The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop: An uplifting, festive romance from Jill Steeples for 2026

A BRAND NEW joyful, festive romance from BESTSELLER Jill Steeples. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett. ❄️🎄

Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she faces an uncertain future.

Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future.

Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam.

As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions to make. Does her future lie in London or can a whole heap of books and a sprinkling of festive magic offer a life that she could never even have dreamed of?

Grab a hot chocolate and settle down for the perfect festive read. Essential reading for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett.

Readers and authors LOVE Jill Steeples:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I have absolutely loved each and every one of the amazing Jill’s books that I have read so far and this one is no exception!!! How she does it time and time again I will never know but I am just over the moon that she does as every time I need a feel good book to turn a frown upside down Jill Steeples is my go to woman!!’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely adore this authors books and was excited to discover this was the first book in what was to be a new series. This was a heartwarming and uplifting read with some fabulous and charming character.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This story is a perfect form of escapism with a warm feel good feeling. This book flows perfectly from beginning to end and if you want a book that covers starting over,friendships and family this book covers it all beautifully.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ I always enjoy Jill’s books; she writes from the heart and imagines truly believable characters. There’s a lightness of touch as she finds humour no matter how serious the situations prove to be.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Jill has been one of my favourite rom-com authors since I discovered her Dog and Duck series. She continues her excellent output her with a wonderfully warm and charming story.’

‘A gorgeous setting and wonderful characters, just the loveliest place to cosy up and escape to’ - Beth Moran

‘I love a fresh start story and this was a fabulous one with a stunning setting and a lovely supporting cast of friends and family. Left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling’ - Jessica Redland

‘A warm hearted novel about starting over, friendship and family set in the beautiful Cotswolds. A great start to a new series.’ - Della Galton

‘Loved the relatable characters, picture postcard setting and the feel-good vibe - what’s not to love’ - Jo Bartlett

‘I loved everything about The Forever Cottage; the setting, the characters, and especially the dog! It was a truly uplifting and heartwarming read, of friendship and second chances, that showed that whatever the situation, there is always hope for the future.’ - Kim Nash

‘I knew I was in safe hands from the very first page. Jill has such a fluid, easy way with words that I was drawn straight into the story.’ - Sarah Bennett