A Highlander is Coming to Town is the third book in the Highland, Georgia series, but you certainly don't have to read the first two to enjoy this one.

Claire has come to Highland after quitting her gig as the lead singer in a Scottish rock band. She wants to simplify her life and so she takes a job as a caretaker for an elderly woman. She rides back and forth to town on her bike when she needs to do errands and when she runs into an issue with a flat tire, it's a good looking farmer that comes to her rescue.

Holt is a farmer who has lived in Highland his whole life. He's a caring, considerate and helpful guy. When he comes upon Claire, all he wants to do is help and she immediately thinks he likely has an agenda. He is the type of guy who is always wanting to help, so that's exactly what he tells her!

Claire and Holt form a tentative friendship and then things begin to take a romantic turn between them. With the things that Claire holds close to the vest, is she setting herself up for disaster where this relationship with Holt is concerned or will she finally see that he really wants what is best for her for no other reason than he wants her happy?

This was a light-hearted, contemporary romance that moved well. There were a few times I would have liked to have shaken some sense into Claire, but I know she was dealing with the weight of her troubles. I enjoyed Holt a lot and felt like he was the exact balance that Claire needed.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Having read the previous books in this series, I loved this heart-warming, witty, and romantic Highland, GA story. Holt is longing for his someone special, especially since he has been left on his own for Christmas. Seeing Claire struggling with her antiquated bicycle, he steps in to help but gets a frosty reception. All Holt's senses go on alert as Claire alternates between cowering from him and avoiding him. With patience, a sense of humour, and good old Southern common sense, he slowly wins Claire over. Claire is hiding from her responsibilities and the expectations that are being placed on her. For the first time in her life, she feels as though she belongs. Her employer, Ms Meadows, is a crusty old lady, but she has graduated to giving Claire slim praise and is slowly thawing towards her. Claire finds in the old lady a sense of belonging that is missing when with her own family. Characters from previous books in this series appear in this one too, bringing a smile to one's face and making the reader feel part of the small town, nevertheless, it is a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. This novel has all the drama one would expect from Ms Trentham, together with humour and a warm-hearted romance. The book is well written and emotive and made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I received a copy of this delightful book as a gift from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

An actual Scottish person comes to Highland, Georgia, to run from her family responsibilities (so mysterious.) She meets a man who is the arch enemy (kinda) of the woman she works with and they have instant chemistry.

I try to find a few holiday romances to recommend every year but this one has too many inconsistencies and plot holes. The big secret ends up as no big deal and some very dramatic things that happen come out of nowhere and also aren't followed up on.... it just doesn't work. It kind of felt like the author pulled elements out of a hat and tried to make them into a novel.

This novel is set in the fictional town of Highland, Georgia and features a significant Scottish twist. I haven't read the other two books in this series, but you really don't need to, as this stands alone quite well. Claire has a complicated background -- fighting against living her own life and having her choices dictated by her parents. She seems a little immature, but she's young. Holt is... wow. He seems like the perfect guy with the perfect family. His choices seem more responsible than Claire's, but you wonder how he'll handle all of Claire's uncertainty and angst in the future, However, let's just avoid the deep evaluation and enjoy his character. Mrs. Meadows and Anna and Iain are well developed supporting characters that the reader can enjoy and imagine spending time with. I lost both my Grandmas and want Mrs. Meadows in my life! This is an enjoyable, easy read with a lot of sexy talk about Holt's thighs in a kilt.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions above are my own.

A Highlander is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham
Book #3: Highland, Georgia Series
Source: NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press
Rating: 3/5 stars

**MINI-REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: I have generally enjoyed this series greatly, but every series seems to have a speed bump and A Highlander is Coming to Town is that speed bump in this series. Claire and her very prickly personality were quite hard for me to like and even knowing her background didn’t help much. The highlight of this read is absolutely Holt Pierson. Holt is an intelligent country boy with kindness and a bit of mischief rolled into his personality. Holt is also patient and willing to work with Claire’s prickly bits to get to her softer and far less prickly underside. Outside of Holt, the little old lady Claire works for is quite the delight. Her age brings wisdom and her advice to Claire and Holt help facilitate a happily ever after for more than one person. I can’t say I disliked this book, but Claire sure made it hard to like this book as much as the preceding two.

Will be posted at the Romance Reviews Today site soon: http://romrevtoday.com/

A HIGHLANDER IS COMING TO TOWN – Laura Trentham
A Highland, Georgia Novel, Book 3
St. Martin’s
ISBN: 978-1250315052
October 2020
Contemporary Romance

Highland, Georgia – Present Day

Claire Smythe (not her real last name) is hiding out in Georgia, far away from her home country of Scotland. Her family wants her to work for the family busines, but this is something she has no interest in doing, and her father won’t say no. Claire came to Highland as a singer for a band but left that to start a job as a caregiver to gruffy old Mrs. Meadows. Since she fears being recognized because of her family’s social standing due to having tons of money, Claire has kept a low profile in the past few months. One day while grocery shopping, she is riding home on her bicycle when it develops a flat tire and lo and behold, neighbor Holt Pierson comes along in his truck and stops. After first refusing his offer of a ride, Claire changes her mind. The crackle of sexual chemistry causes sparks to fly between them. But Holt is too dangerous for Claire to get involved with because she might get her true identity exposed. Add in that her employer doesn’t trust the Pierson family because they want to buy her land, then it’s another reason to avoid Holt. However, fate—and an attraction that won’t go away—has a funny way of finding excuses for Holt and Claire to end up around each other.

A HIGHLANDER IS COMING TO TOWN is set around Christmas, but the holiday pretty much stays in the background in this cute and funny tale from Laura Trentham. Claire is biding her time until she’s twenty-five—December 26th—when she can return to Scotland and claim the inheritance that’s waiting for her. But she also knows that the family will once again push her, the only child, into working for their company, a worldwide famous whiskey company. Meeting Holt has her trying to avoid him at first, but he is way too irresistible. And their sexual attraction is off the charts. Knowing she might be leaving, can she have that last fling before she has to leave Highland, Georgia? A sort of a memory of a time when she wasn’t living in a fishbowl.

After his parents retired to Florida in their recreational vehicle, Holt has been running the family ranch. Yes, they would have liked to buy Mrs. Meadows’ land, but that ship has mostly sailed since she has repeatedly turned them down. However, her caregiver, Claire intrigues him. She is beautiful and mysterious—and stubborn. She has no driver’s license and uses a bike to get around, but that isn’t a sensible mode of transportation when it comes to the distance from town, and of course, the finicky weather. After several interactions, the attraction between Holt and Claire heat up, and soon they’re sharing hot kisses. Holt would love to know who the real Claire is, but she keeps things close to the vest. Will making love help her to open up to him about her past—and future?

In A HIGHLANDER IS COMING TO TOWN, readers return to the small, quaint town of Highland, which is like a Scottish town in America. This tale is filled with interesting and quirky characters, all of whom help make this an interesting read. Will Claire make the right decision on her future? Will Holt find his one true love in her? Don’t miss this fun and entertaining read.

Patti Fischer

I missed the first book of the series but read the second one and enjoyed it. I love the Scottish town of Highland, Georgia, the community, the festivals, any anyone that speaks in an accent and the idea of kilt-wearing men!

Holt has lived in Highland all of his life so he is well-known and well-liked by everyone. He didn’t go to college since he planned to work the farm as his father expected. While he loved the farm and the work, at times he wished he had had the experiences of college life like his friends.

Claire is hiding in Highland under an assumed name and seems to be constantly looking over her shoulder for something to happen. She’s on her own and fortunate to find a job taking care of Ms. Meadows, an elderly woman who needs assistance. Claire has lived a somewhat lonely life and doesn’t make connections easily. Over time, she and Ms. Meadows begin to care for each other.

When Claire and Holt meet, he’s interested but keeps it friendly as she seems so skittish. He offers to help her many times and she’s quite rude at times as she doesn’t want any attention brought to her. Holt develops feelings for Claire and is so kind and gentle but must constantly try to keep things friendly in the hopes that Claire will see him again.

While I enjoyed seeing Claire getting closer to Holt, it seemed to drag on with her inability to share her secrets with him or make decisions. When her parent show up unexpectedly, she quickly makes a decision about her life and family in just a short scene when the whole book is been about her indecision.

I enjoyed the story and the ending, but I would have liked more of the personal interactions between Holt and Claire. Their intimacy was more of the fade to black type of scenes.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This story revolved around Claire, Holt and a lot of Ms. Meadows. She was quite a character. Claire was hiding out from a singing career and Hold was taking care of his family's farm while his parents were vacationing. The story told alot about small towns and how neighbors helped each other. I liked the story but didn't love it

I got this book from NetGalley for an honest review

I don’t know what it is about Laura Trentham’s Highland, Georgia novels that has had me hooked from the beginning of the series! Maybe its the sensitive hunky men! Maybe its the Scotland connection. Maybe its the independent women. And its definitely the feel of the community, that although it feels just too good to be true these days, is still a delight to return to.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow needs a sweet, light romance that takes place durning CHRISTMAS?!?? I know everyone is raising their hand! I love the Highlander series. The light (but steamy) storyline of this series is always just the thing to lift my mood! It’s like watching your favorite rom com!

Highlander is Coming to Town was just a light fun read. It wasn't terribly Christmas-y. It was actually easy to forget that it was Christmas time as I read. I really liked the friendships between the people in the town and loved Holt and his farm. As a farmer, this was fun for me to read and relate to. While I do wish for a little more depth in the characters, it was just the right low angst read for fall. Thank you for letting me read and review. I rounded this up from 3.5 stars

A light, sweet, and a little steamy romance between an opposites attract couple. Can Holt and Claire blend their lives together and find the love they've always wanted. Enjoyed reading this Christmasy romance❤❤❤ I volunteered an honest opinion for this book.

I liked that characters in this book, I liked Holt he was just this good guy with a good heart and was willing to help Claire even when she didn't want it. Claire she was running from a future she wasn't she she wanted but the was also not use to letting people close so she came off as a bit of a witch. She however would not stop at anything to help Mrs. Meadows. I liked Mrs. Meadows she was a pistol. There was adult situations in this book, over all was a super fun read and was super enjoyable

This continues the author’s series about a small town, HIghland, and the real Highland Scots who somehow ended up there. This novel involves Claire, who is hiding out for some mysterious reason in this town while she tries to make decisions about her life. She’s a singer who left her band and decided to stay in Highland and help out an elderly woman. Then she meets the charismatic and hunky Holt. He falls for her instantly and they spend the time with Claire trying to avoid him and then accepting all sorts of favors from him.

Once I found out what her mystery was, I was tremendously unimpressed with her quandary. She has a lot of self contempt and I started buying into her view.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

A Highlander is Coming to Town is book three in the Highlander Series by Laura Trentham. I have not read the first two books and thought on a couple occasions that this has to be part of a series, that I was missing some backstory that would make the plot feel more complete. I read to the 30% mark before I decided that this book isn't for me. If I had read the other two books first, that might have made a difference, but as it is, I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the storyline. I have read the first two books in Trentham's Heart of a Hero series and loved them! The Highland series just might not be for me. I'm rating this book a 3 since I didn't finish it (and it very well could have picked up and ended on a higher note then it started for me).

I'll admit up front to being a fan of this interconnected series where each book is perfect as a standalone. In this outing in the fun town of Highland, Georgia, Claire is on the run, for want of a better word, from her inheritance, See, she's enjoyed her band, the Scunners, and she's not looking forward to working in her family's whiskey business. She opts to take a job as a caregiver and, of all things, meets the hot wonderful neighbor, Holt. This is a steamy relationship that turns to love but what's just as nice is the relationship between Claire and Ms. Meadows. I know, I know, this is a romance novel but Trentham has given it just a bit more. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.

A Highlander is Coming to Town is the third book in the Highland, Georgia series by Laura Trentham. While I do love a contemporary romance with Scottish leads, this one was not my favorite of the series. Though don't get me wrong, it's still an enjoyable read. There were just pieces that either felt rushed, random, or a little forced. And I didn't get the goosebumps from their relationship like I did with the prior two stories. This was just good. I liked it but didn't love it.

So the book introduces us to a new heroine - one Claire Smythe who is the recently retired Scottish lead singer of the Scunners. She's now a companion to an elderly Ms. Meadows and in full hiding. Because she's avoiding her life back in Scotland, though she knows she'll have to return when her 25th birthday arrives, on Boxing Day. Oh, and she's an heiress to a fortune but is living her life in rags, refusing to ask her family for help.

Holt Pierson is a townie and farmer. He's been in previous books in the series and it's his turn to find love.
Not hard to figure out, he falls hard for Claire. So here's where the book went sideways for me. Their chemistry is not the greatest. I didn't get the sense they were really into each other other than being told they were. And they are both lovely people, but I wasn't rooting for them to get together.

Claire's backstory is interesting, the side characters do provide some color to the story, and I can accept they end up together, though the major decision Claire makes at the end feels rushed, and because I didn't get feel any overwhelming chemistry between the two, I didn't necessarily covet the HEA like I do with romances I love. I was satisfied they ended up together?

The story is not boring but it's not a page-turner. There are pieces I like, and then there are spots where the author will include a random sentence about people we'll never meet again, ie: strangers in a truck giving her dirty looks. Why was this in there? It wasn't tied into the story at all and they were never mentioned again.

Anyway, not terrible, but not fabulous.

Another good book in the Highland, Georgia series, this book revolves around Claire Smythe, lead singer of a traveling Scottish band who is taking some time to lay low and thing about her first world problems. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the previous books but it was still a good read. My problem was I didn't really like Claire too much, the whole book you're aware that she is running and hiding from something back in Scotland, but it is kind of difficult to empathize with a little rich girl running away from her inheritance. I did like being back in Highland, GA, the cameos from familiar characters and Holt as a whole. It's hard not to love a big, masculine, Southern Gentlemen!

Cute romance with a little holiday theme-ing thrown in. Holt is a local guy in Highland, Georgia who is left to manage the family farm while his parents retire and travel via RV. Claire has some family problems that I couldn't really connect to that were wrapped up quickly and easily at the end (not a spoiler). I liked that this was a couple who didn't have misunderstandings that were thrown in for plot devices. Both Holt and Claire were fairly likable characters and I liked the MCs from the other books in the series that were thrown in even though I hadn't read those.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in return for my honest review.

A Highland, Georgia Novel #3

This romantic comedy series is set in Highland, Georgia. Claire Smythe has found herself here after leaving her touring band. She is looking to blend in and not stand out one bit. She has secrets and she does not want them spilling out.

Without money, she takes a job as a live-in companion and caretaker for an elderly woman. Neither one talks much, but a bond has been formed.

Holt Pierson has been left to care for the family farm while his parents hit the road for Florida for Christmas. He is one hard-working and driven man! And Claire, or whatever her name is, has captured his mind and heart.

But will this Christmas be Merry and Bright? Let’s just say a lot of secrets come tumbling from Santa’s bag this year and love may just overcome a lot of them.

Always a treat to read this series. A lovely story of family expectations, our own dreams and desires, and finding a way to live with both.

NetGalley/ September 29th, 2020 by St. Martin’s Press