Deck the Shelves

Village of Berkingsley #2

by Joelle Cullen

Alice Evans is trying hard to keep the Holly Jolly in Christmas this year. After her longtime boyfriend decides he wants to see more of the world (without her, that is), she is left figuring out how to piece hers back together.

But no one wants a Grinch bringing down the office spirit, so her boss convinces Alice to take a leave of absence from her role as fashion executive at a London marketing firm. She returns home to the small village of Berkingsley and her parents’ bookshop and soon realizes that there are bigger problems than not having a boyfriend to share Christmas morning with.

Hiding her breakup from her family, she learns that her parents are also keeping a secret, one that will take the help of the entire village to resolve. With the help of her friends and (possibly) a new love interest, Alice is determined to bring joy to herself and her parents this holiday season.

What kind of miracle will it take to make it a Happy Christmas for all?

Deck the Shelves is a sweet romance that can be read as a standalone Christmas novella or a sequel to its sister novel, What's Handed Down. Whichever way you read it, be prepared for a story filled with humor, heart, and hope.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday

151 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2024

Reviews

[Jessi - TheRoughCutEdge · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Thank you @Bookedwiththeemilys & @Joelle.cullen.author for the #gifted copy!

This was an absolutely adorable little read that was overflowing with small town charm. Seriously, the combination of cute pets, strong friendships, and the start of a sweet romance was perfect. And just when you think it can’t get more perfect throw in a puzzle club and a bookstore that also sells wine and spirits for a truly magical of holiday read!

Christmas is right around the corner and this made me even more excited for all the joy, traditions, scents, and twinkle lights that come with it. At just 140 pages this is a fantastic option to get you in the holiday spirit!

[Danielle Kaitlin (daniallreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's go time in Santa land" as Alice would say...

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @joelle.cullen.author or #gifted @bookedwiththeemilys @joelle.cullen.author. [Pub Date Oct 14, 2024]

The festive vibes are here & I am not going back after this ADORABLE holiday novella from Joelle Cullen.

This story had me constantly smiling. As soon as Joelles' words started flowing, I was transported into the most cozy world & I never wanted to leave the pages.

You seriously can't go wrong with a bookstore, a handsome mysterious customer, a festive rescue mission and endless holiday dates are just a lil bit of what "Deck the Shelves" has waiting for you (and I personally wouldn't wait long because it's that sweet delicious story you need to make you feel all the warm fuzzies)

My only issue with this? I needed more!!! A novella wasn't enough for me when it came to Alice and Freddie. This is a tiny love letter to Joelle to give us a fun spicy scene in the future because I need one from these two. *eyeballs*

Ps. [MINOR SPOILER] Nothing hits like when an athlete gives the girl his jersey *swoon*

❄️ Small Town
🎄 London Setting
✨️ Holiday!!!
❄️ Hallmark Vibes
🎄 A cute puppy you wanna squeeze
✨️ Green Pepper Spice
❄️ Light & Very Cozy

[Maggie T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute holiday novella!!! I LOVED it and it definitely put me in the holiday spirit! Now I need some hot chocolate and Christmas music…. Go read this ASAP!!

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book and the characters were interesting enough.
The author just tried to pack too many pieces into the puzzle.
They didn't all fit.
My biggest wish was that the author would have developed the outdoor festival more. After all the buildup it really felt just glossed over.
Would I read more from this author?
Sure.
The ideas are there and if this had been a full grown novel instead of a novella I think they would have been better fleshed out.
Big thanks to Joelle Cullen for my ARC!

[BookLionQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys and @joelle.cullen.author for a #gifted copy of this book!


I absolutely LOVED this book. It was so short and sweet. The perfect holiday read filled with fluff and fun surprises! Bookstores and cute pets always make books like this even better and this book is no different.

I thought Alice and Freddie had such cute interactions and the only thing I can say is I wish there was MORE! I I would read 100+ more pages of this cute story. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next book in the series!

#decktheshelves #joellecullenl #booktour #bookedwiththeemilys #smalltownromance #christmasbooks

[Mylissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, closed door holiday novella about family, friendships and community.

Alice has lost her holiday cheer after a recent heartbreak and being asked to take a leave of absence at work. She travels home to Berkingsley and her parent's bookshop only to discover it also isn't surrounded on holiday cheer either. Alice meets Freddie as she is helping to decorate the bookstore to begin to bring holiday cheer to her family and they instantly hit it off.

I enjoyed this small town romance set in London with supportive friends, heart warming dialogue and a Christmas market I wish I could visit.

Thank you Booked with the Emily's for the gifted copy!

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful, cozy holiday read! Alice returns to her small hometown for the holidays, hoping to reset after a breakup, only to find her childhood home/life as she remembers in a bit of turmoil. Complete with an adorable meet-cute, she develops feelings for Freddie and their way to romance is super sweet and enduring. Featuring all the small town vibes complete with a festival, a bit of hidden identity and found family, and closed-door romance, Deck the Shelves a such a cute read for the holidays.
Thanks to the author and Booked With The Emily’s for an ebook copy

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this sweet novella. I read and loved Joelle's first book, What's Handed Down. It was so great being with the characters again. Especially Alice , who is the friend we all should have . I enjoyed finding out more about her , especially about her parents' bookstore. I hope her story continues and we get more of her new romance. Now I want to play Christmas music and decorate.

[Emily | booksandbedtime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Joelle Cullen and Booked with the Emilys for my early copy.

Want a sweet holiday romance that you can read in one sitting? Well, look no further.

Short Synopsis:
After a tough breakup, Alice is forced to take a leave of absence from her job and returns home for a few weeks - only to find her parents beloved book and wine store is struggling.

My Thoughts:
This was a cozy delight. DECK THE SHELVES felt like a hallmark movie in the absolute best way. I was grinning from ear to ear reading about Alice and Freddie and the whole Berkingsley crew. (Freddie’s niece without a doubt was the star of the book though.) I’ll without a doubt be going back to read Joelle’s debut novel.

What You’ll Find:
🏘️Small England town
📚Bookstore
🐾Dog shenanigans
⚽️Ted Lasso vibes (when you know, you know)
💖Cutest meet cute
❤️‍🔥Tattooed forearms
🎄 Christmas romance
🎶Christmas song titles

[Our_readingjourney · Rating 5 out of 5]

DECK THE SHELVES - JOELLE CULLEN

5⭐

PLOT
Alice Evans is nursing a heartbreak when her longtime boyfriend calls quits.
Her boss asks her to take a leave of absence to get over her mood. She returns home to a small village of Berkingsley and her parents bookshop only to realise that things are not the same and her parents are keeping a secret. Alice is determined to resolve this by praying for a Xmas miracle for which her entire small town and even a possible new love join forces.

MY THOUGHTS
This is such a perfect holiday read. It's got drama, festive cheer and indeed a Xmas miracle making one feel good with the end yet don't want it to end and wish the story continues further.
Joelles writing is exemplary , her prose is as good as an established author which like in her debut novel is evident in this one too!
If you enjoy watching Xmas Hallmark movies then this one will check all the boxes for you!
It can be read as standalone but would recommend reading book 1 What's Handed Down for a more fulfilling reading experience.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good bookstore setting, especially during the holidays. I wish this was a full length book because there was so much that could have been further developed in this story. The characters were lovable but the dialogue didn’t flow and the plot felt hurried. Read if you’re looking for a quick and fluffy holiday book this season!

[Sarah Havener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah this was such a cute novella! I didn't want the end to stop where it did, but in a good way! This was a feel-good story, yet not without conflict. This is a perfect Christmas read.

[Linzie (book.clubbin.besties) Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the perfect, cozy book I needed to get me into the holiday spirit. The story is precious, the writing is so easy to follow, and that cover… CUTE. Honestly, I loved the chapter titles, too!! Now I have to go back and read the first book in this series!!

[Emily | emilyisoverbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back in Berkingsley, especially over the holidays! The novella was a perfect holiday read, just super heartwarming, swoony, and sweet. I loved the holiday traditions that were included and how Alice found herself again in her small town amongst books. The romance was so well done and I was pleasantly surprised by a certain little twist in toward the end of the book. I loved seeing the start of their relationship, and would totally read a full-length book about Alice and Freddy. What’s a favorite holiday tradition of yours?

[Jessa Layne • readwithjessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deck the Shelves by Joelle Cullen follows Alice Evans as she tries to hold onto the Christmas spirit after her longtime boyfriend leaves her, deciding he wants to see more of the world—without her. Heartbroken and struggling to move forward, Alice takes a leave of absence from her fast-paced job in London and returns to her parents’ small bookshop in the village of Berkingsley. As she hides her breakup from her family, she soon discovers they have a secret of their own—one that might need the help of the entire village to fix. With a little Christmas magic and perhaps a new romance on the horizon, Alice sets out to make this holiday season a happy one for everyone. This book got me ready for Christmas! It’s a sweet, cute novella that made me fall in love with the charming bookshop, Spines-n-Wines—I want to go there! The story gave me The Holiday vibes, and now I’m officially in the holiday spirit!

What You’ll Find:

Cozy London village

Small town romance

Ted Lasso vibes

Bookshop love

Spunky MC

Adorable pup

Christmas festivals

Thank you partners: @bookedwiththeemilys and @joelle.cullen.author for a gifted copy of Deck the Shelves!

[Jessica Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s it about?
In this cozy, Christmas novella, Alice returns home to her small, English village after a break up. She soon discovers her parents won’t be able to sustain their home and bookstore any longer. She leaps into action and, quite literally, falls into the arms of a handsome stranger along the way.

My thoughts:
This novella is so cozy and sweet! It will make you want to curl up in a chair next to a fireplace and dream of decorating your home for Christmas.

I love Alice’s determination to help her family despite her own heartbreak, as well as how she interacts with her friends. Freddie’s story is so good, and I adored the path it went down.

There are characters from Joelle’s first book, What’s Handed Down, but this can absolutely be read as a standalone.

If you’re looking for a sweet, cozy Christmas read, then this is it!

[Christina Butz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novella. To be completely honest, I had no idea there was a previous book (What’s Handed Down), but you better believe I’m going to devour that, too.

It’s currently warm and October, but this book gave me the cute, cozy winter vibes I needed to jumpstart the holiday season.

I loved the dynamic between Alice and Freddie. It was playful and flirty. The MFC, recently out of a breakup, had a refreshingly healthy outlook on the potential future of this relationship. I truly appreciated seeing a character not defined by or who needed the relationship.

My question now is, WILL THERE BE MORE? Because I need more Freddie in my life.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys and @joelle.cullen.author for the #gifted copy.

DECK THE SHELVES by Joelle Cullen is a sweet novella guaranteed to fill you with the holiday spirit. Everything from the small town setting to the good hearted characters, the adorable pup, and wholesome romance makes this a cozy read that shouldn’t be missed. I’m completely smitten.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a sweet holiday novella with Hallmark movie vibes you can easily read in one sitting! I loved all the scenes in the village itself and the small town charm. This is a very cozy and heartwarming read with a focus on family, friendship, and community.
I also want to go to this village that has a puzzle club and bookstore!!

Recommend if you enjoy:
🇬🇧Cozy London villages
🏘️Small town romances
📚Bookstores
🎄Christmas festivals
💞Closed door romances

[Rachel Cornmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect little Christmas story, and I was so happy to come back to the same quaint village and friends as the last story.

Seriously if you need something heart warming, and to warm your soul read this book, you won't regret it.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kristens.reading.nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It didn’t matter whether I had a man beside me or if I stood on my own two feet. I was bound for good things.”

I didn’t think I was going to be ready to read my first Christmas book in September, but boy was I wrong! I sat down to read this novella and read almost the entire thing in one sitting and finished the book in one day. That’s not typical for me since I am always bouncing between books on any given day.

I really can’t resist a bookstore romance, and add in a daughter helping to save that bookstore for her parents and I’m all in! This is a sequel but it is a standalone. Now I want to go back and read What’s Handed Down.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Read if you like:
Lots of book references
Cute, punny chapter titles
Closed door romance
Cozy London village
Small town romance
Ted Lasso vibes
Bookshop love
Spunky MC
Adorable pup
Christmas festivals

Thank you Partner @bookedwiththeemilys and @joelle.cullen.author for the #gifted copy.

[Vinsci Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This was such a cute story. I love Alice's helpful, likes to ramble type of personality even though she just got out of a relationship and now her parents about to lose their bookstore and wine shop, which is pretty much her home. I find her funny and easy to get a long. I'm a sucker for small-town community/family. I also love how easy Alice and Freddie started. I like the mystery about Freddie and I did not expect the twist with his character. I didn't realize that this was a novella so I was really sad it ended so soon. I wishbthe author will write a full story about this two because they are cute together. Also the book and wine shop idea is sooo cute.

[Amy Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to thank Booked with the Emily’s and the author for gifting me an EARC of this delightful Christmas book.

I absolutely adore this book. I’m giving it 4.25/5 ⭐️. It’s everything I want in a Christmas book and more. It is a part of a series, however, each book can be read as a stand alone.
In full transparency-this is the first book of this series that I have read.

The book features Alice who is taking a holiday from her job to come home to spend time with her family. When she gets there she discovers that her parents haven’t even decorated for the holidays. She sets about decorating the book shop and discovers that most of the decorations were ruined . So, she makes a new Christmas scene. While decorating-she literally falls into Freddie’s arms.

Freddie and Alice’s interactions had an ease to them. Quite honestly-I felt like I was watching a Nora Ephron rom com.

Freddie and Alice run into each other again in the pub and have a drink and a get to know you session.

Freddie it turns out is a footballer and has to miss some of the event that Alice is throwing.

I don’t want to give too much away but read this book if you love: Christmas and romcoms.

I wanted more. I will be reading the rest of this author’s stories. #decktheshelves #joellecullenl #booktour #bookedwiththeemilys #smalltownromance #christmasbooks

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @joelle.cullen.author or #gifted @bookedwiththeemilys @joelle.cullen.author

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and @joelle.cullen.author for the #gifted copy of this book.

"Someone with a heart as good as yours deserves every da** single beautiful thing."

Summary: Alice Evans is having a hard time finding her Christmas cheer after her long time boyfriend decided he wanted to explore the world... without her. Since she was just a grinch around the office, she was forced to take a break and head home for the holidays. Once back home in the charming village of Berkingsley, Alice discovers that her parents are also holding in a big secret that might just change everything. Can this unhappy Christmas be turned around??

Thoughts: Oh this was such a sweet story that puts you right into the Christmas mood. I loved Alice and her determination to help her parents save their bookshop by pulling not only her friends together but also the whole village. Alice and Freddie's meet cute was top notch and adorable. Finally, I absolutely loved Freddie's niece, Liddy, who stole the show of this book in every way possible... my favorite being her Christmas shopping list. This reads very well as a standalone, quick holiday read, but I most certainly will be reading the first book in the series because I'm not quite ready to leave the village. Also, I must add that I loved the puzzle group her mother had at the bookstore and truly wish this bookstore was real in my own hometown!!

Read if you like:
🏘️Cozy London village
📚Bookshop love
💗Adorable meet cute
🐶Adorable pup
🎄Christmas romance
🎶Adorable Christmas Song Titles

[Mikaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to dive into this book, given the charming premise—a “Home for the Holidays” story set against the backdrop of a cozy bookshop and wine store combo sounded like it had all the ingredients for a delightful, holiday read where Alice teams up with her small circle to restore the magic of the season.
Despite its high potential, I found myself getting distracted and putting the book down mid-chapter. I often glossed over pages, trying to focus on the main narrative, as it felt like much of the story lacked depth and was merely skimming the surface. I personally found the characters didn’t really develop or offer the kind of emotional engagement I was hoping for.
The pacing was a bit off for my personal taste- At 76% I reflected back on the book and I realized that very little had happened beyond an idea for a fundraiser and going on a date. It left me questioning what exactly had transpired in the first three-quarters of the book.
That said, this book may be very appealing to readers who are looking for a strictly fluffy holiday read that doesn’t delve too deeply into personal or plot development. If you’re in the mood for something light and undemanding that offers a cozy atmosphere and simple holiday charm, this could definitely still be worth picking up.
Overall, this story didn’t quite capture the holiday magic I had hoped for. This is, of course, just my personal opinion and in no way diminishes the effort and talent of the author. I’m sure many readers will still find it an enjoyable escape, but it simply wasn’t for me.

