Book Review: The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

The Christmas Bookshop

by Jenny Colgan

The Christmas Bookshop #1

Goodreads | Amazon

Perfect for the holidays! A brand-new heartwarming Christmas novel from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas at the Island Hotel.

When the department store she works in closes for good, Carmen has perilously little cash and few options. She doesn’t want to move in with her perfect sister Sofia, in Sofia’s perfect house with her perfect children and her perfectly ordered Edinburgh life.

Frankly, Sofia doesn’t exactly want Carmen there either. Her sister has always been sarcastic and difficult. But Sofia has yet another baby on the way, a mother desperate to see her daughters get along, and a client who needs a retail assistant for his ailing bookshop, so welcoming Carmen might still have some benefits for everyone.

At Sofia’s behest, Carmen is thrown into the daily workings of old Mr. McCredie’s ancient bookshop on the streets of the old dark city. Can she use her design skills to revamp the store and bring it back to popularity in time to benefit from Christmas shopping traffic? Can she choose between bad boy literary rock star Blair and quiet Quaker student Oke? And will she heal the rift with the most important people of all: her family?

My review: 

I read The Christmas Bookshop was the first book I read for the 2024 Ho Ho Ho Read A Thon and I'm so glad I discovered this author. It is a delightful holiday read that swept me off my feet with its cozy charm, even though I initially struggled to connect with the protagonist, Carmen. At first, Carmen's negativity and jealousy toward her sister, Sofia, made her a difficult character to sympathize with. Her sharp remarks about her sister’s life and even her nephews painted her as someone deeply unhappy. But as the story progressed, Carmen’s growth was evident, and I’m glad I stuck with it because I ended up loving this book!  

What truly captivated me was the magical atmosphere of the bookshop. Colgan brings it to life in a way that makes you wish you could visit—and never leave. For book lovers, the idea of owning or working in a charming, slightly chaotic bookshop like this one feels like a dream come true. Personally, I’ve always dreamed of a bookstore café, and this story brought that fantasy closer to life.  Oh, maybe one day!

The evolving relationship between Carmen and Sofia was another highlight of the book. Their dynamic felt authentic, filled with moments of tension and tenderness. Even though Carmen’s jealousy and frustration with Sofia were rooted in her own insecurities, at times, I found her reactions a bit too problematic. However, it’s through these flaws that Carmen’s character truly grows, making her journey all the more satisfying to follow. 

Now I want to read the next book of this series, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. It still follows Carmen story so I'm getting it as soon as possible. I have other books planned for the read a thon but hopefully, I'll have time to read this one.

In the end, The Christmas Bookshop isn’t just a heartwarming holiday story—it’s also a tale of self-discovery, family, and finding joy in unexpected places. If you’re looking for a festive read that will transport you to a magical bookshop during the holidays, this is the perfect book to pick up! 

Rating: ★★★★★