The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan is a festive romance set in Edinburgh. Carmen loses her department-store job and joins her sister Sofia in trying to save a struggling bookshop before Christmas.
At a glance
- A festive romance set in snowy Edinburgh shortly before Christmas.
- Carmen moves in with her sister Sofia and takes on the challenge of turning around a struggling bookshop.
- The plot centres on family relationships, a fresh start and the effort to keep the shop from being sold.
Reference price: £10.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The Edinburgh bookshop setting and Christmas timing give the story a clear seasonal atmosphere.
- The premise combines romance with family dynamics and the practical goal of saving a local shop.
- Customer feedback describes the tone as warm and humorous and the book as an easy, feel-good read.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Sphere |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 27 Oct. 2022 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0751584223 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0751584226 |
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 2.8 x 19.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 260 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for a Christmas-set romance with an Edinburgh setting.
- Fans of stories about sisters, family relationships and a fresh start.
- Readers who want an accessible seasonal novel rather than a technical or reference book.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
57% 57% - 4 stars
29% 29% - 3 stars
11% 11% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights a warm, humorous and easy-to-read Christmas story, with particular appreciation for the Edinburgh atmosphere, characters and Carmen’s family relationships. This aligns with the book’s listed festive setting and family-centred premise, though the feedback does not establish that every reader will enjoy its style.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the Christmas story and its happy ending.
- Feedback highlights the atmospheric Edinburgh setting, warm humour and well-developed characters.
- Readers also appreciate the family dynamics and find the book easy to read.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Christmas Bookshop about?
Carmen loses her job when her local department store closes, then moves to Edinburgh to help her sister Sofia with a struggling bookshop that needs saving before Christmas.
Where is the story set?
The listing describes the story as taking place in Edinburgh, with Carmen arriving in the snowy city shortly before Christmas.
How long is this edition?
The listed print length is 384 pages.
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