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Coorie Castle Crafts #3
Seaside Dreams on The Scottish Isle
Can Coorie Castle Crafts survive under new management, or is this the end of their community?
Giselle Ellis loves nothing better than to make gorgeous pictures out of the sea glass that she finds on the shores of the wild and beautiful Duncoorie loch. Living in a cute little cottage with a studio in the castle’s craft centre and a close-knit community of crafting friends, she’s living her best life.
Then tragedy strikes and the castle has a new owner – someone she once had a brief but passionate fling with many years ago…
Rocco Moore isn’t the man Gisele remembers. When he threatens the craft centre’s very existence, she knows she has a fight on her hand. But as they reconnect once more and she begins to fall in love with him, Giselle realises she risks more than losing her livelihood. She risks losing her heart.
An emotional and sweet romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Suzanne Snow and Heidi Swain.
Giselle Ellis loves nothing better than to make gorgeous pictures out of the sea glass that she finds on the shores of the wild and beautiful Duncoorie loch. Living in a cute little cottage with a studio in the castle’s craft centre and a close-knit community of crafting friends, she’s living her best life.
Then tragedy strikes and the castle has a new owner – someone she once had a brief but passionate fling with many years ago…
Rocco Moore isn’t the man Gisele remembers. When he threatens the craft centre’s very existence, she knows she has a fight on her hand. But as they reconnect once more and she begins to fall in love with him, Giselle realises she risks more than losing her livelihood. She risks losing her heart.
An emotional and sweet romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Suzanne Snow and Heidi Swain.
Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
1 person is currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Lilac Mills
84 books233 followersLilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 9, 2026
Shall we just start with the beautiful cover?? I mean if that doesn’t capture you straight away, what will?? Now I had very high hopes for this book, having absolutely loved the previous titles in the series, and I was not disappointed! It might even be my favourite.
I love it when a book makes you laugh within a couple of pages, and this one did during the lovely prologue.
The familiar scenery soon brings you right back to Coorie Castle, but beware you may be in for a few tears by the end of the first chapter.
Although there is some sadness in the story, the overwhelming sense of friendship and community between everyone who works at the Castle is wonderful. I love how this book is written, sensitively, yet it brings out each characters emotions perfectly.
This time we follow Giselle’s story, finding out about things in her past and how she has come to do what she does at the craft centre. Her carefully curated world might be about to take a turn though as someone from her past makes an appearance.
Now I loved Giselle’s character from the off and was really rooting for her throughout.
Rocco, I really wanted to like, but I must admit he kept giving me cause not too! I found myself telling him not to behave in certain ways or say certain things! Thankfully this soon passed and he grew on me so much more as I got to know him and he really got to know himself.
So basically this is an absolute must read. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series I’d certainly recommend them too.
I love it when a book makes you laugh within a couple of pages, and this one did during the lovely prologue.
The familiar scenery soon brings you right back to Coorie Castle, but beware you may be in for a few tears by the end of the first chapter.
Although there is some sadness in the story, the overwhelming sense of friendship and community between everyone who works at the Castle is wonderful. I love how this book is written, sensitively, yet it brings out each characters emotions perfectly.
This time we follow Giselle’s story, finding out about things in her past and how she has come to do what she does at the craft centre. Her carefully curated world might be about to take a turn though as someone from her past makes an appearance.
Now I loved Giselle’s character from the off and was really rooting for her throughout.
Rocco, I really wanted to like, but I must admit he kept giving me cause not too! I found myself telling him not to behave in certain ways or say certain things! Thankfully this soon passed and he grew on me so much more as I got to know him and he really got to know himself.
So basically this is an absolute must read. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series I’d certainly recommend them too.
January 22, 2026
📚Seaside Dreams on the Scottish Isle
✍🏻Lilac Mills
Blurb:
Can Coorie Castle Crafts survive under new management, or is this the end of their community?
Giselle Ellis loves nothing better than to make gorgeous pictures out of the sea glass that she finds on the shores of the wild and beautiful Duncoorie loch. Living in a cute little cottage with a studio in the castle’s craft centre and a close-knit community of crafting friends, she’s living her best life.
Then tragedy strikes and the castle has a new owner – someone she once had a brief but passionate fling with many years ago…
Rocco Moore isn’t the man Gisele remembers. When he threatens the craft centre’s very existence, she knows she has a fight on her hand. But as they reconnect once more and she begins to fall in love with him, Giselle realises she risks more than losing her livelihood. She risks losing her heart.
An emotional and sweet romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Suzanne Snow and Heidi Swain.
