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Scottish Highlands #2
Vánoce na skotském hradě
Jednoho dne Belle v chumelenici podklouzne kolo a ona narazí do stařičké paní a zraní jí kotník. Když zjistí, že Edina na nedalekém hradě žije úplně sama, rozhodne se k ní nastěhovat a postarat se o ni, dokud se neuzdraví, a připravit jí nezapomenutelné Vánoce.
Jakmile se právník Jack dozví, že u jeho babičky bydlí cizí člověk, hned se za ní rozjede. Belle je mu od začátku podezřelá a on jí také. Vzájemně se sledují a dumají, co má ten druhý za lubem. Jenže i přes oboustrannou nevraživost je to k sobě neodolatelně přitahuje…
Jakmile se právník Jack dozví, že u jeho babičky bydlí cizí člověk, hned se za ní rozjede. Belle je mu od začátku podezřelá a on jí také. Vzájemně se sledují a dumají, co má ten druhý za lubem. Jenže i přes oboustrannou nevraživost je to k sobě neodolatelně přitahuje…
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
January 19, 2022
Christmas in the Scottish Highlands es un libro del que esperaba una historia muy navideña, evidentemente, llena de amor, llena de clichés y, sobre todo, esperaba que me transportara otra vez a ese lugar que me encanta, que es Escocia. Sin embargo, fue un libro que se centró demasiado en una protagonista que no me cayó bien, pues tenía una obsesión muy malsana por complacer a todo el mundo y dejarse a ella en último lugar. Además, la verdad es que la relación de amor que surgió a lo largo de la historia fue demasiado instalovey para mi gusto, a pesar de que a mí me gustan ese tipo de relaciones, pero cuando siento que la chispa de atracción real está allí. Tristemente ese no fue el caso aquí.
Básicamente aquí tenemos la historia de Belle, una mujer que, sin querer, atropella con su bicicleta un día a Edina, otra mujer muy mayor que vive en un castillo en las tierras altas de Escocia. Edina termina con el tobillo roto y, como vive sola en este castillo, Belle tiene que mudarse allí para ayudarla en sus quehaceres diarios. Apartir de ese momento se va a dar cuenta de que Edina es una mujer que ha estado sola durante muchísimo tiempo y que necesita toda la ayuda y compañía posibles, pues desde que murió su esposo nadie la visita. La cosa es que luego aparece el nieto de Edina, que vive en Londres, y empieza a sospechar de Belle porque cree que lo que quiere es robarle toda la fortuna a su abuela, haciendo que confíe en ella y que cambie todo su testamento para cuando muera. Pero la realidad es que Belle es más buena que el pan y, obviamente, no estaba planeando nada de eso, sino que, por el contrario, quiere cumplirle todos sus deseos de Navidad a Edina. Y eso es lo que, efectivamente, empieza hacer.
Y así sigue esta historia, llena de clichés y de una manera bastante apresurada. Siento que no se desarrolla mucho todo el tono de los personajes, ni de la historia, ni de sus contextos. Y en realidad tampoco siento que sea una lectura ligera, a pesar de que es un libro corto, pues se me hizo bastante pesado y lleno de muchos rodeos. Tampoco sentí esa chispa que espero sentir cuando estoy leyendo un libro romántico de Navidad, así que creo que, en el fondo, no lo recomiendo. Además tampoco me pareció que plasmara muy bien el espíritu escocés o que me transportara a un ambiente de Escocia. En fin, que me decepcionó bastante.
Básicamente aquí tenemos la historia de Belle, una mujer que, sin querer, atropella con su bicicleta un día a Edina, otra mujer muy mayor que vive en un castillo en las tierras altas de Escocia. Edina termina con el tobillo roto y, como vive sola en este castillo, Belle tiene que mudarse allí para ayudarla en sus quehaceres diarios. Apartir de ese momento se va a dar cuenta de que Edina es una mujer que ha estado sola durante muchísimo tiempo y que necesita toda la ayuda y compañía posibles, pues desde que murió su esposo nadie la visita. La cosa es que luego aparece el nieto de Edina, que vive en Londres, y empieza a sospechar de Belle porque cree que lo que quiere es robarle toda la fortuna a su abuela, haciendo que confíe en ella y que cambie todo su testamento para cuando muera. Pero la realidad es que Belle es más buena que el pan y, obviamente, no estaba planeando nada de eso, sino que, por el contrario, quiere cumplirle todos sus deseos de Navidad a Edina. Y eso es lo que, efectivamente, empieza hacer.
Y así sigue esta historia, llena de clichés y de una manera bastante apresurada. Siento que no se desarrolla mucho todo el tono de los personajes, ni de la historia, ni de sus contextos. Y en realidad tampoco siento que sea una lectura ligera, a pesar de que es un libro corto, pues se me hizo bastante pesado y lleno de muchos rodeos. Tampoco sentí esa chispa que espero sentir cuando estoy leyendo un libro romántico de Navidad, así que creo que, en el fondo, no lo recomiendo. Además tampoco me pareció que plasmara muy bien el espíritu escocés o que me transportara a un ambiente de Escocia. En fin, que me decepcionó bastante.
October 6, 2021
Belle Albany was rushing on her bicycle through the falling snow in the small town of Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, when suddenly an elderly lady stepped into her path. Unable to stop, she bumped the lady who went down and immediately Belle jumped down beside her. Edina was shaken but sure she was alright – after all she said, it was her fault for stepping out. But Edina had a small fracture in her ankle and Belle immediately knew she would need to look after her until it was healed. Belle was a caring person, always putting others before herself, and when she saw Edina’s home, the massive castle on the hill, with Edina the only inhabitant, Belle felt sorry for the lonely old woman. She vowed to help her and make her happy.
As Belle gradually came to know Edina, she discovered a rift in Edina’s family that had been years in the making. Her grandson Jack had only recently contacted her after thirty years of not knowing if he was even alive. Edina was thrilled to talk to and about Jack, but she hadn’t seen him yet. And the estrangement between Jack and his mother Tara was heartbreaking. Edina badly wanted the two to get back together. And when Jack arrived in his fancy sports car – not the most ideal through the snow – Belle found him rude and arrogant…
As Belle worked with her junior class at school, working on the nativity play for the end of the year, she had them writing their Christmas lists. Edina and Belle joined in for a bit of fun – but Belle was then determined to fulfil most if not all on Edina’s list. But could she do it? Getting Tara and Jack back together might prove the sticking point.
Christmas in the Scottish Highlands is a delightful, heartwarming novel by Donna Ashcroft which I thoroughly enjoyed. Belle was an exceptional character and Edina was wonderful. I loved Bob (the donkey) and Jinx (the cat) as well. The whole village of Christmas was full of special characters which made Christmas in the Scottish Highlands an extremely feel-good story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As Belle gradually came to know Edina, she discovered a rift in Edina’s family that had been years in the making. Her grandson Jack had only recently contacted her after thirty years of not knowing if he was even alive. Edina was thrilled to talk to and about Jack, but she hadn’t seen him yet. And the estrangement between Jack and his mother Tara was heartbreaking. Edina badly wanted the two to get back together. And when Jack arrived in his fancy sports car – not the most ideal through the snow – Belle found him rude and arrogant…
As Belle worked with her junior class at school, working on the nativity play for the end of the year, she had them writing their Christmas lists. Edina and Belle joined in for a bit of fun – but Belle was then determined to fulfil most if not all on Edina’s list. But could she do it? Getting Tara and Jack back together might prove the sticking point.
Christmas in the Scottish Highlands is a delightful, heartwarming novel by Donna Ashcroft which I thoroughly enjoyed. Belle was an exceptional character and Edina was wonderful. I loved Bob (the donkey) and Jinx (the cat) as well. The whole village of Christmas was full of special characters which made Christmas in the Scottish Highlands an extremely feel-good story. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
This was such a cute holiday romance that read exactly like a Hallmark movie. Belle is a selfless teacher who gives up her home for a family in need and moves into this Scottish estate to take care of the old women she accidentally ran over with her bike. She decides to make the woman's Christmas wishes come true, which includes a family reconciliation. The woman's grandson shows up and he and Belle immediately butt heads, but there's an underlying attraction that slowly grows throughout the book. The romance was cute, but I also loved the sense of community in the small Scottish town. Belle has a best friend who has a bit of a side plot and Belle is also helping put on her school's nativity play. I loved how the old woman was thriving and living life again and how there were so many relationships that were being mended throughout the book. If you want a book very much like a Hallmark movie with an adorable romance and all of the holiday feels, you should pick this up!
October 10, 2021
This is much better than your average village romance story. It's written well, the characters and dialogue are authentic, and the descriptions place you smack in the middle of each scene.
I say this because most of the books I've read lately, in this genre, list a bunch of details from too many characters without really digging deep into any of them. This one is so much better.
So if you're looking for a Christmas read that will leave you feeling happy for reading it, this is one of the good ones.
I say this because most of the books I've read lately, in this genre, list a bunch of details from too many characters without really digging deep into any of them. This one is so much better.
So if you're looking for a Christmas read that will leave you feeling happy for reading it, this is one of the good ones.
January 25, 2023
YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
Una historia navideña con todos los ingredientes necesarios para dejarme el corazón calentito. Es como la típica película navideña: hay muchos clichés y es predecible, pero es justo lo que quería y justo lo que me dio.
Tenemos a una profesora de infantil (o primaria) que está preparando la función del belén navideño con sus alumnos y que se muda a un castillo para cuidar de una anciana a la que sin querer ha atropellado con la bici. Y de repente, en mitad de prácticamente una tormenta de nieve, llega el nieto de dicha mujer. Y ya sabemos lo que va a pasar.
La verdad es que lo he disfrutado mucho, como ya he dicho. Es cierto que ambos protagonistas tienen cada uno una característica que exaspera un poco, pero creo que se explica muy bien porque tienen esos "defectos", es decir, hay un fundamento, y además se ve claramente desde el primer momento que es el típico rasgo de personalidad en el que van a tener que trabajar, se ve que va a ser uno de los puntos centrales alrededor de los cuales va a girar la evolución de los personales. Y así es y esa evolución se ha dado de forma satisfactoria para mí. La verdad es que los personajes en general me han gustado mucho.
Por poner una pega, creo que la forma de hablar de algunos es muy estereotipada. Es una historia ambientada en un pueblecito escocés, pero me ha dado la sensación de que la autora utilizaba muchas veces wee y otras palabras que se consideran escocesas desde fuera, pero que me da la sensación de que es una visión muy estereotipada y extranjera de cómo hablan los escoceses. También me da la sensación de que esas palabrejas escocesas se dicen mucho al principio del libro y conforme avanza la historia se van perdiendo.
Por otro lado, la historia no se me ha hecho pesada, en absoluto, pero sí creo que no acaba de tener esa ligereza extrema de algunas comedias románticas, porque de hecho, no diría que es una comedia. Por la forma en la que está escrito, tiene como otro aire. Está claro que no lo estoy describiendo muy bien, pero ojalá se capte la idea.
En definitiva: me ha gustado la adaptación, los personajes, el desarrollo de la historia de amor pero también de otras relaciones entre personajes... No dudaré en recomendarlo en el futuro.
Una historia navideña con todos los ingredientes necesarios para dejarme el corazón calentito. Es como la típica película navideña: hay muchos clichés y es predecible, pero es justo lo que quería y justo lo que me dio.
Tenemos a una profesora de infantil (o primaria) que está preparando la función del belén navideño con sus alumnos y que se muda a un castillo para cuidar de una anciana a la que sin querer ha atropellado con la bici. Y de repente, en mitad de prácticamente una tormenta de nieve, llega el nieto de dicha mujer. Y ya sabemos lo que va a pasar.
La verdad es que lo he disfrutado mucho, como ya he dicho. Es cierto que ambos protagonistas tienen cada uno una característica que exaspera un poco, pero creo que se explica muy bien porque tienen esos "defectos", es decir, hay un fundamento, y además se ve claramente desde el primer momento que es el típico rasgo de personalidad en el que van a tener que trabajar, se ve que va a ser uno de los puntos centrales alrededor de los cuales va a girar la evolución de los personales. Y así es y esa evolución se ha dado de forma satisfactoria para mí. La verdad es que los personajes en general me han gustado mucho.
Por poner una pega, creo que la forma de hablar de algunos es muy estereotipada. Es una historia ambientada en un pueblecito escocés, pero me ha dado la sensación de que la autora utilizaba muchas veces wee y otras palabras que se consideran escocesas desde fuera, pero que me da la sensación de que es una visión muy estereotipada y extranjera de cómo hablan los escoceses. También me da la sensación de que esas palabrejas escocesas se dicen mucho al principio del libro y conforme avanza la historia se van perdiendo.
Por otro lado, la historia no se me ha hecho pesada, en absoluto, pero sí creo que no acaba de tener esa ligereza extrema de algunas comedias románticas, porque de hecho, no diría que es una comedia. Por la forma en la que está escrito, tiene como otro aire. Está claro que no lo estoy describiendo muy bien, pero ojalá se capte la idea.
En definitiva: me ha gustado la adaptación, los personajes, el desarrollo de la historia de amor pero también de otras relaciones entre personajes... No dudaré en recomendarlo en el futuro.
December 25, 2025
Ik heb dit boek OPGEGETEN! Wat was dit genieten! Als je in de kerstsfeer wil komen of als je houd van Hallmark kerstfilms dan is dít je boek.
Ik ben door dit boek gevlogen. Het taalgebruik is beeldend, maar niet te gedetailleerd waardoor je wel alles voor je ziet maar niet wordt verzopen in details. Het las echt snel weg en het schreeuwde kerst. Het prachtige kasteel, het kleine Schotse dorp waar iedereen voor elkaar zorgt, de witte deken die erover neergedaald was en de constant weglopende ezel, die volgens mij precies wist wat hij aan het doen was, droegen daar onder andere aan bij.
Ik vond Belle een vrolijke, lieve en empathische FMC. Zij zet continu iedereen op nummer 1, maar nooit zichzelf. Ik was blij om te ontdekken waar die drang vandaan kwam en ook hoe zij en meerdere karakters in het boek groeien en opbloeien. De bijkarakters zijn ook heel leuk en goed uitgewerkt. Er zit ook een heerlijke grumpy en wantrouwende MMC in, genaamd Jack. En de tension tussen de hoofdpersonages vond ik heerlijk.
Het boek heeft een groot samenhorigheidsgevoel. De manier waarop de dorpsbewoners elkaar helpen en klaar staan voor elkaar, draagt nog meer bij aan het kerstgevoel.
Ik heb ook echt een paar keer hard moeten lachen om het boek. Zeker om de eigenzinnige Edina, we zouden net als zij vaker een tiara moeten dragen, en haar eigenwijze en continu weglopende ezel.
Ik heb van dit boek genoten. Als je het mij vraagt het perfecte kerstboek. Ik heb gelachen, ik was ontroert en het boek liet mijn hart overstromen met een warm en vol gevoel. Het boek heeft alles wat ik wil en een kat en een ezel... Ik wil meer!
Bedankt AW Bruna voor het recensie exemplaar.
Ik ben door dit boek gevlogen. Het taalgebruik is beeldend, maar niet te gedetailleerd waardoor je wel alles voor je ziet maar niet wordt verzopen in details. Het las echt snel weg en het schreeuwde kerst. Het prachtige kasteel, het kleine Schotse dorp waar iedereen voor elkaar zorgt, de witte deken die erover neergedaald was en de constant weglopende ezel, die volgens mij precies wist wat hij aan het doen was, droegen daar onder andere aan bij.
Ik vond Belle een vrolijke, lieve en empathische FMC. Zij zet continu iedereen op nummer 1, maar nooit zichzelf. Ik was blij om te ontdekken waar die drang vandaan kwam en ook hoe zij en meerdere karakters in het boek groeien en opbloeien. De bijkarakters zijn ook heel leuk en goed uitgewerkt. Er zit ook een heerlijke grumpy en wantrouwende MMC in, genaamd Jack. En de tension tussen de hoofdpersonages vond ik heerlijk.
Het boek heeft een groot samenhorigheidsgevoel. De manier waarop de dorpsbewoners elkaar helpen en klaar staan voor elkaar, draagt nog meer bij aan het kerstgevoel.
Ik heb ook echt een paar keer hard moeten lachen om het boek. Zeker om de eigenzinnige Edina, we zouden net als zij vaker een tiara moeten dragen, en haar eigenwijze en continu weglopende ezel.
Ik heb van dit boek genoten. Als je het mij vraagt het perfecte kerstboek. Ik heb gelachen, ik was ontroert en het boek liet mijn hart overstromen met een warm en vol gevoel. Het boek heeft alles wat ik wil en een kat en een ezel... Ik wil meer!
Bedankt AW Bruna voor het recensie exemplaar.
September 18, 2023
This book was simply delightful and an absolute divine pleasure to read.
I absolutely fell in love with this heart-warming, super cosy book by author Donna Ashcroft. I am now inspired to buy many more books of Donna's and probably be her nr 1 fan!
Set in the Scottish Highlands in a village called Christmas Village, we meet our mc, Belle. A young woman who is a teacher of younger children. One day Belle knocks an elderly lady called Edina down as Belle is riding her bicycle on icy roads. Poor Edina finds herself with a badly bruised ankle and Belle offers to stay at the Castle that is Edina's to help take care of her.
In comes the long-lost grandson to Edina, Jack who is a bit of an arrogant man, a lawyer by profession whose mother (Edina's daughter) left him when he was five. You really have to read the story not just to find out what happens when Jack thinks Belle is only at the castle to prowess and glean all Edina's money and tiaras, but also to find out why Tara, Jack's mother had to leave and desert her son.
This lovely book had me turning page after page to find out Jack's story and to see where it would lead us in terms of the relationship, off on the wrong footing from the off, between Belle and Jack.
This is a must seasonal, holidays buy. If you do read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Kerry Kennedy Author of Boris Meets Father Christmas and Who's Watchin Who.
I absolutely fell in love with this heart-warming, super cosy book by author Donna Ashcroft. I am now inspired to buy many more books of Donna's and probably be her nr 1 fan!
Set in the Scottish Highlands in a village called Christmas Village, we meet our mc, Belle. A young woman who is a teacher of younger children. One day Belle knocks an elderly lady called Edina down as Belle is riding her bicycle on icy roads. Poor Edina finds herself with a badly bruised ankle and Belle offers to stay at the Castle that is Edina's to help take care of her.
In comes the long-lost grandson to Edina, Jack who is a bit of an arrogant man, a lawyer by profession whose mother (Edina's daughter) left him when he was five. You really have to read the story not just to find out what happens when Jack thinks Belle is only at the castle to prowess and glean all Edina's money and tiaras, but also to find out why Tara, Jack's mother had to leave and desert her son.
This lovely book had me turning page after page to find out Jack's story and to see where it would lead us in terms of the relationship, off on the wrong footing from the off, between Belle and Jack.
This is a must seasonal, holidays buy. If you do read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Kerry Kennedy Author of Boris Meets Father Christmas and Who's Watchin Who.
October 11, 2021
**Happy Publication Day**
*************
4 Stars
Bella lives in a picturesque Scottish village and works as a kindergarten teacher. She’s the heart of the village, always helping someone, even if it means she has to spread herself thin. Being alone on Christmas doesn’t sound that good, but Bella is pretty much used to it.
When she crashes into an elderly lady, Edina, who lives in the castle nearby, and injures her foot, Bella offers to stay and help her. Bella realizes how lonely Edina feels and tries to bring cheer to her life and the castle.
Enters, Jack, Edina’s grandson, a hotshot lawyer in London. He seems arrogant, judgmental, and pessimistic about most things in life. Yet, Bella and Jack work together on Bella’s projects and learn that there’s more to the other person than first impressions.
The Christmas Spirit is all around them, and attraction blooms between the lead couple. But with both of them having a few past issues they don’t want to deal with, will there be a future with happy ever after?
This is a sweet, cute, cozy, and heartwarming Christmas romance with likable characters. The best part about such books is that the side characters would be endearing and lovable. This book is no exception. Be it Edina, Tavish, Kenzy, Logan, or the little munchkins from Bella’s class, everyone has a personality and potential for a short story or a novella of their own.
Christmas in the Scottish Highlands has more than one couple finding love, and I enjoyed their stories equally. The writing flows, nice, warm and familiar with descriptions of the setting and easy conversation between the characters.
The main reason I pick small town/ village-based romances is the familiarity of the setting and the assurance of the ending. We know how the book will end, and that’s the kind of comfort I need at times. It’s much like eating a slice of favorite cake (the book has a good number of them too) and enjoying its taste as always.
The characters have their flaws, and the writer keeps things believable most of the time. Since the book is just 200+ pages, nothing gets dragged beyond the breaking point.
To sum up, Christmas in the Scottish Highlands is much like eating your favorite chocolate cake and sipping hot chocolate on autumn noon.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#ChristmasintheScottishHighlands #NetGalley
*****
P.S: It’s not naan bread. It is naan; no suffix needed. Calling it naan bread is like saying bun bread or pizza bread.
*************
4 Stars
Bella lives in a picturesque Scottish village and works as a kindergarten teacher. She’s the heart of the village, always helping someone, even if it means she has to spread herself thin. Being alone on Christmas doesn’t sound that good, but Bella is pretty much used to it.
When she crashes into an elderly lady, Edina, who lives in the castle nearby, and injures her foot, Bella offers to stay and help her. Bella realizes how lonely Edina feels and tries to bring cheer to her life and the castle.
Enters, Jack, Edina’s grandson, a hotshot lawyer in London. He seems arrogant, judgmental, and pessimistic about most things in life. Yet, Bella and Jack work together on Bella’s projects and learn that there’s more to the other person than first impressions.
The Christmas Spirit is all around them, and attraction blooms between the lead couple. But with both of them having a few past issues they don’t want to deal with, will there be a future with happy ever after?
This is a sweet, cute, cozy, and heartwarming Christmas romance with likable characters. The best part about such books is that the side characters would be endearing and lovable. This book is no exception. Be it Edina, Tavish, Kenzy, Logan, or the little munchkins from Bella’s class, everyone has a personality and potential for a short story or a novella of their own.
Christmas in the Scottish Highlands has more than one couple finding love, and I enjoyed their stories equally. The writing flows, nice, warm and familiar with descriptions of the setting and easy conversation between the characters.
The main reason I pick small town/ village-based romances is the familiarity of the setting and the assurance of the ending. We know how the book will end, and that’s the kind of comfort I need at times. It’s much like eating a slice of favorite cake (the book has a good number of them too) and enjoying its taste as always.
The characters have their flaws, and the writer keeps things believable most of the time. Since the book is just 200+ pages, nothing gets dragged beyond the breaking point.
To sum up, Christmas in the Scottish Highlands is much like eating your favorite chocolate cake and sipping hot chocolate on autumn noon.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#ChristmasintheScottishHighlands #NetGalley
*****
P.S: It’s not naan bread. It is naan; no suffix needed. Calling it naan bread is like saying bun bread or pizza bread.
December 6, 2022
Maybe it was just the narrator?!?! But I couldn’t listen to this past the 3rd chapter. This felt like a really bad Hallmark movie. I’ve honestly never DNF’d a book so quickly. 👀
December 18, 2024
1 hviezda za toho oslíka
December 30, 2021
Well, I saved one of the best for last. This is my final Christmas story for 2021 and I really enjoyed this story. This story is set in Scotland, in Christmas Village, a lovely little village with quirky characters, a caring community and a castle. Thirty-year-old Belle Albany is busy, but lonely as Christmas approaches. Her boyfriend has moved to Australia, her godmother has died and once again, her father is not coming home for Christmas. As she pedals her bike home, she slips on some ice and knocks over elderly Edina, the only inhabitant of the castle. She agrees to move in with Edina to help take care of her until she is back on her feet. It is perfect timing because a family whose children are in her class, have lost their home and are looking for something close to Christmas Village to rent, so they don't have to move away. What Belle was not expecting was handsome Jack Hamilton-Kirk, Edina's grandson to show up and find out what is going on. With all Belle has on her plate with work, she is also trying to give Edina a wonderful Christmas by fulfilling her requests to Santa.
I loved Belle's character. She is the most giving person, one who wants to help everyone, make them happy, even if they don't want her help. Jack was the character you love to hate, at least at the beginning. He is rude, arrogant, is suspicious of everyone, thinks he knows what is best for Edina even though he didn't really know her and is quick to jump to conclusions. As he and Belle get to know each other, he begins to change. Edina is a hoot. She has lived alone in the castle since her husband died and once Belle starts getting her out and about, she is like a flower opening up. Belle's friends and the other villagers are all great additions to the story. The Christmas cheer in this book is overflowing and the Nativity that Belle's students put on is both wonderful and humorous. Both Jack and Belle have some baggage to deal with in order to move forward and I liked that the best way to move forward is through communication and forgiveness. If you are looking for one more Christmas story this year, I recommend Christmas in the Scottish Highlands.
I loved Belle's character. She is the most giving person, one who wants to help everyone, make them happy, even if they don't want her help. Jack was the character you love to hate, at least at the beginning. He is rude, arrogant, is suspicious of everyone, thinks he knows what is best for Edina even though he didn't really know her and is quick to jump to conclusions. As he and Belle get to know each other, he begins to change. Edina is a hoot. She has lived alone in the castle since her husband died and once Belle starts getting her out and about, she is like a flower opening up. Belle's friends and the other villagers are all great additions to the story. The Christmas cheer in this book is overflowing and the Nativity that Belle's students put on is both wonderful and humorous. Both Jack and Belle have some baggage to deal with in order to move forward and I liked that the best way to move forward is through communication and forgiveness. If you are looking for one more Christmas story this year, I recommend Christmas in the Scottish Highlands.
December 27, 2025
Vianoce na škótskom hrade sú predvídateľne sladké ako hallmarkovské televízne romance. Viete, čo príde ešte predtým, ako sa tak stane. Z počiatočného nedorozumenia a desaťročia trvajúcej nekomunikácie sa za pár dní (asi im ten mráz udrie na mozog) udeje zázrak a všetko sa obráti k lepšiemu. Dokonca aj dedinka sa volá Vianočná a príbeh sa odohráva tesne pred Vianocami. Celá hrejivá atmosféra sa nesie v znamení svetielok, snehu, koláčikov, ohňa v kozube, dobrého jedla a predvianočného divadielka detí, či spoločnej vianočnej oslavy celej dediny ako prekvapenie na záver.
Sledujeme príbeh altrustickej učiteľky prváčikov, Belle, ktorá omylom zrazí Edinu, majiteľku hradu, a potom sa o ňu stará, kým sa nevylieči zo zranenia. Za ten čas svoj dom poskytne rodičom svojho žiaka, kým si nenájdu podnájom. Vzťah-nevzťah s vnukom, ktorý sa tam po rokoch náhodou objaví, všetky nedorozumenia (ide Belle o peniaze a šperky starej panej a vnukovi o samotný hrad a odpratanie babky do domova dôchodcov?) sa postupne pretavia do vzájomnej príťažlivosti. Samozrejmosťou je aj precitnutie takmer všetkých postáv; Bellina koketujúca kamoška prehodnotí vzťahy s mužmi a chce sa usadiť, syn si vypočuje príbeh matky, ktorá ho opustila keď bol dieťaťom, polosirota povie otcovi, že ho potrebuje viac ako deti v Afrike, rozvádzajúci sa manželia sa začnú zaujímať o toho druhého, právnik zistí, že nie všetky ženy chcú materiálne bohatstvo, a tak podobne.
Na jednej strane je to veľmi milé čítanie, príjemné a žiarivé, kde sa všetko točí okolo Belly, ktorá dáva na prvé miesto všetkých okrem seba; deti v triede, obyvateľov mestečka, či priateľov. A na seba nemyslí. Ani list Santovi nedokončí, ale zato plní želania ostatným. Sledujeme tu nitky príbehov viacerých postáv, ich nevyriešené vzťahy z minulosti. Aj keď vieme, kto koho opustil, chvíľu trvá, kým si jednotlivé osoby vypočujú aj druhú stranu, alebo priznajú skutočné pocity.
No na druhej strane, v duchu prevraciam očami nad správaním všetkých dospelých postáv, nielen rodičia sú neskutočne jednostranne vykreslení a ich sebecké reakcie sú ako po lobotómii.
Chápete, žijete od ôsmich rokoch v Škótsku a pravdepodobne už ako dospelá viete, že v zime je tam fakt mrazivo. Ale chápem, pre niekoho je to prekvapením každú zimu, že v zime aj nasneží. Ale tu keď sa vyberiete von, máte obuté ledva snehule a k tomu nezodpovedajúci tenký kabát, aj keď vonku kydá sneh ako zadarmo, nevadí, ste v terénnom aute. A tak ho pre istotu poskytnete istej nie príliš zodpovednej rodine, čo uviazla v snehu, nenecháte sa odviezť predtým domov, a ani ich nehodíte cestou, kam mali namierené, lebo príčetnosť, či slovo „nie” vo svojom slovníku nemáte. Plaholčíte sa snehovou víchricou a riskujete omrzliny a smrť len kvôli autorkiným mokrým snom o budúcej masáži nôh, aj s bonusovým zohrievaním sa, čo je v jej scenári.
Potom však minimálne dve postavy majú totálne rovnaký štýl komunikácie (svoje polovičky oslovujú úplne rovnako , čo sa asi stratilo v preklade, lebo v škótskom náreči by to znelo zmysluplnejšie). A ja ich už nerozlišujem, lebo sa blíži vytúžený záver.
Najpresvedčivejší je somárik Bob, lebo uňho vieme naisto, že uteká zo stajne len preto, že sa tam nudí a hľadá spoločnosť… A ešte ten jeden chlapec, ktorý chce byť ovcou. ;)
A čo som tým chcela povedať? Na vypnutie v predvianočnom zhone ideálne. Nájdite si čas na čaj, či kávu (sami so sebou) s knihou, s priateľmi v obľúbenej kaviarni, či v domácom pohodlí. A knižné problémy nech si riešia papieroví hrdinovia…
Sledujeme príbeh altrustickej učiteľky prváčikov, Belle, ktorá omylom zrazí Edinu, majiteľku hradu, a potom sa o ňu stará, kým sa nevylieči zo zranenia. Za ten čas svoj dom poskytne rodičom svojho žiaka, kým si nenájdu podnájom. Vzťah-nevzťah s vnukom, ktorý sa tam po rokoch náhodou objaví, všetky nedorozumenia (ide Belle o peniaze a šperky starej panej a vnukovi o samotný hrad a odpratanie babky do domova dôchodcov?) sa postupne pretavia do vzájomnej príťažlivosti. Samozrejmosťou je aj precitnutie takmer všetkých postáv; Bellina koketujúca kamoška prehodnotí vzťahy s mužmi a chce sa usadiť, syn si vypočuje príbeh matky, ktorá ho opustila keď bol dieťaťom, polosirota povie otcovi, že ho potrebuje viac ako deti v Afrike, rozvádzajúci sa manželia sa začnú zaujímať o toho druhého, právnik zistí, že nie všetky ženy chcú materiálne bohatstvo, a tak podobne.
Na jednej strane je to veľmi milé čítanie, príjemné a žiarivé, kde sa všetko točí okolo Belly, ktorá dáva na prvé miesto všetkých okrem seba; deti v triede, obyvateľov mestečka, či priateľov. A na seba nemyslí. Ani list Santovi nedokončí, ale zato plní želania ostatným. Sledujeme tu nitky príbehov viacerých postáv, ich nevyriešené vzťahy z minulosti. Aj keď vieme, kto koho opustil, chvíľu trvá, kým si jednotlivé osoby vypočujú aj druhú stranu, alebo priznajú skutočné pocity.
No na druhej strane, v duchu prevraciam očami nad správaním všetkých dospelých postáv, nielen rodičia sú neskutočne jednostranne vykreslení a ich sebecké reakcie sú ako po lobotómii.
Chápete, žijete od ôsmich rokoch v Škótsku a pravdepodobne už ako dospelá viete, že v zime je tam fakt mrazivo. Ale chápem, pre niekoho je to prekvapením každú zimu, že v zime aj nasneží. Ale tu keď sa vyberiete von, máte obuté ledva snehule a k tomu nezodpovedajúci tenký kabát, aj keď vonku kydá sneh ako zadarmo, nevadí, ste v terénnom aute. A tak ho pre istotu poskytnete istej nie príliš zodpovednej rodine, čo uviazla v snehu, nenecháte sa odviezť predtým domov, a ani ich nehodíte cestou, kam mali namierené, lebo príčetnosť, či slovo „nie” vo svojom slovníku nemáte. Plaholčíte sa snehovou víchricou a riskujete omrzliny a smrť len kvôli autorkiným mokrým snom o budúcej masáži nôh, aj s bonusovým zohrievaním sa, čo je v jej scenári.
Potom však minimálne dve postavy majú totálne rovnaký štýl komunikácie (svoje polovičky oslovujú úplne rovnako , čo sa asi stratilo v preklade, lebo v škótskom náreči by to znelo zmysluplnejšie). A ja ich už nerozlišujem, lebo sa blíži vytúžený záver.
Najpresvedčivejší je somárik Bob, lebo uňho vieme naisto, že uteká zo stajne len preto, že sa tam nudí a hľadá spoločnosť… A ešte ten jeden chlapec, ktorý chce byť ovcou. ;)
A čo som tým chcela povedať? Na vypnutie v predvianočnom zhone ideálne. Nájdite si čas na čaj, či kávu (sami so sebou) s knihou, s priateľmi v obľúbenej kaviarni, či v domácom pohodlí. A knižné problémy nech si riešia papieroví hrdinovia…
December 20, 2023
Ik vond deze gewoon niet zo leuk 🤭
December 12, 2021
This is a cute holiday romance that reads just like a Hallmark movie. This is my first Donna Ashcroft novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I picked this one up because its set in the Scottish Highlands. Belle is a teacher in Christmas Village who gives her all to everyone and everything. Then Jack is a cynical lawyer who comes in and trusts absolutely no one. An added plus I can't forget to mention would have to be all the side characters. My faves would have to be Kenzy and Logan.
November 30, 2023
Christmas in the Scottish Highlands
The title sounds promising. The book is nothing Special.
The title sounds promising. The book is nothing Special.
December 24, 2023
Een feelgoodroman over sneeuw, kerst, liefde en verzoening.
Het verhaal gaat over Belle, een schooljuf die alles en iedereen op de eerste plaats zet behalve haarzelf. Ze woont in een Schots dorpje waar nooit zoveel spannends gebeurd. Tot ze de teruggetrokken, eenzame Edina per ongeluk aanrijdt met haar fiets. Ze trekt tijdelijk in bij de oude vrouw in haar kasteel tot ongenoegen van de kleinzoon van Edina, een advocaat uit London.
Het verhaal leest makkelijk weg, de personages hebben allemaal een eigen verhaallijn waardoor hun karakters wat meer tot leven komen. Als je geen feelgood kerstfilm wilt kijken, dan is dit boek een prima alternatief voor op de bank met een kop thee erbij.
Het verhaal gaat over Belle, een schooljuf die alles en iedereen op de eerste plaats zet behalve haarzelf. Ze woont in een Schots dorpje waar nooit zoveel spannends gebeurd. Tot ze de teruggetrokken, eenzame Edina per ongeluk aanrijdt met haar fiets. Ze trekt tijdelijk in bij de oude vrouw in haar kasteel tot ongenoegen van de kleinzoon van Edina, een advocaat uit London.
Het verhaal leest makkelijk weg, de personages hebben allemaal een eigen verhaallijn waardoor hun karakters wat meer tot leven komen. Als je geen feelgood kerstfilm wilt kijken, dan is dit boek een prima alternatief voor op de bank met een kop thee erbij.
January 18, 2022
I just read a book like Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, and I liked the other one better. This story moved to slowly. The characters were too stubborn and set in their ways.
December 22, 2025
Dit boek gewonnen met een winactie en meteen mee op de bank gedoken. Een heerlijk, cozy kerstverhaal. Ik vond de personages lief, wil nu ook bij Edina en haar la vol tiara’s in het kasteel wonen en vriendjes worden met Bob de ezel, haha. Een boek dat lekker wegleest en een aantal mooie boodschappen bevat. Een verhaal heeft namelijk áltijd meerdere kanten én durf te vragen wat je wil. 3,5 ster, maar afgerond naar boven 🥰
December 8, 2024
Een kerstfilm in boekvorm. Erg van genoten. Leest vlot, heeft leuke personages en natuurlijk Schotland in de sneeuw, dan ben ik al verkocht.
December 27, 2023
2,5⭐️ Een bijna vies romantisch kerstboek. Zo’n beetje alle clichés komen hierin voor. Maaarr, met kerst is dat eigenlijk ook wel eventjes lekker. Ik vond het wel leuk dat Belle een juf is. Verder dus niet echt bijzonder.
October 21, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with a review copy of this book.
This is a cute enemies to lovers Christmas romance, and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Though there are a few things that prevent it from getting a higher rating from me, even though I did very much enjoy it.
Both Belle and Jack's issues/obstacles seemed too obvious, and the solutions too simple. To me there wasn't really a believable reason for why they would not have sorted out their issues at some point earlier in their life, but somehow magically manage to do so in the 2-4 week span of the story. But I did like the building of the romance, and felt like the characters had chemistry.
Also, I've been to Scotland (somewhere in the neighbourhood of 8 times) and I'm pretty sure they don't start every other sentence with "Ach". Throwing in a lot of ach, and aye and lassie seems like a lazy way to say "we're in Scotland now". And the use of dialect was not consistent.
Still, it was a fun and sweet story with a good atmosphere and pretty good characters. I particularly enjoyed the character of Edina, and how she was not what you might expect from an old lady living in a castle. I loved seeing her blossom and become part of the community again.
If you're in the mood for a cute Christmas read you could certainly do worse than picking this up.
This is a cute enemies to lovers Christmas romance, and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Though there are a few things that prevent it from getting a higher rating from me, even though I did very much enjoy it.
Both Belle and Jack's issues/obstacles seemed too obvious, and the solutions too simple. To me there wasn't really a believable reason for why they would not have sorted out their issues at some point earlier in their life, but somehow magically manage to do so in the 2-4 week span of the story. But I did like the building of the romance, and felt like the characters had chemistry.
Also, I've been to Scotland (somewhere in the neighbourhood of 8 times) and I'm pretty sure they don't start every other sentence with "Ach". Throwing in a lot of ach, and aye and lassie seems like a lazy way to say "we're in Scotland now". And the use of dialect was not consistent.
Still, it was a fun and sweet story with a good atmosphere and pretty good characters. I particularly enjoyed the character of Edina, and how she was not what you might expect from an old lady living in a castle. I loved seeing her blossom and become part of the community again.
If you're in the mood for a cute Christmas read you could certainly do worse than picking this up.
December 18, 2021
So magical and a perfect Christmas read you feel as if you are there in the wonderful Scottish village with the beautiful countryside. Great characters and plenty of heartbreak loneliness romance and magic of the Christmas season. Such a brilliant read and the cover draws you in before you even start reading.
Bella is fed up as another lovely year has gone past and she feels her life has gone as nothing exciting is happening she’s a teacher and on her way home she knocks an old lady over and feels she has to help her. She takes her back to her home but wasn’t expecting it to be an old run down castle and she won’t leave her as her foot is injured. In the end she ends up moving in so a child in her class and family can move into hers as they have no home to go to and gives her time to care for Edina but the problem is when her grandson turns up and he’s rude and arrogant and she feels he just wants his grandma in a home and she won’t have it but Edina writes a letter to Father Christmas with the children and Bella keeps it with out her knowing and she’s set to make her dreams come true and before she knows it jack is helping her will he change who he is and get close to everyone and will there be romance in the village at last and will everyone be happy.
Bella is fed up as another lovely year has gone past and she feels her life has gone as nothing exciting is happening she’s a teacher and on her way home she knocks an old lady over and feels she has to help her. She takes her back to her home but wasn’t expecting it to be an old run down castle and she won’t leave her as her foot is injured. In the end she ends up moving in so a child in her class and family can move into hers as they have no home to go to and gives her time to care for Edina but the problem is when her grandson turns up and he’s rude and arrogant and she feels he just wants his grandma in a home and she won’t have it but Edina writes a letter to Father Christmas with the children and Bella keeps it with out her knowing and she’s set to make her dreams come true and before she knows it jack is helping her will he change who he is and get close to everyone and will there be romance in the village at last and will everyone be happy.
October 11, 2021
Charming, delightful, heartwarming! This wonderful Christmas book is full of characters who have who are kind and thoughtful, but who have placed walls around their hearts to protect them from pain. As they come together to help each other, to work side by side to put together the school nativity, will they finally take a chance on love? I loved the spirit of community in this small Scottish village, I loved Bob the donkey, and I mostly loved Belle, who is good and kind and just wants someone to truly love her. Snuggle up with this book during the holidays—you’ll be glad you did!
October 9, 2021
There were so many Christmas titles I wanted to request on Netgalley, but this is the only one I caved for. The change in weather to colder and wetter certainly helped me get in the mood to cosy into this story.
I do love a Christmas heart-warmer and this certainly delivered. I wouldn't call Belle and Jack enemies from the get-go but Belle was certainly wary and I loved how that relationship turned around. I have read and really enjoyed many of Donna Ashcroft's other stories and this one is up there with them.
I'm forever a fan of not just romance but also having older / younger characters add to the story and Edina's relationship with Belle and her class of school children was just lovely as well, she brought her wisdom and some humour to the story.
Definitely one to look up over the winter (and obviously autumn!) period.
My many thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.
I do love a Christmas heart-warmer and this certainly delivered. I wouldn't call Belle and Jack enemies from the get-go but Belle was certainly wary and I loved how that relationship turned around. I have read and really enjoyed many of Donna Ashcroft's other stories and this one is up there with them.
I'm forever a fan of not just romance but also having older / younger characters add to the story and Edina's relationship with Belle and her class of school children was just lovely as well, she brought her wisdom and some humour to the story.
Definitely one to look up over the winter (and obviously autumn!) period.
My many thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.
December 3, 2021
DNF @ about 15%
zzzzzzzzzzzzz
This might get better later on (maybe?) but I just couldn't slog through the boring beginning to see. It was too cozy and too slow paced for me. And the dialog was soooo strange. One moment the villagers were speaking as though they were in the 17th century and other times they sounded completely modern. I didn't need to be hit over the head with 'wee bairns' and such to be able to remember that they were in Scotland!
zzzzzzzzzzzzz
This might get better later on (maybe?) but I just couldn't slog through the boring beginning to see. It was too cozy and too slow paced for me. And the dialog was soooo strange. One moment the villagers were speaking as though they were in the 17th century and other times they sounded completely modern. I didn't need to be hit over the head with 'wee bairns' and such to be able to remember that they were in Scotland!
January 17, 2023
The best thing I can say about this book is that it ended. I really wanted to feel like the story takes place in the Highlands, but nothing distinguishes it as Scotland other than the fact characters say "och" and "aye." I wanted some more authenticity.
October 17, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Christmas In The Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th October 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Summer In The Scottish Highlands' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'The perfect cosy romance to snuggle up with this Christmas. Fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this wonderfully uplifting novel.' I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Donna and if this is half as good as 'Summer In The Scottish Highlands' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 27 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Scotland 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually been on holiday to Scotland on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Donna has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Belle Albany and Jack Hamilton-Kirk. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
🎶 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 🎶 What an absolutely stunning read!!! A perfectly gorgeous book!!! The vivid descriptions left me feeling the fresh air of Scotland and feeling the warmth of the fire. The title, synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.
This book is absolutely rammed full of love, choices, happiness, regrets, friendship and books!!!! Its one of the most heartwarming I've read in a long time. It made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love with Scotland. I absolutely loved the gorgeous atmosphere and surroundings being based in a castle. The storyline was sweet, Festive, romantic, uplifting and everything you want in a heart warming romance and I completely fell head over heels in love!!! The Scottish dialect was perfect and it really made me feel like I was in Scotland. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I would have to unpack my suitcase as I genuinely felt as if I'd been on a holiday. It was an uplifting breathe of fresh air!!! It ended absolutely perfectly!!!
The characters were all strong, well defined and realistic. I fell in love with every single one of them, even if some took longer than others!! I was gutted when I came to the end. This book would make a gorgeous series and I would love to meet all the characters again. Belle is such a strong character and after struggling herself I loved watching her form friendships and find happiness. I became really invested in her and she was such a sweet, caring and unique person. There's not many out there like Belle and it was lovely to meet her in this page turning romance. Edina was an absolute sweetheart and I loved watching her make new friendships and feeling her joy and happiness as she watched her Christmas list come to life. I did not click with Jack at first and found him to be such a pessimist but I enjoyed watching is character grow and develop and loved how he turned out !! I also really enjoyed learning about all the different members of the community and it reflected a small town community perfectly. There were so many other characters that I really enjoyed meeting and who will be missed. To name a few I enjoyed meeting Kenzy with her wild in your face personality and watching how her character developed, it was lovely meeting Tara who was a huge animal lover liked me and seeing her grow in strength as she realised what needed doing, Tavish who reminded me of an armadillo 😂 tough on the outside but soft on the inside, Adam and his sheep obsession!!! I could go on and on but I best stop there. Needless to say many of the characters made an impact on me and it would be lovely to see them all again!!!
Get wrapped up warm, put the fire and festive music on, make your self a hot chocolate and clear your schedule ready to get lost in this unputdownable heart warmer.
Well done Donna on an absolutely gorgeous book. Welcome to my favourite authour team!!! I am thoroughly looking forward to reading more of your books past and future. Congratulations on a stunning success!!
Overall an absolutely stunning page turning romance that will make you smile, laugh and keep you up all night absorbing the pages.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Fiction, Contemporary Fiction and Romance.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Debbie Macomber and anyone looking for a festive romance to snuggle in front of the fire with!!
289 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'Christmas In The Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th October 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Summer In The Scottish Highlands' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'The perfect cosy romance to snuggle up with this Christmas. Fans of Nicola May, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this wonderfully uplifting novel.' I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Donna and if this is half as good as 'Summer In The Scottish Highlands' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 27 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Scotland 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually been on holiday to Scotland on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Donna has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Belle Albany and Jack Hamilton-Kirk. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
🎶 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 🎶 What an absolutely stunning read!!! A perfectly gorgeous book!!! The vivid descriptions left me feeling the fresh air of Scotland and feeling the warmth of the fire. The title, synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.
This book is absolutely rammed full of love, choices, happiness, regrets, friendship and books!!!! Its one of the most heartwarming I've read in a long time. It made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love with Scotland. I absolutely loved the gorgeous atmosphere and surroundings being based in a castle. The storyline was sweet, Festive, romantic, uplifting and everything you want in a heart warming romance and I completely fell head over heels in love!!! The Scottish dialect was perfect and it really made me feel like I was in Scotland. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I would have to unpack my suitcase as I genuinely felt as if I'd been on a holiday. It was an uplifting breathe of fresh air!!! It ended absolutely perfectly!!!
The characters were all strong, well defined and realistic. I fell in love with every single one of them, even if some took longer than others!! I was gutted when I came to the end. This book would make a gorgeous series and I would love to meet all the characters again. Belle is such a strong character and after struggling herself I loved watching her form friendships and find happiness. I became really invested in her and she was such a sweet, caring and unique person. There's not many out there like Belle and it was lovely to meet her in this page turning romance. Edina was an absolute sweetheart and I loved watching her make new friendships and feeling her joy and happiness as she watched her Christmas list come to life. I did not click with Jack at first and found him to be such a pessimist but I enjoyed watching is character grow and develop and loved how he turned out !! I also really enjoyed learning about all the different members of the community and it reflected a small town community perfectly. There were so many other characters that I really enjoyed meeting and who will be missed. To name a few I enjoyed meeting Kenzy with her wild in your face personality and watching how her character developed, it was lovely meeting Tara who was a huge animal lover liked me and seeing her grow in strength as she realised what needed doing, Tavish who reminded me of an armadillo 😂 tough on the outside but soft on the inside, Adam and his sheep obsession!!! I could go on and on but I best stop there. Needless to say many of the characters made an impact on me and it would be lovely to see them all again!!!
Get wrapped up warm, put the fire and festive music on, make your self a hot chocolate and clear your schedule ready to get lost in this unputdownable heart warmer.
Well done Donna on an absolutely gorgeous book. Welcome to my favourite authour team!!! I am thoroughly looking forward to reading more of your books past and future. Congratulations on a stunning success!!
Overall an absolutely stunning page turning romance that will make you smile, laugh and keep you up all night absorbing the pages.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Fiction, Contemporary Fiction and Romance.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Debbie Macomber and anyone looking for a festive romance to snuggle in front of the fire with!!
289 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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January 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.0
"Christmas in the Scottish Highlands" by Donna Ashcroft unfolds like a heartwarming Hallmark movie, earning a solid four stars. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the novel follows protagonist Belle as she navigates the charming yet challenging world of a quaint Highland village during the festive season. Ashcroft's vivid descriptions transport readers into a winter wonderland, capturing the essence of Christmas with every page.
The plot weaves together elements of romance, community, and self-discovery, making it a delightful holiday read. Belles journey is both relatable and endearing, as she finds unexpected love and connection amidst the snow-covered landscapes. The supporting characters add depth to the narrative, creating a sense of camaraderie that resonates with the spirit of the season. While the storyline follows some familiar tropes, Ashcroft infuses it with warmth, humor, and a touch of magic, ensuring a heartening and satisfying experience for fans of festive fiction.
"Christmas in the Scottish Highlands" by Donna Ashcroft unfolds like a heartwarming Hallmark movie, earning a solid four stars. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the novel follows protagonist Belle as she navigates the charming yet challenging world of a quaint Highland village during the festive season. Ashcroft's vivid descriptions transport readers into a winter wonderland, capturing the essence of Christmas with every page.
The plot weaves together elements of romance, community, and self-discovery, making it a delightful holiday read. Belles journey is both relatable and endearing, as she finds unexpected love and connection amidst the snow-covered landscapes. The supporting characters add depth to the narrative, creating a sense of camaraderie that resonates with the spirit of the season. While the storyline follows some familiar tropes, Ashcroft infuses it with warmth, humor, and a touch of magic, ensuring a heartening and satisfying experience for fans of festive fiction.
December 30, 2024
Perfection and a must read for every Christmas fan!🎄
Sure - it was sweet, romantic, naive, a bit unbelievable, and everyone got their happy ending…
BUT everything was in perfect balance. Nothing was too much or too little, and even - what was the biggest surprise for me - there was one very well-written spicy scene!🔥
Simply one of the best Christmas romance books I've read in years.✨
9/10.
Sure - it was sweet, romantic, naive, a bit unbelievable, and everyone got their happy ending…
BUT everything was in perfect balance. Nothing was too much or too little, and even - what was the biggest surprise for me - there was one very well-written spicy scene!🔥
Simply one of the best Christmas romance books I've read in years.✨
9/10.
December 15, 2024
Lovely and cute Scottish Christmas story, with a nice development of the characters. Did not find it a typical Christmas romance novel, which is nice. It has some nice messages in there, the most important being that there is always another side to the story.
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