Review - - A Highlander is Coming to Town

 

A Highlander is Coming to Town

by Laura Trentham

Highand, Georgia - Book 3

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

 

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 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?

PJ's Thoughts:

A Highlander is Coming to Town is another enjoyable story in Laura Trentham's Highland, Georgia romantic comedy series. I've been looking forward to learning more about Holt and am delighted that he turned out to be as endearing, kind, steadfast, and genuinely nice as I had hoped he would be. Claire, on the other hand, is new to Highland. She's prickly, secretive, and a fish out of water. Highland may pride itself on its Scottish roots but northern Georgia is a far cry from Claire's home in Scotland.  

Claire has never known unconditional love, never fully trusted another person, never known anyone to perform a kindness without expecting something in return (thanks to her dysfunctional family). Small wonder she regards Southern hospitality with skepticism. I enjoyed watching her slowly lower those protective walls she has built around herself as she gets to know Ms. Meadows (the elderly woman she works for), Holt, and others in the small community. I also enjoyed watching her shake up Holt and his rather complacent life. Holt grounds her, giving her a safe place to land while Claire opens his eyes to possibilities he hadn't considered. 

The pace of this book is slow and easy, with minimal angst, a bit of steam, a lively group of townspeople, and a happily ever after I can believe in. Fans of the series will enjoy new events in Anna's and Iain's relationship (book 2 - A Highlander in a Pickup) while readers new to Highland, Georgia should be able to jump in with A Highlander is Coming to Town.