Review: Highland Hearts by J.P. Bowie

Callum Robertson has inherited his grandfather’s mansion in northern Scotland, but the house comes with a history he knew nothing about—should he be thrilled, or feel threatened as the house seems to lure him in?

When Callum Robertson first sees the old Scottish country mansion his grandfather bequeathed him, his first instinct is to sell the antiquated pile for whatever he can get for it—admittedly not much in a downturned market. Then he meets Craig MacPherson, a local farmer with auburn curls and sparkling gray eyes, and suddenly the gloomy old house doesn’t look quite the white elephant it first appeared to be.

Craig tells Callum that it’s rumored the house is haunted but by what or whom no one seems to know. Books flying off shelves then being mysteriously replaced give Callum pause to reconsider his rejection of the idea of an actual ghost haunting the place. When he finds a journal relating to the history of his family he is, by turn, intrigued then fascinated as the family saga unfolds through the writings of his ancestors.

An encounter with what he feels must be the spirit of his great-great-great uncle Alistair makes him change his mind about not only selling the house, but also about his future with Craig.

Shortish but perfectly enjoyable, this has been one of several books set in Scotland I've read recently - and I love the setting completely. The imagery of the beautiful Scottish highlands and islands is a beautifully romantic backdrop to any story.

Though this story felt like a quick read, it was enjoyable 'curl up with a cuppa' book, of course the cuppa could have a wee dram of whisky added to it, for authenticity and all that. Yeah, I know. I have a feeling a completely butchered the Scottish there too. Anywho...

If ghost stories of the cosy variety are your thing, then this is a book for you. Nothing was too much of a shock or a twist here, but I don't always need some great big melodramatic angsty feels to my reading, sometimes I want exactly what this story offered; romance, history, a little mystery and a cute read.

Callum and Craig are great MC's. The highland farmer and the townie who have more in common than they realised. I really did enjoy their characters and how this story unfolded around them both.  I really don't have much more to say, this isn't the kind of book that needs pages of review, it really does what it says in the blurb and is a lovely little tale.

A copy of the book was given in exchange for an honest review.

For more information see Goodreads.