Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for giving me an ARC of this book for my review. Esme works for a castle that she had always dreamed about living in. She also was very passionate about acting until her parents told her to get a more practical job so she performs with the amateur community theater. A movie is being filmed at the castle and Esme helps out the main male character. This book was fairly predictable but it was really cute. I really enjoyed reading it!

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and once again, she’s completely won me over. Feel-good fiction at its finest, this novel delivers exactly what it promises—lighthearted escapism, lovable characters, and the perfect amount of romantic mischief.

Esme Cassidy finds herself in a classic post-breakup trifecta: heartbroken, living with her parents, and questioning every career choice she’s made. A job at Drumblair Castle as a personal assistant to the formidable but endearing Lady Olivia offers her a fresh start—and a quaint cottage to call her own. But the cottage already has a tenant, Judd, the charming groundskeeper who quickly becomes a quiet anchor in her life. Add in a glamorous film shoot, a teenage crush turned movie star, a jealous co-star, and a delightful swirl of miscommunications, and you’ve got a story that’s as entertaining as it is heartfelt.

From the castle grounds to the blooming romance, everything about this book made me smile. The emotional warmth, the gentle humor, and the relatable journey of rediscovery make it a perfect comfort read. I'll definitely be picking up more from this author—she’s officially on my go-to list for uplifting, engaging fiction.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Shooting Stars Over The Highlands by Lisa Hobman

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

Blurb

Esme Cassidy had two dreams growing to be a famous film star, and to own Drumblair Castle.

Sadly, overly cautious parents put paid to a career in front of the camera, instead encouraging her to study towards a ‘proper job’, and Lady Olivia MacBain is the current custodian of ‘her castle’.

After graduating and a year travelling, Esme returns home broken-hearted and throws herself into her new role as Lady Olivia’s PA at Drumblair Castle. It’s not quite her original dream but at least she’s living at the castle in one of the estate cottages with her housemate and friend, handsome, yet quirky, groundsman Judd.

With the news that the castle will be used as a film set for a period movie, Esme gets to witness first-hand the career she missed out on. And with her teenage crush in the starring role, she can’t believe her luck. But he wouldn’t be interested in a girl like her, surely?

My Opinion

Shooting Stars Over The Highlands is a delightful addition to the series – this is a series that I would recommend reading in order to get full enjoyment. This was a quick, uplifting read and it was nice to catch up with some familiar characters. Lisa Hobman has done it again, another great book.

Rating 4/5

I really enjoyed this book! This book can be read as a standalone although is part of a series. This followed Esme's story and her complicated life. It was such an enjoyable story with characters new and old. There were many twists in this story and I loved it! I liked how this story covered Esme's dream of being a film star however she ends up being a PA at Drumblair Castle which is then the set for a film! It had romance, friendship and humour which I always enjoy reading about! I would recommend this book to others!

I enjoyed this truly romantic tale set in the Scottish Highlands. When a film crew descends on Drumblair Castle, Esme is excited, but acting is her dream, and she can't help but wish she were in front of the cameras instead of excelling at her PA role for Lady Olivia. The castle has glamorous actors and a supportive community, making this an immersive and engaging story. I like the friendships, the humour and the heartwarming romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Esme is still recovering from a bad breakup while going through life working as a PA to Lady Olivia at Drumblair castle when she meets her teenage crush, actor Zachary. While she works there, she also slowly befriends others such as Parker and Judd.

The pacing is slow and honestly nothing much seems to happen throughout. Even when possible love interests appear, the romance is more of a slow burn and it felt like there were too many filler scenes.

Hence, I found it hard to read through the book and at times I would just skip through some scenes or chapters. Overall, it was an interesting premise but just not a good fit for me.

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

It was so lovely to be back at Drumblair Castle meeting g old friends as well as making new ones.

Esme has just returned from her travels with a broken heart. She’s always wanted to be an actress, but it didn’t work out that way.

She starts working as a PA Lady Olivia, and the castle is the set for a film shooting, the hero is her teenage heartthrob.

Wanting to be independent, Esme moves to live in a cottage she’ll share with another staff member, not gar from the castle.

She begins to like Judd, the person who she’s sharing the cottage with and slowly she begins to have feelings for him, then her ex turns up, she wasn’t expecting to see him again, and sparks fly.

So, will Esme finally get to do what she’s dreamed of and will she get a happy ending?

I highly recommend this book.

Esme has always wanted to be a famous film star.
However life had some other plans and she finds herself working as a PA at Drumblair castle. She’s always loved this castle and now it’s to be the film location for a new movie.
This was a lovely story with great characters. It’s fast moving, easy to read and has light romance. You won’t be able to put it down.

Cute rom com, nerospicy character is something alot of books dont have and i loved it, i wish there was more Judds in the world, Esmes character was fab and glad she got her happy ending

Esme has always wanted to be an actor but was discouraged from pursuing an acting career by her over-protective parents. She is also dealing with heartbreak after a love affair that ended badly. She is ready for a new beginning and is happy to land a job at Drumblair Castle as a PA to Lady Olivia and move out of her parent’s home by sharing a cottage on the castle grounds with Judd. As for acting, an amateur production of Romeo and Juliet will have to suffice. Life changes forever when a movie crew arrives to film a period movie at the castle. Romantic and heart warming!

A standalone book , but part of a beautifully written series set around Dunblair Castle .
Esmes story and her very complicated life ! A really enjoyable story with characters new and old, and many twists to the storyline .it is pure escapism at its best . A read I can thoroughly recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Liisa Hobman for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

A sweet and easy read which I enjoyed. The characters were so lovely and were always on hand to help each other out in difficult situations. If only life was like that!. Lisa always manages to deliver a good book and this one was up there with her others. I love the Scottish theme as it makes me think of mountains and wide open spaces. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Although this is the forth book in the Highland series it is very much a stand alone read. The story focuses on Esme Cassidy. Growing up she had two main dreams - to live in and own Drumblair Castle and to be a famous movie star. Returning heartbroken from a gap year travelling after university the opportunity arises for her to work in the castle as the PA to Lady Olivia. As every day is different in this dream location she is very happy.
When a production team use the Castle as a location for their latest film not only does she get to meet her teenage idol but, she also, gets an insight into a world she once dreamed of being part of.
However, life is never simple and Esme soon has to deal with a blast from the past, new living arrangements and jealous actress.
The location of the story is beautiful , the characters have wonderful human flaws and their are lots of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.

Oh how I loved being back at Drumblair Castle. Esme Cassidy has always dreamed of being an actress and living at the castle since she was a little girl. When she returns from a year abroad and nursing a broken heart she is absolutely delighted to get the position of PA to Lady Olivia the owner of Drumblair. She loves her parents dearly but they tend to be a bit suffocating and when she shares this with Lady Olivia she suggests that Esme shares one of the cottages on the estate with groundsman Judd. Whilst all this is happening a film crew turn up to use the castle and Esme sees first hand what her life could have been like if she had followed her dream and it turns out that her teenage crush is the lead actor………. This is absolutely delightful with a fabulous cast of characters, heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved how the story developed and how Esme’s journey was anything but straight forward. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

A wonderful bit of escapism with great descriptions of Scotland that made me want to pack my bags and go there. I really liked all of the characters and they felt like real people versus characters in a book. I did find the constant references to Taylor Swift a tad irritating but it definitely didn’t ruin it for me. Was the ending a bit far fetched? Yes, but this was also acknowledged in the book and stranger things have happened. A bit of light hearted reading, perfect for anyone who just wants to get away from the real world for a few hours.

This is a lovely feel good read, easy to read and full of great characters. Esme is back from Australia where her boyfriend dumped her at the airport. She’s devastated, but is looking forward to her new job as PA to a Lady at a stately home in the Highlands. Will she find romance again? Loved the location and the characters were all easy to like. A fabulous 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

I was so happy to receive Lisa’s latest book for a review. Once again we are in the Highlands of Scotland at Drumblair Castle. Esme is the new PA to Olivia,she has been away travelling for a year,met Rhys but he broke her heart so she came back home and moved back in with her parents. The castle has been rented out to a film crew and it turns out Esme’s teenage crush Zach is the male hero. Esme,herself was offered a place at the Glasgow conservatoire to study acting but her parents talked her out of it so she is looking forward to see the filming. Esme and her friend Parker are in a local amateur dramatic group and are putting on a play so lots of stress at rehearsals. Esme gets offered a house share in one of the castles cottages. Olivia takes her to meet Judd who’s a gardner on the estate. They seem to get on so agree to share. Judd is a few years older than Esme and quite handsome. Esme meets Zach when she is having her lunch break and he asks her to help him with his lines,he is down to earth and very handsome. You must read the book and see where things go for Esme,Zach and Judd. You won’t be disappointed.

A great lighthearted pure escapism read. I really enjoyed this book. Esme returns back home broken hearted and gets a job at the castle. Lovely scenery and descriptions of Scotland. The characters were good and writing style flowed well. I loved the ending. Dreams can come true in many different ways.

A wannabe Scottish actress deluged with male interest😯

4.5🌟 stars
Very appealing, easy and quick read set in Scotland, one of my most loved venues.

Castle Drumblair owner Lady Olivia MacBain has hired new PA Esme who was crushed by an abruptly ended relationship not so long before. Esme steps into her new position at a castle that's been the object of her dreams since she was a child and soon finds herself socializing with her teenage dream movie star; fending off a blast from her past; and getting close to her new male (platonic) housemate who may not be so platonic in his feelings for her.

This novel had sweet, slow burn romance and a heroine who put her professional acting dreams aside at the encouragement of her loving parents but finds new opportunities to stretch her innate acting skills when the castle becomes the set for a movie and she nabs the female lead in the local amateur drama group's production of Romeo and Juliet. The plot is never boring and I could not stop reading, finishing the story in less than a day. And the author kept me on tenterhooks wondering would Esme pick a romantic partner, if so who, and where her ambitions would take her.

Judd, Esme's housemate, was my favorite character. With him, the author included a main character who is neurodiverse and has a lovely talent for speaking from the heart with the language of flowers. Zachary the movie star had lots of positive points but I did not find him quite as appealing.

Another good adventure centered on the inhabitants and staff of Castle Drumblair.

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

Review shared on 4/15/25 on Waterstones, Goodreads and Bookbub, and with Barnes & Noble. To be shared with Google Play and kobo upon publication.