This was an engaging, quick read from the get-go and one that gave me so much wanderlust to return to London and visit Scotland. At first, the dual viewpoints switching back and forth is a bit confusing without chapter headings, but other than that, their perspectives are quite obvious. Both Lissa and Cormac make compelling protagonists in their own right and I liked following their stories, quite compelling. Think "The Holiday" but with medicine, because that's basically the setup here as we follow two simultaneous fish out of water stores and slowly, very slowly, a friendship builds. But, the pacing and timing of everything feels completely honest and genuine and it worked. The novel is a love letter to small country life more than anything and I couldn't stop smiling, for the most part. The end does feel quite abrupt like after finally meeting, after several near misses, they just jump into a kiss and a relationship. And for a relationship that was so slow, authentic, and cautious, this just feels a bit forced to make sure we cram a HEA in before the book ends. Also, I wasn't the biggest fan of the epilogue and I'm not sure it was totally necessary in the first place. Sure, the part with the transplant family was so sweet, but other than that, nothing between Cormac and Lissa was resolved really, and that's where I wanted to see the romance unfold in the epilogue, based on the book's timing. Other than that, it was a very cute book that makes me want to head to the UK like right now.

another solid book from jenny colgan - sweet and fun. all the feelings. though you could read any of these books on their own, i recommend reading in order just because i think they are more enjoyable that way. the outlander references made me giggle. it was a very emotional read, really tugged at my heartstrings!

I normally adore Jenny Colgan's books. They are always so warm and cozy. For whatever reason I had a hard time with this one. It seemed a bit disorganized and the pacing felt off. Some parts were slow and then the ending felt rushed. Her main characters didn't feel as well developed as some of her other series. I will always read what she writes, but this one was not a favorite of mine.

Super heartwarming - a great distraction from these crazy times. The characters were lovable and I really enjoyed the positive descriptions of therapy.

Very enjoyable book, it gives nicely differing views of life in urban London and rural Scotland. Lots of interesting and diverse characters, and beautiful descriptions of Scotland countryside. It was quite nice to see how each of the main characters struggled to fit into their opposite's home base, and eventually came to appreciate and enjoy their new locations. And don't get me started on the cute hedgehog...

What a terrific read! English girl goes to Scotland... but SO much more — like lovvvvvvvvee, and meaningful commentary on the disadvantaged populations in both urban and rural settings, and real friendship. The alternating settings per chapter lent itself to foreshadowing - something big was going to happen - but i had no idea what. Hoped that I’d catch a glimpse of a character or two from the previous book - and encountered several! Anticipated a meet up of the three English girls in Scotland - and was rewarded by the most natural and realistic scenes ever. And there was love. And a couple happily ever afters.

I love how much heart and wholesomeness Jenny Colgan's books hold, and this book was no exception. It was so lovely and emotionally powerful with some heavy topics (such as PTSD) that really made the happiness that came later in the novel that much more satisfying.

Jenny Colgan returns to Loch Ness for her latest book, 500 Miles from You. Lissa, a young nurse in London, is leaving a home visit when she spots the brother of her ex, Ezra, As she stops to wave at the fifteen-year old and his friends, Lissa is horrified to see a speeding car jump the curb and plow into young Kai. In spite of Lissa's efforts he dies, but a grieving Lissa is able to persuade Kai's mother to donate his organs. This generous act helps people all over the world, including tiny Islay who has been waiting for a heart in the small town of Kirrinfief. Lissa is unable to get past the moment of the accident, and her work and self-care show the effects. Her supervisor and her fabulous roommate Kim-Ange convince her to take part in an exchange program with Cormac MacPherson, a young Scots EMT. Cormac suffers from his own troubles following a stint as a medic in Afghanistan so welcomes the chance to get away. Lissa finds herself in Kirrenfief, shell-shocked and confused. Her shyness comes across as stand-offishness so it takes a while for the villagers to accept her and for Lissa to uncover the beauty of the peaceful village. She begins to contact Cormac in London with questions and notes. Cormac responds with his own, including advice on the Villagers and hilarious illustrations.. Over the three month exchange their texts and emails become more personal. As Cormac and Lissa discover the positives and negatives of their living situations, they also discover common ground and grow closer then 500 miles would lead you to believe possible.

I love Jenny Colgan and was so excited to read the ARC. This is a great novel - Colgan deals with PTSD with sensitivity, but manages to include her signature humor and a little romance. Lissa is helped out by Nina from the Bookshop on the Corner, and Zoe from the Bookshop on the Shore, and fans will recognize other characters from the books. Readers new to Colgan will have no trouble being absorbed into her world and will enjoy spending time in Kirrinfief for a while. I'm ready to read it again, and again!!!

DNF 30% - this is one of the strangest books I've ever read. I cannot continue because it has such a great deal of focus on medical cases? Like in depth descriptions of oozing holes on a patient's groin. What in the ever loving pearl did I just read?!!?

