The Alaskan Catch

Northern Lights #1

by Beth Carpenter

Where life's currents take you Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It's impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana's no closer to finding the answers she came here for. Her brother's best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He's strong and kinda six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He's also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana's past

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Heartwarming, Contemporary, Harlequin, Romance

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 8, 2017

About the author

Beth Carpenter believes that life is brighter in the company of a dog, that love and laughter are inseparable, and that there is no such thing as “too many books.”

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adventure! I loved all the details of Dana's adventure in Alaska. There was a mystery of old family secrets, a friendship-to-romance relationship, exciting excursions, and descriptions of amazing landscapes and wildlife. I felt like the emotions of the characters weren't delved into so I didn't make an emotional connection with them and felt more like an observer, but they were so likable and realistic and entertaining that I just tried to fill in the blanks for myself and enjoyed reading the story. It had a great pace and balance between all the elements of the plot, and each aspect unfolded naturally as I read. Dana and Sam gradually confide in each other and their conversations on life made them more three-dimensional and complex, especially when they discovered their connection to the past. I also enjoyed Chris, Dana's brother (who I hope will have a book of his own), and Ursula, Sam's surrogate mother, who rounded out the story and the interactions with them showed deeper parts of Dana and Sam's personalities. Looking forward to reading more by this author and someday visiting Alaska myself!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new Harlequin Heartwarming book by Beth Carpenter! It had a bit of everything in it- adventure, mystery and romance. I loved the Alaskan setting with so much of the story taking place outdoors with the beauties of nature on full display. It almost made me want to visit Alaska. In the summer. On the hottest day. ha.

Dana sets out to find her brother and finds so much more in the process. She discovers a side to her she never knew existed- the adventurous side! I loved Dana's excitement and courage in trying new things. Dana felt like a person I'd like to know in real life.

This is the first book I've read by Beth Carpenter but it won't be the last. I'll be on the lookout for the next book in this series!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alaskan Catch by Beth Carpenter is a sweet romance with an intriguing subplot and a dash of adventure. Alaska comes alive as its own character in many ways, and this setting is just fueling all the more my need to take an Alaskan vacation.

You know a romance is off to a good start when the meet-cute involves the heroine pulling a flare gun on the hero in perceived self-defense. What follows after that is some grin-inducing chemistry, gorgeous scenery, harrowing adventure, and yummy food. (I don’t care what Dana and Sam think though – being outdoors does not improve the edibility of powdered eggs! lol)

Bottom Line: The Alaskan Catch kept me grinning throughout each chapter. Sam and Dana are so sweet together, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them all along the way. Their backstories are poignant and compelling, and the more they (and we) discover the more compelling it becomes. An awesome dog, vivid supporting characters, and breathtaking scenery (ok… that first kiss is pretty breathtaking too) round out the mix and may have you booking your next vacation in Alaska!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Patricia Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alaskan Catch is a compelling read filled with mystery, adventure and heartwarming human connections, both romantic and familial. The characters embody the landscape they occupy - beautiful, complex, and tough yet yielding where it counts. The bonds they forge within the journey they share are deep and enduring within the readers mind.

The author provides an expert imagery of the Alaskan landscape that mirrors the drama within the plot and characters. The reader develops a fondness for the characters with a hopeful expectation for a positive outcome that is not denied.

I enjoyed Beth Carpenters book and look forward to enjoying many more in her Northern Lights series.

[Monica Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but would’ve been better if I read the book instead of listened to it. The person reading it, would do a deep voice for the lady and a more feminine voice for the man and because of constant conversations it was constant back and forth.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe this is Beth Carpenter's debut novel for Harlequin Heartwarming. The Alaskan Catch is the perfect, indulgent read that grabs you the moment you flip to chapter one. This vibrant, captivating story will make you dream of Alaska—the author expertly utilizes the setting as a character in the book and you picture the scenes in your mind through her vivid prose. This is a character driven novel that has a little of everything to keep you engrossed. The main characters will charm their way into your heart. I'm really impressed with this book so much that I can't wait to see what Ms. Carpenter comes up with next.

Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars

[Harlequin Books]

"A beautifully written sweet romance with incredible characters who are sweet, caring and willing to help others in any way they can. The plot is believable, and with the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska, it’s a well-rounded book. Carpenter is a talented author who writes from her heart, and the love is reflected in her Northern Lights novels" (4 stars @ RT Book Review).

Miniseries: A Northern Lights Novel

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana Raynott wants to reconnect with a brother she hasn’t seen in a long time. Sam MackKettrick is an interesting man but hard to figure out. Some of that might be due to the mystery that slowly reveals itself and how it connects our two main characters together. Dana’s brother Chris is very aloof and having him out of the picture just makes you wanting to know more.

I love my sexy reads but that’s not all that I love and this book was a good reminder. It’s a clean read but for me it was all about that mystery and trying to solve and how it connects our characters. I’m not good at solving mysteries so I have to rely on the author to help me through the process. It’s a great way to keep things a surprise and having me turn the page to see what our author will reveal next. But she does have questions swirling in my brain as to how well did I really know my parents – maybe I have a mystery of my own to look into.

This book is a great incentive if you’ve ever thought about going to Alaska. I watch some of the shows on TV but this author has me moving my trip up on my bucket list. If I’m going to pack reading material it will have to be this book. I’ve been a Harlequin fan since high school and I think this is a great addition to my collection. By the time you finish, you will understand why Harlequin has added to their Heartwarming series.

Toward the very end, Dana says something to Sam that sums things up nicely – this book was a great adventure. It also left me looking forward to reading more of this series. And it was nice to be informed that the next book will be coming out in December – what a nice Christmas gift to myself.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

The Alaskan Catch begins the Northern Lights series with a compelling story of the search for a brother, the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, and an unexpected fall into love for Sam and Dana.

While this series began in 2017 (and has another release – the 7th – in Nov. 2020), that doesn’t mean that there aren’t readers who will discover this series long after the release date — like me. This is why I’m careful to try to never give away spoilers in reviews because it might be someone’s first time in that particular world.

The beauty of Alaska is a unique backdrop (and perhaps a character of its own) as Dana searches for her brother who left home 19 years ago under unfortunate, and still not understood reasons. She’s determined to find him, have herself an adventure along the way – what she didn’t expect was Sam, how drawn to him she is, or how easy it would be to fall in love with this complex man.

The Alaskan Catch did indeed capture my imagination, brought me sights of beauty I know I’ll never see in person. It also brought a lovely couple into my reading life, and how I enjoyed watching their attraction tumble into love… with a few adventures along the way. I had a good time in this world, and plan to return for the rest of the series.

I own a Kindle edition of The Alaskan Catch.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

This story started with a woman searching for her estranged brother. Their father had passed away, and she wanted to give him his inheritance. She also missed him, and wanted to build a relationship with him.
On her quest to find him, she meets his roommate. Their friendship grew and they decided to spend some time together going on a camping/rafting trip. Lots of exciting adventure, and some mystery/suspense and a bit of tragedy.
I loved how clean and fun this story was. It stayed clean, no cussing, and love scenes. However, I thought there could have been a little more lead up to the kissing. I felt a little disconnect between them. There was no fore-warning that he even felt more than sisterly love for her. until he kissed her.
I was very impressed to see such good editing. It is excellent. The writing is very clear and easy to follow.
I loved everything about Alaska, and the rafting trip. I felt the author really knew what she was talking about. I would love to visit Alaska now, although, I feel like I've had a good glimpse into that beautiful part of the world through Beth Carpenters writing.
This was a joy to read, and I will absolutely look for more from this author.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book. It was great fun.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Carpenter has earned herself a solid spot in the heart of the Harlequin Heartwarming author line-up with her debut novel in the line! It brings us secrets and despair, gorgeous countryside and the hearts of good, solid people to overcome the turmoil brought forth when lives are turned upside down with shocking revelations. The characters are down to earth, real and well developed and the plot takes us along for the ride of a sweet love story that stands the test of time and tribulation. Looking forward to seeing more from her!

