Where to Start with Donna Ashcroft
Donna Ashcroft specializes in uplifting contemporary romance novels filled with close-knit communities, charming settings, and characters seeking a fresh start. Because her novels are written as standalones, you can dive in almost anywhere. However, she frequently groups her books by fictional geographic settings, allowing characters from previous books to make cameo appearances. For the absolute best reading experience, we recommend starting with the series in publication order or choosing one of her regional mini-series to read chronologically.
The Castle Cove Series (2018)
This is where Donna Ashcroft's publishing journey began. Set in a picturesque, fictional seaside village on the Dorset coast (inspired by real-life Lulworth Cove), this two-book series introduces readers to her signature recipe: cozy shops, healing hearts, and warm community vibes.
- Summer at the Castle Cafe (2018): Introduces Alice Appleton as she moves to the coast to escape her past and finds work at the local café.
- The Little Christmas Teashop of Second Chances (2018): A festive follow-up featuring Lily King, who finds solace and winter romance in the same coastal village.
The Sunflower Island Duology (2019)
Moving away from the mainland, Ashcroft set these two books on the fictional, sun-soaked Sunflower Island. These books should be read in order to fully appreciate the development of the island's community backdrop.
- The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings (2019): Focuses on Madison Skylar as she returns home to renovate a rundown wellness retreat alongside local builder Connor.
- The Christmas Countdown (2019): Follows Holly Devine, who escapes to her aunt's cottage on the island and takes on a series of advent calendar challenges, meeting local pub landlord Finn.
The Indigo Cove (Cornwall) Series (2022–2023)
This duology shifts the setting to Indigo Cove, a charming coastal village in Cornwall. While they feature different main characters, they share a setting and a similar tone of healing and self-discovery.
- The Little Cornish House (2022): Ruby Penhaligon returns to the cove to help save her grandmother's pottery business and clashes with a brooding local brewer.
- Summer at the Cornish Beach Cafe (2023): Jessie flees to Indigo Cove after being jilted at the altar and crosses paths with her first love, Ashton.
The Lockton & Scottish Highlands Books (2020–2025)
The vast majority of Donna Ashcroft’s books are set in the snowy, rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The main hub is the fictional village of Lockton, but newer titles branch out into other festive Highland towns like Mistletoe. Reading these in publication order allows you to visit Lockton and its surrounding areas as the community grows.
- The Little Village of New Starts (2020): Set in Lockton, following a woman rebuilding her life in the Highlands.
- If Every Day Was Christmas (2020): Another Lockton-based story focused on festive cheer and second chances.
- Summer in the Scottish Highlands (2021): (Originally published under the title Summer at Kindness Cottage) Paige Dougall returns to her childhood home in Lockton to heal after heartbreak.
- Christmas in the Scottish Highlands (2021): A festive romance set in the snowy Highland landscape.
- Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands (2022): Returns to Lockton for another cozy winter mystery and romance.
- Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands (2023): A seasonal story packed with warmth and local gossip.
- Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands (2024): A snowy romance that deepens the community lore.
- A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands (2024): Explores the nearby festive village of Mistletoe.
- Escape to the Little Scottish Village (2025): A standalone return to her beloved Highland setting.
- Christmas at the Scottish Lodge (2025): Set at Holly Berry Lodge, following Mairi Fraser as she reconnects with an old flame.
New Series: Honey Haven (2026)
In 2026, Ashcroft launches a brand new series set in a tiny Scottish town called Honey Haven. This marks a new era in her publishing journey with Bookouture.
- The Candy Apple Cafe (2026): Follows Izzi as she moves to Honey Haven and works with a brooding local named Cameron to organize the town's Autumn festival.
Other Standalone Novels
Aside from her regional books, Donna Ashcroft has written a few standalone contemporary romances that take readers to new settings outside her established series hubs.
- A Very Italian Wedding (2025): An enemies-to-lovers romance set in the sun-drenched village of Bellemilia in Tuscany, Italy.
- Christmas, Actually (2026): A festive romantic comedy that stands outside her usual Highland settings.
What to Know Before You Start
Donna Ashcroft’s books are designed for ultimate cozy escapism. You do not need to worry about cliffhangers, as every single book features a complete, standalone romantic story with a guaranteed happy ending. If you want to spot recurring background characters and track the growth of local shops and town dynamics, we highly recommend reading the Lockton/Scottish Highlands books in order of release. If you prefer sunnier, beachy settings, start with the Castle Cove or Indigo Cove books before moving on to the snowy Highlands.