If you liked the first book in this series, I think you’ll love this one. I couldn’t read the book fast enough! It was a fantastic follow-up to the first book, and I sincerely hope that the author will continue telling us stories about this group!

About the Book

When Marcie Mosse was last in the beautiful village of Strathkin in the Scottish Highlands, she made a tough decision about the future of her family’s grand ancestral home, Swanfield House. Back for the first time since then, staying at her uncle’s cottage, Sweet Briar, Marcie is shocked to see that her decision is already causing disruption in the once peaceful village. Something strange is happening at Swanfield, and Marcie is determined to get to the bottom of it.

Meanwhile, her friend Dina is battling her own private struggles, testing the bonds of their close-knit group of friends. As Marcie watches her childhood sweetheart Ruaridh Balfour face unimaginable challenges with stoic determination, she finds herself drawn back into the heart of village life. When tragedy strikes and long-buried secrets rise to the surface, Marcie must decide whether some mysteries are better left unsolved – and whether she truly belongs in the place she once couldn’t wait to leave.

Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Jenny Colgan and Liz Eeles, this is a gripping story about friendship, belonging, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.

My Thoughts

I want to apologize on behalf of myself and fellow authors because we always seem to give the most lovable people the worst stuff. I won’t say more, because – spoilers. But, geez. We are a brutal lot. Some of us take that “kill your darlings” thing so very literal, and it’s delightful and awful. This author writes heart-wrenching, atmospheric stories that defy categorization. There’s mystery, drama, romance, and so much more that keep you from turning pages and wanting more when you reach the last one.

I love our resident Miss Marple – FMC Marcie – so much, even though she has some big red flags when it comes to friendship. She has her flaws, but she has a good heart and wants the best for everyone, darn it. And the quirky set of friends and townspeople filling out the cast is just delightful. Ruaridh Balfour is a dream – a book boyfriend/husband worthy of many a highland Hallmark movie plot. The absolute skill of the author’s ability to write him alongside the villains? Wow. Color me impressed (and maybe a little green with envy). The range on those writing chops!!

The twists and turns in this one are absolutely awesome. She explores grief, friendship, forgiveness, letting go, love, and so much more. Nearly the whole gamut of human emotions can be seen within these pages. And, while we get to see the majority of our favorites from the first book, we also get to see exciting new characters. And the relationships are complex explorations of human interaction.

I really enjoyed this second book in this series, and I hope we get to see more of this town and these characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I am so grateful to the author and LBT for including me in this tour.

Who’s It For?

If you love contemporary family and friendship sagas, steeped in mystery, suspense, and domestic drama, you will love this book. Because of the nature of the story, it will also bring up a lot of emotions, so be sure to check the content warnings before reading.

Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Terminal Illnesses (including Cancer), Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, Fire, Shooting, and possibly more.

About the Author

After a long career in crisis communications spanning from the Black Isle to the Balkans, and from Beirut to Buckingham Palace, Elayne Grimes decided it was time for a change. It was then she discovered a love for writing about the lives of lovable, quirky characters. Having resided in the Scottish Highlands for several years, Elayne draws inspiration from the wildness and stunning beauty of the region’s remote villages, towering mountains, and tranquil lochs.

Links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Highland-Retreat-page-turner-friendship-ebook/dp/B0D3FJCRST/ref=sr_1_1
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Highland-Retreat-page-turner-friendship-ebook/dp/B0D3FJCRST/ref=sr_1_1
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9781805087878
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221559723-escape-to-the-highland-retreat
Author’s Website: https://stormpublishing.co/portfolio/elayne-grimes/

As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.