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Seasons of Alaska #3
If Not for a Bee
You can't always play it safe
With four sons dependent on her, Janie Everett needs to keep her life uncomplicated. Now famous scientist Aidan Hollings is disrupting her orderly world, starting with the rescue of a...bumblebee.
Aidan is only passing through her Alaska wilderness town, and wasn't planning to bond with her two older boys. Or become so attracted to the widowed journalist. His globe-trotting days may be be over if he's able to show Janie that they can share the adventure of a lifetime--together.
With four sons dependent on her, Janie Everett needs to keep her life uncomplicated. Now famous scientist Aidan Hollings is disrupting her orderly world, starting with the rescue of a...bumblebee.
Aidan is only passing through her Alaska wilderness town, and wasn't planning to bond with her two older boys. Or become so attracted to the widowed journalist. His globe-trotting days may be be over if he's able to show Janie that they can share the adventure of a lifetime--together.
- GenresRomance
206 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
About the author
Carol Ross
52 books734 followersUSA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
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Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 13, 2015
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/1REDDtr
I initially chose to review this book because I wanted to support the Heartwarming (clean) romance line published by Harlequin, and discovered a very enjoyable story by Carol Ross in the process. If Not for a Bee – the title alone grabbed my attention – is set in one of my favorite locations, the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Although this is book #3 in the series and previous characters make appearances, it easily stands alone.
There’s a surprising amount of character depth in this story, which added richness to the narrative – and we also learn about bees through Aidan’s native-bee-population study. All of the main characters faced adversity in some form, physical or emotional, and this is something to which any reader can relate.
Aidan and Janie are strong, empathetic characters and the chemistry between them felt real. But it was Janie’s two boys who captured my emotions. Reagan had a high intelligence, accompanied by a lack of social skills, and Gareth, still grieving for his father, was weighed down by the responsibility to protect Reagan from bullying. Aidan’s background made it easy for him to connect with the boys and I loved watching the growth of their relationship and mutual respect. There’s a good lesson in that adversity and fears are a part of life, and how we choose to handle them is all important. I loved this thought of Janie’s: “Funny how much an opinion could change when you were presented with a bigger picture.”
If Not for a Bee is a very satisfying romance and I look forward to more from Carol Ross. Recommended.
Thank you to Prism Book Tours for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I initially chose to review this book because I wanted to support the Heartwarming (clean) romance line published by Harlequin, and discovered a very enjoyable story by Carol Ross in the process. If Not for a Bee – the title alone grabbed my attention – is set in one of my favorite locations, the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Although this is book #3 in the series and previous characters make appearances, it easily stands alone.
There’s a surprising amount of character depth in this story, which added richness to the narrative – and we also learn about bees through Aidan’s native-bee-population study. All of the main characters faced adversity in some form, physical or emotional, and this is something to which any reader can relate.
Aidan and Janie are strong, empathetic characters and the chemistry between them felt real. But it was Janie’s two boys who captured my emotions. Reagan had a high intelligence, accompanied by a lack of social skills, and Gareth, still grieving for his father, was weighed down by the responsibility to protect Reagan from bullying. Aidan’s background made it easy for him to connect with the boys and I loved watching the growth of their relationship and mutual respect. There’s a good lesson in that adversity and fears are a part of life, and how we choose to handle them is all important. I loved this thought of Janie’s: “Funny how much an opinion could change when you were presented with a bigger picture.”
If Not for a Bee is a very satisfying romance and I look forward to more from Carol Ross. Recommended.
Thank you to Prism Book Tours for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2015
Thanks to Prism book tours for the book in exchange for a honest review.
Janie and Aiden didn't have the best encounter when he first moved to town. Trying to make sure her son didn't get stung and save the Boston Cream Pie that was for their celebration was her main priorities. Not the bee. Janie is doing the best she can but her family is still mourning the loss of her husband three years ago. This cake, is important to the night. Aiden doesn't make a great impression and vise versa. Janie is finally starting to get her head above water, and start to move on. Aiden is a brainy guy so he doesn't have the tact that most people do. She has to tolerate him because he's her sister-in-law's brother, that didn't mean she had to like him.
Aiden is ready for a relaxing time in the small town Rankins Alaska. He's there to study the bees and Janie perplexes him. She's just a mom. Yeah he said that, JUST a MOM. Sometimes single men have no clue really what moms do. Anyway, his sister wants him to do an interview with the local paper and Janie is the reporter that would do it. Needless to say Aiden is just there to study the bees and enjoy the down time. When he starts to get to know Janie and sees that there is more to her story, he starts to feel more.
Janie is closed off and really she has her reasons. Aiden comes in and hes just a mess but he gets to her, and he is great with her boys. She starts to realize that she could live life again, maybe just maybe with Aiden. I was a little put off with Aiden at first but he ended up redeeming himself. A lot! Janie learned to see beyond their pain and see that sometimes an outsider can see things that you can't when you're in the thick of things. I think you all would enjoy this feel good romance. It is a part of a series but I did not feel like I was missing anything. Leave the author some love in the form of a review!
October 12, 2015
IF you like knitting or environmental issues are dear to your heart or you've never been to Alaska but have always wanted to visit, this book could be for you. Third in the Seasons of ALaska series, the story revolves around Janie Everett and her four sons. A widow for three years, she is simply trying to hold together her life by keeping it simple. Along comes Aidan Hollings, who is studying native bee populations. He is far from simple in Janie's view, and she represents--mistakenly, he finds out--a simple, uneducated hausfrau who just doesn't understand or accept his apology for accidentally ruining the cake that is so special to her oldest son precisely because it was his late father's favorite. And all because he's allergic to bee stings, Janie is about to kill the bee, and Aidan jiggles her arms, which contributes to the cake's demise.
If they just went their separate ways, all would be fine, right? Wrong. Even the toddlers seem taken with Aidan, and the older boys are thrilled to learn from him. But what is he teaching Janie's sons? Why are they boxing when they're supposed to be helping him in his lab when his bout with a razor clam results in serious cuts on his hand?
Then there are the incidents at school that neither boy has shared with Janie, but which Aidan seems to know about. A crisis involving drugs, something 13 year-old Gareth has been hiding and then his running away create a cascade of crises that bring everything to head, including the curious attraction Aidan and Janie have for each other when neither expected or wanted it.
A refreshing story worth reading on a blustery fall day while the rain slides down the windows...
If they just went their separate ways, all would be fine, right? Wrong. Even the toddlers seem taken with Aidan, and the older boys are thrilled to learn from him. But what is he teaching Janie's sons? Why are they boxing when they're supposed to be helping him in his lab when his bout with a razor clam results in serious cuts on his hand?
Then there are the incidents at school that neither boy has shared with Janie, but which Aidan seems to know about. A crisis involving drugs, something 13 year-old Gareth has been hiding and then his running away create a cascade of crises that bring everything to head, including the curious attraction Aidan and Janie have for each other when neither expected or wanted it.
A refreshing story worth reading on a blustery fall day while the rain slides down the windows...
December 18, 2015
If you enjoy heartwarming stories about family, overcoming loss and learning to live again, this one is not to be missed!
Janie Everett lives in Rankin, Alaska with her 4 sons ... 13 year old Gareth, 11 year old Reagan and 2 year old twins Gabe and Finn. She and the boys are still healing from losing her husband Cal 3 years ago when she was still pregnant with the twins. They've come a long way, but the loss is deep ... especially for Gareth who as the oldest, had the most memories of his father and the responsibility of being the man of the house now.
Aidan Hollings comes to town and wreaks havoc immediately for Janie and her little family. They get off on the wrong foot on more than one occasion, and he has to back pedal and do a lot of finagling to get her to give him a chance to make things up to her.
Aidan sees alot of himself in her older two sons and takes them under his wing as helpers as he works on studying the bees in the area for his research. Being with him helps the boys ... and Janie over time. There are several twists and turns as time passes, but together they support each other and make it through each one.
Janie Everett lives in Rankin, Alaska with her 4 sons ... 13 year old Gareth, 11 year old Reagan and 2 year old twins Gabe and Finn. She and the boys are still healing from losing her husband Cal 3 years ago when she was still pregnant with the twins. They've come a long way, but the loss is deep ... especially for Gareth who as the oldest, had the most memories of his father and the responsibility of being the man of the house now.
Aidan Hollings comes to town and wreaks havoc immediately for Janie and her little family. They get off on the wrong foot on more than one occasion, and he has to back pedal and do a lot of finagling to get her to give him a chance to make things up to her.
Aidan sees alot of himself in her older two sons and takes them under his wing as helpers as he works on studying the bees in the area for his research. Being with him helps the boys ... and Janie over time. There are several twists and turns as time passes, but together they support each other and make it through each one.
October 16, 2015
In Carol Ross’ latest inspiring and heart-felt release, If Not for a Bee, she has created a story about loss, pain, grieving, and love. Readers will love the easily relatable characters and touching and uplifting story of overcoming hard things in life and learning to love and forgive. The third installment of the Seasons of Alaska series will not disappoint readers. In fact,If Not for a Bee is the type of book readers will want to curl up and read over and over again. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy light-hearted and touching inspiring, contemporary romance novels.
Series: Seasons of Alaska
Genre: contemporary; romance; inspirational
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication date: October 1, 2015
Number of pages: 206
Other books in the series:
1-Mountains Apart
2-A Case for Forgiveness
A review copy of this book was provided by Prism Book Tours
Series: Seasons of Alaska
Genre: contemporary; romance; inspirational
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication date: October 1, 2015
Number of pages: 206
Other books in the series:
1-Mountains Apart
2-A Case for Forgiveness
A review copy of this book was provided by Prism Book Tours
October 14, 2015
If Not for a Bee is another winner in the Harlequin Heartwarming line. I love these books because they are sweet and romantic while staying clean! This is the third in the Seasons of Alaska series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by jumping in on the third book.
