Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy of this book. I thought this story was decent. To be honest, I feel like this might be a book I enjoy more after an additional read but I am not sure. I like how it was partially set on a charming farm. The characters were also enjoyable. The book was just slower than I would've liked. Like I said, I would be open to giving it another read around the Christmas season as I am a sucker for Christmas novels! 3 stars
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A sweet cozy holiday read that was just pleasant. I enjoyed the setting and the characters. Overall a good yarn. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.
This was a cute festive read which delivered what it says on the tin. I quite liked the characters and the tension in this one. Overall it was a nice easy Christmas read and I loved the concept! Thanks to Erin Green and NetGalley for the ARC.
#AShetlandChristmasCarol #NetGalley
A return to Erin Green's gentle Shetland setting, A Shetland Christmas Carol is a cosy, undemanding yet still at times thought-provoking read. We meet several familiar characters again as well as having the chance to get to know some new ones. A wide range of themes and topics are introduced, including amateur dramatics, dog breeding and credit card debt to name a few and as a result some characters' journeys felt a little underdeveloped. But all in all this was an entertaining holiday read and I would be happy to spend more time in the company of these characters and their world.
'A Shetland Christmas Carol' by Erin Green is a delightful festive read that brings the warmth of the holiday season to the charming Lerwick community. With a cast of endearing characters, this novel is a heart-warming tale of friendship, family, and the power of the Christmas spirit.
The Lerwick community, with its idyllic setting in Shetland, provides a perfect backdrop for the story. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to this picturesque locale, where the spirit of Christmas is felt in every corner. Green captures the essence of the season beautifully, creating a cosy atmosphere that is sure to fill readers with holiday cheer.
What makes 'A Shetland Christmas Carol' truly special is its ability to evoke emotions and remind us of the importance of love, forgiveness, and the bonds of friendship during the holiday season. The novel is a heart-warming reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, the spirit of Christmas can bring people together and heal old wounds.
Erin Green's writing is infused with warmth and optimism, making this book a perfect read for the holiday season or any time of year when you need a dose of feel-good fiction. This is a testament to the power of community and love, and it's a book that will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of festive spirit.
A nice read, interesting enough to keep my attention, though not the gripper I was hoping for. A nice addition to the series though.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
Each book in the series concentrates on a few characters from the community, although everyone features at some point so although some events are recapped I advise it is best to read each book in turn. Each character is realistic, as are their interactions with others in the community, and as in real life some are nice and some are not! Some of the events are predictable, but overall this is a feel-good romantic read which hits all the spots. I enjoyed it every bit as much as the others in the series.
A brilliant read !
Part of the From Shetland with Love series, but also a standalone book.
A great holiday- me time read which was beautifully written, great locations and the book draws the reader in .
Callie , Heather and Tabitha ‘s very different stories, intertwined with previous characters
Highly Recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Headline and Erin Green for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review
'A Shetland Christmas Carol, is a wonderful, uplifting and heartwarming book that is a must-read during the festive season!
I loved this cute holiday read - the characters are beautifully brought to life and the plot is perfectly paced and kept my interest throughout.
I have not read the other books in this series but that did not stop me from enjoying this one. This book had all the vibes of Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley. A close knit community that strives to help each other and pull together in a crisis.
Told from multiple POV we are thrown into the lives of Callie, Heather and Tabitha. These three women are well developed characters who's stories are relatable to every women. Whether it's the struggled of being a single parent, dealing with debt or striving for your true passion this book covers a lot of well known issues and tropes.
It's not all doom and gloom though for the relationships and friendships these women forge are truly wonderful. My only criticism is I hoped there would be more festivity to it, but that is only a small issue.
A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.
A return to the From Shetland with love series- easy to sit down and lose yourself back in familiar setting. We learn a bit more about Callies troubles, meet up with familiar characters and meet new friends. It really makes you want to experience Shetland alongside them.
This is a lovely series to catch up with and now I can't wait for book 5.
I didn't realize that this was part of a series and in all honesty I don't think it makes any difference if you haven't read the books before this one. A lovely, cosy, winter read.
So, I haven’t read any other books from this series but I’ve really enjoyed this one and I cannot wait to read the others. Perfect read for Christmas time that’s wonderful and uplifting. There is quite a few characters to follow and I do wish I read the others but definitely will pick them up. So enjoyable!
I’ve read the other Shetland & titles and was looking forward to this one. It’s a good read, but definitely the weaker of the series.
A nice story & great to catch up with the residents of Shetland we’ve come to know in the previous books, but I preferred the previous books & storylines.
This is the 4th book in a series, but the first of the series that I have read myself. Other reviews mention that this could be read as a standalone novel but, based on the number of characters that appear from the other books, it's probably best to read books 1-3 before delving into this one.
I had a hard time connecting with each character and their backstories. However, the writing and the scenery made me feel like I was transported to Shetland (I kept waiting for Jimmy Perez to stop by Tabitha's soap stand!). I enjoyed the multiple perspectives as different chapters, but it was slightly difficult to keep track of everything and everyone.
A Shetland Christmas Carol by Erin Green
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Headline and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Will the gift of friendship save their past, present and future?
Callie has taken multiple jobs to make the money she desperately needs. Her favourite is being the new guide for Lerwick Manor's alpaca walks. But her troublesome past is making it difficult to prove to others that she's learned from her mistakes.
Heather has been content breeding Sheltie sheepdogs and taking care of her grownup daughters. But now she feels that something is missing. Taking the leap into online dating, she makes an unexpected connection to which her daughters react very differently.
Tabitha sells homemade soap at the Stables Gallery, but her true passion is for amateur dramatics. Winning a role in the group's festive production of A Christmas Carol, Tabby is determined to make her mark - but will her growing feelings for fellow actor Rabbie distract her?
My Opinion
Whilst part of a series this could easily be read as a standalone. It was nice to be amongst a familiar cast of characters. Erin has once again written a book that is a delight to read. Whilst not overly festive, this is a lovely book to read over the festive season.
Rating 4/5
I found it took me a while to get into this book as it was told through the lives of three different characters and therefore three different,, but occasionally intertwined, storylines. It possibly may have helped if I’d read the other books in the series. However once I got into the book I did enjoy the story and enjoyed spending time with each of the characters, as well as in Shetland.
I like the way this book avoided the heavy romance line found in so many books that cover the Christmas period. Although Christmas is in the title of this book it is not really all about Christmas, Christmas is just the culmination of the story which starts off much earlier in the year.
I loved the three main characters and you soon find yourself totally enmeshed in their lives and rooting for them, especially Callie with the difficult situation she was in and the injustices that were heaped upon her. Also loved Tabitha’s story and keen to find out what happens next for her and the Amateur Dramatics Society.
If you enjoy books set in remote parts of Scotland and that enfolds you in the life of people then I think you would enjoy this book. I also liked the strong characterisation of this book so I am sure others will, and I look forward to picking up the other books in the series to find out their story.
Always good to spend some time in Shetland.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing me with a review copy of this book for an open and honest review.
I would like to thank the author and publisher for my gifted copy of A Shetland Christmas Carol. I don’t think this was a good fit for me. I appreciate the opportunity to read this one.