An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week-long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes–or even countries–was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she’d found her perfect match. But as she’s nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she’s starting to wonder where “home” actually is. Her own family hadn’t felt like home since her sister’s death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live “Edwardian,” she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if “home” looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra “ayes” thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?

4.5 stars

This was my first experience with this author, and it definitely will not be my last. I absolutely adored this romantic story set in Scotland. The setting was vivid and charming, and more than once, I found myself wishing I had the audiobook just so I could hear those Scottish accents come to life. I also really appreciated that the story is completely clean, with no spice and no language.

The pacing starts off a bit slow, but once the story settles in, I was fully hooked. Watching this slow-burn romance unfold felt incredibly rewarding, and I was genuinely invested in the characters and their journey.

Katie was such a lovable and relatable main character. I especially loved seeing a tall, curvy female lead, which felt refreshing in a genre where that representation is still far too rare. As a travel writer and podcaster, her adventures and MISSadventures were endlessly entertaining, and I laughed out loud more than once. She radiated warmth and optimism, and it was impossible not to root for her. She was pure sunshine!

Graeme fits the classic grumpy, brooding love interest mold, but he quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story. Beneath his reserved exterior, he was thoughtful, kind, and deeply endearing. The chemistry between him and Katie was wonderful, and I found myself smiling throughout their scenes together.

Beyond the romance, the small Scottish town and its quirky residents added so much charm. The side characters felt fully realized and incredibly lovable, to the point where they were just as memorable as the main couple. That strong sense of community gave the story a lovely found family feel.

What really stood out to me, though, was how much depth this story had beyond the romance. Themes of self-worth, belonging, family expectations, and feeling like you are not enough were woven throughout in a very heartfelt way. While the book made me laugh often, it also had emotional moments that caught me off guard and even brought a few tears. It was tender, sincere, and deeply comforting.

This novel beautifully captures the idea that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to healing, clarity, and unexpected joy. It is about facing the past, realizing that running away does not protect your heart, and learning where you truly belong.

If you love European settings, grumpy/sunshine pairings, found family dynamics, and laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, this book is absolutely worth picking up. It was such a sweet, feel-good read, and I cannot wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend!!