Her Alaskan Return is such a good second chance at love story! It is also the beginning of a new series and the author did a great job of creating a community full of interesting characters whom I want to get to know better in future stories.

Autumn and Judah had a lot to work through, both together and on their own. Judah had lost a lot in the last few years. He had put distance between not only himself and the community, but also between himself and God. He was not handling his grief well. He began to return to life when Autumn came back to Alaska, however, he still had many emotional struggles to overcome.

I really liked these two characters together! They persevered and did the work they needed to do on themselves and on their relationship. It was fun to see them get their happily ever after. I look forward to returning to this series in the future.

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

I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. Both were dealing with loss in their own way and we're just looking to move on with their lives. Now that Autumn is back home Judah and her connection seems to have rekindled. But Autumn is holding a secret from the past and it's a bit complicated as they are dealing with big changes in their life. I really appreciate that the book had a clean Romance. I really enjoyed reading this laid back book with very little drama and enjoyed seeing how this book played out. Can't wait to see more from this author.

In Belle Calhoune’s Her Alaskan Return, the first installment in this inspirational contemporary romance series, this debut is light-hearted and uplifting by second chances, following your heart, and trusting your faith in God. For Autumn Hines, she returned to her hometown of Serenity Peak, Alaska, after a bitter divorce and a move from New York City. She hasn’t returned to Alaska in over a decade. But during a storm on her way home, she ran into her ex-boyfriend Judah Campbell, her former true love, and kept a secret from the truth on why they’ve broken up in the first place. Besides being divorced, she was also pregnant with her first child from her previous marriage. Their bittersweet reunion wasn’t off to a good start. For Judah, a widower, who continued to mourn the loss of his wife and son Zane, he blamed everyone for their untimely deaths. But he didn’t expect to see Autumn pregnant, and back home to Serenity Peak after all these years. As they started to help each other in the right direction, her journalism career and his passion for fishing, in spite of false allegations against him, they slowly rebuilt truth and faith in each other. As friends, things started to heat up between them with an ice-melting kiss and befuddled feelings. They slowly began to ignite that spark for a second chance for a future. But one thing stood in their way: Autumn’s reason why she broke up with him in the future. Would they believe in each other and let God lead the way to a road for newfound happiness?

This emotionally heartfelt inspirational contemporary romance will make you believe in second chances to find love. I instantly cared about Autumn and the baby she carried as a single mother. I also had compassion for Judah, who had lost so much in a blink of an eye, and wanted to regain his footing on the ground. I love the serendipitous location of Serenity Peak, Alaska, and its enchanted scenic settings for a small town. The theme of the story is to trust your feelings and give love a chance.

This compassionate, inspirational contemporary romance is a tear-jerker and heart-warming. I rated this book, four out of five stars for no reason. If you love an inspirational contemporary romance that makes you a believer in second chances with non-stop action, plenty of romantic drama, and lots of fiery sparks, check out Her Alaskan Return. This book is recommended for Hallmark Channel fans, and for fans of Colleen Coble and Kim Vogel Sawyer.

What an enjoyable read! I loved how much widowed fisherman Judah Campbell changes in this novel. And soon-to-be-single mom Autumn Hines has a tragic backstory as well, and she ends up with her greatest dream! Well-written sweet story.

Autumn is recently divorced after learning of her husband cheating on her. Autumn is pregnant and heading back to her hometown of Serenity Peaks Alaska where she feels she needs to be. Judah is a local fisherman who lost his son and wife in a tragic accident is somewhat of a loner. Autumn and Judah broke up some time ago. The two run into each and what they once felt for each other is still there and things are looking up for Judah. The thing is Autumn is keeping a secret from Judah. Years ago, she was informed that she couldn’t have children thinking that would be a deal breaker and that Judah wouldn’t want her.

How will Judah feel when he learns of the reason for the break up with Autumn, now the two have seen each other again is there a second chance for romance for Autumn and Judah?

