Review of 'Christmas at the Scottish Lodge' by Donna Ashcroft

Review of 'Christmas at the Scottish Lodge' by Donna Ashcroft

Release date: October 27th, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

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REVIEW

This exceptional witty and heart-warming festive story has tons of sparkle, cheer, charm and romance. Passion and longings circle this couple like an enchanted wreath as they continue to carry secrets yet great desire for each other amid the chaos and challenges. The importance of support from family and friends is seen clearly in the relationships that infiltrate the story’s bones. And, of course, as always in Donna’s books, we have some lovely pets to ponder and praise for their part in assisting or comforting characters.

Without doubt, Donna Ashcroft’s novels always give me a huge emotional lift as they shine a bright light on the important things of life: family, friends, animals, love and the natural environment. They remind me of the joys of second chances and draw me in to inspiring landscapes. All the story elements work together effortlessly to create a whole glittering canvas of colour and delight. When one character’s life gets out of balance, we know Donna has a plan to set their world right by the end of the tale. Restored harmony and a happy resolution always makes my heart sing! So yes, I love reading Donna’s books, especially after dealing with the stress of the day. I just want to escape into her romance settings and become friends with her characters.

I adored Christmas at the Scottish Lodge. The descriptions, smells and textures of winter and Christmas are vivid and divine. Characters Mairi and Jed are perfectly matched—even though they come from very different backgrounds. Both are prone to major emotional issues but their attraction to each other is off the charts! And although they are frustrating at times, and flawed as we all are, their timeless love, potent desire and heroic care for each other make them endearing. We can forgive them for their mistakes and not judge their actions too harshly, even though at times we want to give them a stern talking to! But Mairi’s literary agent, Kenna, is good for helping with that! Of course, all the interruptions and communication problems turn up the tension. And as in all good story-telling, the twisty plot development fuels excellent character growth and creates lots of friction and sparks.

There are some interesting emotional issues in this novel such as Jed striving for approval from his father: a man that clearly does not deserve his son’s dedication. And it is tragic to see Jed take responsibility for his father’s bad actions and habits. I was happy as time progresses that Jed is freed from this mantel of fear and dilemma of poor self-worth. It makes you realise how pointless it is to strive for such perfection and that we are not responsible for other people’s actions.

Mairi (the Scottish Gaelic version of the name Mary - 'star of the sea' and sometimes associated with the mother of Jesus and celebrations at Christmas) is a romance author, has her own problems with trust after having her heart broken more than once. We understand why she tries to put a protective web around her bruised heart. But I love the fact she worships Jed, warts and all, and is not concerned about his position or whether he wins the next skiing competition. (He, on the other hand, is very tough on himself.) There are lots of twists and turns of Mairi almost getting what she wants (Jed ). We watch with keen eyes at the energetic dance between them that keeps us wondering and waiting for that moment of relief!

This Happily Ever After romance novel is good for the heart and medicine for the soul. The Christmas festivities stirred up lots of good memories for me of why I loved the special wintry white holiday season in the north. (I now live in the Southern Hemisphere where Christmas is in sweltering heat and green as grass!). Christmas at the Scottish Lodge by Donna Ashcroft has a relatable, irresistible hero and sympathetic heroine who are bursting with enchanting chemistry. I enjoyed being on the journey with them and immersed in the winter wonderland of their gorgeous setting. This is a Christmas novel that should be in Santa’s gift bag for delivery across the world! Big Cheers and all the stars to Donna for another red hot captivating Christmas story! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.