An excellent read. This book has a beautifully designed setting and with that background, a mystery, a range of characters; eccentric and otherwise, and a romance. What is not to like about that? Well written, the story grabs the reader’s attention right from the very start.

ARC Review: *A Scottish Island Summer* by Julie Shackman

Julie Shackman sweeps readers away to the enchanting Isle of Skye in *A Scottish Island Summer*, a heartwarming and humorous journey of self-discovery, love, and the magic of the Highlands.

The Plot:
Darcie Freeman, a high-flying city girl, lives for the hustle and bustle of London life. But when her job forces her to trade skyscrapers for Scottish cliffs, she’s less than thrilled. The assignment? Research the idyllic Isle of Skye for a travel guide. To Darcie, it’s a death sentence for her designer wardrobe and social media aesthetic.

Enter Logan Burns, the ruggedly handsome islander who becomes her reluctant guide. With his windswept hair and love for Skye’s untamed beauty, Logan is determined to show Darcie that there’s more to life than Instagram filters and fancy cocktails. Alongside his quirky sister Iona, who runs a chaotic PR company, Logan drags Darcie into island adventures she never signed up for—think sheep herding, whisky tasting, and more rain than she’s ever seen in her life.

But as Darcie exchanges her stilettos for hiking boots and discovers hidden gems of Skye, she also finds herself opening up to a slower, more meaningful way of life. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for the island… and the man who calls it home.

**What to Expect**:
- **City Girl Meets the Highlands**: A classic opposites-attract romance with plenty of sparks flying between a city girl out of her element and a rugged islander who’s her complete opposite.
- **Humor & Heart**: Darcie’s misadventures on Skye bring plenty of laughs, but beneath the banter lies a deeper story about finding yourself where you least expect it.
- **Breathtaking Scenery**: Shackman’s vivid descriptions of Skye’s windswept beaches, misty mountains, and charming village life will have you booking a one-way ticket to Scotland.
- **Warm, Relatable Characters**: From Iona’s quirky PR mishaps to Logan’s brooding charm, every character brings their own flair to this charming story.
- **A Slow-Burn Romance**: The tension between Darcie and Logan builds beautifully, leading to moments that are as sweet as they are swoon-worthy.

**Rating**: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
**Verdict**: *A Scottish Island Summer* is a delightful, feel-good read that will transport you straight to the heart of the Highlands. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Katie Fforde, this book is a love letter to Scotland, romance, and finding home in the unlikeliest of places. Cozy up with a cup of tea and let Julie Shackman’s storytelling whisk you away on a perfect summer escape.