Review of 'A Secret Scottish Escape' by Julie Shackman.
New Release ‘A Secret Scottish Escape’ by Julie Shackman on May 21, 2021!
‘A Scottish Escape’ by Julie Shackman is a delightful romance with a dash of mystery: full of blossoming fresh starts, new loves and satisfying restoration.
From the onset of the novel, we are swept into a dilemma. Layla, our heroine, has a much older fiancé – in fact, he is only one year younger than her father. Her dad, Harry, is understandably protective and suspicious of the man who has captured his daughter’s heart. Harry is a likeable character and a once popular musician whose idol is Eric Clapton. This is reflected in the choice of his daughter’s name. Layla highly adores her father and has a very close relationship with him—which is possibly the envy of her mother who left the family long ago for greener pastures.
I found Layla to be a likeable character, kind hearted and thoughtful but at the beginning she is somewhat naïve to the wiles of the world. It’s not a fault--just a result of her lack of certain life experiences. Her honesty, devotion and trustworthiness are admirable and carry her through some rough patches. Even when her heart gets broken, once she realises her fiancé is not quite the man she thought he was, she finds a path through the betrayal. Of course, being human, her initial reaction is to run away but with the support of her friends and father, she works through it. And rather than leave the little hamlet she loves, she is drawn into a property that can give her purpose. A dream venue with great atmosphere, cosy setting with crackling logs, small stage, close to the audience-- all that Layla desires: a ‘haven for music lovers, where bands and singers can feel appreciated.’ This becomes her response to grief and she begins to build something positive out of her sorrow. So, to her credit, she turns her misfortune to good use by helping a small town.
Having grown up in a small coastal community, I can definitely relate to Julie’s depiction of life in this Scottish seaside hamlet. Nothing is ever as it seems. For every quaint town has its secrets, because people live there! Things only remain hidden until found—and rumours are often spread by gossiping neighbours! For someone is always itching to let the cat out of the bag to turn up the heat. Layla is on the receiving end of some of this drama and the scent of half-baked deceit wafts across this seemingly sleepy Scottish landscape. Starting with Layla’s own mother who flies back into town to upset the cosy balance of her ex-husband and daughter with some earth shattering news. Why? Probably to undermine the peaceful ties between them. But her determination back fires in some very unusual ways.
As the story progresses, we see that Layla is a ‘good person’ but gets a bit too involved in others’ lives for she is always trying to fix things. Although her motives are sincere and she wants the best for all, her interference tends to spark some drama. Her desire for balance may be fuelled by her own loss and past hurts but we never lose sight that she is a seeker of truth, even at her own expense sometimes.
I felt Julie handled her characters well. And the pace, for me, was perfect for it offered a continuous turn of events that kept me chasing after the pages to see what was going to happen next. Secrets are unveiled in due course and their reasons: some early on and others much later. But all necessary to wind out the plot.
Our heroine’s journey of growth is slight but still noticeable for I would say she is more of a static character—like Anne of Green Gables in how people change around her because of who she is – thus making her often the catalyst.
Her best friend, Faith, is a good support person, always gracious and honest. She becomes a solid sounding board for Layla and cheers her on when needed.
The plot takes an interesting turn when Layla discovers Mask/Rafe, the mysterious musician from Australia, with the hidden past. He intrigues her with his heart felt lyrics, great voice and popular music. But what secret is he hiding? Layla is determined to find out. The character of Mask often quietly, though sometimes eventfully, unfolds. With the tension just right, the plot unveils its splendour and thorns like the flowers in Rafe’s garden. The revelation of this character takes time but the reader is rewarded. We do learn his story which is cleverly executed by Julie through the sincere coaxing of her character, Layla.
Julie draws upon her own journalism history and love of music and uses it well in her story. As a lyricist and musician, myself, I can relate well to all the muso references—even the band members and their various personalities.
Descriptions and dialogue in A Secret Scottish Escape are appropriate and create a clear vision of the scenes, movements and emotions of the characters. The Scottish landscape is a colourful character, too. The various moods of this beautiful setting are particularly felt in the expansive wilderness surrounding the ‘Mask’ cottage.
This delightful must-read romantic mystery has many positive ingredients. It is laced with delicious secrets, profound highland scenery, colourful antagonists, a likeable determined heroine, great Scottish foods—all wrapped up in the bow of classic rock and original music.
Amidst the trials, mysteries, betrayals and upheavals, at the centre of this story is the beating heart of passion. It is about the desire for acceptance and to be loved; the power of forgiveness and how one can heal and do good, despite the negatives encountered in life. It is a journey that includes meeting new people, touching lives and being transformed.
A Secret Scottish Escape resolves on a high note. It has the added bonus of an epilogue two years into the future. When we turn the last page, we release a happy sigh. I sincerely recommend this lovely feel-good novel. A fabulous 4.5 stars.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️