Member Reviews

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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4⭐
This was such a charming little Christmas read! It's perfect for a cozy night and a nice cup of hot chocolate☕

Juliet and Will were adorable and the story had me hooked from the moment Juliet received her chest. There was mystery, laughter, family moments and tears! It's a sweet feel-good story.

The reason for 4 stars; As much as I loved Juliet and Will, their romance was insta-lovey and I felt like there was certain depth to their relationship missing. We didn't get to see much of their "normal" conversation/moments that would lead to falling in love. They were either having sex or there was something going on with the chest/banishment/Yule/Juliet's disappearing acts.

Nonetheless, I liked the book very much and will definitely be checking out Mason and Lyla's story. And I reaaally hope we get Margot and Harvey's story ☺️

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Arc Provided by NetGalley
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Hallmark better watch out for Kate Callaghan because she now has two slam dunk Christmas books that are 10 times more fun than any of their movies. I loved getting to go back to Yule and see familiar characters from the first book. My only complaint about the story is that Juliet and Will are basically in love at first sight and that’s not my favorite trope, I prefer the characters to have a bit more history together. However, this book is littered with things I do love though. It’s the perfect mix of spice, plot, and stakes that nothing seems out of place or too fast paced. Callaghan really is a master at writing easy to follow and fun holiday romances!
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If you are looking for books to start off the most wonderful time of the year, the Village of Yule series is a great place to start!
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Thank you Kate Callaghan and NetGalley for a chance to review this book

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‘Tis the Season for Secrets
3.5 ⭐️

I fell in love with the little Yule village last year in The Naughty or Nice Clause and it’s back!

Juliet gets caught up in a scheme to hide an entire village when she finds out her mother is from a secret North Pole Village. She and Will, a guardian in the village, are trying desperately to let her meet her long lost mother.

I didn’t love this from the start, but it redeemed itself a little once more of it was set back in Yule. Insta love is never my favorite trope, so this might have just been my take!

Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC!

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Thanks to Kate Callaghan, IBPA and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this delightful read! 'Tis the Season for Secrets is set to release on November 24, and it’s a cozy 306 pages that whisk you away to the enchanting Village of Yule. After a reading slump (thanks a lot, The Alchemist! 😩), I finally picked this up, and despite taking my time, I truly enjoyed it!

✧ One Night Stand 💖
✧ Winter Wonderland ❄️
✧ Family Secrets 🗝️
✧ Forced Proximity 💗
✧ Holiday Romance 🎁
✧ Forbidden Love 🖤
✧ Found Family 💕
✧ Dual POV 👀

Juliet Frost is our aspiring editor on a mission, and when she stumbles upon a family chest filled with secrets, it sets off a whirlwind of chaos! Her unexpected reunion with the mysterious Will Duncan, who she once shared a steamy night with, adds even more intrigue. The plot was a bit of a slow burn for me at first, but Kate Callaghan does a fantastic job weaving together the magical vibes of Yule with some charming romance.

There were moments in this book that really pulled at my heartstrings. I found myself crying toward the end—was it the emotion of the story, or maybe just PMS? Who knows! 😂 But seriously, Juliet’s struggles with her family dynamics resonated with me, especially her pain regarding her father. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to wrap your arms around the characters and tell them it’s not their fault! 🥹❤️

While the romance between Juliet and Will was adorably heartwarming—like, kick-your-legs kind of chemistry—there were elements I wished were explored more. I wanted a deeper dive into the banishment issue tied to Juliet’s family history and a final showdown with her dad for some extra closure. An epilogue would’ve been a cherry on top, too! 🍒 I’m definitely looking forward to more from Kate in the future.

Overall, 'Tis the Season for Secrets is a magical journey filled with love, laughter, and a sprinkle of cheer. It’s the perfect book to curl up with during those chilly winter nights. Grab your hot cocoa and dive in! ☕️✨

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Beside from the Instant love, I really enjoyed this book (and the one night troupe)!

The second book in the series where we get to see the land of Yule, but this time we get some history and unravel a lot of secrets!
Cozy, quick and fun - with spice and lot's of christmas lights 🎄

Post on IG (one_fairy_tale_at_the_time) the 15.nov 2024

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I absolutely fell in love with the town of Yule and wish I could be part of it! Kate Callaghan has created a festive world that draws you in, with lovable characters and an enchanting holiday setting. Juliet’s life is flipped upside down by family mysteries, and with the help of charming Will, she searches for answers. Their chemistry is undeniable, full of passion and hope. This book is packed with secrets and revelations that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy a little mystery with your Christmas romance, this one’s for you!

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In this beautifully crafted novel, we follow the journey of 26-year-old Juliet Frost, a publishing professional whose life takes a turn when she receives a chest containing a letter from her deceased grandmother that reveals a deep family secret.

Filled with romance, this story is a delightful holiday read. Having never read the author’s previous works, this book left me eager for more, a rarity in my reading experience. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys romance, fantasy, or simply a cozy, whimsical Christmas tale.

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Juliet has no idea the village of Yule even exists until Will enters her life. With his help, along with a mysterious chest and letters, she uncovers so much about herself. However, I felt the banishment plot could have been explored more. Since it was a key part of Juliet’s family history, she deserved to learn the full truth. I also wished there had been more clarity on her father and the deadline situation. While we’re told Will resolved it, a final conversation between Juliet and her father would have added more closure.

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Tis’ the Season for Secrets
By Kate Callaghan

In this beautifully crafted novel, we follow the journey of 26-year-old Juliet Frost, a publishing professional whose life takes a turn when she receives a chest containing a letter from her deceased grandmother that reveals a deep family secret. This discovery, along with a chance encounter with Will Duncan, ignites Juliet’s quest to uncover the truth about her birth mother and her family's origins.

Filled with whimsy and romance, this story is a delightful holiday read. The plot is intricately woven, and the vivid world-building immerses you in the setting—making you feel the chill of Yule. The character development is exceptional, bringing the story to life in a way that Kate achieves flawlessly.

Having never read the author’s previous works, this book left me eager for more, a rarity in my reading experience. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys romance, fantasy, or simply a cozy, whimsical Christmas tale.

A special thank you to NetGalley and author Kate Callaghan (IBPA) for the advanced reader copy in exchange for honest feedback.

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