A lovely story.. Elle had lost her parents and she decided to turn her parents shop into the most amazing stationery shop. I so wanted to visit it. There was a white witch, a hunky writer, a corrupt council, a grandmother and a nature reserve to save. Set in a lovely Scottish village. You will love it and it had a perfect ending.

Once again Julie Shackman has delivered another intriguing mystery romance with A Scottish Country Escape but this time it contains a paranormal twist! Although not a fast paced plot (except the race of pages under my thumb as I wanted to find out what was going to happen!), there are many incidents to tease the reader along while the mystery unfolds. There is never a dull moment in this Scottish community or story which is wonderfully interjected with the author’s trademark humour. I have loved all of Julie’s books and have never been disappointed by her unique story telling ability.

All light humour aside, there is a heart breaking element to Elle Cassidy’s life. Our main character has lost both of her well-loved parents in a tragic accident. This story focuses a fair amount on the unfortunate dangers of road travel of the past and present. But Elle is left with her grandmother so they are a comfort to each other and very close. Together they work to revive a family business in Fir Haven but in doing so turn it from a newsagent to a stationary shop called Paper Roses. This is a nice nod to Elle's mother’s middle name (Rose) and past business as well as its current re-purpose. I love that Julie utilises small town businesses in her stories and this one is as special as the others. The element of independence sought by female owners always makes me cheer.

Another factor in this story that is very Julie-like, is Elle's fight for the natural environment and all its living beings. There is a tough battle on in A Scottish Country Escape to preserve a nature reserve that is the ‘beating heart’ of the Fir Haven community. Of course, it is under threat by robust developers. How will Elle and her friends and family save it? You will have to read and find out but the outcome is very clever and well delivered.

There are so many wonderful branches to this story: including a romantic one. Handsome, self-absorbed Dexter Grayling, a best-selling author, arrives on the scene and stirs up the action almost causing an accident with his mean, flashy sports car. A tug of war on Elle’s heart begins after he almost runs her over and then appeals to her to help him find the woman who has seemingly put a ‘curse on him’ which is affecting his ability to write. Elle is reluctant to team up with him for obvious reasons but as we dig deeper into her background, we see there are many factors such as past relationship disappointments and personality conflicts that would prevent her from getting involved. But through persistent persuasion, her grandmother convinces her. It is an unexpected journey as she slowly finds out who Dexter really is and that he is not quite what he appears to be. Under that model playboy exterior, there are many unexpected attributes that will alter her judgement of him.

I was very happy with the clever conclusion and enjoyed meeting so many fascinating characters ( a lot of very interesting male figures that break free of their woes through the determined urging of a couple of women). It is ultimately a story about forgiveness, healing and not judging others by personal experiences, and this happens quite a fair bit in the story. People are often a product of their life events but how one chooses to let those negative experiences affect them, will result in a life of freedom and happiness or one of bondage and bitterness.

I loved A Scottish Country Escape and the fact that Julie always presents stories that may seem light on the surface (with the added bonus of humour) but their messages are anything but one dimensional. Heartfelt layers of serious matters are always at each core. These identifiable life experiences create an emotional impact on the characters (and readers). You will fall in love with Fir Haven and its characters and this story will touch your heart in unexpected ways. I highly recommend this novel. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to One More Chapter (HarperCollins) and Netgalley for my review copy.

I really enjoyed this story of love, loss, family and community. Elle and Dexter were intriguing characters and the plot gently unravelled to reveal the secrets and history of Fir Haven. A rather lovely, easy and warm read.

***A Scottish Country Escape revolves around a small Scottish town known for its now threatened nature preserve, a well known crime writer who thinks he has writer’s block because he’s been cursed, a grandmother who is being less than helpful and a granddaughter who is attempting to open a business. The story advanced slowly for this reader who often felt bogged down by the wordiness and false starts before the main theme was revealed. A little mystery, a little romance and a lot of words that often were frustrating. The ending was satisfying but the journey was tiring. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.

Lovely book. Elle decides to change her parents shop into a stationary shop. Dexter Grayling has bought old council offices but doesn't endear himself to anyone. He ends up with a curse on him and Elle tries to help him

The story of Elle and Dexter set in the beautiful Scottish countryside. I loved it! A heartwarming and funny romance with fab characters, great dialogue and the ending??? Well no spoilers from me, you’ll have to read it to find out.

A nice story about a small town and the history as it twists around a family with special powers. Elle is still grieving the loss of her parents and the breakup with her boyfriend. And now the beautiful town nature preserve is at risk of being destroyed. Elle begins to move on, find love and learn about the strange history.

I like a slow burner of a book, you kind of know where the ending is going to be but you enjoy the journey meandering to get to it.
This book was an immensely enjoyable meander. The scenery and seasons were spectacular and this was a gorgeously written book.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Leonie has unfortunately been made redundant at her job as a journalist, she spots an advert for an investigative journalist with a glossy womens magazine.so applies for it. Unfortunately the job she is offered is for a beauty reporter. As jobs are thin on the ground she decides to accept even though beauty isn't exactly her thing.
As she tries to settle into her job events start unfolding when she discovers a house in the woods and her journalistic instincts kick in, and a tale of love and loss unfolds
Loved it, didn't want to put it down

What I thought was going to be a run of the mill romance turned out to be a really good read! Elle has lost her parents and starts a new business....and by chance meets Dexter, a handsome author.
All sorts of events occur, a curse, building proposals on a beautiful nature reserve..which leads Elle to look in to past history and try to resolve all the problems that seem to be surrounding her. A great read. Highly recommend.

I honestly liked this book, but I expected a little bit more. It was cute and compelling, but missing that extra oomph for me.

This book was a quick and fun read. Quirky storyline and characters made it all the better. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance, mystery and touch of the supernatural