A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch

Loch Cameron #2

by Kennedy Kerr

The endless green and purple of the Scottish hills stretch as far as Liz can see, curving up around the loch to meet the wide blue sky. She takes a deep breath and hopes this beautiful place will help hide her secrets…

When thirty-seven-year-old Liz Parsons first sets eyes on the cosy, whitewashed cottage perched on the edge of the loch, she feels the knot in her chest begin to unwind. After a terrible tragedy and sudden break-up, she’s looking forward to putting the past behind her and focusing on her new job running the tiny Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery, nestled between the highland hills.

With the villagers welcoming her with open arms, she meets ruggedly handsome distillery owner Ben Douglas and feels inspired by his passion for the history of the local area. Although Liz and Ben have very different ideas for the future of the business, their hectic days spill over into long walks exploring the wild landscape, and Liz feels lighter for the first time in months.

When Ben confesses he is considering selling his family’s legacy, Liz is desperate to change his mind. The small community relies on the distillery for jobs and tourism, and she can’t let her newfound friends lose their livelihoods.

But just as she hears whispers in town that there’s more to Ben’s story, she receives a letter at the cottage that could change her future. The thick paper and faded postmark are a heart-wrenching reminder of the life she left behind.

Can she trust Ben with the shocking truth about her past? Or will she be forced to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and run away from Loch Cameron forever?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Adult

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2023

About the author

Kennedy Kerr is the author of the Lost Maidens Loch witch-themed cozy mystery series. She is from a Scottish family and adores the magic and mystery of Scotland and all the Celtic lands: cairns, misty mountains, stone circles and misty lochs are her particular favourite things. She is the proud owner of a cuddly black cat called Twinkle, who evidently believes she is a princess.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.

Reviews

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz and her partner have tried more than one round of IVF. With failed attempts and tragic miscarriages, their relationship deteriorated. In fact, he walked out on her. So, Liz decides to start over. She has moved to Loch Cameron in Glasgow and has also started a new job. She finds a sense of belonging and happiness that she did not expect.

Meeting the owner of the whiskey distillery where Liz now works, Ben Douglas, gives Liz feelings of a connection she didn’t realize she was looking for. They make great friends from the very start, and this helps Liz to deal with the losses of her past. However, she must deal with the feelings of loss that still plague her.

What a wonderfully warm story. Loch Cameron is an idyllic place in my mind and returning there with a second book by Kennedy Kerr was a real treat. I loved the first book in this series and I truly loved this one as well. I am pleased that Liz got a second chance after all of the loss she experienced, and what better place than Loch Cameron to find the hope and love that no doubt would make her life complete. An easy five stars from me.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch, by Kennedy Kerr, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the Loch Cameron book series. Liz is starting over after a devastating break up. She decides to leave Glasgow and move to Loch Cameron, to start over working at a local distillery. Liz fits in great at work and with the locals, but when her ex wants her back will she leave it all behind? A really good read, I liked the town and its people.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful uplifting story of hope and healing! It tackles the very sensitive subject of infertility, some of its causes and the struggles couples have with treatment and possible options. The longing for a child can be fierce and even more heartbreaking when a pregnancy ends in miscarriage. It is a topic dear to my own heart and I applaud Kennedy Kerr for handling it all so well and with such respect and compassion. She has aptly shown how this trial can leave a woman feeling like a failure and a man not sure what to do. Sadly, the stresses and expectations can break up a relationship. The waiting, the dreaming and the disappointment cut deep when things do not happen.

But although A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch deals with the trauma of childlessness and a failed relationship, the story does not end there. The gorgeous green and purple hues of heather wrap around the heart of everyone who draws near to this beautiful Scottish landscape. For here, visitors and residents are reminded of the magic and healing power of this stunning setting and the warm close knit community that dwells within its hills.

This story ultimately is about thirty- seven year old Liz Parson. A very talented women who helps businesses get back on their feet. She has a glowing reputation so is hired for a new job in the quaint village of Loch Cameron to boost a failing distillery. But why would a successful business woman leave a large organisation in the city and come to a remote location for less pay and less visibility? She knows she can do the job well, of course, but this move offers her a fresh start. She has suffered great personal loss and needs to get as far away from her sadness and disappointment as possible—in a place nobody knows her. But can distance erase the pain? Maybe not, but fresh surroundings and a new job can change her focus. And when she meets Ben, the owner of the distillery, an unexpected spark begins. The journey is a gentle one but there are errors and bumps, too. They work well together, though, and Liz comes up with a great plan for the business that also uncovers some interesting secrets of the Old Maids of Loch Cameron. I loved learning about these pioneers of the past and also more about Gretchen (such a sweet and fiery soul) who owns the cottage where Liz lives.

