Christmas at the French Repair Shop is a cosy, feel-good novel that’s perfect for readers looking for a heartwarming holiday romance with a touch of personal transformation. It has been a fabulous book club title pick for us to end the year with and would highly recommend to any book clubs looking at their festive fiction line up for next year too!
Sophie Claire does a wonderful job of creating a festive, immersive atmosphere and it was refreshing to read a well-researched winter romance with elements of The Repair Shop – an educational read but extremely enjoyable at the same time. It was lovely to have the combination of French and English nostalgia and tradition at Christmas too.
The romance is sweet and the setting lovely, there are moments where the pacing felt a little slow for me, especially when it comes to the main plotline surrounding Amelie’s personal growth. The character development was strong, but I sometimes wished for a little more external conflict to drive the story forward, rather than just focusing on internal struggles. That said, the charm of the French countryside and the holiday atmosphere made up for this in spades and I really enjoyed the unique storyline following the ‘pranks’ Amelie and Jack played on each other.
About the Book
Christmas in the picturesque village of Willowbrook should be dreamy – twinkling fairylights, snow in the air, and a busy time for Amélie in the repair workshop she owns, restoring furniture and mending treasured objects for locals to give as Christmas gifts. But in the tiny community, Amélie keeps bumping into her ex, Jack – and it’s killing her festive feeling.
Jack and Amélie were perfect for each other… until one day they weren’t. And when Jack’s attempt at reconciliation goes wrong, he finds himself locked in Amélie’s van.
Driving to her aunt’s house in the South of France, Amélie thinks she’s finally going to get some peace over the festive period, but like it or not, she’ll now be spending Christmas trapped on holiday with Jack. Could it help unwrap the secret to why they split up? Or will it be a gift they’d rather exchange?
About The Author
Sophie Claire writes uplifting emotional stories with their heart in Provence, where she spent her childhood summers. She is half French, half Scottish, was born in Africa and, growing up in England, she felt she didn’t belong anywhere – except in the pages of a book. Perhaps this is why she likes to help her characters find their home; a place in the world where they can be loved for themselves.
Previously, she worked in Marketing and proofreading academic papers, but writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’ and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up stories that will transport her readers to a beautiful place, and leave them with the warm glow of a sun-filled holiday.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
No responses yet