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The Secret Christmas Library
A new holiday story set in the Scottish Highlands to warm booklovers’ hearts by Jenny Colgan, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop.
Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.
But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.
Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.
A treat for booklovers and treasure hunters alike, The Secret Christmas Library serves up a delicious mystery with a hint of romance, and plenty of holiday spirit!
Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.
But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.
Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.
A treat for booklovers and treasure hunters alike, The Secret Christmas Library serves up a delicious mystery with a hint of romance, and plenty of holiday spirit!
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 14, 2025
2905 people are currently reading
24906 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Colgan
122 books11.7k followersJenny 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,203 reviews
November 27, 2025
Okay... so this book had me at “snowstorm + magical library + old castle.” I was READY for cozy chaos. 🎄📚✨
But instead of whisking me away, this one sort of… gently nudged me? With a mittened hand? Very softly? 😅
The vibes? Immaculate.
The execution? Like a Christmas TV movie filmed after someone said, “We only have one weekend and half a budget... Let's GO!” 🎬❄️😂
Characters were sweet but flatter than leftover sugar cookies 🍪, and the dialogue sometimes felt like it was written during a caffeine crash. I kept waiting for magic… or momentum… or literally anything exciting to happen. Instead, the plot took its time. A lot of time. 🐌💨
And then suddenly at 80%: Surprise! Spice! It was like the book woke up and went, “Wait... heat?? Oh yeah, throw some in!” 🌶️🔥🤣
The ending wrapped up faster than a last-minute Christmas gift in the Target parking lot. 🎁💨
BUT… the atmosphere was charming, some moments were genuinely cute, and I didn’t hate being along for the snowy ride. It was just… ok. Cozy enough. Not unforgettable. A soft 3 stars from me. ☕️🎄✨
But instead of whisking me away, this one sort of… gently nudged me? With a mittened hand? Very softly? 😅
The vibes? Immaculate.
The execution? Like a Christmas TV movie filmed after someone said, “We only have one weekend and half a budget... Let's GO!” 🎬❄️😂
Characters were sweet but flatter than leftover sugar cookies 🍪, and the dialogue sometimes felt like it was written during a caffeine crash. I kept waiting for magic… or momentum… or literally anything exciting to happen. Instead, the plot took its time. A lot of time. 🐌💨
And then suddenly at 80%: Surprise! Spice! It was like the book woke up and went, “Wait... heat?? Oh yeah, throw some in!” 🌶️🔥🤣
The ending wrapped up faster than a last-minute Christmas gift in the Target parking lot. 🎁💨
BUT… the atmosphere was charming, some moments were genuinely cute, and I didn’t hate being along for the snowy ride. It was just… ok. Cozy enough. Not unforgettable. A soft 3 stars from me. ☕️🎄✨
June 8, 2025
I struggled to finish this book. I found myself skimming the pages and unable to connect with any of the characters.
August 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Secret Christmas Library, by Jenny Colgan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Mirren Sutherland search for old books, a treasure hunter of sorts. I expected a lot more from this book the I got out of it. It started off well, but then got a bit boring.
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October 24, 2025DNF @ 65%
Great premise (puzzles, clues!!) but ultimately disappointing. It seems to meander and I lost interest. I miss Jenny Colgan’s older series. They had such a sense of community, which I loved.
Great premise (puzzles, clues!!) but ultimately disappointing. It seems to meander and I lost interest. I miss Jenny Colgan’s older series. They had such a sense of community, which I loved.
December 26, 2025
The Secret Christmas Library was a wonderful winter escape. It can be read as a stand alone, or the follow up to the novella The Christmas Book Hunt. Mirren and Theo are reunited in this full length novel. It is set in a run down estate at the furthest reaches of the Scottish highlands. They are enlisted to help the owner, Jamie, find a book his grandfather left somewhere in the estate. Mirren and Theo are transported to the estate by a private railway car that is absolutely magical.
Jamie’s grandfather was a book hoarder, therefore finding the book referenced in a poem/riddle crafted by his grandfather is going to be a monumental undertaking. There are numerous obstacles including secret codes, secret passages, loss of electricity, and the arrival of Jamie’s sister, Esme. What a character! She adds some life to the story and stir things up.
I loved the banter. I loved the dog-Roger!!!! I loved the hedge maze! I loved that books were featured throughout the novel and Colgan even snuck in a Dr. Who reference! (She is a huge fan and has written a few Who novels). The reader peels back the layers of the lives of several characters. It is a heartwarming story and a perfect read for this time of year.
Jamie’s grandfather was a book hoarder, therefore finding the book referenced in a poem/riddle crafted by his grandfather is going to be a monumental undertaking. There are numerous obstacles including secret codes, secret passages, loss of electricity, and the arrival of Jamie’s sister, Esme. What a character! She adds some life to the story and stir things up.
I loved the banter. I loved the dog-Roger!!!! I loved the hedge maze! I loved that books were featured throughout the novel and Colgan even snuck in a Dr. Who reference! (She is a huge fan and has written a few Who novels). The reader peels back the layers of the lives of several characters. It is a heartwarming story and a perfect read for this time of year.
