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His Last Christmas Gift by Debra Borchert #Review

    His Last Christmas Gift by Debra Borchert will take you to a different country and season. It was published by Le Vin Press on 1st November 2025. Widowed, fired, and 50, Claire is one hot mess. This later in life romance hits like a snowball packed with grief and hope and mystery and the kind of second-chance that says, “I didn’t think I’d ever feel this again, and now I’m terrified, but… Hi.” Romance that’s frost melting off a windowpane. It’s “I forgot my heart could do this.” It’s love doesn’t have an expiration date. Twinkly lights, mulled wine and flaming crêpes so immerse you in Christmas markets—you’ll book a flight to France before the fares go up. A book club fiction favourite, Claire’s journey of self-discovery is perfect for fans of women’s fiction and stories about strong women over 50 navigating reinvention with inspiration, humour, with a delicious frosting of romance. “Give yourself the gift of a lush, romantic, French adventure and be swept away ...

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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