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Kilts and Quilts #1
To Scotland With Love: Library Edition
Caitriona Macleod gave up her career as an investigative reporter for the role of perfect wife. But after her husband is found dead in his mistress's bed, a devastated Cait leaves Chicago for the birthplace she hasn't seen since she was a child. She's hoping to heal and reconnect with her gran. The last thing she expects to find in Gandiegow is the Sexiest Man Alive. She just may have stumbled on the ticket to reigniting her career--if her heart doesn't get in the way.
Graham Buchanan is a movie star with many secrets. A Gandiegow native, he frequently hides out in his hometown between films. He also has a son he'll do anything to protect. But Cait Macleod is too damn appealing--even if she is a journalist.
If Cait turns in the story about Graham, Gandiegow will never forgive her for betraying one of its own. Should she suffer the consequences to resurrect her career? Or listen to her battered and bruised heart and give love another chance?
Graham Buchanan is a movie star with many secrets. A Gandiegow native, he frequently hides out in his hometown between films. He also has a son he'll do anything to protect. But Cait Macleod is too damn appealing--even if she is a journalist.
If Cait turns in the story about Graham, Gandiegow will never forgive her for betraying one of its own. Should she suffer the consequences to resurrect her career? Or listen to her battered and bruised heart and give love another chance?
11 pages, Audiobook
First published June 3, 2014
287 people are currently reading
6703 people want to read
About the author
Patience Griffin
18 books692 followersAward-winning author Patience Griffin has been writing and sewing her whole life but didn’t discover her love of quilting until her late thirties. She decided the best way to acquire her first quilt was to make one for herself. At nearly the same time, she started commuting three and half hours a day for her dream engineering job. To pass the time on the long drive, she got hooked on audiobooks—especially books with love stories.
Within a couple of years, she was writing stories of her own. It was no surprise to her family and friends when she combined her love of quilting, her small town roots, and her obsession with Scottish romances into novels.
She has gained some recognition with her September 11th Story Quilt which has toured the country as the property of the Pentagon. She has a master's degree in nuclear engineering but spends her days writing stories about hearth and home, and dreaming about the fictional small town of Gandiegow, Scotland.
Within a couple of years, she was writing stories of her own. It was no surprise to her family and friends when she combined her love of quilting, her small town roots, and her obsession with Scottish romances into novels.
She has gained some recognition with her September 11th Story Quilt which has toured the country as the property of the Pentagon. She has a master's degree in nuclear engineering but spends her days writing stories about hearth and home, and dreaming about the fictional small town of Gandiegow, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
August 1, 2014
When I read the blurb it sounded like the book had a lot of promise. I was deeply disappointed. In the opening chapters I couldn't get past Cait's deceitful attitude toward Graham. She was nice to his face but was still gathering information to betray him with a news story about his life, so she could benefit from it. It really turned me off on her character. I read on, because I liked Graham but I just couldn't get past how little I cared about the female lead and what happened to her. I put the book down and after a couple of weeks just didn't pick it up again. I sent it back to the library without any regrets.
February 25, 2019
The premise of this book sounded original and fun – Graham, a handsome movie star, retreats to a seaside town in Scotland when he needs a break from the limelight. The heroine, Cait, is a journalist who’s let her career go and is now faced with the opportunity of a lifetime – solving the mystery of where the sexiest man alive goes when he disappears.
Plot-wise, the main plot – there are many subplots – revolves around Cait’s desire to reclaim her career. She had completely given it up for her husband, who wanted a wife devoted to keeping the perfect house and impressing his colleagues. The central conflict is Cait planning how to unearth all of Graham’s secrets and sell him out -- she pitches the story to People magazine immediately after meeting him. Graham’s pegged her for a journalist from the moment they met, and starts setting traps for her. Of course, their mutual attraction complicates things, leading to a lot of agonizing by Cait. Other subplots include Cait and her irascible grandmother (the most likeable character in the book) trying to reconcile, the activities of the ladies’ quilting group, and a character being diagnosed with a fatal disease. There’s also a depressing theme of abandonment that pervades the book. Several characters simply leave their loved ones; others die.
Unfortunately, the author doesn’t succeed in making Cait sympathetic. Instead, she comes across as whiny and self-centered. She’s annoying from page one, when her taxi leaves her standing in a dark parking lot in the snow. She whines about ruining her “metallic Brian Atwood heels” (Google tells me that his shoes go for about $1,000 a pair), but on page two whines about having to deal with four “hefty” suitcases. Why on earth didn’t she change shoes in the taxi?
The book is full of tropes that made me roll my eyes. Graham is, of course, an accomplished bagpiper. A beloved elderly dog dies. But later, there’s a puppy to make up for that. A bitchy blonde buxom barmaid has her eye on Graham. While the character of Graham’s little grandson contributes to the story, there’s no need for him to be traumatized and mute.
The writing is serviceable, but unpolished – random POVs from supporting characters; people arguing or accusing or defending instead of simply saying; predictable developments telegraphed well in advance. Occasionally it’s unintentionally humorous or awkward to the point of being painful. Several of those instances are just too funny not to mention here. For example, the crotchety grandma grabbed a chicken “by the back leg” so she could cut it up. “Back” leg? Scottish chickens must be bred for extra drumsticks. Grandma also bakes Christmas stollen. It’s apparently a little known fact that Scots love German baked goods.
One of the most hilarious faux pas occurred on page 34 of the paperback when the author described Graham as wearing a CODPIECE with his kilt. Where exactly was this codpiece? Dangling empty on the outside of the kilt? Peeking out from the hem? Damn, that would be one hell of a set of cods! Or was his kilt hoisted up to give a clear view of the codpiece doing its job? (The proper term is “sporran,” by the way, which is the little man-purse that goes with a kilt.)
Elsewhere, in the course of one page, Graham thinks about his hard-on, dick, penis, and . . . wait for it . . . pecker! Which, by the way, “was hard as a hammer.” Good thing it was, because “he had some banging to do.” This vulgarity is out of character, so it jarred me out of the mild sex scene that was going on. That wasn’t the only awkward figure of speech. At another point, Graham says that he could have Cait “sizzling like garlic on a hot pan.” Having garlicky cooking odors intrude on romantic moments doesn’t really work for me.