I honestly did not expect to be so emotional when I was reading this book! It was a 2 hankie read that kept me up all night because I just couldn't stop with the story and needed to see how it ended. Fans of Colgan will be so happy with this new offering. This book will also probably make tons and tons of new fans along the way.

This is just one of those happy, sweet, books that buoys my spirits. The fact that all the action takes place in London and a Scottish village near Loch Ness (two of my favorite locations on the planet) doesn’t hurt a bit. OK — Also I am a Jenny Colgan fan so no surprise that I enjoyed this one.

Kind of a cross between Cameron Diaz’ “The Holiday” and “84 Charing Cross Road”, two Nurse Practitioner Liaisons switch jobs and houses for a 3 month period — Lissa Westcott leaving London for Kirrinfief, Scotland while Cormac MacPherson heads to London. Having never met, they get to know each other via daily email check ins and … you can guess the rest. Very nicely done — the perspective of the stranger learning the ropes in a foreign place (I’m sorry, but Scotland wins every time) — made me hunger to visit (a little difficult right now as we have to wonder when we will ever be able to travel again). Some lovely descriptions of nature, tight knit communities, friendship, and the excitement of learning something new. Very sweet ending.

Jenny Colgan is an author who I can consistently recommend for a reader who enjoys anything from British lifestyle, to humor, to romance fiction. She is also a personal favorite.

"500 Miles" is very different than some of her other books in that the catalyst of events is a tragedy. The main protagonist Lissa witnesses a hit-and-run on the streets of her native London which sends her into an emotional tailspin. She is numb from the experience and the shock of the accident and the ensuing criminal trial takes its toll on LIssa emotionally and professionally. When given an opportunity to escape to the Scottish countryside to regroup, she grudgingly goes and the result is live-changing.

Once again Jenny Colgan delivers a book with believable characters and a story that flawlessly submerges the reader into the sights, smells, flavors and people of the British Isles..

This was definitely a lot heavier than the typical Colgan novel, but I did like the change. It was still filled with humor and romance, while addressing some serious topics. It was a quick and easy read, and you know what to expect if you've read other Colgan novels. Regardless, it was a good read and I know my patrons will enjoy it. We'll definitely be ordering a few copies for the library.

Jenny Colgan is the type of author you will want to read whenever things around you seem grim. Always providing hope and a fulfilling end to a story, this book is no different. Lissa leaves London for a small town in Scotland after witnessing a traumatic car accident. She trades places with Cormac, a male nurse who is a bit lonely but has a good heart. As they begin to communicate through text, a relationship begins to form. There are all kinds of missteps along the way. I really enjoyed it,particularly the details of the beautiful Scottish landscape. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Love story that begins and ends with friendship. Lovely to revisit with characters from other stories.

What I loved about this book is that it includes the delightful characters from previous Bookshop on the Shore and Bookshop on the Corner. It is the story of a nurse in London who witnesses an unspeakable crime and a nurse in Scotland who was formally in the army and has PTSD. They swap jobs for 3 months, and have a hard time adjusting to very different life styles.. The characters are interesting, typical Londoners and Scots. My only suggestion would be to get rid of the first few chapters, they were boring and needed to be tightened up.

Another sweet and touching novel by Jenny Colgan. This one feels a bit more aware of the realities of society today than some of her others while still managing to hold on to the dreamy fantasy of small town living that make her books so wonderful. We get to see some old friends from other books, including Nina, Zoe, Lennox, and get an update on all the Kirrinfief characters as well as meet some wonderful new additions (Kim-Ange). Additionally, the male love interest is much kinder and more likeable than her's usually are. This title features the formula Colgan readers have come to know (woman endures trauma/burnout, starts a new life in remote town, doesn't like it at first then makes friends, finds love interest, professional succces, comes to love the natural beauty of the land) but with some updates- the few things I've had issues with in her previous books were not present here. It works and if you've liked her other books you'll love this, too.

I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another hit from Jenny Colgan. I loved that she returned to the small town of Kirrinfeif and its wonderful inhabitants. Lissie is a visiting nurse who experiences a trauma and is sent to the small town. She learns to slow down and appreciate the little things that life has to offer. What a wonderful lesson for all of us. I have never been to the UK but I always feel like I'm visiting a familiar place when I read Jenny Colgan.

Another utterly charming offering from Jenny Colgan. A must buy for collections where women's fiction and contemporary romance are popular.

Jenny Colgan balances the negative and the positive in the demanding lives of two nurses Lissa a London nurse and Cormack from the small town of Kirrinfief. The two nurses are asked to trade locations and have to adjust to new surroundings and demands. Though they are different they are the same in their quest to care for others.
A senseless death that brings new life to another, PTSD, homelessness, courage and friendships are all present in this beautifully written book.