What do you think?
Rate this book
Highland Happiness Saga #1
Forever in Your Arms
Love finds you when you least expect it.
Grieving her beloved father, Colleen Murray leaves Boston to explore his birthplace and heritage in the Scottish Highlands. Initially blind to the quaint village charm of Kirkby and the rugged beauty of her surroundings, Colleen's world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Alex Fraser, the attractive but rather guarded owner of the local bed & breakfast, "The Cosy Thistle".
As a fellow horse enthusiast and single father to an amazing boy, Alex is everything Colleen didn't know she was looking for. Happiness seems within reach when shadows from Alex's past emerge, threatening to unravel their budding romance. Will Colleen's journey to her roots lead her to everlasting love, or will unforeseen perils tear them apart?
♥♥♥
"Forever In Your Arms" is the first novel in the "Highland Happiness" series. Dive into a story of love defying all odds, set against the majestic backdrop of Scotland's enchanting landscapes.
♥♥♥
While you can read each story as a standalone this is the upcoming order of my series including publishing dates:
One Summer Changes All: prequel novella, out now
Forever in Your Arms: novel, coming in January 2025
Spice Up My Life: novel, April 25
High Spirits & Gentle Beasts: novel, July 25
Return to You: Novella, September 25
All’s Fair in Love and Truth: novel, October 25
The Things We Weave for Love: novel, January 26
Clay, Love and Everything in Between: novel, April 26
Finding My Way to You: novel, July 26
One Strike for Love: novel, October 26
Sparking the Flame Within: novel, January 27
Grieving her beloved father, Colleen Murray leaves Boston to explore his birthplace and heritage in the Scottish Highlands. Initially blind to the quaint village charm of Kirkby and the rugged beauty of her surroundings, Colleen's world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Alex Fraser, the attractive but rather guarded owner of the local bed & breakfast, "The Cosy Thistle".
As a fellow horse enthusiast and single father to an amazing boy, Alex is everything Colleen didn't know she was looking for. Happiness seems within reach when shadows from Alex's past emerge, threatening to unravel their budding romance. Will Colleen's journey to her roots lead her to everlasting love, or will unforeseen perils tear them apart?
♥♥♥
"Forever In Your Arms" is the first novel in the "Highland Happiness" series. Dive into a story of love defying all odds, set against the majestic backdrop of Scotland's enchanting landscapes.
♥♥♥
While you can read each story as a standalone this is the upcoming order of my series including publishing dates:
One Summer Changes All: prequel novella, out now
Forever in Your Arms: novel, coming in January 2025
Spice Up My Life: novel, April 25
High Spirits & Gentle Beasts: novel, July 25
Return to You: Novella, September 25
All’s Fair in Love and Truth: novel, October 25
The Things We Weave for Love: novel, January 26
Clay, Love and Everything in Between: novel, April 26
Finding My Way to You: novel, July 26
One Strike for Love: novel, October 26
Sparking the Flame Within: novel, January 27
- GenresRomance
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
119 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 3, 2025
This is a new author to me, but I really enjoyed my time in her Scottish world!
While this is labeled as a second 'chance' romance, I feel it 's more like a second 'encounter'. Both of these characters were in no way ready for each other when they met years ago. Colleen was unhappy, working at a job not suited to her in Boston, and her first interaction with Alex was less than ideal. Alex wasn't fairing any better: the mother of his child was playing games, and left them to pursue her own path.
Fast forward to now - Colleen's father's passing spurs her to reconnect with his home country, Scotland, specifically the town of Kirkby. Finding the roots she so desperately needs in this quaint town (full of endearing characters) brings her and Alex the HEA both of them deserve. Along the way, this couple has misunderstandings and pasts that they need to navigate around, but overall, their chemistry and connection sees them through. While this wasn't a steamy read, it was a great emotional build up to their ultimate forever, and I enjoyed my time in these pages.
I am so excited to continue my time with these characters and enjoy the rest of this series. I recommend reading in order for the best experience.
My ARC came from Booksirens, thank you, and I happily leave my review.
While this is labeled as a second 'chance' romance, I feel it 's more like a second 'encounter'. Both of these characters were in no way ready for each other when they met years ago. Colleen was unhappy, working at a job not suited to her in Boston, and her first interaction with Alex was less than ideal. Alex wasn't fairing any better: the mother of his child was playing games, and left them to pursue her own path.
Fast forward to now - Colleen's father's passing spurs her to reconnect with his home country, Scotland, specifically the town of Kirkby. Finding the roots she so desperately needs in this quaint town (full of endearing characters) brings her and Alex the HEA both of them deserve. Along the way, this couple has misunderstandings and pasts that they need to navigate around, but overall, their chemistry and connection sees them through. While this wasn't a steamy read, it was a great emotional build up to their ultimate forever, and I enjoyed my time in these pages.
I am so excited to continue my time with these characters and enjoy the rest of this series. I recommend reading in order for the best experience.
My ARC came from Booksirens, thank you, and I happily leave my review.
January 16, 2025
This was a lovely story about overcoming grief, finding where one's true home is, and learning to trust and make a leap of faith into love.
From the blurb, I was so curious about Colleen's story: leaving her life back in Boston, she brings her father's ashes to rest back to his homeland in Scotland where he left when he had just been sixteen. Not particularly feeling rooted and at home in Boston, and now feeling a bit lost without her father and unsure about her future, she decides to stay in Scotland for awhile and explore the town her father considered his true home. It is the moment she sets foot on the lodge where she is to live for the next few months do we see her story of finding her true home start to unravel. It was so engaging for me to watch her be overwhelmed by the unexpected warm welcome and instant acceptance she receives from the people around her, starting with the family that owns the lodge.. Little by little, she takes on valuable roles in the community. Slowly but surely, she starts to discover the purpose she can meaningfully play in their little town, and we see her start to embed her roots.
Of course, what is a homecoming story without a bit of love to spice it up? That's where Alex comes in, the grumpy and guarded owner of the lodge. It's actually not the first time he and Colleen meet, though it is only now that they are truly starting to sow a friendship that eventually wishes to bloom into more. But Alex has been burned by rejection and abandonment in the past, and that stops him from truly giving it his all in his relationship with Colleen. It was clear that it was Colleen who was willing to move forward and deeper into what their relationship could be, so it was fascinating to witness how Alex grappled with his fears of both wanting Colleen too much and fearing that she did not want him enough to stay. In the end, of course, love and hope and trust win. What a swoony final chapter that was indeed!
As with any story of finding one's true home, it is often intricately tied to establishing familial ties with people you connect with deeply, and I loved how that was portrayed in this story. The side characters in the book were all such lovely characters, and we could see how truly crucial they were in helping Colleen grow her roots in their town of Kirkby. Compelling characters as those we have in this book definitely are key to a captivating story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
From the blurb, I was so curious about Colleen's story: leaving her life back in Boston, she brings her father's ashes to rest back to his homeland in Scotland where he left when he had just been sixteen. Not particularly feeling rooted and at home in Boston, and now feeling a bit lost without her father and unsure about her future, she decides to stay in Scotland for awhile and explore the town her father considered his true home. It is the moment she sets foot on the lodge where she is to live for the next few months do we see her story of finding her true home start to unravel. It was so engaging for me to watch her be overwhelmed by the unexpected warm welcome and instant acceptance she receives from the people around her, starting with the family that owns the lodge.. Little by little, she takes on valuable roles in the community. Slowly but surely, she starts to discover the purpose she can meaningfully play in their little town, and we see her start to embed her roots.
Of course, what is a homecoming story without a bit of love to spice it up? That's where Alex comes in, the grumpy and guarded owner of the lodge. It's actually not the first time he and Colleen meet, though it is only now that they are truly starting to sow a friendship that eventually wishes to bloom into more. But Alex has been burned by rejection and abandonment in the past, and that stops him from truly giving it his all in his relationship with Colleen. It was clear that it was Colleen who was willing to move forward and deeper into what their relationship could be, so it was fascinating to witness how Alex grappled with his fears of both wanting Colleen too much and fearing that she did not want him enough to stay. In the end, of course, love and hope and trust win. What a swoony final chapter that was indeed!
As with any story of finding one's true home, it is often intricately tied to establishing familial ties with people you connect with deeply, and I loved how that was portrayed in this story. The side characters in the book were all such lovely characters, and we could see how truly crucial they were in helping Colleen grow her roots in their town of Kirkby. Compelling characters as those we have in this book definitely are key to a captivating story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 16, 2025
Coming home
Such a lovely story.
After the passing of her father, Colleen and her dog leave the US to fulfil her father’s last request in Scotland.
Upon meeting the townsfolk of Kirkby and revealing why she is there she is immediately taken in and treated like family.
