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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 ...

A Scottish Highland Hideaway by Julie Shackman #Review #ScottishEscapes

 

Today we are visiting Scotland again in the Scottish Escapes series, A Scottish Highland Hideaway by Julie Shackman. It was published by One More Chapter on 15th August. 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  |  The Bookshop by the Loch

 
A brand new autumnal story of love, believing in yourself and starting over set in the Scottish Highlands

 

For Bailey McArthur, her family and job mean everything. She runs her own floristry shop and loves spending time in nature in the pretty town of Heather Moore, whilst desperately trying to forget about being jilted on her wedding day.

When journalist Zach Stern arrives in town asking questions about a famous actor, Bailey decides to throw him off the trail of the superstar hiding out in the Scottish Highlands.

But despite Bailey’s efforts to thwart Zach's investigation, she finds herself falling for him. It’s just a shame she can’t be honest with him. But then, Bailey might not be the only one with a secret to hide…

My Thoughts

In this story, we find Bailey starting afresh with a new commercial venture, a florist and seemingly, trying to keep as low a profile as possible. There is obviously more to her story than she lets the public see. From early one, we know who she really is and why she is living in the sleepy town of Heather Moore. Unfortunately for her, she is not the only person trying to hide themselves away and before long the charismatic journalist, Zach is asking all sorts of questions.

    Bailey comes over as a determined character but she cannot help wanting to make sure that others' privacy is maintained. As her friendship with Zach develops, you realise that there is more to Zach than meets the eye. There is something about him that does not add up. There are some colourful characters living in Heather Moore and Bailey's own family seem assured and larger than life. You see Bailey's caring side in her reaction to her broken-hearted brother, not to mention the over-the-top Ezra. She also comes to appreciate what is important to her for the future. The Highlands provides a stunning setting, as usual and this is a heartwarming story with romance and a touch of humour.

In short: New starts

About the Author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance.

As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags.

She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper.

A Scottish Highland Hideaway is Julie's eleventh novel.

 

You can follow Julie here:  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  InstagramWebsite

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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