Christmas by the Book

By: Anne Marie Ryan

Narrated by: Esther Wane

“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 thirty 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....

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

“A heartfelt and lovely Christmas tale for book lovers everywhere!”—Jenny Colgan, author of The Bookshop on the Corner

"Christmas by the Book sparkles with love and generosity—this book will make you believe in Christmas miracles."—Nancy Thayer, author of Let It Snow

"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

"A gift for booklovers everywhere. This is a sweet love letter penned by a talented writer who understands the magic and power of books to bring comfort and joy to readers. You'll want to buy two copies of this lovely novel—one to keep, and one to share."—Susan Wiggs, author of The Lost and Found Bookshop

"A proper feel-good Christmassy read, with a charmingly cosy setting, plenty of nicely-drawn characters and a real sense of community, plus an inspirational message that all booklovers can get behind."—Jackie Fraser, author of The Bookshop of Second Chances

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.

Heartwarming

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

Christmas by the Book

The story was inspiring and the reader was exceptional. Many books I can’t finish because of the person reading, but not this one! I highly recommend it

A feel good Christmas read

Language is sometimes a problem but otherwise this is a charming read with enough tension to hold your attention and a satisfying ending.

Kindness

Really enjoyed the book. Left such a good feeling after reading, great characters and each of their stories. Enjoyed the sense of community