Her attraction to the hotel owner, Alex complicates matters as she has no plans of staying in Scotland.
Why does it feel like the longer Colleen stays in the quaint little highland village of Kirkby that it feels more and more like her home?
This is a beautiful story of a lonely grieving daughter that up ends her life, only to find that she just may have found her happy place plus the love of a special man and his teenage son.
Such wonderful characters throughout the book and a great storyline.
Looking forward to spending more time in Kirkby.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such a lovely story.
After the passing of her father, Colleen and her dog leave the US to fulfil her father’s last request in Scotland.
Upon meeting the townsfolk of Kirkby and revealing why she is there she is immediately taken in and treated like family.
Her attraction to the hotel owner, Alex complicates matters as she has no plans of staying in Scotland.
Why does it feel like the longer Colleen stays in the quaint little highland village of Kirkby that it feels more and more like her home?
This is a beautiful story of a lonely grieving daughter that up ends her life, only to find that she just may have found her happy place plus the love of a special man and his teenage son.
Such wonderful characters throughout the book and a great storyline.
Looking forward to spending more time in Kirkby.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2025
When Colleen's father passes she decides to visit the place that was his home years ago Scotland. Leaving her life in Boston behind she wanted to visited all the places he'd told her about and hopefully experience firsthand how his life had been when he was younger. Little did she expect the welcome she recieved from the residents the whole community seemed very welcoming. Alex runs the local boarding House whilst bringing up his son Aiden. Alex is your typical grumpy single dad with a miscellaneous son, Alex has a definite standoffish indifference towards love and relationships. Can the community help heal past hurt and will Colleen find a way to thaw his heart. This is a heartwarming story that will have you giggling and maybe even shed a few tears. I wasn't sure when I first started reading but am glad I did and hope you'll enjoy it as much
August 17, 2025
Charming:
This was a delightful and uplifting debut novel. I really enjoyed the quaint, Scottish Highlands, small town setting and the location and people really seemed to come alive. I found the author's writing style to be immersive and the plot was interesting and flowed well.
I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and enjoyed seeing Colleen and Axel fall in love. However I did find myself getting rather annoyed with Axel at times as he liked to play the martyr and wasn't very decisive.
All in all, this was a fabulous book and I eagerly look forward to reading the rest of the books in this wonderful new series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a delightful and uplifting debut novel. I really enjoyed the quaint, Scottish Highlands, small town setting and the location and people really seemed to come alive. I found the author's writing style to be immersive and the plot was interesting and flowed well.
I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and enjoyed seeing Colleen and Axel fall in love. However I did find myself getting rather annoyed with Axel at times as he liked to play the martyr and wasn't very decisive.
All in all, this was a fabulous book and I eagerly look forward to reading the rest of the books in this wonderful new series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2025
This certainly made me feel happy. Family interaction, community spirit and nosiness, Highlander Alex who looks like a Viking hero but needs rescuing from himself on occasion and American Colleen who finds healing, kinship and self belief.
Young Aidan grounds us all and Marlin contributes worldly wisdom.
There’s a few twists along the way, some clichés that didn’t bother me at all because it’s a very beguiling world that the author gives us.
There’s more to come I think and I look forward to reading it.
I received an advance review copy for fraud I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Young Aidan grounds us all and Marlin contributes worldly wisdom.
There’s a few twists along the way, some clichés that didn’t bother me at all because it’s a very beguiling world that the author gives us.
There’s more to come I think and I look forward to reading it.
I received an advance review copy for fraud I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2025
Forever in Your Arms is one of the most beautiful Highland stories I have ever read!
Alex and Colleen's story is compelling from the start and had me feeling the full range of emotions. I laughed out loud, shed a few tears, giggled and held my breath rooting for this wonderful couple and Alex's mischievous son Aiden.
The little village of Kirkby is enticing and charming with all its quirky residents, and I really wish it was a real place so I could visit this village and meet all these fascinating characters. I can't wait to read more Highland stories set in Kirkby by this gifted author.
Alex and Colleen's story is compelling from the start and had me feeling the full range of emotions. I laughed out loud, shed a few tears, giggled and held my breath rooting for this wonderful couple and Alex's mischievous son Aiden.
The little village of Kirkby is enticing and charming with all its quirky residents, and I really wish it was a real place so I could visit this village and meet all these fascinating characters. I can't wait to read more Highland stories set in Kirkby by this gifted author.
January 22, 2025
An emotional read. Colleen travels to Scotland to visit where her father used to live in Kirkby. Alex is a single dad running the local boarding house. His son Aiden is adorable as are the other residents in this charming town. There is a mutual attraction between Alex and Colleen but he has been badly hurt before and is very wary of getting involved with anyone again. However, as Colleen establishes herself in the town she is determined to persuade Alex to give their relationship a chance and create a future together for all three of them.
January 30, 2025
It took a bit to get into the writing or story with the Scottish language. Good, solid story about a young lady, Colleen, who went to Kirby, Scotland, after her father’s passing. Colleen was close to her father and grieved deeply.
Alex and son, Aidan, became close to Colleen while she was visiting this quaint little country town in Scotland. Their story goes on from here with plenty of drama and intrigue to keep reader interested.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Alex and son, Aidan, became close to Colleen while she was visiting this quaint little country town in Scotland. Their story goes on from here with plenty of drama and intrigue to keep reader interested.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2025
Wow, Forever in Your Arms is a emotional and heartfelt book that will leave you wanting a hot cup of tea and needing a box of Kleenex. I loved this book, from the quant Scottish village, to the characters and their individual pasts and storylines. This book is about love, loss and that your true family can be anyone who understands,listens, loves, and supports you. I can't wait to read Charlotte McGregor's next Highland Happiness book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2025
A gentle, feel-good romance. No trauma, no pain, just a happy coast through a new relationship. The MMC is frustratingly obtuse and stubborn, the FMC is initially confused and feeble, but both characters come into their own and honestly deserve each other (in a good way). I love the highlands and enjoyed how this book didn’t gloss over the bad weather and how little there is to do there in rural areas, while still maintaining a good story.
March 25, 2025
this cute little novel, i loved the acceptance of the whole village, Alex giving her a horse, it melted my heart, i WAS WORRIED ABOUT HER AND COLLUM GETTING TOGETHER WHEN i WAS SCREAMING NO ALEX MAKE A MOVE, THE MOTHER IS JUST EVIL AND i DID NOT LIKE HER, BUT she reminded me of one of my friends mom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
This was a really sweet story set in a charming little Scottish town. It's a heartwarming story about overcoming grief, finding yourself and a place you truly belong. I enjoyed the found family aspect. The characters introduced makes me want to read more about them, And I can't wait to start the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
Thank you for letting me read your book! This book was adorably perfect and everything seemed to be going along joyously as a HEA - but we end up with a lot of information in a few chapter in the last quarter of the book. I loved the first 3/4 and would have loved to read the last quarter with as much detail.
Overall? Great story and moving in the right ways!
Overall? Great story and moving in the right ways!
September 6, 2025
Forever in Your Arms Book 1 in Highland Happiness by new to me author Charlotte McGregor wrote a really sweet and heartwarming story story set in a charming little Scottish town. A very enjoyable read that pulled on my heartstrings. I look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2025
new beginnings
Colleen and Alex both have heavy burdens to carry, still this book manages to give the reader hope that something wonderful can evolve from hurt and loss and that it´s never too late to travel new paths that might lead to a happier life.
Colleen and Alex both have heavy burdens to carry, still this book manages to give the reader hope that something wonderful can evolve from hurt and loss and that it´s never too late to travel new paths that might lead to a happier life.
February 12, 2025
Great read
A great book about love and families of one’s choosing. The good times and challenging times as we grow and learn life lessons be it young or old.
A great book about love and families of one’s choosing. The good times and challenging times as we grow and learn life lessons be it young or old.
March 30, 2025
Sweet and endearing
Loved the characters, and their interactions. Alex and Coleen are such a cute couple. I will definitely be rereading it!
Loved the characters, and their interactions. Alex and Coleen are such a cute couple. I will definitely be rereading it!
April 13, 2025
A very good book. Easy to read, and kept you interested
February 18, 2025
I adored Alex and Colleen, but if I'm being honest, Aiden won my heart first.
What made this an easy 5 star for me was that the author got me right in the feelings and actually had me crying a few times. That is a sign of a true word magician!
The side characters in this story were so incredibly entertaining as well! I was totally on Alex' father's side when it came to Collum. I think I still may be.
I must read the next books!
What made this an easy 5 star for me was that the author got me right in the feelings and actually had me crying a few times. That is a sign of a true word magician!
The side characters in this story were so incredibly entertaining as well! I was totally on Alex' father's side when it came to Collum. I think I still may be.
I must read the next books!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews