Calla Fletcher was born in Alaska but her mother moved them back to Toronto when she was two-years old, leaving her bush pilot father, Wren Fletcher, and the rugged life behind. Calla is now 26-years old and has not seen him since and hasn’t talked to him in years. When she receives a phone call from one of his close friends asking her to come see him, she decides to make the trip after learning he’s been diagnosed with lung cancer. Calla is met at the airport by Jonah, one of Wren’s pilots, and to say the reception was less than welcoming is an understatement.
Life in Alaska was as much a part of the story as the characters, which made this a much richer reading experience. Calla lived a more pampered lifestyle in Toronto with access to the plethora of services and amenities associated with an urban environment. It was a tough adjustment but she quickly adapted, despite Jonah’s ill temper. I loved how her relationship with her father developed slowly, allowing time for both to create a new one. And, she frequently relied on her stepfather’s advice in making the best choices in the process.
And then there was Jonah. The long thaw between these two provided lots of humor and interesting situations. It was also through Jonah that we learned about the realities of life in the wildness of the state. Their relationship developed so naturally that when it took a romantic turn, it just seemed right. Other characters added even more flavor to the story as they were important people in Wren’s world.
I also enjoyed the narrator’s performance as she really captured Calla’s personality and the essence of the story. This one really worked for me even though there wasn’t a lot of drama. It is a deep exploration of the dynamics of a father-daughter relationship that wasn’t nurtured but given a second chance. It confirmed why this author is an auto read for me.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 7, 2018
- Narrator: Rebekkah Ross
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 34 minutes
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(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Blue Mood Café 
I’ve heard a lot of great things about this author. I really need to try her. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Melanie! She’s a favorite.
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I really need to read (or listen to!) this book, Jonetta! Lovely review!
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Thanks, Jennifer! This is one that will work well in any format.
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This sounds really interesting; I think father-daughter dynamics in a story are fascinating and I feel like they’re not explored as frequently as mother-daughter relationships. I’ve also really been interested in stories set in Alaska lately, it makes such an intriguing and rich backdrop. Great review!
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Thank you! I believe that’s why this resounded so deeply for me. Father-daughter relationships, when they do appear in stories (rarely), tend to be overly dramatic. This one was more complex and thoughtful. This also provides a unique and realistic view of life in Alaska through contrasts with Calla’s life in Toronto.
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They do always seem overly dramatic, and less likely to be nuanced! Great to hear this one explored it differently. I’m so intrigued by the realistic views on life in Alaska, that’s something I’d love to read more about.
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Awesome review Jonetta! I loved this one too!💕
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Thank you, Susan! Gotta love K. A. Tucker☺️
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Another author I need to read. Thanks for a great review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce!
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Great review Jonetta! I read one book by this author and it was not the right one to start with. This one sounds really good. Because part of the setting is in Toronto I am curious. I think the author is Canadian. I will have to look that up and check out this one!
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I know which one you read and that probably was too romanc-y for your tastes. I’d recommend He Will Be My Ruin, a much more complex story and one her fans criticized for not being romantic enough. Tucker leans more to New Adult, which isn’t my taste but her stories work for me.
She is indeed Canadian and lives outside of Toronto.
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This one sounds super interesting – I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska. Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Christina! Alaska is on my dream list, too.
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Wonderful review Jonetta. I have heard good things about this book. Having lost my father when I was only 8, I enjoy father/daughter stories. I hope this one ends with them mending their relationship.
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Thanks, Carla! I can’t spoil the ending only to say it’s a heartwarming story.
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I’ve just been hearing about this author recently and plan to give her a try. Excellent review! Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne! I hope she ends up being your cuppa.
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