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In this New Adult holiday fantasy, ’Tis the Season for Secrets,
Kate Callaghan weaves a tale that’s more than just festive—it’s an enchanting journey from New York to the magical, snow-clad world of Yule, a hidden North Pole town full of secrets, romance, and holiday cheer.

🎄The Setup: Juliet Frost has worked tirelessly as an assistant at Harley and Rowe Publishing for five years, holding out hope for a long-deserved promotion to editor. She’s isolated within her family, gossiped about and shunned for being the illegitimate Frost. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious chest from her Nana, containing a golden bell charm—a key to her family’s hidden past.

🎅🏼The Romance: Enter Will Duncan, a British guardian from Yule and CEO of Duncan Recruiting, whose job is to help former Yule citizens blend into the outside world. Will knows Juliet’s past better than she does, but it’s his sense of duty—and instant attraction—that brings him to her aid. Their relationship kicks off with a not-so-sweet meet-cute, tangled by secrets and a web of family expectations. As Juliet delves into her parents’ past with Will’s help, she’s torn between family loyalty and her undeniable attraction to the man sent to protect her. Their chemistry burns through the forced proximity trope and blends beautifully with forbidden romance, making every interaction feel thrilling and charged with tension.

🎁The World-Building: Callaghan’s depiction of Yule as a hidden, small magical town brimming with intrigue is richly layered. The story takes us through the charming yet dangerous streets of Yule, where secrets run deep, family drama abounds, and Juliet discovers a found family that could finally give her the acceptance she’s been missing.

❗️Content Warnings: The book does address themes of sexual harassment, toxic family dynamics, and parental abandonment, all handled sensitively through Callaghan’s third-person, dual POV narration, offering a balanced view into Juliet’s and Will’s worlds and their battles.

If you’re looking for a holiday romance that’s packed with heartfelt moments, fantasy, and a dash of suspense, ’Tis the Season for Secrets will keep you enchanted until the very last page. Curl up with a cozy blanket and let Juliet and Will’s magical journey to Yule sweep you away. 🎄✨

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Was different to what I thought it was going to be. Juliet is given an old chest that came from her grandmother. In it she starts to find letters and a bell. She keeps on bumping into the mysterious Will. The bell keeps transporting her to this mysterious place called Yule.

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This was a great read. Fast paced romance with a touch of whimsy. Completely enjoyable.

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for this ARC. I look forward to the next

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Thank you to author Kate Callaghan, CallaghanWriter and NetGalley for this eARC

I loved the first book in the series, The Naughty or Nice Clause, so I had very high expectations for Tis the Season for Secrets and let me tell you I met every single one of them! I couldn't tell you wich one I loved more because they are both great.

I loved the romance in this one so, so much! And the themes in this one are so, so good!
A heartwarming, sweet and charming story full of christmas cheer perfect for a nice and cozy evening with a cup of hot chocolate

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'Tis the season for Secrets by Kate Callahan will get readers into the holiday mood this was Whimsical this was funny this was a good time and this was a perfect cute cozy read for the holiday season. I enjoyed myself in this book.

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Juliet Frost is trying to get promotion in the publishing firm she works for. To this end, she has been tasked with getting the manuscript from a new author, to be on her bosses desk at 8am Sunday morning. Her flat mate persuades her to attend a party, which is being hosted by the author. Here she bumps into Will and her whole life changes. She and Will spend the night together and she runs out on him first thing in the morning. This seems to be a recurring habit of Juliet's, even when she finds herself in Yule.

It helps to read The Naughty or Nice Clause as this sets the scene and introduces certain characters.

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An aspiring editor, Juliet Frost, receives an old family chest full of secrets. She finds out she is the product of a forbidden love affair and is connected to the magical Christmas village of Yule. Will, a man with whom she shared one night of passion, reappears and has things about her past to share. As Juliet uncovers the truth about where she is from she may have to fight for where she belongs.

An exceptional quality that the author has is you immediately feel comfortable in her stories. And the instantly likeable protagonist. I enjoyed how the mystery of the chest was ignited, and then left to simmer so we could get to know our leading lady. And our first encounter with Will is... *fanning myself*.

Both POVs are a delight to read, seeing their innermost thoughts displayed in such a relatable manner. Juliet's wit, cleverness and obvious kind heart, then her awe and wonder of discovery. Sexy and protective Will is dutiful or rather trying to be, giving us hints and piquing our curiosity about some bigger plan. Reveals are given to us casually, through seemingly simple, grounded, sharing of info that makes them even more shocking and puts our attention on high alert. The mythology of Yule is expanded and one of my favorite parts of the book was spending time in the magical village and learning its rules and how it 'works'. Love the connections to the first book and the festive appeal.

Often heart-squeezing, you feel for Juliet and what she has had to put up with and the hurt she has endured. With the humorous situations and some of the great lines uttered by the characters, it is impossible not to smile and laugh while reading this. Must mention Margot, awesome roommate in a book of the year. There are many great supporting characters — some to properly love and some to properly hate.

I have to admit there were some displays of insta-feelings, actions and reactions I was not fond of. Like I wasn't too crazy about how the first kiss happened or something Will does after their first 'encounter' in Yule that presents douchey to me and not endearing. But generally, the romance and its spice are nice *wink*. There are scenes or parts of scenes that just seem repetitive of things we already know and have been mentioned often. Then the big thing we are expecting to happen, that we are waiting for is rushed. Lovely finale but still rushed and abrupt.

This is a book about belonging. About legacy and family, the family you choose which can be so much better than anything you are born to. A holiday romance seasoned with magic, a healthy dose of intrigue and a slice of adventure. You have the warm fuzzies and often swoonies, plus the "I can't believe this is happening" vibes throughout this charming tale.

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‘Tis the Season for Secrets is the second book in the Village of Yule series and follows Juliet Frost, eldest daughter of the Frost family but definitely not the favorite.

Juliet was raised as the black sheep of the esteemed Frost family, her mom left her as a baby and she was forced out of the main house in her early teens by her grand-father and had to live alone in a cabin on the property.

After the death of her grandmother-father, she receives a chest filled with family secrets. With the help of a mysterious man she meets at a bar, will she uncover her family secret and find the family she deserves?

I loved the chance to re-visit Yule and the Klauss family. A perfect holiday read to get into the spirit of the season!

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Looking for your next Holiday read?
If you love:
One night stand
Christmas magic
Forced proximity
Family secrets
Yule Guardian X Editor

Then this is your sign to read this book. Sequels are always a hit or miss but Kate nailed this one!!! This book was absolutely perfect, I had the best time devouring it in a few hours I couldn’t stop reading. Full of Christmas magic, romance and secrets. The spark between Will & Juliet was instant and watching them fall in love was fun with just the right amount of spice 🔥🔥🔥!! A must read this holiday season.

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The sinister side of Santa? Say it ain’t so.

Banishment, drama, a hidden child….this story has all of that and more. I’m still not quite sure how to process this one. The romance is lots of sex and insta-love with a hint of threats and high stakes outcomes. If you want your Holiday Village with a lot to figure out and enjoy, you’re in luck! Tis the season!

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I like interconnected series. You get to meet past characters, but the book stands alone. It was charming and cute. I loved how the MFC reconnected with her mother and found her place in This world when she was ousted her whole life

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First Christmas book of the season!! I adored this story! Cute found family, family reuniting, insta love holiday magic all rolled into one! My only wish would have been that we got to see certain parts played out in more depth, the hearing toward the end, especially since this was the whole plot of the story! It just felt rushed once we got there.

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This was an adorable little Christmas read! This book gives you that perfect cozy feeling.
I am a huge christmas lover so this book was absolutely perfect for me and i was so excited to see how well this book captured the christmas holiday spirit.
Juliet and Will are such an adorable couple and their story made me so happy and i was immersed the whole time. Yule seems like such a fun place to live and i want to live there please. Loved how Kate wrote the main characters from the first book into perfect background characters in this book. I also love how you dont have to read the first book in order to read this one. i really wanted to know more about the banishment but overall i really liked this book and how well it was explained. If you like holiday romances that give you that warm cozy feeling then this book is for you!

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Come visit the city of Yule for a Christmas you’ll never forget.

My return to Yule for this interconnected standalone sequel was amazing. I loved that, unlike some sequels, it didn’t just repeat the first books storyline.

When I tell you that it is a full 180 flip from the cute slow burn that is the first book, I loved it. Feel like a Kate gave the people what they want, some more spice and more drama.

As always I won’t give away the plot too much. The whole concept that people from Yule has a guardian when they go to the outside world really drew me in and I LOVE the dynamic between Juliet and Will.

How Kate wrote the characters we know and love from the first book into this as background characters was so well done.

You definitely don’t need to read the first however before this one as the first could be read as a prequel if you want to know more about the characters.

I will say I wish we had more in the ending but then again as it’s duel POV how are they to know what goes on outside their bubble.

Thank you to Kate Callaghan and her newsletter for this copy, I have also reviewed on NetGalley.

This book comes out 24th November 2024 and is currently still available on NetGalley

Instagram review to be posted soon

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In ‘Tis the Season for Secrets, the second installment of the Village of Yule, we return to the charming and festive town of Yule, where holiday cheer is accompanied by mysterious happenings and hidden truths. This delightful holiday novel is an engaging blend of cozy mystery, small-town warmth, and a touch of romance, offering readers a perfect escape during the colder months.

The author does an excellent job creating a vivid, festive atmosphere, with descriptions of holiday preparations, local customs, and the cozy settings of Yule making the book feel like a warm, seasonal treat. The mystery at the heart of the novel is well-paced, with enough twists and red herrings to keep readers guessing without overwhelming the holiday spirit. It strikes a good balance between the lightheartedness of a cozy mystery and the emotional depth that comes from uncovering long-buried secrets.

For fans of the first book, 'Tis the Season for Secrets expands on the world of Yule in a satisfying way, deepening the connections between characters and offering new surprises. It is a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries with a holiday twist, providing a heartwarming yet suspenseful story that keeps you turning the pages.

In short, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to indulge in a bit of holiday escapism with a side of intrigue. Cozy, festive, and full of charm, 'Tis the Season for Secrets is a delightful continuation of the Village of Yule series and a perfect addition to any winter reading list.

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Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan transports you to the land of Yule, a magical Christmas village. This is one of my favorite settings that I have read! It is the perfect place for a holiday romance! This is a pretty quick read, full of cheer and lovable main characters and supporting found family members.

At the beginning, Juliet Frost, the FMC, receives a mysterious family chest that leads to revelations related to her family’s history and Yule. She meets Will Duncan, who turns from a one night to something more. Juliet and Will have chemistry from the very beginning! It’s a little spicy too. I loved their connection!

If you love the holiday season, unraveling family secrets, instant chemistry, and lovable characters, then this book is for you.

This is the first book I read by the author, looking forward to going back to read Book 1 so I can spend more time in the charming village of Yule.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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This was magical, sweet, and funny. An adventure to find out who they are and where they came from. A bit different than your typical holiday romance. Beautiful ending with a happily ever after.

I was provided with a review copy of the ebook and this is my honest opinion. I gave this book 4 stars. (If I am unable to leave partial stars, I will always round up.)

I am continuing on with the series. I have also checked out some of the author’s previous works!

Thank you NetGalley and Kate Callaghan!

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I enjoyed this second book in the series a lot more than the first book. Although I do think that having read the first book helped, as I was already familiar with some characters and the town of Yule. Though it was not necessary to read it first.
The story pulled me in right away, and I wanted to keep reading.
The characters were lovable, if a little annoying at times. (Juliet repeatedly feels guilty for worrying the people she cares about ... yet she continues to make decisions that worry them or even put them at risk.)
I don't really agree with the description of the book being a "whimsical circus of revelations". A circus of revelations, yes; whimsical, not so much.
Overall, I found myself rooting for Juliet. And wonderful if there will be another sequel about her friend Margot???

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

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Be ready to be transported to Yule Village, a hidden gem in the North Pole. Juliet Frost has been working tirelessly to become an editor, but her world shifts when she receives a mysterious chest from her late grandmother. Now, she’s on a journey to uncover her family's secrets, setting her on a path that will change her future forever.

Enter Will Duncan, a mysterious man who always appears at just the right moment. As Juliet unravels the secrets of her family and Will, she discovers the holiday season has more surprises than she imagined. ‘Tis the Season for Secrets (Village of Yule #2) is a festive, fast-paced read perfect for cozy winter nights.

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Tho I've never been a big fan of holiday books, I really enjoyed this one. It reminded me of one that I read years ago by Fannie Flag, about a small town where everyone knows your name and Christmas is a big deal. That is the town of Yule, where our heroine and hero find themselves thrust to. A very big surprise for Juliet, but not so much for Will. So begins the magical journey for these two, with lots of joy, heartache and tears, with all the family drama I'm sure many of us go through every holiday season. I guess I'm a little old fashion, but I felt the intimate scenes could have been toned down a bit, because part of reading something for enjoyment is our imagination in the story. Even with this small flaw, I had to give it 5 stars, cause it was a very fun and enjoyable read. Highly recommend!!

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