Very enjoyable romance set in the Scottish Highlands. Largely escapist but with some social issues coming up for Liz and Ben. The Highlands are gorgeous and all the people in the distillery and the town captured my attention. It would have been great to see more of the Laird and his girlfriend (from Loch Cameron Book 1). By the end I liked Ben more than Liz and wished she was braver. A charming closed door romance. If you like Katie Fforde's books you'll like this one!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Liz moved to Loch Cameron for a fresh start, hoping to heal after her marriage foundered on infertility. She's enjoying working at the whisky distillery and building a friendship with Ben the owner as well as with others in the village, But then Ben wants to sell, Liz has to decide about telling him about her issues, and so on, Yes it's trope-y but Liz and Ben are good characters and it's got a big heart. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read,

What a beautiful uplifting story of hope and healing! It tackles the very sensitive subject of infertility, some of its causes and the struggles couples have with treatment and possible options. The longing for a child can be fierce and even more heartbreaking when a pregnancy ends in miscarriage. It is a topic dear to my own heart and I applaud Kennedy Kerr for handling it all so well and with such respect and compassion. She has aptly shown how this trial can leave a woman feeling like a failure and a man not sure what to do. Sadly, the stresses and expectations can break up a relationship. The waiting, the dreaming and the disappointment cut deep when things do not happen.

But although A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch deals with the trauma of childlessness and a failed relationship, the story does not end there. The gorgeous green and purple hues of heather wrap around the hearts of everyone who draws near to this beautiful Scottish landscape. For here, visitors and residents are reminded of the magic and healing power of this stunning setting and the warm close knit community that dwells within its hills.

This story ultimately is about thirty- seven year old Liz Parson. A very talented women who helps businesses get back on their feet. She has a glowing reputation so is hired for a new job in the quaint village of Loch Cameron to boost a failing distillery. But why would a successful business woman leave a large organisation in the city and come to a remote location for less pay and less visibility? She knows she can do the job well, of course, but this move offers her a fresh start. She has suffered great personal loss and needs to get as far away from her sadness and disappointment as possible—in a place nobody knows her. But can distance erase the pain? Maybe not, but different surroundings and a new job can change her focus. And when she meets Ben, the owner of the distillery, an unexpected spark begins. The journey is a gentle one but there are errors and bumps, too. They work well together, though, and Liz comes up with a great plan for the business that also uncovers some interesting secrets of the Old Maids of Loch Cameron. I loved learning about these pioneers of the past and also more about Gretchen (such a sweet and fiery soul) who owns the cottage where Liz lives.

The two men in Liz’s life are quite different. Her ex was a challenge but I adored Ben for so many reasons. His understanding heart and winsome warmth shines on these pages. But there are rumours about his past. A failed relationship that sets Liz’s mind into a panic. Can she trust him? Is he what he seems or is there a colder, darker side of him? Confusion grips her for what she sees and what she hears are polar opposites.

It was such a delight to curl up in a comfy chair and get lost in the lives of Liz and Ben: to explore the Scottish wonders with them. I absolutely adored this gorgeous heart-warming novel by Kennedy Kerr. There is sadness, yes, but joy, too. Tribulations are part of life. But things have a way of working out. Just as they did for Liz. Reading this novel rejuvenated my heart and reminded me of some of my own past trials and triumphs. Fiction can do that and this tender novel has led me back to the gorgeous setting of Loch Cameron.

I must add, the writing style is effortless and haunting. The words flow like moonlight on a silken sea. Kennedy delivers all the beauty and magic of the Scottish landscape. The natural elements burst forth in vibrant crisp images that fire your imagination. I appreciate this novel and thank Kennedy for delivering such an exceptional message. It is a lighthouse for women who seek hope and healing. Self-fulfilment is possible even when things don’t go as planned. This treasure excels even beyond the glorious heights of book one! And that is saying a lot, since it is very special, too. I highly recommend this perfect passionate story. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

This was a fun book but started really slow. Once I got further into it, I enjoyed the flow.I enjoyed the chemistry between the 2 main characters. My favorite parts were the detailed descriptions of the landscapes that were a large part of the book.

A heartfelt story with more than the usual boy meets girl romance. I felt every emotion and the ending was perfect.

Lovely relaxing read. Good story, believable characters and all well put together. I certainly enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

This talented and gifted talented has written a sweet cozy romance with likable characters. The story moves quickly. 5e main character yet is starting over after a broken marriage and her inability to conceive a child. She is distraught but moving on. A new job might help. Meeting new people might help. Romance even might help. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author. I like this author. I like this book.

Absolutely beautiful….. Can Liz trust Ben with the shocking truth about her past? Or will she be forced to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and run away from Loch Cameron forever? The characters are realistic and believable, and you can certainly feel yourself sharing in their emotions throughout.
Well paced, brilliant characterisation. a captivating read! Amazing cover art that was super eye catching would definitely recommend to all!