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Romantic Escapes #9
Das kleine Schloss in Schottland
Bestsellerautorin Julie Caplin öffnet uns die Türen zu einem Wintertraum in den schottischen Highlands. Izzy McBride hätte nie damit gerechnet, von ihrem Großonkel ein Schloss zu erben. In der Vorweihnachtszeit reist sie nach Schottland – nur um festzustellen, dass es sich bei dem Anwesen um eine einzige Baustelle handelt. Es wird viel Zeit und Geld kosten, bis daraus ein einladendes Bed&Breakfast wird. Denn genau das ist der Plan von Izzys übereifriger Mutter. Und damit etwas Geld in die Kasse fließt, hat diese bereits ein Zimmer an den gutaussehenden Autor Ross Adair vermietet. Für Izzy ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit. Denn während sich der erste Schnee über die schottischen Highlands legt, versucht sie das Anwesen zu einem gemütlichen Ort zu machen – bevor sie über die Feiertage einschneien … Ein Wohlfühlroman mit allem, was das Herz eine charmante Liebesgeschichte, liebenswürdige Figuren und viel Lokalkolorit!
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
762 people are currently reading
4757 people want to read
About the author
Julie Caplin
31 books1,154 followersJulie Caplin also writes contemporary romance as Jules Wake.
Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She’s on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she’s been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she’s explored over the years.
Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and the The Little Paris Patisserie.
Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She’s on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she’s been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she’s explored over the years.
Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and the The Little Paris Patisserie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 717 reviews
October 6, 2022
I couldn't get enough of this book, I really wanted it to go on and on forever as I was enjoying it that much. It's Julie Caplin at her very best.
It's warm and cosy, its a hug of a book filled with nourishing food, a castle that is being turned into a hotel, a delightfully eccentric Xanthe (well she doesn't like to be called Izzy's mum), an unexpected lodger, other waifs and strays, and lovely feeling of Christmas too.
All set in the snowy Scotland highlands and the castle even comes complete with Duncan, who speaks with a thick local dialect, that I could hear clearly in my head (but since I'm bad with accents, would have been awful had I tried speaking it allowed). This really does feel remarkably Scottish, and thankfully barely a bagpipe in sight.
Definitely some kilts though, but first we have Izzy who has just done a cookery course in Ireland, and is the new owner of this castle. While she has been away Xanthe has been busy, with some good and some more stressful surprises.
I felt transported to that castle, I could picture it so clearly, including the treasure hunt (which I had a strong inkling about), and all the decorations. And I loved all the interactions between Ross and Izzy. Actually I just loved all the characters.
It's another wonderful romantic escape from an author who combines destinations and food so so well wrapped up with some romance. Just simply delightful.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It's warm and cosy, its a hug of a book filled with nourishing food, a castle that is being turned into a hotel, a delightfully eccentric Xanthe (well she doesn't like to be called Izzy's mum), an unexpected lodger, other waifs and strays, and lovely feeling of Christmas too.
All set in the snowy Scotland highlands and the castle even comes complete with Duncan, who speaks with a thick local dialect, that I could hear clearly in my head (but since I'm bad with accents, would have been awful had I tried speaking it allowed). This really does feel remarkably Scottish, and thankfully barely a bagpipe in sight.
Definitely some kilts though, but first we have Izzy who has just done a cookery course in Ireland, and is the new owner of this castle. While she has been away Xanthe has been busy, with some good and some more stressful surprises.
I felt transported to that castle, I could picture it so clearly, including the treasure hunt (which I had a strong inkling about), and all the decorations. And I loved all the interactions between Ross and Izzy. Actually I just loved all the characters.
It's another wonderful romantic escape from an author who combines destinations and food so so well wrapped up with some romance. Just simply delightful.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 9, 2023
Hatte auf eine süße Weihnachtsstory gehofft, doch leider habe ich die nicht so richtig bekommen.
"Das kleine Schloss in Schottland" war das erste Buch der Autorin für mich und leider hat es mich schon von Anfang an nicht so richtig gekriegt. Der Schreibstil ist sehr einfach und regelrecht "in your face" - von show don't tell habe ich persönlich nicht viel gemerkt. Mit den Charakteren wurde ich auch nicht sofort warm, aber die Kulisse war ganz süß und die Handlung klang eben auch ganz nett. Mit der Zeit ist all das aber hinten weg gerutscht - und verschwand hinter meiner Enttäuschung über die Charaktere, die Klischees und Reproduktionen von Stereotypen sowie Geschlechtsbildern.
Ab jetzt folgen immer mal wieder Mini-Spoiler, aber an sich war der Handlungsablauf eh nicht nennenswert überraschend:
Fangen wir mit der Darstellung der weiblichen Charaktere an. Da wären die Mutter der Protagonistin und die Mutter des Love Interest. Beide sind sehr aufgedreht, laut, schrill und "anstrengend", wie immer wieder betont wird. Sogar so anstrengend, dass der Vater des Love Interests seinem Sohn irgendwann erklärt, dass er Taktiken entwickelt hat, um mit seiner Frau umgehen zu können: Er geht angeln, golft viel und verbringt Zeit in seiner Werkstatt. Im Prinzip flüchtet er also vor seiner Frau. Außerdem erklärt der Vater an der Stelle auch, dass seine Frau eine "Powerfrau" sei, und man das eben aushalten müsste. Über den Begriff "Powerfrau" kann man ja eh schon diskutieren - Männer sind nämlich nie "Powermänner", bei denen ist es ganz normal und angesehen, Power zu haben.
Dann ist da noch eine etwas jüngere Frau, ungefähr Anfang 20, die im Schloss hilft und im Prinzip sehr unbeholfen und schüchtern ist - und kaum etwas ohne ihren Freund gebacken bekommt. Außerdem natürlich die Klatschtante aus dem Dorf und schließlich unsere Protagonistin. Sie ist organisiert und praktisch veranlagt, was unserem Love Interest irgendwann dann auch entlockt, wie untypisch das doch wäre und wie toll es doch mehr oder minder wäre, dass sie anders wäre als andere Frauen.
Laut ihrer Mutter wird die Protagonistin übrigens mal eine super Ehefrau, weil sie gut kochen kann. Woran sie allerdings noch arbeiten muss, ist ihr Aussehen - sie sollte ihre Vorzüge mehr betonen und sich doch mal schick machen, also auch dann ein Kleid anziehen, wenn sie den Tag über noch immer wieder als Köchin in der Küche tätig ist. Sonst wird sie ja ggf keinen Mann finden - und das muss die Mutter wohl dolle stressen, denn sie erwähnt es gerade zum Ende des Buchs hin sehr oft.
Ansonsten haben wir noch den Moment, in der sich ein Mann und eine Frau unterhalten und der ERWACHSENE Mann sagt, dass er für seine Schwestern zu Weihnachten nichts besorgt hat, weil er nicht weiß, "wie Mädels ticken". Die Frau erwidert darauf, dass sie es da mit ihren Brüdern einfach hätte: Sie hat einfach Footballshirts und Bier besorgt. Wow. Auch da gehts wohl kaum stereotypischer.
Es gab auch einen schönen Moment, als die Mutter des Love Interests erfahren hat, dass ihr Sohn ein Bestsellerautor ist. Er hat ihr das nie erzählt, weil er sie so anstrengend findet. Ihre Reaktion ist, Achtung, Zitat: "Gott sei Dank. Das ändert natürlich alles. Ich meine, stellen Sie sich vor, wie peinlich es immer war, sagen zu müssen, dass mein Sohn ein verstaubter, alleinstehender Geschichtsprofessor ist." Autsch. Also, wenn sich hier irgendein netter Geschichtsprofessor tummelt, ich bin bereits fürs Abstauben!
Um das klar zu stellen: ich finde es an sich nicht schlimm, dass solche Stimmen in Büchern vorkommen - es ist nur realistisch, weil es auch in Realität Menschen gibt, die dieses Weltbild noch immer nach vorn treiben. Gerade in der älteren Generation ist das ja auch oft (wenn auch definitiv nicht immer!) der Fall. Nur finde ich es schwierig, wenn es Charakterübergreifend so einen großen Teil einnimmt und noch dazu NIE eingeordnet wird.
Für mich eine Enttäuschung, schade.
"Das kleine Schloss in Schottland" war das erste Buch der Autorin für mich und leider hat es mich schon von Anfang an nicht so richtig gekriegt. Der Schreibstil ist sehr einfach und regelrecht "in your face" - von show don't tell habe ich persönlich nicht viel gemerkt. Mit den Charakteren wurde ich auch nicht sofort warm, aber die Kulisse war ganz süß und die Handlung klang eben auch ganz nett. Mit der Zeit ist all das aber hinten weg gerutscht - und verschwand hinter meiner Enttäuschung über die Charaktere, die Klischees und Reproduktionen von Stereotypen sowie Geschlechtsbildern.
Ab jetzt folgen immer mal wieder Mini-Spoiler, aber an sich war der Handlungsablauf eh nicht nennenswert überraschend:
Fangen wir mit der Darstellung der weiblichen Charaktere an. Da wären die Mutter der Protagonistin und die Mutter des Love Interest. Beide sind sehr aufgedreht, laut, schrill und "anstrengend", wie immer wieder betont wird. Sogar so anstrengend, dass der Vater des Love Interests seinem Sohn irgendwann erklärt, dass er Taktiken entwickelt hat, um mit seiner Frau umgehen zu können: Er geht angeln, golft viel und verbringt Zeit in seiner Werkstatt. Im Prinzip flüchtet er also vor seiner Frau. Außerdem erklärt der Vater an der Stelle auch, dass seine Frau eine "Powerfrau" sei, und man das eben aushalten müsste. Über den Begriff "Powerfrau" kann man ja eh schon diskutieren - Männer sind nämlich nie "Powermänner", bei denen ist es ganz normal und angesehen, Power zu haben.
Dann ist da noch eine etwas jüngere Frau, ungefähr Anfang 20, die im Schloss hilft und im Prinzip sehr unbeholfen und schüchtern ist - und kaum etwas ohne ihren Freund gebacken bekommt. Außerdem natürlich die Klatschtante aus dem Dorf und schließlich unsere Protagonistin. Sie ist organisiert und praktisch veranlagt, was unserem Love Interest irgendwann dann auch entlockt, wie untypisch das doch wäre und wie toll es doch mehr oder minder wäre, dass sie anders wäre als andere Frauen.
Laut ihrer Mutter wird die Protagonistin übrigens mal eine super Ehefrau, weil sie gut kochen kann. Woran sie allerdings noch arbeiten muss, ist ihr Aussehen - sie sollte ihre Vorzüge mehr betonen und sich doch mal schick machen, also auch dann ein Kleid anziehen, wenn sie den Tag über noch immer wieder als Köchin in der Küche tätig ist. Sonst wird sie ja ggf keinen Mann finden - und das muss die Mutter wohl dolle stressen, denn sie erwähnt es gerade zum Ende des Buchs hin sehr oft.
Ansonsten haben wir noch den Moment, in der sich ein Mann und eine Frau unterhalten und der ERWACHSENE Mann sagt, dass er für seine Schwestern zu Weihnachten nichts besorgt hat, weil er nicht weiß, "wie Mädels ticken". Die Frau erwidert darauf, dass sie es da mit ihren Brüdern einfach hätte: Sie hat einfach Footballshirts und Bier besorgt. Wow. Auch da gehts wohl kaum stereotypischer.
Es gab auch einen schönen Moment, als die Mutter des Love Interests erfahren hat, dass ihr Sohn ein Bestsellerautor ist. Er hat ihr das nie erzählt, weil er sie so anstrengend findet. Ihre Reaktion ist, Achtung, Zitat: "Gott sei Dank. Das ändert natürlich alles. Ich meine, stellen Sie sich vor, wie peinlich es immer war, sagen zu müssen, dass mein Sohn ein verstaubter, alleinstehender Geschichtsprofessor ist." Autsch. Also, wenn sich hier irgendein netter Geschichtsprofessor tummelt, ich bin bereits fürs Abstauben!
Um das klar zu stellen: ich finde es an sich nicht schlimm, dass solche Stimmen in Büchern vorkommen - es ist nur realistisch, weil es auch in Realität Menschen gibt, die dieses Weltbild noch immer nach vorn treiben. Gerade in der älteren Generation ist das ja auch oft (wenn auch definitiv nicht immer!) der Fall. Nur finde ich es schwierig, wenn es Charakterübergreifend so einen großen Teil einnimmt und noch dazu NIE eingeordnet wird.
Für mich eine Enttäuschung, schade.
October 4, 2022
I normally don't read contemporary novels. Life is tough enough without reading about other people's problems. What attracted me to this one is that I love anything set in Scotland and also in a castle and I'm so glad I read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Izzy inherits a castle in Scotland and goes to live there with her mother, Xanthe. She intends running it as a hotel as it has to pay it's way. When she returns from her cookery course she discovers her mother has already taken a paying guest even though this was not the plan. Then Xanthe takes a large booking for Christmas, which is just weeks away.
Izzy is a lovely, likable person and I was rooting for her all the way. She has a very trying time with Xanthe, who is away with the fairies most of the time but she loves her dearly. She's a very funny character and definitely adds a light heartedness to the story but if she was my mother I'd be sorely tempted to throw her off the battlements!
We have the stereotypical tall, dark brooding hero which I get tired of in books. He annoyed me at times. He was friendly and amiable and then cool and distant and this happened quite a lot.
There is a great mix of side characters. Some are gathered up as the story progresses, other's are there from the start. The description of Christmas day in the castle was wonderful.
I' think this book would be lovely to read at Christmas, sitting at a roaring fire with a hot toddy in hand.
Would recommend it!
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
Izzy inherits a castle in Scotland and goes to live there with her mother, Xanthe. She intends running it as a hotel as it has to pay it's way. When she returns from her cookery course she discovers her mother has already taken a paying guest even though this was not the plan. Then Xanthe takes a large booking for Christmas, which is just weeks away.
Izzy is a lovely, likable person and I was rooting for her all the way. She has a very trying time with Xanthe, who is away with the fairies most of the time but she loves her dearly. She's a very funny character and definitely adds a light heartedness to the story but if she was my mother I'd be sorely tempted to throw her off the battlements!
We have the stereotypical tall, dark brooding hero which I get tired of in books. He annoyed me at times. He was friendly and amiable and then cool and distant and this happened quite a lot.
There is a great mix of side characters. Some are gathered up as the story progresses, other's are there from the start. The description of Christmas day in the castle was wonderful.
I' think this book would be lovely to read at Christmas, sitting at a roaring fire with a hot toddy in hand.
Would recommend it!
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
December 22, 2022
I found this an entertaining and heart-warming read from Caplin and I enjoyed every minute of it. I love how characters from the previous book make an appearance, stitching two stories together, but it is not at all essential for the series to be read in order. Indeed, seeing how the novel finished, I will be keen to see what happens in Caplin’s release next year.
Plots (and covers) seem remarkably similar between books by Caplin however, as long as you space them out enough then I don’t think it should bother you – it certainly didn’t me! In this story, Izzy finds herself living in the Scottish Highlands, having inherited a castle from her uncle. Sounds idyllic, right? Not at all. Quickly, Izzy learns that this castle is run-down and its upkeep is proving to be increasingly costly. As a way of saving the castle, Izzy decides to turn it into a hotel, banking on the beautiful location and castle surroundings to appeal to many.
With the help of Izzy’s beloved mother, Xanthe, the castle soon sees its very own transformation. I could not help but love Xanthe’s irresponsible character and felt sorry for Izzy as a consequence. From inviting the first guest without Izzy’s permission – and charging extortionate rates on top of that – the residents of the castle just seem to grow and grow. Izzy is frustrated by the lack of thinking from Xanthe but grudgingly admits that this is the income she badly needs if she wants to make a success of the castle – and renovate it properly. However, it feels like every few chapters, the guest list for Christmas at the castle seems to grow and I could not help but laugh at the comedy of the situation. One minute Izzy feels like she has a handle on things and then is seems like she has a few more extra rooms to prepare for the additional heads. I could feel her despair!
Coupled with the entertaining character of Xanthe, I fell in love with the beautiful castle and setting itself. I loved the sub-plot of hidden treasure in the castle and was relieved it wasn’t a sub-plot focussing on ghosts instead – this would have been too obvious. Although the lost sapphires don’t dominate the narrative, it is a stark reminder of how precarious Izzy’s situation is and how much she is relying on her guests to enjoy their stay to make a living out of the castle.
With snow, Christmas decorations and plenty of food, this had me filled up from head to toe. I enjoyed seeing the different festive traditions, made further magical by the castle itself. Based on the atmosphere that Caplin creates, I felt like I was sharing the season with Izzy and her guests, sitting at the table with them and enjoying endless drinks and mince pies. It truly made this such a heart-warming story.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Plots (and covers) seem remarkably similar between books by Caplin however, as long as you space them out enough then I don’t think it should bother you – it certainly didn’t me! In this story, Izzy finds herself living in the Scottish Highlands, having inherited a castle from her uncle. Sounds idyllic, right? Not at all. Quickly, Izzy learns that this castle is run-down and its upkeep is proving to be increasingly costly. As a way of saving the castle, Izzy decides to turn it into a hotel, banking on the beautiful location and castle surroundings to appeal to many.
With the help of Izzy’s beloved mother, Xanthe, the castle soon sees its very own transformation. I could not help but love Xanthe’s irresponsible character and felt sorry for Izzy as a consequence. From inviting the first guest without Izzy’s permission – and charging extortionate rates on top of that – the residents of the castle just seem to grow and grow. Izzy is frustrated by the lack of thinking from Xanthe but grudgingly admits that this is the income she badly needs if she wants to make a success of the castle – and renovate it properly. However, it feels like every few chapters, the guest list for Christmas at the castle seems to grow and I could not help but laugh at the comedy of the situation. One minute Izzy feels like she has a handle on things and then is seems like she has a few more extra rooms to prepare for the additional heads. I could feel her despair!
Coupled with the entertaining character of Xanthe, I fell in love with the beautiful castle and setting itself. I loved the sub-plot of hidden treasure in the castle and was relieved it wasn’t a sub-plot focussing on ghosts instead – this would have been too obvious. Although the lost sapphires don’t dominate the narrative, it is a stark reminder of how precarious Izzy’s situation is and how much she is relying on her guests to enjoy their stay to make a living out of the castle.
With snow, Christmas decorations and plenty of food, this had me filled up from head to toe. I enjoyed seeing the different festive traditions, made further magical by the castle itself. Based on the atmosphere that Caplin creates, I felt like I was sharing the season with Izzy and her guests, sitting at the table with them and enjoying endless drinks and mince pies. It truly made this such a heart-warming story.
With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
Tak, a mám za sebou ďalší Romantický útek, hoci Izzy nikde neušla. Táto séria si získala celkom stabilné miesto v mojom srdci a môžem povedať, že táto kniha ho len umocnila. Som teda naozaj šťastná, že sa nezopakovala situácia s Čajovňou a opäť som dostala skvelý príbeh.
Tentokrát sa odohráva na hrade v (pred)vianočnom období a som veľmi rada, že som sa k nej dostala až po Vianociach. Keďže nie som ich veľkou fanúšičkou a dosť mi lezú na nervy, tým, že ma už nikde neobťažovali, som si knihu užila viac.
Jediným veľkým negatívom je pre mňa Izzina matka Xanthe, ktorá ma neskutočne vytáčala. Inak tu máme opäť veľmi sympatické postavy, milú romantiku, úžasné jedlo (dala by som čokoľvek za to, aby som ho dokázala z tých stránok zhmotniť) a skvelo napísaný, pútavý príbeh.
Podľa mňa patrí k tým najlepším dielom tejto série.
Tentokrát sa odohráva na hrade v (pred)vianočnom období a som veľmi rada, že som sa k nej dostala až po Vianociach. Keďže nie som ich veľkou fanúšičkou a dosť mi lezú na nervy, tým, že ma už nikde neobťažovali, som si knihu užila viac.
Jediným veľkým negatívom je pre mňa Izzina matka Xanthe, ktorá ma neskutočne vytáčala. Inak tu máme opäť veľmi sympatické postavy, milú romantiku, úžasné jedlo (dala by som čokoľvek za to, aby som ho dokázala z tých stránok zhmotniť) a skvelo napísaný, pútavý príbeh.
Podľa mňa patrí k tým najlepším dielom tejto série.
December 20, 2022
Another good read in the romantic escapes series. Set in Scotland a location which cannot go wrong for me in the Highlands, some in Edinburgh and many more. Izzy and Ross should not work but they so do. She brings out the better in him and he makes her happy. My only disappointment was the six months later was not of the two of the book but a snippet of the next one. However good it sounds I wanted more of Izzy and Ross. Hopefully they will feature or be mentioned with Hattie
September 6, 2022
This is an outstanding book from the first page you get hooked you feel as if you are there in Scotland yourself with the lovely castle and the characters are brilliant and full of romance and Christmas.
Izzy inherited a castle in Scotland and dreams of running it as a bed and breakfast but when she arrives her mum is already there ms has rented a room out to a writer and he wants peace and quiet to finish his book and she didn’t realise how run down the castle is so will she be able to afford to put it right. Her mum has great ideas but she’s got a family coming for Christmas and they want the best of everything so she’s hoping to pull it off. She finds a young couple camping on her grounds and when they have a bad storm they ask to stay in the castle for the night and they end up doing jobs and staying to help out. Ross the writer starts talking with Izzy and they can both feel a spark and trying not to act on it as both have had bad break ups. Will Izzy be able to get everything ready for Christmas and will the snow effect things and will there be romance in the air or not.
Well worth more than five stars.
Izzy inherited a castle in Scotland and dreams of running it as a bed and breakfast but when she arrives her mum is already there ms has rented a room out to a writer and he wants peace and quiet to finish his book and she didn’t realise how run down the castle is so will she be able to afford to put it right. Her mum has great ideas but she’s got a family coming for Christmas and they want the best of everything so she’s hoping to pull it off. She finds a young couple camping on her grounds and when they have a bad storm they ask to stay in the castle for the night and they end up doing jobs and staying to help out. Ross the writer starts talking with Izzy and they can both feel a spark and trying not to act on it as both have had bad break ups. Will Izzy be able to get everything ready for Christmas and will the snow effect things and will there be romance in the air or not.
Well worth more than five stars.
September 21, 2024
I really wanted to like it, I love stories situated in Scotland and Julie’s other books, but this…. It was so disappointing….. I wanted to slap every person in this book!
February 28, 2024
Приятна атмосфера, ястия, романтика, красива природа и една любовна история са вплетени в сюжета на книгата.
Изабел наследява замък в Шотландия, но това върви с много разходи, а средства няма. Тя решава да го превърне в хотел. След курса по готварство се завръща в замъка и първото, което вижда е сексапилният мъж в кухнята. Нейната фрапантната и енергична майка е отдала под наем една от стаите без да ѝ каже. Изи трябва да се примири с присъствието на Рос и в същото време да подготви хотела за гостите, които ще пристигнат за Коледа. Тя е добра душа и приютява младоженци, оженили се без благословията на родителите си. Постепенно покрай нея се събира кръг от приятели и помощници.
Рос е писател, който е дошъл на тишина и спокойствие, за да напише книга. Неговата тайнственост и закачливите погледи, които хвърля към Изи, допринасят за загадъчната и романтична атмосфера. Постепенно той се оказва въвлечен в подготовката на замъка за първите гости.
Цялостната атмосфера в романа ми допадна. Всички си помагаха, подкрепяха се и се оказа, че шотландския замък сплотява хората, прави ги по-добри и укрепва приятелствата. Имаше много трогателни и емоционални моменти. Любовта между Рос и Изи не ми беше така интересна. Не можах да ги почувствам като двойка, а на моменти и двамата плачеха за шамари, особено Рос. Изи през цялото време го сравняваше с Джейми Фрейзър и ахкаше по изваяното му тяло. Това ме дразнеше, особено на фона на приказната обстановка и интересни герои.
Стилът на авторката е четивен и емоционален. Ако обичате тематични книги за празници, за готвене и храни, то значи книгата ще ви допадне.
Изабел наследява замък в Шотландия, но това върви с много разходи, а средства няма. Тя решава да го превърне в хотел. След курса по готварство се завръща в замъка и първото, което вижда е сексапилният мъж в кухнята. Нейната фрапантната и енергична майка е отдала под наем една от стаите без да ѝ каже. Изи трябва да се примири с присъствието на Рос и в същото време да подготви хотела за гостите, които ще пристигнат за Коледа. Тя е добра душа и приютява младоженци, оженили се без благословията на родителите си. Постепенно покрай нея се събира кръг от приятели и помощници.
Рос е писател, който е дошъл на тишина и спокойствие, за да напише книга. Неговата тайнственост и закачливите погледи, които хвърля към Изи, допринасят за загадъчната и романтична атмосфера. Постепенно той се оказва въвлечен в подготовката на замъка за първите гости.
Цялостната атмосфера в романа ми допадна. Всички си помагаха, подкрепяха се и се оказа, че шотландския замък сплотява хората, прави ги по-добри и укрепва приятелствата. Имаше много трогателни и емоционални моменти. Любовта между Рос и Изи не ми беше така интересна. Не можах да ги почувствам като двойка, а на моменти и двамата плачеха за шамари, особено Рос. Изи през цялото време го сравняваше с Джейми Фрейзър и ахкаше по изваяното му тяло. Това ме дразнеше, особено на фона на приказната обстановка и интересни герои.
Стилът на авторката е четивен и емоционален. Ако обичате тематични книги за празници, за готвене и храни, то значи книгата ще ви допадне.
October 20, 2022
I love this series, and I think this could be my favourite book so far! I loved everything about it!
I really liked Izzy, she was so welcoming and easy going. Her mother Xanthe took a bit of getting used to, as did Ross the moody author!
The setting was lovely, especially when the snow starts. I love snow, probably because we don’t get much here in Jersey, and I wouldn’t mind being snowed in, in a Scottish castle with family and friends at Christmas. In fact it would be perfect, especially with a wonderful host and cook like Izzy!
Although the romance was predictable, it was lovely and there were a few fab surprises thrown in there as well to add some drama and tension!
If you’re looking for a cosy read for Christmas I definitely recommend this one. In fact I recommend the whole Romantic Escapes series!
Thanks so much to One More Chapter and NetGalley for my digital ARC.
I really liked Izzy, she was so welcoming and easy going. Her mother Xanthe took a bit of getting used to, as did Ross the moody author!
The setting was lovely, especially when the snow starts. I love snow, probably because we don’t get much here in Jersey, and I wouldn’t mind being snowed in, in a Scottish castle with family and friends at Christmas. In fact it would be perfect, especially with a wonderful host and cook like Izzy!
Although the romance was predictable, it was lovely and there were a few fab surprises thrown in there as well to add some drama and tension!
If you’re looking for a cosy read for Christmas I definitely recommend this one. In fact I recommend the whole Romantic Escapes series!
Thanks so much to One More Chapter and NetGalley for my digital ARC.
November 23, 2022
Zatím nejkrásnější příběh, který jsem od autorky četla. Ale jsem teda dost neobjektivní, protože Scottish Highlands miluju, takže umístění příběhu pro mě byla už víc než poloviční výhra. :) Milý příběh a ta vánoční atmosféra… to byla paráda. Jen to bylo velmi předvídatelné a chyběl mi tam nějaký větší zvrat. Ale stejně: před Vánoci je to krásné čtení!
December 14, 2023
V poradí deviaty romantický útek od Julie Caplin ma zaviedol na hrad v škótskej vysočine.
Zdediť hrad môže byť úžasné, ale keď k tomu nemáte ani cent, neostáva nič iné, ako z neho spraviť luxusný hotel.
Presne tento nápad má aj nová majiteľka hradu Izzy. Snaží sa hrad pripraviť na prvých návštevníkov, ktorí majú obsadiť hrad počas Vianoc.
V tomto príbehu nehrá hlavnú rolu romantická linka. Nie je to ani jedlo, či opis okolia. Hlavnú úlohu prevzala atmosféra. Vianoce máme už o pár dní a s knihou som mala dokonalý pocit, že Vianoce už klopú na dvere.
Rekonštrukcia, zariaďovanie izieb, ozdobovanie vianočných stromčekov s slávnostná večera. Hneď by som sa teleportovala k Izzy a ostatným obyvateľom hradu.
Autorke sa tentokrát podarilo vytvoriť nevšednú postavu, ktorou bola Xanthe. Občas som mala chuť ju zaškrtiť, pretože ona nemala žiadnu predstavu o tom, ako funguje svet, ale zároveň bola kreatívna a starostlivá.
Síce som povedala, že hlavnú rolu nemala romantika, rozhodne tak nechýbala. Ros bol pokojný a tichý a taký bol aj vzťah medzi Izzy a Rosom. Nebolo to dychberúce a osudové, ale jemné a pokojné a ja sa už opäť teším sa další príbeh, ktorý si pre nás autorka pripravila.
Zdediť hrad môže byť úžasné, ale keď k tomu nemáte ani cent, neostáva nič iné, ako z neho spraviť luxusný hotel.
Presne tento nápad má aj nová majiteľka hradu Izzy. Snaží sa hrad pripraviť na prvých návštevníkov, ktorí majú obsadiť hrad počas Vianoc.
V tomto príbehu nehrá hlavnú rolu romantická linka. Nie je to ani jedlo, či opis okolia. Hlavnú úlohu prevzala atmosféra. Vianoce máme už o pár dní a s knihou som mala dokonalý pocit, že Vianoce už klopú na dvere.
Rekonštrukcia, zariaďovanie izieb, ozdobovanie vianočných stromčekov s slávnostná večera. Hneď by som sa teleportovala k Izzy a ostatným obyvateľom hradu.
Autorke sa tentokrát podarilo vytvoriť nevšednú postavu, ktorou bola Xanthe. Občas som mala chuť ju zaškrtiť, pretože ona nemala žiadnu predstavu o tom, ako funguje svet, ale zároveň bola kreatívna a starostlivá.
Síce som povedala, že hlavnú rolu nemala romantika, rozhodne tak nechýbala. Ros bol pokojný a tichý a taký bol aj vzťah medzi Izzy a Rosom. Nebolo to dychberúce a osudové, ale jemné a pokojné a ja sa už opäť teším sa další príbeh, ktorý si pre nás autorka pripravila.
February 28, 2025
"So fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my dear, Til a’ the seas gang dry."
Izzy erbt ein Schloss in den schottischen Highlands, das sie in ein B&B verwandeln will. Doch nicht nur die Renovierung macht Probleme.
Ein weiterer Teil der Romantic Escapes Reihe. Der mich aber leider nicht wirklich überzeugen konnte. Der Lokalkolorit ist toll, aber die Liebesgeschichte konnte mich nicht überzeugen. Ich habe es einfach nicht gefühlt, zumal es auch wieder viel "hin und her" gab, was mich oft nervt. Und ich fand die Geschichte recht vorhersehbar, gerade die vermeintlichen großen Geheimnisse.
Sicherlich für Fans von Liebesgeschichten ein tolles Buch, mir war es zu flach
Izzy erbt ein Schloss in den schottischen Highlands, das sie in ein B&B verwandeln will. Doch nicht nur die Renovierung macht Probleme.
Ein weiterer Teil der Romantic Escapes Reihe. Der mich aber leider nicht wirklich überzeugen konnte. Der Lokalkolorit ist toll, aber die Liebesgeschichte konnte mich nicht überzeugen. Ich habe es einfach nicht gefühlt, zumal es auch wieder viel "hin und her" gab, was mich oft nervt. Und ich fand die Geschichte recht vorhersehbar, gerade die vermeintlichen großen Geheimnisse.
Sicherlich für Fans von Liebesgeschichten ein tolles Buch, mir war es zu flach
January 1, 2025
Eu li a tradução portuguesa deste livro e houve algumas expressões que me fizeram distanciar um pouco da história. Embora perceba que foi feito para dar um ar mais rural/campónio, não consegui conectar-me com o que estava a acontecer.
Achei os personagens principais (Izzy e Ross) um pouco aborrecidos e para mim um homem que não sabe o que quer é o pior MMC de sempre, por isso acho que não foi o meu estilo de todo.
Gostei do ambiente do castelo e da personalidade extravagante da Xanthe, mas os restantes personagens secundários também não me pareceram nada de especial. É uma leitura engraçada para se ler numa certa altura do ano, mas as descrições constantes acabam por também se tornar chatinhas.
Consigo perceber porque podem gostar deste livrinho, mas não foi algo com que me identificasse! ☹️
Achei os personagens principais (Izzy e Ross) um pouco aborrecidos e para mim um homem que não sabe o que quer é o pior MMC de sempre, por isso acho que não foi o meu estilo de todo.
Gostei do ambiente do castelo e da personalidade extravagante da Xanthe, mas os restantes personagens secundários também não me pareceram nada de especial. É uma leitura engraçada para se ler numa certa altura do ano, mas as descrições constantes acabam por também se tornar chatinhas.
Consigo perceber porque podem gostar deste livrinho, mas não foi algo com que me identificasse! ☹️
December 26, 2024
What a great way to finish my cosy Christmas reads for the year!! I do have a few winter ones but not a 'leading up to Christmas' book. This was fantastic! Loved the characters and the story.
This kept me entertained from page one and at times I couldn't put it down. So easy to read and enjoy.
The setting was beautiful and it was so relaxing to read about all the wonderful food and decorations!
I lost myself in this perfect Christmas escape and I cant wait to read what else this Author has to offer!
Perfectly adorable and exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend 🎄
This kept me entertained from page one and at times I couldn't put it down. So easy to read and enjoy.
The setting was beautiful and it was so relaxing to read about all the wonderful food and decorations!
I lost myself in this perfect Christmas escape and I cant wait to read what else this Author has to offer!
Perfectly adorable and exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend 🎄
December 6, 2024
Sabem aqueles livros perfeitos, queridos, leitura de conforto?
Este livro é assim. Perfeito.
Um doce de livro que nos aquece o coração.
Um romance com amor, amizade e a importância da família, que nos ensina que por vezes temos de deixar de lado os receios se queremos ter o nosso final feliz junto com o nosso amor!
Claro que depois de ler este livro já só queria ir passar o Natal num Castelo na Escócia.
Leiam pois este é o livro perfeito para esta altura do ano.
Este livro é assim. Perfeito.
Um doce de livro que nos aquece o coração.
Um romance com amor, amizade e a importância da família, que nos ensina que por vezes temos de deixar de lado os receios se queremos ter o nosso final feliz junto com o nosso amor!
Claro que depois de ler este livro já só queria ir passar o Natal num Castelo na Escócia.
Leiam pois este é o livro perfeito para esta altura do ano.
December 13, 2023
Уютно коледно четиво, което дръпна Единбург още по-напред в списъка с желание дестинации.
February 24, 2024
Nothing special, cute and charming when it wasn’t boring. Some parts were really cheesy though. I actually liked the main characters Izzy and Ross.
December 23, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
December 6, 2024
Não é habitual eu ler romances de Natal mas lá calhou ler este e até foi giro. É uma história simples, sem enredos especiais, mas que se lê bem.
Adorei o estilo exuberante de Xanthe e, mais tarde, de Alicia.
O romance de Ross e Izzy podia ser melhor desenvolvido.
Foi um livro engraçado, que li bem mas não deixou marca.
Adorei o estilo exuberante de Xanthe e, mais tarde, de Alicia.
O romance de Ross e Izzy podia ser melhor desenvolvido.
Foi um livro engraçado, que li bem mas não deixou marca.
November 18, 2024
Dieses Buch lässt sich genau so zusammenfassen wie alle anderen Teile dieser Reihe: vorhersehbar, kitschig bis hinten gegen, ein bisschen platt, aber auch süß und cozy. Die Schottland Vibes waren amazing, vor allem bei dem Wetter gerade✨
Bei diesen Büchern weiß man einfach, was man kriegt, ich bin und bleibe Fan, fight me🤝🏽
Punktabzug dafür, dass ihre Mutter mich wahnsinnig gemacht hat und wie hier Körper ein paar mal kommentiert und bewertet wurden. Außerdem: warum haben die in diesem romantischen alten schottischen Schloss am Arsch der Heide eine Nespresso Maschine???
Und last but not least: das wahre Traumpaar in dieser Geschichte sind für mich ganz klar Fliss und Jason!!
Bei diesen Büchern weiß man einfach, was man kriegt, ich bin und bleibe Fan, fight me🤝🏽
Punktabzug dafür, dass ihre Mutter mich wahnsinnig gemacht hat und wie hier Körper ein paar mal kommentiert und bewertet wurden. Außerdem: warum haben die in diesem romantischen alten schottischen Schloss am Arsch der Heide eine Nespresso Maschine???
Und last but not least: das wahre Traumpaar in dieser Geschichte sind für mich ganz klar Fliss und Jason!!
March 29, 2023
Quite predictable and way too long for the actual storyline. Sorry. Maybe it’s just not my cup of tea genre anymore
October 30, 2023
Tenhle díl se mi zas tak nelíbil, příběh mi nesedl. Jinak kniha byla hezky napsaná.
March 21, 2024
Príjemný (pred)vianočný príbeh. Asi 3/4 knihy som chcela Xanthe zašrktiť ale potom som si na ňu zvykla :-D Ross a Izzy boli taká opatrnná dvojica, žiadna okázalá romantika, čo mi bolo inak sympatické.
January 28, 2025
Sehr süßes Buch mit süßen Charakteren und wieder interessanten Passagen zum Thema Essen bzw. Slow Food. Ich bin jetzt im Januar ganz wundervoll in Weihnachtsstimmung und fühle mich ganz hyggelig. 🤭 Hat mir gefallen, dass ein paar Charaktere aus einem anderen Teil dieser Reihe auftauchten, obwohl sie sich einzeln voneinander lesen lassen. Insgesamt wirklich schön - was fürs Herz, aber nichts besonderes.
December 29, 2022
CAWPILE rating: 7.43
January 28, 2025
Gostei mais deste livro do que estava à espera, sou sincera. Já tinha lido um livro desta série das “escapadelas” e tinha gostado, mas acabei por gostar mais deste. Talvez por ter sido lido na altura certa, por ter as vibes de Natal que eu tanto gosto ou, simplesmente por ter personagens e histórias que nos atraem e nos aquecem o coração.
Izzy herda um castelo (a cair aos pedaços) nas Terras Altas. Não é que ela já não o conhecesse. Conhecia e já lá tinha estado na sua infância. A bem da verdade, era mesmo aquela mudança que ela precisava. Tendo acabado um curso de culinária na Irlanda, aquele castelo e a sua cozinha maravilhosa eram o lugar certo para ela começar a sua nova carreira. Izzy pretende recuperar o castelo e dar-lhe uma nova vida.. transformar aquele castelo (mais desgastado do que ela pensava) num hotel charmoso, com boas acomodações e comida aconchegante.
O castelo, felizmente não vem sozinho. Continua com o seu mordomo de sempre, Duncan e, um hóspede surpresa e indesejado. Obra da sua mãe irritantemente excêntrica e meio egoísta que aceitou hóspedes sem o castelo estar em condições.
Esse hóspede indesejado é Ross. Um homem reservado que apenas quer um refúgio para escrever o seu novo livro. Ninguém sabe quem ele é na verdade e, aos poucos ele vai passar de hóspede indesejado, para alguém muito importante na vida de Izzy.
Gostei imenso de como temos as descrições de todas as obras feitas no castelo, como, aos poucos, começa a ganhar uma nova “cara” e começa a encher-se de pessoas com corações enormes e cheios de amor para dar. A verdade seja dita que Izzy é uma pessoa adorável e dificil de não se gostar imediatamente. Achei-a muito permissiva em relação aos caprichos egoístas da mãe. No entanto, mãe é mãe e não é por ser uma caprichosa que nem gosta que ela lhe trate por mãe, que não ali amor verdadeiro entre elas.
Gostei de como as personagens todas foram sendo introduzidas na história e na dinâmica de tudo o que estava a acontecer naquela renovação.
É uma história quentinha e aconchegante, é um livro cheio de comida que nos deixa água na boca e um castelo que está a ser transformado num hotel com todos os obstáculos enormes que vão aparecendo.
Uma Xanthe, mãe de Izzy, frustrante e excêntrica, um inquilino inesperado mas, à sua maneira adorável, outras crianças abandonadas e fugitivos vadios, e uma adorável sensação de Natal que nos dá aquela sensação de bem estar e de conforto.
Quase que conseguimos sentir a chuva a entrar pelo telhado partido do castelo, a madeira a crepitar na lareira e o cheiro maravilhoso que se espalha desde a cozinha pelo castelo inteiro, fazendo as delícias de todos os que por lá habitam.
Recomendo e quero muito ler os outros livros desta série super amorosa e ternurenta.
Izzy herda um castelo (a cair aos pedaços) nas Terras Altas. Não é que ela já não o conhecesse. Conhecia e já lá tinha estado na sua infância. A bem da verdade, era mesmo aquela mudança que ela precisava. Tendo acabado um curso de culinária na Irlanda, aquele castelo e a sua cozinha maravilhosa eram o lugar certo para ela começar a sua nova carreira. Izzy pretende recuperar o castelo e dar-lhe uma nova vida.. transformar aquele castelo (mais desgastado do que ela pensava) num hotel charmoso, com boas acomodações e comida aconchegante.
O castelo, felizmente não vem sozinho. Continua com o seu mordomo de sempre, Duncan e, um hóspede surpresa e indesejado. Obra da sua mãe irritantemente excêntrica e meio egoísta que aceitou hóspedes sem o castelo estar em condições.
Esse hóspede indesejado é Ross. Um homem reservado que apenas quer um refúgio para escrever o seu novo livro. Ninguém sabe quem ele é na verdade e, aos poucos ele vai passar de hóspede indesejado, para alguém muito importante na vida de Izzy.
Gostei imenso de como temos as descrições de todas as obras feitas no castelo, como, aos poucos, começa a ganhar uma nova “cara” e começa a encher-se de pessoas com corações enormes e cheios de amor para dar. A verdade seja dita que Izzy é uma pessoa adorável e dificil de não se gostar imediatamente. Achei-a muito permissiva em relação aos caprichos egoístas da mãe. No entanto, mãe é mãe e não é por ser uma caprichosa que nem gosta que ela lhe trate por mãe, que não ali amor verdadeiro entre elas.
Gostei de como as personagens todas foram sendo introduzidas na história e na dinâmica de tudo o que estava a acontecer naquela renovação.
É uma história quentinha e aconchegante, é um livro cheio de comida que nos deixa água na boca e um castelo que está a ser transformado num hotel com todos os obstáculos enormes que vão aparecendo.
Uma Xanthe, mãe de Izzy, frustrante e excêntrica, um inquilino inesperado mas, à sua maneira adorável, outras crianças abandonadas e fugitivos vadios, e uma adorável sensação de Natal que nos dá aquela sensação de bem estar e de conforto.
Quase que conseguimos sentir a chuva a entrar pelo telhado partido do castelo, a madeira a crepitar na lareira e o cheiro maravilhoso que se espalha desde a cozinha pelo castelo inteiro, fazendo as delícias de todos os que por lá habitam.
Recomendo e quero muito ler os outros livros desta série super amorosa e ternurenta.
December 10, 2023
This took me 2 weeks to read. This shouldn’t have taken me 2 weeks 🫠 I was flirting with staying middle ground 3⭐️ but the more I was thinking about it it’s a 2 for me
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
Let’s start with some positives:
I did enjoy the setting in Scotland, some of the food description was nice to read
I liked Izzy the FMC
The “lake scene” near the end
Now negatives:
Her mother was a pain in the ass and irritated me to no end.
The stereotypical Scottish stuff that to me just screams “I know all the wee stuff they have in Scotland” … come on now, no one is intentionally listening to the Proclaimers unless it’s at a wedding
Some of the “Scots” language made me cringe and was inconsistent.
The “twist” of the sapphires couldnae huv been mair obvious
Ross was a bit of a dick (would still smash tho)
Describing everything in so much detail became a bit much
Book should have been 200 pages
But anyway…
FREEDOOOOOOOM 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
Let’s start with some positives:
I did enjoy the setting in Scotland, some of the food description was nice to read
I liked Izzy the FMC
The “lake scene” near the end
Now negatives:
Her mother was a pain in the ass and irritated me to no end.
The stereotypical Scottish stuff that to me just screams “I know all the wee stuff they have in Scotland” … come on now, no one is intentionally listening to the Proclaimers unless it’s at a wedding
Some of the “Scots” language made me cringe and was inconsistent.
The “twist” of the sapphires couldnae huv been mair obvious
Ross was a bit of a dick (would still smash tho)
Describing everything in so much detail became a bit much
Book should have been 200 pages
But anyway…
FREEDOOOOOOOM 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
December 5, 2023
3.5* unfortuantely the first book by Julie Caplin that I thought was “just alright” per ususal there’s a big aspect of found family and a beautiful setting in snowy Scotland. I wasn’t a fan of the main male character that threw it a bit.
December 30, 2024
A autora criou um Romance bem estruturado, escrito de forma acessível e, sem dúvida, demonstra ser conhecedora de temas como culinária e vinhos.
Embora descreva de forma apaixonada locais na Escócia de tirar o fôlego, pareceu-me acertiva na descrição de alguns percalços que podem ocorrer nas terras altas.
A narrativa tem por base a época natalícia, repleta de decorações, costumes e tradições, não ficando de parte uma boa caça ao tesouro.
Embora nos deparêmos com personagens bem excêntricas e interessantes, o foco principal recai sobre a recém formada de uma escola de culinária na Irlanda: Izzy, herdeira de um castelo a restaurar nas terras altas da Escócia e seus ambiciosos planos, e Ross, professor de história e escritor. A interacção entre os dois desperta-nos interesse, mas confesso que esperava mais.
De salientar, que na minha opinião, a verdadeira lição deste romance é sobre aceitar a forma de ser dos outros, respeitar suas decisões e amá-los acima de tudo.
Compaixão, amizade e amor quebram barreiras.
Embora descreva de forma apaixonada locais na Escócia de tirar o fôlego, pareceu-me acertiva na descrição de alguns percalços que podem ocorrer nas terras altas.
A narrativa tem por base a época natalícia, repleta de decorações, costumes e tradições, não ficando de parte uma boa caça ao tesouro.
Embora nos deparêmos com personagens bem excêntricas e interessantes, o foco principal recai sobre a recém formada de uma escola de culinária na Irlanda: Izzy, herdeira de um castelo a restaurar nas terras altas da Escócia e seus ambiciosos planos, e Ross, professor de história e escritor. A interacção entre os dois desperta-nos interesse, mas confesso que esperava mais.
De salientar, que na minha opinião, a verdadeira lição deste romance é sobre aceitar a forma de ser dos outros, respeitar suas decisões e amá-los acima de tudo.
Compaixão, amizade e amor quebram barreiras.
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