I do love the Loch Cameron books and this one was no exception. It can be read as standalone but ‘meeting’ characters from previous books makes a reader feel part of the small community. A good, cosy read filled with lots of community spirit and of course, romance.

A talented popular author has written a story that is intriguing…family and friends…I like the title. I like this author. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. An invitation to an afternoon away...to the cottage... A fun read…thanks Netgalley

When I started reading An Invitation to the Cottage by the Loch, I was so enthralled by the story I could not stop until I had turned the last page. I always connect with Kennedy Kerr’s stories and this one touched me deeply and brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. She always covers sensitive health concerns which are entirely relatable. Even if we have not experienced some of these topics she writes about, we know someone who has. Loch Cameron #5 explores what it is like to deal with the horrors of endometriosis and its severe solution of a hysterectomy. Of course, for anyone who has gone through the former, whatever relief they can get from the excruciating pain and other effects, is a welcomed treatment. But, this type of drastic medical action can also cause sadness as it means a woman will not being able to have children afterwards. For some, as in Deb’s case, it is not a big loss, but who knows if her feelings will change? Regardless, getting her life back-- pain free is the main focus. Kennedy handles the dealing of this disease with top respect and wisdom, and realistically covers both the physical and psychological trauma of it and after surgery.

But how does a man react to a woman who has just had this procedure? You’d hope with love and support. Because recovery can take a fair while as Deb found out. In the meantime, she needs to take care of herself and is unable to perform household and other personal tasks. Unfortunately, her partner makes light of her temporary limitations and loses patience very quickly. This situation certainly exposes the holes in their relationship. And his lack of understanding and hurtful comments become untenable. To the point, Deb decides she has had enough of the ill treatment, packs her bags and heads for the Highlands to take up an events job at Loch Cameron.

Everything begins to change while Deb is on the new job. She meets new people, including property developer Kyle who initially comes off in a negative way. Partly due to the treatment he receives from many of the villagers who are not happy with his building plans. But Deb strikes up a friendship with him that leads to heated sparks. An attraction is evident and she begins to feel things she never felt before. He is full of surprises, too. And as the plot thickens and unfolds, much is revealed.

It was wonderful to see some of the old faces from the previous books. Hal and Zelda, of course, play an important part in the story. And then there is dear old Gretchen who is always full of wisdom and humour.

Another important segment of the story is dealing with a parent who has kidney disease. My father had this so I can certainly relate to the fears and debilitating effects of yet another life altering condition. Deb’s mother suffers with this and the strict dialysis routine. Through it, we get to see the dynamics of the mother daughter relationship. Deb is very devoted and her concerns are genuine. She learned her fierce independence from her mother who brought her up as a single parent. Deb also had a grandmother whose life was quite hidden. But Deb’s mom gives her a diary that explains her grandmother’s challenges and she is shocked. For she lived in this village but was removed from her home and this caused psychological damage.

Sincere, kind Hal tries to make amends for what happened in the past, done by his ancestors (which he only just learned about through Deb’s discovery) and although he cannot turn back the clock and fix the damage, I think it is admirable he tries to help the future generations with his generous offerings.

This is a wonderful heart squeezing story that addresses many relationship, health, environmental and social issues that deserve to be noted. I loved all the characters past and present, the community quirks, the romantic gestures and blossoming unions, the attempt at restoration for past residents and welcoming of new ones like Deb who actually had a local connection through her grandmother. I was very happy with the ending. I also got the impression of a potential story coming for Deb’s grandmother’s brother! Regardless, this is an uplifting tale, beautifully told, tender and truthful, that captured my heart and filled my eyes with tears once again! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

Tragic backstory drew me in😢

For me, there were a few major parts to this story about Deb, her family and the men in her life that I really found moving. The romance was fairly backburner and had very slight heat here compared to everything else the story brings up. It was a good book and easy to read but probably not my favorite in this Kennedy Kerr series that weaves romance into women's fiction and glimpses into the past.

Deb's gynecological issues were an eye opener for me as I had never previously thought very deeply about the profound psychological as well as physical effects of endometriosis or having a hysterectomy. I can only surmise that Deb's experience with both was very well recounted and true to life.

Deb's frustrating dealings with her mother Janice were another good element that I related to. Janice just can't break out of the lessons taught by her mother Elise/Elsie and her fierce independence and wariness of sharing her burdens with her daughter wears on her relationship with Deb until a breakthrough moment.

But the clincher part of the storyline for me was grandmother Elise's tragic history. No matter the manner that Deb's contemporaries try to make up for it, Elise's sad childhood and the privations she faced are just so life-altering that they made me tear up and I felt "too little, too late!". I wish the story had included more of Janice's memories of her mother, Elise's diary and glimpses into her and her brother's life.

I also wish there had been more to the romance. Kyle, Deb's new romantic interest, had little depth.

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

When Deb recovers from major surgery, she soon realises that her partner, Dan, isn’t the person she thought she was.

Deb is an events planner and is asked by the Laird of Loch Cameron, to plan his yearly spring fling. Deb decides to take the job, to give her time to decide whether she still wants to be with Dan or not.

When Deb arrives, she soon falls foul of Kyle Abernethy, a property developer and promptly tells him what she thinks of his rude attitude!

When Deb discovers some truths about her grandmother, Elise Sutherland, she feels hurt, and especially betrayed for her grandmother.

This was a nice read that had good characters and plenty of beautiful scenery to capture my imagination.

Deb was an exceptionally strong character who took after her mum, Janice, who in turn, took after her mum, Elise. I loved the parts with Elise’s diary, which explained so much about the characters in the story.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I've loved the other books in this series but just couldn't get into this one. Domestic violence, even just vebral, and repeating information again and again is a really turn off.

I love this series. Can read alone . You follow Deb whose boyfriend is useless after she has a big opp and she goes to help the Hal organise the May party. You have love , woman’s problems which you get, secrets to why parents and grandmothers are the way they are. Loved it. History is put to right. A good good read

Lovely engaging Scottish fiction. This was a really easy quick read. Full of family tension and relationship drama.

I enjoyed the focus on women’s health and how gynaecological issues can cause such severe effects on physical and mental health. Despite this I didn’t particularly vibe with Deb as a main character.

Other than one scene with Deb near the beginning we aren’t particularly introduced to the “arrogant” side of Kyle’s character. He mostly seems like a pretty nice guy.

I found Hal’s Scottish accent a little jarring when written although I usually love this. I’m not quite sure why it felt jarring. Thankfully he’s not in this book very much.

This book doesn’t set the world alight but it was a nice gentle read.