Reviews with content warning for Body shaming - The Christmas Bookshop

Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

5 reviews

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

soph22's review against another edition

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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

anton13's review against another edition

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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

larareads's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

Content Warnings

atamano's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.75

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