Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop

The Highland Repair Shop #1

by Kiley Dunbar

Never take broken for an answer...

When her career stalls and her boyfriend betrays her, Ally McIntyre’s dreams shatter into a hundred little pieces. Which is apt, given Ally’s family has built a haven for the worn out and broken: the Cairn Dhu Community Repair Shop and Café in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, famous for its band of expert fixers (and delicious baking). But repairing gadgets and restoring heirlooms is one thing, fixing herself is quite another.

Jamie Beaton is on a temporary summer transfer to Cairn Dhu as a Special Constable, though there’s a deeper, sadder reason that’s drawn him to the Highlands. When a scandal threatens the repair shop and Ally and Jamie’s paths cross, an instant connection – and attraction – sparks. Could finding new love, and the missing piece of Jamie’s past, help Ally’s heart to heal?

As the long summer days draw in, however, Jamie must leave. An unexpected job offer also comes Ally’s way, which could take her far from the Highlands. Should she take a leap into the unknown? Where does she truly feel whole?

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Scotland

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2025

Reviews

[elizabeth rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartwarming Highland hug of a book — even if some pieces didn’t quite click into place. 🧰💔🏔

The premise completely won me over: a charming Scottish repair shop, a heroine at a crossroads, and a cinnamon-roll constable with baggage of his own. There’s plenty to enjoy here — warm community vibes, a splash of romance, and that ever-popular Highlands setting. 🏔

But while the concept sparkled with promise, the execution felt a little too familiar at times. The emotional beats didn’t always land, and I found myself wishing for deeper character development — especially for Ally, who deserved more personal growth after her public heartbreak. I was especially torn over her decision to stay in the small town, when her fresh start elsewhere would've felt more empowering.

Still, this is a cosy, low-effort read with a sweet message about second chances, self-repair, and finding love where you least expect it. Ideal for curling up with on a quiet afternoon — just go in with gentle expectations and an appreciation for warm fuzzies over plot depth. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[linda hole · Rating 3 out of 5]

true to the prior books i have read from this aurhor, the community spirit and the sweet love story is very very good. it just did not hit the spot for me. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author and loved her last series. I had high hopes for the start of this new one and I wasn't disappointed. 

There is a great range of characters in the book and I loved the majority of them.

I loved the concept of the Repair Shop and it's descriptions especially with it being a community hub.  My heart went out to the McIntyre family as they tried to overcome the trials and tribulations they endured. 

Ally and Jamie were 2 lovely characters, both down to earth and completely relatable.  I loved their budding romance and was rooting for them, especially with them both having past issues to deal with.

The author has a way of writing her books that convey a sense of family, friendship and community spirit and this is all wrapped up in a heartwarming and engaging read. 

I'm already looking forward to the next book.

[mel_neverendingtbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from Kiley, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when it comes out.

After a sudden relationship breakdown Ally has to find her way through life, she works in the family run repair barn and after an issue with the barn receiving stolen goods which entailed the police and the investigation into what happened and who was responsible for the stealing. The barn ends up loosing customers until Ally and Jamie special constable get them back onside after telling them what really happened.

As Ally and Jamie get closer what will happen when they have new jobs to go to and will the relationship continue to blossom or will it be the end for them?

Received from Netgally as ebook

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every one of Kiley Dunbar's books avidly, enjoying her story building and the way she layers her characters.
The start of this new series got me extremely excited!
Ally, the main character, lives in Cairn Dhu, a small Scottish village, with her parents. There, she has a remote day job, and she spends her Saturdays assisting her father at his Highland Repair Shop, where everyone who volunteers is an advocate for sustainability and strives to reverse the throwaway mentality that many people have nowadays, instead of simply discarding things or trying to upcycle. Imagine a barn similar to the one featured on The Repair Shop, the TV programme.
Well, repairing things is one aspect, but when happenings at the Repair Shop show signs of repairing relationships, that's when things get exciting!
I found Ally endearing. She is capable of so much, but has no self-belief. It takes a lot for her to realise that she hasn't been left behind in life.
And Jamie. Oh, Jamie! The gentle, considerate volunteer police constable who has his emotional repairs to navigate, as well as fighting feelings for a certain flame-haired Cairn Dhu-an.
The picturesque settings are beautifully described, as are the folklore tales, which add a hint of mystery to the different places the author mentions.
This is a true feel-good story, with so much positivity and some twists in the tale to keep you turning pages. I am glad this is the start of a series, as I want to know a lot more about the visitors and volunteers at the Highland Repair Shop!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

[Amber van Driel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I loved this book! The premise was very cozy: a repair shop in the Scottish Highlands. I love The Repair Shop on tv, and I love small town series, so this was perfect. The characters in this book were very fun to read about, I loved the community vibes. In some sense it reminded me a little of Virgin River.

Ally and Jamie were fun characters. Sometimes I didn't really feel their chemistry, but I did understand their connection. What I especially appreciated in Ally was her growth as a character, I think it's very recognizable for us young women. I think Kiley described the "funk" after covid very well, and navigating friendships after highschool essentially. Her struggles to maintain balance in her entire family were quite recognizable as an eldest daughter.

I loved the way this book was written, the writing style flowed really nicely. The pov-switches felt natural and not forced at all. It was very fitting actually, because we had so many little storylines we were reading about. I would love to read more books in this series!!!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the arc.

[Jade Redfern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I would love to visit the highlands after reading this book! What an easy read, feel good romance that made me google a trip myself! (Would have loved more highland cows throughout though….)

I loved the relationship between Ally and Jamie although at times I felt this could have been developed further, especially the ending - although I loved the ending, I just wish we got a little more with it, to really finish off their story.

Ally definitely deserved happiness after her very public heartbreak and I’m glad she found this in her relationship but also within her work and what she did for the Repair Shop!

I need a story about Murray because there is so much to unpick with his character and he deserves the world after the rubbish he took with Andreas. Hopefully he also gets a HEA in an upcoming book!

Would recommend this for any romance lovers, feel good with a HEA, what more can you ask for?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC of this book.

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this read! i love the concept and the background setting, and i love how these characters find each other, but also have such valuable plotlines of their own. thats what makes this such a good read to me. fun and cozy read but not shallow, as fun and cozy reads sometimes are.

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

[Gem ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful highland romance story from Kiley Dunbar that was the perfect anecdote to the world. I loved the concept of the repair shop, being the heartbeat of the rural community and all the best characters that pass through there from volunteers to customers. It is a wonderful way to escape for a few hours, enjoy!

[Renske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finishing this book on the train after a job interview that felt really good must be good luck?! I hope Im as lucky as Ally with finding a new job and going out and learning about myself some more.

I loved this setting so much. The way everything is described and all the new characters I know I'm going to love is wonderful. There were a lot of storylines all going together but that is to be expected for a new book in a series and im excited to see where we go from here.

thank you Kiley for the early review copy I loved this one and can't wait for more

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about Ally and Jamie, the other characters in the book too were fantastic to read about. They all added something. The parts of this book that touched into loss were written beautifully and very heartwarming and emotional (like Jamie’s object he took to the repair shop).

Overall the book is an easy, fabulous read where you can get swept away to the highlands. It’s perfect for curling up on the sofa when you have a few hours spare. If you love reading about second chances this is a book that sums it up perfectly.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest views.

[Hannah]

Kiley Dunbar can do no wrong in my eyes. I love her writing style. The best kind of story telling. I was disappointed we had a break in the borrow a bookshop series because I love it so much but I was excited to dive in to this new series and now I can’t wait for more. An easy read, a lovely story, and even had me in tears at one point! More please!

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

McIntyre’s garden workshop has always been overflowing with things that’ll come in handy one day – all organised in crates and boxes, and neatly labelled. And it’s a broken paper shredder – he had just the right part – that gives birth to the idea of setting up a repair shop for the community of Cairn Dhu, the small village in the Cairngorms. Everyone there has really embraced the idea, bringing in their broken items of all kinds rather than throwing them away. There’s now a cafe too, run by two distinctly quirky sisters – but their baking is to die for – and a good sized group of people who bring their different skills. Including McIntyre’s daughter Ally – she’s their techie, working there on Saturdays (during the week, she works at home for an IT call centre), dreaming of changing her life. Her twin brother did just that, with a dream job based in Geneva, regularly travelling the world. Her love life’s a bit of a disaster area too – but perhaps she’s better off without Gray in her life.

Enter Jamie – a special constable, hoping to join the force, but currently volunteering to prove his capabilities. Their paths first cross under rather unfortunate circumstances, but he can��t get Ally out of his mind – although there are good reasons why it’s impossible for them to be together. But just as the barriers start to come down – and Ally’s interventions help him with some of his own rather complex issues too, as well as making his heart beat rather faster – the opportunity she’s been waiting for suddenly appears. And his time in Cairn Dhu is coming to an end too – it’s time to return to Edinburgh, pursue that application for a permanent job. Perhaps it just wasn’t to be…

And, I have to say, there’s considerably more to this lovely story – different threads and unexpected developments, moments of really well written drama, and times when the future of the repair shop looks distinctly shaky. I always love a community with strong and well-drawn characters – a little quirkiness never goes amiss either, or the opportunity for some laughter. Friends and family – that’s something else I always enjoy, and I especially liked Ally’s efforts to reconnect with her friendship group who seem to have moved on with their lives and left her behind. And all those lovely emotional touches – especially when they involve a bothy when the mists come down, or the healing possibilities of repairing the voice chip in a highland cow.

The setting is so perfectly drawn – I’m not familiar with the Cairngorms, but the author captures the scenery so beautifully. There’s a little folklore too – something I really enjoyed. And I liked the whole theme of sustainability – it’s not laboured, but nicely woven into the story, along with the whole notion of fresh starts, making things (and people) whole again, and new beginnings.

And then there’s the writing. I loved the way the story was told from both Ally and Jamie’s viewpoints – I took them both instantly to my heart. And I really enjoyed some of the (for want of a better word) “asides” to the reader – explaining things like the setting or the Scottishisms, often bringing a smile. And, although I’ll tell you nothing about it – that would be unforgivable – I really loved the ending, which wasn’t entirely what I expected, but I wiped away a stray tear and it left me in just the right place to look forward to whatever comes next in this series.

I do rather hope the next book might follow Ally’s brother Murray – there’s certainly a “to be continued” story there I’d like to read – but there are so many individuals in this book I’m looking forward to getting to know better. A really lovely start to the series, a feel-good and uplifting story I thoroughly enjoyed, and a book I’d very much recommend to others.

[Helen Thwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, firstly, I have to confess that Kiley is a dear friend of mine but that hasn’t affected my review in the slightest (BACS me that fiver, hon, lol).

The first thing that struck me about this story is the way it’s told. It genuinely feels like you’re sat by a fire, having Kiley read it aloud. It’s not a narrative style that I’ve come across before and I loved it!

This book is exactly what it says on its somewhat meaty tin. There are few surprises, especially if you’ve ever watched The Repair Shop on TV, but rather than being a negative, it’s very much a positive. It’s like going to your Mum’s for Sunday lunch – knowing what you’re getting doesn’t stop it from being warm and comforting.

I’m going to start with the setting. Dear goodness, the descriptions are so vivid, you can almost smell the heather. Kiley’s love of her home country shines through in every paragraph. I could ‘see’ what Ally and Jamie did, could imagine the weathered paths and the glorious mountain. And, having been a hill walker in a previous life, could easily envisage the clouds coming down.

The there’s Ally. Though lost and broken-hearted, she never came across as pathetic. Her meet cute with Jamie was blinking awesome. But I am a fan of enemies-to-lovers, so no surprise there. Her kind-heartedness and drive once she got focused made me cheer for her, but she wasn’t without fault or flaw. She was no goody-two-shoes Mary Sue. She felt real, like I could pick up the phone and call her.

Jamie is also very sweet. I’m sure such men exist somewhere. It’s just not immediately apparent. I did love his focus on becoming a copper, and I loved his relationship with his dad and sister, especially after “Holiday” was returned to them. It was nice to see them all turning a corner in their grief, and doing that as a family. Not a thing I’ve read often.

The supporting cast at the Cairn Dhu Community Repair Shop are fabulously portrayed. I’d be here all day trying to pick a favourite, though anyone who can bake immediately goes up in my estimation, even if they do use yucky walnuts. There’s a recipe for Scottish tablet at the end, and I’m very tempted to try it.

Knowing that Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop is the first of a series excites me massively. I’m desperate to know who’s next for the patching up.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop
by Kiley Dunbar

This is my second read by Kiley Dunbar, and I must say, both of her books have been enjoyable experiences. The characters in this story are vibrant and relatable, bringing a delightful sense of fun to the Story. I particularly appreciated the strong community vibe throughout the book. The evolving relationship between Ally and Jamie is engaging, although I feel it could have been developed even further to create deeper emotional connections.

Dunbar's descriptions of the setting are nothing short of exquisite. The picturesque village of Cairn Dhu, with its charming landscapes and warm community spirit, is beautifully brought to life. I love how she skillfully builds up this descriptive setting, enhancing the emotional moments that resonate throughout the story. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy to immerse oneself in the plot.

One of the standout elements of the book is the concept of the Repair Shop, which serves as a heartwarming community hub. Jamie, who is temporarily visiting the town for a few months to gain experience as a Special Constable, finds himself drawn into the lives of the local residents. Ally McIntyre’s journey from heartbreak to newfound hope is eloquently portrayed, capturing her struggles and triumphs as she rebuilds both her life and her sense of self in this close-knit village.

When Jamie and Ally’s paths cross unexpectedly at her father’s workshop—where items are restored and lives are mended—the stage is set for transformative change not just for them, but also for their friends and families. Jamie emerges as the perfect counterpart for Ally; he is supportive, gentle, and genuinely swoon-worthy. Their romance unfolds sweetly and gradually, making it all the more satisfying.

I also loved the deeply emotional scenes when Ally reconnects with her old friends. These moments are truly heartwarming and highlight the importance of friendship, nostalgia, and community support. Overall, Dunbar has crafted a tender story of resilience and love that lingers long after the last page is turned.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely read from Kiley. I really liked all the different aspects of this one, yes there is some romance mixed in, but there’s also a focus on reusing and repairing, helping the environment and even a police case thrown in too. Community is also a major part of this book, and so very important.

Ally is stuck in a job she doesn’t really like, with a boyfriend about to upend their relationship!
Jamie is visiting the town for a few months for experience as a Special Constable.
When their paths cross, for all the wrong reasons, at Ally’s dad’s repair barn, the wheels are set in motion for change for them both, and perhaps their friends and families too.

The cover for this book is beautiful, as is Kiley’s description of the Cairngorms and surrounding areas. I found myself rereading some of the descriptions, really absorbing each word, seeing these wonderful places in my minds eye.

I liked how the story doesn’t just focus on the main couple of characters, as their tales develop we get to know their families and their friends, all of whom are pivotal to this book. You will come to love (almost!) everyone you meet, especially those working in the repair barn, I loved the sisters personalities as well as the young and older coming together, sharing skills, new and old.

The relationship between Ally and her friends was a really moving part for me. Showing how we think we know someone, think we know all about their life, but we really don’t. We don’t know the struggles anyone is facing, a few social media posts tells us nothing. It shows how easily friendships can become a few ‘likes’ here, the odd comment on a photo there, no real proper communication.

There’s a couple of quite emotional bits so do have your tissues at the ready. Loss and grief is mentioned throughout, but in a very respectful, considerate way.

All in all a wonderful story, I’m hoping to find out more of what happens to Ally and Jamie’s story, but also that of Ally’s brother, there’s definitely a story to be told there! And of course all the others at the Highland Repair Shop!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗜🔨✂🔌🚨Lives going in different directions intersect😌

4.5🌟 stars

A fine option if you are looking for a sweet small-town romance.

Best part of the story was the romance between small-town techie Ally and temporary Special Constable Jamie with their quick attraction but realistic understanding that their career dreams are taking them in incompatible directions. Their romance is persistently bittersweet as they deal with Jamie's fears that seeing Ally could scupper his career in policing and their brief weeks of summer marching toward their separation. In fact, the last several chapters of the story really got me emotional, fearing that their time together was over almost before it had begun. The climax kept me in suspense and then dealt an ending that had me well satisfied.

But the other parts of the plot and the local community spirit I also enjoyed. The repair and recycling efforts started by Ally's father's tinkering and large-scale collection of odds and ends is inspirational and something I'd like to see more of. The way it brought their community together and made them a small but active part of efforts to save the environment: heartening. The atmosphere of small town residents organizing to support each other is something here that I've also found in other Dunbar novels. And the trouble with stolen jewelry that hits the repair shop and morphs into danger and drama for Jamie was a good subplot.

Another really appealing element: Jamie's backstory related to his search for a connection to his long-deceased mother and the surprise way Ally and her mom Roz help Jamie and his family to deal with their grief. And the setting at the foothills of Scotland's Cairngorm mountains, so nicely described, was an added plus.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for my copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Oh it's been a while since I've had a Kiley Dunbar book to lose myself in. I love them so much, and with this one set in Scotland, I'm instantly hooked.

I generally don't like it when a book is written in a specific dialect, for me it removes me from the action. But I liked it in this. It's only now and again, and it makes me feel closer to Scotland, and I love Scotland.

It is quick and easy to read, a quarter of it was done in an hour, and then I sped through the rest as I just couldn't put it down.

Ally was a very recognisable character, so real and flawed and familiar. She was almost depicting the experiences of every reader. The other characters were all great to - if not necessarily great people - and they all worked wonderfully against Ally's story.

I do wish the romantic aspect had happened more organically; I found it a little forced at first, shoehorned in to fit a plot that didn't really need it. There was nothing and then in the space of a couple of pages, there was this romance that just didn't feel very real to me. Although it did get more natural as it went on, I just think the start of the romance storyline needs working on.

It is a bit busy, there's a lot going on (I won't spoil it by saying what), and I do wonder if it would have been better if Kiley had focussed on a few of these storylines instead of all of them...I'm on the fence. I really enjoyed it so I can't say it negatively affected the enjoyment of it, but I did find myself thinking that there were perhaps too many storylines.

I loved the sense of community in this book. We live in such a one-use wasteful world that I love this inclusion, this fixing things, and very much "make do and mend", it was lovely, but it wasn't preachy.

What I love about Kiley's books are how warm and cosy they make you feel. This wasn't my absolute favourite of hers, but I'm glad there's a new Kiley Dunbar book in the world as they really are very good.

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a lovely, heartwarming read! Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop is exactly the kind of story I reach for when I want something comforting but with a bit of emotional depth too.

The setting, a cozy repair shop and café tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, honestly stole the show for me. It’s full of personality, charm, and a great cast of side characters that really bring the place to life. I loved the idea of a space where people come not just to fix broken gadgets, but to reconnect, heal, and find new purpose.

Ally’s going through a tough time when we meet her heartbroken and figuring out what’s next. I really liked her growth throughout the book. She’s relatable without being too heavy, and her journey felt genuine. Jamie, the new constable in town, has his own quiet struggles, and his storyline added just the right amount of mystery and emotional pull. Their relationship builds slowly and sweetly, which I appreciated it didn’t feel rushed.

There’s a nice mix of romance, family drama, community spirit, and personal healing. It’s not overly dramatic, but it does touch on real-life stuff in a way that feels thoughtful. The romance is gentle and low-key, which I liked, it matched the tone of the book perfectly.

This book is meant to make you feel good, and it totally succeeds at that.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet, uplifting story with a great setting, likable characters, and a good dash of romance, definitely give this one a try. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next in the series!

4 Stars!

#NetGalley, #FixingaBrokenHeartattheHighlandRepairShop, #KileyDunbar

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

Aye, as a kid Jamie had known anger and fear, as well as the impulse to protect others, and it had made him determined as an adult to see the best in people, for the sake of his own well-being as much as theirs. You never knew what someone was going through, so it was best to be kind where you could.

‘Anonymous keyboard warriors posting comments in their underpants on the other side of the world aren’t the people who matter,’ insisted Ally, giving her brother a stern look. ‘Half of them will be bots, anyway.’

Angus was an elderly hillfooter who spent all day splattered with droppings in a hut with his beloved homing pigeons. He lived off his homegrown veggies and stinky roll-ups and was often in the local paper for threatening hillwalkers who strayed onto his land with various antique shotguns which the police seized one at a time, only for him to somehow acquire another.

Kenneth would begin his shift here at nine p.m. and end it at two when he’d walk down the lane to the dairy and stock up his milk van ready for his rounds which he, famously, did in his doorman tux. Nobody questioned it round the town. It was just the way things were.

There seemed to be a moment where she was searching his face for a reaction. He couldn’t help feeling some kind of test that he hadn’t revised for was being sprung upon him. He fixed his face into a delighted smile.

...he was hanging on a shoogly peg (which is the Scottish version of skating on thin ice, only much, much more fun to say, usually).

Party cannons shot confetti in her cerebral cortex.

My Review:

This was a fun, light, entertaining, and easy-to-follow read. I always enjoy reading Kiley Dunbar’s cleverly amusing tales, and I revel in her sneaky, wry humor. Her new series is set in a small Scottish village, populated with a large cast of quirky, flawed, and authentic characters.

I gained an entry to my British Isles Words and Phrases List with swither, which Mr. Google tells me means to hesitate, vacillate, or be perplexed, particularly in making a decision or choice.  I certainly will not swither if asked if I’d like to read another of Kiley Dunbar’s books.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiley Dunbar and novels set in Scotland seem to be a match made in heaven. She has a wonderful knack of really making you feel a place, and I definitely feel as though I was experiencing the Cairngorms in the Highlands through the pages of this book.

And the setting of a repair shop was rather special too, especially as it's a volunteer run one, predominately the brainchild of the McIntyre family, and one that Ally helps out with once a week, on top of her other jobs.

But when the reputation of the repair shop and cafe comes under scrutiny it is Ally who realises she needs to do something and in as a result ends up changing her life.

She also strikes up a friendships with Jamie, a trainee volunteer Policeman, who is on a short placement in the highlands, in part to gain experience and in part to see if he can reconnect with memories of his mother. And Ally is able to help in more ways than you may be able to first imagine.

I loved how everything fitted together, with some lovely community moments, some drama, a hint of romance, and curiosity as to what is going on with Ally's twin brother Murray.

This is a heartwarming story and I'm already keen to return to the repair shop in the next book in the series. A very solid start to a new series, one that I feel will really grow in impressiveness as it continues.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop is a wonderful tale of community, family and romance. I found myself completely immersed in the community spirit of Cairn Duh.

The two main characters Ally and Jamie, are both struggling to find peace, one with a recently broken heart and the other a lost soul looking to find the comfort of the past in the peaceful surroundings. Within the first few chapters I was in floods of tears as the emotions suppressed by Jamie after the loss of his Mother as a child, come to the surface, subtly but seen and understood by Ally. Their characters are so well written, both seemingly happy moving on in life with a keen drive to support others but hiding their deeper thoughts and needs from those who love them.

At the root of the story is the repair shop, the concept of mending what was forgotten or broken and repurposing or fixing it to be loved once again. The environmental and charitable messages of the book are very clear and encourage thoughts of change all round.

I look forward to reading more in this series, escaping to the idyllic Highland setting and visiting the Repair Shop again, to meet the kind, gentle and eccentric souls that run it and see how their community project expansion has developed.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book set in Scotland immediately gets my attention and I am so, so happy that I read this book! I was in dire need of a bit of a feel-good read and this really hit the spot :)

Ally is living with her parents in a little village in the Highlands of Scotland. She has a twin brother, Murray, and whilst Murray is jet-setting all over the world, she feels stuck. Her father runs a repair shop from his barn and bit by bit, she starts to regain her confidence in her abilities and rallies the whole community whilst she is about it.

One day, Ally meets Jamie, a lowlander who is temporarily stationed in her village, but their meeting is less than ideal. What is going to happen between them, especially since Jamie makes it clear that he is only staying for a short period of time.

This book is all about relationships - family relationships, community relationships and a romantic one as well. It is all very positive and I LOVED Ally's family so much. The community members gave the book some lovely local flavour as well. Thanks for the tablet recipe too :) I love Scottish tablet.

I wish there were more books like this out there. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this heartwarming and cozy new romance novel, readers follow Ally McIntyre as she tries to rebuild her life after her career stalls and her boyfriend betrays her. Joining her family at the Cairn Dhu Community Repair Shop and Cafe in the Highlands, Ally enjoys being part of the community even if the work isn’t what she wants. Jamie Beaton, on the other hand, is on a summer transfer as a special constable with a secret reason for being in the Highlands. Once their paths cross, chemistry sparks between Ally and Jamie, and love might help them both heal -- except the real world and work might have something to say about their chances at a happy ending. The characters are the stars of this heartwarming new novel, and the Highlands are a brilliant and whimsical backdrop for their respective storylines. Readers will also love the depth of detail in the characters and in Cairn Dhu, and Kiley Dunbar has really brought this world and its characters to life in fantastic detail. The emotional storyline is perfectly written, and the two perspectives of Ally and Jamie balance the narrative and the larger beats of the book in ways which romance readers will absolutely love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced reader's copy.

Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop is the kind of book that feels like a deep breath and a warm blanket. Set in the charming Scottish Highlands, it’s a gentle story of healing, second chances, and finding strength when you feel broken.

