Review of 'Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft
Review of 'Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft
Release date: Sept 29th, 2023
Publisher: Bookouture
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REVIEW
It is isn’t Christmas without a Donna Ashcroft novel to indulge in, bring in the festive cheer and remind us of the beauty of the season, the wonder of friendship, the meaning of family (that often goes beyond blood relations) and the transforming power of love.
Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands is a wonderful romp through a stunning landscape that can never be underestimated for its ability to change hearts and bring into focus what is important in life. It can offer healing, too. How many of us can say that we have stood in breath-taking scenery and felt lifted, elated even by the wonder and beauty of nature? And with the amazing views and cosiness of the Christmas Resort in the Scottish Highlands, a lot can happen and does! The premises is under threat. It is being sold to a man who has questionable motives. The employees, especially Holliday, are hoping to discourage him from making the purchase. Little does she know how much he plans to change the place or why. So with the help of her friends, she uses various negative tactics to dissuade him but he recognises the plot. So the approach is changed. They all want him to see the beauty and value of the resort—enough not to destroy it—and hope he will rather put some money into fixing it up, while keeping the spirit and history of the place in mind.
But, of course, history is the problem in this story. Two individuals at odds – one with great memories and the other with negative ones at Christmas Resort. Our female lead character has a festive name: Holliday that really reflects her interests and personality. Damon, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. And although his name means ‘one who tames or subdues’ it seems Holliday is the one to tame or subdue this grumpy anti-holiday character. Instead of processing his grief and humiliation from the past, he just ploughs over it or tries to remove everything connected to his bad experience. His sister tries hard to make him see his lack of emotional progress and that he really needs to move on. But he is adamant. And for a while measures everything in his life by the one horrible event he had.
Damon has suffered embarrassment and hurt from the hands of his ex-wife and is not giving up his mission to remove everything that reminds him of the experience—including Christmas Resort. Of course, Holliday must tame ‘Demon’ as she calls him and make him see the beauty and importance of this special place. A place that holds heart- warming memories. But also, some sad ones. But while Damon is trying to kill his romantic connections, Holliday is trying to keep hers alive. Each of these characters requires some emotional growth and to process the pain attached to this location. On their journey through the minefield, they draw comfort and fresh vision from their stunning Scottish surroundings and each other. It is a beautiful story of second chances, restoration and self- discovery. And the power of unexpected love.
I love that past characters from the series sweep in and add their humour and helpfulness and there are lovely animals dotted throughout the story. The cat plays a devilish role in Holliday’s attempt at saving Christmas Resort but is innocent of acts of malice! There’s a healthy dose of light-hearted humour in this rescue mission tale but underneath lies some serious wonderful wisdom. Donna’s creative craftmanship just keeps getting greater and greater for this story is polished and glistening!
This fun, heart-warming, festive and fiery Christmas tale brimming with community spirit is a perfect read for the cold snowy winter nights of the north or the hot lazy summer days of the south. It reminds us of the importance of processing grief so that it does not turn into something ugly. Forgiveness brings healing and allows true growth. It offers us freedom to run carefree on the beach or dance in the snowflakes! This enemies to lovers’ romance will lift your heart and make you soar! I absolutely adored Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands and highly recommend it. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
