Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Book
Book title: Crazy about Alaska
Author: Shannon L. Brown
Release date: June 30, 2017
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Can she trust love?
Holly has her eye on a handsome state trooper. Not on her boring, oh-so-serious, former professor, Adam.
Having her toes curl when she’s near Adam must be ignored.
Holly just wants a great dad for her twin girls. She’s going to find one, write a novel to fulfill her dreams, and create a happy life.
Falling in love isn’t part of her plan.
My Perspective
I haven’t read very many books that are set in Alaska and I don’t really know why. It’s such a beautiful place to be, and this book really points that out. From the beautiful scenery described to the airplane rides, it made me want to get in my own plane and fly out there right away! But because I can’t, I chose to just keep reading and pretend I was there with the characters.
Here’s the thing, I liked Holly’s character a lot. She kind of reminded me of myself in the way her life turned out – going to college for one thing and getting a job that is totally different. She also loved to bake, so that resonated with me as well. Now, obviously it’s great when we connect to a character because they are so much like us. But let’s be real – authors obviously do not know all of their readers to be able to write a character that suits everyone. So for this to happen is semi-rare. But I liked Holly’s character for other reasons as well. She was a good mom, a hard worker, and stumbled a little bit. To be honest I would rather read about a character who stumbles now and then, or makes a bad choice. It shows they are human and not what I call “book perfect”. Those characters are boring to me because you know exactly what’s going to happen and that they’ll always make the right choice.
I also thought the storyline was sweet yet funny. I was literally laughing out loud when Holly was climbing the roof in the beginning of the storyline to get into a house she needed to sell. But there were times when Holly and Adam were together and I just kind of sat back and smiled, thinking to myself, this is a great budding romance. But here’s the thing about this book. It is not purely about the romance. Sure, I liked reading about Holly and Adam, but I think I enjoyed reading about Holly and her sisters even more. They sound like a great group – one I would want to spend my Saturday night with playing games and laughing.
This was the first I’ve read of Shannon Brown, and I can honestly say that I do not think it’ll be the last. I will definitely be looking at the other books in this series! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a good review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Writing books that are fun and touch your heart
Even though Shannon L. Brown always loved to read, she didn’t plan to be a writer. She earned two degrees from the University of Alaska, one in journalism/public communications, but didn’t become a journalist.
Years passed. Shannon felt pulled into a writing life, testing her wings with a novel and moving on to articles. Shannon is now an award-winning journalist who has sold hundreds of articles to local, national, and regional publications.
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 26: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
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
I can’t wait to read this! I haven’t read many books set in Alaska either. I hope she describes some it’s beauty.
I do my best to take you to Alaska with each of the books. I’m from there so you’ll read about places most visitors won’t see. I hope you enjoy them!
Yes she does a great job of that!
I usually enjoy books set in Alaska because there’s a focus on the outdoors. I haven’t actually visited there, though!
Dianna
I would love to visit there…..just once!
Sounds Great Hope to read it soon Thanks for sharing it on your blog
I hope you enjoy it!
This looks so good! Thanks for adding another great book to my TBR pile. 🙂
Jessica! I love your review. You sold me on the book. Thanks for nothing. Just when do I have time to read another book? I don’t THINK so. But nooooooo. You just had to make me want it. I so regret not signing up for this tour!
Best part of your review? Knowing what you loved and what was kind of “meh.” I never trust a reviewer who never has anything she doesn’t rave over. Those little tidbits just prove that you’re not only a good and kind reviewer, but you’re also an honest one. Thanks!
Awww thank you! I hope you get to read it soon 🙂
thank you for your points about the character..just to clarify the character stumbles a little or often in the story?
Character stumbles sometimes, just like we do!