Member Reviews

This was a cute read. I love a Christmas book and this one definitely did not disappoint. It was very well written with likeable, realistic characters

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My first ever meh from Jaimie Admans. This story just seemed forced and unclear to me. Nia seemed like a smart person but acted quite dumb and devoid of common sense. The nutcracker bits were cute but ultimately the story fell flat on it's face for me.

To be honest also the nutcracker bits (real life nutcracker prince etc) reminded me of a terrible made for tv movie I saw in the last 5 years where a nutcracker came to life to romance a local store owner.

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I don't think there is a single book this author has written that I haven't completely adored, and this book is no exception.

Nia has just about given up on men - they just don't seem to know how to behave themselves. Christmas is her favourite time of the year and she has a special place in her heart for nutcrackers but will the nutcracker she has knocked down and broken ruin things for her? The owner of the shop, James, seems a bit like a nutcracker come to life but is she letting her imagination run away with her?

This is such a heart-warming, romantic story that even my old Grinchy heart was melting. I am a bit like James in that Christmas has had some not-great memories for me and I kinda want it over with. I really wanted to go and visit this Nutcracker Lane of Nia's though! I think if I visited, I would believe in Christmas once more :)

5 stars from me. Just a beautiful book.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital.

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I've no idea why I've never read any books by Jaimie Admans before, but it'll be something I'll be rectifying. I love, love, loved The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane. It is one of the most festive books I've read so far...and I've read a lot. I love Nia mainly because she thinks that Did Hard isn't a Christmas film. I loved her before this revelation but after that I wanted to be her friend. James' and cracker jokes made me laugh throughout the book. I also found the alias E.B Neaser quite entertaining. If you're lacking a bit of festive cheer, give this book a read, you won't be long in finding it.

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I absolutely loved this book and everything about it! This is a perfect book for the holiday season, packed with Christmas love and cheer. I truly enjoyed reading this book because it upped my mood and spirits and helped me remember the reason and magic of the holiday season. I would highly recommend adding this book to your holiday reading list; it is like reading a Hallmark movie!

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This Christmas story is magical in that it will have you making Christmas wishes with the Nutcracker too. Full of spirit, joy and Christmas magic…this novel is a perfect addition to your holiday reads. A book that is such a delight to read, you will be watching Christmas movies and reading more Christmas novels 60 days prior to Christmas. The book even has a beautiful twist you do not see coming since you are enamored by the Christmas wish that came true. A must read during your Holiday and an amazing gift for all.

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I’m a sucker for any version of A Christmas Carol book , theatre, tv or movie , so when I read the synopsis for this I knew I had to read it and it was more than certain I would love it. Guess what, I absolutely adored it ! It’s absolutely gorgeous, a beautiful read, full of emotion, it’s heartwarming and magical, it’s obviously full of the Christmas festive feels and at this time of year (especially this one) I need cheering up on darker and colder nights, this is the type of book I go for, escapism in its purest and most magical form. Grab a cocoa, fuzzy sock, pjs and slip into a world of happiness. Highly recommended to bring Christmas cheer.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy

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I absolutely love Jaimie Adman's books, I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher.
This has the usual hallmarks of a Jaimie Adman's books. It is gorgeous, heartwarming, emotional and a sprinkling of magic. Add in Christmas to this and you have the perfect festive escapism. It is the perfect book to read when you need a distraction, when you need to escape into the pages of a book.
I can't wait to read Jaimie Adman's next book.

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What a beautiful read and it will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. Nia is an optimistic and believes in love and wishes and it crushed to learn another boyfriend has cheated on her. I love the fact that this did not stop Nia from believing in the magic of the season and stop believing in love. When another shop opens up she checks it out but damages an expensive life size nutcracker and although the shop owner looks like prince charming he acts sometimes like a grinch. I have not read anything by this author before but I am going to check out other books she has written. The story warms your heart and puts you in the Christmas mood. It seems far enough but ever there was a year where you need good cheer and feel good reads this is one of them. I could not put this book down.

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I really really enjoyed this book. This book wanted me to go to a christmas fair and soak up all the christmassy things. So pick up this book. Eat chocolate and put on some christmas music . And just enjoy this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review

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Oh my goodness this gorgeous book is so perfect I can’t take it. I absolutely love it, It has been the perfect cheer up read that I have needed this week.

I absolutely adore Nia, she is so likeable and the type of person I’d be friends with. This book is just absolutely perfect and magical from start to finish. I haven’t been able to put this one down and have devoured the entire book in just one sitting.

This might be my new favourite of Jaimie‘s books, although I say that about all of them, this is definitely a strong contender.

I am definitely in Christmas mode after this delightful gem of a book. I’m ready for nutcrackers, twinkly lights and all things Christmas.

This is a magical and heartwarming story which has completely gripped me. I absolutely adore this story and this author. A definite five star rating from me, I only wish I could give this book all the stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I loved this book! Such a wonderful story, lovely characters and made you want to visit Nutcracker Lane to do your Christmas shopping! Brilliant similarities to a Christmas Carol in a modern day setting, highly recommend this book, I can’t wait to re-read it soon!! xx

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Just a wonderful Christmas story to bring me right into this enchanted time of the year. This is a magical festive read with moments of pure laughter and then deep sadness behind the story of Nutcracker Lane.
I loved the history of the Nutcrackers and the memories Nia had of visiting the Lane and choosing a favourite each year with her Grandparents. The idea of wish-giving too was wonderful, and I'd love to visit for my own magical wish as well as a visit to Carmen's chocolate shop.
The clever spin on A Christmas Carol (One of my all time favourite Christmas stories) brought the idea of Nutcracker Lane to life and the community spirit amongst the shop holders was magical. I loved it.

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Honestly this made me emotional. A delightful magical read. James, the Grinch who hates Christmas and Nia, who loves everything about Christmas were just perfect characters. I want to go and buy myself a Nutcracker and remember this beautiful heart-warming, festive story. Couldn't help but smile. Makes you believe in the magic of Christmas. This would make a perfect festive film.

Thank you to #Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#Netgalley #TheLittleChristmasShoponNutcrackerLane

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Nia has been dreaming if a shop on her beloved Nutcracker Lane for years, finally she has the opportunity but E.B Neaser (the acting manager of the lane) has been cutting the budget all year and it's no longer the magical, wish granting wonderland of Nia's childhood memories. With the arrival of James, aka self-confessed Grinch, who seems to be selling off ex-nutcracker lane stock, Nia must work to save nutcracker lane while wondering if wishes really do come true.
I love a romcom, even more than that I love a Christmas romcom. Yes its predictable, saccharinely sweet and lovely but that's what I want out of a book at this time of year, hell any time of year to be fair, Christmas books are not just for Christmas!
One thing that was irritating me throughout though, and I'm hoping its just an issue with the ARC download, was that there were so many missing spaces between words or spaces in the middle of words so I often really had to concentrate on the words to understand what was being said.
This is the first novel I have read by Jamie but I have just downloaded another two so I think that shows how much I have enjoyed!

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The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane - Jaimie Admans

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to HQ and Netgalley.

Nia Maddison loves Christmas and as always wanted to have a shop on Nutcracker Lane. This year her wish has come true and she is able to open her little shop selling handmade Christmas decorations. When the shop across the lane opens selling Christmas decorations, Nia has to go and take a look.

After knocking over a 6ft Nutcracker and breaking its arm, Nia meets James the shop owner. James also has a broken arm so for a spilt second Nia suspects that James is the nutcracker brought to life.

Nia loves Christmas and all of the traditions of Nutcracker Lane. James, who never had a family Christmas whilst growing up, doesn’t like anything about Christmas. Nia quickly sets about changing his opinion on the season and this is the foundation for their friendship.

I loved how Nia works with James and the rest of the shop keepers to try and save Nutcracker Lane from closure.

Rating: 5/5
Jaimie has managed to squeeze many different Christmas traditions into this lovely book.

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This is the first book I've read from this author.

This is a lighthearted, funny and magical Christmas story.

The Nutcracker legend is told in this story and that intrigued me to carry on reading and see what happens.

I was emerged and didn't put it down until I finished.

It left a lasting impression and I hope I can read more of this authors books.

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We all have things that happen in our childhood that we just love and would love to cherish the rest of our lives. In this story Nutcracker lane was Nia's wish. She grew up going with her Grandmother to Nutcracker Lane to visit the shops and to see all the nutcrackers. There was also a Nutcracker that you could make a wish when you crack a nut and some of your wishes may come true.

She is having a rough time with relationships so she goes to Nutcracker lane, gets a nut out of the vending machine and wishes for a handsome Prince. Then the next day she meets James who looks just like the Prince in a Disney movie.

Lovely story that I think you will enjoy as much as I did.

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The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane by Jaimie Admans
Publication Date: October 16, 2020 - Out Now!
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Description from NetGalley...
“It’s the most magical time of year, and anything can happen…

Nia Maddison has always believed that wishes come true on Nutcracker Lane. So, when she gets the opportunity to run her own Christmas gift shop on the most magical street in town, it feels like her wishes have been finally granted.But working late one night, Nia discovers yet another boyfriend has cheated on her. As she trudges home – alone, again – she passes the (supposedly) magical nutcracker and half-joking thinks a wish can’t hurt. Cracking a nut in its mouth, she wishes to find Prince Charming.

