Publication Date: 24 October 2024
Cressida McLaughlin
Can their Christmas love story last a lifetime?
In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…
When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.
Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws her to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.
But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own.
My thoughts on The Secret Christmas Bookshop
I absolutely loved “The Secret Christmas Bookshop” by Cressida McLaughlin!
From the very first page, it wrapped me in a cozy, heartwarming embrace that I never wanted to leave.
I’m always drawn to books with “book” in the title—there’s something irresistible about stories centred around bookshops. Add a sprinkle of Christmas romance, and it’s a combination I simply can’t resist. Having devoured plenty of holiday novels and Hallmark movies, I thought I knew what to expect, but this novel offered so much more than the usual slow-burn romance. It felt fresh, with plenty of surprises that kept me hooked.
Cressida McLaughlin truly knows how to bring characters to life. Each one felt like someone I’d love to be friends with—warm, real, and full of personality. While I thought I had the mystery behind the bookshop figured out, that turned out to be just a small part of the story’s charm. The real magic lay in the emotions. I was swept away by the mix of innocent new love, deep friendships, and unexpected tear-jerking moments. I found myself reaching for tissues more than once—something I never expected from a Christmas romance!
Set in a charming seaside village, the atmosphere is perfect for cozy winter reading. Picture yourself lighting a candle, grabbing a cup of tea, and snuggling under a blanket as you immerse yourself in this enchanting world. I could almost feel the sea breeze and smell the festive fish and chips! The chemistry between Sophie and Harry was so natural and sweet, but Felix truly stole my heart!
This was my first Cressida McLaughlin novel, and I’m kicking myself for not discovering her sooner! I’ve already added all of her other books to my wish list and can’t wait to dive in. The pacing was spot on—fast enough to keep me turning the pages, yet with plenty of time to savour the cozy, heartwarming moments. If you’re searching for the perfect, feel-good, happy-ever-after Christmas romance, “The Secret Christmas Bookshop” is the one. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Cressida McLaughlin for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The Book
- Title: The Secret Christmas Bookshop
- Author: Cressida McLaughlin
- Publisher: Harper Collins
- Publication Date: 24 October 2024
- Pre-Order Link: (Amazon)
- ISBN: 9780008623814 (ebook)
- Pages: 380
The Author
Cressida McLaughlin has an author website at cressidamclaughlin.com and can be found on Facebook and Instagram
There are currently 53 listings for Cressida McLaughlin on Amazon. How many have you read?
The Publisher
With a history stretching back over 200 years, HarperCollins is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world. Read more about them on their website (click link above).
Find out more online at HarperCollins.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram
The Review
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Cressida McLaughlin for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
I requested, and was granted, a digital arc of this novel in October 2024 and I read the book in less than a day.
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites (once published) such as Amazon, Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
Tags: #TheSecretChristmasBookshop #CressidaMcLaughlin #NetGalley #HarperCollins #HarperFiction #fiction #romance #christmasromance #happyeverafter
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