Owl Creek, Alaska, is the setting for a smashing start to the festive season. However warm you may feel elsewhere, in Alaska it’s probably snowing already. Piper Miller runs the Snowy Owl diner she inherited when her dad died in a tragic snowmobile accident, four years ago. Though she refuses to admit it, running repairs mean the diner’s finances are in a bad way. An ALASKAN CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION is set to bring healing to the town, but that won’t necessarily help her to stay in business.

Braden North is home ahead of Christmas; he’s a son of the local prosperous chocolate firm family. Three years of adventure sports around the world have flown for him, and the prospect of settling in a desk at North’s Chocolate doesn’t appeal. When his old friend Piper asks for his aid, he first refuses, then agrees to help with the diner. Braden’s no cook, but he’s eaten his way through many snowy experiences.  Maybe he can hit on something that will sell.

If you are intrigued by the prospect of pizzas made with smoked reindeer meat, and eggnog flavoured pies, you’ll certainly want to get your teeth into this outwardly simple romantic story. I found other layers; we hear a good deal about the North family and a previously kidnapped daughter, and weigh up the expectations of family and the degree to which we owe help to others. Braden considers himself to have been running away, during his adventures. Other books would show us people who ran away from city life to Alaska, so ‘go figure’ as they say. The location is a wonderful backdrop, the constant cold wind, ice and Northern Lights keeping us involved. I have to say a warm meal and hot chocolate are just what I would need.

The romance we find is less of a love affair than a strong friendship ebbing and flowing, with respect on both sides. This tale is suitable for teen readers as well as adults, and young readers will learn a great deal about responsibilities and hard work. I had a good time reading ALASKAN CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION by Belle Calhoune, who has also written a multicultural series called ‘Seven Brides, Seven Brothers’ and another called Alaskan Grooms.’ The present book is in a series called ‘Home To Owl Creek.’ The weather may be bitter, but the welcome here is warm.