Readers who like Christmas fiction will enjoy this story. Loved the descriptions of Italy's countryside as it reminded me of the years that I lived there. Readers will also love the recipes included after the story. Fun book with likable characters.

Another Santa's Crew book with the same four lovable women characters. Although I ended up enjoying the story, it took me some time to get into this book. I absolutely loved all of the descriptions of Italy. This is less of a Christmas book and more of a New Years/travelogue book, however it is a good story and worth the read.

This is a popcorn book- the sort of novel you read when you want something light and cheery. Four friends, a trip to Italy, and romance with a secret that, to be honest, isn't that much of a pow make for an easy read. Know that this is heavy on Italy atmospherics (ok by me but I know some might want more romance). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I’ve read quite a few of Fern Michaels’ books and have always enjoyed the antics of many a character in those books. Santa’s Secret was a little bit different from what I expected, though. Yes there were some crazy adventures going on with each of the couples, but I had a hard time gathering them all coherently into the story as Christmas was approaching. And I kept waiting for the ‘secret’ that was implied in the title. I won’t give a spoiler alert, but it didn’t come until the very end of the book, and it was a bit of a let down for me. I do appreciate NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, in return for my honest review.

I just love Fern Michaels. I anxiously await her holiday books every year. Santa’s Secret is one of this year’s best!

Fern Michaels is releasing the third installment of her Santa crew series on 9/24 called Santa’s Secret. This time Frankie, Amy, Nina, and Rachael are traveling to Italy to visit Giovanni’s family during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. This story documents the women’s travels to different tourist destinations in Italy culminating in a celebration together on New Year’s Eve. This book was okay. I read the first two books in the series simply because I won them in a Goodreads giveaway. Is this Christmasy? No. This is more of a travelogue through Italy. There is less emphasis on plot and more emphasis on the different tourist attractions. Michael’s writing is very old fashioned and reminiscent of 80s/90s clean, hokey writing. If you like that and like very descriptive paragraphs on shopping stalls, architecture, and historical sites than this is the book for you. If you’re looking for a book that is about Christmas, then this is a bit misleading.

Christmas comfort in a book.

Grab a cup of peppermint tea (or an espresso) and cozy up with Frankie and the crew for another delightful romp in the Santa’s Crew series.

Frankie has invited Nina, Amy, and Rachael (and their significant others) to join her and her chef boyfriend Giovanni in his hometown in the Campania region of Italy to celebrate the New Year. Naturally hijinks ensue and each characters gets a different adventure before they all reunite in Baronissi.

As always, this distinct cast of characters is a joy to read and left me wanting another book in the series ASAP.

The descriptions of Italy are wanderlust inspiring, and every person who reads this will be able to identify with at least one part of a character if not more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

I like the story what is not to love with friends and family and a trip to Italy. Definitely would recommend.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Francesca is excited about her upcoming vacation with her friends. Her friends are all interested in going to Italy for different reasons. I liked this book and can't wait to read her next one.

I was all excited for a Christmas novel but instead, it read like a travelogue. The story is about 4 women who are life long friends. These women travel every year and have all sorts of adventures. There are references to their escapades and this trip was more of the same. Given three of the women have significant others and the title is Santa's Secret, I thought maybe there would be an engagement or a marriage. It was a bit anti-climatic for me when I found out what the secret really was. I just felt underwhelmed and it didn't put me in the Christmas spirit. There are two previous novels that I have not read, so this can be read as a standalone. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this advanced copy.

Four friends take a vacation in Italy. This story follows them thru their journey. This is a light read about friends and family. Thank you to net galley for an danced readers copy.

Spilling the not-so secret news, the four friends are heading to Italy to ring in the holidays. Reunited at their high school reunion, they get together annually, after Christmas. Sharing travel adventures, high jinx ensues along the way. This time, Frankie's boyfriend invites them for a house swap in his Italian hometown and the friends take part in side trips before reaching Sorrento.

Are they going to be on Santa's good or naughty list? Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #SantaSecret in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed armchair traveling to Italy but the friends' jargon was at times, off-putting. I lived in NYC and wouldn't dream of using that type of language. Putting that behavior aside, it's a fluffy story to celebrate the holiday season. Practice your Italian before sampling the Mediterranean cities.

Santa's Secret by F. Michaels, published by Kensington Books tells the story of 4 women and their families.
The women meet at class reunion, reminisce in their years at school and become friendly again.
They agree to travel to Italy for the holidays - and so it begins.
An entertaining slow burn, a pleasure to read the well written story.

Awww…the title is sweet…mystery and intrigue…likable characters keep the story moving quickly. A page turner from a popular author. Curl up in a comfy chair and read about Santa…thanks Netgalley.

Santa's Secret by Fern Michaels
Story starts out when 4 women meet and have many memories to share with one another. They vow to get together for the Christmas holidays and travel to Italy for the holidays.
Everything is taken care of: transportation, flight and living accommodations. They also decide they want to further explore Italy and surrounding countries.
Like all new words I've learned. Lots of travel, romance, food, fashion and history and architecture.
Each of the couples have their own plans and they will all meet for New years eve. So fun to tag along with them to explore.
Love that the parades are something another author wrote about in his own books of the area. Love gift the girls gift to the two elderly women, priceless. Some hair raising times and some trouble they find. Love how they make the best of out all circumstances they find themselves in. Recipes included. Fun to understand what the title means to the people in the book.
Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing Kensington via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#SantasSecret #NetGalley