There is nothing better than a book set around Christmas in a wonderful bookshop and this did not disappoint. Following Lars and Lily on their journey back to one another was heartwarming. They both had their own issues they needed to work through but by finding each other again they were able to support each other through the tough moments. What an enchanting full circle to them both being the owners of the bookshop that brought them together as children. This is the bookshop you’d love to exist and visit in real life to escape the world for a while. Thanks netgalley for the read.

Lovely seasonal read,,gorgeous characters mostly , loved the Icelandic connection and the descriptions of the Northern Lights , overall a really good storyline very well written and highly enjoyable . Recommended.

Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop - curl up and enjoy a wonderful read.

I adored this book - I could write so many incredible things about it. Loved quirky Lars and lovely Lily and the setting of a bookstore heading into the Christmas season. It was cozy, it was lovely, it was obviously well researched, the touches on English and Icelandic traditions was a fantastic addition. It's not often you read a book like this and learn something so that was well received.

The characters were lovely, all wonderfully thought out and given their own personalities. I felt many emotions reading this and it's left such a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. Thank you Jessica Redland for another wonderful read.

I loved this book, there was something for everyone. The romance is cute and builds up over the course of the book with uncertainty, past hurts and experiences all coming in to cloud the relationships as they start out. There is a lovey family support network alongside some unhelpful parental figures who test and push at behavioural boundaries and the plot unpicks the motivations and relationships well. There isa good level of joy and care in the book of people in the right place for them and having a good life doing what they are good at and what they enjoy. An added bonus is the sprinkling of Icelandic customs and festivities.

A lovely story. Second chance romance. Many heartwarming moments. A few heartbreaking ones also. Lots of personal growth for the characters. I don't celebrate holidays, but it was interesting to learn of the traditions of Iceland. I do long to see the Northern Lights, but am not eager for the cold setting necessary for the viewing. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I received a free copy of, Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop, by Jessica Redland, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Lily needs help at the holidays for her busy book shop, Bay Books. Such a good story, I loved reading about Lily and Lars, and the Pixie. I also loved the mentions about Anne of Green Gables, one of my favorite books.

3/5⭐️ perfect for getting into the holiday spirit 🎄☃️🩵 the setting was absolutely adorable, I loved the book store and the idea of all the different levels. It felt very whimsical to me.

Lily was such a sweet main character, but I kept picturing her to be much younger than she was (like early-mid 20s, rather than in her 30s). Her character just felt sort of immature to me. The whole grudge she held over what Lars did in school had me rolling my eyes, like come on 🙄 you really remember that years and years later?? I just thought it was dumb. …and that book from her childhood felt like her whole personality…

Some of the details in the writing and the plot just seemed like after thoughts and definitely could have been cut out in my opinion. That being said, the romance was cute and sweet but a little on the boring side. It just wasn’t as exciting as I was hoping it would be. I still enjoyed the wintery, Christmas vibes of the book though and think it’s a wonderful holiday read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Jessica Redland, and Boldwood Books for the ARC 💚📚

Brilliant book, I couldn’t put it down, I loved Lily and Lars story and the community that surrounds them.
Castle Street has always been my favourite series of Jessica Redlands books and this book is probably my new all time favourite .
I loved the mix of Icelandic and English traditions.
A journey of heartfelt emotions, family and friends who are like another family, misunderstandings, grief and loss and how it can effect you, love and finding the right person for you, all wrapped round the book world !
An extremely poweful book, well researched and Beautifully written .
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would - , highly recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Jessica Redland for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Don’t be fooled by the cover that this is a Christmas book. Yes, it has a Christmas theme, but it is not about cookies, games, hot chocolate and Santa. Jessica Redland used Christmas as a backdrop to her romantic novel Winter Nights at Bay Bookshop. Think small town, cute shops, and yes, an adorable bookshop with wonderful characters. It is about family, friendships, love, forgiveness, and self-growth. This would make a great Hallmark movie, not the sappy kind 

Thank you, Netgalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute festive read. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved that the story was set in/around a bookshop (it sounded so cute and cosy). It's the perfect book to curl up with over the festive season. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! I’m a sucker for stories set in bookshops anyway and this one gave me all the feels.

I adored Lily and Lars both. Lily, strong and independent, a family girl at heart. It was heartbreaking hearing the relationship between her and Justin. Lars was a complex character but together they created such magic. The background and how their trust was rebuilt added to the authenticity of their relationship. I loved the traditions of Icelandic Christmas pulling through in the background which added an interesting dimension to the story as well as a traditional Christmas.

Overall a book that makes you feel everything, loss, hope, love, healing, cosy all filled with a sprinkling of Christmas.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I LOVED this book! I was so into it; I stayed up until 4am reading. I visited Iceland last year, so I really enjoyed reading about the Icelandic Christmas traditions. The two main characters Lars and Lily are impossible not to love and root for. I read a lot of mystery books, so this was a nice change.
I would recommend this book for any time of the year as Christmas is mentioned quite a bit, but it's not the entire focus of the book. I enjoyed the writing style so much I've already added more from this author to my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Bay Bookshop manager Lily finds herself in need of an extra pair of hands as the Christmas season approaches.

After selling his business, Lars, finds himself seeking employment for the first time, with a love and passion for books and reading, he's the ideal candidate to help with the Christmas rush.

But there's one issue that leaves Lily torn. Can she forgive the cruel actions of a teenage Lars?

The story takes us on a journey of heartbreak, grief and forgiveness. Secrets are revealed, friendships started anew and the reader is provided with a wonderful peek into the festive traditions of Iceland. It is a delightful cosy read that will pull on the heartstrings leave you feeling fuzzy all over.

Out September 9th, 2025
Atmosphere That Wraps Around You Like a Wool Blanket Set in the picturesque town of Whitsborough Bay, the bookshop glows with twinkling lights and warm mugs of cocoa. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to cancel plans and read by candlelight. Now to the plot points:

- A Heroine Healing from Heartbreak Callie’s journey from emotional wreckage to rediscovery is raw, relatable, and deeply satisfying. She’s not just rebuilding her life—she’s reclaiming her joy, one book and one brave step at a time.
- Found Family & Bookish Bonds The Bay Bookshop isn’t just a store—it’s a sanctuary. The friendships forged here are tender, funny, and fiercely loyal. Think The Gilmore Girls meets The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.
- A Rescue Dog That Steals the Show Yes, there’s a dog. Yes, he’s adorable. And yes, he plays a key role in Callie’s healing. If you’re a sucker for four-legged sidekicks, prepare to swoon.
-Romance That’s Slow-Burn and Soulful No insta-love here. Just two people learning to trust again, with chemistry that simmers beneath snowy walks and heartfelt conversations.
-Mental Health Representation That Matters Redland doesn’t shy away from anxiety, grief, or trauma. She handles it with grace, honesty, and hope making this not just a cozy read, but a meaningful one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley Boldwood for this ARC!

A book about a bookshop at Christmas, it doesn't get much better than that! Absolutely gorgeous story about love, finding your match, family and, of course, books. Lily and Lars may have taken a while to finally get together, but it was worth the wait. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Icelandic Christmas traditions. Bay Books is a store I wish I could visit!
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Jessica Redland for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

Jessica Redlands writes heart wringing beautiful books. All the characters feel like someone I know or could know. Sit down and prepare for a treat of a read. Perfection in a book.

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.

A wonderfully warm and emotional Christmas book. Who wouldn't love a Christmas book set in a book shop as amazing as this one. The family connections and situations were beautifully handled and the book was a delight to read.

📖Book Review: Winter Nights at the Bay Booksh0p by Jessica Redland
⭐️ 4/5

Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is a heartwarming, cozy read that feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day. It’s a beautiful love letter to books, bookshops, and the ways stories shape our lives.
I adored getting to know Lilly and Lars both individually and as a couple. Their story unfolded in the most tender way, set against the magical backdrop of a Christmasy bookshop.
One element that truly stood out to me was Lars’ relationship with his late sister, Pia. The way he carried her memory with him and honored her through small, meaningful gestures brought me to tears. It added a deep emotional layer to his character and made me fall in love with him even more.
This book was gentle, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. I didn’t want it to end; I wanted to keep living in this world and see where life takes Lilly and Lars next. A perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit, whether it's December or not.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jessica's and I couldnt wait to dive back into the world of Castle Street and Whitsborough Bay. Lily and Lars story is gorgeous: a heartwarming, beautifully written book about friendship, forgiveness, loss and moving on.

Lily - you can't help but fall in love with this woman who has been through so much. Yes at one point she frustrated me so much but you just want her to get her happy after ever. She's warm, caring and loving but she also sparkles in her own way.

Lars - a man who has been through so much but its impossible not to love him.

The book is so well researched and I hope, like me, you'll be wanting a sequel as this new trip to Castle Street just isn't enough.