This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here.
Book club questions for The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan explore the themes of family dynamics and reconciliation, the challenges and joys of revitalizing a struggling bookshop, the unexpected relationships that develop, and the influence of a famous author on the characters’ lives.
This is a really sweet story about sisters coming back together. One sister helped her sister’s family, learned about herself and fell in Love. An uplifting sweet story set around Christmas I deeply recommend!
What are your thoughts on this novel? ✨
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
In this blog post you will find the discussion questions for The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan, while at the bottom of this post I also have some additional suggestions for others novels that explore similar themes.
I hope you’ll enjoy this comprehensive discussion guide and your analysis of the book, as much as you enjoyed reading it!
About the Author | Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations
About the Story
The Christmas Bookshop is a heartwarming Christmas novel about Carmen, who has recently lost her job, faces the prospect of spending Christmas with her seemingly perfect sister, Sofia. Despite their differences, Sofia needs Carmen’s help with her struggling bookshop. Carmen reluctantly takes on the challenge of revitalizing the dusty and disorganized store in historic Edinburgh.
As Carmen works to breathe new life into the bookshop, unexpected events unfold. A famous author becomes interested in the store and in Carmen herself. The story explores family dynamics, with Carmen and Sofia attempting to mend their strained relationship.
Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, the novel is described as a blend of humor, wit, suspense, and a touch of romance. It promises a heartwarming holiday tale about love, second chances, and the magic of Christmas.
About the Author
Jenny Colgan is Scottish writer of romantic comedy fiction and science-fiction. She was born in Scotland and has lived in various places like London, the Netherlands, the U.S., and France.
She now lives just North of Edinburgh with her husband Andrew, her dog Nevil Shute, and her three children: 11-year-old Wallace, who acts like he’s 19 and avoids family moments; 9-year-old Michael-Francis, who makes friends on airplanes; and 7-year-old Delphine, who seems mostly raccoon-like. J
Jenny enjoys cakes, a lot of Doctor Who, wearing Converse trainers daily (resulting in big flat feet), very warm baths, and reading really long books.
Book Club Questions for The Christmas Bookshop
Disclaimer: the following discussion questions contain spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t finished the book yet.
- How does the author create a festive atmosphere in the story, especially with the Christmas setting in historic Edinburgh? Did the descriptions of the shops, streets, and castles contribute to the overall ambiance?
- Discuss Carmen’s journey from being laid off to moving in with her sister Sofia and eventually working at Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. How did her character evolve throughout the story?
- What exactly is a haberdashery, and can you recall some of the unique items Carmen sold in that charming little store?
- Reflect on Carmen’s experiences working for Mr. McCredie versus her time with Mrs. Marsh. How did each environment shape Carmen’s journey, and did you find aspects of your own work experiences mirrored in hers?
- Share some of the amusing encounters Carmen had with unusual customers and their requests in the bookstore. Which instance stood out the most to you?
- Dive into Oke’s world by discussing his expertise and the role he played in Carmen’s life. What kind of impact did Oke’s knowledge have on the story, and did you connect with his character?
- Recall the Thundersnow event in the book and how Carmen and her sister’s kids bonded during this unique weather phenomenon. Did it trigger any memories of special family moments for you?
- Share your thoughts on why Carmen and Sophia initially struggled to get along. Additionally, explore the dynamics between Carmen and Skylar. Did you find elements of these relationships relatable to your own experiences?
- Have you ever encountered the concept of a “suspended cup” of coffee in a coffee shop? If not, does it intrigue you? Share your feelings about this unique coffee shop tradition.
- Reflect on the differences between Oke and Blair and consider why each character appealed to Carmen in their own way. Were there qualities in either character that resonated with you personally?
- Delve into the significance of the Ormiston Yew for Oke and later for Carmen. Did this element of the story hold any personal symbolism for you?
- Discuss your understanding of Camera Obscura and its role in the narrative. How did this element add depth to the story for you?
- Explore the dynamics between Carmen and Sofia. How does their relationship change over the course of the book? Did you find their portrayal relatable, considering the challenges and differences they face?
- Consider Carmen’s role in revitalizing Mr. McCredie’s bookshop. What were some of the challenges she faced, and how did her love for books influence the changes she made?
- The story hints at a love triangle. How did you feel about the romantic elements in the book? Did they add to or distract from the overall plot?
- Reflect on why certain activities, like making mouse decorations and wedding dresses, brought Carmen a sense of peace. What are some activities that bring you a similar sense of calm?
- Consider Skylar’s beliefs about following specific practices to avoid negative emotions. How do you personally view the balance between such practices and addressing deeper emotions like fear, sadness, and worry?
- Share any interesting tree facts that Oke imparted to Carmen. Did any of these facts strike a chord with you?
- Discuss the role of secondary characters, such as Pippa, Phoebe, and Skylar, in Carmen’s life. How did these characters contribute to the sense of community in the story?
- For those who have visited Edinburgh, how did the author capture the essence of the city in the narrative? Did the setting enhance your reading experience?
- Share your favorite scenes or moments from the book. What aspects of the story resonated with you the most?
- Recall the issues with Blair’s books, especially the Christmas children’s book. How did these problems contribute to the narrative, and what were your thoughts on the resolution with Blair compared to Skylar?
- Explore the connection between Carmen’s dreams about the train, an old photo, and Mr. McCredie. Did you find any personal connections or parallels in these elements?
- Reflect on Oke’s perspective that happiness comes as a by-product of being useful. How did Carmen’s understanding of happiness evolve, and how do you personally define happiness at different points in your life?
- How did you find Jenny Colgan’s writing style? Did it enhance the storytelling, especially considering the mix of humor, romance, and family dynamics?
- Considering the reviews, including the positive comments and the occasional critique, how would you rate and describe your overall impression of “The Christmas Bookshop”?
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed the book club discussion questions and reading guide for The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan.
Here are some more of my book club recommendations related to this book:
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.
But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.
The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.
Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.
Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
She’s meant to be catching flights, not catching feelings…
Molly and Andrew are just trying to get home to Ireland for the holidays, when a freak snowstorm grounds their flight.
Nothing romantic has ever happened between them: they’re friends and that’s all. But once a year, for the last ten years, Molly has spent seven hours and fifteen minutes sitting next to Andrew on the last flight before Christmas from Chicago to Dublin, drinking terrible airplane wine and catching up on each other’s lives. In spite of all the ways the two friends are different, it’s the holiday tradition neither of them has ever wanted to give up.
Molly isn’t that bothered by Christmas, but—in yet another way they’re total opposites—Andrew is a full-on fanatic for the festive season and she knows how much getting back to Ireland means to him. So, instead of doing the sane thing and just celebrating the holidays together in America, she does the stupid thing. The irrational thing. She vows to get him home. And in time for his mam’s famous Christmas dinner.
The clock is ticking. But Molly always has a plan. And—as long as the highly-specific combination of taxis, planes, boats, and trains all run on time—it can’t possibly go wrong.
What she doesn’t know is that, as the snow falls over the city and over the heads of two friends who are sure they’re not meant to be together, the universe might just have a plan of its own…
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
Your most delightful holiday read: the sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Christmas Bookshop, from beloved Scottish author Jenny Colgan.
Christmas comes early—far too early—to McCredie’s little Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh. It’s summer, but an American production company has decided that McCredie’s is the perfect location to film a very cheesy Christmas movie. After all, who can resist the charmingly narrow historic street with its Victorian grey stone buildings and warmly lit shop windows?
Carmen Hogan, the bookshop’s manager, is amused and a bit horrified by the goings-on, but the money the studio is paying is too good to pass up. She uses the little windfall from filming to create new displays and fend off a buyout offer from an obnoxious millionaire who wants to turn McCredie’s into a souvenir shop selling kilts made in China and plastic Nessies.
Still reeling slightly from a breakup, Carmen’s not particularly looking forward to the holidays. But just as snow begins to fall and the lights of Christmas blink on, all sorts of lovely new possibilities present themselves…for McCredie’s bookstore, and for Carmen herself.
Happy reading! ❤️