The Cottage In The Highlands By Julie Shackman May 2026

: The novel features two parallel "second chance" romances—one between the older generation (Lily and Flynn Sr.) and one for Leonie as she rebuilds her life and career.

: The enigmatic next-door neighbor who guards the abandoned cottage. Her own past includes a poignant, long-lost love story with the elder Flynn Talbot.

: A significant focus is Leonie’s struggle to maintain her journalistic ethics and kindness in a cutthroat industry. The Cottage in the Highlands by Julie Shackman

by Julie Shackman is a heartwarming contemporary romance and mystery set against the scenic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands . It is the third book in her Scottish Escapes series. Plot Overview

The story follows , a dedicated journalist whose life is upended when she simultaneously loses her job at a local newspaper and her long-term relationship. Forced to start over, she accepts a position at Goddess , a ruthless fashion magazine in Glasgow, which she finds significantly different from her investigative roots. : The novel features two parallel "second chance"

While walking her rescue puppy, Leonie discovers an abandoned but fully furnished cottage deep in the woods. Her journalistic curiosity is piqued, but her attempts to learn more are repeatedly blocked by , a grumpy elderly neighbor living next door who is fiercely protective of the cottage's secrets. Inside the house, Leonie finds a mysterious letter from a man named Flynn Talbot , sparking an investigation that weaves together past secrets and present-day romance. Key Characters

: A coastal area in the Highlands where the mysterious cottage is located, providing a grounded and atmospheric escape. : A significant focus is Leonie’s struggle to

: A principled and loyal journalist who stays true to herself even when working in a high-pressure, "Devil Wears Prada"-style office environment.