When Dana Raynott sets off across the country from her home in Kansas traveling to Alaska to locate her long lost brother, she doesn’t know what to expect. It’s been many years since she’s seen him, and he went to a lot of trouble to disappear without a trace. Family circumstances have brought her on her search, and she hopes it ends with her being reconnected with the older brother she misses being in her life.

Sam MacKettrick didn’t even know his best friend and roommate had a sister, so when she shows up in his native Alaska out of the blue, he’s a bit thrown. It doesn’t take them long to connect and he sets out to show her the beautiful countryside surrounding her as she waits to reunite with her family. When secrets are exposed and lives are turned upside down, will the relationship they have forged be strong enough to withstand the truth?

[Jess Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming novel about creating your own future and not living in the crux your family has left for you. This novel has a lot to learn about appearances not always being what they seem and just possibly our parents have learnt from something in their own past to guide them in the directions they try and push us into following. Everything in life is not as you expect it to be.

Dana always wanted her family to notice her. She was the perfect daughter and followed all directions. So she needed to understand why her brother had walked away from the family and never looked back. She knew her family had it's own problems but nothing could be bad enough to keep her brother away for years and not even come home for her father's funeral.

Sam had built himself up from pretty much being a homeless child whom took care of his mother. He created the man he was today even if he never knew his father and his mother was a drunk who eventually left him too. Sam was fueled by his career and nothing could possibly get in the way of his five year plan. He would soon be overseas and have the career of his dreams.

[Helen Graul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alaskan Catch
Beth Carpenter really has a knack for writing compelling, heartwarming and engaging stories! All of Beth’s books engage me from the very beginning, carry my interest all the way through, and The Alaskan Catch definitely does the same thing. I just loved reading about Sam and Dana’s story. Her description of what life in Alaska is about, really made me clearly see it and I learned more about what life in that lovely state is about. I feel that I really was a part of the lives of her characters and just love how Beth writes about their them, their families and friends. I still can’t stop smiling as I am thinking about how true to life this delightful and outstanding story is. I just loved it and highly recommend it!!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. I just found out about the Northern Lights Series and wanted to start reading on the ground floor. Each book is a stand-alone title, but for me there’s nothing better than getting to know a new town and its characters from the beginning. The Alaskan Catch was a beautiful and emotional story. The author did a wonderful job placing me in the setting. The visual is breathtaking and interactive from the mountains, forests, wildlife, and riding the rapids. Dana and Sam are perfect for each other and their romance is so sweet. The additional characters are equally enjoyable, especially Dana’s brother, Chris, who could star in his own story. The plot includes a dramatic family twist that drew me into the story. I can’t wait to emerge further into this series. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's official: I need to visit Alaska! (True story--I actually considered it--briefly--for college, but figured I'd never be able to get rid of my dad...which kind of defeated the purpose of going away for school! ;) )

The Alaskan Catch is a sweet story about family, finding your own path ("paddling your own boat" as it's put one more than once here--both figuratively and literally), and learning to put your trust in unexpected love even when it seems contrary to the plans you thought you had. Besides finding each other, Dana and Sam also find out some hard truths about their families' histories during the course of the story, which each has to deal with in their own way. Neither is exactly on the path they thought they'd be by the end of the book, but since they're on that new path together, it makes all the difference.

The Alaskan Catch was my first book by Beth Carpenter, but it won't be my last. I can't wait to see what the next book in the Northern Lights series will bring!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something about Alaska that always gets me…The Alaskan Catch was a great read, had much heart, and enough twists and turns to keep me reading almost straight thru. Dana Raynott has traveled from the lower 48 to Alaska to track down her brother, someone she hasn’t seen in nineteen years. They sort of run into one another, for a brief moment, and she ends up waiting for him to come back to his “home”, when he finishes what he’s left to do. In walks Sam MacKettrick…that’s all I can say without spoilers. Great scene, though, and a very light moment – at least for me as a reader – for this story. I really liked these two and the story. The author was new to me and I’m happy to say I’ll read more of her stories.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

This was my first time reading a Harlequin Heartwarming story, as well as my first time reading a book by this author. I definitely plan to read more by this author after reading this book! I loved everything about this story. It was clean romantic, stands alone. The plot and the description were fast-moving and I really felt as though I was a part of the story. I could picture myself there right along with the characters. I loved the maturity and the ease of language the author used in her writing. Everything flowed so well. I was never bored. I highly recommend this book and I will definitely be seeking more of this author's work. 5 enthusiastic stars!

* I received a complimentary ecopy of this book. I did not feel pressured to leave a review and I am writing this willingly. I do not know the author and am not related to her. I did not receive payment for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alaskan Catch

I always love to read books about Alaska and a place I would love to visit but this is a very good book set in Alaska and I cannot wait until the next one. Dana finds her brother, Chris, in Alaska after he left home years ago but she finds a whole lot more. The book has some suspense and mystery to it and also adventure. Once you start the book it is hard to put down. Sam is her brother's roommate and he has quite a story. I really loved all the characters but I think Sam and Dana were my favorite. I definitely recommend this book. I have found a another great author. I received an advanced copy of the book from Prism Book Tours.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Beth Carpenter for the opportunity of letting me win this this wonderful book. I can't wait to read her next book. I loved every minute reading this book. I loved the characters in it. I could feel how much they had grown in the book. I loved the fact that it was clean. Just a few chaste kissing scenes, but yet I could feel the attraction between the main characters. It was so well written that it makes want to visit Alaska. Thanks again to Beth Carpenter. You now have a devoted reader in me.

[Catherine Lanigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give reviews that contain any spoilers, but Sam's dilemma over his job and his new love for his housemate's sister, is exactly the kind of life-defining hard-choices that have faced so many of us in our lives and are continuing on with breakneck speed. So many are now faced with "all or nothing" decisions and Beth Carpenter hits this one on the head. I stayed up all night reading (thanks a lot, Beth) due to being immersed in the haunting Alaskan scenery the author immersed me in---not to mention the plot. I highly recommend this story with an HEA that was very satisfying.

[Julia Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes all you need is a nice, sweet romance to get you by. I was able to read this on my break today and it was totally worth it! Since living in Alaska, I have to admit that reading a book with name drops I know and recognize really boosts it up in my eyes!

[Linda Gwiazdowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story,really enjoyed,read book in a day, will pass book on to friends

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana has finally tracked down her brother after he had a fight with their father and left her and their family 19 years ago, alas Chris is on his way out so she is stuck with Sam his flat mate and there starts a wonderful trip of learning about the amazing Alaskan wildlife, family secrets, falling in love, tracking down a mysterious person and learning no one is always guilt free and accidents happen. This was a fantastic read with characters I loved and wanted to see more of and I can't wait to get stuck into the next book!

[Meg West · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll want to visit Alaska after reading this well written contemporary romance, which offers a suspenseful subplot and beautifully crafted descriptions of the northernmost state. I look forward to reading more love stories from Beth Carpenter.

[Helen Graul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Carpenter really has a knack for writing compelling, heartwarming and engaging stories! All of Beth’s books engage me from the very beginning and carry my interest all the way through, and The Alaskan Catch definitely does the same thing. I just loved reading about Sam and Dana’s story. Her description of what life in Alaska is about, really made me clearly see it and I learned more about what life in that lovely state is about. I feel that I really was a part of the lives of her characters and just love how Beth writes about their them, their families and friends. I still can’t stop smiling as I am thinking about how true to life this delightful and outstanding story is. I just loved it and highly recommend it!!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jt Furbay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana goes to Alaska to find her brother only to be left with his room mate while he's out fishing. She finds he's a commercial fisherman and doesn't want to face what happened in the past in a confrontation with his sister. As she comes to terms about what happened in her brother's past, she also develops a relationship with Sam, his roommate. Untangling her brother's past and coming to terms with her relationship with Sam makes this and interesting story.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extra 1/3 star