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The Highlands #3

A Highland Family Affair

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Can people ever really change or are family ties always set to unravel?

After inheriting Drumblair Castle over her older brother Kerr, Lady Olivia MacBain has had to forge a new life for herself far away from New York and her dream career in fashion. She fears her brother’s bitterness has fractured their relationship to the point of no return and is still clearing away the devastation he left when he disappeared.

Kerr’s unexpected return and supposed change of heart raises eyebrows. He is now seeking forgiveness and to rebuild the bridges he previously wrecked, but can he be trusted, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?

While her friends are settling down, Olivia patiently waits for childhood sweetheart Brodie to propose and wonders if she will ever get her happy ever after.

Can Olivia find a happy future or are promises always made to be broken?

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2024

187 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Hobman

30 books113 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,627 reviews177 followers
December 31, 2025
A strong continuation to the series that has combined all of my favourite elements so far: the castle, Skye, Olivia’s relationship and the infamous Kerr. I think the narrative and time period makes this perfect for “betwixt-mas” and even Valentine’s Day, because there is certainly love in the air at Drumblair Castle.

Bella, Olivia’s PA from the previous book, takes a back seat as readers are firmly rooted back at Drumblair Castle. Olivia is convinced that her boyfriend, Brodie, is going to propose imminently, but cannot foresee him making any plans for this to happen. Hiding her disappointment, when it does finally happen, Hobman creates such a romantic scene that even I was swooning. Brodie does a top job for our protagonist and this love and happiness radiates throughout the rest of the novel.

Kerr’s return in the book is shocking and dramatic. It took me so long to be convinced by his character and I was doubtful whether Hobman was taking him in the right direction for the story. However, instead of Kerr being a hyperbolic pantomime villain, the writer shows a more humane aspect to his character and I really enjoyed the subplot that emerges around him. It made the story more interesting and meant it was not just centred around Olivia’s relationship.

Things are going from strength to strength at the castle and it was lovely to see how entrepreneurial the team have become. There’s lot of possibilities afoot for the future of Drumblair and I hope this means there is still plenty of material for Hobman to use in this series. With currently only two more books left to read in the Highlands, I can’t help but feel a bit sad that I might be coming to the end of Olivia’s story.

As new characters are introduced to this story, I am curious to see what role they will play, especially considering how the novel concluded. It was an uplifting tale with plenty of romance, some sadness and several surprises along the way as well.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Abbeigh.
162 reviews23 followers
September 8, 2024
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book as a standalone, however it is part of a trilogy. Set in Scottish Highlands, this story following Clan MacBain, who hail from Drumblair Castle, where sister Olivia still lives with her partner.

Her brother Kerr returns with seemingly good intentions - but does he have an ulterior motive?

I thoroughly enjoyed this feel good romance story. I found it to be an incredibly easy read, with lots of funny and heartwarming moments, as well as the topic of self forgiveness and family reconciliation.
Profile Image for theweebookworm .
424 reviews28 followers
October 7, 2024
I have read the first 2 books in the series, so I was looking forward to this one.

It was lovely being back in Drumblair with Liv, Brodie and their family and friends. When Kerr, Liv's brother, turns up again like a bad penny everyone's heart sinks. He announces he is a different person and has come back to make amends, but can anyone believe him.

I loved the character development for Kerr especially with the twists thrown in. Liv and Brodie also had a few setbacks but I was hopeful of a good outcome for them.

As usual, the setting is lovely and I love the closeness of the family. I'm glad Granny Isla and her malapropisms made an appearance, she does make me laugh.

I do hope there is another book to come as I would like to see what's next in store for Kerr and Olivia.

A lovely easy read with family, friendship and romance at its heart.
1,002 reviews21 followers
October 15, 2024
Loved being back at Drumblair Castle and what a surprise to see Kerr has returned!
Liv and Brodie are featured in this book and I love how their romance is progressing.
Some old favourites pop up in this story and I especially love Isla, she’s so funny.
Emotional, uplifting read about family set in a stunning location.
Profile Image for Henriette.
927 reviews13 followers
October 25, 2024
This book was a little different from the first few in the series for me. Despite loving being back at the castle with Liv, Brodie, Dougie, Mirren and the dogs I wasn't feeling the story as much as I had expected and was leaning towards 4 stars, but then bam... with only about 30% of the book left I was caught completely off guard and found myself unable to put the book down and had tears streaming down my cheeks.

