Thank you so much for the opportunity and privilege to review this book! Full review to come here and on the blog as I’m. Currently a but under the weather at the moment. I love books especially abt fixing up bookshops and this books looks adorable! Very excited to see how the relationship plays out between a angus & Alexandra.

Tis the season for finding love… and the perfect book

With just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…

Icelandic ex-bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.

When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing – and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.

It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again – until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð – Yule book flood – where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.

But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?

Another lively story about the Borrow-A-Bookshop and the seaside village of Clove Lore. It stands alone fine. Such lovely stories and characters. A very quick but comforting read.

Another thoroughly enjoyable instalment of the Borrow a Bookshop series. I read it in one sitting; couldn't seem to put it down! Some really nice and believable happy endings for almost everyone. An absolute joy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

With just two weeks until Christmas, everything in Clove Lore should be perfect. But the latest holidaymaker to the Borrow a Bookshop is feeling far from festive…
Icelandic ex bookseller Magnús Sturluson might be surrounded by love stories in the Bookshop, but he’s nursing a sadness that not even fiction can fix.
When Alexandra Robinson finds herself stranded in Clove Lore, she finds a safe place to hide from heartbreak. After all, all that’s waiting for her at home is a cheater boyfriend and the memories of her parents. As Alex finds herself embraced by the quirky village community, she finds her tough exterior thawing and as she grows closer to Magnús, she finds an equally soft heart under his gruff shell.
It seems that Clove Lore is working its magic once again until a great flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation in its wake. It’s up to Magnús and Alex to batten down the hatches and help bring the village back together again, while also introducing the locals to the Icelandic tradition of the jólabókaflóð Yule book flood where families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to exchange books and read together.
But can Magnús and Alex truly rescue the ruins of the village, and salvage their Christmas spirit? Or is there another complication lurking even closer than they thought?
Totally enjoyable read It was gripping totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Hera Books
I just reviewed Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar. #ChristmasattheBorrowaBookshop #NetGalley

Having absolutely loved the first book in the borrow a bookshop Series I was delighted to be able to read this one as part of my Christmas in July tradition.

This was the perfect escapism cosy read and was so much more than just a romantic read. Once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down as I was enthralled in the lives of the inhabitants of clove lore and the comings and going’s of the new resident bookseller Magnus holidaying at the borrow a book shop for the festive period where he meets Alex who finds herself in clove lore after escaping the turmoil of her current life. Can they both help each other to heal from
Their troubles and reignite some Christmas cheer and find happiness again? Can the magic of Clove lore help them to find a new purpose and direction in life?

This is also a story of community spirit and how so much more can be achieved if everyone can work together to help one another and how a little bit of kindness goes a long way.

This book can be read as a standalone but if you have read the previous book in the series you will see some of the characters we met then will also feature and was great to catch up with old friends from the previous book. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this lovely series and would love to be able to take a holiday like this in real life.

Cozy Christmas read. Second in a series, but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own

I really liked the atmosphere. With this hot weather, I was looking for some snowy things and Christmas things. The combination Bookshop / Christmas is perfect. I loved it.

This is the second book in the Borrow a Bookshop series. Though I haven't read the first one, I just couldn't resist jumping right in, and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know the people in the village and spending time with them. This was such a comforting read and I did not want it to end. Now, on to the first book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book.

Love a story about a bookshop, love an romance.

Great characters intertwined throughout and it makes you invested in their story too.

Would read again and recommend. .

What book lover wouldn’t want to borrow a bookshop on holiday? When Magnus, an Icelandic ex-bookshop owner, finds himself in Clove Lore staying at Borrow a Bookshop just before Christmas, he is nursing the pain from losing his own bookshop. Magnus is still pained by his failure when Alex, who is also dealing with pain of her own, turns up stranded in Clove Lote. Together they help each other start to heal and see all the Borrow a Bookshop has to offer.

Christmas at Borrow a Bookshop is the first Borrow a Bookshop book I have read and it can definitely stand by itself. I didn’t know what to expect when I first started this book, but knew that the description was calling to me. This turned out to be a great book that was so much more than I ever expected. I really enjoyed how the story was told in multiple different view points l, giving the reader different insights into the residence of Clove Lore. This book was so much more than your typical Christmas romance and it is definitely worth the read. I’m going to have to go back and read the first Borrow a Bookshop book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Perfect cosy Christmas read, although it is the second book in this series it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Romance, drama and quirky village life this book has it all. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop is second in the series after The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar.

I love how NetGalley introduces me to new authors. After reading Borrow a Bookshop Holiday, I liked Kiley's writing and when I next needed a romance in my reading found Christmas at Frozen Falls and enjoyed that as well.

So ... back to the book at hand Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop. Basically run-away girl is plucked from the ocean by an Icelandic man running away from his own business woes. And then tragedy strikes the seaside hamlet of Clove Lore and rips them apart in a way or two or three.

Although I read the first book in the series, this book could stand on its own. (I enjoyed the characters from the last book and would definitely read the next book in the series. And it will be really interesting to see what direction the next book in the series takes! I really shy away from most series, but I like this one.)

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Kiley Dunbar the author and to Hera the publisher. Publication date is September 1, 2022.

A fabulous Christmas read, full of romance, friendships, community and family mixed in with quite a lot of drama! I loved catching up with the residents of Clove Lore and meeting the current holiday maker who is borrowing a bookshop. Magnus is from Iceland and has been gifted this holiday from his brother - Magnus comes nursing a broken heart and leaves a failed business venture behind in Reykjavik. Alex is escaping grief, betrayal and a broken heart when she takes her boat to set sail around the English coast. A December storm bring Magnus and Alex crashing into each other’s lives and maybe, just maybe, the chance to heal……..
Joyful Christmas escapism. Recommended!

I had not read the other books of this series but I can't say I was too confused by what was going on. This book can hold its own. I have been feeling in the mood for some Christmas in July so this was one of the books I decided to request right away from the beautiful cover. The premise is so interesting, paying to run the bookshop. To be honest, if this were something available in real life I might partake. I've always wanted my own bookshop one day. It is something I would read again!

I was joyfully given an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review on Netgalley. Thank you so much to the author for your beautiful art and the publisher.

This book was absolutely brimming with personality. The quirky characters, the lovely town, the food, the coziness, there was so much to love. I walked into it expecting cute, cozy, and bookish (and I got that) but I also got exciting moments, heart pounding moments, and silly moments. All the happy endings, and so much kindness. I will say that at moments I was confused because of the many character POV’s but that added to the overall quirky happy quality.

A second visit to the Borrow-a-bookshop and this time it starts a week before Christmas. The new borrower is Magnus, ,heartbroken after his dream business failed in Iceland. Also suffering heartbreak is Alex, sailing away from Betrayal. Their worlds collide when a huge storm hits and Alex is rescued. As Alex and Magnus come to terms with their past it is clear that another more powerful storm is about to hit.
I really enjoyed the mix of romance and drama and it seemed like the village and its fears and problems were foregrounded rather than the romance. The aftermath of the storm was incredibly powerful and I loved the secondary romance- and the reminder that sometimes dates brings second chances. An unusual Christmas book but definitely worth a read.

This is a book you read to feel cozy! I loved it. It reminds me of the books my grandmother used to read, I love books that just make you feel happy. I haven't read any other books from the series, but now I will. Perfect book for Christmas in July. Quick read and the characters are so amazing.

Thank you Netgalley and Avonbooks UK

I loved this totally different Christmas book. A book about books with a romance or three thrown in is a winner for me. I also enjoyed the storyline where the lead players like each other straight away with no preamble or angst. Perfect.

The title, the cover, the description, everything about this book is a perfect cozy read when the weather is cold and you just want to snuggle up with a sweet book! Loved it!

I have recently got in to reading christmas themed books, and Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar is definitely a favourite, a highly enjoyable read

I have read the first book and was hoping for more of the same! Lovely to revisit the place and some characters too. Like this one however loved the first one.

I LOVED this book! The cover and title drew me in (Christmas! Bookstore!) Then the romance, the community coming together, hunkering down in a storm, borrowing an actual bookstore, a cafe, England, Iceland,… I could go on. Each character was distinct and wonderful. The donkey stuff was hilarious. Having said I loved the cover, it’s actually the only issue I had! Although it’s completely cute, it’s clearly not this story. The steep hillside is described throughout and allows the terrible storm to cause specific damage. And, Author’s Note tells us the specific location this story was based on and a quick Google search shows the charming hillside coastal village. I would’ve loved to see that on the cover!

Let me just say that Christmas themed books are one of my not so guilty pleasures. I was so excited to have the opportunity to read this, especially because it felt like my very own Christmas in July!

I love reading books that transport me to a new place and quaint towns/villages happen to be one of my favorites! I loved all the townsfolk of Clove Lore and learning about all their quirks. I especially enjoyed Magnus and Alex and their specific stories alone and together. You can’t help but root for them to find happiness, especially after what they have both been through.

I didn’t realize this was the second book in this series, but you definitely can read it as a stand-alone. Also, borrowing a bookshop sounds like a dream and I wish this was a thing in real life (is it? I need to know!)

This was such a cozy, romantic read that also really lets the community of characters shine.
I can’t wait to see who will be borrowing the bookshop next.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kiley Dunbar for this ARC!

Ahhh I adored this gorgeous feel good Christmas story. It was absolutely feel good, romantic, and adorable. I loved it.

Great to be back at the bookshop. Gosh Alex’s story was amazing and her x was a piece of work. I was so glad the truth all came out. Liz ‘s part in the book was good. Glad Minty got a happy ending. I loved Magnus story and the ending for Magnus and Alex was perfect . The floods were terrible . The idea the money came in was ace. A really good enjoyable read. I want to go to be a bookseller for two weeks

This is thd first time I've heard or read anything from Kiley Dunbar and I really enjoyed this book and her writing style. I was happy to find soooooooo many more of her books in the Kindle store so starting with the first one to this book.

I really enjoyed this book, few twists and interesting characters and i like the premises of the book borrow a bookshop. Look forward to more in the series.

I love a good romance, and this was a good romance. Normally when you have a romance book they start off hating each other and eventually end up in love. This was different the main characters liked each other from the start and had a comfortable friendship that became more, and I really liked that. I didn't know this was part of a series when I started it but now I plan to go back and read the rest and await the next installment in 2023.

An amazing book!

It was great to be back at the borrow a bookshop, and boy what a visit. Magnus and Alex were perfect, I loved how Magnus dreamt of her before she appeared. The attraction was instant and watching it build was wonderful. Alex’s back story really broke my heart, and when Ben and his dad appeared and took her away, I was screaming for her to stand up and say no! When she did I was so happy.
Jowen and Minty were really the stars and I loved seeing their king friendship develop. What a lot of twists and surprise, that storm really did blow in.
I loved every minute, and can’t wait to see the next holiday book seller.

This is a lovely seasonal book. Although it is the second in a series, I had not read the first book so can attest that it also works as a stand alone novel. Alex and Magnus end up, for very different reasons, alone and in a small, coastal Devonshire village just before Christmas. Their love story is a delight. The extreme weather dramatically changes Christmas plans for the villagers, and people pull together against adversity. The cast of villagers make for a well rounded novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

What an absolutely delightful read, I want to be there, I want to be part of the community! I love how everyone pulls together, how there wasn’t any real “baddies” I was fully immersed in the village of Clove Lore and the inhabitants, I loved how the newcomers Magnus and Alex were truly welcomed and reading about how their romance progressed. I am looking forwards to reading more from Kiley Dunbar.

I loved following the story of Magnus and Alex. Clove Lore seemed like a beautiful place to be with the locals all so supportive and helpful. The flood on Christmas Eve was dreadful and terrifying but lovely to see the community come together. It was a heartwarming read.

this is part of a series about a bookshop called Borrow a Bookshop, It can be read easily as a standalone, very sweet story. I am going to find the other books in the series.

When I finished the first book in this series, I didn't know there would be another, and all I wanted to do was find a place like this bookshop and immediately book a holiday there! Books and baking are two of my things, you know.
To know there was a second book was just too much excitement to bear, and I devoured this story revolving around another holidaymaker, Magnus, and his story, coupled with a stranger, Alex, who comes into his holiday life out of the blue with her secrets.
Clove Lore is a special place (which I wish were real!), and it's a place filled with optimism and hope. Qualities that are needed in large quantities by the residents, and certain visitors, as the story progresses.
I loved how Kiley Dunbar wrote an obvious romance from the start, with no enemies to lovers or other silly obstacles. However, things couldn't just be that simple. We, as readers, know they will be together, but after learning their backstories, we know there will be hiccups or storms.
A big one, in fact!
The biggest storm they have ever seen in the area threatens to uproot each and every one of the inhabitants of the village.
I also liked the fact that the story wasn't solely centred around Magnus and Alex, but that we revisited the first couple who were brought together in book one, Jules and Elliot, and that we learned more about Lady of the Manor, Minty, and her best friend Jowan, who is still mourning the loss of his wife.
There is romance, yes, but that isn't all this book is about. It's about community and working together to bring back something you all love,
I loved it, and after reading the Author's letter to the readers at the end, I am even more excited because there will be a third book! Sqeeee!!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was such a sweet and uplifting story. A story about instant connection, friendship, strength, hope, and love. I loved how the story focused not only on Magnús and Alex, but all of thr lovely characters in Clove Lore. I loved the instant attraction between Magnús and Alex and how they knew they couldn't fix each other but wanted to be there for each other. They each sparked hope and a new fire in each other. *sigh* 🥰

Absolutely adored this lovely Christmas book by Kiley Dunbar. The writing was great! Likeable characters and a wonderful storyline that I enjoyed! Add this book to your Christmas reads!

It was so lovely returning to the Borrow a Bookshop. Having read and loved the first book, I was super happy when I discovered there was another book in the series. And although this is the second book, it can easily be read as a standalone ( but I highly recommend you read the first as its fab).
I adore the premise of these books, that a bookshop brings people together and I knew from the very beginning that I was going to love this.
Its a book full of hope, strength, positivity and kindness and a great festive, heart warming and uplifting read.
I loved how there was an instant attraction between Magnus and Alex and enjoyed seeing their relationship build and how they helped one another with their problems.
I want to be a part of the villages close knit community, everyone is so friendly and all look out for each other.
The characters in this book are all wonderful, including Tony the Uber driver.
I'm already looking forward to the next book.

This is my first book by Kiley Dunbar but wont be my last. The idea of a bookshop and cafe where you spend a working holiday is fascinating. Set in a small seaside community in Devon. Alex arrives here after suffering a huge trauma in her personal life. Magnus has flown across the World to recover from his. They become friends and soon discover that many of the locals are also coming to terms with their own life events. I loved the idea of the Borrow a Bookshop. Somewhere to buy a book then sit and relax in the cafe to become absorbed in it. As each individuals story enfolds, along with a disaster that changes everyone's lives you will find this a must read. I highly recommended this. Although a Christmas themed book you could read it at any time of year.

Oh how sweet is this novel! I had not read any of Kileys previous novels however she is talented! In this novel Mangus and Alex help the village during a very trying time at the holiday spirit and still have the strength to share traditions surrounding Christmas! I definitely wish I could travel to Clove Lore after reading this festive novel! Thanks Hera and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another holidaymaker arrives at the borrow a bookshop holiday 2 weeks before Christmas. Magnus from Iceland is the latest arrival, after his brother buys him the holiday as a present, he is nursing a sadness after he has had to give up his own bookshop.

Alex is running away on her ferry boat from her boyfriend after finding him a comprising position with her best friend and finds herself shipwrecked in Clove Lore. She stumbles into Magnus’s arms as she is rescues and cannot forget the feelings that overwhelm her. Magnus thinks he has found his mermaid.

Will they give each other a chance and learn to love again?

If you're looking for something extremely Christmas-y, this may not be the best pick. But if you're looking for a heartwarming story with a light sprinkling of the holidays, this is a great choice. I loved the various stories of the people who made Clove Lore their home. Even though this was a sequel, I was able to read this book on its own and not feel like I missed any important details. This was a sweet, realistic romance and I really enjoyed the characters of Magnus & Alex!

I couldn't put this book down!

Magnus is gifted a stay in a book B&B where you run your own book shop for the duration of the stay - a rubbish gift for someone who used to be a bookshop owner. Until he rescues Alex who makes a turbulent arrival at Clove Lore.

A beautiful Romance novel based around christmas time!

Bookshops + Romance + Christmas? SIGN ME UP! That is my exact cup of tea and I'm glad my request was approved.
I've never read any of the authors other works but I'll definitely have to change that.

This book was the perfect mix of a romantic Christmas movie you see on Hallmark or Netflix but with a bit more depth to the plot and the characters which made it ten times better. I really enjoyed falling in to this story with Magnus and Alexandra and couldn't recommend it enough. Well written and overall extremely enjoyable. Thank you so much for the ARC!

Absolutely fantastic! Could not put the book down. Going to recommend to everyone to check out this book!

If Christmas films 24/7 are your thing come about November time then this is a book for you. There is no mystery to this book, we all know it is going to end with a happily ever after but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

This is the perfect book to curl up next to the Christmas tree with whilst drinking mulled wine and watching the snow fall outside.

Simple but well told I love it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Christmas romance centered around a bookshop? For me bookstores and romance go hand in hand. Throw in the fact that it’s Christmas and I’m all in. Hallmark has done at least half a dozen Christmas movies using the bookstore romance angle, and I’ve enjoyed them all. So I was already certain I was going to like this one, but I especially liked Alex and Magnús, and the quaint village of Clove Lore. Going in I didn’t realize this wasn’t the first Borrow a Bookshop book, though don’t worry I can attest to the fact that this can be read as a stand alone, though I couldn’t resist buying The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday as soon as I finished this one. This is a feel good rom-com that is perfect if you’re a sucker for Hallmark movies, like I am. Thanks so much to Hera Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop.

“Lestu, Borðaðu, Elskaðu, Dreymdu.”
~ Read, Eat, Love, Dream ~

Author Kiley Dunbar’s second book in the Borrow-A-Bookshop series features the ultimate Airbnb for us bibliophiles - a chance to stay for two weeks in a book shop! Can you imagine? 24/7 surrounded by books in a quaint Engish seaside village! Renters are encouraged to change the displays to books of their liking, bake using their own favourite recipes and sell in the attached coffee shop, recommend their one favourite authors and enjoy sleeping in a bedroom overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. I would be giddy with excitement!

Magnus Sturluson has booked the coveted two-week spot over Christmas and New Year in an effort to get away from festivities and happy people. He’s an Icelandic former bookseller but knows that his sadness runs too deep for fiction to fix.

When Alexandra Robinson’s 27ft river cruiser, Dagalien, crashes ashore at Clove Lore, Devon, in Storm Minnie, the locals know that her secrecy means she’s been sailing away from something or someone. Alex wants to be as far away from Christmas and happy people, too. When she is rescued by the hunky Icelander she has no intentions of “running towards the first hot landlubber she laid eyes on.” Fortunately, fate has other plans for her!

What delightful characters! Not only is Magnus delightful to look at, he’s also beautiful on the inside. You’ll have to read to find out more about this hunk with a heart….all I’ll tell you is that he bakes! Hunky, sweet and bakes! The delightful cast of characters in this seaside village will warm your heart.

You’ll love the Icelandic flavour of this novel as Dunbar discusses Icelandic words, food, and traditions. I loved learning about Jolabokafloo and how it connected to Storm Nora.

I loved Dunbar’s reminders not to live our lives afraid of failing, to find the courage and strength to carry on and hold on to hope for a brighter future, and to support others to get through their stormy days. Dunbar wants readers to channel what they garnered from recent world events about supporting each other and use this to create a better world for themselves and those around them.

I can’t wait for book 3 in the series coming in Spring 2023.

This delightful bookish break novel needs to top your Christmas reading list.

I was gifted this advance copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of christmas at the borrow a bookshop!
this is my first book by this author and i was looking for something heartwarming and cozy and that's exactly what i got! i haven't read the first book in the series but this can be read as a standalone book which i appreciate a lot as i didnt feel lost! ill definitely be re-reading this book again at christmas! thank you again netgalley and the publisher for the book!

This was so cute! A wonderful romance, filled with witty banter, delightful characters, and just enough steaminess. A must read for romance lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for this eARC!

Kiley Dunbar has done it again with a sweet, romantic, warm-and-fuzzy holiday tale. A story of healing and love set against the backdrop of a seaside town thrown into turmoil with the arrival of an unwelcome and severe storm.

This was a delightful story, just the kind of light bedtime reading I love!