What do you think?
Rate this book
Summer at Kindness Cottage
Escape to the gorgeous little village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll discover sunshine, secrets and an unforgettable romance. It’s the perfect place to be this summer…
Thirty-year-old Paige Dougall’s life is a mess. Only a year ago she was smashing all of her life goals: handsome husband, high-flying job, cute kid. But in just under twelve months everything has gone wrong. Nursing a broken heart, single mother Paige returns to her childhood home in a picture-perfect Scottish village to try and get her life together.
Paige is too wrapped up in her worries to embrace the beautiful rolling hills and lavender-scented air of the highlands. That is until Johnny Becker, the infuriatingly cheerful chef, with his twinkling eyes and dimpled smile, steps onto the scene and provides Paige with some much-needed distraction…
Johnny challenges Paige to step outside her comfort zone and focus on the things that really matter. From food tasting, to puppy training, to mountain climbing, in every moment she spends with Johnny, Paige finds herself remembering how to live again… will she be able to love again too?
Across long sunshine-filled days, Paige and Johnny grow closer and she’s tempted to open her heart to him. But is happy-go-lucky Johnny hiding secrets of his own?
And can Paige learn to let go of her past and find happiness in the highlands?
A gorgeous, moving summer romance novel about finding joy in the small things and discovering what really matters in life. Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Sarah Morgan and Cathy Bramley.
Thirty-year-old Paige Dougall’s life is a mess. Only a year ago she was smashing all of her life goals: handsome husband, high-flying job, cute kid. But in just under twelve months everything has gone wrong. Nursing a broken heart, single mother Paige returns to her childhood home in a picture-perfect Scottish village to try and get her life together.
Paige is too wrapped up in her worries to embrace the beautiful rolling hills and lavender-scented air of the highlands. That is until Johnny Becker, the infuriatingly cheerful chef, with his twinkling eyes and dimpled smile, steps onto the scene and provides Paige with some much-needed distraction…
Johnny challenges Paige to step outside her comfort zone and focus on the things that really matter. From food tasting, to puppy training, to mountain climbing, in every moment she spends with Johnny, Paige finds herself remembering how to live again… will she be able to love again too?
Across long sunshine-filled days, Paige and Johnny grow closer and she’s tempted to open her heart to him. But is happy-go-lucky Johnny hiding secrets of his own?
And can Paige learn to let go of her past and find happiness in the highlands?
A gorgeous, moving summer romance novel about finding joy in the small things and discovering what really matters in life. Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Sarah Morgan and Cathy Bramley.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 5, 2021
Summer in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft is a contemporary romance. in this story the main character Paige Dougall has decided to return home to the little village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands. At thirty Paige feels that her life has fallen apart when only a short year ago she thought she had everything with a loving husband and her daughter but now she is going through a divorce.
Paige had every plan made to return to London after taking a break in Lockton with her daughter until she finds herself stepping into the job of helping set up the new library and meeting Johnny Becker. Paige keeps telling everyone that her work with the library is temporary but with her relationship with Johnny growing each day she doesn’t know if leaving is the right choice anymore.
Summer in the Scottish Highlands was originally titled Summer At Kindness Cottage pre-release and I have to say the first title and the cute cover is what drew me in. After reading though I could understand more the title change as the book didn’t seem to do the setting of either the cottage or the Scottish Highlands justice in my opinion. This story seemed to focus more on Paige’s regrowth and putting her life back together which was a nice story but I couldn’t help but wish the setting jumped out more. This sweet summer romance ended up at three and a half stars for me and made a nice, quick summery beach read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Paige had every plan made to return to London after taking a break in Lockton with her daughter until she finds herself stepping into the job of helping set up the new library and meeting Johnny Becker. Paige keeps telling everyone that her work with the library is temporary but with her relationship with Johnny growing each day she doesn’t know if leaving is the right choice anymore.
Summer in the Scottish Highlands was originally titled Summer At Kindness Cottage pre-release and I have to say the first title and the cute cover is what drew me in. After reading though I could understand more the title change as the book didn’t seem to do the setting of either the cottage or the Scottish Highlands justice in my opinion. This story seemed to focus more on Paige’s regrowth and putting her life back together which was a nice story but I couldn’t help but wish the setting jumped out more. This sweet summer romance ended up at three and a half stars for me and made a nice, quick summery beach read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 5, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Summer In The Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 4th June 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beaitiful cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Sarah Morgan and Cathy Bramley'. I am a fan of Sarah Morgan so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 27 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Scotland 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually been on holiday to Scotland on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Donna has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Paige Dougall and Johnny Becker. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely stunning read!!! A perfectly gorgeous book!!! The vivid descriptions left me feeling the fresh air of Scotland and the title, synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.
This book is absolutely rammed full of love, choices, happiness, regrets, friendship and books!!!! I absolutely adore books that talk about books and this one is definitely one of the best I've read in a long time. It made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love with Scotland. I just adored that alot of the plot was based around a library and books!!! The storyline was sweet, romantic, uplifting and everything you want in a heart warming romance and I completely fell head over heels in love!!! The Scottish dialect was perfect and it really made me feel like I was in Scotland. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I would have to unpack my suitcase as I genuinely felt as if I'd been on a holiday. It was an uplifting breathe of fresh air!!! It ended absolutely perfectly!!!
The characters were all strong, well defined and realistic. I fell in love with every single one of them and was gutted when I came to the end. This book would make a gorgeous series and I would love to meet all the characters again. Paige is such a strong character and after being through hell I loved watching her form friendships and find happiness. I adored how she started reading again when she came back home. Grace was an absolute sweetheart. Johnny was an absolute hunk and I enjoyed reading his slogan of the day, nice touch!! I also really enjoyed learning about all the different members of the community and it reflected a small town community perfectly. Of course I cannot forget the adorable Mack and his mischievous ways.
Well done Donna on an absolutely gorgeous book. Welcome to my favourite authour team!!! I am thoroughly looking forward to reading more of your books past and future. Congratulations on a stunning success!!
Overall an absolutely stunning page turning romance that will make you smile, laugh and keep you up all night absorbing the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Romance and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone looking for an uplifting romance!!!!
273 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#SummerInTheScottishHighlands #Bookouture #DonnaAshcroft #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@DonnaAshcroft @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Summer In The Scottish Highlands' by Donna Ashcroft.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 4th June 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beaitiful cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Sarah Morgan and Cathy Bramley'. I am a fan of Sarah Morgan so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 27 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Scotland 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually been on holiday to Scotland on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Donna has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Paige Dougall and Johnny Becker. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely stunning read!!! A perfectly gorgeous book!!! The vivid descriptions left me feeling the fresh air of Scotland and the title, synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.
This book is absolutely rammed full of love, choices, happiness, regrets, friendship and books!!!! I absolutely adore books that talk about books and this one is definitely one of the best I've read in a long time. It made me laugh, cry, smile and fall in love with Scotland. I just adored that alot of the plot was based around a library and books!!! The storyline was sweet, romantic, uplifting and everything you want in a heart warming romance and I completely fell head over heels in love!!! The Scottish dialect was perfect and it really made me feel like I was in Scotland. I was devastated when I came to the end and realised I would have to unpack my suitcase as I genuinely felt as if I'd been on a holiday. It was an uplifting breathe of fresh air!!! It ended absolutely perfectly!!!
The characters were all strong, well defined and realistic. I fell in love with every single one of them and was gutted when I came to the end. This book would make a gorgeous series and I would love to meet all the characters again. Paige is such a strong character and after being through hell I loved watching her form friendships and find happiness. I adored how she started reading again when she came back home. Grace was an absolute sweetheart. Johnny was an absolute hunk and I enjoyed reading his slogan of the day, nice touch!! I also really enjoyed learning about all the different members of the community and it reflected a small town community perfectly. Of course I cannot forget the adorable Mack and his mischievous ways.
Well done Donna on an absolutely gorgeous book. Welcome to my favourite authour team!!! I am thoroughly looking forward to reading more of your books past and future. Congratulations on a stunning success!!
Overall an absolutely stunning page turning romance that will make you smile, laugh and keep you up all night absorbing the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Romance and Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone looking for an uplifting romance!!!!
273 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#SummerInTheScottishHighlands #Bookouture #DonnaAshcroft #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@DonnaAshcroft @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
August 17, 2022
Unpopular opinion: Paige was super annoying! Anyone else? No, just me?
Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth. The perfect opportunity is staring Paige in the face and she blindly continues to make her plans to return back to the big city, not knowing about her job or her place to live. All while she has a child to take care of.
And she seemed so negative and grumpy all the time. I'm not a fan of grumpy characters so I was over this one just as it begun.
Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth. The perfect opportunity is staring Paige in the face and she blindly continues to make her plans to return back to the big city, not knowing about her job or her place to live. All while she has a child to take care of.
And she seemed so negative and grumpy all the time. I'm not a fan of grumpy characters so I was over this one just as it begun.
July 27, 2021
Summer in the Scottish Highlands is the second book I have read by Donna Ashcroft and my second outing to the village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands. We get to experience the beauty of summer in the Highlands with vivid descriptions of the natural and rustic beauty of the mountains, woods and village and we get to see a new romance brewing between two new characters Paige Dougall and Johnny Becker both of whom have come back to Lockton broken, hurt and emotionally damaged, each trying to move forward from a life which was less than ideal both personally and professionally. I loved the camaraderie and chemistry between them and how they help each other heal and find their true purpose. Paige has a 3 year old daughter Grace and she is absolutely adorable ❤️!! All of the remaining supporting characters (both humans and animals) are brilliant. My favourite was Morag Dooley who runs the post office and is the village gossip who makes it a point to know everybody's business. Even at her 70+age she has spunk and an attitude to match!
The book is titled Summer in the Scottish Highlands and previously was titled Summer at Kindness Cottage. Although Kindness Cottage, which is Paige's parents home, plays a part towards her healing, the one place that steals the limelight is the village library called the Books Barn. Paige used to work in this library as a young girl under the mentorship of the previous librarian Aileen before leaving her life at Lockton and eloping with a stranger for a 'promised' better future. Aileen was known as a book whisperer and when Paige offers to help reopen the library and run it till the course of her vacation, she realises that Aileen might have rubbed that talent onto her as well.
This is a delightful and beautiful book with a gorgeous cover picture to match ❤️! Scotland is one country I hope to visit someday and books like this one just whets my hope more.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Donna Ashcroft for the e-Arc of the book.
The book is titled Summer in the Scottish Highlands and previously was titled Summer at Kindness Cottage. Although Kindness Cottage, which is Paige's parents home, plays a part towards her healing, the one place that steals the limelight is the village library called the Books Barn. Paige used to work in this library as a young girl under the mentorship of the previous librarian Aileen before leaving her life at Lockton and eloping with a stranger for a 'promised' better future. Aileen was known as a book whisperer and when Paige offers to help reopen the library and run it till the course of her vacation, she realises that Aileen might have rubbed that talent onto her as well.
This is a delightful and beautiful book with a gorgeous cover picture to match ❤️! Scotland is one country I hope to visit someday and books like this one just whets my hope more.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Donna Ashcroft for the e-Arc of the book.
May 13, 2021
Summer in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft is a sweet, wonderful, genuine, uplifting, and enjoyable contemporary romance that I truly enjoyed.
This is my first book by Ms. Ashcroft, and I am most certainly now a fan.
I loved everything about this book:
1. Location: a small village (Lockton) in picturesque Scotland. The author’s ability to describe not only the natural landscapes but also the quintessential village life was spot on.
2. Character cast: I loved the full character cast that was depicted. There are your awesome relatives, quirky and wise older characters, adorable dogs (Mack!!!!), and a great main character duo: Paige Dougall and Johnny Becker. Both had excellent chemistry, realistic, imperfect, and down to earth. Both had been hurt in the past (sometimes self-induced) and both were permanently changed because of internal and external circumstances. I really liked how both seemed to bring out the best in one another, helped each other work through their hang-ups, and helped one another heal. I am really glad that both were able to find happiness and purpose not only with one another, but also within their own community, and within themselves. Those are the best kinds of endings.
4. I lived the inclusion of the library. That is my true dream job, so anytime a library or bookstore is involved, I am totally on board.
An excellent book that gave me the warm fuzzies, but also was realistic and effortlessly natural.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This is my first book by Ms. Ashcroft, and I am most certainly now a fan.
I loved everything about this book:
1. Location: a small village (Lockton) in picturesque Scotland. The author’s ability to describe not only the natural landscapes but also the quintessential village life was spot on.
2. Character cast: I loved the full character cast that was depicted. There are your awesome relatives, quirky and wise older characters, adorable dogs (Mack!!!!), and a great main character duo: Paige Dougall and Johnny Becker. Both had excellent chemistry, realistic, imperfect, and down to earth. Both had been hurt in the past (sometimes self-induced) and both were permanently changed because of internal and external circumstances. I really liked how both seemed to bring out the best in one another, helped each other work through their hang-ups, and helped one another heal. I am really glad that both were able to find happiness and purpose not only with one another, but also within their own community, and within themselves. Those are the best kinds of endings.
4. I lived the inclusion of the library. That is my true dream job, so anytime a library or bookstore is involved, I am totally on board.
An excellent book that gave me the warm fuzzies, but also was realistic and effortlessly natural.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
June 7, 2021
Sorting out sad memories while building a new future for herself and her daughter, Paige Dougall is doing her best. Heartbreak and tragedy are only a couple of the challenges she faces. ending time in the Scottish Highlands with her parents, Paige continually dreams to return to the success and happiness she once had while living in London.
Yes, London is her dream, but Paige cannot deny the rush of pleasure and joy she experiences while in her picturesque hometown. Add to that new pieces of her life begin to fall into place - a job, even Johnny Becker, a local chef who begins to open Paige's eyes to new experiences and feelings. Dreams of London soon begin to fade away...
Paige is not the only one with troubles, however. Johnny has baggage as well. Being drawn to one another proves that the both of them must step out of the comfort zones, accepting that trust can lead to so much more. Drawing attachments n this stage of their lives is something neither of them anticipated.
This endearing story offered a gentle reminder that we can have control over our own happiness. It was so lovely to seeing Paige and Johnny bring that into their reality. It is a story of friendship, family and love that will warm the heart of many readers.
Msny thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Yes, London is her dream, but Paige cannot deny the rush of pleasure and joy she experiences while in her picturesque hometown. Add to that new pieces of her life begin to fall into place - a job, even Johnny Becker, a local chef who begins to open Paige's eyes to new experiences and feelings. Dreams of London soon begin to fade away...
Paige is not the only one with troubles, however. Johnny has baggage as well. Being drawn to one another proves that the both of them must step out of the comfort zones, accepting that trust can lead to so much more. Drawing attachments n this stage of their lives is something neither of them anticipated.
This endearing story offered a gentle reminder that we can have control over our own happiness. It was so lovely to seeing Paige and Johnny bring that into their reality. It is a story of friendship, family and love that will warm the heart of many readers.
Msny thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 4, 2021
Paige is a young single mother who has been addicted to her work. Johnny is a chef who left a bustling life in NYC after a health scare to settle down in a small town in Scotland. THIS BOOK! The characters are all so charming. I love small town vibes in my comfort reads and this book delivers. The whole time I was rooting for Paige to open her eyes and see what is good for her. Honestly...who doesn't want to find a man like Johnny? I very much enjoyed this book becuase I've been in a bit of a reading slump and this was book was never tedious, and throughly enjoyable. I think you will like this book if you enjoy shows like Gilmore Girls or The Good Witch and movies like The Holiday!
Thank you to Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC which did not influence my review.
Thank you to Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC which did not influence my review.
May 9, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me witch an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summer at kindness cottage is a fun summer beach read about a single mother who is returning to the village she grew up in and a former workaholic chef who slowed down his life after health problems. The cast of characters is very enjoyable and though the book is clearly part of a series it is written in a way that makes it easy to enjoy as a standalone.
Summer at kindness cottage is a fun summer beach read about a single mother who is returning to the village she grew up in and a former workaholic chef who slowed down his life after health problems. The cast of characters is very enjoyable and though the book is clearly part of a series it is written in a way that makes it easy to enjoy as a standalone.
June 7, 2021
Oh such a lovely read!
The story is heartwarming and definitely pulls you in right from the start. Loved both the setting and the characters. Adorable little Grace and puppy Mack are an added bonus!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is heartwarming and definitely pulls you in right from the start. Loved both the setting and the characters. Adorable little Grace and puppy Mack are an added bonus!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2021
My word this book didn’t disappoint at all it was fantastic from the first page and I got hooked. You feel as if you are there in the beautiful village yourself. Full of heartbreak finding yourself and being happy again finding friends and romance. The characters are brilliant but the plot is outstanding and hope we may get a follow up.
Paige thinks she had it all a happy life with a child and husband and a perfect job but this soon changes she’s a single mother and not happy in her job so decides to head home to Scotland to her parents to find herself. She’s soon learning she has neglected herself not eating right and she’s so unhappy she can’t see a way out. But she pumps into Johnny who also thought he had it all a great job but then he nearly died and realised more to life so heads home to Scotland. Neither of them want to find romance again and try to avoid it but the more time Paige spends with him she starts eating better and looking after herself she has enjoyed helping out in the library and is offered a job but she feels she needs to head back to London to her job. Problem is when she goes back will she be happy or will she realise what she has missed and head back or not.
Paige thinks she had it all a happy life with a child and husband and a perfect job but this soon changes she’s a single mother and not happy in her job so decides to head home to Scotland to her parents to find herself. She’s soon learning she has neglected herself not eating right and she’s so unhappy she can’t see a way out. But she pumps into Johnny who also thought he had it all a great job but then he nearly died and realised more to life so heads home to Scotland. Neither of them want to find romance again and try to avoid it but the more time Paige spends with him she starts eating better and looking after herself she has enjoyed helping out in the library and is offered a job but she feels she needs to head back to London to her job. Problem is when she goes back will she be happy or will she realise what she has missed and head back or not.
May 31, 2022
3/5
One Sentence Summary - Lovely parts, though a bit unrealistic in places, this is a good fluff read if you don’t mind your characters lacking depth.
My issue with this book was that, even for a fluffy, HEA narrative, it was a little lacking in substance for me. The story centres around Paige and Johnny, who meet in a little village called Lockton, where they’ve both gone to heal. Paige feels as though her life is a mess and Johnny is determined to take life easy, after the challenges of the New York food scene.
There’s a predictability to this book, which is probably a large part of its appeal; it’s quite easy to see the how the story will progress. And if that’s what you’re looking for, a little light escapism where all the problems in the world can be righted with chocolate muffins and salmon parcels, then this is definitely the book for you.
For me, and maybe it’s the volume of romance books I’ve been reading recently, I am looking for a little more. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for a heart-wrenching, soul-destroying book at the moment either. I would just like to see a little bit of realism creeping in on the hills being alive with the sound of music. Maybe this is too much to ask for in a 278 page story?
One Sentence Summary - Lovely parts, though a bit unrealistic in places, this is a good fluff read if you don’t mind your characters lacking depth.
My issue with this book was that, even for a fluffy, HEA narrative, it was a little lacking in substance for me. The story centres around Paige and Johnny, who meet in a little village called Lockton, where they’ve both gone to heal. Paige feels as though her life is a mess and Johnny is determined to take life easy, after the challenges of the New York food scene.
There’s a predictability to this book, which is probably a large part of its appeal; it’s quite easy to see the how the story will progress. And if that’s what you’re looking for, a little light escapism where all the problems in the world can be righted with chocolate muffins and salmon parcels, then this is definitely the book for you.
For me, and maybe it’s the volume of romance books I’ve been reading recently, I am looking for a little more. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for a heart-wrenching, soul-destroying book at the moment either. I would just like to see a little bit of realism creeping in on the hills being alive with the sound of music. Maybe this is too much to ask for in a 278 page story?
June 7, 2021
Paige and her little girl, Grace, come home to her parents in the little village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands to spend what she thinks is a few days. The first person she meets is Johnny, who seems to be a new comer to the village. Off to a turbulent start thanks to Johnny’s puppy, Mack, Paige is not impressed with this man who seems so laid back and quite similar to her ex husband.
Paige and Johnny seem to suffer from the same problem. Going after their dreams and goals seems to lead them to stress and breakdown. Paige has been forced to take a break and since her house in London is not ready for her to occupy, she is forced to to come live with her parents. Johnny, having learned the hard way, what stress can lead to, has opted for a commitment free life in Lockton. While there are sparks between them, Paige is determined to go back to London and Johnny can’t think of making an commitment to keep her in Lockton.
I loved how this story evolved. Despite her fears of rejection from the community she left behind in a hurry, Paige is accepted with open arms by the villages. She’s tasked with refurbishment and relaunch of the library she worked in when she was younger. Meanwhile, Johnny who has been recruited to help her with the library, manages to draw her out and he’s determined to make her relish food again. This calls for him to try out new things and rediscover the joy of cooking, a passion he turned into a profession, but no longer really gives his all to.
This is such a sweet story and one that I’ll remember for a long time. With a lovely young child, a naughty dog, family that’s will to forgive and be there and a supportive and loving community. The community consists of a great deal of interesting characters who are ready to give a lot of their time and effort to make Lockton a thriving village.
The author has created a great cast of characters and her descriptions of the Scottish countryside leave one with a longing to visit.
Under the humour and romance, I found this to be a story of redemption of sorts, with both the main characters gradually becoming better and more centred versions of themselves.
Paige and Johnny seem to suffer from the same problem. Going after their dreams and goals seems to lead them to stress and breakdown. Paige has been forced to take a break and since her house in London is not ready for her to occupy, she is forced to to come live with her parents. Johnny, having learned the hard way, what stress can lead to, has opted for a commitment free life in Lockton. While there are sparks between them, Paige is determined to go back to London and Johnny can’t think of making an commitment to keep her in Lockton.
I loved how this story evolved. Despite her fears of rejection from the community she left behind in a hurry, Paige is accepted with open arms by the villages. She’s tasked with refurbishment and relaunch of the library she worked in when she was younger. Meanwhile, Johnny who has been recruited to help her with the library, manages to draw her out and he’s determined to make her relish food again. This calls for him to try out new things and rediscover the joy of cooking, a passion he turned into a profession, but no longer really gives his all to.
This is such a sweet story and one that I’ll remember for a long time. With a lovely young child, a naughty dog, family that’s will to forgive and be there and a supportive and loving community. The community consists of a great deal of interesting characters who are ready to give a lot of their time and effort to make Lockton a thriving village.
The author has created a great cast of characters and her descriptions of the Scottish countryside leave one with a longing to visit.
Under the humour and romance, I found this to be a story of redemption of sorts, with both the main characters gradually becoming better and more centred versions of themselves.
June 4, 2021
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I read If Every Day Was Christmas at the end of 2020 and I really enjoyed it so I was excited to return to Lockton in the Summertime.
Paige and Johnny are a pair of characters that you just instantly root for. They both need a bit of love and happiness in their lives. I really liked them both. I would absolutely love Jonny to cook for me. I had quite the rumbling stomach while reading this book.
I adored Mack the little mischievous pup! He made me laugh with all the antics he got up to.
I really liked having the stories of the other villagers going on in the background. I think it really helps to me the village more realistic. The location is so well described that I could see myself there going for walks and look at the countryside. I am dying to go to Scotland again. I also loved the library!
This was a lovely easy summer read. Go grab an ice cream, a cold drink and settle down with this book. It will be an afternoon you won't regret!
Paige and Johnny are a pair of characters that you just instantly root for. They both need a bit of love and happiness in their lives. I really liked them both. I would absolutely love Jonny to cook for me. I had quite the rumbling stomach while reading this book.
I adored Mack the little mischievous pup! He made me laugh with all the antics he got up to.
I really liked having the stories of the other villagers going on in the background. I think it really helps to me the village more realistic. The location is so well described that I could see myself there going for walks and look at the countryside. I am dying to go to Scotland again. I also loved the library!
This was a lovely easy summer read. Go grab an ice cream, a cold drink and settle down with this book. It will be an afternoon you won't regret!
July 23, 2021
Loved this super cute book!! Paige is a widowed mother of an almost 6-year-old who has been ordered to take an administrative leave from her job as an event organizer due to stress. So, she goes home to her mam and da in the tiny town of Lockton where she grew up to regroup and recover while she waits for the sale of the home she's purchased to go through.
In Lockton, Paige finds that she's relaxing and her daughter is thriving, but she still plans to go back to London. She worked in the local library as a teenager until she met her husband and he swept her of her feet - and out of town. The librarian died and the library closed for repairs. Since she's an event organizer and was the librarian's protege (everyone in town expected Paige to take over eventually), Paige is coerced by her mam and two other influential village women to take on the task of reopening the library.
Helping her refurbish the library is Johnny Becker, a former high profile chef who had an exclusive restaurant in New York City, but is now dedicated to being laid back. Johnny has his own issues, especially when it comes to commitment - even if the commitment is to training a rambunctious Golden Retriever puppy.
I loved all the characters, the town, Mack (the puppy) and the story. Fun and cute and an excellent romance novel.
In Lockton, Paige finds that she's relaxing and her daughter is thriving, but she still plans to go back to London. She worked in the local library as a teenager until she met her husband and he swept her of her feet - and out of town. The librarian died and the library closed for repairs. Since she's an event organizer and was the librarian's protege (everyone in town expected Paige to take over eventually), Paige is coerced by her mam and two other influential village women to take on the task of reopening the library.
Helping her refurbish the library is Johnny Becker, a former high profile chef who had an exclusive restaurant in New York City, but is now dedicated to being laid back. Johnny has his own issues, especially when it comes to commitment - even if the commitment is to training a rambunctious Golden Retriever puppy.
I loved all the characters, the town, Mack (the puppy) and the story. Fun and cute and an excellent romance novel.
June 4, 2021
You are desperate. Your life is turned upside down and you have shut everybody out. You can deal with everything by yourself, until you can’t anymore. That when it’s time to let yourself be surrounded by your family, but only for a few days. Afterwards you will be able to go home stronger and ready to tackle your every day life again.
Is this what you really want? Yes, of course it is, or isn’t it?
There are a lot of decisions you have to make. Will you be able to open your heart again not only to friendship, but also to love? Do you believe the villagers when they tell you you belong here or are you certain the big city is what you call home. But where is home? Isn’t is where your heart is or does your brain tells you otherwise?
It’s great to be back in Scotland and reconnect with all the lovely characters in the village. It’s a magical place where love blossoms, second chances are given and the community sticks together.
Friendship, love and some TLC are the perfect medicine to cure everything, if you let them in.
A lovely story where a dog seems to be a great doctor too. 🙂 5 stars
Thank you, Donna Ashcroft and Bookouture
Is this what you really want? Yes, of course it is, or isn’t it?
There are a lot of decisions you have to make. Will you be able to open your heart again not only to friendship, but also to love? Do you believe the villagers when they tell you you belong here or are you certain the big city is what you call home. But where is home? Isn’t is where your heart is or does your brain tells you otherwise?
It’s great to be back in Scotland and reconnect with all the lovely characters in the village. It’s a magical place where love blossoms, second chances are given and the community sticks together.
Friendship, love and some TLC are the perfect medicine to cure everything, if you let them in.
A lovely story where a dog seems to be a great doctor too. 🙂 5 stars
Thank you, Donna Ashcroft and Bookouture
October 21, 2022
This is a nice romance about two people who are starting over by leaving stressful careers and relationships. Besides the two of them we meet the woman's daughter and parents. The people are likeable, the town sounds idyllic. The man is a chef, and the woman has left a career in event planning to help reopen the local public library. I found there are other stories from that community and I've already downloaded one of them.
May 7, 2021
A sweet story about the importance of finding the joy in each day. I enjoyed the full cast of characters in this quick read.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2021
What a charming book! Donna Ashcroft’s Summer in the Scottish Highlands is a lovely read! Paige Dougall’s life is in turmoil, and she’s moving back to her parents’ home, Kindness Cottage, to try to start over. Paige meets Johnny Becker and oh how her life is about to change. This feel-good book will make you believe in the power of second chances and starting over. I look forward to reading more books by Donna Ashcroft.
February 16, 2023
I didn't finish it. I'm counting it as read because I read 217/282 pages plus the ending.
I was too bored to read it entirely. It's not a romance, there is too much outside of it, and none of it really interested me.
I'm giving it three stars, which is generous for a book I didn't finish. But it's not a bad book, just not exactly for me. I need more romance, something more emotionnally intense, or more lighthearted and funny. But this book fell in between, it was a bit bland.
I was too bored to read it entirely. It's not a romance, there is too much outside of it, and none of it really interested me.
I'm giving it three stars, which is generous for a book I didn't finish. But it's not a bad book, just not exactly for me. I need more romance, something more emotionnally intense, or more lighthearted and funny. But this book fell in between, it was a bit bland.
June 4, 2021
Such a lovely book. I adored the setting and the characters. The story was heartwarming and engaging, It really pulled you in. A perfect summer read.
June 4, 2021
Summer in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft is a sweet little summer read. It follows Paige and her young daughter Grace, when they return home to Lockton after life becomes disastrous in London. There she meets Johnny and finds the little library needs help to reopen. The story revolves around will she or won't she on both these counts.
The writing is good, you can immerse yourself into the lives and feelings of all 3 of these characters. There are plenty of laughs and lots of tears along the way.
The pace is reasonably steady throughout, never too fast, but I did find it a little slow in places.
Overall, a good little book to while away a quiet evening or to take along to the beach on a sunny day.
The writing is good, you can immerse yourself into the lives and feelings of all 3 of these characters. There are plenty of laughs and lots of tears along the way.
The pace is reasonably steady throughout, never too fast, but I did find it a little slow in places.
Overall, a good little book to while away a quiet evening or to take along to the beach on a sunny day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
A sweet and easy reading romance. The story didn’t flow in the best way for me and didn’t keep my attention very well but it was still an enjoyable plot.
August 31, 2021
4,5
Ein wundervoller Sommerroman zum in die Ferne träumen.
Paige reist für den Sommer nach Hause zu ihren Eltern in die schottischen Highlands. Ihr Leben in London liegt in Scherben und so hat sie sich ihre kleine Tochter geschnappt und ist in ihre Heimat geflohen.
Dort freuen sich alle sie wieder zusehen und würden sie am liebsten dort behalten. Aber Paige ist sich nicht sicher, ob sie ihr ganzes gewohntes Leben in London aufgeben kann und will.
Und dann trifft sie Johnny, der als Koch im Restaurant des Ortes arbeitet. Doch kann Paige ihre Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen und sich auf ein neues Glück einlassen?
Summer in the Scottish Highlands ist mein erster Roman von Donna Ashcroft und hat mir einige sehr schöne Lesestunden bereitet. Die heimelige Atmosphäre der Highlands, die netten Figuren, die romantische Lovestory… das alles zusammen hat mir großen Spaß gemacht.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin war flüssig und gut zu lesen. Es hat mir keinerlei Schwierigkeiten bereitet, mich in die englische Originalsprache einzufinden.
Ganz besonders schön finde ich das Cover. Herrlich bunt passte es zu meiner Lese-und Sommerstimmung.
Ein wundervoller Sommerroman zum in die Ferne träumen.
Paige reist für den Sommer nach Hause zu ihren Eltern in die schottischen Highlands. Ihr Leben in London liegt in Scherben und so hat sie sich ihre kleine Tochter geschnappt und ist in ihre Heimat geflohen.
Dort freuen sich alle sie wieder zusehen und würden sie am liebsten dort behalten. Aber Paige ist sich nicht sicher, ob sie ihr ganzes gewohntes Leben in London aufgeben kann und will.
Und dann trifft sie Johnny, der als Koch im Restaurant des Ortes arbeitet. Doch kann Paige ihre Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen und sich auf ein neues Glück einlassen?
Summer in the Scottish Highlands ist mein erster Roman von Donna Ashcroft und hat mir einige sehr schöne Lesestunden bereitet. Die heimelige Atmosphäre der Highlands, die netten Figuren, die romantische Lovestory… das alles zusammen hat mir großen Spaß gemacht.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin war flüssig und gut zu lesen. Es hat mir keinerlei Schwierigkeiten bereitet, mich in die englische Originalsprache einzufinden.
Ganz besonders schön finde ich das Cover. Herrlich bunt passte es zu meiner Lese-und Sommerstimmung.
June 2, 2021
Summer in the Scottish Highlands is Donna Ashcroft’s latest novel and it is a beautiful heartwarming read. We’re in the gorgeous village of Lockton where thirty year old Paige Dougall has returned home with her life in a mess. Twelve months ago she had a handsome husband, top job in London and a gorgeous daughter. Now the broken hearted single mother has returned to her family home to try to sort her life out. She’s too wrapped up in her worries to embrace village life until handsome chef Johnny Becker enters the scene providing some much needed distraction. Will Paige remember how to live again or will she return to London as broken as before?
I adored this book with its quirky characters. Well written and flows at a lovely pace. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
I adored this book with its quirky characters. Well written and flows at a lovely pace. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
September 20, 2021
Another exciting and lovely read by Donna Ashcroft!!!! I absolutely loved that book! I was hooked for first page to the last one! I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next! It's definitely a page-turner! You won't get bored while reading this one! I love everything about it! The lovely settings, the characters, the village gossip aspect, the friendship, the romance, everything! I recommand you this book!!!! 4 stars out of 5 for me!!!
June 5, 2021
Donna Ashcroft please don’t ever stop writing these brilliant books set in the village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands. They are just excellent reads from beginning to end. Such gorgeous stories that have you hooked and make for real page turners. Summer in the Scottish Highlands with its stunning colourful cover was no different and I enjoyed every minute of this uplifting, sweet, cosy read which has the most idyllic of settings and of course the prerequisite dash of romance thrown in too. This time around our attentions focus on Paige Dougall. She is jobless and homeless for the next four weeks and so has returned to the village of her birth to stay for awhile at Kindness Cottage with her parents. She hasn’t been home in six years since she eloped and left her personal dreams behind and perhaps she didn’t leave on the best of circumstances. Paige not having been back in quite a while and the relatively recent trauma in her personal life and the guilt she feels over this means that when she arrives back home neither her heart nor her mind are in a good place. But she has to keep going for the light of her life, her daughter Grace. The one thing she feels she really excels at given all the failures she perceives she has.
Paige is a character whom the reader can see so much potential in, and I think so could her family and the people she meets in Lockton, but she was just so down on herself. She had such love for books and a unique talent for matching the right book to the right person but she didn’t believe in her capabilities. The fact she was viewing her time back in Lockton as a stop gap before she could return to work after being signed off on stress was another issue which really prevented her from embracing al the natural goodness and support that was surrounding her in Lockton. She wasn’t in a great frame of mind and clearly wasn’t ready to share things with anybody but deep down there is an urge within her that she is trying to bury. An urge to confess all, to talk about the trauma she has endured and to want to make up for all her failures. Will Lockton be able to weave its magic if she allows the barriers to come down?
Paige radiated stress and anxiety. She wears a permanent frown, supressing emotions and never letting herself relax. You really just wanted to wrap her up in cotton wool and give her a huge hug and tell her that everything was going to be OK. She might have made a mistake six years ago, and she is finding this hard to admit out loud, but I just knew if she could turn things around I just knew she would have a more positive outlook on life be able to embrace what was there waiting for her in Lockton. She was placing such huge expectations on herself combined with the burden of guilt unnecessarily in my opinion. She wants to be great at her job, be the world’s most amazing mother, give Grace a house, security, a perfect life and to be a success and make her family proud and this is all achievable but something is holding her back and she is failing to realise her true potential. She is carrying so much that she needs to let go of. Simply she needs to unload and give herself a break from being far too harsh on herself. I thought Paige was perfectly developed as a character, you could identify with and feel sympathy for her but at the same time as a reader you wanted her to get out there and confront and stand up to what had been dragging her down for so long.
A surprise encounter with a dog named Mack, ensuing a very humorous scene with the contents of her suitcase, leads to Paige meeting Johnny Becker. They get off on the wrong foot but yet a flicker of interest implants itself in her belly but the way Paige is she does her best to ignore it. This chemistry is so evident between the pair the entire way through the book that you are waiting for that moment when they actually realise it about each other. But of course some twists and turns, soul searching and some community efforts have to be explored before that point of realisation and acceptance could ever be reached. Johnny was a soul who I felt was so similar to Paige. There was something haunting him too, preventing him from the being the best he could be in his profession as a chef. He had had so much talent but drove himself too hard which led to not the best of circumstances. Johnny works at Apple Cross Inn, with his twin brother Davey, and he is happy doing that but you could see he really was wasting his talents doing the bare minimum. Maybe news of a leading restaurant guide showing interest in featuring the pub in their books might make him change his mind?
Johnny had done a lot of soul searching and taken a long time to find himself, to understand what made him happy. He enjoys his life and the pace of it, he can do what he wants without anyone judging him or expecting anything. But the arrival of Paige has Johnny revaluating things and he sees a fragility in her he wants to fix. Maybe he had felt this way before previously and knows the way to sort things out. They share a kindred connection through both experiencing similar feelings and how they dealt with them. I loved how they started to open up to each other and help each other out and you were just rooting for both of them to have a happy ending but also for them to understand the world wasn’t so serious. There are room for imperfections and for mistakes to be made and things to go wrong but they can be tackled head on and you can emerge stronger through the other side.
The book wasn’t entirely about Paige and Johnny and how they navigated their issues. I loved and embraced the strand of the story centred around the reopening of the library following the passing of Aileen who had been a mentor to Paige in what seemed like a previous life. The Book Barn needs someone to take over the reins, to guide it in the right direction or some other person will get their hands on it and ruin everything. I loved the way this character featured again. He was just so unbearable and over powering that I think his actions gave Paige the spurt she needed to dig in and give a hand alongside Johnny to get the library up and running and for the grant for this to be approved. I loved the small element of magic so to speak with books appearing where she hadn’t left them and in turn Paige matched books to the right person. But Paige was like a dog with a bone insisting she has her career on London that she has to get back on track. There will be a new house waiting for her and she can secure a future for herself. I wanted to give her a good shake at this point as I couldn’t fathom why she couldn’t see what was all around her. That Lockton and its many wonderful residents were ready to embrace her if only she would let them in.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Summer in the Scottish Highlands. It’s the ideal read for this time of year sitting relaxing in the garden and being whisked away to a wonderful, impactful and special location with a cast of characters and attention grabbing storylines to match. I found I flew through this because I couldn’t leave it out of my hands and I hope perhaps a return visit around Christmas time this year might materialise because as I said in the beginning this is a series that I hope goes on and on because it is quite simply the best thing Donna Ashcroft has written so far.
Paige is a character whom the reader can see so much potential in, and I think so could her family and the people she meets in Lockton, but she was just so down on herself. She had such love for books and a unique talent for matching the right book to the right person but she didn’t believe in her capabilities. The fact she was viewing her time back in Lockton as a stop gap before she could return to work after being signed off on stress was another issue which really prevented her from embracing al the natural goodness and support that was surrounding her in Lockton. She wasn’t in a great frame of mind and clearly wasn’t ready to share things with anybody but deep down there is an urge within her that she is trying to bury. An urge to confess all, to talk about the trauma she has endured and to want to make up for all her failures. Will Lockton be able to weave its magic if she allows the barriers to come down?
Paige radiated stress and anxiety. She wears a permanent frown, supressing emotions and never letting herself relax. You really just wanted to wrap her up in cotton wool and give her a huge hug and tell her that everything was going to be OK. She might have made a mistake six years ago, and she is finding this hard to admit out loud, but I just knew if she could turn things around I just knew she would have a more positive outlook on life be able to embrace what was there waiting for her in Lockton. She was placing such huge expectations on herself combined with the burden of guilt unnecessarily in my opinion. She wants to be great at her job, be the world’s most amazing mother, give Grace a house, security, a perfect life and to be a success and make her family proud and this is all achievable but something is holding her back and she is failing to realise her true potential. She is carrying so much that she needs to let go of. Simply she needs to unload and give herself a break from being far too harsh on herself. I thought Paige was perfectly developed as a character, you could identify with and feel sympathy for her but at the same time as a reader you wanted her to get out there and confront and stand up to what had been dragging her down for so long.
A surprise encounter with a dog named Mack, ensuing a very humorous scene with the contents of her suitcase, leads to Paige meeting Johnny Becker. They get off on the wrong foot but yet a flicker of interest implants itself in her belly but the way Paige is she does her best to ignore it. This chemistry is so evident between the pair the entire way through the book that you are waiting for that moment when they actually realise it about each other. But of course some twists and turns, soul searching and some community efforts have to be explored before that point of realisation and acceptance could ever be reached. Johnny was a soul who I felt was so similar to Paige. There was something haunting him too, preventing him from the being the best he could be in his profession as a chef. He had had so much talent but drove himself too hard which led to not the best of circumstances. Johnny works at Apple Cross Inn, with his twin brother Davey, and he is happy doing that but you could see he really was wasting his talents doing the bare minimum. Maybe news of a leading restaurant guide showing interest in featuring the pub in their books might make him change his mind?
Johnny had done a lot of soul searching and taken a long time to find himself, to understand what made him happy. He enjoys his life and the pace of it, he can do what he wants without anyone judging him or expecting anything. But the arrival of Paige has Johnny revaluating things and he sees a fragility in her he wants to fix. Maybe he had felt this way before previously and knows the way to sort things out. They share a kindred connection through both experiencing similar feelings and how they dealt with them. I loved how they started to open up to each other and help each other out and you were just rooting for both of them to have a happy ending but also for them to understand the world wasn’t so serious. There are room for imperfections and for mistakes to be made and things to go wrong but they can be tackled head on and you can emerge stronger through the other side.
The book wasn’t entirely about Paige and Johnny and how they navigated their issues. I loved and embraced the strand of the story centred around the reopening of the library following the passing of Aileen who had been a mentor to Paige in what seemed like a previous life. The Book Barn needs someone to take over the reins, to guide it in the right direction or some other person will get their hands on it and ruin everything. I loved the way this character featured again. He was just so unbearable and over powering that I think his actions gave Paige the spurt she needed to dig in and give a hand alongside Johnny to get the library up and running and for the grant for this to be approved. I loved the small element of magic so to speak with books appearing where she hadn’t left them and in turn Paige matched books to the right person. But Paige was like a dog with a bone insisting she has her career on London that she has to get back on track. There will be a new house waiting for her and she can secure a future for herself. I wanted to give her a good shake at this point as I couldn’t fathom why she couldn’t see what was all around her. That Lockton and its many wonderful residents were ready to embrace her if only she would let them in.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Summer in the Scottish Highlands. It’s the ideal read for this time of year sitting relaxing in the garden and being whisked away to a wonderful, impactful and special location with a cast of characters and attention grabbing storylines to match. I found I flew through this because I couldn’t leave it out of my hands and I hope perhaps a return visit around Christmas time this year might materialise because as I said in the beginning this is a series that I hope goes on and on because it is quite simply the best thing Donna Ashcroft has written so far.
August 3, 2022
Paige Dougall was raised in the small Scottish town of Lockton, but left it behind when Carl, an event planner, swept her off her feet with his charming good looks. They eloped and moved to London where she also worked events and gave birth to an adorable daughter Grace. Unfortunately, Carl spread his charisma around London with little time for Paige whom he criticized constantly and no time at all for his daughter. Everything fell apart for Paige when she and Carl were in a car accident and he died. When Summer in the Scottish Highlands begins, Paige has spent the last year struggling to establish her career and make a home for Grace. Experiencing stress to succeed has made her work long hours, turn to pills, lose her appetite and cut drastically into time with her darling daughter.
John, a very successful chef who owned his own restaurant in New York, has moved to Lockton to escape his own high stress career. He is currently working as a chef at his twin brother Davey’s pub. John has certainly dropped his standards by serving basic pub food and canned soup. His brother encourages him to up his game saying, “I know you’re trying to keep your life stress-free, John, but there’s a difference between being relaxed and imitating the dead—I think you might have strayed too far in the wrong direction.”
Paige’s employer gives her time to destress while waiting for her house sale to go through. Paige and John establish a tentative relationship and work together to fix up the beloved Book Barn where she used to work. John is encouraged to cook again to get Davey’s pub listed in the yearly book Best Pubs. The two help and encourage each other in their respective projects drawing closer despite knowing Paige will be leaving.
John is drawn to little Grace who is nearly four years old almost as much as he is to her mother. He calls her “princess” and she calls him “prince.” Paige’s mum and da are delighted to have Paige and Grace in Lockton. Their relationship had been strained as they did not approve of Carl.
There are two minor but charming romances and an interesting group of women who welcome and support Paige as she realizes she actually had no friends in the “life” she thinks she has established in London. It’s not hard to predict the conclusion but the pleasure is in watching the relationships unfold and blossom. An added bonus is The Book Barn where Paige follows in her mentor’s footsteps with a gift for finding just the right book for each patron.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
John, a very successful chef who owned his own restaurant in New York, has moved to Lockton to escape his own high stress career. He is currently working as a chef at his twin brother Davey’s pub. John has certainly dropped his standards by serving basic pub food and canned soup. His brother encourages him to up his game saying, “I know you’re trying to keep your life stress-free, John, but there’s a difference between being relaxed and imitating the dead—I think you might have strayed too far in the wrong direction.”
Paige’s employer gives her time to destress while waiting for her house sale to go through. Paige and John establish a tentative relationship and work together to fix up the beloved Book Barn where she used to work. John is encouraged to cook again to get Davey’s pub listed in the yearly book Best Pubs. The two help and encourage each other in their respective projects drawing closer despite knowing Paige will be leaving.
John is drawn to little Grace who is nearly four years old almost as much as he is to her mother. He calls her “princess” and she calls him “prince.” Paige’s mum and da are delighted to have Paige and Grace in Lockton. Their relationship had been strained as they did not approve of Carl.
There are two minor but charming romances and an interesting group of women who welcome and support Paige as she realizes she actually had no friends in the “life” she thinks she has established in London. It’s not hard to predict the conclusion but the pleasure is in watching the relationships unfold and blossom. An added bonus is The Book Barn where Paige follows in her mentor’s footsteps with a gift for finding just the right book for each patron.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 7, 2021
Paige left home at nineteen, fancying herself in love and leaving behind everything she knew, including her sense of optimism and dreams. Now a widow with young Grace in tow, she’s been ‘booked off’ work as an events planner for stress and has returned to Kindness Cottage to stay with her parents for a week until the close on her new home. Paige is stressed, striving to always be perfect, guilty for the death of her husband even as their marriage was little more than for show, and determined to stay only a short time.
Arriving exhausted and frustrated with her circumstances, it’s not long before she meets Johnny and his irrepressible (and ill-behaved) dog. There are sparks, but Paige is determined to not make connections of any sort – and to not get involved in her formerly beloved hometown. For his part, Johnny is regrouping after stress nearly killed him, and learning to stop and smell the roses despite his brother’s need of his help.
Slowly but surely, and with several delays from her realtor, Paige is roped in (or chooses to help out) at the library in town: a position that the former librarian Aileen had groomed her for since childhood. When Johnny decides to help out both Paige and at the library, even as he’s avoiding the ‘cheffing’ aspect of his life, he’s finding a new purpose and drive to cook again. With plenty of input from the oft-meddling but always well-intentioned villagers, a bit of a resolution for Johnny’s brother in terms of his romantic life, and a few obedience lessons for Johnny’s dog Mack, the two start to see that connection and happiness, as well as reliance on others, does not always lead to doom – and perhaps can provide a life you only imagined. A lovely, character-driven story that allows us to see the effects of stress, and several different ways of coping with it while finding new opportunities and dreams.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review; all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Arriving exhausted and frustrated with her circumstances, it’s not long before she meets Johnny and his irrepressible (and ill-behaved) dog. There are sparks, but Paige is determined to not make connections of any sort – and to not get involved in her formerly beloved hometown. For his part, Johnny is regrouping after stress nearly killed him, and learning to stop and smell the roses despite his brother’s need of his help.
Slowly but surely, and with several delays from her realtor, Paige is roped in (or chooses to help out) at the library in town: a position that the former librarian Aileen had groomed her for since childhood. When Johnny decides to help out both Paige and at the library, even as he’s avoiding the ‘cheffing’ aspect of his life, he’s finding a new purpose and drive to cook again. With plenty of input from the oft-meddling but always well-intentioned villagers, a bit of a resolution for Johnny’s brother in terms of his romantic life, and a few obedience lessons for Johnny’s dog Mack, the two start to see that connection and happiness, as well as reliance on others, does not always lead to doom – and perhaps can provide a life you only imagined. A lovely, character-driven story that allows us to see the effects of stress, and several different ways of coping with it while finding new opportunities and dreams.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review; all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 1, 2021
Let's talk about the cover--the front book cover is so pretty!!! I was instantly got attracted to the front cover that I didn't hesitate when I requested this book!
One year ago, Paige Dougall had a perfect life--a steady job, a handsome husband with a daughter named Grace and living in London. But that all came crashing down and Paige moves to Lockton with her daughter Grace for the summer, nursing her broken heart. While in Lockton, she meets Johnny, a handsome chef who owns an inn and who also used to own a restaurant back in New York. Both then meet each other to reopen a library and soon both Paige and Johnny become closer to each other.
Let's start with descriptions - I have never been to Scotland but the vivid descriptions of mountains in the Scottish countryside make the reader feel like they are actually living in Lockton. Through the author's writing I imagined myself in the beautiful picturesque village in Scotland
Plot and the characters--though I do like how the library became a backdrop and background of the story that actually brought Johnny and Paige closer--what I like is how the romance slowly developed between the two characters. Both Paige and Johnny seemed to have a past and they both eventually became friends which soon developed into a romance. Oh, I also like Grace and of course Johnny's dog Mack! Nearly all the characters in the book are likable!
Verdict:- Overall this is a cozy, romantic story that will take you to the beautiful scenic village in the heart of Scotland. There were some parts in the story that was a bit boring but nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book--worth four stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
One year ago, Paige Dougall had a perfect life--a steady job, a handsome husband with a daughter named Grace and living in London. But that all came crashing down and Paige moves to Lockton with her daughter Grace for the summer, nursing her broken heart. While in Lockton, she meets Johnny, a handsome chef who owns an inn and who also used to own a restaurant back in New York. Both then meet each other to reopen a library and soon both Paige and Johnny become closer to each other.
Let's start with descriptions - I have never been to Scotland but the vivid descriptions of mountains in the Scottish countryside make the reader feel like they are actually living in Lockton. Through the author's writing I imagined myself in the beautiful picturesque village in Scotland
Plot and the characters--though I do like how the library became a backdrop and background of the story that actually brought Johnny and Paige closer--what I like is how the romance slowly developed between the two characters. Both Paige and Johnny seemed to have a past and they both eventually became friends which soon developed into a romance. Oh, I also like Grace and of course Johnny's dog Mack! Nearly all the characters in the book are likable!
Verdict:- Overall this is a cozy, romantic story that will take you to the beautiful scenic village in the heart of Scotland. There were some parts in the story that was a bit boring but nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book--worth four stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews