Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop by Jenny Colgan | Book Review

 

This is a spoiler-free review of Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop by Jenny Colgan.

You will like Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop if you’re looking for all the festive feels wrapped up in one cosy novel.

This book is a brilliant Christmas read. It’s bursting with everything you’d want at this time of year including:

• carols
• excited cute kids
• sweets galore
• a puppy
• snow
• family reunions
• romance
• Christmas shopping

It’s perfect for reading while sipping a hot chocolate in the cold dark evenings, wrapped up in a warm blanket.

Plus, it’s really well written. There’s none of the cringe-factor which sometimes crops up in chick lit.

What is Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop about?

This is the second book about Rosie Hopkins. Don’t worry if – like me – you haven’t read the first book. The author, Jenny Colgan, kindly provides a couple of pages of background to catch us up.

We join Rosie Hopkins a few weeks before Christmas. She is running a beautiful, traditional sweet shop in a small village. Her and her boyfriend Stephen are looking forward to a quiet, peaceful Christmas.

Then, Rosie’s family announce they’re coming to visit from Australia, the village is unexpectedly hit with havoc, and a curious stranger with a mysterious past appears. Rosie contends with all that, as well as Stephen’s bristly mother, her caring and sharp Aunt Lillian, and the future of her relationship.

What I loved about it

The setting and description in this book is flawless and picturesque. You feel like you are there with Rosie in her cosy cottage with a roaring fire while the snow falls outside, covering the sleepy village in a white blanket.

Yet it’s also realistic. The story is filled with twists and turns, pretty much from the off, so you’re gripped immediately. There’s the inevitable Christmas drama as well as joy and merriment.

Family and community are strong aspects of the story which was lovely and made it very wholesome. The characters were convincing and compelling. I was totally invested in everyone having their happy ending.

Part of what I love about this time of year is the traditions. Watching Christmas movies, cracking open a tin of Quality Street, wrapping presents, advent calendars – the list is endless.

I’ve started theming my reading by the season too. Reading Christmas stories is so exciting and magical.

Snapshot summary

Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop is wholesome, warm and majorly Christmassy.

One-line review of Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop

A cosy, easy read that’ll make you feel fuzzy and festive.

Star rating

I’m giving this book 3.5/5 stars.

If you like Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop, you will also like…

A good book always leaves you wanting more. If you’re looking to fill up on festive books, I’d also recommend ‘Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery’ and ‘Christmas at the Island Hotel’, both by Jenny Colgan.