Glenbriar: Past, Present and Future
One fictional Highland town. Thousands of years of stories. And plenty more happily-ever-afters still to come.
If you've discovered my Glenbriar Series, you'll already know that this isn't just a place where I happen to set my Scottish romance novels.
Glenbriar has become a world of its own.
There are families whose lives intertwine, friendships that stretch from one book to another, businesses that become familiar landmarks, characters who pop up when you least expect them, and a whole community that somehow seems to keep finding new ways to fall in love.
And now, Glenbriar is getting bigger. Much bigger.
Because while the Glenbriar Series is approaching its twentieth and final book in this original series, this isn't the end of Glenbriar's story.
Far from it.
There are stories waiting to be told about Glenbriar's past and stories waiting to unfold in its future.
So, if you're wondering what you can expect from the Glenbriar universe over the next few years, let me take you on a little journey...
Past. Present. Future.
THE PAST: Welcome to Glenbriar Legacy
Let's start at the beginning.
Or, rather, long before the beginning you know.
One of the things I love about creating a fictional town is that I get to decide what happens there - and what happened in the past.
And Glenbriar has a history.
A very long history.
If you've read the contemporary Glenbriar books, you may already have noticed references to some of the area's older landmarks and legends: Roman remains, ancient stones, stories whispered about a witch's cave, an abandoned shieling, an old mill, an illicit still...
And, of course, Dairvin Castle on Loch Briar.
I've always known that some of those stories deserved to be explored.
So I'm going back.
Way back.
The Glenbriar Legacy Series
The Glenbriar Legacy Series will take readers into different periods of Glenbriar's history, telling historical romance stories set centuries before the contemporary series.
The first story takes us almost 2,000 years into the past, to AD 84/85, during the Roman occupation of Caledonia.
And I can tell you now: this is very different from my usual cosy contemporary romances!
There are Romans and Caledonians. Ancient settlements. Battles. Kidnapping. Political intrigue. Danger. Betrayal.
And, naturally...
A love story at the heart of it all.
I've recently finished the first draft of this story, and it is officially the longest and most complicated book I've ever written. It's also my first historical novel, so I've been throwing myself into an entirely different kind of research and storytelling.
But despite the swords, battles and Roman soldiers, one thing hasn't changed.
It's still a Margaret Amatt romance.
Which means that beneath all the history and adventure, there will be a love story — and a happy ending.
And this first book is only the beginning.
The Legacy stories will allow me to explore different moments in Glenbriar's history, with each book potentially taking us to another period and another generation.
The Glenbriar you know today didn't simply appear.
It has a past.
And I'm going to uncover it.
THE PRESENT: The Glenbriar Series
Of course, most of you know Glenbriar as it exists now.
This is where the journey began.
The Glenbriar Series started with Stolen Kisses at the Loch View Hotel, where readers first met this fictional Highland community and the people who live, work and fall in love there.
Glenbriar is inspired by the landscapes and atmosphere of Highland Perthshire, the part of Scotland I know and love. Although the town itself is fictional and doesn't appear on a map, you'll find echoes of the real Scotland I see around me in its lochs, forests, hills, villages and winding roads.
And then the town grew.
What began as one romance became another.
Then another.
And another...
Until Glenbriar became a twenty-book contemporary romance series.
Twenty romances. One community.
The Glenbriar Series follows different couples, so every book brings a new love story and a new happily-ever-after.
But that's only part of the fun.
Because the characters don't disappear when their book ends.
They get married. They make friends. They start businesses. They have children. They change jobs. They turn up in someone else's story.
And sometimes you discover that the character you thought was merely a funny supporting character in one book has a much bigger part to play later.
That's what I love about writing Glenbriar.
The town keeps moving even when the book ends.
Readers have told me that returning to Glenbriar feels a little like coming home - and that's exactly what I hoped would happen when I first created it.
You'll find the Loch View Hotel, the Little Station Bookshop, Heather Glen, the Old Schoolhouse, Glenbriar High, Loch Briar and plenty of other familiar places.
You'll find friendship, family, humour, community, drama and romance.
You'll find second chances, friends to lovers, grumpy sunshine, fake relationships, reunions, opposites attract and plenty of other romance tropes along the way.
And, naturally, you'll find happy endings.
But there's a milestone coming...
The contemporary Glenbriar Series will reach Book 20 in October 2026.
That feels slightly surreal to say.
Twenty books. Twenty love stories. One fictional Highland town.
And yet, although Book 20 marks the end of this particular series, it isn't the end of Glenbriar.
Because I've already been planning what comes next.
THE FUTURE: The Glenbriar Castle Series
If you've been reading the Glenbriar books in order, this is the bit you're going to want to know about.
Glenbriar is carrying on.
In 2027, the story moves beyond the village itself and up to the magnificent Dairvin Castle, on the shores of Loch Briar.
Welcome to the Glenbriar Castle Series.
The first book will be Rivals at the Castle, launching in 2027.
And this isn't a completely new world. It's the same Glenbriar universe.
In fact, for readers following the series in order, the Castle Series will continue directly from where the contemporary Glenbriar Series leaves off.
So if you've followed the characters from Book 1 onwards, you won't simply be saying goodbye to them when you finish Book 20.
You'll be stepping into the next chapter.
A castle, a family and some new romances
The Castle Series introduces the Bruce family and the world of Dairvin Castle.
It's a rather grander setting than some of Glenbriar's familiar village locations, but the heart of the stories will remain the same.
Romance. Friendship. Family. Community. Humour. And, of course, happily-ever-afters.
There will be familiar faces alongside new characters, and the wider Glenbriar community will still be very much part of the story.
So while the setting might become a little more aristocratic...
Don't worry. Glenbriar isn't going away.
Three Series. One Glenbriar.
And that's what makes this next stage of the Glenbriar universe so exciting to me.
I don't just have another series planned.
I have a whole history to explore.
🏹 The Past
Travel back through the centuries to discover the romances, secrets, conflicts and characters who shaped the land long before modern-day Glenbriar existed.
Starting with an epic historical romance set in AD 84/85 during the Roman occupation of Caledonia.
❤️ The Present
Twenty interconnected contemporary Scottish romances set in a fictional Highland town inspired by Highland Perthshire.
Different couples.
Different happily-ever-afters.
Familiar faces.
One community.
And Book 20 arrives in October 2026.
🏰 The Future
Beginning in 2027, the story continues at Dairvin Castle and follows the next chapter of the Glenbriar universe.
New romances.
New characters.
Familiar connections.
And a story that picks up where the original Glenbriar Series leaves off.
Where Should You Start Reading Glenbriar?
If you're completely new to Glenbriar, the best place to begin is Stolen Kisses at the Loch View Hotel, the first full-length Glenbriar romance.
That's where you'll meet the town and begin discovering the people, places and connections that grow throughout the series.
You can also start with my free story, New Beginnings in Glenbriar, if you'd like a shorter introduction before committing to the full series.
And although I recommend reading the contemporary books in order if you want to experience all the connections and watch Glenbriar develop, every Margaret Amatt romance is written to work as a standalone story.
So there's no need to panic when you see the words twenty-book series!
You can simply pick the story that catches your eye.
Although...
I have been known to hear from readers who planned to read just one Glenbriar book.
And then somehow found themselves reading them all.
You've been warned.
If you prefer listening to audiobooks, the first 2 stories are available now, with more planned for next year!
Glenbriar is only getting started
When I first created Glenbriar, I never imagined I'd still be discovering new corners of it all these books later.
But that's the wonderful thing about fictional places.
Once they become real enough in your imagination, they start developing lives of their own.
And Glenbriar has plenty of life left in it.
There are stories in its past.
Stories unfolding in its present.
And stories waiting for us in the future.
So whether you're already a Glenbriar regular or you've never visited before, there's plenty more to discover.
Past. Present. Future.
Three eras.
One Highland community.
And a whole lot of romance.
Welcome to Glenbriar.
I hope you'll stay awhile. ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions About Glenbriar
Is Glenbriar a real place in Scotland?
No. Glenbriar is a fictional Highland town created by Scottish romance author Margaret Amatt. It is inspired by the landscapes, villages and atmosphere of Highland Perthshire, including the area around Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, and Pitlochry.
Although Glenbriar doesn't appear on a real map, its lochs, hills, businesses and community are brought to life throughout the series.
How many books are in the Glenbriar Series?
The original Glenbriar Series contains 20 contemporary Scottish romance novels. Each book follows a different couple and has its own happily-ever-after, while recurring characters, friendships and locations connect the stories.
Book 20, Holly Dates at the Christmas Cottage, concludes the original contemporary Glenbriar Series in October 2026.
Do I need to read the Glenbriar books in order?
No. Every Glenbriar romance is designed to work as a standalone story, so you can pick up any book that catches your eye.
However, if you enjoy seeing characters return, watching relationships develop and discovering connections between the books, reading the series in order gives you the fullest Glenbriar experience.
What should I read first in Glenbriar?
If you're new to Glenbriar, start with Stolen Kisses at the Loch View Hotel, the first full-length Glenbriar romance.
If you'd prefer to take a shorter first visit, New Beginnings in Glenbriar is a free short story that offers an introduction to the community.
What is the Glenbriar Castle Series?
The Glenbriar Castle Series is the next chapter of the Glenbriar universe. Set at Dairvin Castle on the shores of Loch Briar, it introduces new romances and characters while continuing the story of the wider Glenbriar community.
For readers following the books in order, the Castle Series continues directly from the original Glenbriar Series.
When does the Glenbriar Castle Series start?
The Glenbriar Castle Series begins in 2027 with Rivals at the Castle.
The series will continue the Glenbriar story beyond the original 20 contemporary romances, bringing readers new characters, new love stories and plenty of familiar connections.
What is the Glenbriar Legacy Series?
The Glenbriar Legacy Series explores the history of Glenbriar, travelling back through different periods long before the contemporary romances take place.
The first Legacy story is a historical romance set in AD 84/85, during the Roman occupation of Caledonia, almost 2,000 years before the modern-day Glenbriar stories.
Are the Glenbriar Legacy books contemporary or historical romance?
The Glenbriar Legacy books are historical romances set in different periods of Glenbriar's past.
The first story is a significant departure from Margaret Amatt's usual cosy contemporary Scottish romances, featuring Romans, Caledonians, ancient settlements, battles, danger, political intrigue and betrayal — with a love story and happy ending at its heart.
Is Glenbriar inspired by a real part of Scotland?
Yes. Although Glenbriar itself is fictional, Margaret Amatt draws inspiration from Highland Perthshire, the part of Scotland where she lives and the surrounding landscapes, villages and communities she knows.
The fictional setting allows her to capture the atmosphere and character of the area without tying the stories to one specific real-life town.
What kind of romance books are the Glenbriar novels?
The Glenbriar books are cosy contemporary Scottish romances featuring different couples, interconnected characters, community, humour, beautiful Highland settings and happy endings.
Popular romance tropes throughout the series include friends to lovers, second chances, grumpy sunshine, fake relationships, reunions, opposites attract and more.
Can I read the Glenbriar Castle Series without reading the original series?
Yes, the Glenbriar Castle Series stands completely independently for those who have not read the original Glenbriar Series, and each book within the series can also be read as a standalone.
About the author
Margaret Amatt is a Scottish romance author writing cosy, uplifting romances set in Scotland. Her Glenbriar books are inspired by the landscapes and atmosphere of Highland Perthshire, where she lives. After building the contemporary Glenbriar world across twenty novels, she's now exploring both its historical past and its future.
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