I absolutely adored The Cottage in the Highlands, the latest romantic mystery instalment of the Scottish Escape series from Julie Shackman! I love stories that include lost letters and this novel has a very special one that sets everything in motion—which gives the charming narrative an exceptional edge.
Once I started reading The Cottage in the Highlands, I found it hard to put down. From the first page to the last it held my interest, made me care about the characters and sparked some creative thinking. The pacing was perfect—no lulls or empty spaces or tapping my fingers. Rather, my eyes were glued to the pages as I followed each intriguing character through their tumultuous dramas. The plot was excellent and offered some wonderful twists making the journey even more exciting. Julie’s wit and unique writing style never lets her down and this story is filled with delightful images, clever dialogue and charming scenes. The Scottish Highlands always offer an inspiring setting and the author makes good use of it.
The lead, Leonie Baxter, is a most likeable character. She is a journalist who finds herself soon to be out of work but to no fault of her own. The unexpected changes in her industry leave her in a bad position but she is not one to give up and begins searching for another job and finds one. But this new adventure is full of surprises and not quite what she was expecting. Yet, she appreciates the opportunity and is up for the challenge so makes the best out of a difficult circumstance (making lemonade from lemons so to speak).
The Cottage in the Highlands gives us some very interesting story leads. The inquisitive characteristics of being a journalist, though great for Leonie’s job, finds its way into her personal life and causes havoc in ways she is not anticipating. It all begins on a walk with her dog when she stumbles over an abandoned furnished cottage and a grumpy older lady living next door. This encounter leads to even more surprises and twists as the threads from the past intertwine with the present to create an intriguing future for all involved.
I really did not want to say goodbye to this wonderful cast of characters and this beautiful story filled with secrets, love and second chances. I must add, it also addresses some negative aspects of human nature which I will not reveal as I do not want to give anything away. But it just makes this story even more relevant and how to turn negative experiences into positive ones. Good hearts triumph and the ending is very satisfying. But I wanted to keep reading because the journey was so enjoyable and uplifting! Please do yourself a favour and get this novel when it comes out in December as there are enchanting touches of Christmas in it, too. I highly recommend The Cottage in the Highlands. It is mesmerising, magical and moving. 5 Glorious Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to HarperCollins One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.
