This was a very enjoyable book set in a Christmas market in Lapland.

Flora was a lovely personality, albeit a bit daft at times! But she lived her life her way, even if she did say things a lot of the time that she meant to think in her head, but it just couldn't help come out of her mouth! She absolutely loves Christmas and when she loses her job in a Christmas shop, and her flatmate and best friend moves to the US for her business, she decides to up sticks, buy a van to convert to a Christmas shop and travel to Lapland to join the van people, who drive around to different places selling their wares, at a Christmas market.

There she meets Connor, who runs the market, and even though he's a bit of a grinch Flora gets him in the Christmas spirit, albeit with a few little bumps along the way.

I loved Flora's get on with it attitude, she was a lovely quirky character, and her best friend Livvie was always there supporting her and telling her to go for it, and just continue being the Flora she loves. The perfect best friend!

A lovely, happy, Christmas-feeling book.

So, as always, I try to remember to give an educator's POV, as requested from Net Galley. While I would not use this as part of my curriculum, if I had a student (female, I would think) who enjoyed Christmas stories told from a female perspective, I might recommend this book; upper middle to high school. As it begins in London and takes place mostly in Lapland, it gives a piece of life in a place which differs greatly from the US.

Flora, a lover of all things Christmas, had her ideal job in a Christmas shop until she was fired. Flora is a free spirited 20-something whose mouth and the willingness to say what she is thinking often causes problems. She is the kind who we might say often has no filter. She is the type who will ask too many personal and future-oriented questions on a first date.

After losing her job and discovering her best friend and roomie is moving to Los Angeles from London, Flora must come up with a way to make a living and have a place to live.. LIvvie, her best friend, has a successful skin care line and has been asked to come to the US to begin distribution of her products. As she has basically allowed Flora to live with her for free, her moving does force Flora to make some life changing decisions. So, she decides to take her love of Christmas, buy a van, head to Lapland, and sell all things Christmas. Being a van lifer is something seen in European countries so we see a bit of a different lifestyle. Van lifers travel from place to place selling their wares and in Lapland, people come in the weeks prior to Christmas to sell all types of Christmas products and services. On her way to the area where she will have a spot for sales, her car breaks down and a very handsome man stops to help her. Imagine her surprise when she discovers he is the manager of the area where she will be set up through Christmas. And imagine her surprise when she discovers he is not a Christmas-y
person yet he is in charge of the Christmas van area. Theirs becomes a love-hate relationship for some time,

Reading this lets you see how all types of people co-exist in any type of environment, large or small, so within the group of van lifers, you have all types of people. So Flora deals with the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. She also takes advantage of customs of Laplanders---saunas, ice cold lake swimming, watching for the Northern Lights, etc. Some of the customs come with surprise and embarrassment.

One part of the book I found fun was the frequent mention of Hallmark movies and the men in said movies. We think of Hallmark movies as almost an American institution, yet they are known in other countries. Flora finds herself wanting that Hallmark life that so many of us wish for as we watch these movies.

A cute fun little read, this book does not require a great deal of effort to read. It is a perfect little holiday book for this time of the year.

I did receive this book through Net Galley prior to publication.
#FlorasTravellingChristmasShop #NetGalley

Enjoyed it. It's a cute story and perfect for the holidays. Flora LOVES Christmas- A LOT!!! She's pretty much a walking holiday billboard. She definitely comes off strong and I understand why the men she dates runaway. Her deal breaking questions are insane. Do you know all the names of Santa's reindeer? Where do you want to get married during our winter wonderland wedding? These are usually asked on her first date. I can see why Flora has had so many jobs. She doesn't like to follow rules and thinks she is exempt from them. At times she is a bit annoying. This book doesn't really get into van life. Flora stays at the market. She never even explored Finland. I'm not really sure how she was able to even afford buying a van. She had no money and sold her Christmas ornaments at a trunk sale. Flora stays at the market. She never even explored Finland.
The book is a Hallmark movie advertisement.

