Scan barcode
berodatheelf's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found the beginning to be a little slow going, however, it started to pick up when Carmen started working for the bookshop. It was lovely to see her develop in confidence throughout the book. I also enjoyed her developing relationship with her family, especially with her sister, nephew and nieces. The slow burn romance with Oke was fun, although I did want to lock them in a room together at times and force them to communicate (Although it would have been a much shorter book if they had!) My main take away from this book is that I really want to visit Edinburgh!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Pregnancy
lsmith725's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was very cute and wholesome. We have so many heartwarming relationships that develop over the course of this book: family, romantic, friendship. There's a bookshop and Christmas vibes. What more could you want. The children in this book are SO funny and cute. Sure it's not the most action packed and there isn't any spice, but if a lovely, sweet Christmas read about a girl finding her place in life and learning to love those around her sounds like what you need, this will deliver.
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy
geerbeer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Medical content, Classism, Fatphobia, and Alcohol
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first festive read of the month and I absolutely devoured it! Cosy and utterly heartwarming The Christmas Bookshop was just what I needed to get me into the Christmas spirit.
Jenny Colgan’s writing is always soo beautifully descriptive and the character driven stories so compelling— And this one is no different.
The characters we meet were all utterly fascinating and loveable— (except for Skylar and Blair) and I adored the found family-esque dynamics that protagonist Carmen finds in struggling Bookshop owner Mr McCredie, and the tight-knit group of business owners who work on the same street.
But what I loved the most (besides the wonderfully bookish setting) was the exploration into family and complex sisterly bonds that I found pretty relatable. There is some romance (which I really enjoyed) but I felt Carmen’s emotional journey to self acceptance (and reconnecting with older sister Sofia) were a bigger focus of the story.
Nevertheless, a really enjoyable feel good read that festive fiction lovers should definitely consider picking up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Cursing, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
Minor: Alcohol and War
soph22's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Maybe it’s because I know Edinburgh at Christmas time but this book really spoke to me. I loved all the characters and the festive feelings - finally a book that feels like it’s Christmassy, not just set at Christmas! I’ll happily read the sequel next year!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Pregnancy
Moderate: Cursing and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Body shaming, and Bullying
markedwithanm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship and Pregnancy
Moderate: Bullying and War
dolores_madil's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was such a cute story it was a nice holiday read that had some more hard hitting truths then you average Hallmark Christmas movie. It definitely gave me the feels of one but then it will hit your with reality when you lease expect it but it is still good. Also this is a sweet romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: War, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Grief
kdickin3's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really cute Christmas read.
A little slow at first, wasn't sure where it was going. But definitely good in the second half and the end is pretty perfect!
A little slow at first, wasn't sure where it was going. But definitely good in the second half and the end is pretty perfect!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol and Pregnancy
anton13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Well that was interesting. When I bought it I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy it. It looked and sounded like a book I’d be bored by, but as I read on I quickly realized how enjoyable the characters (with some exceptions) where. I’m kind of sad to not get to hear more about the bookshop and how it’ll do after Christmas but honestly it brought me so much joy. It truly shows the Christmas spirit. The last 50 pages had me on the edge of my seat. I was truly scared she wouldn’t end up with the guy I wanted haha. I also love how Carmen stands up for her niece when she tells her that someone called her fat. It meant a lot to read. I can only imagine how happy they all are together now and I only wish I could get a name for the baby cause Tom/ Finn/ James/ Albert/ Captain America though very funny isn’t really doing it for me. Overall loved it and will reread.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Grief, Body shaming, and Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
lindsayerin's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy