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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 isshaleen64's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A festive feel good book that explores love in all its forms, romantic, platonic and familial.
The miscommunication trope is weaved throughout this book and highlights the importance of sharing how we feel and not deciding how others feel for them.
This book is worth the read if you like a festive novel, but I’ve not rated higher as the plot/characters are unlikely to stick with me.
The miscommunication trope is weaved throughout this book and highlights the importance of sharing how we feel and not deciding how others feel for them.
This book is worth the read if you like a festive novel, but I’ve not rated higher as the plot/characters are unlikely to stick with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Medical content
karly_ackley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming
izzy_v's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
5 stars for Christmas romance vibes, cute old cobblestone streets with snow and the adorable book shop, lovable characters. Knocked it down a star though because the ending felt a bit rushed (the love interest went zero to 100 in the last few chapters) and the main character was quite whiny. Did the job though, fit the vibes we were looking for in this read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
sarah_kate_london's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
a_random_fangirl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Pregnancy
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: Fatphobia, Medical content, Alcohol, and Classism
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