This is the 2nd book by this author, and sorry to say I did not like it. Perhaps I tried so soon after I tried the first. I just could not get into it. Some authors when I begin a book, by the end of the 1st page I am hooked. Sadly yeet again it did not flow and I had to keep going back a page to try and pick it up. Sorry once again I gave up

This was a lovely book. Good character development and unexpected developments. Highly recommend for a positive, heartwarming, easy afternoon read. Just the kind of book you need when the real world is a bit overwhelming!

A bookshop that is on the brink of closing, an painter who looks and acts like he is too good for anyone, a small Scottish town near a Loch and an enigmatic old woman who has a tale to tell. Just a few of the ingredients that made this book amazing.

I absolutely loved this book. It has everything that makes a cozy romance: small town, amazing characters, a bit of a mystery and books. I thought the storyline was great, and well-thought of. It was realistic yet felt like a fairytale.

I have read a few books now by Julie Shackman, all within her Scottish Escapes series, and I have to say, Scottish escapes were something I didn’t know I needed, but they make me seriously hanker for the Scottish highlands.

In The Bookshop by the Loch, it combines two of my loves, Scotland and a bookshop! I loved that Lexie, when she needed to review her career choices, found herself back with her mother and grandfather, and considering a complete change from being a book editor. I know I’m not the only bookworm who has dreamed frequently of running a bookshop. The description of the bookshop was simply beautiful, and the idea of looking out of the window of the bookshop to see the shimmering loch on the other side of the road sounded just idyllic.

I loved the tension between Lexie and Tobias, who both prejudged one another. The fact that the tension/chemistry between them was palpable to everyone before they realised themselves. I loved the descriptions of the art created by Tobias, and could almost visualise some of the paintings.

The additional storylines with Lexie’s father and with care home resident Celeste were sensitive stories handled in a beautiful manner by the author, as Lexie’s errant father returns to the family after many years absence when he receives a diagnosis of dementia, and Celeste is reaching the end of a vibrant and exciting life with a couple of items on her bucket list that can be assisted by Tobias and Lexie.

This was such a warm romance, with some poignant moments relating to Celeste and her story. I felt so invested in this enemies to lovers romance, which also considered family dynamics, and changes within those families. It also looked at adoption, and childlessness, and what constitutes a family.

Lexie is back in her home town when she gets the chance to run the bookshop. Tobias wants the space for himself, so they clash, but when they spend more time together will they see their first impressions were wrong?

This book was equivalent to a Hallmark movie with all of your favorite tropes from saving the small town business to enemies to lovers.

The story was a bit slow to start for my liking, with Julie taking over the store and meeting Tobias around 20% into the book. There were lots of details about what was happening to the store, so much so that at times I felt I could tell you more about the store renovation than I could about either of the main characters. The enemies to lovers did feel a bit forced on both the enemies and lovers sides of things, but not unbearably so.

If you are looking for something with a bit of fluff, this book might be for you.

I am always an absolute sucker forna book about books and I was delighted to find this was a fabulous read.
I'll admit I expected it to be lighter, but was suprised and impressed to find this was a deeper read, which I enjoyed immensely.
As always, I finished uplifted and feeling satisfied that everything came together as it should. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Another lovely book by Julie. This time about love, friendship, family and the love of books. Which if you are a lover of all things books just like I am then you will instantly feel connected to this book.

I am always up for a book about books and especially one set in a bookshop, so Julie’s latest was always going to be on my radar. This is the sixth book in the Scottish Escapes series, I have not read previous ones but can confirm that this is easily read as a standalone.

“You know what books mean to me. I don’t have to tell you how important I think reading is … At Book Ends, I hope I can encourage people who’ve never picked up a book before, to give reading a try.”

I thought this was going to be light and romantic - which in some aspects it was - but there was much more to this read than that. It definitely starts off that way and the enemies to lovers trope was ringing out strongly. However, the further along you read it becomes very clear there are multiple threads to this story. Julie has a few pokers in this fire and does a good job interweaving them and ultimately tying them all together. To be honest, I felt there were a few too many complications and removing one of them would have added to the overall credibility of the story.

If I had to make a decision on the theme, I would suggest that this is a book primarily about families and the many dramas and complications that often come with that. Under this heading topics of illness, separation, grief, adoption are some of the stronger themes rather than the romance which takes a back seat.

‘You grab happiness with both hands when it comes along - and never let go.’

If family dramas are something you enjoy reading about and how life presents opportunities for starting over, then The Bookshop by the Loch in the beautiful Scottish Highlands is calling your name.







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was an enjoyable read and the Highland setting was beautiful.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Julie Shackman is fast becoming an auto buy author her books are great. This book had everything from romance to friendship. Go and read now!

Light-hearted fun, pure escapism!
This is the sixth book in the Scottish Escapes series, this is my first book in this series but I can honestly say that you can very easily read this as a stand-alone, but I will be looking out for the others in the series as I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Scotland (even if it is a armchair visit).
I am a big fan of an enemies-to-lovers romance and this one worked perfectly for me, I loved that they became friends first and their relationship spiralled from there, which made their romance all the more realistic for me.
The setting is stunning, I do have a real fondness for Scotland,I love the scenes the views, gorgeous Scottish-ness of the overall book!
Wonderful characters, great banter and beautiful engaging writing, this book is a real winner!

A pleasant romantic small town read with two people returning to the small town they were born in and clashing then pulling together. Fans of the author will find another one to like here.

Set in the Scottish Highlands, The Bookshop By The Loch is a sweet enemies to lovers story. Both editor Lexie Dunbar and portrait artist Tobias Black have returned to their home town of Bracken Way, Lexie to lick her wounds after being overlooked for a promotion at the Glasgow publishing house where she’s spent years working towards the job and Tobias for reasons unknown. Lexie has loved reading since she was a little girl, having formed a particular love for Book Ends, the bookshop beside Loch Bracken that her grandmother used to take her to. When she’s offered the opportunity to manage the shop for twelve months and turn around its flagging fortunes, she’s thrilled and immerses herself in plans for renovation and marketing. Naturally she’s unimpressed when shop owner Trevor’s nephew Tobias Black appears on scene claiming that she has no right to be there as he intends to use the shop for his own business. I have to say that despite his swoon-worthy looks, I didn’t like Tobias at all when I first met him. Neither did Lexie. I certainly wondered how he was going to redeem himself and while he did, I do think the turnaround was a bit sudden and not entirely convincing. Then again, maybe he just got out of bed on the wrong side on the day of their first meeting. I loved the way that once hostilities were over these two developed the space inside Book ends to showcase both businesses, falling for each other along the way. I loved the suporting cast, particularly the irrepressible Celeste, for whom Lexie and Tobias are completing bucket list items. I also loved the small town Scottish setting and the way that despite the frequent rain and showers, the locals just got about their business. This story has feel good written all over it and it certainly left me with a smile.

The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman is a charming feel good read that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. Although this is book 6 in the Scottish Escapes series of books, it is still very much a standalone story that leaves you with a warm glow in your heart as you turn the final page.

After being looked over for promotion, book editor Lexie Dunbar decides to take an extended leave of absence from her job, going home to the pretty town of Bracken Way to lick her wounds. But once there, local bookshop owner Trevor talks her into taking over as manager of the ailing business, which is a place that holds a special place in not only her heart but in the hearts of the local community.

With plans for the grand reopening well underway, the last thing Lexie needs is to come up against some opposition in the form of gorgeous but arrogant artist Tobias Black who has his own plans of turning the bookshop into an art gallery. As tensions rise the pair continue to clash, until Tobias suddenly uncovers a shocking secret that shows they may have more in common than they at first realised…

The Bookshop by the Loch is a heartwarming story about love, family, hidden secrets and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. Julie Shackman’s writing is gorgeous as she brings to life a colourful cast of characters who you can’t help but fall in love with. Eighty year old Celeste is a particular highlight for me, with her sharp mind and a zest for life that is still undimmed by age. For me, Celeste is the glue that holds this beautiful story together, as Lexie and Tobias are drawn ever closer by their mutual admiration of the indomitable old lady.

I loved The Bookshop by the Loch and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lovely feel good read to escape with this winter.

Simply gorgeous!

"The Bookshop by the Loch" is a beautifully-written, sweet, and charming book from author Julie Shackman! The small-town Scottish setting was so much fun to read about. The author has done wonderful work describing the setting, characters, and locations and has brought not only the story/characters to life but also the beautiful scenery! I felt as if I were there. The bookshop setting is cozy and fun! The characters feel three-dimensional and like real people along with unique personalities, thoughts, emotions, and personal/familial difficulties of their own. I love Lexie's grandpa! He is so sweet and cares about his family so much. Tobias is such a cool character and Lexie is so kind! The romance is so sweet and swoony! I loved the enemies-to-lovers vibes. I also really liked seeing Lexie and Tobias slowly move past their conflict to be there for each other. They both provide such a great support system for each other! The kisses and almost kisses were so much fun. The emotional depth and romantic tension is definitely there! I love the entire story line with Celeste and her family. The author has done great work carrying out all aspects of the story with sensitivity and care. The speed of the plot is perfect, the author's writing style is smooth and sparkling with wit, humor, and heart, the characters are original and so lovable, the romance is sweet, swoony, and feels genuine, and the story is original and full of beauty and emotion. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Wonderful storytelling and unforgettable characters. 5 stars!

Thank you very much to author Julie Shackman, One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly. I had such a wonderful time reading! Thank you!

This was a very light read, full of lovely characters that face quite shocking twists and turns. The drama that they all go through is highly interesting and was most unexpected. I did enjoy reading this but am slightly annoyed as I thought it would be a romance and it absolutely is not. While the main character Lexie does have feelings for Tobias, the romance is not the main focus. It pops up now and then but honestly feels like an afterthought. If you're looking for a romance, this is not it. If you're looking for an interesting story with some family drama, this is your book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this lovely book.

A really Lovely and heartwarming romance! I read it in one sitting and it just was so cosy and cute. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a soap opera of a book that was! I’ve read the other Scottish Escape books by Julie and really enjoyed them, this was no different. There seemed to be a new drama at every page turn, all shocking and making you carry on even though you needed to get on with stuff.

Lexie loses out on a promotion, and goes back home for a few weeks to lick her wounds and decide on her future. Then she hears about the local town’s bookshop closing down and goes along to try to help. This is where her life flips again. She meets Tobias, Maeve and her long left dad reappears, it’s all kicking off!

I love how this progresses, just as you think it’s all calming down Julie throws in another curveball and it goes off again. Great story, perfect for a rainy day cosying on the sofa. Who doesn’t want to read about a bookshop!

I do love a book that features a book shop! So I was thrilled and excited to read this one. Added into the mix was a dark and brooding man, who on first introduction was not very keen on helping with keeping the book store going but soon becomes involved both with the shop and Lexie, the book shop saviour.
I enjoyed watching Lexie take on the challenges of the bookshop, her passion to promote it and to save it were absolutely fantastic to see. I loved her spats with Tobias too, you could definitely feel the sparks fly between these two fantastic characters.
Some interesting twists that popped up during the story kept me utterly intrigued throughout the book and I loved the wonderful community feel this book contained.
I’m definitely going to read more books by this author as I really enjoy the uplifting and engaging stories that she creates, and the beautiful settings too.