About the Book
When a thirty-something American food writer moves to a Scottish village for one year to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook she finds more than inspiration—she meets a handsome Scotsman she can’t resist.
Ruby Spencer is spending one year living in a small cottage in a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands for three reasons: to write a bestselling cookbook, to drink a barrelful of whisky, and to figure out what comes next. It’s hard to know what to expect after an impulse decision based on a map of Scotland in her Manhattan apartment—but she knows it’s high time she had an adventure.
The moment she sets foot in Thistlecross, the verdant scenery, cozy cottages, and struggling local pub steal her heart. Between designing pop-up suppers and conversing with the colorful locals, Ruby starts to see a future that stretches beyond her year of adventure. It doesn’t hurt that Brochan, the ruggedly handsome local handyman, keeps coming around to repair things at her cottage. Though Ruby swore off men, she can’t help fantasizing what a roll in the barley might be like with the bearded Scot.
As Ruby grows closer to Brochan and the tightly held traditions of the charming village, she discovers secret plans to turn her beloved pub into an American chain restaurant. Faced with an impossible choice, Ruby must decide between love, loyalty, and the Highlands way of life.
My Review
A foodie romance book always gets my attention, and when I read Ruby Spencer is taking a break from New York City and moving to Scotland for a year to work on her cookbook, I knew I had to say yes to this review request. I enjoyed that Ruby was in her thirties (as am I) and had those deep questions we begin to ask around this age – what actually makes us happy, what is really fulfilling us, what is our purpose? I thought it was brave of her to quit her job and make such a big move, going somewhere alone without a friendly face she already knew. The setting of Thistlecross is simply delightful, with the cozy cottages, overzealous residents and a struggling local pub at the forefront. Ruby immediately feels a connection with the quaint town and her new friends – and even the sexy local handyman, Brochan. But she isn’t there for love, she’s there to write a cookbook and learn more about herself – but when the beloved pub is in danger of being sold to an American chain restaurant, Ruby finds another mission to focus her attentions on.
I had a great time getting lost in the cute Scottish town, and this book sure made me put Scotland on my travel bucket list. It was charming to get to know the locals, their frustrations, and their drive. There are several interesting twists – from Brochan and his ex-girlfriend to who is trying to buy the pub – and I was happily invested throughout. My only real complaint is the romance angle between Ruby and Brochan seemed very glossed over in the beginning. A lot happened with them that we simply read about instead of seeing the characters go through the actions and having the conversations. I was still rooting for them, but especially Ruby to find what really fulfills her and would make her Scotland trip a success. A charming read about self-growth, personal commitments, and falling in love.
4 stars
