As a romance writer, I believe that romance can be found anywhere. In a park. On a cruise ship. On a college campus. And in a quaint fishing village in Alaska. My September release from Love Inspired, “An Alaskan Wedding,” takes place in the great state of Alaska in a town named Love. 
One of the reasons why I wanted to write this book was because I love the “fish out water” concept. The story revolves around Grace Corbett, a journalist who travels undercover to Love, Alaska to research a story. When she meets Sheriff Boone Prescott she finds herself falling for the Alaskan hunk, even though she is only in town in pursuit of a juicy story.
So far, I have received wonderful feedback and an amazing 4.5 stars from RT Book Reviews and the reviewer, Leslie McKee. Knowing that this book of my heart was being well-received has been amazing as an author. It has been incredible to receive letters from readers who live in Alaska and feel that I nailed it, even though I’ve never stepped foot in the last frontier. One of my favorite letters was from a 79 year old reader who told me how much she loved the book and instructed me to visit Alaska…immediately!
Little did I know when I sold this book, but more blessings were coming my way. I sold, in a three book deal, more books set in Love, Alaska. This fictional town that I had created was going to continue with more faith-driven couples, more happily-ever-afters and more glimpses into the wonderful Alaskan lifestyle.
My goal this year is to travel to Alaska. Not just for research, but to see this glorious land that I have fallen in love with through my series. My husband has always wanted to travel there, but until recently I was on the fence. I’m really looking forward to that voyage.
With a three book contract from Love Inspired, as well as several more characters who need their happy endings, I’m going to be in Alaska for quite a while. “Alaskan Reunion” is going to be released in mid-February of 2016, with another, as yet untitled book coming out in August of 2016. 
In honor of the release of “An Alaskan Wedding” and the three book deal I signed with Harlequin Love Inspired, I am giving away five copies of this book.
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library was one of the coolest things about her childhood. Not only did it spur her literary dreams, but it gave her access to lots of research materials for school. Married to her college sweetheart, Belle lives in Connecticut with her husband, two daughters and two very spoiled dogs. A lover of all things French, Belle has traveled extensively throughout France and enjoys speaking French. A believer in happily ever afters, Belle thinks one of the best perks of being an author is her ability to work in her pajamas. Belle has written three books for Harlequin Love Inspired, with a fourth book contracted. She is also author of the Indy published Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series.
I already own An Alaskan Wedding and you have done such a wonderful job. I am so happy for you and can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Hi Terrill. Thanks so much for your lovely words. I am so excited about what’s coming next. And to officially have a series with Love Inspired. I am enjoying creating stories for my Alaskan Grooms. Blessings!
This sounds like a neat series.
Linda Rainey
Hi Linda. Thanks for stopping by. I’m getting a lot of great feedback from readers who are really enjoying the book. I’m so glad I can tell them that there’s more coming down the pipeline. Blessings! Belle
I love things set in Alaska! Can’t wait to check out your book. Congrats on signing on for more! :)
Hi RLR888. Thanks for stopping by. I am now enthralled by Alaska. It is such an interesting state with stunning landscapes. I am looking forward to traveling there and doing more research for my series. Blessings. Belle
I love the “fish out of water” story lines. I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I need to put this one ion my to read list.
Hi Tonja. Welcome! I love the “fish out of water” trope also. I think it really illuminates the characters when you see them grappling with new settings, situations and things that don’t come easily for them. I hope you enjoy “An Alaskan Wedding” if it comes your way….it’s a fun, romantic and inspirational read. Blessings. Belle
I’ve always wanted to travel to Alaska too, Belle. The landscape looks breathtaking. Congratulations on your three book deal..so exciting! Don’t enter me, as I have your book in my TBR pile. Of course, it’s on the top, so I can admire the beautiful cover.
Hi Jill. Great to see you over here. I’m so excited about Alaska. We haven’t planned anything yet. We’re just in the research phase, but it all looks so intriguing. I hope you enjoy the book. And so far it is my favorite cover from Love Inspired. They have some great cover artists as you’ll soon find out. Blessings. Belle
I enjoyed the book very much. I will be introducing my mom to it.
Hi Colleen. Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you enjoyed “An Alaskan Wedding.” I’m really happy with all the feedback I’m getting. Readers really want to know if more stories are coming with other characters. So happy the answer is YES. Blessings. Belle
I’m looking forward to reading the series. I’ve been to Alaska twice and love the state – God is such an amazing Creator!
Hi Julianne. Welcome! Wow. You’re so fortunate to have been to Alaska twice. It is such a breathtakingly beautiful state. Gorgeous! And yes indeed…He has created a wonderful vista for us to enjoy. Blessings. Belle
It sounds wonderful!
Hi Kathy. Thanks for stopping by. It’s a very enjoyable read. I’m thrilled at the reader response and all the letters from readers who have enjoyed this book. It’s very gratifying. Blessings. Belle
Sounds like a great series. Would love to visit Alaska someday.
Hi Beth. Welcome. Thanks! I’m having a lot of fun writing this series. And it was really exciting to be given a series name for it…Alaskan Grooms. And traveling to Alaska is on my to-do list. I’m researching it now. Just have to make it happen. Blessings. Belle
Sounds like a fun series that I would enjoy. Would love to win one of your books so that I can visit Alaska through your book and your new series.
Hi Nancy. Thanks for stopping by. It has been a really fun series to write. Lots of adventures in Love, Alaska. I think you would enjoy it. Blessings. Belle
Looking forward to reading your book! I’d love to visit Alaska someday.
Hi Katy C. Thanks for stopping by. Aww, thanks. So happy you’re excited about the book. I think Alaska would be a great vacation destination. There are so many unique places and interesting things to do. I hope we both get to experience it. Blessings. Belle
Congratulations on the three book deal! Alaska is beautiful. My hubby and I went there several years ago and would love to go back some day.
Hi Kimberly Rose. Awww, thanks for the kind words. You are so lucky to have traveled to Alaska. It is amazingly beautiful from all the research I’ve done. My husband has always wanted to travel there, so we’re going to make it happen. Vacation plus research. Perfect! Blessings. Belle
We cruised to Alaska on Norwegian about five years ago and loved it. Let me know if you want to hear some of the highlights from my POV :) Congrats on this release and on more to come.
Hi Valerie. WOW. An Alaskan cruise sounds oh so romantic. And I want to hear ALL the highlights. I’m so fascinated by Alaska and all the possibilities. Thanks for sharing that tidbit. I can’t wait to hear where you went and what your favorite places were. Blessings. Belle
Alaska has been on my bucket list for a long time. It amazes me how love can find you anytime and anywhere. I had a friend who found her husband at Dairy Queen. I found my husband at a volleyball game. Keep writing your inspiring stories. We love them!
Hi Patti H. Welcome. That is what is remarkable about love. It can find us anywhere. I love Dairy Queen. I met my hubby on our college campus…when I wasn’t even looking. Aww, thanks for the compliment. I will keep on writing. I couldn’t stop if I tried. Blessings. Belle.
Aw, Belle, I love how God used this series of books to change your heart about traveling to Alaska. Now your husband’s dream can come true, and you’ll get to enjoy it with him. Have a blast on your shared adventure!
Hi Andrea. Welcome. You are so right, Andrea. God used my own writing to change my heart. It’s so exciting. And it really shows me that I should have been open to Alaska this whole time. I’m blessed. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings. Belle
I’m almost finished with An Alaskan Wedding, and I love it! Hope you enjoy your trip there. I look forward to reading about all the people who popped up on the pages of the first one of the series.
Hi Angel. Great to see you over here! I’m so glad you’re enjoying “An Alaskan Wedding.” Thanks for all your support. There’s many more stories coming…next up is Cameron. Lots of love stories in Alaska. Blessings. Belle
I have never traveled to Alaska either. Although I was tempted, as a single mother of three, after I graduated from college. The Alaska Department of Education was reciting teachers on campus. I was not courageous enough to take that step of faith feeling my sense of responsibility for my children. I have friends living in Alaska now.
Your book sounds intriguing to me I look forward to reading this series.
Hi kda61. Welcome. How fascinating to hear your story. I think once we become mothers that responsibility is so heightened that it makes the choice rather easy. That makes you a fantastic mom. And you should visit those friends of yours. That would be amazing. Blessings. Belle
I love your books! Looking forward to reading An Alaskan Wedding.
Hi Patricia. It’s great to see you over here. Thanks for your kind words. You are so sweet. I hope you enjoy the book. Blessings. Belle
Sounds like a great book, thanks for the chance to win. I admit Alaska would not be at the top of my list to visit (I’m more into warm, tropical climates), but perhaps this book would change my mind! Congratulation on the book deal.
Hi Mallory. What a lovely name you have. I need to write that down. I’m always looking for heroine names. Honestly, I love tropical places as well. Our last few vacations have been Mexico, Bahamas and in the summer we head to warm Cape Cod. Because of this writing journey I’m on, Alaska is now on my list. Thanks for your kind words. Blessings. Belle
I am looking forward to reading “ An Alaskan Wedding,” thanks for the chance to win. Congratulation on the three book deal you signed with Harlequin Love Inspired,
Hi Emma. Welcome. I hope you enjoy “An Alaskan Wedding.” Readers so far think it’s fun and romantic. I’m very excited about my three book deal…it was something to check off my list of author goals. Blessings. Belle
I have loved every book of yours that I’ve read. I can’t wait to read this one! Alaska seems like an intriguing and beautiful place. How exciting that you get to go there!
Hi Meghan. Thanks for stopping by. Thanks so much for reading my books. I’m so happy that you’re enjoying them. And I think you’ll enjoy this one as well. I’m looking forward to exploring Alaska. Blessings. Belle
So cool that there will be more of them! Let me know if you want help planning your trip. :)
Hi Sarah. Great to see you over here. I owe you such a debt of gratitude for all your help. You are my awesome Alaska advisor. And I will definitely be consulting you about places to go and things to do. It all looks so amazing. Blessings. Belle
Congrats on your new contract! I certainly hope you get to go to Alaska. Imagine getting a letter like that! So awesome. I’m so proud of the reach you have achieved with your books. Congratulations!
Hi Piper. Welcome. Thanks for the congrats. It was on my list of goals as an author. And I hope it works out for Alaska also…we’re just at the looking stage now. Thanks so much for your kind words. Right back ‘atcha. Blessings. Belle
So much good reading.
Hi Bonnie! Thanks for stopping by. Yes…so many books, so little time. I wish I had more time to read a lot but I’m so busy writing that my reading suffers. I want to take a vacation and read for a solid week. Blessings. Belle
What a fantastic journey you will have Belle!! I’ve never been to Alaska either, although it’s on our list of places to go. My husband wants to do an inner passage cruise someday. I’ve read so many good book series set in Alaska, it just draws my heart too!! But I don’t like to think of the cold and snow….lol! I think your series will be just as good! Congrats on the contract for 3 more books, how exciting for you :-) I rejoice right along side you!!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “An Alaskan Wedding”! And with a town named Love, how can you go wrong?
Hi Trixi. I’m very excited about this journey, but we’re just at the look and see/mapping it out stage. I need to figure out what time of year is best. I love the dramatic pictures of Alaska covered in snow and ice, but I’m not crazy about being in that type of weather. An inner passage cruise sounds awesome. My father did a cruise a while back like that. His pictures were jaw dropping. Thanks so much for the congrats. I’m very excited career-wise for the three book contract and the series. So much to look forward to. Blessings. Belle
I have always been drawn to the beauty of Alaska – I hope to go someday! Congrats on the book contract! I am looking forward to reading your books set in alas!
Hi Jeissman. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you get to go someday also. It looks like there are hidden treasures everywhere in Alaska. And thanks for the congrats. It’s been exciting watching it all play out and seeing such great response to the book. Blessings. Belle