The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop by Jill Steeples #Review

I am delighted to feature another novel by Jill Steeples set in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop, a  festive story,was published on August 31st by Boldwood Books.

Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she faces an uncertain future.

Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future.

Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam.

As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions to make. Does her future lie in London or can a whole heap of books and a sprinkling of festive magic offer a life that she could never even have dreamed of?

My Thoughts

This is a fabulous story to read in the months leading up to Christmas. Set in the gorgeous Cotswold village, you meet Isla who has returned to her family home from her life in London which has blown up in her face. Keeping the news of her lost publishing job to herself, she puts on a facade for her family who are so proud of her achievements but do not realise the effect their pride has on her. Isla revisits the traditional bookshop where she worked as a teenager and settles in to the place, working there whilst the owners take a well earned rest. Any book lover will enjoy this side of her life as she sets about revitalising the shop and organising some bookish treats there.

    Isla comes face to face with her ex-boyfriend who  she split from before university. Life isn't quite as she envisaged but meeting up again teaches her a bit about herself and what she wants from life. A thorn in her side is Guy, a property developer who she meets up with and whilst fearing what his advice over the shop is going to be, Isla cannot help being attracted to him. 

 In short: festive details, bookish allusions and a sweet romance

About the Author

Jill Steeples is the bestselling author of feel-good, escapist fiction. Her stories are perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Cathy Bramley. Set in the close communities of cosy English villages, her books explore the themes of starting over, friendship and love across the ages, as well as the healing properties of nature and the great outdoors.

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Purchase links: The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop: An uplifting, festive romance from Jill Steeples for 2026 eBook : Steeples, Jill: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop: An uplifting, festive romance from Jill Steeples for 2026 eBook : Steeples, Jill: Kindle Store

Thanks to Jill Steeples, Boldwood Books and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour

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