Ivy Heart has just turned thirty and had a five-year plan to get that dream job. She is presently working as a PA to PA to Lady Miriam Ballentine, a friend of her mothers. Lady Miriam's oldest grandson has refused to take over as Laird, so Ivy has been given the job to bring her younger and estranged grandson home by Christmas Eve. If she does that, she will give her a reference for that dream job. Ivy packs her bags and heads for the Scottish Highlands to track down and bring the Ballentine heir home. When Ivy arrives at Christmas Resort, she discovers Ross Ballentine is far from a polished Laird-to-be. He is a free spirit, loves the wild, and has no intention of finding out why his grandmother sent the lovely young woman to find him. He drives away from her and refuses to meet with her. When Ivy books herself into one of his tours, he has no choice but to talk to her. It doesn't hurt that Ross is handsome and they hit if off once they begin to open up to one another. As they reveal things from their past and secrets they have, they realize they have more in common than they realize. Will Ross go home to meet with his grandmother? As Ross and Ivy begin to care for one another, will she move to take the dream job, of will she finally decide to follow her dreams?

This was a delightful story. It takes place before Christmas, so it is wintry, but not all that festive. I enjoyed meeting the characters in this story from Ross and Ivy, to the grumpy hermit, Grizzle, that Ross has befriended and helps out. The owners of the Christmas Resort were wonderful and did what they could to bring Ross to the table to talk to Ivy. I felt so bad for Ross when he revealed his past and how the estrangement came about. No on should have to live with that pain. I enjoy Donna Ashcroft's descriptive writing, making me feel like I was caught up in that storm, riding in that carriage and on the snowmobiles. The banter between Ross and Ivy was light and enjoyable, and I was really rooting for them to realize what a great couple they could be. The story is told from both Ross' and Ivy's POV, which I enjoyed. So, does Ross go back home? You'll have to read this one to find out. I highly recommend it.

Unfortunately I didn't finish this book.
I found the writing clumsy and uninspired and there seemed to be an ageism issue within the writing , with characters being described in details more suited to people much older. ie one character in his mid-fifties being described as having a long white beard?
Sorry for the negative review but not for me.

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands sees Donna Ashcroft return to Christmas Resort which featured in a previous book - Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands. But don’t worry if you haven’t read this book as this story features brand new characters and it can be very much read as a standalone. Donna has a real flair for writing Christmas stories that have you getting all excited for the festive season and ultimately give you that warm feeling inside. I don’t know how she thinks of everything when it comes to describing Christmas Resort because quite simply every little detail is thought of and the name of the resort certainly lives up to the theme. The descriptions are once again glorious and the imagery created really gets you in the mood to get stuck into the story. But for our main character Ivy Heart, well she has other things on her mind and as soon as she arrives in the Scottish Highlands she is on a mission with a tight deadline and nothing will get in the way of her completing that. After all, there is a nice reward if her task is fulfilled. Little does she realise that Christmas Resort and the people who live and work there will get under her skin and her task may not as quite straight forward as she would have at first hoped.

Ivy works at Hawthorn Castle in Scotland for the Ballentine family. Miriam is her boss and she has promised her a place on a Trainee Financial Trader programme which is very difficult to get on but only if her task is completed to her satisfaction. So the impetus to accept the challenge is there for Ivy but whether the person in question will listen to what she has to say is another thing altogether. Miriam has no heir for the castle as nephew Simon has recently up and left. The only other alternative is his brother Ross who hasn’t been next nor near to the estate for many years. Ross now works as a groundsman/adventure guide at Christmas Resort located just outside Christmas Village. Ivy has just 22 days before the big Christmas Eve party to get Ross back and accepting that he will take over the running of the estate when the time comes. Ivy wonders why Ross left and never came back and what kind of challenge awaits her? Basically, she wants to get this done ad dusted as quickly as possible but she doesn’t realise that Ross has made a life from himself away from the Ballentine family and there must have been a good and valid reason for this. Getting him back won’t be as easy as she first thought that’s for sure.

Christmas Resort is pure magic with its decorated tree lined driveway, wooden cabins, hot chocolate, snowmen, mince pies, Christmas carols, sleigh rides, lights, tinsel, poinsettias and so much more. I could go on and on but suffice to say if you think of something Christmas related it’s there in abundance along with so much more you couldn’t have even thought possible. Bonnibell Baker is married to Connell and they are co-owners of the Resort. Bonnibell is exuberant and to say she embraces all things Christmas is an understatement. Some of these characters had featured in the previous book and I was glad to see them back again but they didn’t take over. Instead, Ivy and Ross were allowed to share their stories along with Old Man Grizzle who resides by himself in the forest. His was a touching story and it showed the true meaning of Christmas. Of friendship, of being there and looking out for others and of course always letting love in. Ivy herself has her own secrets and she has a lot of blame at her feet. Well she believes certain things were her fault (when really they weren’t) and she carries this guilt around with her. So much so that she is following a path career wise that maybe she doesn’t want but feels the pressure to do so. Has Ivy bitten off more than she chew trying to find Ross and convince him to come back to Hawthorn Castle? Only time will tell.

A funny first encounter between Ross and Ivy sees her falling in a bramble bush and from that moment although Ross would be loathe to admit it he does find that there is just that little bit something special about Ivy. But Ross is a closed book who likes to keep to himself where possible and spend his time doing his job and being out on the land in all kinds of weathers. He comes across as elusive, cold and standoffish with little to no interaction with people unless absolutely necessary. I wondered what had caused him to be this way or is it just the way he always was. Preferring to connect to nature and the outdoors and of course his two loveable sidekicks. Moose, his golden retriever and Snowball, a wild boar. Yes, you read that right, a wild boar and to be honest they steal the show every time they are mentioned and the relationship and interactions that Ross has with them exposed a softer more delicate and relatable side to him. As does his connection with Grizzle. This was a lovely element to the story and again showed that Ross was human and his reasons for leaving the castle were genuine and maybe now he had found the right place to call home and running back to Miriam would perhaps do him no good at all.

The characters are living with fractured relationships and with words they wished they’d never said but time and new words and forgiveness could heal all that but are they wiling to go own the path they needed to travel in order to achieve this? I loved how Ivy was sensible and didn’t force Ross to do anything. She bided her time and got to know him as she knew rushing him and explaining why she was there would only cause him to retreat further into his shell and totally block her off. On the other hand by not saying anything and keeping her mission to herself for some time was she running the risk that it would all blow up in her face when things were finally revealed? As she grew closer to Ross and he showed her the landscape, nature and special qualities of Christmas Resort she was getting to know the real him and she thought maybe he is in the right place after all for him. Was she only being selfish wanting to get him to go back to Miriam so she could secure a place on a course in London that deep down if she truly admitted to herself that she didn’t really want? She was playing a fine line and as she too started to feel a little for Ross would she ruin anything that could potentially occur if she pushed things too far too quickly?

As time goes by it’s evident to Ivy that Ross is hurting and as the reasons for this become apparent everything slowly starts to make sense about him. At the same time Ivy reveals her story to the reader and it’s clear she has been self-less in her actions purely for the guilt that she has been carrying around. But as Ross takes her throughout the resort and they witness wonderful things and she gets to know and help Grizzle also she realises she shouldn’t feel guilty. The conflicting emotions emerging for her are testing regarding what she wants in her life and where she is ultimately heading but should she continue on trying to get Ross back to his family or is he better off where he is?

Overall, I loved the story but I will admit to finding the ending rather rushed as the deadline approached. I would have loved a bit more fleshing out of this aspect of the story although the solution reached was perfect it just felt we raced in the last few chapters to get there where more time allowed to develop and digest this would have been ideal. That said it didn’t majorly detract from my enjoyment of this story. As I’ve previously said Donna Ashcroft certainly knows how to write a Christmas book that will keep her many readers satisfied and eager for more and long may this continue.

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands

by Donna Ashcroft

This story is about friendship, handling grief, and being controlled by others. Ross feels guilty over his parents’ deaths and his grandmother and older brother Simon seem to blame him as well. Grandmother Miriam is extremely harsh and controlling and has been grooming Simon for his role as Laird since his parents’ passing. Anything to do with Ross warranted only a passing thought.

