Wrapped in a beautiful festive cover, this Christmas book was nicely sold with an interesting blurb and the great promise of a “Bridget Jones” and “Hallmark Channel” colour to it. So, my expectations were really high and, sadly, plummeted just as quickly. Typically, I have no issue with first-person narratives, however, Daisy, the lead female character sounded very immature, and in this context it’s difficult to focus on someone else. Lots of “hahas” were thrown around in the text and dialogues, and this writing style can be off-putting and it quickly started to annoy me, on top of the heroine’s personality. Her stream of thoughts felt a bit all over the place at times. Add to that other caricatural protagonists (like Daisy’s mother), and well, I ended up feeling as though this book was definitely not for me.

It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it might be someone else’s. Thank you for the galley, but this is my honest opinion.

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how brilliant he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Zara Stoneley is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

Before I start the review I just want to say I'm not a fan of books written in first person. The story was good but the flow was like trying to keep up with a fast talking teenager. I don't feel like I got to know any of the characters, I think because of that fast flow. I know some people like first person narrative and if you do you would probably like this book. I just couldn't get into it the way it deserves.

An ok book but didn’t really enjoy it.
It seemed a little under developed to me and superficial.
I liked the writing style but it just didn’t capture me

I absolutely loved this book!!

I adore Christmas books and look forward to the time when they come out each year, and having enjoyed the book from Zara so much last year, I have been eagerly awaiting her Christmas release for 2019 and it is a fabulous read and was well worth the wait!

The characters were great, so well developed and they worked really well together. The author has a superb writing style and she had again brought this story to life for me. I was hooked from the first page and I thought that the ending was great.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it is a fabulous festive read that is full of fun – very highly recommended and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

This book is the perfect feel good holiday read. You know how the story is going to end up, but enjoy the ride! I enjoy these heartfelt books during the holidays and this one was extremely well written.

Another enjoyable escape read from Zara Stoneley that will make you laugh even as it pulls at your heart strings.

Daisy and Ollie grew up together, and their mothers are best friends/ worst competition type enemies. Every aspect of their lives has been compared and held up to judgement. Sort of like the boy/girl next door expectation, would they be best friends or would they marry?
Until the year each went off to university and their lives took very different paths.

A decade (plus) passes before Ollie and Daisy are in the same room together again, at a traditional holiday party hosted by Uncle T. I loved Uncle T. He is flamboyant and interesting, larger than life, has many ex-wives and a huge secret.
I also fell in love with Stanley. There was a moment when he (or his situation) broke my heart, and made me snuggle someone special close to me, but all in all, the experience had value. (Not giving anything away.)

Daisy has a flatmate, Frankie with her own wild and crazy and complicated love life.
I could see an exciting novella or two from her story or viewpoint.
Perhaps after another author gathering, additional ideas will be triggered.

Life after Uni did not turn out as Daisy planned, even with her list making. Christmas also seems to be an especially disastrous time of year for her. After discovering Ollie again, life took even more strange twists for Daisy. All is taken in stride, along with some snide bantering dialogue. Frankie stands by her side, when she is not off snogging or looking for someone to snog.

Will life ever straighten out for Dairy? Can she and Ollie find their way to being friends again or will it always be a competition? What happens to Stanley? Who discovers Uncle T's major secret?
So much to love in this feel good book!

Don't let the rather cutesy cover fool you - this isn't a sweet, cute romance, although it does have elements of both. This is a laugh-out-loud, tongue-in-cheek rom com, with an MC with a totally wicked and dry sense of humour, who calls a spade a spade. Her mum is especially funny, and Stanley the dog has his moments, too.

BTW, I wish i had an uncle like Terence - he sounds wonderful and a right laugh, and he provides most of the more poignant moments in the story.

All in all, a jolly funny read.

The perfect Christmas book to kick off the holiday reading season. Precisely the right amount of Christmas cheer to start getting you in the spirit. this really is a book you could read anytime of the year, so you don’t feel crazy that you’re reading it in September. Zara Stoneley has written another fabulous book full of fantastic characters and the perfect blend of romance and humor. I smiled, I swooned, and at one point I laughed so hard tears were coming down my face.

Daisy has lost everything, her job, her boyfriend, and maybe even her dog. This was not the life that Daisy or her mother had planned for her, and it is made even worse when she is constantly compared to childhood friend Mr. perfect Oliver. Then Daisy finds a new job (not necessarily the job of her dreams but a job nonetheless) and finds herself sharing an apartment with Ollie. This was a fun will they? won’t they? story. Ollie and daisy are lifelong family friends with a complicated and competitive past. Even though they ”snogged” A couple times in the past, neither of them are willing to admit to any kind of attraction. Thank goodness uncle Terrence is around with his mistletoe magic. This book was just so much fun! I especially love the annual Christmas parties complete with ugly holiday sweaters. And best of all the parties took place in uncle Terrance’s bookshop. Terrence was a character that made any time of the year festive! Daisy end Ollie were great and I loved watching their relationship develop, although at times I was quite frustrated with the two of them! Daisy was a character that I’d love to be friends with, and girl I’d support you much more than you know who. I’d also love an invite to one of those Christmas parties! The secrets in the story were surprising and added an additional layer to all the mischief and magic. This is a story that will appeal to all romcom lovers, even if you are a book Scrooge and don’t enjoy Christmas Reads!

This book in three emojis: 📚 🐶 💌

*** Big thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book ***

Although Christmas parties do feature in this story, it isn't really a festive romance as such. Daisy is the main character in the story and it is great to see how she grows and matures through the story which spans more than a decade. Uncle Terrence is an absolutely brilliant character - he isn't really her Uncle but he has always had that role in her life. He runs a bookstore and hosts a party every Christmas for family and friends there.

Daisy has mixed feelings about the party as Uncle Terrence always hosts amazing parties but she hates the competition between her Mum and that of her peer, Oliver Cartwright. The two women always seem to try to out do each other boasting about the achievements of their offspring. That was fine whilst they were in school but now Daisy feels she's a failure with no prospects whilst he's now a Doctor..... They haven't met for thirteen years and last time they were together they kissed under the mistletoe and it was dynamite! Now he's back, successful, a hunk and with a model girlfriend. They've gone from friends to rivals and now have a chance to be friends again but will fate intervene again?

This is a story of self discovery, learning to care for yourself and just be the best version of yourself you can. The journey involves betrayal, secrets, discoveries and love. There are plenty of surprises en route, especially in the form of letters revealing emotions and more from the past. It is a funny, moving and emotive read, a story of family, friendship, supporting each other and learning to love your own aspirations and achievements. This is a lovely heartwarming romance with some fantastic characters. I enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in recommending it.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Could you get any more Christmassy than this book?? The title is a bit of a giveaway as to what time of year it is set in, but its one big festive feast from the very first page! It can however be read at any time of year and certainly isn’t limited to being read over the festive period! Daisy’s story is set over four different Christmases, but the main premise of the story is that Daisy is dumped just before Christmas and the only thing she has in her life is her adopted dog, Stanley and the thought of the annual Christmas family party at her Uncle Terence’s bookshop. When Ollie, an old family friend who Daisy last saw 13 years before, turns up at this year’s party Daisy realises how much he has done with his life whereas she has achieved nothing! Over the course of 4 different Christmases, we get to see how life is turning out for both Daisy and Ollie….

The book, for me, began a little bit slow but as it moved on the pace picked up and I became really involved in the characters stories! I loved Daisy’s character and thought she was fabulous! I loved the relationship between her and Ollie over all the years, and I just adore storylines where the main characters are best friends first! Their bantering and ‘arguing’ was so funny and I could have read about them forever!! Of course, all the other characters were great in their own way and each added something special to the storyline. And, we couldn’t forget to mention Stanley the Dog! He’s definitely a dog you’re going to love, but believe me Stanley won’t be the only character to melt your heart in this book!!

This was a full on Christmas read, with enough mulled wine and mistletoe to make me think we were on the run up to the big day and not at the end of September! The book was filled with lots of warm-hearted romance, friendship and family and it bought tears to my eyes as well as a smile to my face on more than one occasion! I would definitely recommend this book if you feel the need to get into the festive spirit, and even if you don’t, you still need to read it anyway!!

Really wonderful christmas story. Full of charm, romance, great characters, and magic settings this book will get you in the mood to put your christmas tree up early, it did me anyway. Lovely story, i would really recommend it.

💕In two minds: but the good outweighed the bad🎄
3 and a half 🌟 stars

Ultimately, I did fall for kind-hearted Daisy, her best bud Stanley, and the quiet and elusive Ollie, Daisy's childhood frenemy turned handsome, successful physician. But it really took until the latter half of the story and I felt it took an awfully long time to get to the good stuff. The background characters were well-defined, including the bad eggs, and Daisy's character matured a lot. But, and a big but, this story had its weaknesses and I was tempted to put it down unfinished on occasion.

Too many times I got frustrated with this story. First, it's all told from just heroine Daisy's point of view. This is not my favorite style as the author keeps me from really getting to know the mindset of the other main characters, like Ollie. A few heartfelt letters written by Uncle Terence did not mitigate my feeling that I was missing out by not understanding the other characters' motivations or what's happening in their lives when Daisy's not directly involved. Second, there is just way too much rehashing of Daisy's flights of fancy and uncertainty. I had to stop and release my frustration several times -- just get on with the story!!

But I was in it for the romance and finally, achingly slowly, the good, romantic plot took flight. Plus, I really enjoyed and was moved by bookshop owner Uncle Terence's poignant love story. What a bonus, but it was saved for the latter stages of the book. Had I not persevered through the lengthy ramblings in Daisy's head I would have missed out.

I would have liked to rate this story higher, because in toto it's a nice, positive, sweetly romantic story with small-town values and some holiday cheer, but the constant rambling introspection just did not do it for me.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Four Christmases And A Secret by Zara Stoneley is a funny and charming Christmas themed book reminiscent of Bridget Jones Diary and all your favourite British Rom Com films. Daisy Dunkerly is 31 and feeling that her life can be summed up with the phrase Must Try Harder. Ambitious and competitive as a child everything seemed to go wrong when she was 18, did poorly on her exams and her dreams of becoming a vet drifted away. Her childhood friend and nemesis Oliver Cartwright on the other hand has become a successful doctor and world traveler with beautiful girlfriends things that are drilled into her head by her mother and his, good friends who fiercely compete in bragging rights of their offspring. I enjoyed reading this story of how Daisy finds her way back to herself and finds love along the way making it a perfect book to curl up with after a busy day and just escape all the frustrations. Mild Steam. Publishing Date September 24, 2019 #NetGalley #FourChristmasesAndASecret #ZaraStoneley #HarperCollinsPublishers #HarperImpulseandKillerReads #OneMoreChapter #Bookstagram
#BritishRomCom #BritishChickLit

The early scenes of this novel, set in an atmospheric bookshop oozing with Christmas magic instantly drew me in. As a bibliophile I find it hard to resist novels where bookshops play a significant role and the addition of Christmas makes this book a winning combination. I knew I was in for a treat.
Daisy was a likeable character treading water while everyone else is succeeding in their dreams especially her childhood best friend, Ollie.  I had sympathy for her as she is dragged into the competitive battle between her Mum and Ollie’s mother. Adult Oliver is the hunk who leaps of the page making me swoon when he appears in the chapters. The chemistry between the two characters, other memorable characters like Uncle T and the antics of her smelly dog, Stanley made this an entertaining, enjoyable festive read about self-discovery and learning to fly.
It made me chuckle, cry and made me get in to the Christmas mood. What more do you need in a festive rom-com?

Four Christmases And A Secret is my first Christmas novel of the year and, so far, my favourite book from this author. I loved the plot, the characters, and, of course, the author’s recognizable brilliant and clear writing style.

The heroine is Daisy, a thirty-something girl who was supposed to have it all figured it out, but somehow it went all wrong. Daisy loves animals and when she was at school she dreamt of becoming a veterinary. However, something happened and she failed her exams. Now she works in the marketing department of the local newspaper, she rescues dogs, she shares a flat with an exuberant woman, and, to her mother great displeasure, she is still single. On the other hand, her arci-nemesis Ollie is a successful doctor with a beautiful girlfriend and, Christmas after Christmas, Daisy has to hear all about his achievements.

When it comes to romantic comedies, Zara Stoneley is one of my favourite authors. She knows how to make me laugh and keep me glued to the pages with her beautiful and entertaining stories. She creates characters that are likable, funny, and authentic. In Four Christmases And A Secret, there is Daisy who is hilarious and relatable, there is Ollie who is dreamy, uncle Terence, who is full of good advice, and, of course, we can’t forget Stanley, the adorable dog and my favourite character.

I loved the setting and the atmosphere. Christmas is my favourite time of the year and in this novel you can feel it page after page. Also, Daisy spends her Christmases in uncle Terence’s beautiful bookshop and what is better than that?

I know it’s still September, but, if like me, you are already thinking about Christmas, this engaging and refreshing novel will get you in the right mood!

I didn’t read the blurb before saying yes to this tour! I love love love Zara Stoneley books.

This one follows Daisy and Ollie’s relationship. From a brief snog under some mistletoe through relationships or lack of. The highlight of the year is Uncle T’s Christmas parties.

I loved all the main characters except Tim and Frankie. I don’t know why I disliked Frankie, but she grated on me a bit. It seems that was justified towards the end, but no secrets now, you can all find out for yourselves.

Daisy did it for me, in the beginning she came across as a woman that couldn’t make up her mind. She was in one sense, an in-betweener, she was inbetween everything. Deciding on a job she loved, no relationships just a best friend and a dog she was fostering. But one Christmas she decides to change everything. By the end of the book, she was a very strong independent woman that knew exactly what she wanted and she had no hesitations in going for what she wanted.

This was a beautifully written book, with humour, sadness and you can smell Christmas flowing out the book, holly, spices, cinnamon, just Christmas in general. I loved it! Bring on the next!

This is a fantastic holiday book, although it is much more than a Christmas romance, I did wish that I was cozied up in front of a fire with a warm drink as I read this book!

A very charming story about a wonderful woman who has really let life pass her by due to an event when she was a teenager that altered the course of her life. Now many years later, it seems that just as life was continuing to plod along, decisions need to be made and that also means making peace with the past, and the secret that she’s so long held onto!

I’m so thankful that Daisy’s past included the very charming and gorgeous Oliver. He was truly a delight and a joy, I loved his care and belief in who Daisy was, even though it has been years since he has seen her, he was her steady rock. Who he was, showed the true character of her crappy friend Frankie, and Tim (yuck), and they just made Oliver shine even more!

This story delved deep into the things that make us who we are, the people who love us and the family who are there for us no matter what! I loved that it took place over a couple of years, so that we got to see such great progression between Daisy and Oliver, and the growth in Daisy herself, as she realizes that maybe buried inside her is the teenager who aimed for the stars and it’s time to let her loose again!

No review would be complete without mentioning the fabulous Uncle Terrance, he was the glue that held everyone together! And the hopeless romantic that gave a little shove to Oliver and Daisy when they needed it. I want an uncle like him!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

As you can probably see by the title, this novel is a Christmas-y story. And although I read it way before December, it really doesn't matter to me, because it was a sweet and fun storyline that talks about not only Christmas time, but the entire year... and isn't the Christmas spirit about our lives, family, friends and connecting with people and ourselves?

In this new book, the author gave us a group of characters in a refreshing and emotional scenery that made me connect with them and want to learn more. It was the kind of book I love to read in a rainy day because it was about life, and everything that comes with it, and that really warms my heart no matter the emotional journey the author takes me.

We met Daisy and follow her life through all the ups and downs, all the heartbreaking moments as well as the funny ones. And because we are reading her POV, we get to see her development and know her mind. That made the book personal in a way, and for me, it made the connection stronger. Of course, at some hilarious scenes I wish I could enter the minds of other characters too, nevertheless, it was exciting and very entertaining.

Overall, I have to say it felt real and I could almost imagine myself in that world, with those characters, and especially, I could see myself enjoy Uncle Terence’s Christmas parties and visiting his bookstore. It was vivid and the description, combined with the fact that we are following Daisy's life, made the reading experience so much more fun and special.

The book had surprises, comedy, life, and everything in between, written with a style that was familiar to me, since I have read a previous book of Zara Stoneley. And I cannot wait to see what else she has planned for us in future novels.

Daisy feels hopeless, especially compared to childhood friend, Ollie, who she hears about endlessly from her mother - he's a Doctor, no less, with a Beautiful Girlfriend (again). How can she ever live up to that?

Daisy's career is less than stellar - like many of us, she flounders from one thing to the next, unable to catch a break to do the thing she thinks she wants to do most.

I found Daisy a bit irritating to start with - the story is narrated by her, and her thoughts tends to interrupt conversations so that I'd lose track sometimes, but I soon adapted to her style. After all, aren't we all thinking stuff during conversations - in the end it became endearing.

Daisy's character grows through the story, guided by everyone's favourite 'Uncle' Terence, and the new 'man' in Daisy's life, Stanley. Stanley is lovely, as are most of the characters. They are all well-rounded, even if some are not quite who they seem to be. And of course there is the hero of the tale, who is more than swoon-worthy!

There was so much more to this story than I thought at the beginning. It develops nicely, going deeper than I expected - which made it an absolute joy to read.