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The Book Lover's Bucket List by Hannah Claire #Review

Welcome to the blog, Hannah Claire and her latest novel, The Book Lover's Bucket List which was published on April 24th by Dove Peak Press . A bucket list to change her life. Gabriella Brookes has spent years quietly loving Zach Osborne, knowing he only sees her as his best friend’s bookish little sister. He’s charming, successful, and only back in their Derbyshire village for the summer before his next big move. When Gabby stumbles across her long-forgotten teenage bucket list, Zach proposes a deal: together, they’ll tick off her book-inspired challenges, if she helps him complete a few fun tasks of his own. What starts as a perfectly sensible plan quickly turns into something far more complicated, when real life refuses to stay neatly tucked between the pages. But as Zach’s past resurfaces and his future pulls him away, Gabby is forced to face a harder truth: dreams don’t come true if you only ever read about them. Ticking off the challenges was meant to be easy. ...

A Secret Scottish Escape by Julie Shackman #Review

 

Today we are off to the Scottish Highlands for an endearing read. A Secret Scottish Escape by Julie Shackman was published by One More Chapter on May 21st. 


Escape to the beautiful Scottish Highlands for a heartwarming and feel good cosy romance that will whisk you away from lockdown!

When Scotland’s sleepiest hamlet becomes the centre of hot gossip, Layla Devlin finds herself caught in a mystery…

When Layla’s fiancée has an unexpected heart attack and dies – in another woman’s arms, no less – Layla is determined to pack up and leave Loch Harris, the village she’s always called home. But an unexpected inheritance and love for her quiet corner of Scotland send her down a new path.

Now Layla finds herself facing a whole new kind of drama. Rumours swirl that a celebrity has moved into Coorie Cottage and Layla is determined to have him headline her opening night at local music venue The Conch Club. But the reclusive star is equally determined to thwart Layla’s efforts. Rafe Buchanan is in hiding for a reason, and soon his past comes to Loch Harris to haunt him…


 My Thoughts

The most striking part of this story is its setting. Located in the Scottish Highlands, it is full of the Scottish landscape and a community which looks out for its own. The romance seems to be in the background for most of the novel. Centre stage is Layla, who has a mystery to unravel and a family crisis to work through. She has a warm relationship with her father who has raised her, not so much with the mother who has been absent. 

    Layla is one of those characters who you take to. Loyal to her friends, she cannot resist getting involved in their lives. She just has to try to smooth the way for them and get involved. The mysterious inhabitant of Coorie Cottage definitely has a mystery for her to solve. You first meet Layla when her life has fallen apart but you soon realise that she has a resilient side and loves a challenge. If you are looking for a gentle read with a touch of romance and  mystery, look no further.

In short: A true escape indeed

About the Author


I am a contemporary romance author from Scotland, who is obsessed with stationery and handbags.

I am married with two sons and have a poodle cross Romanian rescue puppy called Cooper. A Secret Scottish Escape is my fifth book.

I trained as a journalist and studied Communication & Media. When I’m not reading or writing, I love getting out for long walks, listening to music and watching romcoms.

You can follow Julie here:  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram 

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 

Thanks to Julie Shackman, One More Chapter and Rachel of Random Things Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!


 

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