BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
An enchanting story of the power and love of family.
It’s that time of year where I love to turn on Hallmark movies and soak up the cold weather, twinkling lights, and hot cocoa. It’s also the time of year when I love cozy books that warm my heart and bring a smile to my face while families come together and love is found!
I’m not a huge romance reader or even a big rom-com connoisseur, but I saw The Christmas Bookshop on Instagram and figured there could be nothing better than putting all those things I love together with a bookshop!
Carmen is a slightly self absorbed woman who has lost her job, has no potential opportunities and a woe-is-me attitude. Honestly, there were definitely parts of her personality that annoyed me and wanted me to simply tell her to grow up. Her jealousy towards her sister. Her continual thoughts that everyone else has such amazing lives but poor little Carmen has nothing. It all became a little redundant.
Basically, her parents ship her off to her super successful sister (pregnant with baby #4), Sofia, who happens to be a lawyer with a client in jeopardy of losing his bookshop unless it starts bringing in more money. Enter Carmen to save the day.
My love for the side characters allowed me to tolerate Carmen. Well, everyone except Blair. He was developed perfectly into the arrogant celebrity and Skylar, who I just wanted to slap. But, those characters are needed to move the plot along. Over the course of the book, Sofia and Carmen’s relationship goes through the wringer, spurred on by some of these secondary characters, but like any good Hallmark story, it comes out stronger in the end.
If you are looking for a romance centered book, this is not it. This is much more focused on family dynamics and learning how, after years of living different lives and growing apart, family is family and will always be there. Misunderstanding in the family is misinterpreted as a lack of value and acceptance. Kids, however, can see past what most adults cannot. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise then that my favorite characters are Sofia’s kids without a doubt. Their personalities, innocence, perspectives and uniqueness is just what this family and story needed.
I’m not a huge fan of books with multiple love interests or love triangles. Maybe I just don’t like the people playing off each other, the misunderstandings and frustration that it all causes. I can’t stand it when everyone just assumes they know what is going on. And while I hated Blair, I loved Oke. He is soft-spoken, kind, and wise. Plus he loves trees, what’s not to love about a tree hugger?
The setting is spectacular with the snow and hills of Edinburgh. Which leads us to Mr. McCredie’s little bookshop. A shop on a beautiful little street with amazing stores and shop owners, like the magic shop, all full of holiday cheer. This bookshop hasn’t been dusted or organized in probably 20 years. While Carmen’s focus in getting this shop ready for the holidays, she adds subtle touches that modernize the shop while keeping its character. This is the type of shop that I would love to own.
It wasn’t a super deep read, and it didn’t really leave me basking in the holiday, Hallmark movie romantic bliss, but it was cute, and I don’t think anyone who likes this type of book would regret picking it up. The ending was to be expected and comes all wrapped up in the holiday bow that you would want.
Where does this land on my bookshelf?
I think you would find this on the middle shelf. This wasn’t a book that moved me to tears or created a strong emotional reaction, but it was enjoyable. It engaged me and kept me reading and wanting to find out more. I think the Blair aspect was dragged out a little much, but other than that the pacing was on point. The characters were all uniquely different, the setting whimsical, and the moral perfect for the holiday season. Go ahead and add this one to your holiday reading list.