I absolutely adored this fun, festive and heart smashing dual point of view read! Donna Ashcroft’s books always inspire and uplift me. Reading one is like curling up with my favourite blanket beside a cosy fire eating my favourite foods! But this one is extra special. I became completely lost in the spell of Donna’s words as they pulled me deeper into A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands. The world outside disappeared because I was inside the story with the characters. It is now my number one favourite Christmas book of hers!
There are endless wonderful elements in this timeless story. First, this is a modern and creative take on Cinderella with some unique twists set around Christmas. Which by the way is my favourite fairy tale and festive season! Ella and Alex represent Cinderella and Prince Charming. They are both talented artists but work in other fields—in fact, in unrelated family businesses. Ella has a wonderful godmother, along with a demanding stepmother plus two stepbrothers (instead of stepsisters). There are a couple of gorgeous dog characters who play some delightful parts, too. (It would not be a Donna Ashcroft novel without animals!) Alex Charming (yes, that is his last name) is on a short sabbatical from his father’s business to study under a famous artist. He has some pressing challenges to overcome as far as his father is concerned. Ella works in her family’s cleaning business but is also learning from the same artist. Art means a lot to her but she struggles to find time to come to class. She made a promise to her late father that she would keep his business going but he has left her with a few challenges. And the hefty responsibilities have taken their toll on her. Her stepbrothers are supposed to be helping but they keep pulling the wool over her eyes with excuses. When she gets exhausted, she wishes she could take a break and spend more time on her art. But her stepmother keeps reminding her of the promise she made to her father.
Ella’s first encounter with Alex is a dramatic one and he does not come across as very likeable. She is shocked to discover they will be studying together under the same artist (Henry). But this allows her to get to know him better. He has his own personal battles that explain his distant and feelingless behaviour. Of course, being Ella, she wants to help him. But she is not alone as another wants to draw some emotion out of Alex to make him a better artist. I personally found the comments on art and what makes a good artist very interesting as these principles could apply even to writing.
A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands really hit home with its brilliance, wisdom and incredible psychological insight. I was greatly enriched and charmed by the two lead characters but their predicaments at times frustrated me to tears. I wanted to give them a good dose of encouragement, let them know they were appreciated and recognised for their amazing talent: especially after seeing how they were treated by their families! Before anyone says this treatment is not realistic – I have to disagree as I have seen such behaviour in the real world. What is unrealistic is a parent expecting their child to follow their dreams. Being individuals everyone needs to be free to pursue their own interests. It is true that Mr Charming is the extreme example of a demanding parent but that only makes the message ring louder so that this point is heard. A child or adult made to feel they will never be good enough or gain their parent’s approval is very damaging. In fact, it is heartbreaking and we can see its effects on certain individuals in this story (including the boy Hunter). Trying to meet unrealistic expectations is a heavy load to wear for anyone.
Ella has her own problems. She certainly has worked hard to keep her promises and the family business running. Sadly, though, it has been much to her own detriment. And her two stepbrothers and stepmother have taken advantage of her willingness.
I loved the creative angle the author takes with the fairy tale premise. Alex Charming (the equivalent to Prince Charming) has some hard lessons to learn and unlearn. His father is quite the negative parent and work taskmaster. He has taught his son to distrust kindness and that having positive emotions makes him look weak. (Mr Charming’s rules for success are downright tragic!) Throughout the story, including Alex’s time playing in the pantomime (which is a great part of the plot), Alex’s upbringing will be challenged. It all starts when he meets Ella and Henry. Alex is talented and an incredibly hard worker but who is he trying to impress? Alex helps Ella recognise her issues, too. Both he and Ella are trying to achieve or maintain approval from their fathers (and Ella also with her step-family). But until they learn this is impossible, they will never be free to be themselves or achieve their own dreams.
A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands is a brilliant well delivered story. Donna’s writing skills are always exceptional but this book has moved her up another notch on the creative ladder. And for me she has shot past the regular star rating with this impressively imagined take on the Cinderella fairy-tale. This Christmas treasure is an absolute must read! 5 Plus Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Thanks to Bookouture and Netaglley for the ARC.