The characters are very well developed and though Janie was driving me crazy in the beginning, she grew on me. I’m a widow like she is, and I am sure I would have reacted the same exact way. And yeah, I drive myself crazy at times too.
You will love the way the story unfolds and how sweet the story and characters are. I will probably go back to read the other two though I already know who ends up with whom :) It’s all good. If you need a quick, cute romance, check this one out!
The characters are very well developed and though Janie was driving me crazy in the beginning, she grew on me. I’m a widow like she is, and I am sure I would have reacted the same exact way. And yeah, I drive myself crazy at times too.
You will love the way the story unfolds and how sweet the story and characters are. I will probably go back to read the other two though I already know who ends up with whom :) It’s all good. If you need a quick, cute romance, check this one out!
June 7, 2016
Sweet story with wonderful cast of characters!
My heart was breaking for Janie at the beginning of this story. She's a widow raising four kids on her own, I could imagine how tough each day was. Enter Aidan, who is gorgeous and brilliant but a little socially awkward. At first, he makes things much harder for Janie but soon proves to be the man both she and her kids need in their lives. Carol Ross has such a great voice and wonderful sense of humor. She mixes light moments with some pretty heavy ones so well. Excellent job!!
My heart was breaking for Janie at the beginning of this story. She's a widow raising four kids on her own, I could imagine how tough each day was. Enter Aidan, who is gorgeous and brilliant but a little socially awkward. At first, he makes things much harder for Janie but soon proves to be the man both she and her kids need in their lives. Carol Ross has such a great voice and wonderful sense of humor. She mixes light moments with some pretty heavy ones so well. Excellent job!!
October 25, 2015
Another great book by Carol Ross. This book starts out telling us how Janie and her son were picking up a cake and Aiden (who is a scientist doing research on bees)saw Janie getting ready to kill the bee.
It seems as far as Janie is concerned Aiden can do nothing right. He has one mishap after another. The book is a cute read and it teaches you that you can have confidence in yourself and over come your fears.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance
It seems as far as Janie is concerned Aiden can do nothing right. He has one mishap after another. The book is a cute read and it teaches you that you can have confidence in yourself and over come your fears.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance
November 5, 2015
One of the most heart warming stories I have read in a long time! I love the story line with the two young boys and the trials they were going thru. A single mom with a wonderful support group behind her! You can't help but fall in love with this book!
October 20, 2015
I loved this story of a windowed mother of four and a socially awkward scientist coming together with her boys to make a family. I'm from Alaska, and was pleased that the setting felt genuine and welcoming.
November 24, 2021
The characters were extremely unlikable.
March 5, 2016
I loved this book!! An encounter with a bumble bee did not make for a pleasant introduction between Aidan Hollings and Janie Everett, and their future acquaintances weren't faring much better. Janie, widowed and raising four boys, including a set of toddler twins, couldn't be bothered with Botanist Aidan Hollings, although it would be difficult to avoid him since his sister was married to her brother. Why did he have to settle in Rankins, Alaska now anyway? His meddling concerning a bumble bee had caused her boys pain, and that was the last thing she wanted to have happen. However, was Janie being selfish and unwilling to accept how Aidan's future meddling would transform the lives of her boys, teaching her lessons that would ultimately make her a better mother? Although things started off on a bad note between Janie and Aidan, might he not be the one man who could help Janie to face her fears respecting her boys' welfare, and propel them to their greatest potential?
As is customary with Carol Ross's books, If Not for a Bee's opening scene pulled me directly into the story. The pace was so refreshing, and even began to increase in intensity toward the end of the book which was a wonderful surprise, leading to a beautiful, Hearwarming ending. There were so many great elements to this book. I loved how many of the characters learned to acquire confidence in their abilities, and to face their fears. I'm also happy that Janie got a second chance at love after all she'd been through. I enjoyed this book so much and can't recommend it enough to lovers of sweet romance. Carol Ross's books just keep getting better. Thank you Carol Ross for gifting this book to me. In exchange I have provided an honest review.
As is customary with Carol Ross's books, If Not for a Bee's opening scene pulled me directly into the story. The pace was so refreshing, and even began to increase in intensity toward the end of the book which was a wonderful surprise, leading to a beautiful, Hearwarming ending. There were so many great elements to this book. I loved how many of the characters learned to acquire confidence in their abilities, and to face their fears. I'm also happy that Janie got a second chance at love after all she'd been through. I enjoyed this book so much and can't recommend it enough to lovers of sweet romance. Carol Ross's books just keep getting better. Thank you Carol Ross for gifting this book to me. In exchange I have provided an honest review.
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January 12, 2016Miniseries: Seasons of Alaska
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews