The Christmas Bookshop – Jenny Colgan

“Every time the bell dinged, Mr. McCredie would glance up in wonder and surprise, and Carmen would smile secretly to herself and make sure the lovely books were somewhere adults could pick them up and admire them.” (Quotation page 77)

Content

When her mother calls her in August, asking if she will come home for Christmas, Carmen June Hogan, nearly thirty years old, definitely is not ready to discuss a family meeting in Edinburgh at her sister’s new house. There is a simple reason: while her older sister Sofia is a successful lawyer, married, pregnant with her forth child, Carmen still works in the local department store, and compared to Sofia she always feels low. However, just three days later everything has changed, the store is going to close forever and Carmen has lost her job. Sofia of all people has found a new job for Carmen. Edinburgh is busy and shimmering in November, with every shop preparing for Christmas time. All shops but one: an ancient bookshop, owned by eccentric old Mr. McCredie. Without a Christmas miracle, he will lose the shop by January. Could it be Carmen to make this miracle come true and save the bookshop?

Theme and Genre

This Christmas novel is about family, friendship, love, and the charming, vivid Victoria Street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, with colorful shops preparing for the Christmas season and a scent of cinnamon on the air.

Characters

The characters are empathetically developed, their thoughts and acting believable and they all are likeable and entertaining.

Plot and Writing

The story takes place during November and December in Edinburgh and is chronologically told. Especially the everyday chaos and confusion with Carmen and the bookshop in the heart of the events, her ideas and first achievements, but also the cohesion of all shop-owners, visitors and clients are atmospheric and very entertaining to read. At this special time of the year, there is also some magic in the air, which might be useful and needed. I have read novels of Jenny Colgan before and she is one of my favorite authors, when I want cozy, delightful and very British, but this one was going to be my favorite from the very first page.

Conclusion

A perfect, enjoyable Christmas-read, heart-warming, funny and romantic.