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Alaska Dream #2.5
Merrying in Alaska
A woman who loves Christmas. And a neighbor who needs cheering.
When Leah returns to Alaska after years as a travel writer, she plans to make her log cabin a home. Christmas decorations fill every room. She spreads the holiday spirit by cooking for her neighbor. Having failed at romance in the past, she isn’t looking for love now.
After losing his hotel management job right before Christmas, Ben’s staying in a friend’s cabin to lick his wounds and consider his options. The cute woman in the neighboring cabin is appealing, but he may need to leave the state for work. Is there a way for them to have a merry future together?
Merrying in Alaska is a stand-alone book that can also be read as book 2.5 in the sweet and clean Alaska Dream Romance series. If you like charming holiday stories, adorable kittens, and happy endings, then you’ll love this novella. Includes two cookie recipes!
Buy Merrying in Alaska to bring Christmas joy today!
Previously published as a book by Shannon L. Brown.
When Leah returns to Alaska after years as a travel writer, she plans to make her log cabin a home. Christmas decorations fill every room. She spreads the holiday spirit by cooking for her neighbor. Having failed at romance in the past, she isn’t looking for love now.
After losing his hotel management job right before Christmas, Ben’s staying in a friend’s cabin to lick his wounds and consider his options. The cute woman in the neighboring cabin is appealing, but he may need to leave the state for work. Is there a way for them to have a merry future together?
Merrying in Alaska is a stand-alone book that can also be read as book 2.5 in the sweet and clean Alaska Dream Romance series. If you like charming holiday stories, adorable kittens, and happy endings, then you’ll love this novella. Includes two cookie recipes!
Buy Merrying in Alaska to bring Christmas joy today!
Previously published as a book by Shannon L. Brown.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2016
327 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Shannon L. Brown
13Ìýbooks115ÌýfollowersWriting 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 articles to local, national, and regional publications.
"The Feather Chase" was her first published book and begins 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 was born and raised in Alaska so she had fun writing "Falling for Alaska," the first book in the Alaska Dream Romance series.
Shannon lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her professor husband and adorable calico cat.
To learn more and sign-up to receive Shannon's newsletter, visit
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 articles to local, national, and regional publications.
"The Feather Chase" was her first published book and begins 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 was born and raised in Alaska so she had fun writing "Falling for Alaska," the first book in the Alaska Dream Romance series.
Shannon lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her professor husband and adorable calico cat.
To learn more and sign-up to receive Shannon's newsletter, visit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 30, 2021
FAMILY MADE A HOUSE A HOME
The story is a novella in the An Alaska Dream Romance series but can read well as a stand-alone. It is a clean, contemporary romance that takes place in Alaska, starting right before Christmas. The two main characters will be temporary neighbors that will fast track as friends.
Leah Kinkaid has traveled the world several times over while writing articles for a major travel magazine—but she is ready to settle down and take her life in a different direction. She bought and upgraded her cabin home, and her dream is to write articles that she could do from home. She plans a Christmas expose and is surprised when she hears from a prestigious editor and then learns that not only are they interested in the article, but they want pictures—with a happy couple.
Ben Shepherd is still coming to grips with his new situation of being unemployed. He loved being the general manager of higher-end hotels, but the owner's son is now taking on that role. Borrowing a cabin from his friend will be temporary until he can find a new location. He is hoping to stay in Alaska, but that isn't looking too promising.
The story's plot will have Ben seeing lights at another cabin and thinking it is being broken since Hugh said it was rarely used. What a shock when Leah nearly brains him for stalking around her home.
Leah: Don't move! I'm calling the police.
Ben: Please don't. I'm staying in the neighboring cabin. The owner told me no one would be here, but I saw your lights.
Leah: So you wanted to help me?
Ben: Stupidly, yes—if you're the owner. You can call Hugh Dougherty, that cabin's owner, and ask him. Is that what I think it is?
Leah: Cast iron skillet. The weapon of choice for generations of women.
