The story of Tara and Calan, a second chance romance. I liked the setting and how it was told from both points of view.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle is the first in the Coorie Castle Crafts series from Mills, and I'm ashamed to say only my second ever Lilac Mills book.

I'm a huge lover of anything crafty so was sold on the crafts and dollhouses instantly, I only wish I could be as talented as Tara.

The story itself is heart-warming, the characters are charming and don't even get me started on the settings...we're on Skye, in Scotland, of course it's going to be picture perfect!

A lovely second chance romance that was an absolute delight to read.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle is a second chance romance set on the Isle of Skye and is the first book in the Coorie Castle Crafts series.

In need of a fresh start after her divorce Tara moves to Skye after renting a studio in Castle Coorie’s craft centre. The space is perfect for Tara to create her dollhouses, she loves the location and everyone she’s met has been welcoming.

Just when Tara thinks she’s made the right decision in moving to Skye she meets the estate manager, Calan Fraser. Cal is the man who broke her heart back when they were at University together and Tara isn’t sure she’ll be able to avoid him, or if she even wants to.

This was an easy and entertaining read with likeable characters and steady pacing. I loved the Scottish setting and the cosy community vibe, it’s definitely somewhere I’d love to visit.

I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle by Lilac Mills

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

Blurb

Will they get a second chance at first love? When newly divorced Tara McTaigh spots an advert for a studio to let in Castle Coorie’s craft centre, she packs up her Edinburgh life and moves to the Isle of Skye, eager for a fresh start.

Little does she know that the castle’s estate manager, single dad Calan Fraser, is the man who broke her heart back at university.

Thoroughly done with romance, Tara decides to ignore Cal and focus on building her business – creating dollhouses to commission. But Duncoorie is a small community, and the two keep bumping into each other…

Just as she is starting to open her heart once more to Cal, a change in his life puts everything on the line. When a surprise storm threatens Tara's safety, will Cal realise in time that love is worth the risk?

My Opinion

I really liked the idea of the craft centre, it just felt so welcoming. Surprises on the Scottish Isle was a heart-warming tale with a second chance romance. I have read a few books by Lilac Mills and all of them have been charming so I was eager to read this latest release. Very quickly I found myself wishing that Tara and Cal could put their past behind them as both were such wonderful characters. This is the first book in a series and I cannot wait to see what Lilac Mills has planned for the next book.

Rating 4/5

I really enjoyed this book, the story itself was good and didn't need any unnecessary “padding”, the characters were well written and very likable and the surroundings were amazing, I would love to stay there and do some workshops ,

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Surprises On the Scottish Isle' by Lilac Mills.

This book is the first book in Lilac's brand new 'Coorie Castle Crafts' series but it can be read as a standalone as can the previous three books.

Well blooming heck Lilac, yet another absolutely STUNNING book and perfect introduction to what is guaranteed to be another stunning series by yourself!! Genuine this has got to be one of the BEST novels I have ever read!!!

WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! What an absolutely beautiful book that I fell in love with!!! I cannot wait to read more books by this extremely talented author especially the next book in this stunning series!

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.

As you may have been able to work out from the above I absolutely love, Love, LOVE this absolutely stunning book based book that is absolutely perfect for any and all book lovers out there so don't even waste your time reading more than this and go and grab your copy now!! However, if you need any further convincing I will tell you a bit about the book and how I felt about it. In this stunning story Lilac transports us to the stunning Isle Of Sky where we get to discover the absolutely gorgeous Coorie Castle. We meet Tara McTaigh who is having to start her life all over again after getting divorced and needing to leave her home. Luck seems to be on her side when she discovers that Coorie Castle has a vacant studio to fill which would be perfect to set up her dolls house business. Tara applies and after meeting the owner Mhari is not only given the keys to the studio but also offered temporary accommodation at the castle's boat house. Things are certainly looking up for Tara!!! We also meet Calan Fraser who is the Castle's estate manager as well as a single Dad to sweet Bonnie. Bonnie loves spending time with her dad but her Mother Yvaine does not make it easy for him. Calan is on a break away from work when Tara is hired and when they both meet for the first time they are both shocked!! That is because they were once in love until Calan ended it but Tara does not know the truth about why he broke her heart. Will Tara and Calan be able to put their past behind them and work together? Will their love rekindle? Will Tara be able to make a new life for herself at Coorie Castle or will it be too much for her? To find out for yourself you will just have to grab your copy of this absolute stunner today and I can PROMISE that you will not regret it!! With a storyline ram packed with stunning settings, memorable characters, friendship, heartache, family, dolls houses, crafts and so, so much more what on Earth are you waiting for?? Grab this book and enjoy a stunning sofa holiday at the stunning Coorie Castle today!!! I absolutely love the the fact that one of our main protagonists is a strong female, being female myself I love strong female protagonists in books and Tara is absolutely fab and just so likeable I was completely rooting for her from the start and throughout. This genuinely is a beautiful heart-warming story filled with everything you could ask for to lift your spirits. If you want a book that will warm you up and turn a frown upside down this is definitely one for you!! Lilac's stunning evocative descriptions pulls you into the book leaving you feeling the fresh air blowing around you, smelling the sea air, feeling your heart warm as you turn the pages and make you fall in love with the beautiful Isle Of Skye, Coorie Castle and the amazing characters in it!!! This is one of those places that already feels like a second home and I really cannot wait to get stuck into the next book in this absolutely delightful series and meet all of the characters again and then again after!! I am absolutely landed to say that the second book in this series which is called 'Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle' is available to preorder on Amazon now and will be available on the 17th July!! The characters already feel like friends and I am hoping to see more of them again when I return!! Lilac really does a beautiful job of weaving this incredible storyline together especially with the multiple protagonist perspectives of Tara and Calan. Thanks to her emotive writing skills she will have you smiling, crying, laughing and more so have those tissues at the ready!! This book is an absolutely gorgeous, romantic paradise escape!!! I was completely swept away with the storyline and loved having a holiday in the beautiful Coorie Castle while surrounded by amazing characters and stunning settings. 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!! This is one stunning book with a stunning location that I would absolutely love to visit!! I was devastated when I came to the end of this gorgeous mini break away and had to get back to reality. However, I am so pleased that this book is just the first book in this series and I am already counting the days until 17th July and I can return!! I would seriously recommend this book to anyone and everyone!! A gorgeous uplifting romance that will warm your hearts 💝.

Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner that will keep you hooked and sweep you away on a stunning holiday❤️

I absolutely loved getting to know the characters in this book who were all strong, realistic. 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. The main character Tara is an absolutely fantastic female protagonist and I clicked with her immediately. I also absolutely loved Calan and seeing everything from his perspective too. I was rooting for him and Tara from the moment I met them and all the way through the gorgeous story I wanted them both to get their happy ending. I also fell in love with Calan's absolutely adorable daughter Bonnie although she did annoy me at a certain point but I wont say anymore about that. I absolutely loved seeing the amazing castle community, romance and friendships develop and grow between different characters and it really made them all feel like friends rather than fictional characters. The fact that Lilac clearly cares for each of her characters shines through the pages in her fantastic descriptions of them and how she gives each their own unique personalities and brings them to life!! I really am looking forward to meeting each of them again and again on my future journeys to Coorie Castle!! I will say that with all the characters, Thanks to Lilac's fantastic and emotive writing skills she ensured I felt each of their love , friendship, pain, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. She really does do 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 Lilac!!!

Congratulations Lilac on an absolutely gorgeous, festive and heart-warming read filled with everything you could ever ask for in a page turner!!! I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason that you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

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

#SurprisesOnTheScottishIsle #CoorieCastleCrafts #LilacMills #Canelo #CaneloRomance #canelo_co #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@LilacMills @Canelo @CaneloRomance @Canelo @CaneloRomance @canelo_co @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources


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I absolutely loved this book. It was full of heartache, 2nd chances and quirky characters. Wonderful read!

Tara thought her future with Cal was assured, but family secrets left her heartbroken. Cal loves Tara, but his mother needs him to keep a family secret, so he must let her go. Ten years on, Cal and Tara have failed relationships behind them when they meet unexpectedly on the Isle of Skye. I enjoyed this second chance romance with realistic conflicts to happiness and complex, believably flawed human protagonists. Cal frustrated me in the story's final chapters, but he redeems himself eventually. I like the story's setting and how the author brings Skye to life. The crafting element adds authenticity and gives this romance its distinctiveness. Tara stands out for me with her compassionate nature and strength of character.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Escaping from her past life, her divorce and more
A new life on the Isle of Skye to explore
But what comes as a huge surprise
Is that's where her first love also resides.

Although she endeavours Calan Fraser not to meet
Tara keeps meeting him and concedes defeat.
But what happens when danger comes her way
Will she run away or will she stay?

A beautiful, moving second chance romance
With a delightful young girl helping give them a chance.
With dollhouses and miniatures and other crafts, too,
Creating a small community with love running through.

A helpful owner and others, too,
Are what is needed to help these two.
A lovely read, romance with obstacles along the way
As Tara decides whether to run or to stay.

For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Another lovely heartwarming tale from this author.
It’s full of well developed characters that will tug on your heartstrings and set in such beautiful landscapes.

It is a tale of hope, heartbreak, moving on, being honest, new friends and of course love.
It deals with difficult issues of loosing love, never really fully having love and ensuring the well being of a child above everything else. These issues are discussed sensitivity and looks at them from everyone’s perspective.

All the characters grow on you as you loose yourself in this story. It is written in a way that will have you imagining everything in your minds eye. Mhairi is a fantastic character, I love how she speaks and mothers everyone.

All in all a wonderful must read story from the Queen of heartwarming romance stories.

**Surprises on the Scottish Isle**
*by Lilac Mills*

From the very first chapter, I felt an irresistible pull into this heartwarming story, which is filled with the distinctive charm and warmth one expects from a tale set on the mesmerizing Isle of Skye. I had the good fortune to visit this stunning location just seven months ago during my adventure through Scotland. Although my stay lasted only two days, I was utterly enchanted by its natural beauty. This book vividly rekindled those memories, deepening my longing to return. Mills’ writing style is engaging and draws readers into the plot and characters with ease, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding story.

We first met Tara and Calan 10 years earlier at university in Glasgow, where Calan has just completed his final year while Tara still has another year to go. They attempt to maintain a long-distance relationship when Calan returns to Inverness to search for work and move back in with his parents. However, during difficult times, Calan ends up breaking both Tara's heart and his own.

Fast forward 10 years, and it seems that these two may just get a second chance, even after both have married and face challenges along the way.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle by Lilac Mills is a delightful tale of new beginnings and second chances. Tara McTaigh, longing for her happily ever after, finds herself starting over after a divorce and in need of a fresh start. Moving from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, she unexpectedly reconnects with her former university boyfriend, Calan Fraser, now a single father.

The story is easy to follow, with a manageable cast of characters, a stunning setting, and well-developed personalities. While emotions and past mistakes need to be addressed, the narrative offers charming escapism.

Following Tara’s journey of personal growth, romance, and connection, this heartwarming story set in a picturesque Scottish community is an ideal festive and feel-good read.

Surprises on the Scottish Isle is another lovely story by Lilac Mills. You know from the beginning that Tara McTaigh deserves a happily ever after but has not received it. Instead she has a divorce and now needs a place to live. This is a new beginning story along with a second chance romance. Unexpectedly Tara finds that her moves to Isle of Skye from Edinburgh has her reconnecting to an old university boyfriend, now single father, Calan Fraser.

The story is easy reading. Not too many characters to keep up with, a wonderful setting and great character development. Yes, there are emotions and past mistakes to resolve but this is such delightful escapism reading. Find the beauty of a Lilac Mills story with Surprises on the Scottish Isle.

I found this book the perfect piece of escapism. The setting is idyllic, the characters are amazing and the storyline is cosy. This book is so hard to put down and I hope there are more to come in this series. Highly recommended to lose yourself in!

Thank you Netgalley

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first in a new series.

We meet Tara, following her divorce, she has to find somewhere to live. While looking for possible places she comes across an advert for a studio to let, in Coorie Castle.

When she’s agreed to take on the studio, Tara feels that her moving to Skye and opening her business in Coorie Castle is a good place to start her life again.

Then, she meets the manager of the estate, and it’s Cal, the person who left heartbroken years ago.

But, as they lived their lives without each other and now they’re having to spend time together, they realise that their feelings haven’t changed for each other and are still in love.

I loved what Tara did, building dolls houses, and I loved Bonnie too.

The descriptions of Skye and the castle were beautiful and makes me want to visit.

I highly recommend this book.

Another welcome read from Lilac Mills. A will they/wont they love story set on a lovely island’s craft centre. This story is about two people who meet up unexpectedly after a period of years and who have issues to work through regarding the past. This makes for entertaining reading. The book ends as you would expect which is a great relief - love conquers all.

I felt totally at home in this story right from the start. It just had such a lovely feel to it especially once we get to Coorie Castle and the craft centre.

I'm excited to learn that this is the first book in a series set at the craft centre.

Easily one of my favourite characters was Bonnie, Cal's daughter. She is inquisitive, and loved by all the crafters, and is going through a bit of a tough time at the moment adjusting to various changes.

I loved the descriptions of the dollhouses that Tara makes, they were exquisite and the first commission she takes on from the craft centre was a hilarious conversation to observe. The loch the castle is on sounded very picturesque and Cal and Tara certainly seemed to enjoy taking a boat out onto it.

There is a lovely community at Duncoorie Castle and Tara fits in right away, and seeing how her reactions to Cal (her long lost first love) change was enjoyable to see.

I really enjoyed every word of this book which i whizzed through thoroughly enjoying the story. And the more books that I'm reading on the Isle of Skye, the more I think I should potentially add it to my list of places to actually visit, as it once again sounds like a gorgeous place to live (in summer at least).

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Great setting and moving love story🌅👨‍👧👩‍🎨

4.5🌟 stars
I've been a devoted fan of Lilac Mills' novels for the past few years and was delighted when she decided to set this latest offering on the beautiful Isle of Skye. She incorporated visits to some of Skye's most iconic and dramatic landmarks into a lovely second chance romance between Tara, a doll house crafter, and Cal, a divorced dad estate manager and the man who abruptly rejected Tara ten years prior.

The way the author develops their lives in the ten intervening years before their surprise reunion was, at least to me, very realistic and relatable. And the kicker that threatens their relationship in the present makes Tara's reactions totally comprehensible and Cal's actions disappointing on one level yet admirable on another where he seeks to be the best father he can be to nine year old Bonnie. Rat or fatherly paragon? Or both?

Mills has such an easy style of writing that I just wanted to remain in the story and with the characters to the end, never mind that it meant staying up until almost dawn!

Thanks to Canelo Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on 1/11/25 with Waterstones, Bookbub, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. To be shared on kobo and Google Play when published.

I don't mind miscommunication however this one was a little silly it could have easily been solved in the first chapter if he had just said I have to look after my parents and we need to break up.

As others have stated, it's a second chance romance based on the Isle of Skye. The author is incredibly good at setting the scene. The descriptions of the loch, the mountains, and the castle were wonderful!
Tara has a unique profession of building doll houses and after a divorce and quest for new beginnings, in fact, finds herself meeting Cal again, the one true love.
The writing and relationship development were great and so easy to read! I really felt the anguish both Tara and Cal experienced, which pulled the story out of the cozy category for me. I'm not so sure I would have been able to forgive the choices Cal made.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review