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Scottish Escapes #5
The Highland Lodge Getaway
Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of love and second chances!
Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.
Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!
As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.
And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?
Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.
Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!
As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.
And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?
384 pages, Audiobook
Published October 20, 2023
340 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 26, 2024
I was hoping this was going to be cute and fun, a Scottish highlands Christmas themed story. But unfortunately it was such a bore! So repetitive and the heroine’s inner thoughts were just a chore to get through. Did not enjoy this one sadly.
September 11, 2023
The Christmas Highland Lodge by Julie Shackman
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75 (3.75 stars)
"The Highland Lodge" by Julie Shackman is a cute book that tells the story of Lottie. She's the boss at Christmas Crackers store and dreams of running it one day. But then, some big news shakes things up: the store is going to be sold! This sends Lottie on a job hunt, and luckily, she lands a gig managing cabins for rent, kind of like Airbnb.
In this new job, Lottie meets grumpy Blake, the opposite of her bubbly, Christmassy self. You know the classic story where opposites attract? That's what's happening here. Lottie is all about Christmas, while Blake can't stand it.
As the story goes on, Lottie tries to make Blake like Christmas too. And as she does, we learn why he hates the holiday so much. It's touching to see Blake's change of heart.
I really enjoyed reading "The Highland Lodge" and gave it a 3.75 rating. But, it's important to know that the story takes its time to get going. You don't meet Blake until you're about 24% into the book, which might feel like a long wait for the main guy to show up.
I could relate to Lottie's love for Christmas, and her personality made the story even better. It's a sweet tale about how love and holiday cheer can change even the grumpiest hearts.
In short, "The Highland Lodge" is a heartwarming story where Christmas magic and love triumph over all odds. It's a great pick if you want a feel-good read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75 (3.75 stars)
"The Highland Lodge" by Julie Shackman is a cute book that tells the story of Lottie. She's the boss at Christmas Crackers store and dreams of running it one day. But then, some big news shakes things up: the store is going to be sold! This sends Lottie on a job hunt, and luckily, she lands a gig managing cabins for rent, kind of like Airbnb.
In this new job, Lottie meets grumpy Blake, the opposite of her bubbly, Christmassy self. You know the classic story where opposites attract? That's what's happening here. Lottie is all about Christmas, while Blake can't stand it.
As the story goes on, Lottie tries to make Blake like Christmas too. And as she does, we learn why he hates the holiday so much. It's touching to see Blake's change of heart.
I really enjoyed reading "The Highland Lodge" and gave it a 3.75 rating. But, it's important to know that the story takes its time to get going. You don't meet Blake until you're about 24% into the book, which might feel like a long wait for the main guy to show up.
I could relate to Lottie's love for Christmas, and her personality made the story even better. It's a sweet tale about how love and holiday cheer can change even the grumpiest hearts.
In short, "The Highland Lodge" is a heartwarming story where Christmas magic and love triumph over all odds. It's a great pick if you want a feel-good read.
August 18, 2023
Lottie Grant, soon to be owner of Christmas Crackers, finds out that the shop is sold to a different company and her world is flipped upside down. Soon after this, she gets offered a job to do interior work for holiday cabins- she accepts questioning her luck. That is up until the grumpy but handsome Blake Dempster, also recently appointed, starts questioning her every move for the interior.
I thoroughly enjoyed this festive romance read. This grumpy sunshine romance was a warming slow burn, and it will leave you feeling the need to keep reading. The intense tension between Lottie and Blake will leave you gaping at the obvious connection.
I do wish the pace was faster, mid way through the book we still hadn't met Blake, as the beginning focused on Lottie and her coworkers at the successful Christmas shop. Although this did make for an interesting read, we really only saw romance towards the very end.
The plot in this book was great, but when you add in the cozy, warm, and comfort of the setting it is incredible. I definitely recommend reading this relaxing Christmas romance novel with a nice warm mocha or tea while snuggled up under a warm blanket- it fits the mood perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing Date: 2 October 2023
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I thoroughly enjoyed this festive romance read. This grumpy sunshine romance was a warming slow burn, and it will leave you feeling the need to keep reading. The intense tension between Lottie and Blake will leave you gaping at the obvious connection.
I do wish the pace was faster, mid way through the book we still hadn't met Blake, as the beginning focused on Lottie and her coworkers at the successful Christmas shop. Although this did make for an interesting read, we really only saw romance towards the very end.
The plot in this book was great, but when you add in the cozy, warm, and comfort of the setting it is incredible. I definitely recommend reading this relaxing Christmas romance novel with a nice warm mocha or tea while snuggled up under a warm blanket- it fits the mood perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing Date: 2 October 2023
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October 23, 2023
This was a lovely festive read really sweet and a very relaxing read. Set in Scotland with snow and lodges and lots of Christmas cheer. It made me want to rush up there and stay in one of the lodges. Although it was number 5 in the series it read as a stand alone book. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 20, 2023
Julie Shackman returns with another Scottish story, this time set at Christmas-time. It was great, indulgent read with likeable characters, a warm setting and some humour in there as well. A perfect combination!
Lottie personifies Christmas. Well, she has to, considering she works in a Christmas shop. (Note: how this works all year round, I couldn’t quite figure out, but we can just roll with it.) Yet, getting notice that this love of hers and future business ownership is being closed down, Lottie is lost at sea. The Christmas shop is her heart and soul and Lottie has put everything in it to keep it relevant throughout the year. Having to find a new job is no fun for anyone, and in December this is just as hard. But, a surprise job opportunity sees Lottie using her background qualifications and combining them with her love for the festive season. It’s a dream come true.
Except for the fly in the ointment: hew new colleague, Blake. He is Scrooge on legs and wants to make Lottie’s life difficult from their very first meeting. Opposing all her new ideas, Blake seems to take pleasure in Lottie’s misery… and seems to want to bring the season of goodwill down with him as well. I loved the sparring that happens between the two characters, especially when it escalates to a bit of “revenge” as well. Although it is clear how Blake and Lottie’s relationship will progress in the story, I really enjoyed seeing them start as being worst enemies.
There is more to Blake than Lottie realises and she is only aware of a little bit of his past. Unlike Blake, Lottie wears her heart on her sleeve and I loved her honesty and kindness. Even when Blake is at his worst, Lottie does try to understand what is driving his negative feelings and I think this helps to trigger a more positive relationship between the couple.
The novel progresses full of Christmas cheer, Christmas market and plenty of Christmas food! Not to mention the gorgeous decorations which had me yearning to try and visit the decadent lodges that Lottie is helping to design. Shackman pulls together all the great things about this time of year, neatly packaging them into this book for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, the Christmas song references that are dotted throughout were great as well, having me inadvertently singing them around the house – even when it is not yet Halloween!
There was nothing I disliked about this story and Shackman has written the perfect Christmas novel. There is escapism, love and decorations galore and I enjoyed watching how Blake and Lottie come together. It was really enjoyable from start to finish.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lottie personifies Christmas. Well, she has to, considering she works in a Christmas shop. (Note: how this works all year round, I couldn’t quite figure out, but we can just roll with it.) Yet, getting notice that this love of hers and future business ownership is being closed down, Lottie is lost at sea. The Christmas shop is her heart and soul and Lottie has put everything in it to keep it relevant throughout the year. Having to find a new job is no fun for anyone, and in December this is just as hard. But, a surprise job opportunity sees Lottie using her background qualifications and combining them with her love for the festive season. It’s a dream come true.
Except for the fly in the ointment: hew new colleague, Blake. He is Scrooge on legs and wants to make Lottie’s life difficult from their very first meeting. Opposing all her new ideas, Blake seems to take pleasure in Lottie’s misery… and seems to want to bring the season of goodwill down with him as well. I loved the sparring that happens between the two characters, especially when it escalates to a bit of “revenge” as well. Although it is clear how Blake and Lottie’s relationship will progress in the story, I really enjoyed seeing them start as being worst enemies.
There is more to Blake than Lottie realises and she is only aware of a little bit of his past. Unlike Blake, Lottie wears her heart on her sleeve and I loved her honesty and kindness. Even when Blake is at his worst, Lottie does try to understand what is driving his negative feelings and I think this helps to trigger a more positive relationship between the couple.
The novel progresses full of Christmas cheer, Christmas market and plenty of Christmas food! Not to mention the gorgeous decorations which had me yearning to try and visit the decadent lodges that Lottie is helping to design. Shackman pulls together all the great things about this time of year, neatly packaging them into this book for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, the Christmas song references that are dotted throughout were great as well, having me inadvertently singing them around the house – even when it is not yet Halloween!
There was nothing I disliked about this story and Shackman has written the perfect Christmas novel. There is escapism, love and decorations galore and I enjoyed watching how Blake and Lottie come together. It was really enjoyable from start to finish.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
As I'm not prone to unplanned flights around the world based off fictional descriptions, it's very, very rare I read about locales and then immediately want to book a trip. However, author Julie Shackman has me eyeing themed cabins in the Scottish Highlands.
Her newest book in the Scottish Escapes series, The Highland Lodge Getaway, follows Lottie Grant, a consistently upbeat woman convinced her future will involve taking over Christmas Crackers, an appropriately named holiday shop, when her boss retires. However, when the store is suddenly sold off, Lottie's left with no idea what her future will look like. Enter: a couple starting a vacation business featuring high-end cabins. And wouldn't you know it—they need a decorator and manager with a festive vision.
This early set-up almost encapsulates the idea of a Christmas miracle and sets the tone for the feel-good story that unfolds over the next 300 pages. It makes sense. Lottie embodies the spirit of the season and, really, if she didn't land on employed feet so early in the book, things would get get depressing fast. Genuinely likable with a bubbly personality that reads as real without becoming overly saccharine, she lives for Christmas and works overtime to spread that cheer.
She's the perfect foil for any grinch, which is convenient considering her new job has her working alongside Blake Dempster, a grumpy activities expert with complete disdain for Christmas. While Lottie dreams of nutcrackers and fairy lights in the lodges, Blake pushes for a Western theme. This being a romance—and since opposites do attract—Shackman carefully wrings tension out of this workplace relationship and their antics are a ton of fun. While it's fairly obvious the two have simmering chemistry early on, Shackman carefully paces Lottie's attempts to bring Blake to her joyful side of the holiday. In turn, Blake slowly reveals his own secrets, resulting in several truly heartfelt moments.
Ultimately, The Highland Lodge Getaway is a love letter to Christmas. With a wonderfully built romance and incredibly sweet characters, it's charming enough to put the stingiest of folks in the merriest of moods. And with Shackman's playful descriptions of bauble-themed cabins, it has me wishing for a literary travel agency.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com
Her newest book in the Scottish Escapes series, The Highland Lodge Getaway, follows Lottie Grant, a consistently upbeat woman convinced her future will involve taking over Christmas Crackers, an appropriately named holiday shop, when her boss retires. However, when the store is suddenly sold off, Lottie's left with no idea what her future will look like. Enter: a couple starting a vacation business featuring high-end cabins. And wouldn't you know it—they need a decorator and manager with a festive vision.
This early set-up almost encapsulates the idea of a Christmas miracle and sets the tone for the feel-good story that unfolds over the next 300 pages. It makes sense. Lottie embodies the spirit of the season and, really, if she didn't land on employed feet so early in the book, things would get get depressing fast. Genuinely likable with a bubbly personality that reads as real without becoming overly saccharine, she lives for Christmas and works overtime to spread that cheer.
She's the perfect foil for any grinch, which is convenient considering her new job has her working alongside Blake Dempster, a grumpy activities expert with complete disdain for Christmas. While Lottie dreams of nutcrackers and fairy lights in the lodges, Blake pushes for a Western theme. This being a romance—and since opposites do attract—Shackman carefully wrings tension out of this workplace relationship and their antics are a ton of fun. While it's fairly obvious the two have simmering chemistry early on, Shackman carefully paces Lottie's attempts to bring Blake to her joyful side of the holiday. In turn, Blake slowly reveals his own secrets, resulting in several truly heartfelt moments.
Ultimately, The Highland Lodge Getaway is a love letter to Christmas. With a wonderfully built romance and incredibly sweet characters, it's charming enough to put the stingiest of folks in the merriest of moods. And with Shackman's playful descriptions of bauble-themed cabins, it has me wishing for a literary travel agency.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com
October 17, 2023
I haven't read any previous books in the Scottish Escapes series but I didn't have any problems getting into the story of "The Highland Lodge Getaway". It was very easy to get into the setting and the story.
Lottie loves Christmas and she is desperate when she hears about the closing of the Christmas shop she is successfully leading. But soon she is getting an amazing new job offer, as she is asked to manage a set of luxury cabins, especially getting them ready for Christmas.
I loved the Christmas setting in the book. The shop as well as the cabins had a wonderful atmosphere which definetely sets the reader into Christmas mood. Everything was very cosy with lights and decorations.
At her new work Lotties meets Blake who is a popular hiking expert. Blake seems to be very grumpy at first but soon the two start to get to know each other better. The love story was kind of sweet but for me missed some sparks. I also wasn't a fan about the drama coming with Blakes story.
Overall the book was very enjoyable to read and I loved the Christmas atmosphere.
Lottie loves Christmas and she is desperate when she hears about the closing of the Christmas shop she is successfully leading. But soon she is getting an amazing new job offer, as she is asked to manage a set of luxury cabins, especially getting them ready for Christmas.
I loved the Christmas setting in the book. The shop as well as the cabins had a wonderful atmosphere which definetely sets the reader into Christmas mood. Everything was very cosy with lights and decorations.
At her new work Lotties meets Blake who is a popular hiking expert. Blake seems to be very grumpy at first but soon the two start to get to know each other better. The love story was kind of sweet but for me missed some sparks. I also wasn't a fan about the drama coming with Blakes story.
Overall the book was very enjoyable to read and I loved the Christmas atmosphere.
July 26, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Christmas Highland Lodge, by Julie Shackman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Lottie Grant is loving life until the place she works, Christmas Crackers is sold, and she has to get a new job, start all over. Then their is Blake who she does not get along with at all. I enjoyed this book, I really liked Lottie, but Blake was hard to like. A nice holiday read.
December 27, 2024
Waste of my fucking time 🙃
Poorly written, repetitive and constantly overexplaning, no chemistry between the characters, overdramatic for no reason, boring af characters.
Poorly written, repetitive and constantly overexplaning, no chemistry between the characters, overdramatic for no reason, boring af characters.
May 16, 2024
A Christmas read in the middle of spring. I could not hold off reading the set in order despite this one being very Christmas filled. It even featured a all year Christmas shop which starts off a chain of events for Christmas lover Lottie Grant. Met with her definition of scrouge a Mr Blake Dempster. There is much more to him than meet the eye. The best kind of character. I liked Lottie too. They are good for one another.
October 27, 2023
This was a nice story that starts out with Lottie and Blake as enemies. Lottie is all about Christmas and Blake wants nothing to do with it.
It’s set in another lovely location. It’s a nice sweet romance with a bit of a sad side story. I enjoyed it and would love to stay in one of the cabins.
It’s set in another lovely location. It’s a nice sweet romance with a bit of a sad side story. I enjoyed it and would love to stay in one of the cabins.
September 16, 2023
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Lottie is the manger do Christmas Crackers a successful Christmas shop in Craig Brae. The shop is sold and her world is turned upside down.
She loves Christmas as is still deciding how to find her dream job when she is asked to manage a set of cabins. She is tasked with first dressing them up for Christmas. Then Blake appears, he’s a hiking expert that hates anything festive. Can Lottie change Blake’s mind about Christmas?
Lottie is the manger do Christmas Crackers a successful Christmas shop in Craig Brae. The shop is sold and her world is turned upside down.
She loves Christmas as is still deciding how to find her dream job when she is asked to manage a set of cabins. She is tasked with first dressing them up for Christmas. Then Blake appears, he’s a hiking expert that hates anything festive. Can Lottie change Blake’s mind about Christmas?
December 30, 2023
Lottie Grant is the manager of the successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers. She is looking forward to buying the business when her boss retires. When she finds out that the owners of the building sold it to a restauranteur, she is shocked and not sure what to do next. As she is trying to figure out what to do next, a couple come into the shop and make her an offer. They have purchased some cabins that need to work and they want Lottie to make them over into luxury cabins for vacations. She is excited and accepts the job, but not everyone else working with them agrees with Lottie's vision. Blake Dempster, is a moody but handsome hiking expert, who dislikes anything to do with Christmas. He tries to convince the owners to go with a Western theme year round, which angers Lottie as he goes behind her back. She is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive. The more time they spend together, the more they get to know about one another. Both Lottie and Blake have some baggage, but Blake has a lot more. Can Lottie help him to rediscover the fun and love of Christmas?
This is the first book by Julie Shackman that I have read, but it won't be the last. Lottie is that person that goes all out for Christmas, she is full of Christmas cheer and wants everyone else to be as well. She is looking forward to making the cottages into wonderful Christmas Getaways, until Blake shows up and tries to quash all her plans. Of course there has to be something that is making Blake hate Christmas and it takes quite awhile, but Lottie finally gets it out of him. She is sure she can change his mind about Christmas and comes up with different plans and activities to immerse him in the fun in Craig Brae. I loved getting to know both of these characters, as well as the others in the village. The setting was gorgeous and added a lot to the festive feel of the story. With a Christmas Market, someone getting lost on the mountain and Blake playing Santa for the school, this was a fun, festive story that I really enjoyed. There is some angst, and a huge surprise near the end to bring it to a satisfying conclusion. I did a read/listen with this book having purchased an audiobook copy of this story, narrated by Rebecca McClay. I enjoyed her narration and with her accent, I listened to this one a bit slower than I normally listen to. It made the setting come alive for me and I recommend this one in either format.
This is the first book by Julie Shackman that I have read, but it won't be the last. Lottie is that person that goes all out for Christmas, she is full of Christmas cheer and wants everyone else to be as well. She is looking forward to making the cottages into wonderful Christmas Getaways, until Blake shows up and tries to quash all her plans. Of course there has to be something that is making Blake hate Christmas and it takes quite awhile, but Lottie finally gets it out of him. She is sure she can change his mind about Christmas and comes up with different plans and activities to immerse him in the fun in Craig Brae. I loved getting to know both of these characters, as well as the others in the village. The setting was gorgeous and added a lot to the festive feel of the story. With a Christmas Market, someone getting lost on the mountain and Blake playing Santa for the school, this was a fun, festive story that I really enjoyed. There is some angst, and a huge surprise near the end to bring it to a satisfying conclusion. I did a read/listen with this book having purchased an audiobook copy of this story, narrated by Rebecca McClay. I enjoyed her narration and with her accent, I listened to this one a bit slower than I normally listen to. It made the setting come alive for me and I recommend this one in either format.
October 23, 2023
The Christmas Highland Lodge by Julie Shackman
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.
Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!
As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.
And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?
My Opinion
This was a sweet read which shows that even though things don't always turn out as planned, there is always the opportunity for success. The main character Lottie loves Christmas so of course this book is highly festive. With a heart-warming plot this will make for a great addition to your festive reading list this holiday season.
I read more than half of this book in one sitting, I just kept turning the page unaware of how much I had read as I was hooked. I thought that this was on the slow side but the interesting plot did make up for it. I have read a few of the books in this series, but not all of them so I know that this can be read as a standalone.
Can we just take a moment to admire this beautiful cover?
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.
Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!
As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.
And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?
My Opinion
This was a sweet read which shows that even though things don't always turn out as planned, there is always the opportunity for success. The main character Lottie loves Christmas so of course this book is highly festive. With a heart-warming plot this will make for a great addition to your festive reading list this holiday season.
I read more than half of this book in one sitting, I just kept turning the page unaware of how much I had read as I was hooked. I thought that this was on the slow side but the interesting plot did make up for it. I have read a few of the books in this series, but not all of them so I know that this can be read as a standalone.
Can we just take a moment to admire this beautiful cover?
Rating 4/5
December 6, 2023
Totally fine! Lottie is the store manager of Christmas Crackers in a small town in Scotland; she's on the verge of buying it from the owner when she finds out that their lease isn't being renewed and she's out of a job. Luckily, she's snatched up by a couple opening some holiday cabins on their property to rent out. Also, on staff there (for some reason) is Blake, who runs a hiking company. (I would think that he would, you know, partner with the owners, not be considered part of the holiday cottage team, but...sure. Whatever.) Lottie loves Christmas. Blake hates Christmas.
The book was cute enough. I appreciate that Lottie actually had all the skills for her job and even though she was Christmas-obsessed, she didn't try to make the cottages be Christmas-y year-round. She had a level of practicality that I appreciated. I got a bit annoyed with her at things that made perfect sense--how upset she was at the shop closing when she got another job pretty much immediately, her continued grief at the loss of her father 18 months previously. I think the grief thing annoyed me more because her father was completely idealized, she had the perfect family, etc., etc. And of course she would be upset at losing the opportunity to own the shop, for which she had made plans. But combined with the frequent waxing rhapsodic about Christmas, I found myself a bit annoyed with her.
Then, of course, there's Blake, who for some reason is around a lot, despite being the owner of a company that takes people on hikes. He clearly had a Difficult Christmas-Related Past; we finally get the exposition dump about it at the end of the book, but a few additional breadcrumbs could have been laid.
I'm not all that cranky with the book. It was sweet, I loved the little town it was set in, nice side characters--though maybe more of a secondary plot with some of them might've been nice. I feel like this might've done better as a novella.
The book was cute enough. I appreciate that Lottie actually had all the skills for her job and even though she was Christmas-obsessed, she didn't try to make the cottages be Christmas-y year-round. She had a level of practicality that I appreciated. I got a bit annoyed with her at things that made perfect sense--how upset she was at the shop closing when she got another job pretty much immediately, her continued grief at the loss of her father 18 months previously. I think the grief thing annoyed me more because her father was completely idealized, she had the perfect family, etc., etc. And of course she would be upset at losing the opportunity to own the shop, for which she had made plans. But combined with the frequent waxing rhapsodic about Christmas, I found myself a bit annoyed with her.
Then, of course, there's Blake, who for some reason is around a lot, despite being the owner of a company that takes people on hikes. He clearly had a Difficult Christmas-Related Past; we finally get the exposition dump about it at the end of the book, but a few additional breadcrumbs could have been laid.
I'm not all that cranky with the book. It was sweet, I loved the little town it was set in, nice side characters--though maybe more of a secondary plot with some of them might've been nice. I feel like this might've done better as a novella.
December 28, 2023
Endearing characters, a quaint town, winter setting and a delightful plot all make this the perfect getaway that you are looking for! When you can't actually travel, this is the next best thing! Travel via a delightfully entertaining story to the Scottish Highlands for a visit that will have you turning pages furiously as you can't wait to see what happens next. This grumpy-sunshine rom com will have you entertained for hours to come! I belatedly found out that this is part of a series by this author so now I'm excited to see what the previous books have to offer. I will say it made no difference in my ability to enjoy this book that I hadn't read the other books in the series first, although now my curiosity is peaked as this book was so wonderfully written, I can't wait to dig into the rest of this authors books!
December 28, 2023
Endearing characters, a quaint town, winter setting and a delightful plot all make this the perfect getaway that you are looking for! When you can't actually travel, this is the next best thing! Travel via a delightfully entertaining story to the Scottish Highlands for a visit that will have you turning pages furiously as you can't wait to see what happens next. This grumpy-sunshine rom com will have you entertained for hours to come! I belatedly found out that this is part of a series by this author so now I'm excited to see what the previous books have to offer. I will say it made no difference in my ability to enjoy this book that I hadn't read the other books in the series first, although now my curiosity is peaked as this book was so wonderfully written, I can't wait to dig into the rest of this authors books!
August 18, 2024
Started reading this in August as I was feeling festive a bit too early. Admittedly I hadn't even read the blurb I just liked the cover. It took me until half way through the book to realise it was a romance - I thought it was a girl boss saving her business. For a while I was disappointed but I actually ended up really enjoying it. Won't put any spoilers but there were a few unexpected twists and a beautiful ending
December 6, 2023
Having read a previous book in this series and loving it I had high hopes for this one. It did not disappoint, such a lovely cosy Christmas read. I loved the characters of Lottie and Blake, a great grumpy to sunshine story. Highly recommend this book.
August 16, 2023
Such a lovely read. Very festive but also draws you into the story and the characters. Would recommend this book
November 24, 2023
3.5. Cozy holiday romance. Very cute but a bit too long.
December 6, 2023
4,5*
WOW, this gave me allll the Christmas feels. It's like a warm hug full of festive feelings. The story is your typical Netflix/Hallmark Christmas movie, but in book form. Cozied up on the couch with a hot chocolate or warming tea, this is the perfect read for this time of year. The story is kind of predictable, but don't we all crave a little romance around Christmas? The festive setting immediately makes you want to book a holiday to a small snowy town and watch all of the twinkling Christmas lights. Highly recommend if you're a sucker for romance and Christmas like me.
Thanks NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing me with an ARC to read for an honest review.
WOW, this gave me allll the Christmas feels. It's like a warm hug full of festive feelings. The story is your typical Netflix/Hallmark Christmas movie, but in book form. Cozied up on the couch with a hot chocolate or warming tea, this is the perfect read for this time of year. The story is kind of predictable, but don't we all crave a little romance around Christmas? The festive setting immediately makes you want to book a holiday to a small snowy town and watch all of the twinkling Christmas lights. Highly recommend if you're a sucker for romance and Christmas like me.
Thanks NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing me with an ARC to read for an honest review.
November 19, 2024
Listened on audio and had to speed it up. It was just really slow for me.
December 28, 2024
A cute and cozy Christmas read, set in Scottish highlands. The premise was good but it was kinda slow for me, a bit boring at times and there was no chemistry between the main characters.
October 21, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable festive read that was filled with pure joy, love and Christmas spirit. I loved the characters, the community and just a wonderful story
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2023
Julie Shackman is one of my favorite authors! I love the way she writes, how she superbly describes the landscapes and how realistic and full of emotions the characters in her stories are. If you haven't read any of her books then you absolutely must! Now, as far as this story is concerned, I don't have much to say... I loved it! I loved the landscapes, and of course I would love to work at the log cabins in the woods with the fog and the rain and eventually the snow covering them and me. After all, Scotland itself is magical.
I loved our protagonist, Lottie, and I felt so related to her as just like her I love everything about Christmas! And of course I laughed a lot as she tried to change her colleague’s mind,as he hates Christmas.
This is another enjoyable, feel good and magical story written by Julie Shackman! I can’t wait to read more of her adventures!
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy!
I loved our protagonist, Lottie, and I felt so related to her as just like her I love everything about Christmas! And of course I laughed a lot as she tried to change her colleague’s mind,as he hates Christmas.
This is another enjoyable, feel good and magical story written by Julie Shackman! I can’t wait to read more of her adventures!
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy!
August 18, 2023
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Enjoyed the story of Christmas mad Lottie and not at all Christmas mad Blake. Perfect light Christmas reading!
Enjoyed the story of Christmas mad Lottie and not at all Christmas mad Blake. Perfect light Christmas reading!
August 12, 2023
Julie has done it again! With her clever wit and amazing imagination, she has created a festive and fascinating story of likeable characters, exciting plot and some intriguing curve balls that keep this novel fresh and delightful. The Highland Lodge Getaway is a heart-warming story about the magic of Christmas and how a sprinkle of goodwill and positive attitude can go a long way! It is also about second chances and how people are often stronger than they think. Dealing with life’s challenges can be draining and sometimes we just want to run away from the people and things that hurt us. But this story shows that we cannot escape or hide forever. We must deal with our fears and insecurities, learn to forgive, hit the reset button and create new memories. This may be difficult but necessary to free us. So, The Highland Lodge Getaway is also about emotional healing from damaged relationships. Plus having confidence in one’s abilities to accomplish new tasks.
Lottie Grant is a bundle of energy with a passion for Christmas. She studied Interior Design and has a real gift in making rooms and businesses shine. But the shop, Christmas Crackers, that she has worked so hard to make successful, is now being sold and the lease cannot be renewed. There are plans for a new business on these premises. Lottie had planned to buy the business but now her dream has been trashed and there is nothing she can do. Except move on and find another position. Luckily a new one arises. She is offered a position to re-decorate and manage a new business with luxury cabins in her quaint Scottish town of Craig Brae. It is a daunting task but her mother and others encourage her to accept. And she comes up with some amazing ideas that have plenty of sparkle and spirit.
But then Lottie must work with a grumpy member of the community. The hiking expert, Blake Dempster, who is especially moody about Christmas. His sullen attitude tries to dampen Lottie’s Christmas cheer. But she makes every attempt possible to stay on track in spite of his wet blanket mind-set to derail her Christmas spirit and design ideas for the cabins. She suspects there’s a reason behind his adverse response to the holiday season. But what is it? After roping him in to play Santa Clause to the school children, she begins to see little glimpses of his softer, kinder side. But he still remains silent about his past life—even after they become closer. Is there more to Blake than firm muscles, a long beard and pessimistic remarks?
I loved watching the relationship between these two move from friction to friendly encounters. They maintain their humorous banter while a caring connection blossoms— much to their surprise. Certain events and challenges bring on the changes. Growth happens and the story ends on a beautiful note.
I loved how Lottie’s late father keeps reappearing in the text at important moments. He passed at the young age of sixty. They were very close and although he is physically gone, she still ‘hears’ him in her heart giving her advice and encouragement. I can personally relate to this. It was a nice touch to show Blake’s polar opposite experience with his father as it provides light and shade in the story. Not everyone is as fortunate as Lottie (or myself) to have had a great relationship with their father. There are some like Blake who have had a very different experience. This also helps explain some of his reactions and viewpoints. But even these are not fixed in stone, as Lottie’s bright essence becomes a positive influence on him.
This story is full of wonder, Christmas spirit and sparkle. It is easy to be enlightened, surprised and warmed by the love that shimmers across these pages; to taste the snowflakes drifting down from a white feather sky. The setting is heavenly, cosy and comforting. The characters real, likeable and lasting. Beauty abounds inside this charming community, along with humour tapered by wisdom. I enjoyed The Highland Lodge Getaway and recommend that all feel-good fiction readers add it to their Christmas wish list! 5 Shining Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
Lottie Grant is a bundle of energy with a passion for Christmas. She studied Interior Design and has a real gift in making rooms and businesses shine. But the shop, Christmas Crackers, that she has worked so hard to make successful, is now being sold and the lease cannot be renewed. There are plans for a new business on these premises. Lottie had planned to buy the business but now her dream has been trashed and there is nothing she can do. Except move on and find another position. Luckily a new one arises. She is offered a position to re-decorate and manage a new business with luxury cabins in her quaint Scottish town of Craig Brae. It is a daunting task but her mother and others encourage her to accept. And she comes up with some amazing ideas that have plenty of sparkle and spirit.
But then Lottie must work with a grumpy member of the community. The hiking expert, Blake Dempster, who is especially moody about Christmas. His sullen attitude tries to dampen Lottie’s Christmas cheer. But she makes every attempt possible to stay on track in spite of his wet blanket mind-set to derail her Christmas spirit and design ideas for the cabins. She suspects there’s a reason behind his adverse response to the holiday season. But what is it? After roping him in to play Santa Clause to the school children, she begins to see little glimpses of his softer, kinder side. But he still remains silent about his past life—even after they become closer. Is there more to Blake than firm muscles, a long beard and pessimistic remarks?
I loved watching the relationship between these two move from friction to friendly encounters. They maintain their humorous banter while a caring connection blossoms— much to their surprise. Certain events and challenges bring on the changes. Growth happens and the story ends on a beautiful note.
I loved how Lottie’s late father keeps reappearing in the text at important moments. He passed at the young age of sixty. They were very close and although he is physically gone, she still ‘hears’ him in her heart giving her advice and encouragement. I can personally relate to this. It was a nice touch to show Blake’s polar opposite experience with his father as it provides light and shade in the story. Not everyone is as fortunate as Lottie (or myself) to have had a great relationship with their father. There are some like Blake who have had a very different experience. This also helps explain some of his reactions and viewpoints. But even these are not fixed in stone, as Lottie’s bright essence becomes a positive influence on him.
This story is full of wonder, Christmas spirit and sparkle. It is easy to be enlightened, surprised and warmed by the love that shimmers across these pages; to taste the snowflakes drifting down from a white feather sky. The setting is heavenly, cosy and comforting. The characters real, likeable and lasting. Beauty abounds inside this charming community, along with humour tapered by wisdom. I enjoyed The Highland Lodge Getaway and recommend that all feel-good fiction readers add it to their Christmas wish list! 5 Shining Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
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