Just read this story for the second time!

Of all of the Celtic Brooch stories that have been published so far, this is my favorite. It involves horses, scotch whisky and Scotland, three of my favorite subjects. It tells the story of the evolvement of the man , Elliott Frazer, who will go on to become the 'Keeper of the Brooches'.
All of the books are well worth reading, as the plots are complicated and the characters well developed.

8 people found this helpful

Good continuation of the Celtic Brooch series

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It drew together some important elements of the story. I was hoping it would involve time travel, though.

Have you listened to any of Teri Schnaubelt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Schnaubelt is an excellent performer. She has a talent for making me feel like I'm immersed in the story.

Could you see The Last MacKlenna being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes, I could see it working that way.

3 people found this helpful

Clash of the Titans of Horse and Wine

The Last MacKlenna is book two of the Celtic Brooch Series written by Katherine Lowry Logan and narrated by Teri Schnaubelt. First off I wish to thank you for replacing the word Trilogy with Series because this story definitely needs more than three books.

The Last MacKlenna is set in the same modern day as in The Ruby Brooch and takes place soon after Kitherina (Kit) MacKlenna returns to the past. Most of the events in this installment take place in or around three locations: MacKlenna Farm Lexington, Kentucky; Montgomery Winery, Napa Valley, California; Louise’s B&B and Fraser House, Edinburgh, Scotland. While there is no actual time hopping in this book there are references to the brooches.

This book reintroduces us to Elliott Fraser, thoroughbred breeder and MacKlenna Farms CEO, introduces us to vintner Meredith Montgomery, and Elliott’s loyal but quirky inner circle. Meredith, first female president of her family's 160-year-old Napa, California winery, is trying to juggle work and a potential health condition when she meet whiskey drinking, kilt wearing Scotsman Elliott.

Ms Logan again entertains us with a well written story and characters of depth. Throw in a murder mystery of equine proportion, some romance, and a family mystery and you have a story that further draws you into the Celtic Brooch series.

Teri Schnaubelt vocal intonations and characterizations are wonderful and again made me a participant in the journey and not just an outsider looking in. Ms Logan selected the perfect narrator for this ongoing tale.

This audiobook was provided in exchange for an unbiased review but the series is definitely worth the credits.

7 people found this helpful

Compelling romantic suspense story with a ghost!

Any additional comments?

The Last MacKlenna is another wonderfully complex and multilayered story by Katherine Lowry Logan. The story begins a few years after the first book in the series, The Ruby Brooch, ends. Basically Kit MacKlenna's godfather, Elliott Fraser, is still mourning Kit's absence knowing he'll never be able to see her again. Taking a break from managing the MacKlenna thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Kentucky, Elliot travels to a friend's B&B in Scotland in an attempt to recover from his 5th leg surgery in so many years. There, he meets his match in temperament and personality in the formidable Meredith Montgomery. Meredith is the first female President of Montgomery Winery, which is a 160-year old vineyard in Napa Valley, California. When tragedy strikes one of the horses only a few days after Elliot arrives in Scotland, he invites Meredith to Kentucky for a few days so he can multitask -- he can solve the mystery of what happened to the horse and continue to romance Meredith.

The Last MacKlenna is a compelling story, with well developed characters, a detailed plot, and a smoldering love story (most of which is written without too many salacious details). Although this story involves no time travel, it does include "Kit's ghost" who we know from The Ruby Brooch is Cullen Montgomery from the 19th Century. Also, even though there is no Brooch involved in this story, the general theme of two souls entwined across the continental United States is definitely present. How else can you explain the instant connection between Meredith and Elliot?

I listened to the Audible version of this boom narrated by Teri Schnaubelt, who did an outstanding job. Her smooth overtones and subtle character nuances made for a very pleasurable experience. Teri uses a variety of accents and gives each character their own distinct voice. I can't wait to listen to the next book written by Katherine Lowry Logan and narrated by Teri Schnaubelt!

6 people found this helpful

Great narrative

I found the reading excellent but the story was a bit hard to follow in the unrelatable realm of private jet travel. It was hard to feel that the story could be true, so the time line wasn't factual enough. the individual personal time from one holiday to next wasn't covered.

2 people found this helpful

The change of Elliott

Would you listen to The Last MacKlenna again? Why?

I have listened several times since I first listened. I listen so that I can pick up any of the story that I might have missed.

What did you like best about this story?

That Elliott did change.

Which scene was your favorite?

Meredith told Elliott she was expecting his baby.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. The scene where Elliott screamed at Meredith accusing her of withholding information. He had another horse to die. But Meredith had ridden the horse before and it came up lame. It was taken to another animal hospital. The horse that had been placed in Stormy's stall was the horse to be killed but Elliott thought it was his prize winning horse - Stormy. Elliott was very ugly and she left. Teri did the scene so well that it seemed the characters had come alive. The first time I heard it, I cried for Meredith.

Any additional comments?

This book is part of a series. Each book stands on its own. But it is a book that helps develop the characters for future stories.

2 people found this helpful

boring

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

people who like a slow moving story

Has The Last MacKlenna turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

What three words best describe Teri Schnaubelt’s performance?

good intonation, good accents, good narrator

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

just the narrator, she did a good job.

2 people found this helpful

did not care enough to finish it.

Nothing like the first book. The characters in the Ruby Brooch are vital and beautiful. They were still flawed but a joy to read about. These characters are older, but so am I, so that's not a problem. the man is hobbling around on crutches, the woman is struggling with a cancer diagnosis, and neither comes across very likeable. These are not people you expect to find in an escapist romance novel

2 people found this helpful

Their had to be a more thrilling way to get there

As good and exciting as the first book was the boredom of this one. Very VERY disappointing!!! One knows the ending almost immediately which wouldn't necessarily be a problem if the author choose a better story line and attached the reader to the characters. I'm not sure if I want to continue the series.

2 people found this helpful

Great series!

I have read the books about the ruby broach and the sapphire broach. This book filled a gap regarding Elliott that could not have been done with a broach story. I have not been disappointed with any of the books in this series and look forward to the final book about the emerald broach.

4 people found this helpful