Christmas by the Book

Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒ Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan is full of heart and Christmas Spirit. It’s everything I wanted in a Christmas book, as it’s about people, helping people, and learning how to give and accept help. The first few chapters I was sure I knew what this book was about, but then it turned and it became so much more than I expected. Nora and Simon run a small bookshop set on the high street of a small village in the Costwolds. The bookshop used to belong to Nora’s late mother, and she grew up in the bookshop. When she met a fellow bookworm, it was fated that they both run the shop together. They raised their daughter Charlotte in the small town, where they ran the shop. Now, Charlotte is on her Gap year, traveling in Asia, and the bookshop is in trouble, and they may have to close the shop after the Christmas holidays. I’ll be honest here, I requested Christmas by the Book, solely because of the cover, especially that cute dog on the cover. I expected a light, sweet story, but got so much more. It’s rare that a book exceeds expectations as much as this book did for me. I just loved the way the characters pitched in and really helped each other, even when they didn’t know each other very well, or at all. There are serious topics in this book, and they are dealt with in a serious and realistic way. Nobody gets a quick fix just in time for Christmas, but instead, they work together and find solutions to help each other and they all start to find hope and joy. I will note that the first few chapters are a bit sad, and I just didn’t want to read an entire book about a couple struggling to save their shop with a miraculous solution at the very end of the book. But, after the first few chapters, we began to see the rest of the townsfolk and learn of their struggles and begin to see hope for the entire village. Nora and Simon learn that in order to save themselves, they have to save others first. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a holiday story that centers on helping others. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nora and Simon Walden own The Stowford Bookshop in England. Nora inherited the shop from her mother who passed on her love of books to her. Unfortunately, the shop is currently in the red plus the taxes are due. It is hard to compete with online retailers. Another problem is that many of the people in the village are struggling so books are a luxury they cannot afford, and weather is keeping the tourists away. When the oldest book in the store sells, it gives the couple an idea. They post on social media asking people if there is someone in their lives who can use a boost this holiday season. They draw out six names and send them a special Christmas book. Nora and Simon get to see how each book makes a difference in the life of the receiver. Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan is a feel-good Christmas tale. The book does get off to a slow start as we are introduced Nora and Simon. The story becomes more engaging the further I got into the book. We get to see how the books affect the receivers. The story also touches on depression. Many people are ashamed of having depression and do not discuss it with others. Winter plus the holiday season tend to make this mental health condition worse. I thought the author handled this subject very well. Christmas by the Book allows us to see how a gift can spread joy and hope. I liked how each book was right for each person’s situation. It was great to see what Nora and Simon’s idea sparked in others. The ending left me smiling. Christmas by the Book will help you get into the holiday spirit. Christmas by the Book is an uplifting holiday tale with a special sale, tax troubles, beneficial books, a dark depression, Christmas chaos, and a merry miracle.