Member Reviews

I love this series by the author and couldn’t wait to meet new characters and catch up with much loved ones from the previous books.

I honestly thought I knew how the love story part of the book was going to go but I was pleasantly surprised. The author has a way of reeling us in very quickly and keeping us there. So much so I read this book in one sitting.

I absolutely loved the setting. As always the author shows her love of Scotland throughout the book. Roll on the next one.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy for review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the copy. What a gorgeous book! The author has a great gift for characterisation - fantastic , interesting, believable people.

Was this review helpful?

Esme has dreamed of being a star since she was small, but life didn't work out that way for her. She finds herself working as a PA to Lady Olivia, owner of Drumclair Castle, where a Hollywood blockbuster is being filmed. Will watching behind the scenes, and starring in a local am dram production scratch Esme's acting itch?

A lovely gentle romance, along with stories of friendship and broken hearts. A wonderful series, and this is a great new installment - I enjoyed revisiting the castle and old favourite characters, watching relationships grow and change. A must read author and series for me.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy of, Shooting Stars over the Highlands, by Lisa Hobman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Esme Cassidy has always wanted to be an actress, but her parents would not let her, her other dream was to own Drumblair Castle. Esme gets a job at Drumblair Castle, and their are rumors a show might be filmed their. Maybe Esme dreams will come true. This was a good read.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher for the earc!

First of all, I did not know that this book is part of a series. Hopefully I didn't spoil too many things for myself.

It was a quick and easy romance, a perfect choice between 2 heavier fantasy books. I loved Esme, but her parents were a bit too overprotective. She's an adult, she spent a year travelling on the other side of the world, there's no need for all that coddling.

The romance was a bit of a surprise for me, I thought it's gonna be simple, but we got a love triangle-like thing. But I do understand Esme's choice, as we learnt nothing about the other guy. I spent an embarrassingly long time thinking "I'm sure of her pick, but why would she do it, as she doesn't even know him?!" The ending was a bit cheesy for me, it was too perfect for my taste.

My only regret is that we barely saw anything of the Highlands. It was the biggest motivation for me to read this book, so I was a bit disappointed.

Though a big plus for the Swiftie characters!

Overall, if you need a cute romance with Shakespeare, a Scottish castle,

Was this review helpful?

This is my first Lisa book but I've been wanting to read this series for some time, and I will now be going back and reading the rest of the series. In the latest visit to Drumblair Castle we meet Esme, who you can't help but love as she's so warm, and feel for her after her heart is broken in the worse possible way.

But taking a new job as a PA, sends her on a journey full of love, happiness, dreams, Hollywood and how things can change in a heartbeat for the better.

I can't wait to read the next Lisa book because her books are unputdownable and I read this in less than forty eight hours.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my I love this one is so heart felt and romantic with judd and his flowers and Esme learning what they mean.
I'm so happy with how it ended and that Esme got to act in a film.

Was this review helpful?

Shooting Stars over the Highlands is an easy to read, enjoyable romance novel. Esme returns to Scotland after travelling in Australia and having her heart broken. She regrets not pursuing acting, instead following a career path her overprotective parents deem more stable. She dreamed of living in a local castle as a child and is thrilled to be working there. Now she navigates new friendships and old ambitions.

The story is a nice romance that's easy to read. I like that it's as much about Esme's self discovery and friendships with other characters as the romantic aspects, especially her boss. Her parents are just overbearing enough to be believable without being stifling. I also enjoyed the way each character had their own personality that came through well in Esme's interactions with them, and how those interactions shaped the story. I know nothing about film crews but their intrusion felt dynamic and easy to imagine.

There are a few minor negatives for me with this novel, although nothing that stopped me finishing it. It is a tad predictable and the added short appearance of a character part way through and the conflict with another weren't necessary in my opinion, with both being quickly packaged up and dealt with a tad neatly to push along the main plot. As a non Taylor Swift fan I did find the repeated mentions of her a little grating although I think I would've felt the same even if I was a fan of hers. The only other minor thing is that although it's set in Inverness there's maybe one line that reads as Scots and the inconsistent use of "dug" for dog. That's understandable though, it may have been a choice to not discourage non-Scottish readers and can be easily forgiven.

It stands on its own to the point that I can't quite say it's typical of the genre but I also can't say it breaks new ground. I read it quickly and was interested to see how the story developed. The plot moved at a good pace and was enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

4.25⭐️ – Cozy, Magical, and Heartwarming

Shooting Stars over the Highlands is a truly cozy and magical read. ✨ The setting is beautifully described, making the Scottish Highlands and the grand castle feel immersive and enchanting. 🏰 The story unfolds naturally, keeping just enough mystery without giving everything away too soon. Esme’s journey—balancing past heartbreak, family dynamics, and an unexpected reunion with her teenage crush—adds depth while keeping things light and heartwarming. ❤️

The character connections feel genuine, and the romance is sweet, making this a lovely escape. While it’s not a top favorite, it’s still a wonderful read that delivers comfort, charm, and a touch of magic. If you love atmospheric, feel-good romances, this one is worth picking up! 💫

Was this review helpful?

A Scottish castle is the setting for this sweet, romantic tale, which makes for the perfect setting to escape for a few hours while you read.

Nothing extraordinary happened but it didn't need to. Shooting Stars over the Highlands is a feel-good book for romcom/Hallmark lovers everywhere (with maybe a few too many Taylor Swift references), but it's a good time nonetheless.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Esme, short for Esmeralda, 23, works as a PA for Lady Olivia at Drumblair Castle. She is nursing a heartache from when Rhys left her while at the airport returning to Scotland. Drumblair Castle is being used as a film location and Esme meets Zach, an actor she had a crush on years ago. But there is also Judd who works in the grounds as a gardener and has ADHD. And then Rhys is back...

This is book 4 in the Highlands series but can be read as a standalone. This is a nice story with a lovely cover but it's rather predictable and apart from miscommunication and a bit of fake dating, nothing interesting happens. It is a sweet cosy escapist romance that is well-written and can be read in a day. Just don't expect anything out of the ordinary.

3.25 stars

Was this review helpful?

A continuation of the story at this beautiful Scottish castle. This time we follow PA Esme during the filming of a movie on the castle grounds. She meets Zach who is a famous actor sh had a teen crush on and also gardener Zach who makes room for her to move in to step out on her own. An enjoyable story. Zach is neurodivergent and this was handled well.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely love story with some good twists . I love series. It is so good. Can read alone . I get Esme’s mum about leaving home and you learnt about what flowers mean which was good. You just escaped for an afternoon which is what a good book should do. Some amazing characters nice and not so nice. Loved it. Good ending .

Was this review helpful?

Shooting Stars over the Highlands is an absolute delight from start to finish! This uplifting, feel-good read swept me away with its heartwarming story of hope, love, and second chances, making this the perfect escapist read for anyone in need of a little sunshine. ☀️

The Scottish Highlands setting is utterly enchanting, and Esme and Judd's relationship brought such warmth to the story. Betty, the adorable dog, completely stole my heart – because, let’s be honest, every book is better with a dog! 🐕

Lisa Hobman’s writing beautifully balances humour, romance, and a touch of nostalgia, leaving me with a huge smile on my face. This book truly brightened my day, and I was hooked from the very first page. I adored every moment and couldn’t put it down!

It’s a five-star must-read for anyone who loves uplifting contemporary romance. I’ll definitely be diving into this author’s backlist – I can’t wait to read everything she’s written!

Was this review helpful?