Cover Image: A Highlander is Coming to Town

A Highlander is Coming to Town

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is book #3 of Trentham’s Highland, Georgia series, joining A Highlander Walks into a Bar and A Highlander in a Pickup. As always, the characters are hometown friendly and totally relatable. The small town and rural farm settings lend to the plot’s comfortable pace, and the romance is slow-simmering and sweet. Christmas is coming to Highland, and everyone is invited.
Claire Smythe, the former lead singer of the Scottish band, the Scunners, is a bundle of secrets. She left the band months ago, preferring to lay low for a while to ponder her complicated future. With her 25th birthday mere weeks away, she has a lot to think about. Highland seems like the perfect place to hide away, where hopefully, no one will recognize her.
Holt Pierson is managing his family’s farm while his parents are off galavanting about the country in their retirement RV. While he doesn’t begrudge his parents’ well-earned freedom, he wonders if this will become an expectation, because he isn’t certain that running the family farm is his future. But that train of thought jumps the rails when he discovers that Claire Smythe, with her quirky ways and delightful brogue, is staying at the farm next door.

Was this review helpful?

While the other books in this series were really great..... this one did not live up to them. The heroine was not very likeable and I found it difficult to really enjoy the book because of her. The writer is extremely talented in her way of telling a story but overall I could of given this one a pass. The only reason Im going 3 stars is the way the heroine developed as the story developed. The author saved this from a one star to a 3 with her way of writing the developing character softening her to where she was almost likeable and interesting. Kudos to the author for such talent! I was given this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own and voluntary. Regards Anna

Was this review helpful?

This is a perfect contemporary romance if you want a touch of Scottish charm mixed with a pinch of southern hospitality in a Christmas backdrop that will leave you with a smile. I love this series and this is a wonderful addition. This can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

One of the things I love about this book is that it is so much fun to read and it is low angst. While there is a definite problem to overcome before a happily ever after can be reached, there is nothing gut wrenching or dark. The hero, Holt, is everything kind and strong and supportive, there is nothing brooding or secretive about him. Don’t get me wrong, I love a dark brooding hero, but sometimes it is nice to get an uncomplicated and sexy nice guy.

Likewise, Claire, the heroine, has a secret and something she needs to work out, but she is not traumatized and she is also kind and funny and genuine. These two genuinely like each other and they don’t need to work through complex misunderstandings or go through agonizing situations.

I also loved all the friendships in this small town. This was a charming and comfortable read. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun Christmas romance. I hope there will be more books to follow in this series.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this story, the characters built strong relationships, even if Claire fought it the entire time. Holt and Claire were great together, had a lot of chemistry. I loved that in the end she chose her relationship with Holt and the people of Highland to her family.

Was this review helpful?

I have read a few other books by this author and I liked them. This book however had such a slow pace which I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. The background for both of the M.C.'s was set up pretty well as they were feeling their way around each other. However, I was beginning to despair of the story moving on more quickly any time soon. I also felt that several problems that Claire especially was facing was re-hashed so much that it also slowed the story.
Having said that I will also say that there were tender moments in the story, along with a small town charm and it's people. Descriptions of the town and people was well done too.
Ms. Meadows was the lady that Claire was working for and staying with. She was one crusty character. She'd lived by herself for many years and she was really good at not letting people into her space or home. But after a fall, she needed help and couldn't put it off any longer. But she had her fiercely guarded boundaries. But that suits Claire right down to the ground because she's got some secrets of her own. And she's not ready to face up to them quite yet.
Laid of the Game, Holt Pierson was truly the hero in this story. A yummy man with a tender heart who began to realize how lonely he really was. His ability to let Claire's snark roll off of him was excellent. He did a good job of dealing with it. She was complicated and she fascinated him. He also saw what few did. That she was strong and yet fragile too.
I kept wondering how everything thing would be concluded and it does well. Including the H.E.A. that I had hoped for.

"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It is a wonderful story of a young lady trying to find her place in the world, one that isn't connected with her family name. Claire is sort of hiding in Highland, Georgia after leaving the band that she had been touring with. Claire has been staying with and taking care of Ms. Meadows, an elderly lady who was unable to stay alone any more. Theirs is an interesting relationship and Claire doesn't realize just how special it is until it is threatened by her leaving. After a small mishap, Claire meets Ms. Meadows's neighbor, Holt Pierson. The more time Holt and Claire spend together the deeper their feelings for each other grow, but will their relationship withstand Claire's past that she has been hiding from. Will Claire realize in time that all that she has been searching for for the past few years is now at her fingertips? What would you be willing to give up to be with the one you love? This book had me laughing a lot in some places and then really thinking in others. It was well written and very enjoyable and one that I would read again.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and St. Martin's Publishing group for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. My review is being given freely and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book! I am so in love with this series and was so excited to read this book. I want to move to Highland, Ga because Laura Trentham has made this town so cute with charming characters and scenery that are so vivid in detail. I could just picture the twins and the tree and the dirt roads. You will absolutely fall in love with this town and this series even if you just read this book for the Holiday book. It can be read as a stand alone. This one deserves five golden rings for sure. This book begins with a skittish Scot who is trying to sneak her way through the grocery store and town. The problem is that a big burly country boy happens to notice she needs some help and that she looks an awful like a Scunners singer who performed a while back at a Highland festival and something seems off about her. This book is about secrets and mysteries in the town of Highland and how it’s okay to ask for help sometimes. Laura Trentham writes fabulous stories about communities and love. I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Claire is a down-on-her-luck young woman far from her Scotland home, a singer without a band, a caretaker without kitchen and homemaking skills. Holt is a young farmer taking over for his traveling parents. Both of them are trying to find their way in Highland, Georgia, where they struggle with their strong senses of duty over personal fulfillment, and eventually find peace and love at Christmastime.

I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. It was comfortable like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, with a bit of spice and character soul-searching for good measure.

Although Goodreads tells me this is book #3 in a series, I did not feel the lack of not having read the first two books.

Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin's Publishing Group, and NetGalley, for a copy of this novel to read for review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A cute fun romance story between Claire and Holt..
A enjoyable easy read with a little twists and lots of passion.
Voluntarily reviewed

Was this review helpful?

This is the 3rd in the series and my favorite so far-they just keep getting better & better! A light, happy HEA. Love the grumpy heroine & pollyanna hero trope. Looking forward very much to the next one.

Was this review helpful?

Claire has been running from her future for years but now it is about to catch up with her. Hiding out in the town of Highland she starts to make connections with people and one in particular, the sexy Holt Pierson, makes her want to open up in a way she never has before. Holt is a lovely guy with an even temperament that never gets upset at Claire’s prickly attitude. It is obvious from the start that there are sparks between the pair of them but Claire’s secrets are a barrier that Holt slowly chips away at.
Great secondary characters, small town charm/closeness and a satisfying HEA ending.
I enjoyed this story but I thought there was going to be more to Claire’s backstory as she was extremely wary of men and seemed paranoid about being noticed/making friends. I thought something must have happened to her between being the extrovert lead singer of a band with her sexy clothes and look at me attitude; to then suddenly wearing multiple layers that hide her shape and wanting to be invisible. However apart from not wanting her true name to be known there was nothing to explain this character volte-face. The title of the book is a bit of a misnomer as Claire is from Glasgow in the Scottish Lowlands and was mainly raised in England.
I have not read any of the other books in the series and it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was very fun. I'm not sure how I had missed this series but this one has definitely encouraged me to go back and read the first two books.

All of the characters in this book are so unique and well-written and very fun to follow. There is so much growth and change and it's a great journey to follow along with everyone as they come into their own and learn to embrace each other and what they all want.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful story. Holt is a lonely farmer who has lived in highland all his life. Claire toured Highland with her band and decided to stay. She’s hiding out with lots of secrets. She doesn’t intent to stay but the longer she’s there the more home she feels. She’s finding friendships and love she has never really felt. The question though is can she let go of her obligations to the family.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read in The Highland, Georgia series, and can be read as a stand alone. This is book 3, a love story between Claire and Holt.
Claire is avoiding her family and responsibility. When she turns 25 she inherits shares of the family company.
Holt is trying to figure out his place and future.
Really liked the chemistry be Claire and Holt.
Crusty old Ms. Meadows turned out to be a friend to Claire and a woman I really liked.
Small town, laughter, love and friendship will keep you wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun, easy and light-hearted story. This is the first book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more of her stories!

Was this review helpful?

This book is the third in the series, and I have never read any of this author's books. The story is a light drama, quick read, and a feel good holiday book. This would be great if you're reading this on a plane or going to a short trip somewhere, and it would definitely give you that Christmas Hallmark movie positive vibe (that will get you hooked). Although, if you're looking for some smut action, then this is not the book for you. Why you ask? Because this is a slow burn book, and the love scenes are rated PG. Overall, this is a good book that is very well written that it made me want to go to Scotland and smell the fresh air and see the beautiful farm and flowers.

Was this review helpful?

This is OK for a Christmas romance but I didn't enjoy the Scottish characters outside the Scottish setting. It feels kinda...out-of-place and weird, tbh. The writing is nice, though.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It was a sweet and endearing love story. This was my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last. I recommend this book and this author.

Was this review helpful?

A Highlander is Coming to Town is the first book in Highland, George series by Laura Trentham that I read. Even though it's part of a series, it was easily a standalone book that did not require reading in order, although I did wonder about backstory with some of the characters. I believe that any of the books in the series would be a good introduction to characters .

Claire Smyth is a Scottish women, formerly the lead of a band, now hiding out in Highland, Georgia. Claire is leading an austere life, living with a local elderly woman and trying to stay beneath the radar. Despite trying to be invisible, she catches the eye of local bachelor Holt Pierson. As can easily happen in a small town, Claire and Holt keep crossing paths and start to forge a connection.

Claire has a hard outer shell, not particularly friendly. Holt is a southern charmer, loved by everyone. Each is spoiled. The storyline felt rushed and while I enjoyed my time reading it, I didn't feel particularly invested in these characters, although I'm tempted to read the other books to learn more about other members of this small community.

I would consider this a "cozy" read and of interest to people who like Scottish tradition and small town charm. Thanks to Laura Trentham, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Back in Highland, Georgia.
Holt and Claire have good repore.
Claire working on family drama.
Claire has given up singing, trying to I figure things out

Was this review helpful?