Hot off the presses, and I’m so delighted today to share my review of Winter Star in the Scottish Highlands, the latest Highland romance by Lizzie Lamb – independently published, and now available for kindle (just £2.99, or free via Kindle Unlimited) and in paperback. My thanks to Lizzie for providing an ecopy to enable me to share an early review.
It’s always such a thrill to see a new book from Lizzie – I was a little late discovering her lovely writing, but I adored Girl in the Castle (you’ll find my review here) – and Take Me, I’m Yours might just have been even better (Logan MacFarlane, astride his vintage Triumph motorcycle, left an indelible impression…) and you’ll find my review here. Harper’s Highland Fling was one of my 2020 Books of the Year, delivering everything I’d hoped for – so superbly written, vividly drawn settings, driven forward by that wonderful dialogue, and with a perfect emotional touch (you’ll find my review here). And she did it again in 2023 – Dark Highland Skies was again one of my Books of the Year, with Tor and Halley’s wonderful love story one I entirely believed in, and that totally engaged me at an emotional level (review here). And that magnificent Highland setting – how lovely to have the opportunity to return to Lochaber and discover what happens next in the lives of that lovely couple. Yes, this is a sequel, but you’ll have no problems at all if this is your first visit – although if you’d like to try both books, I do see Amazon are offering them as a Kindle “bundle” for under £4!
This tale weaves together the magic of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery and the complexities of relationships, set against a natural, snowy wonderland.
As the harsh Lochaber winter approaches and with Halley expecting a baby, living in the converted Airstream caravan, Beag air Bheag, becomes impractical. Tor’s family home – Eagles Crag – offers shelter, but his mother’s inevitable meddling is holding them back from moving there. Instead, they find refuge in the Dower House and prepare for the arrival of their baby with optimism and hope, embracing the magic of a Highland Christmas, culminating in the Ghillies’ Ball on Hogmanay.
However, an old flame of Tor’s rents the nearby bothy threatening to disrupt their idyllic life…
Is their love strong enough to survive the trials of family, winter and a ghost from the past?
Read Winter Star in the Scottish Highlands and find out…
There are some couples that you really take to your heart, and the relationship between Halley and Tor – astrophysicist now sharing the night skies with local children, Laird’s son and Afghan veteran overcoming the damage caused by his experiences – is something very special indeed. Despite their many challenges, their love has flourished, the birth of their child imminent – and with the onset of a Highland winter, that means leaving the isolated airstream caravan where their idyll has continued and rejoining the real world.
Although they’re first in line to inherit the estate of Creag na h-lolaire (Eagle’s Crag), moving into the castle with Tor’s parents – living their separate lives for the most valid of reasons, and where they might be less than welcome or comfortable – is something neither of them want, and their future home isn’t yet ready for them. But the welcome is rather warmer at the Dower House with sister Lexie – and they have a Christmas visit from Halley’s parents to look forward to, her father particularly obsessed with Highland tradition, although explaining why she’s chosen not to resume her career might be a difficult one. But there’s another visitor too, staying at the Bothy, less welcome, perhaps bringing problems neither of them need, and it’s no surprise that Tor decides to keep their presence hidden – until Halley discovers the secret he’s been keeping.
The romance at the book’s centre is simply wonderful – a love you can really feel – but there was so much more I loved about this book. The supporting cast is just excellent – Lady Strachan thawing out just a little at the prospect of a grandchild and future heir (if male, of course), the laird Monty still missing his beloved Tam, brother Lysander as toxic as ever, his wife Suzie offering unwelcome advice on childbirth but also standing up for herself a little, Halley’s parents throwing themselves into the festive celebrations with gusto (and camera in hand, to share with the folks at home), and the rather more relaxed assembly of friends and family at the Dower House.
There are a number of intriguing plots and sub-plots, some difficult moments too – and certainly more than a touch of drama (so well written, and particularly edge-of-the-seat and emotional) at the end of the long-awaited Hogmanay Ghillies’ Ball. The book’s whole setting is superb, with such a strong sense of place – the Highland traditions brought to life in a way that makes you feel entirely present, ready to hitch up your skirt and join in the next dance. But I loved some of the quieter moments too, especially that difficult conversation Halley finally had with her father under the spectacular night sky. And there really is no need to read the first book to enjoy this one as much as I did (although I’d recommend it very highly, of course) – there’s enough catching up to help you understand the relationships and their many complications, and glimpses here and there of what went before.
It’s an emotional read at times, so uplifting and heartwarming, and I think I love Tor (ok, Halley too…) more than I already did. And that romance was never really going to be troubled by all the interfering, family shenanigans and spectres from the past, was it – although there were times when I really wasn’t so sure. Yes, it does feature a traditional Highland Christmas (that meal was one I was rather glad I wasn’t invited to…), but if your reading list is already full in the run-up to the big day, it’s really more of a wintery read and would be just as enjoyable in front of a roaring fire on a long January (or February, March, April…) day. One to warm the heart – and I really loved it.
Praise for Winter Star in the Highlands of Scotland
• Once I curled up with this novel, all was right with the world. A beautiful, emotional read that will stay with you after you have turned the final page.
• Lizzie Lamb has an exceptional talent for placing the reader right into the story setting. I was with Halley walking towards the castle kitchens with the delicious smells and catching sight of the massive Christmas tree with its fragrant pine needles in the lower hall.
• A captivating and heartwarming sequel to Dark Highland Skies. Fall in love with Halley & Tor and the glorious Scottish Highlands all over again! A Winter Wonderland of love, family feuds and friendship – a gorgeous read.
• A winter’s tale to warm your heart from the Queen of Highland Romance. Wrap up and snuggle down, this is the perfect winter read, whatever the weather.
• Lizzie Lamb has woven yet another unforgettable story with memorable characters and a great hero and heroine, set against a snow-covered Scottish landscape.
About the author
With Scottish, Irish, and Brazilian blood in my veins, it’s hardly surprising that I chose to become a writer. As a child, I wrote extra scenes for the films I watched at Saturday cinema and handed the handwritten scripts out to my friends. I was almost drummed out of the playground for keeping all the good lines for myself. Luckily, I save them for my readers these days.
I joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association and honed my craft. It was at an RNA Conference that another writer encouraged me to write from the heart and not focus too overtly on what I ‘believed’ agents and publishers were looking for. At that time, Amazon was encouraging authors to indie publish and put their books on that platform. That’s exactly what I did and I haven’t looked back.
In November 2023 I was declared Indie Champion 2023 by the RNA. That has spurred me to continue writing and to put more books up on Amazon for readers to enjoy
Slainte Mhath.
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My next read! Great review x
Thanks Babs – I’m sure you’ll love it too! x
I look forward to you reading it Babs.
Many thanks for this fabulous review Anne and for posting a link to it on the Belmont Belles and Beaux. I loved writing this story and developing the relationship between Tor and Halley. Having finished it, I feel quite bereft but I have other stories to write … just need to find another hero who cares for his woman as much as Tor did.
My pleasure Lizzie – and that relationship was so very special… xx