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.

A Christmas read that will leave you smiling. Loved it. Another fabulous book by Donna Ashcroft, set in the Scottish highlands. Loved that she includes Doric words in her writing which does make it special. Loved the daily quotes from the app too, All the characters will leave you wanting more, plus the pets too. Highly recommend this 5 star read.

Ivy has been working at Hawthorn Castle as a PA, she asked to complete a task that she doesn’t who how she will do it. She has to get Ross who has been gone for years and bring him back to the castle. He left and doesn’t ever want to go back. A task that seems impossible ends up being the answers to everything.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

As always a sweet uplifting romance at the Christmas Resort. Ivy is working as a PA for a very demanding person, Lady Miriam Ballentine. Who with her over the top demands has driven away her grandson the heir to the estate. Now she has promised Ivy that when she talks her estranged younger grandson to return to Ballentine, she will get that position she wants in London. Ivy eager to make her mother’s dream come true by accepting that job would relieve a lot of stress. Only Ross isn’t quite what she expected and as she learns of the family’s past history, she is falling for Ross. She also is questioning her life choices and feelings guilty of not telling Ross the whole truth.
Ross has basically been in hiding the last five years. The unwanted Spare! So he leaves behind his life and does what gives him joy. Working at the Christmas Resort as groundskeeper and adventure guide. Hearing that his grandmother has sent someone to meet with him has him avoiding the Resort. Of course that doesn’t stop Ivy from finding him.
Reading this book will have you wanting to curl up under a blanket and have a cup of hot chocolate. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own. #WinterWishesintheScottishHighlands

Ivy Heart, a thirty-year-old city dweller and dedicated planner, finds herself caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities as she juggles her demanding job as a personal assistant to Miriam Ballentine. This Christmas, her task is to bring Miriam's estranged grandson, Ross, back to the family estate in the Scottish Highlands to secure her dream job. However, upon meeting Ross, she realizes he is nothing like the refined heir she expected; instead, he is rugged, free-spirited, and resistant to the idea of returning home. Undeterred, Ivy joins his reindeer spotting tour, hoping to persuade him to embrace his family legacy, but as they spend time together in his cosy cabin, she begins to question her own life choices and the rigid plans she has made. With romance blossoming amidst the snowy backdrop, Ivy must navigate the tension between her ambitions and Ross's reluctance, all while racing against time to ensure they both have a Christmas to remember.
This was such a heartwarming read and I devoured it from start to end. It got me hooked.. successfully instilled a sense of warmth and nostalgia and a holiday mood. Writing is amazing with idyllic scenery. Ivy and Ross are both amazing. I loved how their story unfolded. Their moments, their chemistry and how things between them worked out. Loved it so much and I can't wait to read other stories in this series.

Ivy siente que debe vivir su vida de acuerdo a lo que su madre cree que es lo mejor para ella, incluso si eso significa hacer cosas que no le gustan. Trabaja con una señora amargada y adinerada quien le pone como tarea, traer a su nieto, Ross, para que se encargue de la familia.

Ross tiene mucho dolor ya que se siente culpable por la muerte de sus padres. Su abuela fue horrible con él y le metió en la cabeza que si no fuera por él, sus padres estarían vivos, como era demasiado por soportar, decidió alejarse de su familia y empezar en algún lugar donde no lo conocieran.


Lo único que no me gustó fue la insistencia de Ivy porque Ross perdonará a su abuela. Entiendo que era su trabajo, pero también ella conocía a la señora y sabía que era mala persona.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book!
I have never been to Scotland but i dream of going after becoming obsessed with Outlander. So this book was really fun for me to read as it really did a great jon describing the nature of Scotland. I could almost feel myself in the Highlands!
Ivy was great! I enjoyed her story. It was really heartwarming. This book was light hearted and cozy for the Holiday season

Ivy is sent by her manipulating boss to find and convince her younger grandson, Ross, to reconcile with the family and become the laird after his older brother walks away from the job. Attracted to each other, Ross decides he can trust Ivy. Both of them must learn that they can not do what others want them to do with their lives, but instead live up to their own expectations. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture for my honest review.

What a delight Ivy's story was! We share a deep love of nature and indeed the Scottish Highlands so this ticked so many boxes for me. I have read Donna Ashcroft's books before and always enjoyed them, this was no exception.

An ideal read for this time of year, Autumn heading into Winter, it is definitely a book to help brighten a rainy, dark day with descriptive writing of an idyllic Scottish landscape, with lots of nature and oh...maybe some romance... what more can you need. There were strong themes of friendship and forgiveness too, always perfect at this time of year when I think people reflect more.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

This book is extremely well written and I was turning pages and didn't notice as the time flew by.

From the blurb and the beginning the book felt very light-hearted, but tackles so many issues hidden deep within the people.

I liked how Ivy and Ross were able to make each other see what they didn't want to see and how they were so good for each other.

I was also entranced by the setting of the book, the Christmas Resort, the flora and fauna made me want to sit in one of their chalets and drink hot coffee.

Recommended for people who like light-hearted books but which also make you question yourself.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First of all let me start off by saying I love Scotland, and I love Christmas… but I don’t usually reach for romance books, so I don’t think I was the target demographic for this book to begin with. I slugged through this book for 5 days. It was constantly putting me to sleep because it is nothing but dialogue. And they are having the same conversations over and over again in every chapter. I need a book about Grizzle. All the other characters can stay away. Ivy was extremely naive she felt something for Ross before she even met him just by looking at his picture… the whole “instant feelings” thing is never done well. I couldn’t pin point exactly Ross’s thing, like ya he was traumatized and outdoorsy, and that was basically the extent of his character. The Cruella De Vile character is so heartless it’s unrealistic TBH. And the matronly inn keepers only talent is making hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, mince pies and apparently nothing else. Idk like I said, I not the target audience for this book, I signed up for the ARC (thanks NetGalley) but I really didn’t enjoy it.

I just love Donna Ashcroft. Her stories are always so cozy and never cease to entertain and amaze me.
This story features two, perfectly imperfect characters who are just perfect for EACH OTHER. I love the whole premise. I love how these two meet. I absolutely love the love story between them.
Both undergo changes and growth that brings them to each other at the perfect time. And everything gets tied up nicely. I also loved the whole Christmas theme--what a concept to have a whole Christmas resort where you could have Christmas any day of the year!

Such a great, sweet, comfy story!