A Sweeping Journey from Glasgow to Seattle

I picked up A Wild and Heavenly Place because I love historical fiction, though romance isn’t my usual genre. I’m glad I gave it a try. The story follows Hailey MacIntyre and Samuel Fiddes from the slums of Glasgow to the untamed frontier of Seattle. Their connection happens fast, and they can’t seem to stay apart, no matter how life tries to separate them.

I traveled to Scotland twice, so the descriptions of Glasgow felt familiar. Still, I wanted more sensory detail. I longed for deeper sights and sounds that would pull me further into the streets and shipyards. That said, the scenes in Seattle offered a window into the city’s early days, which I found fascinating. Locals will spot real landmarks and events woven into the plot.

In addition to reading the eBook, I listened to parts of the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator’s Scottish accent. It brought the characters to life, though James’s voice irritated me. He came across as whiny and annoying. From the beginning to the end, I rooted for the primary couple. Although the plot felt predictable, I didn’t mind. It was a relief to escape into their story for a while.

Overall, A Wild and Heavenly Place brought me on an absorbing adventure. I’d recommend it for readers seeking a sweeping love story set against a rugged backdrop. 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy. The opinions are my own.

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