Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Got so much better towards the end!
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
I had a lot of fun with this book, and what I appreciate most is how simple the premise and execution were. I’ve never read any Jenny Colgan before, and with a title like The Christmas Bookshop, I thought I was heading into magical realism territory where people fall in love in an old, abandoned bookshop. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I loved what the book turned out to be.
Colgan’s characters walk that fine line between being relatable and real, while also giving you just enough suspension of disbelief to remind you that you’re reading fiction. Carmen, Blair, Oke—I found it so easy to love these characters. The little triangle between them had just enough tension that I would've been happy with either outcome.
Carmen gave off strong Emilia Clarke Last Christmas vibes—maybe that’s just because it’s also set at Christmas and involves working in a shop in the UK, but I thought the character was a lot of fun. She was written with such spunk and confidence, and even in moments of self-doubt, she remained true to who she was.
If I’m being honest, this book really only has a whisper of romance in it—just enough to keep you intrigued about how it will all work out in the end. And by the way, what a cliffhanger! The Christmas Bookshop scratched that holiday itch I had, and I can’t wait for next December to come around so I can read its sequel.
Colgan’s characters walk that fine line between being relatable and real, while also giving you just enough suspension of disbelief to remind you that you’re reading fiction. Carmen, Blair, Oke—I found it so easy to love these characters. The little triangle between them had just enough tension that I would've been happy with either outcome.
Carmen gave off strong Emilia Clarke Last Christmas vibes—maybe that’s just because it’s also set at Christmas and involves working in a shop in the UK, but I thought the character was a lot of fun. She was written with such spunk and confidence, and even in moments of self-doubt, she remained true to who she was.
If I’m being honest, this book really only has a whisper of romance in it—just enough to keep you intrigued about how it will all work out in the end. And by the way, what a cliffhanger! The Christmas Bookshop scratched that holiday itch I had, and I can’t wait for next December to come around so I can read its sequel.
This was a cute Christmas book with a happy ending just as you’d expect from a Jenny Colgan book. It was cute and light. Carmen finds herself and happiness in her little bookshop!
Jenny Colgan’s The Christmas Bookshop is a cozy holiday tale set in snowy Edinburgh. It follows Carmen, who reluctantly helps her sister revamp a struggling bookshop. The story blends family drama, second chances, and festive charm.
Colgan’s vivid descriptions bring the bookshop and holiday atmosphere to life, and Carmen’s growth is heartwarming. However, the pacing drags in places, and the romance feels underdeveloped.
Overall, it’s a feel-good read perfect for the season, especially for book lovers.
Colgan’s vivid descriptions bring the bookshop and holiday atmosphere to life, and Carmen’s growth is heartwarming. However, the pacing drags in places, and the romance feels underdeveloped.
Overall, it’s a feel-good read perfect for the season, especially for book lovers.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
No