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Highlands Christmas Romance #1
Highlands Christmas: Wishes Come True
Christmas wishes do come true.
Melissa MacKenzie is an American interior designer with a seemingly happy life — until her husband Dave reveals he's been cheating on her and wants a divorce and the house. But when a letter informs her that she will inherit a home in Scotland, things start looking up. At the airport she inadvertently meets Colin McGregor, a charming Scottish-American lawyer who happens to be her husband's divorce lawyer. She's taken by his sexy Scottish accent and charm and, as fate would have it, he's on Melissa's flight to Edinburgh ... and on her train to Inverness, and happens to live in the same town where she's inherited her home.
As sparks fly between Melissa and Colin, he agrees to help her secure the Scottish home that she believes she's entitled to. They dive right into Scottish culture — and each other's arms — as love and a new home seem within reach. Will they be able to succeed in both missions? Or will everything fall apart?
Highlands Christmas is a romantic and delightful story that will set hearts afire. In a fairy tale as captivating as the Loch Ness monster, Melissa and Colin must cross an ocean to end up right where they belong...because home is where the heart is.
Melissa MacKenzie is an American interior designer with a seemingly happy life — until her husband Dave reveals he's been cheating on her and wants a divorce and the house. But when a letter informs her that she will inherit a home in Scotland, things start looking up. At the airport she inadvertently meets Colin McGregor, a charming Scottish-American lawyer who happens to be her husband's divorce lawyer. She's taken by his sexy Scottish accent and charm and, as fate would have it, he's on Melissa's flight to Edinburgh ... and on her train to Inverness, and happens to live in the same town where she's inherited her home.
As sparks fly between Melissa and Colin, he agrees to help her secure the Scottish home that she believes she's entitled to. They dive right into Scottish culture — and each other's arms — as love and a new home seem within reach. Will they be able to succeed in both missions? Or will everything fall apart?
Highlands Christmas is a romantic and delightful story that will set hearts afire. In a fairy tale as captivating as the Loch Ness monster, Melissa and Colin must cross an ocean to end up right where they belong...because home is where the heart is.
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Published December 7, 2022
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About the author
Amy Quick Parrish
16 books412 followersAmy Quick Parrish is the author of sweet Christmas romances Highlands Christmas and Highlands New Year as well as young adult novels Into Dust, Into the Storm, and The Frequency. Born and raised in Michigan, she now lives in the Boston area with a wonderful husband and son and a lovely gray cat. When she's not busy crafting compelling screenplays or novels, you can find her watching Michigan football or on a quest to find the perfect taco. To stay updated on Amy Quick Parrish's latest works and adventures, you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook or join her mailing list at www.amyquickparrish.com
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January 1, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Highlands Christmas is book one in the Highlands Christmas Romance series by Amy Quick Parrish. This is my very first book by this author! I was first drawn to it by this adorable cover. As soon as I started, though, I also fell in love with the characters.
Melissa Mackenzie is an interior designer and wife. She knew things weren’t perfect but was completely shocked when right after Thanksgiving, her husband told her he was divorcing her for a younger woman he had been having an affair with, and that he was keeping the house. At the same time, she receives a letter from Scotland, stating that she has inherited a cottage, Greenhill house, from a distant relative she didn’t even know existed. With no where else to go, she packs her bag and off she goes to claim her new house and a new life.
At the airport, Melissa meets the swoony Colin MacGregor. They end up on the same flight, then the same train, then the same city. She discovers that shockingly, Colin is her ex’s lawyer. But it’s hard to remind herself that with that sexy Scottish accent. He says he will help her secure ownership of her house. She wants to trust him but can she?
As Melissa explores her new home and town, she can’t help but to fall in love with it’s beauty. The house is everything she could have hoped for. She feels at peace here, It feels like home.
This is entirely told from Melissa’s POV. It was such a cute story and I enjoyed it so much. There is a brand new sequel to this book called Highlands New Year.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Highlands Christmas is book one in the Highlands Christmas Romance series by Amy Quick Parrish. This is my very first book by this author! I was first drawn to it by this adorable cover. As soon as I started, though, I also fell in love with the characters.
Melissa Mackenzie is an interior designer and wife. She knew things weren’t perfect but was completely shocked when right after Thanksgiving, her husband told her he was divorcing her for a younger woman he had been having an affair with, and that he was keeping the house. At the same time, she receives a letter from Scotland, stating that she has inherited a cottage, Greenhill house, from a distant relative she didn’t even know existed. With no where else to go, she packs her bag and off she goes to claim her new house and a new life.
