⭐ 3.5

I love reading Christmas books and I love even more being reminded of why I love them. The story of Ivy and Ross reminded me a lot of those Hallmark movies (but with a little spicy touch) where despite some problems they end up together and their relationship that even though it started off on the wrong foot I liked, does everything happen quickly? actually yes, I can say that it's almost an insta love because Ivy arrives at Ross's workplace at the request of his grandmother and she only has a few days to do so and in those days everything happens but at the same time it doesn't feel that way, all the secondary characters are lovely (except the grandmother obviously) and I liked that when they started spending time together Ivy and Ross got to know each other a lot more than they expected; there's a bit of drama at the end that even though I expected it I didn't think it would be that much but at the same time it felt necessary especially with Ivy and her future, for the Christmas holidays this book is perfect.

📌I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

Ivy Heart has to make a list for everything. It’s the only way she can keep her life straight and never miss a task. With no time for romance in her life, her only focus is her five-year plan. As the clock ticks away, so is her life. She is the personal assistant to Lady Miriam Ballentine, and she has been assigned the daunting task of bringing home Lady Miriam’s estranged grandson for Christmas. It’s the only way that Ivy can get a decent reference for her dream job. Ivy has no choice but to complete her assignment. So she packs her bags and heads to the Scottish Highlands in search of Ross Ballentine.

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands, written by author Donna Ashcroft is a magical story of family and true love. Ivy and Ross were such great characters and I couldn’t help but be inspired by them. I love how Ashcroft never wastes any time pulling the reader into her stories. She describes the Scottish Highlands in such a way that you actually feel like you are right there. This story played like a movie in my mind’s eye and I loved every bit of it. I could feel the snowflakes on my eyelashes and the brisk cool air made this a magical and inspiring story with the perfect amount of romance. I highly recommend this festive read.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands” by Donna Ashcroft. This is a lovely book that will get you in the holiday spirit. Grab some hot cocoa and cuddle up.
Ivy is working as a PA and it is her job to bring Ross back home to his grandmother. I loved watching their relationship unfold. This is a heartwarming story and I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#WinterWishesInTheScottishHighlands #DonnaAshcroft #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInScotland

A lovely feel good Christmas read. Both Ross and Ivy have interesting back story, and they are both very touching. Both characters are easily relatable, Ross more so after we see how his grandmother treated him as a child.

I loved the slow burn with Ivy and Ross, no matter how hard they tried they kept being drawn to each other. The descriptions of the outdoors, including descriptions of the smells of the trees helps give a fully immersive experience.

Grizzle was a fantastic character, and every new parcel he opened I giggled as the glasses got more and more outrageous.

A lovely read that really helps you get in the Christmas spirit, really how could you not in a place called Christmas Resort?!

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft.
I loved the cover of this book. Gorgeous. I got into it straight away. I did like Ivy and Mirium. I liked Ross. I did like how Ross and Ivy were together. I did love the motivational quotes each day. I loved Grizzle and Mairi. I did love the ending.

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands is the perfect cozy, charming, festive holiday romance and the Scottish setting is just gorgeous with the snow capped highlands creating the perfect backdrop.

The Christmas Resort where Ross works as a groundskeeper is so cute & adorable with the author's wonderful descriptive writing transporting you right to the snow covered cabins and reindeer rides.

I loved the characters of Ivy & Ross and seeing their connection grow & flourish while bringing out the best in each other and reminding the other that your happiness is important and your own dreams are worth fighting for.

This is the perfect feel good book to curl up with under a blanket on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands is a touching Christmas romance that explores themes of family, love, and finding peace in nature. The story centers on a grandmother who wishes to spend the holidays with her grandson, emphasizing the importance of cherishing each day doing what you love.

The characters are relatable and well-developed. Ross, though imperfect, has a refreshing outlook on life, while his grandmother’s stubbornness adds depth to their relationship. Ivy, too, evolves beautifully throughout the story, growing into her feelings for Ross. This delightful tale is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit and enjoying a bit of seasonal magic.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas Romance, perfect for reading snuggled up whilst nursing an awful cough and cold. It's book 5 in an series, but worked perfectly as a standalone. There's always an element of predictability with this genre of book. Beautiful young woman, handsome but grumpy man. But that's not a bad thing.

I've been told before that I'm like the Grinch and that I hate Christmas, which isn't actually true. I love the season, I hate the consumerism and pressure to make it perfect. And yet I find myself wanting to move to Christmas Village so that it can be Christmas all year round.

I loved the dual POV telling of this story, andc really felt that I could get to know Ivy and Ross. I identified with Ivy in a lot of ways, I'm also a chronic list maker, although my 5 year plan fell apart years ago! I feel like both Ivy and Ross went on a journey of self discovery and healing throughout the course of the book, whilst learning from each other at the same time.

Overall this was a lovely heart-warming read, perfect for the chilly winter nights.

Book Review: A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft

As I dove into A Skye Full of Stars, I felt an immediate connection to the enchanting setting of the Isle of Skye during the holiday season. Ezzie Wynter’s excitement for Christmas, with its snow-capped mountains and festive gatherings, swept me into a cozy atmosphere that I couldn't resist.

Ezzie's life takes an unexpected turn when the Larson family arrives from Sweden, and her role as the manager of Rothach Hall suddenly becomes a whirlwind of preparations. The stress of organizing everything while trying to keep her own emotions in check is both relatable and engaging. I found myself sympathizing with her struggles, especially when the handsome Mats Larson enters the picture. His confident demeanor adds a delightful tension that keeps the pages turning.

What truly captivated me were the layers of Ezzie’s journey. Just when I thought I had a handle on her story, unexpected visitors force her to confront truths about her past and identity. Moorcroft skillfully intertwines themes of family, self-discovery, and the magic of the holiday season, making each twist feel impactful.

The romance blossoms amid the chaos, and I loved watching Ezzie navigate her feelings for Mats while grappling with her own uncertainties. The setting becomes almost a character in itself, with the picturesque winter landscape enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

Overall, A Skye Full of Stars is a beautifully crafted tale that left me feeling warm and hopeful. Moorcroft has a gift for creating relatable characters and an immersive atmosphere. If you’re looking for an escape this winter, this book is a perfect choice to curl up with by the fire. I can’t wait to see where the next installment of The Skye Sisters Trilogy will take us!

I just loved this book and I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. It’s just such a beautiful and heartwarming book, that has amazing characters who you can’t wait to meet and wish you could in real life.

I would highly recommend reading this book as it’s just amazing and so heartwarming.

I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

If you're looking for a charming and cozy holiday romance, this is definitely the book for you!✨️
Right from the start, I felt as if I were in Scotland, taking in the beautiful snowy landscape, the fresh, pine scented air.🌲❄️ The easily flowing writing style and the vivid descriptions made me as much in love with nature, the trees and plants as the main characters, Ivy and Ross. It was so easy to connect with both of them. I was cheering them on to give into the feelings they had from the first instant they saw each other. 💕
Both of them had family issues and a clear -though wrong- picture of what they should do with their lives. It was heartwarming to see how they helped each other grow and get to a better place with their families. 🫂
Though the side characters were a bit flat for me, they still fit quite nicely in this festive, cinnamon bun filled Christmassy place. I'd so love to read more about the grumpy old man, Grizzle! His past was mentioned a few times and I feel like there could be a great story there.
Ooh and the animal sidekicks were so cute! 🥰 Who knew a wild boar would make an excellent house pet!? 😅
The plot was predictable, but that's absolutely okay with a light romance book. I need to have a HEA and thankfully, my expectations were met. Quite loved the message that you should always follow your heart and do what makes you happy! 🩵
A page-turner and an easy 5⭐️ read! 👌✨️

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Singleton and city-girl Ivy Heart has just turned thirty. She’s a chronic list-maker, married to her five-year-plan, and can’t remember when she last had a Christmas off. This year is no different; PA to Lady Miriam Ballentine, Ivy has been tasked with bringing her estranged grandson home before Christmas Eve in return for a reference. With her dream job on the line, Ivy packs her bags for the snowy Scottish Highlands to track down the heir to the Ballentine estate.