My Thoughts:
The familiar scenery soon brings you right back to Coorie Castle, but beware you may be in for a few tears by the end of the first chapter..Rocco and Giselle were a wonderful pairing. Their chemistry was immediate and believable, building naturally rather than feeling rushed. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop alongside the wider storyline. Tragedy for Mhairi - the elderly castle owner means that an old fling of Giselle’s pops back up as the new owner - inherited a castle from a cousin he never knew. But Rocco is a high flying asset manager -working with his mother in the family firm. And his mother takes no prisoners..Giselle and Rocco were meant to be together from the moment they first met. They always had a very palpable chemistry, and although their relationship only lasted two days, they never forgot it.A beautiful read with some great characters in the stunning setting of Skye. I can’t wait for book 4..
Thanks NetGalley, Canelo Romance and Author LiLiac MI;lls for the complimentary copy of "Seaside Dreams on the Scottish Isle" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#CaneloRomance
#LiliacMills
#SeasideDreamsontheScottishIsle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Lilac Mills
Blurb:
Can Coorie Castle Crafts survive under new management, or is this the end of their community?
Giselle Ellis loves nothing better than to make gorgeous pictures out of the sea glass that she finds on the shores of the wild and beautiful Duncoorie loch. Living in a cute little cottage with a studio in the castle’s craft centre and a close-knit community of crafting friends, she’s living her best life.
Then tragedy strikes and the castle has a new owner – someone she once had a brief but passionate fling with many years ago…
Rocco Moore isn’t the man Gisele remembers. When he threatens the craft centre’s very existence, she knows she has a fight on her hand. But as they reconnect once more and she begins to fall in love with him, Giselle realises she risks more than losing her livelihood. She risks losing her heart.
An emotional and sweet romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Suzanne Snow and Heidi Swain.
My Thoughts:
The familiar scenery soon brings you right back to Coorie Castle, but beware you may be in for a few tears by the end of the first chapter..Rocco and Giselle were a wonderful pairing. Their chemistry was immediate and believable, building naturally rather than feeling rushed. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop alongside the wider storyline. Tragedy for Mhairi - the elderly castle owner means that an old fling of Giselle’s pops back up as the new owner - inherited a castle from a cousin he never knew. But Rocco is a high flying asset manager -working with his mother in the family firm. And his mother takes no prisoners..Giselle and Rocco were meant to be together from the moment they first met. They always had a very palpable chemistry, and although their relationship only lasted two days, they never forgot it.A beautiful read with some great characters in the stunning setting of Skye. I can’t wait for book 4..
Thanks NetGalley, Canelo Romance and Author LiLiac MI;lls for the complimentary copy of "Seaside Dreams on the Scottish Isle" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#CaneloRomance
#LiliacMills
#SeasideDreamsontheScottishIsle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another welcome return to Duncoorie, and one that felt noticeably different from the previous books in the series. This time, the future of the castle itself is under threat, which added a real sense of uncertainty and gave the story extra weight. I liked that the focus wasn’t just on the romance, but also on what Duncoorie means to the people who love it, making the setting feel even more central to the plot.
Rocco and Giselle were a wonderful pairing. Their chemistry was immediate and believable, building naturally rather than feeling rushed. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop alongside the wider storyline, and I thought both characters were written with warmth and depth. As always, the supporting characters brought plenty of charm, and it was lovely catching up with familiar faces while seeing how they fit into this new situation.
The emotional journey had a good balance. There were a few dips along the way, but I was relieved that the more difficult moments didn’t linger for too long. It kept the story feeling hopeful and comforting, which is exactly what I look for when picking up a book from this series. There were enough twists to keep me turning the pages, without tipping into unnecessary drama.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and satisfying read, and a really strong addition to the Scottish Isles series. I’m crossing my fingers that this isn’t the end of Duncoorie, as I’d happily return again. Hopefully, this series won’t follow the author’s usual three-book pattern, because there’s still so much potential left in this world, and I’d love to spend more time there.
Rocco and Giselle were a wonderful pairing. Their chemistry was immediate and believable, building naturally rather than feeling rushed. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop alongside the wider storyline, and I thought both characters were written with warmth and depth. As always, the supporting characters brought plenty of charm, and it was lovely catching up with familiar faces while seeing how they fit into this new situation.
The emotional journey had a good balance. There were a few dips along the way, but I was relieved that the more difficult moments didn’t linger for too long. It kept the story feeling hopeful and comforting, which is exactly what I look for when picking up a book from this series. There were enough twists to keep me turning the pages, without tipping into unnecessary drama.
Overall, this was a heartwarming and satisfying read, and a really strong addition to the Scottish Isles series. I’m crossing my fingers that this isn’t the end of Duncoorie, as I’d happily return again. Hopefully, this series won’t follow the author’s usual three-book pattern, because there’s still so much potential left in this world, and I’d love to spend more time there.
January 14, 2026
This was such a lovely heartwarming contemporary romance. I had missed the second book in the series - but to be honest it really didn’t impact on the enjoyment of this part of the series. That doesn’t mean part two isn’t on my ‘to be read’ pile.
We are back in Scotland at the Craft Centre in Coorie Castle with Giselle. Giselle (and her twin Izzy - an up and coming fashion designer living in Milan) were Skye born and partly bred. Giselle feels she has gone back to her roots and loves her bothy and her studio in the castle craft complex.
Tragedy for Mhairi - the elderly castle owner means that an old fling of Giselle’s pops back up as the new owner - inherited a castle from a cousin he never knew.
But Rocco is a high flying asset manager -working with his mother in the family firm. And his mother takes no prisoners.
Giselle and Rocco had a short lived romance 10 years previously in Venice. Sea glass played a part there and is the medium Giselle works with these days.
There are ups and downs, misunderstandings, people playing parts not intended for them and everything one would expect from a romance of this genre. And finally when Rocco realise where his heart lays inheritance tax nearly puts paid to his plans.
But nevertheless very enjoyable to read.
The descriptions of Skye, the historic deaths and the abundance of wildlife and nature really make the book come live.
It seems that perhaps this is the final trip to the craft centre - Lilac Mills seems to write series with 3 parts - but I sincerely hope if we can’t go back to the castle then there will be some way to revisit the characters some how.
Well written and an likeable read - thank you
We are back in Scotland at the Craft Centre in Coorie Castle with Giselle. Giselle (and her twin Izzy - an up and coming fashion designer living in Milan) were Skye born and partly bred. Giselle feels she has gone back to her roots and loves her bothy and her studio in the castle craft complex.
Tragedy for Mhairi - the elderly castle owner means that an old fling of Giselle’s pops back up as the new owner - inherited a castle from a cousin he never knew.
But Rocco is a high flying asset manager -working with his mother in the family firm. And his mother takes no prisoners.
Giselle and Rocco had a short lived romance 10 years previously in Venice. Sea glass played a part there and is the medium Giselle works with these days.
There are ups and downs, misunderstandings, people playing parts not intended for them and everything one would expect from a romance of this genre. And finally when Rocco realise where his heart lays inheritance tax nearly puts paid to his plans.
But nevertheless very enjoyable to read.
The descriptions of Skye, the historic deaths and the abundance of wildlife and nature really make the book come live.
It seems that perhaps this is the final trip to the craft centre - Lilac Mills seems to write series with 3 parts - but I sincerely hope if we can’t go back to the castle then there will be some way to revisit the characters some how.
Well written and an likeable read - thank you
January 7, 2026
Surprising catchup with a holiday dreamboat!🏰
The romance in this novel is sweetly heated, bordering on dreamy, with an unexpected second chance to get to know each other for dreamboat London businessman Rocco and and artsy Isle of Skye native Giselle. Ten years after a glorious, ships that pass in the night, brief encounter in Venice Rocco rocks up to a funeral on Skye and spots Giselle, the girl he never forgot. I liked that his "all business" demeanor doesn't impress Giselle and he has to work for it to get her to spend time with him. They now live far apart in very different lives and that sets up one of several obstacles to the romance coming back to linger.
But one of the things that really delighted me about this novel set on Skye was the way it spent good pages describing the wonders of the island: dramatic scenery, tranquillity, abundant wildlife, traces of prehistoric to Highland history and relaxed, community-minded lifestyle. No cursory mention of a few sights here. I could see in my mind's eye Rocco's exploration of the town of Portree and experience the scent wafting out of the harborside fish and chips shop, travel with him across the bridge to the mainland, hike up the Quiraing, etc.
Really enjoyed it and felt the writing was good, just the right amount of description, good pace, interesting cast of characters including bossy mother Beverly and Claire, a vixenish number cruncher.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The romance in this novel is sweetly heated, bordering on dreamy, with an unexpected second chance to get to know each other for dreamboat London businessman Rocco and and artsy Isle of Skye native Giselle. Ten years after a glorious, ships that pass in the night, brief encounter in Venice Rocco rocks up to a funeral on Skye and spots Giselle, the girl he never forgot. I liked that his "all business" demeanor doesn't impress Giselle and he has to work for it to get her to spend time with him. They now live far apart in very different lives and that sets up one of several obstacles to the romance coming back to linger.
But one of the things that really delighted me about this novel set on Skye was the way it spent good pages describing the wonders of the island: dramatic scenery, tranquillity, abundant wildlife, traces of prehistoric to Highland history and relaxed, community-minded lifestyle. No cursory mention of a few sights here. I could see in my mind's eye Rocco's exploration of the town of Portree and experience the scent wafting out of the harborside fish and chips shop, travel with him across the bridge to the mainland, hike up the Quiraing, etc.
Really enjoyed it and felt the writing was good, just the right amount of description, good pace, interesting cast of characters including bossy mother Beverly and Claire, a vixenish number cruncher.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 24, 2025
Coorie Castle is going through a rough patch after the death of Mhairi, the owner. I admit I felt a pang of sadness while reading this. She was such a key figure in the previous books.
Giselle and Rocco were meant to be together from the moment they first met. They always had a very palpable chemistry, and although their relationship only lasted two days, they never forgot it.
I had never thought about collecting sea glass before reading this novel, and yet, like Giselle when she discovered it, I now feel the urge to take the time to look for it on the beach.
Rocco is truly a good person (which isn't the case for everyone in this book, but no spoilers ;) ) and he makes all the right decisions based on the information he has. He tries to do as Giselle did: find a balance between his professional and personal life.
I loved Izzy, the contrast between the two twins, and the incredibly strong and mysterious bond between them.
I hope there will be a fourth book so we can discover how life at Coorie Castle is settling in.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo Romance for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Giselle and Rocco were meant to be together from the moment they first met. They always had a very palpable chemistry, and although their relationship only lasted two days, they never forgot it.
I had never thought about collecting sea glass before reading this novel, and yet, like Giselle when she discovered it, I now feel the urge to take the time to look for it on the beach.
Rocco is truly a good person (which isn't the case for everyone in this book, but no spoilers ;) ) and he makes all the right decisions based on the information he has. He tries to do as Giselle did: find a balance between his professional and personal life.
I loved Izzy, the contrast between the two twins, and the incredibly strong and mysterious bond between them.
I hope there will be a fourth book so we can discover how life at Coorie Castle is settling in.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo Romance for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This third in series brings in some characters we already know. The craft centre and the work of the artists features but this time the author offers more insight to the beautiful surroundings as the stunning, varied scenery of Skye is described so that readers will want to visit!
I thought that the romance was very different as Giselle and Rocco meet again after a brief interlude when they were young. The story around events at the castle is interesting and absorbing, giving a very different slant to the whole novel.
I've enjoyed each book in this series, but this one blew me away! A fabulous, entertaining read, fully recommended.
This third in series brings in some characters we already know. The craft centre and the work of the artists features but this time the author offers more insight to the beautiful surroundings as the stunning, varied scenery of Skye is described so that readers will want to visit!
I thought that the romance was very different as Giselle and Rocco meet again after a brief interlude when they were young. The story around events at the castle is interesting and absorbing, giving a very different slant to the whole novel.
I've enjoyed each book in this series, but this one blew me away! A fabulous, entertaining read, fully recommended.
November 22, 2025
This is the third book in the Coorie Castle Crafts series and another enjoyable book. However this could be read as a standalone.
Rocco has inherited the castle after the sudden death of his unknown relative Mhairi. His original plan is to visit the castle, sort out the finances and sell it as a fast as possible. However that doesn’t go to plan when he spots Giselle at the funeral.
A beautiful read with some great characters in the stunning setting of Skye. I can’t wait for book 4.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lilac Mills and Canelo for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Rocco has inherited the castle after the sudden death of his unknown relative Mhairi. His original plan is to visit the castle, sort out the finances and sell it as a fast as possible. However that doesn’t go to plan when he spots Giselle at the funeral.
A beautiful read with some great characters in the stunning setting of Skye. I can’t wait for book 4.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lilac Mills and Canelo for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
November 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel. It was such a beautiful and heartwarming read. I was hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was well written and easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. Plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
A lovely romance. After a chance meeting in their 20s,they dins themselves thrown together when Rocco inherits the castle where Giselle has an art studio. Difficulty ensues. The lovely background of Skye adds to the romantic feel.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ive loved being back on the Isle of Skye, this place just sounds magical and it is on my bucket list.
The characters I loved and as with all of Lilac's books she had me literally in the pages. Lilac writes such cosy reads that you can savour and her characters are always relatable.
Make Lilac an author you ewad in 2026, you won't be disappointed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters I loved and as with all of Lilac's books she had me literally in the pages. Lilac writes such cosy reads that you can savour and her characters are always relatable.
Make Lilac an author you ewad in 2026, you won't be disappointed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
January 5, 2026on pre-order 5/1/26
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in the Coorie Castle Crafts, I haven't actually read the previous books in the series so not sure what I have missed. However, I still enojyed the books. It is an easy read with lovely characters. And the beautiful Skye setting brings it all to life.
This is a perfect armchair read. Of second changes, friendships and a lovely friendly community. I love these close-knit community reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Romance for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a perfect armchair read. Of second changes, friendships and a lovely friendly community. I love these close-knit community reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Romance for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews