Title: Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop
Author: Jenny Colgan
Series: Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop, #2
Narrator: Lucy Price-Lewis
Published: October 2019, HarperAudio / William Morrow Paperbacks
Length: Audio – 8 hours 31 minutes / Paperback – 368 pages
Source: Audio via library / Print via Publisher via TLC Booktours
Summary:
A nip in the air, chiming bells and
carolers, and the genial glow of love and family. But for this English
village, it’s going to be a Christmas to remember in ways it never
expected….
In her comfy cottage nestled in the Derbyshire hills, Rosie Hopkins
has good reason to feel a warm blush in her cheeks. With Christmas weeks
away, the holiday is being ushered in with England’s first glorious
snowfall of the season. Her boyfriend Stephen is starting his new job as
a teacher in the village school. Her quaint Sweetshop and Confectionery
has been restored to its former glory, and she has a loveable mop of a
new puppy named Mr. Dog. Most joyous of all, Rosie and Stephen’s
relatives will finally be gathering together in Lipton for what is sure
to be a merry feast.
But when a devastating tragedy strikes at the heart of the close-knit
town, plans for a cozy Christmas are suddenly in danger of melting
away. It’s going to take Rosie’s indomitable spirit, the embrace of
family and friends, and the resilient good will of a community to turn
it all around and make this a holiday to be thankful for.
Soulful, emotional, uplifting, and complete with recipes for delicious wintry treats, Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop is a perfect gift for everyone.
My thoughts: This is the second book in Jenny Colgan’s Sweetshop series and while I did not read the first one, I had no problems enjoying this story. And Jenny does give us a little rundown on the characters in a note to the reader at the beginning of the book, so you do get a little backstory. I do think, though, I would like to read that first book at some point as I very much enjoyed these characters!
This holiday read was such a delight and more to the point, has so many little thought-provoking moments that I do cherish when I’m reading these types of books. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but I really can’t do those silly light-hearted reads any more. I need substance to my books and this had it.
I also love the way Jenny Colgan writes. Her characters come alive on the pages. I really felt connected to these characters. They are all written in such a way that you can’t help but sympathize with them. They are quirky, endearing, flawed characters that will have you loving them all, and some will have you laughing non-stop.
This was a great Christmas book and I’m so glad I was able to fit it in right before the holidays. I don’t usually read too many holiday books but this year, I managed to fit in quite a few and this one might be my favorite of the bunch. I definitely plan on reading more of this series because I want more of these characters in my life. Have you read any of these books?
Audio thoughts: I decided to do the audio of this book and it was the perfect choice. The narrator really made this book come to life and her narrations was spot on. Her intonations and pacing were perfection and she made this story quite enjoyable.
Books in this series:
- Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop of Dreams
- Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop
- The Christmas Surprise
