shaekin's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a sucker for a feel good, improve things around you kind of story. Everything may tie up a little too neatly in ways, but it's not without struggle and hardship. Definitely worth reading.
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review against another edition
4.0
It took me 3 times starting this book to actually get into the story and finish it. Once I read enough to get interested, I liked it. I loved seeing the town evolve
dja777's review against another edition
3.0
Not one of my favorite Kelly novels. I think I would have liked more from Olive's point of view. Not a bad book, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.
clairetrellahill's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book really touching. Many moments were bittersweet—it focuses on the consequences of the Scottish clearances in a way I’ve never processed before and that was tough—but there was such a lovely care and kindness in the main characters as the retired navy surgeon endeavors to bind up wounds both physical and emotional and the tearoom owner endeavors to feed half the village on her small inheritance. It also does the lovely thing in romance where community is built and fostered.
It is also sweet/clean for those interested, no heat, but as I said, very touching. I did in fact cry. Four stars.
It is also sweet/clean for those interested, no heat, but as I said, very touching. I did in fact cry. Four stars.
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
2.0
Douglas Bowden was a Royal Navy surgeon during the Napoleonic wars. Now the wars are finally over and he's determined to find a small village where he can set up shop, far from the sea. Then it turns out that he needs to be closer to the sea. Eventually, he ends up in tiny, desperate, hurting Edgar, Scotland. He's just passing through, but first he's got to bind this compound fracture, then fix those bonded fingers, then. . .
And oh yes; let's not forget cute spinster Olive Grant of the heterochromic eyes, red hair, freckles, big heart, and local tearoom. She's going to save everyone she can or die trying.
This is a very gentle read. There are few villains, except for the distant highland Countess of Sutherland, who heard that she could make more money in sheep than cattle and drove her Highlander villagers out to make room: off lands they'd lived on for centuries. True atrocities happened to those people. Everyone is just waiting for a moment or two of love and kindness to be kind, or smart, or talented, themselves.
Okay and predictable. No need to read again.
And oh yes; let's not forget cute spinster Olive Grant of the heterochromic eyes, red hair, freckles, big heart, and local tearoom. She's going to save everyone she can or die trying.
This is a very gentle read. There are few villains, except for the distant highland Countess of Sutherland, who heard that she could make more money in sheep than cattle and drove her Highlander villagers out to make room: off lands they'd lived on for centuries. True atrocities happened to those people. Everyone is just waiting for a moment or two of love and kindness to be kind, or smart, or talented, themselves.
Okay and predictable. No need to read again.
ghumpherys's review against another edition
5.0
Another fabulous Carla Kelly book! This one centers on the plight of the Scottish highlanders and the "Clearance" (a historical event I didn't know much about). I loved how the hero and heroine were both older, so kindhearted, and yet worn-out and weary from their circumstances. Wonderful story!
anatl's review against another edition
3.0
A beautiful and touching read like all of Carla Kelly's books. However I was disappointed by some anachronisms and a few historical false notes.
ch6176's review against another edition
3.0
The story of a retired surgeon who comes to an abandoned people in Scotland.
For being a love story there was very little love. This was a much more slow, sweet and realistic romance novel than what I’ve come to expect. Either way it was a nice novel. There was never any overly romantic parts, more like day to day interactions.
For being a love story there was very little love. This was a much more slow, sweet and realistic romance novel than what I’ve come to expect. Either way it was a nice novel. There was never any overly romantic parts, more like day to day interactions.
shell74's review against another edition
5.0
Doing No Harm was a beautifully written Historical Romance that held me captivated from page one. Based on what actually took place in Scotland during the Highland Clearances and set at the end of the Napoleonic war, I am not ashamed to say that this novel brought me to tears more than once over the plight of our characters.
“Do you ever want to help the whole world, Captain?” she asked.
“Only my entire life,” he assured her. “We’ll start small here in Edgar.”
Carla Kelly is my go-to author when I want emotional tales written from the perspective of everyday common people. No matter the time period, I know I will be able to relate to the characters, their struggles, and the overall message of the story. That was absolutely the case with Doing No Harm.
Read More
“Do you ever want to help the whole world, Captain?” she asked.
“Only my entire life,” he assured her. “We’ll start small here in Edgar.”
Carla Kelly is my go-to author when I want emotional tales written from the perspective of everyday common people. No matter the time period, I know I will be able to relate to the characters, their struggles, and the overall message of the story. That was absolutely the case with Doing No Harm.
Read More
sandyd's review
4.0
Wonderful historical background, interesting characters, but a little too sweet and easily wrapped up at the end for me. Still a very enjoyable read.