A Christmas angel…
…to transform his world!
For GP Euan McKendry, Christmas is not the most wonderful
time of the year -- it conjures up too many painful memories. But his home,
Ravenswood Castle, is hosting its annual Christmas camp for sick children…and
when perky pediatrician Abby Hawkins arrives to help, Euan knows he's in
trouble. Not only does Abby adore the festive season, but she sees beyond
Euan's impenetrable facade: to a man in need of a miracle!
Good book. Ravenswood Castle hosts an annual Christmas
camp for sick children and their families every year. The children are sick
enough to need medical staff on-site during the festivities. I loved the
northern Scotland setting, the determination to give the children the best
holiday possible, and the romance that blossomed between two very different
people.
New Zealander and pediatric cardiology doctor Abby signed
on to be one of the castle's doctors. She just finished specialized training in
London, and the chance to experience her first white Christmas is too much to
resist. Add in her over-the-top love of the holiday season, and she can't see a
downside at all. After a brief stop at the local drugstore to replace some
toiletries and be enchanted by a fun headband with an elf on it, she's off to
the castle. Even her conversation with the grouchy but sexy man in the line doesn't
dim her enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Dr. Euan McKendry dreads the same event. This
is the twenty-fifth year his grandmother has hosted it, and it could be her
last. Euan's memories of Christmas are haunted by the death of his little
sister, resurrected every year by seeing so many sick children. But he can't deny
his grandmother's need to have him there. His mood isn't helped by the
overexuberant and beautiful young woman he meets at the apothecary, ridiculous
elf hat included. After going off about his dislike of the holiday season, he leaves.
Euan and Abby each got quite a shock when she arrived at
the castle, as neither expected to see the other again. When he opened the door
and realized who she was, Euan knew he was in trouble. After years of keeping
his emotions under control, he senses that Abby could be the one to break down
the walls he erected. Meanwhile, Abby is determined to do precisely that. She
set a goal of making him smile as many times as possible. As much as it pains
Euan to see these sick children, it impressed me that he never let on the
effect they had on him.
The relationship that developed between Euan and Abby
happened very quickly. A big part of it was working together to help the
children. In previous years, Euan avoided participating in the holiday
activities, preferring to keep his distance. This year he couldn't stay away from
Abby, who took part in everything. Her enthusiasm gradually chipped away at his
reserve. The late inclusion of a brother and sister to the camp pulled
especially hard on Euan's heartstrings, as they reminded him of his sister and
himself. I loved seeing Abby provide support when the memories became
especially difficult. When a crisis occurred involving the two children, Abby
knew what she had to do, but Euan disapproved. I ached for them both as they
exchanged harsh words and parted angrily. I wasn't sure how it would turn out
until a heartwarming scene in a stable brought the two together. Euan's confession
to Abby was incredibly emotional and opened up the possibility of a future
together. I also loved the good news for Liam and Lucy and the realistic look
at the future.
I loved Euan's grandmother, Maggie, and her huge and
loving heart. Despite the tragedies she endured, she lived to create wonderful
Christmases for these children and their families. The descriptions were so
vivid and detailed I could practically hear the children and feel the snow. I
loved how the children had the opportunity to feel "normal" with
sleigh rides, snowman building, and writing letters to Santa. Out of many fun
scenes, my favorite was the one with the chainsaw.
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