The two men in Liz’s life are quite different. Her ex was a challenge but I adored Ben for so many reasons. His understanding heart and winsome warmth shines on these pages. But there are rumours about his past. A failed relationship that sets Liz’s mind into a panic. Can she trust him? Is he what he seems or is there a colder, darker side of him? Confusion grips her for what she sees and what she hears are polar opposites.

It was such a delight to curl up in a comfy chair and get lost in the lives of Liz and Ben: to explore the Scottish wonders with them. I absolutely adored this gorgeous heart-warming novel by Kennedy Kerr. There is sadness, yes, but joy, too. Tribulations are part of life. But things have a way of working out. Just as they did for Liz. Reading this novel rejuvenated my heart and reminded me of some of my own past trials and triumphs. Fiction can do that and this tender novel has led me back to the gorgeous setting of Loch Cameron.

I must add, the writing style is effortless and haunting. The words flow like moonlight on a silken sea. Kennedy delivers all the beauty and magic of the Scottish landscape. The natural elements burst forth in vibrant crisp images that fire your imagination. I appreciate this novel and thank Kennedy for delivering such an exceptional message. It is a lighthouse for women who seek hope and healing. Self-fulfilment is possible even when things don’t go as planned. This treasure excels even beyond the glorious heights of book one! And that is saying a lot, since it is very special, too. I highly recommend this perfect passionate story. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab the tissues as you are going to need them for this one! A wonderfully written story of second chances in life and in love. The turmoil that IVF can cause to your body, heart, soul and your relationships is the precursor to the need to start over in a new place, new job and new relationships. I really love the series as the town is quaint and charming with warm receptive albeit gossipy townspeople, but the author really knows how to capture the angst of reality while weaving a fictional story for entertainment. I love that Gretchen's cottage seems to be the catalyst to healing and moving on! I can't wait to see what story is created next in this series!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch is the second in the Loch Cameron series by Kennedy Kerr and what another fabulous story it was. At the end of my review of The Cottage by the Loch, I had mentioned that I hoped there would be another book to come as I had adored the setting, the characters and the plot and thankfully my wish came true. There is no need to have read book one as there are only brief mentions of the main character who previously featured so this can easily be read as a standalone book. In fact, I would have loved to have a little catch up with the main character I was already familiar with, just to see how she was getting on but really that’s me being a bit selfish.

Right from the opening chapter, I felt at home and as if I was returning to something familiar and comforting. Yes, the plot may have been done before in books in this genre and it doesn’t stray from the conventional rules associated with said genre but yet it’s what I know and love and when it’s does well, as in this case, I really love it and soak everything up. It also helps when the author has written a strong female character that you can identify with. Yes, she has her troubles but you admire her all the more for them as she attempts to overcome them and build a new life for herself.

This time around we are introduced to Liz. All she has ever wanted was to have a baby and she has been through the mill with her partner Paul, attempting numerous rounds of IVF all of which have failed. She herself feels like a failure yet she can’t cope with the torture of never having her own child. Paul has reached his breaking point and can’t handle the heartbreak and anguish anymore so he decides to leave Liz. She is devastated as she can literally see all her hopes and aspirations going down the drain. There is anger and guilt there too on her behalf. So now she must make a brave new start. She changes her life completely by accepting a job as sales director of the Loch Cameron distillery. She leaves her life in the city and escapes to the tiny Scottish village of Loch Cameron. I loved how she was welcomed with open arms. It’s like once you settle into the community they just surround themselves around you and will offer friendship, support and guidance to those that need it.

