REVIEW
Julie has done it again! With her clever wit and amazing imagination, she has created a festive and fascinating story of likeable characters, exciting plot and some intriguing curve balls that keep this novel fresh and delightful. The Highland Lodge Getaway is a heart-warming story about the magic of Christmas and how a sprinkle of goodwill and positive attitude can go a long way! It is also about second chances and how people are often stronger than they think. Dealing with life’s challenges can be draining and sometimes we just want to run away from the people and things that hurt us. But this story shows that we cannot escape or hide forever. We must deal with our fears and insecurities, learn to forgive, hit the reset button and create new memories. This may be difficult but necessary to free us. So, The Highland Lodge Getaway is also about emotional healing from damaged relationships. Plus having confidence in one’s abilities to accomplish new tasks.
Lottie Grant is a bundle of energy with a passion for Christmas. She studied Interior Design and has a real gift in making rooms and businesses shine. But the shop, Christmas Crackers, that she has worked so hard to make successful, is now being sold and the lease cannot be renewed. There are plans for a new business on these premises. Lottie had planned to buy the business but now her dream has been trashed and there is nothing she can do. Except move on and find another position. Luckily a new one arises. She is offered a position to re-decorate and manage a new business with luxury cabins in her quaint Scottish town of Craig Brae. It is a daunting task but her mother and others encourage her to accept. And she comes up with some amazing ideas that have plenty of sparkle and spirit.
But then Lottie must work with a grumpy member of the community. The hiking expert, Blake Dempster, who is especially moody about Christmas. His sullen attitude tries to dampen Lottie’s Christmas cheer. But she makes every attempt possible to stay on track in spite of his wet blanket mind-set to derail her Christmas spirit and design ideas for the cabins. She suspects there’s a reason behind his adverse response to the holiday season. But what is it? After roping him in to play Santa Clause to the school children, she begins to see little glimpses of his softer, kinder side. But he still remains silent about his past life—even after they become closer. Is there more to Blake than firm muscles, a long beard and pessimistic remarks?
I loved watching the relationship between these two move from friction to friendly encounters. They maintain their humorous banter while a caring connection blossoms— much to their surprise. Certain events and challenges bring on the changes. Growth happens and the story ends on a beautiful note.
I loved how Lottie’s late father keeps reappearing in the text at important moments. He passed at the young age of sixty. They were very close and although he is physically gone, she still ‘hears’ him in her heart giving her advice and encouragement. I can personally relate to this. It was a nice touch to show Blake’s polar opposite experience with his father as it provides light and shade in the story. Not everyone is as fortunate as Lottie (or myself) to have had a great relationship with their father. There are some like Blake who have had a very different experience. This also helps explain some of his reactions and viewpoints. But even these are not fixed in stone, as Lottie’s bright essence becomes a positive influence on him.
This story is full of wonder, Christmas spirit and sparkle. It is easy to be enlightened, surprised and warmed by the love that shimmers across these pages; to taste the snowflakes drifting down from a white feather sky. The setting is heavenly, cosy and comforting. The characters real, likeable and lasting. Beauty abounds inside this charming community, along with humour tapered by wisdom. I enjoyed The Highland Lodge Getaway and recommend that all feel-good fiction readers add it to their Christmas wish list! 5 Shining Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
