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The Pennington Family #3.5
Dearest Millie
Alternate cover edition can be found here
From USA Today Bestselling Author May McGoldrick... A Pennington Family Novella
Lady Millie, youngest of the Pennington family, has always lived in the shadow of her talented and powerful siblings. She’s been the rock of stability and order for her sisters and brothers. Her future looks bright until fate deals her a tragic hand.
Dermot McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned to his home in the Highlands to open a hospital. As disorganized as he is passionate, he is a man with wounds and a secret past he has worked a lifetime to hide.
Providence brings them together, but their future may lie beyond redemption. Dearest Millie is a poignant tale of two lovers, life’s calamities, and the healing power of the human heart.
From USA Today Bestselling Author May McGoldrick... A Pennington Family Novella
Lady Millie, youngest of the Pennington family, has always lived in the shadow of her talented and powerful siblings. She’s been the rock of stability and order for her sisters and brothers. Her future looks bright until fate deals her a tragic hand.
Dermot McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned to his home in the Highlands to open a hospital. As disorganized as he is passionate, he is a man with wounds and a secret past he has worked a lifetime to hide.
Providence brings them together, but their future may lie beyond redemption. Dearest Millie is a poignant tale of two lovers, life’s calamities, and the healing power of the human heart.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
78 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
May McGoldrick
579 books502 followersMay McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 6, 2018
Series: The Pennington Family #3.5
Publication Date: 11/13/18
OH! My! Goodness! This is the sweetest, most heartwarming book I have read this year. It sucked me in at the first word and I don’t think it has let me go yet. I’m still basking in the warmth and light that is our hero Dermot McKendry. We ALL need a Dermot in our lives.
This is part of the wonderful Pennington Family series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. That said, the Pennington’s are such a delightful family that I can’t imagine you’d want to miss any of their tales. We first met Dermot in It Happened in the Highlands. Dermot is the partner of the hero of that book (Captain Wynne Melfort) and Millie is the younger sister of the heroine (Jo Pennington).
Dermot had wanted to meet Millie since she first came to his hospital to visit with her sister Jo. Dermot is a terribly messy soul because he is so very, very busy. He’s always researching and looking for better treatments for the patients at his hospital, so he leaves his books and research everywhere. After Millie’s first visit, he returns from a trip to find his office completely organized and neat as a pin. Then, when he makes a trip to Edinburg, he tries to visit her and finds her away – so – he rearranges her library. These visits continue until he finally meets her.
The love that is expressed in this book is amazing as is the concern and support for a serious medical issue. Just think what it would mean, back in that time, to be diagnosed with a disease that we still cannot always cure even today.
This is a very short novella, so I’m not going to tell you a lot about the story – other than – READ IT! I actually wish that it hadn’t been quite so short. I would have liked to see a little something between Chapters 11 and 12. I would have loved to see the wedding, maybe the beginnings (at least) of the treatments and maybe the first pregnancy. Nothing gory, just make the story feel a little more complete. As it is, I sort of feel as if we skipped over a large part of what got them to Chapter 12.
I highly recommend this novella!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/13/18
OH! My! Goodness! This is the sweetest, most heartwarming book I have read this year. It sucked me in at the first word and I don’t think it has let me go yet. I’m still basking in the warmth and light that is our hero Dermot McKendry. We ALL need a Dermot in our lives.
This is part of the wonderful Pennington Family series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. That said, the Pennington’s are such a delightful family that I can’t imagine you’d want to miss any of their tales. We first met Dermot in It Happened in the Highlands. Dermot is the partner of the hero of that book (Captain Wynne Melfort) and Millie is the younger sister of the heroine (Jo Pennington).
Dermot had wanted to meet Millie since she first came to his hospital to visit with her sister Jo. Dermot is a terribly messy soul because he is so very, very busy. He’s always researching and looking for better treatments for the patients at his hospital, so he leaves his books and research everywhere. After Millie’s first visit, he returns from a trip to find his office completely organized and neat as a pin. Then, when he makes a trip to Edinburg, he tries to visit her and finds her away – so – he rearranges her library. These visits continue until he finally meets her.
The love that is expressed in this book is amazing as is the concern and support for a serious medical issue. Just think what it would mean, back in that time, to be diagnosed with a disease that we still cannot always cure even today.
This is a very short novella, so I’m not going to tell you a lot about the story – other than – READ IT! I actually wish that it hadn’t been quite so short. I would have liked to see a little something between Chapters 11 and 12. I would have loved to see the wedding, maybe the beginnings (at least) of the treatments and maybe the first pregnancy. Nothing gory, just make the story feel a little more complete. As it is, I sort of feel as if we skipped over a large part of what got them to Chapter 12.
I highly recommend this novella!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
November 26, 2018
What an absolutely wonderful ending for this series!
Lady Millie Pennington and Dr. Dermot McKendry have a history, but they have never actually met, that is until the day Millie's perfect life is shattered.
At 26, Millie has everything a young woman could want, good friends, a loving family and plans for an equally perfect future, until she gets news so devastating that she cannot share it with anyone. But unbeknownst to her, the man she stumbled into in the street is none other than Dermot, her brother in law Wynne's best friend and business partner. Dermot recognizes Millie, but she runs off before he can introduce himself, he notices a card she dropped and does a little investigating and learns her tragic news.
He sets out to help her without letting her know that he is privy to the truth. His attempts to lift her spirits are hilarious and when he finally tells her what he knows, her reaction is completely understandable, especially since she has learned a thing or two about him as well.
I loved this story, it is emotional and moving while still maintaining a lightness than prevents the story from becoming dark and depressing. If I had any complaint, it would be that it was too short, I would have loved to have read more about Millie's journey to recovery, but even without that, this was by far one of the best books I have read in a really long time. This is the last book in the Pennington Family series, and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title, however, if you want to learn more about Dermot and Millie's past interactions, you should at least read "It Happened in the Highlands".
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Lady Millie Pennington and Dr. Dermot McKendry have a history, but they have never actually met, that is until the day Millie's perfect life is shattered.
At 26, Millie has everything a young woman could want, good friends, a loving family and plans for an equally perfect future, until she gets news so devastating that she cannot share it with anyone. But unbeknownst to her, the man she stumbled into in the street is none other than Dermot, her brother in law Wynne's best friend and business partner. Dermot recognizes Millie, but she runs off before he can introduce himself, he notices a card she dropped and does a little investigating and learns her tragic news.
He sets out to help her without letting her know that he is privy to the truth. His attempts to lift her spirits are hilarious and when he finally tells her what he knows, her reaction is completely understandable, especially since she has learned a thing or two about him as well.
I loved this story, it is emotional and moving while still maintaining a lightness than prevents the story from becoming dark and depressing. If I had any complaint, it would be that it was too short, I would have loved to have read more about Millie's journey to recovery, but even without that, this was by far one of the best books I have read in a really long time. This is the last book in the Pennington Family series, and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title, however, if you want to learn more about Dermot and Millie's past interactions, you should at least read "It Happened in the Highlands".
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
November 9, 2018
So sad and wonderful at the same time. Dearest Millie by May McGoldrick is a novella in the Pennington Family series. May has touched on a subject that is so dear to my heart so I just loved reading this story. If I had one thing to say is that it was not long enough and I feel this could have been a full book. Though sad there was so much humor in this story I could not stop laughing. May’s characters come alive and you can’t help but fall in love with them. Her descriptions are so vivid and clear that you feel as if you are back in the 1800s in the regency era. What wonderful writing! This story has tragic news, understanding, kindness, lots of animals, wit, practical jokes, sadness, loneliness, a family’s love, caring, death and love. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
November 1, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
This is one of the Dearest books I’ve ever read , it’s so beautiful and touching , I can’t get over the emotion that pulled at me whilst reading it .
I cried and laughed in equal measure, and felt so much anxiety for the beautifully matched pair Dermot and Millie , it brought home the feeling and trials faced even by those today who suffer in silence.
The Animals were a very amusing touch as were the letters .
It’s a beautiful ,romantic story and I would very highly recommended it to anyone .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
This is one of the Dearest books I’ve ever read , it’s so beautiful and touching , I can’t get over the emotion that pulled at me whilst reading it .
I cried and laughed in equal measure, and felt so much anxiety for the beautifully matched pair Dermot and Millie , it brought home the feeling and trials faced even by those today who suffer in silence.
The Animals were a very amusing touch as were the letters .
It’s a beautiful ,romantic story and I would very highly recommended it to anyone .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
November 12, 2018
Such a beautifully written story that pulled at my heart. There was a range of emotions as the pages turned that went from deep sadness to the heart finding love in an unexpected way. Lady Millie was the youngest of the Pennington's and the strength to her siblings. It seemed to be her turn now but as fate takes a hand tragedy strikes. But as was seemingly meant to be Dermot, a former Navy surgeon comes to town to open a hospital and comes into Millie's life.
A tale of how much the human spirit can take and persevere even with humor at times. Throw in some wonderful animals and a few other tidbits and the author takes you on a journey that you will not soon forget. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story! You will be glad you did!
A tale of how much the human spirit can take and persevere even with humor at times. Throw in some wonderful animals and a few other tidbits and the author takes you on a journey that you will not soon forget. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story! You will be glad you did!
November 8, 2018
Dearest Millie
By May McGoldrick
(The Pennington Family #3.5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lady Millie who is the youngest child of the Pennington family has always lived in the shadow of her siblings. She's always been a strong and stable rock for the rest of her family to rely on and her future has always looked bright until fate deals her a very cruel hand.
Dermer McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned home to the Highlands so that he could open his own hospital.
He is a man who has been through quite a bit and has old wounds with a secret past that he has worked a lifetime to hide.
Providence brings them together, but their future may lie beyond redemption.
May MacGoldrick has written one of the warmest, sweetest, most loving tales I may have ever read. The way love shines in this book warms my heart. It also shows me that sometimes the human heart can heal almost anything.
By May McGoldrick
(The Pennington Family #3.5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lady Millie who is the youngest child of the Pennington family has always lived in the shadow of her siblings. She's always been a strong and stable rock for the rest of her family to rely on and her future has always looked bright until fate deals her a very cruel hand.
Dermer McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned home to the Highlands so that he could open his own hospital.
He is a man who has been through quite a bit and has old wounds with a secret past that he has worked a lifetime to hide.
Providence brings them together, but their future may lie beyond redemption.
May MacGoldrick has written one of the warmest, sweetest, most loving tales I may have ever read. The way love shines in this book warms my heart. It also shows me that sometimes the human heart can heal almost anything.
September 30, 2019
Dearest Millie was a wonderful addition to the Pennington Family series with a lovely romance featuring a very charming hero.
Lady Millie Pennington, the youngest in her family, has always been the one her siblings have relied on. But when Millie receives devastating news, she finds she is unable to burden the family that has always depended on her. After a chance meeting with Dermot McKendry, the charming doctor her sister has been trying to set her up with, Millie finds someone she is able to confide her fears to. Dermot, a former surgeon in the Royal Navy, has returned home hoping to open a hospital and settle down. Upon meeting Millie, he finds someone he hopes to share his life with. Now he just has to convince her to take a chance on life and love.
Millie and Dermot’s relationship initially begins prior to the start of this story with several near meetings between the pair where they play pranks on each other. After the two run into each other in this book, the pranks continue, primarily on Dermot’s part as he knows what is troubling Millie and hopes to make her happy. I loved the assortment of animals Millie ended up with through Dermot’s pranks and the delightful banter the two shared after Millie confronted him. One thing I loved about their relationship was that Dermot provided Millie with options regarding her problem but never pushed her to make a decision she wasn’t ready for. The two do make the jump to love very quickly and I wish there had been more buildup to that point in their relationship as I felt it was rather sudden after they had only met a few times.
This novella features a number of the members of the Pennington family who were the focus of the previous books in the series. It was wonderful getting to see some of them again as I always enjoy getting glimpses into character’s lives after they’ve reached their happily ever after.
Overall I enjoyed Dearest Millie despite wishing we got to see more of the build up in Millie and Dermot’s relationship. I would recommend this story to fans of the series or anyone looking for a quick historical romance set in Scotland.
Lady Millie Pennington, the youngest in her family, has always been the one her siblings have relied on. But when Millie receives devastating news, she finds she is unable to burden the family that has always depended on her. After a chance meeting with Dermot McKendry, the charming doctor her sister has been trying to set her up with, Millie finds someone she is able to confide her fears to. Dermot, a former surgeon in the Royal Navy, has returned home hoping to open a hospital and settle down. Upon meeting Millie, he finds someone he hopes to share his life with. Now he just has to convince her to take a chance on life and love.
Millie and Dermot’s relationship initially begins prior to the start of this story with several near meetings between the pair where they play pranks on each other. After the two run into each other in this book, the pranks continue, primarily on Dermot’s part as he knows what is troubling Millie and hopes to make her happy. I loved the assortment of animals Millie ended up with through Dermot’s pranks and the delightful banter the two shared after Millie confronted him. One thing I loved about their relationship was that Dermot provided Millie with options regarding her problem but never pushed her to make a decision she wasn’t ready for. The two do make the jump to love very quickly and I wish there had been more buildup to that point in their relationship as I felt it was rather sudden after they had only met a few times.
This novella features a number of the members of the Pennington family who were the focus of the previous books in the series. It was wonderful getting to see some of them again as I always enjoy getting glimpses into character’s lives after they’ve reached their happily ever after.
Overall I enjoyed Dearest Millie despite wishing we got to see more of the build up in Millie and Dermot’s relationship. I would recommend this story to fans of the series or anyone looking for a quick historical romance set in Scotland.
November 14, 2018
What a lovely little story! Two adorable characters, a loving family, and a sad situation. The story brought me to tears of sympathy and of poignancy. There was an interesting slice of history that I did not know. Excellent novella!
November 4, 2018
This was such an emotional read, at times I was in tears and at other times I was amused. I loved the characters of Millie and Dermot. Millie had devastating news and I liked the way Dermot tried to distract her. The author wrote in a very sensitive way to describe the effects the news had on Millie. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Millie and Dermot, also meeting up with the other members of the family. I loved this book and I’m looking forward to the book in the new series.
November 9, 2018
Dearest Millie
by May McGoldrick
Release Date: On paperback November 1st and digitally on November 13, 2018
Series: The Pennington Family, Book #3.5
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog
Book Type: Novella, 135-137 pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Edinburgh, Scotland
June 1819
This book centers around Lady Millie Pennington, the youngest sister of the Pennington siblings. She has always been the one everyone always could depend on for her strength, support and perseverance. Though she always stayed quietly in the background of her talented siblings.
Until recently, her destiny of tomorrows had looked s promising, bright, successful, prosperous, happy, and pretty darn perfect. That is until she got the most devastating news in her life, about her health while visiting a Doctor in Edinburgh. While there she was spotted by a family friend, Dr. Dermot McKendry, while giving her money away to street urchins. He also knew she visited this Doctor who was not her only option. He decided right then and there, he had to get involved-partly due to a past tragedy.
They hadn’t even been introduced as they had been playing pranks on each other prior to their meeting. Dermot’s business partner is Wynn Melfort, who happens to be Millie’s brother-in-law. He is also friends with both Wynn and her sister. He was a former Navy surgeon but was in Edinburgh to open a new hospital.
Dermot, has secrets of his own and was expecting to be introduced to this troubled beauty. He has his own ideas to take her mind off her health issues and to prove she has other options. After all one should always get more than one Doctors opinion. Will she except these options or refuse? Can these two opposites romance even last? Definitely read and find out.
