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The McKenna Brothers #3
Return of the Last McKenna
Dr. Brody McKenna has just returned home from serving as a medic in Afghanistan, and he has one more mission to fulfill….
Standing outside Kate Spencer's sweetshop, he takes a deep breath. Going through that door will take courage, for he's here to keep a promise made to his dying friend. He's prepared for tears or anger—not the deep attraction he feels for sparkybut-stressed Kate. One spontaneous offer of help later, this hero is surrounded by cupcakes, candy canes—and the greatest enticement to forget his past and take a new kind of risk.…
Standing outside Kate Spencer's sweetshop, he takes a deep breath. Going through that door will take courage, for he's here to keep a promise made to his dying friend. He's prepared for tears or anger—not the deep attraction he feels for sparkybut-stressed Kate. One spontaneous offer of help later, this hero is surrounded by cupcakes, candy canes—and the greatest enticement to forget his past and take a new kind of risk.…
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Jump
445 books742 followersShirley Jump is a writing instructor and an award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries. She has spoken all over the world about the power of narrative and how to create compelling books. A former reporter and communications director for a marketing agency, she uses her diverse background to help clients create impactful books that readers can’t down.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 20, 2012
Brody went to Kate's shop to make sure she is doing okay. He had known her brother in Afghanistan and was with him when he died. He can't tell her who he is, but can't stop himself from going back again and again. He finds himself very attracted to Kate, and the more he's with her the more he falls for her. I really liked both Brody and Kate. Both of them are in pain from Andrew's death and both of them feel guilty. Brody promised Andrew that he would check on her and make sure she was moving forward, but not tell her why for fear of causing more pain. Brody's guilt and promise are what sends him to Kate to start with, but it is Kate herself that makes him keep going back. Being with her makes him feel better and worse - better because of the feelings he's starting to develop and worse because of feeling like he didn't do enough to save Andrew's life. The more he's with her the more he feels he needs to tell her the truth, but he's afraid of her reaction. Kate misses her brother intensely. He was the one who was the motivator for expansion and other risks, while Kate tended to be more cautious. Without him, she is pretty much standing still. When Brody starts coming around she is attracted to him, but senses that he is holding something back. She likes spending time with him and begins to care for him, but worries about what secrets he is hiding from her. When he finally comes clean she is devastated by what he has to tell her and doesn't want to see him again. I loved the way that his brothers helped him.
July 20, 2012
Return of the Last Mckenna, Shirley Jump
Brody McKenna, physician in Newton, MA and he'd taken over when the older doc retired.
Kate Spencer runs the local sweet shop.
He had promised his friend, Kate's brother he'd go see her to help get over the loss. He had died in Afghanistan when Brody was there.
He got his brother Riley to talk to Stace, about their wedding cake and have agreed with Brody a cupcake cake would be perfect with their colors. He has to get that setup with Kate now.
Also accepted to show up for career day at school to teach the kids what his job is.
Nora, Kate's grandmother keeps trying to set her up with a date.
He talks her into dinner at a local place and they get to know one another better.
Brody gets to see firsthand how she contributes to the local charities as he helps her with deliveries.
He wanted to give her the expansion she and Andrew had talked about and they talk about what it means to her and what she wants in another shop. She's agreed to go to Riley's wedding as Brody's date. She won't commit to the expansion just yet nor dating him.
He has to change her mind...
Loved this series, wish there were more brothers.....
Brody McKenna, physician in Newton, MA and he'd taken over when the older doc retired.
Kate Spencer runs the local sweet shop.
He had promised his friend, Kate's brother he'd go see her to help get over the loss. He had died in Afghanistan when Brody was there.
He got his brother Riley to talk to Stace, about their wedding cake and have agreed with Brody a cupcake cake would be perfect with their colors. He has to get that setup with Kate now.
Also accepted to show up for career day at school to teach the kids what his job is.
Nora, Kate's grandmother keeps trying to set her up with a date.
He talks her into dinner at a local place and they get to know one another better.
Brody gets to see firsthand how she contributes to the local charities as he helps her with deliveries.
He wanted to give her the expansion she and Andrew had talked about and they talk about what it means to her and what she wants in another shop. She's agreed to go to Riley's wedding as Brody's date. She won't commit to the expansion just yet nor dating him.
He has to change her mind...
Loved this series, wish there were more brothers.....