Once again, the setting is gorgeous and you can clearly visualise the loch, the mountains and the countryside. Liz rents Gretchen’s cottage by the loch as Gretchen is now in a nursing home and she starts her work in the distillery. She is introduced to those that work there especially the owner Ben. Liz has experienced so many failures and her hopes have been dashed time and time again but I admired how she picked herself up and was determined to do her best in her new role at the distillery. She didn’t let her personal and emotional state get in the way of what she was tasked to do. That’s not to say that she forgot about everything she was going through. It lingered there eating away at her and she thinks of what could have been if IVF had been successful. Liz can sense that Loch Cameron is somewhere she can recover from the trauma, loss and heartbreak that she has experienced but she also relishes the challenge of sorting out the distillery which is not making money and has been poorly managed.

Liz was a powerhouse when it came to her work and she had years of experiences in sales and marketing. I think it helped her in her recovery and her journey to a new and better life that she had such a big job in terms of overhauling the sales side of the business. She had such great insight and instincts and was full of new and inspirational ideas. She was confident, hardworking and successful and you get the sense that she desperately wished that her personal life would balance out and be on a par with her professional life. That she was incomplete in terms of her life plan without having a child and now her dreams seemed even further from reality than ever before. I think that’s why she worked so hard to try and turn the fortunes of the company around because it was taking her mind off what could have been but on the other hand as she possessed such brilliant qualities and dedication when it came to work I thought she would have done what she did no matter what she was going through.

I loved the aspect of delving into the past to come up with a new and impressive marketing strategy. It linked women who lived in the village in the past to the present and I loved how it all unfolded as an air of mystery was created with some surprising revelations ensuing. None of which felt far fetched but instead helped bring everything full circle in terms of several of the characters that featured. Liz needed peace and closure in order to find her hearts true desire and I got the sneaky feeling that she thought perhaps Ben could be the one that could start to change her mind when it came to love and emotions. Initially, following the break up with Paul, I thought that Liz is done with everything and will just focus on her career but there was a connection with Ben. He shows her around the area and details how he came to have the distillery and I thought they were forming a lovely friendship which perhaps given time could develop into something more.

Unfortunately Liz listens to gossip and what she hears about Ben really turns her off. Her attitude towards him changes and he can see this. I really thought Liz had completely jumped the gun and she should have confronted him and sought out the truth instead of hastily forming a rash judgement. In turn she made Ben suffer and the chemistry between them seemed to evaporate. At some points I could see why Liz was so offended by what she learnt as it connected back to her own experiences in some ways but still finding out the truth from the source would have been a much better option for her in my opinion.

Whether Liz turns the distillery into a successful business once again or if she can find true love and happiness well you will only discover those answers if you read this wonderful, heart-warming and feel good story, I enjoyed every minute of A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch and read it in great big chunks. If time had allowed I would have read it in one sitting as it is that readable. Hopefully, Kennedy Kerr, is hard at work on another book in this series because she has struck on something special with the setting of Loch Cameron and its residents.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a moving story, dealing so sensitively with delicate issues, this proved to be,
Thirty-seven year old Liz Parsons is having treatment for infertility,
Two miscarriages have left her feeling bereft but determined to succeed,
But the pressure is something her partner no longer needs.

His leaving has her heartbroken, needing a fresh start
So from her current job she decides now is the time to part.
She moves to work at the tiny Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery
Hoping to put her past away and a new future to see.

Her new cottage home by the loch in this Highland village is where
She's hoping she can begin again, keeping her secrets safe with care.
Being welcomed into her new role and into the village, too,
Learning new skills, like crocheting, wasn't something she foresaw she'd do!

A gorgeous read about families, community and dreams,
Where assumptions are wrongly made and nothing is quite as it seems.
Where friendships grow and other women play their part
Support each other through turmoil and help to heal her heart.

A feisty but heartbroken heroine, determined to do her best
Will she succeed - and if she does - what about life, romance and the rest?
Will this prove to be a fresh start or will her ex regain her heart?
And what about her new boss - will he with his legacy part?

Will revealing her secrets destroy a possible romance?
Should she share the truth and give their love a chance?
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr was a wonderful return to Loch Cameron. The rolling Scottish Hills is where Liz feels the most at home. It’s the only place where she can let down her guard and release everything that worries her. After an unexpected break-up and a horrible tragedy, she welcomes the change of her new job running the local Whiskey Distillery. The villagers treat Liz like family, and she loves them as if she has known them forever. She soon meets Ben Douglas who owns the distillery. Ben spends time with Liz, showing her around the beautiful town of Loch Cameron and the surrounding countryside. The more time they spend together the closer they become and their friendship is what Liz needs to get over her recent past. But when Ben tells Liz that he intends to sell his family’s distillery, Liz feels like her new beginning is quickly slipping away. Can she change Ben’s mind and save her new found life or will she lose that too?

I couldn’t wait to return to Loch Cameron. A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch is the second installment of the Loch Cameron Series. I could almost feel the salt in the air from the sea and the beautiful rolling hills of Scotland played out in my mind’s eye like a movie. Please, please make this series a movie. I love stories of second chances and new beginnings in new places. This emotional story was both uplifting and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

⏳Move to a new job, better lifestyle🏞

I found Kennedy Kerr's second book in the Cottage by the Loch series a good, solid piece of women's fiction. The author does an especially good job of building her female characters. And I loved the Scottish Highland, small community setting.

Liz, the central character who moves to Loch Cameron from Glasgow, struck me as very focused but terribly torn and disappointed by her inability to have a child and the end of her relationship with Paul. Her urge to be a mother remains her driving force even as circumstances seem to conspire against her. Strong women writ large are celebrated in this story, whether in the women Liz befriends in the village, the "old maids" whose graves she discovers in her exploration of the village and decides to research, or in Liz the in-demand, powerhouse saleswoman and her lively landlady Gretchen.

I did not find the romance, though it was there and had a good outcome, to be the major focus of the novel. Instead, Liz's personal trials and professional triumphs drove the action. I liked this book but not as much as the previous book in the series; I found the conclusion a bit flat.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book with interesting characters. Wonderful location and descriptions.

Amazon synopsis:
When thirty-seven-year-old Liz Parsons first sets eyes on the cosy, whitewashed cottage perched on the edge of the loch, she feels the knot in her chest begin to unwind. After a terrible tragedy and sudden break-up, she’s looking forward to putting the past behind her and focusing on her new job running the tiny Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery, nestled between the highland hills.

With the villagers welcoming her with open arms, she meets ruggedly handsome distillery owner Ben Douglas and feels inspired by his passion for the history of the local area. Although Liz and Ben have very different ideas for the future of the business, their hectic days spill over into long walks exploring the wild landscape, and Liz feels lighter for the first time in months.

When Ben confesses he is considering selling his family’s legacy, Liz is desperate to change his mind. The small community relies on the distillery for jobs and tourism, and she can’t let her newfound friends lose their livelihoods.

But just as she hears whispers in town that there’s more to Ben’s story, she receives a letter at the cottage that could change her future. The thick paper and faded postmark are a heart-wrenching reminder of the life she left behind.

[Lisa W · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliantly written 2nd book by Kennedy and read is 3 days, not bad for being dyslexic;-)

brilliantly written 2nd book by Kennedy and read is 3 days, not bad for being dyslexic;-)… but just couldn’t stop reading this book!

Kennedy writes so easy for me to read as being dyslexic I always find it hard to get into books and always give myself the challenge for reading the first five chapters or give in and choose another book.
But by the time I looked up I was on Chapter 11, I just found the story interesting and flowed so easily, I could hear the Scottish accent and words and visualise the places and people. I just fell in love with the story and felt I knew Liz,s story personally and could relate. But was so inspired by it all and love the reality of her stories. Thanks Kennedy.
Just gonna look for my next Kennedy Kerr book.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz leaves everything behind to start a new life running the Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery in Scotland. She needs to figure out her life and hopes this move will help her. Can she find peace with what life has dealt her? Will her dreams every come true?
The information about the daily running and logistics of a whiskey distillery was very informative and intriguing.
A beautiful story about second chances.
A heartwarming story about finding out where you belong.
Though this is the second book in the Loch Cameron series, it can certainly be read as a standalone.
Author Kennedy Kerr’s writing is always solid and flows effortlessly.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Gem ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cosy and slow read but in a comforting way. Exploring Ben and Liz's pasts as well as the history of the distillery set in a beautiful Scottish Highlands backdrop was just a very serene and pleasant read. It isn't full of drama and sizzling chemistry, but sometimes that's the kind of book you need to just escape to. I think I left wanting a little more character development for Liz especially, or maybe more of a twist to things but equally I am very pleased the sensitive subject involved in her past was handled carefully and without cliché.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Loch Cameron book series. I have not read the first however this is easily read as a stand alone. I loved the atmospheric setting of Scotland . This is a enjoyable read of two people standing on their own who find they may be better together as their relationship grows. I enjoyed the main charcter Liz and the supporting charcters of townspeople that were friendly and welcoming to her. The setting is a Scottish distillery that is interesting to read about.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good, heartwarming gentle romance.
Book 2 in the Loch Cameron series
Relatable main characters, with real life issues.
Thought that Liz’s infertility issues were broached by the author very sensitively, highlighting her personal trials.
Also loved that Scottish history was brought into the story with the tales of the Old Maids
All in all a good solid story, beautifully written and will certainly read any future books in the Loch Cameron series
Thanks @bookouture @Kennedykerr5 @netgalley for the eARC

[Leah Dent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

The book was enjoyable enough except for the whole theme of the book where the main character couldn't conceive was way over used. For a series I was hoping for a continuation of the first book but except for the setting of the book there was hardly a reference to the first book and looking at what the rest of the series is about it seems that is going to be the case with the rest of the series. That is disappointing and just a way to keep tou buying each book hoping for closure on the precious book that never comes. I won't buy another one.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready to lose yourself as you are completely taken into the book and can almost smell the air. Well written, hard to put down and soul satisfying. This book will have you feeling every written word.

The second int his series and I am loving it! Each reads fine as a stand alone, so don’t let it being the second book in the series deter you. You’ll reach for the first as soon as your done!

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz has moved to the small village of Loch Cameron to take on a new challenge at Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery. She is also recovering from the heartbreak of a failed relationship and a long struggle with infertility. Just as she has resigned herself to never being a mother and concentrating on saving the Distillery, she receives a letter that may change everything. An emotional story about the grace of second chances.

[Linda Jewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being totally entranced by The Laird in book 1 of this series, I expected those main characters to be included a little more in this one, even just to get a glimpse of how they were.
The repetitive commentary around this books MC was "too much".
For someone So strong, I found her quite stupid at times.
I thought after book one I'd read them all, but after this one and guessing each book is a different story, I won't be.

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic

A really cute story, easy reading and compelling. Liz’s personal life falls apart when her partner, Paul, walks out on her. She finds herself upping sticks, moving house, leaving her high profile work position and starting again where nobody knows her or her history. A story with plenty f emotions and tenderness.

[Margaret Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Findiing peace

The story was good. The grief you feel after losing a child is hard. To keep trying to convince is even harder. Lis was lucky to have Ben on her side.. To all couples out there trying to be happy together. Keep faith, that things will work out. Thank you for a nice story.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A secret at the cottage by the loch

I am well on the way to being addicted to these books I no longer have a regular bed time I also find I'm late getting the food I need to eat , but I think it's worth it as these books are brilliant the characters are fantastic and the storylines are superb it make you think more a well deserved 5 stars

[Talma Harmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hhmmmm🤔

I enjoyed book one and was looking forward to book two. I liked the way some details from book one were woven into the story. But, the story seemed disjointed somehow. And, Liz came off as slightly judgmental which made it difficult for me to enjoy her character. But, I've already bought books three and four, so. . . here's hoping.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book in the series. I found the main character hard to like. She was so quick to listen to gossip without verifying the facts. I also thought her work relationships were unbelievable and unprofessional.

[Shirley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret at the cottage

This poor woman who is going through all this emotional and physical pain is an inspiration to women. Picking up and starting over fresh takes a lot of guts.
I am so happy for her to have someone in her life.

[Lisa Grayston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sickeningly sweet. Cute read but I am doubting the author has any idea of real men. Utopic and sickeningly happy. Still, I did enjoy this lala land romance with a happy ending. It had a lot of Scotch single malts...was worth it.

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read but tended to be a bit long winded in parts hence a three star rating. Able to be read as a stand alone book in the series but you do meet some of the store owners and locals again who you were introduced to in Book 1.

[Daniel Stencler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too weepy

I understand the ticking clock urge of many women, but this book grated my tolerance. Liz seemed to break into tears at every little thing,. Not healthy. I've known many women with fertility issues, none cried daily.

[Barbara Buckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story.

This book me reading late into the night. Can hardly wait for the next one coming soon. Recommend this book to anyone.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I really enjoyed that Gretchen was back and many other people from Book 1 were mentioned. Ready to start Book 3! Thank you so much! 🙂

[Sanderella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it as much as the first book.. 😕