Burned‑out nurse Iris Kelly hasn’t had time for dreams in decades. That changes the moment she is summoned overseas to a Scottish court to defend the one thing she cannot bear to lose: the tea set left to her by her late father.
With a burst of unexpected spontaneity, Iris spends her meager savings on a trip to Scotland to face her impending legal battle with her estranged aunt. She didn’t know what to expect when she stepped into the tight‑knit village of Glenbruar, but she certainly didn’t expect her aunt’s lawyer to be young, handsome, and endlessly irritating.
As she uncovers her father’s long‑buried secrets, Iris must choose between protecting the teacups—as well as her heart—or doing what she’s never done before: risking it all for love.
But can she let go of the past in order to claim her future?
I don’t read much fiction, and when I do it often takes me years to get through it because it doesn’t hold my attention. But this I read in basically a weekend. I got so caught up in the romance and comedy of the thing. I laughed out loud several times, I blushed, I gasped. Never has a book taken me on such a delightful emotional ride since The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
I also love the major and minor characters and found myself wanting to write fan fiction about them before the story was even over. The author made me care about them and I wanted to see what these personalities would do in more situations. Such a strong debut novel. Sequel please.
I discovered this book through a friend of mine. When I was first introduced to it, the cover immediately got my attention (kudos to the cover artist(s)!) From reading the synopsis and scanning the first page, I knew I was going into quite a book.
There are far too many things I could say about this book, and absolutely none of them are negative. Guest crafted a world of realistic, down-to-earth characters that readers quickly fall in love with. Rarely have I ever read a book where I could feel a connection with the characters. This one did it. Through human choices and the simple flaws of existence, each character has a developed personality, something many authors strive to make for years without success. Not only do the characters have character, the writing does as well. I couldn't count on one hand how many times this book made me laugh. Even when exploring sadder themes or speaking of love, the author always throws in humor, something every book needs at one point or another.
Unlike the title suggests, this book was never about the teacups at its deepest level. Familial ties are tested in this book and reconnections are made. Our main character, Iris, comes to terms with the grief she didn't know she had. Oh, and how could I forget? Romance!
Overall, this book is without a doubt a five star read. This is a very strong debut novel from a very talented indie author. I look forward to wherever the future takes her, even if it's not with another book. 🫶🏻
Small-town contemporary romance that feels like Gilmore Girls… but in SCOTLAND? Sign me up!
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book, and there is so much to love about it.
—The FMC, Iris, is well developed with a heart wrenching backstory that totally explains why she she lost the magic spark in her life. I loved cheering her on throughout her arc as she learned to open herself up to the joys she had lost, as well as to new people who love and care for her. —The MMC is such an adorable, conflicted character. I loved the instant tension between them because of him being her aunt’s lawyer. That dynamic was so fun to read! And you can just tell how much Duncan yearned for Iris. ❤️ — Zoey. She’s my fav character. 😆 — Just like Gilmore Girls, there were so many lovable side characters that made the setting feel vibrant and alive. By the end of the book, I felt like they were all friends sitting around the dinner table, laughing with me. — The aunt had me FURIOUS. — The end of the book. 😭 It was so satisfying and definitely made me emotional! I can’t spoil it here, but you’ll know the scene I’m talking about when you get there.
Overall, this is an easily devour-able book that will have you turning pages to see what happens next with Iris and Duncan. If you love contemporary romance with a Scottish flavor, then this one is for you.
I was given the incredible opportunity to devour such a delightful love story prior to being published. A couple of things I personally enjoyed while reading this book... The characters were relatable. It was like reading a story about your best friends! A little magic...who doesn't like a little magic that lies within your heart and soul? Sweet romance...the love interest that shouldn't be, but you know it just must be and the continuous urge to keep reading just to see how it works out. Lastly...the quirky jokes, song lyrics, and subtle events that literally make you laugh out loud!
A must read, for anyone who likes to sit down and whisk away with the characters as if you too are part of the story. ❤️
incredibly charming and cozy. I love a little romance novel, and this one was especially exciting to read because it comes from the brilliant mind of a local author and i had the esteemed privilege of attending her book launch and receiving a signed copy of her book. this tugs at your heartstrings: i enjoyed it as an easy, heartwarming, and fun read!
I highly recommend this book by Susan Guest! It is very well written and she has a beautiful way of weaving a story. She also pulls you in to the Scottish brogue and ways of life.
Why did I love this book? 1) the push and pull between Duncan and Iris. It felt like a very natural enemies to lovers. There was a clear reason why they couldn’t be together: they were on opposite sides of the law. Nothing felt contrived, and it was really fun to watch them fall in love. Also loved that it was a no- spice contemporary romance. It’s so refreshing to read a fun romance that doesn’t have sex scenes. 2) the setting. Man, I need to go to Scotland and try some cranachan because that stuff sounded divine! I loved the Highland Games part too 3) the mystery. I loved the mystery running throughout the story about the teacups and the father. I don’t want to go into spoilers but there was a great magical realism element to the story that I loved. 4) Duncan. He was my fav character (Eddie was a close second). I loved how conflicted he was throughout the book. It made for some great tension. I never thought I would find a lawyer dreamy, but I evidently like the Scottish variety very much.
All in all, a very fun, quick read! I would definitely recommend!