I absolutely adore Judy's books, they're always an absolute delight to lose yourself in for several hours.

With stunning Scotland as a backdrop and a trio of handsome brothers in situ with their octogenarian Mother Mimi, what was there not to like?

Heartwarming, endearing and as always Judy makes you realise that growing old disgracefully is perfectly acceptable.

Beautifully written, with an awesome ensemble of characters, all with their own eccentricities that added to the story.

The Highland Hens is entertaining, enjoyable and will leave you with a big smile on your face and a warm heart.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This author writes great reads with older characters who
Are feisty, determined, trying to live life to the full, too.
This one is another, set on the shores of Loch Ness
With three brothers determined to stop their Mum getting in a mess!

Their Mum is eighty-eight but was a dancer in her prime
And she's determined to keep on dancing till the end of her time.
She sings, performs and drinks Chardonnay
But is somewhat lonely living in the past every day.

Jess Oliver is on holiday in the Highlands exploring where she will
But the work is much bigger so she can stay for longer still.
She answers an ad to be a carer for Mimi
Staying in Glen Carrick House for a month or three.

The three brothers are so different but all love Mimi
They each are going through so much you'll see.
Everyone's lives are changing, what will their futures be?
Age and your past are no obstacles they'll see.

A story filled with memories, life, love and laughter,
With the chance of more than one happily ever after.
But be warned that just when things are going so steady
Gosh, that ending . . . . get the tissues at the ready!

A moving read, with great characters and setting
One I highly recommend you seriously consider getting!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Release date: August 4, 2022

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of The Highland Hens ebook from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Jess is newly divorced and recently free of her responsibilities running the family hotel business. She just bought a fixer upper cottage in England that’s not yet ready to move in so she heads the Highlands of Scotland for long awaited vacation.

Jess is immediately charmed by the landscape, beauty and company as she resides in a local B&B while awaiting her cottage to be renovated. As she’s ready to wrap up her holiday and head home Jess discovers that there are issues with the Reno and she’s going to need to stay in Scotland longer than originally planned.

Mimi Solitaire is a stage dancer now in her 80’s, reliving her glory days in theatre. Her three sons are looking for a companion/care giver to spend time with her and live in the grand house of their childhood. Mimi is a little eccentric so finding and keeping a caregiver has been a challenge.

Jess not only becomes her caregiver but also her friend and builds relationships with each of Mimi’s sons.

This is a light hearted tale of friendship, history and blooming romance. It was a little slow to get into but by the middle of the book I was invested in each of the characters and their relationships. This is my first read by Judy Leigh and likely won’t be my last. 3.5 star rating and I recommend for anyone looking for a light hearted tale set in the beautiful Scotland Highlands.

#NetGalley #judyleigh #thehighlandhens

Thanks to #boldwoodbooks #netgalley and #rachelsrandomresources much for letting me read this ARC. I absolutely loved it. Mimi and Isabella the smoker and whole host of young and old characters that take you on a journey between generations and times had me captivated. I even listened to the Gorgeous audible which is a wonderful
The scenery sounds so beautiful, the Scottish Isles. I had friends who liked on the Hebridies and heard much about Orkney.
If you want to Drift away and recapture your zest for life with many laughs and some sighs along the way, this book will do that for you.
5☆☆☆☆☆

I’m sure a day will come when I don’t enthuse about a new book from Judy Leigh and declare it my new favourite – but it certainly won’t be today, because I adored every moment of this quite wonderful story. It made me laugh, it certainly made me cry, and I entirely fell in love with so many of its quite wonderful characters.

At 88, Mimi is sustained by her chardonnay-fuelled memories of her time on the London stage – she loves to wear the sequins and feathers, to practice her high kicks and put on a performance, still every inch a star. Although, in the village near Loch Ness where she now lives, there are those who doubt that her memories are real – and that she might just be an eccentric and difficult old woman. Living in the attic of Glen Carrick House, she’s lonely – and always looks forward to a visit from her flamboyant friend Isabella, with the opportunity to go out on the town, get up to mischief, drink more chardonnay, sing and dance, and regale others with her stories. And despite their advanced years, neither of them has given up on the possibility of finding love.

But Mimi is very much loved by her three sons. Fin is the sensible one, but having real problems handling the fall-out from his former marriage alongside his worries about his mother; Angus lives at Glen Carrick too, frustrated by the slowness of his recovery from a motorcycle accident, wanting to return to his globe-trotting life as a wildlife photographer; and then there’s Hamish, a writer and producer of stage musicals, who’s certainly inherited his mother’s genes and lights up every room when he visits.

Then Jess comes into their lives, answering Fin’s advertisement for a companion for his mother – newly living an independent life, on holiday in an area that she’s loved visiting, and having made some local friends, a temporary refuge and something to fill her days is just what she needs while she waits for work to be completed on her new home. And it proves to be the ideal choice for them all – she’s the perfect friend for Mimi, listening to her memories, joining her on her outings, and soon becomes an important part of their family. But she hasn’t entirely given up on the possibility of love either – and might one of the brothers be just what she’s been searching for?

The characterisation in this book is just fantastic. I absolutely adored Mimi – she’s real in every way, totally adorable, and often reminded me very much of my mum (she loved her sequins too, but her star turn was usually a routine from Saturday Night Fever rather than the Timewarp…). Jess was the one I could perhaps identify with the most – not ready to settle into retirement, open to enjoying life, perhaps searching for something undefinable to make life complete. But every single character in this book – even the minor players (and the dog) – is so wonderfully drawn, and several of them found a place in my heart as they put their pasts to rest and faced the future.

Emotionally, this book is absolute perfection – there’s a warmth to every relationship, well-handled moments of sheer joy and immense sadness, and I defy anyone not to feel deeply about some of the developments in the story. But it’s also immense fun – so much humour, laughing with its characters, enjoying so many of the tremendous set pieces. And the setting’s just fantastic too – the most wonderfully vivid descriptions of the wildness of the Highlands (and a quite magical road trip to Skye too), the detail drawn with real love and care.

I really don’t need to say “her best yet”, do I? This was one of my books of the year, wonderful in every way, a totally unforgettable experience – and one I’d recommend without reservation to others.

A tender story of an elderly woman and the three sons who adore her.

Mimi Solitaire spends her days reminiscing of her stage career, singing and dancing. Living in the family home in the highlands with her three adult sons caring for her, she is cherished. Jess Oliver is having a holiday in the area while her brother renovates her new house; when the work expands and she has no home to return to, she decides to extend her stay but find a job to occupy her. When she meets Mimi, a friendship is struck which will be good for both of them.

Judy Leigh writes wonderfully warm tales about women, and this is another fine addition. The love between a mother and her sons shines through these pages, but don’t think the family are without their troubles. I wasn’t quite sure where it was heading to begin with, but the pages are packed with fabulous characters who we get to know slowly and it is an absolutely delicious read. A fine setting adds to the enjoyments and I’m happy to recommend this one. 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks.

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

From the title, I had formed an idea of what this book was going to be like - how wrong I was. A heart-warming book about friendship and escaping loneliness. Unusually, Judy has written this book with an aging cast - most are over the age of 50, but do not be fooled - this does not lead to a boring book.

Rating: 4/5

I just adore the Scottish highlands so I knew that I would love this book!
What a delight from start to finish!
I love all the authors books

Hurray for Judy Leigh!!! Her books are just getting better and better!! This one the best yet!!!
Jess Oliver is on a trip to the Highlands of Scotland, the first time she has been able to explore some independence, and she falls in love with the place! Her cottage in Worcestershire needs more work than expected so she looks for a place to stay near some new friends she has made.
Mimi Solitaire is in her late eighties and still enjoys a dance and a song, much to the worry of her 3 sons and gossip in the village!
Heart warming, heart breaking and all the elements of a new classic. Loved all the very different characters and their lives, and so wonderful to read of love and wishes whatever age you are.
I usually devour a book, but had to take my time with this one as I loved it so and never wanted to get to the end.
Fantastic read at any time, but would be a fab Christmas book too!!
Loved and hugely heartily recommended.
Thank you Boldwood books and NetGalley for the early read!!

