Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review: A feel-good, cozy Christmas story with lots of laughs and spice! 

 

“Window Shopping” follows Aiden Cook, the owner of a Manhattan department store, and Stella Schmidt, an aspiring window dresser, after a chance meeting results in sparks flying.  

 

Stella and Aiden are an adorable couple! I particularly enjoyed their dynamic with Stella’s prickly personality contrasting Aiden’s sunshiny one. They cling to their differences and the employer x employee power imbalance between them to prevent a relationship from forming, but there is no escaping the connection they have! I loved watching them throw caution to the wind and finally give in to their emotional and (quite intense) physical chemistry. 

 

Aiden Cook is my favorite MC written by Tessa Bailey! Her Ted Lasso inspired hero could not be more perfect. I immediately fell in love with his goofy, cheerful, and kind self. Like Stella, my heart melted every time he appeared with a new Christmas themed bow tie and told another one of his outlandish stories about his Aunt Edna. Most of all, I appreciated him giving Stella, an ex-convict, a shot at achieving her dreams as a window dresser. 

 

Stella is incredibly strong and courageous for rebuilding her life from the ground up regardless of the stigma surrounding ex-convicts in the workforce. I appreciate Bailey for shining a light on this matter. 

 

I love these characters, their matching robes, and the way they support each other through their struggles (Stella’s re-entry into society and Aiden’s suppression of his own feelings). Reading this book is truly the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!