When Laurel West discovers her estranged sister Abby has checked herself into rehab and wants her to take care of her fourteen-year-old son, she doesn’t hesitate to step in. Abby was there for Laurel a long time ago, and she longs to be able to offer the same. However, as a single woman who still dreams of the fairy tale, Laurel isn’t prepared for teenaged Zac’s sullen moods or silent rage. When … When he’s expelled from school, she decides to take drastic measures and temporarily relocate them to her great aunt’s cottage on the windswept hills of the Orkney islands north of Scotland… about as far as she can run from their problems, but will it be far enough?
From the moment they step onto the island’s shores, everything seems to go wrong… including a run-in with eccentric sheep farmer Archie MacDougall. When Zac gets in trouble at the village pub and is rescued by Archie, Laurel thinks things are only getting worse. But Archie’s suggestion of putting Zach to work on his farm might be the change he needs, and Laurel strikes up a surprising friendship with a man who is about as far from the fairy tale as she can imagine. Can such an unlikely and impractical love bloom in such a brief moment out of reality? And will two lost and lonely souls find each other at the edge of the world?
more
I really enjoy reading all books by Kate Hewitt. But this one is so different from what I usually read from her, and in a good way. This book has such depth to it about life, family and yes falling in love but in a different way. As readers we get to explore a new country (at least for me) and environment as never before. Living in the USA I love to see England thru the writing of this author. Watching the lives of Abby trying to raise her nephew Zach had me laughing at times but crying inside as I realized that her sister Tara must have really struggled all alone and for what? We as the readers don’t know. Then we feel like we are right on the island with Abby, Zach and later Archie as life changed. This book came to me at the perfect time and I could not stop reading it. I even looked up places on the map.
Kate Hewitt’s Christmas at the Edge of the World is a heartwarming holiday read. If you’re not ready fo the the Christmas season, Laurel, Archie, and Zac will get you there. Estranged family, remote location, with a moody teenager, and you have the ingredients for a holiday romance that has you experiencing all the emotions.
Finally a book set in Orkney! Okay, I am strange in that I love the islands off the coast of Scotland but Kate Hewitt finally has set one of her small village British romances in a more lively setting.
Laurel West has been working from home in her flat in York. She has had no contact with her older sister since she left home years ago. So imagine her shock when she receives a call to come and pick up her nephew whom she hasn’t seen since he was a very small child. Her sister has checked herself into rehab but Laurel can’t get any answers from the rehab where her sister is checked into. So dealing with a surly 14 year old is hard enough but it is even harder when you do not know much about the child and right at Christmas.
Laurel finds her sister’s flat rather sterile and isn’t making any progress with her nephew’s issues. He was excluded from his private school for his latest prank. Since his Christmas holiday started early, Laurel decides to head off to her great aunt’s home where she and Sarah had spent many summer holidays when their mother was alive.
Arriving on the island in the dark of the night after the stormy ferry ride, Laurel struggles to find the cottage. And when she finally finds the cottage, things are not as she remembered them. The cottage hasn’t been lived in for quite awhile it seems. And than there is the temperamental stove that requires gentle coaxing from the closet neighbor who just happens to be a very wonderful handsome sheep farmer.
Archie MacDougall has resigned himself to living alone since his job as a sheep farmer on a small island off the northeastern coast of Scotland. He takes care of his aging father who is in a care home and his flock. When Laurel arrives to stay at her aunt’s cottage next door, Archie’s life definitely changes. Laurel’s nephew, Zac, gets himself into some trouble at a local pub, Archie comes to his rescue. But as part of the rescue, Zac has to work for Archie on the farm doing things such as shoveling out manure in the barn. This turns out to be just what Zac needs in his life. Slowly over the space of a week, these three lives merge and weave together.
Just in time for Christmas Day, Laurel’s sister shows up and things get interesting. Can Laurel and Archie find an everlasting love? And can Laurel and Sarah heal their fractured relationship as sisters? And can Zac find himself and a purpose in his life away from the temptations London has to offer? Well, given this is a novel by Kate Hewitt, the answer is yes but you need to read the book to find out how all of this occurs.
I did receive a copy of this book in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
3.8 Stars…..
As you have read in the blurb, Laurel is asked by her estranged sister to take care of her fourteen year old nephew for a month. To say Laurel is shocked is an understatement. She has seen or heard from her sister only a handful of times over the past twenty years. So why now? This is one piece of the puzzle that you’ll find the answer to later in the book. Laurel’s nephew Zac is a stereotypical, moody teenaged boy. He is not thrilled when Laurel takes him to Scotland to celebrate the Christmas holidays at her aunt’s charming cottage. At least she remembered it being charming when she was eight years old; the last time she visited. Her time spent at this place is one of Laurel’s fondest childhood memories. But she hasn’t been back in over two decades and the place is not exactly how she remembered it. However, for her nephew, she is going to make the best of it. With a heaping amount of Christmas spirit and some help from a neighbor, Archie, the story progresses in that Archie is an important part of how things work out. I don’t want to say too much because this book is pretty short. The premise had great potential but unfortunately, the author only gave us Laurel’s perspective which I was greatly disappointed over. I believe that if I had Archie’s POV as well as Laurel’s, it would have gone a long way in bringing me greater enjoyment. Archie was a very strong part of this story. His complexity was more than enough that she should have had a voice as well. And while the ending was a happy one, it wasn’t satisfying. That said, I enjoyed the epilogue and was glad to see everyone together.
I would like to also mention that this author does a good job at painting her scenes. In my mind, I was able to experience the quaint cottage and small Scottish town. The book cover is realistic to the story and that is not always the case. So, while I didn’t entirely love this book, I liked it.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. This was an enjoyable book. I found this a little slower reading than some of the other Christmas stories. This story is about Laurel, who is estranged from her sister Abby. She is contacted and asked to take care of Abby’s 14 year old son, Zac because she has checked herself into a rehab facility for a month. Laurel has had very little contact with Abby or her son over the years and she’s both angry and sad about this lost family connection. She leaves her home to go stay in London as that’s where they live. Zac pushes his limits and is expelled from his school right before holiday break for setting a fire in the chemistry lab. Laurel decides to take him to her great aunt’s cottage on Orkney Island by Scotland as it used to make her and Abby happy.
The cottage isn’t as she remembered, it has become rundown. Her great aunt is vacationing in Spain so things have fallen to disrepair. Her aunt mentioned letting the neighbor Archie help her out. Archie is a sheep farmer who helps her fix all the problems she has with the cottage. He also develops a bond with Zac and has him start helping on the farm to help Laurel enforce boundaries and rules. Laurel works at putting together a special Christmas for all of them with the guys help.
Laurel has a fairy tale image of a husband and babies but she’s discouraged as there are no prospects for her. She is happy at the cottage with Zac and Archie. As you read you speculate over what will happen between Archie and Laurel. Will she and Abby ever get back the closeness they had as sisters? Will Zac figure out how to be the best self in order to finish school? I gave this 4 stars for this holiday story.
4.5 stars
This is a short and sweet Christmas read. I was gutted by not just Laurel and Archie, but also Zac. I wanted every one of them to feel happy, secure, and loved. I wanted them to all know they are perfect just the way they are.
Since this is a short story, I feel it’s best to keep my comments to a minimum. I’ll just say that I felt the woe that turned into anticipation. I felt the heartache and the yearning. This author did a phenomenal job of investing me in all aspects of this story as well as evoking all of these emotions. There is a scene at a community event between Archie and Laurel that just gutted me. I cannot adequately express how much I absolutely love Archie.
This book is the perfect heart-warming story for the holiday season. Since it’s published in the beginning of November, you have time to buy yourself a copy and pass it along to friends before the holidays are here.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Kate Hewitt writes wonderful stories. They are full of family, love, and healing. If we are lucky, we also get a bit of down-to-earth romance. Her characters are layered and flawed; her settings beautiful and described with such detail that you actually feel like you are there. Christmas at the End of the World is another of Hewitt’s novels that is all of these things and more. Laurel’s sister Abby was once everything to her. After their mother passed away, Abby stepped up and was mother, sister, best friend, and primary caretaker. Then she was gone, leaving Laurel hurt and confused. When she gets the call that her sister needs her to take care of her nephew, she drops everything. When taking care of 14-year-old Zac proves to be tougher than she expected, Laurel decides to take him to the place she had the happiest memories and try to make the best Christmas possible. Of course, things don’t go as expected. Laurel has always dreamed of her perfect man, and Archie is not him, but he is what Laurel and Zac need. All of the characters in this novel have baggage that have prevented them from fully living their lives and watching them acknowledge it and try to move forward was heart-warming.
This was a delightful Christmas story that will keep you entranced. A hot cup of tea and a cozy blanket would be the perfect accompaniments to this story. Curl up and enjoy!
#KateHewitt #ChristmasattheEdgeoftheWorld #Tule #ReadzTule
I have read many books written by Kate Hewitt, some contemporary romance and some more along the line of women’s fiction, I can say that I enjoyed them all. However, Edge of the World is by far my very favorite. I have put some thought into why? Of course, the fact that most of the story takes place on the Orkney Islands probably has something to do with it. Several years ago I was able to make my way across the ocean to visit Scotland including those islands. What a perfect and unique place for this story. That can’t be the main reason though, since no place can save a poorly written story or unlikable characters. Good thing this is well-written with endearing characters.
I did love these characters, even Abby, who with my mind make up I had decided to dislike. That was until I met her, then I had great sympathy for her. I understood Laurel so well, one who doesn’t make waves, wants to be liked. Then Zach is just struggling. I could see him like so many teenagers who could go in either direction as they grew older so strong guidance and wisdom is needed.
I also loved how the story unfolded, with the slow build of the relationship between Laurel and her nephew as well as the one with Archie. Speaking of Archie, he is certainly an interesting character for the Scottish hero of the book. No Colin Firth, but I dare say even better because he sounded so real, so much like the working men in my life. The reader only sees him through Laurel’s eyes but I like to think that there is so much more depth and intelligence than she ever gave him credit for having. His words were kind, but also full of wisdom from one who has had a few bad knocks himself but never became bitter. He sounds pretty wonderful to me.
So a great place, great story telling and a great man to fall in love with for Laurel and the reader too. I can only hope that there will be more in this series; Abby’s story, Tom West’s story and Zach’s all grown up story?
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a deeply emotional love story that will draw you in and make you believe that anything is possible
Laurel’s Christmas plans take a huge turn when she is advised that her estranged sister has checked into rehab and she needs to look after her nephew Zac. He is one rebellious teenager and is kicked out of school so she decides to take him to Orkney to stay at her
aunts old cottage a place she has fond childhood memories of. What happens when you put a rebellious city teenager on a s mall island He actually bonds with the neighbour a dour sheep farmer named Archie MacDougall after he rescues him from an incident at the pub but even more alarming is the connection between Archie and Laurel a connection that has no future with him in the Orkney’s and her returning to London. Can they find a way to be together you will have to read to see
I really enjoyed reading this book with Laurel and Zac . It really hit home with me,I’ve been estranged from my own sister for over 5 years now it hurts especially around Christmas time.Wonderful writing,I highly recommend this book.
Christmas at the Edge of the World by Kate Hewitt
When Laurel West discovers her estranged sister Abby has checked herself into rehab and wants her to take care of her fourteen-year-old son, she doesn’t hesitate to step in. Abby was there for Laurel a long time ago, and she longs to be able to offer the same. However, as a single woman who still dreams of the fairy tale, Laurel isn’t prepared for teenaged Zac’s sullen moods or silent rage. When he’s expelled from school, she decides to take drastic measures and temporarily relocate them to her great aunt’s cottage on the windswept hills of the Orkney islands north of Scotland… about as far as she can run from their problems, but will it be far enough?
From the moment they step onto the island’s shores, everything seems to go wrong… including a run-in with eccentric sheep farmer Archie MacDougall. When Zac gets in trouble at the village pub and is rescued by Archie, Laurel thinks things are only getting worse. But Archie’s suggestion of putting Zach to work on his farm might be the change he needs, and Laurel strikes up a surprising friendship with a man who is about as far from the fairy tale as she can imagine. Can such an unlikely and impractical love bloom in such a brief moment out of reality? And will two lost and lonely souls find each other at the edge of the world?
This Laurel West and Archie MacDougall’s story.
This Laurel West,Abby and Zac’s story.
“I’m sorry. We do try to be as understanding as possible in these types of situations, but I am afraid in this instance Zachary’s behaviour is completely unacceptable.” The headmaster’s face was drawn into stern lines of displeasure tempered by very little sympathy. “I have no choice but to exclude Zachary permanently from the school.”
Laurel’s stomach plunged unpleasantly at this news even as she wondered how to react to it. She wasn’t sure whether she should nod in agreement or tell the man what he could do with his so-called understanding. She did neither, re-crossing her legs as she shot her nephew an uncertain, questioning look. Shouldn’t he be contributing to this awful, awkward conversation?
He hadn’t said a word since she’d been summoned to the prestigious St. Luke’s School for Boys fifteen minutes ago, after being told the situation was both urgent and serious. Laurel had a lot of both urgent and serious in the last ten days, enough to last her a lifetime, and yet here was more.
Then a low voice, with the thickest Scottish burr Laurel had ever heard, growled at them. “Put your hands up in the air, ye choring skellums.”
“This is my aunt’s cottage. And can you please lower that gun before someone gets shot?”
“You must be her neighbour.” Laurel searched her memory for the man’s name, and thankfully came up with it. “Archie… MacDougall.” “Aye.”
Christmas at the Edge of the World by Kate Hewitt is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Kate’s Books with Tule:
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Falling for Christmas
Falling for the Freemans
Falling Hard
Falling for the Freemans
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close
A Cotswold Christmas
Willoughby Close
Find Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Kiss Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
Marry Me at Willoughby Close
Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Christmas
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Reunion
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
A Vicarage Wedding
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Cupcakes for Christmas
Willoughby Close
A Vicarage Homecoming
The Holley Sisters of Thornthwaite
Christmas at the Edge of the World
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This one caught me up right away. I so wanted to watch the relationship of Zac with his aunt, little further in I was watching the relationship between Archie and Zac develop, I wasn’t expecting to be watching for a relationship between Lauren and Archie, it took me by surprise. The writing in this book was so great and kept me turning the pages.
Although I was not a fan of the title, Christmas at the Edge of the World proved itself more than capable of making up for that. Hewitt finds beauty in the hard moments. Laurel is used to life getting in her face, but when love finds it’s way into her heart, she doesn’t quite know how to react. From tough talking, rebellious teenagers to an oddly tempting sheep farmer, Hewitt turns the fantasy of love on it’s ear and delivers her own brand of charm to capture our hearts.
Laurel received a call that her sister checked herself in to a four week rehab and Laurel needed to come and take care of her 14 year old nephew Zac.
Zac sets the chemistry lab on fire and gets kicked out of school. His only explanation was “it was a joke”.
Laurel decides they need a change of place – a fresh start- so she calls her Aunt who has a little cottage in Orkney where Laurel, her mother and her sister used to visit during the summers and Laurel had such fond memories.
When she calls she finds that her Aunt is in Spain for the winter so it looks like Laurel and Zac are spending Christmas in her cottage, just the two of them, with the help of her Aunt’s next door neighbor Archie.
Can Laurel and Zac learn to communicate and get along and have a good Christmas. Check out the book you will be glad that you did.
A story full of Christmas miracles.
Laurel’s Christmas plans got turned upside down when she was informed that her estranged sister was in rehab and Laurel was needed go to London to look after her teenage nephew, Zac. Zac was soon kicked out of school and Laurel decided a change of scenery might do them good. They went to Orkney, Scotland, to Laurel’s aunt’s cottage that held so many memories from her childhood. Laurel wanted Zac to experience his first Christmas in a special place. What happened next was a dramatic change in both of their lives by the hands of Laurel’s aunt’s neighbor, Archie. Zac started coming out of his shell and Laurel started having feelings for Archie. But Laurel knew they couldn’t have a relationship because they lived so far apart. Another Christmas miracle soon takes place, and this one will change all of their lives forever.
This book was a real treat to read. There was so much emotion in the story. I enjoyed the Scottish setting at Christmas time and the characters. There were so many surprises in the book that I just didn’t expect. All around, it was a wonderful Christmas escape.
Laura is in shock when she gets the call to take care of her teenage nephew since she hasn’t heard from her sister in years. Not knowing what to do after several attempts to connect and break the ice with her nephew she takes him to Orkney Island. A place she went as a child with her family before her mom died and had happy memories of. Though it wasn’t as easy as it seemed or the cottage exactly as she remembered. Laura was determined to make a happy Christmas for Zac. Never expecting to meet Archie her aunt’s neighbor who raised sheep. For me the blossoming romance between them seemed awkward. I had a hard time seeing them connecting or drawn to each other even when they kissed. Possibly because the story didn’t really expand on it or maybe Archie’s more of a backward type character than what I thought. A light romance Christmas read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing
The perfect Christmas novel! What makes it perfect? It was so well written I felt as if I was there for one, I Loved that it was set in Scotland (my favorite place in the world) and it was about Christmas! This story was so heartwarming, so full of life that it made me laugh, it made me sad and most of all it made me happy. Kate Hewitt does not disappoint, you MUST read this book! Grab a blanket, make your favorite hot drink and just enjoy.