A review by surfpark
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

4.0

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop delivers a cozy, holiday-themed set in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. The novel centers around Carmen Hogan, the manager of McCredie's bookshop, as she navigates the unexpected intrusion of an American film crew intent on turning the historic locale into the backdrop for a cheesy Christmas movie.

The book, a sequel to [b:The Christmas Bookshop|56922701|The Christmas Bookshop|Jenny Colgan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625678992l/56922701._SX50_.jpg|88821639], follows the snarky Carmen, still crashing at her sister's house after her maternity leave ends. The romance aspect between Carmen and graduate student Oke plays out after the build-up from the first book.

The storyline follows a familiar trajectory of a small business facing a threat, the challenges facing the relationship, and a heartwarming resolution. While this formula can be comforting in holiday literature, the ending is highly predictable.

Despite its shortcomings, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop does have its moments of warmth and charm. The author's writing style is accessible, and the holiday spirit is well-captured. The book offers a pleasant escape, making it a good option for readers seeking a light and undemanding holiday read.