The story will have Leah inviting Ben in, learning about his terrible day, and feeding him dinner and dessert. Ben will assist her with the decorating of her trees, and she will cook him delicious meals. This is the sweet beginning of their friendship.
"I’ve had the worst day of my life, and you’re the opposite of that. Everything here is the opposite of that.�
Their story includes helping each other out while trying to keep an emotional distance and not letting their hearts or emotions become involved. This must stay platonic, and even comments have them both correcting any misconceptions
Leah: I planned to make a scrambled egg and some bacon to go with my cinnamon rolls. I’ll make you some if you want to come back with me.
Ben: I’m all yours.
Leah: I’m not looking for a relationship. Don’t worry.
Ben: You’re a nice woman and more than a little bit cute, but I can’t be interested in anything but my future right now.
I loved the two characters' chemistry, and yet, they both are not looking for a relationship. She has been hurt twice in the past, and he has to worry about his future—where it might land him, and that very well could be far from Alaska. But, when a promising opportunity arises for Leah, one that could snowball her new career, Ben agrees to help by posing in the Christmas-themed pictures. Will that change this friendship? Both are confused about their feelings, their future, but maybe together, they have the answers. They are well synced as they work together on projects, get along great, and enjoy each other’s company. They might even be able to help each other conquer fears and make dreams for the future.
“She’d overcome her fear to help him when he needed her. His heart now recognized what his mind had tried to ignore. Leah Kinkaid was his, and he had to find a way to make her part of his life.�
Will these two survive a misunderstanding and discover their future and true happiness?
At the end of the story, there will be several recipes for items mentioned and baked in the story.
The story is a novella in the An Alaska Dream Romance series but can read well as a stand-alone. It is a clean, contemporary romance that takes place in Alaska, starting right before Christmas. The two main characters will be temporary neighbors that will fast track as friends.
Leah Kinkaid has traveled the world several times over while writing articles for a major travel magazine—but she is ready to settle down and take her life in a different direction. She bought and upgraded her cabin home, and her dream is to write articles that she could do from home. She plans a Christmas expose and is surprised when she hears from a prestigious editor and then learns that not only are they interested in the article, but they want pictures—with a happy couple.
Ben Shepherd is still coming to grips with his new situation of being unemployed. He loved being the general manager of higher-end hotels, but the owner's son is now taking on that role. Borrowing a cabin from his friend will be temporary until he can find a new location. He is hoping to stay in Alaska, but that isn't looking too promising.
The story's plot will have Ben seeing lights at another cabin and thinking it is being broken since Hugh said it was rarely used. What a shock when Leah nearly brains him for stalking around her home.
Leah: Don't move! I'm calling the police.
Ben: Please don't. I'm staying in the neighboring cabin. The owner told me no one would be here, but I saw your lights.
Leah: So you wanted to help me?
Ben: Stupidly, yes—if you're the owner. You can call Hugh Dougherty, that cabin's owner, and ask him. Is that what I think it is?
Leah: Cast iron skillet. The weapon of choice for generations of women.
The story will have Leah inviting Ben in, learning about his terrible day, and feeding him dinner and dessert. Ben will assist her with the decorating of her trees, and she will cook him delicious meals. This is the sweet beginning of their friendship.
"I’ve had the worst day of my life, and you’re the opposite of that. Everything here is the opposite of that.�
Their story includes helping each other out while trying to keep an emotional distance and not letting their hearts or emotions become involved. This must stay platonic, and even comments have them both correcting any misconceptions
Leah: I planned to make a scrambled egg and some bacon to go with my cinnamon rolls. I’ll make you some if you want to come back with me.
Ben: I’m all yours.
Leah: I’m not looking for a relationship. Don’t worry.
Ben: You’re a nice woman and more than a little bit cute, but I can’t be interested in anything but my future right now.
I loved the two characters' chemistry, and yet, they both are not looking for a relationship. She has been hurt twice in the past, and he has to worry about his future—where it might land him, and that very well could be far from Alaska. But, when a promising opportunity arises for Leah, one that could snowball her new career, Ben agrees to help by posing in the Christmas-themed pictures. Will that change this friendship? Both are confused about their feelings, their future, but maybe together, they have the answers. They are well synced as they work together on projects, get along great, and enjoy each other’s company. They might even be able to help each other conquer fears and make dreams for the future.
“She’d overcome her fear to help him when he needed her. His heart now recognized what his mind had tried to ignore. Leah Kinkaid was his, and he had to find a way to make her part of his life.�
Will these two survive a misunderstanding and discover their future and true happiness?
At the end of the story, there will be several recipes for items mentioned and baked in the story.
April 9, 2020
Merrying in Alaska
This was another great story. Leah had moved into her cabin she had bought a few years ago. She was a photo journalist. Her newly arriving neighbor, to a cabin, near hers, was named Ben. He was in hotel management and was let go that day. His boss wanted his son to run the place of business, since he just recently graduated hotel management.They meet, become acquainted and like each other, Ben especially likes her cooking. Well the rest of the story is very interesting.
This was another great story. Leah had moved into her cabin she had bought a few years ago. She was a photo journalist. Her newly arriving neighbor, to a cabin, near hers, was named Ben. He was in hotel management and was let go that day. His boss wanted his son to run the place of business, since he just recently graduated hotel management.They meet, become acquainted and like each other, Ben especially likes her cooking. Well the rest of the story is very interesting.
December 23, 2022
This was a cute little holiday novella. Quick read. Didn't feel like I was hopping midway into an established series or anything. Made me a little hungry as Leah sounds like an amazing little chef!
Fav quote: "Cast iron skillet. The weapon of choice for generations of women."
Fav quote: "Cast iron skillet. The weapon of choice for generations of women."
January 17, 2021
Loved this book!!
November 26, 2022
A quick read that left me wanting more. This is the first book I've read by this author but I will be back for more including those in this series.
There was a lot of Christmas activity set in the cold of Alaska with two loners, Leah and Ben, finding more than they expected. They're unexpected neighbors in two cabins in the woods but while she plans to make her life there this is a temporary bump in the road for him, or is it?
There is a lot packed into this novella and enough details given that I didn't feel lost. There are a few different storylines along with lots of happiness but also sadness and loss. The ending gives the happily ever I look for but the book ended too abruptly. I like the title and the winter scene on the cover that drew me in.
There was a lot of Christmas activity set in the cold of Alaska with two loners, Leah and Ben, finding more than they expected. They're unexpected neighbors in two cabins in the woods but while she plans to make her life there this is a temporary bump in the road for him, or is it?
There is a lot packed into this novella and enough details given that I didn't feel lost. There are a few different storylines along with lots of happiness but also sadness and loss. The ending gives the happily ever I look for but the book ended too abruptly. I like the title and the winter scene on the cover that drew me in.
December 18, 2019
Absolutely Wonderful
I have loved this series from the very first novel. Catheryn Brown has created a truly w and engaging series from the get go and has not let up with each new novel of novella. Her characters are honest and true to form. Her storylines are crisp and varied with each novel.
I love how she brings the holiday into this novel while also bringing Leah and Michael together via a cat, her cooking and her wonderful outlook on life.
A sweet and enjoyable novel for the holidays, as well as a great addition to the "Alaska Dreams" series, "Merrying in Alaska ," is a delightful read.
Rating: 4.8
✳✳✳✳�
I have loved this series from the very first novel. Catheryn Brown has created a truly w and engaging series from the get go and has not let up with each new novel of novella. Her characters are honest and true to form. Her storylines are crisp and varied with each novel.
I love how she brings the holiday into this novel while also bringing Leah and Michael together via a cat, her cooking and her wonderful outlook on life.
A sweet and enjoyable novel for the holidays, as well as a great addition to the "Alaska Dreams" series, "Merrying in Alaska ," is a delightful read.
