Review of 'Inheriting the Cottage by the Loch' by Kennedy Kerr

Review of 'Inheriting the Cottage by the Loch' by Kennedy Kerr

Release date: June 26th, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

REVIEW

It is always pure delight to read a new episode in the Loch Cameron series of this close knit community by Kennedy Kerr and Inheriting the Cottage by the Loch is full of charm, wit, mystery, magic and mayhem. And don’t forget family secrets as this one is chalked full, plus relationship dramas! And an unexpected romance.

I love revisiting familiar characters of Loch Cameron and meeting new ones or hearing stories from those who have lived there a while or of those who have recently moved into the area brought in by family connections. The Scottish setting is always breathtaking as you’d expect with such expansive expressive landscape and it usually plays a role in the drama, either for good for bad. Then there are the community issues and individual personal circumstances of characters in distress or in conflicts. These always provide incredible food for thought as I am often left pondering long after the last page is turned.  

Kennedy’s books frequently address serious social and psychological issues, physical ones, too, but spirits aren’t left out and this story has plenty. I was fascinated by the fact the Scottish church trains their ministers in exorcism and house cleaning or healing methods. Kennedy in her Author’s Notes tells us when she was a child there was some ‘unsettling’ activity in their home and the local vicar came in and blessed it to clear the bad energy. The vicar told her mother ‘it’s much more common than you think.’ This is a fact about the Scottish culture I was unaware and found fascinating. But not unusual when I thought about the interweaving of the Celtic history of the region. The effects of the mix of Christianity with superstitious beliefs still exist.   

As in this novel, the haunted house theme focused on the sadness that seeped into Castle View House from a past inhabitant (family related) and a tragic incident that left them with serious mental distress. It is interesting how these bad vibes affected the current inhabitants, too. Sisters Catriona and Bridget and Skye (Catie’s daughter) are in a state of discord. Catie and Bridget have been estranged sisters. When Catie was very young she had a serious illness. This trauma affected the family dynamics in ways that had lasting effects. Catie felt guilty for being sick and taking up her parents’ attention and little sister Bridget was seemingly neglected and felt very alone when her parents made a difficult decision that affected her deeply. As a result, Bridget held a grudge or bitterness in her heart towards her sister—even though Catie could not help the fact she was ill as a child. This part of the story makes you see how much illness not only affects one member but upsets the whole family unit. The fears, stress and worry create negative environments. Sadness seeps in to the well members, in ways unimagined. In this case, it created distance between two sisters. And possibly the healthy child tried hard to gain the attention of the parents who were doting on the sick sibling. Anyway, this story made me think a lot about this dilemma.

Bullying is also a topic in this novel and its serious effects. And more than one generational member is affected. It is so common today and must be dealt with as it damages children/teens’s self esteem. Tragic things can happen—including death.

This is an interesting story that shows how an inheritance (Castle View House) transforms this family’s lives. Catie, Bridget and Skye go through some harrowing events once they receive a letter from the solicitor that contains a strange stipulation from their late aunt. They must live together in the house for a year before it becomes theirs. If they do not, it is sold and proceeds go to charity. But Catie and Bridget give it a go and the end result of the personal journey they must take, includes unlocking some family mysteries and learning more about their late Aunt. This process brings them much needed healing and a new unity in their family. Probably just what their Aunt wanted.

Catie also finds love when she encounters the local laird’s younger brother. Matt Cameron was given the job to help her sort out the history of the house she inherited. He has a reputation but he goes through his own transformation once meeting Catie. She never expected to be attracted to him and although it is a challenging time for a while with its ups and downs, restoration in the area of romance comes, too. And at the wedding between Laird Harold Cameron and Miss Zelda Hicks at Loch Cameron Castle, there is a surprise waiting for Catie.

The novel ends on a high note with balance and harmony. Hearts are restored and minds freed. This is an awesome uplifting tale that captivated, charmed and mesmerised me. It left me feeling as though I had come out of the bitter cold into a warm cosy room lit by a comforting fire. And I did not want to leave or say goodbye to these wonderful characters who have become my friends. Until next time…5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.