At the airport, Melissa meets the swoony Colin MacGregor. They end up on the same flight, then the same train, then the same city. She discovers that shockingly, Colin is her ex’s lawyer. But it’s hard to remind herself that with that sexy Scottish accent. He says he will help her secure ownership of her house. She wants to trust him but can she?
As Melissa explores her new home and town, she can’t help but to fall in love with it’s beauty. The house is everything she could have hoped for. She feels at peace here, It feels like home.
This is entirely told from Melissa’s POV. It was such a cute story and I enjoyed it so much. There is a brand new sequel to this book called Highlands New Year.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 23, 2023
“and when a handsome man in a kilt beckons, you follow…”
It was a very rainy week and the temperature outside is unbelievably cold, even for a mediterranean country. despite everything, I was only looking forward to a warm and fluffy Christmas romance because it is the season, duh.
Melissa, the female main character, was blessed to inherit a magnificent estate in the Highlands after receiving life-altering news from her husband, or rather, ex-husband. she relocated from Boston to Europe in search of a better future and met her husband's divorce attorney who's accessorily her new hot Highlands neighbor-lumberjack halfway there..
to sum it up succinctly and concisely, this book was both easy and quick, and it worked perfectly as a plate cleanser with the perfect dose of Scottish folklore and little romance.
many thanks to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange of an honest review!
November 13, 2023
Highlands Christmas - Wishes Come True by Amy Quick Parrish
Contemporary holiday romance novella.
Melissa finds out her husband wants a divorce and in a seemingly fortuitous timing, receives a letter that she has inherited an old house in Scotland and to please forward banking details so that the real estate company can sell the house and forward the proceeds. Melissa decides to move to Edinburgh. At the airport she meets a charming Scottish-American lawyer. Then she runs into him again on the train and in her new small hometown. Fate? Coincidence?
Cute. I enjoyed the story for what it is - a holiday, feel good romance. I liked how everyone that Melissa interacted with in her new home town was so much to her. There are a couple of highly unlikely events but it was cute, nonetheless.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary holiday romance novella.
Melissa finds out her husband wants a divorce and in a seemingly fortuitous timing, receives a letter that she has inherited an old house in Scotland and to please forward banking details so that the real estate company can sell the house and forward the proceeds. Melissa decides to move to Edinburgh. At the airport she meets a charming Scottish-American lawyer. Then she runs into him again on the train and in her new small hometown. Fate? Coincidence?
Cute. I enjoyed the story for what it is - a holiday, feel good romance. I liked how everyone that Melissa interacted with in her new home town was so much to her. There are a couple of highly unlikely events but it was cute, nonetheless.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
December 21, 2023
This was a cute Christmas story. I didn't care if it was like a Hallmark movie because that's what I live for at Christmas.
Melissa finds out her husband is cheating. He wants everything in the divorce. She finds out she inherited a house in Scotland so at the airport she finds her soon to be ex-husbands at the airport going to Scotland as well. You get the point but this Christmas romance was adorable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Melissa finds out her husband is cheating. He wants everything in the divorce. She finds out she inherited a house in Scotland so at the airport she finds her soon to be ex-husbands at the airport going to Scotland as well. You get the point but this Christmas romance was adorable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
November 8, 2023
**I would like to thank NetGalley, Flying Cactus, and Amy Quick Parrish for an ARC of this book! This is available as of 10/25/22.**
Melissa is a happy interior designer who loves the holiday, until her husband springs it upon her that he wants a divorce and has been cheating on her. Left reeling, she is excited to see that a distant relative has passed and she as inherited their house (more like castle). Immediately packing her bags, she sets off for Scotland. She runs into her husband's divorce lawyer multiple times, finding out that they're actually traveling to the same village, and did we mention that he is totally handsome?
This book wasn't great, but it was only 122 pages. I love holiday novellas so I thought I'd give it a try. You're better off skipping this one.
Melissa is a happy interior designer who loves the holiday, until her husband springs it upon her that he wants a divorce and has been cheating on her. Left reeling, she is excited to see that a distant relative has passed and she as inherited their house (more like castle). Immediately packing her bags, she sets off for Scotland. She runs into her husband's divorce lawyer multiple times, finding out that they're actually traveling to the same village, and did we mention that he is totally handsome?
This book wasn't great, but it was only 122 pages. I love holiday novellas so I thought I'd give it a try. You're better off skipping this one.
November 18, 2023
I received a copy of this via NetGalley.
Oh my. Unfortunately, the only thing I enjoyed about this book was Scotland. There was too much telling and not enough showing, feeling. I didn't buy into the dialogue at all. Very static. There was no indication as to how these statements were spoken.
"The driver began driving," was a full sentence, and most of the book read like this. Melissa is used 471 times in the 128 page ebook. Too many Melissas.
Somehow the two MCs end up together even though there was very little interaction and even less dialogue.
Melissa. My girl. So many poor, not at all thought through decisions, made in a VERY short amount of time.
Oh my. Unfortunately, the only thing I enjoyed about this book was Scotland. There was too much telling and not enough showing, feeling. I didn't buy into the dialogue at all. Very static. There was no indication as to how these statements were spoken.
"The driver began driving," was a full sentence, and most of the book read like this. Melissa is used 471 times in the 128 page ebook. Too many Melissas.
Somehow the two MCs end up together even though there was very little interaction and even less dialogue.
Melissa. My girl. So many poor, not at all thought through decisions, made in a VERY short amount of time.
December 10, 2022
Glad I got this for free.
December 9, 2023
Highlands Christmas by new to me author Amy Quick Parrish was a cute and enjoyable story to add to my Christmas theme reading. Imagine after throwing a lavish Thanksgiving party for your spouse and a group of friends, your pig of a spouse announces that he wants a divorce because he is hooking up with your brother’s ex-girlfriend. The house you live in is in his name and he wants you out so you’re going to be homeless as well as divorced. Not a very festive beginning to the Christmas season. A letter arrives from Scotland advising you that as the last living relative of someone you’ve never met, you have inherited a home and rather than selling it, you decide to go to Scotland and see about making this house your new home.
Having a pig for a husband, one would assume that his divorce attorney is also a pig, but after meeting spontaneously in the airport, at the train station and in town, Melissa tries to maintain a professional and friendly demeanor. It’s quickly obvious that Colin is not the type of attorney or man who lacks integrity. I thought their meet cute was well played and a lot of fun to watch. Colin’s family is also wonderful and I thought it was so sweet how they welcomed Melissa into their home and invited her to participate in their holiday festivities.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sweet romance with the Scottish Highlands at Christmas in the background. Sightings of the Loch Ness monster may happen, but not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Highlands Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Having a pig for a husband, one would assume that his divorce attorney is also a pig, but after meeting spontaneously in the airport, at the train station and in town, Melissa tries to maintain a professional and friendly demeanor. It’s quickly obvious that Colin is not the type of attorney or man who lacks integrity. I thought their meet cute was well played and a lot of fun to watch. Colin’s family is also wonderful and I thought it was so sweet how they welcomed Melissa into their home and invited her to participate in their holiday festivities.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sweet romance with the Scottish Highlands at Christmas in the background. Sightings of the Loch Ness monster may happen, but not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Highlands Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2025
3.75 Stars - if you are looking for a quick Christmas book this one is perfect. Loved the setting, the characters, the Christmas spirit - it was the perfect easy read at the right time.
October 19, 2022
Melissa MacKenzie an interior designer thought she had the perfect marriage until her husband Dave cheats on her and wants a divorce and takes the house. Melissa receives a letter informing her she has inherited a Scottish home. On her travels to Inverness Scotland she bumps into Colin McGregor who is her ex-husband’s Scottish divorce lawyer. Colin also lives in the town where she inherited her home. Colin and Melissa grow romantically closer. I really enjoyed this wonderful holiday romance novel. I received this free e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2023
I received a free copy of, Highlands Christmas--Wishes Come True, by Amy Quick Parrish, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Melissa McKenzie life was going great, until she found out her horrible husband was a no good cheater, and wanted a divorce and the house. Melissa also finds out she inherited a house in Scotland. This is such a short and sweet story, except for Dave the horrible husband.
August 25, 2023
Very amateurish writing style as if writing for a child or screenplay for children’s programming or a bad Hallmark movie. Almost a daydream-like unrealistic quality. For instance, how does this character think she can just move to the UK without a visa just because she magically inherits a house from a long lost uncle, Jane Eyre-style, at the same time as her husband demands a divorce and that she remove herself from their marital home? Also, terrible name for the dog.
October 23, 2023
This is a very cute, very short, Christmas novella. But it seemed very juvenile, and lacked emotion and depth.
November 26, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it was exactly what I was looking for, a cute Christmas story. I loved the setting in Scotland and it made me want to visit there. Will definitely read the other books in the series. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a feel good Christmas romance story in a beautiful setting.
November 22, 2023
A quick holiday novella. I caught on to where it was going pretty quickly but I did enjoy the romance part of the book. It wasn’t overbearing and I look forward to next book to seeing what happens with this couple.
**ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 13, 2023
This book was a very cute read for the holiday season! Melissa has an unexpected holiday surprise that sends her to Scotland for the holiday season for a new beginning. While there, she meets some wonderful Scottish people in the town that she is in. The author was very descriptive in her writing, really making the reader feel like they were in the story, and experiencing the Christmas season in Scotland. If you are going through a break-up, or looking for a quick holiday read, or just looking for a fun book, I recommend it. I am looking forward to reading the sequel when it is released to find out what happens next in the story! Since it is short, it can easily be read in one sitting.
November 8, 2023
This was a typical Christmas read. I enjoyed the story and the setting.
I expected Melissa to struggle more with the bombshell Dave dropped on her, but I enjoyed the goal of a sweet, short Christmas story.
I expected Melissa to struggle more with the bombshell Dave dropped on her, but I enjoyed the goal of a sweet, short Christmas story.
November 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I’d give it 3.9 stars. I wish that the characters and plot were more developed. This book easily could have been twice as long to develop more and I would have gobbled it up. I hope the next book in their story is longer!
November 19, 2023
This was not good. I received an ARC from NetGalley and love a good holiday story. This was just not great. The main character moves to Scotland the day after her husband asks for a divorce after receiving a letter that she’s the next of kin to a long lost relative and she’s inherited a house. She LETS HERSELF INTO SAID HOUSE and starts spending money on upkeep and working on it and then is surprised when she gets evicted. Hard pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
Melissa is a American who after her cheating husband asks for a divorce, finds out she has inherited a house in Scotland. This is a short Christmas read that I enjoyed.
December 21, 2025
I don’t think the people in the comments read the same book as me because this was unreal lol. if you need a short and far fetched book, this will do it for ya
November 23, 2022
This was a super fun Christmas story. Short and sweet but definitely not your typical Christmas romance which was refreshing! I LOVE Christmas so a little bias, but this was the prefect blend Of Christmas, romance, fun, and all around merriment!!! This is definitely going on the Great Christmas Book gift!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2022
3.75
I was given an ARC by BookSirens for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily!
“Luceo Non Uro - I shine, not burn.
In this book we follow the journey of Melissa, a wife who just wants to make her husband happy. After a thanksgiving gone wrong Melissa takes out to move to Scotland to inherit a mansion from a long lost relative….
Too good to be true…. Right?
So now, Melissa is in Scotland with her soon to be ex-husband’s divorce lawyer… what can go wrong…?
This book is very cute and warms your heart. It shows that even if your intentions are good that sometimes life doesn’t always want you to go down that path that you are currently on. The only thing I would point out is that when the books are this short they tend to get this feeling like they are rushed and this book is no different. I am hoping that the author decided to make another book and show the development of all of the friendships and relationships further!
Overall I would recommend this book, it just doesn’t have the cookie cutter ending that you are hoping for!
If you like the following I recommend this book:
-Holiday Romance
-Scottish Holidays
-great characters
-good development of world
-overall warm and fuzzy undertones
If you read & liked any of these you will like this book:
Something Sweet
In a Holidaze
All I Want for Christmas
I was given an ARC by BookSirens for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily!
“Luceo Non Uro - I shine, not burn.
In this book we follow the journey of Melissa, a wife who just wants to make her husband happy. After a thanksgiving gone wrong Melissa takes out to move to Scotland to inherit a mansion from a long lost relative….
Too good to be true…. Right?
So now, Melissa is in Scotland with her soon to be ex-husband’s divorce lawyer… what can go wrong…?
This book is very cute and warms your heart. It shows that even if your intentions are good that sometimes life doesn’t always want you to go down that path that you are currently on. The only thing I would point out is that when the books are this short they tend to get this feeling like they are rushed and this book is no different. I am hoping that the author decided to make another book and show the development of all of the friendships and relationships further!
