Escape to the windswept shores of Mure, where the salty breeze carries tales of love, community, and new beginnings. Jenny Colgan’s Mure series, a heartwarming blend of romantic comedy and cozy fiction, invites readers to a fictional Scottish island inspired by the Orkney and Shetland Isles. With its quirky characters and stunning coastal backdrop, this series is a love letter to small-town life and the magic of finding where you truly belong.
From the first page, Mure feels like a place you’ve always known—a charming, close-knit community where everyone knows your name (and your business!). Colgan’s witty prose and heartfelt storytelling make each book a delightful retreat, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea. Whether you’re drawn to tales of personal growth or simply crave an escape to a picturesque setting, Mure delivers.
How Mure Began
Jenny Colgan, a Scottish author known for her romantic comedies and cozy novels, crafted the Mure series to capture the rugged beauty and tight-knit spirit of Scotland’s northern islands. Inspired by her love for the Orkney and Shetland Isles, Colgan created Mure as a fictional haven where characters grapple with modern life against a timeless coastal backdrop. Her background in writing feel-good fiction, paired with her knack for vivid settings, brought Mure to life in 2017 with the series’ debut, The Cafe by the Sea.
Colgan’s own connection to Scotland shines through, as she weaves her experiences of the region’s stark winters and endless summer nights into the narrative. Her goal? To create stories that feel like a warm hug, blending humor, romance, and real-world issues like immigration and loss with a light touch that keeps readers smiling.
The Heart of Mure
The Mure series spans five core novels, each building on the island’s vibrant community. The Cafe by the Sea (2017) introduces Flora MacKenzie, who returns to Mure after years in London and rediscovers her roots while opening a seaside cafe. The Endless Beach (2018) deepens Flora’s romance with Joel, her enigmatic ex-boss, while exploring themes of belonging and family. Christmas on the Island (2018) tackles heavier topics like grief and displacement, following Syrian refugee doctor Saif and his sons as they navigate life on Mure. An Island Wedding (2022) brings festive chaos with dueling weddings, showcasing Colgan’s knack for balancing humor and heart.
At its core, the series celebrates themes of community, resilience, and self-discovery. Mure itself is a character—its candy-colored buildings, windswept cliffs, and midnight sun create a vivid backdrop that feels both magical and real. Colgan’s style blends laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections, addressing issues like xenophobia and loss without losing the cozy charm. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and recipes woven into the narrative, like Flora’s mother’s scones, which add a comforting, homely touch.
Why Mure Resonates
The Mure series has carved a niche in cozy fiction, offering readers an escape to a world where community triumphs over adversity. Its blend of romance, humor, and social commentary resonates with fans of authors like Maeve Binchy or Jojo Moyes. The series’ focus on second chances and small-town connections feels timeless, while its diverse characters, like Saif, bring modern relevance. With over 20,000 Goodreads reviews for The Endless Beach alone, readers cherish Mure’s ability to uplift and inspire.
Colgan’s vivid portrayal of Mure has also sparked wanderlust, with fans longing to visit Scotland’s northern isles. The series’ lasting appeal lies in its universal message: no matter where life takes you, home is where the heart is. Its emotional depth and escapist charm make it a standout in contemporary romance.
- First Book Published: 2017 (The Cafe by the Sea)
- Total Core Novels: 5
- Setting: Fictional island of Mure, inspired by Orkney and Shetland
- Notable Recognition: Praised by Cosmopolitan UK for its festive charm
Ready to fall in love with Mure? Grab The Cafe by the Sea and let Jenny Colgan whisk you away to a cozy, heartwarming world where love and laughter await!