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Take Me Home
When Elle Kinnaird takes the plunge and travels from her rural small-town life to the misty legends of her ancestors in the Scottish highlands, she finds that it's a big world after all. A heartwarming novel about new beginnings, from the bestselling author of Fool Me Once.
It was a straightforward request. Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings . . .
Then Gran's will is read and everything changes.
It seems simple: a road trip across Scotland, a country Gran loved, to locate the family castle; meet some long lost cousins; oh, and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life before returning home. Not a problem.
That is unless the family castle is a ruin that has pretty much been lost in time; the family Elle has never met seem to be hiding a mysterious secret; her over-achieving parents are breathing down her neck, and she's running out of time to make a decision about her future.
Take Me Home is a glorious lesson in life, love and finding your true destiny.
It was a straightforward request. Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings . . .
Then Gran's will is read and everything changes.
It seems simple: a road trip across Scotland, a country Gran loved, to locate the family castle; meet some long lost cousins; oh, and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life before returning home. Not a problem.
That is unless the family castle is a ruin that has pretty much been lost in time; the family Elle has never met seem to be hiding a mysterious secret; her over-achieving parents are breathing down her neck, and she's running out of time to make a decision about her future.
Take Me Home is a glorious lesson in life, love and finding your true destiny.
344 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2021
22 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Karly Lane
34 books371 followersKarly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia. She has romantic suspense titles published under Karlene Blakemore-Mowle and her latest release, Third Time Lucky is available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 4, 2021
Elle Kinnaird had been incredibly close to her Gran and with the funeral over, and her will read, Elle was astounded at her Gran’s wishes to take her ashes home to Scotland, a place she’d left at fifteen with her father. She had been meaning to take her Gran to Scotland for a long while, but never seemed to get around to it, and now she was gone, Elle was determined to fulfil her Gran’s wishes. And when she lost her job, then also realized her Gran’s house had to be sold – where she had been living – Elle decided it was a message – and booked her flight to Scotland, very much against her parents’ wishes.
Elle’s arrival in Edinburgh from Australia, and subsequent travels around Scotland, following her Gran’s bucket-list, had her amazed at the beauty of the countryside, the mountains and castles. Elle loved to sketch and found herself stopping and whiling away the hours with her drawings. When Elle arrived at Portsoy, the village where her cousins lived, she immediately felt comfortable with them. She met her Gran’s sister Moira, her cousins Grace and Aila, and their mum Alice. They made her feel welcome, thrilled to meet her at last. But more was to happen; secrets that had been buried within the family walls for many years; the castle where Elle was to take Gran – Stormeil Castle – which was where the family ancestors…the MacCoinnichs – had lived and which was now in ruins. Would Elle be able to scatter Gran’s ashes when the time was right?
Take Me Home by Aussie author Karly Lane is – in my opinion – her very best yet! I loved the picturesque details of Scotland, Elle’s determination and courage in doing the journey by herself, the raft of great characters. This is the closest I’ll ever get to Scotland so I travelled with Elle in her little hire car as she wound her way through the countryside and little villages. Take Me Home is a poignant, heartwarming story which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Elle’s arrival in Edinburgh from Australia, and subsequent travels around Scotland, following her Gran’s bucket-list, had her amazed at the beauty of the countryside, the mountains and castles. Elle loved to sketch and found herself stopping and whiling away the hours with her drawings. When Elle arrived at Portsoy, the village where her cousins lived, she immediately felt comfortable with them. She met her Gran’s sister Moira, her cousins Grace and Aila, and their mum Alice. They made her feel welcome, thrilled to meet her at last. But more was to happen; secrets that had been buried within the family walls for many years; the castle where Elle was to take Gran – Stormeil Castle – which was where the family ancestors…the MacCoinnichs – had lived and which was now in ruins. Would Elle be able to scatter Gran’s ashes when the time was right?
Take Me Home by Aussie author Karly Lane is – in my opinion – her very best yet! I loved the picturesque details of Scotland, Elle’s determination and courage in doing the journey by herself, the raft of great characters. This is the closest I’ll ever get to Scotland so I travelled with Elle in her little hire car as she wound her way through the countryside and little villages. Take Me Home is a poignant, heartwarming story which I highly recommend.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2021
Elle Kinnaired is very saddened by the passing of her beloved Gran, but after the funeral, she is surprised to find out that her Gran had wanted Elle to take her ashes home to Scotland. Wanting to carry out her Gran’s wishes, Elle decides the time is right as she had just lost her job and then she finds out Gran’s house would have to be sold which Elle was living in. Elle’s parents were not too pleased to hear about what she was about to do, but Elle was going to Scotland regardless as it was the last thing she could do for her Gran.
When Elle arrives in Scotland the reader is taken on an exquisite journey like no other. The descriptions throughout this story were fabulous. Australian author Karly Lane is one of my favorite authors and when I discover she has a new book being release I just have to have a copy. I have enjoyed all of Karly’s books, but this book, Take Me Home was by far her best one yet. (My opinion). Highly recommended.
When Elle arrives in Scotland the reader is taken on an exquisite journey like no other. The descriptions throughout this story were fabulous. Australian author Karly Lane is one of my favorite authors and when I discover she has a new book being release I just have to have a copy. I have enjoyed all of Karly’s books, but this book, Take Me Home was by far her best one yet. (My opinion). Highly recommended.
August 19, 2021
Having never read Ms Lane, I did not know what to expect. Apparently this is not her usual Australian fare as Elle spends most of the book in Scotland bringing her Gran's ashes home, with Gran in her head the entire time, well most of it.
I only became really engaged in this adventure when I opened Google maps and followed Elle's journey around Scotland, meeting family for the first time and finding out about herself. It was really enjoyable for most of it, but in the end all a bit twee. 3.5
One major quibble, Elle says: 'It's such a long history here (meaning Scotland) compared to where I come from.'
I find it infuriating that writers and many Australians dismiss the tens of thousands of years of human history here, alluding only to European settlement. So wrong and so unfortunate. Shame on you Karly Lane.
I only became really engaged in this adventure when I opened Google maps and followed Elle's journey around Scotland, meeting family for the first time and finding out about herself. It was really enjoyable for most of it, but in the end all a bit twee. 3.5
One major quibble, Elle says: 'It's such a long history here (meaning Scotland) compared to where I come from.'
I find it infuriating that writers and many Australians dismiss the tens of thousands of years of human history here, alluding only to European settlement. So wrong and so unfortunate. Shame on you Karly Lane.
May 11, 2021
This is such a fantastic story and what a trip to Scotland I had, Karly Lane has taken me to so many places that are on my bucket list and of course I got to know some awesome characters along the way, when Elle Kinnaird’s beloved grandmother asks her to take her home, a journey of a lifetime begins, Elle finds a lot of herself on this journey, a trip that surely will bring happiness after losing her Gran. I do hope that you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Elle is one of four children growing up in the small town of Jessup’s Creek in Australia, she is happy working in the local supermarket and has no love of a degree at university, she loves her art, this is what makes her happy, but losing her Gran who she has been living with changes everything, not only does she lose her job but with the reading of the will she is tasked with the job of taking her Gran’s ashes back to Scotland the place she left when she was fifteen, a trip that Elle and her gran had always wanted to do together.
Elle arrives in Edinburgh with the note book and their bucket list written in it and off she goes doing some wonderful sight- seeing and falling in love Scotland along the way, she meets up with family she has never met and feels so comfortable with them all, and feels that there are secrets that have been kept for many years, she also has to think about what she is going to do when she gets back home, but for now she is off to find the castle ruins of Stormeil the place her grandmothers want to go to, will she be able to say goodbye when the time comes.
Arriving on Skye and searching out the ruins brings her in touch with farmer Stuart Buchannan he offers to take her to the ruins and as they get to know each other Elle starts to look differently at what she wants in life, should she stay for longer in Scotland should she go home? Will she find love and happiness and will she finally see how good her art work is?
I really loved this story, it is filled with fabulous characters, emotion and of course an awesome trip to Scotland, this one is beautifully written it was a joy to read, yes I cried and I smiled Elle is witty and fun and I loved seeing her truly find herself and what can I say about Gran what a beautiful character. I do highly recommend this book, don’t miss it.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review
Elle is one of four children growing up in the small town of Jessup’s Creek in Australia, she is happy working in the local supermarket and has no love of a degree at university, she loves her art, this is what makes her happy, but losing her Gran who she has been living with changes everything, not only does she lose her job but with the reading of the will she is tasked with the job of taking her Gran’s ashes back to Scotland the place she left when she was fifteen, a trip that Elle and her gran had always wanted to do together.
Elle arrives in Edinburgh with the note book and their bucket list written in it and off she goes doing some wonderful sight- seeing and falling in love Scotland along the way, she meets up with family she has never met and feels so comfortable with them all, and feels that there are secrets that have been kept for many years, she also has to think about what she is going to do when she gets back home, but for now she is off to find the castle ruins of Stormeil the place her grandmothers want to go to, will she be able to say goodbye when the time comes.
Arriving on Skye and searching out the ruins brings her in touch with farmer Stuart Buchannan he offers to take her to the ruins and as they get to know each other Elle starts to look differently at what she wants in life, should she stay for longer in Scotland should she go home? Will she find love and happiness and will she finally see how good her art work is?
I really loved this story, it is filled with fabulous characters, emotion and of course an awesome trip to Scotland, this one is beautifully written it was a joy to read, yes I cried and I smiled Elle is witty and fun and I loved seeing her truly find herself and what can I say about Gran what a beautiful character. I do highly recommend this book, don’t miss it.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review
June 25, 2021
Karly Lane has long been one of my favourite authors with her romance novels set in rural Australia.
With Take Me Home, inspired by her own ancestry, Karly Lane has written her first contemporary novel which moves from Australia to the Scottish Highlands.
Elle’s much loved grandmother dies with the bucket-list they had compiled together, unfulfilled. Homebody Elle was comfortable in the small rural town she had grown up in and her job in the local supermarket, even if her lack of ambition was a bone of contention with her mother. However after the reading of her grandmother’s will that requests Elle take the trip to Scotland and visit the castle that Iona had loved as a child and scatter her ashes there Elle gets to live the dream her and her gran had never quite got around to doing.
Take Me Home was such a fun read. Elle was very easy to connect with and I adored Elle and her gran’s relationship. Even though we read about it after Iona’s death we can clearly see how close they were. I just loved Iona’s determination and spark, she had a great sense of humour.
I enjoyed the armchair travel through Scotland to all the tourist spot and the little snippets of history about the places. I also loved the Outlander tie in.
Karly Lane has added a cheeky paranormal element in the story and a tiny touch of magical realism or maybe that was just Elle’s imagination. You decide.
Take Me Home is a story of self discovery as Elle meets her Scottish family, including her arty cousin, she feels right at home. She can now see where not only her looks come from but also her artistic talent.
A Scottish castle, a legend, a prophecy, family secrets and a fledgling romance made Take Me Home a story I did not want to end.
Karly Lane has proven herself time and time again in the rural romance genre and now she has smashed the contemporary fiction genre with Take Me Home.
I received my copy from Beauty & Lace Book Club
With Take Me Home, inspired by her own ancestry, Karly Lane has written her first contemporary novel which moves from Australia to the Scottish Highlands.
Elle’s much loved grandmother dies with the bucket-list they had compiled together, unfulfilled. Homebody Elle was comfortable in the small rural town she had grown up in and her job in the local supermarket, even if her lack of ambition was a bone of contention with her mother. However after the reading of her grandmother’s will that requests Elle take the trip to Scotland and visit the castle that Iona had loved as a child and scatter her ashes there Elle gets to live the dream her and her gran had never quite got around to doing.
Take Me Home was such a fun read. Elle was very easy to connect with and I adored Elle and her gran’s relationship. Even though we read about it after Iona’s death we can clearly see how close they were. I just loved Iona’s determination and spark, she had a great sense of humour.
I enjoyed the armchair travel through Scotland to all the tourist spot and the little snippets of history about the places. I also loved the Outlander tie in.
Karly Lane has added a cheeky paranormal element in the story and a tiny touch of magical realism or maybe that was just Elle’s imagination. You decide.
Take Me Home is a story of self discovery as Elle meets her Scottish family, including her arty cousin, she feels right at home. She can now see where not only her looks come from but also her artistic talent.
A Scottish castle, a legend, a prophecy, family secrets and a fledgling romance made Take Me Home a story I did not want to end.
Karly Lane has proven herself time and time again in the rural romance genre and now she has smashed the contemporary fiction genre with Take Me Home.
I received my copy from Beauty & Lace Book Club
May 13, 2021
Karly Lane travels from the heat and dust of rural Australia to the cool, green hills of Scotland in her newest novel, Take Me Home.
When Elspeth Kinnaird first hears her grandmother talking to her in the bathroom of Jessup’s Creek supermarket she thinks she must be going crazy given her beloved Gran died more than a week earlier. Iona may have passed on but she hasn’t quite yet let go. She wants her granddaughter to take her home to Scotland, and she’s left Elle the money in her will to do it. Despite her parents objections, Elle is determined to fulfil her Gran’s wishes to spread her ashes on the grounds of the family ancestral castle.
Touring Scotland with Elle, and her Gran, is a delight, it’s a country I’d love to visit and I enjoyed the vicarious experience of walking Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, exploring castle ruins, and visiting the locations used in television’s, Outlander. Lane’s rich descriptions of the country, and tidbits of history, are a wonderful element of the story.
A major theme of the novel is self-discovery. While Elles’s parents and three siblings are all high achievers, Elle has always been drawn to artistic pursuits. Introducing herself to what remains of her Gran’s family in Portsoy, Elle is welcomed with open arms and it’s among her cousins, who are artistic and red-haired like her, that Elle finds the confidence to make decisions about her future.
The story also includes a thread of mystery as Elle endeavours to learn why Iona emigrated to Australia at fifteen and had so little contact with her siblings. The only one with answers seems to be Iona’s older sister, but she is suffering from dementia.
Romance is the last thing on Elle’s mind until she meets lawyer turned farmer Stuart Buchannan in her search for Stormeil Castle on the Isle of Skye, where her grandmother wants her ashes to be scattered. I like that the attraction flares into a passionate fling between the two, but with Elle due to return to Australia, she can’t see a way for their relationship to move forward.
Take Me Home is a delight to read, I loved the change of scenery while still enjoying Karly Lane’s wonderful, familiar storytelling.
When Elspeth Kinnaird first hears her grandmother talking to her in the bathroom of Jessup’s Creek supermarket she thinks she must be going crazy given her beloved Gran died more than a week earlier. Iona may have passed on but she hasn’t quite yet let go. She wants her granddaughter to take her home to Scotland, and she’s left Elle the money in her will to do it. Despite her parents objections, Elle is determined to fulfil her Gran’s wishes to spread her ashes on the grounds of the family ancestral castle.
Touring Scotland with Elle, and her Gran, is a delight, it’s a country I’d love to visit and I enjoyed the vicarious experience of walking Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, exploring castle ruins, and visiting the locations used in television’s, Outlander. Lane’s rich descriptions of the country, and tidbits of history, are a wonderful element of the story.
A major theme of the novel is self-discovery. While Elles’s parents and three siblings are all high achievers, Elle has always been drawn to artistic pursuits. Introducing herself to what remains of her Gran’s family in Portsoy, Elle is welcomed with open arms and it’s among her cousins, who are artistic and red-haired like her, that Elle finds the confidence to make decisions about her future.
The story also includes a thread of mystery as Elle endeavours to learn why Iona emigrated to Australia at fifteen and had so little contact with her siblings. The only one with answers seems to be Iona’s older sister, but she is suffering from dementia.
Romance is the last thing on Elle’s mind until she meets lawyer turned farmer Stuart Buchannan in her search for Stormeil Castle on the Isle of Skye, where her grandmother wants her ashes to be scattered. I like that the attraction flares into a passionate fling between the two, but with Elle due to return to Australia, she can’t see a way for their relationship to move forward.
Take Me Home is a delight to read, I loved the change of scenery while still enjoying Karly Lane’s wonderful, familiar storytelling.
June 10, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Oh sweetheart, none of that now. That time’s past. I don’t want you sitting about feeling sorry for yourself anymore. I had the best life anyone could possibly ask for. It’s time to move on, she said gently but with a briskness that was oh so familiar. And you can start by booking that trip to Scotland.’
A splendid tale of family, connections, identity, faith and personal choice, Take Me Home is the latest title from Australian rural romance queen, Karly Lane. Take Me Home heralds Karly Lane’s first dalliance in the general contemporary fiction scene. A thoroughly enjoyable and life affirming tale, I recommend Take Me Home to all readers.
Following her late grandmother’s request to take her ashes back home to Scotland, Elle knows she must fulfil her grandmother’s last wishes. Elle’s life is on a downward spiral, she is unemployed and will soon be without a home. Elle is also the black sheep in her family as her siblings have all managed to achieve success. A life changing revelation is made once Elle’s grandmother passes away and this kick starts Elle’s journey to Scotland. In Scotland, Elle connects with her family’s heritage, her grandmother’s favourite haunts and she is acquainted with some extended family. Scotland also gives Elle the chance to reflect on her life as it stands, can she find the courage to do what she really wants? But a ruined castle, a family secret, parental pressures and time all stands in the way as Elle wades her way through an uncertain future.
It is hard to believe that Take Me Home marks the seventeenth release from one of our country’s most loved and respected rural romance writers, Karly Lane. With the success of so many novels behind her, it is good to see Lane take on a brand-new genre in a very different location to her usual Aussie bush-based tales. Lane still incorporates some rural elements in her newest tale, but this time there is a rich Scottish flavour. I really appreciated the chance to learn more about rural life and the sheep farming trade in Scotland. This was a highlight of the book.
Family and relationships play a big part in Take Me Home. The lead of this new Karly Lane tale is quite the outcast. We learn that Elle is less successful than her siblings and has clearly made some ill-fated choices in her life. I sat on tenterhooks as I hoped that Elle would be able to follow her dreams and achieve her own success away from the shadow of her siblings. I valued being a part of this eventful character soul searching journey. It is hard to tear yourself away from Elle’s adventures. Along the way we are acquainted with a number of memorable characters who help to shine a guiding light on this new Karly Lane tale. I think Take Me Home is true crowd pleaser, as it encompasses many relatable themes in relation to life, love, family and personal choice.
The Scottish backdrop is very carefully rendered by Karly Lane and you can really feel Lane’s love for this corner of the world through her passionate writing. I was able to place myself very easily in the setting base, thanks to Lane’s expressive prose. The attention to detail in regards to the language, culture, local cuisines and various places that the lead encounters made Take Me Home a captivating read.
I was touched by the slight paranormal slant this book takes in relation to Elle and her dearly departed grandmother. It was an interesting story angle that worked to support the strong link Elle shares with her grandmother. In general, I felt my excitement build as Elle tried to solve an intriguing mystery which in turn helps Elle lay her grandmother to rest peacefully. Readers will also find the love story that gently shadows this novel a joy to read. I really connected to this lower-level romance story between Elle and a local farmer.
Like the author, I have Scottish roots, so the opportunity to partake in a travel experience to a place I do hope to visit one day in the future thanks to Take Me Home was superb. Down to earth, heartwarming and wholesome, Take Me Home signals a lovely new direction for Karly Lane.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Take Me Home is book #54 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘Oh sweetheart, none of that now. That time’s past. I don’t want you sitting about feeling sorry for yourself anymore. I had the best life anyone could possibly ask for. It’s time to move on, she said gently but with a briskness that was oh so familiar. And you can start by booking that trip to Scotland.’
A splendid tale of family, connections, identity, faith and personal choice, Take Me Home is the latest title from Australian rural romance queen, Karly Lane. Take Me Home heralds Karly Lane’s first dalliance in the general contemporary fiction scene. A thoroughly enjoyable and life affirming tale, I recommend Take Me Home to all readers.
Following her late grandmother’s request to take her ashes back home to Scotland, Elle knows she must fulfil her grandmother’s last wishes. Elle’s life is on a downward spiral, she is unemployed and will soon be without a home. Elle is also the black sheep in her family as her siblings have all managed to achieve success. A life changing revelation is made once Elle’s grandmother passes away and this kick starts Elle’s journey to Scotland. In Scotland, Elle connects with her family’s heritage, her grandmother’s favourite haunts and she is acquainted with some extended family. Scotland also gives Elle the chance to reflect on her life as it stands, can she find the courage to do what she really wants? But a ruined castle, a family secret, parental pressures and time all stands in the way as Elle wades her way through an uncertain future.
It is hard to believe that Take Me Home marks the seventeenth release from one of our country’s most loved and respected rural romance writers, Karly Lane. With the success of so many novels behind her, it is good to see Lane take on a brand-new genre in a very different location to her usual Aussie bush-based tales. Lane still incorporates some rural elements in her newest tale, but this time there is a rich Scottish flavour. I really appreciated the chance to learn more about rural life and the sheep farming trade in Scotland. This was a highlight of the book.
