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The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop
While bringing joy to others, can these two Christmas helpers also find some for themselves?Seren’s great aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially around Christmas when Seren learns that Nelly and the other residents can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing for gifts in the shops. So what if Seren brings the shops to them?Converting an ice cream van into a gift shop, Seren travels around Tinstone to help out the less mobile. On her journeys, she keeps bumping into a reluctant – and handsome – Father Christmas, who has been roped into helping out this festive season.But running her own business comes with risks and surprises that Seren's not sure she's able to tackle. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, or will her travelling Christmas shop provide some much-needed festive cheer for the residents of Tinstone?
328 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2022
35 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Lilac Mills
83 books232 followersLilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 23, 2022
Dear Santa,
Please could I have a sequel to this wonderful book, as I really didn't want it to end and would have happily carried on reading for ages, had there been more pages.
I've been a very good girl this year, and I am a massive fan of this author, who has sprinkled some Christmas magic of her own with this wonderfully festive, warm and cosy story that I could barely put down.
After all Christmas is a time of sharing, and I feel it's only right to be able to share my love of this book with more people, so I would also love it Santa, if you could turn it into a movie, so that even more people can discover the sheer joy of this story.
Oh and one more thing, Santa, please please please can you make this travelling gift shop into a real life one, as it sounded absolutely amazing, and such a great concept. And actually if you can send me a sexy Santa like the one in the book too, that would be totally awesome too!
But above all Santa, please can you put a copy of this book into everyone's stocking this Christmas as it is easily one of my favourite festive books of the season, and will hopefully get everyone into the Christmas spirit with some many festive activities mentioned and some wonderful winter wonderlands too.
With thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I did review honestly and voluntarily.
Rachel x
Please could I have a sequel to this wonderful book, as I really didn't want it to end and would have happily carried on reading for ages, had there been more pages.
I've been a very good girl this year, and I am a massive fan of this author, who has sprinkled some Christmas magic of her own with this wonderfully festive, warm and cosy story that I could barely put down.
After all Christmas is a time of sharing, and I feel it's only right to be able to share my love of this book with more people, so I would also love it Santa, if you could turn it into a movie, so that even more people can discover the sheer joy of this story.
Oh and one more thing, Santa, please please please can you make this travelling gift shop into a real life one, as it sounded absolutely amazing, and such a great concept. And actually if you can send me a sexy Santa like the one in the book too, that would be totally awesome too!
But above all Santa, please can you put a copy of this book into everyone's stocking this Christmas as it is easily one of my favourite festive books of the season, and will hopefully get everyone into the Christmas spirit with some many festive activities mentioned and some wonderful winter wonderlands too.
With thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I did review honestly and voluntarily.
Rachel x
September 10, 2022
This was such a lovely book. A eye festive feel to this story. I loved all the characters and I really wish such a van existed. What an original idea. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 11, 2022
I absolutely loved this read from Lilac Mills!
Great aunt Nelly lives in a care home and doesn't like the fact of not being able to shop properly, not a fan of online ordering as we all like to be able to look and feel what we are buying, so what a fab idea of having a shop visit the care homes.
Seren is just the woman for the job when her dad buys her an ice cream van to convert, what a genius plan or not?
My first Christmas book of the year and I throughly enjoyed it, we have a mixture of ages, wit and wonderful friendships all rolled into this festive read.
Great aunt Nelly lives in a care home and doesn't like the fact of not being able to shop properly, not a fan of online ordering as we all like to be able to look and feel what we are buying, so what a fab idea of having a shop visit the care homes.
Seren is just the woman for the job when her dad buys her an ice cream van to convert, what a genius plan or not?
My first Christmas book of the year and I throughly enjoyed it, we have a mixture of ages, wit and wonderful friendships all rolled into this festive read.
August 20, 2022
I've never read a Lilac Mills book before. I wasn't familiar with her writing style or the genre she falls into. This book was very CLEAN. Like rated PG, Hallmark Channel, your tweens/teens can read this clean. Not even a fade to black for intimate scenes. It's not typically what I'd go for, but it was a Christmas read and I tolerate the PG books since Christmas romances are my kryptonite.
That said, this was a decent Christmas read. I did find that it dragged and was a bit too long. The whole premise behind a traveling Christmas (and year-long) shop was a bit far-fetched. Maybe that's a thing across the pond? I've certainly never heard of it here in the U.S. So while it was creative, the sustainability of that was questionable, just like Seren believed for the longest time.
I loved Seren's enthusiasm for all things Christmas. Her joy was infectious. She was certainly more patient and understanding than I could ever be when it comes to difficult people. Is it really hard to get a grocery store job there that she had to hold onto one that made her unhappy for so long as if it were her only lifeline? They're a dime a dozen here in the states, so maybe that's another location thing that doesn't make sense to me. I honestly didn't like that part about her. We've all had jobs we hated, but when it's a minimum wage job, is it really worth your mental health to continue to deal with a difficult boss?
Daniel was adorable. I loved how 'all in' he was with his relationship with Seren. He never pushed her and gave her time and space, but he was always there for her. He does screw up royally in the end and it annoyed me to no end that he'd be that stupid and not bother communicating with the girl he supposedly loved. He fixes things, but he should have done a lot more groveling in my opinion.
I wish we had more of an epilogue that showed us into their future. I'd have love to seen how the shop was doing, how Daniel liked his job, how Nelly & Erwin were faring at the home, and what their family looked like now.
I didn't know Ms. Mills was a British author. I mean I guess the "Cosy" in the title should have clued me to that. I'm decently familiar with British English, but I have to say, there were way too many British-only words in this book for my American English self to understand. Some were so out there that Wikipedia/Dictionary on the Kindle couldn't even tell me the meaning. Even in context, I was confused by a handful of words. So for those American English speakers, just know that you may find yourself scratching your head as to what a word means as you read.
That said, this was a decent Christmas read. I did find that it dragged and was a bit too long. The whole premise behind a traveling Christmas (and year-long) shop was a bit far-fetched. Maybe that's a thing across the pond? I've certainly never heard of it here in the U.S. So while it was creative, the sustainability of that was questionable, just like Seren believed for the longest time.
I loved Seren's enthusiasm for all things Christmas. Her joy was infectious. She was certainly more patient and understanding than I could ever be when it comes to difficult people. Is it really hard to get a grocery store job there that she had to hold onto one that made her unhappy for so long as if it were her only lifeline? They're a dime a dozen here in the states, so maybe that's another location thing that doesn't make sense to me. I honestly didn't like that part about her. We've all had jobs we hated, but when it's a minimum wage job, is it really worth your mental health to continue to deal with a difficult boss?
Daniel was adorable. I loved how 'all in' he was with his relationship with Seren. He never pushed her and gave her time and space, but he was always there for her. He does screw up royally in the end and it annoyed me to no end that he'd be that stupid and not bother communicating with the girl he supposedly loved. He fixes things, but he should have done a lot more groveling in my opinion.
I wish we had more of an epilogue that showed us into their future. I'd have love to seen how the shop was doing, how Daniel liked his job, how Nelly & Erwin were faring at the home, and what their family looked like now.
I didn't know Ms. Mills was a British author. I mean I guess the "Cosy" in the title should have clued me to that. I'm decently familiar with British English, but I have to say, there were way too many British-only words in this book for my American English self to understand. Some were so out there that Wikipedia/Dictionary on the Kindle couldn't even tell me the meaning. Even in context, I was confused by a handful of words. So for those American English speakers, just know that you may find yourself scratching your head as to what a word means as you read.
December 7, 2024
3.25 ⭐
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley & Canelo Escape for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I also apologize for reading and writing the book review after publication.
I wanted to read a holiday book as we headed into the holiday season. I picked it up while browsing my long TBR because The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop fits some reading challenges.
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop is a tale of a small-town charm and festive atmosphere, with a dash of romance and British humor. I appreciated the feel-good, uplifting spirit of Seren's journey as she brought joy and festive cheer to the residents of Tinstone. On the other hand, I had some trouble with Daniel's grumpiness and his feelings that the world was against him. The only ray of sunshine that manages to get in his life is Serene. Or the star of his eyes, as the meaning of Serene's name in Welsh is a star.
I get tired of the miscommunication trope for the third-act breakup; there are other ways to do it. This is also why I love Aunt Nelly, Serene's aunt, and Daniel's grandpa, Edwin. I like the wisdom they give to the young couple in life. I like how the author, Lilac Mills, brings three generations together with a happy message about the holiday season.
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop is a sweet, cozy Christmas romance fitting for this Holiday season.
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley & Canelo Escape for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I also apologize for reading and writing the book review after publication.
I wanted to read a holiday book as we headed into the holiday season. I picked it up while browsing my long TBR because The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop fits some reading challenges.
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop is a tale of a small-town charm and festive atmosphere, with a dash of romance and British humor. I appreciated the feel-good, uplifting spirit of Seren's journey as she brought joy and festive cheer to the residents of Tinstone. On the other hand, I had some trouble with Daniel's grumpiness and his feelings that the world was against him. The only ray of sunshine that manages to get in his life is Serene. Or the star of his eyes, as the meaning of Serene's name in Welsh is a star.
I get tired of the miscommunication trope for the third-act breakup; there are other ways to do it. This is also why I love Aunt Nelly, Serene's aunt, and Daniel's grandpa, Edwin. I like the wisdom they give to the young couple in life. I like how the author, Lilac Mills, brings three generations together with a happy message about the holiday season.
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop is a sweet, cozy Christmas romance fitting for this Holiday season.
November 23, 2022
The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop by Lilac Mills
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Seren’s great aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially around Christmas when Seren learns that Nelly and the other residents can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing for gifts in the shops. So what if Seren brings the shops to them?
Converting an ice cream van into a gift shop, Seren travels around Tinstone to help out the less mobile. On her journeys, she keeps bumping into a reluctant – and handsome – Father Christmas, who has been roped into helping out this festive season.
But running her own business comes with risks and surprises that Seren's not sure she's able to tackle. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, or will her travelling Christmas shop provide some much-needed festive cheer for the residents of Tinstone?
My Opinion
This is such a lovely book with a really festive feeling. I'd recommend reading this with a nice festive drink and maybe a nice cosy fire. This will definitely put you in a festive mood. A lovely plot idea with some great characters.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Seren’s great aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially around Christmas when Seren learns that Nelly and the other residents can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing for gifts in the shops. So what if Seren brings the shops to them?
Converting an ice cream van into a gift shop, Seren travels around Tinstone to help out the less mobile. On her journeys, she keeps bumping into a reluctant – and handsome – Father Christmas, who has been roped into helping out this festive season.
But running her own business comes with risks and surprises that Seren's not sure she's able to tackle. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, or will her travelling Christmas shop provide some much-needed festive cheer for the residents of Tinstone?
My Opinion
This is such a lovely book with a really festive feeling. I'd recommend reading this with a nice festive drink and maybe a nice cosy fire. This will definitely put you in a festive mood. A lovely plot idea with some great characters.
Rating 4/5
December 27, 2022
Looking for a sweet Christmas romance to close out the Christmas season? Look no further.
Another little quaint shop story, except this one is on wheels! An ice cream truck is turned into a mobile gift store and had me thinking throughout the whole book what a great idea this is and why don't we have things like this in the US?
The side characters were fun, the story was short and the romance was clean. A great read for moms and teenage daughters to read together if you are looking for a little Hallmark style love story. In fact, this would be a great story for Hallmark to pick up!
Another little quaint shop story, except this one is on wheels! An ice cream truck is turned into a mobile gift store and had me thinking throughout the whole book what a great idea this is and why don't we have things like this in the US?
The side characters were fun, the story was short and the romance was clean. A great read for moms and teenage daughters to read together if you are looking for a little Hallmark style love story. In fact, this would be a great story for Hallmark to pick up!
December 25, 2023
Loved this book right from the first chapter. I have read a book by this author before and I just know I'm going to read more. A really lovely feel-good Christmas story, full of romance.
I sort of knew what was going to happen about a third of the way through, but it didn't make any difference to my enjoyment of the story.
Seren works in a supermarket, it''s a job but she isn't that happy there. Her Aunt Nelly lives in a care home and she's happy there. Her one problem is she and her fellow residents can't get out and about much; so buying a few gifts at Christmas, or at any time really is hard, especially if you're not Internet savvy. Aunt Nelly has an idea about a travelling gift shop, much along the lines of a mobile library.
Daniel is a gardener, but during Winter he takes other work on. This year, despite his misgivings, he's signed up to be Father Christmas! His Grandad Edwin, has just moved into the same care home as Aunt Nelly.
One thing leads to another, and Seren meets Daniel.
A really good story for the festive season.
I sort of knew what was going to happen about a third of the way through, but it didn't make any difference to my enjoyment of the story.
Seren works in a supermarket, it''s a job but she isn't that happy there. Her Aunt Nelly lives in a care home and she's happy there. Her one problem is she and her fellow residents can't get out and about much; so buying a few gifts at Christmas, or at any time really is hard, especially if you're not Internet savvy. Aunt Nelly has an idea about a travelling gift shop, much along the lines of a mobile library.
Daniel is a gardener, but during Winter he takes other work on. This year, despite his misgivings, he's signed up to be Father Christmas! His Grandad Edwin, has just moved into the same care home as Aunt Nelly.
One thing leads to another, and Seren meets Daniel.
A really good story for the festive season.
August 30, 2022
Review
What a gorgeous romantic Christmassy read.
I love Christmas, I'm a big all-year round Christmas fan and I believe in the magic of it all.
This book is just gorgeous as are the characters. I was desperate to know more, a beautiful will they-wont they storyline.
I'm so pleased I've read some of Lilacs work, I'm really excited to read some more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a gorgeous romantic Christmassy read.
I love Christmas, I'm a big all-year round Christmas fan and I believe in the magic of it all.
This book is just gorgeous as are the characters. I was desperate to know more, a beautiful will they-wont they storyline.
I'm so pleased I've read some of Lilacs work, I'm really excited to read some more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 12, 2023
DNF 25% I keep trying to read this book but (a) lots of words but slow to move on and (b) plot and characters feeling more and more predictable. Also, although she didn’t expect the van from her dad, she could have least appreciated him doing something for her. It is a “cosy” type of read but didn’t suit me.
December 23, 2023
It was so refreshing to have a romance with completely normal people.
Normal lives, normal jobs, normal problems.
She works in a supermarket, he’s a gardener.
So real & Christmassy, love it.
But I’m a disgusting slut so I needed 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This wasn’t even fade to black, it was fade to next morning!!
Absolutely not. No, thank you.
Normal lives, normal jobs, normal problems.
She works in a supermarket, he’s a gardener.
So real & Christmassy, love it.
But I’m a disgusting slut so I needed 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This wasn’t even fade to black, it was fade to next morning!!
Absolutely not. No, thank you.
December 22, 2024
Lovely story
December 1, 2024
Sentimental Festive Romance, Easy, enjoyable quick read that fills a long December journey.
January 26, 2023
5 stars out of 5 for this book! Another wonderful book by Lilac Mills, one of my favorite author! I loved everything about this book, the story, the characters, the christmas feeling in the air, the bit of romance. This book is all about taking chances and make dreams happen, it's also all about family relationships. This book was a page turner and I can only recommend it!!!!
September 16, 2022
I loved this book- as I was reading it, I could imagine every scene in a spectacular Christmas Movie. She finds herself getting an ice cream van transformed into a mobile Christmas shop- with the aim of taking Christmas magic to those who can't get to the crowded shops or negotiate internet shopping. She visits her aunts care home and the residents and staff enjoy looking at all the wares!
I loved all the characters, the mobile van, the christmas markets, a sparkling romance and the general warm Christmassy feel. Wrap yourself in a wonderful warm fleece with a mug of hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows and cream
I loved all the characters, the mobile van, the christmas markets, a sparkling romance and the general warm Christmassy feel. Wrap yourself in a wonderful warm fleece with a mug of hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows and cream
July 27, 2025
I ummed and ahhed between 3 or 4 stars, it’s a lovely story idea, the twist was unexpected for the most part, and did explain why some parts of the book had felt quite repetitive. For all of the repetitive aspects though, it took until around page 155 to get a description of Seren’s house, by which point I was already imagining it in a specific way (which turned out not to be the same way as the author). A slight oversight (despite the repetitiveness of other sentiments) seemed to be made, when a very clear point is made early on of Seren not liking a date to drink if they’re driving, this seems to go by the way side with subsequent dates; I don’t think I would’ve picked up on what was being drunk/who was driving had the point not have been made in the first place.
On a more positive note it was nice to read a book where the couple is happy together for a good chunk of the book, although that did make me wonder what was going to go wrong. When of course things did start to go wrong, it was the characters that I’d assumed would sort it that sorted it… and I really wasn’t sure how Lilac Mills would sway my opinion back to being in favour of *insert character’s name here*.
It was obvious from the moment it happened what scenario was going to lead to the confusion and fallout, although obvious it did make the roles of certain characters more apparent. The confusion came down to a lack of communication, and I really felt a different scenario could’ve achieved the same fallout, in a more believable manner that didn’t make me quickly go off one of the characters. It was stated several times in the book that Seren & Daniel wouldn’t have met without the Travelling Gift Shop… but they would’ve, I won’t say how incase it’s a spoiler; but they do bump into each other in at least 2 settings that aren’t to do with the Travelling Gift Shop. From the very beginning I was concerned that maybe something would happen to Nelly over the course of the book, her and Edwin were quickly two of my favourite characters.
I’ve read at least one book by Lilac Mills before, which I also gave a 4 star review; I was disappointed to not be able to give The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop 5 stars as I’d really had high hopes for it.
On a more positive note it was nice to read a book where the couple is happy together for a good chunk of the book, although that did make me wonder what was going to go wrong. When of course things did start to go wrong, it was the characters that I’d assumed would sort it that sorted it… and I really wasn’t sure how Lilac Mills would sway my opinion back to being in favour of *insert character’s name here*.
It was obvious from the moment it happened what scenario was going to lead to the confusion and fallout, although obvious it did make the roles of certain characters more apparent. The confusion came down to a lack of communication, and I really felt a different scenario could’ve achieved the same fallout, in a more believable manner that didn’t make me quickly go off one of the characters. It was stated several times in the book that Seren & Daniel wouldn’t have met without the Travelling Gift Shop… but they would’ve, I won’t say how incase it’s a spoiler; but they do bump into each other in at least 2 settings that aren’t to do with the Travelling Gift Shop. From the very beginning I was concerned that maybe something would happen to Nelly over the course of the book, her and Edwin were quickly two of my favourite characters.
I’ve read at least one book by Lilac Mills before, which I also gave a 4 star review; I was disappointed to not be able to give The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop 5 stars as I’d really had high hopes for it.
August 31, 2022
It's almost the Christmas time!!
I have always been a fan of Lilac Mills' book and would make sure to read most of her books. This story is about a woman named Seren has an aunt Aunt Nelly who hated being in the care home during the Christmas time. Seren comes up with an idea of converting an ice cream tuck into a shop that sells Christmas gifts. As she travels around the town, she meets a handsome Santa named Daniel and a romance is kindled between the two. But running a travelling shop wasn't as easy as Seren thought and it comes with greater risks, including her suspension from her current job...
Reading this book made me feel like I was watching a Hallmark Christmas Romance movie on the TV. The descriptions of the places also gave a sense of Christmas holidays to the reader and so I actually had a fun time feeling like Christmas. I also liked the writing and the author did a good job of making the reader feel like they are a part of the story as well. Overall, if you like a cheesy Christmas romance novel and you are looking for one, then this book is one for you--worth 4.5 stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
I have always been a fan of Lilac Mills' book and would make sure to read most of her books. This story is about a woman named Seren has an aunt Aunt Nelly who hated being in the care home during the Christmas time. Seren comes up with an idea of converting an ice cream tuck into a shop that sells Christmas gifts. As she travels around the town, she meets a handsome Santa named Daniel and a romance is kindled between the two. But running a travelling shop wasn't as easy as Seren thought and it comes with greater risks, including her suspension from her current job...
Reading this book made me feel like I was watching a Hallmark Christmas Romance movie on the TV. The descriptions of the places also gave a sense of Christmas holidays to the reader and so I actually had a fun time feeling like Christmas. I also liked the writing and the author did a good job of making the reader feel like they are a part of the story as well. Overall, if you like a cheesy Christmas romance novel and you are looking for one, then this book is one for you--worth 4.5 stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
August 31, 2022
For a sweet Christmas read try The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop by Lilac Mills. A converted ice cream truck brings together Seren and Daniel. Both are still trying to find their way to full-time careers as they are wondering if love has past them by. Both care deeply for family especially the older ones. I truly loved that about them. These two wonderful characters are well developed with personalities and emotions that you have felt yourself. While the truck is part of the story this book is much more about their new friendship that turns into a true romance. Of course there are plenty of bumps in the relationship road as well as the career road too. However that is exactly what makes this an interesting read.
Beautifully described setting, scenery, and activities so the story that it puts you in the cold Christmas holiday spirit. I like that too about this book especially since I read it on some of the hottest days where I live. A sweet breath of cooler air seemed to be what I felt as I read.
I recommend The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop that will remind you of the joys of the holiday season.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beautifully described setting, scenery, and activities so the story that it puts you in the cold Christmas holiday spirit. I like that too about this book especially since I read it on some of the hottest days where I live. A sweet breath of cooler air seemed to be what I felt as I read.
I recommend The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop that will remind you of the joys of the holiday season.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 24, 2022
This had just the perfect dose of festiveness!
I want to start off by apologising to the author for not reading this ARC copy back in August before the publication date in September. I just couldn’t bring myself to read something I knew would put me in a Christmas mood while the sun was still shining and I had a very long time to wait. The world is now starting to fill up on Christmas, so I decided this would be the perfect time for me to delve in.
Everything about the book is just perfect. The characters are likeable and relatable. The storyline was beautifully executed, and I really felt like I was along for the ride (literally) with Seren. She made me want to go out and buy an ice cream van and start selling my wares that way!
All the way through, though, I knew there’d be some drama to derail this amazing couple. It came a little later in the book than I expected, but it came nonetheless. It was definitely needed to keep us, the reader, on our toes and not to take the story for granted.
Overall, this was the ideal Christmas book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m glad I waited to read it as I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much back in August, but as the nights are now drawing in, I was able to curl up, get comfy and settle in. A resounding five-star read.
I want to start off by apologising to the author for not reading this ARC copy back in August before the publication date in September. I just couldn’t bring myself to read something I knew would put me in a Christmas mood while the sun was still shining and I had a very long time to wait. The world is now starting to fill up on Christmas, so I decided this would be the perfect time for me to delve in.
Everything about the book is just perfect. The characters are likeable and relatable. The storyline was beautifully executed, and I really felt like I was along for the ride (literally) with Seren. She made me want to go out and buy an ice cream van and start selling my wares that way!
All the way through, though, I knew there’d be some drama to derail this amazing couple. It came a little later in the book than I expected, but it came nonetheless. It was definitely needed to keep us, the reader, on our toes and not to take the story for granted.
Overall, this was the ideal Christmas book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m glad I waited to read it as I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much back in August, but as the nights are now drawing in, I was able to curl up, get comfy and settle in. A resounding five-star read.
August 10, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Lilac Mills. I am so glad that I picked it to read. (I am drawn to books by the covers and titles!) This is exactly the type of story that I love. Her characters are created so lifelike, that I definitely cared about them immediately. They have jobs that are very relatable, a worker in a grocery shop (and trying to establish a traveling Christmas shop) and a free-lance gardener (and sometimes fill in for Santa).
My favorite genre is romance and I especially like a friendship to romantic partners theme. Also, I adore stories that include characters of the older generation! All my favorites were checked off with this book!
I totally enjoyed every moment that I spent in this wonderful world that Lilac Mills created. It definitely is an uplifting and inspiring festive romance story, as stated in the title. I look forward to reading Ms. Mills other books.
A huge thank you to Canelo Escape and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
My favorite genre is romance and I especially like a friendship to romantic partners theme. Also, I adore stories that include characters of the older generation! All my favorites were checked off with this book!
I totally enjoyed every moment that I spent in this wonderful world that Lilac Mills created. It definitely is an uplifting and inspiring festive romance story, as stated in the title. I look forward to reading Ms. Mills other books.
A huge thank you to Canelo Escape and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
August 15, 2022
It's so much fun getting into Christmas books for this year already.
Christmas books are fun and uplifting, well if they are by Lilac Mills they are.
Seren's great Aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially because of her limited mobility.
The one time Seren and her father took aunt Nelly out shopping with her wheelchair it made for a very long and tiring day for all.
While Seren is pondering Nelly's suggestion of she wants the shopping to come to her there's the brilliant idea of converting an ice cream truck to a portable Christmas shopping van.
It's not all smooth sailing but when it's done lots of people are so impressed with the Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop. Throw in the warm,fuzzy holiday season,a little snow and gift wrapped gifts and a fun and unexpected holiday romance. It wouldn't be the holidays without the latest Christmas read by Lilac Mills which I recommend to you!
Pub Date 01 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Christmas books are fun and uplifting, well if they are by Lilac Mills they are.
Seren's great Aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially because of her limited mobility.
The one time Seren and her father took aunt Nelly out shopping with her wheelchair it made for a very long and tiring day for all.
While Seren is pondering Nelly's suggestion of she wants the shopping to come to her there's the brilliant idea of converting an ice cream truck to a portable Christmas shopping van.
It's not all smooth sailing but when it's done lots of people are so impressed with the Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop. Throw in the warm,fuzzy holiday season,a little snow and gift wrapped gifts and a fun and unexpected holiday romance. It wouldn't be the holidays without the latest Christmas read by Lilac Mills which I recommend to you!
Pub Date 01 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 22, 2023
Thanks to Tandem Collective and reads by RedCards for a gifted membership to the reads platform to enjoy this book. While the platform format didn’t work for me, once I switched to a different reading platform, I ended up speeding through this one and enjoying the last half.
I really was expecting this book to be mostly focused on Seren’s experiences running a travelling gift shop, interactions with customers, her emotions and connections to the shop, and more insight running her own business. What it ended up being was more focus on Daniel’s perspective being Santa Claus and all the dates Daniel and Seren went on, showcasing their budding relationship. Once I shifted my expectations of this book, I liked it a lot more. But overall based on my experience with the first half of the book, my rating is at a solid 3.5 ⭐️
It’s got a ton of Christmas-y and wintery vibes to it though and I would recommend it if:
- you’re looking for a light, easy read to capture the energy of the season.
- you enjoy books with dual POVs
- you like Hallmark, closed-door, contemporary romances
I really was expecting this book to be mostly focused on Seren’s experiences running a travelling gift shop, interactions with customers, her emotions and connections to the shop, and more insight running her own business. What it ended up being was more focus on Daniel’s perspective being Santa Claus and all the dates Daniel and Seren went on, showcasing their budding relationship. Once I shifted my expectations of this book, I liked it a lot more. But overall based on my experience with the first half of the book, my rating is at a solid 3.5 ⭐️
It’s got a ton of Christmas-y and wintery vibes to it though and I would recommend it if:
- you’re looking for a light, easy read to capture the energy of the season.
- you enjoy books with dual POVs
- you like Hallmark, closed-door, contemporary romances
August 5, 2022
Seren's great aunt Nelly hates being in a care home, especially around Christmas when Seren learns that Nelly and the other residents can't enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing for gifts in the shops. So what if Seren brings the shops to them?
Converting an ice cream van into a gift shop, Seren travels around Tinstone to help out the less mobile. On her journeys, she keeps bumping into a reluctant and handsome Father Christmas, who has been roped into helping out this festive season.
But running her own business comes with risks and surprises that Seren's not sure she's able to tackle. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, or will her travelling Christmas shop provide some much needed festive cheer for the residents of Tinstone?
Really enjoyable read totally recommend thank You NetGalley And Canelo
I just reviewed The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop by Lilac Mills. #TheCosyTravellingChristmasShop #NetGalley
Converting an ice cream van into a gift shop, Seren travels around Tinstone to help out the less mobile. On her journeys, she keeps bumping into a reluctant and handsome Father Christmas, who has been roped into helping out this festive season.
But running her own business comes with risks and surprises that Seren's not sure she's able to tackle. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, or will her travelling Christmas shop provide some much needed festive cheer for the residents of Tinstone?
Really enjoyable read totally recommend thank You NetGalley And Canelo
I just reviewed The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop by Lilac Mills. #TheCosyTravellingChristmasShop #NetGalley
November 26, 2024
2,5 stars, as this was not my type of book at all… this book is exactly what I expected and disappointing at the same time. I did enjoy that the characters were just normal people with normal lives and I appreciate not having the horrible “big big man who is very rich” and “very small tiny woman who has always struggled with money” stereotype, because I hate that, and these were just nice, normal people.
They were, however, annoyingly sappy and it made me gag after a while.
And the conflict was just… so forced… Literally just talk about it ONCE instead of making massive assumptions and literally NEVER mentioning it.
For me, the language was a bit off putting. It seemed at first as if Seren was supposed to come off as posh, but later on it seemed she is working class. I just couldn’t place the vocabulary used and it was distracting.
Yeah and I’m sorry but a travelling shop just doesn’t seem a viable business idea.
They were, however, annoyingly sappy and it made me gag after a while.
And the conflict was just… so forced… Literally just talk about it ONCE instead of making massive assumptions and literally NEVER mentioning it.
For me, the language was a bit off putting. It seemed at first as if Seren was supposed to come off as posh, but later on it seemed she is working class. I just couldn’t place the vocabulary used and it was distracting.
Yeah and I’m sorry but a travelling shop just doesn’t seem a viable business idea.
September 14, 2022
Christmas and Cozy are two of my favorite types of stories to read. Seren loves her Great Aunt Nelly. However, when she discovers that her aunt isn't happy in the care home, Seren sets out to help bring the holidays to them. One of the problems, they can no longer go to a store and browse for gifts. Would bringing the shops to them be possible? She finds that running a new business may not be easy, but running into the handsome but reluctant Father Christmas does bring a perk. Will this Christmas be jolly or not?
Being my first book by Lilac Mills, I love how she makes her characters so relatable. She brings the meaning of cozy to a new level. I plan to read more books by this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Being my first book by Lilac Mills, I love how she makes her characters so relatable. She brings the meaning of cozy to a new level. I plan to read more books by this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
September 22, 2022
Lilac Mills is slowly becoming my go to author when I am having a rough time because her books just make me smile and gooey inside.
This is a perfect Christmas read. I loved the characters, stories and just the overall vibe of the book. Even though I read it in September, it absolutely got me into the Christmas mood as I made a hot chocolate, curled up in my blanket and read the book.
For those who love a corny cute christmas books or hallmark movies, this is the book for you! Perfect for people who want an easy read that is enjoyable to help them out a slump or rough time as its pure christmas magic which I adored.
This is a perfect Christmas read. I loved the characters, stories and just the overall vibe of the book. Even though I read it in September, it absolutely got me into the Christmas mood as I made a hot chocolate, curled up in my blanket and read the book.
For those who love a corny cute christmas books or hallmark movies, this is the book for you! Perfect for people who want an easy read that is enjoyable to help them out a slump or rough time as its pure christmas magic which I adored.
August 15, 2022
This was the first book I have read by this author and won’t be my last
This was such a cosy and lovely read and the perfect escapism over a very hot weekend to be reading about snow and festive treats. My Christmas in July has now spilled over into august and loved the delights that this book has to offer it had lots of romance, friendships and quirky characters with the added sparkle on top of the goings on of the cosy Christmas
Travelling shop and was a definite feel
Good read which I think would make a perfect hallmark Christmas
Movie
This was such a cosy and lovely read and the perfect escapism over a very hot weekend to be reading about snow and festive treats. My Christmas in July has now spilled over into august and loved the delights that this book has to offer it had lots of romance, friendships and quirky characters with the added sparkle on top of the goings on of the cosy Christmas
Travelling shop and was a definite feel
Good read which I think would make a perfect hallmark Christmas
Movie
September 5, 2022
Yes it's a litte bit funny to read christmas novels end of august, but I love christmas all over the year.
The main persons are definitly Seren and Daniel, but there are so many people who have influence on this story and also it's destiny.
A wonderful soft and a little bit surprising christmas novel, that will definitly open up your heart and fill it with christmas happiness.
I love the old people so much in this book.
Soft and cosy romance which made me having some wonderful reading hours.
Enjoy reading!
The main persons are definitly Seren and Daniel, but there are so many people who have influence on this story and also it's destiny.
A wonderful soft and a little bit surprising christmas novel, that will definitly open up your heart and fill it with christmas happiness.
I love the old people so much in this book.
Soft and cosy romance which made me having some wonderful reading hours.
Enjoy reading!
September 3, 2022
This is such a festive story that it has left me pining for the festive season!
This is the story of Seren who after a random comment from her Aunt Nelly ends up turing an ice cream van into a travelling Christmas shop.
The story and the characters are amazing but I must say the star of the show was Aunt Nelly for me, she is a hoot and had me laughing out loud with some of her comments!
Highly recommend!
This is the story of Seren who after a random comment from her Aunt Nelly ends up turing an ice cream van into a travelling Christmas shop.
The story and the characters are amazing but I must say the star of the show was Aunt Nelly for me, she is a hoot and had me laughing out loud with some of her comments!
Highly recommend!
September 24, 2022
Another great book by Lilac Mills. This book makes you want it to be Christmas everyday.Serena is in a job she hates. Her aunt Nelly suggests she convert a van into a gift van so she can bring it to seniors homes and places where she can sell her products. The next thing you know Serena has a van. She meets Daniel who loves his job as a gardener, but must work as Santa to make extra money. The two have an instant attraction. I recommend this book
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