Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands #5

by Donna Ashcroft

Bundle up warm and take a sleigh ride to Christmas Resort, the wintry haven where a fire is always roaring and hot chocolate is on tap. But can Ivy Heart let down her defences and fall in love at the most wonderful time of the year?

Singleton and city-girl Ivy Heart has just turned thirty. She’s a chronic list-maker, married to her five-year-plan, and can’t remember when she last had a Christmas off. This year is no different; PA to Lady Miriam Ballentine, Ivy has been tasked with bringing her estranged grandson home before Christmas Eve in return for a reference. With her dream job on the line, Ivy packs her bags for the snowy Scottish Highlands to track down the heir to the Ballentine estate.

But when Ivy arrives at Christmas Resort, she discovers Ross Ballentine is far from a polished Laird-to-be. Rough around the edges, free-spirited and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, Ivy is shocked when he drives off on his snowmobile at the first mention of his grandmother. Not taking his frosty tracks as an answer, Ivy books herself onto his reindeer spotting tour, determined to convince this recluse to return to his responsibilities at the crumbling family castle.

But events don’t follow Ivy’s meticulous schedule as she spends time with Ross in his rustic cabin, switching her phone and mind off to the demands of city life. Soon it’s not just the log fire heating up between them. Does Ivy have more in common with this grumpy woodsman than she thought?

As sparks of romance roar under snowy skies, can Ivy get Ross home in time to secure the job she’s worked so hard for? Will Ivy’s ambition and Ross’s stubbornness drive them apart, or give them a Christmas they will never forget?

Full of festive sparkle, this completely addictive read is perfect for cosy nights and frosty mornings! Fans of Cathy Bramley, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will adore this gorgeous Christmas romance.

What readers are saying about Donna

‘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… make yourself a hot chocolate and clear your schedule ready to get lost in this unputdownable heartwarmer.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my goodness, this book has all the festive feels. It’s a snowy, cinnamon-scented hot chocolate, cosy sweater sort of book… Sparks fly. This book was lovely, perfect with a Baileys hot chocolate in front of the fire.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Delightfully festive read!… I was well and truly hooked… I flew through the book faster than Rudoph pulling Santa's sleigh!… Christmas wrapped up in a book… more snow that you can shake a candy cane at… a fabulous read!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Such a cute Christmas story!… I was obsessed from beginning to end (read it in every single spare second I had)… I would 100% recommend for those who like a good romance in a Christmassy scenario.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely loved everything about this… This rapid page turn is a must read,

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Chick Lit, Scotland, Holiday Romance

246 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, atmospheric, and heartwarming, Donna Ashcroft's delightful Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands had me feeling warm and fussy inside as I happily turned the pages! I loved the snow-covered setting, the charm of the people, and the sweet taste of romance!

Ivy Heart is working as PA for Lady Miriam Ballentine who has tasked her with going to the Scottish Highlands to convince Miriam's grandson, Ross Ballentine, to come home. As Ivy arrives at the Christmas Resort where Ross works, she can’t help but admire the setting while feeling frustrated that Ross was a no-show for their scheduled meeting.

Ross Ballentine is a rugged and handsome outdoorsman who likes his quiet existence. He enjoys what he does and has no aspirations to be Laird of his family's estate.

I enjoy Donna Ashcroft's beautiful writing, the wonderful settings of her books, the plots, and the heartwarming romances she writes. In Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands, I found Ivy and Ross to both be very likeable and I rotted for them both. I even adored Grizzle. the cantankerous man who lives deep in the woods.

I loved Ivy and Ross's meet cute and how they related to each other. They have fun and light banter which endeared them to me. Not to mention the supporting cast of characters, many of which were delightful and sweet. Then there are the few characters who put me off slightly, but I enjoyed their growth in this book. Like all of us, Ivy and Ross have their own dreams and aspirations. Each is also dealing with their own individual issues and family pressures.

This is a wonderful book for your cool/cold weather reading. Curl up in your favorite reading spot, grab a mug of hot chocolate and be transported to the Scottish Highlands!


Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Aakanksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Heart, a thirty-year-old city dweller and dedicated planner, finds herself caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities as she juggles her demanding job as a personal assistant to Miriam Ballentine. This Christmas, her task is to bring Miriam's estranged grandson, Ross, back to the family estate in the Scottish Highlands to secure her dream job. However, upon meeting Ross, she realizes he is nothing like the refined heir she expected; instead, he is rugged, free-spirited, and resistant to the idea of returning home. Undeterred, Ivy joins his reindeer spotting tour, hoping to persuade him to embrace his family legacy, but as they spend time together in his cosy cabin, she begins to question her own life choices and the rigid plans she has made. With romance blossoming amidst the snowy backdrop, Ivy must navigate the tension between her ambitions and Ross's reluctance, all while racing against time to ensure they both have a Christmas to remember.
This was such a heartwarming read and I devoured it from start to end. It got me hooked.. successfully instilled a sense of warmth and nostalgia and a holiday mood. Writing is amazing with idyllic scenery. Ivy and Ross are both amazing. I loved how their story unfolded. Their moments, their chemistry and how things between them worked out. Loved it so much and I can't wait to read other stories in this series.


Thank you so much @bookoutre and natgalley for the ARC!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read, I enjoyed the characters, and setting.

[Eglė Eglė · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

Kažkaip nesiseka man šiais metais atrasti savo Kalėdų knygą😒 ši istorija neįtraukė manęs taip, kaip aš tikėjausi, pasirodė nuobodoka, vietomis labai jau banali. Veikėjai buvo silpni, situacijos neįtikinančios, labai dažnai verčiančios vartyti akis. Ne kartą norėjosi padėti į šalį nebaigus ir rinktis kitą knygą.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet Christmas Romance set in the Scottish Highlands. Ivy and Ross, at first, seem a rather odd couple until you get to know them. Then they are the perfect couple and complement each other in every way. Their path to HEA led through a snowy Scottish Highland, encounters with a curmudgeonly recluse, and finally long overdue honesty.

Ivy Heart is set on making her mother happy and pursuing a career that will give her economic stability. That is a great goal, but not exactly what Ivy wants for her life. But she is determined to make a success and to do that she needs a recommendation from her employer, Lady Miriam Ballentine. Miriam has one final task for Ivy before she gives her recommendation. Ivy has to get Miriam's estranged grandson, Ross, to return to the family fold.

Ross Ballentine has hidden himself away at Christmas Lodge in the Scottish Highlands working as the grounds keeper and adventure tour guide. He loves his work but keeps himself to himself. His feelings for his family are complicated and he is better off without any contact with them.

Determined to complete this final task for Miriam, Ivy heads for Christmas Lodge and has no idea of the adventure that awaits her. Ross is a hottie and Ivy is smitten. Ross takes one look at Ivy and is poleaxed by the cutie. But trouble finds its' way into this sweet romance when Ross finds out why Ivy came to find him and what she gets out of it.

[Gabrielė|Kartu su knyga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Po truputį artėjant gražiausioms metų šventėms norėjosi perskaityti šiltą, žiemišką bei jaukią istoriją. Pamaniau, jog ši knyga tam turėtų puikiai tikti! ❄️

Šioje istorijoje susipažįstame su Aive Hart. Ji yra labai atsidavusi savo darbui bei savo svajonių siekianti mergina. Siekiant savo užsibrėžtų tikslų dažnu atveju tenka dirbti ir per šventes, tačiau ne šį kartą.. Šį kartą ji gauna užduotį, kuri yra įkalbėti jos bosės anūką parvykti namo.. Ieškodama Roso Balentaino ji atvyksta į tikrą žiemos pasaką.. Vos tik Rosas sužino, kokiu tikslu Aivė čia atvyko, jis pasipusto padus. Moteris supranta, jog įvyko kažkas siaubingo, jog taip suskaldė jų šeimą.
Po truputį jie suartėja ir Aivė pradeda abejoti viskuo, kuo iki šiol tikėjo ir kuo vadovavosi ilgą laiką..

Žiema alsuojanti knyga, kuri skaitėsi tikrai lengvai. Tačiau šį kartą man pritrūko įdomesnės istorijos, o galbūt jos pateikimas nebuvo man jau toks įtraukiantis, kaip to tikėjausi. Tad sakyčiau, jog tai buvo tikrai neįpareigojantis, lengvas skaitinys.
Tikriausiai šioje istorijoje man labiausiai patiko Roso augintiniai, juos įsivaizduojant šypsena atsirasdavo mano veide. Taip pat vienas iš įdomesnių veikėjų man pasirodė Grizlis. Senas bambeklis, kuris taip pat visuomet pakeldavo nuotaiką 🤭
Kuomet norėsis lengvo skaitinio prieš šventes, ar po jų, nurimus visam šventiniam šurmuliui, tikrai puikiai tiks ši knyga 📚

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paprasta ir jauki knyga.

[knygu.mergaite._ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Ashcraft never ceases to amaze, inspire and uplift my heart with every special book of hers she releases. True, I am a huge fan of her romantic character relationship focused stories set in stunning landscapes. The love for animals, need for fresh starts and solving life’s conundrums whether it be finding that perfect job, residence or partner with whom to share their lives— are relatable concerns at the core of these wonderful novels. I keep saying each upcoming release is my favourite but truly this Christmas one Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands is without doubt at the very top of my list like a crowning star on a Christmas Tree! Shining with hope, healing and happiness, it not only offers a wonderful reading experience but also some great advice that all of us can take on board when facing trials.

The story is divided into two viewpoints: one by Ivy Heart and the other by Ross Ballentine. These two are destined to cross paths, create sparks, bring change and set the stars in order.

Ivy is a hard working single thirty-year old, focused on stepping up in her career. Well, that is what her successful surgeon mother wants for her…but Ivy has other wishes. She is happy working with plants, being knee deep in earth like her late father who inspired and taught her about greenery and flowers. Her name is a clue, too. But I am getting ahead of myself! Ivy and her mom have been through some rough times which have made her mother super sensitive and fearful of her daughter’s future. She wants her to a have a ‘proper career’ to sustain her. And Ivy does not want to disappoint or worry her mother (who has had a health scare) so she takes on a temporary job as PA with Lady Miriam Ballentine with the intention of gaining a prestigious traineeship (Financial Trader Programme) in London once Miriam’s regular PA is off her maternity break. But she must complete a task first. She must locate and bring home the estranged grandson, Ross. Brother Simon has turned down the Laird title he has been groomed for since he was a child. Miriam, of course, wants to keep tradition going. But Simon has had enough of all the restrictions and stresses put on his life from his grandmother. This causes her to focus on the younger grandson. She tells Ivy that he must take up the title now, so she wants him to come home by Christmas so she can make her announcement. But we wonder of her motives. And will he be convinced to come back? Especially since he left abruptly.

Ross Ballentine is a free-spirited nature lover with two unusual pets. He happily works at the Christmas Resort taking customers on nature trips and camping events. Five years earlier, he ran away from his roots at Hawthorn Castle, heavily weighted with guilt. He blames himself for the death of his parents that happened when he was a child. But is he really responsible? He feels his grandmother and brother both blame him and although there are no words from them that say this, he imagines it in the way they look at him. His only escape while living at the Castle, was the garden where he gained solace and felt peace. But he knows to stay there with his remaining family would only remind him of what they’d all lost. So, he takes up a position at the Resort where he keeps mostly to himself. Except he takes an interest in old man Grizzle who he tries to help without him knowing. I enjoyed Grizzle. He is a comical character who denies his need for assistance. His eyes are bad but he won’t see an optometrist. He keeps buying glasses online with hopes one set will work! Even though he is grumpy and gruff, he has a good heart. A heart, though, that also needs mending.

When Ivy crash lands into these characters lives at the Christmas Resort, everything changes. There are lots of clashes and sparks but this adventure for Ivy starts out with her mission to obtain Lady Miriam’s grandson, give him a message and try to lure him back to Hawthorn Castle. But as she gets to know Ross, she begins to see his point of view. Being ever hopeful, though, she tries to reason with him to ignore his reluctance to return. Family is everything to her and she knows that loss can come at any time and it is important to seize the day. Her heart wants to see Ross restored with his brother and grandmother. She sees his situation through her own experiences but also wonders at what will happen if he returns. And what happens is quite unexpected.

While Ross and Ivy become closer, he also shines a light on her motive to climb up the ladder to a position that is not the best for her. Her love of plants and nature is re-awakened while staying at the Christmas Resort and partaking of activities with Ross. She must decide which path to follow: one she wants or one her mother wants for her.

This is a deeply moving story about choices, motives and denying or following your heart, plus the consequences of each. There are some very real issues laid bare that make this story multi layered. It is not just a cute light hearted Christmas tale. It expresses maturity in making the right decisions for the individual, even at the risk of rejection or disappointing others; having the courage to be yourself and choose your own path to find peace and happiness.

