Four Christmases and a Secret

I could so easily see this working on a big screen, its such a heartwarming story, and I didn't have more than half an inkling as to the big secret.

The story does indeed feature four Christmases , but yet I feel this could easily be read at any time of year, as not only do we feature Christmas, it also takes in the rest of the year too, and with the exception of the mega Christmas party each year, I didn't overly feel festive for the rest of the story.

I really enjoyed seeing how Daisy develops as a person over the course of the book. I loved the rivalry between her mum and Oliver's mum with their continual one up-manship. And Stanley is a lovely character too, and is instrumental in Daisy slowly growing in confidence.

Easily my favourite character was Uncle Terence, with his wonderful bookshop, ability to throw a marvellous party, all of his advice for Daisy, and well thinks I can't talk about, as they would be spoilers.

There are two potential love interests in this book for Daisy, the one who has been under her nose the time, and a new colleague who I really didn't take to.

Daisy although she doesn't realise it is just such a big hearted character, and loves book and animals, which makes her a fabulous person in my eyes. She always tries to help others, while putting herself down.

Although not my favourite book by the author, its still another excellent story and one worth reading (or maybe watching if my wish comes true and it gets turned into a film!).

A really enjoyable novel, with some great characters.

Thank you Netgalley and One More Chapter for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Daisy has just been dropped by her boyfriend. It’s almost Christmas and he’s shown his true colours by putting everyone before her. She is currently working at the local rag- or at least she is until she gets a text advising her that she has to reapply for her job as three papers are merging. The love of her life is Stanley the dog she is fostering and her Uncle who runs a bookshop.Uncle Terence holds a party every year and flashing jumpers are a pre- requisite. When she was younger she had a thing for Ollie. Ollie is now a successful doctor and at the party with his girlfriend and almost fiancee from what Daisy can tell. A book about life and its ups and downs with a smile along the way. I loved Stanley and almost cried at one point (I won;t give anything away). Although Christmas features in this, much is about other times of the year so is not really just a seasonal book. A main character who is in love with books- what’s not to like?!! When you fight it all the way but just have to follow your heart. A wonderful, feel good pick-me-up read with a dog you can;t help but love and a smile.
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Oh my goodness, what a fantastic book. This is one that I haven't been able to put down. I've read this gorgeous book in just one sitting- it is fabulous.
I have adored the characters in this book, I was rooting for them from the very start. They are likeable and realistic, plus you can pick up the chemistry between them from the very beginning. Daisy is down to earth and as a reader it is obvious that her kids with Ollie has stayed with her for years. Ollie is the nice guy that every girl dreams of, even his colleague Juliet can see that and constantly tries to imply she's his partner.
This book has in no way been predictable, I was extremely shocked about the friendship between Daisy and Frankie turned out. Nor did I predict the relationship between Terence and Ollie. However, this only added to how fantastic the book is.
Zara captured my attention and engaged me from the very first page with this gorgeous book. I would absolutely love a follow on story with Daisy and Ollie present. This book is so good, I am gutted to have finished it. It's an easy rating for me, this is most definitely a five star book.

Yay, I am back with another book by Zara and I think I have to say this one is my favourite out of the ones I have read! Why, well it is just so much fun, there is a dog called Stanley and even though you have a will they, won’t they scenario it was not forced down your throat. Instead, the situations and the secrets drive this book, the romance well it gave me the warm and fuzzy feelings. Also, it had me crying quite a bit too when I was not smiling like a loon!!! For me, this book has everything! Embarrassing and cringy parents who are fab, the unrequited love, the wrong love, the outrageous friends and a lot of laughter.

Daisy and Ollie have been friends for like ever! Their mums always compete who has the better child etc and they stayed clear of it, sharing a “forbidden” kiss one Christmas at Uncle T’s Christmas party in his bookshop (love this setting!). Never to see each other again for years and when they do fireworks thank you very much, but more in a sparkler kind of way not in a whizz-bang over and done with way.

With the story being told in segments of months and times worked wonderfully. You get given snippets to Daisy and her life at different stages, watching her grow more and more in the book into the woman that Uncle T always knew she would be.

Uncle Terrence isn’t her Uncle but Ollie’s, but he is like a fairy godfather to her, always a big part of her life and growth. I have to say when he was in the story I smiled. I would love someone like him in my life, just full of life! He loves life!

For me, the friendship between Daisy and Ollie is something truly amazing. All throughout the years, they were there for each other, bar a blip in the form of a secret until years later they meet again at Uncle T’s party. Their chemistry was great fun to watch with the banter, the adjustment to being friends as adults and the way Daisy would squirm and be awkward around him.

A big part in Four Christmases and a Secret were all the secrets. They played a huge part in their lives and some were bittersweet and some heartbreaking…all made me blinking cry.

I love Stoneley’s writing, she makes it so easy to read her novels. She draws you into their lives and her characters are so realistic that you could be reading your friends’ diary. Nothing superficial, just warm and fuzzy romance, making you believe everyone has a Prince Charming and to seize every opportunity you get. I could not put this book down nor did I want to. I wanted to keep reading for as long as I could and even hid away on Sunday afternoon to read this! I definitely think this is my favourite book from Stoneley, each book she writes gets better and better than the one before. I am a sucker for romance, it’s a nice change from the blood, guts and terror and she is my go-to for hearts and flowers.

Characters-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hero-*swoony*⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heroine-*my kinda people*⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot-*amazing*⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cliffhanger-N/A
Cheating-N/A
Will I recommend it?-highly. To all romcom lovers!:)

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for this book. I wanted to read it since I saw the beautiful cover and also the blurb. It sounded just like something I would love reading and I was right! I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 hours since I got it. And I loved this story. Its my first Zara Stoneley book and its not going to be my last. I just can't get over this cute story. Had me smiling the whole time I read it and just reminded me a lot of Bridget Jones and who doesn't love that! Gah it was so good and I can't praise it enough. A classic reluctant love story with awesome characters,great banter,christmas background,adorable romance.
The story of childhood frenemies Oliver(ollie) and Daisy. Since their mother were besties so these two practically grew up with eachother. The last christmas while they turned 18, these two shared a kiss under the mistletoe at Uncle T's party but unfortunately they went to different uni and did not get a chance to be close to one another. But almost after 13 years,they met again. Ollie,now a doctor
,successful , hansome and daisy turned out to be exactly the opposite. The events that happened could mark this book in a strictly woman's fiction catagory or chicklit but Ollie and Daisy's slow burn romance,their interaction,the way they became friends again reminded me so much of 'Bridget Jones's diary' and I completely fell in love with it,hands down. Oliie has been an wonderful friend to our beautiful daisy. Their chemistry and friendship made this book special for me. And lets not forget the unrequited love story of uncle Terrace. I cried like a baby towards the end. The man loved deeply, not only that he had been a father and champion to Daisy when the poor girl needed him to be. Daisy's friendship with Frankie depects most of what consists of today's friendship. I like to babble more about this book. I loved it since I saw the cover and I am exceptionally grateful to netgalley for this ARC. If you want to know if Ollie and Frankie got their happily ever after then you have to wait for its release on 27 th september,2019. Well the title says it all. This book spans over christmas seasons,a funeral and celebration of love and friendship. It was my first Zara Stonely book but not the last!
A perfect romcom and I couldn't praise it enough. A great and entertaing read. Will recommend it to all romcom lovers! Happy reading ....xoxo✌❤