Ally McIntyre’s journey from heartbreak to hope is beautifully written. I loved watching her rebuild both her life and her sense of self in the cozy village of Cairn Dhu. The repair shop setting was unique and symbolic in all the right ways—mending broken things while learning to heal herself.

Jamie was such a lovely match for her—supportive, soft, and genuinely swoon-worthy. Their romance was sweet, slow-building, and had just enough open-door warmth to keep things realistic without taking over the story.

Cairn Dhu felt like a character in its own right, full of personality and heart. The cast of locals brought a sense of found family and small-town coziness that made this book such a comforting read.

Booksta || Fable

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the Borrow a Bookshop series, which is why I had unreservedly requested this new novel by Kiley Dunbar.

As usual, Kiley Dunbar delights us with a truly polished atmosphere and setting.

However, I must admit that I didn't really get into this story, which is perhaps too scattered for a first book in a series (we sense a similar dynamic to that of Clove Lore, where we regularly encounter all the secondary characters throughout the volumes).

It's very cute, Ally and Jamie are good people, it's a slice of life in Scotland, with legends, a close-knit community (or one that's about to become so again), multiple characters we'll enjoy meeting again, and a new and unexpected twist: a MC working for the police force who could add a cosy mystery touch to the romance.

I'm waiting for book 2 to see if there is something in this series that bothers me or if it was just in this novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love a book set in Scotland and where can be anymore perfect than the Cairngorns. If you havent been get that trip planned.

This is the second book I have read by the author and she weaves the perfect blend of friendship, community spirit and love. I loved the relationship between Ally and Jamie although at times I feel like this could have defintely been developed and built on. And am really glad Ally got a happy every after as she needed one after her bad luck.

In this book I really like the concept of the repair shop, that everything has its place and at some point a certain forgotten item can be reused and repurposed. When I was a young girl we had a neighbour on the street who had a garage full of everything a bit like Charlie McIntyre, if you had a puncture of your bike or your bell stopped working you would go and see Walter and he would have just what you needed. Reading the book brought back some wonderful memories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this lovely book in echange for an honest review.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved this book so much! It is The Repair Shop meets romcom, in the absolute best way possible.

Meet Ally McIntyre and Jamie Beaton. Ally's stuck in her remote job and helping her dad with his community repair shop on Saturday's. Jamie is volunteering with the local police. They're both a little stuck, but maybe together they can get unstuck.

I recently discovered the tv show, The Repair Shop, and I love watching old items become new again, and the look on people's faces at the big reveal. It is just magical. For that reason alone, I knew I'd love this book, but not how much! I fell in love with the Highlands, the little community repair shop and instantly began rooting for Ally and Jamie.

This story is about community and love, and is definitely one of the best British romcoms I've read this year. It just took my breath away, had me crying and laughing at just the right moments. Absolutely recommend to everyone! Now excuse me while I go book my ticket to the Highlands!!

[Elisa Leanza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fixing a Broken Heart at the Highland Repair Shop is a charming and emotional read set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Kiley Dunbar brings together themes of love, healing, and community with warmth and wit.

Ally and Jamie are both relatable characters with heartfelt journeys, and their romance develops in a gentle, realistic way.

The setting of the book is filled with cozy details and caring people and it all adds up to the comfort of the story.

For me, a book is really special when it makes you want to visit the places it describes.

It means the author brought the setting to life in a way that feels real and exciting. You can picture yourself there, walking the streets, seeing the sights, and experiencing what the characters did.

That kind of book doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel connected to the world in it and for me the author does a pretty good job in this book 📖

While a little predictable at times, the uplifting tone and engaging plot make this a feel-good read that leaves you smiling.

A lovely start to a promising new series.


4 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story to start a new series. This is so heartwarming but also has plenty of drama, secrets, and covers family, friendship and community. After finding herself single and in a job that doesn’t push her Ally McIntyre feels at a crossroads. Along with her parents and members of the close knit community of Cairn Dhu she volunteers at the repair shop and cafe. Jamie Beaton is a Special Constable who is only there for the summer. However he has other reasons for wanting to be in Cairn Dhu. When there is an incident that puts the repair shop under threat Ally and Jamie meet. There is an instant attraction but can they let themselves act on it? Will Ally change jobs and what happens when Jamie leaves once the summer is over? They have to decide whether to follow their hearts or their heads. I really liked how the stories and events surrounding the two main characters were entwined through the main thread of the story