The next day Nia gets to work to find another decoration shop has opened directly across the lane from her own, and she can’t resist having a nose around.Whilst there, she accidentally backs into a human-sized Nutcracker, knocking it over and breaking it. Mortified, she flees from the store but when she gathers her resolve to go back and apologise, she stumbles across the gorgeous shop owner James, who looks exactly like Prince Charming…

Could her Christmas wish from the night before really be coming true?”
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Thank you to @NetGalley #hqdigital @hqstories for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
Calling all Christmas romcom/romance fans - this is for you. It was “jingle all the way” (intentional 😬). I love Christmas, but Nia LOVES Christmas and why she loves it gets you in the spirit of it all. In a true romcom fashion and narration, this had me smiling pretty much throughout. It was cute, fun, romantic and Christmassy. I really enjoyed the description of Nia’s childhood Christmas celebrations and was just touched by the “wish granters.” It made me want to go back to Vienna, where I grew up, and visit the Christmas markets while chomping on roasted chestnuts. Sigh😔.

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If I had to pick just one word to describe this book, I would use the word "magical." After all, when you combine the Christmas holiday with the legend of the nutcracker doll, then throw in a picturesque English town that celebrates with its own quaint holiday market, there is bound to be some magic, right?

That's especially true when the heroine in the book, Nia, believes in the magic of Christmas. She wishes on the town's six-foot Nutcracker doll one night. Legend says that if the stars are twinkling just right and the wind rustles the Nutcracker's beard, her wish will come true. Frustrated by the lack of faithful men in her life (her last few boyfriends have cheated on her), she's staring up at the Nutcracker and wishes for her own prince to love and cherish her. She doesn't think the legendary Nutcracker could really grant her wish, but thinks its fun to pretend it could happen.

The next day, she's at her village's Christmas market. She's looking down the pathway, admiring all the little wooden cabins that will be transformed into holiday shops selling chocolates, snowglobes, hats, baked goods, toys, and many other holiday themed gifts and decorations. She's putting the finishing touches on her own wooden cabin shop, where she and her friend will be selling handmade Christmas jewelry and Christmas decorations. There's another shop across the way, and its brightly lit and filled with a variety of gaudy Christmas decorations, like a large Santa dancing the macarena. She's surprised to see the shop illuminated, since the evening before it was dark and empty. .

She wanders into the shop and calls out, but no one answers. It seems that no one is watching over the shop. She backs into something and it goes crashing to the ground, then quickly turns around and sees a tall Nutcracker doll laying on the floor with his left arm broken off. She calls out again, trying to find the owner and offering to pay for the broken Nutcracker, until she sees it has a price tag of more then 900 British pounds. There's no way she can afford something that expensive, so she panics and runs out of the shop and back to her own across the path.

But then she feels guilty and returns to the shop. The broken Nutcracker is no longer on the floor. She gasps -- in its place is a man who is as handsome as a prince with a broken left arm. Startled, she wonders if her wish from the previous evening could have possibly come true -- could the wooden Nutcracker prince have been turned into a real man? Then she shakes off that ridiculous idea and helps the man up from the floor. But she can't help thinking he reminds her of Flynn Rider (the prince in the Disney movie "Tangled") with the way his dark hair keeps flopping over his eyes. Even his mannerisms remind her of a prince.

He takes one look at her and says "So, my arm breaker has returned." He's teasing her, but she gasps at the irony of his words. When she asks him what happened to his arm and why it is in a sling, he says "I got knocked over." Again, she wonders if there is just a bit of magic at work.

As it turns out, the man's name is James, and as she gets to know him, she grows to really care about him. But there are some mysterious things about him that still makes her wonder if he really is a Nutcracker prince turned into a real-life man. He keeps alluding to the fact that he will be gone after Christmas, and she wonders what that means.

Nutcracker Lane (which is what the Christmas market is called) is on its last leg. Although its been a tradition in the village for many years, budget cuts have meant that many of the special things about the market -- the Victorian carolers, the elaborate holiday decorations, the jolly Santa Claus, the events and the special wishes -- have been eliminated by the owners of the nearby Nutcracker factory, who also own the holiday market. As a result, people no longer see a reason to come to the market. The rumors are that it may be the last year the holiday market will be held. So Nia leads the shopkeepers in a variety of efforts to revitalize the market, and convinces James to help them. (A feat in itself, since James claims he hates Christmas.)

This delightful story revolves around Nia's efforts to revitalize the market, and at the same time, her campaign to "De-Grinch" James and help him learn to love the Christmas season like she does. She even convinces him to wear ugly Christmas sweaters and silly holiday themed hats. At the same time, her feelings for James grow stronger and stronger, and she worries whether he will vanish after Christmas, since he keeps alluding to the fact that he will be gone after the holidays.

But Christmas is a time for hope. So who knows what magic might happen to change things, both with the Nutcracker Lane market and with her growing relationship with James?

I really enjoyed this light-hearted holiday book. I loved Nia's enthusiasm and belief in the magic of Christmas, and chuckled when she thought she might have transformed a wooden Nutcracker doll into a real prince with her wishes. Some of the scenarios in the book will make you laugh, too. Be sure to check out this book; it will definitely help you get into the holiday spirit!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

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