Uplifting, feel-good fiction, set at Drumblair Castle in the Scottish Highlands from bestselling author Lisa Hobman Can you live your dreams and also find your destiny?
Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.
She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands and she’s still single.
Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at the 17th century Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her best friend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.
When Bella and her Granny Isla find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.
Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?
Escape to the Highlands with this wonderful feel-good read. Perfect for the fans of Jessica Redland and Heidi Swain
Praise for Lisa Hobman:
'Involving and intriguing!' - Sue Moorcroft
'Heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey of discovery' - Heidi Swain
'I love it! - A feel-good, uplifting story of lost love and second chances...' - Holly Martin
'I loved the book. It’s a captivating story with a relatable heroine and beautifully vivid settings. A perfect holiday read!' - Darcie Boleyn
'Simply gorgeous’ - Jessica Redland
'A really uplifting, feel-good read about hope and love that really did warm my heart.' - Kim Nash
'A gorgeous, heart-warming romantic journey, reminds us to never give up on love...' - Lucy Coleman
'You will fall in love with this story of fresh starts and mending broken hearts' -Mandy Baggot
'Be prepared to fall in love over and over again.' - Nancy Barone
Another fun read from Hobman where readers return to the Highlands, this time following Lady Olivia’s best friend and PA, Bella. I enjoyed seeing Bella’s character take centre stage but, to be honest, missed seeing the development of Olivia and Brodie’s relationship. Although the castle is still very much the forefront of the story, this time we see how it is being opened up to the public and the castle’s fortunes finally being turned around.
In the first book, I was suspicious of Olivia’s brother, Kerr. This continues! Not only that, in the opening chapters, I did wonder if I had missed a book out as there were quite a few sudden revelations about Bella which I think would have been more effective as part of the main story, rather than a short paragraph or two. On the other hand, it is events that occurred during the story of the first book, so I kind of understand why these were only referenced in the second one, even if it did feel a bit hasty.
Bella’s role as PA is changed when she has the opportunity to help design the interior of the apartments that Olivia intends to use as holiday lets. Her grandmother is a fun character who provided entertainment throughout the novel, even if her one-liners were a little bit eye-roll inducing. On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing the romance plot develop and loved the surprises that Hobman includes for some of the characters.
I particularly loved the references to Hobman’s other series set on the Isle of Skye. I thought this added another level, especially for Hobman’s fans of these books. If you haven’t read this series, I think this book definitely whets your appetite for them and I enjoyed how this story concluded, partly leaving me wishing that the Highlands would suddenly change location!
Yet, I did not think this book had the charm and magic as some of Hobman’s other stories. In my opinion, this novel wasn’t one that would stand out in my head for the plot and it felt too similar to other books I have read. Whilst I enjoyed reading about Bella, I think more could have been done with Kerr’s character (still!) and the first half of the book could have been pacier. It was great seeing Bella develop in confidence and I was excited for what her future brings; I really hope she returns to the series later on.
This was a good story and I continue to enjoy reading books from this author. I really like Hobman’s cosy writing style and it was lovely to see what happens next in the Highlands. However, I think there could have been a tiny bit more done to the plot to make it that extra special.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Can you live your dreams and also find your destiny?
Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.
She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands and she’s still single.
Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at the 17th century Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her best friend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.
When Bella and her Granny Isla find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.
Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?
My Opinion
This is the second book in a great series, it could work as a standalone but in order to fully understand the background of the castle I would recommend reading the first book before this one. Lisa Hobman has written some great characters and some great descriptions. An engaging read that will leave you in a great mood.
A sweet, easy read which was quite similar to the other one in this series. I was pleasantly surprised by this book as I thought it would be too like to other one but, it was a good story. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
What a treat to return to the Highlands. This story had me laughing out loud at Granny Isla's phrases. The relationship between Bella and her Granny Isla is wonderfully portrayed throughout the book and was the highlight of the story.
Easily one of my favourites so far for 2024, Chasing a Highland Dream was just a delight to read. Set in Inverness in Scotland, Bella works as a Personal Assistant to her best friend Olivia, who has just inherited a castle. However, Bella has aspirations of becoming an interior designer and certainly has the skills to achieve her dream.
I loved, loved, loved Granny Isla so much! She was hilarious, with her many malapropisms, including her WhatsUp messages, she was just brilliant. I found myself smiling more often than not as I devoured this book in just a day. In fact, with the exception of Kerr (aka Kermit according to Granny), and Aiden, all the characters were absolutely cool and loveable.
Lisa Hobman writes with such humour and fun, bringing the characters, the dogs and the Scottish scenery straight into the readers’ imagination. I spent numerous happy moments drinking tea and eating cake with Bella and Harris, walking along by the loch with Beau, and taking a tour of the castle with Olivia.
Do yourself a favour and add this book to your reading list for your holidays this year. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Now I’m off to close my eyes and make believe I’m being whisked away on a motorbike around the highlands of Scotland by my very own Sergeant Donaldson!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read Chasing a Highland Dream by Lisa Hobman.
As the story opens, Bella shows a real error of judgement in trusting Olivia’s brother Kerr who she still rather carries a torch for – but, against all odds, she manages to save the day and make the castle’s first public event a success. But her own life is about to be turned upside down – after a bit of a disaster at the home she shares with Granny Isla, it’s Olivia’s turn to come to the rescue by offering them a temporary home in one of the apartments Bella’s recently used her design skills to help renovate.
Moving on from Kerr, her love life is rather a desert though – her gran’s pushing her towards a bearded policeman, the son of her closest friend, who enjoys birdwatching and seems distinctly boring, but she’s really not interested. And there’s a much more exciting prospect in the flat next-door – a gorgeous and famous author, who’s most definitely returning her interest. I’ll leave you to find out how that triangle works itself out, but suffice to say that neither man is quite what they appear to be – and Bella needs to make the right choices as she considers what the future may hold.
The characterisation in this book is really excellent – Bella, as she slowly blossoms, and her two romantic prospects, but the whole supporting cast too. There’s a really lovely friendship between Bella and Olivia, who has her own challenges and worries along the way – and Bella’s relationship with Granny Isla is a total joy throughout, with plenty of laughs from her many malapropisms and wicked sense of humour. There’s a real focus on kindness and forgiveness, and the whole book radiates warmth and feel good – but it’s certainly not without its moments of real drama and heightened emotions along the way.
If you read the first book in this series, you’ll be delighted to re-encounter familiar characters – I found it a particular treat, but there would be no issues if you read this one as a standalone – and, of course, Drumblair Castle and the Highlands are as beautifully drawn as ever with the author’s love for her setting shining through. And readers of some of the author’s other books will be as thrilled as I was by its perfect ending – but even if it’s your first, I guarantee it’ll leave you with a tear in your eye and a smile on your face. Read in one sitting, I thought it was a really lovely read – and one I’d very much recommend to others.
Lisa Hobman returns to Drumblair Castle with another feel-good story set in the Scottish Highlands. This time, it's Lady Olivia's best friend, Bella who is in the spotlight. With her love life in ruins, Bella is determined to go it alone while she works with Olivia to ready Olivia's family castle for it's grand opening to the public. As good as that plan is, fate - and Bella's Granny Isla - may have something else in mind. Lisa Hobman has become one of my go-to authors over the past few years. I've loved the books in her Skye Collection and enjoyed the first Highlands book, Coming Home to the Highlands (Olivia's story). Her feel-good storylines are heart-tugging, amusing, and leave me wanting to book the next flight to Scotland. Her characters are well-developed and intriguing with relatable, sometimes complex, relationships. I love the friendship threads that run through her stories as much as the romance. I also enjoy the secondary characters who add texture and richness to the story as well as, in some cases, stealing about every scene they're in. Like Granny Isla, the purple-haired octogenarian with a keen wit, sharp eye, loving heart, and propensity for hilarious malapropisms. She kept me chuckling throughout the entire book. The love scenes in the book are closed door, the romance a slow burn, with a gradual escalation of feelings that is heartwarming and realistic. For fans of Hobman, there's also a tie-in with her Skye series that's fun but shouldn't cause any confusion for readers new to her books. For those who are new, Chasing a Highland Dream can be enjoyed on its own however, I think you'll enjoy it more if you've already read Coming Home to the Highlands. I don't know what Hobman has in store for readers next but whatever it is, I'll be checking it out.
ARC received from publisher Fair and unbiased review
Bella Douglas works as the PA to her best friend, Lady Olivia MacBain, who inherited the family home, Drumblair Castle, from her mother. Olivia was chosen over her brother, Kerr, because he has been a gambler and a heavy drinker. This has left Kerr very angry and out for revenge. At one time, Bella had a crush on him but that’s certainly over as he has shown his true colors.
Olivia is updating a lot of the castle to enable her to open it to the public to be used for events, wedding venues, etc. She has also planned to change the stables over to apartments. But when the company lined up to do that for her cancels, Bella’s love of interior decorating comes through and Olivia asks her to do the interiors to Bella’s delight. The first apartment is to be rented to an author who will be working on a novel.
Olivia lives with her grandmother, Isla, who is a funny woman. She loves to visit the day care center to be with other octogenarians whom she calls old. Her malapropos are hysterical. But a problem with their house has them staying in one of the apartments at the castle.
Isla wants Bella to hook up with police officer, Harris, who is the son of her friend. But Bella wants to just choose someone herself. The author shows interest in her but she’s not so sure about that.
This is just the third novel I have read by the author and I'm totally hooked. Cannot wait to read more. Such delightful plots and beautiful descriptions. This story felt like a warm hug. I just loved it and want to reach out and grab another of her books and start it right now. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion. This second - in - series doesn't follow on immediately after the first book, there has been a gap of a few months. Everything seemed to be going fairly well then, although we never found out where Olivia was suddenly getting the money from to kick start the changes at the castle. This book starts by glossing over some disasters that have happened - I felt as though I'd missed out a novella. Some of the 'surprises / secrets' from the last book are explained, I found my predictions from the obvious clues we'd received were correct. I thought there was a lack of continuity with Harris' family: his mother is around the same age as Isla, Bella's grandmother even though Harris is barely midthirties whilst Bella is 29, meaning Maeve must have given birth to Harris when she was around 45 - not unheard-of but definitely unusual. I didn't think Bella's character was particularly engaging - in the first book she'd been rude about a senior person at work, in this book she gets drunk before an important day at work and she frequently makes such poor character judgements that she comes over as rather stupid. In addition there were so many mentions of films and songs that I felt as though I was reading recommendations. In all I found this book to be without depth and the predictability made it quite a slog to maintain my interest. It's average but not outstanding for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the E Arc of this book. It is the 2nd book in this series. The main character of this book is Bella, she has not had much luck with men or employment, at present she is PA to her best friend Lady Olivia MacBain at Drumblair Castle near Inverness. Bella longs to be an interior designer but due to circumstances she can't afford to go back to University to train. She lives with her Granny, who is a wonderful character and longs for Bella to find herself a nice Highland lad to settle down with. Gran is very much a match maker and is not shy to share her opinions.
When both Bella and Gran become homeless Olivia insists that they come and live in one of the apartments at the castle. There also happens to be a handsome neighbour - could he be the man of Bella's dreams?
There are many changes for a number of characters in this book. It was good to see Bella grow and become her own lady going after what she wanted. I enjoyed meeting the characters from the first book and catching up on what was happening in their lives. The friendship between Bella and Olivia is so supportive and the care they have for each other was evident. Also the close bond that Bella has with her Grandmother was beautifully written. I enjoyed the descriptions of the area, one that I am familiar with. An enjoyable 2nd book. Will be interesting to see what happens next.
I instantly loved this book. I got drawn straight into the story and I have to say I absolutely loved Bella, she's the kind of MC that you can connect with easily and that's exactly what I found myself doing. And Granny Isla is fabulous, she's the kind of Granny I think I'd like to be when I'm older, never too serious and always there with love and fun for her grandchildren. I really loved the relationship she and Bella have, it kind of made me miss my Grandma if I'm honest, I think I had a smile on my face during any scene where those two were together. Now onto the romance, I have to admit, to begin with, much like Bella, I didn't really like Harris but I think I also didn't like him because Granny Isla was trying to push him and Bella together and I was annoyed on Bella's behalf so I was rooting for her and Aiden to begin with. Aiden seemed like the better choice, until words came out of his mouth, once he started talking more to Bella I started to dislike him so much! But I loved the slow-burn friends-to-lovers path that Bella and Harris took and it made me do a giddy little dance when they finally got together. I think Lisa Hobman is a brilliant writer because I so easily connected with her characters and became so invested in the story that I couldn't put the book down until I knew the ending. I'm definitely going to go read book one in the series and I can't wait for book three in October!
