The Highland Fling Book Club Kit
The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn is the official November 2024 pick for the Peanut Blossom Book Club for Recovering Readers.
I’m going to be totally honest with you. I judged this book by its cover. I just couldn’t resist it.
That adorable tartan font kept catching this Outlander fan’s eye but it was the super-high reviews that sold me when it came to pick it for this year’s book club line-up.
I often pick a cozy foodie type book for November, but something about the lush Scottish highlands and a coffee shop “Help Wanted!” ad just screamed “Fall Books” to me.
This month’s book is a fun getaway romp with a bit of family drama that I hope you’ll enjoy reading in the weeks ahead.
P.S. Just joining us? Don’t miss the full 2024 line-up for our book club picks.
Peanut Blossom Book Club
This book club pick is one of the awesome books from our tenth year of book club.
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What is The Highland Fling About?
Freshly fired from her third job in a row, Bonnie St. James has lost her way. So when she and her best friend stumble upon a “help wanted” post to run a coffee shop in the Scottish Highlands, they apply on a whim. Who knows? Maybe traveling to a new place is just what she needs to figure out her next move.
When the friends arrive in the tiny idyllic town of Corsekelly, they instantly fall for the gorgeous Highland landscape and friendly townspeople. But Bonnie finds a less-than-warm welcome in Rowan MacGregor, the rugged local handyman. Busy wrestling his own demons, Rowan’s in no mood to deal with the quirky American—even if she is a bonny lass.
As Bonnie and Rowan’s paths inevitably cross, insults—and sparks—fly. Can the pair build on their similarities to help each other find purpose and direction…and maybe romance too? Or will their passionate tempers fling them apart?
How Spicy is The Highland Fling?
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Heads Up: This month’s book club rates 4 chili peppers on my spicy book rating scale. There is plenty of plot between these fiery moments, but the language is quite clear and you know all the details of what is happening.
If you want to know more about how I felt after reading this book, you can read my full Highland Fling book review here.
Things to Know About Scotland Before You Read
Is The Highland Fling a light hearted, steamy romance? Yes.
Will you still learn a thing or two? YES!
Do not underestimate “fluff” books, just because we’re reading romance doesn’t mean you won’t come away with something more from your reading experience. There were several times I found myself pausing my read to go and search images. I thought I’d save you some of the effort!
What is a “Hairy Coo”??
These adorable long-haired Highland cows, also known as “Hairy Coos”, are featured predominantly in the story. Bonnie loves them, rightly so.
Look how cute!
What Does Scotland Look Like?
From the quaint town of Corsekelly, to Inverness, to the Scottish Lochs, several real places are mentioned throughout the story. I kept looking up maps and photos out of curiosity because Scotland is very much on my bucket list to visit!
You may enjoy letting this video play softly in the background while you read for a little extra ambiance! It would be fun to let it play on your tv during your book club meeting, too.
The Highland Fling Discussion Questions
I believe the best book club questions to spark a lively discussion in your group help readers make personal connections to the story.
You can read about how to write the best book club questions on your own here to get you started.
Question 1:
Rate your knowledge of Scotland:
- No Interest: I don’t care to visit, I only read this book because of book club.
- I’m a Newbie: Never been, never read anything, haven’t watched any movies.
- I’m a Long-Distance Fan: Have watched some shows or read some books, I’d love to visit.
- I Want to GO!: Sign me up, where’s my plane ticket.
- I’m a SUPER Scotland Fan: I’ve read (and watched) the Ultimate Outlander library, I’ve read tons of books about Scotland, I’ve been there to visit myself and have the pics to prove it!
Question 2:
If you spotted a help-wanted add like Bonnie and Dakota did, would you answer the call? Could you put your life on hold and go live in another country for 6 months? Where would it have to be to get you to accept?
Question 3:
On their first night in Scotland, Bonnie digs right in on a serving of haggis without knowing what it is. How adventurous of an eater are you? Would you sample a dish like this?
Question 4:
What would you think of Rowan when you met him? Does his character appeal to you?
Question 5:
Which of the characters did you find the most relatable? If you had to step into one of their shoes, who would you be?
Question 6:
Would you enjoy fixing up the coffee shop with a (mostly) unlimited budget? What would you have done with it and what would you serve?
Question 7:
If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be?
Book Club Party Menu
I think it is so fun to plan your book club dinner menu or dessert list based on the theme of the book.
Without giving away any spoilers, there’s a big moment in the story that features Rowan baking an iced cherry cake that Bonnie enjoys tremendously.
This is apparently a traditional Scottish tea room treat. I’ve never tried it myself, so instead I created a special cherry cake with almond icing inspired by this story. It uses a 9×13-inch boxed cake mix and a can of cherry pie filling.
Scottish shortbread cookies are mentioned several times throughout the story. You could buy packages of shortbread from the store but my Irish shortbread cookies recipe is really easy to make and tastes so much better. Channel your inner Bonnie and test out a new recipe!
Tattie scones are also mentioned several times throughout the book. These are a traditional Scottish savory scone that has mashed potato in the mix.
You could play off the scone theme and make my easy almond cherry scones in sweet heart shapes. It would be like a cross between the scones and that iced cherry cake, with hearts for the romance of the story!
And if you wanted to host a hands-on baking activity with your book club friends, why not have everyone pitch in and try to make homemade butteries??
I’ve never made them myself but I found this super helpful recipe for butteries on Scottish Scran.
You Might Also Enjoy
If you loved The Highland Fling you might also like:
I love your monthly newsletters and book recommendations. And all your recipes look delicious. I especially like November’s book choice because I was in Scotland last year and I am looking forward to reading this month’s book. Thank-you.
Aw you made my night! Thank you so much for the sweet feedback.
Tiffany