Merry is hiding out at her aunts house taking care of her animals and getting over the death of her father. Enter the local vet, Theo and you find yourself in the center of a Christmas mystery and a good romance.

Merry and Theo are both incomers and are thrown togther through necessity when Merry needs help with her Aunt's pet rabbit. They both have things they need to deal with an overcome and gradual help each other.

Merry is a fun and engaging character who is tryiin hard to make changes and live her own life. Theo does some silly things, but for the right reasons.

The rest of the village is made up of a stong cast of loveable characters whom I feel have back stories in other books. I will be looking this up.

A cosy feel good book for the festive season.

A story about two people looking to start over in a small village. They are thrown together and learn more about themselves in the process. I enjoyed this quick festive story.

Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands is a heartwarming romance. Merry and Theo are an endearing couple, who must work through some things before they can be together, and it was so much fun to watch it all unfold. The setting is snowy and perfect for a Christmas book, and the people who live in this Scottish village are all delightful! This is the perfect book to read during the holidays!

Merry McKenzie  is our protagonist who makes the long  trip from Hertfordshire to the Scottish  highlands to look after her aunts house and her very wide range of animals. So it's a little to obvious that soon she meets Theo the handsome vet Theo. Ashcroft's story begins!

Merry know no one up in Scotland which  is fine by her as she intends to finish her novel however yet again things do not go as planned. Her aunt played secret Santa to the town which has been traced back 200 years, and thus far no one has found out who Santa is. The problem  is the present's arrive but the list with who to match them up with has been eaten by the pet rabbit.
Which means she has to venture out into the community to find out what 20 people need certain very specific gifts. But is the help she gets a little bit to much, you can be the judge.


We are introduced to a wide variety of characters, theres the village primary school where she ends up teaching a class on being an author which brings out her confidence. She tells the children how you  'have to like the people you write about' and that what', is that what Ashcroft's done with the novel?


But the main focus is on Merry and Theo and for me it was a bit extreme with her calling him 'manipulative' and that Theo was just as suffocating as her brother's had been before.
Then very soon after they are cuddling up under the Christmas tree giving each other gifts and she is saying she's 'found [her] perfect man'. Is this to much?

I usually enjoy Donna Ashcroft's books but I just could not get into it however if you enjoy quick romance novels set around the general Christmas theme well this book is for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers as I  recieved a digital complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Such a great romantic winter read. I couldn't put it down and finished in one sitting. The characters were amazing and had related personalities.

This is such a cute story. There are some really funny scenes. It’s lighthearted with a wonderful happy ending. It’s a feel good Christmas story that left me with a smile on my face. I can’t wait to go back and read the other books this author has written. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Wow! What a gorgeous heart-warming Christmas story about families, animals and community. I loved 'Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands' from cover to cover and was deeply moved by the characters and their fascinating lives, their traumas and victories.

Christmas village provides a delightful escape from the frantic world of big city life. For it is easy to get lost in the peaceful calm of its twinkling stars and to fall under the spell of its wonderous snowflakes. Even when a blanket of snow plays havoc with the town’s winding roads, we are still drawn into the magic and mayhem lured by the smell of hot chocolate, Christmas treats, the warm hugs, and the quiet tugs and exchanges within friendships in this picturesque Scottish setting. Even the weather plays a part in this story as the storms often reflect the drama of the characters and that includes pets!

I loved the character of Merry (and her name). She is a courageous woman yet needs to regain her strength and confidence after being involved in a serious accident. But she has brothers who are seriously overprotective and become a hindrance. The lesson here is that sometimes when we love someone so much and fear losing them, we can take over their lives and cause them more injury. With Merry, her brothers' behaviour is suffocating. By always checking up on her, it makes her feel as though she is helpless. This is one reason why she accepts her Aunt’s request to be the caretaker of her home and animals in a remote Scottish town while she is away. Merry sees it as her chance to reconnect with herself, her writing craft and to get her courage back. Her brothers disagree. They want her in their sight every minute and see her as fragile and needing protection. But she does not want their shielding, no matter how well-meaning their intent. They must learn to let go so she can heal, because what she needs is encouragement to take new steps and to learn to trust in her own abilities. For Merry is also a writer and this gift is cleverly utilised in assisting with her healing and growth. I loved how the characters Merry creates interact with her own life.

Theo, the Vet, is a recent newcomer to the village. He is kind and caring with both people and animals. He has had his own relationship issues, though, with his brother. He was overprotective of him until his brother took off travelling across the world. Was he tired of being controlled or is there more to his story? All will be revealed by the end. As for Theo, he has learned from his mistakes with his brother so is able to use this knowledge in his friendship with Merry to help her. Their relationship grows in ways neither expected but it does not come without its challenges and misunderstandings. And though the road is rocky at times, it is also rewarding.

Donna’s gift of sensitive writing, allows us to be effortlessly charmed and pulled into the scenes of Christmas village and into the hearts of those who live there. She makes it so easy for us to explore this white wonderland and to feel the passion, frustration and fury! I must add, Donna has also delivered the Secret Santa theme in a very clever way. I won’t give anything away but it is ingenious and the reader will enjoy the journey.

I have loved all Donna’s novels but I think this one is a little extra special and carries an added layer of depth and addresses some very important topics (like the hazards of overprotectiveness). Also, the dual perspective: having Merry and Theo telling their sides of the story, draws us into the minds of these two in a very personal way. You can feel their emotions, their doubts, their desires. And this just adds even more to the reading experience.

I highly recommend this beautifully written novel that will tug at your heart and give you a big dose of Christmas spirit. Christmas is about giving (in relationships and gifts) and this tender act of kindness shines in spades through this delightful novel. 'Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands' should be under your tree or at least found in your stockings hanging over the fireplace this Christmas! 5 Glittering Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture, the Author and Netgalley for a review copy.

A sweet book describing the efforts of a young lady trying to gain her dependence from over protective brothers after recovering from an accident. Her aunt gives her the opportunity by inviting her to look after a range of animals in a northern cottage. This book is laugh out loud funny in places as our heroine gets to grips with her new responsibilities. Naturally, the opportunity for romance arrives and the handsome local vet is perfect to help with the animals and to offer support as their romance develops. A good read.

This was a feel good read. The characters were likable and it had a happy ending as we all expect from this kind of book.

As always the author doesn't disappoint, well written with amazing characters and a lovely storyline, couldn't put it down, loved the introduction of the hunky vet and Harry the wayward turkey who is like a guard dog in his own right and can't forget chewy the rabbit who has everyone on edge with his antics
Brilliant read highly recommended

What a sweet, romantic book. Set in the Scottish Highlands, we get to read about Merry, who is pet sitting for her aunt for a month. And helping her with her Secret Santa project. All while trying to write her book and find courage to try new things and stand on her own.

Theo is the local vet who helps Merry with the animals and, without her even knowing it, the Secret Santa project as well. They are really cute together, as they go from friends to more.

Lots of fun, secondary characters fill in the story as Merry meets the people in town. And there are also a couple of secondary romances being discussed as well.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands to come out September 27, 2022.

Lacking in self-confidence, Merry decides to house sit in Scotland to get away from her over protective and controlling brothers. She needs to prove that she can be on her own. The local vet, Theo, tries to help her with the animals. Overly protective of others himself, Theo must learn to trust Merry as she learns to trust herself as well. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture for my honest review.

When Merry McKenzie is asked by her Aunt Ava to spend December in the Scottish Highlands, Merry is more than a little nervous. Having recently recovered from a serious accident, she's not sure how she'll go looking after her aunt's long list of pets and farm animals, but she's willing to give it a go. Soon she finds herself caught up in a mysterious secret Santa mission and unable to take her eyes off the handsome village doctor, Theo.

Ahhh it was so much fun to be back in the Scottish Highlands with so many familiar characters! This book gave me all the feel-good, Christmassy vibes and I truly felt like I was in cosy Christmas Village, rather than dreary old Melbourne. I can definitely see myself rereading this one for years to come!

Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands is set in the cute tiny Christmas Village. Merry has come to the village to house/pet sit for her aunt as a way to get away from her overbearing brothers and focus on writing her novel. Theo, a veterinarian, has recently moved to Christmas Village for a fresh start after a bad breakup. Through out the book the two get to know each other and more importantly themselves.

This book was cute and a quick read. It was fun getting to know the Christmas Village and all the different characters. I found it a little difficult at the start keeping track of who was who but once I was about midway I had fallen in love with the town and the characters and flew through the rest of the book.

This festive read is perfect for Christmas time, and I will definitely have to revisit it come December.

Love the characters in this book. It's nice to read about familiar places and characters we've met before.

A gorgeously romantic festive read!

The setting provides the perfect snowy backdrop for a Christmas novel. The storyline moved at a great pace - I loved Merry & Theo and all of the supporting characters and the secret Santa idea was a lovely additional plot line which really gave Christmas Village its community feel.

One of my first festive reads this year and, despite being in the midst of an August heatwave, this book has really got me excited for winter/Christmas! Perfect book for curling up with on a dark winter evening in front of the fire.

This was my first Christmas read of the year, and what a book to start with! We head to the Scottish Village of Christmas, and of course it’s set on the run up to Christmas too! Whilst it’s not technically part of a series, we do meet some characters from other books by this author and it was nice to be reintroduced to them! Merry is coming to Christmas to look after her aunt’s home and animals whilst she is away. Merry is a lovely character who has been through a lot, and this is her chance to get away from her over-caring big brothers and gain her independence again.

I absolutely loved this book! It was lovely to be transported back to the Scottish Highlands and the Christmas theme with plenty of snow and ice was a perfect backdrop during this heatwave! I loved Merry’s character, although I must admit I did feel a bit like her brothers and want to cover her in cotton wool as she initially seemed so small and meek! Another village newcomer, vet Theo, is a very welcome distraction though! Big, strong and handsome, him and Merry don’t get off to the best starts, but that all changes as the book moves on! He does sound perfect in every way though, and I loved their friendship together!

The storyline flowed along at a lovely pace, capturing all Merry’s fears and negative emotions and turning them into positives! The village tradition of a Secret Santa was a great addition to the story, and I even found myself playing detective trying to work out who the presents might belong to! I became very quickly hooked into this book and once started I couldn’t put it down, finishing it in less than a day! It was wonderful to see some of the other villagers again, and I loved having the animals in the storyline also, particularly man-hating Henry the Turkey whose scenes didn’t fail to raise a smile!

This was such a lovely read; I was quite sad for it to finish! Filled with lots of love, family and friends, this was the perfect escapism for a hot and lazy day! Heart-warming, entertaining and wonderfully written, I sincerely hope there is another trip planned to the Scottish Highlands! Would recommend!

I really enjoyed this book. It had a very hallmark-y feel to it, one of my favorite channels to watch around the holidays. I really enjoyed the story between Merry & Theo as well as all the great supporting characters as well. I loved how the more the story went on, Merry was able to realize how strong she really is, she just needed the quiet support of someone believing in her. To be there when she needed support, but also to let her figure out things on her own. When I requested this book I didn’t realize it was part of a series but I will be tracking down the other books to read as I loved this quaint little Scottish town and all its residents.

The queen of feel-good fiction, and this Yuletide yarn certainly ticks all our boxes. A seasonal romance as warm and welcome as a mug of mulled wine.