The third book in the Highland, Georgia romantic comedy series from Laura Trentham, A Highlander is Coming to Town, full of love, laughs…and highlanders! You better watch out. . . Holt Pierson is dreading Christmas. His parents absconded to Florida for the season and left him to handle the family farm which will be his one day–whether he wants it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always … it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the Pierson farm make him happy or is there something–or someone–else out in the wider world calling to him?
To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of a touring band, Highland, Georgia, is the perfect place to hide . . .until a very handsome and deeply curious Holt begins to ask all the questions Claire doesn’t want to answer. As Holt draws Claire out from under and into the fabric of small-town life, can Claire put the past behind her and embrace the unexpected gifts of the season–including the new and lasting love?
“Laura Trentham creates a romance that is both extremely sensual and phenomenal.”
—Fresh Fiction
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Laura Trentham delivers another happily ever after that features the quirky town of Highlands, Georgia and a romance between a real Highlander and a local that brings heart and some heat, all wrapped up in a Christmas bow!
Holt Pierson is about as steady as they come. He’s everyone’s friend and always reliable. The only thing missing for him is finding the right person to spend the rest of his life with. Claire Smythe has been running from her family obligations. She’s traveled with her band and never put down any roots. She’s at a crossroads and knows it’s time to make some decisions, but what she didn’t count on was Holt being part of the equation. The romance between these two was a bit of a slow-burn. Holt was all-in, and it was easy to see why Claire ended up not being able to resist getting involved with him – even though the arrangement was temporary. It was clear that Claire’s family life was a bit dysfunctional, but I really wanted her to confide in Holt. Her behavior at times was a bit frustrating, but then again, after meeting her family it really wasn’t a surprise that she avoided trusting people and getting involved with anyone.
I absolutely loved Ms. Meadows and don’t think this book would have been half as good without her! She was such a hoot and she played the role of the crochety old woman so well…but underneath that was such a caring woman who has suffered some real tragedy. I loved the way she looked after Claire – even though it was Claire that was supposed to be looking after Ms. Meadows, and I loved her spirit.
It was great to catch up with other characters from the previous books. I loved spending more time with Iain and Anna and getting to see how their lives were playing out. Just like the previous books, each supporting character really helped shape Holt and Claire’s story and added such color to the town of Highlands.
This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. It was an easy read that had a good balance between the humor, the heart, and the heat, all while keeping the angst to a minimum. This is one for the TBR!
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley which I voluntarily reviewed.
A Highlander is Coming to Town is the third book in Laura Trentham’s Highland, Georgia series. I was born and raised in Georgia, so this book seemed intriguing. The blurb had me curious, and the cover caught my eye. I’ve enjoyed the handful of books by this author that I’ve read so far, so I thought I’d see what this one was all about. It is part of a series but this book can be read as a standalone. I believe the other books in the series are written this way, as well. I didn’t feel like I was missing any backstory at all, so I can honestly tell you that it’s okay to jump in with any book.
NICUnurse’s Rating: As I said before, I’ve truly enjoyed this author’s writing in the few other books of hers that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I went into this story with really high hopes and expectations. It really pains me to say it, but I didn’t love this book. It took me until about a quarter of the way through it before I really felt like the story became interesting, and I didn’t really connect with the main characters until about halfway through the story, either. I know Laura Trentham is a talented author, and I know I won’t always like every book I read. But I always hate it when I don’t love an author’s work when I’ve loved previous works. I did, however, love how the story ended. I thought it stayed true to who the main characters really were, and left me feeling good about where all of the characters ended up. Regardless of the fact that I didn’t fall in love with this book, I’m not giving up on this author’s work, so look for more reviews of her books in the future!
I give A Highlander is Coming to Town 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Claire is hiding from her family. She does not want to go back to Scotland. She has made her a little spot in Georgia taking care of a sweet, older lady. But, life has a way of showing you who is boss!
I was not the least bit in the mood for a romance when I started this book. But, these characters had me hooked from the start. Claire is a character I adored. I related to her quirkiness. She truly wants to hide and stay hidden but she loves with all her heart.
Then there is Holt. Holt is down to earth and just wants to get through the holidays as quickly as possible. But, when he runs into Claire…his mind changes and he wants to make the best of the holiday season while he can.
This is a perfect Christmas romance to get you in the mood for the season. Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
I enjoyed every minute of this delightful and charming read that immediately captivated me and kept me totally involved in all that was happening in Highland, Georgia from start to finish. I loved Holt Pierson and enjoyed his dynamic with the other characters especially his attraction and undeniable chemistry with Claire Smythe, former Scottish lead singer of a touring band who thinks Highland is the perfect place to hide and becomes live-in helper to Ms. Meadows, a home bound elderly widow. This is the perfect read for this time of year and for anyone who enjoys novels that will have you laughing out loud, leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart. I received an advance reader copy of “A Highlander Is Coming to Town” from the publisher via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This book gave me very nostalgic feelings, and it was wonderful. As someone who lived in a small town and now is learning how to have a corporate job in a big city, I really connected with Claire. She’s only ever known high society, and she feels like it isn’t meant for her. When she shows up in Highland, Claire finds more than she ever expected. There’s Ms. Meadows who is a “frail” woman that has lived alone for many years after her husband passed. Anna and Iain who seem like the perfect and friendly couple. Then there’s Holt. Holt is one of a kind and a beautiful soul. While Claire is down on her luck, she finds her place with these wonderful people. Unfortunately it leaves her with a tough decision to make regarding her own family.
Claire is very relatable. She is anxious and independent. She is scared to let people too close because she has no idea what her future holds. She only signed up to take care of Ms. Meadows because she needed a place to stay and Highland looked as good a place as any. As the holidays approach however, this town becomes so much more! By the time the festivities started, I was fully invested in Claire’s life and ready for Christmas. This is a sweet book that will immediately put you in the mood for the holidays! I really enjoyed it.
A Highlander is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham
A Highland Georgia Novel #3
Heartwarming holiday stories at this time of year might be a dime a dozen but some are that little bit extra and this is one of them. This story has all that a small-town romance should include with friendships old and new, romance for more than one, relationships to create and some to fix, and troubles to overcome before a HEA can occur.
What I liked:
* Clair: dealing with a big decision that will determine her future. Will she be able to find her way to the HEA she deserves or will duty and family stand in thew ay
* Holt: a wonderful man that is just what Clair needs but will he be able to woo and win her or…perhaps not
* Ms. Meadows: an older woman that Clair is living with and caring for. She is a delightful woman and just the balancing force Clair needed at this point in her life
* The smiles and chuckles that occurred from time to time while reading
* Catching up with Iain and Annie – good people and so deserving of one another
* The community, location and their Scots leanings
* The holiday parts of the story
* The issues facing Clair and how she handled them
* The relationship between Clair and Ms. Meadows
* The idea of family and how it plays a part in our development
* So much…can’t list all of them here
What I didn’t like:
* The way Clair was raised
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Highlander is Coming to Town A Highland by Laura Trentham is book Three in the Highland, Georgia Series. This is the story of Claire Smythe and Holt Pierson. I have read the previous book but felt this can be a standalone book. Claire was a lead singer in a Scottish Band but has stepped away from that to become a caretaker in Highland Georgia. This will allow her down time and to get herself back on track. Holt is left to care for the family farm and is at a crossroads in his life of continuing or looking for something or someone more. This is when a chance meeting happens between Clair and Holt opening them up to something new. Enjoyed this easy read book and will be looking for more books from this author.
This is a good book, but the first was better. Now, it’s beautifully written. The descriptions the author uses are wonderful and really let you see the scenery in your head. Claire is hiding from her family, so she found a job in Highland, GA taking care of Ms. . She keeps running into Holt Pierson, who we first saw in the first book. Okay, I really did like this book, but I’m going to bring things up that bothered me. I’m still glad I read the book, but… I didn’t care for Holt in the 1st book, but liked him in this one except for one thing. The author gave us little hints as to what he looked like, leaving it up to us to picture him. But I couldn’t. At all. I think it was because we didn’t get enough personal information about him. Yes, we learned things, but he wasn’t fleshed out (unlike the settings) to me leaving him a faceless character in my mind (but I did like what we were given). Claire annoyed me with her waffling of decisions. I get not knowing what to do, but she didn’t even think about it all, just ignored it. She had a crappy childhood, but come on, she survived on her wits and very little money for five years. That’s not someone who just shoves a huge problem to the side and completely ignores it (and leaves the readers in the dark – way too long). Just be warned although it’s an enjoyable read it had a couple of problems for me.
A Highlander is Coming to Town was an enjoyable read. I really liked Holt, Claire and Ms. Meadows. I look forward to the next book in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley.
This is the third book in the Highland, GA, series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The Highlander in this book is Claire Smythe, formerly a singer with the Scunners. She originally came to Highland, GA, to sing at the Highland Games (an annual festival). Holt Pierson is a handsome local boy who is taking care of the family farm because his parents have gone to Florida. Both seem destined to spend Christmas alone. Claire is taking care of Mrs. Meadows, an older resident of Highland. Holt meets her when he comes to Mrs. Meadows to resolve a feud with his family. They spend time together and come to like each other, but Claire resists developing a deeper relationship because she plans to go back to Scotland. Can Holt convince her to stay?
This is a lighthearted fun story that you feel a part of. Highland is a small town full of delightfully engaging characters, the kind of people you want to get to know. Claire has some secrets and at first is standoffish and shy. When she becomes comfortable with Holt and Mrs. Meadows, that begins to change. Holt seems tough, stern, but he is a good, kind person who takes care of the people in his life. There is chemistry between these two, and they are good for each other. This entertaining story reads like “a day in the life…” with a hitch or two. There is a dispute to resolve, and there are some secrets and surprises. Some unexpected visitors make it to town for Christmas, and Anna Maitland has a special announcement. A Highlander is Coming to town is a lovely way to end the series and a treat that says “Welcome back to Highland, GA, and Merry Christmas!”
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
I absolutely could not wait for this story! We finally get to see the lovable Holt get his miracle! And that miracle is a Scottish lass named Claire.
This series is amazing and the richness of detail of the town of Highland that Ms. Trentham describes puts the reader right on main street. Seeing the town people come alive off the pages is beautiful and shows the talent of the author.
I really enjoy the flow and sweetness that Ms. Trentham has to her stories, you get heat and some serious swoony moments, but you get a ton of heart and togetherness that some romances lack. Her stories are like a palate cleanser for life and all the dark and dreary that surrounds you sometimes.
I admired the honesty that both Holt and Claire had to each other, and I also wanted to shake Claire for the secrets she held back, but could understand it. She was trying to find her place in the world, what she really wanted and not what was expected of her.
I also swooned over Holt’s determination to love Claire the way that she needed and also what he needed. I fell in love with him in the very first story of this series.
This story of Holt and Claire is perfect.
I had not read the first two books and it was not necessary to follow the story. I did find myself wondering about some of the character’s backstory though.
I liked Holt and Claire. Claire’s drama seems to be mostly self-induced which is highly realistic. She’s headed to a deadline that will require her to make a major life choice that she’s been running from forever. She finds herself getting more entrenched in life in Highland and finds peace in her new life.
Holt has pretty much always know who he is and what he wants his life to be. Can a beautiful foreigner fit? He’d sure like to find out. It’s quickly pretty clear that Claire has secrets and isn’t ready to share them.
As Claire and Holt get closer it’s obvious she must tell him and her employer more about herself and she likes the idea. But what will they think if they know? Will she lose them?
Eventually, she’s ready and it’s a good thing but fate is about to force her hand.
I love Claire’s tenderness and enjoyment of her elderly employer. Claire and Holt are also so good together. I enjoyed the read.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an early copy of this story. Laura Trentham is a new author to me, when I read the description I signed up. I was in the mood for something light and cute. This story was just the right fix. A little light Christmas story is just what we need right now. Though this is the third book in the Highland, Georgia series it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I have not read any of the books in the series, but I definitely want to check out the first two books.
Not quite sure how I come across this one especially since there are two before it I had not read. I do live in Georgia so I think it is where it is that caught my attention. This is a romantic holiday comedy that is much needed at this time in what is currently going on. Once you open up and get to meet the characters-Holt and Claire. She is a lead singer that also caught my attention. As the two meet and go on in this they also take us with them. We are swept along from that point on with seeing how a romance can turn a mood around.
A Highlander is Coming to Town is the third book in the Highland, Georgia series. I am a fan of small town romance stories. This series has become one of my favorites.
Ms. Trentham is very skilled in character and storyline development.
Claire Smythe has a secret. Highland, Georgia seems like a good place to keep a low profile until she decides what she wants to do with her life. Holt Pierson will inherit his family farm, but he’s not sure he wants to be a farmer for the rest of his life. Two people with difficult decisions to make.
A Highlander is Coming to Town can be read as a stand-alone, but you won’t want to miss the first two books.
Holt has stalked around the periphery of the previous books, and as we got to know a little about him, I wanted to know more. I was very glad to see him as the hero of his own book finally. He is exactly the sweet, down to earth, good ol’ boy we’ve been seeing in all the earlier books. I wasn’t really sure what to make of Claire for most of this story. All of her closely guarded secrets kept me from really connecting with her. I also thought there was a whole lot more fuss and bother made out of those secrets than what they actually materialized into. I had a similar issue with the pacing in this book as I had with the second: it’s a slow build with a fast race to the finish. And like the second book, I found this one to be heavily focused on introspection and lighter on the comedy of book one. Though, the ending does a brilliant job of bringing us back to the humorous roots of the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Highland, Georgia and I’m sad to say “goodbye” to it.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
A Highlander is Coming to Town is the third book in Laura Trentham’s Highland Georgia novels. Claire Smythe has left the traveling Scottish musical group, the Scudders, in search of anonymity and respite in the small North Georgia town of Highland. Claire has a deadline for her anonymity to end and she has some decisions to make that could change her life forever. This is a time to lie low and keep to herself.
When she leaves the band, Claire has no means of support and no place to stay. Preacher Hopkins appears at the time she needs help most and arranges for her to help an elderly widow which will give her room and board and a small stipend. As Claire’s deadline, her Boxing Day birthday, approaches, she begins breaking all her self imposed rules.
This is such a well written story with warm, rich characters and the lovely rural setting of fictional Highland, Georgia. As Claire opens up to the people in Highland, she finds her own path and is able to make her ultimate decision. I very much enjoyed this book and am hoping there will be more in this series, which I very much recommend it!
I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, but I had no problem following along with the storyline. I really enjoyed this Christmas story. I found it to be funny, and the characters in the book were wonderful. I found this to be a light-hearted read, and would recommend it to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s and am under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
WOW!!! A Highlander is Coming to Town is another amazing story filled with compassion, laughs, and major attraction by Laura Trentham, book three in her Highland, Georgia series. Claire Smythe lead singer in a Scottish touring band decided to hide in Highland, Georgia as she worked through some difficult decisions about her future. Fortunately, a town pastor helped her find lodging when he introduced her to Ms. Meadows, an elderly lady who recently fell and was in need of a helper. Claire tried to keep a low profile but kept encountering Holt Pierson; a handsome and deeply curious resident of Highland. Holt has been dreading Christmas since his parents drove off in an RV and are now in Florida. He followed in his father’s footsteps, as expected, working on the family farm. Lately Holt’s been wondering if this is what makes him happy, or is there something, or someone, drawing him away from Highland. Running into Claire seems like fate to Holt. He starts questioning her and is not deterred by her reluctance to answer him. Holt decides to bring Claire out from under her shell and expose her to the happenings in small-town Highland. Claire begins to make friends, something she never had previously, and gets lulled into helping the local Scottish band. Spending time together, Claire and Holt soon discover a magnetism that can’t keep them apart. Their chemistry has them burning up the sheets not to mention how they fit together like jigsaw pieces. Holt knows Claire has decisions to make, but hopes she can put the past and family obligations behind her and embrace the love they share; giving them the best holiday present ever.
Ms. Trentham wrote a wonderfully funny and sexy story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, hot Highlanders, and other charming characters giving Claire and Holt a chance for happiness and love. I highly recommend A Highlander is Coming to Town to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
A HIGHLANDER IS COMING TO TOWN is author Laura Trentham’s third novel in the Highland, Georgia series. I read and reviewed the first one, but somehow missed book #2. This third story reads quite well as a standalone. A couple characters from the first book play a minor role.
The true highlander in this book is the heroine, Claire. She has left Scotland and her wealthy family’s whisky empire behind to find what out she really wants. On her twenty-fifth birthday, she will come into her inheritance as long as she goes back home to help run the business. She has changed her last name so people won’t know who she is and she can hide.
After using her singing skills and touring with a band called the Scunners, Claire ends up settling in the small town of Highland, Georgia and gets a job taking care of an elderly lady, Mrs. Meadows. She doesn’t have much money, so she relies on an old bicycle to get around. After having a mishap with the bike while running some errands for her employer, she ends up accepting a ride from Holt who lives at the nearby farm. She is very nervous about receiving his help, especially after hearing some of Mrs. Meadows tales about his family.
Holt turns about to be a wonderful man. The author has crafted a hero who every woman would want to have in her life. He is caring towards everyone and doesn’t put too much pressure on Claire as their relationship grows.
Claire had a childhood of pretty much benign neglect. She is torn about her duties to her family and what will truly give her a sense of peace. Even though I am much older than Claire, I could relate to her dilemma. In life, do we get a chance to follow our passion or get set on a path of what is expected of us.?
Mrs. Meadows may be an elderly lady with health issues, but the author gives her a sometimes gruff exterior that still hides some tenderness and wisdom gathered over the years.
I am writing this during a time of upheaval with coronavirus and political unrest. A sweet love story is always a way for me to feel better and stay away from reading too many upsetting and depressing things.
You will want to grab all the books in this delightful series to brighten up your days.
A big thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for letting me read and review this wonderful book.