christmas by the book
Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan
If ever there was a book that is the essence of the Christmas spirit this is it. What could be better than giving books without anyone knowing it is you? Can you bring a little Christmas joy to someone? That is what Nora and Simon attempt to do, to help them put aside their own troubles for the season
Why I like this story
The first Christmas without your grown children is tough. And that is the first thing Nora and Simon must deal with. Next major hurdle is the failing bookshop. I love that the idea for the giving of books comes from selling the book they have had the longest. Soon they have received nominations for all kinds of people in the village to receive books for Christmas. It doesn't matter who the person is or what they do for a living, each one will receive a book, and they won't know who gave it to them. To me that is the pinnacle of Christmas spirit. To give and expect nothing in return, the true meaning of Christmas.
Other reasons I like this book
This book will give you all the feels. Nora and Simon are seem like real life people who could be running your local bookshop. Their Christmas party is something everyone looks forward to. All of the town characters and the back story of the book store add to the complexity of the story. As you read you can feel Nora's stress as she tried to figure things out. And the way Ms. Ryan writes you can understand when she gives up hope of saving the book store.
But in true Christmas miracle fashion, the bookstore has more of a chance that you might have thought. This would make a great Christmas movie. Not the typical type but more like the classic ones. Best read with a cup of hot chocolate, a warm blanket, and enough time to disappear into a book.
Categories for this book: Christmas, second chance, miracles, togetherness, small town
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My rating: ☕☕☕☕☕