This is like a Romeo & Juliet Hallmark Christmas story and I loved it! It was just warm and cozy, it was a little insta-lovey but Juliet and Will were so adorable and had so much chemistry that I didn't really care. There was also quite a lot more mystery in this book compared to the first book and it kept it really engaging!

I find Yule completely charming and I loved going back. Will was adorable and I was glad we got to catch up with some old friends. However, Juliette came across a bit too immature and self centered for me personally. If she had used a little bit of logic when making decisions I could have excused her rashness but it just came across as her thinking she knew more/better than everyone else. She also gave me too much insta-love vibe, at least Will’s non-creepy stalking gave his infatuation some credibility. The solution to the problem of her being welcome in Yule was just way too simple and obvious, I called it incredibly early in the story.

So overall it was a quick, easy read. I enjoyed some parts/characters more than others and I’m still excited to read more about Yule and its inhabitants.

I wished that I had more time to read and review but not not get to finish this one in time to give a review for it. I dud like the setting and characters.

This was the perfect, cute, spicy, festive read! It had all the magic of a holiday read with all the romance of an ideal spicy romcom. I was immediately taken by the characters, particularly Will Duncan who was gloriously mysterious.

I hadn’t read the first book in the Village of Yule series, but I don’t think it detracted from the reading experience, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

It was so atmospheric, full of beautiful Christmas imagery, and was a perfect book to curl up with during the festive season.

Read this if you like:
✨One night stand
✨Forced proximity
✨Dual POV
✨Forbidden love
✨Bodyguard

Thank you NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for the ARC of this book!

Tis the season for secrets was the second book I've read in the Yule series by Kate Callaghan.
Loved it just as much as the first.
Not something I would usually pick up, so pleasantly surprised.
5*****

'Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan is a delightful read and the second instalment in the Village of Yule series. While it is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. This low fantasy romance marvellously transports readers to a world where magic seamlessly intertwines with reality, all set in the enchanting, snow-covered village of Yule.

The story revolves around Juliet, a dedicated editor working hard for her next promotion, and Will, a guardian of Yule who secretly takes on the role of her bodyguard. The author has intricately crafted the characters, adding depth and dimension that make the story all the more engaging and enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of holiday romances, those who enjoy magical settings with a touch of realism. If you’re looking for a cozy, enchanting escape, 'Tis the Season for Secrets is the perfect choice.

Tis The Season of Secrets by Kate Callaghan delivers a captivating blend of holiday magic, forbidden romance, and family secrets. When Juliet Frost inherits an antique chest from her grandmother, she unearths a shocking truth: her mother lives in a hidden, magical Christmas village. This revelation throws her life into disarray and leads her to Will Duncan, a man from her past who holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of her family history. Their rekindled connection, however, is fraught with danger and deception as they navigate a world of hidden agendas and ancient magic.


While the story may benefit from a slightly faster pace at times, Callaghan masterfully crafts a richly imagined world filled with enchanting details of the magical village of Yule. The vivid descriptions of snow-covered landscapes, festive traditions, and whimsical creatures transport readers to a winter wonderland. The characters are engaging, with Juliet’s journey of self-discovery and her complex relationship with Will forming the heart of the narrative. While some readers may find the “Romeo and Juliet” parallels a bit predictable, the unique blend of holiday romance, family drama, and fantastical elements sets this book apart.

Tis The Season of Secrets is a delightful escape for readers seeking a heartwarming and captivating holiday romance. With its blend of magic, mystery, and sizzling romance, it will enchant readers and leave them yearning for the next instalment in this enchanting series.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for a honest review.

I absolutely love the world that has been built for this series. This is definitely a series that is perfect for putting you in the mood for the holidays. I enjoyed this story a bit more then the first book, but I do feel you should read the first book in order to get a lay of the land and cast of characters for maximum enjoyment. If you take this book for what it is, then it will charm you and you'll have a great time. Definitely a great holiday read.

The FMC Juliet Frost mysteriously receives a chest from her late grandmother with items and letters and learns that her mother is from this magical village of Yule. She then meets the MMC Will Duncan who she has a one night stand with and then discovers he is her designated guardian from Yule sent by her mother to find Juliet and keep her safe until she can come and meet her in Yule.

Lots of holiday fun and activities to read about throughout the book. I really enjoyed the attraction between these two. This book had the perfect combination of spice, comedy and Christmas cheer.

Tropes:
One Night Stand
❄️Winter Wonderland
Family Secrets
❤️Forced Proximity
Holiday Romance

This book can be read as a standalone even though it's part of series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity read a copy of this book.

This is the second book in the *Village of Yule* series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first. I was hooked from the start! The chemistry between Juliette and Will was fantastic, and Margot, a fun secondary character, added a lot of charm to the story. The Village of Yule itself felt cozy and brimming with holiday spirit. Plus, there’s a hint of mystery that adds an extra layer of intrigue. Overall, this was a delightful holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and CallaghanWriter for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A fun holiday romp and romance. A perfect holiday treat for those looking for a strong female heroine, plenty of spice and a sense of humor. Readers will enjoy the dual settings and the twist on the typical holiday novel.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this story.

While I didn't dislike this book, I also didn't absolutely love it. However if you are just looking for a cute Chritmas story to read this holiday season, this one is a good fit. It's a quick and easy read and I do love the premise, I just felt like there could have been more to it that could have made it much better. I did read the first book in the Village of Yule series and I loved it. I love the magical world the author created. This one just fell a little flat for me.

That being said I would most definitely read more from this series and author if given the chance.

I started this book a while back but I just couldn't get my self to finish so I had to basically dnf. The book unfortunately just wasn't for me and I when I got it, I was really excited but as I started reading it, I personally didn't like the story and how it was written.






Review has already been posted on goodreads.

This book is a cutesy little romance with a touch of winter magic.

The main characters were enjoyable and had enough depth for them to be interesting. The romance did work for me although at times i felt it was a bit rushed, but that might also be due to the insta-love/ one night stand nature of the story. I will say i think they had good chemistry. As for the spice, this felt weirdly incorporated into the plot since at the beginning we get a very rushed scene and then almost the whole rest of the book it is more of a closed door romance. Which is fine, but it felt a little inconsistent to me.

I also liked that there were plenty of other side characters to get interested in besides the main couple. Friends, family, roommates,… it was a pretty nice cast of characters that popped up and were relevant throughout the plot. The writing was charming and made for a fast read.

As for the world building, since this has some very slight magical element with the enchanting town of Yule, i thought it was very easily understandable and fit nicely into the story. Towards the end the politics of Yule take over the plot a little bit but then the ending gets resolved rather quickly. I maybe would have liked some more closure regarding some plot lines that did hold genuine tension.

If you want a little romance set around the holidays that holds some charm and a sprinkle of magic, this is a good pick.

Tis the Season for Secrets is exactly what you expect when you pick it up. If you're looking for a quick and cute read, that you can trust to wrap up in a nice little bow to put you in the Christmas spirit, this is a book you should consider.

The story follows Nick and Juliet on their journey to reconnect Juliet with her home after her family has been banished for generations. While they may not meet under the best circumstances, and there may be some lies involved, the shenanigans the two get up to as they try to resist one another are certainly entertaining. While predominately lighthearted, the story does attempt to explore some more serious themes of complicated family relationships and child abandonment. Due to the book's hallmark-esque nature, these issues are ultimately resolved without much discussion, which could be a positive for some readers and a point of contention for others. Overall this book was a fun time for the holiday season.

Thank you to the team at NetGalley and the author for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review
Julie Frost - family is banned from Yule and she doesn't know why or that Yule even existed. She is the type to protect others at all costs.
Will Duncan - guardian of Yule and sent to watch over Juliet to make sure she received the chest. But he can't stop himself from making himself known to her.

The question is how far will Juliet go to protect the ones she loves when all she has known was unkindness from her family? And how far will Will go to protect Juliet and Yule?

This dual POV story was so sweet and another atypical holiday romance where everything does not always go perfectly but still gives vibes like a Hallmark movie. You can't help but to fall for the characters and get invested into what is happening to them. Kate Callaghan has quickly become an author to watch and read! You do get to see the Layla and the Klau family again from book one but it does not need to be read in series order.

You will like this story if you enjoy:
🎄Forbidden love
🎄Found family
🎄 Secret identity/family secrets
🎄 Small magical Christmas Town

Book Synopsis
Gifted an old family chest, aspiring editor Juliet Frost stumbles upon closely guarded family secrets... and her tranquil holiday season transforms into a whimsical circus of revelations. For starters, how is she supposed to process the fact that she is the outcome of a forbidden love affair - let alone that she has connections to some kind of magical Christmas village called Yule?

To complicate matters, the mysterious Will Duncan, whom she never thought she'd see again after a night of passion, reappears with the answers she seeks about her past. It swiftly becomes clear that he has plenty of secrets of his own. Is their chance meeting fate, or the result of a carefully laid plot? Juliet will have to battle her heart and her head to discover who she is... and where she truly belongs.

#netgalley #netgalleyreview #tistheseasonforsecrets
#katecallaghan #romcombooks #romantasy

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

3.5/5

Not quite as magical as the first, but still a cozy holiday read.

In Tis the Season for Secrets, Kate Callaghan brings us back to the charming (and surprisingly complicated) Village of Yule for a story filled with family drama, magical revelations, and a sprinkle of romance. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor, this second installment still manages to be a fun and festive escape.

Juliet Frost's journey of self-discovery starts with an old family chest and spirals into uncovering the truth about her parentage, a magical Christmas village, and a steamy reunion with Will Duncan. The premise is delightful, blending a touch of holiday whimsy with deeper themes of identity and belonging. The Klaus family lore and Yule traditions were highlights, offering a sense of wonder and a deeper dive into the world Callaghan is building.

That said, the plot feels a bit rushed at times, especially when it comes to Juliet and Will’s relationship. Their chemistry is sweet, but it lacks the spark and emotional depth that could have elevated the story. Will’s mysterious nature, while intriguing, sometimes feels underexplored, leaving me wishing for more insight into his character and his connection to Juliet.

The first book remains the stronger of the two, with tighter pacing and a more engaging storyline. However, this sequel still delivers enough charm and warmth to make it a worthwhile read. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll likely appreciate the expanded world of Yule and the cozy holiday vibes this one offers.

Would I recommend it? Sure—but it’s not the showstopper the first book was. Still, for fans of holiday magic and lighthearted romance, it’s a pleasant addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved the first book in this Yule series, The Naughty or Nice Claus.. I was completely captivated by the version of the North Pole and the story of the new Santa Claus finding his love. Tis the Season for Secrets was a good book but not as magical to me as the first. For starters we didn't spend nearly enough time learning more about Yule. And the time spent outside of Yule wasn't the most exciting. I did like our main characters Juliet and Will, but the main stroyline between them felt underdeveloped. Also there was a huge build up to Juliet meeting the mother she never knew and it was surprisingly a non -event. I felt blah about the ending. I do really like this author's writing and of course, I will be back to see more of Yule if she continues the series. I think she will because my guess is Juliet's best friend will start in the next one.

I’m such a mood reader, Christmas is over but I have tons of Christmas books to read. I may or may not try to a Christmas in July challenge to finish and review all these Christmas romances. I’ll fix my reviews eventually! I promise

I enjoyed Will and Juliet’s story, it was a lot of fun and made for a great Christmas read. I totally fell in love with Will and I wanted a happy ending for him.