The Bookshop by the Loch was so good! It is a book I will read over and over. I liked all the characters in the book and the storyline was one that held my attention from the first page to the last word.
Lexie was in a job she was unsure if she wanted to keep doing when she was passed over for a promotion, she was so sure was hers. This made her take a leave of absence to catch her breath and rethink her life.
When she was back in Bracken Way she was drawn back to her favorite shop – it is Book Ends the local bookstore. The shop was having issues, and the owner was not sure if he could keep it open much longer. When he offered her the job of doing what she could to keep it open. The challenge was one she accepted, and this one decision would change her life forever.
The story had so much happened, and everything was intertwined and made it a story readers will love.
Thank you NetGalley, Julie Shackman and HarperCollins UK for the ARC of The Bookshop by the Loch. This is my personal review.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. It's a bittersweet story about lovely people facing difficulties and doing their best.
A heartwarming, emotional read, full of hope and caring.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book for my review. So this book is part of a series but this like the others can definitely be read as a standalone. I particularly like books that feature book shops or libraries especially one that need to be saved. This book features a local bookshop that has been part of the community forever about to close. We meet Lexie who has just returned home to the area to try & work out what to do with her life. On discovering the sad news about the store, her favourite place, she sets about trying to save it, but artist Tobias Black has his own ideas about the store. A delightful story.

A deeper and more nuanced novel of second chances than I expected. You will root for Lexi and Tobias, both of whom discover things about themselves as they navigate their relationship. And books. And the Loch. A very good read.

I received this as an ARC from Harper Collins UK and also NetGalley. I really thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Even thought it is part of a larger series this also can be read as a standalone novel. I loved the authors writing style and loved the characters and plot!

I just finished reading The Bookshop By The Loch, the sixth book in the Scottish Escapes series. Although it's part of a series, I found it easy to read as a standalone. At first, it may seem like a lighthearted romantic story, but as you delve deeper, the layers reveal a much more complex tale filled with emotional trauma, relationship healing, chaos, redemption, and physical challenges that affect the lives of three families. This book is brimming with humour despite the difficult situations, which is one of the reasons I loved it. This is my first time reading Julie Shackman's work, and I highly recommend this book if you're looking for more than just a romance.

Lexie Dunbar is a bookworm who loves her local bookstore, Book Ends in Bracken Way, Scotland, more than anything else in the world. After being passed over for a promotion at her publishing firm, she takes a three-month leave of absence to reassess her life. She decides to return home, becomes the new manager of a struggling local bookstore, and revamps everything. This one decision byLexie will have a ripple effect, intertwining her story with others and impacting their lives as well as her own.

This was a fast paced story with enjoyable characters and great setting. At times it seemed like there was too much going on for such a fast paced story, and things didn't always read smoothly. Overall an enjoyable book by a wonderful author.
I received advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An easy light read which was fast paced and fairly enjoyable overall. I did find that with so many plots/subplots happening in a short timeframe nothing was particularly in depth with a lot of predictability throughout. I blew hot and cold and a little frustrated with Lexie, the main female character, who seemed to overthink things and be rather shallow feeling unnecessarily affronted at times . I didn't enjoy this book by Julie as much as previous ones as there was just too much going on.

A good escapist story that made me smile and hoping I could visit the places and meet the characters
Well done and heartwarming
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A dreamy book about love and second chances. I found myself wishing I was in the setting of this book. Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me read this early!

Loch
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK/One More Chapter for the ARC of The Bookshop by the Loch, set for publication on January 30, 2024

This is a series book by Julie Shackman but reads as a standalone.

When junior editor Lexie Dunbar is passed up for promotion at Literati Publishing, her world falls apart… or does it?
Determined NOT to crack, Lexie takes some time off and visits her hometown of Bracken Way, wherein she may just find a whole new purpose in life.

This is my first novel by author Julie Shackman and while I can understand why she has written many books, this was not one for me. I immediately related to Lexie as I have spent over a decade at a job, hoping to move up and nothing has come of it. But then Lexie’s story got… buried in this book. There were so many subplots happening that her issues didn’t seem to matter. I was not okay with how Lexie was handled. The other stories were all tied up nicely with bows but I felt her story, as the main narrative, was lacking.

Overall this was a well-paced book, but I did not feel a sense of urgency to pursue the events that were happening. This is a story I could easily put down in between reading other things. I was not attached to the characters and I did not hold empathy for them. I think I could give this book to my mom and she would enjoy it, but it’s not something I would enjoy reading future installments of.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK's One More Chapter Division and Julie Shackman for the opportunity to ARC review the Bookshop by the Loch in exchange for a fair review. Not sure there are many publishing companies left in Scotland, but we can roll with it in fiction. A entertaining read that delivers a light enemies to lovers dynamic romance, set against a west Scotland scenic location and a warm community characters centered around a small bookshop needing a bit of TLC. Lexi and Tobias were a cute couple who brought out the best and worse in each other throughout the story, but their relationship finds its feet blossoming into a heart warming romance. The story was very dynamic featuring a lot of components to the plot include personal growth, seizing the moment, finding yourself and appreciate precious moments.

This was my second book by Julie Shackman and I was just as much enthralled by it as the first one. These “Scottish Escapes” stories are so fun and easy to read.

As I read The Bookshop by the Loch I realized how much I was enjoying each of the characters, especially Lexie and Tobias.

When Lexie is passed over for a promotion at her workplace Literati, she makes her escape back to Bracken Way, her home town. Her plan is to use up all her accumulated vacation time and figure out her life. She had given so much of her time and energy to Literati and was left feeling unappreciated. Would she return to Literati or would something else come her way?

While home, Lexie realizes that Book Ends, the local bookstore and a place Lexie loved as a young girl and where she also worked before becoming an editor would be closing. Lexie just couldn’t see how this could happen. Bracken Way needed Book Ends but due to online stores and lack of excitement in and around Book Ends the owner, Trevor has decided it was time to shut down. Lexie is heartbroken and after chatting with Trevor he decides to make an offer that Lexie decides she can’t turn down. And so the story grows from here.

This story covers romance, family relationships, turmoil and redemption as well as new and old friendships. Each character has a story of their own which come together to make this read very enjoyable.

I look forward to reading all of the “Scottish Escapes” books. I highly recommend if this is the style of book you enjoy

The Bookshop By The Loch by Julie Shackman is another delightful heart-warming story filled with Scottish charm, wit and wisdom that deals beautifully with emotional trauma, relationship healing and physical challenges. One of the many things I love about Julie’s books is that they are brimming with humour and try to make the best of bad situations. There’s often fresh starts needed and characters with spunky attitudes who discover talents they never knew they had, brought on by unexpected circumstances. Her books teach that life’s curveballs can be blessings in disguise as they move us in directions we never had considered. This broadens our horizons and shows us we can do more than we thought—as Lexie discovers in The Bookshop By The Loch.

Lexie is an excellent confident book editor in the city of Glasgow but when passed over by her company for a big promotion, she is devastated and not sure what to do next. So, she goes home for a break to figure it all out. Then she discovers her hometown bookshop is shutting down. She has to do something to convince owner Trevor to change his mind. When he listens to her and comes back with a proposal, she begins to feel unsure of herself. This self-doubt has risen after losing the promotion at her old publishing job. Can she get past this unexpected blow and regain her self-confidence? Should she take on this new role as Store Manager? A war of indecision begins within her as to whether she can get this shop back on line and turn it into a profitable business. Once she decides, of course, trouble begins in the presence of an artist names Tobias.

Initially The Bookshop By The Loch may seem like a light and humorous romantic tale but as the story progresses, the layers begin to show—like wading out farther into the waves where the ocean floor gradually drops off into the fathomless depths. While dealing on the surface with romantic awakenings and normal life events such as job changes and residence moves, underneath is something more. As we go farther into the story, more serious topics begin to surface: such as dire health issues and traumatic family secrets. These brought copious tears to my eyes as the topics are relatable and Julie has done a fantastic job through excellent dialogue, plot and characterisation. The difficult topic of dementia is explored. Who hasn’t been touched by this disease through family members and friends? Also, problems faced by childless couples, adoption, blended families, children taken away from underage daughters by their parents and so on. Julie covers a lot of ‘family’ topics in this novel.

And then there is the beloved Book Ends bookshop. “The shop smelled of Beeswax and vanilla.” For us booklovers, there is something special about book shops and the scents connected to them. We can relate to characters who also have a passion for the wonderful world of books as Lexie does. Scents conjure up memories and this bookshop holds many happy ones for Lexie.

I love the mention of music in this novel and its importance—which is an ongoing ingredient in Julie’s lovely series. In fact, the creative arts are well represented in The Bookshop By The Loch in Art, Music and Writing. The artwork by Tobias sounds glorious. Julie draws us with her words into such inviting scenes we can visualise everything. Plus the excitement of re-decorating the shop. With such vivid descriptions I felt I was there. And the wonderful new business plan—would make any entrepreneur’s heart beam with delight. Also, I cannot leave out beautiful Celeste with her gorgeous dress in the midst of this glorious setting and how Tobias and Lexie come together to help her achieve her wishes. Her story made my heart melt and the ending is so poetic!

Of course, the enemies to lovers’ theme (Lexie and Tobias) makes it even more charming and provides an additional feel good factor. The old saying ‘you cannot choose who you love’ echoes throughout. Overall, I was thrilled with this novel from start to finish and highly recommend it. There are moments of laughter mixed with sadness, hurt and chaos but love, sweet surprises and forgiveness, too. An uplifting story that offers a lot of heart, depth and genuine joy. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.

I received a free copy of The Bookshop by the Loch, by Julie Shackman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 6 of 6 in the, Scottish Escapes series. Lexie Dunbar loves books, who doesn't? Her favorite book store might be closing, but that is only one of the things going on in her life. This book has a lot going on. It is a good story, I enjoyed Lexie and Tobias.

Another feel good story from Julie Shackman. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed her writing but a few pages in and I was completely engaged with the storyline and the characters.

I enjoyed everything about this novel: the beautiful setting; wonderful characters and captivating plot line. It’s a novel of family, friendship and new relationships, heartwarming and endearing and one that I found hard to put down. A cosy read that you can curl up with and enjoy each turn of the page. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

A book about new beginnings and finding oneself. Lots of laughter and tears and of course romantic twist d and turns v

Romantic novel that reads more like a family drama, slow in places but with good characters. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

I’ve read other books by this author and really enjoyed them so I looked forward to reading this book, but there was so much going on I couldn’t get into it. Everyone had a family drama, the subjects were good story angles but too many of them together. Lexie the main character was ok but I felt her father had returned just to be looked after & her mother annoyingly did it. There was no resolution to any of the family issues really, everyone just decided to accept their situations and that was it. If you like family dramas this could be for you.