MoonglotexasI thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the MacDonald Family trilogy by Carla Laureano and waited several years for “Under Scottish Stars” to be published. I’ll admit, I was put off by the back cover copy, a widow and an orphan don’t make for easy reading usually. Whilst Carla doesn’t avoid the pain of loss and it’s ramifications, don’t be concerned, this book has plenty of light-hearted moments and sufficient time has passed for the characters that the grief is no longer where they are dwelling.
Serena is intelligent and sassy, I took to her from the outset. A caring mom and niece, she is welcomed back into her home community on Skye. Malcolm is the manager of the hotel owned by Serene and her family. The two go toe to toe as they find their new roles as she becomes more active in the business.
Malcolm is a little rough around the edges but all heart and the two have great fun getting to know each other better whilst juggling three kids and a growing business. I particularly enjoyed the fabulous dialogue in this one, not just of the lead characters but everyone! The interactions are heartfelt and often humourous. When dealing with tough topics, Carla does a beautiful job of capturing the emotions. The plot may not be surprising but I found the journey refreshing and hope-filled!
If you enjoy a good romance, this is one for you but don’t miss out on the first two – equally good! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!
From the back cover:
Recently widowed Serena MacDonald Stewart focuses on her children to the exclusion of her career, her art, and her sanity. When her brothers ask her to oversee the family guest house on the Isle of Skye, it’s a chance to dust off her long-ignored business skills and make a new start. But her hopes for a smooth transition are dashed when the hotel manager, Malcolm Blake, turns out to be irritating, condescending . . . and incredibly attractive.
Malcolm Blake gave up everything—his home, his girlfriend, and his career—to return to Skye and raise his late sister’s teenage daughter. With few job opportunities available on the island, he signs on as the manager of the MacDonald family hotel, which he’s soon running successfully without interference from the owners. That is, until Serena shows up, challenging his authority and his conviction that there’s nothing missing from his new life on Skye.
Before long, Serena and Malcolm have to admit the spark between them is more than mere irritation. But as single parents, there’s more on the line than their own hearts. Will their commitment to family be the thing that draws them together or the only thing that could keep them apart?
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
