I have loved this series right back from the very first book, so a new release from Hobman is always eagerly anticipated by me. Shooting Stars is the fourth book in the 'Highlands' series and it's Esme's time to shine!

Return visits to Drumblair Castle are always welcome. Who doesn't love a castle, especially one that's nestled in the stunning sorrounds of the Scottish Highlands?

It has a great cast of charming, likeable characters, some familiar faces and some new friends made.

Such a lovely uplifting read, I enjoyed every minute and didn't want my stay to end.

The perfect escapism.

2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this book, but I found it a bit of a slog, especially at the start. I think at times I found the dialogue a bit twee and un-naturalistic, like Judd telling Esme her overprotective parents were like that because she was ‘precious to them’. I also was annoyed by how much Esme’s parents infantilised her. While I was pleased finally her parents admitted they needed to let go and let her be an adult, it seemed a bit too little too late and, at no time did Esme assert herself enough. The drama with her ex was also unnecessary and didn’t add anything more than drag the pace even further.

I think for me, the nail in the coffin was FINALLY Esme lands herself some acting success and then decides she won’t pursue it, instead sticking to the safe and boring life being Olivia’s EA. It was never her career dream, so WHY did the author do this? I thought this would be a book about a woman finally taking the riskier path after her suffocating parents forced her to decline her place at a prestigious drama school!

Romance-wise, Judd was indeed a sweetheart and I like that the author wove in his neurodivergence, but it felt like insta-love.

Thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.

DNF at 36%

Although it wasn't for me, it has a lot of potential to be a hit! The writing is fluid, but I couldn't concentrate on the main character.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me.

Having missed a couple in this series, I was thrilled to fall straight into the story and not feel even a little bit at a disadvantage for not having the whole backstory. The writing is effortless as it sweeps the new story along without failing to fill in any blanks along the way.
As we meet the new characters, I got the feeling that Esme may have been introduced previously, but that didn’t put me at a disadvantage, as the focus is on her for this story, so I was reminded of everything that I would need to know in a gentle manner. Among the things that I needed to know was that Esme had dreamed of being a film star and pursuing a career in acting, but her parents had encouraged her to find a job with fewer risks. Having grown up with dreams of being the lady of the local castle at Drumblair, she is now content to work as PA to the current custodian, Lady Olivia McBain.
I immediately connected with Esme and felt her disappointment that her former partner had turned out to be less than she had hoped. Now single, she is focused on work, finding her own place, and moving out of her parents' house. Esme had a strong sense of duty, and her determination to do right by her employers was immediately apparent.
We then meet Judd, the castle’s groundsman. A handsome yet somewhat quirky character who needed a housemate to help with his costs in a rented house in the grounds of the castle. A perfect solution for Esme’s need for independence and much handier for work. Judd is a balm to her troubles, and it’s impossible not to fall a little bit in love with him.
You may think that the endgame is visible at that point, but let me tell you about the lucrative booking for a film shoot at the castle with a host of stars, including the actor whose poster was on the wall in Esme’s bedroom. With immediate chemistry between Esme and the star and then the complication of her ex appearing, nothing is straightforward.
I loved being back at Drumblair and didn’t feel like I’d been away. It was excellent and is highly recommended.

another lovely, easy to follow story by Lisa. it has everything you need. reinventing yourself, love, mix ups, serious issues, a build up to success and a happy ending. 5 stars.

This was such an uplifting, feel good book. Esme has always wanted to be an actress but she had some obstacles. She’s finally in a good place with a good job and starts making friends. I love that it is set in Scotland, you feel like you are there with the way the author writes. The witty banter between all the characters had me flying through the book. I highly recommend and can’t wait to read more by this author

This is a lovely escapist novel set in the Scottish Highlands. It is a heartwarming, feel good story of second chances, growth, discovery and love.

The book follows the story of Esme who has gotten her ‘dream’ job at the castle where her childhood crush is filming a movie. Throw in lovely and adoring colleagues, the movie set and even a Romeo and Juliet play production and you have this book.

There was never a dull moment in the plot with all the several things going on together. I love how the author was able to mesh all of these together.

I love all of the characters and the sensitivity with which the author described and represented ADHD and autism.

The setting was superb and I enjoyed the scenes with the Northern Lights and the constellation. I love the somewhat mystery of who Esme will choose even though it was obvious where her heart was.

If you are looking for a warm read with quirky and interesting characters then you should read this.

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.