I loved the fact that Ivy’s mom gets her using a motivational coaching app that sends out these fantastic messages of encouragement. The words always manage to provide insight or advice at the right moment.

A few characters from past Christmas releases are mentioned: one being a beloved Donkey! There are some wonderful festive Christmas scenes, too, which I have not mentioned but the spirit of the season definitely is here in the sleigh rides, tree trimming and mouth-watering scents of fresh baked mince pies! I love the fact that although characters have been wounded by past events, they become open to change and in doing so find hope, healing and renewal of relationships. Families are sewn back together to celebrate the season after learning important lessons.

I encourage everyone who loves a well written family Christmas story with substance and likeable characters (even the over bearing grumpy ones!) with relatable issues and solvable problems, to get a copy of this magnificent novel that captured my heart, made me think, stirred a few tears and definitely made me smile with its happy ending. 5 Festive Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Nei_dienos_be_knygos · Rating 3 out of 5]

#perskaičiau
Donna Ashcroft "Žiemos svajos Škotijos aukštumose"

Labai gražaus viršelio, trumpa, žiema dvelkianti istorija ✨

Su klubelio merginomis ieškojome žiemiško Advento skaitinio ir akis patraukė būtent "Žiemos svajos Škotijos aukštumose".
Trumpa istorija, kurioje susitinka du atrodo labai skirtingi žmonės, bet kuo giliau į mišką, tuo daugiau bendrumo atsiranda tarp Aivės ir Roso.

Nors ši romantiška istorija ir labai nuspėjama, tačiau buvo jauku skaityti apie mažo žiemos kurortinio miestelio gyvenimą, čia kaip ir galima tikėtis gyvena nemažai charizmatiškų ir linksmų personažų, kurie nuolat vertė krizenti ir šildė širdį.

Nors pati Roso ir Aivės istorija labai jau paviršutiniškai paliesta, bet buvo tikrai jauku ją skaityti. Šurmulingu gruodžio laikotarpiu norisi lengvų, atpalaiduojančių skaitinių, o ši romantinė istorija būtent tokia ir buvo ✨

3.0⭐/5.0

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun, lighthearted romance story. The story made me feel like I was sitting in front of a crackling fire in a log cabin in the middle of a snowstorm, wrapped up in a cozy blanket and reading.

4.5 🌟
Ivy comes to Christmas resort in the Scottish Highlands in order to bring back her employer's youngest grandson who is now the primary candidate for Laird of her castle now that his oldest brother has ran away from the responsibility. She didn't expect to fall in live with Ross

Ross is taking care of the lodge instead of going back to a family he always felt excluded from . He meets Ivy , thinking she's just a guest until she reveals the truth.

The supporting characters stories such as Grizzle and his demon pug are very entertaining.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC review.

The way that Ross and Ivy got to know eachlother in a few days and fall for eachother is great.

I wasn't familiar with some of the Scottish slang but the writing was sweet and charming.

At some points of the story, I thought the story dragged and gave too many needless details about the resort so that's the reason I gave 4.5 stars.

[Ugnė | pilna_lentyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Žiemos svajos Škotijos aukštumose" - šiltas, romantiškas ir žiemiškas romanas, nukeliantis skaitytojus į snieguotas Škotijos aukštumas, kur tarp snieguotų viršukalnių, gimsta Roso ir Aivės meilės istorija.

Aivė Hart - ambicinga, racionali ir griežtai savo gyvenimą planuojanti moteris, kuriai emocijos ir spontaniškumas iki šiol buvo tik antraeiliai dalykai. Tačiau viskas pasikeičia tuomet, kai ji gauna gana neįprastą užduotį - iki Kalėdų surasti dingusį įtakingos šeimos palikuonį ir pargabenti ji namo. Ši paieška Aivę nuveda į atokų Škotijos kurortą, kur ji susiduria su visiškai kitokiu gyvenimo tempu ir požiūriu į pasaulį. Būtent čia ji sutinka Rosą - uždarą vyrą, kuris sąmoningai pasirinko atsiriboti nuo šeimos ir savo praeities. Nuo pat pradžių Aivė supranta, kad jos pasiūlymas Roso visai nevilioja, nors būtent nuo šios užduoties sėkmės tiesiogiai priklauso jos tolimesnė karjera.

Šią knygą kartu su knygų klubu skaitėm kaip Advento kalendorių. Viena diena = vienas skyrius. Labai džiaugiuosi dėl tokio pasirinkimo. Knyga tikrai labai nuspėjama ir saldi - jei būčiau skaičius normaliai, galimai greitai tas saldumas būtų pradėjęs erzinti. O skaitant po kelis puslapius per dieną, buvo pats tas 👌 Gal neveltui sakoma, kad viskam reikia saiko 😀

Nors knyga nestebina nei siužeto vingiais, nei personažų augimu, ji vistiek turi savotiško žavesio, kurį kuria ne pagrindinė istorija, o detalės - žiemiškas kurortas, smagūs antraplaniai veikėjai ir kitos mielos detalės. Jei knygai nekelsit milžiniškų lūkesčių ir ieškosit lengvos istorijos šventiniam laikotarpiui, greičiausiai liksit nenusivylę 🎄

[Skirmantė Rugsėjis · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sek savo svajones - jos žino kelią."

Keista, bet visiškai neįtraukė, daug kartų norėjau dėti šalin ir nebetęsti. Buvo per saldu, per vaikiška, perspausti tie šventiniai žiemiški dalykai, lyg kalbant apie šventes nebūtų daugiau ką paminėti apart sausainių ir kakavos. Gal to ir trūko, kažko originalesnio, apibūdinant žiemą, ne tiek nuvalkioto, kažko, kas priverstų į viską pažiūrėti kitu kampu.

Veikėjai labai paviršutiniški, kiek tuštoki, nuspėjami. Labiausiai man trūko nuotykių, intrigos, kažkokio virpuliuko, žaismingo flirto. Buvo tiesiog nuobodoka. Užversdama neišsinešiau šventinio laukimo nuotaikos ar kažkokios šviesos, bet galbūt ją čia pajus tie, kuriems Kalėdos susijusios vien su blizgučiais ir šiltomis kojinėmis.

[Diana Šimčikaitė · Rating 2 out of 5]

Turbūt galėčiau įvardinti taip, kad kam patinka iš pirmų puslapių nuspėti pabaigą ir visą knygos turinį, tai jūsų knyga.. truputį gamtos ir sakykim banalios meilės istorija.

[Sofía Martínez · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pesar de ser un libro corto se me ha hecho pesado y parecía que no avanzaba, lo único navideño que tiene es que se desarrolla en un resort de vacaciones. Me esperaba otra cosa.

[Eglė Urbonė · Rating 2 out of 5]

Knyga iš viršelio graži, traukia akį skaityti, nes jau netrukus žiema ir norisi kažko žiemiško. Tačiau, mano nuomone, knygos istorija nuobodi. Turėjau prisiversti pabaigti, nes istorija visiškai neįtraukė. Atleiskite, kieno nuomonė kitokia, tačiau maniškės nepakeisite. 🫢

[Joanna Donaldson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy is sent to the Christmas Resort to find her employer’s grandson but he isn’t keen on speaking to her. She finds herself signing up for some of his outdoor adventures to get the chance to speak to him. She soon finds herself not only drawn to the snowy woods and landscape but also the grumpy Ross. They both find they need to rethink, Ivy what it is she wants to do and Ross whether he is better off alone or whether he is in fact lonely.

This is a lovely cosy read perfect for curling up to read with a hot chocolate and mince pie.

[Rasa|Knygų princesė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jau kelinti metai, gruodis šykštus ir sniego sulaukiame itin retai. O tos Kalėdinės nuotaikos labai trūksta. Šiame romane sniego ir meilės tikrai netrūko. Kalėdinės dvasios taip pat.


Aivė Hart, kruopšti ir atsakinga mergina, tampa Mirjam Balentain asistente. Ji ne tik padeda organizuoti Kalėdinį pokylį, bet ir gauna užduotį įkalbinti Mirjam anūką Rosą atvykti bei perimti dvarininko pareigas. Rosas turi savų priežasčių, kodėl nutraukė ryšius su savo šeima ir dirba Kalėdų kurorte. Aivei tenka pavargti, kol ji bent pasikalba su Rosu. Deja, bet pirminis planas labai greitai pasikeičia, kai artimiau susipažįsta su vaikinu,


Kaip minėjau, sniego, gamtos čia netrūksta. Kalėdų kurorto idėja puiki: galima apsigyventi gamtos apsuptyje, atskirame namelyje… Eiti į žygius, džiaugtis žiema ir Kalėdomis. Tiesiog tobula vieta atostogoms. Patiko Roso meilė gamtai, mokėjimas įsiklausyti bei pajausti jos ženklus. Turtingas paveldėtojas, bet visai nosies neužrietęs, kartais užsispyręs.


Pats veiksmas ir siužetas jau buvo kažkur skaitytas bei kiek nuspėjamas. Tiesa, rašytoja bandė užgriebti šeimos santykių, neišpildytų tėvų lūkesčių temas. Tai labai gerai - ne tik čia viskas apie meilę. Bet kartais norisi tiesiog kad viskas būtų labai gerai, kad gėris nugalėtų, kad meilė išsipildytų. Taip ir šiame romane - nieko ypatingo, bet labai jauku.


Manau, kad tikrai atsiras kam patiks ši istorija. Net ir man buvo greitas, lengvas skaitinys įtemptu priešventiniu laikotarpiu. Ir tikri romantikai tikrai supras, ką norima pasakyti,

[Gabija. Keista Skaitytoja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kaip ir miela, graži, jauki, šventiška, žiemiška knyga. Bet man buvo net šiek tiek per jauki. 😁 trūko veiksmo! Bet kiek gamtos joje galima rasti🤩 ir tikrai gražiai aprašytos, net momentais atrodo esu tam pusnynais apsnigtam miške❄️
Tai vat kažkaip taip. Jauku, gražu ir gerai, bet įdomaus veiksmo mažoka. 🫣

[mnemosineirknygos · Rating 3 out of 5]

"-Sek savo svajones - jos žino kelią,"

Ši istorija man pasirodė kaip viena tų per tv vakarais rodomų meilės romanų. Siužetas lengvas, neapkraunantis. Norint galima kabinėtis prie visko. Bet aš skaičiau ir žavėjausi žiemiškais vaizdais, sniegu nuklotu slėniu ar visu kurortiniu miesteliu. Atėjusi pūga pažėrė Aivei ir Rosui keblumų, bet jau nuo pat pradžių matėsi, kad tarp jų kažkas sukibirkščiavo. Laukiau, kuris išdrys vienas kitą pabučiuoti ir istorija baigsis ilgai ir laimingai. Nes tai istorija, kai nereikia nieko tikėtis, o tiesiog vakare mėgautis su šiltu gėrimu rankoje.

"Reikia būti drąsiam, kad rizikuotum mylėti, ir kvailam, kad manytum, jog geriau bus be meilės."

❄️3.0❄️

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magical winter wonderland will take you on a christmas journey of loss, determination and best of all love.

This heartwarming story follows Ivy Heart, a personal assistant to Miriam Ballentine who is incharge of Hawthorn Estate. Ivy wants her mother to worry less and follow her wishes to step into a finance career, instead of following her late father's footsteps working with plants and nature. In order to take the next step she needs a glowing recommendation from Miriam.

Miriam see’s this as an opportunity once her grandson Simon decides to step down from his role at becoming Liard, and tasks Ivy into finding her estranged grandson and Simon's younger brother Ross who will take over the family duties. If Ivy doesn't deliver Ross to the estate by Christmas Eve she will once again feel like a disappointment to her mother and become more of a burden than before.

Ross Ballentine has been estranged from his family for over 5 years. After the loss of his parents at a young age in a boating accident he blames himself for he has felt like an outsider. Being left behind while Miriam focuses on training Simon to become Laird he didn't feel like part of the family anymore. He moved to the Scottish Highlands and found a job working outdoor recreations for a Christmas Resort. Ross found it best to keep to himself and shut off his emotions and not let anyone in to protect himself from more hearache. The only love he has is for nature, Moose his dog and Snowball his wild boar.

Ivy will face challenges once she realizes that Ross is extremely stubborn, but she is as well and won't take no for an answer. Ivy starts to insert herself into Ross's daily activities as well as excursions he leads for the resort. There is something about Ivy that Ross enjoys and he starts to not only open up, but feelings start to grow between them as well.

You will have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens next.

This book is so magically and even though it's the middle of summer as I read this it will get you into the holiday spirit. The story transports you into this cozy christmas land that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside like you just tasted the best minced pie and the most delicious hot coco ever. The details Donna includes into the most picturesque landscape makes all your senses work overtime. You can feel the icy cold touch of snowflakes falling on your face or smell the most aromatic balsam pines you have ever experienced. I devoured this book from start to finish and didn't want it to end.

My copy of Winter Wishes was provided by NetGalley and Bookouture for a honest review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7⭐️




Ivy tiene la tarea de llevar al nieto de su jefa de regreso a su casa para que se haga cargo del herencia familiar.

Ross perdió a su padres cuando era un niño, después de eso se alejó de su hermano y su abuela lo trataba o mejor dicho lo ignoraba, era como si fuera invisible. El pobre de por sí ya se sentía culpable por lo de sus padre más lo que le hacía la abuela fue demasiado y decidió irse y alejarse de todos.



Disfrute de las interacciones entre los dos, pero llego un punto en el que Ivy me sacó de quicio. Ella tenía una buena relación con sus padres, el papá murió y cuando ve como la familia de Ross está rota, no pierde el tiempo en decirle que si estuviera en su lugar intentaría arreglar las cosas porque uno nunca sabe que podría pasar en el futuro, o sea ella trabajaba para Miranda, sabía que era una persona horrible y aun así le exigía que se acercara a la señora. Me cae mal esa gente que por no tener papas piensa que se debe perdonar a lo malos padres o en este caso a un horrible familiar.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nootka Lenoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy is getting send to Christmas resort by her boss to retrieve her grandson Ross.
He needs to take over the duty of the castle.
Now Ivy is a planner and her PA. Because of something that happened with her father her mother wants a secure future for her and Ivy just loses sight of her own dreams.
Ross on the other hand ran from his family because of the guilt of what happened in his past.
Will they work it out? Or will their feelings bloom into something fierce in the snow and under the mistletoe?

How I just love winter/ holiday/ Christmas books!
It’s just my happy place.
And this book ticked all the boxes.

If you want a cozy winter holiday read.
With a little bit of drama, emotions that will get involved because i cried.
This book is it.
The writing just makes you feel connected to all the characters you get background on the main characters but also on some side characters that are important for the story but also for Ivy and Ross.

The setting of it being in the Scottish highlands just made it more wintery and christmassy, like i said it just al came together and was just perfect!

It just all came together and it’s the perfect read for this winter with a blanket and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on the couch!

Thankyou to the author, publisher and netgally for providing an ARC copy of this book.
That is received the arc didn’t affect my review.

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight Ivy's story was! We share a deep love of nature and indeed the Scottish Highlands so this ticked so many boxes for me. I have read Donna Ashcroft's books before and always enjoyed them, this was no exception.

An ideal read for this time of year, Autumn heading into Winter, it is definitely a book to help brighten a rainy, dark day with descriptive writing of an idyllic Scottish landscape, with lots of nature and oh...maybe some romance... what more can you need. There were strong themes of friendship and forgiveness too, always perfect at this time of year when I think people reflect more.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

My many thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there’s one thing about me, its that I’m a Christmas girlie and getting an advance copy of #WinterWishesintheScottishHighlands through #NetGalley was the perfect way to start warming up for the best season. Light, cozy, and with a few well placed puns, I loved getting to know Ivy and Ross as they fell in love. Donna really brought the quirks of each character to life with aptly named cactuses and a sweet animal duo you won’t want to miss. While there was no real spice for this apple cider of a read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am fully considered passing on all fall decorations just to get my tree up ASAP.

Will be published September 18th- add it your TBR list then!

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like opening your Christmas presents each chapter was a surprise and a treat. Ivy was trying so hard to please everyone. Ross seems tough and outdoorsy but he has a soft centre especially where his friends and pets are concerned. The Christmas Resort setting had everything there is to love about the festive season and I would love a stay there. Beautiful location, wonderful characters and a swoony romance.

[Jaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for netgalley and Bookoture for my ARC copy.

This was such a quick, easy to read and cute festive romance. I really loved the relationship between the characters in this book and the found family aspect. Ross is also an absolute softy and his pets are amazing.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about Ivy and her boss's grandson Ross.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. a sweet and wholesome holiday read set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Lots of emotional upheaval and heartbreaking though u til the healing led to the HEA

[Whitney Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lifetime Christmas movie in book form. Nothing outstanding, but a cute little book.