I always get excited every time a new Donna Ashcroft novel comes my way. I find her novels to always be a comfort, relatable, and inspiring. I also love the gorgeous locations and scenery she takes us to as well.

I absolutely loved the characters of Ivy and Ross and the duel viewpoints. I liked knowing what going on in each of their heads.

I could relate to young singleton and career girl Ivy and going through recent loss as well I felt a kinship to her and how she is trying to take responsibility to care for her family.

I thought Ross was a great romantic interest as well. It was heartbreaking how he blamed himself for the loss of family and I could see how both what Ivy and Ross can relate to in each other and how they can help one another heal.

I loved how Ivy learns to follow her own path and the other cast of characters fits the rich storyline perfectly as well. Ivys boss Miriam, her mother (loved the inspirational quotes btw!), and of course being an animal lover I loved the beloved animals that were a part of the story as well.

Although this is marketed as a Christmas story I think it is perfect for anytime of year and the lessons are so valuable and relatable. You will be smiling from cheek to cheek and not want the novel to end. I will be anxiously awaiting her next book.

Huge Thank you to the wonderful people at Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

5/5

This magical winter wonderland will take you on a christmas journey of loss, determination and best of all love.

This heartwarming story follows Ivy Heart, a personal assistant to Miriam Ballentine who is incharge of Hawthorn Estate. Ivy wants her mother to worry less and follow her wishes to step into a finance career, instead of following her late father's footsteps working with plants and nature. In order to take the next step she needs a glowing recommendation from Miriam.

Miriam see’s this as an opportunity once her grandson Simon decides to step down from his role at becoming Liard, and tasks Ivy into finding her estranged grandson and Simon's younger brother Ross who will take over the family duties. If Ivy doesn't deliver Ross to the estate by Christmas Eve she will once again feel like a disappointment to her mother and become more of a burden than before.

Ross Ballentine has been estranged from his family for over 5 years. After the loss of his parents at a young age in a boating accident he blames himself for he has felt like an outsider. Being left behind while Miriam focuses on training Simon to become Laird he didn't feel like part of the family anymore. He moved to the Scottish Highlands and found a job working outdoor recreations for a Christmas Resort. Ross found it best to keep to himself and shut off his emotions and not let anyone in to protect himself from more hearache. The only love he has is for nature, Moose his dog and Snowball his wild boar.

Ivy will face challenges once she realizes that Ross is extremely stubborn, but she is as well and won't take no for an answer. Ivy starts to insert herself into Ross's daily activities as well as excursions he leads for the resort. There is something about Ivy that Ross enjoys and he starts to not only open up, but feelings start to grow between them as well.

You will have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens next.

This book is so magically and even though it's the middle of summer as I read this it will get you into the holiday spirit. The story transports you into this cozy christmas land that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside like you just tasted the best minced pie and the most delicious hot coco ever. The details Donna includes into the most picturesque landscape makes all your senses work overtime. You can feel the icy cold touch of snowflakes falling on your face or smell the most aromatic balsam pines you have ever experienced. I devoured this book from start to finish and didn't want it to end.

Ivy Heart is working for Miriam Ballentine while her PA is on maternity leave.
Ivy's mum is friends with Miriam and is always worrying about her daughters finances and the way she lives.

Simon Ballentine was the laird to the scottish estate and has decided he no longer wants to live this way so Ivy is tasked to go and find his estranged brother and bring him back to be laird.

Ivy turns up at christmas resort were Ross Ballentine works but after an arranged meeting that he doesnt show upto fails she decides to join in some of the activitys he puts on to try to get to talk to him.

Donna Ashcraft never ceases to amaze, inspire and uplift my heart with every special book of hers she releases. True, I am a huge fan of her romantic character relationship focused stories set in stunning landscapes. The love for animals, need for fresh starts and solving life’s conundrums whether it be finding that perfect job, residence or partner with whom to share their lives— are relatable concerns at the core of these wonderful novels. I keep saying each upcoming release is my favourite but truly this Christmas one Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands is without doubt at the very top of my list like a crowning star on a Christmas Tree! Shining with hope, healing and happiness, it not only offers a wonderful reading experience but also some great advice that all of us can take on board when facing trials.

The story is divided into two viewpoints: one by Ivy Heart and the other by Ross Ballentine. These two are destined to cross paths, create sparks, bring change and set the stars in order.

Ivy is a hard working single thirty-year old, focused on stepping up in her career. Well, that is what her successful surgeon mother wants for her…but Ivy has other wishes. She is happy working with plants, being knee deep in earth like her late father who inspired and taught her about greenery and flowers. Her name is a clue, too. But I am getting ahead of myself! Ivy and her mom have been through some rough times which have made her mother super sensitive and fearful of her daughter’s future. She wants her to a have a ‘proper career’ to sustain her. And Ivy does not want to disappoint or worry her mother (who has had a health scare) so she takes on a temporary job as PA with Lady Miriam Ballentine with the intention of gaining a prestigious traineeship (Financial Trader Programme) in London once Miriam’s regular PA is off her maternity break. But she must complete a task first. She must locate and bring home the estranged grandson, Ross. Brother Simon has turned down the Laird title he has been groomed for since he was a child. Miriam, of course, wants to keep tradition going. But Simon has had enough of all the restrictions and stresses put on his life from his grandmother. This causes her to focus on the younger grandson. She tells Ivy that he must take up the title now, so she wants him to come home by Christmas so she can make her announcement. But we wonder of her motives. And will he be convinced to come back? Especially since he left abruptly.

Ross Ballentine is a free-spirited nature lover with two unusual pets. He happily works at the Christmas Resort taking customers on nature trips and camping events. Five years earlier, he ran away from his roots at Hawthorn Castle, heavily weighted with guilt. He blames himself for the death of his parents that happened when he was a child. But is he really responsible? He feels his grandmother and brother both blame him and although there are no words from them that say this, he imagines it in the way they look at him. His only escape while living at the Castle, was the garden where he gained solace and felt peace. But he knows to stay there with his remaining family would only remind him of what they’d all lost. So, he takes up a position at the Resort where he keeps mostly to himself. Except he takes an interest in old man Grizzle who he tries to help without him knowing. I enjoyed Grizzle. He is a comical character who denies his need for assistance. His eyes are bad but he won’t see an optometrist. He keeps buying glasses online with hopes one set will work! Even though he is grumpy and gruff, he has a good heart. A heart, though, that also needs mending.

When Ivy crash lands into these characters lives at the Christmas Resort, everything changes. There are lots of clashes and sparks but this adventure for Ivy starts out with her mission to obtain Lady Miriam’s grandson, give him a message and try to lure him back to Hawthorn Castle. But as she gets to know Ross, she begins to see his point of view. Being ever hopeful, though, she tries to reason with him to ignore his reluctance to return. Family is everything to her and she knows that loss can come at any time and it is important to seize the day. Her heart wants to see Ross restored with his brother and grandmother. She sees his situation through her own experiences but also wonders at what will happen if he returns. And what happens is quite unexpected.

While Ross and Ivy become closer, he also shines a light on her motive to climb up the ladder to a position that is not the best for her. Her love of plants and nature is re-awakened while staying at the Christmas Resort and partaking of activities with Ross. She must decide which path to follow: one she wants or one her mother wants for her.

This is a deeply moving story about choices, motives and denying or following your heart, plus the consequences of each. There are some very real issues laid bare that make this story multi layered. It is not just a cute light hearted Christmas tale. It expresses maturity in making the right decisions for the individual, even at the risk of rejection or disappointing others; having the courage to be yourself and choose your own path to find peace and happiness.

I loved the fact that Ivy’s mom gets her using a motivational coaching app that sends out these fantastic messages of encouragement. The words always manage to provide insight or advice at the right moment.

A few characters from past Christmas releases are mentioned: one being a beloved Donkey! There are some wonderful festive Christmas scenes, too, which I have not mentioned but the spirit of the season definitely is here in the sleigh rides, tree trimming and mouth-watering scents of fresh baked mince pies! I love the fact that although characters have been wounded by past events, they become open to change and in doing so find hope, healing and renewal of relationships. Families are sewn back together to celebrate the season after learning important lessons.

I encourage everyone who loves a well written family Christmas story with substance and likeable characters (even the over bearing grumpy ones!) with relatable issues and solvable problems, to get a copy of this magnificent novel that captured my heart, made me think, stirred a few tears and definitely made me smile with its happy ending. 5 Festive Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

If you are looking for a beautiful love story set in the most perfect place- this book is it! I absolutely fell in love with the characters and their sweet story. Highly recommend.

Ivy tiene la tarea de llevar al nieto de su jefa de regreso a su casa para que se haga cargo del herencia familiar.

Ross perdió a su padres cuando era un niño, después de eso se alejó de su hermano y su abuela lo trataba o mejor dicho lo ignoraba, era como si fuera invisible. El pobre de por sí ya se sentía culpable por lo de sus padre más lo que le hacía la abuela fue demasiado y decidió irse y alejarse de todos.



Disfrute de las interacciones entre los dos, pero llego un punto en el que Ivy me sacó de quicio. Ella tenía una buena relación con sus padres, el papá murió y cuando ve como la familia de Ross está rota, no pierde el tiempo en decirle que si estuviera en su lugar intentaría arreglar las cosas porque uno nunca sabe que podría pasar en el futuro, o sea ella trabajaba para Miranda, sabía que era una persona horrible y aun así le exigía que se acercara a la señora. Me cae mal esa gente que por no tener papas piensa que se debe perdonar a lo malos padres o en este caso a un horrible familiar.



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