Free Courtesy of Netgalley

I love a Jessica Redland book, it always feels like you're in good hands and the story is one to Cwtch up with a cuppa and some biscuits and get lost in. This book is no exception.

unlucky in love, Lily has given up on love and decides to concentrate on the bookshop she owns with her dad. She absolutely adores books and the shop is her favourite place to be. When her dad has to go into hospital for an operation for his knees, she advertises for his replacement on a short contract.

Lars has just sold his business and his Gran has decided to move into assisted living with her friends, leaving Lars looking for his own home to buy, and deciding what he wants to do next. He volunteers one day a week at the local library but needs something more he can do, until he decides what to do next.

Both Lily and Lars, have a passion for books but can Lily work with Lars when he applies for the job, as they have a complicated history from their school days, where Lily's nickname for him was Lars the Arse... They both have insecurities they haven't dealt with, can they become friends again through their joint passion of books.

I read this book in two days, it was very special and set around Christmas, Jessica showed different traditions around the Christmas period (including Icelandic ones). I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story, with great characters (not all of them nice) and learning something new about Christmas.

This was such a beautifully written, emotional story that I truly connected with. Lily is a strong and independent woman who’s been through so much: selling her tech company, stepping away from her grandmother’s home, and then putting her heart into running Bay Books. But when her father shows up, only to ask for money and then destroy the bookstore she built, I was devastated for her. That part especially hit close to home for me, as someone who’s experienced the same kind of heartbreak with a parent. It was a reminder that it’s okay to protect your peace, even when it means walking away.

Amid the heartbreak, there’s so much healing. Lars is a quietly charming and complex character, and I loved watching his relationship with Lily unfold. Their history, the tension, the gradual rebuilding of trust, it felt real and earned. I also loved the nods to his Icelandic roots and the gentle magic of the season, even if the Christmas vibe wasn’t super strong.

This book made me feel so much: grief, hope, love, healing. The characters were so well developed, and the emotional moments stayed with me long after I finished.

Highly recommend if you love cozy bookshops, second chances, and characters who feel like real people navigating real pain and joy.

Would I recommend this book to you? 1000% YES

Expected Release Date: 09/09/2025

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the early access. All thoughts in this review are my own.

A big thank you Boldwood for allowing me access to this ARC for a fun and cozy 'Christmas in July' read! Winter Nights at the Bay Book Shop comes full circle, combining magic, heartbreak, and the emotional pull of second chances. The story dives into tragic pasts and the vulnerable emotions of what could’ve been, and what still might be. It brought both laughter and tears, but one thread consistently tied the characters together: their love for reading.

Winter Nights at the Bay Book Shop takes you across the pond to the cheerful town of Whitsborough Bay, UK, during the last few cozy months of the year. Lily, our FMC, is an inspiring book lover, managing her family's bookstore, with a heart that is both her greatest strength and her deepest source of pain. She loves fiercely, even when it hurts. And Lars, the MMC, is a beautiful reminder for anyone who’s ever lost someone too young, that the love doesn’t vanish. And together they learn that healing often arrives in unexpected ways, through unexpected people.

If you're craving a tender, atmospheric story about grief, hope, a lot of coffee, and the comfort of books (with a touch of winter magic) this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

This book was not for me. I didn’t like the pos parents who abandoned their children. Nor the fact that the mmc’s sister passed away at the age of 7. I don’t like to read about children dying. Big no from me.

Review
"Powerful things, those books. Adventures taken, friends made, secrets shared, lessons learned. Why would anyone ever want to live a life without books".

Whitsborough Bay you've held my heart for the longest time and it has been a pleasure to be back. I jumped straight into the pages and back with the wonderful characters I know and love.

Lily and Lars were the perfect addition to a wonderful Castle Street and each of their stories broke me and rebuilt me.

Another stunning book from Jessica and as always I'm excited to read whatever comes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ah thank you Boldwood and Netgalley for letting me red the ARC for Jessica Redland’s upcoming release. Winter Nights at the Bay Book Shop. Back to Castle Street it is.
This time we follow Lily and Lars’s story. Both showing signs of abandonment issues and separation anxiety due to childhood trauma.
Lily loves books and so does Lars, they were at school together but he has a tad bit aloof and unkind to her. She’s looking for someone who fill in for her father whilst he’s away recuperating. Will Lars fit the bill and be able to make amends?
Lily is heavily into Anne of Green Gables and even names her living quarters after it.
Lars was abandoned by his parents and left to be raised by his grandma, with whom he shares a very tight bond.
The story delves into loss, grief, broken hearts, abandonment, addiction, Christmas, hot chocolate and many, many books. Friendships and trust. Will working through the past least to some love too?
I also learnt that Die is the Singular of Dice. Every days a school day, even when reading romantic fiction. :)
I have listened to or read all of Jessica’s Boldwood releases and this one was an easy to follow read with a lot of emotion and bookish delights.

Brilliant festive read with a lot of heart.

Lily is newly single and is trying to map out her plans for her life and also her beloved bookshop she shares with her dad. Lars has recently sold his business and also finds himself in need of a home and a new job. Lars could be the answer to Lily's problems but will their pasts get in the way of their future.

Told from both perspectives I always love getting in the heads of both characters, there’s so much emotion and thought throughout it really is such a lovely read. I also loved learning about Icelandic culture and traditions throughout.

I found myself really engrossed and willing for their happy ending.

A little unexpected joy since the story is set in a book shop were the references to some of my favourite stories from childhood. Definitely stock up on hot drinks and snacks before you curl up with this beautiful story.

Oh my !!!!!!Jessica gets better and better. This is a brilliant story . There are tears , some very nostalgic movements, romance, memories. The northern lights play a big part. Ace to be back in Castle Street. Old and new characters.Can read alone .Families. It is told in different chapter by the two main characters . Not my favourite way to read but it works. I love the “ duck house” with their memories. As book lover and a fan of Jessica this hits every thing . Read it .