I really enjoyed the previous book, the little bookshop by the sea and this followed on and took the story and characters forward. I found this book slightly harder to get into than the first, but overall a pleasant read.

When fall arrives and the holidays quickly approach, I enjoy curling up with different holiday-themed books to enjoy.

Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea seemed so promising to me.
A quaint seaside setting.
A bookshop.
The holidays.

What more could a gal want?

Sadly, it did not fully deliver the experience I was hoping for.

Rather, I found myself frustrated with all of Florrie's internal musings and Ed's behavior (secretive & just up and leaving?!?!)

On the upside, Florrie's pursuit of experiences to bring Ed some Christmas joy was a nice part of the book.

I had not read previous titles. If I had, maybe I would have seen this as a delightful Christmas-time story.

Instead, the title failed to give me the cozy feels I hoped to experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance reader copy of the book.

I’ve been really into Christmas books lately, and I also had a phase of reading books that revolve around bookshops earlier this year. This perfectly combines the two and left me feeling so warm inside - it’s just a warm hug of a book.

I’ll definitely be looking to read more from Eliza J. Scott!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc. 🫶🏻

DNF @ 29%
I never felt like the book really started, this far along and I still didn't really know what the plot was. I felt like we were just getting snippets of 2 people having a nice life. I also didn't really feel connected to any of the characters. I might pick it up and give it a try again in the future and see if it was just right book, wrong time but for now this book wasn't working for me.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

A lovely heartwarming festive Christmas read. This is the 4th book in the series but can be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, cozy book that I really enjoyed!

Super super bonito me encantó esta cozy Christmas 🎄 es súper bonita la trama del libro
Thanks netgalley and the publisher for the copy

A lovely Christmas read. The continuing story of Florrie and Ed and the life they are living in in their lovely little village. They run a bookshop and have great plans for their future. The have some issues to face along the way.

Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea is book 4 in the series. That said it can be read as a standalone. I think this is a cute cozy romance, that is worth the read IMO.

A lovely book, that I didn't realize was part of a series. I'll now go back and see what I've missed in the other books. A fun holiday romance continuing the story of Florrie and Ed. Now onto more books by Eliza Scott.

Book Review: Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J. Scott

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently dove into Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea, the fourth installment in the Micklewick Bay series by Eliza J. Scott. This book is the perfect blend of festive cheer and heartfelt storytelling, making it an ideal read for a cozy winter day.

Set in the charming seaside town of Micklewick Bay, we meet Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte as they prepare for a truly magical holiday season at their beloved Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s whimsical book-themed decorations have everyone buzzing, while Ed’s stunning window displays are like something out of a storybook. Romance seems to be in the air, and it looks like they’re all set for their best Christmas yet. However, a surprise call from Ed's father throws a wrench in their festive plans, leading Florrie to suspect that Ed is hiding something. As she notices his increasing absences to the attic and his distant behavior, her worry begins to overshadow the holiday spirit.

Determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, Florrie fills their days with delightful seasonal treats and enchanting adventures. But just days before Christmas, Ed goes missing, leaving Florrie fearing that her holiday dreams might come crashing down. Will she find out what’s really going on, or will this Christmas turn into a bittersweet memory?

First off, can we take a moment to appreciate the adorable cover of this book? It perfectly encapsulates the cozy and festive vibes that Eliza J. Scott has woven throughout the story. As my first experience with her writing, I found it so charming and it could easily enjoyed as a standalone.

The story itself is wonderfully sweet and cozy. Florrie and Ed are an endearing couple, and I loved witnessing their journey supported by their friends and found family in Micklewick Bay. Their playful chemistry brought humor and warmth to the narrative, making me smile more than once.

What truly stands out is how festive the whole atmosphere is—the author has a knack for creating scenes that feel like a postcard from a winter wonderland. Whether it’s sipping gingerbread hot chocolate or enjoying sleigh rides under twinkling stars, I felt completely immersed in the holiday spirit.

Overall, Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea is a delightful read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming story to curl up with during the snowy season. With its charming characters, romantic undertones, and festive setting, it’s easily worthy of four stars in my book!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I just couldn’t get into this book. I tried for a few chapters and just had to stop. What I think did this for me, was the over exaggerated cheesiness. This wasn’t what I was expecting.

Everything I need in a book!! Christmas and bookshops. Very cozy romance. Can’t wait to read more of Eliza Scott. This was my first

I didn't realise this book was part of a series so at times, I did feel somewhat lost. In saying that, it was a nice festive read and I would probably read the other books too.

I enjoyed this book but didn’t realise it was part of a trilogy. I will now go on to read the previous books.
It’s full off Christmas magic, friendship and family drama.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I received a copy of this book by NetGalley for a honest review. This is Book 4 of the Micklewick Bay series, which I was unaware of going into it. I noticed multiple times that there seemed to be a backstory with many of the characters that I didn’t understand. It made much more sense when I realized this is a series.

This book features Florrie and Ed during the Christmas season. There is romance, friendship, mystery, and the Christmas spirit all wrapped up in one book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was able to understand the dynamics of the other characters better. Overall, a cute read.

We are back in Micklewick Bay for a festive instalment to this wonderful series. This story is focused back on Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte the beating heart of The Happy Hearts Bookshop. Even in the festive season can they stop anything bad happening!?

Oh my I loved this massive hug of a book. It’s just what I needed and no I don’t think it’s early to read a book set in December. That’s because Eliza has a way of getting you to enjoy her characters, plot and settings no matter the time of the year 🥰❄️

I love Florrie and Ed and have from the very beginning of the series I love them individually and as a couple running a bookshop. A book set around books, what more can you ask for!?

I am really wanting more instalments to come from Eliza that is set in Micklewick Bay. It’s just a magical place I want to live in I want to be best friends with Florrie, Maggie, Stella and Lark of course I do! 💖

If you want a festive book full of friendship, a little mystery and a ton of love, then this is the book for you 🥰

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a real treat of a book to read it was so cute and cosy, a perfect festive read. I loved the characters, and the small town setting. I didn’t realise this was the fourth book in the series but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I adored the setting and descriptions I wanted to visit this little bookshop and the splendours nearby.

This was, unfortunately, part of a series however this was not clearly indicated on NetGalley. The book was very much my idea of a middle aged cutesy cringe and I hated every second of it. I found it boring, the characters unlikeable, the relationship poor, and the 'mystery' anything but mysterious. Throughout the book, I earmarked various descriptions as nauseating, for example: "Well, she’s pretty special; beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, bright as a button, too. Oh, and did I mention she’s one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever met?’". There was an extreme amount of exposition, and frequently restating things we've just covered. Also, can we stop having parents with cancer without a trigger wanting for the love of god. I'd recommend you drink every time they mention the "Happy Christmas Memories Project" to get through it. It's exceptionally bland and I regret signing up for it (and wish I DNFed but I'm a glutton for punishment it seems) as it wasn't at all what I expected. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.