Review of 'Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft
‘Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands’ by Donna Ashcroft
Release Date: September 27th, 2022
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REVIEW
Wow! What a gorgeous heart-warming Christmas story about families, animals and community. I loved Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands from cover to cover and was deeply moved by the characters and their fascinating lives, their traumas and victories.
Christmas village provides a delightful escape from the frantic world of big city life. For it is easy to get lost in the peaceful calm of its twinkling stars and to fall under the spell of its wondrous snowflakes. Even when a blanket of snow plays havoc with the town’s winding roads, we are still drawn into the magic and mayhem lured by the smell of hot chocolate, Christmas treats, the warm hugs, and the quiet tugs and exchanges within friendships in this picturesque Scottish setting. Even the weather plays a part in this story as the storms often reflect the drama of the characters and that includes pets!
I loved the character of Merry (and her name). She is a courageous woman yet needs to regain her strength and confidence after being involved in a serious accident. But she has brothers who are seriously overprotective and become a hindrance. The lesson here is that sometimes when we love someone so much and fear losing them, we can take over their lives and cause them more injury. With Merry, her brothers' behaviour is suffocating. By always checking up on her, it makes her feel as though she is helpless, too. This is one reason why she accepts her Aunt’s request to be the caretaker of her home and animals in a remote Scottish town while she is away. Merry sees it as her chance to reconnect with herself, her writing craft and to get her courage back. Her brothers disagree. They want her in their sight every minute and see her as fragile and needing protection. But Merry does not want their shielding, no matter how well-meaning their intent. They must learn to let go so she can heal, because what she needs is encouragement to take new steps and to learn to trust in her own abilities. For Merry is also a writer and this gift is cleverly utilised in assisting with her healing and growth. I loved how the characters Merry creates interact with her own life.
Theo, the Vet, is a recent newcomer to the village. He is kind and caring with both people and animals. He has had his own relationship issues, though, with his brother. He was overprotective of him until his brother took off travelling across the world. Was he tired of being smothered or is there more to his story? All will be revealed by the end. As for Theo, he has learned from his mistakes with his brother so is able to use this knowledge in his friendship with Merry to help her. Their relationship grows in ways neither expected but it does not come without its challenges and misunderstandings. And though the road is rocky at times, it is also rewarding.
Donna’s gift of sensitive writing, allows us to be effortlessly charmed and pulled into the scenes of Christmas village and into the hearts of those who live there. She makes it so easy for us to explore this white wonderland and to feel the passion, frustration and fury! I must add, Donna has also delivered the Secret Santa theme in a very clever way. I won’t give anything away but it is ingenious and the reader will enjoy the journey.
I have loved all Donna’s novels but I think this one is a little extra special and carries an added layer of depth and addresses some very important topics (like the hazards of overprotectiveness). Also, the dual perspective: having Merry and Theo telling their sides of the story, draws us into the minds of these two in a very personal way. You can feel their emotions, their doubts, their desires. And this just adds even more to the reading experience.
I highly recommend this beautifully written novel that will tug at your heart and give you a big dose of Christmas spirit. Christmas is about giving (in relationships and gifts) and this tender act of kindness shines in spades through this delightful novel. Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands should be under your tree or at least found in your stockings hanging over the fireplace this Merry - Christmas! 5 Glittering Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Also see my interview with Donna as we discuss her latest novel!)
Thanks to Bookouture, the Author and Netgalley for a review copy.
