Review of 'Lost Memories of the Cottage by the Loch' by Kennedy Kerr

Review of 'Lost Memories of the Cottage' by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr

Release Date: March 10th, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

REVIEW

What an engrossing and soul stirring read! Without fail, Kennedy Kerr’s novels always leave me with so many emotions and thoughts. They are stories of substance that carry significant messages. And this one, the seventh book of the Loch Cameron series, the Lost memories of the Cottage by the Loch, is no exception. It captured my attention from the first page and held me captive to the very last. Publishing heroine Gretchen Ross’s story left a deep unforgettable mark on my heart. And Lottie’s important role as recorder of her life, brought to light many surprises.

I was moved to experience a whole range of emotions following this incredible cast of engaging characters. This sensitive, gripping story covered some very serious and disturbing topics important to women of the past and present. Through Gretchen, who worked in the publishing business, we learn how tough it was for working women in the 60s and 70s (and even today) dealing with sexual harassment, sexism and lack of respect in the corporate world. Women had to prove themselves and work harder to get the same recognition as men. Then in their private lives, women dealt with (and still do) verbal bullying, physical abuse and a number of prejudices (plus being subjected to stereo-typing). The scenes relating to the graveyards filled with ill-treated unwed mothers and pregnant women made me shudder. It is a reality we are confronted with and Kerr’s novel paints a vivid picture of the injustices.

Relationships are a big part of the story: the failed ones, the abusive ones but also the loving ones. A number of men in the plot treat these lead women badly but Kerr shows us also the caring ones, too (like Fred). We cannot label all men the same but we need to be aware there are as many predators as princes in the world. Although Gretchen has been deeply wounded by the way she was treated in her younger romantic years, she and other characters in the story are quick to point out that not all men are terrible and abusive.

Sadly we realise, as Gretchen does, the ill treatment from those unhealthy relationships when she was younger, left a scar on her heart so deep it caused her to miss out on a second chance at love. Now at the end of her life, she ponders her choices and does not want the same loveless life for her friend, Lottie, and makes this clear in their meetings.

Lottie has had her own heart broken by a man she thought she would be spending her life with. She escapes to Loch Cameron to heal and do some research for her Master’s degree. She visits the care home for the elderly to gather some local history and meets Gretchen who she instantly likes. Gretchen shares her life story and it is a fascinating one with many impressive achievements. But she also touches on the personal challenges she faced romantically and career wise. Their time together is very special and we learn so much about each of them. When Gretchen spots Lottie’s necklace that was given to her by her late mother, Gretchen realises their connection is far deeper than she originally thought. She knows then, she must share a secret with Lottie before it is too late.  

Love, betrayal, secrets and revelations fill these well written pages. My heart was bursting with emotions as I read this touching, beautifully presented story delivered by both Gretchen and Lottie. I actually completed this in one day as I could not set it down until I turned the last page—and even then I kept going back and re-reading moving passages. I highly recommend the Lost memories of the Cottage by the Loch and I guarantee there will be tears! I really did not want this story to end and you will see why. 5 Glorious Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.