About the book:
Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends. So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.
Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.
Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…
My review:
I have read a few books now by Julie Shackman, all within her Scottish Escapes series, and I have to say, Scottish escapes were something I didn’t know I needed, but they make me seriously hanker for the Scottish highlands.
In The Bookshop by the Loch, it combines two of my loves, Scotland and a bookshop! I loved that Lexie, when she needed to review her career choices, found herself back with her mother and grandfather, and considering a complete change from being a book editor. I know I’m not the only bookworm who has dreamed frequently of running a bookshop. The description of the bookshop was simply beautiful, and the idea of looking out of the window of the bookshop to see the shimmering loch on the other side of the road sounded just idyllic.
I loved the tension between Lexie and Tobias, who both prejudged one another. The fact that the tension/chemistry between them was palpable to everyone before they realised themselves. I loved the descriptions of the art created by Tobias, and could almost visualise some of the paintings.
The additional storylines with Lexie’s father and with care home resident Celeste were sensitive stories handled in a beautiful manner by the author, as Lexie’s errant father returns to the family after many years absence when he receives a diagnosis of dementia, and Celeste is reaching the end of a vibrant and exciting life with a couple of items on her bucket list that can be assisted by Tobias and Lexie.
This was such a warm romance, with some poignant moments relating to Celeste and her story. I felt so invested in this enemies to lovers romance, which also considered family dynamics, and changes within those families. It also looked at adoption, and childlessness, and what constitutes a family.
Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, One More Chapter and Julie Shackman for my invitation to take part in the blog tour. I received an electronic proof in exchange for my honest review. Please check out the other stops on the blog tour below:
Purchase links:
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/
US – https://www.amazon.com/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/
About the author:
Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. The Bookshop by the Loch is Julie’s tenth novel.
Social media:
Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter
Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos
(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook
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