"Tis The Season For Secrets by Kate Callaghan is a heartwarming and magical holiday romance that intertwines family secrets, personal growth, and the enchanting charm of the season. The story follows Juliet Frost, an aspiring editor who unexpectedly discovers a mysterious old family chest filled with clues about her hidden lineage. Her journey leads her to the whimsical village of Yule, a place steeped in holiday magic, where she must unravel the truths about her past.

Adding to the intrigue is Will Duncan, a figure from Juliet's past who reappears with crucial insights into her family's history. Their relationship is layered with tension, unspoken feelings, and a growing bond as they delve into the mysteries surrounding her family. The wintery village of Yule provides the perfect setting, immersing readers in a cozy, festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights and snowy charm.

Kate Callaghan does a beautiful job of balancing romance, mystery, and the magic of the holiday season. Juliet’s journey of self-discovery, combined with her blossoming relationship with Will, creates a story that is both tender and uplifting. Perfect for fans of cozy holiday tales with a sprinkle of mystery, Tis The Season For Secrets will leave readers with a warm heart and a sense of wonder."

Kate Callaghan brings us back to the Village of Yule in this second book in the series, and Tis The Season For Secrets lives up to its name. I often times wonder if books within a series that are also listed as stand alone can, in fact, be read without having finished the prior books. While I understand some references might be enhanced with the previous books reading, I dove in before venturing into book 1. I had absolutely no issues with feeling lost, or having missed out on anything. I will be jumping back to read book 1, The Naughty or Nice Clause because I fell in love with the characters, but I was happy to see you can jump on in anywhere!

In this read we follow Juliet as she discovers the truth about her family, alongside the man charged with protecting her. Will has had his eyes on Juliet for some time and falls in love rather quickly. The development of their relationship is so sweet, with just enough steam to warm you after a snowball fight. His commitment to helping Juliet travel this new road back North is challenged at every turn but he remained true to his dedication to her. There were a couple of occasions even I was face palming at her predicaments. She had a way of just finding herself in the middle of the unexpected. In the end, Juliet truly found her way home and the HEA was worth every minute uncertainty she pushed through.

The world building here was spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed the authors take on Yule and other stories we have all grown accustom to over generations. This is a wonderful, whimsical romance with plenty of heart and adventure featuring that hidden village. Yule certainly be glad to read it this holiday season!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for this eARC. This is my honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading this novel, it was cute and it started my Christmas season!
Sometimes it was a little repetitive and did we forget her job? Is she going back? or is she going to write Christmas books?
I haven't read the first book in the series, someday I will.

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.

Darling holiday read! Kate Callaghan does a fantastic job with holiday stories. Her characters are relatable, the story is fun, this one is spicier than the last, and it just gives off all the cozy Christmas vibes you want this time of year. Pick this one up! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This was another fun Christmas. Read for this year. It is the second in the series. You do not have to read the first 12 understand what's going on, but it will help - juliet is trying to make it in the publishing world. And after having a run in with the charming Will, stuff starts to get crazy she receives a mysterious chest from her late grandmother.With letters that don't make sense and a bell.Necklace - do magical places really exist? Is the North Pole real, who is will? How does he figure into this? What is the story with her parents? This is a really good christmas read fun, little spice, and heartwarming, I hope the next book is about juliet's friend

"The moment your eyes met mine, I knew I'd break every rule and tradition to bring you home."

Christmas magic, family drama, and forbidden love—this one delivers it all and SO much more! Juliet’s life is completely upended when a mysterious family chest arrives at her doorstep and reveals a shocking family secret, thrusting her into a whirlwind of emotions, hidden truths, and a romance with her guardian from Yule. And let me tell you—he falls first and falls hard!

This cozy yet spicy holiday romance is a rollercoaster of dramatic twists and tender moments. With holiday romances, secret identities, and forced proximity, it’s like a Hallmark movie—but with an extra dash of heat.

While I wish Juliet’s career journey tied up a bit more neatly, this festive story still had me hooked! A perfect pick for anyone who loves Christmas magic and a bit of spice in their holiday reads!

Read if you like:
🎅Christmas magic/magic realism
🚨forbidden love
❤️forced proximity
🫶found family

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded to a 4)
Spice:🌶️.5

This one checked all the boxes for me! Romance, a little spice, family drama, Christmas magic. I could totally see this book being made into a TV movie! This is the second in Kate Callaghan's Village of Yule series, but stands alone. Be sure to add this gem to your holiday reading list!

Tis the Season for Secrets was quick for me to get into and I would have read it faster had I not started it late at night with an early morning on deck. This is the type of book I love to devour in one sitting. Juliet has a one-night stand, but ends up seeing Will more often due to the circumstances of how he knows her. While this isn't a new premise, I like how Callaghan didn't have Juliet angry with Will when she learned the truth. So many authors waste pages having their protagonist grumpy and brooding over "deception" and it's eye-rolling at best. Callaghan moved her characters forward both romantically, but also in uncovering the whole truth of Juliet's family. I wouldn't mind being transported to Yule ;) I'm very hopeful that Callaghan will release a 3rd book in this delightful holiday series focusing on Harvey and Margot .

Thank you to NetGalley and Callaghanwriter for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Take a dip into Kate Callaghan’s Christmas town of Yule! For today’s Two for Tuesday Holiday Edition! These are perfect holiday reads to get you mood. And both books are available on Kindle Unlimited so you won’t have to leave the cozy town of Yule too quickly! 💚

’Tis’ the Season for Secrets
🎄One Night Stand
🎄Bodyguard X Editor
🎄Winter Wonderland
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄Family Secrets
🎄Holiday Romance
🎄Forbidden Love

Book Review: The Season for Secrets

If you’re looking for a story that perfectly captures the magic and mystery of Christmas, The Season for Secrets is a must-read. Reminiscent of the enchanting aura surrounding Santa Claus, this book brims with heartwarming Christmas vibes that will leave you nostalgic and filled with holiday cheer.

The storyline masterfully blends whimsy and depth, weaving together secrets, family ties, and the power of hope during the holiday season. The characters are richly developed, each with their own challenges and moments of transformation that pull readers into their world. As the plot unfolds, the themes of generosity, belief, and redemption shine brightly, much like the timeless tales of Christmas past.

One of the most delightful aspects of The Season for Secrets is how it evokes a sense of wonder, much like waiting for Santa Claus as a child. From snow-draped settings to twinkling lights, the festive atmosphere leaps off the page, immersing you in the holiday spirit. It’s a story that invites you to embrace the magic of the season and believe in the extraordinary.

Whether you’re curling up by the fire or seeking the perfect read to get you into the Christmas mood, The Season for Secrets is a heartwarming tale you won’t want to miss. It’s a celebration of the season’s joys and a reminder of the beauty that comes from sharing love and kindness.

4.25 stars

‘Tis the Season for Secrets is the second book in the Village of Yule series. I enjoyed the fact that this book focused on a new couple, Juliet and Will, but still brought in Lyla and Mason from the first book. Juliet is part of the affluent Frost family, but has a troubled relationship with her family. She is working to get a promotion at her publishing firm, but soon finds out there are secrets from her family’s past, that will change her life.

I felt like the pacing in this book worked much better than the pacing from the first book. It’s a bit longer, so the story didn’t feel rushed and we got to spend more time learning about the new characters, while seeing some favorite characters from the first book.

It was also fun to find out more history behind the town of Yule. I liked the addition of the Guardians, who are there to help the citizens of Yule adjust to living on the “Outside”. The banishment of the Frost family was a fun way to connect Juliet to Yule, and I felt bad for her, because she was affected by the actions of her parents and the decisions of the Council, when she was never directly involved in the possible exposure of Yule.

Juliet and Will made for a great couple. Will falls first, and Juliet finds that her one night stand turns out to be a lot more than she bargained for. I really liked that Callaghan gave us some good background information on Will, so his character has a great backstory, too.

I did wish that we could have seen Juliet in her new job, at the end of the story. So much of the first part of the book focuses on her job and promotion, so it would have been nice to come full circle, and see her enjoying her new position in the YA department.

‘Tis the Season for Secrets is a cute, cozy holiday read and I would definitely recommend it if you love magical realism, family secrets, dual POV, forced proximity and small town holiday romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

Overall Enjoyment: 4 stars ⭐️
Christmas vibes: 5 stars⭐️
Romance: 4 stars⭐️
Plot: 4 stars⭐️

I read both books of Village of Yule back to back and loved this story of Juliet and Will a bit more than the first book. But I recommend reading The Naughty or Nice Clause first, as it gives you the setting and background of Yule you need to better grasp the issues they have to overcome fully.

Kate Callaghan knows how to make the Christmas setting come to life. When in Yule you really feel those Christmas vibes coming of the page.

The romance was cute to watch them grow towards each other. The plot felt a bit chaotic at moments and I think it could have been wrapped up better, but I still had a great Christmassy time reading this book.

This is the perfect book to read on your couch next to the Christmas tree with a warm mug of chocolate milk and a cozy blanket. Please read and enjoy the Christmas vibes!

#ThisTheSeasonForSecrets #NetGalley

I wasn’t too sure about this book at first but by the end, I really enjoyed it! I didn’t read the first book but had no trouble reading this as a standalone (though I will definitely be going back to read Lyla and Mason’s story). This was the perfect Hallmark holiday romance with a touch of magic, taking place partially in a magical Christmas village called Yule. I loved the romance, the friendship, the found family, and all of the holiday themes that have really got me in the Christmas spirit! Definitely recommend for a good magical holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this arc for my honest review

Rating: 3⭐

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.

I loved the magical description of the village: mountains, snow, reindeer, and sledging. It sounds like the most peaceful place. I loved the characters and their humour at times. I wish the book's pace were quicker and the beginning of the book felt like it dragged on a little bit. I felt like most of the beginning of the book there wasn't much romance involved, it was mostly learning about Juliets' story.

This was such a charming little Christmas read! It's perfect for a cozy night and a nice cup of hot chocolate☕

Tropes:
✓ one night stand
✓ holiday romance
✓ Winter Wonderland
✓ family secrets
✓ forced proximity
✓ dual POV
✓ bodyguard x editor

3.5 rounded to 4⭐
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.

Tropes:
✓ one night stand
✓ holiday romance
✓ Winter Wonderland
✓ family secrets
✓ forced proximity
✓ dual POV
✓ bodyguard x editor

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan (IBPA) for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cool, intriguing and somewhat cheesy, 'Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan takes readers back to the Village of Yule with a story about a young girl whose family was banished from the magical town generations ago.

Summary: Juliet Frost randomly receives a chest one day. It turns out she is from a family that was banished from the Village of Yule three generations ago. She also happens to have had a one-night stand with Will Duncan, a guardian from Yule. When she accidentally discovers the truth, she must uncover her heritage.

Tropes/Genres:
• one-night stand
• christmas
• small town
• fantasy
• forced proximity
• family secrets
• romance

Review: This book is so much better than the first one. It dives deeper into the lore of Yule, giving readers more information on how this village works. The characters are more interesting, and the plot has more depth. Of course, this book still has some issues that mostly revolve around the plot and writing.

Juliet and Will seem like a nice pairing. They had chemistry at the beginning of the book when they had just met and displayed interest towards each other. I don't think they had many such cute moments as the story progressed. Regardless, I think they are fairly well-written characters individually.

I like the parts about Juliet's family history, such as the banishment and her parents' relationship. I think it was handled quite well. As mentioned above, the author expanded on the lore of the Village of Yule, and I think it was done rather well. My only issue with this aspect is how cheesy her parents' relationship was. The author went for the Romeo and Juliet route, and yes, that's how Juliet got her name. It was quite hard to take it seriously and feel the intended emotions for this situation when it was so open to cringe. The problem was also resolved way too easily.

While the story is decent, it's difficult to take it seriously when the author uses awkward language and forces colloquialism in the most cringe-worthy way possible– cue "but Rudolph forbids". There simply isn't a need to make everyone such a stereotype, especially when all the Christmas stuff in the real world is meant to be myths and largely exaggerated or untrue in the context of this book. This is an issue that was also present in the first book.

I think the plot eventually forgets that Juliet is supposed to have a life outside of Yule. You know, as an editor. Yule took up the bulk of the story, which just neglected Juliet's real life. It felt like a plot to make this book a tiny bit of bookish to appeal to book lovers, only to forget about it afterwards after this job was used as a device to make her and Will meet. I'm not a fan of that.

In conclusion, this is a nice Christmas-themed read that talks about family secrets. If you like the sound of that, mixed with some romance, then here is a book for you! The story can be a bit cheesy, and the problem was solved way too easily, but this is still an enjoyable read.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the read.

This book was such a wonderful cozy story, just the right amount to bring you into the Christmas preparations.

Secret Santa's helper turns into a sexy naughty lover, who for sure knows how to play woman's body.

Juliet Frost has never been warmly welcomed in her family with the exception of her grandmother. After her grandmother's passing Juliet receives a letter and a mysterious chest full of secrets.

Will Duncan, the guardian of Yule's secrets, should help Juliet to find her way to Yule, her true home.

What they both haven't anticipated was to have a lots of travels between Yule and the outside world, especially without Juliet knowing about the Yule.

This story was more than I expected and a true joy to read.

Callaghan does a fantastic job weaving together beloved tropes—forced proximity, one-night stand, and holiday romance—while adding a sprinkle of magic to create a captivating story. Juliet is a relatable protagonist, caught between her head and her heart, and Will is the kind of brooding yet tender hero that romance fans adore. Their journey feels authentic and emotional, with plenty of festive charm and tension to keep the pages turning.

While the story is engaging and full of holiday spirit, some elements felt a bit rushed, especially in the resolution of certain plotlines. Additionally, readers unfamiliar with the series might miss some of the depth that comes from reading The Naughty or Nice Clause first. However, the guaranteed HEA and the cozy winter vibes more than make up for it.

If you’re looking for a festive, magical romance with heart, steam, and the perfect amount of Christmas charm, 'Tis the Season for Secrets is a great pick to brighten your holiday season.

Juliet Frost has never known much about her Mum, but when an old family chest is delivered to her with a note from her late Grandma, everything she thought she knew is thrown up in the air. Then she meets Will Duncan and her whole life is turned upside down.
Juliet discovers she is descended from a family who used to live in the village of Yule and her mother still lives there.
But Yule is a magical place, you can’t just jump on a plane and go there, and her father’s family were banished many years ago, so how can Juliet ever hope to meet her Mum and answer the many questions she has.
Can Will help her make sense of her history or will their relationship put them both in danger.
This is a perfect Christmas read. And a lovely magical return to Yule. The characters will engage you from the start and sweep you up in their story. You can read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading The Naughty or Nice Clause first, as it is a great book and a wonderful introduction to Yule.

I loved Yule as getting a chance to jump back into this world was just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit. Mason was the best but now I love Will and Juliet. The pacing of the book was perfect with good draw. I felt pulled into the characters stories and felt all the emotions right along side them. This is definitely a light hearted story with depth. Very much enjoyed this and was glad to get a chance to be in this world again.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this holiday book! It encompassed some great feel good themes with a nice ending.