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The Castle in the Bay
What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts?After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports.
Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him 'boring', Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he's tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn't expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea.
Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she can help him. A few paddleboarding lessons would make him look more adventurous and give him a way back to his ex when his holiday’s done. But an unexpected attraction begins, despite both Monty and Iona fighting it, and the lessons soon develop from boarding and snorkelling to ‘love lessons’. Suddenly it’s harder to separate real from pretend.
True love may be closer than they think, but if they want it, both must take a chance – and soon – before Monty returns to his life on the mainland.
♥ This is the first book in a brand new series
♥ Set on the Hebridean island of Barra in Scotland with fun, romance, drama, and a guaranteed happy ending, The Castle in the Bay has a bit of steam and lots of heart.
Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him 'boring', Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he's tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn't expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea.
Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she can help him. A few paddleboarding lessons would make him look more adventurous and give him a way back to his ex when his holiday’s done. But an unexpected attraction begins, despite both Monty and Iona fighting it, and the lessons soon develop from boarding and snorkelling to ‘love lessons’. Suddenly it’s harder to separate real from pretend.
True love may be closer than they think, but if they want it, both must take a chance – and soon – before Monty returns to his life on the mainland.
♥ This is the first book in a brand new series
♥ Set on the Hebridean island of Barra in Scotland with fun, romance, drama, and a guaranteed happy ending, The Castle in the Bay has a bit of steam and lots of heart.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2025
5 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Amatt
31 books51 followersMargaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 18, 2025
Monty is headed to the Hebridean island of Barra.
His Dad used to talk about the island and how lovely it was. Monte is headed there to honor his Dad’s last request.
This was an easy to read book. Perfect reading for your spring break! Lots of romance and some heat in this book.
His Dad used to talk about the island and how lovely it was. Monte is headed there to honor his Dad’s last request.
This was an easy to read book. Perfect reading for your spring break! Lots of romance and some heat in this book.
April 18, 2025
This is Book 1 of Margaret's new series called Love on the Edge - Barra!
I see Margaret's name, and it's an instant read for me!
This book is so heart-warming with our two new characters, Monty and Iona, taking the lead in this new series.
Iona is a great character, so fun-loving and adventurous. I feel like there's a lot in her past that we haven't even touched on yet, which has shaped her into the person she is now.
Monty initially was a bit of a strange one, and to be perfectly honest, I didn't fall on love with him as quickly as I did with Iona. He definitely felt like a fish out of water on Barra initially, but when I got used to his quirks, he did become a character I liked too.
This story has lots of strands that Margaret weaves together... we have putting a deceased father to rest, the history of Iona and Monty, Monty's problems since his breakup woth his ex, found family, developing adventure, supporting businesses, meeting other characters that I think will become more important within this series etc.
This is such a heart-felt story and such a lovely introduction to Margaret's new series!
Highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance! I can't wait to read Book 2 Margaret!
I see Margaret's name, and it's an instant read for me!
This book is so heart-warming with our two new characters, Monty and Iona, taking the lead in this new series.
Iona is a great character, so fun-loving and adventurous. I feel like there's a lot in her past that we haven't even touched on yet, which has shaped her into the person she is now.
Monty initially was a bit of a strange one, and to be perfectly honest, I didn't fall on love with him as quickly as I did with Iona. He definitely felt like a fish out of water on Barra initially, but when I got used to his quirks, he did become a character I liked too.
This story has lots of strands that Margaret weaves together... we have putting a deceased father to rest, the history of Iona and Monty, Monty's problems since his breakup woth his ex, found family, developing adventure, supporting businesses, meeting other characters that I think will become more important within this series etc.
This is such a heart-felt story and such a lovely introduction to Margaret's new series!
Highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance! I can't wait to read Book 2 Margaret!
April 10, 2025
I am so excited to have read the ARC for the first in a new series.
It was of course hard to imagine a life away from Glenbriar, but the beauty of Barra soon changed that.
Monty heads there to say one final goodbye to his fathers ashes and honour him by spreading his ashes in a place he held dear. Booked at a B & B his life is about to change in unexpected and very spicy ways.
Iona McKenzie lives in the main house and is the local wild child who runs the surfing school.
Caitriona, single mum to Eilidh, runs the B & B with the help of her brother and Army Veteran Alex.
Lust, broken hearts, castles, and a wonderful amount of banter, The Castle in the Bay is set up beautifully to become the home and community for many more stories.
Another beautiful read by the lovely Margaret Amatt. A recommended 5 star read.
It was of course hard to imagine a life away from Glenbriar, but the beauty of Barra soon changed that.
Monty heads there to say one final goodbye to his fathers ashes and honour him by spreading his ashes in a place he held dear. Booked at a B & B his life is about to change in unexpected and very spicy ways.
Iona McKenzie lives in the main house and is the local wild child who runs the surfing school.
Caitriona, single mum to Eilidh, runs the B & B with the help of her brother and Army Veteran Alex.
Lust, broken hearts, castles, and a wonderful amount of banter, The Castle in the Bay is set up beautifully to become the home and community for many more stories.
Another beautiful read by the lovely Margaret Amatt. A recommended 5 star read.
April 14, 2025
At first sight, Iona and Monty seem like complete opposites. Iona has escaped from her career in the Civil Service to live a freer existence on the Isle of Barra where she runs a water Sports School and spends her days in the open air, relishing the environment. Monty has a different reason for coming to the remote island. A banker, he loves his life of spreadsheets and order. He has an emotional journey, having undertaken to scatter his father's ashes on the nearby Castle. The islanders are scathing about the tourists who come to claim allegiance with the ancient family of the MacNeils. Monty has not been interested in the family tree investigations of his father, but once on the island, recognises that he feels a link with the place.
Wary of commitment, Iona has led a life without long term relationships. Monty is pining for an ex-girlfriend. There are plenty of lively characters who I expect to meet in future books. What does emerge is the family and community support they have for each other and the love of the Island.
In short: strangers on the shore
Thanks to the publisher
Wary of commitment, Iona has led a life without long term relationships. Monty is pining for an ex-girlfriend. There are plenty of lively characters who I expect to meet in future books. What does emerge is the family and community support they have for each other and the love of the Island.
In short: strangers on the shore
Thanks to the publisher
April 19, 2025
An island setting sounds so romantic and I was not disappointed. Monty and Iona seem complete opposites, he’s a bit staid and she’s a fun loving adventure seeker but the island works its magic and they bring out the best in each other. Fabulous start to a new series and I can’t wait to revisit this beautiful Scottish setting.
April 14, 2025
Having been fully immersed in Margaret Amatt’s Glenbriar series, it was refreshing to start a new series with The Castle in the Bay, book one of the Barra series. Barra is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
When Monty arrives in Barra, for the sole purpose of following his late father’s wishes, but also reeling from his ex-girlfriend dumping him for being boring, he never expects to be distracted by adventure seeking Iona who is so feisty and captivating. He begins to think that maybe he could do adventurous things and post about them on social media in order to prove to his ex that he was far from boring.
What follows is both Monty and Iona healing their broken hearts, as Monty pushes his own boundaries by cycling, going across the water to the Castle in the bay with Iona, learning to paddleboard and even hiking. As they spend time together they are drawn to one another and Monty finds he is trying new things to spend time with Iona and not for the purpose of winning back his ex. The romance that follows is spicy and romantic.
The location sounded so idyllic. I’ve never been to the Outer Hebrides and would love to visit Barra based on the descriptions in this book, although I might not be brave enough to fly there and land on a beach!
I am really excited to read more in this series in the future.
When Monty arrives in Barra, for the sole purpose of following his late father’s wishes, but also reeling from his ex-girlfriend dumping him for being boring, he never expects to be distracted by adventure seeking Iona who is so feisty and captivating. He begins to think that maybe he could do adventurous things and post about them on social media in order to prove to his ex that he was far from boring.
What follows is both Monty and Iona healing their broken hearts, as Monty pushes his own boundaries by cycling, going across the water to the Castle in the bay with Iona, learning to paddleboard and even hiking. As they spend time together they are drawn to one another and Monty finds he is trying new things to spend time with Iona and not for the purpose of winning back his ex. The romance that follows is spicy and romantic.
The location sounded so idyllic. I’ve never been to the Outer Hebrides and would love to visit Barra based on the descriptions in this book, although I might not be brave enough to fly there and land on a beach!
I am really excited to read more in this series in the future.
April 15, 2025
The Castle in the Bay by Margaret Amatt
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts? After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports.
Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him 'boring', Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he's tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn't expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea.
Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she can help him. A few paddleboarding lessons would make him look more adventurous and give him a way back to his ex when his holiday’s done. But an unexpected attraction begins, despite both Monty and Iona fighting it, and the lessons soon develop from boarding and snorkelling to ‘love lessons’. Suddenly it’s harder to separate real from pretend.
True love may be closer than they think, but if they want it, both must take a chance – and soon – before Monty returns to his life on the mainland.
My Opinion
I really enjoy Margaret Amatt’s writing style so I was excited when I saw that we were getting a new series. The Castle in the Bay is a great introduction to the series and I really look forward to returning to Barra. With beautiful descriptions and great characters, this is a book that I would highly recommend reading.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts? After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports.
Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him 'boring', Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he's tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn't expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea.
Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she can help him. A few paddleboarding lessons would make him look more adventurous and give him a way back to his ex when his holiday’s done. But an unexpected attraction begins, despite both Monty and Iona fighting it, and the lessons soon develop from boarding and snorkelling to ‘love lessons’. Suddenly it’s harder to separate real from pretend.
True love may be closer than they think, but if they want it, both must take a chance – and soon – before Monty returns to his life on the mainland.
My Opinion
I really enjoy Margaret Amatt’s writing style so I was excited when I saw that we were getting a new series. The Castle in the Bay is a great introduction to the series and I really look forward to returning to Barra. With beautiful descriptions and great characters, this is a book that I would highly recommend reading.
Rating 4/5
August 4, 2025
Having put her past behind her to follow her dreams
Life on the Hebridean Island is idyllic for Iona it seems.
Well, that's until a tourist accidentally causes her to fall
The news he's staying where she does really tops it all!
Monty is grieving following his father's untimely demise
And being dumped as too vanilla was also a surprise.
Now he's travelling to Barra to scatter his father's ashes
He never expected to meet someone with whom he always clashes!
Travelling on water was something Monty always hated
But getting to Kisimul Castle means that is fated!
When it seems his way to get there is with Iona, too,
He starts to wonder just what else he should do!
Maybe water isn't as bad as he always surmised?
Iona convinces him his opinions to be revised!
With lessons on water activities and so much more
Maybe there are other things together to explore!
As attraction builds between them is hard to ignore
Maybe fate is intervening with more to explore!
Is this a holiday fling a way their time to spend
Or could it be a romance never to end?
A lovely read with lessons for them all
Together with a romance in which it is delightful to fall!
How can things work out between these very different two?
To find out read this book, I really hope you do!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Life on the Hebridean Island is idyllic for Iona it seems.
Well, that's until a tourist accidentally causes her to fall
The news he's staying where she does really tops it all!
Monty is grieving following his father's untimely demise
And being dumped as too vanilla was also a surprise.
Now he's travelling to Barra to scatter his father's ashes
He never expected to meet someone with whom he always clashes!
Travelling on water was something Monty always hated
But getting to Kisimul Castle means that is fated!
When it seems his way to get there is with Iona, too,
He starts to wonder just what else he should do!
Maybe water isn't as bad as he always surmised?
Iona convinces him his opinions to be revised!
With lessons on water activities and so much more
Maybe there are other things together to explore!
As attraction builds between them is hard to ignore
Maybe fate is intervening with more to explore!
Is this a holiday fling a way their time to spend
Or could it be a romance never to end?
A lovely read with lessons for them all
Together with a romance in which it is delightful to fall!
How can things work out between these very different two?
To find out read this book, I really hope you do!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
April 18, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This charming romance is the first in a new series set in Barra, in the Scottish Hebrides. Monty goes to An Grianan to scatter his father's ashes at Kisimul Castle. He's still trying to get over his ex, Sophie, and then he meets Iona, who is very different from Sophie.
I warmed to both characters and enjoyed following them. I felt there was something unusual about their connection, in a very heartwarming way, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I also really enjoyed how the author worked with the setting and brought it to life, making the book feel like a charming little escape. The book was pleasantly spicy, but still focused on the romance and the connection. It was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This charming romance is the first in a new series set in Barra, in the Scottish Hebrides. Monty goes to An Grianan to scatter his father's ashes at Kisimul Castle. He's still trying to get over his ex, Sophie, and then he meets Iona, who is very different from Sophie.
I warmed to both characters and enjoyed following them. I felt there was something unusual about their connection, in a very heartwarming way, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I also really enjoyed how the author worked with the setting and brought it to life, making the book feel like a charming little escape. The book was pleasantly spicy, but still focused on the romance and the connection. It was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
April 1, 2025
Another brilliant book from Margaret Amatt that gave me ALL the feels! I laughed, I sobbed like a baby, and I swooned.
Margaret is an absolute master of her craft and I cannot WAIT for the next books in this amazing new series!!!
If you love romance, Scotland, and brilliantly written books then you need to read The Castle in the Bay!
Margaret is an absolute master of her craft and I cannot WAIT for the next books in this amazing new series!!!
If you love romance, Scotland, and brilliantly written books then you need to read The Castle in the Bay!
March 25, 2025
A review to follow
April 20, 2025
What a great start to a new series from Margaret Amatt. Monty, who recently split up from his girlfriend who had accused him of being boring, arrives on Barra to scatter his father’s ashes. Iona has escaped corporate life and now lives on Barra teaching various water sports. His first few encounters with Iona don’t go too well but it turns out he needs her to take him to Kisimul Castle where his dad wanted his ashes to be scattered. After initially not getting on particularly well Iona then starts to take Monty out of his comfort zone by giving him paddle boarding lessons. The tree is an obvious attraction that they eventually give into but her life is on Barra and his is on the mainland…..I just love Margaret’s books, the locations, characters and storylines. For me the thread through this was about believing in yourself, letting love in and taking a chance. The story flowed and was easy to follow and become absorbed in. I also thought that there was just enough information about the other characters to get you intrigued in what their stories were. Really looking forward to the next one!
May 21, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book and I know I will enjoy reading this new series by Margaret Amatt.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews