Book Description:
In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks.
But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.
Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.
When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives. And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.
Take a trip to the Highlands with Judy Leigh for an unforgettable story of glorious pasts and fabulous futures, of love, friendship, family and fun. The perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins.
My Thoughts:
I’ve always loved Scotland so I was very much attracted to reading this novel after reading the book description. The setting of Glen Carrick House was just wonderful especially being so close to Loch Ness. I was very envious of the McKinlay family as well as Jess who finds herself unexpectedly employed to be a carer of sorts for Mimi, the matriarch of the family.
Whilst the main character is Jess, the eccentric Mimi steals the limelight in this story which I am sure would please her to know. She is such a fabulous character who by the end, I deeply cared about. In fact I loved the whole family as well as Mimi’s friend Isabella. Life is far from dull where Miami is concerned. She spends a lot of time reminiscing about the past as well as wanting to be the girl she was with all her hopes and dreams. She was an absolute delight to get to know.
We could all do with a little, well maybe a lot, of Mimi and Isabella inside of us. To say these ladies are in their eighties, they know how to have fun. I would have adored to be part of their liquid lunches! There is a vulnerable side to Mimi also though and seeing how her sons, along with Jess, rally around her and the love they lavish on her was just the sweetest.
The Highland Hens was a lot of fun with many heart-warming moments. The family bond was especially endearing to read and the romance side of things had me falling head over heels myself. The friendship between Jess and Mimi is one that will stay with me and was so beautiful to read. These characters captured my heart, so much so that I shed more than a few tears at the end. A gorgeous feel-good read that is a reminder to live life to the fullest and enjoy the here and now.
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