Return to Drumveyn

Drumveyn #2

by Alexandra Raife

Cristi is left an unexpected legacy by her late grandfather. She has had no contact with her mother's family since leaving Brazil as a child; they are strangers who have remained silent, hostile and inaccessible. In the light of this, coming into a startling sum of money as well as a cattle ranch is not only confusing, but merits a visit to Brazil. This means leaving her beloved Drumveyn and Dougal. And when Dougal learns that Cristi is an heiress he feels that the gulf between them has become far too wide to cross. During her Brazilian interlude, Cristi is very attracted to her handsome cousin, Luis, until she discovers he's only after her money. So she returns to Drumveyn to persuade Dougal that they have a future together.

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kathy Spann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family drama based in Scotland . Cristi finds out she has inherited a ranch in Brazil. Will her homeland beckon her to this new life, or will her beloved adopted family be her choice?

[Jina Howell-Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked returning to the lives of the people of Drumveyn, who I had gotten to know in the first book. I loved the sense of family based solely on love and acceptance, and the spirit of community loyalty. But the parts in Brazil were so icky... Christy was supposed to be so smart and aware, so the level of naïveté and just plain stupidity that she showed was very irritating. I really like the descriptive ways that this author draws her characters, but the recurring themes in almost every one of her books, of the perils of poor communication and the inadvisability of just assuming what others think and feel, is getting old. It is especially difficult to accept when appalling communicators cause hurt and anger over and over, and the in one breathtaking moment of clarity, they change their ways and communicate openly and honestly forever more.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cristi, who has lived all her life in Scotland, suddenly finds she has to travel to Brazil. There she gets caught up in intrigue and romance, and must make a big decision.

The author has a good understanding of dual nationality and culture shock. The novel is well-written, with mild excitement and some moving sections. Perhaps too many minor characters from previous novels who aren't all relevant, but overall I thought this a lovely book.

Probably best read after 'Drumveyn', first in the 'Perthshire Cycle' series.