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Some Like It Scot
Not yet published
Expected 8 Apr 25An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.
Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.
When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.
As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?
Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.
When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.
As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 1, 2025
About the author
Pepper Basham
37 books2,287 followersPepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she works with kids who have special needs, searches for unique hats, and plots new ways to annoy her wonderful friends at her writing blog, The Writer’s Alley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
October 23, 2024
I never knew I could connect with a character so much! Katie and I (well another Katie), we're kindred spirits. I saw so much of me in her, her love for the Lord, her struggles and her passion for travel and writing. As well as her pun sharing. I couldn't get enough of her story and of course the "hot scot".
Can we talk about him for awhile? Yes lets....immediately fell in love with his brooding 6ft 300ish self, the banter between him and Katie (also can you tell I won't be forgetting this characters name?). The best part of him though was his family, I fell in love with them too, and just wanted to hang out with all of them and have a cuppa.
If you love witty banter, swoon worthy kisses, slow burn romances and lots and lots of miss adventures....then read Some Like It Scot. 6⭐
*thank you to the author for sharing a complimentary copy with me, I felt so very blessed to share my honest thoughts on this wonderful story.
Can we talk about him for awhile? Yes lets....immediately fell in love with his brooding 6ft 300ish self, the banter between him and Katie (also can you tell I won't be forgetting this characters name?). The best part of him though was his family, I fell in love with them too, and just wanted to hang out with all of them and have a cuppa.
If you love witty banter, swoon worthy kisses, slow burn romances and lots and lots of miss adventures....then read Some Like It Scot. 6⭐
*thank you to the author for sharing a complimentary copy with me, I felt so very blessed to share my honest thoughts on this wonderful story.
December 24, 2024
This novel offers an irresistible combination of wanderlust, romance, and self-discovery, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Katie Campbell, a restless travel writer, embarks on a three-week Edwardian experience in Craighill House and finds more than just material for her next article. The story promises both a physical and emotional journey as Katie navigates themes of belonging, grief, and love. Ultimately, this story seems like more than just a romance; it’s an exploration of the many ways we define "home" and find our place in the world.
* Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of the book. All opinions are my own
* Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of the book. All opinions are my own
October 19, 2024
I tried. Oh how I tried so hard to read slowly, to savor each page, to pace myself to make the reading last longer.
But I fell head over heels in love with everything about this book and I just couldn’t stop!
I could feel the breeze, and the rain, and the path beneath Katie’s feet as she explored the world of Scotland, specifically Mull and surrounding villages and towns.
I could smell the heather and taste the tea and the wonderful flavors unique to the locale. I could hear the puffins and see the sheep and I ran from Seamus.
And I fell deeply in love with this eclectic and amazing cast of characters. All of their brogue and turns of phrases and unique words just rolled off the page and into my heart and mind.
I’ve never been to Scotland but I feel as if I’ve just had the loveliest time meandering the hills and visiting the shops and meeting the people.
Pepper Basham has crafted an exquisite story filled with her trademark wit and humor, jam packed with heart and faith, and need I mention the kissing??
I think not! She is the queen of kissing books and she does it with such style and just the right amount of passion. A master class.
My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this fabulous book! My review has not been solicited and all of the gushing and fangirling is totally my own.
Some like it Scot indeed! (I hope we get to go back for more!)
But I fell head over heels in love with everything about this book and I just couldn’t stop!
I could feel the breeze, and the rain, and the path beneath Katie’s feet as she explored the world of Scotland, specifically Mull and surrounding villages and towns.
I could smell the heather and taste the tea and the wonderful flavors unique to the locale. I could hear the puffins and see the sheep and I ran from Seamus.
And I fell deeply in love with this eclectic and amazing cast of characters. All of their brogue and turns of phrases and unique words just rolled off the page and into my heart and mind.
I’ve never been to Scotland but I feel as if I’ve just had the loveliest time meandering the hills and visiting the shops and meeting the people.
Pepper Basham has crafted an exquisite story filled with her trademark wit and humor, jam packed with heart and faith, and need I mention the kissing??
I think not! She is the queen of kissing books and she does it with such style and just the right amount of passion. A master class.
My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this fabulous book! My review has not been solicited and all of the gushing and fangirling is totally my own.
Some like it Scot indeed! (I hope we get to go back for more!)
November 1, 2024
Get ready for a book you won't want to put down! I have read many of Basham's books but this one is her best yet! Scotland. Travel. Books. Romance. Humor. Puns. Local lore and legend. SO much heart. Oh my goodness I loved this book! A story is really special if it can make me laugh and cry and feel everything in between. The characters are terrific all the way around. Katie is hilarious and so real to life. Her struggles many will be able to empathize with and it is so well written. Graeme has so many layers and it was a joy to read his perspective throughout the book. The secondary characters warmed my heart in many ways and I felt like I was in Mull having a cup of tea with them. I laughed so many times! I was worried that Katie would be over the top and the silliness would take me out of the book but nope it just added to the delight. The ending is so much better than I had even hoped! It was realistic and I truly didn't want this to end. We need more books in this quaint village in Scotland. Perhaps Graeme's brothers stories?! In any case. This is one of the best books I have read this year. Very fun and yet keeps you pondering life long after you finish reading the last page.
Five Stars.
"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
Five Stars.
"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
Currently reading
January 15, 2025 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
preread
*squints in trying to remember how many arcs i applied for*
this was in the Christian category so i’m curious 🐋💕🤡🫣
preread
*squints in trying to remember how many arcs i applied for*
this was in the Christian category so i’m curious 🐋💕🤡🫣
October 19, 2024
I most definitely like it Scot!
January 22, 2025
Cute romance read (clean) with lots of mishaps for Katie.
Katie is a travel blogger/writer who has been everywhere, but nowhere really has ever felt like home. And honestly, nowhere has ever really filled that hole in her heart (or person). Until Scotland.
Graeme, what a guy. The banter, the wit, the stories. The old ladies in town. This book had it all, all in the little island of Mull.
Prepare to laugh, have your emotions pulled in every which way, and also be ready to make your own and have your emotions pulled in every which way.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for my ARC.
Katie is a travel blogger/writer who has been everywhere, but nowhere really has ever felt like home. And honestly, nowhere has ever really filled that hole in her heart (or person). Until Scotland.
Graeme, what a guy. The banter, the wit, the stories. The old ladies in town. This book had it all, all in the little island of Mull.
Prepare to laugh, have your emotions pulled in every which way, and also be ready to make your own and have your emotions pulled in every which way.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for my ARC.
December 7, 2024
Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham was an enjoyable swoon-worthy read for those of us who like Scotsmen.
Katie Campbell is a popular travel writer who visits Scotland as part of a three-week Edwardian Immersion Tour. Katie is known as Miss Adventure. . .which is somewhat a play on words as she often gets herself into scrapes or "misadventures." Graeme MacKerrow is in the just the right place at the right time to be a part of Katie's first misadventure in Scotland. From that moment on, the relationship is off to a fun start.
I so enjoyed getting to know Graeme (Pronounced Gray-ham) and his family through the eyes of Katie. I could relate to how she was drawn to his warm and caring family. I also loved getting to know Katie. Both were fun characters. I enjoyed how they shared humor and how they got to know each other through the book. There were also some deliciously romantic moments that filled my starry-eyed heart.
As I read Some Like It Scot, my heart also went out to Katie as I got to know her struggles behind her smiles and humor and why she chose a life of travel. Katie's family faced a real challenge when her sister passed away. After that happened, the real dysfunction of her family came through in a way that left Katie's heart wounded and shut away. I could really relate to Katie as I come from a family with similar issues but for different reasons. I also have a Scottish grandfather that I was close to, like Katie, so I related there as well. There is plenty of tea drinking in the book and my Scottish grandfather also started me drinking tea when I was a little girl. I loved hearing Katie talk about her Scottish grandparents back home in North Carolina and how they helped her in her difficult times and showed her the love she didn't get in her family of origin. There was so much depth in that part of the story that I could relate to. Katie and Graeme also connected over loss as Graeme also had a sister pass away a few years ago in the story.
I enjoyed the cast of characters in Some Like it Scot, from the other writers in the Edwardian experience to Graeme's family and friends in Scotland and Katie's brothers back home in the States. All in all, this was an especially enjoyable read for me. I like how this author shows empathy for those who are hurting through her characters. I laughed and I teared up in this book.
Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham released on April 8, 2025 and is now available for pre-order.
I so appreciate receiving an early copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Katie Campbell is a popular travel writer who visits Scotland as part of a three-week Edwardian Immersion Tour. Katie is known as Miss Adventure. . .which is somewhat a play on words as she often gets herself into scrapes or "misadventures." Graeme MacKerrow is in the just the right place at the right time to be a part of Katie's first misadventure in Scotland. From that moment on, the relationship is off to a fun start.
I so enjoyed getting to know Graeme (Pronounced Gray-ham) and his family through the eyes of Katie. I could relate to how she was drawn to his warm and caring family. I also loved getting to know Katie. Both were fun characters. I enjoyed how they shared humor and how they got to know each other through the book. There were also some deliciously romantic moments that filled my starry-eyed heart.
As I read Some Like It Scot, my heart also went out to Katie as I got to know her struggles behind her smiles and humor and why she chose a life of travel. Katie's family faced a real challenge when her sister passed away. After that happened, the real dysfunction of her family came through in a way that left Katie's heart wounded and shut away. I could really relate to Katie as I come from a family with similar issues but for different reasons. I also have a Scottish grandfather that I was close to, like Katie, so I related there as well. There is plenty of tea drinking in the book and my Scottish grandfather also started me drinking tea when I was a little girl. I loved hearing Katie talk about her Scottish grandparents back home in North Carolina and how they helped her in her difficult times and showed her the love she didn't get in her family of origin. There was so much depth in that part of the story that I could relate to. Katie and Graeme also connected over loss as Graeme also had a sister pass away a few years ago in the story.
I enjoyed the cast of characters in Some Like it Scot, from the other writers in the Edwardian experience to Graeme's family and friends in Scotland and Katie's brothers back home in the States. All in all, this was an especially enjoyable read for me. I like how this author shows empathy for those who are hurting through her characters. I laughed and I teared up in this book.
Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham released on April 8, 2025 and is now available for pre-order.
I so appreciate receiving an early copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
February 18, 2025
There are a variety of reasons why I decide to try a book. Sometimes it's the blurb. Other times it's the author. In Some Like It Scot's case, it was because I saw the main female character is tall.
Humor abounds in this book, primarily because Katie is a world class champion at attracting catastrophe. I related so much to her: her height (although I'm five inches shorter than her 6'1"), her clumsiness, and the immense awkwardness that comes from growing up towering over almost everyone. There's more to Katie than her catastrophicness, though. She's a kind and caring soul doing everything she can to protect her wounded and battered heart.
Enter Graeme. I am so, so, so happy this is not a "short girl ends up with the tall guy" situation (because, frankly, I'm beyond sick of reading about it). It was so gratifying to watch the adorable romance bloom between the two.
Most of the secondary characters are great, too, excluding Mark the Menace. He's not great. He's on the Seamus the Highland Cow level of nasty (if you know, you know).
The plot is fun, touching, and well-paced. There is a light sprinkling of faith and I really enjoyed the church scene.
There are few content warnings: emotional manipulation by a secondary character and some sabotage by another. There is a possible instance of the Lord's name taken in vain.
In conclusion, with a hearty dose of humor, a nice dose of slow-burn romance, and a gentle sprinkle of faith, Some Like It Scot is a fun, heartwarming story that will both make you laugh and encourage you to remember God's purposeful design for making everyone unique.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Humor abounds in this book, primarily because Katie is a world class champion at attracting catastrophe. I related so much to her: her height (although I'm five inches shorter than her 6'1"), her clumsiness, and the immense awkwardness that comes from growing up towering over almost everyone. There's more to Katie than her catastrophicness, though. She's a kind and caring soul doing everything she can to protect her wounded and battered heart.
Enter Graeme. I am so, so, so happy this is not a "short girl ends up with the tall guy" situation (because, frankly, I'm beyond sick of reading about it). It was so gratifying to watch the adorable romance bloom between the two.
Most of the secondary characters are great, too, excluding Mark the Menace. He's not great. He's on the Seamus the Highland Cow level of nasty (if you know, you know).
The plot is fun, touching, and well-paced. There is a light sprinkling of faith and I really enjoyed the church scene.
There are few content warnings: emotional manipulation by a secondary character and some sabotage by another. There is a possible instance of the Lord's name taken in vain.
In conclusion, with a hearty dose of humor, a nice dose of slow-burn romance, and a gentle sprinkle of faith, Some Like It Scot is a fun, heartwarming story that will both make you laugh and encourage you to remember God's purposeful design for making everyone unique.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 24, 2025
Pepper is an absolute Queen when it comes to heart and humour! I laughed and cried over her newest instalment of delight!
With a subtle nod to Austenland in the way of an “Edwardian Experience,” travel writer Katie Campbell heads to Scotland for the misadventure of a lifetime. My favourite thing about Katie besides her wit, humour, kindness, etc. was her height. Tall girl representation is rare—especially for those of us in the 6’ and counting range. I could have cried with happiness as I felt Katie’s struggles with everything from dress length to shoe size. There may be benefits to height, but the downfalls abound, haha.
I utterly fell in love with Mull and its welcoming people. Mirren, Lachlan, and Graeme especially. I would absolutely love to live there. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a sucker for the accent, too. 😍 Also, that clever mention of Skymar, Pepper?! Icing on the cake!
In short, I was so moved—to laughter & tears. The humour was so on point with Katie’s misadventures, the romance between Graeme & Katie and the healing it brought was beautiful, and most of all, the tenderness at the heart of the story—finding home and belonging—hit me so deeply!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
With a subtle nod to Austenland in the way of an “Edwardian Experience,” travel writer Katie Campbell heads to Scotland for the misadventure of a lifetime. My favourite thing about Katie besides her wit, humour, kindness, etc. was her height. Tall girl representation is rare—especially for those of us in the 6’ and counting range. I could have cried with happiness as I felt Katie’s struggles with everything from dress length to shoe size. There may be benefits to height, but the downfalls abound, haha.
I utterly fell in love with Mull and its welcoming people. Mirren, Lachlan, and Graeme especially. I would absolutely love to live there. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a sucker for the accent, too. 😍 Also, that clever mention of Skymar, Pepper?! Icing on the cake!
In short, I was so moved—to laughter & tears. The humour was so on point with Katie’s misadventures, the romance between Graeme & Katie and the healing it brought was beautiful, and most of all, the tenderness at the heart of the story—finding home and belonging—hit me so deeply!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 26, 2024
4.5 Stars
{Thank you to @netgalley and to Thomas Nelson for my gifted e-copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}
Katie is an infamously accident prone, American travel writer, who has been tasked with covering a three-weeks-long “Edwardian experience” in Scotland. Of course, upon reaching the attraction’s destination, Craighill House, Katie meets a handsome, seemingly grumpy Scot in hilarious meet-cute fashion.
What an absolutely adorable book! I couldn’t have loved Katie or Graeme more, and the rest of the characters on the island were so charming. I really hope that we get more stories about Graeme’s family someday. (Please, Pepper, please!)
This sweet/clean romance is more than a romance–it’s also an exploration of home and grief. I love it when an author can explore and discuss deep topics while telling a fun story.
If you’re looking for a clean romance full of witty banter, an amazing and scenic setting, laugh-out-loud funny moments, family, light faith themes, and an absolutely PERFECT ENDING, look no further.
On another note, I sort of want a Highland Cow now.
Highly recommend!
{Thank you to @netgalley and to Thomas Nelson for my gifted e-copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}
Katie is an infamously accident prone, American travel writer, who has been tasked with covering a three-weeks-long “Edwardian experience” in Scotland. Of course, upon reaching the attraction’s destination, Craighill House, Katie meets a handsome, seemingly grumpy Scot in hilarious meet-cute fashion.
What an absolutely adorable book! I couldn’t have loved Katie or Graeme more, and the rest of the characters on the island were so charming. I really hope that we get more stories about Graeme’s family someday. (Please, Pepper, please!)
This sweet/clean romance is more than a romance–it’s also an exploration of home and grief. I love it when an author can explore and discuss deep topics while telling a fun story.
If you’re looking for a clean romance full of witty banter, an amazing and scenic setting, laugh-out-loud funny moments, family, light faith themes, and an absolutely PERFECT ENDING, look no further.
On another note, I sort of want a Highland Cow now.
Highly recommend!
October 16, 2024
“Sometimes home is a place. Sometimes it’s a person. Sometimes it’s both.”
It is rare that a story renders me speechless, but I am truly struggling to find the words to sum up all this story meant to me. My only complaint would be having to try to be patient as I wait for the paperback copy to release next year.
I've read over 250 books this year, and THIS one, is now in the number 1 spot!
This review may be a jumbled of mess of ramblings because truthfully I loved the story so much I can't figure out how to put that love on the page. Plus I don't want to give too much away. But here you go anyway...
Katie is a traveling blogger, a pun queen, and a source of what I can only assume is bad luck, that she twists into instant fame. She needs this job here in Scotland for her career but also for her personal growth. She's here for an event but also because it reminds her of her Grandparents, the closest thing she had to a "home." Graeme is the owner of the place where the event is taking place, hes also the contractor making the repairs, the Scottish hero ( you'll see why soon enough), the butler lol, a dance partner, and a man who will change Katie's life... but little does she know that just yet. She literally falls into Graemes grumpy arms and from there they instantly butt heads. But there is a thin line between love and hate... and the more time they spend together those feelings soon morph into something more real!
Everyone's running from something. Sometimes it's a past they can't leave behind, a loss they can't stop grieving, or perhaps BOTH those things are holding you captive until you pray, process, and heal.
When life let's you down enough times you start doubting everything, including God's plan and his goodness and you put walls up to protect your heart and start making your own way in life. But when we shy away from love, settling down, taking that leap... that was never Gods plan. Graeme and Katie have to learn that through their faith in him, and the people he will place in their lives ( like each other) they can step out on faith, take a risk, dare to make plans, and allow time for love.
How Pepper Basham manages to have me laughing one second, crying the next, swooning over a Graeme moment, or at the edge of my seat waiting for all the feels... Idk how she does it! I was on an emotional roller coaster, and I did not want to get off! Lol! You all, I just can't sum up this book is words, there are none. I went in looking for a Scottish romance and boy did I get that. But gosh, it also just spoke to my heart a bit, spoke to my faith, my path in life, healing, growth, and moving on. And gosh the two main characters phew... Graeme is grumpy on the exterior but such a sweet soul on the inside. And Katie is so confident and happy on the outside, but she is second-guessing, insecure, and running away from her situation, scared that if she settles down , life will disappoint her again. Both of them are operating on fear, something their loved ones have been telling them they have been doing. But they don't realize it, until they meet each other....
Can Katie help Graeme to step out of his comfort zone, take some risks, show his talents, plan for more of a future? Can Graeme help Katie accept who she is, remind her she's enough, help her find a new place to call home and perhaps allow him to be her home? All that is only possible through God's power, but perhaps he will work through them, to help the other heal?!
Just for fun....
Random quotes completely out of context:
(This was an ARC, so quotes may change after the book is released)
"I was under the influence of hot Scotness . . . or Scot hotness."
"Parrot in the drawing room with a hairband.”
“My Morning as an Edwardian Burrito.” Perfect title for an article.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
It is rare that a story renders me speechless, but I am truly struggling to find the words to sum up all this story meant to me. My only complaint would be having to try to be patient as I wait for the paperback copy to release next year.
I've read over 250 books this year, and THIS one, is now in the number 1 spot!
This review may be a jumbled of mess of ramblings because truthfully I loved the story so much I can't figure out how to put that love on the page. Plus I don't want to give too much away. But here you go anyway...
Katie is a traveling blogger, a pun queen, and a source of what I can only assume is bad luck, that she twists into instant fame. She needs this job here in Scotland for her career but also for her personal growth. She's here for an event but also because it reminds her of her Grandparents, the closest thing she had to a "home." Graeme is the owner of the place where the event is taking place, hes also the contractor making the repairs, the Scottish hero ( you'll see why soon enough), the butler lol, a dance partner, and a man who will change Katie's life... but little does she know that just yet. She literally falls into Graemes grumpy arms and from there they instantly butt heads. But there is a thin line between love and hate... and the more time they spend together those feelings soon morph into something more real!
Everyone's running from something. Sometimes it's a past they can't leave behind, a loss they can't stop grieving, or perhaps BOTH those things are holding you captive until you pray, process, and heal.
When life let's you down enough times you start doubting everything, including God's plan and his goodness and you put walls up to protect your heart and start making your own way in life. But when we shy away from love, settling down, taking that leap... that was never Gods plan. Graeme and Katie have to learn that through their faith in him, and the people he will place in their lives ( like each other) they can step out on faith, take a risk, dare to make plans, and allow time for love.
How Pepper Basham manages to have me laughing one second, crying the next, swooning over a Graeme moment, or at the edge of my seat waiting for all the feels... Idk how she does it! I was on an emotional roller coaster, and I did not want to get off! Lol! You all, I just can't sum up this book is words, there are none. I went in looking for a Scottish romance and boy did I get that. But gosh, it also just spoke to my heart a bit, spoke to my faith, my path in life, healing, growth, and moving on. And gosh the two main characters phew... Graeme is grumpy on the exterior but such a sweet soul on the inside. And Katie is so confident and happy on the outside, but she is second-guessing, insecure, and running away from her situation, scared that if she settles down , life will disappoint her again. Both of them are operating on fear, something their loved ones have been telling them they have been doing. But they don't realize it, until they meet each other....
Can Katie help Graeme to step out of his comfort zone, take some risks, show his talents, plan for more of a future? Can Graeme help Katie accept who she is, remind her she's enough, help her find a new place to call home and perhaps allow him to be her home? All that is only possible through God's power, but perhaps he will work through them, to help the other heal?!
Just for fun....
Random quotes completely out of context:
(This was an ARC, so quotes may change after the book is released)
"I was under the influence of hot Scotness . . . or Scot hotness."
"Parrot in the drawing room with a hairband.”
“My Morning as an Edwardian Burrito.” Perfect title for an article.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
January 15, 2025
5 Stars!!!
Another wonderful and clean romance from Pepper Basham! This story centers around travel journalist Katie Campbell, whose career success has been made largely due to her proclivity for MISadventure on her travels. She currently finds herself in Scotland, to spend 3 weeks living in an "Edwardian Experience" (literally, learning to live, dress, eat, dance etc like they did in Edwardian times). She quickly runs into the MMC - Graeme and their relationship gets off to a rocky start.
