so-soHmm. Intensely atmospheric. I felt like I could smell the wilderness when reading.
The lack of plot here leads me to docking points. But despite this being more of a love letter to Alaska rather than a “beauty & the beast” style story, I found myself caring about all of the characters, even through their shocking mistakes.
pickWhat an incredible read! Although this book will not be for everyone, I personally loved it. The book explores themes of loneliness, freedom, acceptance, and love, all happening in the beautiful and often brutal natural landscape of Alaska.
The ending wasn't quite what I expected, but having reflected on it for a few days now, it really was a perfect ending for this story.
pickI liked the first book in this series enough to buy this one and I think I liked this one more. It takes up where City Under One Roof ends and we get to spend more time with characters, especially Ellie, I liked from the first book; the narrator/voice for Ellie is the best, reminding me a bit of Mags Bennett from Justified.
pickI‘ve been on an audiobook kick lately. I‘ve had this book sitting in my library for a while now and needed something to listen to while I sanded and painted cosplays. The writing style is a tad repetitive—and a little cliched—but overall it was a fun listen with multiple narrators, all good performers. The setting was intriguing (a small Alaskan village housed entirely in one building) and the characters are quirky and engaging.
pickThe beauty of the Alaskan wilderness is on full display here in this modern take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Although Birdie has community support raising her daughter she feels stifled by their always watching eyes. When Arthur offers her an opportunity to live in solitude, nature and maybe even love, it seems like the answer she‘s needed to make a positive change for her and Emaleen. 3.5🌟
Thank you #NetGalley!
pickKate Shugak has disappeared from her home. Her family and friends are very concerned as this is not something Kate would do. Alaska State Trooper Jim Chopin is a friend and he is searching for her when he is sent to Bering to work undercover. He unexpectedly finds Kate there. There is Jim‘s undercover job and a huge mystery to solve. This is book ten in the series and a less emotional than number nine. A good story. 4/5⭐️
pickBirdie is a single mother who wants change so she moves with her daughter to a remote cabin owned by Arthur, a quiet man he barely knows. The life they find there is reinvigorating but also filled with challenges as they realize there are things about Arthur they don‘t know. I am drawn to books set in Alaska and love Ivey‘s writing. I still didn‘t fully love this book. Perhaps because the end seemed too small for such a fantastical tale.