🏰Granny Isla's malapropisms brought the humor to a good romance😊
Author Lisa Hobman novels celebrate Scottish settings and I am a big fan of her romances. Chasing a Highland Dream was not my favorite, but it's solid "like" from me. The romance in this story was sweet and it turns out there are a number of characters chasing their dreams.
Bella loves working with her friend Olivia as her personal assistant but she really dreams of working as an interior designer. Police constable Harris has ambitions to rise in the police force and head his own country station; community policing is his thing. Olivia dreams of making the castle she inherited a profitable event venue and tourist spot. And Isla and Maeve dream of finding the perfect match for their grandchildren.
I thought the story had good momentum; some conflict and curves to bring the drama; and humor in the form of a lively octogenarian who can't keep her idioms straight (and really couldn't care less!). The plot kept me engaged throughout until it works its way to that HEA that spreads the happiness around. And I liked the touching revelations of why and how much a well-travelled Citroen and a well-paged birder book meant to Bella and Harris.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I am a big fan of Lisa Hobman, only after a few books from her I know I’m a guaranteed fan for life. Her books I know are guaranteed to give me a smile, make my heart melt and feel better about the world for a little bit and I really think we all need that for the last few years.
I loved Chasing a Highland Dream, not only is it set in one of my favourite places but it’s full of my favourite things, romance of course but also great community, friendships and the most loveable and relatable characters. Of course then there are characters like Granny Isla who steals the show in every scene she was in, she’s and loveable, such a wonderful character I wish she was real. , Harris, Olivia, Aidan et al are all wonderful too, but there’s no one quite like Granny !
This is a wonderful slow burn romance my favourite kind, I love seeing a couple come together and the anticipation for them to realise their feelings and then to act is so lovely. It’s a closed door , I’m always happy with any kind of romantic read so I don’t need steam all the time and it’s nice to not always get the full details. I can wholeheartedly recommend this and any of Lisa’s books for an escape to a better place for awhile.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advances copy of this lovely book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book follows on from the first book in the series "Coming Home to the Highlands". Liv is now Lady Olivia MacBain and living at the 17th century Drumblair Castle. Her best friend Bella is currently working as her PA, due to not being able to find anything she loves to do. When the interior designers let Olivia down with the castle remodel, Bella steps into help and realises that she just might have something she loves after all especially if she can make the castle feel authentic with her designs and ensure Olivia loves them.
I really enjoy the writing style of the author, I have not read a few of her books and she manages to set the stage really well in regards to the books setting and her characters. Apart from the pathetic Kerr, all her characters are charming and a pleasure to read about. There is always a little romance, a few great friendships and characters you end up routing for.
This book could be read as a standalone and it would still be enjoyable, but I would recommend reading the other book first so you have a background for the characters and the castle. A really enjoyable read and I am hoping there are more books to come in the series.
This is the first book of Lisa Hobman’s that I have read. It is the second in a series set in the 17th century Drumblaire Castle, Bella is the P.A to her best friend Olivia who is the owner of the castle. The castle is being turned into a destination/event centre in order to make it pay its way and so that it can be preserved. Bella, who yearns to be an interior designer has made over three apartments when Olivia is let down by a design firm. We meet Kier, Olivia’s obnoxious brother who was disinherited due to his gambling and unsavoury lifestyle. Isla is Bella’s grandmother who has a way with words. She is determined to find her granddaughter a partner. Isla is very keen to set up up with the the local police sergeant Harris. Adian, mysterious author has booked a stay at the castle in order to write a book. Through the story we get to see Bella grow in confidence and attract the romantic attention of both men. Altogether and very pleasant read with an interesting cast of characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood for the ARC.
Chasing a Highland Dream is my second Lisa Hobman book, part of a series set in the Scottish highlands. It continues with the characters we’ve met before, but can be read as a stand-alone book.
When Olivia inherited the Scottish Castle her best friend Bella became her PA. Bella’s dreams of being an interior designer ended when she had to drop out of college. Continuing to draw up designs Bella gets the chance to work on some holiday apartments at the castle.
Bella lives with her grandmother Isla who is always trying to matchmake and help her granddaughter find love. When a disaster happens at their cottage Bella & Isla move into a newly decorated apartment at the castle.
Between her grandmother’s matchmaking and the new temporary neighbour at the apartments Bella ends up with two romantic interests. Who does Bella choose? The exciting writer or the steady police officer.
This is an enjoyable read, some parts a bit predictable but they don’t spoil the story. Olivia’s brother is a source of conflict running through the book, but there’s a nice HEA in the end.
In the first we met Olivia who is now Lady MacBain and is getting ready to open the castle to the public. Her best friend, Bella, is her PA and this story is mainly about her although the stories intertwine.
Bella has been unlucky with relationship and her 80 year old granny Isla is trying to matchmake with the local Police Sergeant, however, Bella is interested in a mysterious writer who is staying at accommodation at the castle.
I enjoyed the great range of characters and felt that with the curve balls thrown at Bella it helped her grow and realise she could be more. I loved the friendship between Olivia and Bella, the bond is so strong. Granny Isla's malapropisms had me laughing out loud on a number of occasions and her instincts were good especially when it came to Aiden.
A lovely heartwarming read which I would definitely recommend. I hope there will be more books to come.
Thank you Rachels Random Resources for my gifted eARC and spot on the tour.
It was great to return to Drumblair Castle, this time seeing life there through Bella's eyes. There is such a community there, with the family and staff and Bella finds life there to be glorious. She has put her own ambitions in design on the back burner, but finds that her talent has an opportunity to shine. Circumstances cause her to have to move temporarily into the castle and she brings her granny along. There is plenty of scope for humour where her granny is concerned, Bella's friendship with Olivia is a strong one and it is interesting to see how Olivia is managing her inheritance. Not everyone in her family has been delighted to see this happen. Bella also has to put up with her granny's matchmaking and finds herself with two very different contenders. As the story develops, your opinion of them both changes. In short: an uplifting return to the Highlands Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
The second book in The Highlands series is Bella's story. Her life is a series of bad luck, poor decisions and trusting the wrong people, which seems fated to continue even in her beloved Highlands, working at Oliva's castle. An unexpected chance to utilise her interior design skills is rewarding, and the opportunity for romance signifies a change of fortune, but is Bella willing to take the risk of following her dreams and hazarding her heart? It's a charming story with strong female friendship, familial support, and laugh-out-loud humour. The romance is gentle and tangled. The vibrantly drawn characters and vividly described settings make this an entertaining read. I like the characterisation, the engaging story and the Highlands location.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Book 2 in the Highland series. Bella had to drop out of her design degree and the one career she thought she might be good at. Now she is working for her best friend Lady Olivia as her PA/assistant at Drumblair castle. She lives with her gran who has some fantastic one liners and really gets a good idea of people from the get go. Something Bella should maybe listen to? Bella is able to help Olivia with the design of the holiday lets when the company that were supposed to be doing the design work have to drop out. After having a taste of her dream job and actually getting to live in one of the holiday lets she has designed Bella realises that something needs to change. Best character is by far Bella's gran. Quite funny in parts and lots of side story's interwoven with the main one to keep you turning the pages.
It was a genuine treat to return to Drumblair Castle and catch up with Olivia and her friends and family. When we left, Olivia had taken control of the castle, found love and a hopeful future. Bella, on the other hand, Olivia’s best friend, was still hung up on Olivia’s waster of a brother, Kerr.
I was thrilled to see Bella getting her own story and delighted to see her blossom as she found the opportunity to show her interior design skills. What she doesn’t have is any luck with boyfriends and has to tolerate her Gran’s interference at every turn.
I was immediately drawn to policeman, Harris and despite him being billed as boring, I could definitely sense that there was more to him than met the eye. Meanwhile, Bella also meets handsome neighbour, Aiden, who is far more exciting an option.
The descriptions of the castle’s makeover, the scenery, and the sense of community made this gorgeous story come to life. I could certainly imagine spending time in one of the converted stables.
The characters are perfectly imagined and I could almost hear Harris playing the Fiddle. It was also a real treat to catch up with some crossover characters. Obviously, if you’re reading this as a standalone, you’ll not catch the familiar names, but they made me smile. Don’t worry, you’ll still thoroughly enjoy your escape to the Highlands.
There’s a gentle warmth to Lisa Hobman’s storytelling; nothing feels rushed and you instinctively know that there will be a happy ending. How that ending comes about is all part of the fun.
Bella and Isla are great friends - they are opposites in many ways but just "click" together. They also manage to mix business and personal lives well.
There was a clear winner for me in the trio of potential suitors for Bella and I'm glad she went with him. All the geriatric matchmaking was fun and the gentle romance made for a great change of pace from my other reads this week! Granny's malapropisms were one of the highlights of the book - she had me hooting at some of her clangers.
The overall theme was reaching for your dreams and remembering to stand up more times than you fall down. I really enjoyed this Scottish set romance, especially as it was written by an author who actually lives here and gets the speech pacing and all the Scottishisms right!
Who knew a clapped out Citroen and a book could hold so many memories?
This is my first book by Lisa Hobman, and it was great to find myself in a location I visited recently. I could picture all the scenes described of Inverness and Inverness-shire. I also always enjoy a book where one of the main characters is a writer - even if this one is not the most pleasant of the gang.
Our main character, Bella, is very likeable, although I fear her gran somewhat steals the show by mispronouncing certain words to quite a hilarious effect.
This is the story of Bella discovering herself and putting herself first to achieve thwarted dreams while trying to find the happiness her two friends already enjoy with their boyfriend/husband.
A delightful read, sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
Chasing a Highland Dream is the second book in the The Highlands series by Lisa Hobman.
Chasing a Highland Dream is an emotionally-rich novel. The characters are well-written, 3-dimensional, and complex. I enjoyed Bella and the way the author portrayed her character. She is sensitive, loving, strong, and determined. I love how she puts herself out there when Olivia's design firm backs out of a contract.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, the story, and how everything came together. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept thoroughly engaged. The author wove a masterpiece together, filled with romance, love, anxious moments, tenderness, frustration, and disbelief. I was captivated by this wonderful story.
This book was just what I needed. To be fair I knew it would be as I've read a few of this authors books and they're always easy to read and enjoyable.
This is a return to the Highlands and Bella's story and it was good. Bella being Olivia's friend and PA, with Olivia being the new owner of the castle, and happy with Brodie. They're busy preparing to open the castle to visitors - that's a quick recap for you.
Bella is a normal woman getting on with things, loves her family especially Isla her granny. There are a couple of men hovering, one is lovely, the other has red flags waving
I enjoyed how the relationship grew, and when she hung around just in case he was nearby.
The end left me feeling happy inside with a smile on my face.
Chasing a Highland Dream is part of a series set in the Scottish Highlands, but works well as a standalone.
Bella is best friend Olivia's PA but she desperately wants to be an interior designer. She's given the chance to design apartments at the castle Olivia owns, and her dream increases. Can she find a way to get back to her design love?
Bella's grandmother Isla is desperate for her granddaughter to find love. Will her matchmaking work?
A sweet, predictable, story. I loved the relationship between Bella and Isla, and the trio of "romantic" interests for Bella were fun, if a tad formulaic. Beautiful descriptions of the location, and I loved how food is described so well too!
I have adored each and every single one of Hobman's books I've read to date. This is the second novel in her Highlands series and we find ourselves in the picturesque settings of Inverness - Scottish settings are a bit of a Hobman tradition.
This, is Bella's story and it was an absolute delight to read. It's a light, heart-warming read full of friendships, matchmaking and romance.
Each and every one of the characters are credible and likeable, with Granny stealing the show - what a character she was, wasn't she?
Chasing a Highland Dream was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. It's enjoyable, entertaining and I'm so ready for book three!!
Lisa Hobman’s newest novel in the Highland Series, Charging a Highland Dream, is a delightful read.
The story follows Bells, who, after facing multiple job losses, takes a position as a Personal Assistant to her friend, Lady Olivia. When disaster strikes their home, Bells and her grandmother find themselves sharing an apartment in the castle.
Lisa vividly portrays the area, immersing readers in the setting, while her characters are incredibly relatable. This book is the ideal choice for a springtime read. Grab your copy today!
A story in a beautiful setting with some wonderful characters.
This is a book I enjoyed much more once I'd got through the first third or so. The ending is heartwarming and very satisfying, so worth getting to.
I liked getting to revisit all the characters at the Highland Castle, as well as meeting new ones. Granny Isla is charming and my favourite thing about this book.
The complexity of family was shown in the story, which I liked.
This was not my favourite of Lisa Hobman's work, but I'm glad to have read it.
This is the second book in the highlands series by this author with coming home to the highlands being the first. I would recommend reading in order to get full enjoyment and background on the characters but could be read as a standalone.
Was great to be bask in the highlands and in the idyllic surroundings of the castle with Bella and Olivia and the addition of sone new faces.
Love the bond between Bella and her gran and granny Isla is such a hilarious and charming character love her way with words.