This heartfelt historical novel captures the aftermath of the Highland Clearances in Scotland, with a richly drawn tapestry of village life, underdog resilience, and gentle romance. Carla Kelly brings genuine history into her stories, delivering both emotional impact and educational tidbits. Readers who love character-driven tales, healing-from-war arcs, nuanced communities, and slow-burn, closed-door romances will be hooked. If you appreciate compassion, everyday heroism, and themes of found family, this book is right up your alley.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the tone a touch too earnest, with characters leaning toward the saintly side and more tears than some prefer. If you’re looking for sizzling romance, modern dialogue, or a plot that avoids 'white savior' tropes, you might feel let down. And while history lovers may appreciate the research, sticklers for strict historical realism (especially regarding psychology or cultural attitudes) could be pulled out of the story.

A moving, quietly powerful historical novel with a big heart - perfect for those who crave emotion, community, and hope, especially in their romances.

About:

Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly is a historical novel that follows the story of Douglas Bowden, a retired surgeon from The British Navy, who seeks a peaceful place to practice medicine after witnessing the horrors of war. He stumbles upon the small village of Edgar, where he encounters a group of displaced Highlanders who have been left destitute after the Clearances. Despite his initial intentions of only staying temporarily, Douglas becomes deeply involved in the lives of the villagers, especially Olive, a compassionate tea room owner who is dedicated to helping those in need. As Douglas and Olive navigate the challenges of pride, poverty, and trauma, they discover the power of love, generosity, and healing in the face of adversity.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, showcasing both strengths and flaws, with a focus on their humanity and relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines vivid imagery, emotional depth, and historical authenticity, effectively drawing readers into the characters' experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Douglas, a retired naval surgeon, who becomes entangled in the struggles of Highlanders in a Scottish village, ultimately driven to help them amid their dire circumstances.

Setting:

The setting is a small Scottish village grappling with the fallout of historical displacement, enhancing the story's emotional weight.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, providing ample space for character growth and emotional resonance throughout the narrative.

After twenty-five years at sea fighting in a global conflict, Surgeon Douglas Bowden, Royal Navy, wasn’t an easy man to surprise. He was surprised now. He sat back in Admiral Sir David Carew’s uncomfo...

Notes:

The story is set in a small Scottish village named Edgar, which is struggling to support Highlanders displaced by the Highland Clearances.

Douglas Bowden, the hero, is a retired Royal Naval Surgeon who has served during the Napoleonic Wars.

Olivia Grant, the heroine, runs a tea room and uses her inheritance to help feed the poor in her town.

Children play a significant role, particularly Little Flora MacLeod, who learns to support her family.

The book explores themes of pride and the struggles of the impoverished, often making readers emotional.

Carla Kelly is praised for her research and depiction of historical events, making her stories informative as well as engaging.

The romance between Douglas and Olive is characterized by deep emotional connection rather than explicit physicality.

The narrative addresses social issues, particularly the mistreatment of refugees and the effects of war on individuals and communities.

Many characters in the novel are portrayed with flaws, which makes them relatable and realistic.

The writing has been described as filled with empathy, vivid imagery, and a sense of poetics.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings include themes of war trauma, violence, poverty, and the emotional struggles resulting from the Highland Clearances.

Has Romance?

While there is romance in the story, it develops gradually and is not the central focus, with a medium intensity.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

After a celebrated career in the war against Napoleon, Captain Douglas Bowden moves to a small fishing village to escape military life and put his medical skills to good use. Little does he know, it's his heart that needs the most loving care. This brand-new novel from master storyteller Carla Kelly will have new and longtime fans in raptures.

November 2015

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320 pages

Reader Stats (4):

Want To Read (1)
Not Interested (3)

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Doing No Harm

Carla Kelly

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