Definitely recommend the book, especially if you read the previous Traveling books. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Love the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQ, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Flora, the main character of you hadn't already guessed, is very annoying, over the top and immature. The conversations are less of repeated information and it grows tired.

The word Hallmark is so over used you can't help but roll your eyes.

But it takes the mike out of itself for the predictable plot which is entertaining. I love a Christmas romance novel. This isn't the news ant of the best I've read, but it does the trick. Probably based towards a young adult audience.

I was so unsure of the pairing of these unlikely characters one bright and lively the other almost surly. But the story slowly meshed together and gave a heart warming HEA. Mixed amongst the story were fabulous "laugh out loud" moments which I find so enjoyable. Wonderful book, highly recommend!

Flora's life seems to be going nowhere so she decides to try out van life. Taking her love of christmas to a christmas market in Lapland of all places. She doesn't get off to the best start when she has a run in with the man in charge of the market. Connor is gorgeous and everything she wants in a man but he desn't like Christmas. Can she help him find the true magic of the season so she just might get her Hallmark ending.

This truly is a Hallmark movie here and I loved it. The setting, the people and the idea of van life is all so appealing. Having read the earlier story introducing us to van life, I knew i was going to love this. Flora is so loveable, she says things we're all thinking but not confident to say. Flora is also relatable with her fear of public speaking. Connor is just dreamy and you instantly know where its heading. I did like that this didnt have the big misunderstanding in the middle of the story. Its a short but so sweet story and perfect for the festive season. Its making me want to just pack up and live the van life. Beautiful and so funny.

The latest in Rebecca Raisin’s Travelling series, shows us a glimpse of being a van lifer in the depths of winter, in Lapland. If ever there was the perfect place for a travelling Christmas shop, this has to be it.
Flora is a wonderfully ditsy character. Completely disorganised, Christmas obsessed and with no ambition, she is forced to make a life altering decision when she loses her dream job. The fact is, it was only her dream job on paper, so she leaps at her best friend’s suggestion of packing up and heading for Finland.
There are plenty of comical moments as Flora makes her way to buying her van and purchasing her initial stock. Neither of those seemingly simple tasks go without hiccups, either! The more time I spent following Flora’s adventures, the more I enjoyed her character. She was wonderfully written to the point that I was imagining what kind of scrapes she would get into next.
Then we meet Connor. The tall Norse god, who I envisaged as Travis Fimmel – Ragnar from Vikings. So far opposed to Christmas, he would give the grinch a run for his money. The ensuing comedy verges on slapstick as Flora sets out to convert Connor to her festive ways. Of course, I don’t offer spoilers, so if you want to know if Flora is successful, you’ll need to read it for yourself.
The standout character, from the supporting cast, would have to be Raakel. Her wisdom and kindness brought a joyful peace to act as a foil to Flora’s mayhem.
This is a fun and enjoyable story, with a message of sustainability, gently woven through the pages. I will certainly think of Connor’s comments and consider more sustainable options this year.
Escape to Lapland, see the Northern Lights and maybe spot Santa’s sleigh.

Flora is a Christmas addict that is just too much. If I had to imagine the magic and spirit of Christmas being a person, it would be Flora, only slightly less overwhelming and annoying.

Flora is kicking off Van Life in Lapland, selling Christmas trinkets at the Christmas market, after her boyfriend ditches her and her best friend moves to another continent. Basically, her life is turned upside down. But she is all about Christmas and is hopeful she can finally flourish into the successful happy adult she knows she can be... Only, of course, even in Christmas books things aren't that simple.

Flora was Christmas PJs, high heels with flashing Santas all over them, nails that are painted in Santa jackets, over-the-top Christmas earrings, all year long. She asks guys on first dates which Christmas songs they would love to hear walking down the isle... She's quirky alright, but just a bit too much for my taste. I know it is supposed to be a fluffy, warm, festive read and maybe her character is supposed to be viewed as someone who is

I would never think I would find someone's love for Christmas a bit tiring, but I unfortunately did. Flora drained me through the pages of the book. She is absolutely unhinged, immature, she overshares...she reminds me of the minion from the cartoon! Almost like a caricature of a human being. I know she was supposed to be cute and funny but...it was just too much even for me.

But at the same time, she is unintentionally hilarious... She runs her own race, does her own thing and certainly doesn't apologise for it, even when she should. She's not all bad, but...c'mon give it a rest and join us here on Earth.

Now, the setting is great, it's Christmas on steroids. Trust me, if you want your Christmas books to be Christmassy all the time, you are going to love this. I did too.

One of the highlights for me was her conversations with her best friend - now those were absolutely hilarious.

The romance, hate to love, wasn't really too interesting, but it was cute enough.

I think overall I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the main character didn't get on my nerves.

Festive fun and frolics in fabulous Finnish Lapland! A Christmas fanatic, Flora Westwood would wear seasonal onesies, eat turkey and pull crackers all year round. So when she loses her latest boyfriend, her job, and her home, she makes the decision to travel to Lapland, buy a campervan and set up a stall at a Christmas market. After all, vanlife is supposed to be one long fest of happy comradeship, isn’t it?
But Flora soon falls foul of Viking-God-lookalike Connor, who may manage the market but is resistant to all things Christmassy. So Flora sets out to open his eyes to the wonders of the season in operation Christmasfy Connor. Because our heroine knows that Christmas is more than glitter and presents - she understands the hope and promise that comes with this special time of year.
This was a wonderful read! Flora is a fantastic heroine, funny and joyous, with an underlying vulnerability that touches your heart. And of course the setting of Lapland is ideal, with snowy forests, reindeer rides, husky sledges, Christmas cabins, children singing carols - there’s even a glimpse of the northern lights.
And beneath the hilarity, there is a strong emotional story to be enjoyed - fast-paced, festive from start to finish, warm and funny, this is the perfect Christmas romance

Oh my goodness! I think I have just completely fell in love; with vanlife, Lapland, Flora and of course Noel. This novel gave me sheer joy and I devoured it by reading in 2 sittings.
I love Rebecca’s books and Little Bookshop on the Seine is one of my all time favourites but Flora’s Travelling Christmas Shop definitely gives it a run for its money. I just loved the whole vibe of the novel and soaked up every little morsel.
Flora is such a brilliant character and I cannot decide if I want to be her and experience life through her Christmassy eyes or if I want to be her best friend so that I can enjoy every bonkers moment (without having to clear up some of the mess left behind). She is a big-hearted woman and an absolute Christmas fanatic but in a very adorable way. She will stand up for people and often says what she is thinking which gets her into trouble, and some amusing situations.
I loved the friendship between Livvy and Flora. It was lovely how much Livvy accepted Flora for who she was and gave her gentle nudges so she could fulfil her dreams and her potential and find happiness. I also found myself chucking away at some of the interactions between flora and Connor (as well as other characters).
This novel has some serious festive vibes – where better to set it than Lapland. There’s the ultimate Christmas market, a cute little van and a giant gingerbread castle. But the question is…will she find her Hallmark happy ending? Ill leave it to you to find out – and you need to because this is a fun, festive novel you don’t want to miss.

If you are looking for book that will fill your heart with Christmas joy this holiday season, then look no further.

I absolutely fell in love with Christmas-mad Flora and her Lapland adventures.

Flora is struggling to adult! She hops from job to job and relationship to relationship searching for her place in the world. When she gets fired – again, and dumped -again, she is heading into the holidays feeling completely lost. Add to that her best friend, and roommates, announcement that she heading off to work in LA, Flora needs to focus.

Flora decides to open her own travelling Christmas shop and embrace van-life. Before she can change her mind, she arrives in Lapland, buys a van and sets up shop at temporary Christmas Fair.

Flora’s larger-than-life personality means she makes friends easily. But not everyone warms to her and she soon finds herself in hot water with some of the other stall holders. Aine is particularly evil! And then there is Conor. he is absolutely gorgeous and the perfect love interest. Except for the fact that he hates Christmas. Flora sets out to change is mind with a series of hilarious and festive escapades that are guaranteed to make you smile.

Flora is looking for her perfect Christmas movie romance and this book would absolutely make the perfect holiday film. Lots of genuine laugh out louds and fantastic dialogue, it’s a lovely read to snuggle up with under a blanket with the tub of Quality Street and enjoy Flora’s happily ever after.

This is definitely a five Christmas star read!

Flora's travelling Christmas shop by Rebecca Raisin.
Before she can say ‘sleigh bells’, Flora’s on her way to Lapland in a campervan-cum-Christmas-shop. She can’t wait to spend her days drinking hot chocolate and taking reindeer-drawn carriage rides, but something Flora didn’t expect was meeting Connor, a Norse god of a man who makes her heart flutter and snowflakes swirl in her stomach. There’s just one problem: Connor hates Christmas.
I loved this book. Flora and Connor were my favourite characters. It blew me away. 5*.

Christmas books are my favorite. Yes they are predictable. Yes they are cheesy. But yes they are a way to put yourself in a great mood. Flora loves christmas and is excited to be celebrating but meets Connor who as we can expect, hates christmas. Yes the plot has been done before but this book was a happy, holiday read to brighten up your day.

Thank you to Rachel for letting me take part in this tour and to HQ for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I have been a fan of Rebecca's writing for many years and I always enjoy her Christmas books!

Flora is the perfect main character for this book. She LOVES Christmas. I don't mean like you or me who really likes Christmas I mean she LOVES it. If Flor could she would be dressed in a Christmas jumper every day of the year with her Christmas PJs, her Christmas earrings and her embodiment of the Christmas spirit. Flora has been called zanny, eccentric and all the rest of it but she just hasn't met her person yet.

Enter stage left Connor. Tall, muscly, hates Christmas Connor. From their very first meeting, I was laughing at these pair. It was so obvious that this was their meet-cute! I loved it! I loved the multiple references to Hallmark movies. I've recently got into these and love nothing more than watching these with a nice big hot chocolate with all the trimmings!

I've read one of Rebecca's other van life books which I really enjoyed. I don't think I could live like that but I really admire those that can. I have wayyy too much stuff to live in a van! I mean where would I put my books for starters!

I adored the Christmas market. I'm going to the Lincoln one in December and this is seriously getting me in the mood! I love a Christmas market. Is there any better way to spend a weekend?

After reading this I feel rather in the mood for a Hallmark movie. I'm going to make a hot chocolate and snuggle up on the sofa with a blanket and do just that.

Hilarious, romantic, and utterly charming, FLORA'S TRAVELLING CHRISTMAS SHOP by Rebecca Raisin in Christmas on a plate with some extra magic for good measure.

Flora's career and her love life never seem to quite work out but that was before she started working at a Christmas emporium and before she started dating a poet. Everything is looking up in Flora's world. Until it isn't. Single again and jobless, Flora knows that she has to make some changes in her life but she's just not quite sure how, when her best friend has the perfect plan. Flora should buy a camper van and set up a travelling Christmas shop, as Flora adores Christmas and lives it to the full. Flora loves this idea and takes it one step further by travelling to Lapland to set up her business - what better place to have a Christmas shop than in the home of Christmas itself - and it isn't long before she has set off on an adventure of a lifetime. Meeting fabulous new friends (and a few foes along the way) are all part of Flora's exciting new life but when she meets Connor, Flora feels something for him that she has never felt before. But there is one huge problem - Connor hates Christmas. How could things possibly work out between them when they are so very different? Or could Flora's magical Christmas spirit show Connor that love is nothing to fear?

​I absolutely loved this story and there is one reason why: Flora. She is sweet, funny, compassionate, fiery, and completely unpredictable which makes her even more loveable. As I read about the Christmas market, I could see it so clearly and wanted to hop on to the next flight to Lapland, it was that appealing. The camper van community and beauty of friendship truly shone throughout this story and while I didn't plan to read this book in one sitting, I just couldn't make myself put it down.

FLORA'S TRAVELLING CHRISTMAS SHOP definitely needs to be gracing our screens someday as it would make the perfect Christmas movie, and as always, I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca Raisin who is one of my favourite authors in this genre.

This is my first Rebecca Raisin book and how lovely it is. Flora travels to Lapland working as a stall holder at a Christmas market. I found it funny in places. Looking forward to reading more of her work.

This was my first Rebecca Raisin book, but definitely won't be my last! I loved it. Just so fun and cute! The perfect Christmas book to get you in the mood for the holiday season! Flora's love of Christmas and Connor's grinchiness reminded me of my husband and me! How fun would it be to live Flora's life and open a traveling Christmas shop? Everything about this book was just lovely and festive! I'll be adding this to my yearly holiday reads!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eBook in exchange for an honest review!

What I Enjoyed
Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop put a smile on my face with page 1 and kept it there for the entire story. I love how happy it made me. It's such a fun and quirky story, all because Flora is the brightest, most persistent bulb on the Christmas tree, lighting it with her own unique color.

The friendships Flora makes are so incredibly heartwarming. Flora always marches to the beat of her own drummer, and many people don't like her because of it. So, it means that much more when someone loves her, not despite who she is, but because she is who she is. And that's true of romantic relationships as well.

Flora feels the tick of the clock as she approaches her 30th birthday and longs to find that special someone who loves Christmas just as much as she does. Someone who can name all of Santa's reindeer and pass all of her Christmas-inspired tests. All she really needs is to find someone who loves her because she loves everything about Christmas, even if they don't share her sentiment. It's so fun witnessing Connor and Flora figure that out in their almost enemies to lovers story.

I cheered Flora on as she picked herself up after being fired again and opened her own traveling Christmas store in Lapland. That setting is the perfect Christmas setting as it basically is the North Pole of Christmas legends or as close to it as there is. Some people are destined to be their own boss, but only a few of those people dare to actually do it. Flora is one of those people, and I was happy to be one of the people in her corner, cheering her on loudly and with my whole heart.
Characters
The characters are more developed than often can be found in romantic comedy holiday stories. Flora demanded every bit of the layer after layer of the development that lets the reader understand her. And even the support characters are more than two-dimensional caricatures. In a more minor way than with Flora, they demonstrate their insecurities and their dreams so that they walk off the page and into your heart with ease.

Reminds Me Of
Sure, it's a fun Hallmark movie waiting to happen, and it tells the reader that over and over again. If done right, it could quickly become a movie that I would watch every December.

What I Wish
I wish that the story actually had more pages. I didn't want it to end and felt like the end came too fast. Everyone needs as much Flora in their lives as possible.

To Read or Not to Read
If you are looking for a story that will put a smile on your face and keep it there, Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop is the one you want to read this holiday season.

Honestly, i was very much looking forward to reading this title. I have read and enjoyed several titles by this author, but strangely I could not get to grips with this one. I think it was Flora I struggles with; some strange decisions and equally strange relationship with other characters.
However, I could not help but love the location and the festive season. An OK read, I have certainly read worse.

Sadly, I only made it to 50% of this book. I loved Raisin's previous work, so I thought this would be an easy book to read and love, and perhaps with a different main character, I would have enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, Flora is such an awful character that I cannot force myself to go on. Flora is selfish and manipulative. She gaslights herself into believing everything wrong in her life is someone else's fault and won't own up to any of her mistakes. Her best friend doesn't help in this deluding at all. If you can't hold a relationship, can't keep a job, and live in someone's spare bedroom rent-free, at some point, you need to grow up and own up to the fact you're the common denominator in all your problems.

Flora is incredibly rude to Connor, and then she acts like he's the one being rude. I think the author was trying to go for comedic, but there is no way anyone in their right mind would think the way Flora treats him is endearing. And after I've named everything above, what sort of appeal could she possibly hold for him? She's downright toxic. Frankly, I don't want to continue reading to see how that's going to stretch.