Review: The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh

Title: The Highland Hens

Author: Judy Leigh

Year published: 2022

Category: Adult fiction (romance)

Pages: 350 pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Location: (my 2022 Google Reading map): UK

Summary: 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.

Review: This was a fun read for an airplane and the beginning of a UK vacation.

Jess is a character I can relate to, she is about my age with a daughter in her 20s, she is divorced and figuring out how to do life on her own. She, more than me, is searching for something. I like that she finds it in this novel. She finds Scotland, a job she enjoys, a family she adores, and adventure.

Mimi is a real character: sassy (at 88 years old!), fun, losing her memory, the life of the party. She loves her family fiercely and that shows in the family dynamics. I like that she and her adult sons bring others into their fold for support and fun.

While this is not a "deep" story, it is one that made me smile. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, the Scottish highlands setting is wonderful (my dad is from Scotland), and it's a fun storyline.

Challenges for which this counts: none