Readers often ask me what inspired a book and that question has an entire wheelbarrow of answers. Each idea is unique. Each book’s origin comes from something that sparks an idea. In this instance it was from my work on the cookbook, DEBBIE MACOMBER’S TABLE, that inspired the idea of creating a sous chef with big dreams. Josie is my heroin in ALASKAN HOLIDAY and takes a job in a remote Alaskan town while she awaits her dream job back in Seattle. But then life throws her a curve ball when she falls in love and is faced with the decision to give up on her dream or leave it all behind for the man she loves. And of course, I threw in a few quirky characters to liven up the tale. I wanted to set the scenery for this book in Alaska because there is something special about the 49th state. In the 1990s while doing research for another book, Wayne and I discovered and visited a tiny northern Alaskan town called Bettles. I got to see first hand what a small artic community looks like. My hope is that you will not only fall in love with the characters in this book but also immerse yourself into the community, close your eyes and picture the northern lights.
9 Comments
Ruth Green
September 28, 2018 at 7:05 pmI love your stories but in this synopsis did you really want Josie to be your heroin? Maybe heroine? Thank you for all that you do
to help and encourage people to do their best and find a way through difficult times. You always look so happy!
Sandra Carrigan
September 29, 2018 at 5:07 pmRead you new blog…thought you’d like to know you misspelled the word Arctic…I grew up in Alaska and see that a lot.
Maureen vita
September 30, 2018 at 1:24 pmAbsolutely love your books. Cottage by the sea was wonderful. I am battling breast cancer and spend a lot of time resting and reading. You books have made the time much more enjoyable
Lori Frazier
October 3, 2018 at 5:21 pmI so love your novels! Currently reading Promise Texas. Plan to acquire both Cottage by the Sea and Alaskan Holiday soon. I have read all of the line of the Rose Arbor bed and breakfast and recently finished Any Dream Will Do. Then I realize how many more I still need to track down! Whew! Thank you!
Patricia Barraclough
October 3, 2018 at 10:19 pmThere are so many little towns and places off the beaten path that people miss. Their character is special and each has its own quirks that make it unique. We have had a trip to Alaska planned for 2 summers and had to postpone it for health reasons. Next year we WILL make it. We enjoy traveling back roads and seeing the small places people miss.
Alaskan Holiday sounds like it will be an enjoyable holiday read.
ginny
October 26, 2018 at 4:51 pmthis is the only place a could find to leave you a message. I have read all your books and will continue to do so. BUT, I just finished “A girls guide to moving on” and was shocked at the curse words in. This is a first for you! I didn’t find them offensive actually, just shocking! It is not you style and I hope you don’t continue to use curse words because they add nothing to a story…especially for Christian reading!
C Irons
October 26, 2018 at 9:10 pmHas this been made into a movie??
Isilda Silva
November 7, 2018 at 6:45 pmTruly enjoyed reading Alaskan Holiday. I thought this book would be a nice gift for my lady friends for Christmas, so I bought six. Cannot wait to hear their thoughts on this novel.
KATHRYN SMITH
November 17, 2018 at 1:30 amI always enjoy your books and have one in my car at all times. Because I listen to audio books on my commute. The person reading the books has a lot to do with the enjoyment and the experience. The voice of Palmer and Jack was more than dissppointing! His almost Irish brogue or Wisconsin dialect (couldn’t tell which he was going for) was grating on the ears. He sounded more like a cartoon character than a leading man. It really kind of ruined the book for me. Josie was a delight. I don’t know if you have anything to do with or controle over the cast reading your books, but I hope so. Unfortunately we the readers have already purchased the book before we hear the actors, but it has come to me now to check out “read by” before I purchase an autobook. It doesn’t happen often, but it has happened before. The BEST narrorator I have ever listened to, was the gentleman who read “The Golden Finch” He made the experience!!