Member Reviews

Cute book. Love a Christmas based story. Thoroughly enjoyed. I have enjoyed all books I’ve read by Kate Callaghan and this one didn’t disappoint.

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One day, shortly before Christmas, the heroine receives a chest from her late grandmother. She discovers that her mother lives in a magical Christmas village and is waiting for her there. Along the way, she meets Will, who falls in love with her and helps her uncover the secrets of her family’s past.
This book is so atmospheric! The magical village was described so well – mountains, snow, reindeer, sledding. The characters even take part in a snowman-building contest. I would like to live there myself!❄
Reading this felt like stepping into an adult fairy tale, and I honestly think this story would make a wonderful Christmas movie.
I liked the characters, their relationships and jokes, although I sometimes wished the plot would move a bit faster. It was funny how Juliet kept running away from Will, and he kept searching for her🤭 I felt sorry for Juliet when reading about her childhood, and I’d love to know more about her relationship with her father in the future. Maybe we’ll get more on that in the next book. I hope it will be about Margo and Harvey.
Tis' the Season for Secrets is the second book in the Village of Yule series, but it can be read as a standalone.

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‘Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan is a delightful holiday read that mixes cozy mystery, festive cheer, and a touch of romance. The setting is wonderfully atmospheric, with the perfect backdrop of a small town brimming with holiday spirit and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Callaghan’s writing captures the charm of the season while keeping the mystery intriguing and engaging.

The main characters are well-developed and relatable, with a great dynamic that makes them enjoyable to follow through the twists and turns of the story. The holiday theme adds warmth and charm to the plot, while the secrets and mysteries unfold at just the right pace, keeping the suspense alive without overshadowing the story’s cozy feel. There’s a nice balance of humor, tension, and heart, making it a perfect read for fans of light mysteries with a festive touch.

While the book is thoroughly enjoyable, some of the mystery elements are a bit predictable, and the resolution feels a little too neat. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book, which is heartwarming and fun.

Overall, ‘Tis the Season for Secrets is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and holiday magic. It’s an easy, feel-good read that will leave you with a smile and the warmth of the season long after the last page.

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’Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan is a charming, whimsical romance that beautifully combines family secrets with a touch of magical realism. Juliet Frost’s discovery of her true origins leads to a series of delightful and surprising twists, making for an engaging holiday read. The reappearance of Will Duncan adds an intriguing layer of mystery and tension, as both characters wrestle with their past and growing feelings for each other. The forced proximity and holiday setting enhance the romance, while the magical Christmas village concept adds a unique and enchanting twist. While it can be a bit predictable at times, the chemistry between Juliet and Will, along with the blend of family drama and holiday magic, make this a fun and heartwarming story. Perfect for fans of festive romance with a dash of mystery!

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i’m obsessed with this book and it was the PERFECT book for the holidays. the way the characters were writing was honestly stunning and i’m so glad that i was able to read this over the holiday season

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Fun, festive and flirty!
What more do you need for a holiday rom-com?!
I really enjoyed this fun holiday read as it hit all the things on my Santa's list for holiday rom-com's!

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Tis the Season for Secrets is the second book in the Village of Yule series by Kate Callaghan and it can be read as stand-alone. I read it as such and had no problem getting into the story. The main characters from the first book make an appearance or two, but their story isn't essential to know to enjoy this book.

The story definitely put me in a Christmas mood and I liked it. I wasn't a big fan of Will keeping secrets for so long, but I can't say that it was a bump to the flow of the story. I didn't love the story to be honest. It wasn't bad, but I cannot say that I would read it again. However, I would read more books from this author. This book had a good flow and it was a pretty good warmup for Christmas

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I loved this book! It’s a great magical holiday read. I loved reading about the magical Christmas village of Yule and tried to imagine myself there. One of this season’s best books.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This was so cute. I read a christmas romance from this author a few years ago and loved it. This was so cute and just right for the season.

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"Tis The Season For Secrets" is another wonderful journey into Kate Callaghan's magical world of Christmas, the second in the "Village of Yule" series and a worthy sequel to the first book, "The Naughty or Nice Clause". This time, we are drawn into the story of Juliet Frost, who unexpectedly discovers the secrets of her family's past, while pursuing a long-lost relationship. Once again, the author masterfully weaves together Christmas wonder, family drama and heart-warming romance, while taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster.

The story opens with Juliet's unexpected inheritance: an old chest from her late grandmother, in which she discovers information that will turn her life upside down. She learns that her mother, whom she never knew, lives in a magical Christmas village and is waiting for her. This tiny village, which we got to know in the first book, enchants us once again as the snowy streets, fairytale atmosphere and festive lights come to life in the author's descriptions. Yule is not only a place, but also a protagonist of the story, where the secrets of the past and the challenges of the present are intertwined.

The plot never lets the reader's attention waver. As Juliet tries to understand her family's history, more and more mysteries unfold about the Frost and Heart families' past. Events are further complicated by Will Duncan, whom Juliet should not even know about, yet when they meet, the irresistible attraction between them is instantly palpable. Kate Callaghan once again delivers a great dose of suspense, and the romance unfolds gently but unstoppably as emotions and shadows of the past continue to test the characters.

The character of Will immediately tugs at the heartstrings – he is the perfect bookish male lead, both a perfect gentleman and a passionate man who would do anything for Juliet. The author brilliantly portrays the journey of their relationship, from the lack of trust to the deep emotions and the fateful bond. The story alternates between humour, drama and touching moments, while the supporting characters are also brought to life – whether they are lovable or hated, the author is a master at creating them all.

"Tis The Season For Secrets" is not only a Christmas tale, but an emotional, gripping story of family secrets, coming to terms with the past and the possibility of a new beginning. For those who loved the first book in the series, this volume will be a real holiday treat as well, not only introducing new characters but also bringing back some of the familiar faces from the first book.

Kate Callaghan proves once again that she can bring the Christmas atmosphere, suspense and romance together in perfect harmony, making every page of "Tis The Season For Secrets" a real winter wonderland. A book to be read with a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket, to allow you to fully immerse yourself in Yule's special world.

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I picked up “Tis the Season for Secrets” hoping for a meaningful holiday read, but unfortunately it didn’t resonate with me. The story was very well written but wasn’t my type of book. I struggled to connect with the characters but it doesn’t mean the book is not good enough, I really want to read other books from the author. Hopefully soon!!!!!

I would give 2.75

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Not a fan, sorry, I tried. I picked up the book over and over again, hoping that it would spark, but unfortunately It didn't. I'm very sorry, the premises were good, but I found the plot flat in its development. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for this e-copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.

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'Tis the Season for Secrets is the kind of book that feels like stepping into a snow globe—enchanting, cozy, and brimming with holiday magic. I was drawn to this book after reading about Yule Village on NetGalley, and I’m so glad I picked it up! While it can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading The Naughty or Nice Clause first to fully appreciate the world and its characters.

Juliet Frost is determined to climb the ranks in her publishing career, but her latest task—securing a manuscript from a mysterious author—unexpectedly leads her straight into the arms of Will Duncan. Their one-night encounter sets off a whirlwind journey filled with romance, secrets, and a touch of magic. I loved how Juliet’s story unfolded, especially as she discovered her own ties to Yule.

Kate Callaghan crafts a heartwarming romance with just the right amount of spice, though I did find the shift in tone a bit inconsistent. The story starts off with an intense moment between Juliet and Will, only for the romance to become more closed-door for the rest of the book. That being said, their chemistry was undeniable, and I enjoyed seeing their connection grow beyond the initial spark.

One of the standout elements of this book was the setting. Yule is a charming and immersive world, and I appreciated how seamlessly the magic was woven into the story. The town’s history and politics played a significant role in the latter half of the book, which I found intriguing, though I would have loved a bit more resolution on some of the lingering plot threads.

Beyond the romance, the side characters added so much depth. From supportive friends to intriguing family dynamics, they enriched the story and made Yule feel like a place I’d love to visit again.

If you’re looking for a holiday read that blends romance, mystery, and a sprinkle of festive enchantment, ‘Tis the Season for Secrets is a great pick. It’s a perfect book to curl up with by the fire, hot chocolate in hand, and let yourself believe in a little Christmas magic.

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[Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC with honesty.]

And we are back in Yule! This story is interconnected stand alone. Personally, I always like to read in order, so I went ahead and read the previous story to this one and while, you really don't NEED to read the first, I would recommend you do. You get to see characters from the previous book overlap in this one.

That being said, I think I both liked the set up with this FMC a little more than the first (not that the first was bad, just different) and the backstory of Juliet felt more personal. I don't want to say too much but I felt like this book was a little more fleshed out. The beginning I was a bit confused with Will but after a bit it had a better flow to the story. The only thing that kept driving me nuts was Juliet's need to run. I won't specify what or that would be spoilerish.

Overall, I had a fun time with this one. Nice little story that while it revolves around Christmas (sort of) you could probably read this outside of the season as well.

My Rating: 3.5 (rounded up)

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This story has everything you're looking for during the holidays, cozy rom com. "Tis The Season For Secrets" has magical hallmark movie vibes. Juliet has to uncover family secrets including their connection to the village of Yule while her secret Guardian Will keeps close tabs on her. Close tabs indeed.

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A great Christmas read! Full of holiday spirit and magic with a lovely addition of mystery. And I am always here for a good bodyguard romance!

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**Review of *Tis The Season For Secrets: Village of Yule Book 2* by Kate Callaghan**

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

*Tis The Season For Secrets* by Kate Callaghan is a cozy, holiday-themed romance set in the charming Village of Yule. The setting is festive and warm, and the small-town atmosphere really adds to the book’s charm. The story offers a mix of romance, mystery, and seasonal cheer, which makes it perfect for fans of light-hearted, holiday reads.

However, while the book is enjoyable, it feels a bit predictable at times, and the plot didn’t offer many surprises. The characters are likable, but they could have been more fleshed out, and the emotional depth of their relationships felt a little underdeveloped. The secrets that drive the plot are intriguing, but they don’t fully land in a way that made me feel as invested in the outcome.

Overall, *Tis The Season For Secrets* is a pleasant and festive read, ideal for readers looking for a quick, feel-good holiday romance. It’s enjoyable for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist, but it might not have the emotional punch or depth that some readers crave.

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Another fun slightly magical holiday romance from a fav indie author. This was just the lighthearted read I needed over the winter season and I would definitely recommend it! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

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I loved the start of this book, but, by the time I got to the middle, I was dying for him to just tell her what was happening. I had to put it down and, honestly, it took me way too long to pick it back up. I do think it's a solid sequel in an interesting series, but it dragged on for far too long. I think a shorter to the punch would have helped make the story a lot more interesting. However, that only dings it a star - this is a solid 4 star read.

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I read this around the holidays and enjoyed it. The pacing at some points was slow but it really did a great job of setting the holiday mood. It seemed like a fairy tale and i was envisioning a hallmark movie. I read this as a standalone but cant wait to read the others in the series. Thanks so much for the ARC!

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