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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first festive read of the month and I absolutely devoured it! Cosy and utterly heartwarming The Christmas Bookshop was just what I needed to get me into the Christmas spirit.
Jenny Colgan’s writing is always soo beautifully descriptive and the character driven stories so compelling— And this one is no different.
The characters we meet were all utterly fascinating and loveable— (except for Skylar and Blair) and I adored the found family-esque dynamics that protagonist Carmen finds in struggling Bookshop owner Mr McCredie, and the tight-knit group of business owners who work on the same street.
But what I loved the most (besides the wonderfully bookish setting) was the exploration into family and complex sisterly bonds that I found pretty relatable. There is some romance (which I really enjoyed) but I felt Carmen’s emotional journey to self acceptance (and reconnecting with older sister Sofia) were a bigger focus of the story.
Nevertheless, a really enjoyable feel good read that festive fiction lovers should definitely consider picking up!
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol and War
maddireads13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Graphic: Pregnancy and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying and War
dolores_madil's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
This was such a cute story it was a nice holiday read that had some more hard hitting truths then you average Hallmark Christmas movie. It definitely gave me the feels of one but then it will hit your with reality when you lease expect it but it is still good. Also this is a sweet romance.
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and War
franticfreya's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Pregnancy and Alcohol
Minor: Fatphobia, Death of parent, and War
thebookishbedouin's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Fatphobia and War
shutupiamreading's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: War