Scottish Escapes Books in Order

How to Read the Scottish Escapes Series

Julie Shackman’s popular series, published by HarperCollins under their One More Chapter imprint, is a collection of delightful contemporary romance novels. Set against the misty, rugged backdrops of the Scottish Highlands, sleepy lochside hamlets, and coastal shores, each book introduces a new heroine searching for healing, finding her creative calling, and discovering unexpected love.

Because each novel focuses on a unique couple and can be enjoyed as a standalone romance, there are no strict cliffhangers forcing you to read in sequence. However, to truly appreciate the progression of the cozy atmospheres, the evolution of the fictional locales, and the recurring stylistic charm, reading the series in its publication order is highly recommended.

Recommended Reading Order

To experience the series as Julie Shackman wrote it, follow the publication timeline from 2021 through to the upcoming releases in 2026 and 2027:

1. A Secret Scottish Escape (2021)
2. A Scottish Highland Surprise (2022)
3. The Cottage in the Highlands (2022)
4. A Scottish Country Escape (2023)
5. The Highland Lodge Getaway (2023)
6. The Bookshop by the Loch (2024)
7. A Scottish Highland Hideaway (2024)
8. A Scottish Island Summer (2025)
9. A Scottish Lighthouse Escape (2025)
10. Journey to the Scottish Highlands (2026)
11. The Secret Castle in the Highlands (Scheduled for August 2026)
12. New York Scottish Romance (Scheduled for February 2027)

Detailed Guide to the Books

1. A Secret Scottish Escape (2021)

The series begins with Layla Devlin, who is struggling to rebuild her life in the quiet village of Loch Harris after the sudden death of her fiancé. Looking for a fresh start, she decides to open a music venue in a derelict building. Along the way, she crosses paths with Rafe Buchanan, a reclusive former celebrity. Together, they navigate community gossip, hidden secrets, and a slow-burning attraction.

2. A Scottish Highland Surprise (2022)

Set in the charming village of Briar Glen, this installment follows Sophie Harkness, a professional wedding planner who inherits a quaint porcelain shop from her late grandmother. When she discovers a mysterious and valuable antique tea set, she is determined to uncover its history. Her quest brings her into contact with Xander North, a moody and critical antique expert. Despite their initial clashes, they find common ground in unraveling the mystery.

3. The Cottage in the Highlands (2022)

Leonie Baxter is a journalist who has recently lost both her job and her long-term relationship. While walking her rescue puppy through the scenic Scottish woods, she stumbles upon an unoccupied, beautifully furnished cottage. Driven by her journalistic curiosity, she begins investigating the property, only to be constantly blocked by Lily Cruickshank, the grumpy neighbor next door. As Leonie digs deeper into the mysteries of the cottage and a letter from someone named Flynn Talbot, she begins to open her heart again.

4. A Scottish Country Escape (2023)

In Fir Haven, Elle Cassidy is fighting to save her mother’s failing gift shop by transforming it into a high-end stationery boutique. Her plans run into a major obstacle when she meets Dexter Grayling, a cynical crime writer who believes the shop is tied to a local curse. The clash between Elle's optimistic creativity and Dexter's dark mysteries fuels a sweet enemies-to-lovers story.

5. The Highland Lodge Getaway (2023)

Lottie Grant is a festive enthusiast who loves her job at the local shop "Christmas Crackers" in Craig Brae. When the shop is sold, Lottie finds herself unemployed just before the holidays. She is thrown a lifeline when she's hired to manage a new set of luxury holiday cabins. Her plans to make the season perfect are challenged by Blake Dempster, a moody hiking guide who wants nothing to do with Christmas. Lottie sets out to win Blake over to the festive spirit in this cozy winter romance.

6. The Bookshop by the Loch (2024)

Lexie Dunbar, a passionate book lover, is heartbroken to learn that her favorite bookstore, "Book Ends," is about to close. She comes up with a plan to save it, but her efforts clash with Tobias Black, a brooding local artist who wants to buy the property and turn it into an art gallery. As they fight for the space, they discover a shared secret that forces them to re-examine their pasts and their feelings for each other.

7. A Scottish Highland Hideaway (2024)

Bailey McArthur, formerly known as Lady Anastasia, has fled her high-society life in London after being left at the altar. She seeks anonymity as a florist in the peaceful town of Heather Moore. Her quiet new life is threatened by Zach Stern, a determined journalist searching for a famous actor rumored to be hiding out in the area. Bailey tries to mislead Zach to protect her community, but finds herself falling for him in the process.

8. A Scottish Island Summer (2025)

Moving the action to the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye, this book follows travel blogger Darcie as she searches for a legendary, long-lost treasure. Needing local assistance, she hires Logan, a rugged and knowledgeable local guide. Their adventure across the island's stunning landscapes turns into a journey of self-discovery and romance.

9. A Scottish Lighthouse Escape (2025)

Rosie Winters is a successful romance author whose personal life falls apart after her boyfriend leaves her. Desperate to escape the media storm, she flees to a remote coastal cottage in the Highlands. As she looks into the history of her late grandmother, she meets Mitch, a mysterious lighthouse keeper who has his own reasons for seeking solitude. Rosie must decide if she can find inspiration and love once again.

10. Journey to the Scottish Highlands (2026)

Daisy is an actress whose confidence is shattered after a harsh review from an anonymous critic known only as "Fox." Seeking a fresh start, she decides to take a road trip to the Highlands. After a chance meeting, she ends up traveling with Evan Lord, a handsome man returning to his family's estate. The long drive helps both of them confront their past struggles and find a new direction in life.

11. The Secret Castle in the Highlands (2026)

Poppy Summers returns to the Highlands to help save her parents' struggling holiday cottage business. While trying to revamp the property, she crosses paths with Mason Cooper, a historian researching a local castle. Their shared interests and close proximity spark a romance as they work to uncover the history of the area.

12. New York Scottish Romance (2027)

This upcoming installment takes the signature Scottish charm and bridges it with the bustling energy of New York, exploring how love can span continents and cultural divides.

What to Know Before You Start

Julie Shackman’s writing is heavily influenced by her former career as a journalist and her love for stationery, books, and cozy aesthetics. She writes her first drafts longhand in coffee shops, which shines through in the warm, tactile details of her stories—whether describing the paper in a stationery shop, the cover of an old book, or the perfect cup of tea. If you enjoy slow-burn romance, small-town support systems, and light mystery elements, this series is the perfect escape.