As it began, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The tone was flat and the narrator was equally monotone. However, I came to deeply care for the characters, the struggle of starting a homestead in the Alaskan wilderness, and that stoic tone was deeply reflective of the lifestyle. The drama unfolded slowly with the challenges and trauma. Everything is life and death and could not possibly be written or read in the alarming and shocking way it unfolded.

The pacing of the couple getting to know one another was also appropriately slow, despite being alone together constantly. I liked the way they grew to love each other, their land, and their home, despite the stark isolation. It felt both authentic and believable. Generosity was given when someone broke down, and it was inspiring to see such humanity.

For a historical novel, I wasn't often aware of the 70-ish-year disparity between the story and now, and I'd imagine quite a bit would transpire much the same today if someone were to grab a large parcel of Alaskan land and build a life there. It was interesting to learn what it was like in Alaska when it became a state, how it affected the indigenous people, and also the dynamic when women were oppressed and restricted in the 1950s.

Overall, this was endearing, sweeping, moving, and rugged. Like the characters. Like the land.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
So this book was different. Not in a bad way though. It was definitely a story of setting up a homestead in the wilderness of Alaska just as it was becoming a state. There were some very unrealistic parts and some brutally realistic ones.
I wish there been more to the story for the ending but it also felt like it sort of went on forever.
I did very much enjoy the narrator. She did a great job on this book.

I love stories set in Alaska and this looked interesting. Sadly, the book has such a sow pace I nearly gave up on it multiple times. Had I been reading instead of listening to the audiobook, I know I wouldn't have finished this one. As it was, I did slog though with a hope that something would eventually happen. Even a bear attack was told in such a boring manner, it was barely a blip.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a beautifully written book that I devoured in almost one sitting, the writing made me see Alaska in the 1950's and the narration was very well done.
The ending fell a little flat in my opinion after the wonderful journey it didn't seem finished but overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend it

Homestead has a great sense of place in its writing. I loved learning about homesteading and how Marie and Lawrence made it in Alaska. Overall, I enjoyed it, but the writing felt a little disjointed in its style at times

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Melinda Moustakis for providing me with a complimentary digital audiobook ARC for Homestead coming out February 28, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The story is set in Anchorage, Alaska in 1956. Marie and Lawrence fell in love with Moose Lodge at first sight. When they decide to marry, days later, they are more in love with the promise of homesteading. For Lawrence, his own 150 acres is an opportunity to finally belong in the world. For Marie, the land is an escape from the dark future she sees before her. But over the years, as they work the land in an attempt to secure a deed to their homestead, they must face more than they could ever imagine. They must put aside differences to work hard to create a home and family. As the Territory of Alaska moves toward statehood and change, can Marie and Lawrence create something lasting, or will they fall apart trying? 

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this story! This was my first story by her. I liked the plot and it was easy to listen to. I think I had some different expectations though. I thought there would be more of a thriller or action plot. I had it in my mind that it was more of a survival story. I think it turned out to be more of a family story about starting new. I enjoyed the setting was in Alaska, but I was hoping to be more drawn in by the story.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys family dramas!

In 150 homesteading acres, Lawrence sees opportunity and in a quick marriage proposal from Lawrence, Marie sees a chance at a new life. Are those desires enough to help them and their marriage survive all the heartaches that come with this rugged, uncivilized land? Follow them as they find themselves in Alaska, 1956, before it has even found itself as a state.

This is a deeply moving and beautiful story about a wild land and a young couple who choose their fate by moving there. A slow paced and emotional recounting of the struggle to secure their life and start a family against all odds. Loved it!


The narrator, Ariel Blake, did a great job. Her performance of both male and female voices was pretty good though I liked her female voices better. She showed great emotion in her voices.

Thankyou to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.