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jess_polishedcomma's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was a light, low-investment listen. I had a hard time liking a bunch of characters, but I think it was the intent of the author to make them a bit abrasive. I didn't really buy the romance arc, to be honest; I found it to be more of a side plot rather than being significant enough to call this a "romance".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Fatphobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Gun violence and Pedophilia
There is discussion of a POW not of majority age who isccondon07's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Loved the setting of the story. I thought the profanity was unnecessary. I was offended by the dogs at Christianity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
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: Body shaming, Cursing, and Fatphobia
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: Body shaming, Bullying, and Alcohol
corrabelle4493's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a fast post-christmas read. I took it out before christmas, started reading it after christmas but had to return it to the library so I borrowed the audio version.
The book was charming and I enjoyed the part I read out of the paper/physical book but the audio version was borderline fingernails to a chalkboard.
The narration of the main character's voice was like the Edinburgh version of a valley girl. She may as well have been cast in "clueless"... which I found strange, because the voice of everyone else in the book was absolutely fine.
Unfortunately, this shaped my view of the main character more than I'd imagined it would and probably more than is fair.
I usually like Jenny Colgan books but the story in this seemed to drag a bit and had far more profanity than necessary (especially for a Christmas book.)
The book was charming and I enjoyed the part I read out of the paper/physical book but the audio version was borderline fingernails to a chalkboard.
The narration of the main character's voice was like the Edinburgh version of a valley girl. She may as well have been cast in "clueless"... which I found strange, because the voice of everyone else in the book was absolutely fine.
Unfortunately, this shaped my view of the main character more than I'd imagined it would and probably more than is fair.
I usually like Jenny Colgan books but the story in this seemed to drag a bit and had far more profanity than necessary (especially for a Christmas book.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
darylreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing