Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop is Book 16 in Margaret Amatt's Glenbriar Series, an interconnected collection of cosy contemporary romances set in the Scottish Highlands.

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Below you'll find reviews and features from the book's blog tour, including reviews from book bloggers and Instagram reviewers. Click each reviewer's name to read the original review on their website or social media page.

Reviews

bookescapeswithBabsW67 

If you like lots of romance with your Christmas books, this one is a winner. Set mainly in a bookshop at Glenbriar’s railway station, it is a festive treat that ticked this bookworm’s boxes. There’s even a potty-mouthed parrot to add to the humour.

We last saw Scarlett when she was on a coach trip around Skye, where she met widower, Lloyd. Their connection was undeniable, but their fling was brief, lasting only until everyone returned home. So, I was delighted to catch up with her and learn what had been happening.

Scarlett lands a job almost by accident. She’s just in the right place at the right time and spots a wish, asking for help. That turns out to be the best possible result, and the path is laid for her new career. I really loved Scarlett’s character; she has made some poor choices regarding partners, but her heart has remained hopeful and kind, despite taking some awful knocks. She has a strong desire to make others happy, even at the expense of her own joy.

Lloyd clearly loved his family, which consisted of two sons and a daughter. He was protective of his late wife’s memory and obviously loved her dearly. However, his brief fling with Scarlett had remained in his memory from the summer; what he didn’t realise was that she lived in Glenbriar. Relocating from their home in Edinburgh, the family had moved to Glenbriar to be near Lloyd’s mum, Rita, who had passed ownership of her bookshop to Lloyd due to her decreasing mobility. Rita had also reacted badly to Scarlett’s presence on the coach trip.

I was really taken with Lloyd and found myself rooting for him to find happiness. His devastation from losing his wife and uprooting his family was evident, but his determination to find contentment for them all remained his top priority.

There is a strong sense of community in this story, and I loved how characters from earlier books appeared occasionally, but it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any of the other books; this is perfectly enjoyable as a standalone.

I absolutely loved it and look forward to my next trip to Glenbriar.

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Jen_loves_reading

Glenbriar at Christmas, a book shop and romance ~ what more could you want! We first met Scarlett and Lloyd in Fight or Flirt in the Scenic Route where they were both on the same coach trip. Scarlett Finch has lost her get up and go after some toxic relationships and failed jobs. She unexpectedly finds herself working at the Little Station Bookshop when she gets talked into helping out by a very quirky lady who has a pug, a bird and some very interesting ideas of how to display the books. Lloyd Miller is trying to hold his family together after his wife died and has moved back to Glenbriar with his three children. What he doesn’t expect to find is that the lady filling in at the family bookshop has hired Scarlett, who he hasn’t stopped thinking about since they had a fling in the summer. Scarlett and Lloyd are drawn to each other but with so many factors to consider can a relationship develop? This is such a lovely story about new beginnings, family, friendship and of course romance. I found the way that the different feelings surrounding grief and moving on was sensitively explored. Another great addition to a great series.

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April @thelarlbookworm (IG) 

This is Book 16 in The Glenbriar Series and is now the turn of Scarlett and Lloyd.

For the obsessed, you will recognise this duo from Flirt of Fight on the Scenic Route (Book 14) and I was so, so happy this pair got their own story!

As many will know, I am utterly obsessed with the books in this series and this book wasn't no different.

The story is set within a Book Shop (✅️), with a quirky book shop worker (✅️) and with a Christmas backdrop (✅️✅️.)

Scarlett is back and still reeling from the disastrous summer, living with her Mum and trying to find herself and a stable job that isn't temping.

Having left Edinburgh, widower Lloyd has moved to Glenbriar with his 3 children, having taking a more remote role and taking over his Mum's Book Shop.

So imagine everyone's surprise when the pair bump into each other once again...

I absolutely adore this story as it is warm and cosy plus beautifully deals with the aftermath of a parental death within a family... the lingering grief, the confused children, the new desire for a fresh start while remembering the one lost.

I absolutely love Scarlett too as I think everyone can relate to her, has felt lost and inadequate at some point in their lives and just seeing her struggle initially.

The story of how these two slowly come together is so lovely to see. How they get to know each other again and of course how their family and friends adjust.

As always, I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for more in the series - eek!

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Sapphyria's Books 

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop is a fun holiday romance with great characters. I enjoyed the romance, setting, and theme of the story. The second chance romance was crafted well and I loved watching something bloom between Scarlett and Lloyd.

Not going to lie, the beginning threw me off a bit. It felt a little unrealistic with Eunice just randomly asking Scarlett to watch a store. It all works out though, and Scarlett finds herself adding her own wishes to the store's Wishing Tree. 

If you're looking for a sweet Christmas story, look no further. Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop is perfectly paced, completely engaging, and filled with wish fulfilment in best of ways. I really recommend this novel. You'll get lost in the story as you root for Scarlett and Lloyd to find their happily-ever-after.

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TBHonest 

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop is the 16th book in the Glenbriar series, but as with all the series, it works well as a standalone.

It’s a story full of warmth and heart that leaves you with that festive feeling. If you like  books full of romance and stories which invoke a strong sense of community, then this is a book you need to read.

Lloyd is a character whom you really feel for and root for, wanting him to have his happy ending after everything he has gone through. Scarlett is also a loveable but complex character. The development of their relationship unfolds at a nice pace, and makes this book just a warm, cosy joy to read!

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annette_reads_daily 

This Christmas season finds Scarlett not in a festive mood. She has no real job and her past relationships all are horrible. Quite unexpectedly she gets a job at a bookstore and things seem much brighter.

This was a quick Christmasy story. It’s full of emotion and moving on.

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Splashes Into Books 

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you

As I share with you this, my honest review.

So good to return to Glenbriar once more

To reconnect with characters who I've come to adore.

This time it is Scarlett Finch who is returning to stay

After so many things didn't go her way.

She went for a walk and was shocked to discover

She had a dream job for such a book lover!

An older woman sets her on at the Little Station Bookshop

Not leaving her with any option to do anything but stop!

That's where Lloyd Miller finds her working one day

They'd memorably met before, neither know what to say!

A summer fling with a stranger was what they had before

Never anticipating seeing each other once more.

However, neither has forgotten the other though time has passed

Is this their second chance for happiness that could last?

But with his mother and daughter against such a thing

What will Christmas and the future bring?

A heartwarming story of love against the odds for these two

With plenty of angst and turmoil to get through.

A great addition to this series which I adore

And I'm already on the lookout for any more!

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@twoladiesandabook 

This is the perfect mix of romance and Christmas. Scarlett has lost her sparkle but after getting a Christmas job at the glenbriars little station bookshop she is very excited and trying to get that sparkle back. Lloyd Is a widow and father to 3 and about to move and take over his mother's bookshop what he doesn't expect is for Scarlett to be there who he had a summer fling with can they both bring a bit of love and adventure to each other.

Such a good read and I really liked Lloyd and Scarlett and was hoping for them all along.

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ramblingmads.com 

My thoughts: If you’re looking for a fun romance with a bit of Christmas sparkle, you can stop now. Set in Scotland, in a small town called Glenbriar, this is a funny, charming love story with plenty of festive fun. Scarlett gets a job at the bookshop, after accidentally accepting one from Eunice, who works there, with her pug and parrot (the pug makes another appearance later, thankfully the sweary parrot doesn’t). Hired properly, Scarlett starts to make the shop more appealing, with new displays and decorations.

The owner, Lloyd, has taken over from his mum and isn’t really thrilled to do so. He’s got a lot on his plate – three bereaved children, a new house, his other job, and an interfering mother. He needs plenty of help, and even though his past fling with Scarlett makes things a bit awkward, he’s actually really pleased she’s happy to stick around and keep the shop running.

As Christmas comes to town, the pair realise they still have a lot of feelings for each other, but Lloyd’s kids aren’t so sure, and his mum still doesn’t really like Scarlett. Can they all be reassured and won over before the 25th or is love not allowed this year?

It’s cute, fun, jolly and funny, what more could you ask for? Some hot chocolate? Definitely get that going for reading time!

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Captured on Film 

This is the 16th book in the Glenbriar series - set locally to me in The Highlands.

A festive story set in a bookshop - what is there not to like??

Scarlett isn't feeling very festive after a Summer spent living with her mother - we last saw her on a trip around Skye - where she bumped into Lloyd. By sheer coincidence Lloyd has relocated from Edinburgh to Glenbriar with his children to take over his Mums bookshop. Of course they have to bump into each other again.

A charming relaxing read in familiar surroundings. Love this series.

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Bookworm86 

Yet another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Margaret!!! Well done Margaret on another absolutely beautiful and perfect read!!! I absolutely love getting lost in festive reads at this time of year and if you are the same then grab your copy today as it will not disappoint!!! This is the ideal read to curl up on the sofa under a blanket with where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the beautiful Glenbriar.

Do not turn a single page of this book up until you have cleared your schedules and when you do get ready to go on a stunning holiday you will not want to leave!!

BOOKS, A BOOK SHOP, A HUNKY GUY, CHRISTMAS, A CHEEKY PARROT… WHY HAVEN’T YOU RUN AND GRABBED YOUR COPY INSTEAD OF WASTING YOUR TIME READING THIS. TRUST ME READ CHRISTMAS WISHES AT THE STATION BOOKSHOP! INSTEAD, IT IS A WHOLE LOT BETTER THAN WHAT I CAN WRITE!!!

Congratulations Margaret on yet another absolutely gorgeous success!!! I’m definitely looking forward to my next holiday to Glenbriar!!! This is exactly why you are my favourite author club and here is to your next success 🥂

Overall this is another perfect, stunning, page turning hot chocolate and fireplace addition to a stunning series, with a great gang of characters that will sweep you away to the Scottish Highlands from the very first page to the end by the extremely talented Margaret Amatt! A fantastic festive feast!!!

I absolutely love this stunning series and each and every adventure that Margaret takes the reader on every time they sweep them away to Glenbriar and this gorgeous book is no exception!!! It has got to the point that every time I pick up one of Margaret’s books in this series it feels like I am returning to a favourite holiday destination meeting with old friends again and also making new ones!!! If you are looking for a gorgeous escapism then grab this beautiful page turner and discover Glenbriar for yourselves! I can promise you that you will not regret it!! Grab your copy of this absolutely magical festive page turner and discover the stunning Glenbriar and all of its larger than life characters and I can promise that you will not regret it!!! With a beautiful storyline absolutely packed full of Christmas magic, festivities, friendship, romance, happiness, joy, hope, warmth, a cheeky parrot, books and so very much more. What on Earth are you waiting for?

Margaret’s absolutely stunning emotive and evocative writing skills and descriptions will leave you feeling the love in the air, smelling the books (yes, I am a book sniffer!), hearing a few cheeky words from a very mischievous but cute parrot and most definitely get you in the Christmas spirit!! I absolutely devoured it in one sitting as there was just no chance of only reading one more chapter and I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hands!! The storyline is realistic and Margaret’s stunning evocative writing skills suck you deep into the book ensuring you can hear the Scottish twang in the character’s voices, see the beautiful surroundings and hear the hear and see the characters surrounding you. I absolutely fell in love venturing into beautiful Glenbriar and Scottish Highlands again and felt like I was coming back to a well known and loved holiday destination after falling in love with Glenbriar in book one.

I love the fact that on this holiday I get to celebrate Christmas with all my favourite characters!! Margaret portrays life in a small village absolutely perfectly. I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and absolutely dreaded coming to the end again where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. It was an absolutely compelling, immersive and addictive heart lifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. I loved discovering the pasts and histories of the characters and I was absolutely swept away in the story line. The characters and locations came to life around me and I cannot wait to return in the next book in this stunning series that I have very quickly fallen in love with. It has everything you could ask for to lose yourself for several hours. Each and every book I have read in this series I have read in one sitting and this one is no exception. I just could not put it down so make sure you clear your schedules!!! This book and this series would make a beautiful movie! I haven’t been to Scotland for a long time but my son keeps asking to go and this book has tempted me even more. This book is an absolutely gorgeous, cute and addictive addition in an absolutely stunning series!! This is one of those absolutely stunning book series that could genuinely go on and on and never get boring and I am counting down the days until I can get my hands on ‘Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High’ on the 6th February!!! Margaret could make millions of books in this series and I will never get bored delving into the lives of new and previous residents of Glenbriar. I was completely rooting for Scarlett and Lloyd throughout this beautiful page turner but to find out how they get on you’ll just have to grab your copy today!!! This is definitely one of those series which could go on and on and I wouldn’t get bored. Here’s to (hopefully) meeting them all again along with the next new faces of Glenbriar!!

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One More Chapter 

So i really loved this and it found it really easy to slip into the story and get lost in it but i cant say i was always a big fan of Scarlett. It took me a while to warm up to her whereas Lloyd i liked instantly. Whilst i wasnt a fan of Scarlett i did really enjoy watching their relationship grow, especially with concerns to her fitting with his family. I found @margaret_amatt_author writing style really easy to read and i flew through the book. Its a great Christmas read.

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Eatwell2015 

I am genuinely thrilled to have been gifted the opportunity to read and review Margaret Amatt’s latest book in the Glenbriar series, ‘Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop’. I love this series, but assure you that each book can be read as a standalone book. However, once you have read one book in the series, if you are anything like me, you will want to read the rest. Indeed I started the series at book 7, so mental note to self: Find a way to get hold of the first 6 books!

I never fail to be astounded at Margaret Amatt’s astonishing continuity, with recurring characters frequently popping up; this adds to my enjoyment, feeling like a bit of a reward for my loyalty. I am however overwhelmed at both how Margaret:

a) Remembers and keeps track of who is who, who is seeing who, and who is the ex of whom.

b) Manages to produce so many new superlative books annually.

Margaret Amatt must have a brain the size of a planet!

I was thrilled to be presented with Scarlett and Lloyd’s story. When I came across them earlier in the year, (Flight or Flirt on the Scenic route https://eatwell2015.wordpress.com/2025/08/19/fight-or-flirt-on-the-scenic-route/) I felt certain that there must be more to their personal tale. A big thank you to Margaret Amatt for sharing this story with us readers!

Both Lloyd and Scarlett seem interminably sad, for their own unique reasons, but with ‘romantic fiction maths’, can:

SAD + SAD = HAPPY

or would our lead characters’ mutual dissatisfaction with life each drag the other down – not that they have any way of contacting each other, so any future meeting would be purely serendipitous. If only there was some kind of magic wish tree, that could be consulted for advice and grant wishes!

I felt for both our main characters – Lloyd, unsure of what to do for the best – how to hold his little family together; Scarlett; however hard she tries, she struggles to escape from the poor choices of her past. Life really does need to give both of these people a break. One thing that rather struck me about Scarlett though, was that despite her past dubious choices, in the here and now, she comes across as undeniably sage in my humble opinion, especially in one so young.

This is a beautiful story about love, family and friendship, presented in at times a ‘Love Actually-esque’ format. It’s about realising that you don’t have to sacrifice your memories of the past, in order to live in the here and now, and even plan your future. If our author is ever in search of a new title for this book however, may I suggest something along the lines of ‘The curious incident of the pug and the mud wrestling’.

As I reluctantly put this book down, having devoured it greedily, I find myself left with 3 simple questions:

1. What is the cereal packet game?

2. Whose story is going to be told in the next indefatigable episode in the Glenbriar series (I am looking forward to it with great anticipation, already)!

3. How soon will this next treasure be released?

Long live Glenbriar!

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Little Miss Book Lover 87 

I am a huge fan of Amatt and every book gets better and better. I love Glenbriar and always get excited about returning. Scarlett and Lloyd are superb and I have been completely here for their story. This one transports us to the bookshop in the station.

I loved this book from beginning to end. It’s a story that pulls you in and becomes impossible to put down. I devoured this gem in just hours with no regrets. Everything about this book was just a joy.

One reason I love a book by Amatt is because they are uplifting and guaranteed to change even the worst mood. This has been no different. I am on full Christmas vibes after this and already eagerly awaiting the next book. This was a gem from beginning to end.

This is definitely a favourite in the series for me and I have no hesitation in recommending this one to other readers.

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Tizi's Book Review 

Scarlett Finch knows everything about toxic relationships, as she has been in several ones. Relationships that have led her into making mistakes in the past, making her lose her sparkle and joie de vivre now. With all her loved ones around her being in a happy place, Scarlett has never felt more alone and lonely, especially with Christmas looming around the corner. And having no job doesn't make it easier for her to see things from the bright side. Until one day, she is looking at a Help Wanted sign at Glenbriar’s Little Station Bookshop. And before Scarlett knows it, the old woman in the store, with a pug and a parrot, has given her a job without even consulting the owner. The owner who happens to be the mother of Lloyd Miller, with whom Scarlett has had a summer fling with. Lloyd is struggling with the loss of his beloved wife, looking after his three children on his own, having a new job and at the same time taking over the bookshop from his mother. So with too many things on his mind, he is shocked to find Scarlett in the bookshop. But at the same time, he is also happy to see her again, as he hasn’t been able to forget the young woman that rocked his world that summer… However, both Scarlett and Lloyd are not only scarred but also haunted by their past and with too many differences and much more important priorities, even their Christmas wishes couldn’t come true, or can they?

There were several reasons I was happy to start reading this book. Not only do I love the stories this wonderful author writes, but I was also happy to return to Glenbriar, residence of many of my friends by now. With several books in this series, it feels like truly being welcomed back by all my friends that I made with each book. But as Scarlett isn’t a complete stranger, and I know about that trip that took place in summer, and what she has been through, I truly wanted to see how her story would turn out to be.

Right from the start, I still felt sorry for Scarlett. She has been through a lot, has met many wrong men and has made several mistakes already in her young life. She is at a point in her life where she wants to make a change, but she is also struggling with turning that leaf over.

I was cheering for Scarlett, having everything crossed that she would find her own happiness and that she would understand that making mistakes is just human. I could also see so clearly that Scarlett has learned from her mistakes, and just how much she has matured from our first encounter with her till this very book.

I loved reading how Scarlett rather by accident ends up getting the job at the Station Bookshop, not only because of the force of nature that Eunice is, but also because Scarlett admits herself that she hasn’t picked up a book for ages. But just like Eunice, I could feel that Scarlett was just the right person at the right place. Not only to help Eunice out, but also to give the bookshop a much needed injection of change and spark.

But most important I was also very eager to read how Scarlett and Lloyd would find each other again and if there would be any chance of that fling to evolve into something more important. Even if it may seem the wrong time and place…

Lloyd… there is so much going on in his life now, and unfortunately, not all has been a wonderful time.

Reading his background, learning about all that has happened and is still taking place, getting to know his children, well, it broke my heart…

Of course losing someone is painful, and losing her in that way, even more terrible. However how much Lloyd is still hurting over his loss, he knows that his children need him now more than ever. And while Eve, his eldest daughter may not agree with his choice, I could understand why Lloyd made the choice to move to Glenbrair.

It is not only to have a fresh start, but also and mainly to have the comfort and help from family around him. But being reminded with every turn around the corner what they have lost as a family, to be reminded of what they all have endured, and who has left is, isn’t the best way to start look forward again.

Now, it is not that Lloyd is in any way looking for someone new, because his priority is only on his children. He just wants to see a smile back on their faces, and he wants them to be able to not forget their mother, but to think about her with happy memories.

I had to laugh a little bit, reading how both Scarlett and Lloyd are flabbergasted when they see each other again. They never thought they would ever meet again, so while it was funny as a reader, I could understand the short circuit in their minds.

While of course I wanted Scarlett and Lloyd to find each other immediately again, I appreciated how Margaret let the main characters take their time. Not only because it was initially a bit awkward, but also because both Scarlett and Lloyd know that no matter what they may or may not feel, they aren’t the priority. Especially Scarlett shows a great maturity in knowing that Lloyd should and must only focus on his children.

Children who are not only struggling with the move, but are still grieving (and understandably) over the loss of their mother. And it felt so real to see how each child or teenager is coping with all what has happened to them.

And seeing how Scarlett wants to help each of them out, but without crossing a line anyhow, shows us once again how good at heart she truly is. She knows what matters, when to offer help but also when to take a step back. But also not letting anyone belittle her anymore.

I liked in this book there is a special place for the Christmas tree where anyone can hang their own wishes in. And it was sweet to see how there are of course some superficial wishes, but more important, how there are wishes from the heart…

The story of Scarlett and Lloyd couldn’t be more fitting for a Christmas story, because it is a beautiful story about yes pain and grief, but more important about second chances, growth, love, matureness, understanding, respect and even forgiveness.

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Bookmadjo 

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop is the 16th book in the completely wonderful Glenbriar series and features two minor characters from book 14, Fight or Flirt on the Scenic Route, Scarlett and Lloyd. Even though they were in a previous book, this book, as with all of the Glenbriar books works perfectly as a standalone, although when you read one, you will definitely want to read them all!

Since the previous book they were in, I have desperately wanted more of their story. Scarlett may habe been considerably younger than Lloyd but they were just so perfect for one another. Being constantly underestimated for the way she looked, and having been badly treated by deadbeat ex-boyfriends, finding a man as caring as Lloyd was a completely new experience for her.

Lloyd, a widower with three children and a judgemental mother, desperately trying to keep his family going following the death of his wife two years earlier, was not looking for love when his path crossed Scarlett, nor when their paths crossed a second time, but fate had other ideas. When he moved the children to Glenbriar to be near his mother and closer to the children’s other grandparents, it was clearly going to be a time of adjustment for all of them. With the children being Lloyd’s priority, it was clearly going to be difficult for him and Scarlett to navigate a relationship without being mindful of the children’s needs, and in spite of her being closer in age to the children than to Lloyd, Scarlett seemed to instinctively know how to befriend the children without threatening their memories of their mother.

Although Scarlett was not bookish herself, she found herself working in a book lover’s dream job, helping run the bookshop at the railway station in Glenbriar. I loved the descriptions of the bookshop, it sounded so quirky and cute, and I adored the way Scarlett found constant inspiration to improve the bookshop. I’m not sure if it was the bookshop or simply the captivating romance between Scarlett and Lloyd, but this book had such a wonderfully magical quality, and there was a moment near the end which combined elements of A Christmas Carol and Love Actually and was simply adorable.

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop was a magically festive romance filled with books, hot chocolate, a true sense of community, a tree for Christmas wishes, and a slightly naughty little pug.

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Books, Life and Everything 

We continue Scarlett's story in this latest of the Glenbriar series and find out what happens in her life after she has returned from the coach trip which was the subject of Book 15. It seems that circumstances have come together to bring someone back into her life in a surprising way. Scarlett is ready for a change in her lifestyle and looking for a new direction. It feels almost magical how Scarlett finds herself in the Station Bookshop and its wishing tree seems to have a way of making wishes come true. The bookshop is quirky and different and seems to be a good match for Scarlett herself.

Lloyd Miller is the owner of the Bookshop who has a lot on his plate. Widowed, with three young children, he is struggling to create a stable environment for them and to settle them into life in Glenbriar. It does not all go smoothly but he keeps trying and struggles to put his own needs before the children's. There are some entertaining characters who are connected with the shop and a good variety of customers. As the snow falls, the Christmas season adds a sparkle to the story and makes for an enjoyable festive read.

In short: second chances and new starts

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@bookishllly 

Scarlett is trying to turn her life around and by chance finds herself employed at the station bookshop where her last one night stand is her boss, Lloyd.

This is a very good book to kickstart my holiday reading with some small town gossip, a wishing tree and shenanigans at a bookstore.

As with all the books I’ve read in this series (I haven’t found one I didn’t enjoy), this packs all the festive cheers and gives Hallmark movie vibes.

I am happy Scarlett got her own story after meeting her in book 14 with all she endured on the coach trip.

I loved the way she fit right in the bookstore and how she broke down the defences of the kids and endeared herself to them. The slow burn, lingering thoughts and touches were done right.

I also loved how the author captured the various emotions around the holidays and how grief and festivities can coexist.

If you are looking for kickstart your holiday reading or add to your growing TBR, you should read this.

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Staceywh_17 

A bookshop AND Christmas wrapped up in one book. What could be better than that?

It's the sixteenth book in the Glenbriar series and the perfect seasonal read. It's a pretty enjoyable one too!

Glenbriar has fast become one of my favourite bookish haunts and I'm always up for a chance to return.

The residents are charming and I'm not going to say no to a festive romance.

Heartwarming and hopeful.

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Left on the Shelf 

This was a delightful book to read in the run up to Christmas.

Although it is book 16 in the Glenbriar series, I have not read any of the previous books and coming in at this stage in the series had no effect on my enjoyment of the book. That said, I would now love to go back and read some of the earlier books, as I adored this one.

The chapters are alternated and told from the perspective of the main characters, Scarlett and Lloyd. They originally met in the summer whilst both in a bad place. Consequently, the sparks flew and they fell into a quick but passionate fling. However, neither has been able to forget the other and when they accidentally meet again, the chemistry is still there, but so is a whole load of baggage.

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. They are both excellently portrayed and I was rooting for them all the way, despite the numerous hurdles that need to be overcome in order for them to become a couple.

The minor characters are equally equally well depicted. I loved Eunice with her pug and foul mouthed parrot and Eve, who is Lloyd's teenage daughter, left me just wanting to give her a huge hug. 

The titular Station Bookshop was every bit as important to the plot as the characters were. The author has created a fantastic sense of place in this novel. I loved the concept of the Christmas Wishing Tree and of the Icelandic festival of Jólabókaflóð (Christmas Book Flood) whereby people exchange books as gifts on Christmas Eve then read and drink hot chocolate. What a glorious way to begin the Christmas period.

The book has a warm and feel-good effect and was a real treat to read. This is a lovely book to read and enjoy as we approach Christmas, or even to gift to a loved one. In fact, one of my family members will love this book and she will definitely be finding a copy of this under her tree.

If, like me, you would like to read the whole series of books, the first book in the Glenbriar series is Stolen Kisses at the Loch View Hotel and is available on Kindle Unlimited. Whether you start at the beginning or with Christmas Wishes at the Station Books Shop, as I have, I guarantee you will enjoy it every bit as much as I have.

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Kirsty_Reviews_Books 

Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop is the sixteenth book in the Glenbriar series and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Margaret Amatt has written a lovely, festive addition to the series. A heart-warming novel with some charming characters.