What a wonderful new book in a new series by Lilac Mills, vastly becoming one of my favourite romance novel writers!

When Tara must find a new home after her divorce, she spots an advert for a studio to let in Coorie Castle. Moving her business and life to Skye feels like the start of a new beginning for her.

Imagine her surprise when the estate manager of Coorie Castle none other than Cal, the man who broke her heart when he graduated from university.

Having lived a life away from each other, and after spending time together again, they both come to realise that they are each other's one and only true love.

I loved that Tara was a minitiaturist! Being one myself the book already won me over before I even started. But Lilac Mills tells a wonderful story about new beginnings and second chances. The way she describes Skye and Coorie Castle makes you want to put them on your bucketlist. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and can't wait for the next installment(s) of the Coorie Castle series!!

Lilac Mills was a new author for me and this the start of a new series - as a crafter I was already invested in that part of the story.

This is a feel good romance of second chances and forgiveness. Bonnie was a precocious child -torn between 2 parents both of whom loved her in their own way but were warring with one another- and making the child slightly unlikeable.
Calum’s ex-wife (and Bonnie’s Mum) Yvaine, was a bitter woman who was determined that Cal couldn’t be as happy as she was. She had guessed that he didn’t love her as much as she had loved him.

Cal had been in love with Tara while at university but felt that his father’s mental illness meant they shouldn’t be together and he should set her free. Shame he didn’t think to ask her how she felt.
10 years later they meet again when Tara rents a craft studio at the Scottish Castle where Cal is the estate manager.

There are twists and turns, recriminations and a second break up before the ‘happy ever after’ ending.

This was well written and a lovely read for a cold winter week just after New Year. I will certainly look out for more of the Coorie Castle craft series - there were certainly characters with more to give - and it will be possible to follow Tara, Cal and Bonnie some more

Surprises on the Scottish Isle didn't have a lot of surprises, given the book summary and the prologue, but it was a cozy and sweet story nonetheless.

We know that Tara, in her quest to start new in a new place, meets up with Calan, the one who broke her heart. We know they will get their second chance, and I think knowing even knowing the predictability of it, I wanted to see HOW it was going to happen.

The journey was charming, light and tender. There's something so cozy and warm about a small village in the Scottish Isles, with a castle filled with a matriarch, a group of artisans, and gorgeous scenery all around. The tight-knit community didn't feel overly nosy, even though everyone knew everyone - there was a sense of support and love and taking care of their own that was heartwarming without feeling too Hallmark movie-ish.

We see Tara and Calan reconnect fairly early on, and there's definitely some slow burn, but I was also waiting for the other shoe to drop. It does eventually, as with all stories, and we do get our happy ending.

The writing is clear, and easy to read, drawing you in for a quick, comfy break from whatever else you have going on. I finished it in one evening - it wasn't a race to the end at all, but the steady and even pacing and charm of the story really kept me going.

I was really rooting for the each character to find his/her way, in whatever way it would manifest. This story was soft, gentle, and steady, like a blanket providing just the right amount of warmth.

I know straight away that there are certain authors I can spot and rely on. Even from the way they have their front covers designed. And Lilac Mills is one of those authors. She along with a few others hold a special shelf for me in this genre. Ones I know I can return to. Ones I know I'll enjoy.
And Lilac once again weaved the perfect setting,scene and relationships. She manages to flesh out the leading characters so you know as much as you need to in one book but would gladly know more. And also the setting and other characters I could happily rejoin for another installment in the series.
I was rooting for this second chance to romance pair. But it wasn't going to be plain sailing. And they both needed to heal whether together or apart we have to read to find out.
Top marks as always.

A second chance romance set on the Isle of Skye. Cal & Tara dated once and then split apart. Ten years later, they meet again & Cal has a 9 year old daughter who's dealing with divorced parents & a change of homes & schools. On top of that, she makes Cal promise not to date again. This is, of course, before seeing Tara again. They spend the story trying to figure their feelings and lives out. It was an enjoyable read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love reading romances. Such an uplifting story, it left me with a lovely glow and a happy smile. I rooted for the couple at the centre of the story and thoroughly enjoyed following their second-chance romance, The setting was idyllic and the author’s gorgeous descriptions meant I could picture it easily and lose myself on the shores of the beautiful Scottish loch. Although this was my first Lilac Mills book, it definitely won’t be my last. I’m left hoping there will be a whole series to enjoy.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I enjoy Lilac's romantic stories, and this book reaches her usual high standard. We are introduced to Tara and Calan as they are in the early stages of their relationship at university. Fast forward a few years and they've gone into marriages with other people, and careers somewhat different to their original plans. Lilac draws a beautiful picture of the setting for this book, the Isle of Skye with the loch as a backdrop, conjuring up sights of the sunrises and sunsets along with glorious walks through the varied scenery. I have read other series set in craft centres but Tara's craft is completely unique and descriptions of her work run through the book making an unusual topic within the theme.
The characters are interesting and engaging, particularly Bonnie, Cal's cheeky chatterbox daughter, a completely credible young girl. There are fun moments, lots of romance and the thrilling storm close to the end. This is contemporary romantic fiction at its best: well-written, a good plot, and fully entertaining from start to finish.

If you’re after a cosy, festive escape, Surprises on the Scottish Isle is sure to deliver. From the very first chapter, I knew I’d be in for a heartwarming journey filled with all the charm and warmth you’d expect from a story set on a quaint Scottish island. It’s the kind of book that’s best enjoyed with a cuppa and a blanket as the weather turns chilly.
The story follows Tara as they navigate personal change, new beginnings, and unexpected connections. It’s a classic “will they, won’t they” tale, and while it’s fairly predictable, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s nice to know you’re heading for a happy ending. The path to get there is enjoyable, with plenty of lighthearted moments and a few tender ones.
I did find myself wishing the characters had been a bit more forthcoming with one another. There were points where a simple conversation could have resolved so much tension. It’s a bit frustrating as a reader to watch them dance around issues that feel so obviously in need of discussion. I kept thinking, “Just say it!” But then, I suppose that’s part of the charm in this sort of story. The slow burn of unresolved feelings does keep you invested, even if you’re mentally urging them on.
The Scottish setting adds a lovely, atmospheric backdrop, and Lilac Mills’ descriptions of the island’s rugged beauty had me longing for a windswept walk along a coastal path. There’s something magical about a story set in a small community where everyone knows each other’s business, and Mills captures that dynamic wonderfully. You’re quickly drawn into the ebb and flow of island life, with its quirky locals, close-knit friendships, and community spirit.
As for the writing style, it’s fluid, clear, and inviting. It’s the kind of book you can easily devour in a couple of evenings. The pacing is steady, and while there’s no dramatic twist to keep you on edge, that’s not really the point of a book like this. It’s comforting, like a familiar Christmas film you’ve seen a dozen times but still rewatch every year.
In summary, Surprises on the Scottish Isle is a light, feel-good read perfect for the festive season. While I would have liked the characters to be a bit more open with one another, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. It’s sweet, cosy, and predictably heartwarming — exactly what I wanted from it. If you’re in the mood for a gentle romance with a scenic backdrop and a touch of festive cheer, this book is a delightful choice.

This was my first read by Lilac Mills and won't be the last ! (how come I'd never heard of her before ??)

She hooked me with the title : Scotland is always spot on with me and I've never visited its isles so I was really hoping for a bit of scottish vibes. I found them :)

Tara and Calan... from the very first chapter, you can feel their love is special.
Of course the main issue of their relationship is lack of communication, and had he spoken back then, there wouldn't be a story to tell (who wants to read a "boring" easy never-ending love story?)

Seing each other after all those years, being both single again, rekindling their relationship is as inevitable as fog over London.

This book is about second chances and taking the best of every day.
Tara's art was quite unexpected, it's really cool. I liked that their jobs were unusual for books' characters and so "normal".
Bonnie is a sweetheart and brings a lot to the story.

This novel is nicely written and I am really looking forward for the next instalment of the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo Romance for providing an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

An absolutely lovely read set in a beautiful place which sounded like somewhere I would love to visit. Tara and Cal's story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. A captivating story of love and second chances.

**A big thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title."

Calan and Tara were the perfect second chance romance. Their love for each other was very strong and passionate until family circumstances changed the course of their relationship and life. It was so beautiful to see how they ended up crossing paths again and how that affected them. Lilac Mills did a wonderful job of hooking in the reader, adding Scottish banter, and even some humor that mimicked Americans. 😆 It would be amazing to see this book come to life on the movie screen, as I think it would be much more appealing than the Leap Year movie starring Amy Adams.

I look forward to reading more of Lilac Mills' books in the future!

Such a light and easy second chance romance read. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.

Thank you Lilac Mills, Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC

Love, love, love, love.
This was such a beautiful story.
It had it all and ended on such a brilliant end that I'm really hoping it's not a standalone book would love to know how it all ends.

Tara and Calan first met ten years ago at uni and were unseperble until Cal finished uni one year before tara.
A family health scare forced Cal to end there relationship and break Tara's heart.

Ten years later and they both have married and are now divorced.
Tara needs somewhere to base her buisness from and a new home and finds Coorie Castle crafts a perfect new start for her and a temporary home in one of there holiday lets, only to find out that her first love Calan lives next door.

Give me all the Scottish things!

This was such a light and easy second chance romance to jump into and enjoy. While Cal grated on my nerves some of the times, for the most part I really did love him and Tara together! They were cute, flirty, and their banter was fairly fun to read! Any time I have a second chance romance in front of me I usually eat it up, and in this case I did just that!

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC!

Tasha packs up her life in Edinburgh after a nasty divorce to go to a special castle on the island of Skye. It specialises in crafts so she fits right in with her miniature doll’s houses.
Calan also recovering form a divorce and trying to juggle his job at the castle and his ex wife and daughter.
The two divorcees meet and sparks fly because they were the first and only loves of each other at university.
Brilliantly written and a great storyline loved it.

I loved this love story set mainly on the Isle of Skye . Tara makes beautiful dolls houses and after a nasty split she moves to Skye to set in a castle craft centre . The story goes from there. The twists with mental health, young love , and promising children things you can’t keep. Loved it and a neat ending .

I am down for anythign that involves Scotland and this was no different. It was a funny and cute romantic comedic that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

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.