening, even though it might feel like it.”

“That’s the cool thing about life. We never know what’s coming around the corner.”

“That’s a parent’s job, to weather the storms with our children.”

“It’s hard to judge people by their worst moments.”

“The thing about true love, it endures.”

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If you follow dog rescue posts on Instagram or have a favorite dog who's survived an accident or health issue, you will immediately be drawn into the lives of veterinarian Maya and her former love Iditarod racer Ace as they work to create a rescue for dogs - all while fighting a renewal of feelings for each other. A beautiful setting, compassionate characters and a lovely reunion romance make this the perfect read when you need a vacation from the stresses of real life. Why not take a trip to Owl Creek, follow Maya and Ace's story and maybe consider adopting a pup .

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Their Alaskan Past is part of Belle Calhoune’s Owl Creek series from Love Inspired.

I love Alaska-set stories, especially if they involve sled dogs. This one does that and more! Maya and Ace are very real characters. Complex, with good sides and sharp ones. Reading about how they attempt to overcome their past in order to start the rescue shelter for abandoned dogs kept me turning the pages.

If you enjoy stories about dogs, especially sled dogs, then this is a wonderful read!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

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A fun and unique look at second chance romance. Ace and Maya have been apart for five years, but one look and the old feelings come right back to live. I love second chance romance, and this book does an incredible job. Their Alaskan Past takes a look at how even when you're trying to save someone's feelings, they're still getting hurt. Maya left out a critical detail about why she broke things off with Ace, and her actions changed how he viewed everything about their history. This book offers a powerful glimpse into how much two people can overcome past hurts and heartaches. Their faith and the way they now approach life brought the story to life. I enjoyed the author's writing style and how she took me on an adventure through Alaska. I especially loved Maya's dog rescue and the love and commitment Ace shows.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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Ace is back home after an accident that ended up having his dog loose a leg. He's really shook up about this and is back in his hometown now looking for a job. Maya is the town veterinarian taking over her fathers job and trying to run a side dog rescue. Last thing she expected was to offer Ace the job of running the dog rescue for her since he is experienced with job and the last thing she expected was for him to take up her offer.

This was a pretty quick enjoyable read. I love a good book that includes a second chance at romance. I mean Ace was still pretty upset with how things ended between the two never really having closure since it was what seemed to be randomly ended by Maya. Maya never told Ace or her family a big secrets that she was hiding and it seems to be coming back to bit her especially after a few curious symptoms and Ace being back in town. It was interesting seeing what happened to break up the two and what would happen if Ace found out. I mean she really was trying to do what she felt was best for everyone around her. I liked the connection of these two and really couldn't help but root for them. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

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Maya Roberts is a veterinarian trying to get an animal rescue off the ground. When her ex-boyfriend shows up, she offers him the job. But, can Ace get over their past? Can everyone get over all the secrets?

This is a fast paced, short romance with a wonderful setting. Now, it is a bit “too sweet” and a bit predictable. But I did get lost in this tale and I finished it in one sitting. So, it is perfect for a short flight or car ride.

I adored the characters, especially Ace. He is struggling to find his way. Add in the wonderful Alaska setting and these great animals and I was hooked!

Need a sweet, quick read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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This is a Clean Second Chance Romance, and this is the 5th book in the Home to Owl Creek series. I liked the characters in this book, but I felt the romance fell short it was just flat. The characters did not talk to each other at all. The dogs in the book was my favorite part. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Belle Calhoune) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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Their Alaskan Past is the 5th book in Belle Calhoune’s Home to Owl Creek series. It can be read as a standalone title, though. I have only read this one book in the series and had no issues keeping track of the backstory, the plot, or the relationships between the major and minor characters. I’m always a sucker for a good second-chance romance, and there was a lot of hurt (separate and with each other) and misunderstanding for Maya and Ace to work through. With themes of truth, forgiveness, love, and family, it’s a heartwarming story that was entertaining, emotional, and page-turning. If you’re in the market for a clean, sweet, second-chance romance, this book may be right up your alley.

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Has a great premise, but I was totally thrown for a loop by the bombshell of why they broke up. Not posting out of respect for other readers, but why would you include something so potentially triggering without any mention of it in the marketing?

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Maya returns home after Veterinary school to work with her dad and take over the practice upon his retirement. She's kept a secret from close friends and family which comes back to haunt her.

Ace comes home after a major crash in the Iditarod to soothe his soul and conscience. Maya broke up with Ace 5 years ago with no explanation. Now she's offering him a job in her new grant funded dog rescue venture.

Can they come to terms with the past and work together to make the dog rescue venture a success? You're going to want to read it to find out. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, second chances, and above all truth and family.

I received a Free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

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If you are looking for a great inspirational, uplifting and sweet romance, I recommend THEIR ALASKAN PAST. Maya Robert’s and Ace Reynolds are featured in this story, Book 5 of the Owl Creek Series. Second chances at love, relationships and life drive the storyline.
What happened between Maya and Ace 5 years ago is a critical plot point. Maya and Ace were lovers when Naya fled Owl Creek, and settled in another state without telling Ace or her parents the reason why. Now, after 5 years, Maya is back in Owl Creek to take over her father’s Vet business. Ace also has his own issues because he is back in Owl Creek after an outstanding Iditarod career that ended tragically.
I like how the author resolved the conflicts that the main characters faced. Speaking of. Characters, she also imports some of the main characters from other books in this series as side characters.
THEIR ALASKAN PAST is all about forgiveness, faith , and love.. they are key elements in this inspiring story.

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Alaskan Second Chance Romance
This is a sweet, clean, and faith-filled romance. The setting is coastal Alaska. She is a Veterinarian and he is a former sled racer. There is a lot of dog action in this book. The book has an abundance of fluff and is not realistic in many areas, but it is fun. I could tell that this story was part of a series by the references made to other couples, but it stands alone quite nicely. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

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When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

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What's not to love about a second chance romance set in Alaska involving a Veterinarian and an Iditarod racer and Huskies. I think its the perfect combination for a sweet romance. Because who doesn't love huskies..

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