Finally, a proper romance with meaningful soul-searching, something I usually miss in this kind of story. I must say I absolutely loved it, and it moved me emotionally several times throughout the book.

This is an amazing and heartfelt story of loss, love, and rediscovery—but above all, about family bonds and finding the right person.

Thank you for this ARC!

This was a lovely Christmas read set in a bookshop. Lily runs a bookshop when a childhood foe applies for a job at her shop, it goes through their journey together in the bookshop. It’s a lovely cozy read, there’s nothing to not love. Lily is a lovely character and Lars really does help her be herself. A perfect Christmas 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

his novel is not just a hug wrapped up in a book… this novel is a rich delicious hot chocolate with cream, marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, woollen scarves, fairy lights and fairy dust, wrapped in a hug, wrapped in a book!!

Jessica Redland has written a beautiful cosy winter romance set in a family run bookshop, in a wonderful little town. This is the setting for the reunion of childhood friends Lily and Lars who parted ways at school when their friendship took a turn for the worse. A chance encounter brings them back together, and we join their journey to see whether their reunion can help them move past the hardships they have endured since their childhood, or whether the past is fated to repeat itself.

I was compelled to keep picking this incredibly heartwarming book up every time I had a few minutes to spare, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about the beautiful reconnection of these two characters. I very much recommend this as a winter read for all my cosy romance loving friends.
(I also am now desperately seeking a bookshop to own so that I can create christmas book window displays!!)

Thank you to @jessicaredlandauthor, @The.ShelfCareClub and @lovebookstours for having me along on your book tour, and for gifting me this book in return for an honest review

4 stars for this moving and lovely novel staring :
- two fantastic MC,
- one nasty nasty secondary character,
- a bookshop (one of favorite settings for romance novels),
- Christmas tales,
- set between GB and Iceland...

Everything I love in 300 or so pages.

I felt for Lars. His childhood was lonely, he was still lonely as an adult before starting working at Bay Books. Yet he is kind, generous and smart enough to understand when he does something wrong.

Lily also has her cracks but she's lucky enough to have a great support system so it is not as obvious that she is lonely too at the beginning of the book.

They were ment to be together and I really loved every little plot of this story. I knew about icelandic book flood for Christmas but I had never heard of the Yule Lads. It was a fun discovery and a great addition to the ambiance of the book.

Lovely and Christmassy, read it with a hot chocolate or under Northern Lights (of both) !

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Bookd for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reading Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop in the middle of scorching heat was the perfect seasonal escape: chilly weather, cozy bookshop vibes, and a touch of holiday magic.

I enjoyed the setting most of all. The small-town atmosphere, festive traditions, and especially the bookshop details really made the story shine. It’s exactly the kind of environment you want in a holiday read: charming, comforting and a little whimsical.

Lily and Lars had a nice dynamic, with plenty of gentle, sweet moments. While not a standout romance for me personally, I think many readers will love the way their relationship develops against the holiday backdrop.

The pacing felt a little slow in the beginning, with quite a bit of focus on family history. And at times, Lily herself was a bit frustrating, her grudge against Lars lingered longer than I expected, even after things had been cleared up. But these were minor bumps in what was otherwise a heartwarming and easy read.

If you’re looking for a cozy holiday romance this is one to add to your list!

It's so lovely to be back in Castle Street again. This time we focus on Bay Books which sounds like the perfect bookshop.
Lily runs it with her dad but as he's going into hospital for an operation over Christmas they need another member of staff to help out. What Lily didn't expect was for the perfect applicant would be Lars who she knew years ago and he let her down in a big way.
We dropped into the other shops from previous books which made me feel part of it again, like having a cuppa with old friends. This is one of those books that you don't want to finish as you don't want to leave the characters behind.
Jessica Redland is my favourite author I love her books.

THIS is festive perfection, offering a tender second-chance romance wrapped in twinkling lights, Icelandic traditions, and the irresistible charm of a bookshop at Christmas. It’s the kind of story that feels like a warm hug on a cold night.

Lily is a relatable and quietly strong heroine. Still healing from heartbreak, she pours her energy into running her beloved bookshop through the festive season, finding comfort in the joy it brings to others. Yet her world is turned upside down when Lars, a man from her past, returns with his own regrets and unfinished business. Their slow, heartfelt reconnection is handled with sensitivity, building layer by layer into a romance that feels genuine, tender, and full of emotional resonance.

The cozy bookshop setting and the small-town holiday bustle are infused with warmth, while the inclusion of Icelandic traditions through Lars adds depth and a unique cultural richness. This is a story about forgiveness, healing, and fresh beginnings, underscored by the power of community and found family. Heartfelt, charming, and uplifting, it’s a perfect winter read.

Just such a beautiful heart warming story. Loved it.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I loved this book! It had a really cosy vibe to it with great supporting characters and a community feel. The bookshop setting and descriptions of the festivities leading upto Christmas, combined with a beautiful romance story mean this is an easy 5 star review from me! I loved following Lars and Lilys story and was sad to finish this book.

Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc of this book. If you like books, Christmas, and hallmark movie vibes this book is definitely for you! I love being dropped into a cozy holiday environment and wish I could live in this little town. This book also wove in some more serious tones that I was not expecting and even had me tearing up at the end. Definitely add it to your holiday TBRs.

3.5 rounded up

Lily owns the book shop at whitsbourough bay which has been in the family along with her dad.
she advertisers for some help as her dad is due to have an operation and will not be able to work for a while.

Lars is at a lose end after selling his buisness and his friend sees the advert in the window of the bookshop and sends it to him.
This would be his dream job only problem is he nows lily from school and he wasnt very nice to her then.

Lily has had her heart broken twice and had always had a soft spot for Lars even though he was wasn't very freindly towards her, but when he apply's for the job shes torn, should she give him a chance and put the past behind her or not.

this is another book in the whistborough bay series i hav'nt read the others yet but look forward to.

Lily runs the family bookstore in Whitsborough Bay, along with her father. When he needs to take an extended leave, she has to hire someone to fill in for him. She ends up with the Lars, the boy who broke her heart in high school.

It was a perfect, cozy holiday romance set in a cute bookstore in a small town. I loved the characters and that they brought in Lars so we could learn about Icelandic traditions, especially set around Christmas time.

Thanks to @bokdwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

The story jumps directly into the life of Lily, a small-town girl who co-owns a bookstore with her dad. It's an immediate introduction to a cozy life in a little UK town where everyone knows one another. Of course, since this is a romance, it's not long before there's a problem she has to solve in the business and, at the same time, we meet Lars. He's a businessman headed in a new direction, while also seeing his beloved Nan off to a care facility. At this point, there's a confusing moment where the narrator tells you she's moving to the elder home, then the dialogue has her announce it to the surprise of Lars. It's jarring as a reader because it feels like things happen out of order. But it sorts itself out quickly enough, and I really like the way the author gives you background on alot of the supporting characters without feeling too heavy-handed on description. When the two main characters finally meet, their immediate connection feels forced when backed up by some really sour memories between them. In the end, the book was sweet enough but had a hard time holding my attention. I would have liked to see more exploration of Icelandic culture or a deeper dive into the town itself.

Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is the perfect wholesome holiday romance book to read this holiday season. The story was engaging the entire time leaving the reader wondering what would happen next. I liked how there were elements of other stories like Anne of Green Gables woven in throughout the story. Perfect for a book worm but not a necessity. This would also be a good book to recommend to a teen looking for a romance book with age appropriate love. It reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie and would be a great book to read every holiday.

Absolutely loved it, great to be back in the bay. Great new characters a little nod to the previous characters and a truly heart warming story of Lars and Lily. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

Winter, romance, bookshop, feelings, love, all. of. it!!! I adored this book and I will absolutely be reading more of Jessica Redland's backlog!

I loved everything about Jessica Redland's newest, Winter Nights at the Bookshop in the Bay. First and foremost, it was about BOOKS!! One of my most favorite things in the world. The setting is a quaint, family owned bookshop that gives off warm, cozy, and friendly vibes. It's exactly the way I would want my bookshop to be if I were to own one.

While this is the holiday love story of Lily and Lars, it is also a story of family and friends. It is a story of love and loss so intricately woven together. It is an emotionally moving story. All the emotions of a feel-good holiday romance story are present and had me both smiling and tearful throughout.

Jessica has the most accurate description of how a book lover feels when receiving a brand new book. I totally saw myself running my hands over a glossy cover and feeling the crisp new pages between my fingers. The writing was smooth and captivating, and the details were vivid and beautiful. I loved how there was no game playing between Lily and Lars. They acted on their feelings immediately, so the reader isn't getting frustrated with waiting for them to open their eyes. The chapters alternated between Lily and Lars, giving readers a view into each of their thoughts. This is a holiday must read for book lovers and romance lovers.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy

Another fantastic read from Jessica Redland. This one is a truly cosy feel good festive read. A book to totally escape into and not wanting it to finish.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute delight.

So many of my favourite things were found in this wonderful return to Castle Street with this easy to read story but hard to forget book.
Set in a bookshop with several mentions of libraries, my favourite places to visit, and lots of quotations from L M Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series meant I was hooked. The chocolate brownies from The Chocolate Pot helped too!
Descriptions of the Northern Lights also captured my attention - the most magical phenomenon ever
With themes of family and forgiveness and set in the run up to Christmas this is my favourite Jessica Redland book so far. But a book about a quilting and sewing shop in Castle Street would be very welcome.

Jessica Redland’s Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is a heartwarming and immersive festive romance, perfect for curling up with during the holiday season. Redland has an exceptional gift for blending cozy small-town charm with emotionally resonant storytelling, and this latest installment is no exception. The story is set amidst the comforting shelves of Bay Books, where Lily Appleton seeks solace and familiarity as Christmas approaches.

The novel’s emotional depth is immediately evident through Lily’s nuanced characterisation. She is relatable, grounded, and gently humorous, yet her vulnerabilities give the story weight. Opposite her is Lars Jóhannsson, a man grappling with personal loss and seeking a fresh start. Redland skillfully develops Lars from a seemingly distant figure into a layered, empathetic character, whose quiet introspection and hidden vulnerabilities gradually unfold. The tension between past grievances and emerging connection forms the heart of the story, making their eventual reconciliation and romance all the more satisfying.

Redland’s depiction of Bay Books and its surroundings is enchanting. The Lake District’s wintery landscapes, coupled with cozy interiors and festive lights, create a rich, atmospheric backdrop that elevates the romance and emotional stakes. The Icelandic traditions introduced through Lars’s character add a distinctive cultural flavor, enhancing the sense of magic and holiday warmth.

The pacing of the story is carefully calibrated, balancing gentle romantic development with small, satisfying plot twists. Themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the restorative power of friendship run throughout, providing readers with both comfort and emotional resonance. Redland’s prose is tender and accessible, full of warmth, wit, and subtle humor, making the novel a thoroughly immersive reading experience.

Overall, Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is a beautifully written, uplifting story that celebrates love, friendship, and the quiet magic of the festive season. Jessica Redland’s ability to create fully realized characters, evocative settings, and emotionally satisfying arcs ensures this is a must-read for fans of heartwarming romances and festive escapism.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A cozy, heartwarming, and emotionally rich Christmas read that captures the spirit of love and hope perfectly.