REVIEW: It Happened in Scotland by Patience Griffin

It Happened in Scotland by Patience Griffin: Rachel is not looking forward to her upcoming trip to Scotland over the holidays. She knows that her daughter needs to meet her great-grandfather, but she’s sure that she will receive another chilly reception by the residents of Gandiegow. Rachel is still struggling with her past between the unexpected death of her husband, Joe, and the one man she can’t forget in Joe’s cousin.

Brodie is back in Gandiegow after a six-year absence. He’s taking over the fishing boat his grandfather can no longer run due to age and illness. Brodie is a good man and known to be a very eligible bachelor in the picturesque community, but he’s not looking for a relationship. The last person he expects to see is Rachel. He fell in love with her and she broke his heart when she went through with her wedding to Joe. He hasn’t forgotten her, but he’s determined not to forgive her either. He’s hoping to simply survive Rachel’s visit.

<<<quote>>>
“Stay,” she said. “Talk to me.” She weaseled her way to the front of him, her arms still encapsulating him, and gazed up into his face. “There’s so much I need to say.” Six years’ worth.
“I can’t.” He was impenetrable as stone. But she only heard the vulnerability in his voice.
<<<quote>>>

They can’t exactly avoid each other since they are staying with Brodie and Joe’s grandfather. While Rachel had no expectation of seeing Brodie on this trip, she’s hoping that this will be an opportunity to made amends. She broke both of their hearts by marrying Joe, but she’s hoping for a second chance. Brodie has difficulty trusting women and Rachel’s betrayal from six years ago further hardened his heart. The attraction and connection between them is still present, despite Brodie’s best efforts to kill any feelings towards her. Both are wary of getting hurt again, and Rachel is finally ready to move on from her grief.

<<<quote>>>
“It’s Leap Year Day. I’m growing older here by the second.” He brushed back her hair.
She felt light and airy, playful. “Leap Year Day? Sorry. Doesn’t ring a bell.”
His mock impatience was turning into real frustration. “Ye know what I’m talking about. I see it in yere eyes. It’s a Gendiegow tradition.”
<<<quote>>>

It Happened in Scotland is a sweet, charming, and entertaining story about second chances. Patience Griffin weaved together several secondary storylines to carry the series forward, while enhancing the main story between Rachel and Brodie. Ms. Griffin provided an endearing cast of colorful characters with the always meddlesome ladies of Kilts and Quilts and Rachel’s lively and adorable daughter. Fans of Susan Mallery and Beth Ciotta will enjoy It Happened in Scotland.
 

Book Info:

Publication: January 3rd 2017 | Berkley | Kilts and Quilts #6

From the author of The Trouble With Scotland—a charming new romance set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Christmas in the sleepy Scottish fishing village of Gandiegow this year is a time for quilting, patching up broken hearts, and rekindling an old flame…

After pulling herself out of a three-year fog of grief over the loss of her husband, Joe, Rachel is bringing their five-year-old daughter to see his hometown of Gandiegow and visit with his grandfather. But Rachel wasn’t planning on running into Joe’s cousin, the man who made her have second thoughts at the altar…

Brodie has come home to help his grandfather’s fishing business, but he’d prefer not to see Rachel. Although she did break his heart six years ago, the grip she has on him hasn’t faltered. If they can stop butting heads long enough and learn to overcome the past, they may find new love in the new year…