Christmas with the Laird

Christmas With the Laird by Scarlet Wilson. Published by Tule

October 24, 2014 by cayocosta72 Leave a comment

What a crappy Christmas. It’s not enough that she got dumped by her boyfriend for some little bimbo, now she has to work on Christmas. Her colleague is the mysterious and enigmatic Andrew Campbell and their job? A little filming at a haunted Scottish house – will this be A Christmas Carol or Nightmare on Elm Street? A lovely little Scottish village, things that go bump in the night and a handsome Scotsman (I can just hear that lovely accent), make this a delightful read

Good read

Really sweet book highly recommend this to anyone who wants a cute Christmas romance

***I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion***

Christmas with the Laird is part of the Christmas Around the World series and it takes place in Scotland.

I loved the fact that this was a contemporary romance set in Scotland since most books that take place there are historical books.

Juliette was planning to spend Christmas at home alone with a dinner for one from the supermarket but her boss at work tells her she needs to work and film a last minute episode of the TV show she is the presenter of about hunted houses.

Juliette finds herself in a hunted house called Garnock Hall in a far away small village in Scotland with her colleague Andrew Campbell.

It turns out that Andrew owns the house and now they have to spend Christmas together and film an episode about the history of Garnock Hall and the so called ghosts in it.

I enjoyed reading Christmas with the Laird, it dealt with some sad issues from Andrew's past but in the short time he and Juliette spend in Garnock Hall together he's trying to overcome his past and find a way to restore Garnock Hall to its former glory.

Christmas with the Laird was a sweet and very emotional holiday novella about the importance of enjoying life and trying to find the joy in a simpler life.

Christmas with the Laird is lovely, heartfelt, festive novella with wonderful characters and a setting that has a touch of eeriness, but is a whole lot charming.

It captured my heart from the start, as did Andrew Campbell. Both he and Juliette are endearing, real characters and whilst their romance happens over a couple of days, it was paced perfectly, natural and with some fun and lovely touching tender moments.

Scarlet Wilson injects so much I love about Scottish villages into this story, the atmosphere, the small community and the spirit. The ideal book to cozy yourself down with in front of an open fire, wee dram of Scottish malt in hand and lose yourself in the romance.

This was a holiday story with a unique twist. After being given a last minute assignment to film another episode of "Haunted Ever After" Juliette finds herself in Scotland with her cameraman Andrew staying in a haunted mansion for the holiday. The writing is wonderfully descriptive and the pace of the story is great. Couldn't help but root for these characters. Grab this one. I recommend it.

I so enjoyed this story. I liked the characters. Their romance was so refreshing. GOOD!

Quick sweet read. Fun read. Also love series format.

I'm ready to head to Scotland with hopes of finding my own laird for the holidays. Scarlet Wilson gives readers a fun holiday romance with Christmas with the Laird. She delivers a wonderful setting with some history and enough mystery about the past and great characters and dialogue. I'm looking forward to reading more from Scarlet Wilson.

"Christmas with the Laird" by Scarlet Wilson is the third book in the multi-author series "Christmas Around the World" and has readers following the lead characters to Garnock Hall, a supposedly haunted house in Scotland. This particularly installment stands out among the others in the series because of the paranormal element, something that I really liked since I'm quite a fan of all things paranormal, especially the kind that gives you goosebumps, but there was definitely nothing scary or creepy about this book. ^.^

Juliette Connolly was prepared to spend her Christmas at home alone with her box of chocolates and microwavable dinner for one when she finds herself having no other choice but to work during the holidays after an episode of the television show she hosts, Haunted Ever After, is suddenly pulled from the line-up and a new one needs to be shot as soon as possible. The only other person that's thrown into the assignment is Andrew Campbell, the cameraman she's worked with for some time now but doesn't really know too much about.

While the two aren't exactly thrilled at having to work over Christmas, Andrew saves them the trouble of having to look for a new location by suggesting a haunted house in his native Scotland. Once they get there, Juliette discovers that there's much more to Andrew than being the sometimes brooding and grouchy but always hardworking and dedicated cameraman she sees. She wants him to have the kind of Christmas he only remembers from his childhood but as they spend more time together, Juliette begins to feel something more for Andrew but she isn't entirely sure if he shares the same feelings.

"Christmas with the Laird" was another enjoyable novella in this addictive series and I did like the touch of paranormal included here. The love story itself was a slow burn that had its fair share of mixed signals and moments of doubt when it came to how the other person feels. There was a bittersweet poignancy to this Christmas tale but I fully appreciated the idea of moving on with one's life by facing the past and finally being able to let go of it while still keeping and appreciating the good that came out of it. ^.^ I'm giving this third installment four out of five stars. ♥

OK, so this was a holiday read ... but with a twist of sorts LOL It was ... interesting. so here's the gist: Juliette and Andrew get roped into working over Christmas for their haunted house show because a previously filmed episode won't be able to be aired. They end up going to Andrew's family home, Garnock Hall, which is rumored to be haunted, but Andrew doesn't believe it is. But yeah, it kind of is LOL Quick and funny and heart-warming and very special. All the qualities you need for a good Christmas story!
ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review

nice story

TV host Juliette Connolly is just about to leave a company Christmas party when her boss stops her. It appears that she and cameraman Andrew Connolly will have to film an extra episode of their show, Haunted Ever After. While each was planning on spending the holiday alone,I loved the fact that this was a contemporary romance set in Scotland since most books that take place there are historical books Juliette finds herself in a hunted house called Garnock Hall in a far away small village in Scotland with her colleague Andrew Campbell. It turns out that Andrew owns the house and now they have to spend Christmas together and film an episode about the history of Garnock Hall and the so called ghosts in itIt was a very interesting story with some mildly creepy parts. I loved how both Andrew and Juliette came to terms with their feelings for one another while at the same time being concerned for the other's feelings. I loved the descriptions of Garnock Hall , liked how this was set in Scotland today instead of always historical

A sweet love story set in Scotland at Christmas. You could feel the attraction between the main characters, and the love grow. Bringing life to the manor and to each other. A real treat for the heart.

" Christmas with the Laird" Is a heartwarming Christmas romance with a bit of a haunting twist. Juliette Connolly , Christmas for her is not looking to be an enjoyable holiday this year, recently dumped by her boyfreind nor is she going on holiday with her family, and now she also finds herself and one cameraman having to work over the holiday to film an emergency episode to replace one that had to be pulled from the lineup.
Andrew Campbell was not thrilled to have to work but luckily enough by making the suggestion of using Garnick hall for the show , he has managed to save his own holiday plans.

Though Andrew and Juliette have worked together for over two years until this long weekend they really did not get to know one another well, so it was a bit of surprise to Juliette to discover tht Garnock hall is Adam's home. Over the next four days beside filming, they are trying to arrange a decent Christmas dinner ( a challenge since neither one if them really cook) but a meal means a trip into the village were the women who runs the mercantile reminds juliettevof mrs Claus, and Bert at the hardware store looks like Santa and the butcher Rod,well he brings Rudolph to mind! The on course Adam is the Laird of this Mansion with a family history dating back to Robert the Bruce , as laird though his home is empty , his family gone and the mansion in desperate need of repairs and Juliette is totally enraptured not only with his home , the village but Adam. These two will prove to be each others salvations as they face emotional Challenges that bring them even closer.

Though a short story , I truly enjoyed this book, the writing brought the story to life ! The imagery came of the pages to my minds eye as Ii read , how the mansion looked, , the fields covered in snow Christmas tree decorated with old ornaments and emotions came to life.

Book was graciously provided by Tule publishing via Netgalley for an honest review!

It’s Christmas and fans of Tule Publishing find themselves outside their favorite fictional town, Marietta Montana. But wait, the setting might be Venice, Italy, Yorkshire, England, the Scottish highlands and Waratah Bay, Australia but Marietta binds them all via the Bramble House website!

You can read the books in any order; all of them are standalone novellas. I’m just presenting it in the order I read it which began with Joanne Walsh’s “Christmas in Venice”, a second-chances love story between Ashlynne and her ex-husband Lorenzo di Grechi.

A story that tugs at your heartstrings, Ashlynne and Lorenzo goes through on what they thought of was a post-mortem of their marriage. All their pains and hurts were laid down on the table and what they found was something that they were not looking for. “Christmas in Venice” is a heartwarming story from beginning to end.

From Venice, we move to A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt where sophisticated New Yorker Claire Lindell found love in an unexpected place, Ayesgill Farm in Yorkshire. But shepherd Noah Bradford comes with complications – a daughter; and Claire who is a schoolteacher is unsure if she can tackle kids outside the classroom.

Moving on, we go to the Scottish highlands where Scarlet Wilson tells us a story of “Christmas with the Laird”.

Due to a last minute change in programming, news anchor Juliette Connolly had to go to Scotland with her mysterious colleague Andrew Campbell. There, she was introduced to Garnock Hall and its ghosts. Is it Christmas or is it Halloween? Juliette and Andrew’s love story can give you both.

And finally, we cross the Atlantic and then the Pacific to Australia where Marion Lennox’s Christmas at Waratah Bay” follows farming tycoon Max Ramsey and American supermodel Sarah Carlton. Hmm, their occupations might not be the best match, but how they make it work is the true Christmas story.

All four books are Rated T for Teens and YA for Young Adults.

Do you believe in haunted houses and ghosts?
What makes this charming Christmas story unique, are the possibilities of ghosts residing in Andrew's mansion. But are they really spooky restless souls wandering the hallways, or are all the history and drama that has happened in the house making it feel like it?
During the Christmas visit to the Laird's mansion, Andrew is finally facing the loss of his brother, and accepting the future of the mansion, and change that has to happen.
Juliette and Andrew are swept away for the attraction for each other, they create a bit of their own Christmas magic, and bring light, love, and life back to the mansion darkened by sad family history. An alluring, fun, and clean Christmas story, with a bit of a magic and sense of being hunted...
~ Four spoons!

The last thing Juliette had planned for the Christmas holidays is to be working alongside Andrew at Garnock Hall in Scotland. They are filming for the show, Haunted Ever After. Andrew grew up in Garnock Hall with many sad memories. Juliette has decided to bring the magic of Christmas back into the hall, to make it a happy place not sad.
This book will surely put the magic back into the Christmas season with all the decorations and food. Is this a secret santa town?

I love Scotland and I loved this book! A must read!

Christmas with the Laird was one of the most unique Christmas romances that I’ve read…and I love it!

After an accident forces an episode of Haunted Ever After (a program that features supposedly haunted places) to be canceled, Juliette Connolly and Andrew Campbell are forced, due to contractual obligations, to film a new episode during the Christmas break.

When Andrew says he knows of the perfect place to film at, Juliette never expected Garnock Hall to be Laird Andrew’s familial, and abandoned, family estate. And she soon discovers that Andrew is haunted by the past. As the pair grows closers, Andrew must choose whether to let Juliette in or keep her at arm’s length.

I’ve found another amazing Christmas romance to add to my collection. While ghosts are occasionally associated with Christmas stories, this novella tinges, slightly, on the gothic side making it uniquely entertaining.

Andrew is broody. He has a huge secret that’s eating away at him while acting as a roadblock in his life. Although by bringing Juliette home with him, he seems to understand it’s finally time to face the ghosts that haunts Garnock’s halls. Juliette’s boyfriend decided to chuck her for a newer model. She had intended to spend to Christmas at home but she is now forced to share Christmas with Andrew in his old drafty castle (who could turn down that offer?). Although she’s growing closer to Andrew, she’s apprehensive because she was recently dumped.

The chemistry between Andrew and Juliette was nicely done. And I loved the way the author built the romance as the plot progressed. Overall, Scarlet Wilson has painted the perfect picture of two people overcoming the past while trying to manage a Christmas dinner for the first time set against the snowy Scottish landscape.

Christmas with the Laird is a truly brilliant Christmas romance that I happily devoured in one sitting. A heartwarming novella that should be on everyone’s TBR list.

I would love to see this made into a movie!

What a wonderful feel good story! I loved the ghostly element to it. It gave a usual Christmas story a twist :)

I'll be reading more by Scarlet Wilson!

I did really enjoy reading this book.. It wasn't what i expected. I was pleasantly surprised. It was first one i read from the series and so far I am into it. I can't wait to read the next one from the series. I did like Juliette and Andrew's chemistry and the back drop of Scotland. I really want to visit all these places from the book as well. I would recommend this book for any one who enjoys reading romance books.

What is the worst thing that can happen to you on Christmas: a) being dumped, b) not being able to go on vacation with your family, or c) having to work?

What is the best thing that can happen to you on Christmas: a) being in a history full castle, b) staying with a Laird, or c) staying with your hot coworker (who is secretly also a Laird)?

Juliette Connolly just got dumped, can't go on vacation and has to work during the holidays; the silverlining, she has to spend the holiday working with her good looking coworker Andrew Campbell.

Laird Andrew Campbell owns a castle, like a real castle in Ireland, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, he's up to his eyeballs in depth and his tragic past has made it difficult to keep a relationship. He's always noticed Juliette, but she was taken.

A little holiday magic brings these two together in this wonderful holiday read, that's all about moving on and finding ways to let go off the past and move towards a brighter future.

Rating 4 out of 5 Read@Book

This was such a cute read! It had such a wonderful storyline that at times really touched my heart. I only wish it had been longer lol. I really live the work they do, I find myself watching those kinds of shows frequently in fact and I never know if I believe it or not. I know there is something out there but sometimes those shows just seem to freak each other out and make more out of something than there is. I really loved the moment Juliette had in his brothers room with him as well as by herself. It was cute watching them forming the connection they gave with each other. I'm rating this in at four hearts!!

♡♡♡♡

Very sweet and fun holiday romance. Thank you!

This sentimental Christmas story features a touch of the paranormal as Andrew and Juliette find themselves at Andrew's ancestral Scottish home for Christmas to film a ghost story episode for their TV show. I liked the setting of the story in rural Scotland, and the way the history of his home is blended with the townspeople and the traditions inherent in a Scottish Christmas. The characters were sweet and there were some emotional moments as Andrew and Juliette come to terms with some sad events in Andrew's past. It was a sweet romance as the couple learns about each other and discovers that a Christmas together is so much better than one alone. 3 stars.

Another good one in the Christmas around the World Series. I enjoyed the tiny Scottish setting and I loved how Andrew was the "laird" of the area. Him and Juliette had a fun chemistry from the beginning. I liked how we got to look back at Andrew's past and see why he felt like he did about his house and Christmas. The ghost tv show aspect added a fun bit to the book as well.

Just what you want in a Christmas romance -- interesting characters, snappy dialogue, and an intriguing setting with Christmas as the backdrop. A fun and charming novella, Christmas with the Laird is another winner from Tule Publishing...great to get you in the Christmas spirit!

** NOTE: I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley; the opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 - "Welcome to Garnock Hall." Stars.

I really enjoyed Christmas with the Laird, it was a little spooky, bought about a few little sniffles, was beautifully written, and took me back to Scotland, a country that holds a little piece of my heart in it's soul.

In the middle of winter it was still a dark place, but it didn't feel quite so sorry, quite so sad. It was almost as if the ghosts had given up and left.

Juliette and Andrew have been unceremoniously left to carry the can by their boss, when on the brink of finishing work for the Christmas holidays, they are called back to record a new episode of Haunted Ever After. Andrew has responsibilities back in Scotland and takes Juliette with him back to his ancestral home Garnock Hall to film the required episode.

This is a great little novella that packs quite a punch, looking at love, loss and dealing with grief, and all wrapped up with a tartan Christmas bow!

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

Is it the ghost of christmas past or is it a dream of being in Santa's village, or is it both? These are the questions that Juliette is faced with all while trying to figure out where she stands in the world. She in on this journey with your camera man Andrew. Its 2 days before Christmas and Andrew and Juliette are getting ready to leave the company Christmas party. All she wants to do it go to the town square and get some Chocolate and go home and relax. Her boss has other plans and then Andrew her camera man tells her they have an hour to get everything together and to the train station for there christmas adventure. They are faced with challenges along the way. This book draws you in from the beginning and keeps you till the end. I have never read anything from this author but look forward to read more from her. The storyline was well written and I have fun reading this fun Christmas read. You can't go wrong.

I really enjoyed this novella. It is not in my comfort zone but I felt it was well-written, had an excellent pace, and I connected with the characters.

I enjoyed this - it was light and an easy read.

What a way to start off my Christmas reading this year.

This is the first book that I have ready by Scarlet Wilson and it was a wonderful and beautifully written love story.

You will fall in love with Andrew and Juliette from the very beginning. The attraction between Andrew and Juliette keeps growing as they spend more time together at Garnock Hall. Garnock Hall with its dark history adds a touch of the supernatural and eeriness to the story.

This book will draw you in from the beginning and will keep you hanging on until the end. Christmas with the Laird will have you thinking, as well as feeling this Christmas season. If you like light Christmas romances then this book is a must read for you.

**ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review**

This was a fun, light read--perfect to put me in the Christmas spirit. Just sexy enough to intrigue, with a hefty sprinkle of magical romance. It might become a yearly escape from the Christmas crush.

Great book! I wasn't ready for it to be over. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Juliette Connolly is the presenter on a television series which investigates and visits places which are supposed to be haunted. She is not looking forward to Christmas this year, having been dumped by her boyfriend and her family will be holidaying overseas. Her Christmas dinner for one is not looking very appetising, nor is spending the festive season alone in her flat. Then fate intervenes!

As the Christmas party for the television crew draws to a close, the producer gets a call that will change Juliette’s life! They need to record an alternative episode for the show - and get it done quickly as a child in the episode due to be aired is seriously ill in hospital. Everyone except Juliette and Andrew Campbell who has worked as a cameraman on the series for more than two years, have gone home to their families. Andrew is usually the competent silent type and Juliette is amazed when says he knows somewhere they can film and offers to take her there. There turns out to be his home in Scotland, his home is the house he is suggesting they use and he's the Laird of the area!

There’s certainly magic in the air as snow falls and sparks fly between the two of them. There are some really sad aspects to Andrew’s past that Juliette was previously unaware of. Can she help bring joy and the true spirit of Christmas back to his neglected home and his life? I love the characters in the village, too and even some Scottish terms are explained. A sweet story that is delightfully told - it even makes you feel cold when the snow falls and gets you warmer later on!

*I received an e-ARC of Christmas with the Laird from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas with the Laird. No true spoilers, promise.

No one wants to work on Christmas. Some people don’t really have much choice. Take Juliette and Andrew for example. She’s the host of a reality ghost haunting program. That show needs an episode taped right now. He’s an excellent cameraman who just happens to know of a haunted house that might be available… more like is available since it belongs to him. With all the memories and emotions that live inside – along with the ghosts.

This starts the Christmas adventure that neither one was looking for – but both needed so much. It’s not always easy to convey a full sized Christmas novel in a seasonal novella. I think this one did very well. I was pulled into the story and liked the couple a lot. Sometimes you just want people to wake up and see what great chances are right in front of them – if they’d only take a risk.

I know the Christmas season is past now – but if you love seasonal stories as much as I do you most likely have a shelf or a pile of favorites you go back to year after year. Be prepared to add Christmas with the Laird to that pile. It’s a charming love story that can capture your heart.

Juliette works for a tv company and she finds out they need to re-shoot an episode of Haunted Ever After, a program she's involved in. She ended up having to go to Scotland to redo the show with Andrew's help. Andrew is her cameraman but he also owns an estate in Scotland called Garnock Hall and is the laird. The estate was built 400 years ago. Andrew got news that the roof was leaking, so he was already heading there. Andrew was facing many problems: the family home was a money pit, his mom was in a nursing home, and his dad and brother are dead. Once there Juliette sees the problems Andrew is facing and starts to give him new insight as they start to fall for each other.

I found Andrew to be a very proud person, but filled with indecision about letting his family estate go, which would make all of the people that live on his estate homeless. He is a caring, strong man. I felt that he was also very alone. Juliette was a nice girl who is hurting over having been broken up with by a cheating boyfriend. Her family doesn't appear to be very caring, making her almost as alone as Andrew.
I enjoyed the book and anyone that enjoys contemporary holiday romances will also enjoy the book.

A free copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Christmas with the Laird is the story of Juliette, a presenter of a Most Haunted style tv show who ends up having to work with one of the producers and cameramen, Andrew, when a new episode is needed over Christmas. Luckily Andrew knows of a supposedly haunted house, but fails to mention before they reach Scotland that he actually a Scottish laird and owner of the house.
This was quite a quirky book in many ways, especially seeing as this is the first book I've ever read where the laird or owner of a fabulous house actually shows the reality of being land-rich and cash-poor and having to work for a living, which made a refreshing change. Juliette was a sweet character and you really felt for her what with being alone and having to make the best of the situation. I did find the fact in the book that they couldn't cook simple meals though a bit strange, and that's coming from a bad cook, and the ghost part of the story didn't really seem to work despite pair's jobs making ghost programmes for television. Overall though I found this an enjoyable read on a cold evening.
Some good characters to root for and a quirky storyline. 3.5 stars.

This story of Juliette and Andrew is wonderful! I absolutely love Christmas romances, and this is not an exception! This wasn't the average Christmas romance, though, it has a spooky feel to it because they are staying in a haunted mansion filming "Haunted Ever After." This story was fabulous!

I truly loved this book, I was intrigued from the first sentence. I only wish it had lasted longer. The romance and relationships felt painful and true.

This is the first book I've read by this author.

Christmas with the Laird was a feel good book with a bit of ghostly elements which I loved. I like the unique story.. and this one was one I really enjoyed.

I'll be definitely reading more from this author.

Recv'd copy from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Christmas with the Laird by Scarlet Wilson

I'm always in search of romantic books set in Scotland and this one worked well. This story even includes a haunted mansion.

Juliette is getting ready to leave work and looking forward to spending a pleasant Christmas alone. But before she can make it out the door, she's informed there's something of an emergency, and hey, since she doesn't have a family, no big deal if she gives up her holiday. She's the host for a show that features haunted houses. They need to quickly film an episode that will be ready by the beginning of the new year. Andrew says he knows of the perfect place, and convinces her to accompany him.

Soon Juliette learns this place Andrew mentioned is his family home in Scotland. A huge, largely abandoned home that he only visits when he has to make repairs. He doesn't even believe it's haunted, but he admits he doesn't think any of the places they film are haunted so they can just make something up.

During their time together though, the setting seems to enhance their attraction for each other. What could have been a very dull, working Christmas turns into much more.

I liked the setting, liked the characters and enjoyed reading about the way they handled their increasing attraction for each other.

A very nice, romantic holiday story.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley.

This was a good holiday read -- a bit soppy but I loved the setting (a haunted Scottish castle) -- it was a bit sad with the dead child but a quick and lovely holiday read!!