This is the fourth book in this series, but can be read just fine as a standalone if you did not read the rest of the books in the series, just a little bit of backstory for the characters will be missing. Overall, it was a very cozy story that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit, but don't expect a super exciting story filled with a lot going on. I loved the sweetness of the town and it's inhabitants, and all of their friendships were so lovely.

Thank you to Eliza J. Scott, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

There is something endearing about reading about a couple already formed, it's like peaking into the happily ever after that we all know is not always sparkles and roses.
Christmas is coming and as a small town bookshop owners, Florrie and Ed are preparing accordingly. Ed did not have magic moments full of love during the holidays growing up, his parents being distant and selfish. Florrie is determined to light up the Christmas joy in his heart and make it special. Her partner doesn't make it easy, having moments that convince her he is hiding something from her. Would it be a wonderful surprise or another heartbreak?
I loved the holiday spirit and the small-town charm. Reading about bookshops and books makes me happy. Florrie and Ed's dedication to their cozy little shop shines throughout the story, and it's easy to become invested in their journey.

A sweet, cozy read that is too slow paced for my liking. But if you are looking for a warm Christmas story with a strong basis in friendships with a bit of mystery and romance, this is for you. The author did a great job with her descriptions of the awful couple who were the villains in the story. I truly hated them! Thanks to #NetGalley and #ChristmasAtTheLittleBookshopByTheSea for advanced digital copy.

Now….this is a very warm, cozy read which was what I needed. The only issue is that I found out too late that this was book 4 of the Micklewick Bay series. I missed the backstory of the characters and definitely would have read the first books before reading this one. That said, I liked the writing style of the author and the story made me smile, so I will read the other books. Sure…there were some repetitive uses of certain words and sentences, but I think you should read it as a cozy read and don't expect this to be a literary wonder. It was a pretty slow burn which I personally don't mind.
If you just want to relax and like a cozy book, this would be a good one, although I recommend reading the earlier books first.

Christmas is my absolute favourite and this book was just divine. All the warm and fuzzies. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

I love that we are back at the bookshop. A note to those who like me scour reviews for this key info: this isn't the first time we've been at this couples story. And I'd advice really to go back to book 1 in this series to find their beginnings.
Of course you don't have to,it reads true to being their own part of the stroy as they are now. But I'm a stickler for this kind of thing myself.
I wanted them to have a happy ending after first meeting them in book 1. So I was eager to find out more of their story. But then anxious as there was plenty of mystery and ups and downs to come yet!
It's a lovely seasonal read. Once again a well story and beautifully written set of characters you're more than happy to envelope yourself in.
Love it.

This is the first book by this author that I have read and is part 4 of the Micklewick Bay series, I haven't read any of the others yet, although I do have the first two in my TBR list. This meant that I don't know the back stories of the characters, however it is still enjoyable in it's own right.
The main characters are Florrie and Ed, who own the The Happy Hartes Bookshop, which they inherited from his grandparents. Things are going well, apart from the unwelcome attention from Dodgy Dick, with Christmas fast approaching. Florrie's friends are an integral part of the story, plus a local author who gives valuable support to the store. I must really go back and read the earlier books in the series, plus I can see room for further stories set here. A nice, warm book that I really enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Eliza J. Scott once again invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Micklewick Bay in "Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea", the heartwarming fourth installment in the Micklewick Bay series. This cozy holiday novel captures the magic of Christmas, romance, and the beauty of small-town life, making it a perfect festive read for fans of feel-good fiction.

The story centers on Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte, a couple whose lives revolve around the quaint and beloved Happy Hartes Bookshop. As Christmas approaches, the couple throws themselves into preparing the bookshop for the holiday season, turning it into a literary winter wonderland. With Florrie's creative, book-themed decorations and Ed's enchanting window displays, the entire town buzzes with festive cheer.

However, not all is as merry as it seems. When Ed begins to act distant and secretive after a mysterious phone call from his father, Florrie’s excitement for the holidays turns into worry. Her concern deepens as Ed spends more time in the attic, keeping her at arm’s length despite her efforts to fill their days with Christmas joy. From cozy gingerbread hot chocolates to whimsical sleigh rides, Florrie does her best to preserve the magic of the season, but Ed's growing absence threatens to darken her holiday spirit.

Scott masterfully balances warmth, romance, and a touch of mystery as readers follow Florrie’s journey to uncover what’s truly going on with Ed. Florrie’s vibrant personality and determination make her a delightful protagonist, and her deep love for Ed adds emotional weight to the novel. The quaint setting of Micklewick Bay, coupled with the charm of the bookshop, creates an enchanting atmosphere perfect for holiday reading.

Fans of romantic holiday novels will find much to love in "Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea". Scott’s vivid descriptions of festive traditions, along with the strong community spirit of the town, will immerse readers in the Christmas cheer. Meanwhile, the story’s tender exploration of love, trust, and communication adds depth to the relationship between Florrie and Ed, making their connection feel authentic and relatable.

As Florrie faces the possibility that her holiday dreams could crumble, readers will be eager to find out whether she’s in for a Christmas miracle or heartbreak. This heartwarming novel will appeal to fans of small-town romance and cozy holiday stories, offering a satisfying blend of festive joy, emotional tension, and the hope for love that triumphs over all.

Whether you’re new to the Micklewick Bay series or a returning fan, "Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea" is sure to warm your heart this holiday season.

This is my first book by Eliza J. Scott. I didn't realise this was part of a series.

