Book Review - "The Christmas Shoppe"

If you are looking for a quick read to put you in the Christmas spirit, Melody Carlson's "The Christmas Shoppe" is just the book for you! Matilda purchases a store much to the dismay of many residents as this is on Main Street and neither the store's wares or Matilda have the right "look" for this area of town. Susanna, new city manager, is trying her best to do a good job and keep everyone happy at the same time. Susanna is not only trying to keep peace with the council members, but also her mother-in-law in line as well. When Susanna's mother-in-law and daughter begin to spend time with Matilda and form a bond with her, Susanna realizes that this may be more difficult than she thinks until she ventures into the shoppe herself. This town is filled with people who are hurting, seeking for something or needing to find peace and/or forgiveness in regards to their past. No one would have guessed that Matilda is helping each person to heal when he or she walks into her shop.
This is a very quick read, but it is filled with charm! The characters are all such interesting people and while they all try to put on a good front, they are really hurting and needing something. What they each need is found in Matilda's shoppe and each person's story is shared a little bit more with the reader. There is so much packed into this story and you will finish the book feeling happy for the characters and also thinking what you would pick up if you happened to come upon Matilda's shoppe yourself!