Many will disagree, but I found some of Mimi's sections boring and I skim read some of the detail where she talked about her past. I felt they were too long and slowed the pace of the book. I really liked Jess. I think we could have heard a bit more from her. The three sons were good characters too. I think there was more to be explored there too. I loved the setting as I adore the Scottish Highlands. The new female friends Jess made were entertaining. There's lots to like in this book, there's even a lovely canine character. Plus there's the theme of caring for an ageing parent. I appreciated reading a book where the main characters were 50+. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved the quirky title. A loveable, well written and emotional (in parts) book with a strong and talented main character. Just shows that age is no barrier.

A beautifully tender tale of intergenerational friendships and the difference that someone can make to another's life, eradicating loneliness and social isolation, just by spending time, listening and taking an interest.
This book also demonstrated how much can be learned from our older generations and their lifetime of history and experiences, enriching the younger person's life as well.
I warmed to all of the characters, particularly Jess, Mimi and Isabella, The Highland Hens, demonstrating that age is no barrier to adventure and vibrancy. I loved the carefree abandon of Mimi and Isabella and their fondness for shocking onlookers and painting the town red, given the opportunity.
Yes, it is a love story, not just of the romantic type but also the love of deep friendships and enduring connections as well as hope and light even at the bleakest of times. It had me entranced from start to finish.

Another wonderful read from Judy Leigh!

The Highland Hens is a story of family, love, memory and living life to its fullest.
The author always portrays the older generation in such a compassionate way, never forgetting the life that went before and in this book she does that exceptionally well. Mimi is a great character, rich in her memories of her past, as Mimi Solitaire. Her wardrobe is overflowing with the most wonderful garments and she brings the book to life with her singing, dancing and flamboyant outfits.
I loved reading about her antics with her pal, Isabella, and Jess, her carer and friend, brings a deliciously romantic element too.
The setting, in The Highlands, is beautiful and with three handsome men in the mix, well, what's not to love!

I am absolutely committed to bringing Chardonnay Showtime to my house!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and to Judy Leigh for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

Highland Hens is a sweet story with themes of found family and second chances that ultimately left me wanting more depth.
Jess Oliver is a divorcee and mother embarking on a holiday to Scotland while her newly purchased home gets some much needed renovations. Jess falls deeply in love with the location so when news comes that her renovations will be longer and costlier than she expected she seeks employment in Scotland. She finds herself at the Stately Glen Carrick House as a live in companion to the ever glamorous and quirky Mimi. As Jess gets to know the former performer and her three handsome sons she begins to learn lessons in friendship,family, and second chances.
For my personal taste Highland Hens felt under-cooked. The characters are all charming but we only got surface glances at their motivations. The setting had atmosphere ripe for the picking but we only got a few stunning looks at it. As a reader I found myself filling in the emotional gaps, writing in my own story,with a little extra imagination this book became something meaningful. I just had to do some heavy lifting to make it so. I think my big gripe with this is for the length of story the author had the time to create deep connection and empathy for these characters but without diving deep into what really makes them tick, I think it never came to fruition. I personally wish Highland Hens could of been half the length with more meaningful moments.

Thank You to Netgalley and the Publisher for the early review.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Judy Leigh for a digital ARC of this book. After a recent divorce and retirement from a busy career as the proprietor of a small hotel, Jess Oliver is at a turning point. When her vacation in the Scottish Highlands ends, she decides to stay on a few months longer as companion to eighty-eight-year old widow Mimi McKinlay. Mimi, a former stage star, lives in a baronial house overlooking Loch Ness. Although deeply loved and well cared for by her three sons, Mimi has been living in the past. With the arrival of Jess, she once again takes an interest in the present. Judy Leigh is fast becoming one of my favorite writers, she does a wonderful job portraying characters who are both retirement age and older. This book is very well written with excellent character development.
The characters are very likable and relatable. A warm and uplifting book which shows that hopes and dreams are possible at any age. Indeed, love doesn’t have an age limit!

The Highland Hens is a very enjoyable book. I thought the characters, for the most part, were very unique. Newly single Jess is visiting Scotland while her new cottage n England in being renovated. Jess has just finalized an amicable divorce, sold her business and is ready for the next chapter. The mother of a twenty-something daughter, Jess is somewhat lonely, and looking for new adventures.

As her renovations stall, Jess decides to stay in Scotland, applying as a caregiver for Mimi, a FABULOUS elderly woman with three adult sons all around Jess's age (50 or so). Mimi is a dynamic breath of fresh air. A former dancer, Mimi loves to sing, dance and drink wine with her glamorous friend Isabella. Jess is hired to keep her company and moves into the family home, and the adventures begin.

This is a heartwarming story of family, friendship and love. Mimi is the true star of the show and I cannot imagine any reader not adoring her. her sons, and the wonderful relationship they share. I love how much the sons adore her. On a downside.I found the main character of Jess to be a little on the dull side.

Great read overall!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Jess is a bit adrift. While vacationing in Scotland she finds that her new home in England won’t be ready for months. She takes a temporary position as an aide to elderly Mimi, a former chorus girl. Mimi lives in a large home with three adult sons coming and going. I have always enjoyed Judy Leigh;’s books for their humor but this one also tackles the more serious subject of elder care/aging at home. Leigh’s meshed a difficult topic with a romance and her typical humorous situations. The characters are a delight! I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Highland Hens’ by Judy Leigh in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The three sons of eighty-eight year old Mimi McKinlay, chorus girl and dancer in London in the 1950’s, are worried about her being alone in Glen Carrick House and advertise for a companion. Jess Oliver is holidaying in the Highlands of Scotland while waiting for her new home in Worcestershire to be renovated and needs somewhere to live when she hears it won’t be ready for several months. She applies for the position and an immediate friendship is formed between Mimi and Jess.

‘The Highland Hens’ is a heart-warming story of friendship, love and second chances and the background of Loch Ness makes this a story not to be missed. I like how Judy Leigh’s characters are all in the twilight of their years but still want a bit of fun. There’s Mimi and her three sons Finlay, Hamish and Angus, her racy chain-smoking friend Isabella, Ailsa the housekeeper and Jess who arrives as a companion to Mimi but ends up changing their lives. Despite the sad parts, this is very much a novel to be read on a sunny afternoon as you cheer on the ladies as they enjoy their escapades and leaves you with the feel-good factor.

A heartwarming and life affirming novel, funny and poignant at the same time.
I love how Judy Leigh develops her over 50s ladies and I like her stories.
This one kept me hooked and I thoroughly enjoyed it even if it's a bit slow at times.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

👵🎶Quite touching and life affirming🏞

I really enjoyed this ensemble of characters, most 50 years plus, and Jess's adventure with the never-a-dull-moment octogenarian Mimi Solitaire and the family and friends who bask in her joie de vivre. She may raise eyebrows and create a scene but she's sipping every last drop out of life thanks to her indulgent, adoring sons.

I chose this story for its Scottish setting and the focus on mature characters. It was not a quick read for me; I am not certain why. Maybe because I got frustrated with the scenes where Mimi's friend Isabella, chain smoking and drinking like a fish, is egging Mimi on. Isabella was hardly the bosom companion I would want for my frail mother. But, on the other hand, she may be exactly the right person to keep a dreamer like Mimi lively and still dreaming away as she reminisces about her joyful life on the stage. Once Isabella's involvement dies down a bit I felt the story moved better.

There's just enough angst and sorrow, not too much. And, overall, the story is positive and inspirational, carpe diem for the senior set! Second (and even third!) chances abound in Glen Carrick (and the beauties of wild Scotland feature prominently as Jess is captivated by the place as well as its inhabitants).

I was thoroughly caught up in the arc of the plot, with amicably divorced, empty nester Jess stumbling on a placement with Mimi by chance when she finds herself between homes. She discovers a whole close-knit set of friends and learns that it's never too late to kick up your heels, savor new experiences and grab companionship and love. What a great message😊!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.