August 11, 2019
Novel in a nutshell - Doctor Brody McKenna returns from Afghanistan where he was serving as a medic to US soldiers. There was one patient (who had become his friend) who he couldn't save from a fatal injury. It was this patient's dying wish that Brody looked after his sister, but he asked Brody not to tell her he had been his doctor. Brody finds Kate and helps her with her cupcake business and they find themselves falling in love, though the burden of not telling Kate who he really is lays heavy on Brody.
Review - I enjoyed this book, as I tend to with all Shirley Jump novels as I am a great fan of her writing and storytelling. As usual, she created characters that jump off the page and that you can really empathise with and root for. This was a great storyline, though I have to say I'm a little confused as to why the dying brother asked Brody not to tell Kate he had treated him. Even in the midst of grief and all of the anger that comes with it, I wouldn't have thought anyone could blame Brody for not saving a patient from such a blow in the Afghan desert with no hospital and limited medical supplies. It was still a great story, but I just didn't get why Brody had to keep who he really was a secret.
Review - I enjoyed this book, as I tend to with all Shirley Jump novels as I am a great fan of her writing and storytelling. As usual, she created characters that jump off the page and that you can really empathise with and root for. This was a great storyline, though I have to say I'm a little confused as to why the dying brother asked Brody not to tell Kate he had treated him. Even in the midst of grief and all of the anger that comes with it, I wouldn't have thought anyone could blame Brody for not saving a patient from such a blow in the Afghan desert with no hospital and limited medical supplies. It was still a great story, but I just didn't get why Brody had to keep who he really was a secret.
September 5, 2012
A heartwarming contemporary tale! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA by Shirley Jump
Doctor Brody McKenna had his whole life planned out. He went into family practice, was engaged and planning on starting a family. But when his fiancée discovered he was not going into a practice that would make big money, she dumped him. He volunteers some of his time to worthy causes and when he heard that doctors were needed for a stint in Afghanistan, he went. But while there he befriended a local soldier, Andrew, who was assigned to protect him. However, when Andrew ended up tragically wounded, Brody, as his doctor, had been unable to save him. As he lay dying, Andrew asked him to make sure his sister Kate was doing alright and that she was handling his death without going to pieces. Devastated and blaming himself, Brody still has to complete this final request. Since he has returned to the States, Brody no longer finds any joy in being a doctor and he knows his two brothers, Finn and Riley, have noticed the change in him. But he doesn’t know what to do to turn things around.
Growing up, Kate Spencer and her brother, Andrew’s, parents had fought, so they had taken care of each other. When their parents had gone their separate ways, the brother and sister had stayed right where they were with their grandparents and had helped out with their grandmother’s bakery, Nora’s Sweet Shop. Now Kate is running the family business named after her grandmother that has been in operation for three generations. She and her brother, Andrew, grew up in this shop and she loves it. But she misses seeing her brother working alongside of her since he went into the armed forces. Since his death, she has been trying to go on with her life. But when she temporarily loses one of her assistants, she begins to feel overwhelmed. Seeing her stress, Brody offers his help and is soon spending his spare time helping her. Knowing of her and Andrew’s expansion plans for the bakery, he tries to talk to her about going ahead with them. But she is not the risk taker that Andrew was and is afraid of failing those she loves. As Brody works with her and falls deeper in love, it is always on the tip of his tongue to tell her about his connection with her brother, although Andrew had asked him not to. Can he convince her to change her mind about the expansion? Will discovering that Brody not only knew Andrew but was his doctor in Afghanistan destroy any chance of a future for them?
A heartwarming story, RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA, the third and final book in award winning author Shirley Jump’s MCKENNA BROTHERS trilogy, is a witty, passionate contemporary romance that will steal your heart. Known for the humor and passion in her stories, Ms. Jump definitely does not disappoint with this one, although it also contains a more poignant, emotional factor. Brody and Kate are two good-hearted, vulnerable people who not only need each other; they are perfect for each other. Beautifully written and filled with well-drawn characters, tragedy, healing, clever repartee, a touching plot and true love, this is a story you will not soon forget. A definite keeper! I absolutely loved this story and the only regret I have is that there are no more McKenna brothers, so this is the last book in this series. Although this story is part of a series, it is not necessary to read the first two books to understand this one. But for additional enjoyment, be sure to check out ONE DAY TO FIND A HUSBAND, Finn’s story, and HOW THE PLAYBOY GOT SERIOUS, Riley’s story. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Jump’s works. In the meantime, do not miss RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA by Shirley Jump
Doctor Brody McKenna had his whole life planned out. He went into family practice, was engaged and planning on starting a family. But when his fiancée discovered he was not going into a practice that would make big money, she dumped him. He volunteers some of his time to worthy causes and when he heard that doctors were needed for a stint in Afghanistan, he went. But while there he befriended a local soldier, Andrew, who was assigned to protect him. However, when Andrew ended up tragically wounded, Brody, as his doctor, had been unable to save him. As he lay dying, Andrew asked him to make sure his sister Kate was doing alright and that she was handling his death without going to pieces. Devastated and blaming himself, Brody still has to complete this final request. Since he has returned to the States, Brody no longer finds any joy in being a doctor and he knows his two brothers, Finn and Riley, have noticed the change in him. But he doesn’t know what to do to turn things around.
Growing up, Kate Spencer and her brother, Andrew’s, parents had fought, so they had taken care of each other. When their parents had gone their separate ways, the brother and sister had stayed right where they were with their grandparents and had helped out with their grandmother’s bakery, Nora’s Sweet Shop. Now Kate is running the family business named after her grandmother that has been in operation for three generations. She and her brother, Andrew, grew up in this shop and she loves it. But she misses seeing her brother working alongside of her since he went into the armed forces. Since his death, she has been trying to go on with her life. But when she temporarily loses one of her assistants, she begins to feel overwhelmed. Seeing her stress, Brody offers his help and is soon spending his spare time helping her. Knowing of her and Andrew’s expansion plans for the bakery, he tries to talk to her about going ahead with them. But she is not the risk taker that Andrew was and is afraid of failing those she loves. As Brody works with her and falls deeper in love, it is always on the tip of his tongue to tell her about his connection with her brother, although Andrew had asked him not to. Can he convince her to change her mind about the expansion? Will discovering that Brody not only knew Andrew but was his doctor in Afghanistan destroy any chance of a future for them?
A heartwarming story, RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA, the third and final book in award winning author Shirley Jump’s MCKENNA BROTHERS trilogy, is a witty, passionate contemporary romance that will steal your heart. Known for the humor and passion in her stories, Ms. Jump definitely does not disappoint with this one, although it also contains a more poignant, emotional factor. Brody and Kate are two good-hearted, vulnerable people who not only need each other; they are perfect for each other. Beautifully written and filled with well-drawn characters, tragedy, healing, clever repartee, a touching plot and true love, this is a story you will not soon forget. A definite keeper! I absolutely loved this story and the only regret I have is that there are no more McKenna brothers, so this is the last book in this series. Although this story is part of a series, it is not necessary to read the first two books to understand this one. But for additional enjoyment, be sure to check out ONE DAY TO FIND A HUSBAND, Finn’s story, and HOW THE PLAYBOY GOT SERIOUS, Riley’s story. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Jump’s works. In the meantime, do not miss RETURN OF THE LAST MCKENNA!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
October 17, 2012
Reviewd at: HarlequinJunkie.com
I'm completely shocked at how much I loved this book! Brody made a promise to a patient in his last moments to make sure that his family moved on after his death. And Kate is the sister of the patient that Brody lost. This creates a conflict that carried the story till the end.
"Return of the Last McKenna" is one of those stories that sticks with the reader, and has the ability to work its way into the reader's heart. The combination of loss, love, baking, and easily relatable characters forms a world that I couldn't help but fall completely in love with.
Not only did I love the characters but I loved the story and the feeling of truth behind it. Men and women put their lives on the line everyday to protect those they love, and Shirley Jump acknowledges this in "Return of the Last McKenna". Throughout these pages I found myself laughing and feeling some of the deepest emotions right alongside with the characters.
If you enjoy a truly believable story and an emotional ride with your romance then this book is definitely for you! I hope you will enjoy Shirley Jumps' conclusion to her McKenna Brothers series!
I'm completely shocked at how much I loved this book! Brody made a promise to a patient in his last moments to make sure that his family moved on after his death. And Kate is the sister of the patient that Brody lost. This creates a conflict that carried the story till the end.
"Return of the Last McKenna" is one of those stories that sticks with the reader, and has the ability to work its way into the reader's heart. The combination of loss, love, baking, and easily relatable characters forms a world that I couldn't help but fall completely in love with.
Not only did I love the characters but I loved the story and the feeling of truth behind it. Men and women put their lives on the line everyday to protect those they love, and Shirley Jump acknowledges this in "Return of the Last McKenna". Throughout these pages I found myself laughing and feeling some of the deepest emotions right alongside with the characters.
If you enjoy a truly believable story and an emotional ride with your romance then this book is definitely for you! I hope you will enjoy Shirley Jumps' conclusion to her McKenna Brothers series!
October 17, 2012
Reviewed at: HarlequinJunkie.com
I'm completely shocked at how much I loved this book! Brody made a promise to a patient in his last moments to make sure that his family moved on after his death. And Kate is the sister of the patient that Brody lost. This creates a conflict that carried the story till the end.
"Return of the Last McKenna" is one of those stories that sticks with the reader, and has the ability to work its way into the reader's heart. The combination of loss, love, baking, and easily relatable characters forms a world that I couldn't help but fall completely in love with.
Not only did I love the characters but I loved the story and the feeling of truth behind it. Men and women put their lives on the line everyday to protect those they love, and Shirley Jump acknowledges this in "Return of the Last McKenna". Throughout these pages I found myself laughing and feeling some of the deepest emotions right alongside with the characters.
If you enjoy a truly believable story and an emotional ride with your romance then this book is definitely for you! I hope you will enjoy Shirley Jumps' conclusion to her McKenna Brothers series!
I'm completely shocked at how much I loved this book! Brody made a promise to a patient in his last moments to make sure that his family moved on after his death. And Kate is the sister of the patient that Brody lost. This creates a conflict that carried the story till the end.
"Return of the Last McKenna" is one of those stories that sticks with the reader, and has the ability to work its way into the reader's heart. The combination of loss, love, baking, and easily relatable characters forms a world that I couldn't help but fall completely in love with.
Not only did I love the characters but I loved the story and the feeling of truth behind it. Men and women put their lives on the line everyday to protect those they love, and Shirley Jump acknowledges this in "Return of the Last McKenna". Throughout these pages I found myself laughing and feeling some of the deepest emotions right alongside with the characters.
If you enjoy a truly believable story and an emotional ride with your romance then this book is definitely for you! I hope you will enjoy Shirley Jumps' conclusion to her McKenna Brothers series!
September 7, 2012
Out of all The McKenna Brothers books, this is the one that sticks in my mind the most and possibly edges it as my favourite of the three. Mostly because the plight of the hero, Brody McKenna, is so endearing and I just wanted to give him a great big hug whilst trying not to swoon.
I love the way all of the leading characters are woven throughout the series, so it feels like we're meeting up with old friends and you can get a real sense of the McKenna family, especially when you catch them all together. The writing gives you a real sense of each person, the dialogue and mannerisms portraying each character perfectly rather than all coming across the same.
I read this series in order so I may not be the best judge but I believe this book would work well as a standalone or if you were reading the series out of order. However, why would you do that? The series gets better with each book and then everything is all pulled together into a fitting finale in this final story.
Definitely worth a read!
I love the way all of the leading characters are woven throughout the series, so it feels like we're meeting up with old friends and you can get a real sense of the McKenna family, especially when you catch them all together. The writing gives you a real sense of each person, the dialogue and mannerisms portraying each character perfectly rather than all coming across the same.
I read this series in order so I may not be the best judge but I believe this book would work well as a standalone or if you were reading the series out of order. However, why would you do that? The series gets better with each book and then everything is all pulled together into a fitting finale in this final story.
Definitely worth a read!
January 9, 2015
I loved all the McKenna and their stories but I think this is the one with the most heart. Sweet story of a doctor in Afghanistan promising a soldier on his death bed a visit to his sister to make sure she does not blame herself and that she is going to be ok. Problem is you have a sister who blames herself and a doctor who blames himself for not being able to save the vet.
once he is open with the sister on who he is and why he is there, they both start to heal. And fall in love.
once he is open with the sister on who he is and why he is there, they both start to heal. And fall in love.
October 15, 2012
I’m completely shocked at how much I loved this book! Brody made a promise to a patient in his last moments to make sure that his family moved on after his death. And Kate is the sister of the patient that Brody lost. This creates a conflict that carried the story till the end.
Read the Full review at Harlequin Junkie
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Read the Full review at Harlequin Junkie
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December 27, 2014
Miniseries: The McKenna Brothers
Category: Classic Romance
Category: Classic Romance
Read
December 27, 2014Miniseries: The McKenna Brothers
Category: Classic Romance
Category: Classic Romance
August 1, 2014
just not caring about the characters. DNF at ch 5.5.
August 25, 2016
3.5 stars - HR #4337
April 30, 2017
Kleenex warning!!
Not a lot of books make me cry but this one definitely did. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I was so lost in the story, I didn't even realize it at first. Perfect ending to a beautiful trilogy.
Not a lot of books make me cry but this one definitely did. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I was so lost in the story, I didn't even realize it at first. Perfect ending to a beautiful trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews