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Lonely Hearts Bookshop #4
Winter in Bloomsbury
A heartwarming and hilarious Christmas romance!
Tis the season to be jolly!
But on Rochester Mews, two unlikely lovebirds are struggling to find their festive cheer.
Star baker Mattie has hated Christmas ever since she had her heart broken on Christmas Eve. The only thing she hates more is the insufferable Tom, who has rubbed her up the wrong way since she started running the tearoom next door to his bookshop. So when Mattie and Tom are left in charge in the frantic festive days before Christmas, it might be cold outside but things are sure to heat up.
Can a bookshop full of romantic novels, a life-sized reindeer and a mistletoe kissing booth persuade two scrooges to fall in love with Christmas… and each other?
Tis the season to be jolly!
But on Rochester Mews, two unlikely lovebirds are struggling to find their festive cheer.
Star baker Mattie has hated Christmas ever since she had her heart broken on Christmas Eve. The only thing she hates more is the insufferable Tom, who has rubbed her up the wrong way since she started running the tearoom next door to his bookshop. So when Mattie and Tom are left in charge in the frantic festive days before Christmas, it might be cold outside but things are sure to heat up.
Can a bookshop full of romantic novels, a life-sized reindeer and a mistletoe kissing booth persuade two scrooges to fall in love with Christmas… and each other?
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2018
94 people are currently reading
1877 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
November 26, 2018
Annie Darling writes a lovely heartwarming festive rom-com set on the premises of the romantic fiction bookshop, Happy Ever After, with a cafe located in central London. Matilda 'Mattie' Smith, a gifted patisserie chef has run the cafe for two years, ever since she left Paris, heartbroken and traumatised at Christmas. This has left her antagonistic to the festive season, with no time for men, and dressing in black in the style of Audrey Hepburn, where once she had colour in her wardrobe. Academic Tom Greer works in the bookshop, dresses in fuddy duddy clothing, and projects a similar hostility to all that goes with the Christmas season of cheer. After the flat above becomes vacant, Mattie and Tom become flatmates, despite their differing personalities and the friction between them.
This arrangement has its ups and downs as the narrative relates in its countdown of the days for Christmas. Mattie and her good friend, Yorkshire Pippa, become acquainted with some of Tom's friends, such as the Philmeister, The Archbishop of Banterbury, a group of men whose approach and tactics with women leave much to be desired, but who mean well. There is much happening with the book store, with owner Posy heavily pregnant, and likely to weep at any given moment. Nina's over-enthusiasm for the festive season has the premises looking as if Christmas has spewed all over it, with reindeer and a mistletoe photo booth taking up valuable retail space in the most profitable days of the year. Staffing issues and strife in the store are to conspire to test the stressed Mattie and Tom in their turbulent relationship. The return of Steven, the detestable and villainous ex-boyfriend of Mattie provides the opportunity for her to put her past relationship in perspective and finally be able to move on.
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I did I absolutely loved it. This is fabulous escapist fare, and I particularly loved the character of Tom, a modern feminist man, with his own history of trauma that serves to bind him more closely to Mattie and the obnoxious gaslighting and integrity free zone that is Steven, Mattie's horror of a ex-boyfriend. The battered hearts of Mattie and Tom slowly begin to find solace in each other, as bit by bit their obstinate hostility to Christmas and its heartwarming cheer starts to disintegrate amidst the wintry snow and ice. This is perfect festive reading for this time of year, with great characters, strewn through out with comic moments and humour, and so very entertaining. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
This arrangement has its ups and downs as the narrative relates in its countdown of the days for Christmas. Mattie and her good friend, Yorkshire Pippa, become acquainted with some of Tom's friends, such as the Philmeister, The Archbishop of Banterbury, a group of men whose approach and tactics with women leave much to be desired, but who mean well. There is much happening with the book store, with owner Posy heavily pregnant, and likely to weep at any given moment. Nina's over-enthusiasm for the festive season has the premises looking as if Christmas has spewed all over it, with reindeer and a mistletoe photo booth taking up valuable retail space in the most profitable days of the year. Staffing issues and strife in the store are to conspire to test the stressed Mattie and Tom in their turbulent relationship. The return of Steven, the detestable and villainous ex-boyfriend of Mattie provides the opportunity for her to put her past relationship in perspective and finally be able to move on.
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I did I absolutely loved it. This is fabulous escapist fare, and I particularly loved the character of Tom, a modern feminist man, with his own history of trauma that serves to bind him more closely to Mattie and the obnoxious gaslighting and integrity free zone that is Steven, Mattie's horror of a ex-boyfriend. The battered hearts of Mattie and Tom slowly begin to find solace in each other, as bit by bit their obstinate hostility to Christmas and its heartwarming cheer starts to disintegrate amidst the wintry snow and ice. This is perfect festive reading for this time of year, with great characters, strewn through out with comic moments and humour, and so very entertaining. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
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October 3, 2020Annie Darling's new book is as charming and funny as the other three books in the Bloombury series. Mattie, who owns the bakery at Happy End's, has no joy in Christmas and in love, but if it weren't for her roommate and narcissistic/ mysterious/ funny clothes wearer/ Doctor Love - bookseller at Happy End's "Tom", who is really getting on her nerves. The book is written with so much love and humour that it's simply amusing to read. I have read the other books with great interest and as always I am thrilled. Especially, because a little romance, about two young people, runs through all four books.
"And so all the staff of the bookshop and the tea room experienced a wonderful happy ending."
"And so all the staff of the bookshop and the tea room experienced a wonderful happy ending."
March 6, 2021
Even though it's March and this book is about the lead up to Christmas it did not really matter as the story can be read anytime of year. Mattie and Tom are two characters who love to hate each other and hate to love one another. This series has got better for me as it goes along with Mattie and Nina being my favourites to read about in their own books. In this one though Posy grew on me and I liked how all the characters blended together. A light series which for me got better to the end of the series.
December 21, 2019
A wonderful ending to a wonderful series ❤️ although I would be happy with the series continuing FOREVER.....
December 28, 2020
Que delícia de livro!
Se você procura um livro gostoso para passar um dia tranquilo, ou até mesmo para ler no natal, este é o livro perfeito para você.
Se você procura um livro gostoso para passar um dia tranquilo, ou até mesmo para ler no natal, este é o livro perfeito para você.
December 16, 2025
Reread #2: jup this is a book you can read a second time after 2 years! I had so much fun again 🎄
4,5 ⭐️ rounded up
Finished just in time for Christmas. A cozy book with a story set in a book store x tea room (how perfect!). I was looking for a book that was like a US/UK Christmas movie with all the coziness, the one festive street with cute shops, cheesiness, lovable-ness, the romance and the Christmas spirits and this book was it. I really enjoyed reading it during the Christmas time.
4,5 ⭐️ rounded up
Finished just in time for Christmas. A cozy book with a story set in a book store x tea room (how perfect!). I was looking for a book that was like a US/UK Christmas movie with all the coziness, the one festive street with cute shops, cheesiness, lovable-ness, the romance and the Christmas spirits and this book was it. I really enjoyed reading it during the Christmas time.
December 5, 2018
In "A Winter Kiss on Rochester Mews" we're back to Happy Ever After, the best romantic fiction bookshop in the world, and to the adjoining tearoom run by Mattie Smith, a very talented patisserie chef. She's been running it for two years already, after coming back from Paris - heartbroken and disappointed and badly judged. This all happened around Christmas, so it's not a wonder that she's not the biggest fan of the festive season. Or men. Tom Greer still works in the bookshop, wearing cardigans with patches on the elbows, and the only thing that he has in common with Mattie is the fact that he also hates Christmas. Other than that, it seems that they rub each other only the wrong way. But after Nina moving out from the flat above the bookshop, Mattie and Tom become flatmates - how is it going to end?
There are so many things happening in the bookstore and at the tearoom! Posy is heavily pregnant and ready to cry at any given moment, Nina is back at the shop and is determined to bring the festive atmosphere there, and so with the reindeers in their original size, mistletoe photo booth it slowly starts to look like "Christmas vomited over it", which for Tom and Mattie, both total anti - Christmas, is at least one common ground to complain.
This time the story focuses strongly on Tom, the enigmatic and enigma - like member of Happy Ever After team who hates romance, and Mattie, who always wears black, runs the tearooms by the bookshop and hates all man. Again, those two, as well as the rest of the gang, and they're all mentioned in the book, hallelujah, they were just my kind of characters - believable in the way they were, with their ups and down, secrets and troubles, with days that were sometimes better and sometimes worse and their banter, and you know, it is often that you want to bang the characters heads together for them to see the light eventually - and I didn't want to bang their heads together! They were simply brilliant as they were. Although, I must admit, there was a moment that I felt so sorry for Mattie, when she was blanked out by the others after revealing Tom's secrets, and I mean, they all - Posy, Verity and Nina, all wanted to know them, right, and then Tom also blanking her out and it was just soooo unfair.
I love how all the characters have their own stories to tell. Mattie's heart was badly broken in the past and the return of her ex - boyfriend Steven doesn't bode well. Tom, the very modern feminist, was so full of surprises and well, he always meant really well, even though it might not have looked like this at the first sight. The way those two were starting to find each other in this very complicated and uncomfortable arrangement of living in the same flat above the bookshop was absolutely sweet, hilarious and uplifting. Annie Darling, just like Debbie Johnson, can so brilliantly write about feelings and emotions, they're so beautifully captured and they simply sound genuine and honest.
I've finished reading this book grinning from ear to ear, there was so much joy and optimism here, it really made me feel better and lighter. It was a delight to read and it was almost as good as the first book in the series, ".The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts" though, to be honest again, it is probably one of the most gorgeous novels in the world and of all time. I really could read more about the Lonely Hearts Bookshop, it's one of my absolutely favourite series, and I so hope to see more from the characters in the future, though guys, to be totally honest, the last sentence in this book looks like the very final one, sniff.
Altogether, this book was a perfect read - I loved every single moment of it. It was full of fantastic characters that are down - to - earth and brilliantly funny and comic moments, but it also touched upon some heavier issues. There was the Christmas spirit, bookshop full of romance books and mouth - watering festive baking - I don't need anything more! Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher.
January 13, 2019
Romantic heart-warming rom-coms don't come a lot better than this one. Funny, poignant, good likeable characters and a real feel good factor at the end. Mattie Smith a successful patisserie chef has been running the café in London since she left Paris when her heart was broken at Christmas. She hates Christmas and the endless season of good will, she has no time for men in her life and always wears depressing black outfits. Next comes Tom, and academic who has worked in the bookshop part of the business called 'Happy Ever After'. Tom appears to be as dull as dishwater, dresses much to old for his age and is aloof and stand offish.
When the flat above the premises becomes vacant Mattie and Tom find themselves flatmates. The novel expands the personalities of both these characters and the sub characters who are just as interesting but all together they work well in this story. Through various trials and tribulations we get our happy every after ending.
It's all you could want from a romantic rom-com and is well written although at times a little frustrating as is always the case with these novels. If you want to have a romantic escapist afternoon or two this is just the medicine you need. Perfect festive reading with plenty of comic moments and a satisfying conclusion. 4 stars
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
When the flat above the premises becomes vacant Mattie and Tom find themselves flatmates. The novel expands the personalities of both these characters and the sub characters who are just as interesting but all together they work well in this story. Through various trials and tribulations we get our happy every after ending.
It's all you could want from a romantic rom-com and is well written although at times a little frustrating as is always the case with these novels. If you want to have a romantic escapist afternoon or two this is just the medicine you need. Perfect festive reading with plenty of comic moments and a satisfying conclusion. 4 stars
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2020
„Winter in Bloomsbury“ ist nun bereits der 4. Band aus dieser Buchreihe, in der uns die Autorin in die kleine Londoner Buchhandlung Happy Ends mit dem zauberhaften Tearoom entführt.
Und der Tearoom wird von Mattie betrieben, die mit ihren himmlischen Köstlichkeiten die Besucher verwöhnt. Ihre Leckereien sind weit über die Grenzen Londons hinaus bekannt. Und eigentlich beginnt doch jetzt die schönste Zeit des Jahres. Im Dezember sind die Straßen Londons so wunderschön weihnachtliche geschmückt und ständig hat man den Duft von Weihnachtsplätzchen in der Nase. Aber leider wurde Mattie ausgerechnet am Heiligabend das Herz gebrochen und deshalb ist alles was mit Weihnachten zusammenhängt ein Gräuel. Aber was sie noch mehr nervt als Weihnachten, ist Tom, der als Halbtagskraft im Happy Ends angestellt ist. Und es kommt noch Schlimmer, denn ausrechnet in dem Weihnachtstrubel fällt die gesamte Belegschaft der Buchhandlung aus und der Einsatz von Mattie und Tom ist gefordert…..
Ich habe mich in der kleinen Buchhandlung sofort wieder pudelwohl gefühlt, bin durch die Regale gestreift, habe den Anblick der Büchervielfalt genossen - die Besitzerin Verity hat es sich ja zur Aufgabe gemacht nur Bücher mit Happy End zu verkaufen – und bin in Matties Tearoom eingekehrt. Hier habe ich mir ihren leckeren Tee und die hervorragenden Cupcakes schmecken lassen. Ich hatte das Gefühl auf alte Bekannte zu treffen, denn die Happy-Ends-Family ist mir bestens vertraut. Es ist schön zu erfahren, wie es den Einzelnen in der Vergangenheit ergangen ist. Im Mittelpunkt dieser wunderschönen Lektüre steht die liebenswerte Mattie, die ja mit ihren Partner bisher wenig Glück und von all diesen Ereignissen geprägt wurde. Sie macht auf mich oft einen schüchternen Eindruck, nur in ihrer kleinen Backstube und ihrem Tearoom blüht sie auf. Doch im Laufe des Dezembers macht sie eine besondere Entwicklung durch. Sie traut sich plötzlich, ihre Meinung zu vertreten und durchzusetzen. Und hier ist Tom, der halbtags im Happy End arbeitet, eine große Herausforderung. Ich muss gestehen, Tom war mir zu anfangs auch nicht so sympathisch, aber er hat sich im Laufe der Geschichte positiv entwickelt. Und auch mit Mattie hat sich verändert. Es ist halt doch eine magische Zeit, die Vorweihnachtszeit, voller Wunder und Magie und total romantisch. Obwohl ab und an – wenn ich mir gewisse Szenen vor Augen halte, habe ich ein Grinsen im Gesicht.
Erwähnen muss ich noch die tolle Aufmachung dieses Buches – das Cover ist einfach super schön und versetzt den Leser in Weihnachtsstimmung. Eine Traumlektüre für gemütliche Wintertage. Ein Lesevergnügen zum Wohlf��hlen, für das ich sehr gerne 4 Sterne vergebe.
Und der Tearoom wird von Mattie betrieben, die mit ihren himmlischen Köstlichkeiten die Besucher verwöhnt. Ihre Leckereien sind weit über die Grenzen Londons hinaus bekannt. Und eigentlich beginnt doch jetzt die schönste Zeit des Jahres. Im Dezember sind die Straßen Londons so wunderschön weihnachtliche geschmückt und ständig hat man den Duft von Weihnachtsplätzchen in der Nase. Aber leider wurde Mattie ausgerechnet am Heiligabend das Herz gebrochen und deshalb ist alles was mit Weihnachten zusammenhängt ein Gräuel. Aber was sie noch mehr nervt als Weihnachten, ist Tom, der als Halbtagskraft im Happy Ends angestellt ist. Und es kommt noch Schlimmer, denn ausrechnet in dem Weihnachtstrubel fällt die gesamte Belegschaft der Buchhandlung aus und der Einsatz von Mattie und Tom ist gefordert…..
Ich habe mich in der kleinen Buchhandlung sofort wieder pudelwohl gefühlt, bin durch die Regale gestreift, habe den Anblick der Büchervielfalt genossen - die Besitzerin Verity hat es sich ja zur Aufgabe gemacht nur Bücher mit Happy End zu verkaufen – und bin in Matties Tearoom eingekehrt. Hier habe ich mir ihren leckeren Tee und die hervorragenden Cupcakes schmecken lassen. Ich hatte das Gefühl auf alte Bekannte zu treffen, denn die Happy-Ends-Family ist mir bestens vertraut. Es ist schön zu erfahren, wie es den Einzelnen in der Vergangenheit ergangen ist. Im Mittelpunkt dieser wunderschönen Lektüre steht die liebenswerte Mattie, die ja mit ihren Partner bisher wenig Glück und von all diesen Ereignissen geprägt wurde. Sie macht auf mich oft einen schüchternen Eindruck, nur in ihrer kleinen Backstube und ihrem Tearoom blüht sie auf. Doch im Laufe des Dezembers macht sie eine besondere Entwicklung durch. Sie traut sich plötzlich, ihre Meinung zu vertreten und durchzusetzen. Und hier ist Tom, der halbtags im Happy End arbeitet, eine große Herausforderung. Ich muss gestehen, Tom war mir zu anfangs auch nicht so sympathisch, aber er hat sich im Laufe der Geschichte positiv entwickelt. Und auch mit Mattie hat sich verändert. Es ist halt doch eine magische Zeit, die Vorweihnachtszeit, voller Wunder und Magie und total romantisch. Obwohl ab und an – wenn ich mir gewisse Szenen vor Augen halte, habe ich ein Grinsen im Gesicht.
Erwähnen muss ich noch die tolle Aufmachung dieses Buches – das Cover ist einfach super schön und versetzt den Leser in Weihnachtsstimmung. Eine Traumlektüre für gemütliche Wintertage. Ein Lesevergnügen zum Wohlf��hlen, für das ich sehr gerne 4 Sterne vergebe.
November 20, 2020
Mattie ist Konditorin aus voller Seele und führt die Teestube, die zu der Buchhandlung 'Happy Ends' gehört. Eigentlich könnte sie rundum glücklich sein, stände nicht die Weihnachtszeit bevor. Seitdem ihr Ex ihr vor zwei Jahren am Heiligabend das Herz gebrochen hat, hat sie eine tiefe Abneigung gegen Weihnachten und die Liebe. Doch ausgerechnet dieses Jahr stellt sie vor harte Herausforderungen, an denen ihr Kollege aus dem Buchladen beteiligt ist.
Ich hatte bereits den zweiten Teil 'Sommer in Bloomsbury' gelesen und war sehr auf die Weihnachtszeit im 'Happy Ends' gespannt. Natürlich war es für mich auch reizvoll zu lesen, wie sich die Geschichten von Posy, Verity, Nina und Tom weiterentwickelt haben. Ich muss gestehen, dass mir Posy in diesem Teil gehörig auf die Nerven ging und ganz besonders in der Szene um das Zimmer, empfand ich sie als unglaubwürdig oder dumm - ganz wie man möchte. Sicher sollte gerade ihr Charakter für Humor sorgen, aber was andere als lustig empfinden, fand ich teilweise als viel zu dick aufgetragen oder auch gerne mal geschmacklos. Trotzdem konnte mich die zarte Liebesgeschichte um Mattie und Tom, einfangen, dazu kam noch die schöne weihnachtliche Atmosphäre (auch wenn der Laden aussah, als hätte der Weihnachtsmann ihn vollgekotzt, was der Stimmung doch ein wenig den Schwung nahm), versöhnlich gestimmt und hat mich durch die Seiten fliegen lassen. Letztlich war ich am Ende des Buches ein wenig in Festtagsstimmung und hätte gerne gleich wieder einen Weihnachtsroman gelesen.
Ich hatte bereits den zweiten Teil 'Sommer in Bloomsbury' gelesen und war sehr auf die Weihnachtszeit im 'Happy Ends' gespannt. Natürlich war es für mich auch reizvoll zu lesen, wie sich die Geschichten von Posy, Verity, Nina und Tom weiterentwickelt haben. Ich muss gestehen, dass mir Posy in diesem Teil gehörig auf die Nerven ging und ganz besonders in der Szene um das Zimmer, empfand ich sie als unglaubwürdig oder dumm - ganz wie man möchte. Sicher sollte gerade ihr Charakter für Humor sorgen, aber was andere als lustig empfinden, fand ich teilweise als viel zu dick aufgetragen oder auch gerne mal geschmacklos. Trotzdem konnte mich die zarte Liebesgeschichte um Mattie und Tom, einfangen, dazu kam noch die schöne weihnachtliche Atmosphäre (auch wenn der Laden aussah, als hätte der Weihnachtsmann ihn vollgekotzt, was der Stimmung doch ein wenig den Schwung nahm), versöhnlich gestimmt und hat mich durch die Seiten fliegen lassen. Letztlich war ich am Ende des Buches ein wenig in Festtagsstimmung und hätte gerne gleich wieder einen Weihnachtsroman gelesen.
January 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
A very light, sweet story of friendship and love set in snowy December in the middle of a bookstore and a tea room. The main characters are refreshing green flags that leave the red flag partners in the past.
The book focuses primarily on the various characters, their individual stories, pasts and struggles.
For anyone interested in a cute, mostly drama free, romance story of two Christmas haters around Christmas without too much happening.
I am very grateful that strange nicknames were avoided...
A very light, sweet story of friendship and love set in snowy December in the middle of a bookstore and a tea room. The main characters are refreshing green flags that leave the red flag partners in the past.
The book focuses primarily on the various characters, their individual stories, pasts and struggles.
For anyone interested in a cute, mostly drama free, romance story of two Christmas haters around Christmas without too much happening.
I am very grateful that strange nicknames were avoided...
December 2, 2018
There are not enough stars in the sky, let alone in the Goodreads rating system, for this book. The Little Bookshop series is my favourite romance series of all time, and I shed a few tears as I came to the end of the last one. It is amazing. I loved it. I have to stop this now or I will go on forever.
March 6, 2020
A charming read!
November 10, 2022
Well, I suppose it was my favorite of the four book series. There is that.
My HUGE problem with this book is how mean, grumpy, cruel and unthinking all the main characters are. Just God awful. I'd not want to be friends with any of them. It was way too excessive. The book is littered with fights and bickering. And pregnant lady tears.
If you take out 90% of the negativity you have a pretty good book.
Best part was Strumpet the cat's one scene. Ha! Loved it.
I wish I loved this series more.
My HUGE problem with this book is how mean, grumpy, cruel and unthinking all the main characters are. Just God awful. I'd not want to be friends with any of them. It was way too excessive. The book is littered with fights and bickering. And pregnant lady tears.
If you take out 90% of the negativity you have a pretty good book.
Best part was Strumpet the cat's one scene. Ha! Loved it.
I wish I loved this series more.
December 6, 2019
Quand on doit terminer une saga qu'on a adoré découvrir au fil des tomes, il est toujours très difficile de dire au revoir à des personnages auxquels nous nous sommes attachés très profondément. Si vous n'avez pas encore découvert la saga d'Annie Darling, je ne peux que vous la recommander.
Nous voilà de retour à cette fameuse librairie qui a vu passer tant de belles histoires car oui depuis Lavania, l'ancienne propriétaire de Bookends, les années sont passées mais la romance a toujours été à l'honneur dans cette librairie qui est devenue "Au bonheur des tendres". Je ne sais pas vous mais j'adore quand nous avons la chance d'avoir une saga où chaque tome nous propose non seulement de découvrir un nouveau couple tout en nous donnant des nouvelles des autres; Ce groupe d'amies va énormément me manquer en tout cas.
Chronique complète : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
Nous voilà de retour à cette fameuse librairie qui a vu passer tant de belles histoires car oui depuis Lavania, l'ancienne propriétaire de Bookends, les années sont passées mais la romance a toujours été à l'honneur dans cette librairie qui est devenue "Au bonheur des tendres". Je ne sais pas vous mais j'adore quand nous avons la chance d'avoir une saga où chaque tome nous propose non seulement de découvrir un nouveau couple tout en nous donnant des nouvelles des autres; Ce groupe d'amies va énormément me manquer en tout cas.
Chronique complète : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
May 23, 2019
If you are looking for a haters-to-lovers at Christmas romance, look no further.
The Lonely Hearts Bookshop series is inspired by Jane Austen's love stories, set in a quaint book shop that sells romance books only.
I've read all of them in the series and enjoyed them very much because of the passion for books, the local community feeling the bookshop gives, and the slow burn romance!
I liked this story even more so because it's taking place at Christmas!
There are lots of comic moments, thanks to the big personalities of the employees in the Happy Ever After books shop, and the many mentions of cakes and other Christmas treats made my mouth water!
A delicious read!
The Lonely Hearts Bookshop series is inspired by Jane Austen's love stories, set in a quaint book shop that sells romance books only.
I've read all of them in the series and enjoyed them very much because of the passion for books, the local community feeling the bookshop gives, and the slow burn romance!
I liked this story even more so because it's taking place at Christmas!
There are lots of comic moments, thanks to the big personalities of the employees in the Happy Ever After books shop, and the many mentions of cakes and other Christmas treats made my mouth water!
A delicious read!
December 19, 2021
I didn’t like this at all. The h, Mattie, was fine. She was likable enough but not amazing or anything. The H was garbage though. He was annoying. There was a whole but about him writing his thesis on romance novels and alpha heroes. He has a mentor/ex insult him about not being alpha so he goes around wooing women and getting their numbers etc. the thing is he IS NOT alpha at all, he’s one of the most beta heroes I’ve come across. Meh.
There’s one point when he’s habitually being a inconsiderate thoughtless jerk and when she finally snaps her so called friends and co- workers chastise her for being mean to him. Talk about gaslighting. I only finished listening because I was in the middle of wrapping presents and couldn’t be hassled to find another audiobook.
This was not good.
There’s one point when he’s habitually being a inconsiderate thoughtless jerk and when she finally snaps her so called friends and co- workers chastise her for being mean to him. Talk about gaslighting. I only finished listening because I was in the middle of wrapping presents and couldn’t be hassled to find another audiobook.
This was not good.
January 9, 2019
4.5 stars. So fricken cute!!!
I'm a little sad this series is over. It's gotten progressively better each book. I love that it's aggressively British. Like Christian Bale's natural accent aggressively British. It's nice that there was a little bit of an epilogue for all the previous couples too.
I think I liked this even more than the previous in the series. This book had a good arc for the hero - it helped that we've gotten to know him a little during the previous books. Mattie was a good heroine; she generally had her shit together, but also had a good arc and grew as a person.
I'm a little sad this series is over. It's gotten progressively better each book. I love that it's aggressively British. Like Christian Bale's natural accent aggressively British. It's nice that there was a little bit of an epilogue for all the previous couples too.
I think I liked this even more than the previous in the series. This book had a good arc for the hero - it helped that we've gotten to know him a little during the previous books. Mattie was a good heroine; she generally had her shit together, but also had a good arc and grew as a person.
April 26, 2020
I like this book. I love this whole series. They are all sweet and funny and comfortable to read. Probably we could do with a little less reminding of character traits - do we need to be told Posy's pregnancy is a tricky one more than 10 times? - and the change of view on cupcakes is barely believable. But then again, the make protagonist is a graduate in English from Durham, which makes it nearly a perfect book.
December 5, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This was a fast paced read, everything flowed nicely.
It was a good, well written story. The characters were strong and well matched.
Altogether this was a very enjoyable Christmas story.
Five stars from me!
This was a fast paced read, everything flowed nicely.
It was a good, well written story. The characters were strong and well matched.
Altogether this was a very enjoyable Christmas story.
Five stars from me!
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November 15, 20203,5
primeiro livro que eu leio que o protagonista é esquerdomacho
primeiro livro que eu leio que o protagonista é esquerdomacho
November 25, 2020
Ich gebe dem Buch 3,5 von 5 Sternen
December 21, 2021
Me and this book have had quite an on again, off again relationship ever since I picked it up last Christmas. After Christmas passed and I still haven't come to have read it, I put it in my unhaul pile, taking it with me to at least two carboot sales and offering it to anyone who looked as much interested in it. Alas, come next Christmas, it had still not left my unhaul pile. And since I had no other Christmas romances on hand, I decided to pick it up two days ago. Which turned out to be the right decision.
I went into this with minimal expectations besides a feel-good romance with perhaps a dash of comedy. But it turned out to be a lovely, slow-burn enemies to lovers romance. Very much underrated actually. I don't see why this series isn't more popular, seeing how solid this installment alone was. However, I haven't read the first three books, so there's that too. In some ways I think that worked out better, as Mattie was my type of protagonist, and both Posy and Nina were moreso typical romance book heroines - so not sure if I would have gotten on with reading from their POVs.
Tom's character was a bit there then gone, if I had to be honest. His treatment of women? Great stuff. His subtle gaslighting of his male friends? Not so much. I'm surprised Mattie didn't find it as bad as I did, given how the whole topic of gaslighting was raised and discussed. On another note, Steven got what he deserved, although I would have liked to see him suffer more.
This book isn't super cliche, nor is it cringey. And when I say slow-burn, I really mean it. Like, 90% of this book is them bickering, bonding, getting to know eachother etc. In terms of spice, there really isn't any, but that was completely fine by me. All in all, it was a great feel-good romance that was seasonally appropriate too!
I went into this with minimal expectations besides a feel-good romance with perhaps a dash of comedy. But it turned out to be a lovely, slow-burn enemies to lovers romance. Very much underrated actually. I don't see why this series isn't more popular, seeing how solid this installment alone was. However, I haven't read the first three books, so there's that too. In some ways I think that worked out better, as Mattie was my type of protagonist, and both Posy and Nina were moreso typical romance book heroines - so not sure if I would have gotten on with reading from their POVs.
Tom's character was a bit there then gone, if I had to be honest. His treatment of women? Great stuff. His subtle gaslighting of his male friends? Not so much. I'm surprised Mattie didn't find it as bad as I did, given how the whole topic of gaslighting was raised and discussed. On another note, Steven got what he deserved, although I would have liked to see him suffer more.
This book isn't super cliche, nor is it cringey. And when I say slow-burn, I really mean it. Like, 90% of this book is them bickering, bonding, getting to know eachother etc. In terms of spice, there really isn't any, but that was completely fine by me. All in all, it was a great feel-good romance that was seasonally appropriate too!
November 1, 2021
Nu börjar förberedelserna inför de två inplanerade julpoddavsnitten! Därav julböcker i november haha!
En vinterkyss i bokhandeln för ensamma hjärtan är fjärde fristående delen i seren Bokhandeln för ensamma hjärtan. Konceptet är att varje bok följer en av de anställda på bokhandeln och deras egen kärlekshistoria. Det är alltså en bokhandeln som är nischade på att sälja kärleksromaner. Det är mysigt, roligt, kärlekspirrigt och i det här fallet också full av julstämning.
Mattie jobbar på tesalongen som sitter ihop med bokhandeln. För två år sedan fick hon sitt hjärta krossat under julen och efter det hatar hon högtiden som en äkta liten grinch. Tom arbetar på bokhandeln och även om de ofta ryker ihop har de en sak gemensamt, han tycker inte heller om julen.
När lägenheten ovanför bokhandeln blir ledig slåss de om vem som ska få flytta in. Efter en slantslingring slutar det med att de blir roomies... Och varför är egentligen Tom så hemlighetsfull och privat? Vad är det han döljer?
Tropes: Ther's only one apartment, enemies-to-lovers, hata-julen-men-älskar-ändå-julen.
En vinterkyss i bokhandeln för ensamma hjärtan är fjärde fristående delen i seren Bokhandeln för ensamma hjärtan. Konceptet är att varje bok följer en av de anställda på bokhandeln och deras egen kärlekshistoria. Det är alltså en bokhandeln som är nischade på att sälja kärleksromaner. Det är mysigt, roligt, kärlekspirrigt och i det här fallet också full av julstämning.
Mattie jobbar på tesalongen som sitter ihop med bokhandeln. För två år sedan fick hon sitt hjärta krossat under julen och efter det hatar hon högtiden som en äkta liten grinch. Tom arbetar på bokhandeln och även om de ofta ryker ihop har de en sak gemensamt, han tycker inte heller om julen.
När lägenheten ovanför bokhandeln blir ledig slåss de om vem som ska få flytta in. Efter en slantslingring slutar det med att de blir roomies... Och varför är egentligen Tom så hemlighetsfull och privat? Vad är det han döljer?
Tropes: Ther's only one apartment, enemies-to-lovers, hata-julen-men-älskar-ändå-julen.
December 1, 2021
Det här var fjärde och sista delen i den här mysiga feelgood-serien där handlingen kretsar kring en bokhandel med tillhörande fik. Sista delen var så otroligt mysig. Inte bara får vi följa de färgstarka karaktärerna utan handlingen utspelar sig kring jul. Det är spirande kärlek, giftermål, förlovningar och graviditeter. Det är julmysigt och det är julkaos allt i en härlig blandning. Har gillat alla tidigare böcker men avslutet var definitivt min favorit. Verkligen jättemysig.
January 14, 2025
Ihan mukavaa ja tunnelmallista jouluhömppää. Ensimmäiset 50 sivua olivat erittäin lupaavat, mutta sitten kirja tuntui taantuvan hieman ja lopulta juoni jäi vähän heppoiseksi ja kaipasin enemmän jonkinlaista jännitettä. Teos sisältää ihan hauskaa ja sukkelaa dialogia, että huomasin muutaman kerran hymähtäväni kirjaa lukiessa.
Sinänsä hieman surullista lukea joulukirjaa näin tammikuun puolessa välissä, joten lukukokemukseni ei ollut aivan ihanteellinen. Kuitenkin genressään mielestäni kelpo teos, joka sopisi varmasti hyvin leppoisaksi lomalukemiseksi.
Sinänsä hieman surullista lukea joulukirjaa näin tammikuun puolessa välissä, joten lukukokemukseni ei ollut aivan ihanteellinen. Kuitenkin genressään mielestäni kelpo teos, joka sopisi varmasti hyvin leppoisaksi lomalukemiseksi.
March 20, 2020
Weer een heelijk weg lees boek. Ik vond de serie erg leuk om te lezen.
December 23, 2024
Jea. Loppuratkaisu 3 sivuu ennen ku kirja loppu et aikamoinen slowburn🐌🔥 Idk aik mediocore mut kosk on joulu nii😛✌️
January 22, 2023
Lika yas som vanligt
December 1, 2022
Okay so I haven't read any of the other books in this series, just stumbled upon the audiobook of this one and felt like listening to a Christmas romance. I can say that it stands perfectly well as a stand-alone, though I suspect that people who read and loved the other books would be less confused by and a lot more interested in the side characters than I was 😂
The romance is pretty fun, nice slow burn which I like. The characters of Matty and Tom fit well together, despite their differences. Sometimes it just wasn't obvious enough that there was something brewing. I liked the moments where they started opening up to each other a lot though. I thought the ex showing up made sense, but then after all of that, it was completely unnecessary to have this looong flash back. It wasn't telling us anything new (we were told all of it already, if partly between the lines), and it just made me more angry to have to get into the tiny details of it all. It didn't serve any purpose.
As I said, many side characters, all of whom have their own books, but none of whom I gave a shit about. In fact, I found most of them to be quite annoying and one-dimensional. I have zero interest in picking up any of the other books, but hey ho who cares.
Now, I have a bit to say about the narration. It's okay enough, but it just wasn't consistent for me. The main character's voice changes from low to high depending on what the voice of the conversation partner sounds like. The side characters sound like caricatures and the love interest... well let's just say he doesn't sound very handsome. He sounds extremely nasally and annoyed all the time, even when according to the text he gets 'low and husky', it sounds the same as when he's complaining about something! I get that you want a character to be recognizable at all times, but please not to the point where it just sounds silly and completely unbelievable that women are swooning over this guy.
Taking everything into account, I would say this book turned out to be just average. Too many unnecessary bits, side characters that didn't feel like fully fleshed out people despite them having been main characters in their own books and narration that wasn't all that great. The romance was not bad, good slow burn, just could have been a little more in the forefront for me.
The romance is pretty fun, nice slow burn which I like. The characters of Matty and Tom fit well together, despite their differences. Sometimes it just wasn't obvious enough that there was something brewing. I liked the moments where they started opening up to each other a lot though. I thought the ex showing up made sense, but then after all of that, it was completely unnecessary to have this looong flash back. It wasn't telling us anything new (we were told all of it already, if partly between the lines), and it just made me more angry to have to get into the tiny details of it all. It didn't serve any purpose.
As I said, many side characters, all of whom have their own books, but none of whom I gave a shit about. In fact, I found most of them to be quite annoying and one-dimensional. I have zero interest in picking up any of the other books, but hey ho who cares.
Now, I have a bit to say about the narration. It's okay enough, but it just wasn't consistent for me. The main character's voice changes from low to high depending on what the voice of the conversation partner sounds like. The side characters sound like caricatures and the love interest... well let's just say he doesn't sound very handsome. He sounds extremely nasally and annoyed all the time, even when according to the text he gets 'low and husky', it sounds the same as when he's complaining about something! I get that you want a character to be recognizable at all times, but please not to the point where it just sounds silly and completely unbelievable that women are swooning over this guy.
Taking everything into account, I would say this book turned out to be just average. Too many unnecessary bits, side characters that didn't feel like fully fleshed out people despite them having been main characters in their own books and narration that wasn't all that great. The romance was not bad, good slow burn, just could have been a little more in the forefront for me.
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