Bookishjottings iconBookishjottingsSep 6, 2026 ~3 min source read

Review Brief: The Secret Castle in the Highlands by Julie Shackman

A feel-good contemporary romance about a woman who returns to her parents’ failing holiday cottages in the Scottish Highlands, tackles a local mystery, and develops an unexpected relationship with a historian.

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Mason Cooper, a historian in the Highlands for research, becomes Poppy’s friend and potential romantic interest, creating a central tension between Poppy’s old life and a new future.

Published by One More Chapter (HarperCollins), the book continues Julie Shackman’s line of escapist, romantic novels aimed at readers who like uplifting, homecoming stories.

Poppy Summers: protagonist who sacrifices her personal plans to protect her parents' legacy. The story frames her as determined and focused on practical solutions for the cottages' financial problems.

The novel's main tension is practical and emotional: Poppy must save a struggling family business while deciding whether a new relationship and a life back home are worth staying for. The cottages' financial trouble sets the plot in motion and gives Poppy a clear, time-sensitive goal that structures the narrative.

Highlands is described as a feel-good contemporary romance with light mystery elements. The reviewer characterizes it as escapist and uplifting, with a dreamy, compelling tone designed to entertain and comfort readers seeking a romantic homecoming story.

  • A focus on family obligations and small-business problems: Poppy's effort to revive holiday cottages is a central plot driver.
  • A slow-developing romantic arc: friendship between Poppy and Mason that could evolve into a deeper relationship.
  • A light mystery: the review references "a mystery to solve," indicating additional narrative hooks beyond the romance.

The reviewer described the book as "unputdownable" and a "feel-good charmer," awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars. The assessment highlights the book's ability to entertain and keep readers engaged until the last page. The review emphasizes the novel's suitability for readers who enjoy second-chance romance, returning-home narratives, and comforting escapism.

Readers who prefer light, uplifting romance with a clear homecoming element and a secondary plot thread of local mystery will find this book appealing. It's aimed at readers who enjoy novels centered on family, community, and the practical challenges of preserving a small business while navigating new relationships.

An easy-to-read contemporary romance with a tangible, work-focused conflict and an attractive romantic interest. The reviewer's positive rating and descriptive language frame it as a reliable choice for readers looking for a warm, comforting romantic story set in the Scottish Highlands.

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