Lisa Hobman returns to Drumblair Castle with another feel-good story set in the Scottish Highlands. This time, it's Lady Olivia's best friend, Bella who is in the spotlight. With her love life in ruins, Bella is determined to go it alone while she works with Olivia to ready Olivia's family castle for it's grand opening to the public. As good as that plan is, fate - and Bella's Granny Isla - may have something else in mind.
Lisa Hobman has become one of my go-to authors over the past few years. I've loved the books in her Skye Collection and enjoyed the first Highlands book, Coming Home to the Highlands (Olivia's story). Her feel-good storylines are heart-tugging, amusing, and leave me wanting to book the next flight to Scotland. Her characters are well-developed and intriguing with relatable, sometimes complex, relationships. I love the friendship threads that run through her stories as much as the romance. I also enjoy the secondary characters who add texture and richness to the story as well as, in some cases, stealing about every scene they're in. Like Granny Isla, the purple-haired octogenarian with a keen wit, sharp eye, loving heart, and propensity for hilarious malapropisms. She kept me chuckling throughout the entire book.
The love scenes in the book are closed door, the romance a slow burn, with a gradual escalation of feelings that is heartwarming and realistic. For fans of Hobman, there's also a tie-in with her Skye series that's fun but shouldn't cause any confusion for readers new to her books. For those who are new, Chasing a Highland Dream can be enjoyed on its own however, I think you'll enjoy it more if you've already read Coming Home to the Highlands. I don't know what Hobman has in store for readers next but whatever it is, I'll be checking it out.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

Yet another wonderful book by Lisa Hobman. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming winter read.

I absolutely loved this book and just couldn't read it quickly enough. Wonderfully described locations, which really made you feel you were there as well as now wanting to actually visit. Most of the characters with a couple of exceptions,are extremely likeable, I absolutely adored granny Isla especially her misuse of certain words, it's hilarious. An absolute joyful read and not only am I in love with Scotland, I'm definitely in love with Harris & of course little Beau the beagle Thank you Netgalley, publisher's and Lisa Hinman for an advanced copy of the book for an honest review.

Chasing a Highland Dream is my second Lisa Hobman book, part of a series set in the Scottish highlands. It continues with the characters we’ve met before, but can be read as a stand-alone book.

When Olivia inherited the Scottish Castle her best friend Bella became her PA. Bella’s dreams of being an interior designer ended when she had to drop out of college. Continuing to draw up designs Bella gets the chance to work on some holiday apartments at the castle.

Bella lives with her grandmother Isla who is always trying to matchmake and help her granddaughter find love. When a disaster happens at their cottage Bella & Isla move into a newly decorated apartment at the castle.

Between her grandmother’s matchmaking and the new temporary neighbour at the apartments Bella ends up with two romantic interests. Who does Bella choose? The exciting writer or the steady police officer.

This is an enjoyable read, some parts a bit predictable but they don’t spoil the story. Olivia’s brother is a source of conflict running through the book, but there’s a nice HEA in the end.

Bella and Isla are great friends - they are opposites in many ways but just "click" together. They also manage to mix business and personal lives well.

There was a clear winner for me in the trio of potential suitors for Bella and I'm glad she went with him. All the geriatric matchmaking was fun and the gentle romance made for a great change of pace from my other reads this week! Granny's malapropisms were one of the highlights of the book - she had me hooting at some of her clangers.

The overall theme was reaching for your dreams and remembering to stand up more times than you fall down. I really enjoyed this Scottish set romance, especially as it was written by an author who actually lives here and gets the speech pacing and all the Scottishisms right!

Who knew a clapped out Citroen and a book could hold so many memories?

Bella loves working with her friend Olivia as her personal assistant but she really dreams of working as an interior designer. Police constable Harris has ambitions to rise in the police force and head his own country station; community policing is his thing. Olivia dreams of making the castle she inherited a profitable event venue and tourist spot. And Isla and Maeve dream of finding the perfect match for their grandchildren.

I thought the story had good momentum; some conflict and curves to bring the drama; and humor in the form of a lively octogenarian who can't keep her idioms straight (and really couldn't care less!). The plot kept me engaged throughout until it works its way to that HEA that spreads the happiness around.

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

It was a genuine treat to return to Drumblair Castle and catch up with Olivia and her friends and family. When we left, Olivia had taken control of the castle, found love and a hopeful future. Bella, on the other hand, Olivia’s best friend, was still hung up on Olivia’s waster of a brother, Kerr.

I was thrilled to see Bella getting her own story and delighted to see her blossom as she found the opportunity to show her interior design skills. What she doesn’t have is any luck with boyfriends and has to tolerate her Gran’s interference at every turn.

I was immediately drawn to policeman, Harris and despite him being billed as boring, I could definitely sense that there was more to him than met the eye. Meanwhile, Bella also meets handsome neighbour, Aiden, who is far more exciting an option.

The descriptions of the castle’s makeover, the scenery, and the sense of community made this gorgeous story come to life. I could certainly imagine spending time in one of the converted stables.

The characters are perfectly imagined and I could almost hear Harris playing the Fiddle. It was also a real treat to catch up with some crossover characters. Obviously, if you’re reading this as a standalone, you’ll not catch the familiar names, but they made me smile. Don’t worry, you’ll still thoroughly enjoy your escape to the Highlands.

There’s a gentle warmth to Lisa Hobman’s storytelling; nothing feels rushed and you instinctively know that there will be a happy ending. How that ending comes about is all part of the fun.

Bella is sweet, relatable and kind. This was an interesting mix, and I found myself switching sides throughout the book. It is light heated and cozy at the same time. Little twists along the way kept a little bit of mystery in the story too. A cute romance story, with good friends and family too.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the first book of Lisa Hobman’s that I have read. It is the second in a series set in the 17th century Drumblaire Castle, Bella is the P.A to her best friend Olivia who is the owner of the castle. The castle is being turned into a destination/event centre in order to make it pay its way and so that it can be preserved. Bella, who yearns to be an interior designer has made over three apartments when Olivia is let down by a design firm. We meet Kier, Olivia’s obnoxious brother who was disinherited due to his gambling and unsavoury lifestyle. Isla is Bella’s grandmother who has a way with words. She is determined to find her granddaughter a partner. Isla is very keen to set up up with the the local police sergeant Harris. Adian, mysterious author has booked a stay at the castle in order to write a book. Through the story we get to see Bella grow in confidence and attract the romantic attention of both men. Altogether and very pleasant read with an interesting cast of characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood for the ARC.

Great to be back at Drumblair Castle with best friends Bella & Liv, this time accompanied by Bella’s formidable sounding Granny Isla.
Another lovely, feel-good book from Lisa Hobman. Great characters who are believable & fully formed with a relationship developing throughout a storyline full of twists & turns … and, hooray, a trip back to Glentorrin!
I enjoyed reading this book, I do hope there’s another one to come in the series, but as both Bella & Liv have their happy ever afters I’m unsure I’d want any catastrophe to happen to bring us back to the Highlands.

A very cute read despite the one terrible character. Expected but unnecessary really. Would have preferred to keep the drama light and less nasty. Looking forward to reading about the Skye inhabitants next.

I absolutely loved this trip to Scotland with Lisa Hobman in "Chasing a Highland Dream.' Bella's growth in life is a joy to share in. Her progress to self and love is a tender lesson in life. Upon completion I immediately went and obtained Olivia's story, which took place before this book but in no way impacted my enjoyment. I absolutely recommend Bella's story and look forward to more from the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The writing is good, and the backdrop and imagery is lovely. However, much of the story is predictable, with a variety of bad boy love interests before the FMC finds “the one”.

