Reviews with content warning for Fatphobia - The Christmas Bookshop

I found the beginning to be a little slow going, however, it started to pick up when Carmen started working for the bookshop. It was lovely to see her develop in confidence throughout the book. I also enjoyed her developing relationship with her family, especially with her sister, nephew and nieces. The slow burn romance with Oke was fun, although I did want to lock them in a room together at times and force them to communicate (Although it would have been a much shorter book if they had!) My main take away from this book is that I really want to visit Edinburgh!

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beatriks's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

3.75

I would recommend this book as a Christmas read. The romance is not too dominant, and the characters are cute. I adore the nieces and the people in the shopping street, and I liked the sisterly relationship.
I enjoyed learning more about Edinburgh and trees.

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lori_larsson's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring

3.0

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geerbeer's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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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!

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soph22's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

4.25

Maybe it’s because I know Edinburgh at Christmas time but this book really spoke to me. I loved all the characters and the festive feelings - finally a book that feels like it’s Christmassy, not just set at Christmas! I’ll happily read the sequel next year!

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franticfreya's review against another edition

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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

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mariekew's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

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