Escape to the windswept shores of Gandiegow, where the Kilts and Quilts series by Patience Griffin weaves a heartwarming tapestry of romance, community, and Scottish charm. This contemporary romance series invites readers into a fictional seaside village in the Scottish Highlands, where love blossoms amid quilting circles and rugged fishermen. With its blend of humor, heart, and Highland allure, Kilts and Quilts is a cozy retreat for romance fans.
Each standalone novel in the series delivers a fresh love story, steeped in the warmth of a tight-knit community. Whether you’re drawn to the meddling quilters or the kilted heroes, this series promises an emotional journey that’s as comforting as a hand-stitched quilt.
How Kilts and Quilts Began
Patience Griffin, a former nuclear engineer turned romance novelist, launched the Kilts and Quilts series in 2014 with To Scotland with Love. Inspired by her love of quilting and fascination with Scottish culture, Griffin created Gandiegow, a fictional village that feels vividly real. Her own quilting passion—evidenced by her September 11th Story Quilt, displayed at the Pentagon—infuses the series with authentic detail. Griffin’s goal was to craft stories of hearth and home, blending romance with the communal spirit of small-town life.
The series grew from Griffin’s desire to explore second chances and personal growth, set against the rugged beauty of Scotland. Her background in a close-knit Mississippi River town shaped Gandiegow’s vibrant community, making it a character in its own right.
The Heart of Kilts and Quilts
The series kicks off with To Scotland with Love, where Cait Macleod, a grieving journalist, returns to Gandiegow to heal. She meets Graham Buchanan, a movie star hiding secrets, and their romance unfolds amid quilting sessions and village gossip. Meet Me in Scotland follows Emma Castle, a marriage therapist, as she navigates sparks with village doctor Gabriel MacGregor. Some Like It Scottish introduces Kit Woodhouse, a matchmaker, who falls for skeptical fisherman Ramsay Armstrong. The Trouble with Scotland pairs Sadie Middleton, a quilter mourning her grandmother, with fisherman Ross Armstrong, despite meddling townsfolk.
Recurring themes include second chances, healing from loss, and the power of community. Quilting symbolizes connection, with the village’s quilting ladies—like the feisty Deydie—stitching together lives and loves. The Scottish setting, with its stormy seas and cozy pubs, adds a romantic backdrop, while Griffin’s light, witty style keeps the stories engaging. Each book balances emotional depth with humor, making Gandiegow a place readers long to visit.
The series’ standalone structure welcomes newcomers, though recurring characters reward loyal readers. From bachelor auctions to Christmas festivities, the novels capture the quirks and warmth of village life, with kilts and quilts as charming constants.
Why Kilts and Quilts Resonates
Kilts and Quilts has carved a niche in contemporary romance, enchanting fans with its heartfelt storytelling and Scottish flair. Readers praise the series for its relatable characters and immersive setting, often comparing Gandiegow to a real place they wish to visit. The series’ focus on quilting resonates with crafters, inspiring real-life quilt patterns sold on Griffin’s Etsy shop. Its 2015 Rita Award nomination for To Scotland with Love underscores its critical acclaim.
Beyond romance, the series celebrates resilience and community, offering comfort to readers seeking escape. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend cozy romance with universal themes, ensuring Gandiegow remains a beloved destination for fans old and new.
- First Book: To Scotland with Love (2014)
- Total Books: 9
- Award: Rita Award nominee for Best First Book (2015)
- Setting: Gandiegow, Scottish Highlands
Ready to fall in love with Gandiegow’s quilters and kilted heroes? Grab To Scotland with Love and dive into the cozy, romantic world of Kilts and Quilts today!