A Summer House on Arran by Ellie Henderson is a pleasant, relaxing read, perfect for a light escape. The setting on the Scottish island is beautifully described, and the characters are charming, though some felt a bit underdeveloped. The plot is enjoyable, but it’s somewhat predictable and doesn’t offer much in terms of surprises. It’s a feel-good story, but it lacks the depth and complexity I was hoping for. A solid 3 stars—pleasant but not unforgettable.

A Summer House on Arran by Ellie Henderson is a heartwarming and uplifting novel about second chances, friendship, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. When single mum Kitty lands the opportunity to house-sit a charming cottage on the picturesque Scottish island of Arran, she’s looking for a fresh start after her son leaves home. But her plans are thrown into disarray when she arrives to find Olivia, a dancer seeking her own escape from a past she’s trying to outrun.

Despite the initial tension, the two women decide to share the cottage, setting the stage for a transformative summer of self-discovery, laughter, and unexpected bonds. Their journey of healing is made even more complicated—and exciting—by the presence of Logan, the charming local tour guide who brings a dash of romance into Kitty’s life.

Henderson’s writing effortlessly captures the beauty of the island and the emotional depth of the characters. Both Kitty and Olivia are relatable, each navigating their own personal struggles and embracing the possibility of new beginnings. The setting of Arran adds a magical, almost restorative quality to the story, making it the perfect backdrop for their journey of sisterhood and self-reflection.

With its mix of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, A Summer House on Arran is a perfect read for anyone looking for a feel-good escape that celebrates the power of friendship, healing, and the promise of a brighter future. It’s a delightful summer read that will leave you with a smile long after the last page.

Getting to travel around the world to places like Ireland from the comfort from your own home is great. This was an engaging and enjoyable read that flowed nicely. Kitty and Oliva are both wanting to get way and relax. This was a quick summer read that was truly enjoyable. I’m going to have see look into seeing what other books this author has.

I love Ellie’s books and will read anything she writes. Love that the books are all set in Scotland and show off our beautiful country

I love summer romance set in Ireland. I felt like I was there. Armchair traveling at it's best, when you feel like you are there in the book with the characters exercising the setting.

A engaging and enjoyable read from start to finish. Lovely to catch up with previously met characters and become acquainted with new ones. This book is easily able to be read as a standalone in its own right. The cosy environment manifested by the writing is second to none. I definitely want to visit!

Thank you Netgalley

Very enjoyable lighthearted read. Characters are very likeable and you find yourself wanting to get to know them more and want everything to work out for them. Very entertaining and perfect if you want an escape that will pick you up and make you smile. Story flowed well.

Thank you NetGalley and to @joffebooks and @choclituk for providing this advanced readers copy in return for an honest review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#ASUMMERHOUSEONARRAN #NetGalley

I think this type of books, uplifting and hearwarming, are the right one for this dark times.
It made me smile and root for the characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Kitty and Olivia both need to get away from life and when they both end up in the same cottage on the beautiful Island of Arran they decide to share and soon form a friendship. A lovely lighthearted summer read with great characters, especially Logan, and plenty of fun to keep you turning the pages

This was absolutely the cutest little summer read ever! This was my first Scottish summer-y read, but it won’t be my last.
Two women are looking for a fresh start & coincidentally end up renting the same cottage. Kitty is officially an empty-nester & not quite sure what to do with herself now that her son is gone, while Olivia is just desperate for a fresh new start away from NYC. No better place than to go across the world, am I right? 😂🤪
It took me a minute to get truly focused & hone in on the characters & figure out what was going on. I enjoyed the character development in Olivia, Kitty & Logan as well!
Without giving too much away, I love how Kitty & Logan’s relationship evolves throughout the book!
Step into the world of Arran as you experience love, friendship & life lessons.

I was very thankful to have the opportunity to read this book on NetGalley. I had a great time reading about Kitty and Olivia, but especially Kitty and Logan. Arran sounds like a magical place!

i really enjoyed this book - and love the series. I feel that you didn't need to read the other books first as a prerequisite. This is an easy-read, but makes you think.

Both Kitty and Olivia are on the verge of starting something new but don't necessarily know the next steps. I loved how there is a support circle that comes around them both very quickly, both with the surprising friendship between the housemates, and with the locals on Arran. The beauty of the friendships and the area is tangible.

Can we go to Arran now, please?

I loved this sweet, summer read. Perfect beach read. The characters were great and the story was so entertaining. More please. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. It was wonderful!

Oh! How I love these 'fresh start,' feel-good books that take you away from the daily grind! A SUMMER HOUSE ON ARRAN by Ellie Henderson led me away on a lovely journey that left me delighted!

I loved the friendship that blossomed between Kitty and Olivia as it evoked a cosy feel that I enjoy encountering in storylines. The other characters blended in seamlessly as well. Kitty and Logan's relationship is also nicely paced, and felt realistic. (Love that Logan is also known as "The Tartan Wanderer.") Made me giggle! He is a tour guide. I'm getting some strong urges to zip over to Scotland myself!

My verdict: A SUMMER HOUSE ON ARRAN is an entertaining book that you should definitely read!

Thank you to Ellie Henderson & Choc Lit for this ARC.

5/5

This is the third book by Ellie Henderson about people and events taking place on Arran, a beautiful Scottish island - the local tourist board should be giving out copies of her books at events around the world!

Two women looking for a fresh start. An escape to a Scottish island. A summer of sisterhood and second chances . . .

Recent empty nester Kitty is heading to Arran to house sit Lilybank Cottage.

At the same time, Olivia, who is looking for a fresh start after her current life has taken a turn for the worse, is also heading to Lilybank Cottage.

After a tense first encounter, they decide to share the cottage. They soon discover that they have more in common than they expected and a genuine friendship is developing.

Together they help each other find new energy and deal with the past.

I liked the friendship between Olivia and Kitty and also the relationship Kitty develops with Logan aka the Tartan Wanderer, a local tour guide.


In Henderson's world, Arran seems to be a place full of magic, kind people and new opportunities.

Kitty escapes for the summer to an island in Scotland when she arrives, she finds it occupied by Olivia, but they decide to share the house for the summer. Beautiful setting.

A new author for me and a pretty story as her first read, Nice to have a different setting (Isle of Arran) with a good storyline too.

✨ spoilers ✨

This book is a romance book without much spice for a change! 🤭 Also funny to read a romance with main characters around 15-20 year my senior haha! The author did great on introducing the two main characters, Olivia and Kitty. At first, I was a bit dizzy with all the names thrown around but because those two were clear, it really helped with pushing through. 🤗

It took me a couple chapters before the story fully had me focused, I loved the chapters about Olivia and the other girls in Italy and also liked reading about Kitty, the single mother that has an empty nest for the first time. The author encapsulated the awkwardness of two people house-sharing all of a sudden very well, I even felt a bit uneasy. 😅 As Olivia and Kitty took on their first walking adventure and Logan came into the mix, the story really took off! The chemistry (and reluctance of Kitty) was very well written and nothing too hastily done. 💕

Nearing the end I loved the plottwist with Olivia’s ex for some disturbance in the storyline, it brought about some angry thoughts and I fully was rooting and applauding Olivia for handling the situation. 👏🏼 This was also one of the first times I didn’t despise an epilogue! All-in-all, a great light relatable romance read for this summer! 🌞

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Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I was hooked from the beginning of this book.

When Olivia is in Italy, she meets three women who convince her that she should visit Scotland and the gorgeous island of Arran.

Olivia decided to follow their advice, as she wants to be away from someone, and to come to terms with what happened before her trip to Italy.

Kitty, is feeling lonely after her son goes off to camp. Her friend suggests she stay at a house in Arran for a few weeks and Kitty agrees.

But, when she arrives at the house, she realises she’s not going to be on her own, but sharing with another person, Olivia.

Over their time at in Arran they get to know a what has happened in the other person’s past and what happened to make them come to
Arran.

They do stuff together, like going on a tour with the tartan wanderer, where they meet Logan and become friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the island of Arran.

I highly recommend this book.