Review: A Scottish Highland Surprise

A Scottish Highland Surprise A Scottish Highland Surprise by Julie Shackman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julie Shackman is a new author for me, but I thought it would make a nice change to read a book set in Scotland, and the cover and blurb were appealing.

I liked Sophie a lot, she stood up for what was right. I also really liked most of the more minor characters, especially Cass. However, I didn’t really like Xander (more later).

I really enjoyed the story. I loved the plot line of Sophie being left the tea shop, and finding happiness in her work. I also loved the mystery surrounding the tea set that is dropped off at the shop. It was fun reading as Sophie and later Ophelia researched and gradually discovered the truth of what happened in the 1900s.

SPOILER IN THIS PARAGRAPH

However, I was less convinced by the love story between Sophie and Xander. Xander was grumpy and taciturn, and I don’t remember a single thing he did that would attract Sophie to him before they got together. We’re told, rather than shown, that he’s a good person.

END OF SPOILER

Overall, this was a great blend of mystery and Sophie finding what she wanted from life. The only thing that would have got that fifth star, would be a small scene showing Xander being kind or considerate, earlier in the story.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

TW: rape mentioned in passing (occurred in 1900, off page).

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