I picked the first book in this series up back in 2021 on a whim and really loved it. So, when I recently found out there were several more—including a Christmas sequel—I knew I had to read it immediately. And it was just as heartwarmingly charming as I hoped it would be! 

Set months after Jude and Elliot’s stay at The Borrow A Bookshop, we follow Magnús Sturluson (an Icelandic ex-bookseller) seeking comfort from the failure of his own beloved bookshop. And Alexandra Robinson, who flees her small village of Port Kernou (and finds herself inadvertently stranded in Clove Lore) after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity.

After Magnús helps to save her during a storm, the pair become close, working together at the bookshop (and adjoining bakery) and that begins restore Magnús’s faith in book selling and Alex’s faith in herself.

Firstly, I loved returning to Clove Lore and getting to see soo many of the village’s residents again. And also loved that, though we primarily follow Magnús and Alex, (our incredibly engaging and relatable protagonists) we do also get POV chapters from some of the other villagers (like the matchmaking Mrs Crocombe, bookshop owner Jowan and even Minty-who owns the local Manor House) which I felt really added a realness and depth to the story. 

It’s the second in the series (and can technically be read as a standalone) but I do suggest checking out book 1, as it was such a good read. 

The layers of emotion Kiley Dunbar manages to capture and the intense, but utterly adorable romance that blossoms between Alex and Magnús literally stole my heart. 

Plus, I learnt about a fabulous Icelandic Christmas tradition- Jólabókaflóð or Yule book flood, where families exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading them. It sounds like such a great tradition, and one I now need to convince my family to include in our own festivities. 

Overall, this was a warm cosy hug of a read that really embodied the spirit of Christmas, community (and has me soo eager to explore the rest of the series.)