This is book four in a lovely series that is centred around Micklewick Bay and its residents. The main characters are Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte who run the local bookshop, Happy Hartes Bookshop. It’s Christmas and after learning that Ed hasn’t got many great memories of Christmas from when he was younger Florrie decides to make this one extra special. However Ed is acting as if he has something to hide and keeps disappearing into the attic. Along catching up with all the other characters from the previous books this is a lovely feel good festive read that does have some drama too. Thanks to Storm publishing and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An absolutely delightful story set in a coastal town in North Yorkshire. The bookshop, town and surrounding wintery countryside are described in beautiful detail.

The story follows the growing relationship between Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte the joint owners of the Happy Harte Bookshop. Florrie is intent on creating happy Christmas memories for Ed to make up for an unhappy childhood. However, not all runs smoothly for the couple in the run up to Christmas and Florrie’s emotional ups and downs and anxieties are well carefully portrayed.

Looking forward to more in this series.

A Christmas with a difference as festive cheer mixes with a not so nice undercurrent. .
A dramatic and emotional time in this
atmospheric page turner, full of surprises and glitter. I couldn't put it down.

This is a really feelgood factor Christmas story.
Florrie and Ed Harte ran the Happy Heart Bookshop in Micklewick Bay, North Yorkshire. Florrie and Ed worked hard to make the bookshop a success, they arranged readings by successful authors that were very popular, artistic Ed's Christmas displays had become very popular, the whole village looked forward to reveal day, it was quite a celebration.
Florrie and Ed had very different backgrounds, Florrie's was filled with love and happy memories, Ed's was empty, most of it spent on his own, his cold, calculating parents travelled and hardly noticed that Ed was there, to make matters worse they had tried very hard to take control of the bookshop, even getting local, wealthy "Dodgy Dick", an unpleasant man who lived up to his nickname, to help
This story is perhaps a little too sweet for my taste but I know that lots of people will love it.
I loved the way that Florrie schemed to make new happy Christmas memories for Ed, I loved how the town all pulled together to help.
A lovely story of Florrie and Ed seeking their HEA.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, review is voluntary.

Gorgeous setting, great characters and a heartwarming story of hope, belief and fighting adversity.
The fourth book in a great series, it can be read as a standalone but I think reading the previous books just adds a lot more context to a few of the smaller things in the story.
I can highly recommend this book, as with all in this series or by this author.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Christmas At The Little Bookshop By The Sea' by Eliza J Scott.

WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! Yet another absolutely beautiful book in this gorgeous series !! I cannot wait to read more books by this extremely talented author!

Well, you may have noticed I have started reading festive books regular and very early considering it is only October but it doesn't matter if you are the type who doesn't want to hear the word Christmas until the day or whether you have already started thinking about getting the decorations down because regardless of how you feel about Christmas you will enjoy this adorable story! I have absolutely loved each and every one of the amazing Eliza's books that I have read so far and this one is no exception!!! How she does it time and time again I will never know but I am just over the moon that she does as every time I need a feel good book to turn a frown upside down Eliza Scott is my go to woman!! Although this is the fourth in the series would have I had absolutely no problems reading it without and of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. I absolutely love, Love, LOVE this absolutely stunning festive filled book and gorgeous series!! I have loved each book in this series and I have been looking forward to having a sofa holiday in Micklewick Bay during the festive season and I am extremely pleased to say that I was not let down and it was everything I hoped it to be and much more!! In this festive story we head to the stunning seaside town of Micklewick Bay where we meet Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte (again for those who have read the previous books). It is the Christmas season and they are getting the 'Happy Hartes Bookshop' ready for a magical Christmas. Florrie and Ed both work and live in the beautiful bookshop which is just an absolute dream for me!!! Definitely couple goals right there and that's without even including the fact that it is right by the sea!! Anyway, moving on from my very obvious envy!! Ed has not had the best childhood so Florrie is very mindful of that and even with his unhappy memories Ed is still doing an amazing job on his stunning window display while Florrie concentrates on her book themed decorations, festive treats and organising sleigh rides to try to make the Christmas a happy and unforgettable one for Ed. However when a surprise phone call from his Dad later leads to Ed disappearing a few days before Christmas Florrie worries that he is hiding something from her. Will this be a Christmas to remember for the right reasons? Will Ed be back for Christmas and if so is he hiding something? Grab your copy of this adorable escapism today to find out for yourselves and I promise that you will not regret it and you can thank me later!!!! With a stunning storyline filled with romance, Christmas, books, friends, books, community, books, love and did I mention books?? What on Earth are you waiting for?? This book really is a book lovers dream!! I mean a book filled with books plus Christmas plus a stunning location!!! Well, if that hasn't already got you racing to grab your copy then I am worried!! I will also add that it has also got a gorgeous black lab called Gerty who has got to be one of the best characters for me!!!! If you want a book that will warm you up and turn a frown upside down this is definitely one for you!! Eliza's stunning evocative descriptions pulls you into the book leaving you feeling the sea air blowing around you, feeling your heart warm as you turn the pages and make you fall in love with the beautiful Micklewick Bay and the amazing characters in it!!! This is one of those places that immediately felt like I was returning to a holiday home by the time I got to book 2 in this series which is called 'Summer Days At Clifftop Cottage'!! The characters all feel like friends and I always enjoy meeting previous friends and making new ones!! Eliza really does a beautiful job of weaving this incredible storyline together and thanks to her emotive writing skills she will have you smiling, crying, laughing and more! This book and series is an absolutely gorgeous, romantic, festive paradise escape!!! I was completely swept away with the storyline and loved having a holiday in the beautiful Micklewick Bay looking over the gorgeous sea while surrounded by so many amazing characters and beautiful sights!! I was utterly glued to the pages and I could not bring myself to put it down. I was carrying my kindle around with me every chance that I got as I just could not put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting then being gutted I had finished it so quickly!! This is one stunning book with a stunning location that I would absolutely love to visit!! I was devastated when I came to the end of this gorgeous mini break away and had to get back to reality in windy and wet Wales. I would seriously recommend this book to anyone and everyone!! A gorgeous uplifting festive romance that will warm your hearts 💝.

Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner that will keep you hooked and sweep you away on a stunning holiday❤️

Although this is the fourth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without reading the first three books. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely loved getting to know the characters in this book who were all strong, realistic. I became completely invested in each and every one of them. They all had their own problems, quirks, secrets, strengths, weaknesses, feelings and all had unique personalities and I just absolutely loved getting to know them all. It was lovely seeing the amazing community and friendships develop and grow between different characters and it really made them all feel like friends rather than fictional characters. The fact that Eliza clearly cares for each of her characters shines through the pages in her fantastic descriptions of them and how she gives each their own unique personalities and brings them to life!! I really am looking forward to meeting each of them again and again on my future journeys to Micklewick Bay!! I will say that with all the characters, thanks to Eliza's fantastic and emotive writing skills she ensured I felt each of their love , friendship, pain, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. Eliza does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills!! Well done Eliza!!!

Congratulations Eliza on yet another absolutely gorgeous, festive and heart-warming read filled with everything you could ever ask for in a page turner!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your future books especially the future books in this series!! I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an absolutely gorgeous festive book that will keep you glued to the pages and warm your heart ❤️!!!

#ChristmasAtTheLittleBookshopByTheSea #MicklewickBay #ElizaJScott #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

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I had read the books in the series so it was lovely to revisit the Little Bookshop and this cast of characters. Engaging warm and very Christmassy - I enjoyed this and would read more. Thank you.

With Christmas fast approaching, Ed is using his artistic skills to create a perfect window display for the bookshop – and, knowing that his family Christmases were never happy ones, Florrie has started her own project to make this one full of good memories. The snow falls, and there’s much fun to be had with sledging and the building of snowmen – and a rather lovely group outing to a nearby castle for a sleigh ride, although it does end with more than a touch of unexpected drama for some. And together, they’re making plans for the future – not so much about being together in a more meaningful way (although that would make Florrie particularly happy), but big changes they’d like to make at the bookshop. But everything’s not going quite as smoothly as it might be – someone’s keen to get their hands on the shop, apparently willing to go to some lengths to do so. And as well as that threat hanging over them, Ed’s behaving rather strangely after a few irate telephone calls from his father – the two issues might just be connected, but then again…

This really was a beautifully told story, with the same perfectly drawn setting and strong focus on friends and family that I so enjoyed in the first book in the series. I have a particularly soft spot for criminal barrister Stella, one of Florrie’s friends – she’s a touch scary at times, but just the person you need in your corner when things aren’t going quite as well as they might be. And I’m not often a great fan of children in books, but Zac and Chloe – friend Jasmine’s children – were a rather lovely addition to the excitement of the many seasonal activities. And as for Florrie’s dad, he’s just an absolute sweetheart – as is author Jack, who has some rather interesting developments in his life too.

While the whole story is quite gently told, it certainly has its moments – both dramatic and emotional, putting the hoped-for happy ending in grave doubt at times. I really wanted to give Florrie a hug when her hopes for the future looked shattered – but there were plenty of other caring people around her to do that for me. And the ending, after some trials and tribulations, really was everything I wanted it to be – full of warmth, romantic, so very uplifting, and really brought a tear to my eye.

If this is the first time you’ve been tempted to read one of the books in this lovely series, don’t be put off for an instant by the fact it’s the fourth – although I was looking forward to spending more time at the bookshop and in the company of friends, this book would work just fine as a standalone (although I can’t guarantee that you won’t want to go back and read the rest of the series – I certainly plan to!). It was such an enjoyable read, full of everything that makes Christmas special – and a book I’d very much recommend to others.

(Review also copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

The author has the power to with words make scenarios come true in the reader's mind such is her skilled writing. Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea is an ode to friendship, romance, trust, communication, and the happiness of Christmas season. There are the bad guys but they play a minor part in the plot (even though they are important), and a happy ending is guaranteed! Lovely and sweet reading!
I thank Ms. Scott, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

A cute Christmas story.

Florrie is determined to make this the best Christmas season for Ed as he did not have that growing up. I loved her determination to do whatever she could to make it great for him.

The supporting characters are just as lovable as the main characters are. What a nice bunch of people. Very festive setting. I could feel the atmosphere jumping off the pages.

A good book for a cozy night of reading.

Thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.

It was lovely to back in Micklewick Bay and enjoying Florrie and Ed's run up to Christmas. This can be read standalone but as there are a number of recurring characters, to get the most from it, I suggest reading the others first.

Ed didn't have the most festive childhood, so Florrie sets up numerous treats for Ed to enjoy to help him make Christmas memories. Whilst she is planning this Ed keeps getting distracted by mysterious calls which he won't talk about and strange incidents occur with the bookshop.

I do like Florrie and Ed but their characters annoyed me at times with their lack of communication especially since they are in a long term relationship.

As with previous books, I love all the supportimg characters, especially Florrie’s friends. Their antics and banter had me laughing out loud at times. There is also a wonderful sense of community spirit.

The author is so good with her descriptions, you can almost feel you are there.

A lovely, light-hearted, cosy Christmas read with a little bit of mystery.

I liked the read, but felt it lacked ummph. The characters were great and loved the Christmassy feel, but something was missing. I would recommend it to others though

This is a heartwarming and very Christmassy story but it's fourth in a series, I believe, and the second book about the bookshop, and so if you haven't read the previous ones (which I hadn't) there's quite a lot of quick filling in, and I don't think you will feel quite so invested in the characters as if you'd read the previous books. So: recommended, but I recommend you read the other books in the series first.

I loved this story it was so touching and also heartwarming that so many people were supportive, caring and loving. It was a real page turner.

Lovely to return to Micklewick Bay to the Happy Hartes bookshop I would love to have in my town!
This festive read has lots going on for Ed and Florrie.
If you are looking for a book to join you and hot chocolate on the sofa , then this is it.
Great to curl up with.

A real feelgood read, compelling and interesting, A little bit of everything, including Dodgy Dick sneaking around and is the saintly Ed all he appears to be?
A second book in the series but there is no need to read the first book first, it all made perfect sense.

This is a cute Christmas read set in a bookshop in a sweet winter town that I would love to visit.
A super cozy read for the holiday season.

Thanks NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J Scott

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

A festive treat brimming with the magic of bookshops and Christmas…

In the seaside town of Micklewick Bay, Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte are gearing up for a magical Christmas at the Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s book-themed decorations are the talk of the town, while Ed’s dazzling window displays could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. With romance in the air, this promises to be their best holiday season yet.

But after a surprise phone call from his father, Florrie worries that Ed is keeping a secret. Why is he spending so much time in the attic? And what’s making him act so distantly?

Determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, Florrie packs their days with festive treats from gingerbread hot chocolates to sleigh rides under the stars. But when Ed disappears just a few days before Christmas, Florrie fears the worst. Will her holiday dreams shatter like a dropped bauble? Or is Florrie in for a Christmas surprise of her own?

My Opinion

I have read the earlier books in the series so I was excited when I saw that there was going to be a new release. Florrie and Ed are getting ready for Christmas in the bookshop and the way that Eliza has described the shop I would love to see it – especially the window display. Whilst Florrie is concerned that Ed is hiding something from her, this was a delightful read. I would highly recommend adding this to your festive reading list this year.

Rating 4/5

Florrie and Ed run a bookshop and are excited for Christmas. However, Ed's Dad is making trouble and a dodgy local entrepeneur is willing to do pretty much anything to get his hands on the shop, so the season proves to be far from jolly.

This was classic Christmas reading, as warm a read as a luxurious hot chocolate - with a hit of chilli (or Bailey's) - to spice things up! I really enjoyed it. Just a note that this was a follow up book, which other people like me, who are obsessed with reading things in order , may want to know.

Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea sounded like a book I was going to devour and enjoy. When a bookstore is involved and throw in wonderful female friends and it has me gobbling up the book. Having it all with a seaside location and it gets even better.
This is book four of the Micklewick Bay series. I enjoyed the story but now I want to start with the first book so I can connect with the characters better.
Thank you NetGalley, Eliza J. Scott and Storm Publishing for the copy of Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea. This is my personal review.