Date: 22 December 2024
Location: Joyce & Claudia
Twas four nights before Christmas and all through Joyce’s house the bookers were stirring with thoughts of the book. The lasagna was cooked and the appetizers were flowing. The question was asked who recommended this book – since Annie wasn’t there she was put on the hook. The book was read by many and liked by a few. Hallmark was a popular word. Okay, enough of Clement Clarke Moore, on to the book.
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan reunites us with Carmen, her sister and family along with the bookshop owner Mr. McCredie. The author introduces us to a few new characters as well.
Carmen’s efforts saved the bookshop from foreclosure but now she is challenged with raising enough money so Mr. McCredie can fulfill a lifetime dream of visiting Antarctica as his ancestors had done.
The author introduces us to Jackson, a money hungry character who is taking over the old city selling cheap tourist trinkets. He is trying to convince Mr. McCredie to put his wares in the shop to make some quick cash. Carman is totally against the idea and against Jackson as she sees him as destroying the old city shops. Jackson learns the true measure of friendship and giving. A little Dickens Christmas Carol influence?
The story has the Christmas romance triangle like the first book with Oke leaving Edinburgh after a falling out with Carmen. You’ll have to finish the book to see if she gets her man.
The author does a wonderful job allowing the reader to fall back in love with Edinburgh. The book has fireworks, fire, witchcraft, family secrets, romance and more – always good for holiday reading. The Happy Bookers agreed that, while the book is not great literature, it was a good easy read.
So as the bookers drove out of sight, you heard them exclaim Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
— Pat