Although born in New Orleans, I am proud to call myself an Alaskan. I have lived here since 1977. I have seen -40 degrees, hauled water, made bear bacon and I live in a cabin. I have used a fishwheel to catch salmon coming up the Copper River. I was my second husband’s chief mechanic’s helper and roadie. I have cut firewood on shares. I worked as a cocktail waitress during pipeline days in a small lodge on the Richardson Highway.
My second husband, a Scot from Glasgow, was the love of my life. When I write Scots dialect, I personally experienced hearing it from my in laws. When my husband got on the phone to Scotland, after 5 seconds I could barely understand a word.
We moved to Wasilla to get warm. It barely drops past -25 degrees here in the winter. I became a paralegal and worked for over 26 years for the same firm.
Alaska is my home. I never thought I would love it so much, I never want to leave. The beauty of Alaska is a draw I cannot resist. I love the people and the history. I have been captured by a place I came to under duress. Life does play some interesting tricks on one. My love and I were not apart more than 24 hours for 20 plus years. I never wanted to be anywhere but with him. He was a man to run the river with and was my biggest fan.
You can find me on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/pages/Cherime-MacFarlane/234948983315392
I also blog at cherimemacfarlane.wordpress.com
What the reviewers have to say about Mile 43.3 Richardson Highway
This was a truly enjoyable read. Not your typical romance, this book is set in rural Alaska in the 1970’s. Nancy is struggling and when an accident brings her and single dad Ray together, she gets an interesting romance she never expected. The writing is wonderful, the setting so vivid and magical, and it’s a plot you can really sink your teeth into. I loved the author’s writing style and found the characters to be relatable and real. I flew through the pages, eager to see how the story progressed and changed at every time. This is a must read for romance fans. I’m can’t wait to see what other books Cherime MacFarlane has to offer!
**Note: In an attempt to retain the flavor of the times this book uses a modified Scots vernacular for ease of reading.** The story of the MacGrough clan begins in “Highland Light”.
Not pretty, Ailene knows her suitors only want the glen. She refuses them all. Her father knows she must have a husband, a laird for the small clan. The 18 Knights Templar who secretly negotiate with Robert Bruce must quietly marry into the clans loyal to him. Among the Knights is Gideon. A ward of the Master, barely a man, the warrior knows nothing else. He is as unprepared as she is ready.
Ailene has seen the young man she wants. She will have him and no other. Gideon has honored the vows of chastity. He has no knowledge of women. He and Ailene must learn together.
But Gideon owes his new King service. No matter how much he wishes to stay with his wife, he has a duty. Scotland is fighting for its life against England. At the same time, Gideon’s new home is locked in a vicious internal struggle for power. Enemies are everywhere. The clan is in danger from all sides. The small bedroom they share is the only place where the young couple can find peace.
“Snagged” is the first of the Copper River Romances.
In some places in Alaska there are only two places to socialize, the bar and the church. Dorcas’ family chose the church. Trying to find her path, she is spending the winter in a remote cabin. The pilot of a small plane crashes on the river. Dorcas pulls James out, saving his life.
James has been working alongside his father building the business for years. When he goes to Fairbanks to scout out a second location, his father is not happy about it. Leaving a day early, his plane develops engine trouble over the Copper River, far off course. Being thrown from the aircraft into the icy water, James thinks his life is over until the girl pulls him from the river.
There is a family connection which goes back over 25 years something neither of the young people discover until her family comes to spend Christmas with her at the remote cabin. Will an old lie tear the young couple apart? Will James’ father finally listen to the truth?
Behind the Raven Mask
Alaska 1881 Dmitri suddenly finds himself married after mistakenly entering the room of young widow Camille. Camille wakes from a laudanum dream, to finds herself married to Dmitri. Camille is thrown into an emotionally charged situation in isolated Southeast Alaska. Someone wants her dead. Could it be her new husband? Can Dmitri convince his new bride that he loves her and does not want her dead?
Hannah Howe 