Escape to the rolling hills and misty lochs of the Scottish Highlands with Jenny Colgan’s Scottish Bookshop series, a delightful trio of cozy romantic comedies that blend heartwarming romance, quirky characters, and the transformative power of books. If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the city behind for a quaint village where love and literature intertwine, this series is your perfect literary getaway.
With its vivid settings and relatable heroines, the Scottish Bookshop series invites readers to savor the charm of small-town life, the thrill of new beginnings, and the joy of finding the perfect book. Let’s dive into the world of Kirrinfief, where every page feels like a warm hug.
How the Scottish Bookshop Series Began
Jenny Colgan, a Scottish author known for her bestselling romantic comedies, crafted the Scottish Bookshop series as a love letter to readers and rural Scotland. Born in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Colgan’s deep connection to her homeland shines through in the series’ lush descriptions of the Highlands. Inspired by her own experiences in the book trade and a passion for stories that uplift, she began the series in 2016 with *The Bookshop on the Corner* (also published as *The Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After*). Her goal? To create a world where books heal, connect, and spark unexpected adventures.
The Heart of the Scottish Bookshop Series
The series, set in the fictional village of Kirrinfief near Loch Ness, follows three women who trade London’s chaos for Scotland’s serene beauty. In *The Bookshop on the Corner*, librarian Nina Redmond, jobless after a library closure, buys a van to create a mobile bookshop. As she matches books to villagers’ hearts, she finds love with a grumpy farmer, Lennox. *The Bookshop on the Shore* introduces Zoe, a single mother running Nina’s bookshop while working as an au pair in a grand Loch Ness manor. Her journey weaves family dynamics and a slow-burn romance with the enigmatic Ramsay. *500 Miles from You*, the final book, follows nurse Lissa and ex-soldier Cormac as they swap lives between London and Kirrinfief, discovering connection through letters and shared experiences.
Themes of personal growth, community, and the magic of reading unify the series. Colgan’s style is light yet poignant, blending humor with deeper issues like mental health, single parenthood, and urban alienation. The Highlands’ rugged beauty—think misty lochs and cozy barns—serves as a vivid backdrop, making Kirrinfief a character in its own right. Fans adore the quirky locals, from dinosaur-obsessed preschoolers to poetry-loving train conductors, who bring the village to life.
Why the Scottish Bookshop Series Resonates
The Scottish Bookshop series has carved a niche in the cozy romance genre, offering readers an escape into a world where books and love conquer all. Its celebration of literature resonates with bibliophiles, while its relatable heroines inspire those craving change. Colgan’s ability to tackle serious topics—like poverty or family struggles—with a hopeful lens ensures the series feels authentic yet uplifting. With over 15 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Colgan’s storytelling has touched countless hearts, and this series remains a fan favorite for its warmth and charm.
- Publication Years: 2016–2020
- Number of Books: 3
- Setting: Kirrinfief, Scottish Highlands
- Genre: Cozy Romantic Comedy
Ready to lose yourself in a world of books, romance, and Highland magic? Grab *The Bookshop on the Corner* and let Jenny Colgan’s Scottish Bookshop series sweep you away!