There’s something magical about New York City during the holidays—the glittering window displays, the crisp winter air carrying notes of roasted chestnuts, and the promise of fresh starts wrapped in tinsel and hope. Tessa Bailey’s Window Shopping captures this enchanting atmosphere while exploring deeper themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the courage to love again after life’s hardships.
The Story That Sparkles
Like the holiday window displays at its center, Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey presents a carefully curated narrative that draws readers in from the very first page. We meet Stella Schmidt, recently released from prison and trying to rebuild her life, as she critiques the window display at the upscale Vivant department store. Enter Aiden Cook, the store’s charming general manager, who’s immediately captivated by Stella’s honest assessment and creative vision. What unfolds is a story that balances sweet holiday romance with authentic character growth and complex emotional depth.
Strengths That Shine
Character Development
Bailey excels at crafting multidimensional characters who feel genuinely human. Stella’s journey from hesitant ex-convict to confident window designer is particularly well-executed. Her struggles with imposter syndrome and fear of rejection resonate deeply, while her artistic talent and determination make her incredibly endearing.
Aiden breaks the typical “wealthy businessman” romance hero mold with his bow tie collection, endless optimism, and authentic vulnerability. His relationship with his Aunt Edna adds wonderful depth to his character, explaining his unique personality and values.
Chemistry & Connection
The attraction between Stella and Aiden sizzles from their first meeting, but what truly makes their romance compelling is the emotional intimacy they develop. Their conversations feel genuine, their conflicts arise naturally from their circumstances, and their growing trust in each other unfolds at a believable pace.
Areas That Could Use Polish
Pacing Issues
The story occasionally suffers from uneven pacing, particularly in the middle sections. Some conflicts feel rushed to resolution, while other scenes linger longer than necessary. The subplot involving Nicole, Stella’s former best friend, could have been more fully developed to create greater tension.
Predictability
While the holiday romance genre often follows certain conventions, some plot points feel overly familiar. The workplace romance complications and family drama, while well-written, don’t offer many surprises for regular romance readers.
Writing Style & Atmosphere
Bailey’s writing shines brightest in dialogue and emotional moments. Her descriptions of New York City during the holiday season create a vivid backdrop that enhances the story’s romantic atmosphere. However, some metaphors and descriptive passages can feel heavy-handed, occasionally pulling readers out of the narrative.
Notable Supporting Characters
The secondary characters add depth to the story, particularly:
- Jordyn, the floor manager whose own romance subplot provides delightful parallel development
- Aunt Edna, whose influence on Aiden helps explain his unique personality
- The Vivant staff, who create a realistic workplace environment
Themes That Resonate
- Second Chances
- Self-Worth and Personal Growth
- Trust and Vulnerability
- Family (both chosen and biological)
- Professional Fulfillment
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of Bailey’s other works, like It Happened One Summer, will recognize her signature blend of steam and heart. However, Window Shopping offers a more emotionally complex narrative than some of her previous books. The story shares thematic elements with other holiday romances like Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze, but brings its own unique perspective to the genre.
Final Thoughts
Window Shopping is like a carefully decorated holiday window display—beautiful on the surface but with meaningful depth beneath the sparkle. While it occasionally relies too heavily on genre conventions, the authentic character development and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile read for romance fans.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its message about second chances—not just in love, but in life itself. Stella’s journey from feeling unworthy to embracing her talents and happiness will resonate with many readers.
Perfect For Readers Who:
- Love holiday romances with depth
- Enjoy workplace romance dynamics
- Appreciate character-driven stories
- Like their steam balanced with emotional development
May Not Appeal To:
- Readers seeking unconventional plot twists
- Those who prefer closed-door romance
- Fans of heavily dramatic conflicts
Window Shopping doesn’t reinvent the holiday romance genre, but it offers a warm, engaging story perfect for readers seeking both holiday cheer and emotional substance. Bailey’s talent for creating chemistry between characters and building believable relationships makes this an enjoyable addition to the holiday romance shelf.