Ivy Heart had lost her father to a heart attack. Her mother had to try unsuccessfully to salvage his failing business and wants her daughter to never have to struggle to survive. So she tries to control Ivy’s career choice.

There are interesting characters along the way—supportive ones like Connell and Bonnibell, part owners of Christmas Resort where Ross works as an adventure guide, and the curmudgeon loner Grizzle, a reluctant friend to Ross. Ross has two pets: a golden retriever Moose and a wild boar Snowball.

Ross and Ivy are attracted to each other, but Miriam’s manipulations cause trouble. Ross and Ivy have to come to grips with their pasts and what they want for the future.

Ivy and Ross were not really characters that drew me in. I liked the animals in the story better than the people. I found Ross’ relationship as an adult with his grandmother and Ivy’s with her mother to be unrealistic. The expectations of the adults were intertwined, but focused on their own emotional needs more than those of Ross and Ivy.

I enjoyed Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands to the extent that I wanted what was best for the protagonists, but I wasn’t engaged in how they accomplished that end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction

Notes: 1. #4 in the Christmas Village Series, but can be read as a standalone
2. Contains one open door bedroom scene.

Publication: September 18, 2024—Bookouture

Memorable Lines:

…he turned and headed towards the hallway, leaving Ivy feeling even more confused—because this was a man who wouldn’t speak to his own grandmother, but who’d brave bad weather to check on a friend.

“It takes a brave person to risk love and a stupid one to think they’d be happier without it.”

His whole life felt like it had just been through a washing machine cycle and everything he used to take comfort from had been rinsed away.

My first Christmas book of the year and what a book to start with. I have read a few of Donna's books before and I love her writing style. It's charming and cosy and just perfect for curling up with a hot chocolate and a blanket.

Despite only visiting a handful of times I adore Scotland and would love to visit many more times, so I am always on the hunt for books set in Scotland. I loved the Christmas Resort and the idea behind it. Christmas is always such a busy time that spending quality time with the family isn't always possible.

Ivy and Ross are great characters. I loved their meet cute it really made me giggle. I loved how their relationship unfolded and how Ivy's passion for plants was reawakened through their journey.

A warm and uplifting read that is perfect to start off the season with. Grab your hot chocolate and cosy with this festive read.

This was a cute feel good book 3.5 stars more towards 4 stars.

As a Scottish person I just wish that Donna had gotten it looked over properly, it’s kin not Ken, nae is not said the way they say it in the book and Scottish cookies… don’t get me started.

I loved grizzle being a grumpy old man and I thought the idea of a wild bore being a pet exactly the same as a dog was funny.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

This was my first by this author and I definitely want to check out the other books in the series!

If you love a good Christmas story this one will definitely set you in the mood! When the MC is set to go get answers from a grumpy grandson, what will happen and who will be chosen to run the family legacy

This was a very cute and sweet romance, which I enjoyed very much, even if it was predictable. I loved the setting in Scotland, and I rooted for the main characters! This was a wonderful comfort read.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't normally read seasonal books but this one sounded atypical so I thought why not. I was thoroughly taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed it. It featured family drama, a high stakes assignment, love at first site, and an old curmudgeon. And let's not forget the unique pet for the added humor. Readers will find that they quickly fall into the pages and get swept away by both Ivy and Ross. Ashcroft wrote with such aplomb that you can almost smell the evergreen trees and the hot chocolate. Utterly delightful.

A cute and cozy holiday romance. The romance was a bit on the softer end. I would have loved to see if be a bit more the start of the story.
However, this is still a fun holiday read that I would recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a delightful, festive and wonderful read. Christmas Resort sounds like a magical dream and somewhere I would love to stay. The setting was perfect and the characters fantastic, I felt myself really rooting for them both. A great start to the festive reading season.

Ivy is sent to the Christmas Resort to find her employer’s grandson but he isn’t keen on speaking to her. She finds herself signing up for some of his outdoor adventures to get the chance to speak to him. She soon finds herself not only drawn to the snowy woods and landscape but also the grumpy Ross. They both find they need to rethink, Ivy what it is she wants to do and Ross whether he is better off alone or whether he is in fact lonely.

This is a lovely cosy read perfect for curling up to read with a hot chocolate and mince pie.

The moment I saw Donna Ashcroft's name on this Christmas book I just knew I was about to fall in love with it.
One thing I adore about this author is the characterisation. As the story progresses I find myself feeling as though the characters are friends, and the storyline.... I could talk about it all day long!
A perfect festive, romantic read.

4.5 stars rounded to 4 stars.

Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I was thrilled to be included on this tour. Even though it was 100 degrees today, this book really made me feel in the Christmas spirit. This book is charming, sweet, and festive, and I really enjoyed meeting all of the characters and seeing how they developed throughout the book. The setting of this book at a Christmas Resort in the Scottish Highlands was perfect, and the writing style made me feel so immersed in the book and the setting.

I enjoyed this book so much, and it's the perfect book to add to your Christmas reading list!

A perfect read for fans of a romantic Christmas read with ambitious city girl Sky and Ross, the laird, who just wants to be left alone to work in the woods. If she can just persuade Ross to come back to the family estate, she has been promised the job of her dreams. But who knows what the future really has in store for both Sky and Ross when love sparks between them.

I have previously enjoyed a ‘visit’ to the Christmas resort, so was pleased to be back again. Initially I forgot this was going to be the setting as the first section of the book is set in a castle, so I was anticipating the unfolding of the story there; however, I was pleased when circumstances took Ivy, one of the main characters, up to the highland Christmas resort. Such a cosy-sounding setting with great descriptions that allowed the reader to walk on the crisp, newly-fallen snow alongside the couple the book centres around.
A good read, it held my interest from beginning to end, with no temptation to flick forward a few pages, Perfect for the festive period. Snuggle up in the warmth, enjoy a mince pie, or three, and settle down to enjoy this book. .

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands is a cozy romance set against the enchanting backdrop of a Christmas farm in Scotland. The author beautifully captures the magic of the Highlands during the holiday season, complete with twinkling lights, snowy landscapes, and the warmth of family traditions. It’s the perfect setting for a heartwarming love story.

The book is fairly well written, with a delightful sense of place and atmosphere that makes it easy to get lost in the charm of the Scottish countryside. The characters are endearing, and the romance is sweet, making it an ideal comfort read during the winter months.

However, while the setting and tone are perfect for a cozy holiday romance, the story does fall into predictable territory. The plot follows familiar tropes, and there are few surprises along the way. That said, if you’re looking for a comforting and festive escape with a touch of romance, Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands delivers exactly that—it’s a cozy, feel-good read that’s easy to enjoy, even if you can see what’s coming.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read, and enjoyed, quite a few books by this author. So far, I have not read one yet that I didn't enjoy. This book was no exception. I loved it!

If you need a beautiful heart warming story set at Christmastime, look no further than Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands. This story really makes you rethink what the word family means to you.

Told through the eyes of both of the main characters, Ivy has got to persuade the grandson of her iron-fisted employer to come back to his estranged family. She needs to find her place and where she belongs too, and follow her own path, not the path of well meaning family members. Ivy is a kind and generous soul who truly finds herself in the couple of weeks in which this book is set.
Ross has a lot of trauma in his childhood and more recent past and finds that the best way to deal with it is to secret himself away from the majority of others, despite how lonely it leaves him. He finds that facing up to some truths are very hard and overcoming fears are even harder. Ross has a lovely spirit of generosity and wholesome back-to-nature ideas.

Being that this is the fourth book in the series, we do see a return of past characters who we know and love. It can absolutely be a stand alone book though.
I love the sense of community that this book shares, including a tiara wearing old dear who has a character of a donkey, the local beautician with a sparkling gleam for match making in her eye, an irritable old man who won't face up to the fact that he cares more than he wants to, and of course who could forget Ross' beautiful pets, Moose and Snowball!

A lovely read before the festive period. My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Donna Ashcroft for an advanced copy to read. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ivy meets Ross when she is tracking him down, as her bosses grandson. A great festive romance, and some great characters.