Rating: 4.8
✳✳✳✳�
June 9, 2021
Love finds you unawares
A short sweet novella with insta love. Leah is finally ready to quit living out of a suitcase being a travel writer and move full time to the cabin she bought in Alaska. Ben has just been replaced as GM of the hotel he managed by the owner’s newly graduated son. He went to hang out for a few days in his friend’s cabin- which just happened to be right next door to Leah who loved to cook and bake. Neither were in a position for a relationship and Ben knew he was leaving as soon as he found another position , Florida maybe?
A short sweet novella with insta love. Leah is finally ready to quit living out of a suitcase being a travel writer and move full time to the cabin she bought in Alaska. Ben has just been replaced as GM of the hotel he managed by the owner’s newly graduated son. He went to hang out for a few days in his friend’s cabin- which just happened to be right next door to Leah who loved to cook and bake. Neither were in a position for a relationship and Ben knew he was leaving as soon as he found another position , Florida maybe?
August 11, 2021
What a charming new story by Cathryn Brown! I’ve read all her stories that are based in Alaska. This new one is a story of two people who just happen to become neighbors. The fun things that happen between them are sweet and delightful.
I loved the interactions between the characters. The story flowed smoothly and was written with great imagery and colorful word choices.
Cathryn Brown has a smooth way of writing, and it was so easy to read this book in one day.
If you like a bit of adventure, everything Christmas, and a sweet story with romance, then this is the book for you.
I loved the interactions between the characters. The story flowed smoothly and was written with great imagery and colorful word choices.
Cathryn Brown has a smooth way of writing, and it was so easy to read this book in one day.
If you like a bit of adventure, everything Christmas, and a sweet story with romance, then this is the book for you.
October 9, 2019
Really cute story
Loved this novella! Well written storyline and no sex or cussing. The kitten reminded me of Fudge, who, at twelve weeks old, managed to take down a seven foot tall Christmas tree. Thankfully it only had the lights and garland on it as it waited for my sister's and I to come in from horseback riding in the snow.
Loved this novella! Well written storyline and no sex or cussing. The kitten reminded me of Fudge, who, at twelve weeks old, managed to take down a seven foot tall Christmas tree. Thankfully it only had the lights and garland on it as it waited for my sister's and I to come in from horseback riding in the snow.
August 21, 2021
Both likeable, but the full story takes place over a week, then there is a brief separation caused by a ridiculous lack of simple communication and misunderstanding…and then he proposes. So…less than two weeks from meeting to lifelong commitment. It was just too fast. Author wrote well though so I’d try another of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
Predictable, but Fun
When you spend most of a romance book with only two characters, it is fairly obvious they will fall in love. I love the protective brothers at the end. Having three sons and one daughter, myself, I appreciate this very realistic family touch. Fun read. I love the Kincaid family.
When you spend most of a romance book with only two characters, it is fairly obvious they will fall in love. I love the protective brothers at the end. Having three sons and one daughter, myself, I appreciate this very realistic family touch. Fun read. I love the Kincaid family.
March 1, 2019
Enjoyable
This was a fun, quick, clean romance. Ben and Leah meet by chance and fall quickly in love, although neither one wants to admit it. Romance, humor, and an adorable little kitten make for a fun read.
This was a fun, quick, clean romance. Ben and Leah meet by chance and fall quickly in love, although neither one wants to admit it. Romance, humor, and an adorable little kitten make for a fun read.
December 10, 2019
A fun read
Two people meet in cabins next to each other. Their shared experience leads to a journey into romance and love. Characters well written and believable. Having been to Alaska the setting is perfect. I would recommend this book.
Two people meet in cabins next to each other. Their shared experience leads to a journey into romance and love. Characters well written and believable. Having been to Alaska the setting is perfect. I would recommend this book.
July 9, 2020
Sweet story!!! Another great one!! Loving this author! She's giving me a love for the characters as well as Alaska- a state I've never been to, but because of her writing want to :D The story of Leah and Ben is for sure a sweet one you don't want to miss! :)
December 8, 2020
Setting is beautiful and there's a lot of Christmas baking but the characters didn't bond as well for me. I didn't feel the passion between them. It was still a lovely story and worth a read. I loved the the lead Bens relationship with the kitten. So cute! Overall a nice Christmas read.
October 26, 2021
Another brilliant Christmas romance
What a lovely romantic Christmas story. Circumstances bring Leah and Ben together just before Christmas and each help the other find future job prospects. Excellent series.
What a lovely romantic Christmas story. Circumstances bring Leah and Ben together just before Christmas and each help the other find future job prospects. Excellent series.
December 6, 2021
This is a novella so it was super short & to the point. I loved it. Clean romance all around. This one was actually believable in a sort of Hallmark way. Lots of sweet moments through out & makes you root for them! Definite must read.
September 23, 2022
Christmas story
A writer that has toured the world has made her home in a cabin ,ready to quit traveling. A man just lost his job and borrowed a friend cabin. Now read how the meet and the results.
A writer that has toured the world has made her home in a cabin ,ready to quit traveling. A man just lost his job and borrowed a friend cabin. Now read how the meet and the results.
December 4, 2022
Sweet, no drama, romance
A sweet couple who slowly realized they love each other. I say slowly but it was actually just a few days, then he proposes. It's all too fast, but this is make-believe anyway. Recommend.
A sweet couple who slowly realized they love each other. I say slowly but it was actually just a few days, then he proposes. It's all too fast, but this is make-believe anyway. Recommend.
April 9, 2024
Merrying In Alaska
This is the story of a young journalist who lives in Alaska and in writing an article ,for her job, on. Christmas about the season and the joy it brings. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of a young journalist who lives in Alaska and in writing an article ,for her job, on. Christmas about the season and the joy it brings. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
October 12, 2017
Loving this series.
I love this series of books, read the first one and bought the rest of them when I finished that.
I love this series of books, read the first one and bought the rest of them when I finished that.
February 17, 2018
Cookies and chicken soup
Cookies and chicken soup, homemade. Beginning of life altering actions, well a cast iron skillet and lights in a cabin believed to be empty.
Cookies and chicken soup, homemade. Beginning of life altering actions, well a cast iron skillet and lights in a cabin believed to be empty.
August 26, 2018
Beautiful Love Story
This is a refreshing and heartwarming romance with charming and adorable characters that will fill your heart with love and adorable little cat.
This is a refreshing and heartwarming romance with charming and adorable characters that will fill your heart with love and adorable little cat.
September 2, 2018
This was a cute romance novel, I enjoyed it. Thanks to the author for sproviding a nice bit of Christmas in September. :)
October 6, 2018
I needed something short and sweet after a few heavier books. This was both.
March 7, 2020
Great story.. But
I was really enjoying this book, loved the charters and kitty. BUT the ending one of the worse ending ever. This book needs a new ending
I was really enjoying this book, loved the charters and kitty. BUT the ending one of the worse ending ever. This book needs a new ending
March 11, 2020
O U choose amazing authors, that wrote like these stories " take you there stories"! Wonderful, through the pain the light shines again!
May 11, 2020
Christmas
This is a good story with some twists and turns that keeps you reading. It is easy to get caught up in Leah's Christmas fun.
This is a good story with some twists and turns that keeps you reading. It is easy to get caught up in Leah's Christmas fun.
January 2, 2022
Merrying in Alaska:
I thought it was a wonderful book or Novella. I wish I could write books like that one. But I don't have the talent. Thanks, Kit Ryan
I thought it was a wonderful book or Novella. I wish I could write books like that one. But I don't have the talent. Thanks, Kit Ryan
May 25, 2022
I was enjoying it until the forced drama at the end and the abrupt finish kind of wrecked the happy ending. It badly needs an epilogue to get past the frustration caused by that mixup.
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