Christmas + books...that makes for a good book already. I'd like there to be a real secret bookshop, it sounds wonderful.

I think this is the first of my books by Cressida but it definitely won't be my last. You can be sure that I will be looking up her other work now.

Sophie is our main character. She's had a rough upbringing that has seeped into her adulthood. She's protective but with rough edges, distrusting of herself and others, unwilling to get close. I liked her a lot. And then we have Harry, the mysterious, grumpy new Lord of the manor who seems intent on making enemies of everyone, but he's clearly not all he appears. And he loves book so you know, and instant fie star. They work brilliantly off of each other, like two coins of the same coin.

There are a lot of other characters - friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbour, strangers, pets...and there's a goal who wears Christmas jumpers, so you know, what else do you need?!

The setting of Mistingham in Norfolk sounded idyllic, the perfect village to live in at Christmas and I'd like to move in please.

I read this in the middle of September and whilst for most people, that's still summer, possibly autumn, I am a Christmas nut all year round and so I'd already done some present shopping that week, baked some festive cookies, watched the Muppets Christmas Carol, and was curled up under a thick blanket wishing for winter. And so this book went perfectly.

At risk of sounding a bit weird, I had to mention that she uses the word 'plethora' about 30% in, which is my second favourite word ('panache' is my first), and I'm always childishly excited when I see it in a book.

I mean, it's not a spoiler to say that you pretty much know how it's going to end, the same as all of the, what I call happily-ever-after type stories. And some people may question why I read it then if I know how it'll end, but I like that. Sure I love a good thriller, historical novel, full of twists and surprises, but I also really enjoy a genteel, cosy, uplifting romcom that I know will leave me smiling.

I read it in less than a day, it was so easy reading and lovely that I just lost myself in the village, the characters, and the romance. It ends well and I'm satisfied but there is a part of me hoping that this won't be the end of what we see in Mistingham, that maybe she has more up her sleeves.

It is everything you want from a book, it's warming, cosy, nostalgic, joyful, happy. It is impossible not to feel a glow when reading it.

Sophie receives a mystery package and is delighted to discover it’s a beautifully bound book, sent from the secret bookshop she’s puzzled as to who sent it.
She thinks Harry who is the owner of the former bookshop in the village but he’s a recluse. She then finds herself knowing him better when they are thrown together to organise the village oak festival.
Great read loved this book.

Book Review: The Secret Christmas Bookshop

I’m so grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin ahead of its release. This delightful romantic tale swept me away to a charming village by the sea, perfectly capturing the essence of the holiday season.

From the start, I was drawn into Sophie’s world when she receives a mysterious package containing a beautifully bound book. Her curiosity and determination to uncover the sender’s identity resonated with me, igniting my own sense of wonder. This quest leads her to Harry, a reclusive figure returning from London, and their interactions are laced with a mix of intrigue and warmth that kept me engaged.

The setting itself is magical, with wintry skies and a sprinkle of snow that creates a cozy backdrop for their unfolding story. I loved how the village came alive through McLaughlin's vivid descriptions, making me feel as though I was part of this enchanting world.

As Sophie and Harry navigate their initial hesitations, their chemistry is palpable. I appreciated how their relationship blossomed against the backdrop of small-town gossip and holiday cheer. The book’s themes of mystery, connection, and the transformative power of stories really resonated with me.

Cressida McLaughlin has a knack for weaving heartfelt moments with a touch of humor, and this novel is no exception. I found myself laughing and sighing in equal measure, fully invested in Sophie and Harry’s journey.

Overall, The Secret Christmas Bookshop is a charming, feel-good read that left me with a warm glow. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a festive escape filled with romance and mystery. I highly recommend curling up with this book during the holiday season—it’s a delightful treat!

An enjoyable read. Perfect for a winter’s evening. Some social messages in the book which explained character traits. A tale of a village whose residents join together in the lead up to Christmas. There’s a wide range of characters and a romance. A good story. and good to get to know the characters.

Cressida never fails to deliver and this is another winner. Get ready to settle into a comfy chair and lose yourself the story. Beautifully written - laughter and tears, Christmas and books -who could want anything more.

I love Cressida's books - light but also makes you think!

Honestly any books about books and/or bookshops are right up my alley, add Christmas to the mix, even better!

Sophie is a newbie to the village of Mistingham. At the start of the story, she is trying to decide where she is going to move next. She doesn't like settling anywhere, and we find out why later on, although know from early on, that she was fostered.

She manages to volunteer herself to run the Christmas festival, and is partnered, reluctantly by Harry, the Lord of the Manor, who has been hiding away after the death of his father and not liked by the locals. She manages to bring him out of his shell, and we learn a lot about his background and that of his family, and his little goat, Felix, not forgetting his dogs.

Sophie and Harry grow closer, and bring together a fantastic event, although we never know quite which direction the festival will end up.... supplemented by the fact that she has been given Jane Eyre, and is using the planning to quiz everyone in the village to find out who gave it to her.

I love the fact that Jane Eyre is quoted and used to parallel what is happening in her life!

This is a lovely book... and loved the ending! No Spoilers... you don't know quite what Sophie will decide....

Oh my . This was a great read and it so made you appreciate your up bringing of feeling safe and secure. I loved the note books and Felix the goat. It is Cressida at her best. Just a perfect read . I loved it. Not telling you the plot read it .

Cressida has done it again, her books never fail to make me relax and warm my heart. The perfect festive read

This was such a warm and sweet story, and quite a special read for me personally. I really saw a lot of myself in the lead character, Sophie, and her coping mechanisms. She really is trying her best to protect herself how she knows best. I loved going through that journey with her. It takes place in a small village, and I really felt a part of it all and caught up in everyone's business.
I truly wanted to savour this book, and I will no doubt be reading it again to try and capture all those feelings once more.
Plus, Felix the goat is the absolute best!

Thank you so much Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this book via NetGalley to share my thoughts on it. I greatly appreciate it!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC.

Sophie is a commitment phobe. She grew up in the foster care system and doesn't trust easily. She gives herself a year in each place, then she moves on. Right now she is in Mistingham, a gorgeous coastal village in Norfolk with a thriving community. She has a little shop selling notebooks and friends Fiona and Ermin. It's October and she starts thinking about where to go next year with her little rescue dog Clifton (Cornwall looks nice) but then events overtake her.

She gets roped in to organise the annual Christmas Oak Fete together with Harry, the Dark Demon Lord of Mistingham Manor, a moniker that doesn't fill her with confidence. Harry is an enigmatic, reclusive character, fresh back from London to renovate the manor house, has a pygmy goat called Felix who wears knitted Christmas jumpers and two docile dogs called Darkness and Terror.

Then Sophie receives a beautifully bound old copy of Jane Eyre from The Secret Bookshop and tries to find out who is behind sending it to her. I've never read that novel but the author is at pains to explain how Sophie's story is similar to the one in the book.

Earlier this year I read Ms McLaughlin's book Happy Hour, set in Greenwich Market, and I wasn't convinced. Happily, she is back to her old form, giving us a slew of great, quirky characters and pets, plus lots of festive and romantic going ons. Mistingham is a great cosy setting that will keep you spellbound in this easy to read escapist small town romance of forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine and second chances.

I’ve never wanted to step inside a book more than to walk the cosy streets of Mistingham. It was the most perfect setting for such a spell binding Christmas romance. And when you meet the brooding, enigmatic and handsome manor owner, I think you’ll want to stick around Mistingham too…!

The Secret Christmas Bookshop was a perfect portal to escapism and I loved my brief stint in Mistingham so much (I absolutely annihilated this book and couldn’t stop reading it so my time there was fairly short. I had intended to slow the book down but alas. I could not. I shall return for a reread at Christmas I think. I absolutely fell in love with this town!).

The Demon Dark Lord of Mistingham, in all his grumpy glory, makes a great contrast to bounce off Sophie who both end up planning the four day Mistingham Christmas extravaganza.

I was completely taken by all the residents of the town and grew to love them so much in such a short space of time. I so instantly connected to the book and I’m so happy to have spent some in lovely Mistingham.

Oh and also there’s a Christmas jumper wearing goat so if that doesn’t get you reading, I don’t know what will!