Overall I would recommend this book, it just doesn’t have the cookie cutter ending that you are hoping for!
If you like the following I recommend this book:
-Holiday Romance
-Scottish Holidays
-great characters
-good development of world
-overall warm and fuzzy undertones
If you read & liked any of these you will like this book:
Something Sweet
In a Holidaze
All I Want for Christmas
November 14, 2023
With the shock of husband Dave’s divorce demand made hot on the heels of a Christmas party, Melissa finds herself intrigued when a letter arrives informing her of an unexpected inheritance abroad.
Seizing the opportunity to flee America and a squirrel infestation, Melissa makes her way to Scotland to claim her new abode and a new life. With an airport meetcute, the heroine is soon head over heels with her new home and friends. But with treachery afoot, will she get to keep it?
Short enough to read over a glass of eggnog, this cozy novella glosses over the realities of such situations but will leave you feeling as warm and fuzzy as a Christmas jumper.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review & the opinions are my own. #HighlandsChristmas #NetGalley
Seizing the opportunity to flee America and a squirrel infestation, Melissa makes her way to Scotland to claim her new abode and a new life. With an airport meetcute, the heroine is soon head over heels with her new home and friends. But with treachery afoot, will she get to keep it?
Short enough to read over a glass of eggnog, this cozy novella glosses over the realities of such situations but will leave you feeling as warm and fuzzy as a Christmas jumper.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review & the opinions are my own. #HighlandsChristmas #NetGalley
July 15, 2023
Title: Highlands Christmas: A Heartwarming Scottish Romance
Author: [Author Name]
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
"Highlands Christmas" is a delightful and heartwarming Christmas romance that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. Melissa MacKenzie, an American interior designer, finds her life turned upside down when her husband reveals his infidelity and desires a divorce. However, her fortunes change when she unexpectedly inherits a home in Scotland. Little does she know that this new chapter in her life will lead her to Colin MacGregor, a Scottish-American lawyer who happens to be connected to her husband's divorce proceedings.
As Melissa and Colin embark on a journey together, sparks fly between them. They immerse themselves in Scottish culture, while their attraction to each other grows stronger. The story follows their blossoming romance as they navigate challenges and hurdles, all while discovering the true meaning of home and love.
The setting of Scotland adds a charming and enchanting backdrop to the story. The author's vivid descriptions bring the Scottish landscapes to life, evoking a sense of wonder and romance. Readers will be captivated by the allure of the Highlands, as well as the unique cultural elements woven into the narrative.
The chemistry between Melissa and Colin is palpable, and their evolving relationship is portrayed with tenderness and warmth. The slow-burn romance allows readers to savor the growing connection between the two characters, making their journey all the more enjoyable. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and charm to the story, further enhancing the overall reading experience.
While "Highlands Christmas" is a sweet and heartwarming romance, it adheres to familiar tropes and predictable plot elements. The storyline may not offer many surprises for seasoned romance readers, but the engaging writing style and well-developed characters make up for it.
Overall, "Highlands Christmas" is a delightful holiday romance that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy. The picturesque Scottish setting, engaging characters, and enchanting love story make it a perfect read for the festive season. Fans of sweet and feel-good romances will be charmed by this tale of love, second chances, and finding home in unexpected places.
Author: [Author Name]
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
"Highlands Christmas" is a delightful and heartwarming Christmas romance that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. Melissa MacKenzie, an American interior designer, finds her life turned upside down when her husband reveals his infidelity and desires a divorce. However, her fortunes change when she unexpectedly inherits a home in Scotland. Little does she know that this new chapter in her life will lead her to Colin MacGregor, a Scottish-American lawyer who happens to be connected to her husband's divorce proceedings.
As Melissa and Colin embark on a journey together, sparks fly between them. They immerse themselves in Scottish culture, while their attraction to each other grows stronger. The story follows their blossoming romance as they navigate challenges and hurdles, all while discovering the true meaning of home and love.
The setting of Scotland adds a charming and enchanting backdrop to the story. The author's vivid descriptions bring the Scottish landscapes to life, evoking a sense of wonder and romance. Readers will be captivated by the allure of the Highlands, as well as the unique cultural elements woven into the narrative.
The chemistry between Melissa and Colin is palpable, and their evolving relationship is portrayed with tenderness and warmth. The slow-burn romance allows readers to savor the growing connection between the two characters, making their journey all the more enjoyable. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and charm to the story, further enhancing the overall reading experience.
While "Highlands Christmas" is a sweet and heartwarming romance, it adheres to familiar tropes and predictable plot elements. The storyline may not offer many surprises for seasoned romance readers, but the engaging writing style and well-developed characters make up for it.
Overall, "Highlands Christmas" is a delightful holiday romance that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy. The picturesque Scottish setting, engaging characters, and enchanting love story make it a perfect read for the festive season. Fans of sweet and feel-good romances will be charmed by this tale of love, second chances, and finding home in unexpected places.
October 23, 2022
Get in the Christmas Spirit!
This is a light, engaging novella perfect for the Christmas season! As Thanksgiving dinner ends Melissa learns that her husband wants a divorce, the house they share and he promptly leaves her for his girlfriend. The next day Melissa opens her mail and learns that she has inherited a house in Scotland from a distant relative. With nothing to keep her in the States, Melissa goes to Scotland to obtain her inheritance. As she travels, she becomes acquainted with a Scotsman traveling home and quickly learns that he is her husband’s divorce attorney. The story line is very predictable, but still engaging. The Scottish traditions around the holidays add an element of realism to the story and the sparks that undoubtably fly are not unexpected. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and something I highly recommend as a prelude to the Christmas holidays. It’s the perfect little something to get one in the spirit! I typically do not like novellas because of the short length and typically too much material the author tries to cover. That is not the case here. The length and manner of handling the story was not overly drawn out nor condensed; it’s simply perfect. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.
This is a light, engaging novella perfect for the Christmas season! As Thanksgiving dinner ends Melissa learns that her husband wants a divorce, the house they share and he promptly leaves her for his girlfriend. The next day Melissa opens her mail and learns that she has inherited a house in Scotland from a distant relative. With nothing to keep her in the States, Melissa goes to Scotland to obtain her inheritance. As she travels, she becomes acquainted with a Scotsman traveling home and quickly learns that he is her husband’s divorce attorney. The story line is very predictable, but still engaging. The Scottish traditions around the holidays add an element of realism to the story and the sparks that undoubtably fly are not unexpected. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and something I highly recommend as a prelude to the Christmas holidays. It’s the perfect little something to get one in the spirit! I typically do not like novellas because of the short length and typically too much material the author tries to cover. That is not the case here. The length and manner of handling the story was not overly drawn out nor condensed; it’s simply perfect. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.
December 23, 2023
I'm the first to admit that I love a good, cheesy holiday rom-com. Bonus points if it's a quick read (love a novella)! So when I read the synopsis for Highlands Christmas, I thought it would be a perfect choice for this holiday season. Unfortunately, this novella fell incredibly short of my (not particularly high) expectations.
What worked well:
- I enjoyed the setting.
- On paper, the synopsis is cute: a freshly divorced young woman moves to the Scottish Highlands to claim a newly inherited house, and along the way she makes some friends and falls in love. Sounds fun!
What didn't work for me:
- The entire book felt like it was told in bullet points. It felt like nothing more than the synopsis of a story. I know it was meant to be a novella, but each major plot point was covered in the span of a paragraph to a page, and the author took absolutely no time to build the scenes, the characters, or the budding relationships.
- I can suspend disbelief for the sake of a holiday romance, but there were so many elements that were truly absurd, and they weren't explained at all. The whole premise of the romance was one massive conflict of interest for both parties, but there was zero acknowledgement of that fact, when it had the potential to create some interesting narrative tension.
- The dialogue was ridiculous. Not only was it not believable dialogue, but it often served no purpose in the story. On one hand, the author would blow through important events in the span of a few sentences, but then she would spend an entire page on the main character ordering airport coffee. I don't understand this choice at all.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this novella.
What worked well:
- I enjoyed the setting.
- On paper, the synopsis is cute: a freshly divorced young woman moves to the Scottish Highlands to claim a newly inherited house, and along the way she makes some friends and falls in love. Sounds fun!
What didn't work for me:
- The entire book felt like it was told in bullet points. It felt like nothing more than the synopsis of a story. I know it was meant to be a novella, but each major plot point was covered in the span of a paragraph to a page, and the author took absolutely no time to build the scenes, the characters, or the budding relationships.
- I can suspend disbelief for the sake of a holiday romance, but there were so many elements that were truly absurd, and they weren't explained at all. The whole premise of the romance was one massive conflict of interest for both parties, but there was zero acknowledgement of that fact, when it had the potential to create some interesting narrative tension.
- The dialogue was ridiculous. Not only was it not believable dialogue, but it often served no purpose in the story. On one hand, the author would blow through important events in the span of a few sentences, but then she would spend an entire page on the main character ordering airport coffee. I don't understand this choice at all.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this novella.
November 28, 2022
Melissa Mackenzie finished her fabulous thanksgiving party when her husband informed her that he wants a divorce. And that he’s in love with one of the party guests. And wants her gone from his house. So, the typical thanksgiving…
As she opens a letter from Hume Real Estate Associates claiming that she’s inherited a house in Inverness, Scotland, Melissa packs a suitcase and goes to the airport - to Scotland.
The weirdest part is that the man in front of her at the airport is non-other than her husband’s divorce attorney, Colin MacGregor, whose company she starts to enjoy.
And so it goes, Melissa arrives at a new place, Inverness, and knows no one but her husband’s lawyer. Which quickly changes, as she makes friends wherever she goes.
This was a cute and interesting read to get in the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed learning about Scotland’s traditions and who doesn’t like when dogs are involved?
I have to say that in my head, I was saying “And she simply goes to the house without talking to someone?!?” almost through the entire story. You must read this story and find out what will happen!
I loved the characters and the atmosphere. And the “will we see Nessie?” factor is always funny.
My definite favorite part was Melissa leaving the house door open for the squirrels. 😄
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As she opens a letter from Hume Real Estate Associates claiming that she’s inherited a house in Inverness, Scotland, Melissa packs a suitcase and goes to the airport - to Scotland.
The weirdest part is that the man in front of her at the airport is non-other than her husband’s divorce attorney, Colin MacGregor, whose company she starts to enjoy.
And so it goes, Melissa arrives at a new place, Inverness, and knows no one but her husband’s lawyer. Which quickly changes, as she makes friends wherever she goes.
This was a cute and interesting read to get in the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed learning about Scotland’s traditions and who doesn’t like when dogs are involved?
I have to say that in my head, I was saying “And she simply goes to the house without talking to someone?!?” almost through the entire story. You must read this story and find out what will happen!
I loved the characters and the atmosphere. And the “will we see Nessie?” factor is always funny.
My definite favorite part was Melissa leaving the house door open for the squirrels. 😄
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2023
Tis the season for reading Amy Quick Parrish!
The author of bestselling YA novels, Highlands is her debut Christmas and what I am calling, the first gift of Christmas! This book immersed me into the life of Melissa who I instantly adored! As she receives her surprise inheritance, I was more than happy to accompany her on her trip to Scotland. You will smile with every page turned at her adventures and the people she meets. Even better? This book will be a series!
Bravo Amy! You have a new fan in me!!!
The author of bestselling YA novels, Highlands is her debut Christmas and what I am calling, the first gift of Christmas! This book immersed me into the life of Melissa who I instantly adored! As she receives her surprise inheritance, I was more than happy to accompany her on her trip to Scotland. You will smile with every page turned at her adventures and the people she meets. Even better? This book will be a series!
Bravo Amy! You have a new fan in me!!!
November 2, 2023
very very sweet and simple, honestly felt like a Hallmark movie but including the blandness of their attraction, if that makes sense. like the only 2 times they kiss it's sooo anticlimactic, like they're in the middle of a normal conversation and boom "They kiss." no pause no staring into the others' eyes just straight for the kiss. they're like two asexuals beings just finding a platonic connection.
a lot of cringe moments between all the characters, quirky banter, silly interactions as if Melissa was the center of everyone's world, etc a constant awkward vibe
also Melissa is the dumbest person ever, she "inherits a house" but doesn't question it and neither does she when she finds "for sale" signs and she never questions anything really she just buys pretty curtains and ignores all the red flags. she felt a bit entitled
overall it was too innocent and light hearted for me but if you're looking for a quick cute Christmas romance give it a try!
a lot of cringe moments between all the characters, quirky banter, silly interactions as if Melissa was the center of everyone's world, etc a constant awkward vibe
also Melissa is the dumbest person ever, she "inherits a house" but doesn't question it and neither does she when she finds "for sale" signs and she never questions anything really she just buys pretty curtains and ignores all the red flags. she felt a bit entitled
overall it was too innocent and light hearted for me but if you're looking for a quick cute Christmas romance give it a try!
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