Synopsis:

Polly Kinnell is a renowned chocolate taster for many of the world’s most famous chocolatiers (Ghirardelli’s, Godiva, Hershey, etc.). When her father dies on the Island of Skye, the distraught Polly travels to Scotland for his funeral where she has several unsettling encounters with a peculiar gravedigger, Ian MacIan.

Ian, like his ancestors, “buries the dead” as a religious vocation, and he seems to be rewarded with certain privileges for his total commitment. Although initially upset by her powerful attraction to Ian, Polly eventually has to make crucial decisions after a terrible car crash leaves Ian in a deadly coma.

How much does Polly really love him? Can she save him?

What sacrifices would she have to make?

Favorite Lines:

“Chocolate was once known as ‘the food of the gods. It makes us happy, reduces stress, and gives us energy. It’s one of the most perfect things on earth. Like snowflakes, roses, diamonds, baseball, and love.”

“God gives us a life of trials.”

“Then be with each other as much as you possibly can. Life’s too short for anything else.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This story follows Polly Kinnell, a chocolate taster from New York that falls for a mysterious Scottish gravedigger. The result is a story full of star-crossed love, lose, and the lengths we would go to to save those that we love. When we first meet Polly, she is living in New York sampling mouth watering chocolates. But when  her father passes away on the Island of Skye, Polly’s life turns upside down and she must travel to Scotland for the funeral. There she meets the handsome gravedigger, Ian Maclan (did I I mention that he is Scottish?). Bad luck continues to touch Polly as Ian is left in a coma after a car crash and Polly struggles with what she is willing to sacrifice for a chance at love with Ian.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this book due to the mysterious synopsis but was pleasantly surprised. At its core, this book is a romance book through and through. Baer sweeps us up in a vivid world full of lively characters and takes us on a journey of loss, grief, redemption, and love. 

I found the description of the landscapes to be so well done that it had me wishing that I was in Scotland right along with Polly. Additionally, I thought that the character writing was crafty and refreshing. Polly wasn’t immediately swept up in Ian and I appreciated that there was some depth to her character in that regard. Baer certainly did his homework thoroughly and translated it beautifully to the page because this book is full of sacred traditions, superstitions, and a lot of chocolate and Gaelic.

From page one, this book had me chuckling and that was a theme that remained throughout. Baer brought a warmth and sense of humor to this book that really shined. However, I will warn you to have a box of tissues next to you because just as Baer was able to evoke joy, he also did a great job at evoking feelings of pain and sadness which may result in other parts likely bringing tears to your eyes.

Summary:

Overall, this was a delicious read that I would recommend to any chocolate fanatics, anyone who wants to read about life-changing love that is worth fighting for, and/or anyone who has a soft spot for Scottish male leads. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Baer in the future! Happy reading! 

Check out The Grave Digger here!

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