What a lovely Christmas read this was. The town sounds so lovely, all decorated for Christmas.
The window displays in the bookshop remind me of the ones we used to see at Myer in the city each year (Brisbane QLD). It was a special treat to go and see them.
Love the community spirit and the closeness of family and friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

A Sugary sweet story in a cozy Christmas setting with a surprisingly honest, and imo heart breaking take of a relationship that isn’t quite settled.
I haven’t read the prior books in this series, but there is enough of a recap to read on its own. I didn’t get invested though. It was a lot of different characters and, you know, a mad dash to make it the best Christmas ever! After all, there is also a bookshop to save from v dramatic villains. I’m just wondering if insecure Florrie realizes she can do better than this disappearing man?
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

What a delightful book. The descriptive writing made me feel I was "in" the story. Likeable characters Nd a warm plot. Simply lovely

Having adored Micklewick Bay since first reading about it, I was delighted to return to the Happy Hartes Bookshop and catch up with Ed and Florrie. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the rest of this series, as this book will work as a standalone but will probably have you looking for the rest of the series.
Sharing both the bookshop and their home is the perfect situation for the couple, and being surrounded by their friends is the icing on top of their virtual cake. Florrie is devoted to Ed and is most mindful of his unhappy childhood, so she resolves to help create some of the best Christmas memories for him and launches ‘The Happy Christmas Memories Project’.
Despite Florrie’s desire to create a perfect Christmas, she has to contend with some awful pressures from a hostile takeover bid, the realisation that Ed is being secretive and curating her emotions and self-doubt.
It was a real treat to catch up with the other residents of Micklewick Bay, and I loved the quick visit to Danskelfe Castle, especially the sleigh ride and what came next. What remains after all the work on the project is the relationship between Ed and Florrie. Previously challenged after a disappearing act, can Florrie trust that he is ‘all in’, or is she risking her heart? No spoilers from me, so you’ll need to read it yourself.
A genuine sense of warmth, friendship and community oozed from the pages, and I loved it. Eliza Scott has written another delightful, relatable story and wrapped it in glittery paper with a bow.
In case you can’t tell, I loved this absolute treat of a book and thoroughly recommend that you add it to your Christmas reading list.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed resting this book. The story is about Florrie and Ed, and the local bookshop they both own and run.

We meet their friends, some who also own businesses in the little town,

Ed informs Florrie that growing up he doesn’t have many happy memories of Christmases. So she decides that this Christmas she will do her best to give Ed memories that he can look back on.

But, she also thinks he’s hiding something from her, and worries about what that could be.

I loved how the characters all looked out for each other and came together to help when needed.

The story did have a mystery and a bad guy element.

I highly recommend this book.

Many people will love this book for its optimistic, warm community orientated storyline. There is a hint of mystery wrapped up in a romance where the male lead is acting furtively before disappearing for a while. However for me, it was too sentimental for my personal taste. That is a personal preference and no indictment on the story.

I will admit that I read this book twice simply because I loved it so much the first time and it gave me just as much joy the second time. I will probably read it again closer to Christmas too! It's just a magical romantic gem that gave me all the feels. Florrie organisers a Magical memory filled Christmas for Ed and it reminded me of all the things I love about the season. The decorations, snow, glitter, Santa and of course books which I love buying especially at Christmas. I can literally smell all the pages in the bookstore just by sniffing the air around. Florrie and Ed have their challenges as do the other characters in the book. It was so exciting to catch up with them all again and I hope this won't be the last time. Gerty and her dog antics got me giggling again and I smiled so much while reading this book that my cheeks are sore!

I just finished “Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea” by Eliza J. Scott, and it was the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit!

It follows the story of Florrie and Ed, and their little life together running the local bookshop in Micklewick Bay. It’s a quaint town, with close knit friends. When Florrie finds out that Ed didn’t make many happy Christmas memories as a child, she makes it her mission to create the best Christmas for him. But she can’t help but think he’s hiding something from her. What could it be?

This was a super cute holiday read! Almost like a hallmark movie, but less predictable, which I loved! I also loved that the characters were all so close, and worked together to help each other at every turn. It had a cute love story, with closed door scenes, so definitely appropriate for all ages!

There was a little bit of a mystery mixed in, and a little bit of a “bad guy” everyone was working against which just made the book a little bit more fun! If you’re a lover of clean romance books, I highly recommend this one! I rate it as 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion.

Lovely revisit to Micklewick Bay to catch up with the gang! I enjoyed this book, it felt nicely paced and not too rushed, but also had some tension and a few little twists and turns. This author’s writing style is right up my street; nothing to dislike about it at all. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend!

I enjoyed this small town, in Northern Yorkshire, book about celebrating the holidays with family and friends. There are a lot of cozy detail in the book, which was perfect for a Christmas book. Friends getting together, supporting each other, and planning fun surprises for each other. It was apparent that Ed had a difficult childhood and he missed out on a lot that most of us enjoy - especially at Christmas. It's no wonder that he cannot easily share his thoughts and feelings. However, Florrie, who grew up in this town and has deep roots is very comfortable sharing her feelings. Ed and Florrie inherited the bookshop from Ed's grandfather and they are making it a success, including expanding the offerings of the business. Ed's parents are somehow interfering, as is some scary individual who wants to force them into selling to him.

Friends come together to offer advice, support, physical and financial assistance.

However, I must say, in several places, particularly at the end of the book, it was apparent that this book was part of a series because the story seemed to start in the middle. It felt like this especially at the end of the book.

Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J. Scott is a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the magic of the holiday season. Set in a quaint seaside town, the story revolves around the charming bookshop and its endearing characters, making it a cozy escape for readers. The blend of romance, friendship, and festive cheer creates a delightful atmosphere perfect for winter reading. Scott's prose is inviting and warm, leaving you with a sense of joy and a desire to visit this enchanting bookshop again.

I only found Eliza at the beginning of the year and already became an author I will look to read more of. Another fabulous read made even better for being festive.