Heart of Spring: Anchorage Seasons Book One

by Cherime MacFarlane

Her child’s been gone for over twenty years. Will she ever see him again?Book one of the series, this is a cliff hanger. Lily Raven’s husband took their son and disappeared. Will she ever see him again? Drake wasn’t the only one who ripped her heart out. Destry was her friend, first love. How could Drake’s younger brother keep her child away from her? Destry did what he could. He had to wait until the boy came of age to say anything. Drake would have vanished into South America with Teller forever. A twist of fate kept him stranded on a mountain. He wasn’t there to keep Teller from enlisting. At last he sees a chance to send Teller to his mother. He won’t blow it this time. The revelation about his mother sends Teller on a drive through Canada to Alaska. Did his father lie to him? Did she want him? He’s about to risk his heart and find out. The women he finds in his mother’s office will change his life.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2020

About the author

Although born in New Orleans, I am proud to call myself an Alaskan. I have lived here for 37 years, I have survived -40 degrees, hauled water, made bear bacon and live in a cabin. I used a fish wheel to catch salmon coming up the Copper River. I was my second husband's chief mechanic's helper and only roadie. I cut firewood on shares, worked as a cocktail waitress, then as a paralegal for over 26 years. I hold the #80 press card as a reporter for the Copper Valley Views newspaper which ceased publication in the 1980s. I've been writing stories since junior high. Retired now, I can devote my time to what I love.
I came to Alaska by way of Arizona and California. I experienced the building of the pipeline up close. Then my second husband and I moved to Wasilla to get warm. It hardly ever drops past -25 in South Central Alaska. I never thought I would love it so much I never want to leave. The beauty of Alaska is a draw I cannot resist. I love the people and the history. I have been captured by a place I came to under duress. Life does play some interesting tricks on one. I lost my first husband to alcohol. My second husband, the love of my life died as a result of disease. We were not apart more than 24 hours for 20 plus years . I never wanted to be anywhere but with him. He was a man to run the river with.

Reviews

[Maggie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

The characters in this book are well thought out. I loved Teller, Destry, and Dink. They remind me of the three musketeers, all for one, and one for all.
Lily Raven's husband, Drake, took off with their baby son, Teller when he realised Lily couldn't return his love. To make matters worse, Drake's younger brother, Destry, who was seventeen, was forced to go with him. Now, after so many years have passed by, Destry decides to tell Teller about Lily, Teller's mother.
Lily couldn't believe her eyes when her son turns up at her place of work. After a few days, Teller realises his love for Lily and goes out of his way to protect her from a stalker who wants to harm, or kill her. Teller decides to bring in his uncle, Destry, and his uncles best and only friend, Dink to protect Lily, Rose, and Bea. Rose is distant family and Bea is the secretary.
This is where the fun begins with each man loving or wanting each woman. Destry loved Lily long before his brother, Drake, carted him off with baby Teller. Now he's back, determined once more to gain back the love he'd missed out on.
Teller has the hots for Rose. Unbeknownst to him, Rose also fantasizes about him.
With Dink it's another story. Bea is not willing to give her heart to anyone. After observing Bea and noticing scars on her arms, Dink realises that Bea has been cruelly treated in the past. He knows he has to step carefully in order to gain her trust.
What will become of these six characters? Will Drake come back and try to break up Lily and Destry's new found relationship? Who is the stalker? I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story, although it did tackle some disturbing issues such as abuse and how women have to fight for their lives against controlling men.

I like stories about strong women and this book offers a few. Not all the men are troublesome, however, and it was good to have the mix of decency, too.

There was a good sense of place and the characters were believable. Not everything was resolved...we will have to wait for that.

Worth a look.

[Heather Gallatin-Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is fantastic!!

I really liked this book! The characters were relatable and the story line was believable. The book is fast paced and hard to put down. It is a combination romance and intrigue. I love this author and can't wait for the next installment of this series!!!