Set in the perfect coastal village of Mistingham, this is the story of Sophie, a woman without roots.
Sophie receives a beautifully bound copy of Jane Eyre, with a message enclosed, but doesn't know who sent it to her.
In her attempts to find out she ends up organising the village Christmas festival, alongside the dour Harry.
There were times in this book when I wanted to reach into the pages and give Sophie a good shake!
This is a good Christmas read with a hefty sprinkle of romance.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

While this is a nice easy Christmas read I struggled to get into it and found it quite slow in places.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb - there are already reviews like that out there!

I was drawn to this book by the title - a case of "you had me at bookshop". This is an enjoyable, light, cosy read with a sprinkling of romance and mystery - but it also deals with some darker topics such as childhood abandonment, loss and homelessness.

There is an excellent cast of believable characters that doesn't feel contrived (unlike in some novels these days) - my favourites included Sophie, Harry, Felix (bless!), Fiona, and Jazz.

As a fan and compulsive purchaser of notebooks (as well as books obviously!) I really enjoyed reading about Sophie's creations; the bookbinding aspects of the novel were also interesting to me. The village sounds lovely - a seaside haven all year round - I liked the sense of community and it made me want to visit Mistingham (or the closest thing to it!). I loved the idea of the Christmas festival.

All in all a lovely, cosy read - perfect for a chilly day fuelled by hot chocolate!

I haven't read any other novels by this author but hope to in the future.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I really enjoyed this Christmas feel good story. There was a journey to follow for Sophie and Harry however you also get the sub stories with Jazz and others that keep you focused. Highly recommend.

This book was beautiful! Everything you could possibly want in a Christmassy romance novel. The setting was perfect and all the supporting characters really added to the lovely community feel of the seaside town. I was really rooting for Sophie from the start, she obviously had her barriers up due to her background but it was so lovely seeing her and Harry’s relationship develop. He was just the typical swoon worthy character in my eyes! Basically this book was just perfect and I was so sad to finish it and leave these characters behind.

The perfect amount of Christmas magic and sparkle! Light enough to warm you, but with enough darkness and shade to make a compelling story. Plus it has special books and a troublesome goat - what more do you want?

I loved this author's Cornish Cream Tea series, and this one looked just as delightful. We head to the beautiful seaside village of Mistingham on the Norfolk coast where we meet Sophie. Sophie is a fairly relative newcomer to the village, but is a likeable character who has had a difficult background. She has been welcomed into the community and sells her notebooks which she makes herself. When she receives a mystery present of an old bound book, she sets out to track down who sent it. We also get to meet Harry, the local "Lord of the Manor", who has returned to the village to renovate his late father's manor house. Harry, whilst initially is brooding, grumpy and unfriendly, is a character who grows on you as the storyline moves on.

The story of arranging the village Christmas fete was lovely and I enjoyed all the organising and arranging, especially as Sophie and Harry were tasked to do this all together. It's obvious both of the main characters have flaws and have experienced things in their lives which affect them to this day, but they still work together well as characters and it was fun watching their interaction together and with all the other villagers! The storyline moved along well, and it was wonderfully festive as it moved nearer into the Christmas season. I loved the location and could imagine myself amongst them all!

Whilst, it didn't grab me as quickly as some of her other books have, it pulled me into the storyline slowly, building up the relationships between both the characters and the reader. By the middle of Sophie and Harry's story I was won over and I enjoyed it right through to the end. The storyline had lovely themes of friendships, community and of course, Christmas! The star of the book though had to be Felix the jumper wearing goat who I could easily have taken home! This is a perfect story for this time of year!

I love a novel with a community feel and Mistingham was definitely a special community. Sophie and Harry are a great, likeable couple with great chemistry who you can truly root for. On top of this the secret books plot is great and really apt. However, the star of this story is undoubtedly Felix, a troublesome jumper wearing goat. This is a must read festive treat!

Book Review: The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin

Cressida McLaughlin's The Secret Christmas Bookshop is a heartwarming and festive romantic escape, set in a charming seaside village that comes alive with holiday magic. Known for her delightful storytelling in The Cornish Cream Tea series, McLaughlin once again weaves a tale brimming with charm, mystery, and the spirit of Christmas.

The story centers around Sophie, a relatable and warm protagonist, who receives a mysterious, beautifully bound book in the mail. Intrigued by this unexpected gift, she embarks on a quest to uncover the identity of the sender. Her search leads her to Harry, a reclusive and enigmatic figure living in a crumbling manor house. Harry, newly returned from London and the subject of much village gossip, is the perfect contrast to Sophie’s curiosity and warmth. As their paths cross, the chemistry between them slowly blossoms, set against the backdrop of snow-dusted streets and cozy bookshops, all under the enchanting glow of the holiday season.

McLaughlin has a gift for creating inviting atmospheres, and the village itself almost becomes a character in the story. The description of the quaint seaside setting, the wintry landscape, and the festive decorations draw readers into a picturesque world, making it the perfect cozy read for the Christmas season. The narrative is as much about the charm of the setting and the people who live there as it is about Sophie and Harry’s developing relationship.

The romance unfolds at a gentle pace, making room for both characters’ personal growth. Sophie’s quest for the mysterious sender becomes more than just a holiday mystery—it’s also about discovering her own desires and hopes. Harry, meanwhile, is dealing with his own past, and as his character is gradually revealed, readers will be drawn to his vulnerabilities and depth.

While the plot has a few predictable moments common in holiday romances, the warmth and charm of McLaughlin's writing make it easy to forgive. Her skill in capturing the festive spirit, combined with the allure of a cozy bookshop and the tantalizing mystery of a secret book, keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Overall, The Secret Christmas Bookshop is a delightful and comforting read that will appeal to fans of romantic fiction, especially those looking for a cozy, festive story. McLaughlin’s novel is filled with warmth, hope, and just the right touch of Christmas magic, making it a perfect addition to any holiday reading list. Whether you're a fan of gentle romance, books about books, or simply looking for something to get you into the holiday spirit, this book offers all the festive feels.

Step into the close knit community of Mistingham in Norfolk and meet an interesting mix of people and animals including a Christmas jumper wearing goat that gets itself and owner into a heap of trouble. Main character is Sophie who has not had an easy life including being in care . She butts up against Harry , the man of the manor who has upset the village Christmas 4 day festival. This is a lovely storyline with some delightful characters

Another beautiful story from Cressida McLaughlin this time set in a beautiful village in Norfolk. I’m yet to read one of her stories without having a burning desire to visit the location it’s set in. I loved Sophie, Harry, the villagers and animals. They’re so well written I feel like I know them. A beautiful wintery tale

A cosy Christmas read which paints a beautiful picture of the Norfolk coast in winter. This is definitely a book to read curled up with a blanket and a hot chocolate so that you can escape somewhere perfect.

I loved this cosy Christmas read definitely a must read for those Christmas vibes and cosy season for a feel good read

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for my ARC copy.

I absolutely adored this book, it has everything you could want in a festive book, found family, hard pasts, amazing friendships and a very believable build up to a relationship. Oh and a goat in christmas jumpers! Felix is the absolute star of this book.

Aaaah, what a delightful festive read. I loved the main characters, Sophie and Harry and really didn’t want this story to end. It’s one of those where you miss the characters at the end of the book. Cosy up and enjoy.

This is a lovely festive read full of wintery wonder and community. Sophie has ended up in Mistingham, a little seaside village in Norfolk. She sells her notebooks, makes no plans and always has her escape ready until the Christmas where everything changes.

It's a cosy read, not too short and the characters are likeable. The village feels real and the community is entertaining. The love story, whilst a little predictable, doesn't disappoint and there are plenty of bumps and turns before the end of the story. If you like Cressida McLaughlin's other stories, you'll enjoy this.

It'll make you want it to be Christmas right now though, and probably leave you hankering for fish and chips!

From the minute I say the book cover and the title I knew I was going to love this book and I was right. It was a beautiful Christmas read set in a lovely seaside village full of wonderful characters.

Sophie who is the main character is extremely likeable and I enjoyed her journey throughout the story and how she managed to make strong ties with the people and the area despite her past.

I have read that this will be the beginning of a series of books like Cressida’s previous series The Cornish Cream Tea series and I can’t wait to read more about some of the other characters especially Dexter, Lucy and Jazz who I really enjoyed hearing about.

To sum up this is a fantastic cosy Christmas read which I would definitely recommend to get you in the festive mood.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and Cressida McLaughlin for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This sweet Christmas story is a really enjoyable escapist read, perfect for cozy winter reading. I’ve read and enjoyed the author’s Cornwall-set series, and the different setting here of a lovely village in Norfolk works really well. The book finds Sophie struggling to balance her drive to move frequently and avoid lasting ties with the friends and success she’s found in the charming coastal village she’s lived in for most of the past year. When she gets drawn into a literary mystery and planning the village Christmas fair with a reclusive local, the struggle becomes even harder. I liked that the side characters are fully developed and charming in their own rights, and that the main characters’ emotions and reactions feel very real and understandable as they drive the events forward. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for n advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

This was such a a lovely festive book, set in a quaint village where everyone helps everyone else out. They all pull together sorting out village affairs and that made me smile. Highly recommend. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

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