This is a sunshine/grumpy romance that will make you laugh. It will also pull on your heartstrings as both MCs are suffering through grief caused by deaths of siblings. This story is full of hope, witty banter, gorgeous descriptions of Scotland, swoony moments and of course love. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Another wonderful and clean romance from Pepper Basham! This story centers around travel journalist Katie Campbell, whose career success has been made largely due to her proclivity for MISadventure on her travels. She currently finds herself in Scotland, to spend 3 weeks living in an "Edwardian Experience" (literally, learning to live, dress, eat, dance etc like they did in Edwardian times). She quickly runs into the MMC - Graeme and their relationship gets off to a rocky start.
This is a sunshine/grumpy romance that will make you laugh. It will also pull on your heartstrings as both MCs are suffering through grief caused by deaths of siblings. This story is full of hope, witty banter, gorgeous descriptions of Scotland, swoony moments and of course love. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 25, 2024
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
“𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐.”
{𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁}
🏴 Release date: April 8, 2025 🏴
.
.
.
Surprisingly enough, this was my first ever read by Pepper Basham and it certainly did not disappoint! As soon as I started reading, I could tell that I loved her writing style. It instantly pulled me into the story and kept me highly entertained until the end! Pepper’s talent with descriptive writing painted such a vivid picture of beautiful Scotland in my mind’s eye.
This book had some of my favorite tropes including a grumpy/sunshine trope that was absolute perfection! I loved that the FMC was not your average, petite character but rather 6’ tall and “well-built” 🤭 The fact that Graeme was able to make her feel small was the best! The meet-cute was one of the best meet-cutes I’ve read in a while; it really showed off the main character’s personalities to a T 😂
Katie didn’t have a place she considered home and traveling the world for a job certainly didn’t help matters. When she arrives in Scotland and falls instantly in love with the raw beauty of the country and possibly a local Scotsman, could she possibly begin to consider setting down roots? Katie’s life has had its fair share of pain and quite a bit more than its fair share of mishaps, or misadventures as she dubs them. Can she finally find peace and healing in the beautiful country of Scotland? Can she possibly trust someone enough with her brokenness and choose to stay with them?
Graeme was the perfect counterpart for vivacious Katie, with all of her wildness and misadventures. His was a calm and easygoing life now made a bit more wild by a certain redheaded American, but he was able to be that strong and secure presence she needed in her life. Graeme had his fair share of hurts and pain over the years as well and I love that they were able to finally find some semblance of healing together ♥️
This book showed such real and raw relationships of people with God. It’s one of those stories you can easily relate to because you’ve been through similar struggles. I love how the characters made such an effort to truly seek God and make Him an active part of their lives.
This book was breathtakingly beautiful ♥️ It gave off Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn vibes 🥹 I highlighted so many beautiful quotes in this book!
“𝙽𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚞𝚗 𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚛, 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝.
“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑.”
“𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚏𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜.”
“𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝙺𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚎. 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚘.”
I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All opinions listed are purely my own.
“𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐.”
{𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁}
🏴 Release date: April 8, 2025 🏴
.
.
.
Surprisingly enough, this was my first ever read by Pepper Basham and it certainly did not disappoint! As soon as I started reading, I could tell that I loved her writing style. It instantly pulled me into the story and kept me highly entertained until the end! Pepper’s talent with descriptive writing painted such a vivid picture of beautiful Scotland in my mind’s eye.
This book had some of my favorite tropes including a grumpy/sunshine trope that was absolute perfection! I loved that the FMC was not your average, petite character but rather 6’ tall and “well-built” 🤭 The fact that Graeme was able to make her feel small was the best! The meet-cute was one of the best meet-cutes I’ve read in a while; it really showed off the main character’s personalities to a T 😂
Katie didn’t have a place she considered home and traveling the world for a job certainly didn’t help matters. When she arrives in Scotland and falls instantly in love with the raw beauty of the country and possibly a local Scotsman, could she possibly begin to consider setting down roots? Katie’s life has had its fair share of pain and quite a bit more than its fair share of mishaps, or misadventures as she dubs them. Can she finally find peace and healing in the beautiful country of Scotland? Can she possibly trust someone enough with her brokenness and choose to stay with them?
Graeme was the perfect counterpart for vivacious Katie, with all of her wildness and misadventures. His was a calm and easygoing life now made a bit more wild by a certain redheaded American, but he was able to be that strong and secure presence she needed in her life. Graeme had his fair share of hurts and pain over the years as well and I love that they were able to finally find some semblance of healing together ♥️
This book showed such real and raw relationships of people with God. It’s one of those stories you can easily relate to because you’ve been through similar struggles. I love how the characters made such an effort to truly seek God and make Him an active part of their lives.
This book was breathtakingly beautiful ♥️ It gave off Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn vibes 🥹 I highlighted so many beautiful quotes in this book!
“𝙽𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚞𝚗 𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚛, 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝.
“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑.”
“𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚏𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚌𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎𝚜.”
“𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝙺𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚎. 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚘.”
I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All opinions listed are purely my own.
October 20, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.
It has been long since I've felt all the feels of a romantic swoon, and this book filled my heart with a renewed faith in love and what love can do to a person. I kept wishing for this book not to end for me to continue immersing myself in the richness of the love story between Graeme (I pronounce this as "grim" in my head; I hope that is correct 😂) and Katie. These two give a whole different meaning to love, 🥰🥰 and I love it for them.
Katie, the travel writer who does not have roots in any place, meets Graeme, who has a loving family in Mull and is not thinking of going anywhere any time soon.
After meeting our two MCs, I thought that maybe this was just going to be a fling, but alas, with these two, the word fling doesn't quite fit with them.
Another amazing thing I loved about this book was that both of our MCs are creatives and how Graeme did everything he could to support Katie despite all her misadventures.
This review won't be complete if I don't applaud the author for a wonderful job of bringing Scotland and the island of Mull to life. I haven't been to Scotland, but it felt like I was right there with them.
I giggled, I laughed, and I almost cried, and I think I might need a hot Scot who will call me lass.🥰. Now is the time to go through all the books written by Pepper Basham 😩.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It has been long since I've felt all the feels of a romantic swoon, and this book filled my heart with a renewed faith in love and what love can do to a person. I kept wishing for this book not to end for me to continue immersing myself in the richness of the love story between Graeme (I pronounce this as "grim" in my head; I hope that is correct 😂) and Katie. These two give a whole different meaning to love, 🥰🥰 and I love it for them.
Katie, the travel writer who does not have roots in any place, meets Graeme, who has a loving family in Mull and is not thinking of going anywhere any time soon.
After meeting our two MCs, I thought that maybe this was just going to be a fling, but alas, with these two, the word fling doesn't quite fit with them.
Another amazing thing I loved about this book was that both of our MCs are creatives and how Graeme did everything he could to support Katie despite all her misadventures.
This review won't be complete if I don't applaud the author for a wonderful job of bringing Scotland and the island of Mull to life. I haven't been to Scotland, but it felt like I was right there with them.
I giggled, I laughed, and I almost cried, and I think I might need a hot Scot who will call me lass.🥰. Now is the time to go through all the books written by Pepper Basham 😩.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 21, 2024
More than 5 stars! This is an amazing book filled with humor, crazy animals, unbelievable "accidents," and true love! Scotland has been on my bucket list, and I definitely want to visit it now! ( preferably during the Highland Games)😄 🏴.
I can honestly say that I connected with Katie on many levels. She loves listening to stories, she's an encouraging person, she loves to travel and she attracts all kinds of crazy animals! Graeme, oh be still my heart! He gives off grumpy vibes, but he's all marshmallow fluff! Lachlan is the cutest! I love the way he talks!
The idea of the Edwardian experience absolutely thrills me! To spend 3 weeks immersed in Downton Abbey cosplay sounds fantastic! Throw in a precocious macaw and a devious weasel; fun times will be had!
The story is filled with both the bitter and the sweet. Katie and Graeme have painful pasts, but as they start to heal, their hearts find true love.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can honestly say that I connected with Katie on many levels. She loves listening to stories, she's an encouraging person, she loves to travel and she attracts all kinds of crazy animals! Graeme, oh be still my heart! He gives off grumpy vibes, but he's all marshmallow fluff! Lachlan is the cutest! I love the way he talks!
The idea of the Edwardian experience absolutely thrills me! To spend 3 weeks immersed in Downton Abbey cosplay sounds fantastic! Throw in a precocious macaw and a devious weasel; fun times will be had!
The story is filled with both the bitter and the sweet. Katie and Graeme have painful pasts, but as they start to heal, their hearts find true love.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 12, 2025
This book is filled with witty banter, fun adventures, and humorous occurrences. I loved the Scotland setting and getting to meet a whole host of wonderfully charming characters. For some reason, I was never fully hooked or invested and felt like the main character found herself in a few too many wacky circumstances to be believable. However, this could be just the book for you if you love contemporary rom coms.
Read if you love:
🤍alternating character perspectives
🤍Grumpy/sunshine trope
🤍Scotland
🤍Travel
🤍Edwardian Era/Downton Abbey
🤍Christian romance
Thank you to the publisher for a digital review copy ahead of publication! The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Read if you love:
🤍alternating character perspectives
🤍Grumpy/sunshine trope
🤍Scotland
🤍Travel
🤍Edwardian Era/Downton Abbey
🤍Christian romance
Thank you to the publisher for a digital review copy ahead of publication! The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
January 30, 2025
It was an enjoyable read. It felt very like the "classic" rom-com setup but that wasn't a bad thing. Sometimes you just need that type of book/movie. It definitely reminded me of the movie Austenland, which I love.
👍:
-All the Scottish culture, language, landscape, etc.
-Lighthearted (there were elements of grief and loss but it didn't feel heavy)
-Lots of funny moments
-It felt like "watching" I feel good rom-com
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
👍:
-All the Scottish culture, language, landscape, etc.
-Lighthearted (there were elements of grief and loss but it didn't feel heavy)
-Lots of funny moments
-It felt like "watching" I feel good rom-com
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
November 2, 2024
What a delightful story!!!
When I need a laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and romantic story, I know I can count on a Pepper Basham book! I have to say, I absolutely like it Scot along with Katie Campbell. Katie is a most genuine, self-deprecatingly funny person, she is a travel writer, and photographer who shares her "Miss Adventures" with her followers. Her latest assignment takes her to Scotland where she meets the cranky but gorgeous Graeme MacKerrow. I love her nicknames for him "Hateful Highlander", "Sulky Scott", "Stoic Scot", "Mr. Grump" to name a few. Despite calling himself an "eejit", Graeme is attracted to this tall, funny, prone-to-mishaps visitor from America. "Few things appealed to a Scotsman like a keen sense of humor." Their banter was so much fun.
Katie meets the delightful Mirren, owner of the local bookstore, and Katie's "grin responded to her humor without hesitation." The Wednesday morning "Stories and Stitches" book club are a hoot. Mirren is a kind, funny, and loving woman about Katie's mother's age. Mirren tells her "every person's story is worth hearing Katiegirl."
I adored the 8 year old Lachlan and his dog Wedge. I got as much of a kick out of his expressions and accent as Katie did.
I love the author's nods to the game Clue. "Miss Adventure in the sitting room with a fishing pole."
Even though he is anonymous, Graeme is the handsome guy behind #HotScot trending on Katie's social media. The sight of him in a kilt at the Highland games left Katie speechless.
The scenery descriptions are stunning.
I love the way Pepper seamlessly weaves faith throughout the story.
Graeme's family is wonderful, funny, and one that anyone would love to be a part of. They too have had their share of loss. Katie is close to her brother, but the rest of her family has been distant since her sister died many years ago. Her travel career is satisfying but also a way to run away from how things were.
Some Like it Scot is a delightfully funny, sweet journey of healing and finding belonging. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher Thomas Nelson and Net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. I loved every minute of it, and all opinions are my own.
When I need a laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and romantic story, I know I can count on a Pepper Basham book! I have to say, I absolutely like it Scot along with Katie Campbell. Katie is a most genuine, self-deprecatingly funny person, she is a travel writer, and photographer who shares her "Miss Adventures" with her followers. Her latest assignment takes her to Scotland where she meets the cranky but gorgeous Graeme MacKerrow. I love her nicknames for him "Hateful Highlander", "Sulky Scott", "Stoic Scot", "Mr. Grump" to name a few. Despite calling himself an "eejit", Graeme is attracted to this tall, funny, prone-to-mishaps visitor from America. "Few things appealed to a Scotsman like a keen sense of humor." Their banter was so much fun.
Katie meets the delightful Mirren, owner of the local bookstore, and Katie's "grin responded to her humor without hesitation." The Wednesday morning "Stories and Stitches" book club are a hoot. Mirren is a kind, funny, and loving woman about Katie's mother's age. Mirren tells her "every person's story is worth hearing Katiegirl."
I adored the 8 year old Lachlan and his dog Wedge. I got as much of a kick out of his expressions and accent as Katie did.
I love the author's nods to the game Clue. "Miss Adventure in the sitting room with a fishing pole."
Even though he is anonymous, Graeme is the handsome guy behind #HotScot trending on Katie's social media. The sight of him in a kilt at the Highland games left Katie speechless.
The scenery descriptions are stunning.
I love the way Pepper seamlessly weaves faith throughout the story.
Graeme's family is wonderful, funny, and one that anyone would love to be a part of. They too have had their share of loss. Katie is close to her brother, but the rest of her family has been distant since her sister died many years ago. Her travel career is satisfying but also a way to run away from how things were.
Some Like it Scot is a delightfully funny, sweet journey of healing and finding belonging. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher Thomas Nelson and Net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. I loved every minute of it, and all opinions are my own.
November 14, 2024
Katie is a travel writer, prone to misadventures, who's never chosen to put down roots. One of her last ties to home has been cut in her grandparents' passing, and she's left feeling unmoored and in search of something. Shes sent to Scotland for her longest assignment yet, a full three weeks to a scottish manor, to be guided through an Edwardian experience with a host of other unique individuals in hopes their reviews will bring about a draw for tourists. During this time, she's also considering editorial work, her own writing, and if she should address why exactly she refuses to settle down. She isn't expecting to cross paths with a grumpy scot, nor to have attraction and comraderie blossom with each passing day. She's left to come to terms with what she'll make of it all.
*****
I didn't initially realize I'd grabbed a Christian book until partway through when God and prayer were brought up constantly over what felt like random mentions here and there. I quickly popped over to check and realized I'd seen the adorable cover and read the synopsis and somehow missed the separate tag that specified it was a novel catered to that demographic. I didn't think it would be that much of an issue as I've inadvertently read books that had religious characters and didn't mind. However, this had a very big shift into steadily religious in the second half, and I struggled to relate. As there was no indication that it was a religious book in the synopsis, and it ended up being the main theme in the book, I felt incredibly misled.
With that being said, this novel felt like it was trying to be too many things at once. Was it a book about finding her roots? Changing her job? Dealing with a competitive man in her field? Following her dream? Reconciling with her family? Falling in love? Deepening her faith? We were brought into so many different threads, and yet the majority of the focus dragged on while it tried to tie everything together.
When it comes to her bond with Graeme, the slow burn was agonizingly slow (they dont share a kiss until the last 20% of the book), and I actually wondered if anything would happen at all. The focus was very heavily on her own growth that the relationship took a backseat, to the detriment of overall interest in what was happening.
Katie was an odd character. Almost too clumsy and ill-fated that she became someone difficult to relate to. As we see her go through increasingly hazardous experiences, it almost felt like forced levity to break up the inner monologue instead of advancing segments of the story. From there, the very modest language was so odd that it pulled me out of the story. She couldn't refer to her own butt or chest with correct terms, even in her own thoughts. She fell on her "softest spot," and the dress fit poorly on her "upper cello." I ended up realizing this book wasn't a fit pretty quickly when that modest trend, along with creating other female side characters to either be maternal or painfully annoying, started to develop. I don't enjoy when we see women archetyped into caretaker/wife material or annoying/intrusive, as I'd rather see a host of wonderfully developed and supportive female leads and sides.
With that being said, the details into the landscape and culture were lovely (although my Scottish friends would balk at irn bru being compared in taste to bubblegum.) The story was slow, with more traditional values, and definitely more women's fiction than anything else. It personally was not aligned to my tastes, and I couldn't connect to the characters, which in and of itself gave it a lower rating.
I'm sure this may be more popular in Christian circles, and the publisher should update the synopsis to include that this is a religious-focused book to avoid lower reviews due to this hitting the wrong demographic.
*****
Thank you, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the digital ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*****
I didn't initially realize I'd grabbed a Christian book until partway through when God and prayer were brought up constantly over what felt like random mentions here and there. I quickly popped over to check and realized I'd seen the adorable cover and read the synopsis and somehow missed the separate tag that specified it was a novel catered to that demographic. I didn't think it would be that much of an issue as I've inadvertently read books that had religious characters and didn't mind. However, this had a very big shift into steadily religious in the second half, and I struggled to relate. As there was no indication that it was a religious book in the synopsis, and it ended up being the main theme in the book, I felt incredibly misled.
With that being said, this novel felt like it was trying to be too many things at once. Was it a book about finding her roots? Changing her job? Dealing with a competitive man in her field? Following her dream? Reconciling with her family? Falling in love? Deepening her faith? We were brought into so many different threads, and yet the majority of the focus dragged on while it tried to tie everything together.
When it comes to her bond with Graeme, the slow burn was agonizingly slow (they dont share a kiss until the last 20% of the book), and I actually wondered if anything would happen at all. The focus was very heavily on her own growth that the relationship took a backseat, to the detriment of overall interest in what was happening.
Katie was an odd character. Almost too clumsy and ill-fated that she became someone difficult to relate to. As we see her go through increasingly hazardous experiences, it almost felt like forced levity to break up the inner monologue instead of advancing segments of the story. From there, the very modest language was so odd that it pulled me out of the story. She couldn't refer to her own butt or chest with correct terms, even in her own thoughts. She fell on her "softest spot," and the dress fit poorly on her "upper cello." I ended up realizing this book wasn't a fit pretty quickly when that modest trend, along with creating other female side characters to either be maternal or painfully annoying, started to develop. I don't enjoy when we see women archetyped into caretaker/wife material or annoying/intrusive, as I'd rather see a host of wonderfully developed and supportive female leads and sides.
With that being said, the details into the landscape and culture were lovely (although my Scottish friends would balk at irn bru being compared in taste to bubblegum.) The story was slow, with more traditional values, and definitely more women's fiction than anything else. It personally was not aligned to my tastes, and I couldn't connect to the characters, which in and of itself gave it a lower rating.
I'm sure this may be more popular in Christian circles, and the publisher should update the synopsis to include that this is a religious-focused book to avoid lower reviews due to this hitting the wrong demographic.
*****
Thank you, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the digital ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 7, 2024
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Language/Profanity: Nothing really, there was a 'Thank the good Lord' and a 'Bloomin'
Faith: I didn't see much in this book.
Romance/Sex: There was a lot of looking at each other, mentioning the curves on Katie, large muscles on Graeme, lots of kisses to wards the end, but nothing beyond that. Some flirting, mentions of 'sexy.' Mentions of dresses that hug curves.
Action/Adventure: Katie gets into lots of scraps, and once or twice she was in some danger but not over much.
Other: A very slight mention of a 'godess.' Mention of a man sliding down a banister and injuring himself. A use of b-- crack of dawn'. A mother is hard on her children, excepting perfection from them that causes her to become... nasty when they aren't perfect.
This was a intresting book, and I did enjoy most of it, but there were a few things I didn’t like... the amount of looking at each other was a bit too much, but it only got to kissing, nothing else. I would have preferred it a bit more if there was more 'Faith' in it, but it was clean. But otherwise it was good, though it wasn't my favorite book. The main characters truthfully did not catch me as much as some of the other side characters. I want to see what Pepper Basham's other books would be like.
I didn't see any inconsistencies, though there were a few formatting errors (Missing spaces, and a long dash instead of a name.)
Favourites:
My favourite part is the dinner disaster:
My favourite quote is:
Sure, the whole King Arthur legend was wrapped up in Scottish lore, but a maid searching for Merlin in a Scottish house with a stuffed ostrich?
My favorite characters are: Lachlan, and Graeme's Mother.
Three Point Five Stars.
Language/Profanity: Nothing really, there was a 'Thank the good Lord' and a 'Bloomin'
Faith: I didn't see much in this book.
Romance/Sex: There was a lot of looking at each other, mentioning the curves on Katie, large muscles on Graeme, lots of kisses to wards the end, but nothing beyond that. Some flirting, mentions of 'sexy.' Mentions of dresses that hug curves.
Action/Adventure: Katie gets into lots of scraps, and once or twice she was in some danger but not over much.
Other: A very slight mention of a 'godess.' Mention of a man sliding down a banister and injuring himself. A use of b-- crack of dawn'. A mother is hard on her children, excepting perfection from them that causes her to become... nasty when they aren't perfect.
This was a intresting book, and I did enjoy most of it, but there were a few things I didn’t like... the amount of looking at each other was a bit too much, but it only got to kissing, nothing else. I would have preferred it a bit more if there was more 'Faith' in it, but it was clean. But otherwise it was good, though it wasn't my favorite book. The main characters truthfully did not catch me as much as some of the other side characters. I want to see what Pepper Basham's other books would be like.
I didn't see any inconsistencies, though there were a few formatting errors (Missing spaces, and a long dash instead of a name.)
Favourites:
My favourite part is the dinner disaster:
My favourite quote is:
Sure, the whole King Arthur legend was wrapped up in Scottish lore, but a maid searching for Merlin in a Scottish house with a stuffed ostrich?
My favorite characters are: Lachlan, and Graeme's Mother.
Three Point Five Stars.
January 15, 2025
Pepper Basham has outdone herself with her upcoming release of Some Like It Scot! This book had ALL the things and made me fell ALL the feels. I laughed and cried - sometimes at the same time. This book follows Katie, a travel writer whose misadventures have become her brand. With her easy-going nature and humor, she has learned to roll with it, endearing herself to her readers and social media followers. The story begins with her arrival in Scotland to attend a premier of an Edwardian experience at an old manor house. With her penchant for trouble, a grumpy Scotsman, a rival at the same Edwardian experience and a mischievous little boy and his dog, this story took off in a super fun way and was thoroughly enjoyable throughout.
Though this book had a lighthearted feel, it did not shy away from heavier topics. There was family drama, grief, and low self-esteem among other heavy-hitting topics, but Basham weaves the heaviness with the lightness in a beautiful manner that points us to the Light Himself. Though the faith thread was a bit lighter in this book (not so many direct mentions of God), He is definitely in the underlying story and the tale and characters point to Him throughout. The romance in this one was a lot of fun, and the character growth and development was absolutely stellar, though the characters were fabulous to begin with. I loved the Scottish dialect and the picture the author painted of the Scottish countryside, making the setting a huge part of the story. I also enjoyed the nod to the author's most recent series in Skymar as well. All in all, this was a fabulous read and one I can easily recommend to fans of contemporary rom-coms especially, but to anyone who enjoys a good story with great character development. Special thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Though this book had a lighthearted feel, it did not shy away from heavier topics. There was family drama, grief, and low self-esteem among other heavy-hitting topics, but Basham weaves the heaviness with the lightness in a beautiful manner that points us to the Light Himself. Though the faith thread was a bit lighter in this book (not so many direct mentions of God), He is definitely in the underlying story and the tale and characters point to Him throughout. The romance in this one was a lot of fun, and the character growth and development was absolutely stellar, though the characters were fabulous to begin with. I loved the Scottish dialect and the picture the author painted of the Scottish countryside, making the setting a huge part of the story. I also enjoyed the nod to the author's most recent series in Skymar as well. All in all, this was a fabulous read and one I can easily recommend to fans of contemporary rom-coms especially, but to anyone who enjoys a good story with great character development. Special thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
January 13, 2025
I adored Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham. It had everything I look for in a contemporary romance, plus more.
Katie is a travel writer with no strings drawing her back home. In fact, she prefers to leave before attachments are made. Unfortunately for her, she has three weeks in Scotland, which makes it hard not to form connections. I love Katie; she is stronger than she thinks. She is kind, funny, and longs for something she has never found. She is relatable, quirky, and, did I mention funny?
Graeme is the surly Scot Katie meets, and what a memorable meeting it is! They have an instant dislike, but it doesn't last long. Graeme is fixing the home that Katie and the others are staying in for their Edwardian experience.
This story pulled on my heartstrings. I loved the Scottish setting and dialect. The characters are a fascinating mix of quirky, loving, and annoying. I loved the Stitches Book Club and their quirky personalities. I could go on and on, but I highly recommend you experience this story for yourself.
Read for:
🐑 witty banter
🐑 hilarious moments
🐑 Graeme (his mother Mirren)
🐑Lachlan
🐑 near-death experiences
🐑misadventures
🐑Edwardian experience
🐑Stitches Book Club ladies
🐑the sweetest love story
I can't recommend this book enough. I need a physical copy for my keeper shelf!! Thank you to Net Galley and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Katie is a travel writer with no strings drawing her back home. In fact, she prefers to leave before attachments are made. Unfortunately for her, she has three weeks in Scotland, which makes it hard not to form connections. I love Katie; she is stronger than she thinks. She is kind, funny, and longs for something she has never found. She is relatable, quirky, and, did I mention funny?
Graeme is the surly Scot Katie meets, and what a memorable meeting it is! They have an instant dislike, but it doesn't last long. Graeme is fixing the home that Katie and the others are staying in for their Edwardian experience.
This story pulled on my heartstrings. I loved the Scottish setting and dialect. The characters are a fascinating mix of quirky, loving, and annoying. I loved the Stitches Book Club and their quirky personalities. I could go on and on, but I highly recommend you experience this story for yourself.
Read for:
🐑 witty banter
🐑 hilarious moments
🐑 Graeme (his mother Mirren)
🐑Lachlan
🐑 near-death experiences
🐑misadventures
🐑Edwardian experience
🐑Stitches Book Club ladies
🐑the sweetest love story
I can't recommend this book enough. I need a physical copy for my keeper shelf!! Thank you to Net Galley and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2024
REVIEW-Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham
Filled with all the feel-good, romantic high points! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like a story which provides a virtual visit to a charming isle in Scotland, the warmth of a tight knit community, and a ruggedly handsome kilt-wearing hero, this is a book for you!
Such fun happens when the travel-writing heroine, Katie Campbell, finds herself attending a three-week reenactment of the Edwardian time period at an impressive manor house on an old estate. During the experience, she encounters various “misadventures” where, Graeme MacKerrow, the Hot Scot, truly comes to her rescue.
I enjoyed the development of the grumpy/sunshine romance between two different personalities who reluctantly realized they were meant for each other. The slow burn is delicious as the attraction between the couple heats. Be still, my Scottish-loving heart!
Plus a story with a cute bookshop which serves tea and scones is definitely my kind of happy place. I truly found this story, with its sweet thread of hope and faith, a delight! Author Pepper Basham skillfully creates a touching romance and a charming community filled with heartwarming characters I’ll long remember.
Favorite quotes:
“It’s one of the comforts in losing a loved one, ye ken? The love lingers long.”
“It’s not about your hold on God. It’s about His hold on you.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#netgalley #thomasnelsonfiction
Filled with all the feel-good, romantic high points! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like a story which provides a virtual visit to a charming isle in Scotland, the warmth of a tight knit community, and a ruggedly handsome kilt-wearing hero, this is a book for you!
Such fun happens when the travel-writing heroine, Katie Campbell, finds herself attending a three-week reenactment of the Edwardian time period at an impressive manor house on an old estate. During the experience, she encounters various “misadventures” where, Graeme MacKerrow, the Hot Scot, truly comes to her rescue.
I enjoyed the development of the grumpy/sunshine romance between two different personalities who reluctantly realized they were meant for each other. The slow burn is delicious as the attraction between the couple heats. Be still, my Scottish-loving heart!
Plus a story with a cute bookshop which serves tea and scones is definitely my kind of happy place. I truly found this story, with its sweet thread of hope and faith, a delight! Author Pepper Basham skillfully creates a touching romance and a charming community filled with heartwarming characters I’ll long remember.
Favorite quotes:
“It’s one of the comforts in losing a loved one, ye ken? The love lingers long.”
“It’s not about your hold on God. It’s about His hold on you.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#netgalley #thomasnelsonfiction
November 4, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Katie Campbell is a travel writer who’s never been able to put down roots. Her family doesn’t feel like home after her sister’s death. When an opportunity to spend three weeks in Scotland promises to give her content for her travel writing and a shot at an editor position, she accepts. She sets off for Craighill House, which has been fashioned to provide tourists with an Edwardian experience. What she doesn’t expect to experience is the heroic actions of a grumpy Scot, he’s adorable nephew, and his meddling, mischievous mother.
Ms. Basham lovingly describes Scotland’s rugged landscape in great detail. She paints vibrant images and creates quirky characters that make up the island of Mull. This is a dual POV, which I really enjoyed. Each character had some baggage and they’re both trying to do the best they can. It was great to get inside both of their heads.
I really liked both Katie and Graeme. They were complex characters who made the best of what life threw at them. While Katie used humor to mask the loneliness she feels, she slowly begins to let down the walls she’s built and allows her vulnerability to shine through. I thought the banter between Katie and Graeme was fun.
This is a slow burn, and I do wish their relationship progressed faster. The pace dragged quite a bit for a good portion of the novel, and I found myself bored at times. There could’ve been more scenes of the two spending time together. It seemed more attention was paid to Katie’s adventures than their romance. This felt more like a women’s fiction novel with romantic elements, than a romance. Which is fine, just not what I was looking for.
The secondary characters were fun and added color to the story. I especially appreciated Mrs. Lennox’s eccentricity, and her failed best laid plans added a lot of humor. Lachlan and Mirren pull at your heart strings, and I enjoyed their interactions with Katie.