But when Ivy arrives at Christmas Resort, she discovers Ross Ballentine is far from a polished Laird-to-be. Rough around the edges, free-spirited and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, Ivy is shocked when he drives off on his snowmobile at the first mention of his grandmother. Not taking his frosty tracks as an answer, Ivy books herself onto his reindeer spotting tour, determined to convince this recluse to return to his responsibilities at the crumbling family castle.

But events don’t follow Ivy’s meticulous schedule as she spends time with Ross in his rustic cabin, switching her phone and mind off to the demands of city life. Soon it’s not just the log fire heating up between them. Does Ivy have more in common with this grumpy woodsman than she thought?

As sparks of romance roar under snowy skies, can Ivy get Ross home in time to secure the job she’s worked so hard for? Will Ivy’s ambition and Ross’s stubbornness drive them apart, or give them a Christmas they will never forget?

My Opinion

Ivy has been set the seemingly impossible task of getting Ross to return to the family castle before Christmas Eve. Whilst this is the main focus of the book there is still a lot of time for festivities. This was such a heart-warming read and I finished the book in one sitting. With likeable characters and relatable family issues this was truly a great read to add to your list this festive season.

Rating 4/5

Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands written by Donna Ashcroft is a heartwarming and heart tugging Christmas story. A romance but also a story of a grandmother saying she wants to spend the holiday season with her grandson. The description online does not this story justice. Life choices, finding peace in nature, contentment, and enjoying every day given doing something that you love are important lessons to be learned.

While Ross is not perfect, I liked him a lot as well as his outlook on life. Naturally he could be as pigheaded as his grandmother, but compromise is often possible if one will listen. Ivy is also likable. It is especially good to see how see grows in the story. She was not ready for a relationship early on but did grow into it marvelously. A fun Christmas romance to get you in the mood for some holiday magic.

This is a nice story to read on a cozy evening or weekend. The setting, a Christmas resort in the Scottish Highlands with snow, holiday baking, and decorations provides the holiday feels but the book would be a cozy treat anytime of year. The main characters, Ivy and Ross, both are trying to deal with family expectations and losses but they are handling it in different ways. Ivy is trying to live the life her mother wants her to live while Ross is has cut off all contact with his family and has isolated himself from the world. When Ivy is sent to bring Ross a message from his estranged grandmother their world's collide and they begin to feel unexpected feelings. Will they live the lives their families want or will they have the courage to live the lives that they truly want?

Thank you Donna Ashcroft and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was very sweet and charming, and got bonus points from me for having the same FMC name!

This book has everything that I enjoy about a cute holiday romance: dual pov, a charming setting, and cute scenes that make me want to kick my feet.

Our FMC is a hardworking PA that's tasked with the impossible challenge of bringing her boss' grandson back for Christmas, and the two start to grow closer as they realize what they have in common. I don't always love the insta-love trope, but I find that I didn't mind it, especially since this felt like a Hallmark Christmas special.

Overall, the book was sweet and a fun read! I would definitely say that it had the qualities that I search for in a holiday romance book.

Charming, atmospheric, and heartwarming, Donna Ashcroft's delightful Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands had me feeling warm and fussy inside as I happily turned the pages! I loved the snow-covered setting, the charm of the people, and the sweet taste of romance!

Ivy Heart is working as PA for Lady Miriam Ballentine who has tasked her with going to the Scottish Highlands to convince Miriam's grandson, Ross Ballentine, to come home. As Ivy arrives at the Christmas Resort where Ross works, she can’t help but admire the setting while feeling frustrated that Ross was a no-show for their scheduled meeting.

Ross Ballentine is a rugged and handsome outdoorsman who likes his quiet existence. He enjoys what he does and has no aspirations to be Laird of his family's estate.

I enjoy Donna Ashcroft's beautiful writing, the wonderful settings of her books, the plots, and the heartwarming romances she writes. In Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands, I found Ivy and Ross to both be very likeable and I rotted for them both. I even adored Grizzle. the cantankerous man who lives deep in the woods.

I loved Ivy and Ross's meet cute and how they related to each other. They have fun and light banter which endeared them to me. Not to mention the supporting cast of characters, many of which were delightful and sweet. Then there are the few characters who put me off slightly, but I enjoyed their growth in this book. Like all of us, Ivy and Ross have their own dreams and aspirations. Each is also dealing with their own individual issues and family pressures.

This is a wonderful book for your cool/cold weather reading. Curl up on the couch, grab a mug of hot chocolate and be transported to the Scottish Highlands!

Ivy is getting send to Christmas resort by her boss to retrieve her grandson Ross.
(I just reread this and it sounds harsh but English is not my first language)
He needs to take over the duty of the castle.
Now Ivy is a planner and her PA. Because of something that happened with her father her mother wants a secure future for her and Ivy just loses sight of her own dreams.
Ross on the other hand ran from his family because of the guilt of what happened in his past.
Will they work it out? Or will their feelings bloom into something fierce in the snow and under the mistletoe?

How I just love winter/ holiday/ Christmas books!
It’s just my happy place.
And this book ticked all the boxes.

If you want a cozy winter holiday read.
With a little bit of drama, emotions that will get involved because i cried.
This book is it.
The writing just makes you feel connected to all the characters you get background on the main characters but also on some side characters that are important for the story but also for Ivy and Ross.

The setting of it being in the Scottish highlands just made it more wintery and christmassy, like i said it just al came together and was just perfect!

It just all came together and it’s the perfect read for this winter with a blanket and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on the couch!

Thankyou to the author, publisher and netgally for providing an ARC copy of this book.
That is received the arc didn’t affect my review.

This is the perfect Christmas read that will leave you smiling - I absolutely ADORED it - Donna Ashcroft doesn't miss a trick.

I loved that this was set in the Scottish Highliands in a snow-bound wonderland. If you are in the mood for a sweet, festive romance then this is the book for you. It is an easy read and very descriptive so you can take yourslef to the world which screems Christmas - snow, reindeer, hot chocolate and cabins. The main characters are great and it is a good paced story, I highly recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this heartwarming Christmas book.

Ivy is in a dilemma, whether to find a job she loves, which is being outside in surrounded by nature or to fulfill her mother's expectations about her career.

Working for Lady Miriam, she’s asked to find her nephew Ross and bring him back to Hawthorn Castle. Ross left everything behind as he was weighed down with the guilt over the death of his parents.

When Ivy finds Ross, she tries to speak to him about his grandmother and convince him to go back, thinking what it will mean for her and her career if he does. In doing so, she begins to grow closer to Ross.

I loved the setting of the story.

It was about following your own path, love and overcoming grief. The characters were relatable.

I highly recommend this book.

This dual POV Christmas insta-love romance follows Ivy and Ross, the estranged adult grandson of Ivy's employer, Miriam. Ross's brother, Simon, was supposed to take over as Laird of the Ballentine estate, but a fallout with the demanding Miriam has left Ross next in line. Tasked with bringing the reluctant Ross home, Ivy finds herself spending a lot of time at a festive resort in the Scottish Highlands where he works. Of course, convincing him isn’t as easy as it seems. With a setting brimming with Christmas cheer, Ivy and Ross navigate their complicated roles, all while sparks of romance begin to fly.

While the premise had potential, I struggled with the likability of the characters. I don't think Ross had any redeemable qualities, Ivy is gullible for her age, Miriam is one-dimensional, Ivy’s mother is overly anxious and a bit of pain. Though Ivy and Ross eventually grew on me, I took a long time and by that point I sort of didn't care. Not really sure what the coaching app subplot did to enhance the story. On the upside, the side characters, like hermit Grizzle with his loyal dog Bowser, added much-needed charm. The setting and festive vibe shine, making this a light-hearted, if somewhat flawed, holiday read.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a ARC of this book.