Finally, since the Scottish setting was one of the things that drew me to this book, it was particularly disappointing that there was no sense of place. The USS Enterprise could have beamed all the characters up and put them down in a little seaside town pretty much anywhere. One factor contributing to this is the author’s poor job researching Scottish customs and language. Er, do doctors actually “bugger the hell out of” their patients there?
In conclusion, I wish this book had lived up to its promising premise, but it doesn’t. The heroine isn’t likable. Most of the other characters are flat. The romance isn’t engaging. The writing is mediocre. The Scottish setting is essentially irrelevant. The plot lays on angst and tragedy with a heavy hand. That, coupled with inadequate research and attention to detail, makes it a thoroughly disappointing read.
Plot-wise, the main plot – there are many subplots – revolves around Cait’s desire to reclaim her career. She had completely given it up for her husband, who wanted a wife devoted to keeping the perfect house and impressing his colleagues. The central conflict is Cait planning how to unearth all of Graham’s secrets and sell him out -- she pitches the story to People magazine immediately after meeting him. Graham’s pegged her for a journalist from the moment they met, and starts setting traps for her. Of course, their mutual attraction complicates things, leading to a lot of agonizing by Cait. Other subplots include Cait and her irascible grandmother (the most likeable character in the book) trying to reconcile, the activities of the ladies’ quilting group, and a character being diagnosed with a fatal disease. There’s also a depressing theme of abandonment that pervades the book. Several characters simply leave their loved ones; others die.
Unfortunately, the author doesn’t succeed in making Cait sympathetic. Instead, she comes across as whiny and self-centered. She’s annoying from page one, when her taxi leaves her standing in a dark parking lot in the snow. She whines about ruining her “metallic Brian Atwood heels” (Google tells me that his shoes go for about $1,000 a pair), but on page two whines about having to deal with four “hefty” suitcases. Why on earth didn’t she change shoes in the taxi?
The book is full of tropes that made me roll my eyes. Graham is, of course, an accomplished bagpiper. A beloved elderly dog dies. But later, there’s a puppy to make up for that. A bitchy blonde buxom barmaid has her eye on Graham. While the character of Graham’s little grandson contributes to the story, there’s no need for him to be traumatized and mute.
The writing is serviceable, but unpolished – random POVs from supporting characters; people arguing or accusing or defending instead of simply saying; predictable developments telegraphed well in advance. Occasionally it’s unintentionally humorous or awkward to the point of being painful. Several of those instances are just too funny not to mention here. For example, the crotchety grandma grabbed a chicken “by the back leg” so she could cut it up. “Back” leg? Scottish chickens must be bred for extra drumsticks. Grandma also bakes Christmas stollen. It’s apparently a little known fact that Scots love German baked goods.
One of the most hilarious faux pas occurred on page 34 of the paperback when the author described Graham as wearing a CODPIECE with his kilt. Where exactly was this codpiece? Dangling empty on the outside of the kilt? Peeking out from the hem? Damn, that would be one hell of a set of cods! Or was his kilt hoisted up to give a clear view of the codpiece doing its job? (The proper term is “sporran,” by the way, which is the little man-purse that goes with a kilt.)
Elsewhere, in the course of one page, Graham thinks about his hard-on, dick, penis, and . . . wait for it . . . pecker! Which, by the way, “was hard as a hammer.” Good thing it was, because “he had some banging to do.” This vulgarity is out of character, so it jarred me out of the mild sex scene that was going on. That wasn’t the only awkward figure of speech. At another point, Graham says that he could have Cait “sizzling like garlic on a hot pan.” Having garlicky cooking odors intrude on romantic moments doesn’t really work for me.
Finally, since the Scottish setting was one of the things that drew me to this book, it was particularly disappointing that there was no sense of place. The USS Enterprise could have beamed all the characters up and put them down in a little seaside town pretty much anywhere. One factor contributing to this is the author’s poor job researching Scottish customs and language. Er, do doctors actually “bugger the hell out of” their patients there?
In conclusion, I wish this book had lived up to its promising premise, but it doesn’t. The heroine isn’t likable. Most of the other characters are flat. The romance isn’t engaging. The writing is mediocre. The Scottish setting is essentially irrelevant. The plot lays on angst and tragedy with a heavy hand. That, coupled with inadequate research and attention to detail, makes it a thoroughly disappointing read.
June 20, 2014
great, but have tissue handy
September 27, 2014
Just tried Patience Griffin's To Scotland with Love narrated by Kirsten Potter. The narration is great just as I thought it would be. But the heroine drove me a bit crazy and it was a DNF after an hour or two.
A woman returns to her hometown in Scotland - now a widow - and is certainly feeling down and, I must say, bitchy. A mega star - a former Sexiest Man Alive - is missing (as he often is) and she finds him there complete with a son he has attempted to keep away from the media. He's nice to her (way too nice) and even reluctantly allows her to stay in a room over his bar (no public lodging in the town) since her house burned before she arrived. She has a grandmother to stay with but she doesn't want to be around said grandmother as she has ignored her for years and knows her grandmother is upset with her. Sigh...
Now the kicker - bad mood heroine is a journalist looking for a comeback! So she contacts People Magazine and signs on to give them an exclusive of the missing mega star. Never mind that he allows her to be around when his dear dog DIES and shows her his home. Even though he tells her "no pictures", she's taking pictures with her phone. Gag. This is no Katherine Sutcliffe Darking I Listen which featured a similar plot (and I graded 5 stars).
I could go on about other plot elements that made me dislike this heroine but I'm going to quit thinking about it. She wins the Difficult Heroine award for 2014 (to date).
A woman returns to her hometown in Scotland - now a widow - and is certainly feeling down and, I must say, bitchy. A mega star - a former Sexiest Man Alive - is missing (as he often is) and she finds him there complete with a son he has attempted to keep away from the media. He's nice to her (way too nice) and even reluctantly allows her to stay in a room over his bar (no public lodging in the town) since her house burned before she arrived. She has a grandmother to stay with but she doesn't want to be around said grandmother as she has ignored her for years and knows her grandmother is upset with her. Sigh...