May McGoldrick pens a beautiful novella that feels more like a full book. As I don’t usually get so emotionally involved in short stories. Yet “Dearest Millie” definitely melted my heart, I both laughed and cried reading this spectacular read. McGoldrick readers don’t want to miss this one.
A beautiful breathtaking story about two lovers who both have some secrets. One is health and the other is his guilt ridden past. Yet there are moments you will laugh and some you will cry. A fast paced, emotional, heartwarming, riveting story that is absolutely awe-inspiring! I can’t wait for the next Pennington novel!
Amazon Pre-Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Dearest-Millie...
Disclaimer: I received this book from the authors for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
by May McGoldrick
Release Date: On paperback November 1st and digitally on November 13, 2018
Series: The Pennington Family, Book #3.5
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews, Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog
Book Type: Novella, 135-137 pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Edinburgh, Scotland
June 1819
This book centers around Lady Millie Pennington, the youngest sister of the Pennington siblings. She has always been the one everyone always could depend on for her strength, support and perseverance. Though she always stayed quietly in the background of her talented siblings.
Until recently, her destiny of tomorrows had looked s promising, bright, successful, prosperous, happy, and pretty darn perfect. That is until she got the most devastating news in her life, about her health while visiting a Doctor in Edinburgh. While there she was spotted by a family friend, Dr. Dermot McKendry, while giving her money away to street urchins. He also knew she visited this Doctor who was not her only option. He decided right then and there, he had to get involved-partly due to a past tragedy.
They hadn’t even been introduced as they had been playing pranks on each other prior to their meeting. Dermot’s business partner is Wynn Melfort, who happens to be Millie’s brother-in-law. He is also friends with both Wynn and her sister. He was a former Navy surgeon but was in Edinburgh to open a new hospital.
Dermot, has secrets of his own and was expecting to be introduced to this troubled beauty. He has his own ideas to take her mind off her health issues and to prove she has other options. After all one should always get more than one Doctors opinion. Will she except these options or refuse? Can these two opposites romance even last? Definitely read and find out.
May McGoldrick pens a beautiful novella that feels more like a full book. As I don’t usually get so emotionally involved in short stories. Yet “Dearest Millie” definitely melted my heart, I both laughed and cried reading this spectacular read. McGoldrick readers don’t want to miss this one.
A beautiful breathtaking story about two lovers who both have some secrets. One is health and the other is his guilt ridden past. Yet there are moments you will laugh and some you will cry. A fast paced, emotional, heartwarming, riveting story that is absolutely awe-inspiring! I can’t wait for the next Pennington novel!
Amazon Pre-Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Dearest-Millie...
Disclaimer: I received this book from the authors for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
November 2, 2018
Lady Millie, youngest of the Pennington family, has always lived in the shadow of her talented and powerful siblings. She’s been the rock of stability and order for her sisters and brothers. Her future looks bright until fate deals her a tragic hand. Dermot McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned to his home in the Highlands to open a hospital. Although they've still to meet Millie has organised his office.
They meet in a street in Edinburgh where Dermot learns Millie’s secret, they meet again at the annual Pennington ball where he gifts her a pig.
I read this engrossing emotional novella in a sitting, I laughed & cried, I couldn’t put it down. Millie is the last Pennington sibling to have their HEA, the book could be read on its own but the whole series is brilliant & this is a very fitting finale
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
They meet in a street in Edinburgh where Dermot learns Millie’s secret, they meet again at the annual Pennington ball where he gifts her a pig.
I read this engrossing emotional novella in a sitting, I laughed & cried, I couldn’t put it down. Millie is the last Pennington sibling to have their HEA, the book could be read on its own but the whole series is brilliant & this is a very fitting finale
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 13, 2018
Despair, pranks, humor, hope, options, desire...All these are packed into his little expertly and lovingly crafted short story. We FINALLY get the very organized Millie's story, the youngest of the Pennington Family. She and and Dr. Dermot McKendry finally meet, though not as either one envisioned. They've got this pranking relationship thanks to her family, but have never managed to meet, just missing each other time and time again. They run into each other on an Edinburgh street but she doesn't realize it's him because she's so distraught. He realizes quickly who she is and investigates why she's so upset. She's just been given grave news from one of his colleagues, an old friend. He sets about to show her options bring light and hope into her despair. How can you not love a man who gently aids her in finding that there are treatment options out there and joy within the journey and HOPE for a bright future. Thank you May McGoldrick for the opportunity to review this story for you.
November 15, 2018
Dearest Millie is a sensitive and heart warming portrayal of an insidious disease which seems all too commonplace in our society. In this day and age, the patient understands so much more; so, for that time period, the way May McGoldrick was able to describe the overwhelming effects on the mind, and the results those subsequently had on the body, as well as the various reactions of bystanders, was nothing short of remarkable.
I laughed and cried along with Millie throughout her journey and could not tear myself away from the book. This is so much, much more than just a romance: it is a celebration of life and the strength available through love and as such would be a lesson to us all.
I laughed and cried along with Millie throughout her journey and could not tear myself away from the book. This is so much, much more than just a romance: it is a celebration of life and the strength available through love and as such would be a lesson to us all.
November 5, 2018
Hum, this is a very different kind of love story. It is also a learning experience for both Lady Millie and Dr. Dermot McKendry. Dermot has past secret's of both pain, loss and disgrace. He keeps his
past from everyone. Lady Millie has had a wonderful life full of a loving, powerful family. Her life
seem perfect till she is given devastating news. This story is set in 1819 Scotland. Even today
the news Millie has received can and does change life's. Millie has never meet Dermot, but they have been playing tricks on each other. Dermot is the partner of Millie's brother in law.
When he founds out her secret he puts together a number of events to help her forget and to get close to her. Now all of his idea's contain a number of noisy, misbehaved animals ! Loved them !
As they meet and build on their budding relationship both learn a lot about love and life.
Not to give too much away, I also loved that Millie does not follow the rules of the time and goes
after what she wants. I enjoyed this story and would have given it a Four Star, but it is a very short
story. Wished it was longer but that is just me.
Be sure and give it a try, you will laugh out loud, be sad, and happy at the end.
past from everyone. Lady Millie has had a wonderful life full of a loving, powerful family. Her life
seem perfect till she is given devastating news. This story is set in 1819 Scotland. Even today
the news Millie has received can and does change life's. Millie has never meet Dermot, but they have been playing tricks on each other. Dermot is the partner of Millie's brother in law.
When he founds out her secret he puts together a number of events to help her forget and to get close to her. Now all of his idea's contain a number of noisy, misbehaved animals ! Loved them !
As they meet and build on their budding relationship both learn a lot about love and life.
Not to give too much away, I also loved that Millie does not follow the rules of the time and goes
after what she wants. I enjoyed this story and would have given it a Four Star, but it is a very short
story. Wished it was longer but that is just me.
Be sure and give it a try, you will laugh out loud, be sad, and happy at the end.
November 15, 2018
Wish I could rate it 6 stars
This is a novella, so a very short read, but it packs a huge punch. I won't give away the plot, but the heroine is struggling with a life-changing event and the hero steps up to help her. The story immediately opens with a series of practical jokes planned on each other and suddenly you are reading about real people with real flaws and problems and challenges. Not to be missed
This is a novella, so a very short read, but it packs a huge punch. I won't give away the plot, but the heroine is struggling with a life-changing event and the hero steps up to help her. The story immediately opens with a series of practical jokes planned on each other and suddenly you are reading about real people with real flaws and problems and challenges. Not to be missed
November 13, 2018
This book is written with a very interesting way a couple starts their relationship. I enjoyed the way the journey to falling in love was approached.
His way of supporting Millie, in the beginning, had me laughing! His support later in the story made my heart warm!
His way of supporting Millie, in the beginning, had me laughing! His support later in the story made my heart warm!
November 7, 2018
The first reaction I had to the first chapters of this latest offering featuring the Penningtons was OH NO! Then I couldn't read it fast enough to see what happened to Millie. If it had been a paperbook, I would have turned to the end for the resolution before finishing it. Usually I want May McGoldrick's book to last longer, but I am glad this one was a novella. The authors do not let the outcome certain until the very end. I do not believe in spoilers so you must read this one for yourself. It is a wonderful read. I received this ARC eBook from the author for an honest review.
December 5, 2018
May McGoldrick books
Just finished all 10 from The Promise to Dearest Millie and they were exceptional and recommend to read if possible in order but can be read independently.
Just finished all 10 from The Promise to Dearest Millie and they were exceptional and recommend to read if possible in order but can be read independently.
November 13, 2018
A Pennington Family Novella
Lady Millie, youngest of the Pennington family, has always lived in the shadow of her talented and powerful siblings. She’s been the rock of stability and order for her sisters and brothers. Her future looks bright until fate deals her a tragic hand.
Dermot McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned to his home in the Highlands to open a hospital. As disorganized as he is passionate, he is a man with wounds and a secret past he has worked a lifetime to hide.
Providence brings them together, but their future may lie beyond redemption.
Dearest Millie is a poignant tale of two lovers, life’s calamities, and the healing power of the human heart.
My Thoughts:
This well written short read is one you will wish could go on and on.
Millie's tragic circumstances would be the downfall of many in her time and even in today's world with it's cures and medical miracles.
Dermot McKendry knows Millie's secret because he is acquainted with her doctor and worms the truth from him.
What starts out as a helping hand quickly turns to passion and love.
You will not want to miss this poignant story written by this husband and wife duo.
I read an ARC of this novella in the span of a couple of hours. It is so engrossing you will not want to put it down.
I gave this story 4.85 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization, the only flaw is that I needed it to be longer.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this story to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lady Millie, youngest of the Pennington family, has always lived in the shadow of her talented and powerful siblings. She’s been the rock of stability and order for her sisters and brothers. Her future looks bright until fate deals her a tragic hand.
Dermot McKendry is a former surgeon in the Royal Navy who has returned to his home in the Highlands to open a hospital. As disorganized as he is passionate, he is a man with wounds and a secret past he has worked a lifetime to hide.
Providence brings them together, but their future may lie beyond redemption.
Dearest Millie is a poignant tale of two lovers, life’s calamities, and the healing power of the human heart.
My Thoughts:
This well written short read is one you will wish could go on and on.
Millie's tragic circumstances would be the downfall of many in her time and even in today's world with it's cures and medical miracles.
Dermot McKendry knows Millie's secret because he is acquainted with her doctor and worms the truth from him.
What starts out as a helping hand quickly turns to passion and love.
You will not want to miss this poignant story written by this husband and wife duo.
I read an ARC of this novella in the span of a couple of hours. It is so engrossing you will not want to put it down.
I gave this story 4.85 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization, the only flaw is that I needed it to be longer.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this story to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 18, 2018
This is one of those books that will make you laugh, cry, and believe.
Good work!
Good work!
December 23, 2018
Impossible to put it down. The story is so powerful, it brought tears to me.
May 15, 2019
Funny, funny, funny. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. It's the latest book in Nikko and Jim McGoldrick's [May McGoldrick pen name] Pennington Family saga. Romantic, sad and eminently readable. Although rather short, it is truly uplifting and hilariously funny. And yes, it has a happy ending like all the McGoldrick books and it has both courageous and strong female as well as male characters. I recommend it highly.
February 3, 2019
Another good story about the Pennington family. The youngest daughter finally finds her special someone, although her path to happiness was a rocky one. Having dealt with cancer in my family, and knowing that even with today's advances in medicine, it sometimes isn't enough, I can imagine how someone in the nineteenth century would see a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence. I would have liked to have read more about her treatments and how she faired. Other than that it was a good, but short, read. Lots of emotion and laughter.
November 14, 2018
One of the best books I've read this year!
Book #3.5 in the series The Pennington Family, Dearest Millie can be read without knowledge of the previous books.
Lady Millie is not only the youngest Pennington, but also the most stable one in the family. She is so well-balanced that she decides to face the biggest challenge of her life without telling anyone in her family.
However, someone accidentally (literally) comes to learn about Lady Millie's predicament: Dr. Dermot McKendry bumps into her on a street in Edinburgh and later on understands why the lady seemed so distressed. The two of them had been exchanging letters but had never been introduced.
Lady Millie tries to avoid Dermot, but he insists on being with her whenever is possible. Some of the ways he finds to have Lady Millie's attention are hilarious.
I enjoyed reading the book so much - it is a pity it is only a novella! But what a pleasure to read such a well written story! The plot is developed in a sensible way and the characters are lovable and believable. I am really a fan of these two authors - I can't wait for the next instalment about the Penningtons.
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Book #3.5 in the series The Pennington Family, Dearest Millie can be read without knowledge of the previous books.
Lady Millie is not only the youngest Pennington, but also the most stable one in the family. She is so well-balanced that she decides to face the biggest challenge of her life without telling anyone in her family.
However, someone accidentally (literally) comes to learn about Lady Millie's predicament: Dr. Dermot McKendry bumps into her on a street in Edinburgh and later on understands why the lady seemed so distressed. The two of them had been exchanging letters but had never been introduced.
Lady Millie tries to avoid Dermot, but he insists on being with her whenever is possible. Some of the ways he finds to have Lady Millie's attention are hilarious.
I enjoyed reading the book so much - it is a pity it is only a novella! But what a pleasure to read such a well written story! The plot is developed in a sensible way and the characters are lovable and believable. I am really a fan of these two authors - I can't wait for the next instalment about the Penningtons.
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
I’m still trying to catch my breath and to get my emotions under control! Wow!
Dearest Millie by May McGoldrick is a beautifully written story with witty humor and intense emotional detail, including passion, romance, love, and loss. You will feel such powerful emotion you won’t forget this riveting story anytime soon. The McGoldrick’s are A class writers of fascinatingly addictive reads. I highly recommend their novels to everyone!
Dearest Millie by May McGoldrick is a beautifully written story with witty humor and intense emotional detail, including passion, romance, love, and loss. You will feel such powerful emotion you won’t forget this riveting story anytime soon. The McGoldrick’s are A class writers of fascinatingly addictive reads. I highly recommend their novels to everyone!
August 4, 2022
I really enjoyed Millie and Dermot’s love story. The two have been interacting with each other for months without ever meeting. On the day Millie receives devastating news she runs into Dermot without recognizing him. This chance encounter thrusts the journey to their HEA into high gear along with giving hope back to Millie. Despite being short, the story was well written and included witty dialogue, characters with depth, and an interesting storyline. One of my favorite parts was the way a sensitive and emotional topic was handled in the story. It gave a good story an added depth.
October 5, 2022
Are Regency romances great literature? Mostly not, but often they will address issues still relevant today. In this one the heroine, Millie, has difficulty dealing with a medical diagnosis she just can't handle. We also have the typical Regency romping, complete with funny animals, always my favorite element witty correspondence and great romance. Very enjoyable, if not terribly realistic about the surgical and mental health care 200 years ago.
November 29, 2018
A good book, but with many sad circumstances happening. I am glad Millie found someone who could make her laugh, with all of his obnoxious animals, when she was very depressed. Dermot and Millie are a great couple. The one negative is that I would have liked a little more detail at the end to answer a few more questions.
June 15, 2022
A great historic romance series, but while they work as stand alone books, I highly recommend you read the McGoldrick books ...across all the series...in publication order, so you can enjoy the characters across generations.
October 17, 2024
What a beautiful short story, I loved every moment of it!!! Others have given great reviews of this book, and I highly agree with them. Many of us have experienced this condition and it was interesting to see how it was handled in earlier days. Thank you, Ms. McGoldrick, for this pertinent book!
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