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Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop
Delicious banter, bookstore magic, adorable puffins, and a heartwarmingly happily-ever-after makes this an enchanting Christmas treat.
The universe is playing a joke on me.
An unexpected inheritance has gifted me with the dream of a lifetime – owning a charming bookshop in small-town Scotland. Little did I know this gift comes with a surprise – Highland Hearts bookshop has been running an underground magical matchmaking service – and as new owner of the shop, I am expected to deliver on these matches.
As Christmas looms, and lonely hearts beg for love, I’m tossed into the world of magic and romance, aided by a meddling book club who seems more interested in romance than reading.
The problem is – I just don’t believe in love. Or so I thought.
It turns out there’s one local bird nerd and Scottish hottie, Alexander MacTavish, who has my heart all aflutter. While he’s more into puffins than paperbacks, I can’t help but notice he’s showing up at the bookshop to help every time something goes wrong. Maybe it’s my determination to have an adventure, or maybe it’s the magic, but every time tall, dark, and grumpy enters my bookshop, I find myself wanting to read up on birds just to catch his attention.
As my newfound magic falters, and the town enters my shop into a cutthroat Christmas window decorating competition, I find myself working side-by-side with Alexander, who seems just as determined to avoid love as I am.
With Christmas fast approaching, I must figure out if I can suspend my disbelief and make the match of a lifetime – my own.
The universe is playing a joke on me.
An unexpected inheritance has gifted me with the dream of a lifetime – owning a charming bookshop in small-town Scotland. Little did I know this gift comes with a surprise – Highland Hearts bookshop has been running an underground magical matchmaking service – and as new owner of the shop, I am expected to deliver on these matches.
As Christmas looms, and lonely hearts beg for love, I’m tossed into the world of magic and romance, aided by a meddling book club who seems more interested in romance than reading.
The problem is – I just don’t believe in love. Or so I thought.
It turns out there’s one local bird nerd and Scottish hottie, Alexander MacTavish, who has my heart all aflutter. While he’s more into puffins than paperbacks, I can’t help but notice he’s showing up at the bookshop to help every time something goes wrong. Maybe it’s my determination to have an adventure, or maybe it’s the magic, but every time tall, dark, and grumpy enters my bookshop, I find myself wanting to read up on birds just to catch his attention.
As my newfound magic falters, and the town enters my shop into a cutthroat Christmas window decorating competition, I find myself working side-by-side with Alexander, who seems just as determined to avoid love as I am.
With Christmas fast approaching, I must figure out if I can suspend my disbelief and make the match of a lifetime – my own.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2024
2816 people are currently reading
2545 people want to read
About the author
Tricia O'Malley
80 books2,510 followersAs an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.
To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 810 reviews
August 12, 2025
This was pretty cute with small town vibes and a fun magical element. RTC
What to expect:
~ dual 1st person POV
~ Scotland setting
~ starting over
~ minimal steamage
Narration notes:
Will is a British narrator that does a perfectly fine Scottish accent. Interestingly his lady American accent is better than his lady Scottish accent. Amy does perfectly fine, her Scottish is pretty good.
What to expect:
~ dual 1st person POV
~ Scotland setting
~ starting over
~ minimal steamage
Narration notes:
Will is a British narrator that does a perfectly fine Scottish accent. Interestingly his lady American accent is better than his lady Scottish accent. Amy does perfectly fine, her Scottish is pretty good.
December 12, 2024
Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop was a mostly funny, very seasonal, and sometimes emotional read. It's contemporary with a dash of magic. I felt like while this was cozy and sweet, it almost didn't know where it wanted to land since it's pretty fast paced, in terms of the relationship and in Rosie's acceptance of her drastic life change, but it also brings up some tough self-reflection and deeper emotional scars. Then moves right along since there's adjusting to a new place, new friendships, a window decorating contest, matchmaking, etc.. It's a lot. The writing didn't quite land right for me, however some parts were just so fun and adorable, like the puns and the puffin, and the relationship itself was pretty sweet.