Now the kicker - bad mood heroine is a journalist looking for a comeback! So she contacts People Magazine and signs on to give them an exclusive of the missing mega star. Never mind that he allows her to be around when his dear dog DIES and shows her his home. Even though he tells her "no pictures", she's taking pictures with her phone. Gag. This is no Katherine Sutcliffe Darking I Listen which featured a similar plot (and I graded 5 stars).
I could go on about other plot elements that made me dislike this heroine but I'm going to quit thinking about it. She wins the Difficult Heroine award for 2014 (to date).
August 2, 2014
Really closer to 3.5*, but just couldn't like it enough for 4*, mainly because I ran out of patience with Cait. Eventually, she came around, but it just took too long.
October 8, 2014
To Scotland With Love was my first novel by this author. I must admit to not being as huge a fan of contemporary romance as I am of historicals, but now and then I find one I really like. This book was very sweet and very sad at the same time. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Caitriona Macleod had gave up her career as an investigative reporter for what she thought was the perfect marriage. Then her husband ends up dead in his mistress bed and it turns her world upside down. So she decides to go back to her birthplace and visit her grandmother in hopes of restarting her life.
She had bought a piece of property in Scotland without actually seeing it and when she gets there she finds the cottage burned to the ground. Her new start is off to a rough start and then she finds out her neighbor is non other than the Scottish actor Graham Buchanan and the sexiest man alive. She knows that people are looking for him as he has been out of the public eye and here he is in this little Scottish town called Gandiegow. She thinks this could be her big break because this could get her back into reporting.
She is also trying to get back into the good graces of her gram, but that seems to be a lot harder than she thought it would be. Cait soon falls for everyone in the town, including Graham.
I could tell right away that this is going to be a very heartwarming series as all of the characters are just great.
Cait is tired of all the things that has happened in her life, she goes to Gadiegow to find herself again, not fall in love. She is done with marriage and men, but the Buchanan men get under skin real fast. She use to babysit Graham’s son when she was younger and now Duncan has a little boy of his own. Maddy quickly warms Cait’s heart as he doesn’t speak because of a trauma he witnessed. He is such a sweet little boy. In the small town of Gandigow everyone knows everyone and they are all very protective of their native son, Graham. Her gram makes her very much aware of that fact.
Graham is a very secretive man and though being an actor has been a way to help his town it has also put a rift between him and his son. He is not looking for love, but a causal relationship. At first he is a little leary of Cait because he knows she is a reporter and he is waiting for the article to come out about where he lives. That aside he can’t help wanting to get closer to Cait.
Cait’s gram has a quilting club and they always meet at her house so Cait gets to be involved with them as she is also a quilter. They are of all ages and are all a lot of fun. They are what help make the book so good.
If you’re into contemporary romances set in a Scottish setting then you will love this one. But be warned you will end up needing a tissue or two because it turned out to have a very sad part towards the end.
Caitriona Macleod had gave up her career as an investigative reporter for what she thought was the perfect marriage. Then her husband ends up dead in his mistress bed and it turns her world upside down. So she decides to go back to her birthplace and visit her grandmother in hopes of restarting her life.
She had bought a piece of property in Scotland without actually seeing it and when she gets there she finds the cottage burned to the ground. Her new start is off to a rough start and then she finds out her neighbor is non other than the Scottish actor Graham Buchanan and the sexiest man alive. She knows that people are looking for him as he has been out of the public eye and here he is in this little Scottish town called Gandiegow. She thinks this could be her big break because this could get her back into reporting.
She is also trying to get back into the good graces of her gram, but that seems to be a lot harder than she thought it would be. Cait soon falls for everyone in the town, including Graham.
I could tell right away that this is going to be a very heartwarming series as all of the characters are just great.
Cait is tired of all the things that has happened in her life, she goes to Gadiegow to find herself again, not fall in love. She is done with marriage and men, but the Buchanan men get under skin real fast. She use to babysit Graham’s son when she was younger and now Duncan has a little boy of his own. Maddy quickly warms Cait’s heart as he doesn’t speak because of a trauma he witnessed. He is such a sweet little boy. In the small town of Gandigow everyone knows everyone and they are all very protective of their native son, Graham. Her gram makes her very much aware of that fact.
Graham is a very secretive man and though being an actor has been a way to help his town it has also put a rift between him and his son. He is not looking for love, but a causal relationship. At first he is a little leary of Cait because he knows she is a reporter and he is waiting for the article to come out about where he lives. That aside he can’t help wanting to get closer to Cait.
Cait’s gram has a quilting club and they always meet at her house so Cait gets to be involved with them as she is also a quilter. They are of all ages and are all a lot of fun. They are what help make the book so good.
If you’re into contemporary romances set in a Scottish setting then you will love this one. But be warned you will end up needing a tissue or two because it turned out to have a very sad part towards the end.
May 19, 2014
A village romance set on the Scottish coast? Caledonia take me away! When I read this blurb just the setting and backdrop alone were enough to make me pick up the book. I had never read this author's stuff so I was crossing my fingers that she had a nice descriptive writing voice. And she did, village life, village characters and a tangled up romance was all sewn together well.
The story opens when Cait McLeod returns to her childhood home with tail tucked between her legs just needing to lick her wounds and figure out a new start after her husband's infidelities led to him dying in his mistress' arms. Cait is done with men and love is just a fairy tale. Now back to a place that should have been home, she feels the gulf of years she was away and didn't keep contact. Instead of staying with her old Gran she has bought her own cottage, but as she stands in the rain staring on the charred remains of her cottage, she decides the universe is against her. A quick knock at the home next door gives her a new twist of fate and maybe another chance to grab back her life if she plays her cards right. Cait has discovered where one of the hottest actors in the world goes into hiding when he isn't making a film or an appearance. This is her chance to grab back that which her marriage to her philandering husband stripped her. She'll relaunch her career by write a tell-all about Graham and send it to People magazine.
Graham Buchanan can smell a journalist a mile away and he is suspicious of the woman on his son's doorstep. She is Deydie's granddaughter with unlikely claims that she just makes quilts. His private life and protecting his son and grandson from the spotlight of his movie star career are priority for him. However, he trusts Duncan that she belongs here and helps her out by giving her the room above his pub though he warns her that her gran would expect her to stay at the family cottage. He is attracted to Cait and enjoys her presence in his life and the life of the village that he cares for too, but he is honest with her that he doesn't believe in love or long term relationships. She claims the same so he figures its all good.
Cait gets a rocky start in the village when her gran isn't impressed that her long lost granddaughter is now back and she holds her at arms' length. At least Deydie lets Cait into the quilters group and pushes her to help out around the village even as she warns Cait away from Graham. Cait discovers that it won't be easy to get what she needs for her story though its not because Graham doesn't give her the opportunity. She is close to him, his son and his grandson and even has the ability to run tame in his house, but between her conscience and how busy her gran and the others in the village keep her, she keeps missing chances to snoop into his life. Graham is attracted to her and she has come to adore his grandson which makes it hard for her to maintain the distance she needs both to protect herself from getting hurt by another man and to protect herself when she gets the story and angers the whole village that know Graham as their most popular son who doesn't forget his roots. Slowly village life and the people including her gran softens to her and Cait starts to heal. She is left with a dilemma of what to do about her secret story and what to do about Graham Buchanan.
I confess that I nearly set this book aside before I got out of the first chapter. Angry, bitter woman scorned who blames the male race as a whole because her late husband was a cheater and because her dad moved on after her mom died. Wasn't in the mood for the drama even if I understood and sympathized to her devastation. Then she adds the appalling decision to invade a man's private life and stab him in the back by doing a 'tell-all' story to relaunch her career with the attitude that she is entitled because her life stinks. Yeah, was not impressed with Cait McLeod initially and for some time, but I gave her a chance and I got to see her change. It wasn't quickly and it wasn't easy. It was tough being right there with her as she worked through her issues.
The writing and gentle story line, the characterizations and just the life of the village got to me. I loved meeting all the characters and getting vested in their life. It wasn't glamorous and it wasn't exciting, but it was interesting and emotion-grabbing. It all balanced well with the tempestuous romance of Cait and Graham. They were attracted, but both fought hard to keep something back. I just wanted to shake them at times when the denial got to be too much. They were so good together and everyone could see it, but them. I will warn you now that there are a few teary-eyed moments in this one so keep the tissue box handy if you're a crier. That being said, I'll dangle the carrot of a hot Scottish man in kilt who has a smile and generous heart to make you go weak-kneed to balance out the sad stuff.
To sum it up, I enjoyed this debut book in a new series and was glad that I soldiered past my initial reaction to the heroine so that I could get a good heartwarming and hard-earned romance. Contemporary romance lovers who enjoy a passionate couple, small town setting and characters and an emotional story line should try this one.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens when Cait McLeod returns to her childhood home with tail tucked between her legs just needing to lick her wounds and figure out a new start after her husband's infidelities led to him dying in his mistress' arms. Cait is done with men and love is just a fairy tale. Now back to a place that should have been home, she feels the gulf of years she was away and didn't keep contact. Instead of staying with her old Gran she has bought her own cottage, but as she stands in the rain staring on the charred remains of her cottage, she decides the universe is against her. A quick knock at the home next door gives her a new twist of fate and maybe another chance to grab back her life if she plays her cards right. Cait has discovered where one of the hottest actors in the world goes into hiding when he isn't making a film or an appearance. This is her chance to grab back that which her marriage to her philandering husband stripped her. She'll relaunch her career by write a tell-all about Graham and send it to People magazine.
Graham Buchanan can smell a journalist a mile away and he is suspicious of the woman on his son's doorstep. She is Deydie's granddaughter with unlikely claims that she just makes quilts. His private life and protecting his son and grandson from the spotlight of his movie star career are priority for him. However, he trusts Duncan that she belongs here and helps her out by giving her the room above his pub though he warns her that her gran would expect her to stay at the family cottage. He is attracted to Cait and enjoys her presence in his life and the life of the village that he cares for too, but he is honest with her that he doesn't believe in love or long term relationships. She claims the same so he figures its all good.
Cait gets a rocky start in the village when her gran isn't impressed that her long lost granddaughter is now back and she holds her at arms' length. At least Deydie lets Cait into the quilters group and pushes her to help out around the village even as she warns Cait away from Graham. Cait discovers that it won't be easy to get what she needs for her story though its not because Graham doesn't give her the opportunity. She is close to him, his son and his grandson and even has the ability to run tame in his house, but between her conscience and how busy her gran and the others in the village keep her, she keeps missing chances to snoop into his life. Graham is attracted to her and she has come to adore his grandson which makes it hard for her to maintain the distance she needs both to protect herself from getting hurt by another man and to protect herself when she gets the story and angers the whole village that know Graham as their most popular son who doesn't forget his roots. Slowly village life and the people including her gran softens to her and Cait starts to heal. She is left with a dilemma of what to do about her secret story and what to do about Graham Buchanan.
I confess that I nearly set this book aside before I got out of the first chapter. Angry, bitter woman scorned who blames the male race as a whole because her late husband was a cheater and because her dad moved on after her mom died. Wasn't in the mood for the drama even if I understood and sympathized to her devastation. Then she adds the appalling decision to invade a man's private life and stab him in the back by doing a 'tell-all' story to relaunch her career with the attitude that she is entitled because her life stinks. Yeah, was not impressed with Cait McLeod initially and for some time, but I gave her a chance and I got to see her change. It wasn't quickly and it wasn't easy. It was tough being right there with her as she worked through her issues.
The writing and gentle story line, the characterizations and just the life of the village got to me. I loved meeting all the characters and getting vested in their life. It wasn't glamorous and it wasn't exciting, but it was interesting and emotion-grabbing. It all balanced well with the tempestuous romance of Cait and Graham. They were attracted, but both fought hard to keep something back. I just wanted to shake them at times when the denial got to be too much. They were so good together and everyone could see it, but them. I will warn you now that there are a few teary-eyed moments in this one so keep the tissue box handy if you're a crier. That being said, I'll dangle the carrot of a hot Scottish man in kilt who has a smile and generous heart to make you go weak-kneed to balance out the sad stuff.
To sum it up, I enjoyed this debut book in a new series and was glad that I soldiered past my initial reaction to the heroine so that I could get a good heartwarming and hard-earned romance. Contemporary romance lovers who enjoy a passionate couple, small town setting and characters and an emotional story line should try this one.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2017
Me llevó muchísimo tiempo leer este libro.
Se me hizo muy pesado, engorroso y aburrido durante toda la primera mitad.
Toda la historia y la relación estaba basada en mentiras por parte de Cait. Es por esto que no suelo leer las historias donde las periodistas son las protagonistas y los hombres son estrellas de cine, porque siempre hay algo en el fondo que no huele bien. La traición se respiraba en el ambiente. En serio, no pude entender en ningún momento las motivaciones de Cait para traicionarlo, no puedes juzgar a todos los hombres por lo que te hizo uno, por lo tanto no puedes juzgar a Graham por lo que te hizo Tom. Pero lo hace, se pasa todo el libro intentando hacer de la imagen de Graham un truño pero en realidad es imposible, porque ese hombre es puro amor.
Lo que os comentaba, que la historia el primer 50% se me hizo pesada porque era un poco como las novelas: era un embrollo todo. Que no se sabía ya quién era hijo de quien y abuelo y blablabla. Lo bueno, y quiero decir "bueno" porque en realidad de bueno no tiene nada porque, a partir del 60% no dejé de llorar. Odio muchísimo a la autora por lo que hizo con el personaje de Duncan. No sé lo merecía, y sigo sin entender porque lo hizo la verdad. No fue algo que diese sentido a la historia, solo hizo doler mi corazón y dejar mis ojos rojos e hinchados.
• Mattie, ese fue otro punto. ¿Para que da la autora el punto de que hable en un momento para que luego no vuelva a hacerlo? Yo esperaba que al pasar un tiempo por fin hablase, incluso después de lo de Duncan. Pero nop.
• El enfado de Graham con Cait. Totalmente justificado y el que diga que no, que lo vuelva a leer. Pero la cagada fue de la autora, es decir, pasó de hacer que Graham echase de su casa a Cait a que la perdonase de repente realmente sin un motivo aparente. Esperaba un momento revelación o algo que dijese: me he dado cuenta de que en realidad... ya sabéis ese tipo de momentos. Pero no, lo metió un poco con calzador.
• El final. Eso no ha sido un final. Cuando leí la ultima frase seguí pulsando el botón pensando que había más páginas porque no en creo que ese fuese el final. Fue soso y verdaderamente no puedo verlo como un final. Me falta algo, un poco soso y seco para mí gusto. Creo que también fue demasiado rápido el momento romántico... quizá si no se hubiera enrollado tanto al principio de la historia hubiera podido tomarse más tiempo con el final.
• Y por último, el cambio de actitud de Deydy. No se lo cree ni la que lo escribió. Es decir, la odie, muchísimo todo el libro. La forma de tratar a Cait fue lo peor que puede hacerte tu propia familia así que ese momento de: de repente soy amable y te quiero, fue muy rápido y sin progresión por lo que no resultó creíble.
Esas son mis quejas, que son muchas, aún así el libro es emotivo. Llorar me hizo llorar un montón, eso no se puede negar. Y me he enamorado de Graham, Mattie y Dingus... ❤️
Se me hizo muy pesado, engorroso y aburrido durante toda la primera mitad.
Toda la historia y la relación estaba basada en mentiras por parte de Cait. Es por esto que no suelo leer las historias donde las periodistas son las protagonistas y los hombres son estrellas de cine, porque siempre hay algo en el fondo que no huele bien. La traición se respiraba en el ambiente. En serio, no pude entender en ningún momento las motivaciones de Cait para traicionarlo, no puedes juzgar a todos los hombres por lo que te hizo uno, por lo tanto no puedes juzgar a Graham por lo que te hizo Tom. Pero lo hace, se pasa todo el libro intentando hacer de la imagen de Graham un truño pero en realidad es imposible, porque ese hombre es puro amor.
Lo que os comentaba, que la historia el primer 50% se me hizo pesada porque era un poco como las novelas: era un embrollo todo. Que no se sabía ya quién era hijo de quien y abuelo y blablabla. Lo bueno, y quiero decir "bueno" porque en realidad de bueno no tiene nada porque, a partir del 60% no dejé de llorar. Odio muchísimo a la autora por lo que hizo con el personaje de Duncan. No sé lo merecía, y sigo sin entender porque lo hizo la verdad. No fue algo que diese sentido a la historia, solo hizo doler mi corazón y dejar mis ojos rojos e hinchados.
• Mattie, ese fue otro punto. ¿Para que da la autora el punto de que hable en un momento para que luego no vuelva a hacerlo? Yo esperaba que al pasar un tiempo por fin hablase, incluso después de lo de Duncan. Pero nop.
• El enfado de Graham con Cait. Totalmente justificado y el que diga que no, que lo vuelva a leer. Pero la cagada fue de la autora, es decir, pasó de hacer que Graham echase de su casa a Cait a que la perdonase de repente realmente sin un motivo aparente. Esperaba un momento revelación o algo que dijese: me he dado cuenta de que en realidad... ya sabéis ese tipo de momentos. Pero no, lo metió un poco con calzador.
• El final. Eso no ha sido un final. Cuando leí la ultima frase seguí pulsando el botón pensando que había más páginas porque no en creo que ese fuese el final. Fue soso y verdaderamente no puedo verlo como un final. Me falta algo, un poco soso y seco para mí gusto. Creo que también fue demasiado rápido el momento romántico... quizá si no se hubiera enrollado tanto al principio de la historia hubiera podido tomarse más tiempo con el final.
• Y por último, el cambio de actitud de Deydy. No se lo cree ni la que lo escribió. Es decir, la odie, muchísimo todo el libro. La forma de tratar a Cait fue lo peor que puede hacerte tu propia familia así que ese momento de: de repente soy amable y te quiero, fue muy rápido y sin progresión por lo que no resultó creíble.
Esas son mis quejas, que son muchas, aún así el libro es emotivo. Llorar me hizo llorar un montón, eso no se puede negar. Y me he enamorado de Graham, Mattie y Dingus... ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2017
Un libro muy bonito ( y sencillo) que habla de amistad, el compañerismo, las segundas oportunidades ( con la familia, con uno mismo y con el amor) y de la muerte (siempre presente en nuestras vidas)...
Lo único que ha fallado ha sido la horrorosa traducción ( había capítulos que no sabia lo que estaba leyendo de la mala traducción que se ha hecho, parecía un corta y pega de un traductor de Google)...
Seguiré a esta autora ya que es el primero de una saga.
Lo único que ha fallado ha sido la horrorosa traducción ( había capítulos que no sabia lo que estaba leyendo de la mala traducción que se ha hecho, parecía un corta y pega de un traductor de Google)...
Seguiré a esta autora ya que es el primero de una saga.
June 5, 2014
Looking at this cover, I thought I was picking up a historical romance from Scotland. Much to my surprise, and delight, To Scotland With Love is actually a contemporary romance that follows the story of Cait as she leaves America to go back to her hometown in Scotland, only to find something, or someone, she wasn't quite expecting…
When Cait's husband dies in his mistress's bed, she is more than ready to leave that life behind and find the only family she has left back in Scotland. When she arrives, though, she runs into none other than Graham Buchanan, the dazzling actor who falls off the grid of Hollywood life every now and then to spend private time with his son and grandson. As a journalist who needs to get her career back on track, Cait knows she can rebuild her reputation as a journalist by exposing Graham's secret life. But as she spends more time with him, Graham becomes much more real than the subject of her latest article.
I knew I had to pick up this novel as soon as I saw that it was part of the Kilts and Quilts series. I'm definitely a crafty person and my mom is a quilter, so I thought it was fun that the main character, and those around her, were into quilting. Cait's grandmother was part of a quilting group and quilting proved to be a bonding experience for not only Cait and her grandmother, but for the rest of the town as well. My favorite part, though, was definitely the "kilts" part of the series. Scotland is one of my favorite countries to read about and I definitely loved the Scotsmen that I found in this novel!
While the whole journalist trying to write an exposing story about someone they start to fall for is a bit cliche, I think that Patience Griffin did really well in putting her own unique spin on it. I absolutely loved Graham's character and his entire family. Mattie is the cutest little boy ever and Graham's relationship with Mattie and Mattie's father/Graham's son Duncan was definitely not perfect. There was a lot of emotion and struggles in this novel, which made it much more real and heart wrenching for the readers. Starting off the novel, I expected it to continue on in a fluffy romance, but the second half of the novel is very serious and pulls on the heartstrings. While things slowed down before the emotions set in, the story definitely picked up and Cait had some serious decisions to make as she fell harder for Graham and his dysfunctional, yet incredibly loving family.
In this sweet novel, you get everything: Romance, drama, secrets, and sexy Scottish men all in a tiny Scottish town. I loved the atmosphere of the town with, especially the ladies in the quilt group who form one large, loving family. Cait's grandmother is definitely a stubborn one, but she makes Cait's journey to rebuilding her life that much meaningful. For a sweet contemporary romance that gives you serious emotions and some Scottish charm, you have to check out To Scotland With Love.
When Cait's husband dies in his mistress's bed, she is more than ready to leave that life behind and find the only family she has left back in Scotland. When she arrives, though, she runs into none other than Graham Buchanan, the dazzling actor who falls off the grid of Hollywood life every now and then to spend private time with his son and grandson. As a journalist who needs to get her career back on track, Cait knows she can rebuild her reputation as a journalist by exposing Graham's secret life. But as she spends more time with him, Graham becomes much more real than the subject of her latest article.
I knew I had to pick up this novel as soon as I saw that it was part of the Kilts and Quilts series. I'm definitely a crafty person and my mom is a quilter, so I thought it was fun that the main character, and those around her, were into quilting. Cait's grandmother was part of a quilting group and quilting proved to be a bonding experience for not only Cait and her grandmother, but for the rest of the town as well. My favorite part, though, was definitely the "kilts" part of the series. Scotland is one of my favorite countries to read about and I definitely loved the Scotsmen that I found in this novel!
While the whole journalist trying to write an exposing story about someone they start to fall for is a bit cliche, I think that Patience Griffin did really well in putting her own unique spin on it. I absolutely loved Graham's character and his entire family. Mattie is the cutest little boy ever and Graham's relationship with Mattie and Mattie's father/Graham's son Duncan was definitely not perfect. There was a lot of emotion and struggles in this novel, which made it much more real and heart wrenching for the readers. Starting off the novel, I expected it to continue on in a fluffy romance, but the second half of the novel is very serious and pulls on the heartstrings. While things slowed down before the emotions set in, the story definitely picked up and Cait had some serious decisions to make as she fell harder for Graham and his dysfunctional, yet incredibly loving family.
In this sweet novel, you get everything: Romance, drama, secrets, and sexy Scottish men all in a tiny Scottish town. I loved the atmosphere of the town with, especially the ladies in the quilt group who form one large, loving family. Cait's grandmother is definitely a stubborn one, but she makes Cait's journey to rebuilding her life that much meaningful. For a sweet contemporary romance that gives you serious emotions and some Scottish charm, you have to check out To Scotland With Love.
April 16, 2016
Cait McLeod is ready for a fresh start. Her husband spent most of their marriage controlling Cait, while he spent his time having affairs with younger women. When he suddenly dies, she heads to Gandiegow, Scotland to reconnect with her difficult grandmother and feel the comfort of the small town where she spent her childhood. There she encounters Graham Buchanan, popular actor and heart trob. Once a journalist, she ponders the idea of exposing the whereabouts of Graham to launch her career. Graham has managed to hide the location of his home, his son and grandson, relishing his privacy. The people of Gandiegow take care of one another, and helped Graham to raise his son and grandson when Graham was on set shooting a movie. Cait's grandmother is a gruff woman with a sharp tongue. Cait struggles to connect with her. They find themselves drawn together by the quilt group that meets at her grandmother's home. Cait also comes to love Graham's sweet grandson, Mattie. She is also finding herself falling in love with the handsome and charming Graham. Can Cait and Graham let go of the hurts of the past to allow themselves the freedom for a fresh start? Will Cait write the article on Graham, attracting press and fans, destroying the peace of the small costal village?
A sweet combination of romance, friendship, small town charm and the joys of quilting.
Really 3.5 stars.
A sweet combination of romance, friendship, small town charm and the joys of quilting.
Really 3.5 stars.
April 20, 2020
Cait Macleod frowned as the taillights of her taxi sped off into the night.
Cait has come home to Gandiegow Scotland to start over. Upon her arrival she discovers that the cottage she bought sight unseen has burned to the ground. Seeking help from a neighbor, Cait finds herself face to face with noted film star Graham Buchanan.
This was a sweet romance with lots of quirky characters. Graham disappears from the world to return to his home in Gandiegow. Cait sees an opportunity to regain her status in the journalism world by writing an expose on Graham. That is until she gets involved with the townspeople and starts to develop a relationship with her grandmother, Deydie.
There are sweet moments, very sad moments and lots of odd townfolk as the story unfolds and Cait learns not only about herself but her mother and grandmother as well.
I will read the next book in the series to see if these characters are revisited.
Cait has come home to Gandiegow Scotland to start over. Upon her arrival she discovers that the cottage she bought sight unseen has burned to the ground. Seeking help from a neighbor, Cait finds herself face to face with noted film star Graham Buchanan.
This was a sweet romance with lots of quirky characters. Graham disappears from the world to return to his home in Gandiegow. Cait sees an opportunity to regain her status in the journalism world by writing an expose on Graham. That is until she gets involved with the townspeople and starts to develop a relationship with her grandmother, Deydie.
There are sweet moments, very sad moments and lots of odd townfolk as the story unfolds and Cait learns not only about herself but her mother and grandmother as well.
I will read the next book in the series to see if these characters are revisited.
Read
February 1, 2015This looking like it had some promise. Then I met Cait. I did not like Cait. She was scheming and conniving throughout most of the book while becoming part of the lives of the people she was scheming about. The love story seemed to come out of nowhere. There was lots of lust, but I don't see the love. I also had issues with the age difference. We are told that Cait is 31. We are not told how old Graham is, but he was a 26 yo son and was the same basic age as Cait's mom. That does not work for me. I was pulled in by Mattie and Duncan and the other people in the village, but I skimmed most of the book.
DNF
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
Reseña en el blog
A ver, la historia en sí tampoco es que sea mala, aunque tampoco diría que buena... Pero si estuviera bien traducida y sin tantas faltas y despropósitos de la mani del traductor, sería una lectura entretenida. Con cómo está escrita la edición española, no me cabe en la cabeza que alguien lo pueda disfrutar...
Lo mejor, sin duda, Mattie; lo peor, el traductor. Que paguen a alguien por algo tan horrible no entra en mi cabeza.
A ver, la historia en sí tampoco es que sea mala, aunque tampoco diría que buena... Pero si estuviera bien traducida y sin tantas faltas y despropósitos de la mani del traductor, sería una lectura entretenida. Con cómo está escrita la edición española, no me cabe en la cabeza que alguien lo pueda disfrutar...
Lo mejor, sin duda, Mattie; lo peor, el traductor. Que paguen a alguien por algo tan horrible no entra en mi cabeza.
September 12, 2017
2/5 No le pongo más porque es tan mala la traducción y tiene unas faltas de ortografía tan flagrantes que ya no he podido concentrarme en la historia. Ediciones Kiwi perpetra el crimen. Y eso que Graham prometía
August 13, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
"Watch your heart. It's a hard thing to take back once ye've given it away."
Deydie, Cait's grandma said this to her through the reading of this book. And it stuck with me. Deydie has been living on her own, since Cait's father uprooted her and her mother to America, where her mother ended up dying. After the death of her husband, Caitie decided to move back to home to Scotland. Hoping that her gran would allow her to be back in her life.
Cait ends up finding a lot about herself back in Scotland, while struggling with herself. Trying to chase her dream that she had to give up while she was still her husband. She learns a lot about her community while quilting with her gran and her gran's quilting ladies, and helping Graham's family as well.
It's a great read. Had me hooked from the beginning. Had me wanting to go out to Scotland as well.
I would definitely recommend this.
"Watch your heart. It's a hard thing to take back once ye've given it away."
Deydie, Cait's grandma said this to her through the reading of this book. And it stuck with me. Deydie has been living on her own, since Cait's father uprooted her and her mother to America, where her mother ended up dying. After the death of her husband, Caitie decided to move back to home to Scotland. Hoping that her gran would allow her to be back in her life.
Cait ends up finding a lot about herself back in Scotland, while struggling with herself. Trying to chase her dream that she had to give up while she was still her husband. She learns a lot about her community while quilting with her gran and her gran's quilting ladies, and helping Graham's family as well.
It's a great read. Had me hooked from the beginning. Had me wanting to go out to Scotland as well.
I would definitely recommend this.
July 14, 2014
I liked this book. The characters had depth and grew through the story. The descriptions of the small coastal village and the ladies who live there drew me in. The conflict between the hero and heroine was realistic, and the internal struggles each dealt with were developed well. There is a very sad element, but even that was woven into the story in such a way that it not only made sense, it enhanced the theme. There were also several small details that I smiled at, and made me think the author and I could be great friends; using a Porsche to describe the color red instead of the usual Ferrari, for one. There was a nice use of faith and spiritual issues that was realistic and not preachy, and again, helped enrich the story rather than feel out of place. Some of the supporting characters were less developed, and intrigued me. I hope to meet them again in the next book!
February 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Patience (my friend, Pewdie) as I know her from high school, wrote this novel which has a lot of characteristics of a book that I like to read. It was filled with romance, of course, but she also added human interests such as her defiant grandmother, dealing with an illness, and my favorite, quilting with friends. Her setting, a fictional town, Gandiegow, Scotland, depicted a wonderful seaside village that is a close-knitted community. Several days later, I would even think back about the characters and was sorry I read it so quickly. Now have to wait until January for her next novel to come out. Good job, my friend!
July 8, 2014
I enjoyed this book set on the Scottish shoreline. I loved how the author wove the quilting into the book and set up the series. The story moves you from a heroine who thinks she has no one in the world to finding her place in her hometown and putting to rest the hurts and ghosts of the past.
It was a touching story. Caitriona Macleod is a woman in search of her life and returns to the town of her birth and runs into Graham Buchanan, a famous movie star. Caitriona and Graham are wonderful characters who struggle against events beyond their control, but that fight kept me cheering for them. A tear-jerker at the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.
It was a touching story. Caitriona Macleod is a woman in search of her life and returns to the town of her birth and runs into Graham Buchanan, a famous movie star. Caitriona and Graham are wonderful characters who struggle against events beyond their control, but that fight kept me cheering for them. A tear-jerker at the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 2, 2014
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway. Thank you for picking me as a winner. This story takes place in a Scottish seaside town. great story line and true to life characters.I didn't want to put it down--needed to know what was going to happen next. it's the story of family and friends- their ups and downs. Some of it will make you laugh, but a lot will leave you with tears. I don't want to tell you the story--just let me say I don't think you will be disappointed . If you like a good love story--family--good friends and a touching little boy, you'll love this book. Almost forgot the best part--the quilting ladies. enjoy
June 4, 2014
what a good beginning to a new series for a new author. I loved it! A woman has to make a big change and what better way than to go home to a small town on a coast in Scotland and start all over. The story was charming, heartfelt and engrossing. The whole town got involved and the quilting group was a force to reckon with. There were multiple storylines working throughout and relationships that had to be worked on from the ground up. I'm looking forward to more stories from the up and coming author.
June 17, 2014
Wow! Scotland and quilts are the perfect combination for this romance. (I am a little biased since I am a quilter). Catriona MacCloud is a thirty one year old journalist, who returns to her birthplace, after her husband is found dead in his mistress's bed. In Scotland, she meets a reclusive movie star, Graham Buchanan, who struggles with his less than perfect relationship to his son and grandson.
It was so refreshing to read a romance with complex characters, real life struggles, and relationships built on more than love at first glance. This is the perfect book for summer reading.
It was so refreshing to read a romance with complex characters, real life struggles, and relationships built on more than love at first glance. This is the perfect book for summer reading.
July 7, 2014
What a fantastic read! Aside from the excellent writing, the best part of this fictional work is the use of real life situations. This book is rooted on the concept of second chances. A second chance after death, divorce, career failure, etc- and through overcoming life struggles, individuals can still find hope, love, and acceptance. I love books that provide a common element, and then take the reader on an escapist adventure, with witty humor, true humanity, and a great ending. If you are looking for a fun, entertaining read (with a hot Scotsman), this book is the book for you!
October 21, 2015
4.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Patience Griffin and it was really quite beautiful. I generally read books that have some humour in or are a little dark or have some suspense in them but this I would say was a romance/drama. I loved the town setting and the quilting circle, I enjoyed the characters and the story, although I did get annoyed with Cait and her "story". I must say that part of this book made me want to sob, while I have read books that have made me cry before this one pushed a particular button for me and it was fantastically written.
This is the first book I have read by Patience Griffin and it was really quite beautiful. I generally read books that have some humour in or are a little dark or have some suspense in them but this I would say was a romance/drama. I loved the town setting and the quilting circle, I enjoyed the characters and the story, although I did get annoyed with Cait and her "story". I must say that part of this book made me want to sob, while I have read books that have made me cry before this one pushed a particular button for me and it was fantastically written.
July 8, 2019
This was a strictly okay book and lacking in details in places. h moves back to the Scottish village of her birth after her cheating husband dies. She allowed her friendship and career to lapse for said husband. In the village lives her grandmother who is to be honest a shrew. Then, we have the hero a famous actor, age not mentioned who has a secret 25/26 yr old son and 6-yr-old grandson. This read more like women's fiction tbh and I didn't like reading about death.
September 30, 2014
I got this book thinking it was a Highlander story but it is set in modern day Scotland. The things I learned by listening to this book are:
- Scottish men were amazing hundreds of years ago... and they still are!
- I absolutely love the Scottish accent
- Great narration makes the time go by quicker.
Yes I recommend this book! It's not only set in Scotland with that amazing accent and great narration but our hero is also a movie star... I'm in love!
- Scottish men were amazing hundreds of years ago... and they still are!
- I absolutely love the Scottish accent
- Great narration makes the time go by quicker.
Yes I recommend this book! It's not only set in Scotland with that amazing accent and great narration but our hero is also a movie star... I'm in love!
December 31, 2017
La historia está bien, tiene muchas posibilidades pero le falla la traducción (tengo que suponer que es eso). Hay expresiones traducidas literalmente del inglés lo que carece de sentido narrativo. Esto hace que desmerezca una historia que como tal es entretenida, en algunos momentos incluso divertida, y tiene carga dramática. Amor, familia, amigos... la novela toca muchos puntos.
No puedo darle más puntuación por los errores gramaticales que tiene.
No puedo darle más puntuación por los errores gramaticales que tiene.
August 4, 2014
Tree stars all for Graham, Duncan and Mattie who were beautiful characters. I couldn't stand at Caitriona, I understand her problem , her past but she was a little petty almost by all book. I don't liked her characters in spite of her redemption at the end. Also I think that the first part of novel was a bit confused and I don't know if by the writing or Cait and her recriminations.
July 25, 2014
Loved this book. Did not want to like this character. Such a poignant story. Really wanted a miracle. I cried and cried at the end. A wonderful story. So many wonderful characters. I won this book on Goodreads.
May 22, 2014
Ms. Griffin's book will take you on a journey, not just to another country, but also on a journey of love, death, reconciliation, and quilting. Her words pull you in and leaves you unable to put the book down even after the last page is turned. This book is not to be missed!
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