A Magical Scottish Christmas is the third book in the Rowan Bay series, with each story focusing on different members of the village community. They can easily be read as standalones, but I would strongly recommend reading them all. With every visit, you get to know the residents a little better, recognise familiar faces and remember their stories. It makes returning to Rowan Bay feel like catching up with old friends. But honestly, if you're just looking for a lovely, easy Christmas romance, then go for it! There's absolutely no need to have read the earlier books first, especially if you're already planning your Christmas reading!

This time we're getting to know Lily and Hamish, two characters we've met briefly in previous books. They've been close friends since Lily arrived in the village three years ago, and although there's clearly an attraction between them, neither is willing to risk ruining their friendship by admitting how they feel. Of course, everyone else in the village seems to be watching and waiting for something to happen between them!

Lily manages the village inn, a lovely little place that sounds so welcoming and homely. It's perhaps a little tired around the edges, but in that comfortable, lived-in way rather than somewhere desperately needing repairs. Since arriving three years ago, Lily has already made some wonderful changes to the inn and become a much-loved member of the community. The staff are wonderful, the guests are well looked after and you can understand why Lily has put her heart and soul into making it such a special place.

When she discovers that the owners are considering an offer from a large hotel chain, her whole world is shaken. Rowan Bay has become her home, and the inn is so much more than just a job. Having lived in big cities before, Lily knows how much happier she is surrounded by her friends and the community she loves.

What I particularly liked was that Lily understood the owners' position too. They've spent years running the inn, and selling it could give them the chance to enjoy a comfortable retirement without financial worries. But what would happen to the inn, the staff and perhaps even the village itself if a large hotel chain took over?

And this is where the wonderful Rowan Bay community comes into its own.

Lily turns to her friends for help, and the way everyone pulls together is just lovely. Even if they can't guarantee the future of the inn, they're determined to make this Christmas one to remember and show Lily that she's not facing everything alone.

For me, that's what makes these stories so special. Yes, there's romance, and I loved watching Lily and Hamish trying to navigate their feelings for each other, but there's also something incredibly comforting about the friendships and the sense of community. Everyone looks out for everyone else, and when familiar characters appear, you remember their own stories and everything they've been through.

Add in Kevin, the visiting Labrador, the winter snow falling, Christmas market stalls, visits from Santa, festive afternoon teas and all those lovely little village traditions, and I honestly can't think of anywhere I'd rather be at Christmas. I can almost picture myself wandering around the village, stopping to chat with familiar faces before heading into the inn to warm up. It all feels so welcoming and cosy, and every time I finish one of these books, I find myself wishing Rowan Bay was somewhere I could actually visit.

I just wish somebody would tell me how to get there!