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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 iskarly_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
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
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
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: Pregnancy and Alcohol
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, Body shaming, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
franticfreya's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia, Death of parent, and War