A Scottish Island Summer by Julie Shackman

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When ambitious city girl, Darcie Freeman is sent to the Isle of Skye to conduct research for a travel guide, she’s horrified. The prospect of having to travel to a remote island in the Scottish Highlands leaves her wondering what she’ll do.

Step in Logan Burns. Gorgeous and adventurous, he lives and breathes the island, and along with his sister Iona, who owns a rather haphazard PR company, they’re going to show Darcie everything she needs to know about Skye.

As Darcie swaps her designer shoes for her walking boots and her faux fur jacket for her raincoat, will she learn there’s more to life than the picture-perfect presence she shares on social media, or will it be the case that Skye is the limit…

My Opinion

A Scottish Island Summer is part of the Scottish Escapes series. Julie Shackman has written a delightful novel that is easy to read. Darcie isn’t too impressed when she arrives on the Isle of Skye, but can Logan change her mind? An adventure and great character development await the reader of this charming book. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and join Darcie as she writes her travel guide.

Rating 4/5

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'A Scottish Highland Summer' by Julie Shackman.

WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! Yet another absolutely beautiful book that I fell in love with from this absolutely amazing author!!! This book is the eighth book in Julie's 'Scottish Escapes' series but this and all previous books can be read as standalones.

This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline.

This stunning storyline takes us on a stunning and unforgettable holiday to the gorgeous Highlands where we meet Darcie Freeman who has been sent to the Isle Of Skye by her agent. Darcie is an influencer and is absolutely horrified at the conditions and what she is expected to do. However, she is determined to stick it out especially when she discovers she was only asked to do it as her rival influencer River Banks had already agreed on another promotion. When she arrives she meets Iona Carrington from PR 'Skye's The Limit' who is nothing like what Darcie expected, her brother Logan Burns who is going to act as her guide and take her on some wild trips which she was definitely not expecting and several other members of the community. With Darcie complaining about everything Skye will Logan be able to warm her heart? Well, grab your copy of this absolutely stunning getaway to find out for yourself and I can guarantee you will not regret it! With a storyline filled with gorgeous settings, secrets, romance, heartbreak, adventure, humour, joy, twists, turns and so, so much more this is a must read for anyone looking for a feel good page turner!!! It had me laughing until I had tears streaming down my face, smiling until my face ached and falling in love. I have not been to Scotland since I was a child but Julie whisked me back there at the turn of a page and I did not want to leave. I was devastated when I came to the end and had to "unpack" my suitcase and return to rainy Wales!! Her stunning evocative and emotive writing skills ensured I could feel the fresh Skye air on my face and seeing the stunning scenery as if I was right next to Darcie throughout. I just absolutely love, Love, LOVED this absolutely stunning book so don't even waste your time reading more than this and go and grab your copy now!! I can genuinely guarantee you wont regret it!! This book really is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was utterly glued to the pages and I could not bring myself to put it down. I was carrying my kindle around with me every chance that I got as I just could not put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting then being gutted I had finished it so quickly!! It is is one gorgeous book with a stunning location that I would absolutely love to visit!! Although this is the eighth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. I cannot wait to go back and read the previous 5 books in this series that I have yet to read. I have already read the sixth book which is called 'The Bookshop By The Loch' and the seventh book 'A Scottish Highland Hideaway' which I completely and utterly fell in love with but haven't managed to get around to reading the ones before that. I would not normally recommend reading books out of order when it comes to a series but there is a silver lining if you have yet to read the previous books. The silver lining is that when you have come to the end of this beauty and have fallen in love with this author and series you can go back and read the previous seven books while you are waiting for the next book to come out!! Book Nine is called ' A Scottish Coastal Escape' and is available to preorder for when it is published on the 30th July 2025 which gives you plenty of time to devour the previous books!!! Another stunning book in this gorgeous series. Well done Julie!!

Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner that will keep you hooked and have tears streaming down your face❤️

I absolutely loved getting to know the characters in this book who were all strong, realistic and unique. I became completely invested in each and every one of them. They all had their own problems, secrets, feelings and all had unique personalities and I just absolutely loved getting to know them all. Thanks to Julie's fantastic writing skills she ensured I felt each of their love , friendship, annoyance, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. Regardless of if I loved them or not the characters they each played their parts perfectly and it wouldn't have been as amazing a read as it was if I had loved them all!!! Julie does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills!! Well done Julie!!! I am hoping to meet several of the characters in Julie's previous and future books.

Congratulations Julie on yet another absolutely gorgeous and heart-warming read filled with everything you could ever ask for in a page turner!!! This is the exact reason that you are in my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will keep you glued to the pages, sweep you away to the Highlands and warm your heart ❤️!!!

#AScottishHighlandSummer #ScottishEscapes #JulieShackman #HarperCollins #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #OneMoreChapterPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@JulieShackman @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @HarperCollins @HarperCollinsUK @OneMoreChapter @OneMoreChapterPublishing

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86

https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prfÀ

A Scottish Island Summer
by Julie Shackman

Darcie, a bustling city girl and accomplished travel blogger, finds herself reluctantly sent to the enchanting Isle of Skye to research an upcoming travel guide. As she navigates the rugged landscapes and picturesque scenery, she meets Logan, a charming and easygoing local who becomes her guide. Initially, Darcie comes off as self-absorbed and difficult to like, but as the story unfolds, she embarks on a journey of personal growth, gradually transforming into a more relatable and endearing character.

The narrative beautifully weaves together elements of romance and mystery as Darcie unexpectedly gets caught up in the quest for the legendary Skye Lovers Cross—an elusive archaeological treasure steeped in centuries-old folklore and local lore.

This is the eighth instalment in the Scottish Escapes series, and I've had the pleasure of reading one other book in the collection. The breathtaking Isle of Skye serves as the perfect backdrop, with its dramatic cliffs, serene lochs, and quaint villages providing a vivid setting that transported me back to my own visit just seven months ago. Despite my fondness for the island’s beauty, I found it challenging to connect with Darcie initially, even as she evolved and matured throughout the story. changed throughout the book.

A fun, flirty and (often) hilarious romance set on the beautiful Isle of Skye. The life of a social influencer is all about staying on top of the game, and Darcie wonders how a travel guide to Skye is going to help her succeed. Romance blooms when island guide Logan takes her on adventures to highlight the special places on Skye.

I have read several of Julie Shackman's other books and 'A Scottish Island Summer's didn't disappoint. Darcie Freeman is an influencer, travelling the world and blogging about her experiences. Loosing out to River, a new social media star, Darcie is sent to the Isle of Skye by her agent to research and write a travel guide. Totally out of her comfort zone, Darcie is shown around the island by Logan, a geologist and outdoor expert. Logan tells her stories and fables connected to the island, including a mystery of a precious artefact. A cosy romance, the fantastic descriptions of beautiful Skye and the mystery story elevate this book- I enjoyed it and would recommend to fans of Karen Swan and Jenny Colgan. Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC - this has not affected my review.

Darcie is a successful social media influencer who specialises in travel blogs. In such a competitive arena, she is constantly scrutinised and looking for the next lucrative opportunity. After a downturn in her influence, she is heading to the Isle of Skye to find material for a travel guide rather than the exotic places she is used to. After a few false starts, Darcie reflects on her current life and its superficial nature as she sees the value of the Scottish island lifestyle. I enjoyed the setting and how the author brings it to life through immersive sensory imagery. The emotional connection between Darcie and Logan develops believably, and their slow-burn relationship is realistic. A pleasing balance of angst and humour shows the characters' complexity. The archaeological mystery that spans the generations gives the story additional depth. The ending is romantic,
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

A true page turner that you'll be delighted to have read.
This relaxation read took me to Skye with its breathtaking descriptions that I now want to visit. The characters were lighthearted, a true pick me up. On my way to find more charming books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Ah, this story took me to a dreamy place. It made me feel free, breath the air and the smells of wonderful landscapes. It made me laugh and feel really good. This is precisely what Julie Shackman manages in all her books.The way she combines humor, adventure, and realistic characters is unique, which is why there is no book I haven't read by Julie Shackman.
If you want to feel beautiful and bring spring to your heart faster, then you should definitely read this story!

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

I really enjoyed this book by Julie Shackman which is set in the beautiful Isle of Skye.

Darcie is sent there to write a travel guide so that her career can grow as there is another influencer that is gaining more interest from those in higher places.

I loved the setting, scenery was brilliantly described and made me feel I was there on the beach.

Darcie wasn’t quite sure why she was sent there initially, due to the weather she had but then when she saw more of the place with Logan, her views changed and she grew to love it and the residents.

I highly recommend this book.

Influencer Darcie is sent to the Isle of Skye by her agent to vlog and to write a travel guide for the island. She isn't best pleased as her arch nemesis has bagged a much more high profile opportunity in a much warmer climate. It doesn't help when she finds that her first sponsor event ends up with her changing into a tinfoil dress in the back of a van by an obviously inexperienced PR agent.
This is one of those books that grows on you, helped by the description of Skye that really brought it to life for me. Darcie initially comes across as a very spoilt, hard nosed girl, totally unprepared for the rigours of a Scottish Island, but you gradually see the softer, more caring but still very professional side of her. Her guide for the Island is Logan, the PR agent's brother, an experienced geologist who doesn't seem that impressed by this city girl. They gradually start getting used to each other when they become involved in a mystery which is when the story really came to life for me. In summary another excellent book set in a beautiful part of the world.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Book Review: A Scottish Island Summer by Julie Shackman

I just finished A Scottish Island Summer by Julie Shackman, and wow, I’m completely enchanted. This book had everything I love in a cozy romance: a stunning setting, relatable characters, and a heartwarming journey of self-discovery.

Darcie Freeman, a city girl through and through, is sent to the Isle of Skye for work to research for a travel guide. Honestly, I could totally relate to her initial hesitation—what would I do in the middle of nowhere with no Starbucks or social media to distract me? But the island, with its breathtaking landscapes and quirky characters, soon starts working its magic on Darcie.

Enter Logan Burns. He’s the perfect blend of rugged charm and adventure, and I couldn’t help but root for him and Darcie from the start. Along with his sister Iona, the trio takes Darcie on a tour of Skye that helps her step out of her comfort zone in the most delightful ways. The dynamic between them is fun and full of chemistry, which only adds to the book’s charm.

What I loved most was how the story explores Darcie’s personal growth. She starts off caught up in her glamorous city life, all about the polished image she projects on social media. But as she gets to know the island, its people, and Logan, she begins to realize there’s so much more to life than appearances. The message of living in the moment really resonated with me, and it felt like the perfect reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things.

The setting of Skye itself is so beautifully described—it almost felt like I was there, breathing in the fresh air and walking those rugged paths. The author’s vivid descriptions of the landscape made me want to pack my bags and head straight to the island. And let’s not forget the little mystery woven into the story, which kept things interesting and added an extra layer of intrigue.

The romance between Darcie and Logan is sweet, slow-burning, and incredibly satisfying. You can feel the tension and chemistry between them, and by the end, I was cheering them on as if they were real people! It’s a feel-good romance with a bit of everything—humor, heart, and a bit of suspense.

If you're in the mood for a feel-good book with a gorgeous setting, lovable characters, and a journey of personal growth, A Scottish Island Summer is the perfect read. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Darcie, Logan, and the magic of Skye too.

Rating: 5/5
A cozy, heartwarming escape that’s impossible to resist! Highly recommend for fans of romance, self-discovery, and picturesque settings.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another fab book by Julie set in a gorgeous Scottish setting, this time on the Isle of Skye. Darcie is an influencer, more used to tropical islands rather than Scottish cold ones in the spring. She’s been sent there to write a travel guide to help resurrect her flagging career as there seems to be a new influencer in town….

I really enjoyed this one, predictable as it was (which I love), the scenery described made me feel I too was sat on a beach watching the sun set. Darcie was quite sceptical to begin, hating the weather and surroundings but quickly grew to see what everyone else does, with the help of Logan of course! There are some other great characters in this too, Iona is just superb and sweet!

I read this book quite quickly as I usually do, as the writing is just so easy to read and flows well. If you like a cosy romance to curl up with during these blustery stormy days, this and Julie’s previous books are what you need. Can’t wait for the next.

The initial premise of this story centres around influencers living in an Instagram-fuelled world where every meal and moment is a photo opportunity. Darcie Freeman is hard to like at first, as she is totally self-absorbed and constantly checks her feeds to see if she has any competition or if anyone has landed better sponsorship.
Darcie meets Iona, who runs a very disorganised PR company on the Isle of Skye. They seem to instantly form a tenuous bond, which leads to Darcie committing to at least attempting to complete the required appearances on the island. Of course, Skye is a baptism of fire for Darcie as she’s completely ill-equipped with a wardrobe that is more in keeping with a breezy day in Ibiza and not geared for the four seasons in a day that Skye is known for.
We then meet Logan, Iona’s brother, who has been recruited as Darcie’s island guide. There’s friction from the start as it becomes clear that these opposites are a long way from attracting each other. Logan couldn’t be more different to Darcie with his focus on the great outdoors and a loathing for commercialism. His local knowledge and belief in the future of Skye and the secrets that lay hidden in the vicinity.
There’s a fab mystery to unravel and a dark stranger to be unmasked. This felt like a shift from the earlier books in the series, but thankfully, it didn’t morph into the realms of cosy crime—I’m not a fan of that genre.
With a great ensemble cast and some really fun characters making up the local community and a trip to Skye’s fairy pools. What’s not to love?
Escape to the Isle of Skye and enjoy following this terrific story.

An enjoyable read. Loved the setting. Not quite so keen on either Darcie or Logan. Initially they both come across as annoying. They do grow on you, but the story's strength is the setting of Skye. The supporting characters are entertaining. I didn't really buy into the romance. More time needed to have been spent on it. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this lovely heartwarming story about a beautiful island in Scotland.
Darcie is an influencer and is sent on her next assignment to Skye, she’s not that excited about it, but when she meets the tour guide she’s happy. This was a lovely cozy romance about these two while doing something for the island. It’s a feel good book with the best descriptions of the island. This is a great series, highly recommend. 5stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

🌊🏕Darcie's transformation & setting saved it!🌌

3.5-4 🌟 stars
The Scottish island setting was the initial draw to this story for me and the author really did do the island's natural beauty and history justice.

I needed to read way past the opening to actually have any sympathy or connection vis a vis London influencer Darcie, who travels to the Scottish Isle of Skye almost kicking and screaming because it isn't glamorous or a sun-soaked beach! Darcie enters the action totally obsessed with her media presence and her rivalry with River, an influencer who has outstripped her recently in the race for lucrative luxury sponsorships. She's the archetype of a pampered, appearance-obsessed social media star and it gives lots of latitude for her transformation to a more caring, relatable person the longer she stays. Her three weeks on Skye got good, even humorous, and romantic, with some great vignettes of Skye's sights and an emphasis on the hospitality and friendliness she encounters.

So, better story as it progressed, with a slow burn attraction to local Logan and even a mystery to help solve. And the ending had all the romantic vibes I wanted. I just don't understand the title choice, since the action takes place in spring, not summer!

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

Review shared 1/15/25 with Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and Bookbub. To be shared with kobo and Google Play after publication.

This book is set on the idyllic sounding Isle of Skye. We follow the story of Darcie, a social media artist who finds herself having to spend several weeks in the Highlands doing research for a travel book. Darcie is so out of her comfort, having to swap her suitcase of designer outfits for walking boots and fleeces. Her agent teams Darcie up with local guy Logan, who is a real outdoorsy type, in the hope he can help show her the highlights of Skye for her book. Thanks netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy ofthis book.

I’ve read a few of the novels on this series. It’s sermon the gorgeous Scottish island of Skye and the descriptions are breathtaking. The plot is sweet but I could not gel with Darcie’s character at all so felt I wasn’t totally invested in the book and some parts were predictable. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

Lovely, light read. It took me a while to connect with Darci, the main character. She definitely improved the longer she was on the island. I am ready to go to the Isle of Skye....

Darcie Freeman has been sentenced to three weeks on Skye to put together a book on visiting Skye while her main social media competitor is away in the sunshine.

Darcie does not expect to fall for Skye or it’s people the way she does.

A fab story about the importance of living in the moment and finding yourself. Set in beautiful Skye it’s a lovely read all round.