A Secret Scottish Escape by Julie Shackman is a heartwarming contemporary romance filled with secrets, music, and small-town charm. The story follows Layla, a freelance writer whose world is turned upside down when her fiancé dies—only for her to discover he passed away in the arms of his ex-wife. Heartbroken, Layla decides to give back to her community using the money she inherited from him, transforming a dilapidated boathouse into a live music lounge to breathe life into the quiet Scottish hamlet of Loch Harris.

Layla is a relatable and strong character, determined to find her way through grief and betrayal. Her love for music, inspired by her father, is a central theme, and it drives her to connect with the town’s mysterious new musician, Rafe, whose past is shrouded in intrigue. The story shifts between romance, mystery, and family drama, making for an engaging read.

While the plot is packed with twists, it keeps the reader hooked as secrets are revealed and relationships tested. The cosy, atmospheric setting of the Scottish countryside adds a delightful backdrop to the unfolding drama. Layla’s journey of self-discovery and her efforts to bring music to the town are inspiring, though the subplots can sometimes feel a bit crowded, diverting attention from the main storyline.

Despite a slow start, the novel picks up pace, and the mystery behind Rafe’s identity adds an extra layer of suspense. The romance is a slow burn, with a satisfying payoff in the end. Overall, A Secret Scottish Escape is a feel-good, page-turning story that will leave readers smiling and eager for the next book in the series.

Didn't connect with the main character from the get-go, and it all felt very telling. Aside from her being cheated on, I didn't know how or why I should be caring for her - there was everything happening around her, people/characters around her, but who was she as a person, as someone I should want to root for? This was sadly lacking for me, which didn't make for an enjoyable read as I never connected with the heroine

A Secret Scottish Escape
by Julie Shackman
A well written book about Layla who is trying to move on with her when her fiancé dies of heart attack in another woman’s arms. She plans to plains to leave Loch Harris but has an unexpected inheritance and decides to open a music venue - The Conch Club and as a celebrity is rumoured to have moved into the area and she wants him to do the opening but he keep thwarting her efforts. The book has it all shocks betrayal mystery friendship family and very interesting characters and a few secrets and great scenery. Great read and potentially more books about the characters of small town.4.5/5

A cozy romance with a little drama thrown in, A SECRET SCOTTISH ESCAPE will find Layla plotting and planning to open her club with an outstanding act and the subject of her plot working just as hard to avoid her plans. A quick read that will bring a sigh to the end.

A Secret Scottish Escape is an absolutely delightful cosy romance! This feel-good novel is perfect for escaping lockdown and entering the captivating world of the sleepy Scottish Highlands.

Layla’s story of moving on after the tragic loss of her fiancée is relatable and will touch the hearts of all readers. As she seeks solace in the comfort of her Scottish homeland, Layla’s strong sense of purpose, wit, and courage will inspire readers everywhere.

Rafe Buchanan’s story is especially heart-warming, as Layla gradually uncovers his true identity and finds a way to help him overcome the darkness that haunts his past.

A Secret Scottish Escape will bring a spark of joy and an alluring adventure for any reader who takes the plunge and embarks on this sweet, beautiful journey.

📚BOOK REVIEW📚

Layla is shocked when her fiancé dies unexpectedly. In the bed of another woman. As she works through her grief and shock her mother drops a bomb that her father may not be the man she grew up with but one of his band mates. After initially planning to disclaim the significant inheritance her fiancé left her, she decides to use it to open a live music venue in her small Scottish town. Her hope is to help revitalize the tourist economy. Her dad’s band agrees to reunite for the grand opening. She even gets exclusive music from the elusive local music star “Mask.”

The book explores relationships and grief of all kinds with solid side characters. I loved the journey!

I am thankful for the electronic copy of the book that I received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I tried my hardest to love this book more than I actually did. I was enticed by the cover and the promise of a Scottish setting and, whilst Loch Harris delivered, I don’t think the plot matched my expectations.

Going into this book, I was anticipating a charming romance read about a girl who is starting over again. This does happen, although the story takes a while to really get going and it took some time before we see Layla grab life by the horns and make a decision to move on from her recent bereavement. However, there was not so much focus on romance and connections, but more of the mystery surrounding a local celebrity that has moved in nearby. Some may consider Layla as looking out for her community, but I grew frustrated by her meddling ways.

Not only does she force herself into Rafe’s life – awkwardly so, I must add – she interferes with her friend’s own love life and there is also a sub-plot about her parentage. I thought there was too much crammed into this narrative that it meant this read more like a cosy mystery, rather than the yearned-for romance. On reflection, there was hardly a love interest in this story and I think this is what made this book so different to what the cover implies. Rather than seeing The Conch Club come together, Layla seems to be more focussed on what everyone else is doing, and this influenced me to like her character less and less.

I enjoyed some of the mystery behind Rafe’s identity but think the writer would have benefitted by simplifying the story – removing some of the smaller subplots (I really could not care about Layla’s true father or what her friend was thinking about a budding relationship) – and spending the time developing the major parts of the story. I wanted to see more of The Conch Club and thought it was a shame that so few pages were devoted to this element of the book – after all, it is what causes Layla to change the direction of her life. Furthermore, whilst the story concludes on its opening night, I thought more could have been done to show the renovations that Layla does and the work she puts in to ensure her music venue is going to be a success.

Yet, I carried on reading this book because I was intrigued by Rafe’s past and how his identity would influence Layla’s actions. I wanted to see her music venue open and be successful, wondering whether Rafe would ever get involved. The writer does leave this a bit open-ended but I do wish the closing Epilogue had not generated a sense of abandonment towards Scotland. True, Shackman details some lovely Scottish countryside but I think this could have been capitalised even further.

This is the beginning of a series and I am curious to see how it will continue. I hope the character development is stronger and the protagonist is more likeable! Returning to The Conch Club will be an added bonus, but I do hope there is more romance and less interfering in the next story.

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fantastically compelling read. The characters were wonderful and it’s so well written. It’s a fabulous story and that ending , this was a completely heartwarming and endearing read, which I throughly recommend

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Unfortunately I didn't get on with this book. It took so long to even meet the man who was meant to be the hero that I didn't have the patience to keep going and see when he would eventually turn up. As the book was published a little while ago now, I won't be sharing this review on my social pages.

I really enjoyed this novel. The characters are likeable and the story moves along nicely. It made me want to go to the Scottish Highlands. Would recommend.

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

I enjoyed this one. Lovely setting and great characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I read A Secret Scottish Escape in the summer, but it might be best in wintertime because the book gives all those vibes! It’s such a lovely book to read and now I want to visit Scotland haha.

What a beautiful setting in Loch Harris for a slice of escapism. Layla's journey back through her grief and the betrayal of her husband is heartwarming. As both her and Rafe struggle to heal the damage from their pasts and find a new beginning in each other, its hard not to get caught up in the romance.

Loved this book, just a perfect read to snuggle down and enjoy. A good blend of escapism with fun characters to keep you interested. In the world where so much is grey, this really lifted my mood.

My first book by this author and I won’t hesitate to read more!! Loved this story with its twists and turns, a dab of mystery, and a romance as well — all of the plots and intriguing subplots are woven together to create a unique masterpiece. If you are looking for the perfect book to escape into … look no further!

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read

This might just be the perfect read for a cold winter’s day when a reader is looking for escape. It is long (over 400 pages) and currently just $2.99 in the e book edition.

This book has a central character in Layla. She has just experienced the death of her fiancee and this did not happen in a very good way. Layla knows that she needs a change and so she goes to Scotland, to a place that she was from. A good thing about this title is the setting.

What will await Layla here? How do recluses and music fit into the plot? Will there be a happy-ever-after for Layla? Read this one to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was a brilliant read and is being featured on my blog for my quick star reviews feature, which I have created on my blog so I can catch up with all the books I have read and therefore review.
See www.chellsandbooks.wordpress.com.

I loved the setting in this book and Loch Harris certainly gave you the feel of the Scottish Highlands. With plenty of relatable characters and a good story line with a good mixture of mystery and romance as well as sorrow this made an enjoyable easy read book