Review of 'The Scottish Island Wedding' by Kennedy Kerr
Release date: September 17th, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
REVIEW
This new story by the talented Kennedy Kerr titled The Scottish Island Wedding is an absolute gem. I adored this novel! It has the stunning Skye setting atmosphere, family drama, hidden secrets and an endearing sisterhood theme. This new series is an absolute winner in my books and features the complicated lives of the Balhennie sisters. They have plenty of trials that many can relate to so it is easy to feel an emotional connection to them. The first book was a charmer but this one stole my heart even more. It just sings with expectation, mystery and tension (and romance of course!) and pulled me into its rich historical core. There is plenty of drama happening when two very different families come together. We learn more about the castle’s ownership history, too, which I found very interesting.
The story is centred around kind-hearted Heather who has been on a whirlwind romance with charming Matthew. And now they are engaged to be married on Christmas Day. Busy with preparations in the Balhennie Castle, Heather is filled with excitement when her fiancé’s family shows up a bit early for the wedding. But when Heather meets them, they are not what she expects at all. Matthew has been keeping secrets and now that the truth is out, she feels hurt and betrayed by the fact she did not know who they are. Why has he not told her? If that is not bad enough, while she tries to navigate a controlling future mother in law who wants to change everything about their wedding, Matthew gets a phone call and disappears without a chance to sort things out.
Even though Matthew leaves a message that he has an emergency business matter to sort and will be back as soon as he can, his prompt exit creates all kinds of doubt in Heather’s mind. Is he going to call off the wedding, because their last moments together were less than friendly—mostly because she was angry at him for his lack of communication about his family’s position in society. And he also left just after they had a fight. So she is up against some giant hurdles.
Despite his faults, Heather knows she definitely loves him and wants him to know, but being the youngest son of the richest and most prestigious family in Scotland puts a whole new twist on expectations. And can she handle living in the limelight which her future mother-in-law keeps forcing upon her. Matthew says his mother can be difficult but she is a wonderful person (they are close) when you get to know her. But she is not keen for her son to marry below his station or to someone she has not chosen. A lot happens in the plot, before we hear what happens to Matthew, and what he has been doing. But this gives us time (and Heather) to get to know the in-laws. And yes to learn how Heather must overcome the challenges. To her credit, she desperately tries to work with and through the situation with as much kindness and grace as possible. But there are moments when she must be firm and stand her ground.
The pace of the plot is perfect and each day they get closer to the wedding date, more of their lives unravel. Relationships are a big part of this story and the need for honest communication. So exposing the issues allows them to be dealt with— no matter how painful some events may be. Each side in the end finds a balance and, of course, the novel has a happy ending. Some needed changes happen. This beautiful and emotionally charged story left me feeling happy and satisfied for the message though simple is profound in that we can work out our differences when we respect each other and be honest (in a gentle way).
The wedding in the snowy setting on Isle of Skye turns out quite spectacular. You can feel the magic of Christmas and the joy in the spirit of giving (Heather receives quite an unexpected gift!). Matthew is really a nice guy who had some fears but his love for Heather shines even brighter by the end of the story. Christmas is the season of love and this novel shows how two very different families can come together, find a common ground and help each other. Yes, the high profile life of the Campbells seemed glamorous to many but the novel shows us clearly how fame can also be a hindrance. The Balhennie’s celebrated more of the simple pleasures of life – and were able to share these with their new in-laws. Great story, good message and well delivered. Love transcends every barrier. A must read from our beloved story teller Kennedy Kerr, who is a master of emotional, atmospheric, family focused tales. This is another heart-filled, hope-laden treasure. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
