Jólabókaklúbburinn

by Sarah Morgan

Maple Sugar gistihúsið er fullkomið fyrir jóladekurferð enda er það fullbókað allan desember. Hótelstýran Hattie Coleman er kornung ekkja og einstæð móðir og hennar eina ósk er að komast klakklaust gegnum jólavertíðina. Þegar Erica, Claudia og Anna mæta í vikulanga bókaklúbbadvöl á gistihúsið grípa örlögin í taumana.

Erica, Claudia og Anna eru afskaplega nánar og hafa gengið í gegnum ýmislegt en vináttan og sameiginleg ást þeirra á bókum hefur fleytt þeim gegnum lífsins ólgusjó. Þegar þær mæta í vikulanga bókaklúbbadvöl á gistihúsið grípa örlögin í taumana. Hattie hefur séð að vinkonurnar eru allar að kljást við hluti í einkalífinu en hana hefði aldrei grunað hversu mikil áhrif þær þrjár ættu eftir að hafa á hennar eigið líf. Þegar dvölinni lýkur standa þær allar í nýjum sporum, sum tengsl eru sterkari, önnur rofin, en allar við upphafið á glænýjum kafla í lífinu.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Book Club, Fiction, Holiday, Audiobook, Contemporary

399 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2023

About the author

About Sarah

USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.

Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)

Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com





Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Rachel Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

the perfect wholesome, cosy vibes 📖 I truly wish I could visit the Maple Sugar Inn with my besties 🏡

[Sophie Jayne Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ !!! This book was simply the perfect festive book I loved every second of it

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

Hattie is a widow at 28 and raising her 5 year old daughter. She is also managing the historic inn, Maple Sugar. She definitely has her hands full after losing Brent. She was trying to live his dream.

Christmas is weeks away and the hotel was booking fast, adding more stress to Hattie. She has a grumpy housekeeper who glowers at her and a chef with anger issues.

I loved the setting and the hotel's well-stocked library shelves. There is also fun "book talk" as a book club has made reservations.

This one was a bit on the longer side, but I enjoyed the women's friendship, the dreamy hotel setting, and the little mystery that evolved. Recommend if you enjoy Hallmark-ish/ bookish reads with a dash of mystery.

Thanks to EW for my arc. OUT Sept 2023

[The Lit Homebody · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

A perfect Christmas read! If you love books about female friendship then this should be at the top of your list this holiday season.

I loved the story lines, the character development, the sweet friendships and most of all the setting! Oh my goodness the setting was perfect. A cozy hotel in Vermont filled with Christmas trees, roaring fires, a view of the snow capped mountains, it was truly like walking into a Hallmark movie (in a good way).

I really enjoyed each character and that they all had their own things to work through. Given there’s 4 of them, I was amazed that the book was able to give them each time to work through their conflicts while still allowing space for Christmas magic 🎄❄️

Really, really cute. Loved the audiobook narration!

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy and some great moments, but not the authors best. I just didn’t ‘feel’ it wholeheartedly.

[Delaney]

Patreon book club pick 💜

[Kaylee Brewer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I FINALLY FINISHED. Darn, this book dragged. Should've been under 200 pages imo. Too many characters speaking in essays about their life crises.

The first 100 pages were fairly cozy and fine, but it just really started to drag for me as it went on. If you're looking for a head-empty plot with lowkey annoying characters in a cute setting, this may work for you. This just wasn't my kind of book.

Yeah, the best part of this book is the pretty cover art.

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down for being too formulaic. I did enjoy this holiday rom-com and learning about the back-stories of the three MC's in the book club who book a holiday stay at this picture-perfect Vermont inn. There's also a super cute & rather precocious kiddo. But the way it all came together was just a lil bit predictable & all wrapped up with a bow for my personal taste, especially after all the angst in the beginning. Not my favorite from this author, but I would likely read her again & others might enjoy this rather easy read.

[Renata Annese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story wrapped me up in all the warm, fuzzy Christmas feelings and never let go. 🎄✨☕ It was such a joy to read that I actually slowed down just to make it last longer. Cozy, comforting, and pure holiday happiness from start to finish. ❄️📖💖

The friendships are truly the heart of this story. 💕 Each woman is beautifully written, fully developed, and living a very different life, yet their bond is deep, loyal, and unshakable. Friends who show up year after year... brought together by their love of books, made this story feel extra special and meaningful to me. 📚🤍✨

Set in snowy Vermont, the charming Maple Sugar Inn felt like a place I wanted to step into and never leave. ❄️🏔️🎄 Filled with warmth, hope, and gentle reminders that change can lead to beautiful new beginnings, this is the perfect Christmas novel. Comforting, uplifting, and full of heart... I can’t recommend it enough during this time of the year. 🎁❤️✨

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️

- This book was so wholesome and gave cute hallmark vibes. If you’re looking for a Christmas book without spice, this is a good one. It made my heart so warm to read.
- There were parts throughout the book that I wished the plot had moved a little quicker and that there had been a tad more romance, and I wish that there weren’t so many characters because it was tough to keep up with all of their stories at times.
- I really loved the found family aspect of the friendship. It was so special to read because you don’t see many books during the holidays that aren’t focused on family trips vs a trip with friends!

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Hattie Coleman and her husband Brent took the plunge a few years ago and became the owners and managers of the Maple Sugar Inn in Vermont, a dream he had hoped to become a reality. But two years ago, he died in a freak accident and now Hattie is left to manage things alone and raise their five-year old daughter Delphie alone. Despite the success of the Inn, she’s white knuckling her way through and is exhausted. Erica lives in New York and is a highly successful business consultant. She and her two former college roommates are best of friends and each year meet for a week to discuss a book one of them has selected. Anna lives in Connecticut and is happily married to Pete. She’s soon to be an empty nester as her twins Gwen and Daniel are high school seniors. Claudia lives in California and is a chef but has just lost her job and her boyfriend of ten years just left her for a younger model. It’s Erica’s turn to plan everything and she’s selected the Maple Sugar Inn, puzzling to Anna and Claudia who love the choice but it’s far from the typical ritzy accommodations she normally arranges. Each other them is dealing with some serious life issues at the moment.

the heart of the story…
Even though Erica, Anna and Claudia live in different cities, the bond between them is incredibly strong. I loved how they had each others’ backs and were highly sensitive to knowing when something was off. They respected boundaries but didn’t shy away from pressing issues when needed. Erica did indeed have a reason for choosing the Inn and it was explosive. Their time there was therapeutic for all of them as they provided much needed emotional support to each other, including Hattie, as there were many layers to their lives. I also loved how their shared love of books was a major aspect of the story and the setting provided the charm and magic it promised.

the narration…
I enjoyed the narrator’s performance and she did really well in giving the characters’ personalities distinctive voice. She also has strong storytelling skills and a great tone. Definitely going on my list of preferred narrators.

the bottom line…
I was hoping for a great holiday story with some weight to it and this delivered on every level. I liked these women, especially their friendship and honesty with each other. They were all very different, which just made things even more interesting and textured. The venue was lovely and the romance aspects added to the appeal of the story. This just might be my most favorite of the author’s Christmas stories.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Melike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this charming novel filled with Christmas magic, friendship and love. Three lifelong friends Annie, Erica and Claudia decide to hold their book club at Maple Sugar Inn located in Vermont. Hattie, recently widowed, is the owner and runs the inn by herself while taking care of her 5 year old daughter Delphi. She is overwhelmed, stressed out and is struggling to get through the Christmas season. The lives of the four women intertwine and what emerges is a beautiful heartwarming story that is perfect for women’s fiction fans.

[LibraryofJess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely predictable and bland. Too cheesy Hallmark movie for me. I think the characters mentioned that they were 40 on every other page.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Sarah Morgan is back! And now what will follow is a very predictable review where, once again, I gush about how much I loved the story. Sorry, but, yes, Morgan delivered another brilliant novel. With Christmas, snow, hot chocolate and a book club, what was there not to love?

Following four women, these characters all converge at the idyllic Vermont hotel of the Maple Sugar Inn. The descriptions are chocolate-box worthy and a place where you just have to snuggle up in front of an open, roaring fire. Coupled with the snow, it really was the ultimate location for a Christmas story.

Hattie, Anna, Erica and Claudia are at the Inn and the year has not been easy. For Hattie, being a grieving widower running the Inn has been a challenge in itself and she lacks the confidence to make changes that would go against her late husband’s wishes. Trying to stay strong for her delightful daughter adds to a drain on her spirit: I admired how much Hattie persevered with in an attempt to set the best example possible for her daughter.

Anna, Claudia and Erica have been friends since university and their warm, comfortable friendship is enviable. I liked seeing what little secrets each of the friends had as they come together for their annual book club. Morgan keeps the women’s personalities all unique and I loved reading about their individual trials and tribulations, knowing that they would triumph by the end of the story.

I really related to Anna’s character. I recognised her feelings of being lost at her current stage in life and was keen to see how she would move into a new chapter. It was lovely to see how she evolved over the story, rather than being the supportive “crutch” to her friends and family. In fact, it was ultimately the help of her friends that allows Anna to move forwards, showing they are just as important to her as her soon-to-be-leaving-home children.

I loved the little connection Morgan makes to this year’s summer novel. With the references to Catherine Swift, I felt like I was in the Sarah Morgan “club” as I recognised the continuation of a character… does that make me a super fan?!

I was so sad when I had finished this book. I enjoyed it so much that I had goosebumps at the end. In fact, it is one that I would consider reading again this year, in the week prior to Christmas Day, because it was so enjoyable. Forgetting that it had me constantly craving for a giant, never-ending mug of hot chocolate, Sarah Morgan has taken me on a romantic and heart-warming story that was brilliant from start to finish.

With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite of Sarah Morgan's books, but it still gave me the cozy warmth I was looking for. It follows a group of women on a weekend getaway for a book club around the holidays, all with their own issues. Children getting ready to leave for college, the loss of a long term relationship, etc. I love how she does character struggling with very real things. Friendship is centered, but there are romantic subplots as well. I very much enjoyed my time with this book.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming, poignant and cosy

[LibraryLaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very definition of a feel-good read. And though it was set in the U.S. with 3 out of 4 of the main characters being American, it felt very British, with its "cookery books" and such. Still a fun, uplifting read!

*Thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer (Jaye) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Lovely Cosy Read*

**4.5 Stars**

This is the type of book that I could imagine curling up by a fire and gleefully getting settled in. Well I was not disappointed. This story is ultimately about love and friendship that has stood the test of time.

Three friends Erica, Claudia and Anna always meet up for a summer book club. This year is slightly different as all 3 of them have reached a turning point in their lives. Erica books this years trip and they host it in the run up-to Christmas.

The ever unflappable crisis manager Erica is very tense for personal reasons but does not reveal why her manner has changed. Claudia is an excellent chef but is getting jaded by working for aggressive head chefs and with a change in her personal life this is just the break she needs. Anna a doting mother to twins is facing the empty nest syndrome as her twins prepare to leave for the start of higher education.

Each of them will find that there are revelations in store as they approach the cosy Maple Sugar Inn. Hattie is the owner with her adorable daughter Delphi is trying to survive as a single mother who seems to be holding onto someone’s else’s vision of the Inn.

When she meets the 3 women she has no idea how life changing it will be for them all…..

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why yes, I did just read a Christmas book right before Halloween. So sue me. 🤣 I have been a huge fan of Sarah Morgan ever since I read The Christmas Sisters back in 2021 and I swear her books just keep getting better and better! The Book Club Hotel is a beautiful story of family and friendships/relationships along with a dash of romance in the form of both new relationships and existing ones. I loved how funny the book was, and this is basically a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form except with more going on. I loved that there was a viewpoint from each of the friends Erica, Claudia, and Anna as well as Hattie who has somewhat recently lost her husband and is trying to run a hotel on her own. The friends each have things going on in their own lives, and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them through their POVs.

Dara Rosenberg narrates the audiobook, and she did a beautiful job with all 4 of the female viewpoints. At times it even felt like I was listening to more than one narrator which says a lot in my opinion! I would highly recommend listening to the audio, but either way, you can't go wrong. This is a lighthearted read but at the same time, it also has lots of very intentional and retrospective moments that will make you not only connect more with the characters but pull at your heartstrings as well. It always makes my heart happy to read a book by Morgan and this one isn't so heavy on the Christmas theme that you couldn't read it all year round. However, if you want something to get you into the spirit of giving and make you smile, definitely think about picking up The Book Club Hotel.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The Book Club Hotel centers on four women, all at a pivotal time, each of their lives intersecting at the Maple Sugar Inn in Vermont.

Twenty-eight-year-old Hattie is running the Maple Sugar Inn by herself and barely getting by. It was her late husband’s dream to renovate and run the beautiful Vermont inn, but with his tragic death, Hattie feels like she’s drowning while trying to raise their five-year-old daughter on her own.

Erica, Claudia, and Anna, best friends since college, have their yearly vacation book club meeting and Erica has chosen the Maple Sugar Inn as their meet up. This is very unlike Erica, who usually wants a 5-star hotel, not a quaint, picturesque inn, but there’s more to that story.

Anna’s eighteen-year-old twins are gearing up to go to college and she’s so very sad, already missing them. She’s been a stay-at-home mom so she’s not sure what’s next.

Claudia not only parted from her boyfriend of ten years, but she’s also just been laid off. Since then, she hasn’t wanted to look at a recipe, much less find another job as a chef.

The Book Club Hotel was so lovely and heartwarming! When Hattie, Erica, Anna, and Claudia meet up, each are struggling a bit, and I felt for each character! I was moved to see them help and support each other. There’s a bit of romance for three of the four characters as well, which was just icing on the cake for me. The Maple Sugar Inn sounded like a dreamy winter wonderland, a magical place to sort out troubles!

I also thought it was fun they were reading a Catherine Swift novel for their book club, since she was one of the main characters in Morgan’s previous book, The Island Villa.

I look forward to every new Sarah Morgan book and The Book Club Hotel didn’t disappoint! It was an uplifting story that filled my heart with joy! A definite recommend!

A copy was kindly provided by Canary Street Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Morgan never fails to disappoint. This was no exception. Three friends who however much time they spend apart when back together show they are the best of friends. Meet Erica, Claudia and Anna.

Meeting for their yearly book club in Winter not summer this year. Erica picks somewhere very different for her because a woman named Hattie runs the Inn.

Hattie is loveable so is her daughter who keeps asking all the questions about Dinosaurs. She literally shoves Hattie and Noah together in a good way. Writing a list to Santa. She gets an Aunty Erica too.

Erica or Aunty Erica. Starts very upper school business boss. Her softer side has always been there though with her friends and Anna's kids. I loved the progression through the story as an aunty and the slight mystery to Sexy Jack. There is no one else Erica just you.

Claudia has came out a ten year relationship. She was rather a mess. To add on top she loses her job. Now ready to pick her life up she falls in love again this time with the inn and being chef in the kitchen. Her and Hattie help each other so much.

Last but not least Anna. I loved Anna the mother to all of them. With twins of her own nearly ready to leave home for pastures new. She nearly forgets the one thing she has to live onto Pete. Her loving husband who the others love and enjoy joking sickly marriage at the same time. He melts me with the conversation the kids are the most important best things in his life remembering Anna is even more so. Without her there is no family.

It starts the three women friendship it ends with four and so much more. They all become one dysfunctional family. You did not want it to end.

[Kyleigh | alltheroseyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little wintery Christmas read. Loved all of the characters!

We’ll be talking all about it on the It Gets Good podcast that comes out 12/27!

[Michelle B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read for book club. I thought it might be a cosy read for this time of year. I don't like being overly critical because I can only imagine the work that goes into writing a book, but for me, the characters just moaned for 400 pages. Absent father, empty nest, lost job and relationship...okay yes all difficult life events which can shape how you see things..but page after page of monologue about the same three themes just didn't do it for me. Especially as none of it was especially profound. I also don't need to hear 500 times that someone's marriage is perfect! I got it the first 200 times it was mentioned. By the end I had drawn the conclusion that these three were such good friends because nobody else would want them!
The inn and little town sound cosy though. Having said all that, is the author a successful published author, writing books that bring people joy? Yes she is! Am I? No. No I am not.

[Kasey Woomer · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I wasn’t beating my head against the wall wanting this to move at a faster pace, it was an endearing hallmark-like read about friendship, life change, coming into your own…sharks and sparkly Christmas sweaters!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely festive read from Sarah. A warm, cozy read and a lovely story. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Auđur · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,7*

[Judith van Wijk · Rating 3 out of 5]

You could see the whole plot coming in the first ten pages, but still a very cozy Christmas read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to look forward to Sarah Morgan's Christmas novels and this book does not disappoint.
Hattie Coleman runs the beautiful Maple Sugar Inn, a winter wonderland, perfect for those seeking a holiday getaway. The young widow is feeling overwhelmed by her responsibilities, along with caring for her young daughter.
Erica, Claudia and Anna have been close friends since college and meet yearly for a book club vacation. This year, each woman is grappling with major changes in their lives.
Over the course of the week, Hattie, Erica, Claudia, and Anna recognize the blessings of second chances, romance, and the value of friendship and family.
The perfect cozy Christmas read.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet book combined with the Christmas season was very enjoyable. Hattie is a widow and single mom who owns the Maple Sugar Inn. She is struggling to keep everything together since her husband died.

Erica, Claudia and Anna have been friends since college. They are each very different, but they’ve supported each other. They look forward to an annual book club get together, but this year’s got postponed to December. They all come together at the Maple Sugar Inn… where friends and family help each other through life’s challenges.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC