I haven't read a contemporary setting novel in some time but it was just the right fit for a late night summer reading session. Crazy about Alaska by Shannon L. Brown drew me right in from the first chapter. Holly the main character is sharp and together. She didn't need rescuing. I love stories like that. I want my leading lady to be strong and independent. Not needy and weak. Same with the main male lead. He had his life together too, which I appreciated. Now don't let that make you think this story was boring. It was far from it. The characters had chemistry and the story flowed smoothly. It was done well. There are a few more books in the "Alaska" series and I plan on checking them out because I enjoyed this one so much.
About the Author:
Shannon was born and raised in Alaska so she enjoyed writing the books in the Alaska Dream Romance series. “The Feather Chase” was her first published book and began the Crime-Solving Cousins Mystery series. The eight-to-twelve-year-olds in your life will enjoy this contemporary twist on a Nancy Drew-type mystery. Shannon lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her professor husband and adorable calico cat.
Guest Post from Shannon Brown
Open Doors When a character opens the door and steps from her world into mine, writing about her is easier. Holly Harris in Crazy About Alaska is a real estate agent, and I was once one. I’ve driven clients around and shown them houses only to have them go a different direction. My husband and I bought a new house a few years ago, so I have tales to tell from that experience too. (Readers may think the purple shower is made up. Think again.) I chose to bring a college professor into her life as a love interest. I’m married to one. Some of myself always finds its way into a story. Sometimes, it’s just something I might like to do. Holly’s sister Jemma rehabs furniture in Falling for Alaska, book one in the series. The idea for her business came while I was watching HGTV’s Flea Market Flip. Taking trash and making it beautiful sounds like something I’d like to try. Jemma also dislikes coffee and drinks tea. (Here I am again.) But she is not exactly me. She’s cooking challenged, and I’m a good cook. Does the story become about the author when she inserts herself into it? Reality is only a fun fraction of the book. Holly has two men vying for her affections. That never happened. (It might have been fun if it had!) She also has five-year-old twins. I never experienced that. By far the most challenging of the sisters in the series was Bree in book two, Loving Alaska. She’s a doctor, and my knowledge of the medical profession comes from sitting on the exam table, not from doing the exam. I spoke with doctors I knew and brought her to life. But Bree isn’t all made up either. She despises being in nature, especially camping. I’ve camped on a frozen river, beside a lake after canoeing or boating in, and many more places, but I’m with Bree and hotels are greatly preferred. There I am in the story again. Reading the books I’ve written helps you know who I am. I’m a woman with a big imagination who enjoys bringing stories to life. Oh, and that slightly sarcastic sense of humor you may notice with Jemma and Holly? That might be from me as well.Blog Stops
July 20: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog
July 20: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
July 21: A Baker’s Perspective
July 21: Reading Is My SuperPower
July 22: Artistic Nobody
July 22: Just Commonly
July 23: Live.Love.Read.
July 23: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
July 24: Carpe Diem
July 24: autism mom
July 25: Redeemed Hope Dweller
July 25: Baker Kella
July 26: A Rup Life
July 27: Karen Sue Hadley
July 27: Quiet Quilter
July 28: Pause for Tales
July 28: Have A Wonderful Day
July 29: Remembrancy
July 29: Cafinated Reads
July 30: Zerina Blossom’s Books
July 31: History, Mystery & Faith
August 1: Kat’s Corner Books
August 1: For the Love of Books
August 2: Avid Reader Book Reviews
August 2: Ashley’s Bookshelf
Giveaway
To celebrate this tour, Shannon Brown is giving away a grand prize of a book lovers gift basket – a basket filled with book-related things!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bb35
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Sounds like a great book. I'm with you in that I really like to read about strong, independent women and men!
ReplyDeleteI really am looking forward to reading this. Not many books out there that take place in Alaska. (jozywails@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDelete