The Recommended Reading Order
If you want to experience the full charm, running jokes, and character growth of Moose Springs, it is highly recommended to read the series in order of publication. While each book spotlights a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone romance, the overarching community timeline, local rivalries, and recurring side characters (both human and animal) are best enjoyed chronologically.
Here is the recommended reading path for the Moose Springs, Alaska series:
- The Tourist Attraction (2020) — Also published under the alternate title The Tourist Trap in certain international markets.
- Mistletoe and Mr. Right (2020)
- A Christmas Bun for Ulysses (2020) — Book 2.5; a short companion story focusing on the town's most famous moose.
- Enjoy the View (2021) — Also published under the alternate title Roughing It in certain international markets.
Deep Dive into the Moose Springs Books
1. The Tourist Attraction (2020)
The book that started it all introduces readers to the fictional resort town of Moose Springs. The story centers on Zoey Caldwell, a hardworking tourist who has saved up for years to experience her dream Alaskan vacation. Instead of a pristine wilderness retreat, she finds a town packed with eccentric locals, including Graham Barnett. Graham is the grumpy owner of the local dive diner, named "The Tourist Trap," and he has zero patience for the travelers invading his home. When a series of chaotic events brings them together, Graham find his cold exterior melting for Zoey's sunny optimism, despite a wild moose named Ulysses causing constant trouble.
2. Mistletoe and Mr. Right (2020)
Set during the snowy holiday season, the second book focuses on Lana Montgomery, a wealthy socialite and developer who is thoroughly disliked by the locals because she wants to modernize their beloved town. Determined to win over the community, Lana agrees to help catch the "Santa Moose"—a destructive local moose who has been wrecking the town's Christmas decorations. She teams up with Rick Harding, a gentle, pool-hall-owning local who is recovering from a difficult divorce. Their unlikely partnership quickly turns romantic, showing that opposites really do attract when the holiday magic kicks in.
3. A Christmas Bun for Ulysses (2020)
This delightful short story (often referred to as Book 2.5) is a fun bridge between the second and third books. Clocking in at around ten pages, it focuses heavily on Ulysses, the town's legendary yeast-roll-loving moose. If you want a quick dose of Moose Springs humor and want to see how the town copes with Ulysses' antics during the winter holidays, this quick story is a treat for fans of the series.
4. Enjoy the View (2021)
The third full-length novel shifts the focus to Easton Lockett, a rugged, quiet Alaskan search-and-rescue worker who prefers the isolation of the mountains to the chatter of tourists. When a Hollywood film crew arrives to shoot a documentary on the dangerous Mount Veil, Easton is hired as their guide. He clashes immediately with River Lane, a former actress turned director who is determined to make her project a success despite the harsh environment. As they climb higher, Easton and River must rely on each other to survive the elements, sparking a deep romance along the way.
Publication Order vs. Alternate Titles
One common source of confusion for readers trying to track down these books is the use of alternate titles in international markets. In the United Kingdom and some other regions, the publisher chose to rename the first and third books to better suit local audiences:
- The Tourist Attraction was released in some markets as The Tourist Trap (a nod to the name of Graham's diner).
- Enjoy the View was released in some markets as Roughing It.
Regardless of which cover or title you find, the underlying text and stories are identical. If you are purchasing books online, keep these titles in mind so you do not accidentally buy the same story twice!
What to Know Before You Start
Sarah Morgenthaler is a geologist by training, and her deep appreciation for nature and the environment shines through in the vivid descriptions of Alaska's wilderness. The town of Moose Springs is fictional—likely inspired by real-life mountain communities like Girdwood, Alaska—but it feels incredibly authentic, highlighting the real tension that exists between local residents and seasonal tourists.
The series is known for its lighthearted, cozy, and humorous tone. Expect plenty of banter, slow-burn romances, and highly entertaining encounters with local wildlife. The books strike a balance between romantic comedy and contemporary romance, keeping things warm and comforting throughout.
Looking Ahead: The Heart of the Wilderness Series
If you finish the Moose Springs books and find yourself craving more of Sarah Morgenthaler's signature writing style, you can check out her newer series, Heart of the Wilderness. The first book in this collection, The Christmas You Found Me (published in September 2024), moves the setting from the wilds of Alaska to a cattle ranch in Idaho. While it features a new cast of characters and a different location, it brings the same warmth, humor, and appreciation for the natural world that made Moose Springs such a delight to read.