Christmas by the Book

By: Anne Marie Ryan

Narrated by: Esther Wane

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

“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 30 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....

©2021 Anne Marie Ryan (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Snuggle in for the holidays with this heartwarming story about the power of Christmas, books, and friendship. Ryan does an excellent job of building a sense of place and exploring the community relationships, and handles tough topics (depression, loss, financial uncertainty) with a light, deft hand. Whether readers love stories about quaint English bookshops, Christmas, or small towns full of quirky characters, this book will surely warm the cockles of their hearts. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Elin Hilderbrand.” (Booklist)

"Reading Christmas by the Book is like eavesdropping in your favorite bookstore. The novel not only reminds us of the role such a bookstore plays in our communities but how random acts of kindness can heal us all. Ultimately, the novel is a testament to what happens when the perfect book finds us at the moment we need it most. Delightful and hopeful, this novel is the perfect Christmas treat." (Amy Meyerson, author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays)

“Like all of our most beloved Christmas stories, Anne Marie Ryan’s big-hearted Christmas by the Book weaves together a tale of hope, community, friendship, and love. It is warm reminder that real miracles happen when everyday people show up for each other. Best of all, it is a celebration of books, the way they can bring us together, make us stronger, and remind us that we are not alone. I know reading Christmas by the Book will become a part of my own holiday tradition, and I bet it will become a part of your, too.” (Louise Miller, author of The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living and The Late Bloomers’ Club)

Heartwarming

A story of the power of community and a giving heart. When lives are shared everyone feels uplifted.

I can’t rave enough about this book & the narrator.

Literally amazing & I can’t love this book more. It’s perfect for the holidays & just a beautiful tribute to everyday life, love, family, & friends. Its about community & hope. Just so lovely.

Grear Holiday Book Club Pick

Every year we choose a themed book for our Holiday Book Club Luncheon. This book was well chosen for book lovers.

It had elements of Gift of the Magi, It’s a Wonderful Life and others. The struggles of owning a small book shop during this time of online shopping and neighborhood changes, etc is something many small business owners can relate to. The charm of the story was that in spite of their money troubles the shop owners, Nora and Scott decided to send out Christmas books to people who had had a rough year emotionally. From there the story unfolds.

Worth reading!

This is a slower paced storytelling style, which is not normally my go-to. However, the heartwarming resolutions for the many intertwined characters felt like a mug of hot chocolate by the fireplace while the snow quietly fell outside. Enjoy!

Great book

Enjoyed he book from beginning to the last`page. Would recommend it to all ages.

Perfect Christmastime Read

My Christmas season was enhanced because I listened to this story. I’m delighted it was a recommendation by friend
@Jessica Hilton Hygge VO

perfect Christmas read for a book lover!

i almost didn’t try this book because of some of the reviews saying it started off really sad and slow. I didn’t find that to be the case at all! It is a wonderful heartwarming book about community, love , books and Christmas!!! Highly recommended!

Great read

I enjoyed this delightful book. It’s a good read and the performance is very enjoyable.

Going back home

This book brought me home to my childhood village. I remembered details of my hometown I had forgotten. I felt at ease again after listening to story.

ALL ABOUT LIFE

Troubles shared make them halved, and joys shared are doubled. Beautiful story. I enjoyed it thoroughly.