Who knew you could craft a whole story around crockery? I enjoyed this fun contemporary romance against a crockery shop backdrop, with a parallel historical crockery romance as a subplot. Didn’t love the not-fully-wrapped up unrequited historical love story, and didn’t like the sneaky husband. Apart from that, loved the teapot description, art history, handsome Xander, and the old scandal surfaced by historical letters and diaries. Fun little cosy mystery wrapped up in a light coming of age / romantic story.

Great quick fun read. Perfect for an easy cozy escape. The jacket cover gives an adequate description so I won't give a book report. Great characters, especially the Dad, Kenny. If he is modeled after a real person he is a fun guy! Read and enjoy.
I was provided an advanced reader copy but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

What a cute, cozy book! I was not expecting a wee mystery from Julie Shackman, but this did not disappoint.
Sophie is unhappy with her job as a wedding planner, and quits after a disagreement with management, unsure what she will do next. Her recently-deceased grandmother has purchased Sophie a store-front in their small village, and Sophie’s parents encourage her to follow her grandmothers dream of opening a crockery shop. Soon this becomes Sophie’s dream as well, planning all the gorgeous tea sets she will stock and refreshing the store with soft paint and decor, until one day, a woman leaves Sophie an unusual tea set, and Sophie embarks on an investigation to discover more about the provenance of this special tea pot, and the woman who dropped it off.
Very enjoyable read. I had my phone beside me so I could glance at photos of the beautiful tea sets mentioned throughout.

This is a delightful, light read with a nostalgic air. At the beginning, you can see that Sophie is not appreciated in her job as a wedding planner, by some. Of course, most of her clients and co-workers appreciate what she does. She shows herself to have a great sense of fairness and ultimately, sacrifices herself rather than give in to the entitled ones. Running through the story, you have flashbacks to Sophie's grandmother which cast light on her wish for Sophie to fulfil her ambitions.

As Sophie finds her feet in her new career, it opens up mysteries as secrets from the past emerge. Zander is an enigmatic character and we do not really find out what his feelings are until we are well into the story. The beautiful tea sets which Sophie so adores run through the years. Their delicate patterns hark back to a different age and add a certain nostalgia, Sophie has inherited her love of fine crockery from her grandmother and it leads her to meet some influential characters, including Zander. This is an uplifting read which will lift the spirits.

In short: secrets emerge from the past
#blogtour

This is a lovely escapist novel based in the Scottish village of Briar Glen.The story revolves around Sophie who works at a Manor House as a wedding planner. Due to a disagreement at work Sophie resigns out of principle. Around the same time her grandma has died and Sophie helps her mum and to empty her grans cottage. Unbeknown to anyone before her death the gran had purchased a shop for Sophie and also some very expensive tea sets. The gran and Sophie shared a love of crockery and tea sets.. This book covers so many aspects of everyday life,but it also takes you back to the past,due to a China tea set being donated to Sophie’s new China shop and the story unravels with interest as to how the China tea set became so valuable and sought after. An excellent read and a perfect form of escapism.

This was a great novel to read with a mixture of generations plus mystery and romance. Good characters and the setting being Scotland made for a lovely story. Well worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (there are plenty of reviews that do that out there already if that's what you are looking for).

This is a cosy, heart-warming story that lifted my spirits on a particularly rainy day! The vibe reminded me of the type of stories I used to read in my Gran's "People's Friend", which I always loved. I liked the relationship between Sophie and her Gran too, and felt sad that her Gran had been married to such a seemingly incompatible husband!

Although I found the idea of a tea-set shop being so successful rather unlikely (though as I have a soft spot for tea sets, I'd love to visit one myself!), I enjoyed the background and history of the valuable sets that came into Sophie's possession, and was pleased to find the outcome of the "mysteries".

I'd categorise this as an easy light read, with a touch of romance and mystery thrown in - an ideal holiday or rainy-day read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Business is blooming in Briar Glen. When Sophie Harkness suddenly leaves her wedding planning job, she's in for a surprising future.

Going through her grandmother's things, Sophie realizes that Helena had an idea brewing. Helena wanted Sophie to open a crockery shop and in her last letter, leaves Sophie a shop and expensive tea sets to sell to percolate business.

When a tea set is thrust into Sophie's hands, she sets forth to uncover the truth. Will Sophie be be able to solve the Brian Glen mystery or will its thorns create obstacles they must overcome? Get ready for armchair escape read that will leave readers in hot water if they don't solve in time.

Excerpt:

"The powder-blue Briar Glen rose was said to have grown in abundance in the area. Although no actual evidence of it exists, the image of this beautiful flower became closely associated with Briar Glen. It also provided an attractive emblem for the local stonemasons to use when the cottages were built.
Almost all of the local cottages possess an engraving above their door, depicting the mysterious blue Briar Glen rose in full bloom. The blue rose was said to represent something impossible to comprehend or a dream that may never be fulfilled. When falling in love, roses of this shade are said to bring hope when love may be unrequited. " (A Scottish Highland Surprise by Julie Shackman)

Oh boy.
I think that I haven't read such predictable, monotonous book for a long time. There was perhaps 5% of the plot and the rest was descriptions of simply everything: food, setting, every single cup, preparing the shop, preparing the shop, preparing the shop, the way the clothes looked like and that the weather was lovely. Gaaaah. I'm sorry, but it was like this. I've eventually started to skim - reading, as the story absolutely wasn't able to keep my attention. It was simple, the historical part in the background was simple, there was no tension, it didn't feel like a msytery at all and it took me so long to read it because I didn't feel like coming back to this book again.
But the main character was lovely. I liked Sophie, phew.
It's an easy, harmless story that you'll forget as soon as you finished it.

A Scottish Highland Surprise by Julie Shackman could have taken place anywhere as there was little of the Highlands in it. I liked in anyway. It is a contemporary romance, a womens' fiction, and a bit of a mystery, all rolled together. Sophie had recently quit her job at Castle Marrion Hotel. She had worked there as a wedding planner and had been fed up, but the breach of ethics they had asked her to perform was beyond the ken. She resigned. Now what was she going to do? While helping her mom and dad clear out her recently deceased grandmother's cottage, she came upon a letter addressed to her from her grandmother. In it she was directed to a closet hidden under the staircase where she found four sealed cartons. In the first there was another letter that told her her grandmother had purchased the flower shop that was going out of business and that the contents of these four cartons should pay for inventory and help her open her own crockery shop. Porcelain and china tea sets had been a passion of her grandmother's, which she had inherited. But, what did she know about retail? What would follow was nothing less than amazing.

So many questions, and fewer answers. In fact, at least one mystery was left dangling. Several love stories, and the story of a woman walking off a cliff into the rest of her life. She did, indeed, open her shop and it was a success but plenty happened both before and during that opened doors to the past and took research to work out. I always love a story with genealogy in it so that's a given. While the story of Sophie was being told, a simultaneous one of her grandma Helena was also being told. Grandma's was being told to the reader, however, not to Sophie. It was heartbreaking but Sophie is going to bring it full circle. Misunderstandings, fear, and love all play a part in this lovely story where bad things are underplayed and good things brought to the fore.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Scottish Highland Surprise by Harper Collins, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #harpercollins #julieshackman #ascottishhighlandssurprise

A cozy Scottish romance with a few separate stories going on within the storyline. Each story is linked together in some way which makes for a very engaging and heartwarming read.
So much information about tea sets! Who knew there was such interesting aspects to it?
There is mystery, romance and many secrets to be found while reading A Scottish Highland Surprise.
This was a nice story to escape to. Perfect summer reading!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this nice easy read. Modern lifestyle and career with echoes of the past - seeing Sophie's research and the first person narratives about her grandma's life with controlling husband Donald, and how he went about stopping her working in the 1970s. I loved Sophie's relationship with her grandma and then with the lady who brought in the teaset, showing people have more in common than just age. The romance was fairly obvious but welcome nonetheless. #netgalley #ascottishhighlandsurprise

Loved this wonderful novel set in Scotland, and it was so much more than a romance. Sophie is at a crossroads in her life and takes a risk opening a crockery business in the shop left to her by her grandmother. She sets to tracking the provenance of a special tea set that was left at the store by a stranger, and in so doing, finds out her grandmother’s story and romance.

This is a historical romance with mystery and I loved the mix. It’s a warm, refreshing read with utterly charming characters. The idea running through the pages is that we should live our lives to the fullest so as not to end up regretting the things we haven’t done – a philosophy to be embraced!

We follow Sophie whose job as a wedding planner isn’t brining her much joy – it’s stressful, all encompassing, and not giving much reward. After losing her beloved Grandma she reassesses what’s important and vows to make a change. It seems her Grandma had the same idea as she’s left Sophie the means to set up her own crockery shop!

The writing flowed wonderfully and there’s a lovely rhythm to the prose which captures your attention and carries you away to the idyllic Briar Glen. We switch from present chapters to those of Helena, and I really enjoyed getting to know Sophie’s Grandma. It’s sad to hear what she was up against, and we see the heartbreaking decision she makes and the regret that haunts her. Helena is an amazing character and she gives Sophie the opportunity to live her dream.

Sophie takes a chance on this new venture, it’s scary to take that leap of faith into the unknown but she’s excited to do what she loves; it’s bittersweet as we know how much it would have meant for her Grandma to see the shop up and running.

A mystery woman leaves Sophie the most exquisite tea set. Who is she? Why has she left it in such a cloak and dagger manner? Where does the secret letter fit in? Enter Xander, a renowned art critic who knows his antiques. He’s not really a people person, comes off a bit abrupt, but not all first impressions ring true!

Sophie and Xander are intrigued by the mystery and their investigations are fun to follow. They bicker and misunderstand each other but feelings develop along the way. A local artist, Jake, breezes in to the shop with an agenda of his own.

As they untangle the mysteries they unearth long forgotten secrets. Saffy has a shocking revelation of her own which has Sophie reconsidering everything she thinks she knows.

Shackman creates a delightful, feel-good read with a puzzling mystery that’s a joy to unravel. I love the serendipity which brings the characters together, the community spirit, and the elusive blue briar rose representing hope. The perfect cosy read.

With thanks to @rararesources, @G13Julie, and @OneMoreChapter_ for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and review this book

Book Review “A Scottish Highland Surprise” by Julie Shackman
APRIL 28, 2022 ~ NIKIPRESTON ~
BOOK REVIEW NO: 105


SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

A Scottish Highland Surprise

Discover the secrets and surprises that the scenic Scottish town of Briar Glen has to offer…

When wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen.

Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique.

And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure.

The perfect feel-good romance for fans of Jo Thomas, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley.

Purchase links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Highland-Surprise-Julie-Shackman-ebook/dp/B09MMZ75KL

US – https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Highland-Surprise-Julie-Shackman-ebook/dp/B09MMZ75KL

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

I do love a good romance and a superbly written Scottish romance hit the right spot for me. The Scottish Highland Surprise was definitely a huge surprise. I loved the setting in the china shop, which makes a fabulous change, I love all things china, especially a good, pretty teapot, I love a cuppa, so I was absorbed into this book completely.

Sophie is a wonderful character, brave about changing her whole life. I am not sure I would have been as brave as her but I wish I was. The romanticism of it all just drew me right in. I’m sure I sighed several times.

I am not sure that “Romance” really does this book justice as there is a smattering of history, a bit of intrigue and mystery all surrounding the Romance. Definitely something for everyone. It is not an overly mushy romance either. It is a romance that we have probably all encountered at some even if it might have briefly. This brings the characters to life, they are unquestionably believable people which brings a sense of realism to the whole story. An absorbing read that I urge you to read.


Author Bio –


Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, who she named Cooper. A Scottish Highland Surprise is Julie’s sixth novel.

Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/G13Julie

https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman

https://www.instagram.com/juliegeorginashackman

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Julie Shackman https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman

Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter https://corporate.harpercollins.co.uk/what-we-publish/one-more-chapter/

What a lovely book this is. I so enjoyed learning a lot more than I expected about tea sets. Sophie and Zander's story is interwoven with so many interesting bits of information.
Thankk you for a chance to read and review this book. I shall follow this author.

A Scottish Highland Surprise is a charming and light-hearted read.

This delightful book was just what the doctor ordered to chase away those dreary springtime blues (FYI, where I live, it’s snowing). I am sure it is no surprise to those who follow our blog that I am a huge fan of English and Scottish cozy romance books. They are my go-to reads when I need a pick me up. A Scottish Highland Surprise is all I could ever wish for in a cozy romance book. I will definitely be reading more of Julie’s books in the future.

The story and flow follow that typical cozy romance story pattern. You know, the main heroine makes a big decision to change her life, starts her own business, meets some wonderful people along the way, and slowly falls in love with the dashing hero. But even though the story structure is predictable, Julie adds some pretty fantastic, unique and charming elements to the story to make this book fun, engaging, and just so darn delightful.

One of the main things that I loved about this book was its focus on crockery (teapot sets). I never knew I would be so interested in learning more about teapot history, and it would never occur to me that someone would want to open up a crockery shop. Sophie and her grandma’s passion for crockery just leaped from the pages. Julie did such an excellent job at bringing Sophie’s shop to life. I felt like I was there on opening day, admiring all the different tea sets and not being able to decide which one I wanted to buy.

This story also has a bit of a mystery thrown in it: Sophie comes into possession of this rare tea set with a mysterious past. I loved reading to see Sophie, Xander, and some community members worked together to learn the story about this mysterious tea set. This mystery part of the story is just so interesting and added some neat twists to the story.

I loved how Julie blended in flashbacks of Sophie’s grandma’s life throughout this book which fit perfectly with the flow of the story. They were a great way to help readers learn more about this remarkable woman and why she left Sophie the money she would need to start her shop.

There was a love triangle of sorts in this book. It’s between Sophie, Xander, and Jake. Xander and Jake don’t have a great history, and Sophie finds herself stuck between two men who dislike each other. The romantic story in this book was a secondary plot. Sophie and Xander don’t spend much time together, and their relationship doesn’t really take off until the end. Part of me wishes that these two had more meet-cute moments in this book. But at the same time, I really enjoyed the main focus of the story being on Sophie’s journey of opening up her own business and trying to learn about the mysterious past of the tea set she came into.

If you are looking for a book with a lot of charm and heart, you should read A Scottish Highland Surprise. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really different read for me and one I really enjoyed.

Sophie, a wedding planner, doesn’t really love her job. When her Grandma dies and leaves her a huge surprise, a shop, she decides to take a risk and make a go of it. The whole setting was incredibly cute, and I absolutely loved the idea of secrets within special tea sets. Not only does this book have a nice, slow romance but the bigger element is the mystery.

I really liked the added mystery element to this contemporary romance. There was a slight aspect of instalove but other than that it was a solid read and very much good fun.

A Scottish Highland Surprise is basically a Pride and Prejudice retelling, but with lots of teacups and a little cozy mystery mixed in.

Sophie's unwillingness to give up her terrible job to pursue her dream job would've been more believable if she wasn't totally financially stable, didn't have a supportive family, and had no store already purchased for her. She gets to take her time, doesn't have to worry about money, and is never in a rush to set up her dream store. There's no sense of urgency or concern in this arena, so her hesitation was a hurdle to understand.

The chapters are short, and each one ends with a cliffhanger or some form of 'what will happen next?' so most of the book feels like a preview followed by a recap before getting to the point. The artificial highs made the story feel less important, not more - like watching a cheesy reality tv show.

The entire story is predictable and, besides the Pride and Prejudice romantic drama, everyone gets along incredibly well. If every small town were this idyllic, no one would ever leave. Having said that, I read A Scottish Highland Surprise in one sitting and found it incredibly easy to read. So if you're looking for a beach read or palate cleanser, you've come to the right place.