Rachel Bowdler

Love is in the air at the old Scottish castle.

I enjoyed reading “Summer at the Scottish Castle” by Rachel Bowdler, a modern-day romance in an old Scottish castle. The character Jessamine, also known as “Jess”, a countess, is trying to hide her identity from the locals as well as the tabloids. She has had a privileged life but it’s suffocating her. After living in a gilded cage, being married to an abuser, and the tabloids favoring the abuser over her, she seeks out living incognito as best she can at her family castle in Scottland where she meets her new love interest, Mac.

Jessamine’s mother unleashes her own verbal tirades onto Jessamine. Jessamine was under the watchful eye of her mother, constrained by her title, and never had control over her own life. Jessamine grows tired of her mother’s verbal tirades and demands. Giving into her mother’s demands has not brought her happiness. Being pansexual, she did not fit the royal mold.

Jess wanted her own identity. She found her usefulness in charity work for the LGBTQ+ community. Jess, Mac, and Mac’s foster son Arron, become friends. Jess feels less constrained and more comfortable with who she is, especially after Mac discloses that he is bisexual.

Jess’ mental health flourishes after divorcing her abuser. Jess grew emotionally and psychologically after divorcing her verbally abusive husband, which gave her the strength to defend herself against her mother and take control of her own life.

Mac is dedicated to raising his foster son, Arran, allowing Arron to define who he is within his own gender. Mac puts Arron first above his new relationship with Jess. Maturity at its best. Arran is happy living with Mac and has accepted Jessamine into his life.

Mac has his own emotional roller coaster from his past. His life has been filled with letdowns from being a foster child, and past heartbreaks. His relationship with Jess becomes intense until he finds out she lied to him about who she really is and who her family is. Jess does battle in his own head about being able to forgive her.

The castle too, once owned by Jessamine’s grandfather, has its own secrets. Jess and Mac are sure they uncovered their family secrets, which by today’s standards would not be taboo. The characters came to life, and it was easy to empathize with each character.… (mehr)