Pepper Basham’s latest contemporary Christian romance, “Some Like It Scot,” whisks readers away to the misty Isle of Mull for an enchanting tale that perfectly balances humor, heart, and Highland charm. This standalone novel delivers everything romance readers crave: swoon-worthy heroes, relatable heroines, and a setting so vivid you’ll be booking flights to Scotland before the final page.
Plot Overview: An Edwardian Adventure with Modern Heart
Katie Campbell has spent her adult life as a nomadic travel writer, never quite finding where she belongs. When an assignment takes her to Craighill House for a three-week Edwardian Experience, she expects quaint historical reenactment and compelling content. What she doesn’t expect is Graeme MacKerrow—a gruff, widowed Scotsman who owns the ancestral manor and reluctantly plays butler while raising his orphaned nephew, Lachlan.
The premise of “Some Like It Scot” brilliantly combines the fish-out-of-water trope with historical immersion as Katie navigates corsets, formal dinners, and period-appropriate activities while increasingly drawn to the complex man who seems determined to keep his distance. Basham expertly weaves together Katie’s search for belonging with Graeme’s struggle to balance protecting his heart and embracing new love.
Character Development: Beautifully Flawed and Relatable
Katie Campbell: The Wandering Heart Finding Home
Katie emerges as a wonderfully imperfect heroine whose self-deprecating humor masks deeper insecurities about worthiness and belonging. Basham crafts her character with authentic vulnerability—Katie’s tendency toward mishaps (including a memorable parrot-and-staircase incident) never feels contrived but rather endearingly human. Her growth throughout the story feels organic as she learns that home isn’t a place but the people who choose to love you despite your flaws.
The author’s treatment of Katie’s grief over her sister’s death adds emotional depth without overwhelming the romance. Her journey from running away from attachments to actively choosing to stay and fight for love resonates with anyone who has ever feared being too much for someone to handle.
Graeme MacKerrow: The Highland Hero with Substance
Graeme avoids the typical alpha male stereotype by being genuinely kind, protective without being possessive, and wonderfully devoted to his nephew. His backstory involving his deceased brother and sister-in-law, combined with his failed engagement to Allison, creates a character with realistic emotional baggage. Basham skillfully shows rather than tells his growth as he learns to risk his heart again.
The romantic tension between his desire to protect his carefully ordered life and his growing feelings for chaotic Katie creates delicious conflict. His gentle way with Lachlan and his artistic passion for woodworking add layers that make him feel like a real person rather than a romance novel fantasy.
Supporting Cast: A Community That Embraces
The secondary characters—particularly young Lachlan, Graeme’s mother Mirren, and the village book club ladies—create a warm community that becomes central to Katie’s transformation. Lachlan’s precocious wisdom and genuine affection for Katie add sweetness without saccharine sentiment. The bustling village of Glenkirk feels alive with characters who have their own stories and motivations.
Writing Style: Basham’s Signature Warmth and Wit
Basham demonstrates her mastery of contemporary Christian romance through her natural, conversational prose that flows effortlessly between humor and emotion. Her dialogue sparkles with authentic Scottish brogue that enhances rather than overwhelms the narrative. The author’s background in theater and her obvious love for both Scotland and storytelling shine through every page.
The dual point-of-view structure allows readers to experience both Katie’s uncertainty and Graeme’s internal struggles, creating a well-rounded perspective on their developing relationship. Basham’s pacing keeps the story moving while allowing space for character development and relationship building.
Strengths That Shine Bright
- Authentic Setting: The Isle of Mull comes alive through Basham’s detailed descriptions of landscapes, weather, and local culture. The Edwardian Experience provides a unique backdrop that adds both comedy and romantic tension.
- Family Dynamics: The portrayal of found family and the healing power of community feels genuine and touching. Lachlan’s relationship with both protagonists adds emotional stakes without feeling manipulative.
- Faith Integration: The Christian elements weave naturally into the story without preaching. Characters’ faith journeys complement rather than overshadow the romance.
- Humor: Basham’s comedic timing is impeccable, from Katie’s mishaps to the banter between characters. The humor never undermines serious emotional moments but provides perfect relief.
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing Inconsistencies: While generally well-paced, some middle sections feel slightly rushed, particularly Katie’s emotional transformation from commitment-phobic to ready for forever love.
- Secondary Plot Resolution: The Edwardian Experience storyline, while entertaining, occasionally feels disconnected from the main romance and could have been more tightly integrated.
- Conflict Resolution: The final misunderstanding between Katie and Graeme, while emotionally satisfying to resolve, feels somewhat manufactured given their previous communication patterns.
The Romance: Swoony Yet Substantial
The romantic development between Katie and Graeme unfolds with delicious tension and genuine chemistry. Their first kiss in the rain is particularly memorable, as is the final proposal scene that perfectly captures their relationship dynamic. Basham excels at creating moments of emotional intimacy that feel earned rather than rushed.
The physical attraction is balanced with emotional connection, creating a romance that satisfies on multiple levels. The “will they or won’t they” tension maintains reader engagement without becoming frustrating.
Themes That Resonate
“Some Like It Scot” explores themes of belonging, family, grief, and the courage required to choose love over fear. Katie’s journey mirrors many readers’ own struggles with feeling worthy of love and finding where they belong in the world. The story’s message about home being found in people rather than places feels both timeless and particularly relevant in our mobile modern world.
Comparison to Basham’s Previous Work
Readers familiar with Basham’s “Authentically, Izzy” and “Positively, Penelope” will recognize her signature blend of humor, heart, and faith-based romance. “Some Like It Scot” shows growth in her ability to balance comedy with deeper emotional stakes. The Scottish setting allows her to showcase her skill with dialect and cultural details that enhance rather than hinder the story.
Perfect For Readers Who Enjoy
- Contemporary Christian romance with substance
- Scottish settings and Highland heroes
- Fish-out-of-water romantic comedies
- Stories about finding home and family
- Authors like Jenny B. Jones, Denise Hunter, and Courtney Walsh
Similar Books to Consider
- “The Highlander’s Touch” by Karen Marie Moning – For readers wanting more Scottish romance
- “Beach Haven” by T.I. Lowe – Similar themes of finding home and healing
- “The View from Coral Cove” by Amy Clipston – Contemporary Christian romance with small-town charm
- “There You’ll Find Me” by Jenny B. Jones – Young woman finding herself abroad
Final Verdict: A Highland Romance Worth Treasuring
“Some Like It Scot” succeeds as both entertainment and emotional journey. Basham has crafted a romance that satisfies on multiple levels—the chemistry sizzles, the characters feel real, and the Scottish setting adds enchantment to every page. While not without minor flaws, the novel delivers everything readers want from contemporary Christian romance: laughter, tears, swoon-worthy moments, and the satisfying conclusion that love truly can conquer all.
“Some Like It Scot” works particularly well for readers seeking escapist fiction with substance. Katie and Graeme’s story reminds us that sometimes the greatest adventures happen when we stop running and choose to stay and fight for what matters most.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pepper Basham or new to her work, “Some Like It Scot” offers a delightful Highland escape that will leave you believing in the magic of unexpected love and the power of finding where you truly belong. Prepare to fall in love with both the romance and the rolling hills of Scotland—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your own Highland adventure.
About the Author
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author known for her contemporary and historical Christian romance novels. Her previous works include the popular Edgewood family series featuring “Authentically, Izzy,” “Positively, Penelope,” and “Loyally, Luke,” as well as historical romances like “Hope Between the Pages” and “The Red Ribbon.” Basham’s background in speech-language pathology and her love of theater influence her authentic character development and dialogue.