What a fantastic book. I loved the plot, the island setting of Skye and the characters. I have been waiting for this book for five years. It is book three but can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy inspirational romance books you will not want to miss Under Scottish Stars. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. This is my unbiased review.

'Faith was an easy thing to talk about but hard to hold on to. And even harder to regain once you let it slip through your fingers.'

I have been waiting for this book for FOUR long years! When I read the first book in Laureano's 'MacDonald Family Trilogy', James's story, I knew in my heart that Serena had a story to tell. Her character just pulled at my heart. Then I read 'London Tides', second in the series, and discovered that the author had changed publishers and the third book would be delayed. So I read the first book again and then the second again. I was so ready for this book and I was not disappointed.

Serena comes back to the island of Skye in Scotland to help out at her family's hotel and pretty soon clashes with the manager, Malcolm. He is not exactly on Skye by choice, but is doing a wonderful job running the hotel. He doesn't need Serena butting in telling him what to do. And she certainly doesn't need him.

It felt so very good to just read the first sentence of this book, then settle down deep into it. Waiting so long for this book to be published just made me long for it more and the pleasure of it that more intense. Laureano is a wonderful writer, able to dig deep into her characters' emotions and pull together a totally satisfying read that sticks with the reader long after the last word is read. I highly recommend this novel.

*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion expressed here is entirely my own.





Reading Progress

Under Scottish Stars is a really nice romance with a lot of good food involved. Of course, if Carla Laureano writes it, that is pretty much guaranteed! I loved the descriptions of Scotland, the night sky discussions and the chemistry between Serena and Malcolm. What I liked most though, was the fact that they put their family and commitments before their own needs. That is something rarely seen in romance novels.
I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley but these opinions are all my own.

A charming contemporary romance set on the picturesque Isle of Skye of Scotland. The third book in a series, but easily reads as a standalone.
This book was a lovely escape read, featuring a couple of people who find themselves in an unexpected relationship, while struggling with family responsibilities as single parents. It had a bit of a pride and prejudice feel
at the beginning, with stubbornness on both their parts. Once it got going though, the romantic tension built up and the story took off. This is definitely one of those "kissing books", but realistic for an adult romance. I wondered how things would work out for them in the end given some of the road blocks thrown in.
I liked the artistic aspect of the story and how creative pursuits were encouraged. It is sad how that's not always supported, especially as we get older. Serena's backstory sheds light on how she responds to people--lack of trust, fiercely independent, protective of her kids. Her faith struggle feels realistic as she wondered if God even cared for her after all she went through. Many of us blame God when things don't go right, sadly. Muriel is a rock of wisdom and has a way of listening that made me miss my own older relatives. We all need a Muriel in our lives.
Recommend for readers who enjoy a contemporary romance with some faith. 4.5 stars

“When you have two people who like to do things their own way, sometimes sparks are going to fly.”

The chemistry lifts off the pages between widowed hotel owner Serena MacDonald Stewart and the hotel manager, Malcolm Blake. As they both get off to a rocky start upon meeting one another, you just can’t help being pulled into their banter. The descriptions of astronomy and the nighttime sky was inspiring. Laureano’s descriptions of Scotland, the family hotel, and the surrounding community had me wanting to jump on a plane. At the very least, you’ll be checking out the locations to visit on Pinterest.

“Call it attraction or interest or chemistry, there was something about him that made her off balance and breathless.”

Whew, the chemistry between these two is beautifully written. Malcolm is quite the flirt and draws out closed off Serena in a way that flies off the page. However, I also enjoyed their focus on family and how they put family ahead of their own needs. As they both struggle to find their place in the world as parents, they learn to trust God and others to help along the way. Their journey to finding love and how to make it work was heartbreaking at times, but very realistic when children are involved. I thought Laureano did a splendid job balancing out the struggles and the joys in this couple finding their happy ending.

“Faith was an easy thing to talk about but hard to hold on to.”

Beautifully written, this hope-filled journey is for anyone who loves traveling to beautiful locations, finding love in unexpected places, and with a focus on family. Though this is the third book in the MacDonald Family Trilogy, I found it easily read as a standalone. I look forward to reading more by this author. I’ve heard great things about her and wholeheartedly agree with other positive reviewers that she is an author not to be missed.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley by Tyndale House Publishers. I have given my honest opinion in this review.

A sweet story set on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. I'd not read the first two books in the series but felt the story could be a stand alone. Readers will feel empathy for Serena as she struggles with decisions about her children and herself. Malcolm was my favorite character because of his warmth and humor. The star gazing added to the story and will make some readers want to visit the island to enjoy the stars. Enjoyable story!

UNDER SCOTTISH STARS is the third novel in the MacDonald Family Trilogy by CARLA LAUREANO, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
The story takes place mostly on the Isle of Skye where Malcolm Blake has moved to take care of his sister's orphaned daughter, Kylee, and Serena MacDonald Stewart goes after the death of her husband, to give her children a taste of the idyllic childhood she had there.
Serena is part owner of the MacDonald Guest House and Malcolm is the manager. Needless to say they do not make a good first impression on one another!
I love the characters, from motherly Aunt Miriam right down to adorable three year old Max and his beloved stuffed giraffe. I love Serena's intense love for her children and Malcolm's sacrifice in putting his life on hold to take care of Kylee.
The author is good at drawing us into the characters' feelings as they are faced with life changing decisions. We are reminded of the importance of faith and how we should trust the Lord in all things rather than rely on our own strength.
This is a lovely story with a really good Christian message. I can highly recommend Under Scottish Stars as a most enjoyable Christian romance novel.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.