The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh #Review

 

I am delighted to feature another uplifting romcom by Judy Leigh, The Highland Hens. It was published on 4th August by Boldwood Books.

 In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks.

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives.  And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.

Take a trip to the Highlands with Judy Leigh for an unforgettable story of glorious pasts and fabulous futures, of love, friendship, family and fun. The perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins.

My Thoughts

I think that this turned out to be one of my favourite books by Judy Leigh. It has some really interesting and lively characters, all at different stages of their lives. The humour never seems forced but comes naturally from the characters and the situations. Above all, I wasn't sure exactly how the story was going to pan out until it was well underway. Set against the joie de vivre of the characters is also the poignancy that Mimi, the grandmother and matriarch, is aging and becoming frailer.  I also enjoyed the different reactions to her eccentricities, from the tutting villagers to her doting sons and Jess who forges a genuine friendship.

    The message of the book has to be that it is never too late to seize the day and live in the present. There is a genuine feeling of love and friendship and some interesting family dynamics. The setting in Scotland is gorgeous and you absolutely believe that Jess would fall in love with the area as she finds her independence. It is a heart-warming read with some sad moments but overall, the feeling is one of uplifting friendship and genuine affection.

 

In short: Lively characters prove it's never too late!

     

About the Author

Judy Leigh is the USA Today bestselling author of The Old Girls’ Network and Five French Hens and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

You can follow Judy here: Twitter 

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Book link: Amazon UK  

 

Thanks to Judy Leigh, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources   for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

 

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