Wow, great storytelling! Fans of regency historicals (like me) will at some point come upon at least a mention of the Clearances, however, never have I learned so much about their tragic suffering. For me, the characters and their destitute town came to life. It's rare that an author can pluck me out from my living room and plop me right in the middle of her setting, which in this case was Edgar. There was very little outward romance between Olive and Douglas but their attachment was apparent. Even so, romance was all over these pages; the type a man develops for a town filled with desperate yet good people who need him. And he courageously stepped up to the challenge, out of the goodness of his exhausted and war-torn heart, despite wanting to pursue dreams of his own. There were a few christian references, but not so much as to turn me off since I am not a fan. Instead, it was a true joy to read. Highly recommended at 4.5 stars.
This is my favorite type of story from Carla Kelly; a seaman (home from sailing), now trying to find a place in landed society. The author has taken this idea into a story more than once, and it is always a new adventure.
The Napoleonic Wars are over and this British Royal Navy surgeon, Douglas Bowden, has mustered out of the service. He's looking for a quiet country practice where he can live out his final days. However, he is troubled by nightmares and terrible grief (PTSD in our current day understanding of war). While traveling through the Scottish Lowlands, Douglas happens upon a nine-month pregnant woman holding her son with a broken leg. The town's name is Edgar, and Douglas stays to help the young lad. Although Douglas says he wants peace-and-quiet, he soon gets involved in the difficult lives in the devastated town. Industry moved away and the town has an influx of homeless Highlanders.
He soon meets the owner of the local tea room, who is spending her inheritance feeding the poor of the town. Olive is a great counter-balance to Douglas. He is so busy looking to find a 'nice, quiet practice' that he does not see what is in front of him.
The story ends with a Pollyanna ending but I enjoyed the whole tale.
The Napoleonic Wars are over and this British Royal Navy surgeon, Douglas Bowden, has mustered out of the service. He's looking for a quiet country practice where he can live out his final days. However, he is troubled by nightmares and terrible grief (PTSD in our current day understanding of war). While traveling through the Scottish Lowlands, Douglas happens upon a nine-month pregnant woman holding her son with a broken leg. The town's name is Edgar, and Douglas stays to help the young lad. Although Douglas says he wants peace-and-quiet, he soon gets involved in the difficult lives in the devastated town. Industry moved away and the town has an influx of homeless Highlanders.
He soon meets the owner of the local tea room, who is spending her inheritance feeding the poor of the town. Olive is a great counter-balance to Douglas. He is so busy looking to find a 'nice, quiet practice' that he does not see what is in front of him.
The story ends with a Pollyanna ending but I enjoyed the whole tale.
