Review of 'Christmas in the Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft
Due out on October 11th, 2021!
Publisher Bookouture
Wow! I was looking for something with Christmas cheer to warm my heart and this novel of Donna Ashcroft’s did just that! With Christmas in the Scottish Highlands she not only swept me away to a beautiful snowy northern setting but she also delivered an original modern take on the Beauty and the Beast classic complete with a castle! Yes, Belle, our heroine is actually named after this fairy-tale character and aptly so, for she is a kind-hearted, selfless school teacher helping all those in need.
The story launches with Belle hurdling into an accident. She has just agreed to take on the Nativity Play in Christmas Village. She is pedalling her bike fiercely to get home. Snowflakes are swirling around her when a huge chunk of snow falls off a tree, hits her in the face and blinds her vision. Without warning, Belle runs her bike into Edina, an elderly lady, and causes an ankle injury. Of course, Belle feels terrible and wants to make amends so she offers to move in to help Edina in her home at Evergreen Castle. Belle knows this elderly lady will need help while she recuperates, especially since she lives alone. Edina accepts. Belle also has given her own house to a family in need while they look for a new rent, so it’s a win-win situation. But this decision to live with Edina sends Belle headlong on a journey of unplanned events and communications—sometimes with persons who might not see her acts of kindness as genuine. For one: Jack, Edina’s once estranged grandson, who just happens to be a lawyer—and ends up at her door carrying a wagon load of distrust and suspicions. Upon hearing of Edina’s new roommate, he sets out to uncover her motives. But Belle does not trust him either and wonders if his plans for Edina are ill. She then embarks on a mission to tame the arrogant beast and expose his plans.
Meanwhile, Belle sets about providing as much joy as possible for Edina, including bringing her students in for some pre-Christmas activities. The kids are asked to make a wish list for Santa and Edina joins in with the fun. Then Edina’s secret wish list finds its way into Belle’s hands who then decides to try and fulfil her desires. This takes Belle down some interesting paths, including a few with Jack. But things don’t quite go as planned and unexpected emotions arise.
This is very much a story about relationships: family, friends and community members. And the importance of communication: listening, knowing someone, hearing both sides of the story. It is also about choices, forgiveness, trust and second chances. Even distorted views are exposed as nothing is ever just black or white.
We get two points of view, Belle’s and Jack’s. This gives us an advantage snapshot of their thoughts and reactions. Belle explores her motives and habits. Jack questions all he has been taught about trust. Have they each been affected by their upbringing? Belle and Jack have both lost a parent in one way or another and are forced to look at how it has shaped their world view. Belle may have set out to tame the beast, but she also learns much about her own life in the process. Jack’s hard and fast rules are challenged. He must overcome the pre-programmed negative voices in his head to find peace with his past, too. It is obvious that Belle’s accident with Edina is the catalyst that sets more than one life change in motion.
Animals are part of this delightful story, too, and their healing presence in the lives of the lonely. Also, the school children add some wonderful magic to Edina’s life as she becomes involved in their Christmas preparations and festivities.
I loved Belle’s reason for becoming a teacher: “seeing the children’s perspective on the world, all that innocence and desire to do good.” She has inherited this admirable core principle from her parents. But in the midst of the merriment, her own childhood comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways. Will there be relationship healing in store for her, too?
This was my first reading of a Donna Ashcroft novel and I absolutely adored it so much I literally went out and bought a previous Christmas novel of hers, as a gift to myself! I am certain I will add even more of her books to my shelves. For Christmas in the Scottish Highlands was exactly what I had hoped: an uplifting story. Donna’s clear and warm writing style kept me interested in the characters’ lives and beautiful setting. I did not wonder about the outcome because I absolutely loved the entire journey. For I sensed and trusted the author would deliver the right ending for this fairy-tale romance: joyful, exciting and fulfilling. And it was. Although my usual diet is Historical Fiction, I wanted some ‘feel good’ Christmas magic as a treat and Donna’s Beauty and the Beast rendition provided just that! I highly recommend this novel to those who want to get into the jolly holiday spirit. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