I adored Chasing a Highland Dream. it’s an uplifting heartwarming novel that I was completely drawn into. It has a gorgeous plot line and some fabulous characters, my favourite bring granny Isla. Lisa Hobman is a new author for me and this novel has totally whetted my appetite to read more of her books. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

🏰Granny Isla's malapropisms brought the humor to a good romance😊

Author Lisa Hobman novels celebrate Scottish settings and I am a big fan of her romances. Chasing a Highland Dream was not my favorite, but it's solid "like" from me. The romance in this story was sweet and it turns out there are a number of characters chasing their dreams.

Bella loves working with her friend Olivia as her personal assistant but she really dreams of working as an interior designer. Police constable Harris has ambitions to rise in the police force and head his own country station; community policing is his thing. Olivia dreams of making the castle she inherited a profitable event venue and tourist spot. And Isla and Maeve dream of finding the perfect match for their grandchildren.

I thought the story had good momentum; some conflict and curves to bring the drama; and humor in the form of a lively octogenarian who can't keep her idioms straight (and really couldn't care less!). The plot kept me engaged throughout until it works its way to that HEA that spreads the happiness around. And I liked the touching revelations of why and how much a well-travelled Citroen and a well-paged birder book meant to Bella and Harris.

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

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous book by Lisa Hobman.

Bella, who has dreamed of becoming an interior designer, is currently working as a PA for her best friend Olivia.

She is given the job of designing apartments at the castle when the firm Olivia hires backs out.

Will she be able to make her dream come true?

Isla, Bella’s grandmother wants her to find someone, and does her best at matchmaking in order to find that someone for her, will she be successful?

There’s some twists along the way in this sweet story.

The setting was described beautifully.

I highly recommend this book.

Bella is working as PA to her best friend, Olivia, at Drumblair Castle. Bella's dream is to be an interior designer and when she's asked to design the letting apartments at the Castle she jumps at the chance.
Life changes when two love interests come along. Aiden, a mysterious crime writer, and Harris, a dependable police officer. As is the way in these books, they're both drop dead gorgeous and Bella has to get to know them before she chooses.
A thoroughly enjoyable, easy read.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the E Arc of this book. It is the 2nd book in this series.
The main character of this book is Bella, she has not had much luck with men or employment, at present she is PA to her best friend Lady Olivia MacBain at Drumblair Castle near Inverness. Bella longs to be an interior designer but due to circumstances she can't afford to go back to University to train. She lives with her Granny, who is a wonderful character and longs for Bella to find herself a nice Highland lad to settle down with. Gran is very much a match maker and is not shy to share her opinions.

When both Bella and Gran become homeless Olivia insists that they come and live in one of the apartments at the castle. There also happens to be a handsome neighbour - could he be the man of Bella's dreams?

There are many changes for a number of characters in this book. It was good to see Bella grow and become her own lady going after what she wanted. I enjoyed meeting the characters from the first book and catching up on what was happening in their lives. The friendship between Bella and Olivia is so supportive and the care they have for each other was evident. Also the close bond that Bella has with her Grandmother was beautifully written.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the area, one that I am familiar with.
An enjoyable 2nd book. Will be interesting to see what happens next.

I do love a Lisa Hobman story! I often find myself a new book boyfriend in her books and this time was no exception! 💘
I was excited to read this book as I loved the setting of the previous one, and was looking forward to catch up with the characters once more.
This time we focus on Bella, PR to Olivia who has inherited the castle. Living with her fabulous grandmother, we see how much she is enjoying working with her friend, and having an opportunity to try some home designs in the process.
It was fun to see her gran trying to matchmake her with the grandson of her friend. Harris was so adorable and he certainly won my heart over!
Loved the love triangle thing when a mysterious man comes onto the scene, throwing the matchmaking into chaos.
I especially loved the way we were introduced to him too, absolutely brilliant!
Such a gorgeous story that was a dream to read from the very start. And a new book boyfriend to moon over too - win win!

This book was a really interesting read, and I really liked the character development. Bella was a fantastic main character and I felt like the plot had a few twists interns which kept me reading. It was easy to read as a standalone book and I would highly recommend it for an easy read.