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A Bookshop Christmas
A snowstorm. A stranger. A spark. And it's Christmas! It should be the perfect start to the perfect love story.
But real life is far messier and more complicated than in the pages of the books in Megan Taylor's family bookshop – the last few years have left this young widow in no doubt of that. Moving back home to York should have been a fresh start, but all it did was allow her to retreat from the world.
When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It's time to start living again, and she's going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place. Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away.
Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe...
But real life is far messier and more complicated than in the pages of the books in Megan Taylor's family bookshop – the last few years have left this young widow in no doubt of that. Moving back home to York should have been a fresh start, but all it did was allow her to retreat from the world.
When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It's time to start living again, and she's going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place. Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away.
Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe...
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2018
416 people are currently reading
1579 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Burton
17 books301 followersRachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies.
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
September 8, 2022
In a Nutshell: A sweet story containing all the ingredients that make romance books work. The male lead could have been sketched better, but overall, it’s a fun light read.
Story Synopsis:
Have you ever listed out the things that can make a romance a fun read for you? Here’s what I enjoy:
You might assume that these are tough to find in a single book. Well, well, you have to eat your words, because this one had almost all of the above. (The sole exception was item #1. More on this later.)
Furthermore, it also had:
In many ways, this was a ‘Paint-by-Numbers’ romance. But it also had a freshness about it because it took established plot points and gave them a novel twist. Yup, the predictability is there, but that is a given in this genre, hence no issues. (Actually, I don’t understand reviewers who complain about a romantic book being predictable. What exactly do you expect when you pick up a book from this genre??) Also, the romance wasn’t insta but a slow-blooming attraction that leads to something greater. It wasn’t rushed at all, and that’s my favourite kind of love story.
The title combined two of my favourite romance themes – books and Christmas. There is plenty about books in the content to keep us bibliophiles happy. There is much less of Christmas – it is more of a background theme. But the first theme was more than enough. I loved the bookish discussions between the characters, and also enjoyed how passionately they loved and defended the romance genre. It also highlights the dire situation that small bookstores are in right now. (I wish there had been a better conclusion to this aspect of the story. It was realistic but disappointing.)
The first half of the book was almost perfect. The second half brought the experience down slightly.
The audiobook, clocking at 8.5 hrs, is narrated by Laura Brydon, and she does a marvellous job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed her spirited narration that matched the personality of the characters well.
Overall, this is a nice, clean romance that will work well if you know what to expect from this genre. Just remember that it is more of a ‘Bookish romance’ than a ‘Christmassy romance’.
4 stars.
My thanks to Saga Egmont Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “A Bookshop Christmas”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
After her husband passed away, Megan moved from London to York and has been working since three years in her parent’s old bookshop. She has her cluster of close friends but shies away from moving on. When prize-winning author Xander Stone bumps into her, literally, Megan can sense that her hibernation from romance might be at an end. However, Xander is, as you might expect, not an easy man, what with his arrogance and temper. Furthermore, the bookshop is in financial trouble and Megan has to focus her energies on ensuring its survival.
Have you ever listed out the things that can make a romance a fun read for you? Here’s what I enjoy:
✔ A grumpy hero who grows on you because he is like a coconut – tough outside, a softie inside.
✔ A sweet heroine who isn’t ditzy or klutzy.
✔ A dog. (Yes, I need a dog too!)
✔ Not too much steam. (This is my list, y’all! You might be disappointed to see this item, but OTT spicy scenes spoil romances for me.)
✔ Well-meaning and loveable best friends, who might get a tad too interfering but without being nagging.
✔ Anything related to books – authors, bookstores, books, and book clubs!
✔ Christmas. (Duh!!!!)
✔ A ‘Happily Ever After’!
You might assume that these are tough to find in a single book. Well, well, you have to eat your words, because this one had almost all of the above. (The sole exception was item #1. More on this later.)
Furthermore, it also had:
✔ Regency era dances and costumes.
✔ Plenty of discussions on Jane Austen (My absolute favourite author!)
✔ Scenes poking fun at tropes in romantic books (Including the infamous ‘only one hotel room left but it has a single bed’ trope.)
In many ways, this was a ‘Paint-by-Numbers’ romance. But it also had a freshness about it because it took established plot points and gave them a novel twist. Yup, the predictability is there, but that is a given in this genre, hence no issues. (Actually, I don’t understand reviewers who complain about a romantic book being predictable. What exactly do you expect when you pick up a book from this genre??) Also, the romance wasn’t insta but a slow-blooming attraction that leads to something greater. It wasn’t rushed at all, and that’s my favourite kind of love story.
The title combined two of my favourite romance themes – books and Christmas. There is plenty about books in the content to keep us bibliophiles happy. There is much less of Christmas – it is more of a background theme. But the first theme was more than enough. I loved the bookish discussions between the characters, and also enjoyed how passionately they loved and defended the romance genre. It also highlights the dire situation that small bookstores are in right now. (I wish there had been a better conclusion to this aspect of the story. It was realistic but disappointing.)
The first half of the book was almost perfect. The second half brought the experience down slightly.
⚠ Xander’s character is very inconsistent, especially in the final quarter. Though his behaviour is justified in the writing, I didn’t find the rationale too convincing. A part of me felt like it was trying to build up Xander to be a modern-day Darcy. (You might find this an outlandish comparison, but if you read the book, you will understand why I thought of Darcy!) But Darcy’s character is consistent throughout the book. Xander switches on and off without any logical reason.
⚠ I expected and wanted a lot more of Christmas, especially as the title spotlights it. But as I said, Christmas is just a passing background theme. It is not a Christmas romance at its core. Having some winter scenes isn’t enough to create happy vibes or spark the holiday spirit.
⚠ I don’t think the Goodreads cover captures the spirit of the book well. The one on NetGalley is a much better fit.
The audiobook, clocking at 8.5 hrs, is narrated by Laura Brydon, and she does a marvellous job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed her spirited narration that matched the personality of the characters well.
Overall, this is a nice, clean romance that will work well if you know what to expect from this genre. Just remember that it is more of a ‘Bookish romance’ than a ‘Christmassy romance’.
4 stars.
My thanks to Saga Egmont Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “A Bookshop Christmas”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
December 18, 2021
Without doubt, this was the best festive read I had this year (so far). I loved mostly everything about it. From writing style to plot and, as cherry on top of the cake, characterisation.
However, what I adored was the slow burning romance.
It was done so well that I can't find one thing that would make it better. Pitch perfect, if you ask me!
I also enjoyed festive theme and how our MC organized events for her book club, and it made me want to host a festive gathering for my girlfriends (which didn't happen because sadly I don't have a group of girlfriends who hang out with each otherother).
I felt bad for the young guy (who's name I obviously forgot because I am terrible with names) who worked in the bookstore and I couldn't believe how many times he was brushed off.
I know this sentence is starting to be cliche, but this was really like a Hallmark movie.
It has a nice cover, but in my opinion it was misleading little, as this is a romance book and I am afraid readers who would enjoy it will skip it because they won't know the angst it contains.
I wish it had a nice couple in the snow, with the dog and bookstore in the background, but who am I to suggest those things, right?
Overall, a nice slow burning romance for book lovers.
P.S. it was sooo nice to read about books I am familiar with, like One Day in December and The Devil in Winter.
Did I mention this book is for book/romance lovers??
However, what I adored was the slow burning romance.
It was done so well that I can't find one thing that would make it better. Pitch perfect, if you ask me!
I also enjoyed festive theme and how our MC organized events for her book club, and it made me want to host a festive gathering for my girlfriends (which didn't happen because sadly I don't have a group of girlfriends who hang out with each otherother).
I felt bad for the young guy (who's name I obviously forgot because I am terrible with names) who worked in the bookstore and I couldn't believe how many times he was brushed off.
I know this sentence is starting to be cliche, but this was really like a Hallmark movie.
It has a nice cover, but in my opinion it was misleading little, as this is a romance book and I am afraid readers who would enjoy it will skip it because they won't know the angst it contains.
I wish it had a nice couple in the snow, with the dog and bookstore in the background, but who am I to suggest those things, right?
Overall, a nice slow burning romance for book lovers.
P.S. it was sooo nice to read about books I am familiar with, like One Day in December and The Devil in Winter.
Did I mention this book is for book/romance lovers??
December 22, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ September 2, 2021
Est page Count ~ 285
Audio length ~ 8 hours 30 minutes
Narrator ~ Laura Brydon
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ grump/sunshine, slow burn, no steamage
A perfect book to read while sipping hot chocolate, with or without a shot of Kahlua, while under your snuggie with your adorable rescue dog laying by the fire as the snow falls outside your bay window. I've never really watched a Hallmark movie, but this is everything I think one would be like.
Told by Megan who is working at her family's bookshop and is still in a funk years after her young husband passed away. When she meets Xander it is not love at first sight since he's a total grump and rude. Eventually they begin seeing more and more of each other and the feelings start to develop.
All of the characters are likable and relatable, except Xander who does run hot and cold. I really liked his secret.
Also, I really liked Megan's relationship with Joe's parents and how supportive they were of her years after Joe's death.
All in all a sweet slow burn clean romance.
Narration notes:
I thought she did a lovely job with all of the different character voices.
*Thanks to Sage Egmont Audio, Rachel Burton and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ September 2, 2021
Est page Count ~ 285
Audio length ~ 8 hours 30 minutes
Narrator ~ Laura Brydon
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ grump/sunshine, slow burn, no steamage
A perfect book to read while sipping hot chocolate, with or without a shot of Kahlua, while under your snuggie with your adorable rescue dog laying by the fire as the snow falls outside your bay window. I've never really watched a Hallmark movie, but this is everything I think one would be like.
Told by Megan who is working at her family's bookshop and is still in a funk years after her young husband passed away. When she meets Xander it is not love at first sight since he's a total grump and rude. Eventually they begin seeing more and more of each other and the feelings start to develop.
All of the characters are likable and relatable, except Xander who does run hot and cold. I really liked his secret.
Also, I really liked Megan's relationship with Joe's parents and how supportive they were of her years after Joe's death.
All in all a sweet slow burn clean romance.
Narration notes:
I thought she did a lovely job with all of the different character voices.
*Thanks to Sage Egmont Audio, Rachel Burton and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
February 2, 2023
2.5 Stars
Really really light hearted and fluffy despite the main character dealing with the loss of her husband. I can't remember the main characters names and I just finished it, but it always nice to have a bookshop setting.
Really really light hearted and fluffy despite the main character dealing with the loss of her husband. I can't remember the main characters names and I just finished it, but it always nice to have a bookshop setting.
December 5, 2021
Ahh this was so cute! I was sold instantly when I learned it was a bookshop romance in England and there was an actual romance book club. Megan lost her husband over three years ago, and she's been working at her parents' bookshop ever since. When the shop hosts a super successful literary fiction author event, Megan is hoping it can help save the shop. But when she meets the rude and infuriating author, she thinks she's ruined their chances. Xander is recovering from a divorce and doesn't start off on the right foot with Megan. I loved how he actually attended their romance book club meetings and read Megan's favorite books! They talked a lot about Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas, which I loved. This book was so aware of itself of being a romance novel and it was fun when the characters would comment on what tropes they were literally living. I will say, the ending did drag a bit and the conflict at the end was a little frustrating, but it was an adorable Christmas romance that I would definitely recommend checking out!
August 4, 2022
3.5 ⭐
Themes & vibes:
• Christmas at a bookshop
• slowburn, Hallmark-like romance
• romance book club
• overcoming grief
• cozy, comfortable read
Cute story set in York during the Christmas time. This book had a lot going for it. The writing style was good, the premise exactly what I wanted. It also had some nice character growth moments, as well as many sweet and silly occasions.
However, the main part of the story, the romance – I didn’t really like it. I didn’t like the guy and there was something a bit forced and unnatural about the way they fell for each other.
But, a good chunk of me not liking it was just my personal taste. I’m sure a lot of people would read this story and absolutely adore it. It was pure Hallmark, what more can I say.
I've listened this book as an audiobook. And it was - ok. Far from my favorite narrator, but she did a decent job.
If you want to see my much more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to Aria or Aries and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Bookshop Christmas by Rachel Burton in exchange for an honest review.
❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
Themes & vibes:
• Christmas at a bookshop
• slowburn, Hallmark-like romance
• romance book club
• overcoming grief
• cozy, comfortable read
Cute story set in York during the Christmas time. This book had a lot going for it. The writing style was good, the premise exactly what I wanted. It also had some nice character growth moments, as well as many sweet and silly occasions.
However, the main part of the story, the romance – I didn’t really like it. I didn’t like the guy and there was something a bit forced and unnatural about the way they fell for each other.
But, a good chunk of me not liking it was just my personal taste. I’m sure a lot of people would read this story and absolutely adore it. It was pure Hallmark, what more can I say.
I've listened this book as an audiobook. And it was - ok. Far from my favorite narrator, but she did a decent job.
If you want to see my much more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to Aria or Aries and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Bookshop Christmas by Rachel Burton in exchange for an honest review.
❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
November 27, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Healing is never linear… The five stages of grief aren’t linear either – they all seem to exist together in one fiery hell ball of emotion that feels as though it will last forever. People will tell you that time heals but, in my experience, time just takes away the intensity.
Human beings have grown impatient, wanting instant gratification – social media likes and next-day delivery. But the really hard things in life take time to get over and the really good things require patience to achieve.
My Review:
I enjoyed this thoughtfully written yet humorous hybrid of British women’s fiction, romantic comedy, and family drama. The writing was amusingly clever, entertaining, and perceptively and evocatively detailed. The cast of characters was an oddly compelling assortment of annoying and fun with each one given unique and realistically flawed and relatable traits that kept me tittering and occasionally wanting to give a few of them a smack to the head. The storylines and writing style were comfortable, witty, perceptively insightful yet easy to follow, and an excellent kick-off for seasonal reading. I’m certainly feeling much more Christmassy.
Healing is never linear… The five stages of grief aren’t linear either – they all seem to exist together in one fiery hell ball of emotion that feels as though it will last forever. People will tell you that time heals but, in my experience, time just takes away the intensity.
Human beings have grown impatient, wanting instant gratification – social media likes and next-day delivery. But the really hard things in life take time to get over and the really good things require patience to achieve.
My Review:
I enjoyed this thoughtfully written yet humorous hybrid of British women’s fiction, romantic comedy, and family drama. The writing was amusingly clever, entertaining, and perceptively and evocatively detailed. The cast of characters was an oddly compelling assortment of annoying and fun with each one given unique and realistically flawed and relatable traits that kept me tittering and occasionally wanting to give a few of them a smack to the head. The storylines and writing style were comfortable, witty, perceptively insightful yet easy to follow, and an excellent kick-off for seasonal reading. I’m certainly feeling much more Christmassy.
December 18, 2021
English is not my native language, but from this book I learnt that a stomach fizzes, pops, flips, does that thing, turns over, has dancing butterflies, drops, tips, sinks, is in knots and contracts when a handsome man is near (26 times - yes, I counted).
January 12, 2023
What a fab read! Heart-warming, sweet, charming, funny, just what I needed on a dreary January morning.
I loved all the characters. They really came alive on the pages. Flawed and yet perfect. And I want that book club to be real so that I can join in. It's definitely so much more than just a book club.
Love and loss, grief and hope, fear, life at its best, it's messy yet beautiful.
I loved that story. I need to visit York again soon. And I need to read more Rachel Burton's books soon.
I loved all the characters. They really came alive on the pages. Flawed and yet perfect. And I want that book club to be real so that I can join in. It's definitely so much more than just a book club.
Love and loss, grief and hope, fear, life at its best, it's messy yet beautiful.
I loved that story. I need to visit York again soon. And I need to read more Rachel Burton's books soon.
November 26, 2024
So lovely!!!!
August 10, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
Reading A bookshop Christmas had me in the Christmas spirit it was such a cute read I love when books that can make me want to continuing reading and finish reading until the very end. 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
Reading A bookshop Christmas had me in the Christmas spirit it was such a cute read I love when books that can make me want to continuing reading and finish reading until the very end. 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
August 28, 2021
There is nothing better than a Bookshop apart from one at Christmas, so I was right at home with the setting for this story.
And i loved Megan and Xander's stories right from the off.
Well Megan was a lot easer to get to know but Xander grew on me rather quickly too, as their pasts are revealed.
And I love the idea of a Regency Christmas party, even if Trixie does seem rather determined to have it as authentic as possible
I especially loved the Die Hard Romance book club, and their determination to take down Book snobs and revel in their enjoyment of all things romance.
It was just an all around highly enjoyable novel, that really does show you can eventually move on with your life, even when scared.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 23, 2021
Christmas book #2 down! And it just happens to be my 150th (my goal for 2021) book this year! 🥳 This is the most I’ve ever read by September, and I’m chalking it up to those amazing audiobooks that I’ve added to my life this year.
Christmas in a Bookstore. Does it get any better? Why yes, throw in a love story between two people who have experienced recent traumas, and watch them heal together.
This was definitely a Hallmark book. Not much steam and very predictable, but still fills you with happiness. I’m of the firm belief that Christmas books are meant to be an easy escape into the magic of that time of year, so I go into every single one not expecting to be floored by it. They will probably never make my top 10 for the year, but they make me smile a lot.
That’s what A Bookshop Christmas did. It made me smile and get the warm fuzzies. Now bring on Christmastime already!
Thank you to @netgalley and @ariafiction for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
Christmas in a Bookstore. Does it get any better? Why yes, throw in a love story between two people who have experienced recent traumas, and watch them heal together.
This was definitely a Hallmark book. Not much steam and very predictable, but still fills you with happiness. I’m of the firm belief that Christmas books are meant to be an easy escape into the magic of that time of year, so I go into every single one not expecting to be floored by it. They will probably never make my top 10 for the year, but they make me smile a lot.
That’s what A Bookshop Christmas did. It made me smile and get the warm fuzzies. Now bring on Christmastime already!
Thank you to @netgalley and @ariafiction for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
November 22, 2021
T This is a lovely Christmas romance featuring a couple who are both recovering from difficult events in their pasts.
Megan is a widow who moved home after her husband died from leukemia. She’s gone into a kind of hibernation after her husband’s death, and her friends are trying to break her out of her rut.
Her family has a bookshop and she runs it. It’s Christmastime, and she’s trying to increase sales by having authors speak and other events. Her book club has decided to have a Regency Christmas party with costumes, and customers are invited.
Megan meets a well known author named Xander Stone when he hits her with his cart in a store. As they get to know each other, Megan realizes that Xander is in hiding like she is after a divorce, and he uses obnoxiousness to deliberately to keep people away. Can this couple overcome their pasts and get together?
I enjoyed this story, it examined the affect that grief has on people. I liked how Megan and Xander grew as the book went on. The characters were fun and had great personalities. I highly recommend this book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Megan is a widow who moved home after her husband died from leukemia. She’s gone into a kind of hibernation after her husband’s death, and her friends are trying to break her out of her rut.
Her family has a bookshop and she runs it. It’s Christmastime, and she’s trying to increase sales by having authors speak and other events. Her book club has decided to have a Regency Christmas party with costumes, and customers are invited.
Megan meets a well known author named Xander Stone when he hits her with his cart in a store. As they get to know each other, Megan realizes that Xander is in hiding like she is after a divorce, and he uses obnoxiousness to deliberately to keep people away. Can this couple overcome their pasts and get together?
I enjoyed this story, it examined the affect that grief has on people. I liked how Megan and Xander grew as the book went on. The characters were fun and had great personalities. I highly recommend this book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 28, 2021
I love stories about bookshops and one set at Christmas definitely hits the right spot. I really enjoyed getting to know Megan and Xander and thought their stories were handled sensitively and with emotion. I thought that the more minor characters were written very well and added such support and joy to the storyline and Megan and Xander - Trixie sounded hilarious. This is certainly a Christmas read to remember and recommend- a warm hug of a book.
December 16, 2022
When I was searching for a Christmas read, this one jumped out at me: bookshop and Christmas - what's not to like?
After a few years in London, Megan returned home to York to her mum and the family bookshop, devastated at how things turned out. She now manages the shop and has made a couple of friends, but is always looking for ways to improve sales. When the opportunity comes to have a best-selling author launch his new book in the store Megan is pulling out all the stops to make it a success. A hasty visit to the supermarket one evening is spoiled by an arrogant man who rams her with his trolley and then refuses to apologise! As luck would have it, he turns out to be the best-selling author . . .
This is a lovely festive read. Full of family, friends, decorations and relationships old and new. With plenty going on, it was a hard book to lay aside - I actually fell asleep with my kindle in my hand when I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. A real feel-good read and one I'm happy to recommend. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for more from Rachel Burton. 4.5* and my recommendation.
After a few years in London, Megan returned home to York to her mum and the family bookshop, devastated at how things turned out. She now manages the shop and has made a couple of friends, but is always looking for ways to improve sales. When the opportunity comes to have a best-selling author launch his new book in the store Megan is pulling out all the stops to make it a success. A hasty visit to the supermarket one evening is spoiled by an arrogant man who rams her with his trolley and then refuses to apologise! As luck would have it, he turns out to be the best-selling author . . .
This is a lovely festive read. Full of family, friends, decorations and relationships old and new. With plenty going on, it was a hard book to lay aside - I actually fell asleep with my kindle in my hand when I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. A real feel-good read and one I'm happy to recommend. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for more from Rachel Burton. 4.5* and my recommendation.
August 22, 2021
Trigger/content warnings: cancer and death if loved ones are an integral part of the plot and mentioned throughout the book.
I went into this expecting a light, Christmas book, but got a heavier, more thought provoking story. I was not disappointed!! It’s a low steam, clean romance that shows the evolution of two broken souls working on finding themselves again,
Megan has immersed herself in the family bookstore the past 3 1/2 years trying to move on from heartache and guilt. She’s used it as an excuse to cut herself off from all but a few close friends and her mother. In the hopes of saving the bookshop, she’s able to book Xander Stone, a bestselling author, for a Christmas time book signing, hoping to bolster earnings.
Xander has his own personal issues to work through and is not expecting what he finds in Megan. He has a secret his keeping from everyone, including his best friend, the Megan stumbles on. As his insecurities come roaring back, he has to decide what’s worth fighting for.
Since they both work in the literary world, there’s numerous reference to popular romance tropes. My favorite is the forced proximity trope and a few others that Megan and Xander encounter throughout the story.
I loved how real the characters are and how they grow throughout the story. There’s some pretty heavy issues they have to work through, together and separately. As they rediscover themselves, they discover each other and get the HEA they deserve, both professionally and personally.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this expecting a light, Christmas book, but got a heavier, more thought provoking story. I was not disappointed!! It’s a low steam, clean romance that shows the evolution of two broken souls working on finding themselves again,
Megan has immersed herself in the family bookstore the past 3 1/2 years trying to move on from heartache and guilt. She’s used it as an excuse to cut herself off from all but a few close friends and her mother. In the hopes of saving the bookshop, she’s able to book Xander Stone, a bestselling author, for a Christmas time book signing, hoping to bolster earnings.
Xander has his own personal issues to work through and is not expecting what he finds in Megan. He has a secret his keeping from everyone, including his best friend, the Megan stumbles on. As his insecurities come roaring back, he has to decide what’s worth fighting for.
Since they both work in the literary world, there’s numerous reference to popular romance tropes. My favorite is the forced proximity trope and a few others that Megan and Xander encounter throughout the story.
I loved how real the characters are and how they grow throughout the story. There’s some pretty heavy issues they have to work through, together and separately. As they rediscover themselves, they discover each other and get the HEA they deserve, both professionally and personally.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2021
Megan Taylor's beloved husband dies and she moves back to York to run her family's book business. Planning a Regency themed Christmas party and an author book signing, Megan must make decisions about what to do with her life. She meets Xander Stone who has his own issues to work through.
Megan's group of friends are funny, as they encourage her to get together with Zander. I loved following Megan and Xander while they struggled through their difficulties in this romantic tale. A fantastic story filled with a charming cast, I especially enjoyed the shenanigans of the Die-Hard Romantics Bookclub led by Trixie Hendricks. The author kept the Christmassy aspects light but they were well done. This is one very happy reader and A Bookshop Christmas is certainly worth a look.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Aria via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Megan's group of friends are funny, as they encourage her to get together with Zander. I loved following Megan and Xander while they struggled through their difficulties in this romantic tale. A fantastic story filled with a charming cast, I especially enjoyed the shenanigans of the Die-Hard Romantics Bookclub led by Trixie Hendricks. The author kept the Christmassy aspects light but they were well done. This is one very happy reader and A Bookshop Christmas is certainly worth a look.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Aria via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
October 18, 2022
The cover and the blurb sounded like a lovely, cosy, easy read however it was terrible. The main character Megan already has a sad story to tell and comes across as quite vulnerable then ends up falling for Xander Stone, an author. Whether this was the intention of the book or not, Xander displayed some quite abusive behaviour throughout the story, constantly losing his temper and berating Megan, storming off then leaving her worrying about what she did wrong, when in fact, she did nothing wrong at all!! She always apologised first and was constantly worrying about upsetting him. The story line was a cycle of him getting annoyed, arguing, her apologising and him creeping back after. I've seen some reviews that define this as a proper and true love story and typical relationship but this is not typical, normal or.acceptable. I read this on my kindle and have requested a refunded as it was that bad.
December 16, 2022
I’m going to get right down to the big issue in this book for me. The male MC was rude, reactionary, mercurial, and controlling, these are the books words, not mine. The female MC was constantly ignoring these very blatant red flags and apologizing to keep the peace. She spent the ENTIRE story placating him because he could not manage negative emotions and his outbursts spoke to someone in need of counseling and anger management. 😬
This book has put the final nail in the grumpy / sunshine trope coffin for me. RIP.
What I liked- the book dealt with issues such as divorce, grief, etc. but in such a way it didn’t weigh the story down. I also loved the setting, a cozy third generation bookshop on cobbled streets of York at Christmas.
As l've said in the past, no two people read the same book. What may or may not resonate with me may or may not resonate with you! Books are art, art is subjective and that is beautiful.
This book has put the final nail in the grumpy / sunshine trope coffin for me. RIP.
What I liked- the book dealt with issues such as divorce, grief, etc. but in such a way it didn’t weigh the story down. I also loved the setting, a cozy third generation bookshop on cobbled streets of York at Christmas.
As l've said in the past, no two people read the same book. What may or may not resonate with me may or may not resonate with you! Books are art, art is subjective and that is beautiful.
October 25, 2022
The inside of his legs were for her only? Why did that not sound sexy at all?
November 9, 2023
First in a new cozy romance series by Rachel Burton, A Bookshop Christmas was a perfect read as the holiday season begins. It wasn't too over-the-top christmassy and that was really nice.
Read
December 1, 2024Romance is not my thing and it will probably never be, but I thought this book was cute.
I didn’t always agree with the way the discussion around death and grief was conducted, but that is just my personal opinion. Sometimes there were certain sentences repeated twice or more in the same chapter almost verbatim, which was a bit annoying.
Other than that, I thought the story was sweet and not too over the top, the characters were reasonably interesting and not terribly stereotypical - so it was a pleasant read overall. I listened to the audiobook and the Yorkshire accent was a real bonus.
Also I now want to move to York and open a bookstore there.
I didn’t always agree with the way the discussion around death and grief was conducted, but that is just my personal opinion. Sometimes there were certain sentences repeated twice or more in the same chapter almost verbatim, which was a bit annoying.
Other than that, I thought the story was sweet and not too over the top, the characters were reasonably interesting and not terribly stereotypical - so it was a pleasant read overall. I listened to the audiobook and the Yorkshire accent was a real bonus.
Also I now want to move to York and open a bookstore there.
August 15, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley, Aria and Aries, and Rachel Burton for the E ARC copy of this book.
Megan helps her Mum run the family bookshop in York. She came back to help her deal with the death of her husband. She has really used the bookshop to hide from life. She has two good friends who try to help her, as well as the other ladies who make up the Die-Hard Romance Readers Book Group.
To help aid the bookshop Megan agrees to host a book launch party for Xander Stone’s latest book. He comes across as rude and very opinionated about romance books. As they get to know each other, could he be the man to help her to start living life again?
As Megan begins to see a way forward, something happens that make her wonder if it is all worth it or whether she should just hide away again.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Just the book to read when you want a lovely cosy time during the festive season.
Megan helps her Mum run the family bookshop in York. She came back to help her deal with the death of her husband. She has really used the bookshop to hide from life. She has two good friends who try to help her, as well as the other ladies who make up the Die-Hard Romance Readers Book Group.
To help aid the bookshop Megan agrees to host a book launch party for Xander Stone’s latest book. He comes across as rude and very opinionated about romance books. As they get to know each other, could he be the man to help her to start living life again?
As Megan begins to see a way forward, something happens that make her wonder if it is all worth it or whether she should just hide away again.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Just the book to read when you want a lovely cosy time during the festive season.
August 21, 2022
A cozy romance set in a bookstore during Christmas really checks a lot of boxes for a pleasant reading experience for me. I wouldn’t say A Bookshop Christmas was the greatest thing I’ve ever read in this general category (or in any of these subcategories might be the better way to put it), but I still found it charming and it had me wishing for an end to summer.
July 3, 2023
A delightful festive read , that drew me in and kept me page turning until I realised I’d read it one sitting,
Perfect read for cold chilly nights, with a warm drink and your feet up, perfect festive cheer
Perfect read for cold chilly nights, with a warm drink and your feet up, perfect festive cheer
November 27, 2021
Trashy Christmas romance novels are my guiltiest pleasure, they are the American TV only Christmas movies of the book world and personally I am here for it.
September 6, 2022
https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/rac...
This book was a cute, quick listen. York at Christmastime is the perfect setting, although I wanted a little more wintery or holiday descriptions! I loved that the characters were having a regency-era-inspired holiday party with their book club.
The exploration of love after the death of a spouse was interesting, and I really enjoyed getting to see Megan's perspective as she dealt with the guilt of moving on.
I also really felt for Megan's family as they struggled with losing their bookshop! I appreciated that this ending was different than other "save the bookshop" stories, though.
The audio production was great, and I'm glad I listened. I loved these accents!
This book was a cute, quick listen. York at Christmastime is the perfect setting, although I wanted a little more wintery or holiday descriptions! I loved that the characters were having a regency-era-inspired holiday party with their book club.
The exploration of love after the death of a spouse was interesting, and I really enjoyed getting to see Megan's perspective as she dealt with the guilt of moving on.
I also really felt for Megan's family as they struggled with losing their bookshop! I appreciated that this ending was different than other "save the bookshop" stories, though.
The audio production was great, and I'm glad I listened. I loved these accents!
December 26, 2023
2.5*
video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShNQp...
video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShNQp...
December 17, 2021
“I think the world is divided into people who have held onto their childish excitement about Christmas and people who haven’t.”
What’s not to love when you love books/bookshops and you love Christmas - combine the two! For my annual Christmas reads, I was absolutely delighted with Rachel’s latest offering as it contained all my favourite things in a real feel-good story at this special time of year. I have read and loved her previous book and smiled at the Easter Egg included from that particular read from the famous Tea Shop.
‘My heart lay in the actual words that surrounded me every day. The words on the pages that sat upon the sage green bookshelves all around me. I was passionate about stories, about those stories being told in the best possible way and read by as many people as possible.’
A Bookshop Christmas has everything you would expect for this seasonal read … but then Rachel adds some real depth to it. Christmas in a bookstore doesn’t get much better for me, however, when the love interest is between two people who have experienced recent traumas, it's wonderful to watch them grow and start to live life once again. There are layers that need peeling back as they both are dealing with grief and I think Rachel handled this really well.
‘Running the bookshop had been my way of finding some sort of control in my life after the unthinkable had happened, but I knew now that I had no control over anything, not even over the survival of the bookshop.’
Added to this is the setting in York which was idyllic for this time of year. I also appreciated how Rachel highlighted the struggles of a local independent bookshop. She then brought light to this shade with a cast of fun characters - the Regency Christmas party preparations and eventual celebrations a real added bonus. There are some real fun moments (I was highlighting like crazy) and tea lovers will appreciate Xander’s purist preferences:
“Is that Lapsang?” I asked, pointing at Xander’s teapot. “No sadly, just Earl Grey,” he replied. “But at least it’s not a teabag.” “I really wouldn’t have had you down as a tea snob.” “What did I tell you about pigeonholes.” He smiled lazily. “Besides, it goes right alongside being a book snob.”
Of course this is an overall light and fluffy read but isn’t that what Christmas books are meant to be about on the whole? To escape our rushing reality and slip into the magic of Christmas to be left feeling lighter and happier? Well, that’s what A Bookshop Christmas did for me and now I feel more filled with festive cheer.
“But those happy endings are important,” I insisted. “When a reader picks up a romance novel they know that happy ending exists. They don’t have to worry about what will happen and they can just get totally immersed in how it happens. Sometimes when life deals you a few blows that kind of thing is important.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
What’s not to love when you love books/bookshops and you love Christmas - combine the two! For my annual Christmas reads, I was absolutely delighted with Rachel’s latest offering as it contained all my favourite things in a real feel-good story at this special time of year. I have read and loved her previous book and smiled at the Easter Egg included from that particular read from the famous Tea Shop.
‘My heart lay in the actual words that surrounded me every day. The words on the pages that sat upon the sage green bookshelves all around me. I was passionate about stories, about those stories being told in the best possible way and read by as many people as possible.’
A Bookshop Christmas has everything you would expect for this seasonal read … but then Rachel adds some real depth to it. Christmas in a bookstore doesn’t get much better for me, however, when the love interest is between two people who have experienced recent traumas, it's wonderful to watch them grow and start to live life once again. There are layers that need peeling back as they both are dealing with grief and I think Rachel handled this really well.
‘Running the bookshop had been my way of finding some sort of control in my life after the unthinkable had happened, but I knew now that I had no control over anything, not even over the survival of the bookshop.’
Added to this is the setting in York which was idyllic for this time of year. I also appreciated how Rachel highlighted the struggles of a local independent bookshop. She then brought light to this shade with a cast of fun characters - the Regency Christmas party preparations and eventual celebrations a real added bonus. There are some real fun moments (I was highlighting like crazy) and tea lovers will appreciate Xander’s purist preferences:
“Is that Lapsang?” I asked, pointing at Xander’s teapot. “No sadly, just Earl Grey,” he replied. “But at least it’s not a teabag.” “I really wouldn’t have had you down as a tea snob.” “What did I tell you about pigeonholes.” He smiled lazily. “Besides, it goes right alongside being a book snob.”
Of course this is an overall light and fluffy read but isn’t that what Christmas books are meant to be about on the whole? To escape our rushing reality and slip into the magic of Christmas to be left feeling lighter and happier? Well, that’s what A Bookshop Christmas did for me and now I feel more filled with festive cheer.
“But those happy endings are important,” I insisted. “When a reader picks up a romance novel they know that happy ending exists. They don’t have to worry about what will happen and they can just get totally immersed in how it happens. Sometimes when life deals you a few blows that kind of thing is important.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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