A book review of Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan – the perfect winter read. This heartfelt, cozy story is about the gift of giving, the power of books and the friends we find in and through them. Excellent choice for book clubs.
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The One with All the Books!
This post is my personal, honest review Christmas by the Book!
CHRISTMAS BY THE BOOK
A Novel by Anne Marie Ryan
It’s December! A time of the year when a good book, a cup of cocoa and a cozy blanket are a perfect way to spent some quality time with oneself. It’s a month for reflection, gratitude and gift giving. A time when many still believe in miracles, as cruel as the world may be, and we can all be a little bit kinder, more generous, more hopeful. We look to the future with renewed hope for days to come. For some, the holidays are joyous, for others bitter sweet. For some a break and others, the busiest, most hectic, chaotic, anxiety filled time of the year.
No matter the circumstances though, as another year rolls to a close, there comes a time for all of us where we stop, even if just for a moment. It’s that moment of mindfulness and reflection that unites us. We all need a bit of kindness in our lives, a bit of joy, a bit of care. This month’s book club pick is a story of giving, a story of hope. One about reaching out to those who may not be as fortunate as many find themselves. It’s a story about reflection and taking the time to acknowledge the people around us.
I can’t wait to review and discuss this heartwarming story by Anne Marie Ryan. Whether you are a member of our online IVI’S READS BOOK CLUB or looking for your the next favorite read, here is our official DECEMBER BOOK CLUB PICK – CHRISTMAS BY THE BOOK.
Book Synopsis & Details
– from the publisher
“A heartfelt and lovely Christmas tale for book lovers everywhere!”—Jenny Colgan, author of The Bookshop on the Shore
In small-town England, two booksellers facing tough times decide to spread some Christmas cheer through the magic of anonymous book deliveries in this uplifting holiday tale for book lovers everywhere.
Nora and her husband, Simon, have run the beautiful oak-beamed book shop in their small British village for thirty years. But times are tough and the shop is under threat of closure–this Christmas season will really decide their fate. When an elderly man visits the store and buys the one book they’ve never been able to sell, saying it’s the perfect gift for his sick grandson, it gives Nora an idea. She and Simon will send out books to those feeling down this Christmas. Maybe they can’t save their bookstore, but at least they’ll have one final chance to lift people’s spirits through the power of reading.
After gathering nominations online, Nora and Simon quietly deliver books to six residents of the village in need of some festive cheer, including a single dad of twins who is working hard to make ends meet, a teenage boy grieving for his big sister, a local Member of Parliament who is battling depression, and a teacher who’s newly retired and living on her own. As the town prepares for a white Christmas, the books begin to give the recipients hope, one by one. But with the future of the bookshop still up in the air, Nora and Simon will need a Christmas miracle–or perhaps a little help from the people whose lives they’ve touched–to find a happy ending of their own….
Book Details:
Title: CHRISTMAS BY THE BOOK
Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Print Length: 320 pages
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Genres: Holiday Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Women Fiction
Where to Buy: Amazon; Bookshop; Barnes & Noble
CHRISTMAS BY THE BOOK
BOOK REVIEW
If there ever was a cozy, heartwarming, feel good read Christmas by the Book is it. From the cover, which is one of the most inviting book covers I have ever seen, to the small town charm and community within its pages, this is a book meant to warm the hearts of its readers, and it does just that. I love the Cotswolds, so I couldn’t pass an opportunity to get transported to Stowford, UK. This charming town and the people in make for the ultimate Christmas read. One about giving, receiving, love, hope, and the strength in numbers.
“As long as you had a good book for company, you never needed to feel lonely.”
–Anne Marie Ryan, CHRISTMAS BY THE BOOK
CHRISTMAS BY THE BOOK by Anne Marie Ryan is a lovely holiday read that I found would be perfect for book club discussions and fans of books about books. Since I have included a synopsis above and, in an effort to avoid spoilers, I won’t go into any more detail on what this book is about. Instead, I will tell you what it is not. This is not your typical jolly Christmas story.
In fact, some may feel that it starts off rather slow and somber. It may seem predictable, but don’t give up too soon. Keep that in mind as you get into it and do give it a chance, as it will surprise you. Remember when I said it is not your typical Christmas story? I meant it. Think A Christmas Carol feels and uplifting though provoking read I know I will be going back to again and again.
About the Author and What to Read Next
Anne Marie Ryan is a book editor at Hachette Children’s Books in the UK, and has written and published children’s books under several pseudonyms. She lives in London with her husband, two daughters, and an indifferent cat. Christmas by the Book is her first novel for adults. – from the publisher’s web page
Book Recommendations for Fans of
The Christmas by the Book
If you loved this book, check out these other titles.
FINAL THOUGHTS
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