Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft

Belle Albany is a primary school teacher in a Scottish village in the highlands. Belle literally crashes into Edina an elderly lady and the two form a special bond. Just as Belle and Edina are starting to settle into their new living arrangements Edina’s arrogant lawyer grandson Jack arrives. Jack is the opposite of Belle in so many ways he quickly decides she‘s too good to be true and makes it his mission to find out what she‘s up to.

As the story unravels you come to love Jack and realise although he isn’t good at showing it, his heart is in the right place. Jack teams up with Belle for the sake of Edina and giving her the perfect Christmas. Jack and Belle have a fiery chemistry and both struggle throughout to really be honest with themselves about what they really want.

Meanwhile Belle’s best friend Kenzy is hell bent on landing a date with the beautiful Logan. Kenzy knows what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. Logan is just as stubborn. It’s a refreshing and alternative narrative especially as it doesn’t follow the typical girl pining over guy for serious relationship.

Add in the fact that it’s Christmas and Belle has been tasked with putting on the annual Nativity play this book will have you turning pages into the wee hours to laugh at cry. Bob, Edina’s pet donkey even gets a part in the nativity!

Although predictable at times this book really brings the festive cheer. It’s the perfect book to cosy up to at night with a hot cup of tea and a blanket. Be prepared to be a wee bit peckish best have some snacks too!

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the digitial ARC. This book really was a delight to read.