Member Reviews

This is a gorgeous and festive novel set in the hills of Scotland. I was a little worried about whether Scotland would be "romanticised" but it was nothing I needed to fear.

The plot felt a little predictable at times, and there were a few characters I didn't completely love. I also didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Izzy and Ross, and found it hard to root for them.

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Izzy has inherited a rundown castle and makes plans to renovate it to open as a hotel. But then she discovers her mother has taken in a lodger, handsome writer Ross. He’s paid for peace and quiet, but the castle needs work doing on it quickly and Izzy doesn’t want to wait. Can the pair possibly manage to live in close proximity?

I am a huge fan of Julie Caplin’s work and the Christmas Castle in Scotland does not disappoint. As usual, the setting is well researched and delightfully detailed. The characters come alive as the story progresses and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read.

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I will ALWAYS reach for (and highly recommend) a Julie Caplin book. They have never let me down.

The Christmas Castle in Scotland was no exception. I loved the enemies to friends to lovers progression between Izzy and Ross. I enjoyed the mystery of the two campers and I can't say I enjoyed Izzy's chaotic mum but wow, Julie really captured an oblivious but well meaning ADHD storm of chaos (I say as an ADHD person).

Always sweet, always sexy, always a big warm hug of a book. Thank you for another excellent outing Julie! Can't wait for the French Chateau!

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I love this series and eagerly anticipate the next instalment once I’ve finished the last. This was a heart-warming cosy romance. The Scotland setting was perfection and the Christmas time background to the story tied everything together beautifully. Great read!

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Another winner from Julie Caplin. The Christmas Castle in Scotland is packed full of festive fun and romance.

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My first Julie Caplin book and i wasnt dissapointed, the book centres around Izzy McBride, who inherits a castle in Scotland. Once she has completed the renovations, a room at a time, Izzy plans to open the castle as a luxury B&B. However while Izzy has been away on a cookery course, Xanthe, Izzy's wayward and eccentric mother has already rented a room out to a professor in need of peace & quiet for his research. But it gets worse when Izzy finds out her Mother has also promised an English Castle Christmas package to a large American family. Throw in a young teenage couple found camping in the grounds, unearthed secrets, and of course romance and it results in a book you won't want to put Down.

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The Christmas Castle in Scotland is flawlessly festive and delightfully diverting. Perfect cute Christmas novel to get you into the holiday spirit, but also just an entertaining read.

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I liked but I didn't love it. It was just fine. I've read all the books in the Romantic Escapes series and this was my least favourite one. The plot sounds great. But I was so incredibly annoyed by Izzy's mum the entire time that it just kept taking me out of the story. I did absolutely LOVE Ross! He makes the book for me. I can't wait for Hattie's story next!

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I’m always on the lookout for a a cozy Celtic novel to tuck into with a cup of tea, and this one fit the bill perfectly. Although the plot
was predictable, the quirkiness of the characters kept me engaged and rooting for a holiday love story. I did get a bit tired of the protracted disconnect between the two main characters, but the setting made up
for any flaws story. I mean, how can you not enjoy being transported to a cozy castle at Christmastime?

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Reading this book was an absolute delight. This heartwarming romance transports you to a charming snowy Scottish setting complete with a gorgeous castle, tasty holiday treats, and a cast of lovable characters. The writing is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the setting. A must read for any romance lover looking for a festive and heartwarming story.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others in the series and it also reminded me of another book I had read prior to this. A little too much on the castle restoration rather than the characters in my opinion.

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I love Julie Caplin's books and this one is no exception.

Everything you could wish for in a Christmas book - a wintery snowy setting, romance and love and lots of descriptions of food!

Highly recommended

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The Christmas Castle in Scotland - Julie Caplin

I was so pleased to be approved for this title as I just adore Julie Caplin's books so much, there are only a couple of her title's that I am still to read and I cannot wait to get them as they are all just the perfect escape.

I happened to be reading this snowy wintry read just as we were getting some snow ourselves so this could not have been more idyllic. There are quite a few characters in this book, which sometimes can be off putting however it was very easy to keep up with everyone, and I felt they all complimented each other so well.

The scene setting and food and drink descriptions were heavenly, and the romantic build up between Izzy and Ross was just lovely. I have no negatives to add, I did not want it to end!

Thank you so much Netgalley HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the advance copy of this book in return for my honest views.

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A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

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Julie Caplin’s The Christmas Castle in Scotland is an enchanting and enjoyable charmer you will not want to miss this winter.

Nobody is more surprised than Izzy McBride when her great uncle Bill leaves her a castle in Scotland! Not even in her wildest dreams did Izzy imagine that she would ever be the chatelaine of an actual castle. Granted, her uncle has left her a rundown and dilapidated glen that needs bucketloads of tender loving care, but Izzy has her heart set on transforming her inheritance into a boutique bed and breakfast and she will do whatever it takes to make her dream a reality. However, Izzy hadn’t counted on her mother springing a surprise on her that could end up upending all of her plans…

Izzy’s mother has never been what you might conventional, but even she has outdone herself this time around by renting out a room to brooding thriller writer Ross Adair. Izzy has got enough to worry about – the last thing she needs to think about is romance. However, that quickly proves easily said than done as Izzy discovers when it looks like she might be snowed in over the Christmas holiday with her handsome tenant.

Will Izzy get everything she has always wanted this Christmas? Or is she destined for heartbreak this Yuletide?

A fabulous winter warmer from Julie Caplin, The Christmas Castle in Scotland is a must-read for romantics everywhere. Gorgeously atmospheric, wonderfully witty and highly romantic, with The Christmas Castle in Scotland, Julie Caplin has penned a magical, feel-good and uplifting page-turner I couldn’t bear to put down.

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f I could I would give this more stars! Fantastic read from start to finish. Warm, romantic, funny and the setting is second to none. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and literally devoured it. The characters are larger than life and the story makes you feel so good! Fantastic read. Just don’t read it if you’re hungry….

Thank you Netgalley

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A perfect novel to enjoy during the Christmas season (or whenever you want really!) This book was really sweet and had everything I enjoy in a Christmas story. The descriptions were so vivid and really brought the story to life and the food described sounded amazing!

I didn't realise this was a series before I read it so will definitely be going back to check out the other books

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This is the 9th novel in Julie Caplin's 'Romantic Escapes' series and a great escapist read, perfect reading for an afternoon in front of the fire! Izzy inherits a castle from an uncle, an decides to open it as a small boutique hotel to keep it going. Fresh from cookery school, she arrives at the castle only to find her loving but eccentric and often irritating mum is playing 'lady of the manor' and has taken in a paying guest. Izzy has very different plans and needs to turn the castle around quickly in order to make money of the Christmas period. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansel and Heidi Swain.

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I enjoyed parts of this, but other parts just felt a bit underwhelming. Well written though and I enjoyed the characters. I think my main problem with this was the way some of the younger characters seemed like they belonged in the past rather than the present day.

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