Noël à la confiserie de Rosie

Rosie Hopkins' Sweet Shop #2

by Jenny Colgan

Dans son confortable cottage niché dans les collines du Derbyshire, Rosie Hopkins a de bonnes raisons de sentir ses joues rougir : à quelques semaines de Noël, les vacances sont inaugurées par les premières chutes de neige de la saison en Angleterre. En plus, son petit ami, Stephen, commence son nouveau travail d'enseignant à l'école du village. Cerise sur le gâteau, sa jolie boutique de confiserie a retrouvé sa gloire d'antan, et elle a un nouveau chiot adorable nommé Mister Dog. Mais, ce qui réjouit vraiment la jeune femme, c'est le joyeux festin qui réunira les deux familles des tourteraux, et qui s'annonce déjà mémorable !

Pourtant, lorsqu'une tragédie frappe le cœur de cette ville très unie, les projets d'un Noël chaleureux risquent bien de s'évanouir... Il faudra l'esprit indomptable de Rosie, le soutien de la famille et des amis, et la bonne volonté d'une communauté soudée pour renverser la situation et faire de cette fête un heureux moment de gratitude et de partage.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Holiday, Contemporary, Audiobook

276 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2013

About the author

Jenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.

For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.

Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.

Reviews

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chick-lit? Romantic? Certainly. And as a male reader I am not embarrassed to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this Rosie Hopkins delight. I became totally immersed with the wonderful location of Lipton, the characters - Rosie, Stephen, Lilian, Hetty, Mrs Laird, Dr Moray - love them all in this fabulous, witty love story that was a joy to read. OK, I am a romantic but this book certainly sailed my boat. Perfect fodder for the run up to Christmas. Sit back with a glass of your favourite in front of the fire and simply enjoy.

[Celestina1210 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️
Une petite romance de saison que j’ai beaucoup appréciée. Nous retrouvons Rosie ainsi que tous les habitants de Lipton Hill. Les livres de Jenny Colgan nous plonge toujours dans des petites romances toutes douces toutes mignonnes même si je dois avouer que j’avais préféré le premier roman. Si vous cherchez une romance toute en douceur foncez!!!

[Love Fool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Hopkins is looking forward to Christmas in the little Derbyshire village of Lipton, buried under a thick blanket of snow. Her sweetshop is festooned with striped candy canes, large tempting piles of Turkish Delight, crinkling selection boxes and happy, sticky children. She's going to be spending it with her boyfriend, Stephen, and her family, flying in from Australia. She can't wait.

But when a tragedy strikes at the heart of their little community, all of Rosie's plans for the future seem to be blown apart. Can she build a life in Lipton? And is what's best for the sweetshop also what's best for Rosie?

I didn't read part one but I will now! I enjoy Jenny Colgan's characters and the stories she gives them. This book was fun and a little heartbreaking at the same time. It didn't get me in the Christmas spirit but that's okay!

I'm from a big city so it's nice to read about a small town and the people that live in them. Rosie is sweet and I thought her family was hilarious. I also can relate to wanting to get engaged to your long time boyfriend (hint hint).

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ = Good.
Hardback.
This is the second in the series and was every bit as enjoyable as the first.
A sweet storyline with a smattering of tears and depth when needed.
I look forward to eventually reading book #3.

This might be for you if you’re feeling in the need of an easy read with colourful characters.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for some light Christmasy vibes. Likeable characters, sweet little town and things having a predictable but nice little ending. Predictable is not a bad thing with this kind of read and I quite enjoyed myself.

[Marjolein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit predictable but very cute and very Christmas-y!

[Anne ✨ Finds Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5) I have really enjoyed other series by Jenny Colgan, but I found this one a bit lackluster. I didn't connect with any of the characters and the storyline didn't have much substance.

[Rosemarie Short · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fifth in my #12daysofChristmas read-a-thon! Each day I will post a review of a Christmas / Winter related book. Hopefully this will give you some Xmas-Inspo and give your holiday reading a boost!

I read the Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop of Dream about a year or so ago, in the mood for some syrupy small town romantic storytelling. In the original, Jenny Colgan delivered. However for me the sequel left much to be desired.

I felt like Rosie’s character got stuck here; her obsession with marrying Stephen (who she has been with for a mere year) was dull in its repetitiveness. I also was surprised by the characterization of Stephen – prickly in a dry and humorous way in the original, he seemed like a completely different man in this festive sequel. Some of this change could be put to the positive changes in his personal life (aka his relationship with Rosie) – however I occasionally missed his dark humour.

I would have preferred this sequel to focus on Lilian, to be honest, as I felt her story was far more interesting and worthy of an entire book and Rosie’s own. However I can’t fault Colgan for her Christmas vibe – there was snow, carol singing and lots of sweets! Drama was also well written – a particularly dark event occurs about a third of the way through, giving Colgan the chance to stretch her writing muscles and portray something more than just the same romantic comedy tropes which were exhausted within the first few chapters.

This is definitely a mulled wine kind of read – if you drink a couple of glasses any flaws will be forgiven in favour of embracing the Christmas spirit!

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok I'm going to be honest I didn't really want to read this. My mum bought me as an attempt to get me in the holiday spirit and I read it out of thanks. So after going into this book with extremely low expectations I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I mean obviously it wasn't a literary masterpiece, but unlike other modern books, it wasn't trying to be which I appreciated.

In short, it wasn't amazing but it was surprisingly adequate. It was (excuse the pun) very sweet but with surprisingly more serious plot twists (which I really enjoyed)

So if you're like me and you are considering reading this book then I would encourage you to give it a try but I wouldn't go around recommending it to my friends.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*s for pure enjoyment. I don't know what it is about Jenny Colgan's books but they are such a joy to read. Last year I read Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop and became so attached to the characters and charming village. I definitely recommend reading the books in order. I've already put an order for the 3rd book, The Christmas Surprise to read over the holidays.

[Emilie Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute Christmas story! This is a book that’s all about the vibes because we don’t get a lot of action, but I did enjoy Rosie and her Sweet Shop so so much!

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. It was good to see Rosie again and the other characters. This was better than the first book because it didn't have so much about Lilian's story in the past but there was a surprise about her.

[Julia Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful holiday story and a satisfying conclusion to the Sweet Shop series. Colgan continues to write funny dialogue, especially involving children. But she always balances the happy with the sad, so there are some poignant moments. Romantic, fun, and ultimately satisfying.

[TracyGH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect holiday book. It has all the elements to make you feel good.

[Wendy Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice narration and mildly pleasant scenarios, but two hours in, nothing much had happened other than her acquiring a dog. Then there’s an accident and still nothing interesting was going on, so…onwards.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[☺Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed the first Rosie Hopkins book but this second book (which started out so well) fell apart quickly for me - so overly melodramatic with unbelievable twists - especially the "James/Henry" storyline.
I didn't really like anyone much, except for Edward Boyd.
I hate when characters "think" things but dont ever "say" them, so confusion and misunderstandings ensue.

[NLillebro N. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

En sød julehistorie og feel-goodbog med mange skønne karaktere i.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I'm going to be totally honest with you, I'm really confused when it comes to Jenny Colgan and her series. The titles seem so similar to each other to me and, yes, I adore the books, but I really lose my touch with who is who and what I've already read and what not. I have already started reading "The Christmas Surprise" about Rosie and after some sentences I realized that something is wrong, and yes, there was something wrong, I haven't read "Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop" yet, so I quickly changed the books to read it in the right order.

Thank you Jenny for summarizing your stories at the beginning and for reminding us what happened in the previous book - it really helps a lot, what with my memory like a sieve and with reading so many books. I guess this book could be read as a stand - alone although I would recommend to read the series in the right order, it makes it much more enjoyable and much more clear and understandable.

Rosie is happy to spend Christmas in Lipton with Stephen and Lilian, even though it's so cold in their little cottage that the windows are frozen inside. And her family is coming from Australia, too! She wants to tell Stephen about this but before she can, something very tragic happens in Lipton, something that unite all the people and makes all the other problem look very insignificant.
In the meantime Rosie has a problem where to put her family and the only solution is a Peak House but it means that she and Stephen must ask Hetty if it's possible. Hetty, who's still not so convinced that Rosie is the best choice for Stephen, but well, she still gives them a dog for Christmas. Stephen starts work as a primary teacher and Rosie's sweet shop is happily opening its doors for the locals. And Lilian has her own moments in the home as well, thanks to a new resident...

I have immediately feel connected to all the characters in the book, from the very first sentence I felt as if I had never left Lipton and its locals. Lipton must be the most perfect place to live in books, really. From the very first word I felt as if I've never left this place and felt re - acquainted with all the characters. Rosie is Rosie, you can't not love her, with her easy - going and laidback attitude, her boyfriend Stephen who can be sometimes grumpy and have problems with telling what bites him at the moment, but nevertheless, is a lovely man. Rosie and Stephen are both so stubborn and they don't talk to each other and I really so wanted to bang their heads together, and I was really, really scared that it's the end of their relationship (although I've already had "The Christmas surprise" on my bookshelf, ekhm), when Rosie was planning her trip to Australia, but they work together so brilliantly! Of course it's a relationship with bumps, with a lot of twists and turns, but this makes it much more realistic and believable.
Rosie's quirky Aunt Lilian, to name the few main characters, and all of them are lively, they are popping out of the pages and feel so realistic! Tina and her twins, Doctor Moray, Hetty, Edison and his family, they have all such sharp tongues and they say so funny things, it's unbelievable! It's this kind of dry humour that I totally adore. The characters were really vivid and they didn't felt sorry for themselves. I loved the children in the book, they were all individuals and so brilliantly described, according to their age, which doesn't happen often. Rosie's family adds so much to this story, I loved how they interacted with each other and there was really so much love in the air when they all gathered together.

I totally loved this book. I adored it. It was funny, touching, wise and very straightforward, all in one. The characters were larger than life and what made me love this book so much were the characters of course, the storyline and dialogues - the way the characters communicate was the best ever. They one - liners are brilliantly sharp, clever and from time to time they've made me suddenly, totally unexpectedly, snort with laughter. Lilian may be old, but she's still sharp as a knife with an attitude and sharp tongue, sarcastic remarks and I totally adored her laidback approach to life and people.

Jenny Colgan has an incredible way with words, she can describe each situation in a very expressive, colourful way, a way that made me felt as if I was there and saw this with my own eyes. The tragedy that is mentioned in the blurb was described in such a way that it felt like in a film, like a freeze - frame and the tension was incredible! It shocked me exactly as it shocked the Liptoners, and the author really did this scene a justice, it felt incredibly real!

A big brownie point for solving Lilian and Henry's plot - it was actually the deciding point in my eyes and so much could go wrong there, but Jenny Colgan has mastered it wonderfully. It was not too cheesy, not too pushy, it just sounded very realistic and it really COULD have happened. It was a closure that absolutely took me by surprise and actually smashed my heart and it - although not one of the very main subplots - wrapped the book perfectly up.

The descriptions in the book are wonderful, and Jenny Colgan's Christmas is a Christmas that you'd like to have yourself. It's funny, it's warm, it's cosy and comfortable, and full of heart and family. She can make me laugh out loud and in the next moment cry buckets, hitting me unexpectedly with the most poignant scene ever. It's incredible how Jenny can squeeze so many emotions in the book. This book is full of action, it's a fast - paced read that I didn't want to put down for a second. It was a complete joy to read and I am sure you are all going to enjoy this story!

Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The holiday season has begun, and I need my holiday story. Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan displayed so many of the holiday traditions and miracles. The story is set in an English village with loads of amazing characters. The book is part of a series, but this book stands alone very well. I adore the writing style of Jenny Colgan and will need to read more by this funny and thought-provoking author. Rosie’s mother, brother, sister-in-law, and their 3 children come to visit from Australia, and what a crazy bunch. Then we have Earth Mother Hester and her crazy ideas concerning the life of her son, Edison. Of course, Stephen, Rosie’s boyfriend, must decide if Rosie is “the one”. Jenny Colgan gives a family tree, diagram of the village, and many delicious recipes. I love all these extra touches.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosie is running a sweatshop for her aunt who has moved to an assisted living center. Her boyfriend, Stephen, is living with her in her aunt’s house. He has PSTD and an accident brings it out in full force. He is also from a higher class family who are upset that he is becoming a teacher. When the school is knocked down in an accident, they have to move to Stephen’s mother’s huge cold house. Rosie’s family is coming to visit for Christmas from Australia. Will Rosie go back with them or will Stephen propose?

[Katie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike many of the holiday-themed books that I have read over the years, Colgan’s novels have actual conflicts and storylines. Is there romance? Yes. Is it set during Christmas? Yes. But there’s so much more than that, too! The characters are developed, the setting is intriguing, the conflicts are captivating. Colgan’s novels aren’t cheesy, boring, feel-good holiday stories…they are quality narratives that simultaneously engage readers and stir up holiday spirit.

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
Christmas at Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop was a wonderful follow-up to Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop of Dreams, and I loved the wintery, Christmas setting! It was cold, but cozy; it was tense and emotional, but also utterly delightful.

I adore this sweet town full of unique, flawed, lovable (mostly 😆) characters. The multiple storylines coincided perfectly and each told an moving tale. I cannot say I agree with Rosie’s (aka Jenny Colgan’s) religious views, but aside from that, Christmas at Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop was a heart-warning, emotional, feel good story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun Christmas read with characters (some rather quirky) I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Laura • lauralovestoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a heartfelt story for this month!

[Jennifer Bibby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this laugh out loud funny book - Lilian is a fantastically created character. 5 stars mainly for the sheer joy it bought me.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, but have some issues...it's completely not appropriate to make comments about a child's weight, well really anyone's weight, and people who have mental health issues can be in relationships (I'm glad that this was finally realized).

Trigger warning:
PTSD, dementia, and a car accident.

[Karen Biegert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming read & so much better than the first book of this series. I enjoyed the characters so much more in this book. Adorable story line. Nice pacing. British vocabulary & humor is so much fun!

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual read, but at Christmas time I love to get myself in the holiday mood. This certainly did the job!

[Mallory Cislo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny Colgan is the best author for me when I need something to bring me out of a funk. I love the settings of her books, the friendships, the romances, and the way life seems like it doesn't have to be so heavy all the time.