the setting for this one was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed the remote, tranquil location. Freya was a relatable character for her dreams to leave home but her tenderness and love for her home. She was put in a ridiculously hard situation but ultimately chose to return to her family. I feel like nothing happened in this book though, until she broke up with Hadrian, her and the love interest had absolutely no romantic connection or had shown feelings for each other. It felt like a switch had flipped and the author just automatically forced them to fall inlove even though it felt unnatural. this book was just generally boring. i love lilacs other works but this one disappointed me.

⭐️ 3.75 (rounded up to 4)

ARC Review:
Okay, confession time: I’m not a romance reader unless it’s mixed with fantasy. It’s just not usually my genre. But the gorgeous cover of Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle totally drew me in, and the Scottish setting sealed the deal. I couldn’t resist.

And honestly? I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this! The romance wasn’t overly sappy — it felt natural, with a slow burn that developed at just the right pace. The characters were super likeable, and I especially loved following Freya as she navigated big life changes. Her journey felt grounded and real, which made her easy to connect with.

While it didn’t completely convert me into a full-on romance reader overnight, it definitely reminded me how refreshing it can be to step outside your usual genre. This was a light, heartwarming read with charming characters and a beautifully written Scottish backdrop.

Thank you for the ARC! I’ll definitely be picking up more books by Lilac Mills.

It was great to be back on Skye to catch up with the Coorie crafter community. It seems an age since my last visit.

The little community is still thriving and I was able to reconnect with familiar faces, and made new friends along the way.

It's a heartwarming read of family, friendships and romance, obviously.

Immensely enjoyable and the perfect escapism read.

Summer Escapes 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 she give everything up for love? Freya Sinclair has it all. An exciting life in London, a successful career as a ceramicist and a handsome boyfriend. But when she receives a call that her father is in hospital, she drops everything to support his recovery in Skye.

On the island, Freya finds new inspiration – Coorie Castle’s craft centre is firing her creativity and she’s glad to be back with her dad again. Being so close to her schoolgirl crush, Mackenzie Burns, is an added bonus. The two share an instant connection and Freya misses London less and less.

But Freya has a boyfriend at home and now a dazzling job offer in New York. She must figure out what she truly wants, before anyone gets hurt.

My Opinion

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was delighted to return to Coorie Castle. A heart-warming read with some great characters. A lovely novel that I would highly recommend.

Rating 4/5

I adored the first book in this series so I was thrilled to be able to join the book tour for the return trip to the gorgeous Isle of Skye and Coorie Castle. This time we're following Freya Sinclair, an incredibly talented Ceramicist who moved to London to pursue her career. Although it's the second in a series this book can very easily be enjoyed as standalone, although I would highly recommend reading book one as it was brilliant.

I thought that the relationship between Freya and her dad was incredibly well portrayed and very realistic as although Freya loves him very much she also finds him to be infuriating at times with his stubbornness. It must be very hard for him to come to terms with the loss of his independence after suffering a fall however, to go from being an able-bodied fisherman to being reliant on his daughter must be incredibly hard to come to terms with.

Mack is a brilliant character, he's really there for Freya when she needs him and he's incredibly patient and selfless. It's obvious that they're meant to be together but of course the path to love doesn't follow a straight line and there are multiple obstacles standing in their way. The dynamic between the two of them was fabulous and I really enjoyed watching them fall for each other.

I really felt for Freya as she's being pulled in multiple directions; as much as he won't admit it her dad really needs her, and at the same time she has a life and career back in London, not to mention an offer of an amazing job in New York. She feels incredibly torn and while she knows what needs to be done it's certainly not an easy decision to make. She's trying to find a good balance between caring for her father and staying true to herself which isn't easy with the distance between them, and she soon realises that something has got to give.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return trip to Duncoorie and I'm very excited for book three which I believe is coming out later this year. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for relaxing and heart-warming reads with a beautiful setting and realistic characters and plots.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Summer Escapes On the Scottish Isle' by Lilac Mills.

This book is the second book in Lilac's brand new 'Coorie Castle Crafts' series but it can be read as a standalone. I have also read the first book in this series 'Surprises At The Scottish Isle' and would highly recommend it.

Well blooming heck Lilac, yet another absolutely STUNNING book and perfect addition to this absolutely stunning series!! Genuine this has got to be one of the BEST series I have ever read!!!

WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! What an absolutely beautiful book that I fell in love with!!! Lilac is one of those brilliant authors that I don't even read the synopsis of her books as I just know they are going to be beauty's regardless!

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 that is an absolutely perfect escapism so don't even waste your time reading more than this and go and grab your copy now!! To find out for yourself how beautiful this book is 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, romance, community 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 loved returning to Coorie Castle which already feels like a much loved holiday destination. As previously mentioned this is the second book in the series and I would always say to try to read books in a series in order but if you cannot wait to read the first book before this beauty, and who can blame you with this adorable cover, then there is a silver lining. The silver lining is that after you have finished this beauty and fallen in love with it, which I can guarantee you will, you can go back and read the first stunning book in this series 'Surprises On The Scottish Isle' while eagerly and impatiently waiting for the next book in this series!! Speaking of which, the next book in this stunning series is called Seaside Dreams on the Scottish Isle and will be released on the 22nd January but is available to preorder NOW on Amazon!!

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 Freya 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 ' Seaside Dreams on the Scottish Isle is available to preorder on Amazon now and will be available on the 22nd January!! 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 Freya and Mackenzie. 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. I am already counting the days until 22nd January 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 Freya is an absolutely fantastic female protagonist and I clicked with her immediately. I also absolutely loved Mackenzie and seeing everything from his perspective too. I was rooting for him and Freya from the moment I met them and all the way through the gorgeous story I wanted them both to get their happy ending. 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 another absolutely gorgeous 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 ❤️!!!

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

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

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This is the second book in the Coorie Castle Crafts series, and after enjoying the first book, I was looking forward to this one.

Freya has come back to Skye from her life in London to look after her dad but eventually she finds things are not all as they seem. I loved Freya and her Dad, their relationship is so emotional and true to life and my heart went out to them. I felt the topics of frailty and Parkinsons were sensitively tackled.

When Freya meets Mack again, who she had a crush on, old feelings are stirred up despite her having a boyfriend in London. Mack came across as such a lovely person.

This is a heartwarming and emotional read with a lovely slow burn romance. I loved connecting with characters from the previous book but we definitely need more Mhairi, she’s a fabulous character.

I feel this is going to be one of my favourite series, by a new go to author. Definitely recommend this one.

Now I've read some of Lilac Mills books before and I've always enjoyed her writing style so i knew that id enjoy this book and id be able to get lost in the story very easily.
I have to say i loved Freya from the off, she was so easy to like and relate to. I feel we all get to a point where we're carrying on but we're not completely sure if the path we're on is where we still want to be. It was so true to life that it takes a big life upheaval to make you truly look at things and make a change.
Now obviously the whole growing romance between Freya and Mack is the main relationship that we follow in this book and i loved doing just that but honestly i loved the relationship between Freya and her Dad more. I adored seeing that caring relationship between the two of them and the way that it had to change and almost have that complete role reversal for a while which is never easy but is something that always happens suddenly, we never like to think of our parents aging but they do and i think Lilac Mills wrote it beautifully here.
Having said it made smile so much to see how Mack just slipped into their family so easily and without a conscious effort to do so, it was one of the many parts of this book that gave me that warm fuzzy feeling that a good romance does. Im hoping that as this series continues we get little glimpses of Freya and Mack and how life is for them because i loved them as a couple and honestly id happily read more of them if it was written.
This is defiantly a good summer romance to take you away if your not going anywhere this summer and it will make you want to visit the Scottish Isles to find your own creative inspiration because the descriptions of the scenery is so vivid that you want to climb up with Freya to view the loch or walk along its shore and enjoy the sounds of nature.

The second book of the series behind right after the first but features someone who briefly appeared in the previous book. Mac is a forceful character with an interesting lifestyle. He has been a player with a revolving door of women but he’s tiring of the image and the monotony of it. Freya has a unique vocation ( in keeping with the series theme).

Freya’s father has had a fall and this has shaken her routine. On the one hand she’s itching for her normal but on the other her concern is genuine. For anyone who’s experienced something similar, this will make sense.

The relationship in this felt more interesting to me than the previous one even if it was borderline cheating, mostly because of the friendship that preceded it. The crafts centre is not in the middle of the plot like the last time but has its own influence.

On the whole this series presents the location and people in a very interesting way and I look forward to the next in the series. I would definitely recommend this to fans of the genre.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐞
𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐜 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

- - -
Read this if you like:
□ romcom
□ she used to have a crush on him
□ slow-burn romance
□ set in Scotland

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

This book really gives you the urge to travel to Scotland. Luckily, I convinced my best friend to go there in a few months!

This is such a feel-good romcom. I loved the playful banter between the main characters and that the story is set in beautiful Scotland. I giggled a little when Outlander and Sam Heughan were mentioned in the book.

I loved the relationship between the FMC and her father. How she took care of her father and was always there for him. And how her father gave her advice and encouragement. I loved their bond so much.

I highly recommend this uplifting, sweet romcom! It's such a gem.

Freya’s childhood home at Duncoorie on the Isle of Skye is in a particularly beautiful location, but she’s rarely visited since the loss of her mother, and the grief is very much still with her. But her father’s coping ok, with friends and neighbours keeping an eye on him – and he doesn’t want to intrude on her new life, in London, where she’s finding success as a creator of ceramic art while working as a college lecturer. And a new opportunity has now cropped up – a role at a top art college in New York that would be the stuff of dreams – and, after some soul-searching, her relationship with Hadrian has perhaps run its course.

But then her father has a fall, and it seems it might not be his first – so Freya heads home to care for him for a while, to get his home organised and him settled enough for her to be able to leave. He’s not the easiest patient – and she’s glad of the help of childhood crush Mackenzie for the heavy lifting, some distraction, and a shoulder to cry on. She finds he has depths she never expected, but a relationship isn’t something that’s on her mind – there’s too much else to think about, and she’s on the verge of leaving. But that spark she remembers is still very much there, and his every act of kindness makes her heart grow fonder – he gives her the use of an outhouse to use for her ceramics and, knowing that her father misses his boat, thrills him by taking him along on his own boat tours in the bay.

And things have changed since Freya last spent time in Duncoorie – the craft village at Coorie Castle is now well established, with Mhairi in charge and Calan at her side, and she’s delighted to find herself among equally creative people, all of whom play their parts in the story. And, surrounded by people who draw her into the community, she slowly loses her fear of being overtaken by tears at the thought of her mother’s final farewell – the surrounding countryside is stunning (and so vividly described), and being near (or on) the water isn’t anything like as awful as she thought it would be. But there’s really no chance of her staying, however much she begins to want to… until some issues she wasn’t aware of make it all the more difficult for her to walk away.

The budding romance is simply perfect, the community beautifully drawn and the individual characters so well developed – and the story’s a particularly emotional one, gently and beautifully told, that I thoroughly enjoyed. There’s nothing to stop you reading this one as a standalone if you missed Tara and Calan’s story – but I loved meeting them (and the wonderful Mhairi) again, and spending time among friends. And I do think you might fall in love with Mackenzie as much as I did – and I might just not be the only one. The loveliest read – and one I’d very much recommend.

Freya is living what seems like a dream in London—thriving in her career, in a committed relationship, and on the cusp of a major promotion. But all of that is put on pause when she gets a call that her father needs her. Without hesitation, she returns to the Isle of Skye, where the rhythm of life is slower, the air clearer, and where long-buried emotions begin to rise to the surface.

This story is beautifully emotional, delivering more than a few tear-jerking moments while still managing to wrap you in comfort. It's a rich tapestry of love, grief, friendship, and rediscovery, with the Scottish island setting offering the perfect atmospheric backdrop. The writing evokes the spirit of Skye so well that I could practically feel the sea breeze and smell the heather.

While technically a sequel, this book reads seamlessly on its own. Returning characters are reintroduced with care, and new ones—especially the fiery and wise Mhairi—add real heart and flavor. I especially loved how Mhairi’s honesty and quiet strength made her a standout in every scene.

Though the pacing dipped slightly in the middle, the ending brought everything together in a satisfying and heartwarming way. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that unexpected detours might just lead us exactly where we’re meant to go.

this book was VERY far out of my normal. it was very cute and lighthearted despite the heavy topics in the book.

I did struggle a bit with it being in third person, and I wish we had gotten to see mack and Freya grow together a bit more, but overall it was good, and I've already recommended it to a friend that relates to a few issues in this story.

Oh how I love The Coorie Castle Crafts series !

Lilac Mills is so good to create an ambiance and chooses beautiful settings.

Freya and Mick are ment to be together and their romance is sweet and light.

The ending is nothing like what I expected, in a good way.
I loved the subplot about Vinnie, it was so much more than just a subplot.
That's life and human and about the choices you make and how they define your destiny. The things you do for your children, and for your parents.

I will gladly meet them back again in another instalment of the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo Romane for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

I loved reading this book set on the island of Skye.

We meet characters from the previous book, but the story is mainly about Freya who is back to look after her father after he has a fall.

Her life is in London, but she decides to stay until he is able to take care of himself, but her dad would rather she went back to carry on her career.

She meets Mack and he helps her with getting the house ready for her dad to come home, as well as giving her space to do her ceramics. She has a boyfriend in London, so isn’t looking for anything other than friendship.

It was lovely to see Freya making friends with the other crafters at the castle and meeting Mhairi who was fantastic.

Mack does his boat trips, meets up with Freya’s dad so he’s not bored being in the house all day, and also helps his friends in times of need.

Hadrian, who is Freya’s boyfriend was nothing like Mack, he only wanted things his way.

It was interesting to learn about how things are made from clay, from the idea to the end product.

I highly recommend this book.

A fun romance which made me smile, with some tender, moving moments along the way. I loved the dynamic between the central couple, and it was a pleasure to follow their romance.
I really liked Freya, who was an interesting character and who was trying to do right by others as well as herself - the story reflects what a tricky balance that can be, especially for women. Mack made for a suitably attractive hunk, but with a whole lot of heart and integrity under the playful exterior.
It was also lovely to return to the craft centre and to Skye. Whilst this was the second in a series, it could easily be read as a standalone, as long as you don’t mind seeing the couple from the first book a bit further down the line.
Delightful romantic fiction with real heart which fans of Sue Moorcroft or Jessica Redland will love.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.

Lovely summer read from Lilac. Well written with a storyline that kept me from putting the book down. Highly recommend.

Freya has almost everything she’s ever wanted in life and then she gets a phone call. She’s headed to Skye to care for her father after he fell.
It’s book two in this series, it was nice to revisit the castle and everyone we met in book one. This is an easy to read book about family and life.
It’s set in a gorgeous sounding location. There’s some sweet romance too. Another good beach read

Returning to Coorie Castle Crafts was a genuine treat, and I struggled to remain patient, knowing that this gem was languishing on my ‘to be read’ mountain, so as soon as I could, I dived straight in. It was good to revisit some of the characters and locations from the first in the series. It’s a testament to the author’s storytelling skills that I felt as though I was among friends from the opening pages.
This time, we follow Freya as she returns to Skye to care for her father after hearing of a fall. She’s purposely stayed away, avoiding returning home as she is still dealing with the pain from her mother’s death. So, buckling up her big girl pants, she makes the trip from London. Freya has made a name for herself as a ceramicist with a position as a lecturer in a top London college. Not content with her lot, she is now eyeing a role in a New York college and is eager to get her father to a point where she can leave him on his own.
Mackenzie Burns is a boat skipper who runs tours from the harbour, and it doesn’t take much digging to realise that he’s a big softy. His willingness to help Freya make the home ready for her father’s hospital discharge spoke more about his kindness than any words could have done.
Once again, we are introduced to Mhairi, who runs the castle with a tight rein, and Tara and Calan, whom we met in the first book. I was thrilled to hear more about them, but it was a delight that the author let each character evolve gently.
On arrival on Skye, Freya immediately gets to grips with the adjustments that will be needed to allow her father to return home. What she doesn’t anticipate is that there is much more affecting him than his recent fall. As Freya comes to terms with her discoveries, she must consider all her options.
This is a beautifully written book that I loved. Freya and Mack were a gorgeous pairing, and she added real depth to his character as he lent his support to both Freya and her father. My takeaway from this book is that not all heroes are immediately obvious, some let their kindness speak for them.
In case you are wondering, I can highly recommend this gentle book.

A wonderful book that allows you to escape the troubles of everyday life and have you dreaming of an escape to Skye. A likeable cast of characters that have appeared in a previous book (but you don’t need to have read that one to fully enjoy this one) along with Freya as the new main character. The story works because the characters are relatable and have well developed personalities. A bit of romance, a bit of drama, ans plenty of stunning scenery.