Family and relationships play a big part in Take Me Home. The lead of this new Karly Lane tale is quite the outcast. We learn that Elle is less successful than her siblings and has clearly made some ill-fated choices in her life. I sat on tenterhooks as I hoped that Elle would be able to follow her dreams and achieve her own success away from the shadow of her siblings. I valued being a part of this eventful character soul searching journey. It is hard to tear yourself away from Elle’s adventures. Along the way we are acquainted with a number of memorable characters who help to shine a guiding light on this new Karly Lane tale. I think Take Me Home is true crowd pleaser, as it encompasses many relatable themes in relation to life, love, family and personal choice.
The Scottish backdrop is very carefully rendered by Karly Lane and you can really feel Lane’s love for this corner of the world through her passionate writing. I was able to place myself very easily in the setting base, thanks to Lane’s expressive prose. The attention to detail in regards to the language, culture, local cuisines and various places that the lead encounters made Take Me Home a captivating read.
I was touched by the slight paranormal slant this book takes in relation to Elle and her dearly departed grandmother. It was an interesting story angle that worked to support the strong link Elle shares with her grandmother. In general, I felt my excitement build as Elle tried to solve an intriguing mystery which in turn helps Elle lay her grandmother to rest peacefully. Readers will also find the love story that gently shadows this novel a joy to read. I really connected to this lower-level romance story between Elle and a local farmer.
Like the author, I have Scottish roots, so the opportunity to partake in a travel experience to a place I do hope to visit one day in the future thanks to Take Me Home was superb. Down to earth, heartwarming and wholesome, Take Me Home signals a lovely new direction for Karly Lane.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Take Me Home is book #54 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
May 4, 2021
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Many of you know I’m a big fan of Karly Lane and for this release she has stepped away from her usual rural romance and written a contemporary fiction with a hint of rural and a dash of romance.
Elspeth Kinnaird, also known as Elle is a bubbly redhead, the only one in her family.
Her beloved Gran has just passed, she’s just lost her job and there’s the dreaded fear of most probably having to move back in with her disapproving parents and then there’s the stipulation in her Gran’s will.
She wants her ashes scattered in Scotland by Elle, it’s a candid request and seems to come at the appropriate time.
As she arrives in Scotland, she begins her road trip to locate the family castle, meets the relatives, connects with a dashing stranger, has some strange conversations, has a journey of self discovery but most of all makes her own decisions about her own life and future.
A dazzling, stunning and emotional read, like all of Karly’s books it’s beautifully portrayed, romantic and a great escape from the humdrum hustle and bustle of reality.
I’ve never been to Scotland but I imagine what is written between the pages is what I’m in store for when I eventually get there, there’s also a lot of history and Karly has given readers an inkling of some.
As I turned the pages, I had a clear visual of being in the countryside halfway across the world in the green pastures of country Scotland.
With a backdrop of the Scottish highlands instead of the authors usual country settings we are taken on a journey to historical places, mesmerising scenery, well known slang and the nations famous food all amongst a storyline of strength and merit and one that will draw you in and take you away.
An awesome, positive, addictive and fun read.
Many of you know I’m a big fan of Karly Lane and for this release she has stepped away from her usual rural romance and written a contemporary fiction with a hint of rural and a dash of romance.
Elspeth Kinnaird, also known as Elle is a bubbly redhead, the only one in her family.
Her beloved Gran has just passed, she’s just lost her job and there’s the dreaded fear of most probably having to move back in with her disapproving parents and then there’s the stipulation in her Gran’s will.
She wants her ashes scattered in Scotland by Elle, it’s a candid request and seems to come at the appropriate time.
As she arrives in Scotland, she begins her road trip to locate the family castle, meets the relatives, connects with a dashing stranger, has some strange conversations, has a journey of self discovery but most of all makes her own decisions about her own life and future.
A dazzling, stunning and emotional read, like all of Karly’s books it’s beautifully portrayed, romantic and a great escape from the humdrum hustle and bustle of reality.
I’ve never been to Scotland but I imagine what is written between the pages is what I’m in store for when I eventually get there, there’s also a lot of history and Karly has given readers an inkling of some.
As I turned the pages, I had a clear visual of being in the countryside halfway across the world in the green pastures of country Scotland.
With a backdrop of the Scottish highlands instead of the authors usual country settings we are taken on a journey to historical places, mesmerising scenery, well known slang and the nations famous food all amongst a storyline of strength and merit and one that will draw you in and take you away.
An awesome, positive, addictive and fun read.
April 16, 2021
A change of location for Lane but definitely not a change of pace. Take Me Home is a rural novel set largely in Scotland with all of the trademark elements that made Karly Lane a bestselling author. I loved it from cover to cover, though another couple of chapters wouldn't have gone astray.
June 14, 2021
When Elle’s gran Iona passes away, she requests in her will that her ashes are taken to Scotland by Elle to be scattered at Stormeil Castle, owned by family ancestors and the place Iona had left when she was fifteen with her father to come to Australia.
The story follows Elle travelling from a small town in Australia, Jessup’s Creek to Scotland to find Stormeil Castle and to complete the bucket list Iona had planned for the trip she and Elle were supposed to make together before Iona passed away.
While in Scotland Elle gets acquainted with her extended family who embrace her like they have known her all her life. Elle is curious why Iona was estranged from her family in Scotland and is eager to discover the mystery of why Iona emigrated to Australia at fifteen. Elle’s journey is full of family values and secrets, self-discovery and even some romance.
This was my first Karly Lane book and I adored it completely! It was beautifully written and I loved the journey of family values and self-discovery along with the journey through Scotland. The setting was described beautifully and I could vision the countryside, the castles and the ruins so vividly. I also fell in love with all the Scottish rellies who were so warm and welcoming.
The story follows Elle travelling from a small town in Australia, Jessup’s Creek to Scotland to find Stormeil Castle and to complete the bucket list Iona had planned for the trip she and Elle were supposed to make together before Iona passed away.
While in Scotland Elle gets acquainted with her extended family who embrace her like they have known her all her life. Elle is curious why Iona was estranged from her family in Scotland and is eager to discover the mystery of why Iona emigrated to Australia at fifteen. Elle’s journey is full of family values and secrets, self-discovery and even some romance.
This was my first Karly Lane book and I adored it completely! It was beautifully written and I loved the journey of family values and self-discovery along with the journey through Scotland. The setting was described beautifully and I could vision the countryside, the castles and the ruins so vividly. I also fell in love with all the Scottish rellies who were so warm and welcoming.
May 11, 2021
This book, wow, it had my smiling so much. I just adored this story; Elle was a beautifully written character and her Gran was just as delightful.
Elle was happy with her lot in life, not that her mother approved, feeling she was wasting her life by staying and working in the small town she grew up in when her siblings had all gone university and moved away starting careers and families.
But things for Elle soon change when she loses her job and at the reading of her Gran’s will she is definitely given an opportunity, Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
It’s in Scotland that Elle really understands where she fits in, she discovers a mysterious secret, and also discovers herself!
Take Me Home is a glorious lesson in life, love and finding your true destiny.
4.5 / 5 Stars
Elle was happy with her lot in life, not that her mother approved, feeling she was wasting her life by staying and working in the small town she grew up in when her siblings had all gone university and moved away starting careers and families.
But things for Elle soon change when she loses her job and at the reading of her Gran’s will she is definitely given an opportunity, Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
It’s in Scotland that Elle really understands where she fits in, she discovers a mysterious secret, and also discovers herself!
Take Me Home is a glorious lesson in life, love and finding your true destiny.
4.5 / 5 Stars
July 28, 2022
When Elle's Gran passes away, she requests her ashes to be spread in Scotland, her home country. On a mission to do everything listed on her Gran's will, she finds herself falling in love with the place herself.
I've been seeing Karly Lane's books all over my Aussie friend's Booksta pages so I was excited to finally snag one off Libby. I now see what all the hype is about! This was such a sweet story. I can't wait to read more of her backlist books now.
I've been seeing Karly Lane's books all over my Aussie friend's Booksta pages so I was excited to finally snag one off Libby. I now see what all the hype is about! This was such a sweet story. I can't wait to read more of her backlist books now.
July 2, 2021
Take Me Home by Karly Lane
Synopsis /
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings.
Then Gran's Will is read and everything changes.
It seems simple: a road trip across Scotland, a country Gran loved, to locate the family castle; meet some long lost cousins; oh, and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life before returning home. Not a problem.
That is unless the family castle is a ruin that has pretty much been lost in time; the family Elle has never met seem to be hiding a mysterious secret; her over-achieving parents are breathing down her neck, and she's running out of time to make a decision about her future.
My Thoughts /
Take Me Home is my first Karly Lane read and it definitely won’t be my last.
With her romance novels usually set in rural Australia, Australian Author, Karly Lane, has made a slight departure from the usual outback Australia setting and moved across the waters from Australia to the Scottish Highlands.
One of four children, Elspeth (Elle) Kinnaird, grew up in the small rural town of Jessup’s Creek. Elle has a job at the local supermarket, and for the most part is happy and content working there, much to the chagrin of her mother, who thinks that Elle could do so much better. Elle lives with her Grandmother, Iona, and the two have a very close relationship. So when Iona dies suddenly, Elle is left devastated and bereft. Elle feels the loss of her Gran tremendously. She felt her Gran was the one person who supported her wholeheartedly. So when Elle starts hearing her Gran’s voice, talking to her as if she were in the same room, urging her to travel and return Gran to her homeland in Scotland to scatter her ashes, well, Elle thought she’d gone mad!
When Gran’s Will was read, Elle discovers that not only had Iona wished her ashes be scattered (back) in Scotland, she wanted Elle to be the one to do it. So Gran bequeathed Elle a substantial amount of money to accomplish this task. After this initial shock had worn off, Elle is determined to fulfil her Gran’s wishes. At first glance, it seems a simple enough request – a road trip across Scotland; locate the family castle; meet some long lost family along the way; scatter ashes; return home – easy. Unless, your family castle turns out to be a ruin, you’re finding it difficult to locate said family castle and, the long lost family you meet along the way welcome you into their hearts and home.
What ensues is a marvellous tale of family; connections; finding your true identity; faith and personal choice. The writing flowed beautifully and reading the descriptions of the Scottish countryside made me yearn to visit. Elle’s determination and courage in doing the journey by herself was a highlight for me. A Scottish castle. A legend. A prophecy. Family secrets. A romance. – What more could you want from a story?
Loved it. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read another novel by this Aussie author soon!
Synopsis /
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings.
Then Gran's Will is read and everything changes.
It seems simple: a road trip across Scotland, a country Gran loved, to locate the family castle; meet some long lost cousins; oh, and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life before returning home. Not a problem.
That is unless the family castle is a ruin that has pretty much been lost in time; the family Elle has never met seem to be hiding a mysterious secret; her over-achieving parents are breathing down her neck, and she's running out of time to make a decision about her future.
My Thoughts /
Take Me Home is my first Karly Lane read and it definitely won’t be my last.
With her romance novels usually set in rural Australia, Australian Author, Karly Lane, has made a slight departure from the usual outback Australia setting and moved across the waters from Australia to the Scottish Highlands.
One of four children, Elspeth (Elle) Kinnaird, grew up in the small rural town of Jessup’s Creek. Elle has a job at the local supermarket, and for the most part is happy and content working there, much to the chagrin of her mother, who thinks that Elle could do so much better. Elle lives with her Grandmother, Iona, and the two have a very close relationship. So when Iona dies suddenly, Elle is left devastated and bereft. Elle feels the loss of her Gran tremendously. She felt her Gran was the one person who supported her wholeheartedly. So when Elle starts hearing her Gran’s voice, talking to her as if she were in the same room, urging her to travel and return Gran to her homeland in Scotland to scatter her ashes, well, Elle thought she’d gone mad!
When Gran’s Will was read, Elle discovers that not only had Iona wished her ashes be scattered (back) in Scotland, she wanted Elle to be the one to do it. So Gran bequeathed Elle a substantial amount of money to accomplish this task. After this initial shock had worn off, Elle is determined to fulfil her Gran’s wishes. At first glance, it seems a simple enough request – a road trip across Scotland; locate the family castle; meet some long lost family along the way; scatter ashes; return home – easy. Unless, your family castle turns out to be a ruin, you’re finding it difficult to locate said family castle and, the long lost family you meet along the way welcome you into their hearts and home.
What ensues is a marvellous tale of family; connections; finding your true identity; faith and personal choice. The writing flowed beautifully and reading the descriptions of the Scottish countryside made me yearn to visit. Elle’s determination and courage in doing the journey by herself was a highlight for me. A Scottish castle. A legend. A prophecy. Family secrets. A romance. – What more could you want from a story?
Loved it. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read another novel by this Aussie author soon!
March 2, 2022
This is my third Karly Lane book that I have read and I feel her best so far in my opinion.
Elle promises her late grandmother that she will take her home to Scotland, which she does and discovers a whole new world. Catching up with long lost relatives and discovering more about herself and the land around her just kept me turning those pages! Add to that a handsome Scotsman who appears in the mix.
Karly’s descriptions of Scotland made me feel like I was on that journey as well, it was quite obvious that she has visited the areas she wrote about. A definite 5 star read!
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an h8nest opinion.
Elle promises her late grandmother that she will take her home to Scotland, which she does and discovers a whole new world. Catching up with long lost relatives and discovering more about herself and the land around her just kept me turning those pages! Add to that a handsome Scotsman who appears in the mix.
Karly’s descriptions of Scotland made me feel like I was on that journey as well, it was quite obvious that she has visited the areas she wrote about. A definite 5 star read!
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an h8nest opinion.
June 21, 2021
This was a slight departure from Karly Lane's usual rural romance, and I loved it! I particularly loved red-headed heroine Elle, and her bravery to stand firm and find her own fit in the world - and not disappear down the you-must-study-and-get-a-real-job path her parents and her equally high-achieving siblings have taken. Which she does, just after her grandmother dies. Her grandmother wants her ashes taken back to Scotland, her native land, and Elle is the one to do so. The relationship between Elle and her grandmother is lovely, as we discover. Also challenging, as her grandmother urges her to follow her heart, not the wishes of other people. They were both always going to travel to Scotland, but life and such got in the way. Taking her ashes back and connecting with grandmother's Scottish family is wonderful for Elle. Always a bit different in her own family, she suddenly finds she's not so different in this extended family, and they welcome her with open arms; she finally 'belongs'. There is also the poignant story of why her grandmother never really wanted to return herself. As to Elle's grandmother - there's a little bit of poetic licence taken with their relationship...which is fun *and* touching. As a final bonus, Karly Lane has thrown in a charming romance, so wonderful. Everything to enjoy here.
Many thanks to Beauty & Lace Bookclub and Allen & Unwin Australia for the reading copy.
Many thanks to Beauty & Lace Bookclub and Allen & Unwin Australia for the reading copy.
May 28, 2021
Loved this book, narration was wonderful and I got swept up in the gentleness of it. Great escapism
June 12, 2022
Really enjoyed this, it was completely different to a normal Karly Lane book. It took a little while to get into but once Elle made her decision i couldn’t put it down!
Easy read but very detailed and makes me want to see it all!
Easy read but very detailed and makes me want to see it all!
June 15, 2021
A glorious lesson in life, love and finding your true destiny. It was a straightforward request. Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings . . .Then Gran's will is read and everything changes.It seems simple: a road trip across Scotland, a country Gran loved, to locate the family castle; meet some long lost cousins; oh, and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life before returning home.Not a problem.That is, unless the family castle is a ruin that has pretty much been lost in time; the family Elle has never met seem to be hiding a mysterious secret; her over-achieving parents are breathing down her neck, and she's running out of time to make a decision about her future.Portsoy is a town in Aberdeenshire,Scotland.The original name may come from Port Saoithe, meaning "saithe harbour".The rich culture and gorgeous landscapes make Scotland a destination that seems to have it all.Scotland is known for its 🏰-from well-preserved structures to understated ruins, the country is synonymous with this magical and symbolic fairytale icon.The Highlands, 🥃, 🐑 and their wool, and lochs to name a few. A Scottish clan (from Gaelic clann, literally 'children', more broadly 'kindred') is a kinship group among the Scottish people. Clans give a sense of shared identity and descent to members, and in modern times have an official structure recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon, which regulates Scottish heraldry and coats of arms. Most clans have members that may incorporate into kilts or other clothing.In Australia itself, we carry pieces of Scotland with us in the naming of our places across all states.The links between Scotland and Australia stretch back to the first British expedition of the Endeavour under command of Lieutenant James Cook who was himself the son of a Scottish ploughman.Scottish Australians (Scottish Gaelic: Astràilianaich Albannach) are residents of Australia who are fully or partially of Scottish descent.
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings . . .Then Gran's will is read and everything changes.It seems simple: a road trip across Scotland, a country Gran loved, to locate the family castle; meet some long lost cousins; oh, and work out what she wants to do with the rest of her life before returning home.Not a problem.That is, unless the family castle is a ruin that has pretty much been lost in time; the family Elle has never met seem to be hiding a mysterious secret; her over-achieving parents are breathing down her neck, and she's running out of time to make a decision about her future.Portsoy is a town in Aberdeenshire,Scotland.The original name may come from Port Saoithe, meaning "saithe harbour".The rich culture and gorgeous landscapes make Scotland a destination that seems to have it all.Scotland is known for its 🏰-from well-preserved structures to understated ruins, the country is synonymous with this magical and symbolic fairytale icon.The Highlands, 🥃, 🐑 and their wool, and lochs to name a few. A Scottish clan (from Gaelic clann, literally 'children', more broadly 'kindred') is a kinship group among the Scottish people. Clans give a sense of shared identity and descent to members, and in modern times have an official structure recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon, which regulates Scottish heraldry and coats of arms. Most clans have members that may incorporate into kilts or other clothing.In Australia itself, we carry pieces of Scotland with us in the naming of our places across all states.The links between Scotland and Australia stretch back to the first British expedition of the Endeavour under command of Lieutenant James Cook who was himself the son of a Scottish ploughman.Scottish Australians (Scottish Gaelic: Astràilianaich Albannach) are residents of Australia who are fully or partially of Scottish descent.
July 12, 2021
Take Me Home is the latest contemporary read from Australian writer Karly Lane that is a tribute to Outlander series. The main protagonist is Elspeth (Elle) Kinaird and readers first meet her in the Hinterlands of New South Wales, Australia, before Lane whisks her away to the other side of the world, Scotland. Take Me Home is the Aussie’s sixteenth novel and deals with every day problems that include ancestry, farming, secrets, family, friendship and love sprinkled with legends and the paranormal.
In her early twenties, Elle is an introverted young woman who lives in Jessup Creek, New South Wales. The youngest sibling in a large family, she is the odd one out. While Elle’s brothers and sisters have followed the academic trail, she is artistic and creative. Elle’s parents have unfairly pressured her to follow a similar path to her siblings, and while Elle hasn’t succumbed, her cautious nature has prevented her from exploring her talents. The only person who understands Elle is her grandmother and before readers can get to know her, she passes away.
The death of Elle’s grandmother turns the world on its axis. To her shock, Elle can hear her grandmother speak in her mind. Understandably, Elle keeps this quiet, yet she also realizes how blessed she is. Making a promise to her grandmother and following the wishes in the will, Elle finds herself on a plane to Scotland less than a month later.
Scotland is the home of the Kinaird’s, Elle’s father’s relatives. Going to a new country and living with unknown family was a brave move on Elle’s behalf. It’s the start of Elle becoming a risk taker and it was lovely watching her blossom with new experiences. Elle has never met the family members and is happy that she can make a connection, on some level, with all of them.
With her newfound family or by herself, Elle explores the beautiful Scottish countryside and the tourist destinations. Lane’s descriptions of the lush green nature, the castles and the food left this reader longing to board a plane, but it’s not to be at the present time. On her travels, Elle meets Stuart who appears to be her soul mate yet there are obstacles for the destined pair to overcome. Will it be enough that Stuart is intuitive, affectionate and a great listener?
At the end of her holiday Elle must decide if she is strong enough to say goodbye to her grandmother and where her heart belongs.
In her early twenties, Elle is an introverted young woman who lives in Jessup Creek, New South Wales. The youngest sibling in a large family, she is the odd one out. While Elle’s brothers and sisters have followed the academic trail, she is artistic and creative. Elle’s parents have unfairly pressured her to follow a similar path to her siblings, and while Elle hasn’t succumbed, her cautious nature has prevented her from exploring her talents. The only person who understands Elle is her grandmother and before readers can get to know her, she passes away.
The death of Elle’s grandmother turns the world on its axis. To her shock, Elle can hear her grandmother speak in her mind. Understandably, Elle keeps this quiet, yet she also realizes how blessed she is. Making a promise to her grandmother and following the wishes in the will, Elle finds herself on a plane to Scotland less than a month later.
Scotland is the home of the Kinaird’s, Elle’s father’s relatives. Going to a new country and living with unknown family was a brave move on Elle’s behalf. It’s the start of Elle becoming a risk taker and it was lovely watching her blossom with new experiences. Elle has never met the family members and is happy that she can make a connection, on some level, with all of them.
With her newfound family or by herself, Elle explores the beautiful Scottish countryside and the tourist destinations. Lane’s descriptions of the lush green nature, the castles and the food left this reader longing to board a plane, but it’s not to be at the present time. On her travels, Elle meets Stuart who appears to be her soul mate yet there are obstacles for the destined pair to overcome. Will it be enough that Stuart is intuitive, affectionate and a great listener?
At the end of her holiday Elle must decide if she is strong enough to say goodbye to her grandmother and where her heart belongs.
May 20, 2021
In Karly Lane's latest offering, we leave New England behind to go on a soul- searching road trip across Scotland.
Elle is a young woman who is living in the shadow of her two successful siblings. She's quite happy working at the local supermarket and drawing in her spare time. But for Elle's parents (in particular her mother) that isn't enough for their daughter.
The one person who supported Elle was Iona, her beloved grandmother. However, she has recently passed away. However, something odd occurs one day- Elle starts hearing her Gran's voice, urging her to travel to her homeland of Scotland to scatter her ashes. This once in a lifetime trip is also the chance for Elle to decide what she wants in her life, after being laid off from her job.
Whilst Elle and her Gran travel through the mystical country, connections with long lost family are made and a love interest is found. However, are these reasons enough to stay? And how could Elle ever leave her Gran behind?
𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕄𝕖 ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖 is a beautiful story about family values and self discovery. The Scottish setting is just so beautiful- the lochs, the castles, the highlands and everything in between. I really felt that I was on this trip as well! Iona was a real delight- her sense of humour really made me laugh out loud! Elle makes some really important decisions throughout- most that turns out better than expected. She's a really lovely lass who is struggling to find herself and this trip is exactly what she needs.
This is now my favourite Karly Lane novel to date. The change from rural romance (what I think when I hear Karly Lane) to contemporary fiction is something I hope she writes again in the future.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Elle is a young woman who is living in the shadow of her two successful siblings. She's quite happy working at the local supermarket and drawing in her spare time. But for Elle's parents (in particular her mother) that isn't enough for their daughter.
The one person who supported Elle was Iona, her beloved grandmother. However, she has recently passed away. However, something odd occurs one day- Elle starts hearing her Gran's voice, urging her to travel to her homeland of Scotland to scatter her ashes. This once in a lifetime trip is also the chance for Elle to decide what she wants in her life, after being laid off from her job.
Whilst Elle and her Gran travel through the mystical country, connections with long lost family are made and a love interest is found. However, are these reasons enough to stay? And how could Elle ever leave her Gran behind?
𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕄𝕖 ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖 is a beautiful story about family values and self discovery. The Scottish setting is just so beautiful- the lochs, the castles, the highlands and everything in between. I really felt that I was on this trip as well! Iona was a real delight- her sense of humour really made me laugh out loud! Elle makes some really important decisions throughout- most that turns out better than expected. She's a really lovely lass who is struggling to find herself and this trip is exactly what she needs.
This is now my favourite Karly Lane novel to date. The change from rural romance (what I think when I hear Karly Lane) to contemporary fiction is something I hope she writes again in the future.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
August 22, 2021
A bit light romance, this novel appealed to me because of its Scottish setting. Elle is tasked with taking her grandmother's ashes back home to Scotland, and does so while uncovering a family mystery, as well as finding her own feet and place in the world. Throw in a bit of supernatural support and this is a cosy enough read for a weekend's enjoyment. The parts set in Scotland were lovingly described. The meet up between Elle and her relatives was quite entertaining and they were much more pleasant than her Aussie family! In fact, the Aussie parts of the story didn't gel for me, I enjoyed the book much more once Elle had hopped on the plane. I wasn't the biggest fan of Elle in her small town life, I found her whingy and the whole thing about not being smart enough began to rub me the wrong way. Once she went overseas I found her a bit more likeable but even then at times her character fell a bit flat for me. I love a good instant love story, and enjoy a good rural romance, and romance in general, having read many in this genre but there's just something about this author that doesn't work for me. I can't put my finger on it, I've read most of her books and always consider a new release,but I've yet to find one that really hits home for me. This one had good parts, potentially moving towards a story I can really get behind! One last thing, the references to Outlander were a bit too much, I thought! I get it, Elle and her grandmother loved the books/series/Jamie! But each time I found myself almost rolling my eyes when it was mentioned after the first couple of times. Overall, a suitable read in the genre. Scotland always appeals!
June 29, 2021
Elle Kinnaird has just recently lost her grandmother, now she has just lost her job, and is about to lose her home as she lived with her grandmother.
At the reading of her grandmother's will Elle finds out she has been left money, a piece of land in Scotland, and another envelope for her to go to Scotland and spread her grandmother's ashes. As she has nothing holding her in her hometown of Jessup's Creek in Australia.
Elle discovers that she can hear her grandmother, so they take off to Scotland to tour around and visit family that Elle has never met. She gets on well with family and is sad to move on for the rest of the trip. Before she leaves her cousins take some of her sketches, frame them and hang in their gift shop for sale.
Elle the leaves in search of Stormeil Castle which has a family connection, so she can spread the ashes. When she gets there the castle is in ruins and is on the private property belonging to Stuart Buchanan.
Stuart takes Elle to see the castle and they strike up an extremely strong bond very quickly. She spends a few days with Stuart at his property and ends up having a holiday fling. After a few days she needs to return back to her family and decides to spread her grans ashes in Portsoy close to family.
As Elle's sketches have sold she provides some more to be framed, starts an art class, and decides to stay on and help out in the shop. She keeps in touch with Stuart by texting and the odd phone call until he tracks her down at the shop. You will need to read the book for what else happens!!
At the reading of her grandmother's will Elle finds out she has been left money, a piece of land in Scotland, and another envelope for her to go to Scotland and spread her grandmother's ashes. As she has nothing holding her in her hometown of Jessup's Creek in Australia.
Elle discovers that she can hear her grandmother, so they take off to Scotland to tour around and visit family that Elle has never met. She gets on well with family and is sad to move on for the rest of the trip. Before she leaves her cousins take some of her sketches, frame them and hang in their gift shop for sale.
Elle the leaves in search of Stormeil Castle which has a family connection, so she can spread the ashes. When she gets there the castle is in ruins and is on the private property belonging to Stuart Buchanan.
Stuart takes Elle to see the castle and they strike up an extremely strong bond very quickly. She spends a few days with Stuart at his property and ends up having a holiday fling. After a few days she needs to return back to her family and decides to spread her grans ashes in Portsoy close to family.
As Elle's sketches have sold she provides some more to be framed, starts an art class, and decides to stay on and help out in the shop. She keeps in touch with Stuart by texting and the odd phone call until he tracks her down at the shop. You will need to read the book for what else happens!!
October 28, 2023
💬 “Sometimes it takes seeing something through someone else’s eyes to remind you to appreciate what you have.”
An absolutely beautiful story in finding your path in life.
I adored Elle and her connection with Gran, many moments between them touched my heart and made my think of me and my Oma.
The found family was done perfectly and just made you feel at home - again making me think of my own family, where we recently had my mums Cousin visit us from Germany, none of our family had met her before - but the connection we all had was something special.
I especially loved the message in this book, that not everyone is and needs to be an academic - there is space in this world for creativity and doing what you love and are passionate for.
Earlier in the month I went to a book event where Karly was being interviewed and she shared that this one of her favourite books to write, she travelled to Scotland and being of Scottish heritage, she used parts of her travel and family in this story and you could feel the love and connection while listening along.
I listened to the entirety of this on Audio and @nicolettecchin did an incredible job of bringing this book to life and truely did all the characters justice.
An absolutely beautiful story in finding your path in life.
I adored Elle and her connection with Gran, many moments between them touched my heart and made my think of me and my Oma.
The found family was done perfectly and just made you feel at home - again making me think of my own family, where we recently had my mums Cousin visit us from Germany, none of our family had met her before - but the connection we all had was something special.
I especially loved the message in this book, that not everyone is and needs to be an academic - there is space in this world for creativity and doing what you love and are passionate for.
Earlier in the month I went to a book event where Karly was being interviewed and she shared that this one of her favourite books to write, she travelled to Scotland and being of Scottish heritage, she used parts of her travel and family in this story and you could feel the love and connection while listening along.
I listened to the entirety of this on Audio and @nicolettecchin did an incredible job of bringing this book to life and truely did all the characters justice.
August 14, 2021
No spoilers. A beautifully written story by Lane, once again. I loved the rich history this story included, Lane had clearly done a lot of research into Scotland to bring the scene and story to life for the reader. Elle, the main character, loses her job and must take her grandmothers remains back to her homeland, Scotland. Where Elle meets her grandmothers side of the family, escaping her small town in Australia and going on her first real adventure. Dealing with living in the shadows of her siblings and her mother, wanting more for her in life. A journey of discovery for Elle, what she wants from life, who she takes opinions from that influence her future and discovering what love is. Would have loved to have seen some further development towards the end which seemed a bit rushed for me.
December 19, 2021
Australia to Scotland the setting of this story. Elle and Stuart's story.
Professional parents who want their kids to attend uni and good careers. (art isn't a career to risky and isn't steady enough to live.)
Elle and her gran had a good relationship enough that gran wanted her ashes returned to Scotland her home. So off on a journey they go. Touring the bucket list of places in Scotland. Meet Dad's relations, met Stuart, did some sketches that sold.
Nothing is guaranteed and plans can change. Delightful yarn. (castles and ruins isn't my thing) I wonder how long ago that bridge road to Skye has existed because it wasn't there when I visited there went by ferry across to the island? I have a daughter who lives in the UK being an art teacher and I wonder about her coming back to Australia, Covid and all.
Professional parents who want their kids to attend uni and good careers. (art isn't a career to risky and isn't steady enough to live.)
Elle and her gran had a good relationship enough that gran wanted her ashes returned to Scotland her home. So off on a journey they go. Touring the bucket list of places in Scotland. Meet Dad's relations, met Stuart, did some sketches that sold.
Nothing is guaranteed and plans can change. Delightful yarn. (castles and ruins isn't my thing) I wonder how long ago that bridge road to Skye has existed because it wasn't there when I visited there went by ferry across to the island? I have a daughter who lives in the UK being an art teacher and I wonder about her coming back to Australia, Covid and all.
July 30, 2022
I picked this book up on a whim because I liked the idea of reading a book about someone going on a journey of self discovery in Scotland. It took me a bit to really get into it but eventually I was hooked. It reminded me of my own travels to Scotland. I loved the nods to the Outlander fandom and liked that the tour company that Elle went on an outlander day trip was called Haggis tours (the tour company I used to tour around Scotland was Haggis Adventures). The relationship between Elle and her grandmother was lovely and I was not expecting the twist that Elle would be able to speak to her Grandmother even though she was dead. I’ve been reading a lot of romance novels lately and I liked the change of pace this book gave me. Even though there is romance it’s not the main focus and Elle’s journey of self discovery does not rely on her finding a man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2021
Thank you to Pamela Cook (author) and Allen and Unwin for my copy.
This is my first Karly Lane book and ironically her first book that takes readers to another country. I loved this book that was a journey to Scotland and also a journey of self-discovery. I'm sure Karlys die hard fans won't mind leaving Australia and reading about the adventures of Elle in Scotland. Outlander features in this book too, the books and the tv show, it's where the author got her inspiration from and part of the reason she went to Scotland herself.
I listened to the podcast on Writes4women between Pamela Cook and Karly Lane and loved hearing how she got the idea and inspiration for this book. I'm now watching Outlander because of this podcast and book.
This is my first Karly Lane book and ironically her first book that takes readers to another country. I loved this book that was a journey to Scotland and also a journey of self-discovery. I'm sure Karlys die hard fans won't mind leaving Australia and reading about the adventures of Elle in Scotland. Outlander features in this book too, the books and the tv show, it's where the author got her inspiration from and part of the reason she went to Scotland herself.
I listened to the podcast on Writes4women between Pamela Cook and Karly Lane and loved hearing how she got the idea and inspiration for this book. I'm now watching Outlander because of this podcast and book.
August 4, 2022
A solid 3and a half stars from me. I loved the idea of an Aussie woman travelling to Scotland to fulfill her beloved Grans wish, to have her ashes spread in the place she loved.
What I wasn’t prepared for, was Gran speaking from the spirit world into Elle’s life. Guiding her, challenging her every step of Elle’s journey. Well, I accepted that this story was not what I expected and just continued reading. I actually really, really enjoyed it. Elle was very down to earth, likeable and what I would have expected in a country girl going many miles to a strange but beautiful land, where she literally fell in love: with the landscape, her relatives and her growing sense of destiny.
My initial impression that this was weird; a talking ghost? soon became part of a lovely fiction story.
What I wasn’t prepared for, was Gran speaking from the spirit world into Elle’s life. Guiding her, challenging her every step of Elle’s journey. Well, I accepted that this story was not what I expected and just continued reading. I actually really, really enjoyed it. Elle was very down to earth, likeable and what I would have expected in a country girl going many miles to a strange but beautiful land, where she literally fell in love: with the landscape, her relatives and her growing sense of destiny.
My initial impression that this was weird; a talking ghost? soon became part of a lovely fiction story.
November 13, 2021
Something a little different! Elle (Elspeth) Kinnaird’s late Gran asks her to take her ashes back to Scotland which she left at the age of 15. Elle is the only one who can hear her Gran “talking” to her which adds an other worldly aspect to her journey. It was most enjoyable reading about all the beautiful places in Scotland, particularly the castles and landscapes, through the eyes of a young woman discovering her forbears’ homeland. Elle doesn’t know what she wants from life or what type of career but this journey leads to the fulfilment of her wishes and acceptance by her high achieving parents and siblings.
December 2, 2021
When Elle Kinnaird takes the plunge and travels from her rural small-town life to the misty legends of her ancestors in the Scottish highlands, she finds that it's a big world after all. A heartwarming novel about new beginnings, from the bestselling author of Fool Me Once.
It was a straightforward request. Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings . . .
Then Gran's will is read and everything changes.
It was a straightforward request. Take her gran home to her beloved Scotland.
In the space of a few days, Elle loses her job and her home and faces moving back in with her parents-where she knows she'll hear a lot about how she is wasting her life, unlike her three siblings . . .
Then Gran's will is read and everything changes.
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