Rosie (h) ends a bland job and equally bland relationship right before learning that she's inherited a Scottish bookstore. Moving to a foreign country and into an unknown professional circumstance are way out of her comfort zone, but Rosie pretty instantly finds a welcoming and magical place in her new venture and charming community. She also has an immediate spark with Alexander (H) who's a touch hermity since moving to the town a few years prior following his divorce. He's also recently rescued an injured puffin who adds a whole special layer to the story. Alexander's nerdy about birds and games and Rosie embraces and appreciates his interests and quirks.
Both main characters are slightly awkward, very adorable, and believe that they're not interested in dating...except they're very intrigued by each other. Their meet-cute is bizarre, has plenty of secondhand embarrassment and yet worked for them. Alexander ends up helping Rosie and they each try to respect that the other one appears to not want anything serious, despite the lustful inner thoughts flying.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama (though the baggage from the H's ex almost felt like drama since he projects what happened with her at times and it kept getting mentioned) and no om drama (the h is given a guy's number but she declines to meet up with him when he reaches out). Both are experienced but H hadn't been with anyone in 3 years and h had bland relationships apparently.
Punny and pushy old ladies, Alexander and Rosie both feeling personally challenged about what they want, that touch of magic (which I still don't fully understand exactly because spells were mentioned but never touched on again, not to mention how the whole matchmaking word of mouth works), and a small dose of steam kept the story rolling. Rosie and Alexander were idiots in communicating about what their situation ship actually became and then there's a third act breakup that blindsided me. I personally didn't like the recovery from that, even if they both talked a bit and I love you's were exchanged. The ending is HFN and very cute, esp with a last minute addition, but I was still simmering over what had happened with the breakup and immediately following because the pace was so fast.
This was my first book by this author I think and I'm not sure if I'll try more of hers or not.
Rosie (h) ends a bland job and equally bland relationship right before learning that she's inherited a Scottish bookstore. Moving to a foreign country and into an unknown professional circumstance are way out of her comfort zone, but Rosie pretty instantly finds a welcoming and magical place in her new venture and charming community. She also has an immediate spark with Alexander (H) who's a touch hermity since moving to the town a few years prior following his divorce. He's also recently rescued an injured puffin who adds a whole special layer to the story. Alexander's nerdy about birds and games and Rosie embraces and appreciates his interests and quirks.
Both main characters are slightly awkward, very adorable, and believe that they're not interested in dating...except they're very intrigued by each other. Their meet-cute is bizarre, has plenty of secondhand embarrassment and yet worked for them. Alexander ends up helping Rosie and they each try to respect that the other one appears to not want anything serious, despite the lustful inner thoughts flying.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama (though the baggage from the H's ex almost felt like drama since he projects what happened with her at times and it kept getting mentioned) and no om drama (the h is given a guy's number but she declines to meet up with him when he reaches out). Both are experienced but H hadn't been with anyone in 3 years and h had bland relationships apparently.
Punny and pushy old ladies, Alexander and Rosie both feeling personally challenged about what they want, that touch of magic (which I still don't fully understand exactly because spells were mentioned but never touched on again, not to mention how the whole matchmaking word of mouth works), and a small dose of steam kept the story rolling. Rosie and Alexander were idiots in communicating about what their situation ship actually became and then there's a third act breakup that blindsided me. I personally didn't like the recovery from that, even if they both talked a bit and I love you's were exchanged. The ending is HFN and very cute, esp with a last minute addition, but I was still simmering over what had happened with the breakup and immediately following because the pace was so fast.
This was my first book by this author I think and I'm not sure if I'll try more of hers or not.
February 13, 2025
A cozy, Christmas novel set in Scotland.
Sweet, magical, and themes around books.
An American girl inherits a bookstore and falls for a handsome Scottish man.
Funny with a nice HEA.
Perfect for the snow day we had in NOLA!
3.5/5
Sweet, magical, and themes around books.
An American girl inherits a bookstore and falls for a handsome Scottish man.
Funny with a nice HEA.
Perfect for the snow day we had in NOLA!
3.5/5
November 24, 2024
This was such a good book. I read this in about 7 days . This was a cozy feel good romance
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 24, 2024
It seems I need to move to Scotland
January 31, 2025
4.25⭐️ did this one on audio for my scottish king will watt🙇♀️🙇♀️ no regrets
this book was so so cute and not what i expected. it was such a fun and short read for the holiday time and it even had some fun magical and mystical elements 🪄🪄✨✨ i was rooting for this couple through and through
rosie was such a funny and relatable character and i loved every moment of her slightly awkward interactions and banter. her and alexander had sooo much chemistry (plus their more than awkward meet cute😭) i loved the setting and the landscape that was described throughout especially in the audio i really felt like i was in a scottish seaside town in christmas. and alexander was such an anti-social cutie. also i have no clue where the puffin came from but i was living for it 😭😭 the bookstore ladies were also top tier side characters and so so funny and meddling.
overall such a fun read for christmas and i definitely recommend the audio!
this book was so so cute and not what i expected. it was such a fun and short read for the holiday time and it even had some fun magical and mystical elements 🪄🪄✨✨ i was rooting for this couple through and through
rosie was such a funny and relatable character and i loved every moment of her slightly awkward interactions and banter. her and alexander had sooo much chemistry (plus their more than awkward meet cute😭) i loved the setting and the landscape that was described throughout especially in the audio i really felt like i was in a scottish seaside town in christmas. and alexander was such an anti-social cutie. also i have no clue where the puffin came from but i was living for it 😭😭 the bookstore ladies were also top tier side characters and so so funny and meddling.
overall such a fun read for christmas and i definitely recommend the audio!
December 2, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ .5
Who doesn’t dream of inheriting a bookstore in Scotland? This book is the epitome of “cozy christmas” but with a little magic, some open door spice, and rescued puffins!
The magic matchmaking and ghost aspect was so cute and a fun addition to this romance. Alexander is such a sweetheart and I loved Rosie’s awkward charm. It was so great to see these two heal each other (with some help from sassy older ladies) and figure out where they both belong.
I’ve never been much of a bird fan, but now I’m kind of obsessed with puffins because of this book! Punny and banter filled, this is a highland romance you will want to make sure is on your holiday wishlist!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ .5
Who doesn’t dream of inheriting a bookstore in Scotland? This book is the epitome of “cozy christmas” but with a little magic, some open door spice, and rescued puffins!
The magic matchmaking and ghost aspect was so cute and a fun addition to this romance. Alexander is such a sweetheart and I loved Rosie’s awkward charm. It was so great to see these two heal each other (with some help from sassy older ladies) and figure out where they both belong.
I’ve never been much of a bird fan, but now I’m kind of obsessed with puffins because of this book! Punny and banter filled, this is a highland romance you will want to make sure is on your holiday wishlist!
December 21, 2024
This was such a low stakes cozy Christmas romance!
I love it when characters are unapologetically themselves and make one another better 🩷
I love it when characters are unapologetically themselves and make one another better 🩷
February 6, 2025
Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop is just the right amount of fun and heartfelt. Cute and cosy, with likeable characters, well written and with a good plot, it's a perfect holiday read.
December 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Christmas Vibes.
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
When the heroines body type/body size/shape is mentioned in any way it is either done so in a neutral way or more often in a positive or good way.
There is No inferiority complex and no negative comparison to other women when it comes to her looks or body.
The heroines issues has nothing to do with her looks or her body…but about the heroine feeling boring/beige and unadventurous etc. …. But also her place in the world and her background and her childhood trauma etc.
The curvy/full-figured heroine is more or less written like any other heroine…like any other heroine of any other size...which is a really good thing.🙌👏👍
That the heroine realized she deserved more and better… in other words realized her own self-worth.
Found family vibes.
Some of the funny parts.
The magic vibes.
The puffins.
Small town vibes.
The cozy vibes of the village and the welcoming/warm inhabitants.
Good chemistry and romantic build up.
Intriguing and interesting main characters.
Rather interesting side characters.
Set in Scotland.
Both main characters are just two everyday people… Not famous or wealthy just ordinary people.
➖ What I disliked:
Somewhat repetitive in some parts.
A tiny bit on the vague side with some of the info about the heroine and/or her character description and visual appearance.
(There is no hints at the heroines age in the story … but the reader gets that info about the hero… more than once….
The heroine is also written in a somewhat vague/contradicting way about her body type… some things points to that she is curvy/full-figured …. while other things/info contradicts that and she is written more like a mid-sized/”straight sized” heroine…. It is a little bit jarring and confusing)
A little too much of the attraction between the main characters was based on the physical...the emotional development was Not bad at all… But a little more depth/focus to the emotional development would have been better.
The very overused/formulaic cliché/trope that the heroines ex-boyfriends all being either boring, uncaring, inattentive or neglectful etc. etc…... Or/and the ex-boyfriends being “just” average looking and too skinny or having the beginning of a beer belly etc. etc. …. And on top of that often also being bad or selfish lovers….
To then the hero being very handsome/handsome, ripped and muscular etc. and also being a walking talking sex god.🙄🥱
Formulaic character description/visual appearance and choice about the hero.
(Hero: Tall and muscular and “ripped” and handsome.)
The hero is a software engineer…. And he is also a teaching professor in that field… he also does DIY’s and renovations/remodeling on his own home in his spare time…. You do not get a “ripped “ physique from doing only renovations/remodeling and DIY…. Or “ripped “ like a male model etc.
Even if it is fiction and fantasy it is still just a little too OTT/silly and formulaic….. and it would have been nice and also more interesting to read about a hero with another body type …. or/and height.
Because well less formulaic and more interesting but also would be more diverse/inclusive.... and also Far from all Scottish men are tall or very tall (average height for Scottish men = 5'9" to 5'10.)
A little bit of a plot-hole....
(Why did the heroine inherit the bookshop etc. from a relative she never even met?... and why did the heroines relative not let her female friends inherit the shop etc. or some other relative?)
December 22, 2024
1.5 ★
I should have DNF’ed but I decided to power through…
small thing that shouldn’t have bothered me as much as it did but the logistics of the window decorating contest made no sense to me… WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE TO MAKE DIFFERENT WINDOW DISPLAYS EVERY WEEK? Is it a tournament style? Are only like 10 places competing? Is this a nationwide thing? What is happening with this contest…
also the third act break up was dumb as hell and had me rolling my eyes
I should have DNF’ed but I decided to power through…
small thing that shouldn’t have bothered me as much as it did but the logistics of the window decorating contest made no sense to me… WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE TO MAKE DIFFERENT WINDOW DISPLAYS EVERY WEEK? Is it a tournament style? Are only like 10 places competing? Is this a nationwide thing? What is happening with this contest…
also the third act break up was dumb as hell and had me rolling my eyes
December 21, 2024
This was definitely not a "Christmas" book, even though it was set around the holiday, which was disappointing but I still really enjoyed it. And oh my gosh, you couldn't help but love the Puffins!
October 18, 2024
A cozy, feel-good romance that is definitely a must-have on any holiday TBR!
April 6, 2025
I was gonna mark it at 4 stars since Alexander decided to conveniently forget that he was captain mixed signals for the majority of the book but Esther and her beau were too fucking cute. But...come on Mr computer programmer - why the fuck would she invite you further into her life when you were acting like labeling your clearly exclusive relationship was the same as bombing your house.
December 12, 2024
This was mostly a cozy and cute read for me.
Rosie inherits a bookstore in Scotland and decides to change her stagnant life. She meets quirky book lovers and Alexander, a quiet but charming computer programmer and puffin rescuer. There are hints of magic too, that help the bookshop owner be a matchmaker for people!
I felt like it went so fast, I had to look up to see if it was a novella afterwards. But no, it was just fast paced and their relationship developed pretty quickly.
One thing I didn’t love was that Alexander was divorced. Ugh why am I this way that it ruined things for me a little bit? 😂 He doesn’t hold a torch for her, but the hurt makes him closed up and not ready to date again. I didn’t really like that he had that and Rosie only ever felt bland toward her boyfriends. But Alexander was definitely into Rosie and not hung up on the ex herself thankfully.
Back to the fast paced thing, I thought the third act breakup was *bam* abrupt and also not my favorite conflict. I actually don’t mind third act breakups but this one is probably why people hate them because it felt a little unsubstantial to me. Also she then had to go to him and gets hurt and then he doesn’t even visit her in the hospital?!
Anyway. Pushing that aside, they complimented each other and had cute hobbies like board games and bird watching, so I was happy they got a happy ending.
P.S. Their favorite book is the Hobbit and they talk about Frodo’s courage in it and I want to yell it’s Bilbo!!!
Rosie inherits a bookstore in Scotland and decides to change her stagnant life. She meets quirky book lovers and Alexander, a quiet but charming computer programmer and puffin rescuer. There are hints of magic too, that help the bookshop owner be a matchmaker for people!
I felt like it went so fast, I had to look up to see if it was a novella afterwards. But no, it was just fast paced and their relationship developed pretty quickly.
One thing I didn’t love was that Alexander was divorced. Ugh why am I this way that it ruined things for me a little bit? 😂 He doesn’t hold a torch for her, but the hurt makes him closed up and not ready to date again. I didn’t really like that he had that and Rosie only ever felt bland toward her boyfriends. But Alexander was definitely into Rosie and not hung up on the ex herself thankfully.
Back to the fast paced thing, I thought the third act breakup was *bam* abrupt and also not my favorite conflict. I actually don’t mind third act breakups but this one is probably why people hate them because it felt a little unsubstantial to me. Also she then had to go to him and gets hurt and then he doesn’t even visit her in the hospital?!
Anyway. Pushing that aside, they complimented each other and had cute hobbies like board games and bird watching, so I was happy they got a happy ending.
P.S. Their favorite book is the Hobbit and they talk about Frodo’s courage in it and I want to yell it’s Bilbo!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
A quick, sweet and kinda spicy read. But knocking a star off since there characters made reference to their favorite book (The Hobbit) multiple times but referenced “Frodo’s courage” as what made them love the book 🙄🙄🙄 You’d think you would maybe know who the characters are in your favorite book?
December 17, 2025
This was a great book for a modern day Hallmark feel! If you love the romantasy genre but want a Hallmark-esque book, this would fit! It had the easy and predictable love story while also having references to smut, Schitt’s Creek, Wingspan, and Lord of The Rings (the books and the movies 😉). I also greatly appreciated that the author used correct terms for the location! I’ve read too many books that use English terms and measurements despite taking place in other continents and times. The author had a fun writing style and I greatly enjoyed this holiday book!
December 5, 2024
I puffin loved this book 🎄📖
All the characters were amazing. Like Rosie I was absolutely melting anytime Alexander said ‘aye Lass’ 🤭
I say this with love and light, if there’s a distant relative of mine out there in Scotland looking to leave me a bookshop as an inheritance feel free to do so and you know… let me receive said inheritance 🫣
All the characters were amazing. Like Rosie I was absolutely melting anytime Alexander said ‘aye Lass’ 🤭
I say this with love and light, if there’s a distant relative of mine out there in Scotland looking to leave me a bookshop as an inheritance feel free to do so and you know… let me receive said inheritance 🫣
November 26, 2025
This was lovely!
Small-town Scotland, a bookshop with a little bit of magic, a meddling book club, lots of puns, Christmas vibes, and one very sexy kilt-wearing Scotsman 😍
Small-town Scotland, a bookshop with a little bit of magic, a meddling book club, lots of puns, Christmas vibes, and one very sexy kilt-wearing Scotsman 😍
December 26, 2024
Stop. This was SO cute. Omg and the puffin jokes were top notch. Im so happy I read this. Omg I can't express how adorable this was. It just made my heart so happy. 🥹
December 11, 2025
The puffins, puns, and sassy elderly book club gave me so much hope for this, not to mention the Scottish setting, but I was super let down by the romance and magic! I was ready to overlook the straightforward writing and one-dimensional characters for the sake of whimsy and vibes. But the inconsistencies in the main characters' behaviors and immature third-act conflict popped my bubble. The pacing of the relationship was a bit off, and the lack of magic and emotional depth left me wanting more. The puffins were the only characters I felt invested in, I'm afraid.
December 18, 2024
The only saving grace of this book was that it was set in Scotland and there were really wonderful side characters. The book started off sweet, I was intrigued by the magical bookshop. It started to get a little boring with no real problems happening and then the main characters had to get into a really stupid argument. It was a really lazy way to force the characters into their growth.
December 8, 2025
2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️ I don’t have a ton to say about this lol. To be honest, it felt like a holiday hallmark movie in a book and that’s what we were shooting for. I wouldn’t normally reach for a straight romance book like this but for the hallmark model, it delivered about what I expected and at least there was a shirtless Scottish man in a kilt involved 🤣.
Rosie is living a life of bland stability, floating along in a job she dislikes with a boyfriend of convenience. But one day she receives an unexpected letter saying that she has inherited a family member’s bookshop in Scotland. She upends her life and moves to a small village in Scotland and falls in love with the bookstore left behind to her. The bookstore isn’t just a bookstore - it turns out there’s some magick in this store that allows people to be matched for love based on their favorite books, as well as what seems to be the ghost of her Aunt Moira who helpfully provides the soundtrack to Rosie’s new life.
Here comes the hallmark part - there’s a gaggle of women who rope Rosie into a Christmas bookstore window decorating competition that’s included mostly as a throwaway plot point to force the characters together. The love interest is a hot, divorced man named Alexander who Rosie bumps into her first day in Scotland. Rosie, having just gotten out of her relationship, and Alexander not looking for any new relationships post divorce, form a friendship that progresses to include some additional.. shall we say, benefits. 😉
Small village Scottish charm, Christmas time, rescue puffin penguins, and a window decorating competition is pretty much the sum of the plot other than the two main characters falling in love. It was fine, it was Christmasy, it was basic and not particularly well written, but it did what I expected.
Rosie is living a life of bland stability, floating along in a job she dislikes with a boyfriend of convenience. But one day she receives an unexpected letter saying that she has inherited a family member’s bookshop in Scotland. She upends her life and moves to a small village in Scotland and falls in love with the bookstore left behind to her. The bookstore isn’t just a bookstore - it turns out there’s some magick in this store that allows people to be matched for love based on their favorite books, as well as what seems to be the ghost of her Aunt Moira who helpfully provides the soundtrack to Rosie’s new life.
Here comes the hallmark part - there’s a gaggle of women who rope Rosie into a Christmas bookstore window decorating competition that’s included mostly as a throwaway plot point to force the characters together. The love interest is a hot, divorced man named Alexander who Rosie bumps into her first day in Scotland. Rosie, having just gotten out of her relationship, and Alexander not looking for any new relationships post divorce, form a friendship that progresses to include some additional.. shall we say, benefits. 😉
Small village Scottish charm, Christmas time, rescue puffin penguins, and a window decorating competition is pretty much the sum of the plot other than the two main characters falling in love. It was fine, it was Christmasy, it was basic and not particularly well written, but it did what I expected.
August 2, 2025
A Stag with Broad Shoulders for a Hen
Rose "Rosie" Withers is the epitome of a hot mess. And I love how her first encounter with Alexander MacTavish occurs. It's exactly what I expect from one with her talents for chaos. 😆
… this man who might as well have walked off a movie set had just called me “lass” and was looking at me with … well, it wasn’t desire, that was for sure. More like concern that he’d run into a serial killer on his way to … wherever hot men like him went in this small town.
-- Rosie Withers
I found myself caught up in the magic of the bookstore and this couple. Not only are Alexander and Rosie fun to watch as they grow and open themselves up to possibilities, but the gaggle of Book Bitches keep everyone on their toes with their over-the-top personalities and punny puffin related sweaters.
Speaking of puffins, the rescue that Alexander finds himself creating is awesome. The residents are also pretty cool.
While I haven't read it (yet), this is in the same universe as 'Starting Over Scottish'. That pub is a common watering hole for these friends. This is my first from Tricia. I don't expect it to be my last.
I borrowed the audio book. The narrators are Will Watt and Amy Landon. This is my first time with both, and I love them. They do a great job with the delivery of the funny and unexpected. And Will's accent is 🫦
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
H = 34; h = late 20s, early 30s?
August 12, 2025
i didn’t get into this right away but i did (eventually) become invested in this heartfelt and magically romantic book! i enjoyed the holiday aspect but it’s not overly christmasy, if that makes sense.
overall, this was a charming and entertaining book featuring cute puffins (and punny uses of the word), witty banter, funny characters, and an engaging small town.
Rosie takes a risk and moves to Scotland after inheriting a bookstore. she’s excited to finally have a fresh start after she breaks up with her boyfriend and quits her job (his family owns the store). when she meets Alexander, sparks fly! they keep it to themselves but, thanks to dual POVs, we get to experience both characters feelings.
i enjoyed this romcom and the matchmaking using people’s favorite books as a connection was brilliant! i loved guessing with Rosie and i sometimes called it before her 🤣 this was so fun… 💘📚
overall, this was a charming and entertaining book featuring cute puffins (and punny uses of the word), witty banter, funny characters, and an engaging small town.
Rosie takes a risk and moves to Scotland after inheriting a bookstore. she’s excited to finally have a fresh start after she breaks up with her boyfriend and quits her job (his family owns the store). when she meets Alexander, sparks fly! they keep it to themselves but, thanks to dual POVs, we get to experience both characters feelings.
i enjoyed this romcom and the matchmaking using people’s favorite books as a connection was brilliant! i loved guessing with Rosie and i sometimes called it before her 🤣 this was so fun… 💘📚
January 3, 2026
I’m sorry but Rosie is the dumbest character I’ve ever read.
80% of the inner dialogue as I DNF at 23%:
“What is going on!?”
“That was so strange!”
Hot man! Can’t think straight! Literally kissing a stranger as she’s trying to pass him on the sidewalk-bimbo-ass - I simply CANNOT finish this book, wasting precious hours of my life and limited Spotify audiobook time.
Thank god I have free will.
80% of the inner dialogue as I DNF at 23%:
“What is going on!?”
“That was so strange!”
Hot man! Can’t think straight! Literally kissing a stranger as she’s trying to pass him on the sidewalk-bimbo-ass - I simply CANNOT finish this book, wasting precious hours of my life and limited Spotify audiobook time.
Thank god I have free will.
December 7, 2024
Ugh. So much of this book could have been better. They apparently both love the Hobbit....but the referred to the main character as Frodo. I guess that is the fault of the editor, but it seemed like that is something that was kind of an obvious error...especially since the main character loves LOTR!
I had to skip a couple chapters because the spice was more than I would like.
The female narrator was super great....even with the MMC's Scottish dialogue! The male narrator was great with everything, even the old Scottish ladies, but his "female" American accent was very annoying.
It would have been two stars except...I really liked the puffin storyline and the magical realism in the bookshop.
I had to skip a couple chapters because the spice was more than I would like.
The female narrator was super great....even with the MMC's Scottish dialogue! The male narrator was great with everything, even the old Scottish ladies, but his "female" American accent was very annoying.
It would have been two stars except...I really liked the puffin storyline and the magical realism in the bookshop.
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December 12, 2024⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, 🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this story. It was fun, a bit whimsical, and had some serious moments. Rosie and Alexander were sweet. Esther, a new friend, was annoying at times. The third act break-up was a little wonky but overall it was a fun Christmas read. I need to get to Scotland for sure. 🏴🐧🌬️🌊🎄
I really enjoyed this story. It was fun, a bit whimsical, and had some serious moments. Rosie and Alexander were sweet. Esther, a new friend, was annoying at times. The third act break-up was a little wonky but overall it was a fun Christmas read. I need to get to Scotland for sure. 🏴🐧🌬️🌊🎄
January 2, 2025
Quickie review: 3.5 stars. This was an entertaining, light read. The writing style was not my favorite and felt a little shallow, but it did get better as it went on. The story was cute with fun townsfolk and adorable puffins.
December 10, 2025
After 2 DNFs, I was about ready to give up on Christmas books for the season when I came across this gem. This audiobook had me laughing, crying, and completely entertained. It’s also hard to resist the setting in the Scottish Highlands - and puffins! There was more spice than I normally like, but I liked the characters so I felt that they deserved their happiness.
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