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A New Hope in the Highlands: Book 1 of the Haddon House Series
One castle. One hot laird. One chance to start over.
But only if they can survive each other first.
Scarlett Hope thought she had life figured out – a solid marriage, a familiar routine, and the kind of comfort that didn’t ask too many questions. But when her husband gets their twenty-something tenant pregnant just in time for her 35th birthday, Scarlett does what any self-respecting woman grabs her dignity and drives north. Destination? The Scottish Highlands, where her estranged mother is now gardener at the once-grand, now-fading Haddon House.
Edward Cameron-Reid has spent years keeping Haddon from falling apart – emotionally, financially, and structurally. Brooding, private, and burnt by love, he’s not exactly thrilled when Scarlett turns up to live on the estate. Especially when she’s fiery, funny, and far too good at getting under his skin.
Their spark? Immediate. Their feelings? Complicated.
As Haddon prepares to host a high-society wedding tied to Edward’s own tangled family history, long-buried secrets begin to stir – and Scarlett and Edward are drawn into a connection neither expected. It’s untimely, electric – and possibly exactly what they both need.
A New Hope in the Highlands is a grumpy-meets-sunshine, forced-proximity romance full of sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt emotional payoff – perfect for fans of Evie Alexander, Bella James, and Elliot Fletcher.
But only if they can survive each other first.
Scarlett Hope thought she had life figured out – a solid marriage, a familiar routine, and the kind of comfort that didn’t ask too many questions. But when her husband gets their twenty-something tenant pregnant just in time for her 35th birthday, Scarlett does what any self-respecting woman grabs her dignity and drives north. Destination? The Scottish Highlands, where her estranged mother is now gardener at the once-grand, now-fading Haddon House.
Edward Cameron-Reid has spent years keeping Haddon from falling apart – emotionally, financially, and structurally. Brooding, private, and burnt by love, he’s not exactly thrilled when Scarlett turns up to live on the estate. Especially when she’s fiery, funny, and far too good at getting under his skin.
Their spark? Immediate. Their feelings? Complicated.
As Haddon prepares to host a high-society wedding tied to Edward’s own tangled family history, long-buried secrets begin to stir – and Scarlett and Edward are drawn into a connection neither expected. It’s untimely, electric – and possibly exactly what they both need.
A New Hope in the Highlands is a grumpy-meets-sunshine, forced-proximity romance full of sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and heartfelt emotional payoff – perfect for fans of Evie Alexander, Bella James, and Elliot Fletcher.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
18 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 20, 2025
A New Hope in the Highlands by Rachel Debrave
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One castle. One hot laird. One chance to start over.
But only if they can survive each other first.
Scarlett Hope thought she had life figured out – a solid marriage, a familiar routine, and the kind of comfort that didn’t ask too many questions. But when her husband gets their twenty-something tenant pregnant just in time for her 35th birthday, Scarlett does what any self-respecting woman grabs her dignity and drives north. Destination? The Scottish Highlands, where her estranged mother is now gardener at the once-grand, now-fading Haddon House.
Edward Cameron-Reid has spent years keeping Haddon from falling apart – emotionally, financially, and structurally. Brooding, private, and burnt by love, he’s not exactly thrilled when Scarlett turns up to live on the estate. Especially when she’s fiery, funny, and far too good at getting under his skin.
Their spark? Immediate. Their feelings? Complicated.
As Haddon prepares to host a high-society wedding tied to Edward’s own tangled family history, long-buried secrets begin to stir – and Scarlett and Edward are drawn into a connection neither expected. It’s untimely, electric – and possibly exactly what they both need.
My Opinion
A New Hope in the Highlands was such a delightful novel. With relatable characters Rachel Debrave takes the reader on a journey. A wonderful, fast-paced novel. This was a great introduction to the series and I am looking forward to seeing what Rachel does next.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One castle. One hot laird. One chance to start over.
But only if they can survive each other first.
Scarlett Hope thought she had life figured out – a solid marriage, a familiar routine, and the kind of comfort that didn’t ask too many questions. But when her husband gets their twenty-something tenant pregnant just in time for her 35th birthday, Scarlett does what any self-respecting woman grabs her dignity and drives north. Destination? The Scottish Highlands, where her estranged mother is now gardener at the once-grand, now-fading Haddon House.
Edward Cameron-Reid has spent years keeping Haddon from falling apart – emotionally, financially, and structurally. Brooding, private, and burnt by love, he’s not exactly thrilled when Scarlett turns up to live on the estate. Especially when she’s fiery, funny, and far too good at getting under his skin.
Their spark? Immediate. Their feelings? Complicated.
As Haddon prepares to host a high-society wedding tied to Edward’s own tangled family history, long-buried secrets begin to stir – and Scarlett and Edward are drawn into a connection neither expected. It’s untimely, electric – and possibly exactly what they both need.
My Opinion
A New Hope in the Highlands was such a delightful novel. With relatable characters Rachel Debrave takes the reader on a journey. A wonderful, fast-paced novel. This was a great introduction to the series and I am looking forward to seeing what Rachel does next.
Rating 4/5
September 21, 2025
Poor Scarlett learns her comfortable marriage is already over and flees her husband and his overbearing mother to reconnect with her estranged mother in the middle of nowhere - sorry, the Scottish Highlands. Fortunately, her mum's employer (and now Scarlett's) is rather handsome and Scarlett starts to settle in and heal - until Edward's brother's last minute wedding brings chaos and a whole cast of larger than life characters to their door. Scarlett's satisfying competence (and isn't it wonderful to have a heroine get to do the thing she's good at?) and newfound independence is put to the test.
I do need to warn that there is an attempted sexual assault depicted in a flashback. Though it isn't successful, there are no real repercussions, so be aware going in.
Though the drama is delicious and the spice (once it gets started) is plentiful, the book is carried by the tumultuous relationships - familial, platonic, and romantic. Family is reconciled, and families are divided - and if you want to know more you're going to have to read it! I especially liked that both leads were a little bit older, though Edward's ex and daughter could've played more of a part, rather than his wayward brother and his enigmatic fiancée. Even by the end, you're not sure if everyone has a happy ending but they do all get what they deserve!
It's a steamy romp through the Scottish Highlands and it's going to make you wish for a laird and a castle of your own!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book via Rachel's Random Resources. For more reviews, check out my blog!
I do need to warn that there is an attempted sexual assault depicted in a flashback. Though it isn't successful, there are no real repercussions, so be aware going in.
Though the drama is delicious and the spice (once it gets started) is plentiful, the book is carried by the tumultuous relationships - familial, platonic, and romantic. Family is reconciled, and families are divided - and if you want to know more you're going to have to read it! I especially liked that both leads were a little bit older, though Edward's ex and daughter could've played more of a part, rather than his wayward brother and his enigmatic fiancée. Even by the end, you're not sure if everyone has a happy ending but they do all get what they deserve!
It's a steamy romp through the Scottish Highlands and it's going to make you wish for a laird and a castle of your own!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book via Rachel's Random Resources. For more reviews, check out my blog!
July 30, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My views are my own.
Well this was an absolute delight. So fabulous to discover a new author that you can enjoy and follow.
Firstly the author writes a fabulous, authentic setting which I loved. So many authors set their books in the Scottish Highlands and then get all the details wrong making it very clear that they have never set foot in Scotland!
The premise, Scarlett discovers husband has got the 21 year old lodger Pregna ant and leaves as it’s the final nail in her ailing marriage. Travelling to join her Mum in Scotland - she finds work at the castle with the Laird, Edward as her boss. All kinds of shenanigans ensue - including Edward’s estranged brother, the latter’s wedding to be held in the castle, the estrangement with Scarlett’s Mum and the latter’s relationship with her boss - the head gardener. The characters are beautifully drawn and become very real. I loved it and found Scarlett and Edward truly riveting.
The writing is excellent. The prose flows, the dialogue is pacy and individual and I love the author’s voice.
This is the first of a series and I can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Well this was an absolute delight. So fabulous to discover a new author that you can enjoy and follow.
Firstly the author writes a fabulous, authentic setting which I loved. So many authors set their books in the Scottish Highlands and then get all the details wrong making it very clear that they have never set foot in Scotland!