I wasn’t too crazy about the references to God and church. If I’m honest, had I known it would play a significant role in the novel, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. It was told through a Christian lens, and it felt very alienating and noninclusive. It became heavy handed in and around 50%. It probably won’t be a problem for most, but I didn’t care for it. I think there’s an audience for this book, but I am not it.
Katie Campbell is a travel writer who’s never been able to put down roots. Her family doesn’t feel like home after her sister’s death. When an opportunity to spend three weeks in Scotland promises to give her content for her travel writing and a shot at an editor position, she accepts. She sets off for Craighill House, which has been fashioned to provide tourists with an Edwardian experience. What she doesn’t expect to experience is the heroic actions of a grumpy Scot, he’s adorable nephew, and his meddling, mischievous mother.
Ms. Basham lovingly describes Scotland’s rugged landscape in great detail. She paints vibrant images and creates quirky characters that make up the island of Mull. This is a dual POV, which I really enjoyed. Each character had some baggage and they’re both trying to do the best they can. It was great to get inside both of their heads.
I really liked both Katie and Graeme. They were complex characters who made the best of what life threw at them. While Katie used humor to mask the loneliness she feels, she slowly begins to let down the walls she’s built and allows her vulnerability to shine through. I thought the banter between Katie and Graeme was fun.
This is a slow burn, and I do wish their relationship progressed faster. The pace dragged quite a bit for a good portion of the novel, and I found myself bored at times. There could’ve been more scenes of the two spending time together. It seemed more attention was paid to Katie’s adventures than their romance. This felt more like a women’s fiction novel with romantic elements, than a romance. Which is fine, just not what I was looking for.
The secondary characters were fun and added color to the story. I especially appreciated Mrs. Lennox’s eccentricity, and her failed best laid plans added a lot of humor. Lachlan and Mirren pull at your heart strings, and I enjoyed their interactions with Katie.
I wasn’t too crazy about the references to God and church. If I’m honest, had I known it would play a significant role in the novel, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. It was told through a Christian lens, and it felt very alienating and noninclusive. It became heavy handed in and around 50%. It probably won’t be a problem for most, but I didn’t care for it. I think there’s an audience for this book, but I am not it.
November 19, 2024
Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham is a wonderful rom-com with heart.
Katie Campbell is a travel writer notorious for her misadventures. The mishaps Katie gets into during her visit to Scotland made me laugh out loud several times while reading. Yet, there’s more to Katie Campbell than the accidents that seem to happen to her wherever she goes. Hidden inside her is the deep desire to be loved unconditionally. Then there’s Graeme MacKerrow. This “hot Scot” might give all the classic “grump” vibes, but underneath his brusqueness is a tender heart. I especially liked how several characters in the story, including Graeme, show God’s unconditional love to Katie. And both main characters learn to trust God more. By the time I was reading the last 10% or so of the book, I was crying happy sappy tears that wouldn’t quit. It was such a sweet, romantic story! Simply wonderful!
A five star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you enjoy stories set in Scotland, hilarious yet relatable characters, and a happily ever after ending, then be sure to grab a copy of Some Like it Scot! I will be preordering a copy to reread for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Katie Campbell is a travel writer notorious for her misadventures. The mishaps Katie gets into during her visit to Scotland made me laugh out loud several times while reading. Yet, there’s more to Katie Campbell than the accidents that seem to happen to her wherever she goes. Hidden inside her is the deep desire to be loved unconditionally. Then there’s Graeme MacKerrow. This “hot Scot” might give all the classic “grump” vibes, but underneath his brusqueness is a tender heart. I especially liked how several characters in the story, including Graeme, show God’s unconditional love to Katie. And both main characters learn to trust God more. By the time I was reading the last 10% or so of the book, I was crying happy sappy tears that wouldn’t quit. It was such a sweet, romantic story! Simply wonderful!
A five star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you enjoy stories set in Scotland, hilarious yet relatable characters, and a happily ever after ending, then be sure to grab a copy of Some Like it Scot! I will be preordering a copy to reread for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 30, 2024
It’s been said that one can often “blame it on a Basham book”, but I’m putting all the blame squarely on this one. If you’re looking for a book with the sweeping romance of Scotland, constant laughter, a bit of Edwardian mischief, an adorable “hairy coo”, and all the sweetness of home, pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and get ready for the book you’ve been waiting for. Within its pages prepare to fall in love with the irrepressible Katie, the stubborn surprise of Graeme (and his shoulders, as a separate character), not to mention Lachlan, Mirren, the grannies…the whole cast of characters just makes the reader feel cozy and welcome and wanted. Themes—of learning to accept oneself (and others) just as they are, cherishing one’s own value (and knowing from whom that value stems), not letting fear take the lead, the importance of grieving, and above all else, love—run through this breathtaking story, this nod to all things Scotland. Truthfully, the only thing I found it lacking was MORE! I received an advance copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
December 28, 2024
This has been one of my favorites I’ve read this year! I love the wholesomeness of this story. I loved both of these characters so much, and Pepper did such a beautiful job just building these characters. We regularly go to Scotland too, and it made me love it even more. I just loved how loveable Katie was especially, her humility and easy-going way of living. She really shows how to not take life too seriously, and make lemonade out of lemons. Graeme was also a loveable character, and the descriptions of him definitely makes a girl swoon!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend.
October 29, 2024
Recently I had the honor of reading an ARC copy of Pepper Basham's Some Like It Scot. I loved the way Pepper created beautiful word pictures of a country I would love to visit someday. The book takes place on a small Scottish Isle as Katie Campbell, a travel writer, shares her Misadventures with her blog followers. She is taken in by a wonderful group of people who live on the island. Graeme MacKerrow has lived there all his life and doesn't trust outsiders, especially red headed women who like to travel.
I found the story to be delightful and the scenery magnificent. I adore the way Pepper weaves faith throughout the story as easy as breathing. I highly recommend Some Like It Scot. The only downside is you will have to wait until April 0f 2025 to enjoy it.
So be sure to pre-order your copy today.
I was given a copy of Some Like it Scot with no expectations All thoughts are my own.
I found the story to be delightful and the scenery magnificent. I adore the way Pepper weaves faith throughout the story as easy as breathing. I highly recommend Some Like It Scot. The only downside is you will have to wait until April 0f 2025 to enjoy it.
So be sure to pre-order your copy today.
I was given a copy of Some Like it Scot with no expectations All thoughts are my own.
December 25, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a free digital copy of Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham.
MC, Katie Campbell, travels the world as a writer and podcaster. However, she's never really had a place to call home after the loss of her grandparents. Katie is a very relatable character. She's clumsy, awkward, silly, self-conscious, but kind. She travels to Scotland for work to experience an Edwardian reenactment experience. There she meets a grumpy Scot named Graeme. I truly enjoyed this clean, sweet and lovable romance. I likewise enjoyed the Scottish setting. It made me want to visit like Katie. This is a fun quick read, and I totally recommend it if you're looking for a book to make you smile. This was my first book by Pepper Basham. I loved it and can't wait to read more!
MC, Katie Campbell, travels the world as a writer and podcaster. However, she's never really had a place to call home after the loss of her grandparents. Katie is a very relatable character. She's clumsy, awkward, silly, self-conscious, but kind. She travels to Scotland for work to experience an Edwardian reenactment experience. There she meets a grumpy Scot named Graeme. I truly enjoyed this clean, sweet and lovable romance. I likewise enjoyed the Scottish setting. It made me want to visit like Katie. This is a fun quick read, and I totally recommend it if you're looking for a book to make you smile. This was my first book by Pepper Basham. I loved it and can't wait to read more!
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