October 24, 2025
I have read many books by this author and I was looking forward to it. In the second or third paragraph there are two sentences are repeated. I reread it a few times thinking I had somehow lost my place. This repition was not for dramatic effect but because of poor editing. I closed the book and will be returning it. It was off putting. If it was this sloppy out of the gate I can’t imagine how bad it will get. Buyer beware.
July 2, 2025
I've read the past few Christmas books by the author and just knew I had to read the latest.
A Scottish castle is just how you'd imagine it to be, dark, drafty and cold with endless hallways lit by wall scones attached to cold dripping stone walls.
Now this isn't to say I didn't like the castle because I'd visit it in a heartbeat. This is just how I imagine the inside of a castle to be.
Geeting snowed in at Christmas time in a Scottish castle may not be ideal for some but for Mirren Sutherland it gives this antiquarian book hunter ample time to search for a rare book for the laird of the castle. Jamie McPherson knows he must have this family book belonging to a past family member if there is any hope in paying for repairs to the crumbling castle.
When another treasure hunter who has quite the reputation for finding things quickly shows up Mirren knows she has to work quickly and efficiently but who will win the race.
It was entertaining reading the clues dispersed amongst the pages, clues around the castle in the most unusual places.
There was a shadow of romance but not the main focus of the story which allowed for the focus on the great character development and of the story.
A fairytale feeling I was swept up in the story and enjoyed it very much.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A Scottish castle is just how you'd imagine it to be, dark, drafty and cold with endless hallways lit by wall scones attached to cold dripping stone walls.
Now this isn't to say I didn't like the castle because I'd visit it in a heartbeat. This is just how I imagine the inside of a castle to be.
Geeting snowed in at Christmas time in a Scottish castle may not be ideal for some but for Mirren Sutherland it gives this antiquarian book hunter ample time to search for a rare book for the laird of the castle. Jamie McPherson knows he must have this family book belonging to a past family member if there is any hope in paying for repairs to the crumbling castle.
When another treasure hunter who has quite the reputation for finding things quickly shows up Mirren knows she has to work quickly and efficiently but who will win the race.
It was entertaining reading the clues dispersed amongst the pages, clues around the castle in the most unusual places.
There was a shadow of romance but not the main focus of the story which allowed for the focus on the great character development and of the story.
A fairytale feeling I was swept up in the story and enjoyed it very much.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 30, 2025
Cute story. Way, WAY too many errors!
December 29, 2025
It's just days before Christmas and Mirrin Sutherland and Theo Palliser are back working together to find a rare book among thousands in Forres Castle in northern Scotland. Laird Jamie McKinnon has inherited the crumbing castle after his grandfather's death and must pay the taxes in January or lose it.
Jamie's grandfather was a great collector of books, a hoarder really, and every room and even some hallways of the castle are stacked with books. He was also a lover of puzzles and treasure hunts and has left Jamie one last challenge, a poem with clues to lead them to the treasure if only they can figure it out.
I was totally immersed in the story, enjoyed the characters, and nearly froze to death in that drafty old Scottish castle during the snowstorms that hit. There's a bit of mystery, a nice touch of romance and a very exciting and satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via
NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Jamie's grandfather was a great collector of books, a hoarder really, and every room and even some hallways of the castle are stacked with books. He was also a lover of puzzles and treasure hunts and has left Jamie one last challenge, a poem with clues to lead them to the treasure if only they can figure it out.
I was totally immersed in the story, enjoyed the characters, and nearly froze to death in that drafty old Scottish castle during the snowstorms that hit. There's a bit of mystery, a nice touch of romance and a very exciting and satisfying ending.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via
NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 20, 2025
I’m so sorry to type this but this book was an absolute snooze fest
October 23, 2025
I absolutely love Jenny Colgan's Christmas novels and am always ready to read her newest one. The Secret Christmas Library definitely delivered what I was expecting with her newest Christmas tale!
Mirren and Theo are once again on a chase for an elusive book. Both Mirren and Theo appeared in Jenny Colgan's "The Christmas Book Hunt" novella in 2024, and we are off on a second Christmas book hunting adventure with them. This time, Mirren and Theo are off to Scotland and a castle to find a book that is worth enough money to possibly save the castle.
Jamie is the heir to a grand castle in Scotland and moves from Edinburgh and life as he knew it to try and manage what he's left by his late grandfather. However, he is in desperate need of help because the castle is stuffed full of books that have been hoarded, and he has no idea where to begin.
This book was another bookish Christmas adventure by this amazing author, and I was definitely surprised by it, especially where the smidgen of romance is concerned, and I think other readers will be equally surprised as well. Once again, this author has created a lovely Christmas tale that I completely enjoyed. The characters were mostly lovable, and the setting of this book was deliciously beautiful.
I think any lover of both holiday fiction and books about books and especially holiday fiction that isn't solely focused on romance should definitely add this book to their holiday reading this year.
This book is available for purchase NOW!
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Jenny Colgan for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mirren and Theo are once again on a chase for an elusive book. Both Mirren and Theo appeared in Jenny Colgan's "The Christmas Book Hunt" novella in 2024, and we are off on a second Christmas book hunting adventure with them. This time, Mirren and Theo are off to Scotland and a castle to find a book that is worth enough money to possibly save the castle.
Jamie is the heir to a grand castle in Scotland and moves from Edinburgh and life as he knew it to try and manage what he's left by his late grandfather. However, he is in desperate need of help because the castle is stuffed full of books that have been hoarded, and he has no idea where to begin.
This book was another bookish Christmas adventure by this amazing author, and I was definitely surprised by it, especially where the smidgen of romance is concerned, and I think other readers will be equally surprised as well. Once again, this author has created a lovely Christmas tale that I completely enjoyed. The characters were mostly lovable, and the setting of this book was deliciously beautiful.
I think any lover of both holiday fiction and books about books and especially holiday fiction that isn't solely focused on romance should definitely add this book to their holiday reading this year.
This book is available for purchase NOW!
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Jenny Colgan for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
A fun read for Christmas and for people who love books! Imagine an ancient Scottish castle, and a hunt for a book among the hundreds of rooms over the snowy Christmas holidays.
October 14, 2025
This is an ARC review thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow Paperbacks.
Let’s be honest here. I had to DNF this book about 60% thru. I am sad to admit this because I usually LOVE Jenny Colgan’s books, especially her Christmas ones. However the last 2 books I read of hers fell so flat for me. Regardless, I had hoped this book would redeem her for me, especially as it is supposed to be a Christmas theme which is what made me fall for her stories to begin with. First issue is, this has NOTHING to do with Christmas. 60% in and is mentioned Christmas on 1 page for a few sentences. This was painfully drought out. Just when I thought the story was getting somewhere and had hoped, it took 10 steps back. I finally had to just stop and DNF because I didn’t want to waste anymore time on a book that was going no where 60% into it.
Let’s be honest here. I had to DNF this book about 60% thru. I am sad to admit this because I usually LOVE Jenny Colgan’s books, especially her Christmas ones. However the last 2 books I read of hers fell so flat for me. Regardless, I had hoped this book would redeem her for me, especially as it is supposed to be a Christmas theme which is what made me fall for her stories to begin with. First issue is, this has NOTHING to do with Christmas. 60% in and is mentioned Christmas on 1 page for a few sentences. This was painfully drought out. Just when I thought the story was getting somewhere and had hoped, it took 10 steps back. I finally had to just stop and DNF because I didn’t want to waste anymore time on a book that was going no where 60% into it.
June 23, 2025
Castles in the Scottish snow, cliffs on the sea; magical story! I miss these characters already.
Mirren and Theo are hired to find a valuable and rare book by a Scottish man. What they don’t know is that this man has inherited a huge castle in northern Scotland and has a royal title.
Taken by a private train car 500 miles from London they disembark to a remote area with a huge but dilapidated castle. Bonnie, one of the last servants, keeps several rooms in good shape. Bedrooms for sleep, the kitchen and a dining/living room. It’s enough for them to spend the weekend there.
Jamie, the laird who inherited the castle from his grandfather knows there’s a valuable book somewhere but needs help finding it. Thousands upon thousands of books are in every room and cupboard. The grandfather started collecting books that turned into a hoarding obsession.
When snow starts to fall they’re charmed by it all until it doesn’t stop for days. Now snowed in without power they have plenty of time to search and try to stay warm.
I loved this beautiful adventure in a remote land with a touch of romance, and at Christmas time. Descriptions of the castle as it once was are breathtaking. Please write a sequel!
Thanks Edelweiss and William Morrow.
The best Jenny Colgan book ever!
Mirren and Theo are hired to find a valuable and rare book by a Scottish man. What they don’t know is that this man has inherited a huge castle in northern Scotland and has a royal title.
Taken by a private train car 500 miles from London they disembark to a remote area with a huge but dilapidated castle. Bonnie, one of the last servants, keeps several rooms in good shape. Bedrooms for sleep, the kitchen and a dining/living room. It’s enough for them to spend the weekend there.
Jamie, the laird who inherited the castle from his grandfather knows there’s a valuable book somewhere but needs help finding it. Thousands upon thousands of books are in every room and cupboard. The grandfather started collecting books that turned into a hoarding obsession.
When snow starts to fall they’re charmed by it all until it doesn’t stop for days. Now snowed in without power they have plenty of time to search and try to stay warm.
I loved this beautiful adventure in a remote land with a touch of romance, and at Christmas time. Descriptions of the castle as it once was are breathtaking. Please write a sequel!
Thanks Edelweiss and William Morrow.
The best Jenny Colgan book ever!
September 20, 2025
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the arc. Is the storyline preposterous? Yes. Is it great literature? No. Is this just the thing if you want to curl up with a cosy romance and forget the depressing world outside for a bit? Absolutely yes.
I have read a number of Jenny Colgan’s books now and tend to find her a bit of a hit and miss author for me. Some of them, like the earlier books set on Mure, I have really enjoyed, and some (like Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop) just seem like rushed and unbelievable Christmas lit churned out for the seasonal market. The Secret Christmas Library does stray a little bit into that territory but redeems itself with some properly funny scenes and dialogue and unashamedly over-the-top Christmas vibes with a Scottish castle, snow, skating - the works. There is a little bit of smut in here but it is easily skipped past if, like me, you find that type of writing a little too cringey. A solid Christmas romance read.
I have read a number of Jenny Colgan’s books now and tend to find her a bit of a hit and miss author for me. Some of them, like the earlier books set on Mure, I have really enjoyed, and some (like Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop) just seem like rushed and unbelievable Christmas lit churned out for the seasonal market. The Secret Christmas Library does stray a little bit into that territory but redeems itself with some properly funny scenes and dialogue and unashamedly over-the-top Christmas vibes with a Scottish castle, snow, skating - the works. There is a little bit of smut in here but it is easily skipped past if, like me, you find that type of writing a little too cringey. A solid Christmas romance read.
October 25, 2025
DNF. Found the premise ridiculous less than 30 minutes in.
December 27, 2025
našla sam na razmeni neku knjigu od ove dženi i znam da je ljudi baš gotive i rekoh ajd da uzmem ovo božićno sad a ono s razmene ću da ostavim za leto, pošto je kao neka pekara na plaži nešto. hvaljen isus pa sam sirotinja koja ne može da kupi svaku knjigu s lepim koricama (a ova je baš mamipara faking laguna i njeni novci!). kako bih vam rekla, verovatno ću vratiti i ovu plažnu nazad na razmenu, imam ja svoju jba i to mi je dosta, ne moram ja baš sve trešiće da pročitam. :)
December 3, 2025
not sure how this book ever made it to a 3.7 average rating
October 7, 2025
This is a book nerds’ story: a book about finding a special book in a castle full of bizarre books. I got a kick out of all the different kinds of books that Mirren, Jamie and Theo discovered and their thrill of discovering an amazing book. Once Jamie’s sister, Esme, entered the story (in the first half), I enjoyed all the reminiscing about the memories they had of growing up and hanging out with their eccentric grandfather, the castle among all of his books, and engaging in all of his treasure hunts and games. I have memories like that of certain people and special books. Do you?
Anyway, the book summary pretty much lays out the whole primary storyline. After meeting Jamie at the London Museum, in front of the rare book that Mirren found, Jamie offers Mirren a job to find a book for him. It’s not long before she is on a train from London to the northern Highlands, along with her gorgeous (of course) and annoying ex (who she is still very much attracted to), Theo, who is on assignment to find a book too. It’s at this point that I discovered that this book is actually a sequel to another book. It’s not clear that this was a sequel because it wasn’t posted as part of a series, which it may not be, but it is definitely a sequel. Apparently, last year, Mirren and Theo’s story was told in The Christmas Book Hunt
What the book summary kind of glosses over is the state of the “castle” they find themselves at. A “vast and crumbling castle” doesn’t adequately describe the place that Mirren and Theo end up at and now that they’re there, they are stuck for an indeterminant amount of time. They’re snowed in at a place that is at the end of the train line, with no roads to them and no cell service or internet signal, and eventually, no electricity.
Most of the story revolves around Jamie, Mirren and Theo finding clues and working the leads to finding the book that supposedly will save Jamie’s family legacy. The castle is a bad episode of Hoarders, and an overwhelming nightmare for Mirren and the guys. Pretty early in the story, Jamie’s sister, Esme, braves the ordeal in getting to the castle, after she gets word, that Jamie has hired people to find something that will save the family. Esme thinks it’s some kind of treasure or some valuable artifact and is going to make sure she gets her share of any money Jamie gets.
The character development of the MC’s was well done. Like Mirren, I was really curious about Bonnie throughout the entire story; wish there was a little bit more about her. The pacing was steady and the storyline interesting and engaging, and the writing on par for this genre. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #WilliamMorrow #TheSecretChristmasLibrary
Anyway, the book summary pretty much lays out the whole primary storyline. After meeting Jamie at the London Museum, in front of the rare book that Mirren found, Jamie offers Mirren a job to find a book for him. It’s not long before she is on a train from London to the northern Highlands, along with her gorgeous (of course) and annoying ex (who she is still very much attracted to), Theo, who is on assignment to find a book too. It’s at this point that I discovered that this book is actually a sequel to another book. It’s not clear that this was a sequel because it wasn’t posted as part of a series, which it may not be, but it is definitely a sequel. Apparently, last year, Mirren and Theo’s story was told in The Christmas Book Hunt
What the book summary kind of glosses over is the state of the “castle” they find themselves at. A “vast and crumbling castle” doesn’t adequately describe the place that Mirren and Theo end up at and now that they’re there, they are stuck for an indeterminant amount of time. They’re snowed in at a place that is at the end of the train line, with no roads to them and no cell service or internet signal, and eventually, no electricity.
Most of the story revolves around Jamie, Mirren and Theo finding clues and working the leads to finding the book that supposedly will save Jamie’s family legacy. The castle is a bad episode of Hoarders, and an overwhelming nightmare for Mirren and the guys. Pretty early in the story, Jamie’s sister, Esme, braves the ordeal in getting to the castle, after she gets word, that Jamie has hired people to find something that will save the family. Esme thinks it’s some kind of treasure or some valuable artifact and is going to make sure she gets her share of any money Jamie gets.
The character development of the MC’s was well done. Like Mirren, I was really curious about Bonnie throughout the entire story; wish there was a little bit more about her. The pacing was steady and the storyline interesting and engaging, and the writing on par for this genre. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #WilliamMorrow #TheSecretChristmasLibrary
June 8, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 stars. Good enough to read to the end without skimming but just OK.
Jenny Colgan is one of my favorite authors and I perennially return to Mure, Kirrinfief, Carso, and Mount Polbearne. to immerse myself in satisfying, romance, and very entertaining stories filled with wonderful characters and delightfully snarky dialogue. However, I don't feel that way about all of her books and, unfortunately, this is one of them.
This story was a bit too gloomy for me. I liked the idea of the story but just didn't connect to any of the characters and found myself not really caring about solving the mystery either. On the positive side, there were flashes of snarky dialogue or commentary that made me laugh out loud.
Anyway, not one of my favorites by Colgan.
A smattering of profanity and an R-rated bedroom scene.
2.5 stars. Good enough to read to the end without skimming but just OK.
Jenny Colgan is one of my favorite authors and I perennially return to Mure, Kirrinfief, Carso, and Mount Polbearne. to immerse myself in satisfying, romance, and very entertaining stories filled with wonderful characters and delightfully snarky dialogue. However, I don't feel that way about all of her books and, unfortunately, this is one of them.
This story was a bit too gloomy for me. I liked the idea of the story but just didn't connect to any of the characters and found myself not really caring about solving the mystery either. On the positive side, there were flashes of snarky dialogue or commentary that made me laugh out loud.
Anyway, not one of my favorites by Colgan.
A smattering of profanity and an R-rated bedroom scene.
October 8, 2025
I loved this! I loved seeing Mirren again, and seeing her excitement of the adventure trying to solve the riddle that Jamie’s grandfather has left. What an amazing riddle and search. I loved the chemistry between the two of them, I was rooting for them from the start, and when Theo shows up I was really hoping that she wouldn’t fall for him again.
Some funny moments and a plot that really kept me engaged. I didn’t want to put my kindle down I was loving it. Amazing twists and turns as family secrets are revealed.
A must read for anyone who loves falling down castles, book related riddles and family secrets.
Some funny moments and a plot that really kept me engaged. I didn’t want to put my kindle down I was loving it. Amazing twists and turns as family secrets are revealed.
A must read for anyone who loves falling down castles, book related riddles and family secrets.
October 22, 2025
4.5 🌟. As expected, this was a lovely, heart warming, gorgeous Christmas read. It was everything I wanted, and it made me want to be there in the castle, looking at books!
I think this might be my favourite Christmas book from Jenny Colgan so far, and i really would recommend you read it, if you're looking for the perfect Christmas book!
I loved the characters, it was a follow on from the short story last Christmas, but i don't see why it can't be a standalone read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I think this might be my favourite Christmas book from Jenny Colgan so far, and i really would recommend you read it, if you're looking for the perfect Christmas book!
I loved the characters, it was a follow on from the short story last Christmas, but i don't see why it can't be a standalone read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2025
Mirren Sutherland belandt bij toeval in de wereld van antieke boeken, nadat ze bij haar oudtante een onschatbare vondst doet. Sindsdien heeft ze zich ontpopt tot een succesvolle speurder. Vlak voor kerst krijgt ze een bijzondere opdracht van Jamie McPherson, de charmante en knappe laird van een Schotse Highland-clan. Hij heeft een vervallen kasteel geërfd dat op instorten staat, maar volgens oude familieverhalen zou er in de collectie een zeldzaam boek verborgen zijn – een exemplaar dat zo waardevol is dat het het landgoed kan redden.
Samen met Jamie reist Mirren naar de Hooglanden om het mysterie te ontrafelen. Maar al snel kruist rivaal Theo Palliser haar pad, eveneens een doorgewinterde boekenjager. Toeval? Nauwelijks. Wanneer een hevige sneeuwstorm hen insluit in het kasteel, verandert de zoektocht in een race tegen de klok. Met de aanwijzingen en cryptogrammen die Jamies voorvader heeft achtergelaten, moet Mirren niet alleen het geheim van het huis ontdekken, maar ook de waarheid achter de familiegeschiedenis.
Een betoverend kerstverhaal vol romantiek, spanning en Schotse charme – de perfecte mix om helemaal in weg te dromen tijdens de feestdagen.
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een heerlijk, betoverend verhaal dat je meteen meeneemt naar de Schotse Hooglanden en je helemaal in kerststemming brengt. Jenny Colgan schrijft met een levendige, vlotte stijl die je zonder moeite laat wegdromen. Dankzij de fijne vertaling leest het verhaal soepel en blijf je moeiteloos geboeid.
De personages zijn stuk voor stuk kleurrijk en uniek. Hoofdpersoon Mirren is een warme, slimme vrouw met een passie voor boeken, raadsels en cijfers. Jamie, de knappe maar onzekere laird, vormt een intrigerend contrast met de arrogante boekenjager Theo. Voeg daarbij Jamies excentrieke zus Esmee, de trouwe hond Roger en de butler-achtige Bonnie, en je hebt een heerlijk gevarieerde cast. Zelfs de overleden McKinnons komt tot leven via oude brieven, puzzels en cryptogrammen, wat een extra laag mysterie toevoegt.
Het verhaal begint met Mirrens uitzichtloze bestaan in Londen, maar krijgt een magische wending zodra Jamie haar vraagt mee te gaan naar zijn vervallen landhuis. Wat volgt is een spannend en romantisch avontuur vol verborgen kamers, oude familiegeheimen, sneeuwstormen, en natuurlijk een opbloeiende liefde. De spanningen tussen de ingesneeuwde personages zorgen voor humor, emotie en onvergetelijke scènes.
Het mooiste is misschien wel het familieverhaal dat langzaam wordt ontrafeld – ontroerend, verrassend en indrukwekkend. Het einde liep anders dan ik verwachtte, maar juist dat maakte het des te sterker. Ik sloeg het boek dan ook met een glimlach dicht.
De verborgen kerstbibliotheek is een magische feelgood vol spanning, romantiek en kerstsfeer. Een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van meeslepende kerstverhalen en zich graag even helemaal wil verliezen in een sprookjesachtige winterwereld.
Samen met Jamie reist Mirren naar de Hooglanden om het mysterie te ontrafelen. Maar al snel kruist rivaal Theo Palliser haar pad, eveneens een doorgewinterde boekenjager. Toeval? Nauwelijks. Wanneer een hevige sneeuwstorm hen insluit in het kasteel, verandert de zoektocht in een race tegen de klok. Met de aanwijzingen en cryptogrammen die Jamies voorvader heeft achtergelaten, moet Mirren niet alleen het geheim van het huis ontdekken, maar ook de waarheid achter de familiegeschiedenis.
Een betoverend kerstverhaal vol romantiek, spanning en Schotse charme – de perfecte mix om helemaal in weg te dromen tijdens de feestdagen.
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een heerlijk, betoverend verhaal dat je meteen meeneemt naar de Schotse Hooglanden en je helemaal in kerststemming brengt. Jenny Colgan schrijft met een levendige, vlotte stijl die je zonder moeite laat wegdromen. Dankzij de fijne vertaling leest het verhaal soepel en blijf je moeiteloos geboeid.
De personages zijn stuk voor stuk kleurrijk en uniek. Hoofdpersoon Mirren is een warme, slimme vrouw met een passie voor boeken, raadsels en cijfers. Jamie, de knappe maar onzekere laird, vormt een intrigerend contrast met de arrogante boekenjager Theo. Voeg daarbij Jamies excentrieke zus Esmee, de trouwe hond Roger en de butler-achtige Bonnie, en je hebt een heerlijk gevarieerde cast. Zelfs de overleden McKinnons komt tot leven via oude brieven, puzzels en cryptogrammen, wat een extra laag mysterie toevoegt.
Het verhaal begint met Mirrens uitzichtloze bestaan in Londen, maar krijgt een magische wending zodra Jamie haar vraagt mee te gaan naar zijn vervallen landhuis. Wat volgt is een spannend en romantisch avontuur vol verborgen kamers, oude familiegeheimen, sneeuwstormen, en natuurlijk een opbloeiende liefde. De spanningen tussen de ingesneeuwde personages zorgen voor humor, emotie en onvergetelijke scènes.
Het mooiste is misschien wel het familieverhaal dat langzaam wordt ontrafeld – ontroerend, verrassend en indrukwekkend. Het einde liep anders dan ik verwachtte, maar juist dat maakte het des te sterker. Ik sloeg het boek dan ook met een glimlach dicht.
De verborgen kerstbibliotheek is een magische feelgood vol spanning, romantiek en kerstsfeer. Een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van meeslepende kerstverhalen en zich graag even helemaal wil verliezen in een sprookjesachtige winterwereld.
December 28, 2025
C'était très mignon et pas forcément si prévisible ! J'ai beaucoup aimé le style de l'autrice. Une bonne lecture de Noël, encore plus agréable lorsqu'elle est partagée avec l'être aimé ❤️
December 2, 2025
I'm so torn about this one. I absolutely love Jenny Colgan and the worlds she creates along the windswept northern Scottish coastline. But almost from page one, this book felt rushed. The main character, Mirren, has an extensive backstory that is recounted in a few pages before she meets her soon-to-be-crush. Mirren is a book finder, and happens to meet-cute the laird of a Scottish village in the British Museum. The laird, Jaimie, is searching for a book his grandfather may or may not have hidden in the vastness of his crumbling Scottish castle. He gives Mirren his card and tells her to call him if she is interested in a job. She does. She realizes, though, that it's his landline (at least ten hours away by train)
From the beginning, there are typos, reprints, and inconsistencies that are hard to get around.
For example, Jaimie, lives at least ten hours away by train. How did he get home to his castle in time to receive her call? He leaves her a train ticket at her workplace. How did he know where she worked?
Even the title and cover art are complexing. The book IS NOT about a secret library.
That said, I did enjoy the adventure that unfolded in the story.
Next time, though, I do hope Jenny won't be rushed by the need to get a Christmas book out by, well, Christmas.
From the beginning, there are typos, reprints, and inconsistencies that are hard to get around.
For example, Jaimie, lives at least ten hours away by train. How did he get home to his castle in time to receive her call? He leaves her a train ticket at her workplace. How did he know where she worked?
Even the title and cover art are complexing. The book IS NOT about a secret library.
That said, I did enjoy the adventure that unfolded in the story.
Next time, though, I do hope Jenny won't be rushed by the need to get a Christmas book out by, well, Christmas.
November 27, 2025
A competitive, clue-filled treasure hunt for a rare book… snowed in during the Christmas holidays… in a Scottish Castle. I ask you, could you resist such a temptation? I couldn’t and so I snatched up this latest by an author I’ve been meaning to try for a while now.
Mirren, a rare book dealer is hired by the latest laird of his family castle to help him search the Scottish castle- which is chock full of books, by the by- for a rare book worth enough to save the crumbling castle. She is less than excited to discover a familiar face on that fabulous train taking her from London to the north of Scotland. Theo, a guy she has a history with and a rare book searcher, was also hired to help.
So, she and Theo come to the castle and end up snowed in with Laird Jamie, his sister Esme and cook-housekeeper Bonnie, cut off from resources in a cold, drafty crumbling pile and use the time to hunt up the clues Jamie’s book-hoarding, disorganized grandfather left for locating the book. After getting snowed in the group makes the most of being trapped at the castle with fun Christmas activities and a great team effort to hunt through all those rooms and books, A romance develops and there’s some mystery to it all.
A Secret Christmas Library was a warm-hearted and entertaining read. It’s part mystery, holiday tail and a smidge of romance. I thought this was a standalone book, but after getting that sensation that I’d dived into an existing series, I researched and discovered there is a previous Christmas novella, The Christmas Book Hunt, featuring a first time meet up for Mirren and Theo. Still, this one, aside from mention of previous encounter did read as a standalone.
The strength for me was the lavish descriptions of that drafty, decrepit castle, the occasional rivalry and banter, and the holiday in a snowed in situation. The weak side was the character and relationship developments. This didn’t really bring the story down much because there was plenty to keep me engaged and enjoying myself. This is a good, light and warmhearted option when wants an entertaining holiday read.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.26.25.
Mirren, a rare book dealer is hired by the latest laird of his family castle to help him search the Scottish castle- which is chock full of books, by the by- for a rare book worth enough to save the crumbling castle. She is less than excited to discover a familiar face on that fabulous train taking her from London to the north of Scotland. Theo, a guy she has a history with and a rare book searcher, was also hired to help.
So, she and Theo come to the castle and end up snowed in with Laird Jamie, his sister Esme and cook-housekeeper Bonnie, cut off from resources in a cold, drafty crumbling pile and use the time to hunt up the clues Jamie’s book-hoarding, disorganized grandfather left for locating the book. After getting snowed in the group makes the most of being trapped at the castle with fun Christmas activities and a great team effort to hunt through all those rooms and books, A romance develops and there’s some mystery to it all.
A Secret Christmas Library was a warm-hearted and entertaining read. It’s part mystery, holiday tail and a smidge of romance. I thought this was a standalone book, but after getting that sensation that I’d dived into an existing series, I researched and discovered there is a previous Christmas novella, The Christmas Book Hunt, featuring a first time meet up for Mirren and Theo. Still, this one, aside from mention of previous encounter did read as a standalone.
The strength for me was the lavish descriptions of that drafty, decrepit castle, the occasional rivalry and banter, and the holiday in a snowed in situation. The weak side was the character and relationship developments. This didn’t really bring the story down much because there was plenty to keep me engaged and enjoying myself. This is a good, light and warmhearted option when wants an entertaining holiday read.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.26.25.
October 19, 2025
A new Jenny Colgan book is always a treat for me. And yes, I read it twice - I needed more comfort reading right now.
As she did in The Summer Skies, Colgan hands us some exquisite food porn. Her protagonists are hungry and the food prepared for them is fresh, local, relatively simple, and absolutely delicious. I love those sorts of food descriptions.
And, just so you're prepared, this book is spicy. Usually her stories are closed door... but this one is open. Go, Jenny!
As she did in The Summer Skies, Colgan hands us some exquisite food porn. Her protagonists are hungry and the food prepared for them is fresh, local, relatively simple, and absolutely delicious. I love those sorts of food descriptions.
And, just so you're prepared, this book is spicy. Usually her stories are closed door... but this one is open. Go, Jenny!
October 28, 2025
3.5 cute mystery, but it kind of moved slowly.
December 12, 2025
Jenny Colgan ist für mich ein Garant für warmherzige Weihnachtsgeschichten. „Die geheime Weihnachtsbibliothek“ schlägt dagegen einen etwas anderen Ton an: weniger Wolldecken, deutlich mehr Abenteuer. Trotzdem hat mich der Roman vor allem im zweiten Teil gut unterhalten.
Im Mittelpunkt steht Mirren Sutherland, die nach dem Fund eines seltenen Buches plötzlich den Ruf einer Antiquitätenjägerin hat. Dieser Ruf führt sie auf das abgelegene Anwesen der McKinnons in den schottischen Highlands, wo vom Schlossherrn Jamie ein wertvolles Buch vermutet wird, das das marode Familiengut vor dem Verkauf retten soll. Mirren, Jamie, seine Schwester Esme und der charmante, aber undurchsichtige Antiquar Theo folgen Hinweisen, öffnen verschlossene Türen und stoßen natürlich auf mehr als einen dunklen Winkel der Familiengeschichte. Dass das Haus einem Büchernetz aus verwinkelten Räumen, zugestellten Gängen und jahrzehntealten Geheimnissen gleicht, macht die Suche natürlich nicht einfacher - wobei mir bis zum Schluss nicht klar geworden ist, warum das eine „Weihnachtsbibliothek“ sein soll.
Jenny Colgan bleibt ihrer Art treu, Figuren mit kleinen Macken und viel Herz auszustatten und ein schottisches Schloss voller Bücher ist einfach ein perfektes Setting. Was das Weihnachtsgefühl betrifft: Es schimmert hier und da durch, steht aber nicht im Vordergrund. Wer eher eine klassische Colgan-Gemütlichkeit sucht, wird vielleicht enttäuscht sein.
Im Mittelpunkt steht Mirren Sutherland, die nach dem Fund eines seltenen Buches plötzlich den Ruf einer Antiquitätenjägerin hat. Dieser Ruf führt sie auf das abgelegene Anwesen der McKinnons in den schottischen Highlands, wo vom Schlossherrn Jamie ein wertvolles Buch vermutet wird, das das marode Familiengut vor dem Verkauf retten soll. Mirren, Jamie, seine Schwester Esme und der charmante, aber undurchsichtige Antiquar Theo folgen Hinweisen, öffnen verschlossene Türen und stoßen natürlich auf mehr als einen dunklen Winkel der Familiengeschichte. Dass das Haus einem Büchernetz aus verwinkelten Räumen, zugestellten Gängen und jahrzehntealten Geheimnissen gleicht, macht die Suche natürlich nicht einfacher - wobei mir bis zum Schluss nicht klar geworden ist, warum das eine „Weihnachtsbibliothek“ sein soll.
Jenny Colgan bleibt ihrer Art treu, Figuren mit kleinen Macken und viel Herz auszustatten und ein schottisches Schloss voller Bücher ist einfach ein perfektes Setting. Was das Weihnachtsgefühl betrifft: Es schimmert hier und da durch, steht aber nicht im Vordergrund. Wer eher eine klassische Colgan-Gemütlichkeit sucht, wird vielleicht enttäuscht sein.
December 21, 2025
The only things good about this book were the cover and the personal train car that came with its own butler.
I wanted a cozy Christmas book but there was nothing (except the cozy train car) about it. The characters don’t have to spend all their time by the fireside, they can go out doors for a hike or for a skate, etc., but at least have them come home to a warm dwelling not a freezing cold castle where the only room that had warmth was the kitchen that was heated by an Aga stove.
The basic premise of the book didn’t work for me either. Hiring a random person to find a book amongst hundreds, just because this person found a rare book in an attic once. I found myself not really caring what happened to any of these characters, they came off as very flat as the dialogue between them was not overly strong. There was also, at least for me, noticeable repetition in the writing ie: both male love interest had hair that was ‘slightly too long’. And then the ending happened….it all just went over the top unbelievable.
I have liked a Jenny Colgan book in the past so I will likely give her another try despite this one not working for me at all.
I wanted a cozy Christmas book but there was nothing (except the cozy train car) about it. The characters don’t have to spend all their time by the fireside, they can go out doors for a hike or for a skate, etc., but at least have them come home to a warm dwelling not a freezing cold castle where the only room that had warmth was the kitchen that was heated by an Aga stove.
The basic premise of the book didn’t work for me either. Hiring a random person to find a book amongst hundreds, just because this person found a rare book in an attic once. I found myself not really caring what happened to any of these characters, they came off as very flat as the dialogue between them was not overly strong. There was also, at least for me, noticeable repetition in the writing ie: both male love interest had hair that was ‘slightly too long’. And then the ending happened….it all just went over the top unbelievable.
I have liked a Jenny Colgan book in the past so I will likely give her another try despite this one not working for me at all.
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