A Scottish Country Escape

Scottish Escapes #4

by Julie Shackman

Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven.

But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write.

Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought…

‘This delightful romance is a perfect slice of escapism nestled in the Scottish Highlands’ Woman’s Own

For fans of Donna Ashcroft, Jane Linfoot and Rachael Lucas.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Scotland, Mystery, Romantic, Cozy

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2023

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elle tragically loses her parents in a car crash in the Scottish Highlands. The family own a shop in Fir Haven and Elle is determined to keep the shop going in some way, shape or form. Her grandmother Clara comforts Elle as best she can and they make the decision to turn the former newsagents business into a stationary shop to be called Paper Roses. Elle’s grief is on top of a recent split from boyfriend Lloyd. Her first meeting with well known crime writer, Dexter Grayling, newly arrived to the area, is distinctly less than auspicious and shortly after this Dexter suffers writers block. Is this linked to the incident when they first meet in Fir Haven?

There are some elements I do enjoy in this latest novel from Julie Shackleton. The area is idyllic, it has a rich history, both of which understandably attracts tourists. There’s a sort of paranormal element which drives a considerable part of the storyline which is quite entertaining and you certainly learn some secrets about the dwellers in Fir Haven! I like the environmental parts of the novel too as the locals find themselves in a fight to save a nature reserve from the greedy clutches of developers and the local council. There’s inevitably and predictably, a romance aspect and some of the dynamics are interesting and the relationship between Elle and her grandmother is heartwarming. There’s plenty going on in the plot with humour interspersed which I enjoy.

However, much as the plot is busy it’s not a fast paced novel, in fact it’s a distinctly slow meander around Fir Haven and thus it doesn’t blow my socks off. It’s way too descriptive and any potential excitement gets lost in the wordiness and as a consequence I become frustrated.

Overall, it’s a nice diverting read and sometimes that’s just what’s needed.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collons Uk for letting me read this Arc. I really enjoyed Elle as a character and her stationary store Paper roses. However, I was not a fan of her relationship with Dexter the crime writer. I didn't find a pivotal point in the book where their relationship bloomed and made sense to me. I did enjoy the mystery aspect of the book and the curse but I found the romance to be a little lackluster.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read all of the books so far in this ‘Scottish Escape’ series, I think this has become my least favourite. Whilst Shackman has developed the Scottish setting more in this story, I found it too crammed with different plots and would have preferred several to be dropped to allow for more development.

At first I was really excited about Elle’s new venture: of turning her parents’ newsagents into a stationery shop. Sounds brilliant! Then, with the arrival of mysterious but hunky author, Dexter, you could see that there is a potential for romance. But, after these initial ideas are introduced, Shackman carried on going with new ideas: curses, family secrets, village projects… It was just too much. To be honest, I think my enthusiasm started to waiver when the curse was introduced because I just didn’t think it in keeping with the rest of the story.

As the novel progressed, I wanted to see some of these sub-plots abandoned for simplicity’s sake. I thought that there was a bit of a past with Elle’s grandmother which is hinted at in the early parts of the novel but then glossed over later on. Little attention is given to Elle’s new shop and I found it unbelievably convenient that it seems to run itself with her hardly being there. Instead, she focuses on trying to help Dexter, lift the curse and save the local nature reserve from being developed into holiday homes.

This was the bit that excited me the most: I was enjoying seeing Elle get her teeth into this campaign and how it started to bring the community together. In my opinion, this, the stationery shop and the connection with Dexter could have been a novel on its own; the curse and more with Elle’s grandmother could be a different story altogether. I loved the descriptions of the natural beauty of the area and thought this really helped to define the novel and its Scottish setting. It was certainly my most favourite part.

The growing relationship between Elle and Dexter was a little hard to believe because I failed to see a spark that truly existed between them. I think this was because there was so much crammed into the story that my attention was not drawn to how the couple were getting on.

But, the reason I continued reading this book was because I really appreciated the setting and loved the description of Dexter’s new house. Although I was surprised at the plot direction, Shackman had me curious as to how it all would develop and I think this signifies how strong the writing was, despite my overall criticisms. Dexter is a mysterious character and I wanted there to be more shown about his writing life; I wonder if Shackman could have drawn from personal experience here. The nature reserve was a lovely sub-plot and sounded incredibly idyllic; if only this stood out more amongst a rather crowded plot.

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

I love this author’s style of writing, her books are just written so well.

A Scottish Country Escape is a wonderful mystery romance and I couldn’t read it fast enough! I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. There are lots of little things happening throughout the story that help to push it along and make you want to keep reading more and more.

There are a few great characters in this book, including Dexter and Elle, who are wonderful and there are also the side characters who I also enjoyed getting to know all about too.

This was a wonderful, heartwarming story and I highly recommend…….

[Anne Farrington · Rating 2 out of 5]

I selected this book because I thought it sounded like it would be intriguing and wanted to read about Scotland. The story was drawn out and took several odd turns. Elle is the heroine of the story. She's recently lost her parents suddenly in a car crash and she and her grandmother are still trying to recover and get on with their lives. Enter Dexter - a successful mystery writer who moves to the area of Fir Haven, Scotland. He seems arrogant and overbearing, and almost runs over Elle, and a character named Linda Carlucci with his sports car. Well - next thing you know - it appears that Linda Carlucci has put a curse on Dexter to ensure that he can no longer write. He starts to go into a tailspin. His agent and publisher are threatening to drop him when after weeks, he can't meet his next deliverables for his book. He asks Elle to help him resolve the issue with Linda and try to remove the curse. Elle starts to look into it (not believing it's a curse) - only to find out that there is a lot of mystery about the Carlucci family from decades ago. I'll spare you the details, but while they are trying to get Linda to remove the curse, there is also an issue where a large development is trying to take over a nature preserve that's at the heart of the small community. Elle is distraught and wants to save the reserve since it was a place that her parents loved. Then a woman and child show up and it appears that Dexter (for whom Elle is starting to fall) might be the father. As Elle continues to try to help with the Carlucci issue and save the reserve, all sorts of weird history of the town and relationship come to light.

I had trouble buying the whole curse thing, and then the intertwined relationships and history just became too weird and unbelievable. Overall - I did read it through to the end - but it was a struggle. I can't really recommend this one.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Julie Shackman has delivered another intriguing mystery romance with A Scottish Country Escape but this time it contains a paranormal twist! Although not a fast paced plot (except the race of pages under my thumb as I wanted to find out what was going to happen!), there are many incidents to tease the reader along while the mystery unfolds. There is never a dull moment in this Scottish community or story which is wonderfully interjected with the author’s trademark humour. I have loved all of Julie’s books and have never been disappointed by her unique story telling ability.

All light humour aside, there is a heart breaking element to Elle Cassidy’s life. Our main character has lost both of her well-loved parents in a tragic accident. This story focuses a fair amount on the unfortunate dangers of road travel of the past and present. But Elle is left with her grandmother so they are a comfort to each other and very close. Together they work to revive a family business in Fir Haven but in doing so turn it from a newsagent to a stationary shop called Paper Roses. This is a nice nod to her mother’s middle name (Rose) and past business as well as its current re-purpose. I love that Julie utilises small town businesses in her stories and this one is as special as the others. The element of independence sought by female owners always makes me cheer.

Another factor in this story that is very Julie-like, is Elle's fight for the natural environment and all its living beings. There is a tough battle on in A Scottish Country Escape to preserve a nature reserve that is the ‘beating heart’ of the Fir Haven community. Of course, it is under threat by robust developers. How will Elle and her friends and family save it? You will have to read and find out but the outcome is very clever and well delivered.

There are so many wonderful branches to this story: including a romantic one. Handsome, self-absorbed Dexter Grayling, a best-selling author, arrives on the scene and stirs up the action almost causing an accident with his mean, flashy sports car. A tug of war on Elle’s heart begins after he almost runs her over and then appeals to her to help him find the woman who has seemingly put a ‘curse on him’ which is affecting his ability to write. Elle is reluctant to team up with him for obvious reasons but as we dig deeper into her background, we see there are many factors such as past relationship disappointments and personality conflicts that would prevent her from getting involved. But through persistent persuasion, her grandmother convinces her. It is an unexpected journey as she slowly finds out who Dexter really is and that he is not quite what he appears to be. Under that model playboy exterior, there are many unexpected attributes that will alter her judgement of him.

I was very happy with the clever conclusion and enjoyed meeting so many fascinating characters ( a lot of very interesting male figures that break free of their woes through the determined urging of a couple of women). It is ultimately a story about forgiveness, healing and not judging others by personal experiences, and this happens quite a fair bit in the story. People are often a product of their life events but how one chooses to let those negative experiences affect them, will result in a life of freedom and happiness or one of bondage and bitterness.

I loved A Scottish Country Escape and the fact that Julie always presents stories that may seem light on the surface (with the added bonus of humour) but their messages are anything but one dimensional. Heartfelt layers of serious matters are always at each core. These identifiable life experiences create an emotional impact on the characters (and readers). You will fall in love with Fir Haven and its characters and this story will touch your heart in unexpected ways. I highly recommend this novel. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to One More Chapter (HarperCollins) and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Great characters in a special small town. A good “mystery” concerning a possible curse.

Amazon synopsis:
Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven.

But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write.

Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought…

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Scottish Country Escape, by Julie Shackman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Elle has opened her own shop Paper Roses. One day Elle and another lady almost get run over by Dexter. Dexter turns her whole life around. I did not care for Dexter at all, but I loved Elle, and her Grandma. A nice read.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is listed as the fourth in the author's Scottish Escapes series, it completely stands on its own. In fact, I'm not sure anyone in this book has appeared in the previous books in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and have already ordered the next in the series.

[Damelapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it! Not all steamy romance but cute and well paced

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, lighthearted book, although a little predictable in plot and outcome. I did like the descriptions of the area, although was really unsure why an area with grey squirrels would be so great, or seeing them so interesting, as they are pests and carry diseases that kill our native squirrels; Scotland has RED squirrels, along with lucky parts of England, and it would have been so much more interesting, and a really strong reason for people to get involved in saving the area, if it had RED SQUIRRELS. That lost it a star for me!

[mutah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear, talk about overly descriptive! The incessant describing of every item of clothing for every single character, was irritating to say the least, and detracted from what should have been an enjoyable, if simple, read. We DO NOT NEED TO KNOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE WEARING! Or be constantly reminded of everyone’s eye colour…

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish Country Escape is a love story filled with rich and lush detail.

Julie Shackman knows how to write an entertaining and binge-worthy romance. She added a fun and unique twist to that typical small-town love story. In A Scottish Country Escape, there is a whole curse element to the story. I loved unfolding the history of the Carlucci family with Elle and Dexter. It was interesting, and for some strange reason, it reminded me of Practical Magic. The whole curse aspect was a clever way to hook the readers in.

This book is rich in detail. Julie knows how to paint this lush, vivid setting that transports readers to Fir Haven. I loved being able to explore the town and the nature reserve located beside it. It makes you want to pack your bags and go to Scotland.

A Scottish Country Escape is a book with many story elements that I love in a romance book. First, it has an opening up of a new business plot line. Elle transforms her old parent’s store into a new stationery business. Y’all know that I am a sucker for this kind of story. I love watching this transformation of an old unused space and seeing it become something new and fabulous. It’s so heartwarming watching Elle’s dreams come true.

Another thing that I love in my romance is that whole David and Goliath plotline. The nature reserve beside the town is going to be sold to a developer, who is planning on building holiday homes in the space. Elle and the townspeople come together to try and save their town’s reserve. I felt like I was there fighting alongside the townspeople and getting angry that something so beautiful would be destroyed. This side story just tugged at those emotions.

Elle and Dexter’s relationship starts off quite rocky, probably because he almost ran her over with his car. In the first part of this book, no love is lost between these two. Elle thinks Dexter is self-centred, and all Dexter cares about is removing the curse and doesn’t think he has done anything wrong. I devoured the tense banter between these two because I could see the sparks flying underneath all that tension. Elle and Dexter work together to uncover the mystery behind this curse and the Carlucci family. Dexter’s character was more complex than I thought it would be. As Elle spent more time with Dexter, we see all these layers underneath that gruff self-centred exterior. There is this vulnerable and kind-hearted side to Dexter that Elle wasn’t expecting. I liked these two together as friends and as a couple. I found myself looking forward to the scenes when they were together. Their journey to getting their HEA is rife with ups and downs and miscommunications. It was just the right amount of drama to make it enjoyable, but not too much where you want to bang your head against a wall.

A Scottish Country Escape is a heartfelt and rich love story that is hard to put down.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish Country Escape by Julie Shackman features a young woman named Elle whose parents had been killed a year ago in a car crash. Her mother had run a news agent’s/curio shop known as Cassidy’s and currently Elle and her grandmother were surveying the empty shop in preparation for Elle reopening it as a stationary store which she eventually called Paper Rose, after her mother. She was excited about the prospect. Her grandmother wasn’t as sure but supported whatever she chose. She had friends, too, Cate, who made custom jewelry, in particular, who was very helpful. One day several weeks later as Cate and Elle were standing out front, and an old Italian lady, Mrs. Carlucci, was down the way, a sports car came careening down the lane (it was a car-free zone) and Elle barely reached the old lady in time to push her aside. They were both furious, Elle loudly so. It was not until a couple of days later that the driver, new resident, Dexter Grayling, a novelist, came roaring into the shop, declaring Elle had to help him find Mrs. Carlucci, whom he believed had put a curse on him. Elle saw no reason to help him, but her grandmother did. So…

A nicely written mystery/romance that didn’t include murder, although there were deaths. It took awhile to even find Mrs. Carlucci, who refused to speak with them, and even longer to find a way in. Elsa, Dexter’s housekeeper, came to plead his case and told Elle things about his life that made sense of the things she’d seen. Together they tried to find a way to get Mrs. Carlucci to listen, not that Elle still believed in a curse. It was a charming book with interesting characters, different from most mysteries or romances one reads. The plot was good and all the pieces came together in the end, only by coincidence, though, not investigating. The story made my heart weep and the happily-ever-after ending made me smile. The story was well-done and captivating, as were the characters. What else would you expect in a small Scottish town?

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Scottish Country Escape by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions were mine. #Netgalley #HarperCollinsUKOneMoreChapter #JulieShackman #AScottishCountryEscape

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish Country Escape is the latest enchanting romantic treat from Julie Shackman.

Elle Cassidy has been having a very tough time lately. Determined to overcome a heart-wrenching family tragedy, Elle decides to reopen her late mother’s struggling newsagent store in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven. Elle knows that the road ahead is going to be fraught with difficulty and heartache, but she refuses to be deterred. She vows to make a success out of her fresh start in Fir Haven and she is not going to let anyone come between her and her new beginning in the beautiful Scottish town – not even the arrogant – yet dashing – crime writer Dexter Grayling!

Sparks begin to fly between Dexter and Elle from the very first moment they clap eyes on one another – but for all the wrong reasons! Dexter almost runs Elle over in his sports car and does not exactly make a good impression on the local community – especially because he is putting the blame for his writers’ block firmly on the shoulders of local resident Linda Carlucci, whom he is accusing of putting a curse on him!

Elle has never heard anything so far-fetched in her whole life, however, she is adamant that she wants to get to the bottom of whatever is going on with the Carlucci family – even if it means spending far more time than she wants to with Dexter. As she begins to see a completely different side to Dexter, it becomes abundantly clear that there is more to Fir Haven than meets the eye. Will the town give Elle everything she has always hoped for? Or will moving to the Scottish town prove to be the biggest mistake she has ever made?

Julie Shackman’s A Scottish Country Escape is a spellbinding contemporary romance that cannot fail to whisk readers away into a world full of humour, emotion, drama and intensity. Warm-hearted, witty and achingly romantic, A Scottish Country Escape is a hugely enjoyable page-turner guaranteed to make readers laugh and cry – don’t miss it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I got to read this book, it’s a really lovely, warm story. The characters are beautifully developed, and I was able to vividly imagine the views of the Fir Haven nature reserve. Having recently endured a tragic loss, Elle Cassidy is living with her lovely Gran and planning to re-open her parent’s former newsagents shop as a stationer’s. As a popular member of the Fir Haven community, she feels confident that she will be successful.
When the devilishly handsome crime writer, Dexter Grayling renovates and moves into the former council offices, he sets tongues wagging and is soon on the wrong side of many of the residents, particularly the mysterious Linda Carlucci. Convinced that he has been cursed by her, Dexter is desperate to track her down and ask her to reverse the enchantment. He needs Elle’s help; if only he hadn’t been so arrogant when they first met.
This is such a joyful book that kept me turning the pages until the wee small hours. I was desperate to learn how the story would develop and what twists would appear along the way. Despite the lighter, whimsical storyline, the book packs a real punch as secrets are uncovered and truths are finally brought to light.
As leading characters, Elle and Dexter were nigh on perfect. I just loved their on-page chemistry and the way their exchanges hinted at something deeper than a couple of friends helping each other out. With an excellent supporting cast, comprising of some wonderful characters, there’s plenty to maintain the reader’s attention, while not overwhelming the story.
I loved my Escape to the Scottish Countryside and heartily recommend picking up a copy and enjoying a trip to the highlands.

[Anne Myrthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An idyllic town, a well-known writer with writer's block and a cute stationary shop. I really couldn't ask for anything more!

Elle lives in Fir Haven, a small village with a big community. She lost her parents in a car crash and only has her grandmother left in terms of family. When big-city writer Dexter Grayling buys a house in Fir Haven and moves into the mansion, things start changing... And not for the better. The nature reserve is set to be sold to developers, and Elle's heart is in danger of being hurt again. On top of that, a lot of old hurt is being dredged up because of what happens with Dexter. Will Elle and her friends be able to sort this all out and save the reserve, herself and maybe even other people?

I really enjoyed this story. The elements all add up for me. I love the fact that there is a paranormal element to the story, which drives the storyline throughout the book. The attention for the environment, and the enriching quality of wildlife on our own lives is inspiring. The relationships between the main characters has been well-described and is easy to follow. The side characters are also very important to the plot, and make the story less predictable.

All in all, a very enjoyable read and an entertaining story. I would love to visit Fir Haven to see this village for myself!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

📝A curse, you say?! 👀
3-3.5🌟stars
This story, set in Scotland, admittedly one of my favorite locations, was one that took a good while to get interesting and then centered on the lead male character's writer's block, supposedly caused by a stranger's curse after he nearly runs her over with his sportscar. I just thought the plot was a bit far-fetched. Julie Shackman's novels in this series usually feature a mystery that gets solved but this one I found hard to get excited about. The romance was really peripheral and muddled and Dexter, the male lead, never really recovered in my estimate from his horrible introduction as he barrels his way into town.

I liked the village atmosphere and the idea of people pulling together to save a nature space so embedded in the good times of their lives. But this part of the plot seemed contrived to cause worry and upheaval and then, bam, a sudden positive turn to give drama.

Also, I was disappointed that Dexter's physical resemblance to a key person from the past was never explained when it could have added another interesting subplot.

I will doubtless continue to look for the author's new Scotland-set releases but I hope they will feature more romance and leave out superstition, omens and curses.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Near crash . . . angry clash...
Curse . . . or something worse!?!?

A story set in a small Scottish town,
Where a newcomer greets folk with a frown.
But his dangerous driving has a consequential surprise
One that he's soon to realise!

Elle Cassidy lost her parent's a year ago
Now she's reopening their shop to give it a go.
She's brimming full with new ideas.
And hoping the venture won't end in tears.

When a stranger drives up where he shouldn't go
She and others try to let him know.
He's arrogant and won't listen to them at all
But he'll be back soon on Elle to call.

It seems he's been cursed by someone there
Now he can't write and really does care.
Her Gran says Elle should help this angry man
But Elle isn't sure just how she can.

With stories of curses and so much more
This book gives you lovely old and new events to explore.
There are local conflicts to add to the mix
And lots of things for Elle to try to fix.

What no one is expecting is that there'll be any chance
For anyone involved to find true romance.
However sometimes fate has a mind of its own
And love will ensure that the seeds are sown.

A heartwarming story with a mystery
That has evolved from recent history.
With detective work and friendships to uncover what's true
And a serious curse also to undo!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read, I adored the relationship between Elle and her grandma is just beautiful, Elle is grieving her parents and wants to save her mothers (parents) newsagents which was struggling, reopen it as a stationery shop. The premise itself is so lovely, as a stationery addict I’m not sure I’d be able to sell anything if I owned one myself.

I love Julie’s writing, her descriptions of the setting just make me so happy, I get lost in the surroundings of Fir Haven, I adore being able to get lost in her characters and community, being able to relax at a lovely pace and get lost in the plot. I really enjoyed the environmental focus of the story, fighting to save a nature reserve from developers and council, it’s close to what most people are dealing with in their own communities, which makes it even easier to empathise.

It’s a story which is interspersed with plenty of humour, alongside the romance and mystery, Elles encounter with Dexter leads to an unexpected connection but you’ll have to read the book to find out more I don’t do spoilers! With a well written story, with the many strands of plot expertly woven together, this is a story full of complex characters, a wonderful community and a setting you would love to live in yourself. This is not only a Scottish escape, but a wonderful reality escape and one I thoroughly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish Country Escape by Julie Shackman

Thank you Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Here is my honest review.

Elle lives with her grandmother Clara in Fir Haven. She has lost both of her parents in a car accident about a year ago. It has been tough and she is finally starting to find her way back. Her parents owned a newsagent but Elle feels it’s too many memories to keep it going so she decided to turn it into a Paper Roses Stationary shop. She has a lot of help from her grandmother and her friends.

On the opening day of her shop she and a woman Mrs Carlucci are almost run over by Dexter Grayling who is an internationally known writer and has recently moved into town. Dexter doesn’t know that Mrs Carlucci in her anger put a spell on him, A spell that gives him the writer's block. He is now a writer who can not write.

After the near accident Mrs Carlucci disappears and when Dexter finds out what she has done the quest to find her starts.

I find this book to be quite slow paste. I loved the warm relationship between Elle and her grandmother and all the love Elle gets from her friends. I enjoyed that we get to see Dexter turn from a grumpy man to a nice and lovely man as this mystery romance unfolds itself.

[Rachael Stray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed A Scottish Country Escape, although part of a series this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Elle tragically lost her parents in a car crash in the Scottish Highlands and she’s now dealing with the aftermath of their death and wading through her grief and mourning the loss of her relationship with her ex Lloyd by doing what she does best – keeping busy!

She’s decided to transform their family newsagents into a stationery shop with the help of her grandmother Clara.

Her first encounter with well-known crime writer, Dexter Grayling, who has just moved into Fir Haven is when he almost runs her and another woman over in his car!

Soon after the incident he suffers a bad bout of writers’ block of the likes he’s never known and he’s determined that Elle helps him to hunt down Mrs Carlucci to lift this curse she’s put on him!

While on this strange quest to track down the elusive Mrs Carlucci the duo uncover secrets of Fir Haven’s past and Elle juggles Paper Roses and her mission to save the much-loved nature reserve from ruin.

There’s inevitably and predictably, a romance aspect and some of the dynamics are interesting and the relationship between Elle and her grandmother is heart-warming.

There’s plenty going on in the plot with humour interspersed which I enjoy.

I didn’t find it fast-paced and at times a little frustrating but I enjoyed getting to know the community of Fir Haven, Elle’s friendships and the blossoming romance with Dexter!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this author and I enjoyed the book. The mystery, twists and turns was more like a cosy murder mystery - but without a murder. Elle had moved back to her childhood home, she and her boyfriend had split because he was was all for himself and did not support Elle when she needed help most. Her parents had been killed in a car crash. Ellies Grandmother also lives in her childhood home

Her parents had a Newsagents, which was closed after the accident, it was not doing very well. Elle decides she is going to reopen the shop, but as a stationers, selling upmarket cards, writing paper. Novelty items. The shop is located on a pedestrian road. As she is getting the shop ready, she meets Dexter a famous crime writer who has come to live in the area. Also Linda who is Italian. Dexter sped into the pedestrian area in his flash sports car Ellie saves Linda from being hit.
The story then revolves round Dexter, Linda and the Nature reserve. I will not go into any more as I do not wish to give spoilers.

My thanks to netgally and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review which I freely give. It is a lovely read and can recommend it

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle lost her parents and then her boyfriend. Now all she has left is her grandmother, her family home and her mother’s store. But now it’s time to get back to life after more than a year of grieving, so she decides to reopen her mother’s store as a stationery shop. That’s enough change for now. Then a new resident almost urns into her and the council is planning to sell the local reserve to developers. It looks like more change is coming Elle’s way wether she likes it or not.

Between trying to help the new arrival find an elusive local woman who he believes put a curse on him and trying to save the reserve while opening a new business, Elle’s hands are full. Sometimes life has plans of its own and all you can do is go along for the ride, as Elle finds out. But then again, sometimes life knows what’s best for you and Elle is about to find that out as well.

A good read and a great way to “Get away” for awhile. I enjoyed the story and would gladly read another from this author.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elle lives with her grandmother in the small Scottish village of Fir Haven, after the passing of her parents in a car accident. Struggling to cope with their loss, she decides to honour their memory by opening a stationery shop in their old newsagents. When she discovers the local nature reserve that holds lots of memories of her family is being sold off for housing, she is determined to save it. Can she work with the local community and put a stop to the development?

Popular author Dexter has bought a property in Fir Haven, and after a quite wild introduction finds himself having to work with Elle to release himself from a "curse". Can he do this and help save the reserve? Will he and Elle be able to put aside their differences to work together?

A bit of a confusing title, I wasn't sure who was escaping where really. I also thought the author could have made more of the location and scenery, it did feel a bit tangled with lots of stories going on at times. However the main plotline was a sweet story and it was a quick read.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this trip to the Scottish Highlands. The community emerged as a close knit one and it is clear that Elle has got a lot of support from the locals following the tragedy in her family. Although she is grieving, Elle is at the stage where she is ready to start something positive and has decided what she wants to do about the family business. I enjoyed her relationship with her grandmother who has a great sense of mischief but who obviously cares about her granddaughter.

Dexter is a slightly mysterious character at first and he is difficult to work out initially. Although there is always a sense that a romance is brewing, the story is also reminiscent of a cozy crime to me. I think this was not just because of the village setting, but also because of how the characters interacted and the solving of the mystery dominated the story. Friendship and family encourage Elle throughout as she restarts her life.

In short: an uplifting story of romance with a mystery at the centre

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish Country Escape by Julie Shackman

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven.

But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write.

Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought…

My Opinion

This is a great addition to the series. This series is made up of stand-alone books and so can be read in any order. A cute novel with a great pace.

Rating 4/5

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Julie Shackman book that I’ve read and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. I liked all the characters and liked the fact that their backstories were explained, which in turn helped their actions in the story make sense. Elle has lost both her parents and opens up Paper Roses stationary shop in the premises of her late mum’s business. She lives with her gran who comes across as very young at heart. She meets Dexter, a famous writer who has moved into Fir Haven, when he nearly runs her and others over. There is an attraction to him that she is trying to deny but can she deny it forever? Plus is it reciprocated? The community come together to save Fir Haven nature reserve as well as dealing with curses and coming to terms with past events. Short chapters made this an easy book to dip in and out of and only took me a couple of days to read. Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scottish Country Escape the 4th book in “The Scottish Escapes series” by Julie Shackman. What can I say other than I loved it and read in one day.

The setting of a tiny town called Fir Haven in the Scottish Highlands sounded magical and the nature preserve, I could picture myself spending an afternoon walking there. As with the other books in this series, it had everything you could want in a story love, loss, regret, laughter, sadness, forgiveness, friendships and families.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome.

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in beautiful Scotland Elle is still recovering from the death of her parents, but decides to change their struggling newsagents to one selling stationary. She becomes involved with a famous author who has moved into the village when he is subjected to a curse which means he cannot write anymore.
I really became engrossed in this story, with that small community feel, a touch of romance and mystery. There is also a storyline about trying to prevent a local beauty spot being taken over for building holiday homes. It is certainly one of the books that I have enjoyed the most this year to date and can definitely recommend to those who enjoy this style of book.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.