Six years after she left, Paige finds herself back in her home town as a widow with a three year old who is unsure of what to do with her life. With the love of her parents and the (often) well meaning but interfering locals, she regains her love of reading and agrees to help rebuild the towns library. She also meets Johnny and Mack who help her regain her passion for life. Will she stay in town or will she decide to head back to London? A great quick read with very likeable characters.

Paige left home at nineteen, fancying herself in love and leaving behind everything she knew, including her sense of optimism and dreams. Now a widow with young Grace in tow, she’s been ‘booked off’ work as an events planner for stress and has returned to Kindness Cottage to stay with her parents for a week until the close on her new home. Paige is stressed, striving to always be perfect, guilty for the death of her husband even as their marriage was little more than for show, and determined to stay only a short time.

Arriving exhausted and frustrated with her circumstances, it’s not long before she meets Johnny and his irrepressible (and ill-behaved) dog. There are sparks, but Paige is determined to not make connections of any sort – and to not get involved in her formerly beloved hometown. For his part, Johnny is regrouping after stress nearly killed him, and learning to stop and smell the roses despite his brother’s need of his help.

Slowly but surely, and with several delays from her realtor, Paige is roped in (or chooses to help out) at the library in town: a position that the former librarian Aileen had groomed her for since childhood. When Johnny decides to help out both Paige and at the library, even as he’s avoiding the ‘cheffing’ aspect of his life, he’s finding a new purpose and drive to cook again. With plenty of input from the oft-meddling but always well-intentioned villagers, a bit of a resolution for Johnny’s brother in terms of his romantic life, and a few obedience lessons for Johnny’s dog Mack, the two start to see that connection and happiness, as well as reliance on others, does not always lead to doom – and perhaps can provide a life you only imagined. A lovely, character-driven story that allows us to see the effects of stress, and several different ways of coping with it while finding new opportunities and dreams.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review; all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aW7 /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This was a really good read. Easy story to follow, charming setting and great characters. Really enjoyed it.

This is a sweet, fun romance set in a lovely Scottish town. The main character is very likable and the whole town will make you smile. Recommend to romance fans.

Right from the start with the description of Kindness cottage and the village of Lockton I knew I would like this book. It sounds Idillic and makes me want to live there. I love the idea of Jam meetings and the Jampionships made me chuckle.

There's nothing quite like a romantic books, especially ones with bookshops or libraries in. This makes me want to open my own bookshop. A girl can dream right.

I love that someone can have a skill of picking a book for someone they don't know. I loved the outcomes at the end of this book.

It's a lovely romanatic, light hearted book with a hint of past sadness. I would highly recommend this book.

Summer in the Scottish Highlands was a fun read. Light and airy, perfect for a summer porch read. Predictably pleasant.

A sweet uplifting small town story filled with lovable quirky characters. Paige has returned home to a small town village in Scotland. Newly single Paige finds herself raising her daughter on her own and in need of a new start. Loved The setting of the story it just seemed like such a gorgeous welcoming place to live. Paige was a likable character even though I don’t think she properly appreciated this delightful village in the beginning. BUT when chef Johnny shows up she seems to perk up a little. I mean who wouldn’t? The man was kind, good looking, and he can cook! This is just one of those sweet feel good stories that makes you feel all warm and giddy inside! And I cannot forget the library! I mean seriously a library, a chef, and a small village, what more can you ask for?So grab your Kindle, your towel, and your sunscreen and hunker down for a perfect afternoon of poolside reading!

*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

I felt this was a happy book and enjoyed it, the characters were well written and the subject of someone dealing with mental illness was handled really well, I look forward to reading more from this author

This wholesome book is just what I needed to start a summer vacation! Donna Ashcroft wrote a truly feel good summer story.

Widowed Paige is forced to come home and visit with her 3 year old daughter after a breakdown at work. She has no where to live for a month while her house purchase is going through. She runs in Johnny, who is new to Lockton. He is, like Paige, is a former workaholic, who think he has found happiness at the slow paced life in Lockton. They both embark on a journey of finding themselves and learning to love and truly enjoy life.

I loved the emotions that both Paige and Johnny worked through. Their emotional pasts and their healing journeys were captivating and made falling in love with them so easy.

This is an excellent read, and I would highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC copy!

This voyage through the Scottish Highlands was so magical and well written. I absolutely loved the setting and the characters. I loved how the characters had their own stories but how they all entwined at the same time. A wonderful read.

I didn't want to put this book down, The magic of Scotland weaves its self around the characters and settings. Sad in parts but happy in others, I am sure you wont want to put this down when you read this. I just wish it could have carried on further but hopefully there may be more novels to follow this one. 5 stars and I recommend this to all.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Paige returns to her childhood home to escape the stress of her life in London. She is a single mother of Grace and a widow. She returns to help reopen the library she worked in before her marriage. Meeting Johnny who is also escaping from a stressful life she has to decide either to return to London or stay in the peaceful village.

This story was quite sweet and predictable, it was very clear where the plot was going for all the characters involved. I liked the “Save the Library!” aspect, and food descriptions were quite nice! However overall I couldn’t get invested in the story and it dragged on for me.

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I read If Every Day Was Christmas at the end of 2020 and I really enjoyed it so I was excited to return to Lockton in the Summertime.

Paige and Johnny are a pair of characters that you just instantly root for. They both need a bit of love and happiness in their lives. I really liked them both. I would absolutely love Jonny to cook for me. I had quite the rumbling stomach while reading this book.

I adored Mack the little mischievous pup! He made me laugh with all the antics he got up to.

I really liked having the stories of the other villagers going on in the background. I think it really helps to me the village more realistic. The location is so well described that I could see myself there going for walks and look at the countryside. I am dying to go to Scotland again. I also loved the library!

This was a lovely easy summer read. Go grab an ice cream, a cold drink and settle down with this book. It will be an afternoon you won't regret!

Oh how lovely it is to have been back to Lockton for another book. Reading the Lockton books is like visiting a place you’ve holidayed in before, become familiar with the beautiful surroundings and people who are lucky enough to live there, but after an enjoyable stay you’ve reluctantly had to leave. So another book set in the glorious village of Lockton, and featuring a number of familiar residents, along with several new characters, is a welcome return visit.
This book can easily be read as a stand alone novel as there is no essential back story required for reading it, and the characters that have featured in previous books are re-introduced. However, it will be far more enjoyable if you have read the previous books, purely because they too are so good.
This book is written in such an easy to read style, with descriptions that paint wonderful images in your mind and has you rooting for the two main characters, Paige and Johnny, right from the start as they both begin to overcome the emotional and practical obstacles they each have faced over the last year or two.
A wonderful story and such an enjoyable read. It was so good to be returning to Lockton. I just wish I could visit the book barn as it sounds heavenly. If Paige were to use her skills in finding a book for everyone she would most definitely choose this book for anyone who enjoys this genre.

Set in a small village in Scotland, this book has everything needed for a warm and comfortable read. Paige Dougall is a young widow with a daughter whose life is currently in a downward spiral. Leaving London, she returns to her hometown in the village of Lockton, Scotland to stay with her parents while she tries to bring her life around. It didn't take long for her to meet Johnny Becker who is a chef at his brother's pub. He too is sorting through his life and trying to make the best of things.

Reading this book is almost a travel log with the descriptions of the small Scottish town. The story itself is just what is needed during these hectic days. Filled with romance as it blossoms, it is touchingly so. This is the first book I've read from this author, it won't be my last.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sorting out sad memories while building a new future for herself and her daughter, Paige Dougall is doing her best. Heartbreak and tragedy are only a couple of the challenges she faces. Spending time in the Scottish Highlands with her parents, Paige continually dreams to return to the success and happiness she once had while living in London.

Yes, London is her dream, but Paige cannot deny the rush of pleasure and joy she experiences while in her picturesque hometown. Add to that new pieces of her life begin to fall into place - a job, even Johnny Becker, a local chef who begins to open Paige's eyes to new experiences and feelings. Dreams of London soon begin to fade away...

Paige is not the only one with troubles, however. Johnny has baggage as well. Being drawn to one another proves that the both of them must step out of the comfort zones, accepting that trust can lead to so much more. Drawing attachments n this stage of their lives is something neither of them anticipated.

This endearing story offered a gentle reminder that we can have control over our own happiness. It was so lovely to seeing Paige and Johnny bring that into their reality. It is a story of friendship, family and love that will warm the heart of many readers.

Msny thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A sweet and easy reading romance. The story didn’t flow in the best way for me and didn’t keep my attention very well but it was still an enjoyable plot.

I immediately built a connection with Paige as I became a single mother and divorcee at the age of 27, and I know the bravery and determination it takes to rebuild your life.

I loved escaping with Paige to this new location and there is definitely some wonderful descriptions of the Scottish Highlands that give this book a great escapist and atmospheric feel.

Donna has done a sterling job of developing both Paige’s and Johnny’s characters through the use of third person narration, and in creating these complex characters, she has provided a level of drama and complication that hooks you in and keeps you wondering if everything will work out at the end.

She explores some important themes and issues that come to the fore when your life takes you to unexpected places, including regrets, risks and life changing choices.

Overall, I have loved escaping to this small town community and seeing this story unfold. This is a perfect read for fans of Heidi Swain, Julie Shackman and Samantha Tonge.

Paige and her little girl, Grace, come home to her parents in the little village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands to spend what she thinks is a few days. The first person she meets is Johnny, who seems to be a new comer to the village. Off to a turbulent start thanks to Johnny’s puppy, Mack, Paige is not impressed with this man who seems so laid back and quite similar to her ex husband.

Paige and Johnny seem to suffer from the same problem. Going after their dreams and goals seems to lead them to stress and breakdown. Paige has been forced to take a break and since her house in London is not ready for her to occupy, she is forced to to come live with her parents. Johnny, having learned the hard way, what stress can lead to, has opted for a commitment free life in Lockton. While there are sparks between them, Paige is determined to go back to London and Johnny can’t think of making an commitment to keep her in Lockton.

I loved how this story evolved. Despite her fears of rejection from the community she left behind in a hurry, Paige is accepted with open arms by the villages. She’s tasked with refurbishment and relaunch of the library she worked in when she was younger. Meanwhile, Johnny who has been recruited to help her with the library, manages to draw her out and he’s determined to make her relish food again. This calls for him to try out new things and rediscover the joy of cooking, a passion he turned into a profession, but no longer really gives his all to.

This is such a sweet story and one that I’ll remember for a long time. With a lovely young child, a naughty dog, family that’s will to forgive and be there and a supportive and loving community. The community consists of a great deal of interesting characters who are ready to give a lot of their time and effort to make Lockton a thriving village.

The author has created a great cast of characters and her descriptions of the Scottish countryside leave one with a longing to visit.

Under the humour and romance, I found this to be a story of redemption of sorts, with both the main characters gradually becoming better and more centred versions of themselves.