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Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop

Not yet published
Expected 22 Aug 26
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Run away to the Scottish Highlands with this BRAND NEW festive, warm and romantic read 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎄🛷 Fans of Jenny Colgan, Heidi Swain and the BBC's The Repair Shop will love it! Every book in the Highland Repair Shop series can be read as a standalone.

It’s the first of December and the Highland Repair Shop is facing a fresh challenge: a storm has damaged the town’s beloved Christmas lights. With the clock ticking before the official switch-on, the workshop must transform into a merry fixing factory to save Christmas in Cairn Dhu.

Meanwhile, Hamish Skelton has devoted his life to keeping the local ski centre alive – but with no snow and dwindling visitor numbers, his future is hanging by a thread. Then consultant Florrie Norheim arrives with a clear to close the resort for good. Determined to prove herself, she isn’t looking for distractions, least of all a handsome young man who refuses to give up on his home. But are some places – and people – worth saving?

As Hamish and Florrie grow closer, the town rallies together and a long-lost love story is uncovered, will the spirit of Christmas work its magic on them all? ✨

Curl up with this gorgeously cosy, uplifting romance that’s brimming with festive charm!

Praise for Kiley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Kiley Dunbar writes with such heart and warmth… this is a cosy inspiring treat!’ Victoria Walters

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A romantic treat' Heidi Swain

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '💖 A perfect cosy read for fans of small-town settings, uplifting themes, and a healthy dose of Highland charm' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I loved this book. It has characters you'll care about, a sense of place and atmosphere where you get to know the community. And intriguing heart-string-pulling storylines that keep you reading' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Full of romance, friendships, community and family... Joyful' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is such a lovely book. Great characters and a warm community vibe to it plus a romance I rooted for from the start. A story to curl up and get cosy with! Left me with a smile on my face!' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Pure escapism... I highly recommend this book to totally get lost in' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Enchanting and endearing' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '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.' Reader review

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 22, 2026

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Kiley Dunbar

25 books218 followers

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
431 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 31, 2026
If you are in need of a seriously feel good story, full of people who care, a gentle loving storyline and a very happy ending Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop is most definitely the book for you.
Returning to the Cairngorms, to the little village of Cairn Dhu, gateway to the Cairngorm National Park and home to the slowly failing and falling into disrepair Cairn Dhu ski centre, we discover Hamish Skelton is at his wits end as the snow has not fallen, the people are all heading to the newer, classier resort further along the valley and he is facing an audit with almost definate closure on 25 December.
Florrie Norheim has been sent by her father to do a report on the ailing business which she sees is a chance to get to know her father better; a man who broke not only her mother’s heart, but hers when he choose business over them when she was a small girl.
She arrives in Cairn Dhu in the middle of the ‘Christmas Office Party’ lunch service, discovering she did not have a reservation the prestigious Cairn Dhu Hotel. She is now facing the fact she has nowhere to stay, she is tired, hungry, upset, has little or no phone reception and the rain is sneaking down inside her winter jacket.
Meanwhile Rhoda Gifford, from the wonderful Repair Shop café is gently reminiscing about a time when she was young, in love and enjoying life riding down the hills of the Cairn Dhu ski centre on a new red toboggin built for her by the love of her life, Eric Shaw. In love for the first and last time she still pines for a love that never became so much more.
Once again Kiley Dunbar has set the scene for a lovely warm-hearted and enjoyable return to Cairn Dhu, where magic really does happen, love blooms and sometime more than one miracle occurs.
Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop is highly recommended for an afternoon out of the madding rush wrapped in the covers of a most enjoyable book.

Profile Image for Leanne.
1,574 reviews114 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 22, 2026
Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop is exactly the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of something warm. It’s sweet, uplifting, and brimming with the kind of small‑town warmth that feels like a hug in book form.

The setup is wonderfully festive: Cairn Dhu’s beloved Christmas lights have been battered by a storm, and the Repair Shop crew must pull together to save the town’s celebrations. That sense of community—everyone pitching in, everyone caring—is one of the loveliest parts of the story.

Hamish is an instantly likeable hero, devoted to keeping the local ski centre alive even as the odds stack against him. Florrie, arriving with a mission to close the resort, brings a great contrast: determined, guarded, and absolutely not looking for distractions… especially not the kind with kind eyes and a stubborn streak. Their chemistry is gentle, believable, and full of heart.

I also loved the thread of the long‑lost love story woven through the town’s history—it adds a beautiful layer of nostalgia and warmth. As the snow falls and the community rallies, the book leans into everything that makes festive romance so comforting: second chances, unexpected connections, and the magic of people choosing hope.

Cozy, charming, and full of Highland sparkle, this is a perfect December read for anyone who loves small‑town settings, uplifting themes, and a story that leaves you smiling.

With thanks to Kiley Dunbar, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Meg Pearson.
691 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 21, 2026
Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop is everything I want in a cozy Christmas read—heartwarming, hopeful, and filled with characters who remind you that family isn't always the one you're born into.

I absolutely loved how this story embraces the simple joys in life while celebrating a community that rallies around one another through every challenge. Every character felt genuine, kind, and wonderfully multifaceted. Rhona and Eric's story was especially beautiful; their shared history and the promise of their future together brought so much emotion to the page. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

Florrie and Hamish also completely won me over. They seemed like such an unlikely pair at first, but watching their relationship grow was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their journey was sweet, heartfelt, and perfectly complemented the warmth of the Highlands.

Setting it all during Christmastime only added to the magic. Snow, community spirit, second chances, and a touch of romance made this the perfect festive escape. I finished it in one sitting with a huge smile on my face and was genuinely sad to leave Cairn Dhu behind.

A wonderful, feel-good Christmas story that will leave your heart full.
Profile Image for Ruth.
248 reviews
August 10, 2026
I was once again warmed through by the familiarity and welcome to Cairn Dhu and the Highland Repair Shop as I read. It gives all the right Christmas feels in a wonderful story of a community anyone would be proud to be part of. “Saving Christmas at the Highland Repair Shop” is perfect 🛷🎿🎄💕

The story begins with a stranger, aloof and business like, one who feels a big bit out of place, slightly lost. That stranger is a young woman, Florrie, sent to audit the Ski Centre and Nightclub with a view to shutting it down. Instead of a quick unemotional look through the books and a report stating pure financial facts, the Highland hospitality and friendship and care of the community get to her. It doesn’t take too many of Senga’s cakes, Roz’s hugs and Rhona’s listening ears to thaw her frosty attitude. Not to mention the steadying presence of Hamish the manager of the Ski Centre, who is surprisingly accepting of his precarious situation.

Meanwhile, the repair shop volunteers are in charge of cleaning, painting and rescuing the old Christmas lights and decorations ready for the big switch on. There is plenty of festive cheer to go around in the big shed and the big hearted community do their very best to rally round their own to ensure the Ski Centre doesn’t go without a fight.

Profile Image for Emma H.
125 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 30, 2026
Christmas in a the snowy valley of Cairn Dhu who doesn’t want another visit? This series is beautiful written, you feel part of this friendly little community in every book. The writer makes you invest in the characters and each book takes you through the tricky journey of trying to find love of one younger local resident and one older resident. It always blends beautifully together and if you have read previous books you already know these characters and are already touting for happiness for them. However, you can read each book as a standalone if preferred it doesn’t spoil the story.

This book reveals the ups and downs of longstanding villagers Hamish and Rhona. It dips into the past to reveal Rhona’s backstory and explains why she is a quiet character who has spent her life alone. Hamish’s livelihood is being taken away, he will lose his home and his job at Christmas. This special little community will battle as always to help support its wider family.. A cosy, happy Christmasy book with real love stories and friendships that will warm you up and have you snuggling in during Winter.
Profile Image for Keighley.
70 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 10, 2026
This can definitely be read as a standalone, but I personally really enjoyed already knowing some of the characters from their own stories.

Yes, it’s a Christmas book 🎄 and it definitely gave me all the festive vibes, but much like the fact that it can be read as a standalone, I think it can also be enjoyed at any time of year - I read it in August! 😂

Hamish and Florrie were such great characters, and I loved watching their relationship develop. Their story was so cute! 🥰

Rhona’s story was just as heartwarming, and I really loved how everything came together for all the characters by the end.

Cairn Dhu seems like such a warm and welcoming place - somewhere that embraces outsiders, despite being such a tight-knit community. The Repair Café is also full of memorable characters, and I would absolutely love to meet them in real life!

I’m sad that this is the last book in the series, as I’ve really enjoyed spending time in Cairn Dhu. 💕

Kiley is such an engaging author, and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend if you’re looking for a lovely read with romance, a wonderful sense of community, and a gorgeous Highland setting. 🏔️📖
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 5 books158 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 13, 2026
Oh, I am so sad that this series has come to an end!
I love how Kiley has woven in so many threads to awaken people's social and environmental consciousness through the Highland Repair Shop series!
A new face, a person who really needs to learn to love herself, Florrie, and an old face from the village, Hamish, collide on a stormy evening, leaving mixed impressions.
They only get more confusing as it transpires that Florrie is there to audit Hamish's Ski resort-style business, which may or may not be doing particularly well, and that Florrie's heart isn't in her job. She's doing it to please family - a fractured family.
Alongside this, we get a wonderful side story of firm favourite Rhoda, one of the Gifford sisters, and how her own tragic love life is threaded through the discoveries Florrie and Hamish make.
It's always heartwarming to come back to a series where you already love the characters, and to add more to them is just wonderful! I loved reading this, and I am so glad Florrie and Hamish got their HEA after a pretty rocky but short journey.
Profile Image for Marie Yarwood.
165 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2026
A true wintry ‘hug in a mug’ book.

When Florrie is sent to Cairn Dhu Ski Resort to do an investigation/audit to confirm whether the company is viable still after financial difficulties, not even she thought events would unravel in the way they did…. No hotel room booked for her to stay in so she is offered a ‘test run’ up in a small but cosy room which may be used in the future for others to stay in. Then she meets all the locals, including Hamish who also happens to be the person whose life may be changing dramatically from Florrie’s report.

When Hamish invited her to join him on the slopes so she can see what the site has to offer everything goes drastically wrong - when Florrie has an accident on the slopes which leaves her with a nasty injury needing a cast and to be watched afterwards for a while. The only thing that could make this any worse is the fact that she can’t climb the ladder to her bedroom so stays with Hamish - what could make this any more awkward ??
Profile Image for Dawn Probert.
611 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2026
A lovely addition to the exploits of the Cairn Dhu inhabitants. Hamish is the gruff manager of the ski slopes and nightclub of the town. He lives alone and often feels like he is on the outskirts of the town people. Then then owners of the resort send Florrie to audit the premises and do a viability study to see if it’s worthy of being kept alive. From the off it’s obvious that it’s not making a profit but he hopes that Florrie will see its value to the community. She doesn’t but is hesitant about finalising her report to her Dad the owner and the committee. Something is making her drag her heals. When she has an accident and the community rally round her and Hamish helps her see that’s she is not alone she realises the value of the whole town.
Alongside this we are fed the story of Rhona and see how her life has panned out. It’s a great book full of twists and turns. I loved this series so much.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
351 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 8, 2026
When I saw Kiley had a new book coming out I knew it would jump straight onto my TBR pile!

It’s so good to be back in Cairn Dhu! Seeing all the familiar characters and places, and at Christmas time too.

There’s just such a feel good, community atmosphere throughout this book, the acceptance even if you aren’t a local is heartwarming. Of course there is a focus on repairing and reusing which is a wonderful message to get across.

I was so pleased to see Hamish having his own story, finding out more about him and what an absolute gentleman he is! I loved the growth of Florrie’s character throughout the story and the ending was perfect.

As with all Kiley’s books there is just something so fulfilling about reading them, you know you are in for a beautiful story with lots of wonderful characters. It’s festive, it’s heartwarming, it’s an absolute must read.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
157 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 14, 2026
Once again the highland repair shop has a big job, saving the towns Christmas lights. McIntyre with the help of the whole repair shop and half the town come together to make Christmas magic.

Meanwhile Hamish is facing his own Christmas nightmare as a consultant for the government, Ms Florrie Norheim is here to decide if his ski business and home should remain his or should it be demolished and replaced with housing.

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the highland repair shop and I’m a little gutted it’s the last in the series. So many wonderful characters and moments throughout all the different books I definitely need to go back and start again. I love in this story the traditions from across the world and especially the lost love story.
Profile Image for Steph.
109 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 2, 2026
So good to be back at the Highland Repair Shop. This is the 3rd book in the Highland Repair Shop series, but can be easily read as a standalone.
It‘s a super cozy, charming and festive read. Grab a blanket and a cuppa and enjoy this warm hug.

What you’ll get:
set in the Highlands
Christmas vibes
romance
problem solving
sparks flying
a tight knit community

Well written, lovely storyline, very likeable characters and simply perfect at any time (not just at Christmas).

Thanks to Boldwood Books, Kiley Dunbar and NetGalley for this ARC!
139 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 7, 2026
Firstly thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Another great book from Kiley Dunbar, this is my 4th book in the series I have read, however this book can be enjoyed as a stand alone book. It is a wonderful festive book, perfect for a chilly evening wrapped up with a blanket and a hot drink.

Florrie arrives at the Ski resort in Cairn Dhu to close it down, just so she can keep her faher happy, what she doesn't bargain on is finding an unexpected romance and the warmth and generosity of the people of Cairn Dhu.
Profile Image for Miki Jacobs.
1,581 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 10, 2026
Hamish Skelton runs the Cairn Dhu ski centre. It has seen better days and an auditor hired by the local authority is due to arrive to assess it’s viability.
Florrie is used to being a free spirit and going where the work is at ski resorts. Somehow she has found herself doing some work for her father because her older brothers are unable to do it. She feels she has to prove to her father that she can do this, but events conspire against her and she finds herself stuck in Cairn Dhu and drawn into the local hub bub as Christmas approaches.

An easy to read nice read
2,013 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 21, 2026
I loved this sweet book that embraces the simple things in life and celebrates the community that feels like family. The characters are humble and kind but multifaceted. Rhona and Eric’s back story shone so lovingly with their history and future bringing forth so much emotion. Florrie and Hamish seem so unlikely to find joy in each other but that they did. The fact that it all happened at Christmastime only added to the bliss. I finished this book in one setting with a smile on my face.
Profile Image for Rachel Chambers.
329 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 19, 2026
Perfect! There's no need to write anything else. This is the best ending to an absolutely wonderful series. I'm a little devastated by that but looking forward to seeing what Kiley does next.

If you like Christmas romance, surprise reunions and Christmas miracles then this book should be on top of your Christmas reading tree.
Profile Image for Shelby Arthur.
47 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book. Florrie gets sent to conduct an audit on a failing ski resort. While there she meets Hamish, the manager of the ski resort. Sparks fly between these two but Florrie’s job gets in the way. This was cute and I enjoyed the read. It was not my favorite of the series.
Profile Image for Carol.
288 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
August 3, 2026
When I started this story I wasn't sure I was going to like it but it definitely grew on me and ended up as a nice relaxing joyous story with everyone being happy at the end. It was a definite feel good novel. With lots of festive feeling and romance.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
Profile Image for Sandy Barker.
Author 21 books399 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 20, 2026
Absolutely devoured this cosy, heart-warming read.
Kiley Dunbar has crafted a beautiful story with rich characters, including many of our favourites from Cairn Dhu.
Funny, warm, romantic and hopeful. A must read for this festive season.
Profile Image for Jasmine Queen.
377 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 31, 2026
Its so lovely to be back at the Highland repair shop. It always feels so comforting reading these.
In this one we follow Hamish - who runs the bar and ski resorts, then Florrie has been sent to audit the place to see if it needs closing down.
One again Cairn Dhu works it magic
Profile Image for Renske.
501 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 1, 2026
Christmas in August🎄☀️. What a wonderful story to end the lovely Highland repair shop series. I am sad to leave this wonderful group of people behind but everyone has their happy ending and I'm excited to see what else Kiley is writing. Thank you Kiley and NetGalley for this early review copy
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews