
Member Reviews

If it has the author's name on it I'm going to read it. A fabulous read, can't wait for more to come.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
A lovely Christmas read set in the bookshop in Castle Terrace in Whitsborough Bay.. Nice to be back in the area again!

Lily is the manager of Bay Books; she hires Lars to help out. He treated her badly in high school, but she decides to give him a chance.

A lovely read for Christmas, but the two main characters were too perfect, the male in particular. I can't help feeling that the female character was a little childish in her overreaction to something the male said, but it was still as though she could do no wrong. Her actions were explained, but for me it felt as though conflict was being created where there was none. Loved the book theme, especially Anne of Green Gables. I did not like the epilogue. Why do authors do this? I can't say what it is due to spoilers, but it wasn't needed and added to the "too perfect" theme. Disappointed by that addition. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a lot of Jessica Redland’s work, and the other books in this specific series, and usually enjoy them. They are like sinking into a hot bath after a hard day. This one , however, just did not work for me. To be fair, it may be my current head space won’t allow something this relentlessly sunny, but i do have notes.
The two. main characters were not particularly believable, much less relatable. Both of them, although Lars especially, were just too good to be true. They both seemed like cardboard cutouts or dolls to me.The secondary characters did not have a lot of nuance to them either.
There were a lot of dated cliches in the dialogue which I found distracting.. The whole vibe was corny as hell,
it just did nto work for me. I got fed up about 75% of the way through- I just did not care what happened to the characters and could not finish.
I will give the book another try at a later date, as I usually like Jessica Redland. For now, cannot recommend this one.

This is the first time I have read this author and I really loved this book about Lily, the manager of Bay Books and Lars. She tried to befriend him in high school but he treated her badly. She hires Lars to help in the book store as she needs help because her dad is having having surgery through the Christmas holidays. See if Lily and Lars can manage to get together. A GREAT READ.

Lily Appleton needs help at her bookshop, Bay Books, as her father is having double knee replacement surgery. Lars Johannson has just sold his tech business, and hopes that he might be the person to fill in at the bookshop. But Lily and Lars have history together in their school days. Will she be willing to give him a chance?
I absolutely loved this book. It sucked me in, and I was sad when I turned the last page. It was cozy and predictable and I loved every single page. I would love to see another book written about these people. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the first book of Jessicas I’ve read and I can honestly say I will now be a life long fan.
I honestly don’t even know how to fully put into words how wonderful this book was,
It was an absolutely heartwarming read, I loved Lily and Lars, it had me dreaming of visiting Bay Bookshop. As a book lover the whole plot of this book just screamed perfection to me.
This will deffo be one I continue to go back and reread and I cannot wait to explore all of the other books Jessica has released

There is no doubt that the overall plot line is predictable, however this is still a wonderfully heartwarming read, and offers the perfect escapism. I loved every minute of escaping to the Bay Bookshop; loved spending time with Lily and Lars; loved how Icelandic Christmas traditions were referred to and woven within the overall Christmas traditions. There is something magical about family festive traditions and this story allows the reader to reflect on their own or consider the magic of making their own. Taking a line from the story "Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it."
Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is a beautiful reflective and emotional read that is much more than a cosy romantic story: it is also a story of life.
Taking another line from the story -
‘Powerful things, those books. Adventures taken , friends made, secrets shared, lessons learned. Why would anyone ever want to live a life without books?’
Why indeed.
And finally this review wouldn't be complete with this line from the book which the Paperback Pixie left with each book:
"I hope this book brings you happiness, escapism, adventures to new places and a chance to meet new friends." A brilliant sentiment for such an enchanting read.
Huge thank you to the publishers- Boldwood Books - for an early read via NetGalley.

Oh Jessica you have done it again every book of yours I read becomes my new favourite of yours and this one didn't disappoint it's up there knocking Christmas wishes at the chocolate shop off the top spot..... This book is amazing, brilliant, loving, Christmasy in the end and emotional.
In the end this one made me cry.
I would love to see the northern lights like what's in this story. You can feel the love pouring out of this book from every page. The paperback pixie is just amazing and reminds me of when in lockdown people where leaving painted rocks around for ppl to find.
No spoilers but I'm a sucker for a happy ending and this book didn't disappoint I can't wait to buy it and put it with the rest of castle street books on my shelf.

Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop is pure festive perfection—a tender second-chance story wrapped in twinkle lights, Icelandic traditions, and bookshop charm.
Lily is a relatable, quietly strong protagonist, finding her footing after heartbreak while keeping her beloved bookstore running through the holidays. Enter Lars, a man with his own regrets and a shared history that neither of them can ignore. Their slow-building reconnection was sweet, authentic, and full of emotional depth.
The setting sparkles—cozy bookshop vibes, the gentle bustle of Christmas in a small town, and meaningful cultural moments tied to Lars’s Icelandic roots. I especially loved how Rolfe wove in themes of forgiveness, healing, and starting fresh, all against the comforting backdrop of found family and community.
If you’re looking for a festive romance that feels like coming home—with plenty of heart and just the right amount of snow—this is it.

Another wonderful read from this wonderful author. I'm always so sad when I finish a book by Jessica as it feels like there's such a long wait until her next release. Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop has kicked off my festive reading for 2025 and I must say I'm off to a great start. We're back on Castle Street so we get reintroduced to characters that have featured in previous books. Lily and Lars were likeable and relatable. Both quite a bit damaged over things that happened to them in their pasts. Witnessing them getting reacquainted and their friendship blossom while preparing for the festive season was a treat. It's definitely a read for bookworms as the story revolves around a Bookshop. Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop will leave you feeling festive, believing in love and possibly either wanting to read Anne of Green Gables or visit Iceland. As always, I will wait in anticipation for Miss Redland's next release.

Love Jessica Redland books. Lily loves her job working in Bay Books that was started by her grandparents. She needs to employ someone else with Christmas just round the corner.
Lars needs a job while he decides what to do with his future so decides to apply for the job

This book felt like a Hallmark Movie in book-form. Charming, emotional and enjoyable
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hallmark vibes thru and thru. All the bookdragons Will gobble it up. Romance in a bookshop, who van resist it . Second chances yep. I loved it
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This was such a beautiful, emotional story. Very well written, I finished this book in one day it had me hooked! I love all books written by Jessica Redland, such an amazing author!

This was a lovely book set in a family bookshop. As expected from a Jessica Redlands book, it is very well written and a relaxing read. A book of friendship, love, sorting out past issues and looking forward to a good future. I also learned about some Icelandic customs which was interesting. I recommend this book.

This was such a great read! It was quite enjoyable to see how the characters were written. There is mention of loss and grieving in this book. Even though there were some moments that were more on the gloomy side, this book is worth reading.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a digital copy to review!

A cozy bookstore romance. Lats and Lily find themselves reunited after having been bookish childhood friends. Lats shut down after his family suffered a huge loss in his early teens but now as adults he and Lily get a second chance to connect. I enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It’s endearing and just made me feel happy. The characters are delightful. I eagerly turned the pages as fast as I could. It’s the perfect Christmas book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.