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Christmas at the French Repair Shop
❄️🎄Can they patch up their broken hearts this Christmas? 🎄❄️
Christmas in the picturesque village of Willowbrook should be dreamy - twinkling fairylights, snow in the air, and a busy time for Amélie in the repair workshop she owns, restoring furniture and mending treasured objects for locals to give as Christmas gifts. But in the tiny community, Amélie keeps bumping into her ex, Jack - and it's killing her festive feeling.
Jack and Amélie were perfect for each other... until one day they weren't. And when Jack's attempt at reconciliation goes wrong, he finds himself locked in Amélie's van.
Driving to her aunt's house in the South of France, Amélie thinks she's finally going to get some peace over the festive period, but like it or not, she'll now be spending Christmas trapped on holiday with Jack. Could it help unwrap the secret to why they split up? Or will it be a gift they'd rather exchange?
Curl up with your perfect Christmas read from Sophie Claire. A wonderfully cosy, second-chance enemies-to-lovers festive romance, perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Jo Thomas and Sarah Morgan.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Readers adore Sophie Claire's cosy, heartwarming romances...
'A beautifully heartwarming festive romance that was perfect to cosy up with' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Amazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'What a wonderful, wonderful book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really didn't want it to end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Wonderful, uplifting, feel-good read . . . I couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Christmas in the picturesque village of Willowbrook should be dreamy - twinkling fairylights, snow in the air, and a busy time for Amélie in the repair workshop she owns, restoring furniture and mending treasured objects for locals to give as Christmas gifts. But in the tiny community, Amélie keeps bumping into her ex, Jack - and it's killing her festive feeling.
Jack and Amélie were perfect for each other... until one day they weren't. And when Jack's attempt at reconciliation goes wrong, he finds himself locked in Amélie's van.
Driving to her aunt's house in the South of France, Amélie thinks she's finally going to get some peace over the festive period, but like it or not, she'll now be spending Christmas trapped on holiday with Jack. Could it help unwrap the secret to why they split up? Or will it be a gift they'd rather exchange?
Curl up with your perfect Christmas read from Sophie Claire. A wonderfully cosy, second-chance enemies-to-lovers festive romance, perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Jo Thomas and Sarah Morgan.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Readers adore Sophie Claire's cosy, heartwarming romances...
'A beautifully heartwarming festive romance that was perfect to cosy up with' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Amazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'What a wonderful, wonderful book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really didn't want it to end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Wonderful, uplifting, feel-good read . . . I couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 5, 2026
3 ✨
Πρώτο βιβλίο για το 2026!
Γλυκό, ζεστό και γιορτινό, με έβαλε στο κλίμα των Χριστουγέννων! Οι χαρακτήρες αρκετά ρεαλιστικοί, ο καθένας αντιμέτωπος με τη δική του εσωτερική μάχη, πρόθυμοι, όμως, να αλλάξουν για εκείνους που αγαπούν.
Πρώτο βιβλίο για το 2026!
Γλυκό, ζεστό και γιορτινό, με έβαλε στο κλίμα των Χριστουγέννων! Οι χαρακτήρες αρκετά ρεαλιστικοί, ο καθένας αντιμέτωπος με τη δική του εσωτερική μάχη, πρόθυμοι, όμως, να αλλάξουν για εκείνους που αγαπούν.
December 27, 2025
A light hearted Christmas read
December 22, 2025
After an early life that was fraught with complications, Amélie’s found happiness living in Willowbrook – and her workshop where she repairs and upcycles furniture and smaller wooden items is doing well in the run-up to Christmas. Everything would be perfect, except for the situation with Jack, a late night DJ on the local radio station – their relationship was coming along nicely when it seemed he’d betrayed her trust by sharing a secret about her past. As a result, life’s becoming less comfortable for her in the community where she’s felt at home – and although she’s made it clear they’re over, he’s still a thorn in her side. He’s constantly playing pranks on her, as he did when they were together – and she reciprocates, perhaps conflicted about whether their relationship is really over, or whether she wants it to be.
She’s escaping to France for Christmas to stay with the aunt who brought her up – who has a repair shop of her own – and to pick up some items for her workshop from the many brocantes that pop up in the festive season. But when she opens the back of her van before getting on the ferry, it’s not empty – a prank has gone wrong, and, locked in, Jack is asleep inside. As he can’t get home, she reluctantly agrees he can come with her, help her load the items she picks up – and their enforced proximity gives them both the opportunity to re-evaluate their relationship. And it also gives them both the opportunity to clear up – if they can – the issue that drove them apart, as they both learn more about themselves and their pasts.
The dynamics between them are wonderfully handled – while she’s prickly at times, and he can be intensely irritating, they both have the opportunity to see if there’s still anything left of the flame between them that had been burning brightly. Their exchanges sparkle and fizz – and, as a lot of the book’s messages are about the need for communication, that works so very well. And as they begin to grow closer, their relationship developed into one I really hoped would have its happy ending. There’s a lot of poignancy in the book too – all those perfect emotional touches, and a nice focus on family – as Amélie comes to terms with her past, the perceived betrayal of her secrets, and the reasons why commitment has been a challenge for them both.
As always, the French setting is beautifully captured – the house Amélie always loved, the Christmas markets, the food and drink particularly delicious, and I loved all the festive touches. This really was a gorgeous read – with a sometimes unlikely developing romance I really believed in, and a couple who entirely won my heart. Very much recommended – I loved it.
She’s escaping to France for Christmas to stay with the aunt who brought her up – who has a repair shop of her own – and to pick up some items for her workshop from the many brocantes that pop up in the festive season. But when she opens the back of her van before getting on the ferry, it’s not empty – a prank has gone wrong, and, locked in, Jack is asleep inside. As he can’t get home, she reluctantly agrees he can come with her, help her load the items she picks up – and their enforced proximity gives them both the opportunity to re-evaluate their relationship. And it also gives them both the opportunity to clear up – if they can – the issue that drove them apart, as they both learn more about themselves and their pasts.
The dynamics between them are wonderfully handled – while she’s prickly at times, and he can be intensely irritating, they both have the opportunity to see if there’s still anything left of the flame between them that had been burning brightly. Their exchanges sparkle and fizz – and, as a lot of the book’s messages are about the need for communication, that works so very well. And as they begin to grow closer, their relationship developed into one I really hoped would have its happy ending. There’s a lot of poignancy in the book too – all those perfect emotional touches, and a nice focus on family – as Amélie comes to terms with her past, the perceived betrayal of her secrets, and the reasons why commitment has been a challenge for them both.
As always, the French setting is beautifully captured – the house Amélie always loved, the Christmas markets, the food and drink particularly delicious, and I loved all the festive touches. This really was a gorgeous read – with a sometimes unlikely developing romance I really believed in, and a couple who entirely won my heart. Very much recommended – I loved it.
December 12, 2025
I loved this book from the beginning.
Amelie and Jack were in a relationship but it’s over so why do they keep playing practical jokes on each other?
They are both struggling to move on but keep being drawn to each other.
I loved the idea of the Repair Shop and it was interesting to hear the process Amelie used to repair and restore the items brought to her, her workshop sounded like an Aladdin’s cave.
I was willing them to get together but can they overcome their fears?
Charming and romantic.
Amelie and Jack were in a relationship but it’s over so why do they keep playing practical jokes on each other?
They are both struggling to move on but keep being drawn to each other.
I loved the idea of the Repair Shop and it was interesting to hear the process Amelie used to repair and restore the items brought to her, her workshop sounded like an Aladdin’s cave.
I was willing them to get together but can they overcome their fears?
Charming and romantic.
May 19, 2026
I found this a bit boring, seemed to go on forever. I kind of had to force myself to continue to read a chapter a day. Not for me.
December 30, 2025
Christmas at the French Repair Shop is a cosy, feel-good novel that’s perfect for readers looking for a heartwarming holiday romance with a touch of personal transformation. It has been a fabulous book club title pick for us to end the year with and would highly recommend to any book clubs looking at their festive fiction line up for next year too!
Sophie Claire does a wonderful job of creating a festive, immersive atmosphere and it was refreshing to read a well-researched winter romance with elements of The Repair Shop - an educational read but extremely enjoyable at the same time. It was lovely to have the combination of French and English nostalgia and tradition at Christmas too.
The romance is sweet and the setting lovely, there are moments where the pacing felt a little slow for me, especially when it comes to the main plotline surrounding Amelie's personal growth. The character development was strong, but I sometimes wished for a little more external conflict to drive the story forward, rather than just focusing on internal struggles. That said, the charm of the French countryside and the holiday atmosphere made up for this in spades and I really enjoyed the unique storyline following the 'pranks' Amelie and Jack played on each other.
Sophie Claire does a wonderful job of creating a festive, immersive atmosphere and it was refreshing to read a well-researched winter romance with elements of The Repair Shop - an educational read but extremely enjoyable at the same time. It was lovely to have the combination of French and English nostalgia and tradition at Christmas too.
The romance is sweet and the setting lovely, there are moments where the pacing felt a little slow for me, especially when it comes to the main plotline surrounding Amelie's personal growth. The character development was strong, but I sometimes wished for a little more external conflict to drive the story forward, rather than just focusing on internal struggles. That said, the charm of the French countryside and the holiday atmosphere made up for this in spades and I really enjoyed the unique storyline following the 'pranks' Amelie and Jack played on each other.
September 29, 2025
After a short relationship which ended in an acrimonious split Amélie and Jack continue to play pranks on each other. Amélie runs a repair shop, fixing and upcycling furniture, Jack is a night DJ on a radio station. When he attempts a reconciliation he somehow ends up locked in the back of her van when she travels down to the South of France to spend Christmas with her Aunt.
This isn't a cosy romance, the storyline is very frustrating as the two blow hot and cold with each other. Both have trust issues, the reasons for which are gradually revealed, helping you to understand why they struggle so much in relationships. The settings do sound beautiful, both in Willobrook and in France,you also see the soft side of both of them when talking to other people. It is never clear whether they will finally make a go of their relationship, but you do become invested in it and hope that things do turn out for the best. Add in the Repair Shop link that helps you visualise Amélie's shop and I did enjoy this book despite the frustrations.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This isn't a cosy romance, the storyline is very frustrating as the two blow hot and cold with each other. Both have trust issues, the reasons for which are gradually revealed, helping you to understand why they struggle so much in relationships. The settings do sound beautiful, both in Willobrook and in France,you also see the soft side of both of them when talking to other people. It is never clear whether they will finally make a go of their relationship, but you do become invested in it and hope that things do turn out for the best. Add in the Repair Shop link that helps you visualise Amélie's shop and I did enjoy this book despite the frustrations.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
November 22, 2025
I love Sophie's festive stories and read them each year. Christmas at the French Repair Shop is another cosy read that offers everything we can expect from a Christmas story, with a storyline that kept me reading and turning the pages.
Amelie & Jack were such good characters and each of them had a background, with their own issues going on. We learn of these as the story develops and we begin to learn more about their relationship. At first, I thought the way they acted with each other was frustrating, but as we get to know them, you can't help but want a relationship for them. The chemistry between them could be felt throughout and the ending was just perfect for them.
I thought it was so funny how Jack ended up going to France with her, but this was a good twist and offered the forced proximity trope. Aswell as this, there were important topics covered within the book and these were written and handled so well.
The settings within France sounded so perfect and I would love to explore the market. Amelie's repair shop sounded so good also and a real treasure trove that I would love to explore.
Amelie & Jack were such good characters and each of them had a background, with their own issues going on. We learn of these as the story develops and we begin to learn more about their relationship. At first, I thought the way they acted with each other was frustrating, but as we get to know them, you can't help but want a relationship for them. The chemistry between them could be felt throughout and the ending was just perfect for them.
I thought it was so funny how Jack ended up going to France with her, but this was a good twist and offered the forced proximity trope. Aswell as this, there were important topics covered within the book and these were written and handled so well.
The settings within France sounded so perfect and I would love to explore the market. Amelie's repair shop sounded so good also and a real treasure trove that I would love to explore.
September 6, 2025
This is a sweet romance set at Christmas but not overly festive, just a nice warm hint of quiet festive celebrations and lots of French touches (amazing food at hot chocolate!)
Amelie and Jack are recent exes, they seem set to try and outdo each other in playing pranks and generally winding each other up with dating other people, however both seem to struggle to admit they still have a lot of unfinished business. During a prank gone wrong Jack & Amelie end up trapped together ion the way to spend Christmas in France and the close proximity seems to break down the barriers to communication. With all out war on hold, it is up to them whether they can figure it out and make peace with the past.
I enjoyed their arguing and the very important reasons why both of them struggle to trust other people they get too close to. This was a cosy and escapist wintery novel I enjoyed.
Amelie and Jack are recent exes, they seem set to try and outdo each other in playing pranks and generally winding each other up with dating other people, however both seem to struggle to admit they still have a lot of unfinished business. During a prank gone wrong Jack & Amelie end up trapped together ion the way to spend Christmas in France and the close proximity seems to break down the barriers to communication. With all out war on hold, it is up to them whether they can figure it out and make peace with the past.
I enjoyed their arguing and the very important reasons why both of them struggle to trust other people they get too close to. This was a cosy and escapist wintery novel I enjoyed.
October 23, 2025
I love the settings for this festive repair shop-themed romance. Amélie is a carpenter who spends her life repairing treasured objects, and she is busy in the run-up to Christmas. Jack is her ex and a local radio DJ. They find it hard to let go of their relationship, despite the breakup. They communicate by playing pranks on each other, and it's one of these pranks that brings them together for the holidays in France. The couple are complex, and their gradually revealed past is the root of their present problems. I like the dynamic between them, the humour, poignancy and the evocative settings.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 23, 2025
Not a bad story at all, I just found it dragged. As ever miscommunication skewed this couple's relationship which I could of quite cheerfully slapped them for. However the making up was nicer, the pranks they played on each other though I felt childish and a bit silly.
I liked the French part of the story at Josies house.
The characters were ok, nothing to dislike about them apart from Amelies ridiculous ability to trust or believe anyone if she felt that they had done something wrong. She wouldn't even listen to reason. This put me off her.
However the book was very readable, a bit over long for the story but a nice Christmas twist.
I liked the French part of the story at Josies house.
The characters were ok, nothing to dislike about them apart from Amelies ridiculous ability to trust or believe anyone if she felt that they had done something wrong. She wouldn't even listen to reason. This put me off her.
However the book was very readable, a bit over long for the story but a nice Christmas twist.
April 21, 2026
Amelie plans a Christmas break at her aunts repair shop in France, to avoid reminders of her ex. She is dismayed to find him asleep in her van when she sets off. They prank each other. She reluctantly tells him he can stay and help her at the local furniture/ antique fayres. She picks items to fix and upcycle . I loved seeing her enjoyment in finding items to buy.
There is a cosy romantic feel- a will they/ won't they scenario .
She takes on repairs in her aunts workshop and you can just feel the magic of bringing items to their former glory and the recipients joy.
There is a cosy romantic feel- a will they/ won't they scenario .
She takes on repairs in her aunts workshop and you can just feel the magic of bringing items to their former glory and the recipients joy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
4/5 STARS
A little bit of spicy content, but I wouldn't label it as spicy per se. Maybe 0.5/5 as a scale.
This was my first Christmas read of the year, and I'm pretty sure I read it within 3 hours haha.
It was so hallmark coded. A nice, festive second chance romance but with the pain of learning and growing, and damn it hurt, but it was healing too.
Really enjoyed it. It was like a hug.
Nylah xx
A little bit of spicy content, but I wouldn't label it as spicy per se. Maybe 0.5/5 as a scale.
This was my first Christmas read of the year, and I'm pretty sure I read it within 3 hours haha.
It was so hallmark coded. A nice, festive second chance romance but with the pain of learning and growing, and damn it hurt, but it was healing too.
Really enjoyed it. It was like a hug.
Nylah xx
November 30, 2025
Free courtesy of Netgalley
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Claire and it wasn't a bad story, but I did find it very repetitive, so quite a chunk of it was a bit boring to read (for me).
I did however love the characters, Amelie and Jack, her Aunt Josie and even Lexi. The story had good promise, with a fractured relationship between Amelie and Jack, how they quite clearly loved each other but couldn't find their way past a misunderstanding. I just found it hard work to read as it didn't seem to move along nicely.
I can't really explain why I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have but it was a struggle for me to read. Great story but needed a better execution. #sad #wantedtolike #bookwormlife
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Claire and it wasn't a bad story, but I did find it very repetitive, so quite a chunk of it was a bit boring to read (for me).
I did however love the characters, Amelie and Jack, her Aunt Josie and even Lexi. The story had good promise, with a fractured relationship between Amelie and Jack, how they quite clearly loved each other but couldn't find their way past a misunderstanding. I just found it hard work to read as it didn't seem to move along nicely.
I can't really explain why I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have but it was a struggle for me to read. Great story but needed a better execution. #sad #wantedtolike #bookwormlife
December 24, 2025
No beating around the bush - this was chick lit but I enjoyed reading it.
The characters are so nice and I was routing for them all the way. I liked that some of it was set in France for a change of scene.
The only bit I might have changed was the amount of to-ing and fro-ing between them. They were on again off again quite a few times!
The characters are so nice and I was routing for them all the way. I liked that some of it was set in France for a change of scene.
The only bit I might have changed was the amount of to-ing and fro-ing between them. They were on again off again quite a few times!
December 21, 2025
Four star review. No spoilers review. I really like the characters in the story and the build up and pace of the story too. I highly recommend everyone reads this lovely Christmas book this year. 8 out of 10 experience. Enjoy!.
December 29, 2025
I liked this story jus felt the book dragged in places and was perhaps longer than it needed to be. I really loved Jack as a character but Amelie I didn’t warm to as much until nearly the end of the book. I loved the descriptions of their time in France it was festive and beautiful.
December 12, 2025
If you could only read one Christmas book this year… read this one. My reviews says it all 😉🎄
December 24, 2025
I really enjoy Sophie’s writing, her settings and characters are so lovely. Did enjoy this one though not quite a 5 star.
December 24, 2025
Don’t be fooled by the happy looking Christmas cover. I bought it thinking it would be a sweet Christmas romance, but it was anything but that.
January 1, 2026
cute little read, very predictable easy read
January 5, 2026
loved this warm cosy festive read 🎄😍
January 25, 2026
DNF
WAS TOO SLOW
WAS TOO SLOW
January 30, 2026
Really lovely cosy Christmas romance. Just what I needed to escape to during the busy Christmas period. Little bit long winded in parts but I did keep reading and the ending didn’t disappoint.
March 5, 2026
This was one of my Christmas presents nice cosy read.
Did Not Finish
March 12, 2026Toxic as hell just never talk to each other again please
December 28, 2025
This book felt endless. The characters behaved emotionally like little children and were completely unsympathetic. I also constantly had the feeling that the narrative was going around in circles. While reading, I felt like I had already reached the end at least three times, and now I wonder what was supposed to happen in the remaining 47%.
Not recommended.
Not recommended.
January 23, 2026
shit but cute
February 15, 2026
This promises a festive escape with its blend of small-town charm, second chances, and a holiday trip to the South of France. Amélie, who runs a sentimental little repair shop in Willowbrook, is determined to enjoy a peaceful Christmas away from her persistent ex, Jack. But fate—and a van mishap—forces them into an unexpected holiday together, where old wounds and lingering feelings resurface.
The premise is fun and filled with festive potential: cozy village life, a French countryside setting, and the possibility of romance rekindled during Christmas. However, while the story has heart, the execution falls a little short of delivering that magical, warm glow readers often seek in seasonal romances. Amélie feels like a capable heroine, but the chemistry between her and Jack never quite sparks. His jokey, sometimes childish behavior undermines the emotional weight of their relationship, making the reconciliation feel less convincing.
Though the book has enjoyable moments and a charming backdrop, it doesn’t fully capture the cozy, romantic spirit of Christmas. It’s a pleasant read, but one that may not leave you with the lasting festive glow of other holiday romances.
The premise is fun and filled with festive potential: cozy village life, a French countryside setting, and the possibility of romance rekindled during Christmas. However, while the story has heart, the execution falls a little short of delivering that magical, warm glow readers often seek in seasonal romances. Amélie feels like a capable heroine, but the chemistry between her and Jack never quite sparks. His jokey, sometimes childish behavior undermines the emotional weight of their relationship, making the reconciliation feel less convincing.
Though the book has enjoyable moments and a charming backdrop, it doesn’t fully capture the cozy, romantic spirit of Christmas. It’s a pleasant read, but one that may not leave you with the lasting festive glow of other holiday romances.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews