A charming holiday story from author Jenny Colgan - if you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed! The story centers around recently unemployed Carmen who struggles with a sense of failure in comparison with her “perfect” sister. But for me, the star of the show was definitely the Edinburgh bookshop where Carmen takes on the challenge of turning the business around during the upcoming Christmas season. To round out the plot are developing relationships between Carmen and her sister, her nieces and nephew, and two possible, but distinctly different, romantic relationships.

Although I found a couple of the subplots to be a bit underwhelming, this was an entertaining read for the holiday season!


FYI - I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The main distraction in this book is that I was simultaneously planning my own trip to Edinburgh while reading it.

I love that previous characters popped by the bookshop, keeping the cozy community feel of all Jenny Colgan’s books alive and well.

I also enjoyed that this wasn’t as romantic as some of her others have felt. It was more or less about Carmen finally starting to find her footing in the world.

Enjoyable as a standalone, but I wouldn’t hate to read about Carmen, Oke, or Sofia and the kids again.

Running a bookshop in posh Edinburgh is not where Carmen ever imagined herself to be. Between losing her job in the village and her meddling mother pushing her daughters to get along, she has little choice in the matter. Old Mr. McCredie’s archaic bookshop is on the brink of ruin and his lawyer (her sister) Sofia arranges for Carmen to revitalize the store in time for the busy and profitable holiday season. Saving the sweet man’s business and maybe her little sisters future as well - perfect Sofia, with her immaculate home and three adorably feisty children could use some help around the house, as she is pregnant yet again. Initially feeling sorry for herself Carmen admits she has few options and succumbs to Sofia’s plan. Amazingly Carmen learns she has quite the knack for bookshop revitalization. It doesn’t hurt one bit that she enjoys some harmless flirtation with the handsome visiting author Blair and is smitten by the sexy Brazilian student named Oke. As Christmas approaches Carmen gets quite attached to her nieces and nephews and learns her annoyingly accomplished sister isn’t so bad after all. Set in the magnificence of Scotland, this charming HEA is the absolute perfect treat for the holidays.

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan was utterly satisfying and pleasurable. I love Jenny Colgan books and this was up there with my favorites she has written. It was set in Edinburgh UK and had a strong sense of place; I could picture the bookshop and city very clearly, and increased my desire to visit. There is a focus on romance, as the main character tries to decide between two very different men, but actually the main story seemed to me to be more about the evolution of a relationship between sisters - one very successful and one not. I loved the characters and it was the kind of book that leaves you feeling sad it’s finished. It is a standalone book and definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit. Highly recommend for Jenny Colgan, Beth O’Leary, and Libby Page fans.

I ended up not finishing this book. In a different season of life I really loved this author but unfortunately her books haven’t connected with me as much recently. This is definitely a me thing, as my reading tastes have changed.

Jenny Colgan has become one of my favorite authors and her new book, The Christmas Bookshop did not disappoint. Colgan always knows how to add just the right mix of romance, humor, and touch of suspense. Being that this was set in the Christmas season made it a perfect read for December. Just when I think I have read my favorite book by Jenny Colgan she writes another! This one is a 5-star read and Colgan fans are going to devour it. Highly recommend.

Jenny Colgan remains the undefeated queen of the cozy Christmas novel. This book was just lovely. I was so pleased by the substance of what could have been a typical rom-com. I loved the relationship between Carmen and Sophia and how it changed over time. I fell in love with the Young Mr. Mccready and the children. It was everything I’m looking for in a seasonal read.

I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this festive Christmas book about a bookshop. When I first picked this up I didn’t like Carmen at all. I thought I was not going to get on well with this book, but decided to give it a few more chapters and boy, am I glad I did!! Carmen was one of those characters that grows so much throughout the story that you just can’t wait to pick up the book to find out what she’s up to next. There are so many wonderful and endearing characters, all with interesting stories.
I love Jenny’s writing. She was able to weave a beautiful Christmas story along with interesting stories about each character. Their different stories kept me engaged and wanting to turn the pages to know more about them.
The book is about a failing bookshop and a down on her luck girl that are brought together during the Christmas season to help each other. I loved everything about this book and will look forward to reading more by Jenny Colgan

What a lovely, humorous, and heartwarming story. I was thoroughly immersed in Colgan's vividly-portrayed characters, her enchanting descriptions of Edinburgh with its historic architecture, lively festivals, and quiet beauty, and the trials and tribulations of the Hogan sisters. I have to admit, I wasn't overly fond of either Carmen or Sofia at the start of the book. Colgan digs deep into each character as she guides them on their journey through animosity and jealousy into genuine friendship. There's plenty of growth for each of them along the way and it wasn't long before I was invested in both of them and cheering them on.

The characters in this book - both primary and secondary - are so fully developed and vibrantly depicted. I'm firmly convinced they are all real people and I want to spend time with them. Well...some of them. Definitely Mr. McCredie. He's such an endearing man. I loved seeing him blossom under Carmen's influence while also enjoying the impact he had on her. Sofia's children are a large part of the story, especially as it pertains to Carmen's evolution. Each of them is unique, fully crafted, and pertinent to the story, but it was little Phoebe, in particular, who captured my heart. Her scenes with Carmen were some of my favorites in the book.

As for romance, there's a fair sprinkling of that as well along with a bit of an emotional triangle (nothing beyond kisses and only after her decision was made). Though I knew which direction I wanted Carmen to go, the author kept me wondering until close to the end. Her ultimate decision though was what I was hoping for and I was happily satisfied with the choice.

If you're looking for a heartwarming tale, set in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a focus on family, self-discovery, and a friendship that just might turn into the love of your life, all wrapped up in a big Christmas bow, pick up a copy of The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. It has my enthusiastic and heartfelt recommendation.

ARC received for fair and unbiased review

I loved this book, it is the perfect read. When Carmen uses the only jib she has ever had, her sister takes her in and helps her. It is a heartwarming story and I look forward to reading more by this author.


** I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**

This book is a cute holiday read. Carmen couldn't be more different from her sister Sofia. Will the holidays bring them together? This has the perfect setting of an old bookshop and winter scenes.

I always enjoy Jenny Colgan's books. They're character driven and the characters are quirky and interesting. And I love the settings! This is the first I've read that is set in Edinburgh, and now I would love to visit!

Christmas in an Edinburgh bookshop sounds like heaven! The description of this book sounded perfect to me. However, the execution of the story left me wanting more. The good: a bookshop at Christmas was a great setting. I enjoyed seeing the shop change and improve under the influence of Carmen. There's also a lot of heart and community with the characters in the story. Pippa and Phoebe were hands down the best characters. It was also fun to have a few crossover characters from other stories. However, Carmen is not very likable; she's selfish, immature and frankly just annoying...a terrible sister. I never liked her. Also, there is ALOT going on in this story; so many side stories and characters it was hard to keep up, and you never got to go deep into any of them. By the end of the book, everything was so twisted I was ready for it to end; you knew what the ending was going to be and it just felt dragged out.

Another fun Christmas story by Jenny Colgan based in a cute village in an old bookstore. The character of Carmen was very likeable and it's nice to see her develop a better relationship with her sister and nieces and nephew throughout the courses of the story. Carmen also has two romantic interests, and both make for a fun read. The story flows well and never drags. All in all, a recommended feel-good Christmas read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Christmas Bookshop hit all the marks for me. It's set in Edinburgh at Christmastime, which is the most magical backdrop, and I now have an overwhelming need to visit Scotland, as I do after reading any Jenny Colgan book. It offered a little romance, but even more self-discovery, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between the sisters.

Read this book if you...
- Would love to visit Scotland at Christmastime
- Have ever wanted to own (or work in) a bookstore
- Love your sister but she drives you a little bit crazy
- Just want a feel-good read for the holiday season!

After Carmen loses her job, she moves to Edinburgh to live with her perfect sister (and her kids and the nanny) and work in Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. The bookshop is in danger of closing if they don’t turn a profit. Can Carmen use her Christmas magic to save the bookshop?

This book felt like Christmas! This is classic Jenny Colgan: books and the holidays. I loved Carmen’s growth as a character. I also loved Sophia’s kids - they were funny.

Thanks to @NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House for my ARC!

This was such a sweet book with all the happy Christmas feels. Carmen moves in with her sister Sophia to help her out as she is expecting her fourth baby and Carmen is going to work in the bookshop of Sophia's client. The two sisters have a contentious relationship and grow closer during their time together. There is also a romance thrown in. Carmen meets two men who couldn't be more different than each other.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the beautiful descriptions of Edinburgh at Christmas time. Also Carmen's work at the bookshop and her friendship with her boss.

What didn't work for me was Carmen's personality. Sometimes she was plain mean. I also didn't feel like the romance was fully developed.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a few of the books in Jenny Colgan's bookshop series, and this was a great addition for Christmas. Pretty much exactly what you would expect from this just based on the cover and title.

I started my Christmas themed reading with this book. This story was a a little slow for me at times, but I think I was just eager to find out the solution and if the efforts paid off. There was a moment that I thought I could predict what was going to happen and was happily mistaken. Overall, it was a good read and am glad I had it!

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publishers for this copy in exchange for an honest review!

Jenny Colgan can be counted on to write an engaging Christmas novel every year and this year is no exception. The Christmas Bookshop is set in Scotland. Colgan portrays Edinburgh and brings it to life. I had never known that Edinburgh was so hilly! Mr. McC’s bookshop also is described in a way that makes it feel so real in all its initial scruffiness and then as it slowly transforms.

Protagonist Carmen chose not to attend university but rather continued to work at her local department store…until it closed and Carmen found herself unemployed. Meanwhile her sister Sofia seems to have it all. She has the job, the house, the husband and is pregnant with her fourth child.

Carmen travels to Edinburgh to stay with Sofia. Sofia finds her the position in the bookshop and from here the story moves forward. There are several characters whom readers feel will vie for Carmen’s affection. One is a disaffected self-help book author while another is a bookshop customer.

Readers can enjoy this story knowing that all will end well. Watch the bookstore begin to thrive (I love bookstores in books) and wait for Carmen to find happiness.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.