[Dea Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Evans is home in her small town of Berkingsley visiting her family for Christmas, not because she wants to, but because her boss put her on a leave of absence. Her recent breakup with her longtime boyfriend has hit her hard, and she's become quite the Grinch this Christmas. Now that she's home, she's determined to hide her breakup from her family, but things seem off with them, too. She soon discovers her parents have kept a huge secret from her. The only way she can help her parents is by getting the entire town involved.

Deck the Shelves was such a sweet, cozy Christmas read. I adored Alice's character. She has such a huge, kind, caring heart. Despite the fact that she was still hurting from her breakup, she decided to put her  parents' needs first. I'm so glad that Freddie walked into the book store, then crossed paths with her again. He was just the type of man she needed to bring her happiness. I loved all of the side characters. I just wanted this novella to go on forever or was just so good!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet holiday novella that is "nestled nostalgically", full of heart, and leaves you craving butter cookies and all things pine and cinnamon then this is for you. The author has created this wonderful story about a daughter that comes home for the holidays after a break up and work problems to find her parent's bookstore in dire need of help. With a cast of characters, new and familiar, as well as the spirit of Christmas cheer they work together to save the bookstore and move forward in honesty. Get a playlist ready of jazzy holiday favorites and throw some Taylor Swift "Lover" era in between, bake a fresh batch of cookies and manifest a MMC that resembles the Duke of Hastings. Tis the Damn Season to string lights everywhere and talk about your favorite Christmas traditions like snowball fights, drinks with friends at the local pub and watching tried and true movies.

Cozy London village
Small town romance
Ted Lasso vibes
Bookshop love
Spunky MC
Adorable pup
Christmas festivals

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @joelle.cullen.author

[WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?🎄
I adore all of the holiday traditions, but something I look forward to every year is hot, delicious homemade wassail!
Deck the Shelves is such a cute and cozy story that gives you all of the holiday feels that you look forward to every year. When Alice heads home with a broken heart for Christmas, she’s hoping to rest and enjoy time with her family.
But when she arrives, she realizes something isn’t right the family bookstore isn’t decked out for the holidays and her parents don’t seem to be in the festive spirit. Suddenly everything else goes on the back burner when she realizes the bookstore is at risk of closing.
I will forever adore a small-town story, and when Alice decides she’s going to help save her family’s bookstore and town treasure, I was rooting for her the whole way!
Thank you so much @bookedwiththeemilys for this gifted copy!!
Deck the Shelves by Joelle Cullen was published on 10/14/24 and is available on Kindle Unlimited and you can find this on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺

[Emlynn McDermott · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a difficult breakup, Alice returns home hoping to find holiday cheer. Instead, she learns that her parents’ bookshop is struggling. Keeping her breakup to herself, she sets out to help, but fixing the situation is not as easy as she imagines. Thank goodness there’s an entire village (and a handsome new “not-a-boyfriend”) to help.

I rarely read Christmas books, primarily because my timing is usually wrong. But I loved the first book in the Village of Berkingsley series, What’s Handed Down, so when I saw that author Joelle Cullen had published Book 2 as a Christmas novella that readers can also enjoy stand-alone, I rearranged my schedule. I am so glad I did!

Deck the Shelves is the perfect holiday read for romance lovers. Filled with Christmas warmth, small-town charm, and hope, the story is short, sweet, flirtatious, and uplifting. The meet-cute oozes chemistry, the guy is a hottie, there’s an adorable dog in the cast of characters, and Cullen’s writing is superb. Need I say more? Ask Santa for this book today!