Joane @ Portobello Book Blog is hosting Reading Scotland Month to read, promote, and celebrate books set in Scotland, or books written by Scottish authors, or books by authors living in Scotland.
Reading Scotland
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Books I’ve Read in 2026
Scottish Author: I’m still reading the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series set in Botswana by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. This year’s installment (#27!) is The Big Cats Dance Party. These are all gently written, cozy mysteries with likable and interesting characters. Smith is a prolific writer, and his work also includes the popular 44 Scotland Street Series.
Scottish Setting: A novella series I’ve loved this year is by English author, Freya North. She has published four novellas set on the Isle of Harris (Outer Hebrides, Scotland), one for each season: Christmas at Flora’s House (read in Dec of ’25), Spring at Flora’s House, Summer at Flora’s House, and Autumn at Flora’s House. Each offers a strong sense of place, well-drawn characters, and perfect seasonal reading.
Other Backlist Titles I’ve Read
Little Wing by Freya North is set on the Isle of Harris (Outer Hebrides, Scotland), and it provides the inspiration for the Flora’s House novella series (described above).
The Christmas Castle in Scotland by Julie Caplin is an atmospheric and memorable love story set near Edinburgh.
The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz is a historical, page-turning. marriage-of-convenience romance set in Scotland and Virginia. Frantz is an American author with a strong Scottish heritage.
Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan. A light and predictable romance for fans of books and Scotland.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell who currently lives in Scotland.
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley.
If you’re wondering why Outlander isn’t listed, it’s because I only made it half way through bookone.
QOTD:
What book do I need to read that is set in Scotland?
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I can recommend Scotch on The Rocks by Lizzie Lamb, The Skylark’s Secret by Fiona Valpy, Sisters At The Edge of The World by Ailish Sinclair, The Bookshop on The Shore by Jenny Colgan and perhaps, Moristoun by Kevin McAllion.
Thanks for your many recs! 🙌
Thanks so much for taking part with this lovely post Carol. I love Jenny Colgan’s books and you know I loved the Flora’s House series. So looking forward to reading Still Time next year.
So fun to look forward to a new Freya North!
I love Freya North’s novels although I haven’t read any of the four novellas yet. Jenny Colgan is always a lovely read too and I’ve read so many of hers over the years.
I think you’d enjoy her novellas! 🙌
I’ve just finished Autumn at Flora’s House on audio, Carol, and loved it!
Yay! I’ll need to reread one of the novellas via audio…I’m curious!