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The Christmas Bookshop #1
The Christmas Bookshop
Perfect for the holidays! A brand-new heartwarming Christmas novel from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas at the Island Hotel.
When the department store she works in closes for good, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. She doesn’t want to move in with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered Edinburgh life.
Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want Carmen there either. Her sister has always been sarcastic and difficult. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs a retail assistant for his ailing bookshop, so welcoming Carmen might still have some benefits for everyone.
At Sofia’s behest, Carmen is thrown into the daily workings of old Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the streets of the old dark city. Can she use her design skills to revamp the store and bring it back to popularity in time to benefit from Christmas shopping traffic? Can she choose between bad boy literary rock star Blair and quiet Quaker student Oke? And will she heal the rift with the most important people of all: her family?
When the department store she works in closes for good, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. She doesn’t want to move in with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered Edinburgh life.
Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want Carmen there either. Her sister has always been sarcastic and difficult. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs a retail assistant for his ailing bookshop, so welcoming Carmen might still have some benefits for everyone.
At Sofia’s behest, Carmen is thrown into the daily workings of old Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the streets of the old dark city. Can she use her design skills to revamp the store and bring it back to popularity in time to benefit from Christmas shopping traffic? Can she choose between bad boy literary rock star Blair and quiet Quaker student Oke? And will she heal the rift with the most important people of all: her family?
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
About the author
Jenny Colgan
109 books9,824 followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,022 reviews
December 3, 2021
I can't think of a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with this book! This book was like a warm cup of cocoa on a cold day! It just gave me that fuzzy feeling that I can't get enough of during the holidays.
A bookstore, a story of starting over? Umm yes please! If that wasn't enough- let's throw in a good boy- bad boy love triangle! Sign this girl up!
When Carmen finds herself with no job, no man and no plan...Well she decides she has nothing to lose by moving in with her very pregnant sister and helping her out. Little does she realize that it will lead to her trying to save a lovely but rundown bookshop.
I absolutely loved the dynamics at play between the characters! Filled full of some of my favorite things...books, Christmas and a little drama! What was not to love? Will Carmen save the day? Will she choose naughty or nice? My lips are sealed!
Huge shoutout to Bibliolifestyle and William Morrow for my gifted copy!
A bookstore, a story of starting over? Umm yes please! If that wasn't enough- let's throw in a good boy- bad boy love triangle! Sign this girl up!
When Carmen finds herself with no job, no man and no plan...Well she decides she has nothing to lose by moving in with her very pregnant sister and helping her out. Little does she realize that it will lead to her trying to save a lovely but rundown bookshop.
I absolutely loved the dynamics at play between the characters! Filled full of some of my favorite things...books, Christmas and a little drama! What was not to love? Will Carmen save the day? Will she choose naughty or nice? My lips are sealed!
Huge shoutout to Bibliolifestyle and William Morrow for my gifted copy!
December 11, 2021
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan is a 2021 William Morrow publication.
Sisters, Sofia, and Carmen embark on very different lifestyles as adults. Carmen decided to forego higher education, and up until recently worked in retail. Sofia is, by comparison, an overachiever- law practice, happy marriage, 3 kids with one on the way- big house, and all the trimmings.
Over time, Carmen has grown resentful of Sofia and the remarks aimed at Carmen for not measuring up, though she does have an underutilized flair for design.
Now that Carmen is out of a job, Sofia, buckling under pressure from her mother, has found a job her sister might be suited for. One of her clients owns a rare book shop that will not survive much longer unless it begins to turn a profit - Immediately!
Can Carmen save the shop? Well, it is Christmas, and a famous author has agreed to do a book signing at the store…
Meanwhile, Sofia and Carmen are still tiptoeing around each other, either critical or jealous of the other’s choices. Enter a student named Skylar, who is the nanny to Sofia’s children, and a bookshop owner with a mysterious past, and you have the makings of a perfect Christmas storm...
Well, the news is not good. My holiday reading this year has been delightful, but I hit a snag with this one.
There are too many characters to keep up with, too many threads, and an odd interlude with a coven of witches that felt out of place, and found some of their remarks disrespectful to the religious aspects of Christmas, which I found off putting.
I found I could not connect with any of the characters… not a single one- well, I take that back- I didn’t mind the bookshop owner. His story, ironically, had the most depth, but got lost in the busyness of the story.
Even the children, who are normally an easy source of delight, failed to penetrate my emotions, and the conclusion was… I don’t know. It just didn’t work for me, though I really did want it to.
Overall, I’m afraid this one, for me at least, was a dud. Others, though, have loved it- so don’t let me deter you from giving it a try.
2.5 stars
Sisters, Sofia, and Carmen embark on very different lifestyles as adults. Carmen decided to forego higher education, and up until recently worked in retail. Sofia is, by comparison, an overachiever- law practice, happy marriage, 3 kids with one on the way- big house, and all the trimmings.
Over time, Carmen has grown resentful of Sofia and the remarks aimed at Carmen for not measuring up, though she does have an underutilized flair for design.
Now that Carmen is out of a job, Sofia, buckling under pressure from her mother, has found a job her sister might be suited for. One of her clients owns a rare book shop that will not survive much longer unless it begins to turn a profit - Immediately!
Can Carmen save the shop? Well, it is Christmas, and a famous author has agreed to do a book signing at the store…
Meanwhile, Sofia and Carmen are still tiptoeing around each other, either critical or jealous of the other’s choices. Enter a student named Skylar, who is the nanny to Sofia’s children, and a bookshop owner with a mysterious past, and you have the makings of a perfect Christmas storm...
Well, the news is not good. My holiday reading this year has been delightful, but I hit a snag with this one.
There are too many characters to keep up with, too many threads, and an odd interlude with a coven of witches that felt out of place, and found some of their remarks disrespectful to the religious aspects of Christmas, which I found off putting.
I found I could not connect with any of the characters… not a single one- well, I take that back- I didn’t mind the bookshop owner. His story, ironically, had the most depth, but got lost in the busyness of the story.
Even the children, who are normally an easy source of delight, failed to penetrate my emotions, and the conclusion was… I don’t know. It just didn’t work for me, though I really did want it to.
Overall, I’m afraid this one, for me at least, was a dud. Others, though, have loved it- so don’t let me deter you from giving it a try.
2.5 stars
October 21, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up
Another cute book by Jenny Colgan. This is very loosely related to the Scottish Bookshop series, Ramsay, Zoe and the kids from The Bookshop on the Shore make some appearances, but mostly this novel is focused on Carmen and her family and can totally be read as a standalone. Carmen has never felt like she measures up next to her sister Sofia. Where Sofia is a successful lawyer with a big house, wonderful husband, three children and one on the way, Carmen still lives at home with her parents and is complacently working at the local department store. When the store closes down, Carmen reluctantly moves in with her sister in Edinburgh to help one of Sofia's clients try to make his bookshop turn a profit by Christmas.
This book has a bit of romance, with Carmen trying to choose between two very different men, but overall this is really the story of two sisters trying to set aside their previous notions of each other and the lives each lives and learn to meet in the middle. As I have mentioned in reviews of Colgan's previous books, she has a fantastic ability to write believable children's characters. The kids are a perfect balance to the adult characters and add humor and heart to the tale.
The one shortcoming with this book is the head hopping. It was really noticeable to me and a bit distracting when we are reading from Carmen's point of view and then all of a sudden the narrative switches to someone else's POV for a short while and then switches back. It's not a huge problem, as the strength of the story outweighs the problems.
There's a strong sense of place and setting here, readers are immersed into Edinburgh at Christmastime, and if I didn't want to visit already I definitely would after reading this book. It seems like a magical place with Edinburgh's Christmas (winter festival), all of the shops decorated, and the sounds and smells of the season.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Another cute book by Jenny Colgan. This is very loosely related to the Scottish Bookshop series, Ramsay, Zoe and the kids from The Bookshop on the Shore make some appearances, but mostly this novel is focused on Carmen and her family and can totally be read as a standalone. Carmen has never felt like she measures up next to her sister Sofia. Where Sofia is a successful lawyer with a big house, wonderful husband, three children and one on the way, Carmen still lives at home with her parents and is complacently working at the local department store. When the store closes down, Carmen reluctantly moves in with her sister in Edinburgh to help one of Sofia's clients try to make his bookshop turn a profit by Christmas.
This book has a bit of romance, with Carmen trying to choose between two very different men, but overall this is really the story of two sisters trying to set aside their previous notions of each other and the lives each lives and learn to meet in the middle. As I have mentioned in reviews of Colgan's previous books, she has a fantastic ability to write believable children's characters. The kids are a perfect balance to the adult characters and add humor and heart to the tale.
The one shortcoming with this book is the head hopping. It was really noticeable to me and a bit distracting when we are reading from Carmen's point of view and then all of a sudden the narrative switches to someone else's POV for a short while and then switches back. It's not a huge problem, as the strength of the story outweighs the problems.
There's a strong sense of place and setting here, readers are immersed into Edinburgh at Christmastime, and if I didn't want to visit already I definitely would after reading this book. It seems like a magical place with Edinburgh's Christmas (winter festival), all of the shops decorated, and the sounds and smells of the season.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
December 23, 2021
DNFing this at 70%.
I don't like the MC, Carmen, nor her sister, nephews, Blair or Oke. As a matter of fact, I didn't really like anything in it - hence the DNF (which I don't do often).
The plot: Carmen was recently fired from her job and is forced by circumstances to move in with her perfect sister in Edinburgh. There she is set to start a new job in a little bookshop that's about to be closed down, as the sales are pretty much non existent.
My issues: Carmen is a highly unlikable character. She's way too whiny and self centered for my taste and has an odd, dysfunctional relationship with her family.
Her sister Sophia is the goody two shoes type of person, with 3 "perfect" children, plus one on the way and there was nothing likeable or relatable about her either.
There's a love triangle and that's one of my most hated tropes in romance. But one of the guys, Oke, is quite alright (while also kinda meh though). While the other guy, called Blair, is an author and he's so damn insufferable - I am amazed by myself that I lasted so long and didn't throw the book much earlier 😂.
I'm a sucker for any book about reading, books or bookstores, even more so if it's mixed in with Christmas. But this one fell flat and that's why I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. Nothing enjoyable about it, except a small part where the focus is on rebranding the little bookstore, but even that's over so soon it's barely worth a mention.
I love Christmas novels, but this story was disjointed and boring. Would not recommend to anyone.
I don't like the MC, Carmen, nor her sister, nephews, Blair or Oke. As a matter of fact, I didn't really like anything in it - hence the DNF (which I don't do often).
The plot: Carmen was recently fired from her job and is forced by circumstances to move in with her perfect sister in Edinburgh. There she is set to start a new job in a little bookshop that's about to be closed down, as the sales are pretty much non existent.
My issues: Carmen is a highly unlikable character. She's way too whiny and self centered for my taste and has an odd, dysfunctional relationship with her family.
Her sister Sophia is the goody two shoes type of person, with 3 "perfect" children, plus one on the way and there was nothing likeable or relatable about her either.
There's a love triangle and that's one of my most hated tropes in romance. But one of the guys, Oke, is quite alright (while also kinda meh though). While the other guy, called Blair, is an author and he's so damn insufferable - I am amazed by myself that I lasted so long and didn't throw the book much earlier 😂.
I'm a sucker for any book about reading, books or bookstores, even more so if it's mixed in with Christmas. But this one fell flat and that's why I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. Nothing enjoyable about it, except a small part where the focus is on rebranding the little bookstore, but even that's over so soon it's barely worth a mention.
I love Christmas novels, but this story was disjointed and boring. Would not recommend to anyone.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
May 21, 2022Uh oh, Mulled Wine again... it's heaven's sign for me to drink this!!😉🍷🎄
But... this is a DNF for me. I can only listen to 25% and have no interest to continue. The premise sounds good, a woman moves to Edinburgh after losing her job. Lives with her perfect sister and her perfect family and works at a bookshop that's about to close its door due to bad business. Will she help turn the business around?
I don't know why, but it doesn't click with me- any of it. No rating.
But... this is a DNF for me. I can only listen to 25% and have no interest to continue. The premise sounds good, a woman moves to Edinburgh after losing her job. Lives with her perfect sister and her perfect family and works at a bookshop that's about to close its door due to bad business. Will she help turn the business around?
I don't know why, but it doesn't click with me- any of it. No rating.
December 17, 2023
Feeling a tad christmassy already?
Well, I was as you can tell by my book choice. 😉
This is a holiday concoction starring an imposter, a dendrologist and a naïve sister of a control freak delivering a deeper message on love and acceptance.
What worked for me are the following points:
❄️) Jenny Colgan induced me to Edinburgh, Scotland, which was the perfect infrastructure with its magical streets and ancient castles. So, the scene setting was just gorgeous!
❄️) Carmen as the main protagonist had to save a rustic library from going bankrupt launching a bunch of creative measures. Who wouldn’t want this opportunity once in a lifetime?
❄️) A hidden family saga that led all the way to Germany.
❄️) A fine selection of references to children’s Christmas books. Thank you very much. This came just in time.
A feel-good novel that served its purpose for me with its easy-to-consume language and little twist in the love story making the predictable process a bit unpredictable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Well, I was as you can tell by my book choice. 😉
This is a holiday concoction starring an imposter, a dendrologist and a naïve sister of a control freak delivering a deeper message on love and acceptance.
What worked for me are the following points:
❄️) Jenny Colgan induced me to Edinburgh, Scotland, which was the perfect infrastructure with its magical streets and ancient castles. So, the scene setting was just gorgeous!
❄️) Carmen as the main protagonist had to save a rustic library from going bankrupt launching a bunch of creative measures. Who wouldn’t want this opportunity once in a lifetime?
❄️) A hidden family saga that led all the way to Germany.
❄️) A fine selection of references to children’s Christmas books. Thank you very much. This came just in time.
A feel-good novel that served its purpose for me with its easy-to-consume language and little twist in the love story making the predictable process a bit unpredictable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Find me on instagram
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October 9, 2021
I feel so terrible leaving such a low review, but I genuinely loathed this book. Do not pick this up if you are looking for a magical Christmas book. Don't pick this up if you're looking for a heartwarming romance. And certainly don't pick this up if you want excitement, multi-dimensional characters or even just an interesting story. I was completely bored by this book and not at all invested in any of the 1-note characters, or anything they were doing, really.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #WilliamMorrow for a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #WilliamMorrow for a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2021
Another charming, light-hearted read by Jenny Colgan. The best parts were the bookshop descriptions (especially the window displays). I could picture every detail in my head and felt they were utterly magical. I wasn't sold on Carmen's romance and was more interested in the old bookshop owner than the petty squabbles between the two sisters. However, I wanted a feel-good story and that's what I got. I also enjoyed how the entire novel was a love letter to Edinburgh.
October 3, 2022
Actual Stars 3.75
Here’s another Christmas review friends! And this time it’s late because my brain is a scattered mess and I didn’t realize it was actually all done ready to be posted but for some reason just sitting on my phone. 🤦♀️
I’m super late to the party but I’ve finally read my very first Jenny Colgan book. And I can now say I’m a huge fan. I can’t believe it took me so long!
The Christmas Bookshop is a story about Carmen, a semi screwed up and now out of work retail clerk who’s first and only job was working at a department store that she started while still in high school..or Scotland’s equivalent to high school. 🤷♀️ With very little money and no job opportunities in her small town she grudgingly agrees to go and stay with her sister Sofia (the good sister) in the beautiful town of Edinburgh.
Carmen and Sofia live very different lives. She’s always been a bit jealous of her sister Sofia because of her “perfect” life. She has a beautiful, reconditioned classic Edinburgh home, a handsome husband, a great job, substantial finances, and 3 kids with one on the way. Carmen doesn’t have an education higher than high school, any type of home or even a boyfriend for that matter. Also, she barely knows anything about her nephew and nieces, including their names. And the new job she now has at a bookshop in the town’s shopping district is all thanks to Sofia, who does Mr. McCredie’s (Carmen’s boss) accounting.
The sisters have never been close so their living arrangement is a bit tedious. Especially when Carmen finds out on her first day on the job that she has been hired to completely revamp young (I have no idea why they call him this because he’s definitely not young) Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. She needs to save his store so that not only will he not lose the shop but his residence as well.
Carmen has the Christmas season to turn everything around for Mr. McCredie, choose between unexpected and completely opposite love interests, bad boy celebrity author Blair or quiet but reflective Quaker and university lecturer Oke, and try to split the rift with her sister. Can Carmen do it?
I wasn’t sure what to expect being this was my first Jenny Colgan book. It did start out a little slow, but soon I realized why she is so loved. JC’s writing completely sucked me into Sofia and Carmen’s life. The humor was great, after the initial slow start I was never bored. And Carmen’s relationship with the children especially touched my heart.
My favorite moments were Carmen’s disastrous children’s book readings and when Skylar (Sofia’s yoga and breathing solves everything Nanny) finally got what was coming to her!
This is the perfect feel good Christmas (really any day) book. Grab a blanket settle in and be prepared to clear your calendar. I guarantee you won’t regret it!
Here’s another Christmas review friends! And this time it’s late because my brain is a scattered mess and I didn’t realize it was actually all done ready to be posted but for some reason just sitting on my phone. 🤦♀️
I’m super late to the party but I’ve finally read my very first Jenny Colgan book. And I can now say I’m a huge fan. I can’t believe it took me so long!
The Christmas Bookshop is a story about Carmen, a semi screwed up and now out of work retail clerk who’s first and only job was working at a department store that she started while still in high school..or Scotland’s equivalent to high school. 🤷♀️ With very little money and no job opportunities in her small town she grudgingly agrees to go and stay with her sister Sofia (the good sister) in the beautiful town of Edinburgh.
Carmen and Sofia live very different lives. She’s always been a bit jealous of her sister Sofia because of her “perfect” life. She has a beautiful, reconditioned classic Edinburgh home, a handsome husband, a great job, substantial finances, and 3 kids with one on the way. Carmen doesn’t have an education higher than high school, any type of home or even a boyfriend for that matter. Also, she barely knows anything about her nephew and nieces, including their names. And the new job she now has at a bookshop in the town’s shopping district is all thanks to Sofia, who does Mr. McCredie’s (Carmen’s boss) accounting.
The sisters have never been close so their living arrangement is a bit tedious. Especially when Carmen finds out on her first day on the job that she has been hired to completely revamp young (I have no idea why they call him this because he’s definitely not young) Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. She needs to save his store so that not only will he not lose the shop but his residence as well.
Carmen has the Christmas season to turn everything around for Mr. McCredie, choose between unexpected and completely opposite love interests, bad boy celebrity author Blair or quiet but reflective Quaker and university lecturer Oke, and try to split the rift with her sister. Can Carmen do it?
I wasn’t sure what to expect being this was my first Jenny Colgan book. It did start out a little slow, but soon I realized why she is so loved. JC’s writing completely sucked me into Sofia and Carmen’s life. The humor was great, after the initial slow start I was never bored. And Carmen’s relationship with the children especially touched my heart.
My favorite moments were Carmen’s disastrous children’s book readings and when Skylar (Sofia’s yoga and breathing solves everything Nanny) finally got what was coming to her!
This is the perfect feel good Christmas (really any day) book. Grab a blanket settle in and be prepared to clear your calendar. I guarantee you won’t regret it!
November 19, 2022
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
I love reading Christmas stories especially when it involves a bookstore. Extremely delightful story revolved around family, friends and Carmen the main character who is thrown into saving a dying bookstore.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
I love reading Christmas stories especially when it involves a bookstore. Extremely delightful story revolved around family, friends and Carmen the main character who is thrown into saving a dying bookstore.
December 19, 2023
I’m DNFing this one- 🫣 I made it to about 65% and am so incredibly bored 🥱 It may pick up- but it’s obviously not my cup of tea. 😬
November 17, 2021
Happy Pub Day! 🥂📚🎄
Just a super happy book with all the feels with two sisters, one who does everything right and the other, who does the opposite. They’re forced together when Sophia, Ms. Perfect, but also likable, is close to deliver baby number four! Carmen, funny and snarky, loses her job and goes to LIVE with her sister to help out with her other three children while her husband is away on assignment far from home.
What starts out at, ‘this will never work,’ ends up a miraculous, holiday miracle with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Jenny writes the perfect Christmas story that has this reader smiling from ear to ear a half hour later! Exquisite!
Just a super happy book with all the feels with two sisters, one who does everything right and the other, who does the opposite. They’re forced together when Sophia, Ms. Perfect, but also likable, is close to deliver baby number four! Carmen, funny and snarky, loses her job and goes to LIVE with her sister to help out with her other three children while her husband is away on assignment far from home.
What starts out at, ‘this will never work,’ ends up a miraculous, holiday miracle with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Jenny writes the perfect Christmas story that has this reader smiling from ear to ear a half hour later! Exquisite!
December 4, 2022
This was a cute, cozy read for the holiday season. Initially I wasn’t too keen on Carmen, but she ended up growing on me. I also felt like there was enough going on in the story that it didn’t need a love triangle.
I loved the setting and atmosphere of Edinburgh as well as the bookshop. Mr. McCredie was adorable and I enjoyed the relationship that developed between him and Carmen as she tried to help him save his bookshop. That was probably my favorite part of the story as well as her interactions with her nieces and nephew. Overall, this was an enjoyable listen. 3.5 stars rounded up. 🎄
I loved the setting and atmosphere of Edinburgh as well as the bookshop. Mr. McCredie was adorable and I enjoyed the relationship that developed between him and Carmen as she tried to help him save his bookshop. That was probably my favorite part of the story as well as her interactions with her nieces and nephew. Overall, this was an enjoyable listen. 3.5 stars rounded up. 🎄
August 12, 2021
**I received this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway**
This is my first read from Jenny Colgan and it will not be my last!! If you want a wonderful, uplifting book, then this is the one! It has a Hallmark Christmas movie vibe, but that’s not a bad thing. I love the characters and did find myself smiling quite a bit!! Really enjoyed the writing!!
This is my first read from Jenny Colgan and it will not be my last!! If you want a wonderful, uplifting book, then this is the one! It has a Hallmark Christmas movie vibe, but that’s not a bad thing. I love the characters and did find myself smiling quite a bit!! Really enjoyed the writing!!
October 31, 2021
Jenny Colgan is one of my go-to, feel-good authors, and I've never not liked one of her books. Still, The Christmas Bookshop only gets 3 stars from me. While a sweet story with a lovely setting (Edinburgh), this book follows the Jenny Colgan formula so strongly that there really are no surprises.
And in case you're wondering, here's the basic formula:
- Unfulfilled, lonely, single woman relocates to help family or find herself or start over
- She sets out to revamp a failing business, a bakery or bookshop or candy store
- She thinks this is a temporary gig, but comes to adore the business and the quirky locals
- She falls in love, often with the least likely of candidates
- She mends family relationships
- She finds true purpose and satisfaction in life
Not that there's anything wrong with these storyline elements, and not that every single one of the author's books includes absolutely all of these... but let's just say that The Christmas Bookshop sticks very, very closely to the pattern, and I felt like I could call the major plot beats from a mile away.
I liked the characters and the family elements, but would recommend many of the author's other books above this one.
And in case you're wondering, here's the basic formula:
- Unfulfilled, lonely, single woman relocates to help family or find herself or start over
- She sets out to revamp a failing business, a bakery or bookshop or candy store
- She thinks this is a temporary gig, but comes to adore the business and the quirky locals
- She falls in love, often with the least likely of candidates
- She mends family relationships
- She finds true purpose and satisfaction in life
Not that there's anything wrong with these storyline elements, and not that every single one of the author's books includes absolutely all of these... but let's just say that The Christmas Bookshop sticks very, very closely to the pattern, and I felt like I could call the major plot beats from a mile away.
I liked the characters and the family elements, but would recommend many of the author's other books above this one.
December 27, 2021
This is a lovely Christmas romance set in Scotland. Carmen Hogan is back to living with her parents after having lost her retail job. She is pushed to move to Edinburgh to take a job at a failing bookstore to try to help the old fellow who owns it turn a profit before Christmas. She will live with her hyper-successful lawyer sister, Sofia d'Angelo, who is expecting her fourth child. They live in a lovely old Georgian house and there's even a Swedish nanny to help with the three rambunctious children. What could be more perfect?
I really enjoyed the setting of this story, the dusty old bookshop, the wonderful descriptions of old Edinburgh at Christmas. The characters were so real--who doesn't recognize the sibling relationships depicted here? With romance in the air, which suitor will Carmen choose? A very charming read for the holiday season.
I really enjoyed the setting of this story, the dusty old bookshop, the wonderful descriptions of old Edinburgh at Christmas. The characters were so real--who doesn't recognize the sibling relationships depicted here? With romance in the air, which suitor will Carmen choose? A very charming read for the holiday season.
November 15, 2021
Carmen and her sister Sofia are two very different people. Sofia is an attorney, she has 3 kids, one on the way, and a lovely husband. Carmen lives with her parents and works at a department store. When the store closes, she is lost as to what she should do. Her sister suggests she moves in with her, and help one of her clients at his bookshop in Edinburgh's shopping district. While working there, she meets two men that she feels a connection to. Can she decide which is better for her?
I also loved the relationship between Sofia and Carmen. Seeing their bond grow, and letting their past differences go and learning to accept, and Love each other!
The descriptions of the shopping district, and the bookshop itself during Christmas was just so descriptive and it was lovely to escape into the story.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own
I also loved the relationship between Sofia and Carmen. Seeing their bond grow, and letting their past differences go and learning to accept, and Love each other!
The descriptions of the shopping district, and the bookshop itself during Christmas was just so descriptive and it was lovely to escape into the story.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own
December 11, 2022
Christmas 2022 - Naughty
DNF at 10%
I admit I didn't give this much of a chance, but the narrator of this audiobook had a voice that was displeasing to me, and that's never a good start. I have sometimes gotten past that if the story pulled me in, and this one definitely didn't. For some reason, the author created an obnoxious loser to present as the main character. I assume this provided the opportunity for lots of change and growth. But I also disliked the other successful sister and her spoiled, repugnant children. The sister, who was pregnant again, employed a drop-dead gorgeous nanny, and I suspect there would come the inevitable revelation that the husband was banging her. I don't care.
DNF at 10%
I admit I didn't give this much of a chance, but the narrator of this audiobook had a voice that was displeasing to me, and that's never a good start. I have sometimes gotten past that if the story pulled me in, and this one definitely didn't. For some reason, the author created an obnoxious loser to present as the main character. I assume this provided the opportunity for lots of change and growth. But I also disliked the other successful sister and her spoiled, repugnant children. The sister, who was pregnant again, employed a drop-dead gorgeous nanny, and I suspect there would come the inevitable revelation that the husband was banging her. I don't care.
December 14, 2023
I enjoyed the wintery setting of Edinburgh and its seasonal vibes in The Christmas Bookshop, where Carmen finds herself reluctantly accepting a job through her sister’s client at a bookshop on the verge of closing. Carmen doesn’t feel she was properly informed about the dire state of the shop before arriving and while she’s grateful for her sister setting up the arrangement, it’s not smooth sailing between the two of them.
Add in 3 active children, a 4th on the way, a frustrating young nanny, the bookshop owner, plus a few other new-to-town residents, and you have the picturesque small town setup for a holiday read. I didn’t always like Carmen the main as she felt immature and put out by her own decisions, but she grew on me more as the story progressed.
Add in 3 active children, a 4th on the way, a frustrating young nanny, the bookshop owner, plus a few other new-to-town residents, and you have the picturesque small town setup for a holiday read. I didn’t always like Carmen the main as she felt immature and put out by her own decisions, but she grew on me more as the story progressed.
December 27, 2021
I read this book as one of my book clubs ( @booking_pretty_book_club ) picks for December.
**AUDIO BOOK VERSION**
The Christmas bookshop is a beautiful, fun, funny and cozy read by Jenny Colgan.
This book had not only Christmas vibes but the magic of Christmas within a family and community.
Carmen has been made redundant from the long term job she's had and is struggling to find anything else. Sophia (Carmen's sister) puts Carmen up and gets her a job helping to turn an old bookstore around to make a profit before it goes bust. Carmen and Sophia don't get on very well and there's resentment and jealousies on both sides.
Carmen isn't too pleased when she learns what she has been hired to do and feels set up.
I loved the multiple POVs in this book and I found listening to it on audible much nicer than if I'd read it physically (which I can't say about all books!). The narrator really brought the characters, settings and magic alive within this book and I didn't find it confusing in the slightest between each character.
This was the perfect Christmas read/listen for me and I'm so glad it was voted on as one of our December reads.
**AUDIO BOOK VERSION**
The Christmas bookshop is a beautiful, fun, funny and cozy read by Jenny Colgan.
This book had not only Christmas vibes but the magic of Christmas within a family and community.
Carmen has been made redundant from the long term job she's had and is struggling to find anything else. Sophia (Carmen's sister) puts Carmen up and gets her a job helping to turn an old bookstore around to make a profit before it goes bust. Carmen and Sophia don't get on very well and there's resentment and jealousies on both sides.
Carmen isn't too pleased when she learns what she has been hired to do and feels set up.
I loved the multiple POVs in this book and I found listening to it on audible much nicer than if I'd read it physically (which I can't say about all books!). The narrator really brought the characters, settings and magic alive within this book and I didn't find it confusing in the slightest between each character.
This was the perfect Christmas read/listen for me and I'm so glad it was voted on as one of our December reads.
December 8, 2022
The cover invited me in. Then I wanted to get out. I've elected to be nice and not naughty, hush my mouth, and behave myself because Santa Claus is coming to town.
December 24, 2022
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan is not my usual kind of book. It is a sweet romance about trying to save a store, facing fears and courage
December 24, 2021
Jenny Colgan's
The Christmas Bookshop
proves I’m all about the books about bookshops this season, but how can you resist?
Carmen’s life is falling apart—again. When she’s laid off from her department store job, her mother wants her to spend Christmas with her sister Sofia, but Carmen wants no part of it.
Sofia has her life together. She’s a successful attorney, has a beautiful house, a solid marriage, and three gorgeous children (with one on the way). She’s tired of bailing her sister out, but she can’t stand to hear their mother beg, so she gets Carmen a job helping a client with his struggling bookshop.
For the first time, Carmen feels a sense of purpose at Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. As she tries to help him get the store ready for perhaps its last Christmas season, she realizes how much she loves the store and the charm of historic Edinburgh. She also gets a chance for romance, but is torn between two men, although there really is only one right decision.
Colgan’s books are so charming. I love her protagonists and the way they fall in love with their surroundings. Edinburgh is on my bucket list (Scottish accents make me melt) so this book definitely made me want to travel there even more.
Is it predictable? Sure. Did I care? Not at all. The Christmas Bookshop was just a sweet, fun read for the holidays or anytime! Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary advance copy of the book!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Carmen’s life is falling apart—again. When she’s laid off from her department store job, her mother wants her to spend Christmas with her sister Sofia, but Carmen wants no part of it.
Sofia has her life together. She’s a successful attorney, has a beautiful house, a solid marriage, and three gorgeous children (with one on the way). She’s tired of bailing her sister out, but she can’t stand to hear their mother beg, so she gets Carmen a job helping a client with his struggling bookshop.
For the first time, Carmen feels a sense of purpose at Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. As she tries to help him get the store ready for perhaps its last Christmas season, she realizes how much she loves the store and the charm of historic Edinburgh. She also gets a chance for romance, but is torn between two men, although there really is only one right decision.
Colgan’s books are so charming. I love her protagonists and the way they fall in love with their surroundings. Edinburgh is on my bucket list (Scottish accents make me melt) so this book definitely made me want to travel there even more.
Is it predictable? Sure. Did I care? Not at all. The Christmas Bookshop was just a sweet, fun read for the holidays or anytime! Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary advance copy of the book!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
December 18, 2022
At the heart of this book are two sisters: Sophia and Carmen. Sophia is the older, perfectly controlled one who has it all. Carmen has to move in with Sophia and take a job in Edinburgh after her department store job becomes redundant. There were many surprises to be had in the reading. The bookshop where Carmen is sent to work was a diamond in the rough. Can Carmen help save the shop from bankruptcy? There is a bit of a love triangle that develops -- not hard to decide who she should choose. A number of quirky characters are introduced throughout. There is much for Carmen to discover including a growing relationship with her nephew and nieces and a mystery in her boss's past. Loved all the descriptions of Edinburgh at Christmastime. Sounds like a magical city. Now I definitely want to visit!
December 6, 2021
I usually love Jenny Colgan, but this one underwhelmed me. I found Carmen extremely irritating as a main character.
December 13, 2021
Bookshop settings are a favorite of mine and when you add in the holiday season, well, of course I was going to read this one. It was a pretty decent read, charming in its own way.
Carmen has lost her job and there aren't many opportunities to work in her area. She reluctantly agrees to move in with her sister, Sofia. The sisters are pretty much opposites in every way. Sofia is a successful lawyer and lives in a gorgeous home in Edinburgh with her husband and children. Neither sister is thrilled with this new living arrangement given their rocky relationship.
Carmen starts working at old Mr. McCredie's bookshop which is struggling to make ends meet. Will
Carmen be able to breathe some life into the shop and garner new business? And just what else is in store for Carmen this Christmas season?
The book can be classified as a romance but the author wisely chose to develop the character and some of the storylines first, before diving into Carmen's love life. I like how Carmen is a woman with flaws such as acting bratty at times with her sister and saying the wrong thing on occasion. So often female lead characters in these type of books are written like they are practically perfect in every way. Even though I found myself irritated by her at certain moments, she at least felt like a realistic character.
The story does go in a predictable direction but that's not a complaint as I expect and want that from a holiday read. The only small criticism I have is the random character POVs that popped up here and there. Either follow Carmen for 100% of the story or feature the other characters more so the transitions don't feel so jarring.
I'd recommend this book if you are in the mood for a Christmas read. It's not a perfect read but there's a lot here to enjoy as it celebrates so many of the positive aspects of the holiday season.
Thank you to Avon Romance for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Carmen has lost her job and there aren't many opportunities to work in her area. She reluctantly agrees to move in with her sister, Sofia. The sisters are pretty much opposites in every way. Sofia is a successful lawyer and lives in a gorgeous home in Edinburgh with her husband and children. Neither sister is thrilled with this new living arrangement given their rocky relationship.
Carmen starts working at old Mr. McCredie's bookshop which is struggling to make ends meet. Will
Carmen be able to breathe some life into the shop and garner new business? And just what else is in store for Carmen this Christmas season?
The book can be classified as a romance but the author wisely chose to develop the character and some of the storylines first, before diving into Carmen's love life. I like how Carmen is a woman with flaws such as acting bratty at times with her sister and saying the wrong thing on occasion. So often female lead characters in these type of books are written like they are practically perfect in every way. Even though I found myself irritated by her at certain moments, she at least felt like a realistic character.
The story does go in a predictable direction but that's not a complaint as I expect and want that from a holiday read. The only small criticism I have is the random character POVs that popped up here and there. Either follow Carmen for 100% of the story or feature the other characters more so the transitions don't feel so jarring.
I'd recommend this book if you are in the mood for a Christmas read. It's not a perfect read but there's a lot here to enjoy as it celebrates so many of the positive aspects of the holiday season.
Thank you to Avon Romance for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
December 23, 2022
A really delightful and atmospheric Christmas read. It would be hard to not feel the festive spirit when reading this book. I adored the bookshop setting and exploring more of Edinburgh in these pages.
December 28, 2023
Edinburgh setting was pretty much the only redeeming quality
December 7, 2021
I’m gonna have to say this is a 1.5.
I have to start with how much I dislike almost every single character. The main character is so annoying that I’m genuinely mad at her in real life lol. She’s a whiny brat that complains that she has nothing going for her even though she’s lazy and unmotivated to do anything besides work retail while her sister worked hard for what she has. She has a decent guy falling for her yet she wants the douchebag because he’s rich. Not to mention it’s so unlikely that this decent guy would fall for her when she’s so god damn annoying. The sister is annoying. The nanny is annoying. And the children are annoying.
Next is the writing. I’ve read almost 150 books this year alone, and this author’s writing has had me confused at a few different points who was speaking to whom. There’s no “blah blah blah” Oke said, “oh cool”, Carmen replied. It’s all just quote after quote after quote and using he and she the entire time, and I’ll find myself questioning... wait, when did Oke enter the room?
I just despise this book right now. How do you pair such a cute cover and an interesting synopsis with the most unlikeable characters? There’s not one character I like. I honestly question anyone who gives this book over 3 stars...
I have to start with how much I dislike almost every single character. The main character is so annoying that I’m genuinely mad at her in real life lol. She’s a whiny brat that complains that she has nothing going for her even though she’s lazy and unmotivated to do anything besides work retail while her sister worked hard for what she has. She has a decent guy falling for her yet she wants the douchebag because he’s rich. Not to mention it’s so unlikely that this decent guy would fall for her when she’s so god damn annoying. The sister is annoying. The nanny is annoying. And the children are annoying.
Next is the writing. I’ve read almost 150 books this year alone, and this author’s writing has had me confused at a few different points who was speaking to whom. There’s no “blah blah blah” Oke said, “oh cool”, Carmen replied. It’s all just quote after quote after quote and using he and she the entire time, and I’ll find myself questioning... wait, when did Oke enter the room?
I just despise this book right now. How do you pair such a cute cover and an interesting synopsis with the most unlikeable characters? There’s not one character I like. I honestly question anyone who gives this book over 3 stars...
July 12, 2021
This is 100% a Hallmark Christmas Movie in book form, so just lean in and enjoy it.
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