I received and ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired Romance and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Author Belle Calhoune starts a brand new series with Her Alaskan Return, and she sure welcomes us to Serenity Peak with open arms!
Second chance romance is the name of the game here, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Autumn and Judah’s story.
Judah Campbell is a commercial fisherman, with the life flowing through his veins from the fishermen family members who came before him. Tragically he lost his wife and only child several years earlier. He’s still hurt and angry. He’s also bitter that some members of the town spread vicious rumors about his wife and what led to the accident. He’s decided the Lord left him completely on his own.
Autumn Hines, pregnant and recently divorced, is back home for good. She left Serenity Peak years earlier for a journalism career…or was it more than that? She and Judah thought they’d be together forever, but she left, and let him go. He’s never really understood why, and that’s because she’s been holding onto a secret for years.
Autumn is working on a story that intertwines with Judah’s livelihood. Can they work together? Can the Lord impart on her to be truthful to Judah? Can Judah open up his heart to the Lord’s healing, and to trusting Autumn again? Maybe, just maybe, Autumn is not only returning to a town. Maybe she’ll be able to return to Judah’s heart.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I’m already impatient for it, and I’m sure you will be, too!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

A quick and sweet story about second chances. After a diagnosis of infertility due to severe endometriosis, a long term relationship is severed. Each marry someone else and go on with life, putting the past behind them.

Flash ahead 12 years and divorce and deaths have affected them. Autumn returns to her home town, pregnant and alone. Judah is still reeling in grief over the loss of his wife and son. They reconnect and reminisce about the past renewing their friendship and eventually they fall back in love.

But when Autumn reveals the reason she broke up with him and moved to NY, will he be able to accept it and give her a second chance?

Although I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read several Belle Calhoune books a few years ago and enjoyed them immensely. But somehow, I lost track of her releases in the last five years, so when I saw this one was a Harlequin Love Inspired title and the first in an all-new series, I really wanted to read it as I truly enjoy several of the Love Inspired authors.

I’m a character girl, and whether or not I can connect with the main characters tends to really influence how much I like a title. Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with Autumn. My heart broke for Judah, and I could more than understand why he shut himself away from his community the way he did. But I honestly couldn’t grasp why Autumn would have dumped Judah without an explanation if she truly had been so in love with him years before. I know they were young, but if you’re considering marriage as they were, you’d at least talk things through, not simply ghost someone. So, I think I started the book not caring for her past, which continued to rub me the wrong way throughout most of the story. However, the author’s writing and ability to weave a good tale full of family, friends, and small-town feels kept me engaged, and I eventually resolved most of my issues with Autumn by the time the satisfying HEA rolled around.

Overall, Her Alaskan Return was a very entertaining story, but it wasn’t quite the unputdownable book I hoped for. I’m still a fan of Ms. Calhoune’s writing, though. There are many authors whose books I really enjoy, and not every one of those is a 5-star read for me, yet I don’t give up on their books. So, I’ll happily look forward to the next one she brings us in this series!

A romance to give you a warm feeling all over. First in a series, off to a wonderful start. Belle Calhoune has developed some great characters and set them in a realistically described Alaskan setting. I'll definitely be lookig for the next book and recommending this one to my reading circle of friends and family.

I’ve been reading Belle Calhoune for a couple of years now. In fact, she’s the only Harlequin Love Inspired author that I read. I’m not a fan of having God and religion crammed down my throat. I love Belle’s writing because she doesn’t do that with her stories. Her characters believe in God, and call on him from time to time, but deep down know that he has a plan for them even when they don’t see it or want to acknowledge it.

I discovered Belle halfway through her other Love Inspired series, Home to Owl Creek. I was excited to read Her Alaskan Return, which happens to be a seasoned romance, because it kicks off Belle’s new series, Serenity Peak. Like her Home to Owl Creek series, Serenity Peak takes place in a small Alaskan town. There might even be the possibility of the two series having cross-over characters. In Her Alaskan Return, Judah Campbell and Autumn Hines are given a second chance at love after a twelve-year breakup where they’ve experienced love, divorce, a surprise pregnancy, and the deaths of a spouse and child.

I found Autumn and Judah to be likable characters. Of course, Autumn rubbed me the wrong way, with her telling Judah how he should feel or what he should do, after losing his family so suddenly. But I get that her heart was in the right place. Honestly, I think my saying I liked Judah is the understatement of the year. Belle really put Judah through the wringer with this story. For what seemed like more than half the book, he was in turmoil, never really knowing which way was up or down. I found him to be relatable and genuine. You can definitely see the love they have for each other. Belle has written some wonderful heartfelt scenes, one of them being the confession of love.

I know this series just got started, but I am really looking forward to returning to Serenity Peak, Alaska. There are a couple of characters I can’t wait to have stories written about.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“God worked in mysterious ways.”

“People didn’t change who they were at their core.”

“There’s no one way to grieve.”

“Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.”

“Sometimes life was so complicated.”

“Where there was love anything was possible.”

“I’m still a work in progress.”

“You’re worthy of every happiness this world had to offer.”

“We have to seize happiness when it’s within reach.”

I find Harlequin books to be good palate cleansers. Since it’s been a while since I read a Love Inspired title, and wanted to give Belle Calhoune another try. So, I picked up Belle’s latest, Her Alaskan Return.

This was a sweet, second-chance romance. Autumn and Judah dated when they were younger. After Autumn received life-changing news, she broke up with Judah and moved away from their hometown. Now she’s back, and the two can’t seem to avoid each other.

Her Alaskan Return wasn’t a bad book. The romance was well-developed, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I had a hard time believing their romance. And I never thought I’d say this, but for an inspirational romance, it was very light on the “inspiration.” It was there, with a few mentions of faith here and there, but it definitely wasn’t forefront, which confused me. Not to say I wanted to be bashed over the head with preachiness, but I expected faith to be more central in the story.

Her Alaskan Return is an easy read and the first in a new series. The writing is solid, except for a very “recappy” epilogue. I didn’t feel engaged in the story and was left wanting regarding the faith aspect. If you enjoy sweet contemporary romances, this might be the book for you.

I enjoyed it. It's got sweetness and second chances, a baby and a secret!
“Judah made her think of things she hadn’t thought of in over a decade. And he made her feel guilty about the secret that had ended their relationship. Back in New York it had been easy to cast her lie of omission to the side and pretend as if it had never happened. But now that she was back in Serenity Peak and close to Judah, the lie was weighing heavily on her every time she gazed into his soulful blue eyes.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is a sweet second chance romance set in beautiful Alaska. Autumn Hines, and Judah Campbell have a past that may destroy any second chance that they could have. Autumn and Judah must learn to trust God and forgive to possibly have a future. I enjoyed getting to know the town and Autumn and Judahs families. This is a well written book with a nice plot. If you enjoy Christian fiction romance you will enjoy this book. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

A story of doing what you think is for the best
With faith and love at its heart, but put to the test.
A heartwarming story of a romance
Given at last a second chance.

Autumn Hines left Alaska for years
Leaving her ex boyfriend - and her - in tears.
He never knew the true reason why,
Instead back then she chose to lie.

Now she's back, and pregnant, too,
He's widowed and grieving, what should she do?
As fate throws the two together once more
Can they the attraction still between them ignore?

After years away, she's returning home
No more is she planning to roam.
Instead she's determined to settle here
With her family and old friends so near.

Coping with grief and loss is never easy to do
And Judah has a lot that he's been through.
Can the return of his first love help him to heal,
But what will the hidden secrets reveal?

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Her Alaskan Return is a clean second chance romance. It is the first book in the Serenity Peak series.
The characters are so lovely and engaging.
The setting of Alaska was perfect.
If you enjoy reading storylines about second chances, pick up this book!

A sweet second chance romance. A nice start to a new series. I look forward to more romances in Serenity Peak, Alaska. Maybe Autumn's sister. Or how about the deputy? Obviously, I am eager to read about any of the characters. Pleasant entertainment. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I always enjoy Belle Calhoune’s books and this one did not disappoint. A clean second chance romance set in Alaska with fascinating characters. I highly recommend this book.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Romance Love Inspired and will be released March 28, 2023. All opinions and words are my own.

Her Alaskan Return tells the story of second chance at love that involves Judah Campbell and Autumn Hines. It’s a moving story that lives up to the theme of this Serenity Peak series as an “uplifting story of faith, forgiveness and hope”. When the story opens, Autumn has returned to Serenity Peak, Alaska 5 months pregnant and divorced. Judah Campbell, a 4th generation Alaskan commercial fisherman lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. Judah and Autumn have history. Autumn broke up with Judah some 12 years ago and never told Judah why. There is a lot of healing, truth, and forgiveness that has to happen in this story. It is not until Chapter 13, a pivotal chapter, that “shadows of the past are overtaken by the emerging sunlight of the future”.
Her Alaskan Return is a sweet romance that you will enjoy.

Autumn and Judah's story is a sweet heartwarming second chance romance that is full of emotions. I loved the setting, the characters and how the author brought the book to life with her words. This is a beautifully written story that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

When I picked up this book, I expected it would follow the Hallmark-ish type romance formula, and just be set in Alaska, but this one turned out a bit different. Instead of boy meets girl and sparks fly, this one had the boy and girl (Judah and Autumn) as being a former couple and were deeply in love, girl dumped the boy because she was told she couldn't have children. Fast forward to 15 years later and this is where our story takes place, Autumn has just moved back to Alaska and is preparing to start over. Judah's wife and son were killed in a car crash and he just wants to stop. The chemistry is there, but there are so many obstacles.

It is a quick, fun read, I only wish there was a bit more of Alaska in the book because of my obsession, otherwise, this was a nice escape.