Alaskan Holiday
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Synopsis
Debbie Macomber brings us to the Alaskan wilderness for a magical Christmas tale about finding love where it’s least expected.
Before beginning her dream job as sous chef in one of Seattle’s hottest new restaurants, Josie Avery takes a summer position cooking at a lakeside lodge in the remote Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie falls for the rustic charms of the local community—including Jack Corcoran, the crotchety keeper of Ponder’s famed sourdough starter, and, in particular, the quiet and intense Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith.
Josie and Palmer become close during the long Alaskan summer days, but Josie knows that, come fall, she’ll be returning to reality and the career she’s worked so hard for. Palmer, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to make Josie his wife and to keep her in Ponder. But Josie can’t imagine abandoning her mother back in the Emerald City and sacrificing her career to stay in this isolated town—not even for a man she’s quickly coming to love.
Fate has other plans. Josie misses the last boat out of town before winter sets in, stranding her in Ponder and putting her dream job at risk. As the holidays approach, Josie and Palmer must grapple with the complications that arise when dreams confront reality, and the Christmas magic that can happen when they put their faith in love.
Debbie Macomber is at her best in this beautiful holiday story about the far journeys we travel to find a place to call home.
Details
First Published: 2018/10/02Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 9780399181283
Reading Guide:
Download Guide1. Palmer’s initial proposal does not go as planned. What does it say about his character that he was willing to take such a risk? What does it say about Josie?
2. Josie comes to love the stillness and tranquility of Ponder, making it her second home. Is there a place that you consider a sanctuary in your own life (perhaps, a longtime vacation spot)? Why is it important to you?
3. Though she is extremely reluctant to leave Palmer and Jack behind, Josie knows she must return to Seattle for the opportunity of a lifetime at Chez Anton. Discuss a time when your personal life conflicted with your career. What was the result?
4. Jack clearly adores Josie (and, of course, her cooking!). He also has a special bond with Palmer, even though the two sometimes bicker. Compare and contrast Jack’s relationships with both characters.
5. Josie’s cooking allows her to make meaningful connections with the residents of Ponder; Jack is especially partial to her moose stroganoff, for example. Is there a particular meal that holds meaning for you? Why?
6. Josie and her mother, Gina, are best friends, and are thrilled to reunite after Josie’s seven month-long stay in Ponder. Though they depend on one another, both women find love while apart. How do you see their mother-daughter relationship evolve throughout the novel?
7. How does Josie’s friendship with Angie affect her decision to reconsider Palmer’s proposal, both before she leaves Ponder and afterward, in Seattle? Do you have an Angie in your own life?
8. On Thanksgiving, Palmer is upset by the Facebook photo of Josie and Chef Anton. Is his reaction justified? Why or why not?
9. Back in Seattle, Josie realizes that she must move out of her mother’s home, noting that Gina is deserving of her own space and freedom—things she forfeited for a long time as a single mother. Describe a time you had to make a sacrifice for someone you love, or vice versa. How did it make you feel?
10. Ultimately, Josie realizes that her sous chef job isn’t as promising as she’d thought it would be. Do you believe she handled it well? Have you ever encountered a similar situation?
Praise
"Author Debbie Macomber is a pro, and “Alaskan Holiday” promises to melt any frozen heart." - USA Today
"This sweet seasonal story warmed up my chilly heart and had me smiling. Plus Josie and Palmer left me starry-eyed for days!" - First for Women magazine
Dedication
To Robert Macomber
Author, cousin, friend
And his wonderful wife, Nancy Glickman