Member Reviews
Amy Quick Parrish's latest novella, Highlands New Year, is a cute follow up to her Highlands Christmas. While marketed as a stand alone, it definitely helps the flow of the story line to read them in order. In Highlands New Year, the story continues with Melissa and Colin's story and introduces Melissa's friend, Caitlin. The main portion of the story is focused on Caitlin and Colin's sister, Lindsey. While a festive story, it feels a bit rushed. However, the story line was fun and it leaves it open to a third book. Highlands Christmas was a bit better but this is an ok second.
Thanks NetGalley for the preview!
Highlands New Year by Amy Quick Parrish. I loved reading about the Scottish traditions for the New Year. Amy Parrish is a new author for me.
This was the continuation of The Highlands Christmas. There was more of Melissa’s and Colin’s story with the addition of the best friend Caitlin. With them traveling back to Boston I have a feeling there is more to come. Maybe a Highlands Valentine’s Day? Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily
This is the second book in a series, I read it without having read the first one. It was a great read, but I think it would be better if you had read the first book.
"Highlands New Year" by Amy Quick Parrish is a captivating tale that takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the Scottish Highlands. The story follows Caitlin Montgomery, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her best friend Melissa MacKenzie's sudden disappearance to Scotland. Little does Caitlin know that this impulsive decision will lead her to encounter unexpected romance and immerse herself in the enchanting traditions of the Highlands. From the moment Caitlin sets foot in Inverness, she becomes captivated by the stunning landscapes and the aura of love that surrounds her friend Melissa. Together with Melissa's new love interest, Colin, and his sister Lindsay, they plan a magical getaway to the Isle of Skye to celebrate Hogmanay. However, fate takes an unforeseen turn when an accident leaves Melissa and Colin hospitalized. Undeterred by this setback, Caitlin and Lindsay decide to press on, eagerly awaiting their friends' recovery. As they find themselves stranded in a charming town nestled alongside Loch Ness, Caitlin and Lindsay stumble upon a cozy inn, unwittingly claiming the last available room from two local men named Drew and Angus. What ensues is a delightful rivalry, with a dart match determining the victor. Amidst the swirling winter magic, sparks fly, and love blossoms unexpectedly. Lindsay and Drew feel an undeniable connection, while Caitlin's heart is captured by the rugged charm of Angus. However, as their newfound romances begin to flourish, the snowy Highland adventure brings its own set of challenges. Will these relationships withstand the tests they encounter? Can the magic of the Scottish Highlands endure the trials of their journey and pave the way for a blissful new year? Amy Quick Parrish skillfully weaves together a heartwarming tale that encapsulates the essence of the Scottish Highlands. Through vivid descriptions, readers are transported to the picturesque countryside, where snow blankets the landscape, and the air is filled with both romance and a sense of adventure. The author masterfully develops the characters, allowing readers to connect with Caitlin, Melissa, Lindsay, Drew, and Angus on a personal level, making their emotions and experiences all the more impactful. "Highlands New Year" is a novel that seamlessly blends elements of friendship, love, and the enchantment of Scottish traditions. Parrish's writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing readers in from the very first page. The story unfolds with grace and intrigue, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover what lies ahead for the characters. In conclusion, "Highlands New Year" by Amy Quick Parrish is a delightful and heartwarming tale that will transport readers to the magical world of the Scottish Highlands. With its captivating storyline, picturesque settings, and endearing characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive, romantic, and enchanting literary experience.
Thank you to Amy Quick Parrish for sending me this eARC, this review is based on my own opinion.
Highlands New Year is a sequel to Highlands Christmas and takes place around 3 weeks after the first book.
Melissa is still in Scotland and after finding out about that, her friend Caitlin decides to fly over te see her for New Years.
In the beginning the story felt very rushed to me, Caitlin just randomly booking the first flight, then Caitlin and Melissa wanting to do a lot of sightseeing and then Caitlin and Lindsay going on a trip together while they barely know eachother because Melissa and Colin had to go back.
I enjoyed it more from the part where the inn entered the story because to me it felt like from that moment the authors focus was more on one subject and one storyline.
The book ended with a closed ending for Caitlin and Angus but the author ended Melissa and Colins story with a cliffhanger.
Overall I liked the story but not as much as Highlands Christmas so that's why I choose for a 4 star rating 😊
Thank you to Amy Quick Parrish and Flying Cactus Press for an Advanced Reader Copy of "Highland's New Year," which I found to be an entertaining read.
I felt like I took a trip to Scotland without leaving my comfy sofa! Oh- and three cheers for Melissa and Colin's storyline! And those lumberjacks sound so dreamy- Thoughts of Henry Cavill, anyone?!
The secondary characters are a lovely, supportive addition that gives extra depth to the book in the most delightful way. The plot flowed at a nice pace which made for a cozy, engaging read. This is a wonderful, festive book that brings out the best of the season in a reading format, and will be sure to entertain you! Think fun and relaxing!
Happy Holidays!
I love this series! It’s such a great length - a cozy afternoon read! I’m excited to read the next installment and get caught up on whats happening. Can’t wait!
Highlands New Year picks up right where the previous books left off with Melissa’s friend Caitlin coming over to Scotland for the new years and getting snowed in near Loch Ness. Super super quick read. Got to see Melissa and Colin get to know each other better and Lindsey (Colin’s sister) and Caitlin really get to know each other and two ruggedly handsome Scots at the inn they take shelter in.
Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback
The premise of Highlands New Year is so cozy. I was automatically intrigued by a New Year's romance in Scotland. If you like cozy, tropey romance then this just might be the holiday romance for you!
That being said this book was just not for me. I was so excited, but ultimately let down with the lack of character development, unbelievable relationships and excessive exclamation points. I do not think that some of these issues I had will bother everyone, but to me the exclamation marks in particular were distracting and made the story very disjointed.
I do think that there will be a lot of cozy romance lovers out there that will absolutely adore this book. I wish there had been a bit better editing because it had amazing bones.
Thank you NetGalley, Amy Quick Parrish, and Flying Cactus Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this book! All opinions are my own.
This is a stand-alone sequel to Highlands Christmas-Wishes Come True, however it does pick up where the first left off perfectly! Once Caitlin hears of Melissa’s move to Scotland, she flies out to visit. And what perfect timing as it’s almost Hogmanay (Scottish New Year’s Eve)! They make plans to visit the Isle of Skye, but Melissa and Colin can’t go due to an accident. Instead Colin’s sister, Lindsay, offers to tag along with Caitlin. Unfortunately a big snowstorm forces them to stay the night at a lodge owned by locals Angus and Drew. Did I mention that Angus and Drew are very handsome and charming, as the girls soon find out.
Amy Quick Parrish really transports you to the quaint, snowy Scottish inn with her writing. I really enjoyed the cute, wintery theme with a hint of romance. I do wish there was more Melissa and Colin though, but here’s to hoping that there’s another book eventually!
Pick this up if you want a feel-good, festive read! Out on December 12th!
Picking up where the last book left off, this was just a fun, festive, feel-good read that see's Maggie's best friend Caitlin coming to visit her in Inverness over Hogmenay (New Years). When a storm rolls in, Caitlin and Maggie get separated and Caitlin finds herself snowed in with Colin's sister at a charming in with two other handsome Scots. Full of charm and a great cast of secondary characters, I am excited to see what's next in this series! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
3.75⭐ First and foremost thanks for this arc!
This was such a wholesome, cute, cozy and quick holiday read. Love the whole explanations about Scottish holiday traditions, the holiday foods, and the landscapes and tourist sites! It felt like I was actually there celebrating Hogmanay in Loch Ness!
This was the second novella in the series. I think it helped reading the first. I liked it better than the first - very Hallmark! Caitlin goes to visit Melissa in Scotland for NYE. Melissa and Colin both get hurt when trying to sight see with Caitlin/Lindsay. The girls stay and get stuck from a snowstorm at an inn, meeting Drew and Angus. I also like the little cliffhanger and interested to see where the story goes.
A cute and cozy holiday romance, Highlands New Year is a sequel so it features the main characters from the first book (whose story seems to be ongoing at the end of this one) and new characters as well. It's a quick read and a pleasant one for that.
Highlands New Year by Amy Quick Parrish is a stand alone sequel that unfolds against the scenic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. When Caitlin Montgomery embarks on a quest to find her missing friend Melissa, she stumbles upon unexpected romance, Highland traditions, and a New Year's celebration filled with enchantment. The story weaves themes of love and winter magic, as sparks fly and connections deepen in the charming town on the shores of Loch Ness. With a friendly rivalry, a dart match, and ruggedly handsome locals, this book delivers a heartwarming story that celebrates the resilience of newfound romances.
Scotland during the holidays, a blizzard, snowed in with strangers, ex's showing up, new love and old, lost and found. Doesn't quite end, looks like the story continues ...
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
⭐️ ⭐️Stars
I had high hopes for this one in the beginning, the story line seemed promising. However, the character development ended up being all over the place. I wish we would have heard more about Caitlyn and Colin due to the story starting off about her Divorce. There were some cute moments and many more confusing moments. The ending wasn’t it for me and it was overall disappointing.
I enjoyed this book, but much like the first book in the series, it felt unfinished at the end. (And this time there doesn't seem to be a third book coming?) The characters are delightful. The setting is great. I felt like the way the changing POV was a little confusing visually - I'd have prefered it to be a bit more obvious when we were swapping. But it was an adorable little story.
This one is a DNF for me. The story is cute, but the author's dialogue skills need work. Also, the pacing is too slow. There's a lot of chatting with very little action. The "meet cute" should happen much earlier in the story.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.