Member Reviews

Great book. Kitty and Olivia both find themselves on Arran looking for solitude and fresh starts. They are looking forward to house sitting and being alone. Unfortunately a mistake causes them to find themselves house sharing with each other. Determined to make the best of the situation they face spending time together they look for things to do. They find themselves in great company and really hit it off. Finding a leaflet for the tartan wanderer and booking a tour with him they meet Logan and hit it off. This is a great book. I want to visit Scotland even more now. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so difficult to put down. I was hooked from the beginning. A great story with lovely characters especially Kitty and Olivia.. The location on Arran was brilliant it brought me back to a stay I had there for a week with my quilting friends, I was lovely recognising the places I had visited and learning about new ones I hadn't - made me want to make another visit. The stories were heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure, I loved the Glasgow ladies who brought to much fun and I found myself laughing out loud at their turns of phrase which as a Scot I understood very well.

Was this review helpful?

Ellie Henderson’s A Summer House on Arran is a beautifully crafted tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances, all set against the stunning backdrop of a Scottish island. The novel follows two women, Kitty and Olivia, as they embark on a transformative summer journey at Lilybank Cottage on Arran.

Kitty, a single mum whose son has recently left home, is struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The chance to house-sit a charming cottage on Arran seems like the perfect opportunity to find herself again. However, upon arrival, she discovers that the cottage is already occupied by Olivia, a dancer fleeing her past life in New York.

Initially, this unexpected twist threatens to derail Kitty’s plans for solitude and reflection. However, Kitty and Olivia decide to share the cottage, leading to an enriching summer of companionship and mutual support. Their budding friendship becomes the heart of the novel, offering a touching portrayal of how two very different people can come together to help each other heal and grow.

Henderson excels at depicting the evolving relationship between Kitty and Olivia. Their interactions are filled with warmth, humor, and candid moments that make their bond feel genuine and relatable. As they navigate their personal challenges, they find strength and inspiration in each other’s company, highlighting the novel’s theme of sisterhood.

The setting of Arran adds a layer of enchantment to the story. Henderson’s vivid descriptions of the island’s natural beauty—its rugged coastlines, lush landscapes, and quaint village life—immerse the reader in the tranquility and charm of the Scottish countryside. The island becomes a character in itself, offering solace and inspiration to the protagonists.

Romance also plays a significant role in Kitty’s journey. Her encounters with Logan, a local tour guide known as the Tartan Wanderer, add a delightful romantic subplot. Logan’s charisma and the growing chemistry between him and Kitty bring a sense of excitement and possibility to her summer on Arran. Their relationship is tender and develops naturally, providing Kitty with a new perspective on love and companionship.

However, the novel isn’t without its conflicts. Both Kitty and Olivia must confront the shadows of their pasts, which threaten to disrupt their newfound peace. Henderson handles these elements with sensitivity, ensuring that the resolution feels earned and satisfying. The challenges they face only serve to deepen their bond and reinforce the novel’s message of resilience and hope.

A Summer House on Arran is a heartwarming read that beautifully captures the essence of starting over and the importance of friendship. Ellie Henderson’s storytelling is engaging and poignant, making this novel a perfect escape for anyone seeking a tale of renewal and connection. Kitty and Olivia’s summer on Arran is a testament to the power of sisterhood and the endless possibilities that come with a fresh start. This novel is a delightful journey that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic visit to Arran great to catch up with characters and great to meet some new friends. Olivia meets 3 Glaswegian women in Italy and they persuade her that her next trip should be to Scotland to visit the beautiful island of Arran. She decides to go after all she needs somewhere to lock her wounds and stay hidden from someone she would rather not think about.
Kitty has just seen her son off to camp America and is feeling lost so when her cousin suggests she stays for 6 weeks in Arran at a friends house she jumps at the chance. After arriving she discovers her peaceful time will be shared as the house has been mistakenly double booked.
The two ladies find themselves learning of each others past and present.
Well written as usual from Ellie Henderson, a book that captures it all.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely story . Two woman both with very different lives end up on Arran in a house share. Absolutely loved it. Good descriptions. The Glasgow ladies made me laugh. You had everything empty nest , love , hateful x’s, nice cakes and a fab ending . Read it

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters and the plot were believable. I recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

I was gifted this book and what a journey it took me on .
I loved it from the first page to the last .
I honestly thought this book was just going to be a romance book but it gave well more than that.
There was laughter , romance , drama , family issues, heartbreak.
I am from Glasgow and the author was spot on with the aunties , I felt I was in the conversation with them .
When reading the book it took me to a different place , it’s very hard to do that these days .
I was so disappointed when the book finished I ended up in a book slump as I kept thinking about Arran and how I wished I was there .
I will definitely be recommending this author and will be reading more of this authors work .
Fantastic fantastic book!

Was this review helpful?

Being familiar with Arran increased my enjoyment of this book. A story of two ladies who mistakenly ended up housesitting the same house for the summer. Their stories are followed, including the love story which develops for one of them and the story of a previous bad romance of the other. A good read.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley & Joffe Books for sending this book for review consideration.

I love this genre, but this particular book wasn’t my cup of tea. I DNF 20% in.

Was this review helpful?

A perfectly nice, pleasant read, but I’m afraid I wasn’t particularly excited by it. Not quite sure why house-sitters were required, but presumably it provided the reason to bring Olivia and Kitty together and be forced to share the house.

I would have liked more focus on the growing relationship between Logan and Kitty. I got a bit fed up with Olivia and her abusive ex.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed A Christmas Escape to Arran by this author so was pleased to see she had a new release for summer.
This was a lovely, sweet story. It took me a little time to warm to Kitty but her and Olivia developed a great friendship and there were lots of nice side characters. I really liked Logan and felt the author dealt well with some sensitive topics.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Choc Lit for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This is third in a series yet each can be read as a standalone, even though we do meet up with characters from the first two books here. Like the previous two, it's a quick, very light romance without a whole lot of action. I was left feeling I wanted a lot more from this one though. The relationship between Kitty and Logan could have been explored more. It's like getting just a tidbit of story for each character. I do enjoy this series overall but wasn't thrilled with this one. A solid 3 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Easy reading light romance set on the Isle of Arran. A mix up in communication leads to both Olivia and Kitty arriving to several weeks of house sitting at the same cottage. Friendships are formed. Relationships are started. Hearts are healed. Set at a gentle pace with a little action right near the end. Not wildly memorable but a decent enough read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing this as a Read Now Choice.

This is Scottish Romances Book 3 and while I haven't read the others I'm confident this can be read as a standalone, especially as we get a short summary of the first two books.

This is told in multi POV through the eyes of Kirsty, a single mother to Cameron, at a loose end after he goes off to summercamp; Olivia, a dancer from new York, who's trying to escape an abusive ex; and Logan, a Scottish tour guide who falls in love with Kirsty. Both Kirsty and Olivia find themselves accidentally occupying the same cottage on the Isle of Arran as housesitters, and going on Logan's walking tours. They become good friends and are a support for each other. Will Kirsty find the courage to date again? Will Olivia's ex find her? I mean, yes and yes.

A few irritations:
Why would you need a house sitter when you already have people keeping an eye on the house? Is Arran a crime hotspot or what? Plus, the constant mentions of Instagram as a hobby right next to Yoga and Art Class were irritating.

This is a sweet, clean, inoffensive, fluffy summer read about friendship and second chances. Unfortunately also instantly forgettable - one of those predictable stories without any real conflict. Good if you want to switch your brain off with a quick, light-hearted book.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books | Choc Lit for the opportunity to read A Summer House on Arran by Ellie Henderson, a fun, heartwarming story - and I hope for more!

Was this review helpful?