ABOUT THE BOOK
When romance author Rosie Winters’s own fairytale romance ends with a bang, she’s determined to get away from everything. Packing up her belongings she sets off for the furthest place she can think of: Scotland.
Rosie spent her summers at her late grandmother’s coastal cottage in the Highlands and knows it’ll be the perfect place to wallow for a while. Even better that there’s a gorgeous lighthouse and dolphins in the bay.
What Rosie didn’t expect was to bump into the new lighthouse keeper, Mitch. Despite her recent heartbreak, Rosie finds herself fascinated by the mysterious Mitch. As they spend more time together, is it possible that he needs Rosie every bit as she needs him…
MY REVIEW
Who doesn’t enjoy a good lighthouse story? They hold a certain charm, don’t you think? I’ve stumbled upon a handful of books featuring lighthouses, and I’ve loved every single one. So, when I picked up Julie Shackman’s latest, I was excited and it did not disappoint!
In this beautifully crafted tale, we meet Rosie Winters, a young and successful romance author based in England. I admire her strength to move on after facing a whirlwind of challenges that many of us could only imagine in a lifetime. When her world crumbles, she loses her faith in love and retreats to her grandparents’ cozy cottage in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, bringing along her lovely dog, Bronte.
Mitch Carlisle is the new lightkeeper. Oh boy, this character! Handsome, kind-hearted, selfless, and a dash of mystery thrown in. He had me at hello. Initially a tough nut to crack, he slowly works his way into Rosie’s heart, revealing his own past struggles along the way. The banter between Rosie and Mitch is delightful; it made me grin and tugged at my heartstrings all at once. Their slow-burning romance is sweet, warm, and oh-so-comforting. As they navigate through their heartbreaking pasts, I found myself cheering them on with every turn of the page.
What surprised me even more was the secondary storyline revolving around Rosie’s grandmother. It added such a wonderful twist to the narrative and introduced captivating supporting characters that brought the entire story to life.
And don’t forget the setting! Rowan Bay felt so real, I could practically smell the sea air and feel the cool breezes of the quaint town engulfing me. It was the perfect backdrop for all the blossoming romance and friendships taking shape.
In a nutshell, this charming read has something for everyone–engaging characters, an enchanting setting, and a storyline that’s beautifully woven together. If you’re on the hunt for a book that will touch your heart and leave you with a little bit of reflection, definitely give this one a try.
Thank you to Ms. Shackman for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Scottish Escapes Series
1 A Secret Scottish Escape (2021) – My review
2 A Scottish Highland Surprise (2022)
3 The Cottage in the Highlands (2022)
4 A Scottish Country Escape (2023)
5 The Highland Lodge Getaway (2023)
6 The Bookshop by the Loch (2024)
7 A Scottish Highland Hideaway (2024)
8 A Scottish Island Summer (2025)
9 A Scottish Lighthouse Escape (2025)
10 Journey to the Scottish Highlands (2026)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a contemporary romance author from Scotland, who is obsessed with stationery and handbags.
I am married with two sons and have a poodle cross Romanian rescue puppy called Cooper. A Secret Scottish Escape is my fifth book.
I trained as a journalist and studied Communication & Media. When I’m not reading or writing, I love getting out for long walks, listening to music, and watching romcoms.
Follow Julie on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
