This captivating story blew me away! What a delightful history-laced mystery with a dash of charming romance in an adorable Scottish setting! After I finished reading Julie’s novel, my heart was brimming with joy and excitement. I have enjoyed all Julie’s novels but her first A Room at the Manor was my favourite. Well, it was, until reading her newest. Now I have to say A Scottish Highland Surprise has nudged past that one as I believe it is her best writing and story yet. It is perfect from start to finish. I absolutely and whole heartedly mean this: I sincerely loved it! I was pinned to the pages with the mystery, the characters, the whole lot.
Sophie is a wonderfully likeable character. She’s not perfect but she has strong morals and is loyal, hardworking, dedicated and passionate as a person and wedding planner. When her life goes into another direction, thanks to her grandmother Helena, this causes her character development to advance quickly. The intriguing plot sends her and others across some troubled waters but eventually delivers them to a safe harbour. The depth and maturity in Julie’s writing shines through all the original aspects of A Scottish Highland Surprise. I don’t want to give anything away but this is a tight, well-crafted story that covers everything masterfully.
A Scottish Highland Surprise is mostly told by Sophie in first person but there are other devices used to provide insight into Helena’s story. There is something magical about finding letters left by our loved ones. Especially when they are meant for us to read after they are gone. Julie handles this very well and gives her character Sophie this blessed option. It not only provides us, the reader, a special window on the soul of the grandmother but Sophie, too, learns much about her, that even she was not aware of, despite their special connection. The letters are beautifully heart-felt and Helena’s voice comes across authentic and natural, making us feel even closer to her. At least in as much as we can through ideas we have formulated about her as hinted by her granddaughter in conversations and thoughts presented to the reader. Along with the letters, there is apt use of flashbacks of Grandma Helena’s past life. These provide the reader with even more wonderful insight of the character and the reason behind her wishes for her granddaughter. In various chapters, we also are whisked away to the past in third person as the narrator gives us flashbacks in the storyline of Grandma Helena. It allows us to see what has shaped her life, the decisions she made and how these experiences influence the advice she gives her granddaughter.
The whole cast of characters are delightful and fill this setting with unforgettable charm. Then there are the two love interests that Sophie must deal with that leave us and her wondering who is the real prince charming: Xander the Art critic or Jake the artist?
Julie created an amazing trail of breadcrumbs and threw in lots of ingenious twists. The mystery is intriguing and complex and expands into so many areas and lives. Quite a delicious treat reading this story!
I will be singing Julie’s praises forever on A Scottish Highland Surprise for she deserves it. She has done a brilliant job. I had the most wonderful uplifting experience reading it over the weekend. I have given it a 5 Star rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for in my opinion this story deserves it. The author should be very proud of all her hard work. I highly recommend A Scottish Highland Surprise.
Many thanks to Julie, HarperCollins Au (One More Chapter UK) and Netgalley for an ARC to review.
