Thank you to HQ Digital for a copy of this gorgeous book via NetGalley. My thoughts are my own and not influenced by the gift. I enjoyed reading Jaimie Adman’s previous book, The Little Bookshop of Love stories back in July (see my 5 star review at https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.home.blog/2020/07/11/the-little-bookshop-of-love-stories-by-jaimie-admans/). The ebook is published this week (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GS33BGP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_GZCHFbQ7JYKXD) and the paperback on 10th December 2020.
I have to admit that after reading the first couple of chapters, that I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this book as much as the Little Bookshop of Love Stories. However, something magical happened and this quickly became my favourite Christmas book of 2020.

Nia and James are so different, one loves everything to do with Christmas, whilst the other loathes Christmas. However, after literally bumping into each other, they need to work together to bring back the magic of Christmas to Nutcracker Lane.

I loved how Jaimie has crammed so many Christmas traditions into one story – the food, the sweets, the decorations, the board games, the Christmas Carols and the mistletoe. In 2020, when many of us will have to forgo our normal traditions due to the social distancing rules, this book brought the magic of a non Covid Christmas to life.

If you would love to escape for a few hours, then grab a copy of this fabulous festive and romantic read, a big mug of hot chocolate, some peppermint creams and a festive blanket as soon as possible.

💕 Thank you to NetGalley UK and HQ Digital for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review this book. Having followed Jaimie Admans on Twitter @be_the_Spark for a few years now, I was intrigued to find out what her latest story was going to be all about. The title was so appealingly festive and given I'm a lover of The Nutcracker Ballet, I was eager to read it.
I wasn't disappointed, the story has an unusual theme which I found enchanting. Bringing the idea that maybe a handsome Nutcracker Prince could come to life and grant Christmas wishes, sparks childhood memories and reminds me what the magic of the season is all about.

James does not like Christmas very much, and he spends his time humbugging the life out of it. Nutcracker Lane is about to change, the owners are selling it off and James can't wait to do his stint at the Christmas decorations and trinkets shop and get the Scrouge out of there.
Nia is all about the sparkle and excitement Christmas brings, as she personifies the Christmas spirit. She embraces the giddiness that children can't hide at this time of year, and together with her friend and business partner, Stacey they light up Nutcracker Lane with their festive jewellery and hand made Christmas decorations. So when James suddenly appears at the cheap and tacky gift shop opposite, looking like a Disney Prince and charming the customers, will Nia and Stacey's shop be able to compete? The owners of the Christmas Village will only save the most popular shops. Nia decides something must be done!
Can Stacey and Nia save Nutcracker Lane, Do opposites really attract? and Can Nia UnGrinch James in time to save Christmas and Nutcracker Lane?

I have laughed, I have cried and I have even searched online for Nutcracker ornaments!
If you're looking for a warm, cosy, Feel-Good read this Christmas, this one should be on your Nice List 🎅🏼🤶🏼

For more by this author see http://www.jaimieadmans.com

Such a gorgeous book!
Loved the Nutcracker aspect of the story and how much it meant to Nia. I really enjoy community based books and this one was so uplifting and heartwarming, I completely fell under it’s magical spell!

Having read a previous book by this author I was really looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint - I absolutely loved it from start to finish - in fact I finished it at 1.30am which was probably I'll advised as I am working today! It was one of those books that you have to finish, and then when you finish you are disappointed and want more! It's a wonderful, feel good story, all about the magic of Christmas, and the magic of falling in love, and it would make the most amazing film.


Nia has visited Nutcracker Lane at Christmas since she was a child and her Grandmother used to take her. To her, it was a place of infinite possibilities and magic, and she has applied every year for her own stall there for Christmas, but it was so popular she didn't get chosen. One year she is finally chosen and she takes the shop with her best friend. Unfortunately by this time Nutcracker Lane has changed. The Accountant has slashed the budget, it looks less and less Christmassy and people aren't coming the way they used to.

Nia visits the magic Nutcracker in the middle of Nutcracker Lane and wishes for her very own Prince Charming. When the shop opposite hers is taken by the most incredibly handsome man, albeit with a broken arm and covered in bruises, she wonders if he is actually one of the Nutcrackers come to life as he seems too good to be true. His only flaw is that he hates Christmas and she nicknames him The Grinch. She resolves to make him fall in love with Christmas as much as she does.


The story was completely predictable, but that was part of the fun. It's like you are in on a secret, and you just wait for Nia to catch up with you. You can see things from a different viewpoint, and when Nia finally finds out what is happening you are one jump ahead and it isn't a shock.

A wonderful, feel good, Christmassy book in true Jaimie Adams style. More please.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3580436690

This book has exactly what you are looking for when you pick it up. A charming Christmas setting, endearing characters to root for, ALL the Christmas magic you could hope for, and a happy ending. Honestly, this would make a fantastic “Hallmark” movie. I appreciated the nostalgia of Christmas, but also all the little pop culture references.

I feel well and truly festive now... and it's only October! If you want a festive story that gives you that warm, cosy, nostalgic feel then this is just the book for you!

There are a lot of festive books on the market and it's hard to know which one to go for... this is definitely the one I'll be recommending for friends this year! It's full of festivity that just makes you think about what matters most at Christmas.

When Nia gets the chance to open up a little shop on a special Christmas shopping lane, she is very excited. She has loved Nutcracker Lane since she was a child and it has always been her dream to have a shop there. Her wooden gifts are finally on display but... working on Nutcracker Lane isn't what she expected and Nia's realising things aren't as they seemed. A shop opposite her opens and it is attracting EVERYONE, even though it sells tacky Christmas mass-produced goods. Nia would be frustrated but... she the owner of the shop, James, is rather attractive and also very friendly and kind.

As Nia and James grow closer, Nia is determined to show James why she loves Christmas so much. He willingly lets her try to 'ungrinch' him and it's all going very well but... there's trouble ahead and it's all down to Nutcracker Lane...

I loved the book, I really felt for Nia and how much she loves Christmas, how she throws herself into everything - she happily makes a mess of her house whilst baking, appreciates the chaos and business of the season, wants to spread Christmas cheer. When I was reading it, it made me look forward to what lies ahead for the festive season, when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about Nia and feeling inspired about how much she was pursuing her dream... and I was also wondering if it's not too early to put on the Christmas music and sip the mulled wine...

This story is what will make you feel all warm and fuzzy and very, very festive. Beautifully written.

Nia Maddison finally gets her wish to have a shop on Nutcracker Lane to sell her crafts. But, is this the last year for the holiday spirit on Nutcracker Lane. Will is be closed down after this season. And, will Nia ever find her Prince Charming after several disastrous relationship? The shop across from her seems to be selling the decorations that were previously used to decorate Nutcracker Lane. When she goes to investigate she accidentally knocks over a tall nutcracker and breaks it. She apologizes to the owner James, who looks like her Prince Charming. What follows is a romp through Christmas, developing relationship and the spirit of Christmas.

I love Jaimie Admans books, they’re always so lovely. I was so pleased to receive an advance copy of The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane. It certainly didn’t disappoint!

I enjoyed this so much. It was heartwarming and delightful. It made me laugh, all the random silly bits, especially all the things that James says that hint at him being a nutcracker come to life.

I love the setting, Nutcracker Lane especially sounds wonderful. The characters are all well realised, and I loved them too. The story is very well written, and I easily got swept up in the romance. I loved the ungrinching of James, and the efforts to save Nutcracker Lane.

If you’re looking for a Christmas story to amuse and delight you, and give you that warm, happy feeling, then I highly recommend this one.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

What a magical Christmas story! The Little Christmas Shop on Nantucket Lane will really get you ready for the holiday season. Set in the most idyllic Christmas village, Nia runs her own gift shop when she notices a new store across the street. After an encounter with a life sized nutcracker, she meets the handsome shop owner named James. Wonderfully written with a witty and entertaining plot, I recommend this festive book for anyone who needs a winter wonderland getaway!

Nia who believes in everything magical about Christmas makes a huge wish to the nutcracker to meet her Disney Prince. She’s excited but sad about the uncertainty of Nutcracker lane and decides she has to bring the magic back. With the help of a gorgeous stranger who hates Christmas, she not only changes his mind but brings all the friendships, love and magic back to the place which needs it the most. A wonderful hug in a book, loved it x

This book was a real pick me up and such addictive reading , it has definitely been my choc lit fix . I absolutely love Jaime Adnams books , she hasn't disappointed with this seasonal offering either.
This was such an amusing and entertaining read, with Christmas cheer and sprinkled a dash of magical fairy dust.
Nia has always loved visiting Nutcracker Lane, it's reminiscent of the happy times she spent there as a child. This year's a different prospect for her, she actually has a shop there , making her own , personalised christmas decorations, so it's a poignant moment for her .
One night she makes a wish on the 'magic' nutcracker that she will find her own Prince charming, at which point we meet James, another new shop manager , who happens to look like a cross between a Disney Prince and and the nutcracker soldier Mia accidentally broke , with matching broken arm. The ensuing friendship that developes between them leads to some humorous moments that make you laugh out loud. Their attraction for each other becomes more difficult for them to deny as they they become close.
The Christmas village sounds idyllic, the descriptive writing encapsulates a winter wonderland you feel like you want to visit
This feels like you could be reading a fairy tale, with magical moments, romance, a villain , a hero and a cast of wonderful characters. True love never runs smooth but you end up with a happily ever after.
I was sad to reach the last page but it was a really heartwarming read and I thoroughly recommend it.

A Perfect Christmas Romance.
This book has everything- humour, sadness, empathy, romance, and above all a truly Christmas feeling.
It grabbed me from the very beginning and I was soon transported to a world full of Christmas magic and nostalgia..
It begins with Nia’s story of failed romances and the shock of receiving her boyfriend’s texts , which were meant for someone else. It is so well portrayed that I could feel her pain and disbelief. This sets the scene for her lack of trust in potential future boyfriends and her determination not to get romantically involved again.
And then the Christmas magic begins . The story transports us to the Christmas world of Nutcracker Lane and Nia’s ideas of what Christmas should really be about, and her determination to save Nutcracker Lane from redevelopment and once more make it the magical Christmas place she remembers from her childhood.
Her encounter with the giant nutcracker paves the way to a beautiful, sensitive love story, which is full of humour , tenderness and sometimes sadness. She then meets the handsome shopkeeper James - or could he be the Prince Charming she’d wished for the night before?
I loved Nia’s fondness of all things Christmas and the detailed descriptions throughout the book added to the nostalgic Christmas feeling - transporting you to Nutcracker Lane as if you were actually walking down the street itself.
I fell in love with James and all his flaws. His vulnerability was so perfectly portrayed as was Nia’s compassion towards him. The buildup of their relationship was so intense and emotional- at times I cried, at times I laughed, and at times I shouted at the two of them to just tell each other how they felt! All this was down to the power and superb quality of the author’s writing.
The Christmas feeling keeps growing throughout the book as Nutcracker Lane gradually comes to life again, due to Nia’s ideas, visions and determination not to give up on it.
I enjoyed the humour in Nia's attempt to unGrinch James and how the Christmas jumpers evolved into ever increasing Christmas accessories.
By the end of the book I felt I really knew the characters of Nia and James, as they were developed and portrayed so well throughout.
If you’re a fan of all things Christmas and romantic love stories you’ll enjoy this book. It has both of those things in abundance and a true feel good factor which is just what we need in these dark times.
I think I might have to get a nutcracker this Christmas and make a wish - I really need a James in my life!
I can’t wait to buy the paperback version when it’s released and relive the Christmas magic all over again.

I received this Advance Review Copy by Netgalley and HQ Digital (Harper Collins) in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley, HQ Digital and Harper Collins!!

Review

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane is the new upcoming novel of Jaimie Admans. This book is a breezy happy read which will bring Christmas and its magical vibes right into your life in a jiffy. The author had beautifully described essence of Christmas with all christmassy elements and aura. She has typically brought the Traditional Christmas in front of the readers eyes through her spectacular and jubilant writing style.

Jaimie Admans is the right person, if you want to read a happy, vibrant and mood-lifting kind of a book. She knows what she is doing and she spreads happiness that’s oozing out of her soul with her magnificent books. She has a wonderful writing and narrative style which is filled with humor and merry. The way in which she see a simple thing and how funnily she approaches it through her writing is the most sublimest thing which makes her books stand out. And that’s the secret behind the success of her books!!

The plot was simple yet a fulfilling one. The total idea of the book was so cool. Starting of the book was pretty much slow but within no time, the plot kick-started and turned completely arresting. What made this book really exciting was, there were a plethora of Christmas activities packed inside it, for example, things like Christmas Carols, baking, building Gingerbread house, watching Christmas movies, helping fellow humans beings, all these things made this book extraordinary and very Christmas-like and also there were lot of heart-moving scenarios. These things about this book will make even a skeptical person believe in the magic of Christmas.

The descriptions about the Nutcracker Lane, it’s history and the people who made Nutcracker Lane special were said in an elaborate manner and it was unbelievably engaging. The ideas pitched by Nia to make her favorite Nutcracker Lane better was brilliant and ingenious. The characterization of both the leads Nia and James was simply superb. How they both were so very different when it comes to the total idea of Christmas, was the best thing about this book. The way Nia carried herself throughout the book with full enthusiasm and energy was very refreshing and good to read. When it comes to the chemistry between Nia and James, it was highly charged and sensual. Reading them both gave a complete sense of true satisfaction.

My Views

Oh my god!! So I’m a biggest fan of Jaimie Admans. I was literally waiting for the very moment to receive this book ever since she announced the release of it. I was waiting for this book like a crazy person, when the publisher didn’t respond to my request for few days, I was very anxious and immediately texted Jaimie about the matter, even though I consciously know she has nothing to do the review copies provided by Netgalley and the Publisher. So, basically I was that eager to read it and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed at all. In fact I loved it so much, so much more than my favorite The Little Bookshop of Love Stories. If you’re someone who are following my blog regularly you would know how much I love TLBOLS. Now believe me when I say it, this book is all you need for this season or anytime you wanted to feel good, happy and Christmassy.

I’m someone who haven’t had a lot experience with celebrating Christmas traditionally, my idea of Christmas is to binge watching Christmas movies on Netflix the entire month. But this book made me experience the true essence of Christmas in all the senses. It’s not even second of October and I already can’t wait for Christmas and I’m sure this Christmas will be different and more fun for me altogether. This book brought Christmas early to me and I’m in the mood to read more Christmas Books.

I loved this book so very much!! What I liked the most about this book was at the end of the book, Jaimie made me believe in Christmas magic completely and I’m sure she will do that to every other reader. Yeah, I agree, Christmas is the most magical time of year, and anything can happen!!

My rating for this book would be 5 out of 5 stars

I would recommend this book to all romance and Christmas lovers and to the people who believe in the Christmas Magic. If you are someone who just want to read a happy and feel good book, you know which book to select right 😀 And if you’re someone who cannot understand what’s so special about Christmas and if you’re not very excited about Christmas. This book will totally Un-Grinch you, can’t understand what I am saying ? Translation —> Just read this book, you will fall in love with the book as well as Christmas.

Happy Reading Folks!!!
And Advance Merry Christmas!!
~ Meenu

A great festive read.

Nia has got what she wished for, her own shop on Nutcracker Lane.

When she meets James, she jumps to conclusions, but he is not who she thinks he is - will he get a second chance?

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Nia's dream of opening a shop on nutcracker lane has come true. Nia has had a string of bad luck when it comes to men. She is hoping that James is not like her cheating ex boyfriends. This book will put you in the Christmas.

With elements from many of your favorite classic Christmas stories and movies, this book manages to be both serious and light-hearted at the same time. Admans has the ability to create unique situations, and describes her settings and characters in such detail that you feel as though you're going through these implausible - yet completely believable - situations alongside them. I especially adored the magical nutcracker-come-to-life!

Oh wow the little Christmas shop on nutcracker lane is a pure delight to read, I have devoured this in one sitting wrapped up in my blanket on the sofa.

Full of the Joy's of Christmas, Nia is such a loveable character throw in handsome James and a £1000 nutcracker and you have the perfect book.
Jaimie has a real way with making you feel like you are right there amongst the Lane, ooh the Chocolate shop I want to visit.

This heartwarming tale has left me with a huge smile and already wanting to put up my Christmas tree. 

A massive 5 stars from me

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jaimie Admans has become one of my favorite authors, so needless to say that this book did not disappoint. I love how her novels are full of such descriptions that it makes you feel like you are actually transported into the scenes of the story. I could easily see myself as Nia and will admit to falling for James as well! It is a great story about nostalgic Christmas and I want to run out now and buy a Christmas jumper and some nutcrackers for my hours, despite it only being September. Thank you, Jaimie, for another escape to the picturesque beauty of the UK!

Absolutely enjoyed reading about Nia and the Christmas shopkeepers on Nutcracker Lane - reminiscing about Christmases past, present and future, with a few novelty Christmas jumpers thrown in!

The story is part love story, human nature, with a dash of "Scrooge" and "The Nutcracker" and a timely reminder of the meaning of what the "season of goodwill" and community spirit can achieve (I'm writing this review in September, as parts of the UK have recently gone into another covid lockdown).

Thank you to Jaimie Admans for reminding me of the meaning of community and friendship, and to HQ Stories and Netgalley for the opportunity to re-discover this by providing an Advance Reader's Copy.

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane is a lovely heart warming festive romance. It is a lovely book to curl up with as the evenings draw in and the countdown to Christmas starts. Nia is a likeable character and it is nice to watch the romance build with James following her run of bad luck and sadness. I love the setting and the Christmas theme and would definitely recommend.