The premise, Scarlett discovers husband has got the 21 year old lodger Pregna ant and leaves as it’s the final nail in her ailing marriage. Travelling to join her Mum in Scotland - she finds work at the castle with the Laird, Edward as her boss. All kinds of shenanigans ensue - including Edward’s estranged brother, the latter’s wedding to be held in the castle, the estrangement with Scarlett’s Mum and the latter’s relationship with her boss - the head gardener. The characters are beautifully drawn and become very real. I loved it and found Scarlett and Edward truly riveting.
The writing is excellent. The prose flows, the dialogue is pacy and individual and I love the author’s voice.
This is the first of a series and I can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended. 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
I'm always a little leery of novels set in Scotland - unless they're written by someone Scottish, that is. Especially when it comes to castles (Google "The Highland Clearances" if that part of history is unknown.) Thankfully, Ms Debrave seems to know what she's about.
And I am talking character and plot alongside setting. Scarlett is very relatable, and I'm far enough past my own divorce that reading them doesn't upset me too much. I loved her fire, and wish I'd had half of that! Edward is a modern-day Brontë hero and I loved how brooding he was. But there was a heart under the prickles and the story took off when Scarlett started to find it.
Which brings me to the steamy scenes. I love a good sex scene, and this book really delivers. Yes, they're hot, but they also have tons of heart, and I saw the characters connecting far beyond the physical. These are the scenes that I adore and I'm so excited about the next book.
Highly recommended if you like passionate romance in all senses of the phrase!
And I am talking character and plot alongside setting. Scarlett is very relatable, and I'm far enough past my own divorce that reading them doesn't upset me too much. I loved her fire, and wish I'd had half of that! Edward is a modern-day Brontë hero and I loved how brooding he was. But there was a heart under the prickles and the story took off when Scarlett started to find it.
Which brings me to the steamy scenes. I love a good sex scene, and this book really delivers. Yes, they're hot, but they also have tons of heart, and I saw the characters connecting far beyond the physical. These are the scenes that I adore and I'm so excited about the next book.
Highly recommended if you like passionate romance in all senses of the phrase!
September 18, 2025
This is Book 1 in the brand new series 'Highland Hearts: The Haddon House Duets'.
The story follows Scarlett who goes to stay with her Mum in Scotland, after she catches her husband having an affair. Scarlett meets the seemingly seriously Edward (a Laird) and then begins our rollercoaster ride!
I really liked Scarlett as a character and she handled herself perfectly after learning about her husband's adultery. She basically has to learn about herself after walking away from a long marriage with next to nothing. She is loyal, hardworking and incredibly resilient - I really admired her.
Edward too a bit longer to warm to as I couldn't get a reading on him initially, though he slowly changed my mind 😉.
The story is one of initial heartbreak and discovering yourself again all set against the backdrop of beautiful Scotland!
A great start to the series and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series!
The story follows Scarlett who goes to stay with her Mum in Scotland, after she catches her husband having an affair. Scarlett meets the seemingly seriously Edward (a Laird) and then begins our rollercoaster ride!
I really liked Scarlett as a character and she handled herself perfectly after learning about her husband's adultery. She basically has to learn about herself after walking away from a long marriage with next to nothing. She is loyal, hardworking and incredibly resilient - I really admired her.
Edward too a bit longer to warm to as I couldn't get a reading on him initially, though he slowly changed my mind 😉.
The story is one of initial heartbreak and discovering yourself again all set against the backdrop of beautiful Scotland!
A great start to the series and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series!
September 15, 2025
Okay, if you love contemporary romance that makes you laugh, swoon, and maybe text your best friend about it at midnight, you need to pick up A New Hope in the Highlands.
The heroine is so relatable it almost felt like I was reading about a friend — messy family dynamics, hilarious drama, moments of self-doubt, and all. Watching her navigate love, reconnection, and self-discovery was such an emotional ride (in the best way).
🌶️And let’s talk about the spice perfectly balanced. Just enough heat to keep the pages flying, but still grounded in a heartfelt story. Honestly, by the end I was daydreaming about finding my own bold Scottish laird 🏴 😏
This one has humour, heart, and just the right touch of steam. If you’ve been looking for a romance that feels real yet totally swoonworthy, this book is it. I cannot wait for the next instalment!
The heroine is so relatable it almost felt like I was reading about a friend — messy family dynamics, hilarious drama, moments of self-doubt, and all. Watching her navigate love, reconnection, and self-discovery was such an emotional ride (in the best way).
🌶️And let’s talk about the spice perfectly balanced. Just enough heat to keep the pages flying, but still grounded in a heartfelt story. Honestly, by the end I was daydreaming about finding my own bold Scottish laird 🏴 😏
This one has humour, heart, and just the right touch of steam. If you’ve been looking for a romance that feels real yet totally swoonworthy, this book is it. I cannot wait for the next instalment!
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed this believable, emotional love story set in the Scottish Highlands. Scarlett's 35th birthday party reveals a nasty surprise that has her running from her home in Bath to her mother's home and workplace in the Scottish Highlands. She is grateful to have a job helping out in the Laird's ancestral home, but never expected the man himself to be so hot. A deepening emotional connection between Scarlett and Edward mirrors the romance's passion. It is a conflicted relationship as Edward shies away from emotional commitment and Scarlett wants to find out who she can be as she rebuilds her life. The story has a complex cast of characters that add depth to the story, providing moments of conflict, humour and poignancy. I appreciated the immersive storytelling, the well-described characters and setting and the relatable romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
September 15, 2025
Wow, I had high hopes for this book and boy did this deliver! This was such a scintillating story filled with fantastic characters in a stunning setting.
I have definitely discovered a new book boyfriend in Edward, the quiet but passionate Laird. Sparks really do fly when he meets the beautiful and beguiling Scarlett.
I was mesmerised by them both, they seemed so well matched despite the differences in their social standings.
Such a passion filled journey we are taken on, and I enjoyed the added twists that occurred along the way.
I found this to be a wonderfully fast paced story with plenty of interesting details, some will they won’t they moments and lots of delightful spicy shenanigans to keep me avidly turning the pages.
So looking forward to date number two with Edward in the next book in this brilliant series.
I have definitely discovered a new book boyfriend in Edward, the quiet but passionate Laird. Sparks really do fly when he meets the beautiful and beguiling Scarlett.
I was mesmerised by them both, they seemed so well matched despite the differences in their social standings.
Such a passion filled journey we are taken on, and I enjoyed the added twists that occurred along the way.
I found this to be a wonderfully fast paced story with plenty of interesting details, some will they won’t they moments and lots of delightful spicy shenanigans to keep me avidly turning the pages.
So looking forward to date number two with Edward in the next book in this brilliant series.
January 4, 2026
Scarlett leaves a cheating husband and escapes to the beauty of the Scottish highlands to temporarily live with her estranged mother. Little does she know the hotheaded Scottish laird and her would have cosmic chemistry, causing stumbling issue after issue.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The characters had backstories and were relatable, with a bit of predictability here and there. The spice was pretty good and believable as well!
I’m looking forward to book 2 next month!
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The characters had backstories and were relatable, with a bit of predictability here and there. The spice was pretty good and believable as well!
I’m looking forward to book 2 next month!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
A new hope in the highlands is a thoroughly enjoyable read and is book one in the Highland Hearts : Haddon house duets series.
I love how easy this book was to read and digest. The main female character, Scarlett is so relatable. I also loved getting to know Edward, the laird!
I cannot wait for book two to see what the rest of the story has in store.
I love how easy this book was to read and digest. The main female character, Scarlett is so relatable. I also loved getting to know Edward, the laird!
I cannot wait for book two to see what the rest of the story has in store.
December 18, 2025
This was such a cute and enjoyable read. I was hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me interested and entertained. The place settings in the story sounded beautiful and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
January 27, 2026
Loved this book !
A New Hope in the Highlands was an exciting read that had quite a few plot twists that I didn't see coming . Kept me on my toes and rapidly turning pages !
Love the characters , the location , ( come on , Scotland !! ) , and the chaos of keeping new love.
Can't wait for the next book !
A New Hope in the Highlands was an exciting read that had quite a few plot twists that I didn't see coming . Kept me on my toes and rapidly turning pages !
Love the characters , the location , ( come on , Scotland !! ) , and the chaos of keeping new love.
Can't wait for the next book !
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October 16, 2025I absolutely loved this book! The characters were so beautifully written — I felt completely invested in their lives and found myself really rooting for them. The writing also captured Scotland perfectly, with such beautiful detail. A brilliant read that I definitely recommend.
November 5, 2025
2.5
Todo iba bien, pero no me gusto como Edward trató el tema de B y sobre todo siento que no se le dio la importancia necesaria a como el tarado de Leonard atacó a Scarlett, o sea lo que hizo fue grave y termino minimizándose.
Todo iba bien, pero no me gusto como Edward trató el tema de B y sobre todo siento que no se le dio la importancia necesaria a como el tarado de Leonard atacó a Scarlett, o sea lo que hizo fue grave y termino minimizándose.
December 9, 2025
OMG. this book is amazing in so many ways. the scenery, the characters, the dialogue, the tension etc. i absolutely loved reading this! i cannot wait for part 2!!! 😁
December 18, 2025
Absolutely loved it!
October 2, 2025
A New Hope in the Highlands by Rachel Debrave is the first book in her Haddon House series.
Following Scarlett’s humiliating betrayal by her husband Jason, when she discovers he is having an affair, she flees to the Highlands to stay with her mother June. June works as a gardener on an estate, working for Laird Edward Cameron-Reid.
Considering Scarlett’s lifestyle within her marriage was very different, she adjusts swiftly to life working on the estate. She works as an assistant to the housekeeper, which mostly involves cleaning and organising the rooms, but she also ends up planning a wedding for Edward’s brother and his fiancée.
I loved Scarlett’s character. She was determined to not let her situation cause any more damage than it already had, and she quickly found herself at home on the estate. I admired the way she threw herself into her new life. Planning the wedding on the estate gave her so much joy and really tapped into her natural talent.
Scarlett is immediately attracted to Edward and he is attracted to her but they try to fight against it. As book boyfriends go, Edward is a grumpy and dour Scot who is also really hot. They definitely fit into the Grumpy Sunshine trope. I found their chemistry to be sizzling hot and their interactions inevitably brought a smile to my face.
Of the other characters in the story, I really liked Scarlett’s mother June and the head gardener Andrzej. I also found Edward’s sister-in-law to be, Anaïse a more likeable character as the story progressed.
I really enjoyed this first trip to Haddon House and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
A New Hope in the Highlands was a steamy grumpy sunshine romance in a rainy but beautiful setting, brimming with family secrets and betrayals.
Following Scarlett’s humiliating betrayal by her husband Jason, when she discovers he is having an affair, she flees to the Highlands to stay with her mother June. June works as a gardener on an estate, working for Laird Edward Cameron-Reid.
Considering Scarlett’s lifestyle within her marriage was very different, she adjusts swiftly to life working on the estate. She works as an assistant to the housekeeper, which mostly involves cleaning and organising the rooms, but she also ends up planning a wedding for Edward’s brother and his fiancée.
I loved Scarlett’s character. She was determined to not let her situation cause any more damage than it already had, and she quickly found herself at home on the estate. I admired the way she threw herself into her new life. Planning the wedding on the estate gave her so much joy and really tapped into her natural talent.
Scarlett is immediately attracted to Edward and he is attracted to her but they try to fight against it. As book boyfriends go, Edward is a grumpy and dour Scot who is also really hot. They definitely fit into the Grumpy Sunshine trope. I found their chemistry to be sizzling hot and their interactions inevitably brought a smile to my face.
Of the other characters in the story, I really liked Scarlett’s mother June and the head gardener Andrzej. I also found Edward’s sister-in-law to be, Anaïse a more likeable character as the story progressed.
I really enjoyed this first trip to Haddon House and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
A New Hope in the Highlands was a steamy grumpy sunshine romance in a rainy but beautiful setting, brimming with family secrets and betrayals.
September 17, 2025
When events at home concerning her unfaithful husband Jason come to a head, Scarlett flees to Haddon House in Scotland where her mum lives and works. Although she has been estranged from her mother she is greeted with open arms and is soon immersed in estate life. However what she hasn’t counted on is the attraction between herself and laird Edward……. Drama, sexual attraction and miscommunications are threaded throughout this very enjoyable read. I very much liked the two main characters, Scarlett and Edward, and especially how their interactions were described.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews