Review of ‘The Scottish Island Summer’ by Julie Shackman
Review of ‘The Scottish Island Summer’ by Julie Shackman
Release date: January 30, 2025
Publisher: One More Chapter
REVIEW
This is another warm, witty and fun novel from Julie Shackman! A Scottish Island Summer takes a look at social media influencers, a historical Skye treasure hunt, an unlikely romance between a city girl and a country boy and protection of the natural environment that includes saving a trapped dolphin and exploring dinosaur tracks. Then there are fresh starts, honesty confessions and wake-up calls to what is true and beautiful.
Darcie Freeman has lost her parents and convinced herself she does not need anyone. She is a city girl with big ambitions. She wants to be the best influencer possible; to take every opportunity that comes her way so that she can become self-sufficient. She is sent on a trip by her agent to the beautiful, though somewhat remote, Isle of Sky to gather research for a new travel guide to be published. She is accustomed to creature comforts but once landing on the island she discovers things are different from what she expected. On top of this, the woman Iona hired to help her is just starting out. But she has connections to the person who can be Darcie’s guide on the island. Logan Burns is that man. He is handsome, intelligent, adventurous, humorous and flirty. But best of all, he knows every nook and cranny of the island and can provide Darcie with the best educational experience possible. Though Darcie is not impressed by his wit and manner.
But we know there is going to be a romance spring from this encounter, even though Darcie is fighting it tooth and nail for she sees relationships as complicated and chaotic. When she lands on the island, her career is the most important thing in her life—and the path she must take to be on reality TV, to get sponsorship deals and even one day own a radio or TV travel show. She is only here for the opportunities it may lead to. Once she leaves Skye, after collecting enough material for her book, she will forget all about the place. So this trip is a ‘means to an end.’ Well that’s her plan but that is not what happens and Skye manages to ‘worm’ its way into her heart. She goes on some amazing adventures with Logan, meets some wildlife, takes lots of photos, and even encounters some prehistoric remnants of dinosaur footprints and fossils. I actually looked this up and yes Skye is a palaeontological location of world importance.
On this journey across Skye, an unexpected mystery occurs and Darcie gets involved. This part of the story was quite fascinating to follow. Seeking out the historical treasure, the Skye Lovers Cross, and uncovering the truth of whether it is imaginary or real, offers some fun adventures that also lead to fantastic clues. Plus a few unexpected characters appear in the plot that stir up the intrigue. And a certain geologist’s credibility is questioned and reinstated. But what happens with Logan and Darcie? You can take a guess but read it and see!
This fun-filled, witty, delightful mystery romance has plenty of challenges and resolutions for our protagonist. And learned lessons, too, such as: ‘Take time to appreciate the here and now, and the opportunities that you have been given, rather than focusing on what everyone else is doing. Don’t be someone you’re not. And don’t live your life through a screen.’ Good advice! Author Julie Shackman has provided another fantastic read and its summer vibes line up well with Australian readers! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter for a review copy.
