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See the Stars by Eleanor Ray #Review

  See the Stars by Eleanor Ray will be  published on February 5th 2026 by Piatkus .  Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?   When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.  Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?  Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel...

The Highway Lodge Getaway by Julie Shackman #Review #ScottishEscapesBook5

 

Today we are visiting Scotland again in the Scottish Escapes series, The Highland Lodge Getaway by Julie Shackman. It was published by One More Chapter on October 20th. You can read my reviews of others in the series here: A Secret Scottish Escape. |  A Scottish Highland Surprise   |  The Cottage in the Highlands |  A Scottish Country Escape

 

Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of love and second chances!

Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.

Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!

As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.

And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a festive read, there is much to enjoy in this winter read. Lottie has a huge disappointment to get over at the start, but you soon see her courage and determination in trying new things. Christmas Crackers, the shop she manages, provides lots of opportunities for some humour. In the shop unit next door, we meet Blake who is the polar opposite of Lottie as far as Christmas goes. He hates it. Cue more moments which make you smile.

    Lottie's family background turns out to be complicated and at times, surprising. Lottie has quite a lot on her plate but she is a likeable and entertaining character. There are lots of festive flavours to savour and a lovely romance at its centre.

In short: entertaining festive read



About the Author

Julie Shackman is a feel-good romance author from Scotland and is published by the HarperCollins imprint One More Chapter. When not writing or reading, Julie loves to take her Romanian rescue pup Cooper for long walks, watch romcoms and indulge her love of music. The Christmas Highland Lodge is Julie’s ninth novel.

You can follow Julie here:  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram 

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 


Thanks to Julie Shackman, One More Chapter and Rachel of Random Things Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!



 

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