Gifts to make Easter egg-citing
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Jenny Colgan
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The Bookshop on the Corner: From the bestselling author of feel-good romance (Kirrinfief) Kindle Edition

by Jenny Colgan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 17,721 ratings

*previously published as THE LITTLE SHOP OF HAPPY EVER AFTER*

Nobody does cosy, get-away-from-it-all romance like Jenny Colgan' Sunday Express

In the Scottish Highlands, a little bus packed with books brings joy to the road . . .

'A total joy' Sophie Kinsella
'An evocative, sweet treat' Jojo Moyes
'Gorgeous, glorious, uplifting' Marian Keyes
'Irresistible' Jill Mansell
'Just lovely' Katie Fforde
'Naturally funny, warm-hearted' Lisa Jewell
'A gobble-it-all-up-in-one-sitting kind of book' Mike Gayle
___________________________________

Nina is a librarian who spends her days happily matchmaking books and people - she always knows what someone should read next. But when her beloved library closes and she's suddenly out of a job, Nina has no idea what to do next. Then an advert catches her eye: she could be the owner of a tiny little bookshop bus, driving around the Scottish highlands.

Using up all her courage, and her savings, Nina makes a new start in the beautiful Scottish highlands. But real life is a bit trickier than the stories she loves - especially when she keeps having to be rescued by the grumpy-but-gorgeous farmer next door...

Dreams start here . . .
___________________________________

Why readers ADORE Jenny Colgan

'Jenny Colgan has a way of writing that makes me melt inside'
'Her books are so good I want to start over as soon as I have finished'
'There's something so engaging about her characters and plots'
'Her books are like a big, warm blanket'
'Her stories are just so fabulous'
'She brings her settings and characters so vividly to life'
'The woman is just magic'

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Scottish Bookshop Series
  2. Print length
    348 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Sphere
  5. Publication date
    11 Feb. 2016
  6. File size
    3.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.
Popular highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. “Just do something. You might make a mistake, then you can fix it. But if you do nothing, you can’t fix anything. And your life might turn out to be full of regrets.”
    Highlighted by 2,016 Kindle readers
  2. Be silent, hide away and let your thoughts and longings rise and set in the deep places of your heart. Let dreams move silently as stars, in wonder more than you can tell.
    Highlighted by 1,324 Kindle readers
  3. The problem with good things that happen is that very often they disguise themselves as awful things.
    Highlighted by 1,101 Kindle readers
  4. Because every day with a book is slightly better than one without, and I wish you nothing but the happiest of days.
    Highlighted by 789 Kindle readers
  5. “The Knife of Never Letting Go,” said Nina automatically.
    Highlighted by 290 Kindle readers
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Product description

Review

an absolute dream of a read...Funny, heartwarming and compulsively readable, The Little Shop of Happy Ever After is perfect ― Novelicious

A delightful story about the love of books and reading ― Stylist

Cheery and heartwarming escapism ― Sunday Mirror

Great for Mother's Day! A charming and witty read. ― My Weekly

Charming and genuinely fun tale ― Heat

From the Back Cover

Nina Redmond is a literary matchmaker. Pairing a reader with the perfect book is her passion . . . and also her job. Or at least it was. Until yesterday, she was a librarian in the hectic city. But now the job she loved is no more.

Determined to make a new life for herself, Nina moves to a sleepy village many miles away. There she buys a van and transforms it into a mobile bookshop that she drives from neighborhood to neighborhood, changing one life after another with the power of storytelling.

From helping her grumpy landlord deliver a lamb to sharing picnics with a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry, Nina discovers there&;s plenty of adventure, magic, and soul in a place that&;s beginning to feel like home . . . a place where she just might be able to write her own happy ending.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B010QBV1IW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sphere; 1st edition (11 Feb. 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 348 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 17,721 ratings

About the author

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Jenny Colgan

Jenny Colgan

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Jenny Colgan (born 1972 in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland) is a writer of romantic comedy fiction, sci-fi and has written for the Dr Who line of stories. She writes under her own name and using the pseudonyms Jane Beaton and J. T. Colgan.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
17,721 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it heartwarming and romantic. They appreciated the beautiful descriptions of the Scottish countryside and the writing quality. The characters were likable and well-written. The storyline was fantastic with some twists and turns, making it a welcome change from thrillers. The humor and sense of community were also appreciated.

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205 customers mention ‘Readability’202 positive3 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and easy to read. They describe it as a love letter to literature and Scotland. The characters, places, and stories feel relatable, making it a nice feel-good book for curling up with.

"Like all Jenny Colgan's books, this novel is a warm, escapist read...." Read more

"...and a celebration of all that is glorious about settling down with a good book (or even a passably okay one)...." Read more

"This was a great read. My first Jenny Colgan book and it won’t be my last!" Read more

"How on earth have I not come across Jenny Colgan before? I absolutely loved this book and gobbled it straight up...." Read more

56 customers mention ‘Heartwarming’56 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, charming, and easy to read. They describe it as a cheerful, romantic read that lifts their mood. The writing is amusing and ideal for lifting the mood. Readers appreciate the relatable theme and modern references like Facebook and Instagram.

"...Jenny Colgan's writing is amusing and ideal for lifting the mood of anyone who is finding reality hard to deal with." Read more

"...It is a gentle jumble of romantic fantasy and some of the realities of modern life all seen through a rather rose tinted lens but the whole makes a..." Read more

"...I remembered why: they call these books funny, and cosy, and heart-warming but to me they are a litany of misery upon misery...." Read more

"...As usual with Jenny, this is a happy, easy-going, light-hearted read, that had me chuckling away and enjoying the rich, vivid descriptions that is..." Read more

40 customers mention ‘Writing quality’40 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style and descriptions of Scotland. They find the book engaging, with a lovely setting in a kindhearted village. Readers appreciate the author's amusing writing style that lifts their moods. Overall, they describe the book as a great read that keeps them hooked until the end.

"...Jenny Colgan's writing is amusing and ideal for lifting the mood of anyone who is finding reality hard to deal with." Read more

"...There is something almost nostalgic about the story. From the perfect highland setting - quirky local characters, beautiful scenery and a very..." Read more

"...to track down other books by Jenny Colgan as she has such an engaging writing style." Read more

"...you're an average person, you'll probably love this; Jenny Colgan writes very well..." Read more

36 customers mention ‘Character development’36 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-written characters. They find the story heartfelt and funny, with a variety of characters and lovely people.

"...The characters are warmly written and whilst a little stereotypical and predictable the author's affection for each and every one of them comes..." Read more

"...I love Jenny's writing, her characters, and intriguing stories that keep me happily turning the pages...." Read more

"...to quickly become absorbed by and Nina is such a charming and endearing character you can't help but want for things to turn out right for her...." Read more

"...In her new life in Scotland, she meets some interesting characters and we get to know them better as the story unfolds...." Read more

34 customers mention ‘Storyline’24 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it heartwarming, funny, and romantic. The well-written characters and soft plot make it a welcome change from thrillers. Readers appreciate the twists and turns that lead to a satisfying ending. Overall, they describe the book as an addictive read that takes you on an amazing journey.

"...Her Scotland is a wonderful place to escape to and features romances between large, stereotypical Scots and small vulnerable but feisty English..." Read more

"...It's not really heavy reading and was perfect after my historical fiction marathon!..." Read more

"...The plot itself is a little far fetched and the romantic aspects predictable but the writing manages to take the reader past it's shortcomings...." Read more

"Loved characters and soft plot. Perfect bedtime read. Usual Jenny Colgan book." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Humor’13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it lighthearted and chuckling, while enjoying the rich, vivid descriptions.

"...of the way through the second I remembered why: they call these books funny, and cosy, and heart-warming but to me they are a litany of misery upon..." Read more

"...Jenny, this is a happy, easy-going, light-hearted read, that had me chuckling away and enjoying the rich, vivid descriptions that is laced..." Read more

"...They are Romantic - also, funny, quirky and give you a real Feel Good factor. A road trip of escapism each time...." Read more

"Could not put this down! Lovely read, with the right amount of comedy, romance and female determination. Perfect read for a rainy Sunday afternoon" Read more

7 customers mention ‘Community feel’7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the sense of community in the book. They find the setting in a kindhearted village with lovely people appealing. The romance, friendships, scenery, and naughty goings-on are also mentioned as engaging.

"...setting - quirky local characters, beautiful scenery and a very welcoming community; the star crossed romance that beckons and the grittier aspects..." Read more

"...The characters are engaging and the sense of community is appealing." Read more

"...the honesty, the character forming, the sense of hope and the joy of community...." Read more

"...A lovely community which doesn't welcome you with exactly open arms as you wonder what you are doing in this oh so different place...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Ease of use’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and relatable. They appreciate the happy, lighthearted tone and relatable characters.

"...As usual with Jenny, this is a happy, easy-going, light-hearted read, that had me chuckling away and enjoying the rich, vivid descriptions that is..." Read more

"...Such an easy book to quickly become absorbed by and Nina is such a charming and endearing character you can't help but want for things to turn out..." Read more

"...I usually read crime thrillers and this was a pleasant change. Easy going, but with a good story line. It relaxed my brain after a long day!..." Read more

"Such a heartwarming, easy to ready and un-putdownable book! Jenny Colgan books are always a pleasure to delve into." Read more

Great read
5 out of 5 stars
Great read
A gentle book with a nice ending. Just the right amount of tension to keep the interest flowing and to make it unput-down-able. The sort of read I'm always looking for but rarely find.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Eva18
    5.0 out of 5 stars Feel good escapism in an idealised Scotland
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 July 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Like all Jenny Colgan's books, this novel is a warm, escapist read. Her Scotland is a wonderful place to escape to and features romances between large, stereotypical Scots and small vulnerable but feisty English girls which end in happy marriages. Jenny Colgan's writing is amusing and ideal for lifting the mood of anyone who is finding reality hard to deal with.
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  • Midgebear
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Book Bus
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2019
    Verified Purchase
    When I first started reading this tale I wasn't immediately won over. However by about 30 pages deep I found myself being completely sucked in to this fictional world and suffering from the reader's curse of "just one more chapter then I'll go to sleep". As the story progresses I found myself beginning to get jealous of Nina's new life - let's face it it all sounds absolutely idyllic and who wouldn't want to run a Book Bus? Somehow the author managed to get me to bypass my normal "well that's not how business works" knee jerk reaction and to just go with the flow.

    Nina works in her local library in Birmingham and shares a house with Surinder. Not only does she work with books but she absolutely loves books, much to Surinder's dismay as there home is being overtaken by piles of them in every room, on the stairs (to be honest I think my husband knows how Surinder feels, he was so happy when I took to using an eReader with alacrity as he no longer needed to worry about the ceilings caving in). Unfortunately for Nina her life is about to take a sharp about face as the local library service is consolidated and she has to apply for a job in the new multi-media version, a defiantly 21st Century take on the library service that puts a love of books way down the list. Slowly events conspire to lead Nina to purchasing a quirky old van and setting up a travelling book shop in a remote area of Scotland.

    There is something almost nostalgic about the story. From the perfect highland setting - quirky local characters, beautiful scenery and a very welcoming community; the star crossed romance that beckons and the grittier aspects of modern life. It is a gentle jumble of romantic fantasy and some of the realities of modern life all seen through a rather rose tinted lens but the whole makes a world I found myself wholly inhabiting whilst reading. So much so I was quite sad to finish the book and I really hope there is a sequel to this book so we can visit the wonderful setting again and get to follow some more of Nina's book choices.

    One of the things that really grabbed me about the book was how people read the most unexpected things. You have old men reading bodice rippers and genteel old ladies reading gory thrillers, very true to life. What did surprise me was how each person really only settled on one genre to read, in my experience readers will give anything a try and even if one book in a genre is not to your taste it doesn't stop you trying others in the hope you will find a good one. The book is really a great big hug for the reading community and a celebration of all that is glorious about settling down with a good book (or even a passably okay one).

    The characters are warmly written and whilst a little stereotypical and predictable the author's affection for each and every one of them comes through on the page and that can't fail to engage the reader. The plot itself is a little far fetched and the romantic aspects predictable but the writing manages to take the reader past it's shortcomings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to even the most casual reader as an ideal way to pass a few happy hours.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 January 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great read. My first Jenny Colgan book and it won’t be my last!
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  • agnesperditasmall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the book and found a new favourite author!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 March 2017
    Verified Purchase
    How on earth have I not come across Jenny Colgan before? I absolutely loved this book and gobbled it straight up. Read it on a train with work colleagues who did keep wondering why I was smiling to myself! The author basically had me at hello with a 'Message to Readers' section at the beginning of the book where she runs through places to read that literally made me laugh out loud and contains one of my new favourite quotes: "every day with a book is slightly better than one without". The story is about Nina who is a librarian that gets made redundant and decides to set up a travelling book shop. There can't be many enthusiastic readers that haven't day-dreamed about their own book shop so she is definitely speaking to her audience! Of course, there is romance in the offing but I won't go into details as it would spoil the book. I will say that I thought Nina was a bit drippy to start with but I was so entranced with the accurate portrayals of books cluttering up her life that I overlooked this aspect and she did improve. I will definitely try to track down other books by Jenny Colgan as she has such an engaging writing style.
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  • Jane Page
    3.0 out of 5 stars Oh misery, misery!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have bought two Jenny Colgan books. When I bought the second Amazon told me I already had another, which surprised me as I had forgotten it and wondered why I had archived it. Two thirds of the way through the second I remembered why: they call these books funny, and cosy, and heart-warming but to me they are a litany of misery upon misery. I know in order to have a happy ending it seems obligatory to make everyone suffer a bit in the beginning. There are some wonderful books out there which are thoroughly miserable until the last chapter - but they don't call them funny and cosy. However a lot of reviewers agree with the description. So - if you're an average person, you'll probably love this; Jenny Colgan writes very well (although she should re-read her books before sending them off - after the halfway mark it is disjointed in places), and she herself says that people going through hard times often enjoy reading books about people having even worse times. Maybe she's right. Personally if I read books about people going through hard times it puts me in a bad mood no matter how good I was feeling before. And the two books of hers I have read layer one miserable time on top of another; every time it looks as if things are lightening up, here comes another dollop of misery. Hopefully I will remember this the next time I feel tempted by one of her jolly-looking books, because jolly they aint.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Anna
    4.0 out of 5 stars perfecte per somiar
    Reviewed in Spain on 6 March 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Novel.la perfecte per llegir ràpid i a qualsevol lloc, per evadir-se de la realitat mundana i somiar una mica amb altres llocs.
    Report
  • emma
    5.0 out of 5 stars büüüüücher!
    Reviewed in Germany on 30 September 2016
    Verified Purchase
    die autorin kann sehr gut die beziehung von nina zu büchern und deren lesern darstellen - wohl, weil sie selber gerne und viel liest. im vorwort fragt sie die leser ihres buchs nach deren liebsten oder ungewöhnlichsten lese-orten.
    [jenny, bei mir ist es der zahnarztstuhl. im wartezimmer gibt es ja noch zeitungen, aber im behandlungszimmer sitzen und warten, während das neueste buch dringend weitergelesen werden muss, war mir zu doof: mein kindle geht mit und wenn der doktor dann tatsächlich an mir arbeitet, ruht die geschichte auf meinem schoß, bis zur nächsten pause in der behandlung.]
    nina ist so beschrieben, daß ich mich in vielem wiederfinden und das andere, mir fremde, trotzdem nachfühlen kann.
    sehr gut gemacht!
    die geschichte an sich ist oft vorhersehbar, aber eben auch nicht immer. es geht nicht nur um herzschmerz , neue liebe und einen neustart in einer anderen welt, sondern um viel mehr.
    vor allem die beschreibungen schottlands haben meine sehnsucht geweckt, dort endlich mal hinzufahren (natürlich mit ausreichend lesestoff im gepäck)
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  • Ximena V.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Light, entrenido.
    Reviewed in Mexico on 30 January 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Un libro “relajante”, entretenido.
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  • Texanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars THANK YOU MS COLGAN - I TRULY LOVED THIS BOOK
    Reviewed in the United States on 29 September 2017
    Verified Purchase
    If you talk to Nina for a little bit, she can choose the right book for you. And she is always right. She is a literary matchmaker.
    Nina is a librarian in the public system in Birmingham England. The system is turning over a new leaf. At one point in time, we find that the system wants to find ways to serve the non-readers in society – people who hate to read. But, that same system wants to rid itself of experienced librarians in order to high young people who will need much less money and have no knowledge about books.
    After trying to survive the interview process for a new position, Nina decides to follow her true dream. She wants to own a bookstore. She realizes that she would never be able to get an actual building. But, she has a brilliant idea, she can create a bookstore in a van. She can travel around and sell the perfect books to people.
    The van she finds is in Scotland. So, she gets on a bus and travels to see the van. After the man who owns the van gets a look at her, he refuses to sell to her. She is only a “wee lass” and would never be able to handle the van. But, the owner of the pub and two elderly men who spend a lot of time there offer to buy the van for her and then she can buy it from them.
    So, this shy young woman picks up her life and moves to Scotland. She starts out with boxes of books which have been abandoned by the library system. Later on she finds books from other public libraries which are closing and some personal libraries. Her life has gone in a completely new direction. She is welcomed in small towns all around her area of Scotland. It appears everyone is anxious for books which will provide exactly what they need.
    She finds a place to live on a farm. The farm owner has a cottage to rent and he is charging very little. He is trying to rebuild his life after he wife has left him. He also has found that though she left because she hated the farm, she intends to take it from him in order to sell it. He sees no reason for anyone to read. His life is complete as long as he has his farmer's magazines.
    This is a story about relationships and their ups and downs. Nina puts her faith in the wrong man. He is just a man that is as lonely as she is. Nina also finds that within her village there are people who have interesting life stories.
    The air is clean and fresh. At times the sun barely sets. The hills are green and beautiful. And lambs are absolutely beautiful when they are born.
    Nina is a terrific main character. She is interesting and her inner thoughts are at times both humorous as well as soul baring. She has a generous spirit which serves her well in her chosen life.
    The secondary characters add texture and depth to the story. They let the reader share not only the beauty of Scotland but also the beauty of the Scottish people.
    The plot is an interesting one. There are few dramatic surprises, but the story provides a great deal of satisfaction for the reader.
    I love Ms Colgan's writing. She has given the reader a sparkling book to read.
    There are a few things which disappointed me. I would have liked a little more descriptions of the books which were perfect for her readers. I would have liked a little more realism about Nina's new ability to become an outgoing and strong woman after being so introverted for all her life.
    But, this is a remarkably good book. I wanted to move to Scotland and breath in that special air and see all those very special people who populate the entire country.
    Thank you Ms Colgan.
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  • Isabella
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in Italy on 25 February 2016
    Verified Purchase
    One of those rare, wonderful, precious books that make you feel less alone as you read them and also afterwards.
    “It’s not only me, then!” this is what you wonder from the very first pages.
    I like to think this story is what would have happened to Francie Nolan (A tree grows in Brooklyn) as a grown-up had she lived in the UK in our time.
    Moving, heart-warming and comforting. It makes a bookworm feel less alone in this complicated and too loud world.
    Extremely well written, a pleasure to read.
    Report

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