Overall a story of second chances. I have a hard time liking Cal and in real life would certainly never have made the choices Tara does to trust him long term. But a fun and light read.

(ad pr) Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo, and Lilac Mills

The first I hope of many in the Coorie Castle Crafts series.

Book 1 – Surprises on the Scottish Isle follows Tara and her journey through life, heartbreak and finding joy in her craft. Along with Tara we have an old Flame Calan in the same location and the tension between the two you could cut with a knife.

You will fall in love with different characters so perfectly written and every book has one you don’t like for me it was the ex-wife until the very end
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The description of the areas in Scotland, especially the Castle and Loch make it wish you were there. Would sign up for those workshops at the craft centre.

This is the first in a new series called Coorie Castle Crafts. Tara moves to the Isle Of Skye for a new start after her divorce and gets a job in Castle Coories craft centre creating beautiful doll houses. Little does she know that Cal her true love works there also.
What follows is a lovely tale of romance, family, friendship and plenty of drama.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as some of Lilacs other books although I think this can be a strong series as it has some lovely characters, with my favourite being Bonnie.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lilac MIlls and Canelo for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Tara takes a chance and moves to a craft farm on one of the islands by Skye. Sadly it turns out her ex-fiancé, Calan, is the manager. Meeting again after about 10 years, was hard for both, but of course a second chance and attraction is still there. Enjoyed this one, although still find the reason for the break up a bit weak. Still though, liked the story and characters and would recommend.

Book Review: Surprises on the Scottish Isle by Lilac Mills

Lilac Mills’ Surprises on the Scottish Isle is a cozy, feel-good romance set against the lush, atmospheric landscapes of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. It follows Tara McTaigh, a recently divorced artist with a unique niche in crafting dollhouses, who finds herself craving a fresh start away from her past life in Edinburgh. She relocates to Castle Coorie, hoping to make a new life focused solely on her craft, far from the complexities of love and heartbreak. But her plans take an unexpected twist when she discovers that the estate manager, Calan Fraser, is none other than the man who broke her heart years ago.

The novel shines in its rich portrayal of the Scottish setting, particularly the fictional Castle Coorie. Mills vividly describes the landscapes, making the reader feel as though they, too, are part of the village, walking through rain-soaked highlands or witnessing the tempestuous beauty of a Scottish storm. The setting is more than just a backdrop; it plays a vital role in the unfolding of Tara and Calan’s story, adding a sense of magic and timelessness to their budding romance. Readers will be enchanted by the close-knit community of Duncoorie, a village where everyone knows each other’s business but also supports one another fiercely.

Tara’s journey is one of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. She is a strong, relatable protagonist, carrying the emotional scars from her failed marriage and the lingering pain from her old relationship with Calan. Her business venture – crafting custom dollhouses – is unique and charming, giving the story an endearing “crafty” twist that will especially appeal to fans of small, artistic enterprises. Mills does a wonderful job of weaving Tara’s creative process into the narrative, symbolizing her rebuilding of her life piece by piece.

The relationship between Tara and Calan is handled with sensitivity and depth. Their second-chance romance feels natural and organic, developing gradually as they confront past wounds and navigate their present lives. Calan, a single father juggling his duties at the castle and his role as a parent, brings his own set of vulnerabilities to the story. His character is complex and layered, shaped by life’s responsibilities and regrets, which makes him a compelling match for Tara. Mills strikes a nice balance in showing their shared history and the ways they have changed since their university days. The chemistry between them is genuine and heartfelt, building slowly as they rediscover each other through their many interactions around the small village.

Conflict arises when Tara’s emotions for Calan rekindle, just as a change in his life threatens their developing relationship. Without giving too much away, the surprise storm in the book’s climax serves as both a literal and metaphorical turning point. The storm challenges the characters to confront their fears and emotions in a life-or-death moment, pushing Calan to acknowledge that his heart is worth risking for love, despite his past. This part of the novel is both suspenseful and moving, as it adds urgency to Calan’s realization about his feelings for Tara.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle is not merely a romance but a story of personal growth, forgiveness, and the beauty of starting anew. Lilac Mills writes with warmth and charm, capturing the intricacies of relationships, both old and new. Her characters are flawed yet endearing, and the story’s pacing allows readers to savor the emotions and conflicts without feeling rushed. With its strong sense of place, delightful cast of side characters, and the undeniable chemistry between Tara and Calan, this book is a perfect escape for readers who enjoy heartfelt romances with a touch of adventure.

Overall, Surprises on the Scottish Isle will appeal to fans of cozy romances with a dash of Scottish charm and those who appreciate stories of second chances. Lilac Mills has crafted a lovely, uplifting novel that reminds us of the healing power of love and the importance of opening oneself up to new beginnings, no matter where life takes us.