Loch Ness, a place where you find more than just the legend of a monster…

Synopsis

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks. 

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives.  And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities. 

Take a trip to the Highlands with Judy Leigh for an unforgettable story of glorious pasts and fabulous futures, of love, friendship, family and fun. The perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins.

My review

Mimi McKinlay is an eighty – eight years young woman, reminiscing her days on stage. She lives in Glen Carrick House, overlooking Loch Ness, together with her three sons.
Hamish inherited his mother’s talents, Fin is the responsible one and Angus is known for his brooding personality.
But no matter how different the siblings are from each other, they share the love for their mother, and are looking after her, which isn’t a sinecure as Mimi just does what she wants.
When Jess Oliver arrives in Scotland for a holiday, while waiting for her own cottage to be ready, she immediately falls for the charms of the place.
And Jess meeting Mimi is the start of a wonderful, caring and loving friendship, and they learn from each other how to make the best of every new day filled with possibilities.

I have read several books of this author, but this one for sure captured my heart.
This book isn’t about a great adventure, disastrous events, but it shows the beauty of friendship and how one person can have a huge impact on your own live.

Even if I took some of Mimi’s tales with a pinch of salt, I truly liked her for just being her. Mimi shows us that age truly is just a number, and being eighty – eight doesn’t mean that you have to stop living, dancing or singing, or even love.
She reminded me of one of those icons, I saws a Audrey Hepburn, a Ava Gardner, a Judy Garland, a Julie Andrews, a Liza Minelli in her.
Obviously, she made some mistakes in the past, and has a few regrets. But she won’t allow them to sadden her, as she has so many things to be grateful about, like her three sons.

I loved how she said that she had a favourite son, but it’s obvious she loves them all very dearly, even if they sometimes treat her as an incapable old woman.
It was funny to see how different the brothers are, with each their own character. they all behave differently, the one more open than the other, the other more business-like while another one has the need to discover the world.
But despite the differences, and even the issues they are all facing personally, it’s obvious that as a family they stand as a united front, with always having their mother’s best interest in mind.

And when Jess enters the equation, it was like a breath of fresh air for the family. She is for sure a very kind and loving character. She has her heart at the right place, and it’s so clear to see the good influence she has on not only Mimi but on all the McKinlay’s.

It warmed my heart to see how Jess falls in love not only with Scotland, but with every member of the McKinlay clan, even if they are strictly speaking total strangers.
And seeing how each character has an impact on someone else, was marvellous.
I enjoyed reading how all the characters spent time together, with accepting each other for how they are, without any judgement.

While the end of the book may have made me feel a little bit sad, it gave me also a feeling of contentment and it was a perfect closure. Perhaps not one I would choose myself, but it fitted perfectly in this wonderful book.

I absolutely loved reading this tale, as it shows us the power of friendship and love. Your age doesn’t matter, as long as you enjoy your life, and love the people around you. And perhaps you can find an old love or a new love above all the other wonderful things life can bring you.