What did you do to me Lisa? I was not expecting any of what happened or how it would make me feel. Wow! Please tell me this was not really the last one in the series.
Profile Image for Pj Ausdenmore.
930 reviews32 followers
October 25, 2024
Can people really change? That's the question Olivia MacBain faces when her estranged brother Kerr reappears in her life in this third book in Lisa Hobman's The Scottish Highland series.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series and have been looking forward to Olivia's HEA with Brodie, the childhood friend she reunited with in book one. What I did not expect when I began reading A Highland Family Affair was a possible reconciliation and redemption arc for Kerr. Of course, that part of the journey is filled with ups and downs, as I would expect after Kerr's actions earlier in the series. I really enjoyed the way Hobman laid out that part of the story. There were enough twists along the way to make things both realistic and relatable while also keeping me guessing how things would turn out right up until the end...with Olivia's relationships with both Kerr and Brodie.

Hobman excelled in bringing both her characters as well as the Scottish setting to life in this series. The descriptions of Olivia's family castle and estate are so vividly depicted that I could easily picture it...and want to visit. The characters are complex and fully developed with complicated back stories and relationships, both present and past. I love Olivia's friends - in both Scotland and the US - and the love and support they all give one another. Bestie Bella's Granny Isla is another favorite. She's back and as hilarious as ever in this book.

The romance between Brodie and Olivia has been a heartwarming, though by no means easy, journey and their hard-won happy ending is tearfully sigh worthy. I especially enjoyed the tie-in with some of the characters from Glentorrin from Hobman's The Skye Collection series, a special treat for fans of that series.

I'm going to strongly recommend reading the three books in Lisa Hobman's The Scottish Highland series in order. I think it's essential in order to fully understand the journey these characters have taken and be able to appreciate the evolution of the relationships, both familial and romantic.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,050 reviews63 followers
October 10, 2024
A Highland Family Affair 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

Can people ever really change or are family ties always set to unravel?

After inheriting Drumblair Castle over her older brother Kerr, Lady Olivia MacBain has had to forge a new life for herself far away from New York and her dream career in fashion. She fears her brother’s bitterness has fractured their relationship to the point of no return and is still clearing away the devastation he left when he disappeared.

Kerr’s unexpected return and supposed change of heart raises eyebrows. He is now seeking forgiveness and to rebuild the bridges he previously wrecked, but can he be trusted, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?

While her friends are settling down, Olivia patiently waits for childhood sweetheart Brodie to propose and wonders if she will ever get her happy ever after.

Can Olivia find a happy future or are promises always made to be broken?

My Opinion

A Highland Family Affair is the third book in The Highlands series by Lisa Hobman – this is a series that I am reading in order and I would highly recommend that the books are read in the correct order to ensure full enjoyment.

Olivia, Liv, is still working on improving the castle and when an opportunity arises to make a significant amount of money will she be able to take it? This was an easy book to read with a great setting and showing how family can come together when needed. Reading this series in order has given me a great opportunity to see how the characters have developed, and for me all of the characters feel so familiar so it is great to see how far they have come.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Connie.
2,504 reviews62 followers
October 6, 2024
Lady Olivia MacBain has inherited her family’s 15th century castle called Drumblair Castle in Scotland. Before her mother passed away, she saw how badly her son, Kerr, had fallen into drinking and gambling which is why Olivia received the inheritance. When Kerr found out he had been livid and left the home. Some time later, he has returned a broken man, begging for forgiveness. Skeptical of him, Olivia agrees to give him a chance. Kerr brings a dog with him called Sir Lancelot who he says has helped him. They are inseparable. Olivia insists that he join Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous and he agrees. Soon, he gets a job and while attending meetings, he is keeping his promise of reform.

Olivia has improved the castle immensely. She is in love with Brodie, son of the groundskeeper. They have been a couple for a while now and she is hoping they will wed. Mirren is her long-time housekeeper and married to Dougie. Olivia now has a cafe for tourists who are now allowed to take walks on the grounds and some tours of the castle are offered. She has turned things around and made it all profitable. When Brodie plans a lovely marriage proposal, Olivia is thrilled and they plan a wedding in a few months.

I have followed this family story for several books now and have loved each of them. They are warm with real characters and everyone with the same problems as all of us. We find real friends who care for one another and help each other. Such a lovely story of second chances and growth in life. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Lily.
1,448 reviews12 followers
December 22, 2024
In this charming new instalment in Lisa Hobman’s Scottish Highland series, readers return to Drumblair Castle, which Lady Olivia MacBain has inherited over her older brother Kerr, and she rebuilds her life after leaving New York and a promising career in fashion behind. However, Kerr’s return and surprising change of heart shakes things up, including Olivia’s new start and her plans for Drumblair Castle. Hoping for the best with Kerr’s arrival and expecting that nothing will have changed, Olivia is also waiting for her childhood sweetheart to propose to her; with everything changing all at the same time, Olivia has a lot on her plate as the new manager of Drumblair Castle. With fascinating characters, a whimsically beautiful setting, and an emotional and well-developed plot, readers will love this romantic jaunt to a castle in the Scottish Highlands because Hobman has brought it to life so beautifully. The characters and their relationships are the star of the show, while the location enhances the relevant plot points and narrative twists in the novel. For readers looking for a nice escapist romance, this latest book set in the Scottish highlands is whimsical, charming, and warm-hearted, and readers will absolutely devour it and its happy ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
3,744 reviews43 followers
September 27, 2024
Romance with focus on family & friendship🏞🏰👰

A Highland Family Affair was a sweet addition to Lisa Hobman's series about the folks living and working at Drumblair Castle in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness. Olivia, chateleine of the castle, is the main character, but she shares the spotlight with Brodie, the man she's loved since a girl, her gal pals, the castle's long-time workers Mirren and Dougie, and her reprobate brother Kerr who was cut out of inheriting the castle due to his profligate ways and returns claiming he wants to reshape his life. Kerr's transformation and budding relationship with teenage Will were a good subplot.

Other than one exciting action episode, the story struck me as fairly even keel and good but not gripping with good times and good things in store for Olivia and company. There's a brief appearance from a few characters from Hobman's series set on Skye when Olivia and Brodie visit Skye to see BFF Bella.

The light, humorous touch comes with Bella's grandmother Isla who is a champion of malapropism. Her comments always bring a chuckle.

Overall, a nice relaxing read. Thanks to Boldwood Books for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nicola Ray.
131 reviews11 followers
October 5, 2024
After inheriting Drumblair Castle ahead of her older brother Kerr, Lady Olivia MacBain has been compelled to create a new life for herself, far from New York and her dream of a fashion career. She worries that Kerr's resentment has irreparably damaged their relationship, and she is still dealing with the chaos he caused before his disappearance. Kerr's sudden return and apparent change of heart are met with skepticism. He seeks forgiveness and aims to repair the relationships he once destroyed, but questions linger about his sincerity—is it genuine, or merely an illusion? As her friends find their own paths, Olivia waits for her childhood love, Brodie, to propose, hoping for her own fairy-tale ending.

I've enjoyed most of Hobman's books, drawn to the settings and story development. I was delighted to find connections to a previous series set in Skye. It's a heartwarming series with a romantic thread woven through the Scottish Highlands. The narrative offers many poignant moments. Yet, it's Isla's endearing misuse of words that never fails to amuse me. Eagerly, I anticipate the next book to discover what the future holds for Olivia and Brodie. With thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books for an arc in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,266 reviews59 followers
October 6, 2024
A Highland Family Affair is the third book in The Highlands series by Lisa Hobman.

Lady Olivia inherits Drumblair Castle, leaving her brother Kerr bitter, vengeful, and full of spite. After his latest attempt to sabotage Olivia's plans to continue Drumblair Castle's legacy, he disappears. He left behind a damaged relationship with Olivia, and the chaos he caused, in his wake.

When Kerr returns suddenly, disheveled, soaked to the bone, and a mess, Olivia is torn. She knows she can't turn Kerr away, but his appearance back at Drumblair Castle is met with skepticism, apprehension, and distrust. He claims to be sorry and hitting rock bottom opened his eyes, but Oliva isn't so sure.

I enjoyed the author's writing style, the story, and how everything came together. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept thoroughly engaged. The characters are well-written, 3-dimensional, and complex. The author wove a masterpiece together, filled with romance, love, anxious moments, tenderness, frustration, and disbelief. I was captivated by this wonderful story.
Profile Image for Susanne Scott.
1,490 reviews18 followers
September 24, 2024
A lovely read. Very touching.

I love that Brodie and Liv get their happy ever after and all the twists and turns really helped to keep me engaged. The plot, I felt was a little slow until the last few chapters, but this is part of a series and it does give great depth to the characters and the location. No plot or decryption is wasted as it’s all used as another layer for a character that is still being explored- within the book, and maybe in the next book.

I was happy to see Kerr return and to see him working really hard to turn himself around, the plot twists for his character where huge and he dealt with everything with such grace and composure, I can’t help but think his story isn’t quite finished yet and I’ll be looking out for the next book!

A lovely Christmas read, that gives you not one but two Christmas as the timeline is over a year.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
October 11, 2024
I have enjoyed this series set in the Scottish Highlands, and this third book brings everything together. Olivia happily lives in the castle with Brodie, together at last, despite a lifetime of conflicts that previously kept them apart. When her estranged brother Kerr returns, the proverbial prodigal, she wonders if she can trust him. This story is about Kerr's road to recovery and new beginnings. It also focuses on Olivia and Brodie and their future lives. It's a story about friendship, forgiveness, hope and community. It has a lovely, uplifting ending, but only after the reader experiences an emotional journey full of drama, secrets revealed and promises honoured. It's a heartwarming, family-driven story in an idyllic historical setting full of emotion and heart. I enjoyed it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,482 reviews118 followers
October 7, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a lovely heartwarming read set in the Scottish Highlands. At the start, the protagonist, Olivia, is reunited with her brother, Kerr. Something in their past has driven them apart, and Kerr is keen to rebuild their relationship.

The setting of the Scottish castle was something that came to life for me. I liked all the characters and enjoyed their interactions; there was some lighthearted humour, and some deeper moments as well. I felt as though this book highlighted the importance of both family and friendship, and that made me smile.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Profile Image for Dawn Probert.
521 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2024
Great to be back with the gang at the castle. Olivia is settling in with Brodie and adjusting to life as Lady of the castle. Mirren and Dougie are married and life at the castle is good. Olivia and Brodie go off to Skye to see their friends and have a break. Then they have a return visit from a very disheveled Kerr with his tail between his legs and a doggy friend. Olivia feels torn as he is her brother but has hurt her badly in the past. They agree to a tentative thawing of their relationship. Olivia takes on Charlotte her new PA to help with the running of the castle and give her some support and some time back. Charlotte appears to be too good to be true….. thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Williams.
117 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2024
This is the third book in the Highlands series, but it works fine as a stand alone story. The story centers around the relationship between Lady Olivia and the son of the castle groundskeeper as they open the castle to visitors and tours. At first, I was bored with this book and almost stopped reading it. Then it improved greatly and had some very touching moments. I just couldn’t get past the feeling that something was missing. I never could put my finger on exactly what it was. I think that despite the heartfelt moments, I didn’t feel invested enough in the characters to need to know how it ended.

As much as I’d love to recommend this book, I’d really have to say I could take it or leave it.

This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kirsty Hoggons.
199 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley.

This is exactly the kind of book I like to read so I had high expectations going in. The first thing that struck me is the personal relationships. Everyone seems to be paired up with each other or had relationships with another person. Definitely keeping it in the castle.

PLOT TWIST: I thought that Kerr would do something silly to ruin the relationship between him and Olivia but NO WAY did I see him being the father of Will - no way!

Best friend or not, talking to Olivia about being pregnant on her wedding day is not on. It's none of Bella's business and it could definitely have waited. Olivia has every right not to run to her friends immediately to tell them anything anyway.

Overall a very sweet book. Some nice surprises along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Valerie  Brown.
641 reviews7 followers
March 30, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book starts with an overlap of the ending of the previous one which I found slightly confusing. However, the storyline progressed quickly with Brodie and Olivia's romance as the main plot. There were a couple of moments of repetition, and the author's habit of detailing music, songs and artists as well as films continued to irritate me as much as it had in the previous books. That said, I thought that this novel had some good, surprising twists and was much more romantic, I think it is the best in the series.
Profile Image for Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews.
1,587 reviews19 followers
September 21, 2024
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm a sucker for books set in Scotland in general, so this was an obvious choice for me. I really liked the descriptions of the settings, and the characters were particularly delightful. One of the conflicts occurring in the book involves reconciliation with a sibling who has done one wrong.

It's not the fastest moving plot, but who says it has to be? It was a fairly quick read and ticked all the boxes for me.
895 reviews
October 31, 2024
This is the third entry in Lisa Hobman’s Higlands series, but is totally readable as a stand alone book. Olivia is now Lady Olivia MacBain after inheriting Drumblair Castle instead of her brother Kerr. She is just getting used to her new life far away from New York when Kerr returns to Drumblair, swearing he is a changed man. Brodie is still the man in Olivia’s life and she is waiting patiently for him to pop the question. Great characters, family drama, romance and redemption all combine for a great read.
Profile Image for Sarahlovesbooks76.
771 reviews17 followers
December 30, 2024
This is the third book in the Highlands series, revisiting Olivia and Drumblair Castle. It works as a standalone, however I would advise reading the previous books before this - especially as this story sees the return of Olivia's brother Kerr. Can Olivia believe Me has changed, and wants the best for her and the castle?

I liked this story, but I did find it hard to accept Kerr's complete personality change. After the previous books, I was constantly waiting for a return to type! A nice addition to the series, I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Dawn Latham.
5 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
Olivia is worried when her wayward brother shows up at the family home, a Scottish Castle, expecting him to make trouble for the family yet again. I was initially concerned that the plot was a little obvious but it turned out that I was wrong. It was not the most challenging read but ultimately it was a feel good story that I enjoyed. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review & I would recommend it as a relaxing holiday read.
1,308 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2024
It was a decent read, but I was not vested in it since I have not read books 1 & 2. Any book situated in Scotland is always intriguing, if you get the descriptors right, of the people, the locale, etc... and this book delivered on that.

The plotline itself was okay, well paced, and there is finally a hea here.

#netgalley #AHighlandFamilyAffair
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
3,693 reviews12 followers
October 10, 2024
I absolutely love this series and it's always a pleasure to be back in the Highlands and Drumblair Castle.

The characters begin to feel like extended family after a while and a long overdue catch up was much needed.

A Highland Family Affair is a beautifully written heartwarmer of a read with family and friendships at it's heart.

Utterly enjoyable and very hard to put down.
1 review
January 19, 2025
Just finished the trilogy. Enjoyed reading all three books. Descriptions of the countryside, emotions and personalities draws you into the family of Olivia and Kerr. The books brought out real emotions for many of the characters that I don’t get from other stories. Look forward to reading more series from Lisa.
2 reviews
October 8, 2025
In my 68 years, having read hundreds if not thousands of books, I can honestly say I have never been as touched or moved like I was with this book. I cried openly, I laughed out loud and sat with such anxiousness waiting to see what would happen next. Beautifully written series. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
649 reviews23 followers
October 1, 2024
Firstly thank you to @theboldbookclub for the chance to read this book I loved it. This book is book 3 of a trilogy and it has been a great series. I will mis Dunblair castle and its residents. Great story and great characters well worth a read.
208 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
Wonderful

This is a real heartwarmer. The characters are well written and have great personalities. Really enjoyed the series so far and can't wait to find out more about Drumblair Castle.
Profile Image for Rachel Stansel.
1,426 reviews19 followers
August 11, 2024
Another novel in the series around Drumblair Castle and Lady Olivia. Fine as a read alone but better in sequence, we follow Liv as her no go brother appears again looking for redemption. I enjoyed this novel.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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