Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good book. Ravenswood Castle hosts an annual Christmas camp for sick children and their families every year. The children are sick enough to need medical staff on-site during the festivities. I loved the northern Scotland setting, the determination to give the children the best holiday possible, and the romance that blossomed between two very different people.
New Zealander and pediatric cardiology doctor Abby signed on to be one of the castle's doctors. She just finished specialized training in London, and the chance to experience her first white Christmas is too much to resist. Add in her over-the-top love of the holiday season, and she can't see a downside at all. After a brief stop at the local drugstore to replace some toiletries and be enchanted by a fun headband with an elf on it, she's off to the castle. Even her conversation with the grouchy but sexy man in the line doesn't dim her enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Dr. Euan McKendry dreads the same event. This is the twenty-fifth year his grandmother has hosted it, and it could be her last. Euan's memories of Christmas are haunted by the death of his little sister, resurrected every year by seeing so many sick children. But he can't deny his grandmother's need to have him there. His mood isn't helped by the overexuberant and beautiful young woman he meets at the apothecary, ridiculous elf hat included. After going off about his dislike of the holiday season, he leaves.
Euan and Abby each got quite a shock when she arrived at the castle, as neither expected to see the other again. When he opened the door and realized who she was, Euan knew he was in trouble. After years of keeping his emotions under control, he senses that Abby could be the one to break down the walls he erected. Meanwhile, Abby is determined to do precisely that. She set a goal of making him smile as many times as possible. As much as it pains Euan to see these sick children, it impressed me that he never let on the effect they had on him.
The relationship that developed between Euan and Abby happened very quickly. A big part of it was working together to help the children. In previous years, Euan avoided participating in the holiday activities, preferring to keep his distance. This year he couldn't stay away from Abby, who took part in everything. Her enthusiasm gradually chipped away at his reserve. The late inclusion of a brother and sister to the camp pulled especially hard on Euan's heartstrings, as they reminded him of his sister and himself. I loved seeing Abby provide support when the memories became especially difficult. When a crisis occurred involving the two children, Abby knew what she had to do, but Euan disapproved. I ached for them both as they exchanged harsh words and parted angrily. I wasn't sure how it would turn out until a heartwarming scene in a stable brought the two together. Euan's confession to Abby was incredibly emotional and opened up the possibility of a future together. I also loved the good news for Liam and Lucy and the realistic look at the future.
I loved Euan's grandmother, Maggie, and her huge and loving heart. Despite the tragedies she endured, she lived to create wonderful Christmases for these children and their families. The descriptions were so vivid and detailed I could practically hear the children and feel the snow. I loved how the children had the opportunity to feel "normal" with sleigh rides, snowman building, and writing letters to Santa. Out of many fun scenes, my favorite was the one with the chainsaw.
#netgalley
New Zealander and pediatric cardiology doctor Abby signed on to be one of the castle's doctors. She just finished specialized training in London, and the chance to experience her first white Christmas is too much to resist. Add in her over-the-top love of the holiday season, and she can't see a downside at all. After a brief stop at the local drugstore to replace some toiletries and be enchanted by a fun headband with an elf on it, she's off to the castle. Even her conversation with the grouchy but sexy man in the line doesn't dim her enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Dr. Euan McKendry dreads the same event. This is the twenty-fifth year his grandmother has hosted it, and it could be her last. Euan's memories of Christmas are haunted by the death of his little sister, resurrected every year by seeing so many sick children. But he can't deny his grandmother's need to have him there. His mood isn't helped by the overexuberant and beautiful young woman he meets at the apothecary, ridiculous elf hat included. After going off about his dislike of the holiday season, he leaves.
Euan and Abby each got quite a shock when she arrived at the castle, as neither expected to see the other again. When he opened the door and realized who she was, Euan knew he was in trouble. After years of keeping his emotions under control, he senses that Abby could be the one to break down the walls he erected. Meanwhile, Abby is determined to do precisely that. She set a goal of making him smile as many times as possible. As much as it pains Euan to see these sick children, it impressed me that he never let on the effect they had on him.
The relationship that developed between Euan and Abby happened very quickly. A big part of it was working together to help the children. In previous years, Euan avoided participating in the holiday activities, preferring to keep his distance. This year he couldn't stay away from Abby, who took part in everything. Her enthusiasm gradually chipped away at his reserve. The late inclusion of a brother and sister to the camp pulled especially hard on Euan's heartstrings, as they reminded him of his sister and himself. I loved seeing Abby provide support when the memories became especially difficult. When a crisis occurred involving the two children, Abby knew what she had to do, but Euan disapproved. I ached for them both as they exchanged harsh words and parted angrily. I wasn't sure how it would turn out until a heartwarming scene in a stable brought the two together. Euan's confession to Abby was incredibly emotional and opened up the possibility of a future together. I also loved the good news for Liam and Lucy and the realistic look at the future.
I loved Euan's grandmother, Maggie, and her huge and loving heart. Despite the tragedies she endured, she lived to create wonderful Christmases for these children and their families. The descriptions were so vivid and detailed I could practically hear the children and feel the snow. I loved how the children had the opportunity to feel "normal" with sleigh rides, snowman building, and writing letters to Santa. Out of many fun scenes, my favorite was the one with the chainsaw.
#netgalley
