Review of 'A Scottish Country Escape' by Julie Shackman
Review of 'A Scottish Country Escape' by Julie Shackman
Release date: March 16th, 2023
Once again Julie Shackman has delivered another intriguing mystery romance with A Scottish Country Escape but this time it contains a paranormal twist! Although not a fast paced plot (except the race of pages under my thumb as I wanted to find out what was going to happen!), there are many incidents to tease the reader along while the mystery unfolds. There is never a dull moment in this Scottish community or story which is wonderfully interjected with the author’s trademark humour. I have loved all of Julie’s books and have never been disappointed by her unique story telling ability.
All light humour aside, there is a heart breaking element to Elle Cassidy’s life. Our main character has lost both of her well-loved parents in a tragic accident. This story focuses a fair amount on the unfortunate dangers of road travel of the past and present. But Elle is left with her grandmother so they are a comfort to each other and very close. Together they work to revive a family business in Fir Haven but in doing so turn it from a newsagent to a stationary shop called Paper Roses. This is a nice nod to Elle’s mother’s middle name (Rose) and past business as well as its current re-purpose. I love that Julie utilises small town businesses in her stories and this one is as special as the others. The element of independence sought by female owners always makes me cheer.
Another factor in this story that is very Julie-like, is Elle’s fight for the natural environment and all its living beings. There is a tough battle on in A Scottish Country Escape to preserve a nature reserve that is the ‘beating heart’ of the Fir Haven community. Of course, it is under threat by robust developers. How will Elle and her friends and family save it? You will have to read and find out but the outcome is very clever and well delivered.
There are so many wonderful branches to this story: including a romantic one. Handsome, self-absorbed Dexter Grayling, a best-selling author, arrives on the scene and stirs up the action almost causing an accident with his mean, flashy sports car. A tug of war on Elle’s heart begins after he almost runs her over and then appeals to her to help him find the woman who has seemingly put a ‘curse on him’ which is affecting his ability to write. Elle is reluctant to team up with him for obvious reasons but as we dig deeper into her background, we see there are many factors such as past relationship disappointments and personality conflicts that would prevent her from getting involved. But through persistent persuasion, her grandmother convinces her. It is an unexpected journey as she slowly finds out who Dexter really is and that he is not quite what he appears to be. Under that model playboy exterior, there are many unexpected attributes that will alter her judgement of him.
I was very happy with the clever conclusion and enjoyed meeting so many fascinating characters ( a lot of very interesting male figures that break free of their woes through the determined urging of a couple of women). It is ultimately a story about forgiveness, healing and not judging others by personal experiences, and this happens quite a fair bit in the story. People are often a product of their life events but how one chooses to let those negative experiences affect them, will result in a life of freedom and happiness or one of bondage and bitterness.
I loved A Scottish Country Escape and the fact that Julie always presents stories that may seem light on the surface (with the added bonus of humour) but their messages are anything but one dimensional. Heartfelt layers of serious matters are always at each core. These identifiable life experiences create an emotional impact on the characters (and readers). You will fall in love with Fir Haven and its characters and this story will touch your heart in unexpected ways. I highly recommend this novel. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
