Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I enjoy Lilac's romantic stories, and this book reaches her usual high standard. We are introduced to Tara and Calan as they are in the early stages of their relationship at university. Fast forward a few years and they've gone into marriages with other people, and careers somewhat different to their original plans. Lilac draws a beautiful picture of the setting for this book, the Isle of Skye with the loch as a backdrop, conjuring up sights of the sunrises and sunsets along with glorious walks through the varied scenery. I have read other series set in craft centres but Tara's craft is completely unique and descriptions of her work run through the book making an unusual topic within the theme.
The characters are interesting and engaging, particularly Bonnie, Cal's cheeky chatterbox daughter, a completely credible young girl. There are fun moments, lots of romance and the thrilling storm close to the end. This is contemporary romantic fiction at its best: well-written, a good plot, and fully entertaining from start to finish.

If you’re after a cosy, festive escape, Surprises on the Scottish Isle is sure to deliver. From the very first chapter, I knew I’d be in for a heartwarming journey filled with all the charm and warmth you’d expect from a story set on a quaint Scottish island. It’s the kind of book that’s best enjoyed with a cuppa and a blanket as the weather turns chilly.
The story follows Tara as they navigate personal change, new beginnings, and unexpected connections. It’s a classic “will they, won’t they” tale, and while it’s fairly predictable, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s nice to know you’re heading for a happy ending. The path to get there is enjoyable, with plenty of lighthearted moments and a few tender ones.
I did find myself wishing the characters had been a bit more forthcoming with one another. There were points where a simple conversation could have resolved so much tension. It’s a bit frustrating as a reader to watch them dance around issues that feel so obviously in need of discussion. I kept thinking, “Just say it!” But then, I suppose that’s part of the charm in this sort of story. The slow burn of unresolved feelings does keep you invested, even if you’re mentally urging them on.
The Scottish setting adds a lovely, atmospheric backdrop, and Lilac Mills’ descriptions of the island’s rugged beauty had me longing for a windswept walk along a coastal path. There’s something magical about a story set in a small community where everyone knows each other’s business, and Mills captures that dynamic wonderfully. You’re quickly drawn into the ebb and flow of island life, with its quirky locals, close-knit friendships, and community spirit.
As for the writing style, it’s fluid, clear, and inviting. It’s the kind of book you can easily devour in a couple of evenings. The pacing is steady, and while there’s no dramatic twist to keep you on edge, that’s not really the point of a book like this. It’s comforting, like a familiar Christmas film you’ve seen a dozen times but still rewatch every year.
In summary, Surprises on the Scottish Isle is a light, feel-good read perfect for the festive season. While I would have liked the characters to be a bit more open with one another, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. It’s sweet, cosy, and predictably heartwarming — exactly what I wanted from it. If you’re in the mood for a gentle romance with a scenic backdrop and a touch of festive cheer, this book is a delightful choice.

This was my first read by Lilac Mills and won't be the last ! (how come I'd never heard of her before ??)

She hooked me with the title : Scotland is always spot on with me and I've never visited its isles so I was really hoping for a bit of scottish vibes. I found them :)

Tara and Calan... from the very first chapter, you can feel their love is special.
Of course the main issue of their relationship is lack of communication, and had he spoken back then, there wouldn't be a story to tell (who wants to read a "boring" easy never-ending love story?)

Seing each other after all those years, being both single again, rekindling their relationship is as inevitable as fog over London.

This book is about second chances and taking the best of every day.
Tara's art was quite unexpected, it's really cool. I liked that their jobs were unusual for books' characters and so "normal".
Bonnie is a sweetheart and brings a lot to the story.

This novel is nicely written and I am really looking forward for the next instalment of the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo Romance for providing an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

An absolutely lovely read set in a beautiful place which sounded like somewhere I would love to visit. Tara and Cal's story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. A captivating story of love and second chances.

**A big thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title."

Calan and Tara were the perfect second chance romance. Their love for each other was very strong and passionate until family circumstances changed the course of their relationship and life. It was so beautiful to see how they ended up crossing paths again and how that affected them. Lilac Mills did a wonderful job of hooking in the reader, adding Scottish banter, and even some humor that mimicked Americans. 😆 It would be amazing to see this book come to life on the movie screen, as I think it would be much more appealing than the Leap Year movie starring Amy Adams.

I look forward to reading more of Lilac Mills' books in the future!

Such a light and easy second chance romance read. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.

Thank you Lilac Mills, Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC

Love, love, love, love.
This was such a beautiful story.
It had it all and ended on such a brilliant end that I'm really hoping it's not a standalone book would love to know how it all ends.

Tara and Calan first met ten years ago at uni and were unseperble until Cal finished uni one year before tara.
A family health scare forced Cal to end there relationship and break Tara's heart.

Ten years later and they both have married and are now divorced.
Tara needs somewhere to base her buisness from and a new home and finds Coorie Castle crafts a perfect new start for her and a temporary home in one of there holiday lets, only to find out that her first love Calan lives next door.

Give me all the Scottish things!

This was such a light and easy second chance romance to jump into and enjoy. While Cal grated on my nerves some of the times, for the most part I really did love him and Tara together! They were cute, flirty, and their banter was fairly fun to read! Any time I have a second chance romance in front of me I usually eat it up, and in this case I did just that!

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC!

Tasha packs up her life in Edinburgh after a nasty divorce to go to a special castle on the island of Skye. It specialises in crafts so she fits right in with her miniature doll’s houses.
Calan also recovering form a divorce and trying to juggle his job at the castle and his ex wife and daughter.
The two divorcees meet and sparks fly because they were the first and only loves of each other at university.
Brilliantly written and a great storyline loved it.

I loved this love story set mainly on the Isle of Skye . Tara makes beautiful dolls houses and after a nasty split she moves to Skye to set in a castle craft centre . The story goes from there. The twists with mental health, young love , and promising children things you can’t keep. Loved it and a neat ending .

I am down for anythign that involves Scotland and this was no different. It was a funny and cute romantic comedic that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Overall a story of second chances. I have a hard time liking Cal and in real life would certainly never have made the choices Tara does to trust him long term. But a fun and light read.

(ad pr) Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo, and Lilac Mills

The first I hope of many in the Coorie Castle Crafts series.

Book 1 – Surprises on the Scottish Isle follows Tara and her journey through life, heartbreak and finding joy in her craft. Along with Tara we have an old Flame Calan in the same location and the tension between the two you could cut with a knife.

You will fall in love with different characters so perfectly written and every book has one you don’t like for me it was the ex-wife until the very end
.
The description of the areas in Scotland, especially the Castle and Loch make it wish you were there. Would sign up for those workshops at the craft centre.

This is the first in a new series called Coorie Castle Crafts. Tara moves to the Isle Of Skye for a new start after her divorce and gets a job in Castle Coories craft centre creating beautiful doll houses. Little does she know that Cal her true love works there also.
What follows is a lovely tale of romance, family, friendship and plenty of drama.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as some of Lilacs other books although I think this can be a strong series as it has some lovely characters, with my favourite being Bonnie.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lilac MIlls and Canelo for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Tara takes a chance and moves to a craft farm on one of the islands by Skye. Sadly it turns out her ex-fiancé, Calan, is the manager. Meeting again after about 10 years, was hard for both, but of course a second chance and attraction is still there. Enjoyed this one, although still find the reason for the break up a bit weak. Still though, liked the story and characters and would recommend.

Book Review: Surprises on the Scottish Isle by Lilac Mills

Lilac Mills’ Surprises on the Scottish Isle is a cozy, feel-good romance set against the lush, atmospheric landscapes of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. It follows Tara McTaigh, a recently divorced artist with a unique niche in crafting dollhouses, who finds herself craving a fresh start away from her past life in Edinburgh. She relocates to Castle Coorie, hoping to make a new life focused solely on her craft, far from the complexities of love and heartbreak. But her plans take an unexpected twist when she discovers that the estate manager, Calan Fraser, is none other than the man who broke her heart years ago.

The novel shines in its rich portrayal of the Scottish setting, particularly the fictional Castle Coorie. Mills vividly describes the landscapes, making the reader feel as though they, too, are part of the village, walking through rain-soaked highlands or witnessing the tempestuous beauty of a Scottish storm. The setting is more than just a backdrop; it plays a vital role in the unfolding of Tara and Calan’s story, adding a sense of magic and timelessness to their budding romance. Readers will be enchanted by the close-knit community of Duncoorie, a village where everyone knows each other’s business but also supports one another fiercely.

Tara’s journey is one of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. She is a strong, relatable protagonist, carrying the emotional scars from her failed marriage and the lingering pain from her old relationship with Calan. Her business venture – crafting custom dollhouses – is unique and charming, giving the story an endearing “crafty” twist that will especially appeal to fans of small, artistic enterprises. Mills does a wonderful job of weaving Tara’s creative process into the narrative, symbolizing her rebuilding of her life piece by piece.

The relationship between Tara and Calan is handled with sensitivity and depth. Their second-chance romance feels natural and organic, developing gradually as they confront past wounds and navigate their present lives. Calan, a single father juggling his duties at the castle and his role as a parent, brings his own set of vulnerabilities to the story. His character is complex and layered, shaped by life’s responsibilities and regrets, which makes him a compelling match for Tara. Mills strikes a nice balance in showing their shared history and the ways they have changed since their university days. The chemistry between them is genuine and heartfelt, building slowly as they rediscover each other through their many interactions around the small village.

Conflict arises when Tara’s emotions for Calan rekindle, just as a change in his life threatens their developing relationship. Without giving too much away, the surprise storm in the book’s climax serves as both a literal and metaphorical turning point. The storm challenges the characters to confront their fears and emotions in a life-or-death moment, pushing Calan to acknowledge that his heart is worth risking for love, despite his past. This part of the novel is both suspenseful and moving, as it adds urgency to Calan’s realization about his feelings for Tara.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle is not merely a romance but a story of personal growth, forgiveness, and the beauty of starting anew. Lilac Mills writes with warmth and charm, capturing the intricacies of relationships, both old and new. Her characters are flawed yet endearing, and the story’s pacing allows readers to savor the emotions and conflicts without feeling rushed. With its strong sense of place, delightful cast of side characters, and the undeniable chemistry between Tara and Calan, this book is a perfect escape for readers who enjoy heartfelt romances with a touch of adventure.

Overall, Surprises on the Scottish Isle will appeal to fans of cozy romances with a dash of Scottish charm and those who appreciate stories of second chances. Lilac Mills has crafted a lovely, uplifting novel that reminds us of the healing power of love and the importance of opening oneself up to new beginnings, no matter where life takes us.