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jessbookishlife's review against another edition
4.0
As you can probably see by the title, this novel is a Christmas-y story. And although I read it way before December, it really doesn't matter to me, because it was a sweet and fun storyline that talks about not only Christmas time, but the entire year... and isn't the Christmas spirit about our lives, family, friends and connecting with people and ourselves?
In this new book, the author gives us a group of characters in a refreshing and emotional scenery that made me connect with them and want to learn more. It was the kind of book I love to read in a rainy day because it was about life, and everything that comes with it, and that really warms my heart no matter the emotional journey the author takes me.
We met Daisy and follow her life through all the ups and downs, all the heartbreaking moments as well as the funny ones. And because we are reading her POV, we get to see her development and know her mind. That made the book personal in a way, and for me, it made the connection stronger. Of course, at some hilarious scenes I wish I could enter the minds of other characters too, nevertheless, it was exciting and very entertaining.
Overall, I have to say it felt real and I could almost imagine myself in that world, with those characters, and especially, I could see myself enjoy Uncle Terence’s Christmas parties and visiting his bookstore. It was vivid and the description, combined with the fact that we are following Daisy's life, made the reading experience so much more fun and special.
The book had surprises, comedy, life, and everything in between, written with a style that was familiar to me, since I have read a previous book of Zara Stoneley. And I cannot wait to see what else she has planned for us in future novels.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Zara Stoneley for the eCopy of this book, thanks to NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
In this new book, the author gives us a group of characters in a refreshing and emotional scenery that made me connect with them and want to learn more. It was the kind of book I love to read in a rainy day because it was about life, and everything that comes with it, and that really warms my heart no matter the emotional journey the author takes me.
We met Daisy and follow her life through all the ups and downs, all the heartbreaking moments as well as the funny ones. And because we are reading her POV, we get to see her development and know her mind. That made the book personal in a way, and for me, it made the connection stronger. Of course, at some hilarious scenes I wish I could enter the minds of other characters too, nevertheless, it was exciting and very entertaining.
Overall, I have to say it felt real and I could almost imagine myself in that world, with those characters, and especially, I could see myself enjoy Uncle Terence’s Christmas parties and visiting his bookstore. It was vivid and the description, combined with the fact that we are following Daisy's life, made the reading experience so much more fun and special.
The book had surprises, comedy, life, and everything in between, written with a style that was familiar to me, since I have read a previous book of Zara Stoneley. And I cannot wait to see what else she has planned for us in future novels.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Zara Stoneley for the eCopy of this book, thanks to NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
drusillamilford's review
Not my cup of tea
I could not get into the beginning if this book. Thought it would be a light read. Recommended if you enjoy Sophie Kinsella.
I could not get into the beginning if this book. Thought it would be a light read. Recommended if you enjoy Sophie Kinsella.
allthebooksandchocolate's review
3.0
This was an adorable Holiday read, and though some parts of it were a little predictable, others really were not. Daisy and Oliver have a history and though you don’t see all of it you can tell there is something there.
Oliver was just such a nice guy. There was a little Mr. Darcy there, but more because that is how Daisy viewed him. I loved the Daisy and Olver dynamic, especially that Oliver was just so supportive of Daisy. Daisy was also likable, and though some of the lessons she learned in this book I saw coming from a mile away, she had to learn them on her own. While this book is a romantic comedy, it is also about daisy learning to love herself, a message I loved and would like to see more in fiction.
The whole cast of characters were pretty amazing Daisy and Oliver’s parents were hilarious. And Uncle T was great as well. Even some of the people you aren’t really supposed to like were at least good for comic relief. If you are looking for an uplifting Holiday read, you should check this one out.
Oliver was just such a nice guy. There was a little Mr. Darcy there, but more because that is how Daisy viewed him. I loved the Daisy and Olver dynamic, especially that Oliver was just so supportive of Daisy. Daisy was also likable, and though some of the lessons she learned in this book I saw coming from a mile away, she had to learn them on her own. While this book is a romantic comedy, it is also about daisy learning to love herself, a message I loved and would like to see more in fiction.
The whole cast of characters were pretty amazing Daisy and Oliver’s parents were hilarious. And Uncle T was great as well. Even some of the people you aren’t really supposed to like were at least good for comic relief. If you are looking for an uplifting Holiday read, you should check this one out.
metrovm's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Fun, lighthearted, not too challenging, predictable, cute
mcvemma98's review
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter (and HarperCollins UK) for the advanced digital copy of this novel! All my thoughts are my own.
"Four Christmases and A Secret" is about Daisy Dunkerly, a woman in her early thirties. Every year, her Uncle Terrance hosts a Christmas Eve party in his bookshop, meaning Daisy has to wear antlers, Christmas sweaters (or jumpers), and hear about how perfect and successful her childhood friend (and sort-of crush, back then at least) Oliver Cartwright is. She hates the comparisons she gets from her mom, and this year she decides to change her life: working her way up the latter at her journalism & advertising job, finding a man that isn't Ollie Cartwright, and maybe saving a small dog named Stanley. This story takes place over the course of about three years, and during this time Daisy has to learn to believe in herself and learn who is and isn't there for her, as her friendship with Ollie becomes closer and closer. But her Uncle Terrance has a few secrets up his sleeves, some which involve Daisy and may her world as she knows it.
"Four Christmases and A Secret" is a very character-driven story, which I liked, since Daisy herself I think is the best part of the book. Daisy is a funny, charming, motivated woman with goals in mind for herself, determined to not let her past failures define her life. She faces self-doubt and that feeling everybody knows, the feeling of "am I good enough?" in when making career moves, making reading this book from her perspective feel like reading a diary, or having a conversation with a close friend. Daisy is easy to love and root for.
The plot of the book, as I mentioned before, is very character-driven. The beginning of the book was entertaining and easy to get through, but I found that this book had a bit of a sagging middle. It did pick up within the last third of the book, and when it did, there were plot twists and unbelievable secrets revealed left and right, which I will not be spoiling. The very ending did feel just a little bit rushed, though it was a warm and happy one, an ending that still satisfied me as a reader.
The romance between Ollie and Daisy is definitely a slow-burn, but their build-up wasn't as tense and spark-filled as I had hoped. Ollie is a doctor that travels often, meaning that although Daisy thinks and talks about him often, Ollie himself isn't in several parts of the book. Their relationship really builds not through heated spark-filled moments, but moments of building each other up or relying on one another as the years go by.
Another highlight of this book: number one would be Stanley, Daisy's rescue dog that is both a cute side-character adding charm and havoc to scenes throughout the book, but is also depicted very realistically as a dog, meaning: eating other people's food off of trays, rolling over to reveal his stomach in front of a crowded room, sneezing on Daisy's piece of pizza.
Overall, "Four Christmases and A Secret" was a very good introduction to adult romance for me. It was a light, fun read while still dealing with very relatable feelings and situations. It was an okay book for me, and it was a little slow at times, but I enjoyed reading this book.
You can also check out this post on my book blog: https://emmasbooksreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-four-christmases-and-secret.html
"Four Christmases and A Secret" is about Daisy Dunkerly, a woman in her early thirties. Every year, her Uncle Terrance hosts a Christmas Eve party in his bookshop, meaning Daisy has to wear antlers, Christmas sweaters (or jumpers), and hear about how perfect and successful her childhood friend (and sort-of crush, back then at least) Oliver Cartwright is. She hates the comparisons she gets from her mom, and this year she decides to change her life: working her way up the latter at her journalism & advertising job, finding a man that isn't Ollie Cartwright, and maybe saving a small dog named Stanley. This story takes place over the course of about three years, and during this time Daisy has to learn to believe in herself and learn who is and isn't there for her, as her friendship with Ollie becomes closer and closer. But her Uncle Terrance has a few secrets up his sleeves, some which involve Daisy and may her world as she knows it.
"Four Christmases and A Secret" is a very character-driven story, which I liked, since Daisy herself I think is the best part of the book. Daisy is a funny, charming, motivated woman with goals in mind for herself, determined to not let her past failures define her life. She faces self-doubt and that feeling everybody knows, the feeling of "am I good enough?" in when making career moves, making reading this book from her perspective feel like reading a diary, or having a conversation with a close friend. Daisy is easy to love and root for.
The plot of the book, as I mentioned before, is very character-driven. The beginning of the book was entertaining and easy to get through, but I found that this book had a bit of a sagging middle. It did pick up within the last third of the book, and when it did, there were plot twists and unbelievable secrets revealed left and right, which I will not be spoiling. The very ending did feel just a little bit rushed, though it was a warm and happy one, an ending that still satisfied me as a reader.
The romance between Ollie and Daisy is definitely a slow-burn, but their build-up wasn't as tense and spark-filled as I had hoped. Ollie is a doctor that travels often, meaning that although Daisy thinks and talks about him often, Ollie himself isn't in several parts of the book. Their relationship really builds not through heated spark-filled moments, but moments of building each other up or relying on one another as the years go by.
Another highlight of this book: number one would be Stanley, Daisy's rescue dog that is both a cute side-character adding charm and havoc to scenes throughout the book, but is also depicted very realistically as a dog, meaning: eating other people's food off of trays, rolling over to reveal his stomach in front of a crowded room, sneezing on Daisy's piece of pizza.
Overall, "Four Christmases and A Secret" was a very good introduction to adult romance for me. It was a light, fun read while still dealing with very relatable feelings and situations. It was an okay book for me, and it was a little slow at times, but I enjoyed reading this book.
You can also check out this post on my book blog: https://emmasbooksreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-four-christmases-and-secret.html
annarella's review
5.0
This book made me smile, laugh, root for the characters and share a lot of emotions with the characters.
I loved Daisy, Ollie, and Stanley: they're all likeable and well written. All the cast of characters is fleshed out and interesting.
It was a good read, the plot is engrossing and entertaining and once I started I couldn't put it down.
It's the first book I read by Ms Stoneley and won't surely be the last.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved Daisy, Ollie, and Stanley: they're all likeable and well written. All the cast of characters is fleshed out and interesting.
It was a good read, the plot is engrossing and entertaining and once I started I couldn't put it down.
It's the first book I read by Ms Stoneley and won't surely be the last.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
chelton's review
5.0
Daisy has attended Uncle Terence’s Christmas parties for as long as she can remember. But this year, after losing both her boyfriend and her job, she’s especially looking forward to the distraction. Terence’s parties are legendary shindigs, filled with fun and family—and even better for book-obsessed Daisy, they’re hosted in his bookshop. Unfortunately, this year Ollie, son of her mother’s best friend, is also attending. Growing up, they had a rivalry for years, but now everyone seems to prattle on about how successful and accomplished he is. But after Daisy sees him for the first time in thirteen years, she just might understand what all the fuss is about.
Author Zara Stoneley just might be the master of simmering feelings. Daisy and Ollie might not have seen each other in years, but the second they’re reintroduced a spark is evident. Could it just be a friendship rekindling after a long break? Or is something deeper forming between them? As the two are wedged together with the help of some familial forces, it’s pure joy reading about them bounding through adventures and, eventually, reaching their own conclusions.
But beyond the potential romance rests the heart of the story: Daisy herself. Right at the beginning, she’s struggling with a major crisis of identity culminating in feeling lost and confused about the direction of her life. However, Stoneley expertly pushes the plot across four different Christmas seasons and the events leading up to them, and the result is a Daisy that has a long time to grow and evolve into herself. There are no quick solutions, and it’s incredibly engrossing to watch her naturally progress from unsure and somewhat insecure to going after what constitutes a happy ending for herself.
Helping her along the way is an outstanding cast of characters. With four Christmases to contend with, there are plenty of festive folks around headed by Uncle Terence. With sage advice doled out at just the right moment, he provides a hint of magic to the proceedings. And then there are a cadre of friends, family, and even a few unsavory lingerers that amp up just enough tension and drama to keep things bouncing along.
Ultimately, Four Christmases and a Secret delivers a rewarding romance that still manages an emotional punch.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
Author Zara Stoneley just might be the master of simmering feelings. Daisy and Ollie might not have seen each other in years, but the second they’re reintroduced a spark is evident. Could it just be a friendship rekindling after a long break? Or is something deeper forming between them? As the two are wedged together with the help of some familial forces, it’s pure joy reading about them bounding through adventures and, eventually, reaching their own conclusions.
But beyond the potential romance rests the heart of the story: Daisy herself. Right at the beginning, she’s struggling with a major crisis of identity culminating in feeling lost and confused about the direction of her life. However, Stoneley expertly pushes the plot across four different Christmas seasons and the events leading up to them, and the result is a Daisy that has a long time to grow and evolve into herself. There are no quick solutions, and it’s incredibly engrossing to watch her naturally progress from unsure and somewhat insecure to going after what constitutes a happy ending for herself.
Helping her along the way is an outstanding cast of characters. With four Christmases to contend with, there are plenty of festive folks around headed by Uncle Terence. With sage advice doled out at just the right moment, he provides a hint of magic to the proceedings. And then there are a cadre of friends, family, and even a few unsavory lingerers that amp up just enough tension and drama to keep things bouncing along.
Ultimately, Four Christmases and a Secret delivers a rewarding romance that still manages an emotional punch.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
vikkiew87's review
5.0
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.
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.
kimchi84's review
4.0
I didn’t read the blurb before saying yes to this tour! I love love love Zara Stoneley books.
This one follows Daisy and Ollie’s relationship. From a brief snog under some mistletoe through relationships or lack of. The highlight of the year is Uncle T’s Christmas parties.
I loved all the main characters except Tim and Frankie. I don’t know why I disliked Frankie, but she grated on me a bit. It seems that was justified towards the end, but no secrets now, you can all find out for yourselves.
Daisy did it for me, in the beginning she came across as a woman that couldn’t make up her mind. She was in one sense, an in-betweener, she was inbetween everything. Deciding on a job she loved, no relationships just a best friend and a dog she was fostering. But one Christmas she decides to change everything. By the end of the book, she was a very strong independent woman that knew exactly what she wanted and she had no hesitations in going for what she wanted.
This was a beautifully written book, with humour, sadness and you can smell Christmas flowing out the book, holly, spices, cinnamon, just Christmas in general. I loved it! Bring on the next!
This one follows Daisy and Ollie’s relationship. From a brief snog under some mistletoe through relationships or lack of. The highlight of the year is Uncle T’s Christmas parties.
I loved all the main characters except Tim and Frankie. I don’t know why I disliked Frankie, but she grated on me a bit. It seems that was justified towards the end, but no secrets now, you can all find out for yourselves.
Daisy did it for me, in the beginning she came across as a woman that couldn’t make up her mind. She was in one sense, an in-betweener, she was inbetween everything. Deciding on a job she loved, no relationships just a best friend and a dog she was fostering. But one Christmas she decides to change everything. By the end of the book, she was a very strong independent woman that knew exactly what she wanted and she had no hesitations in going for what she wanted.
This was a beautifully written book, with humour, sadness and you can smell Christmas flowing out the book, holly, spices, cinnamon, just Christmas in general. I loved it! Bring on the next!
jpgrina's review
3.0
This is my first Christmas-related read for the year and I'm off to a good start. Four Christmases and a Secret made me feel warm inside because 1) it's set during the holiday season; 2) it has the friends-to-lovers trope aka my favorite in romance even though it was quite the slow-burn; 3) Uncle Terence and his bookstore; 4) Christmas party in a bookshop - I mean, how amazing is that; and 5) Stanley.
There were still things that bugged me though was how Daisy's mom annoyed me at the beginning who kept insisting that her daughter should be dating/married and that kind of talk irks me. Some scenes between Daisy and Ollie were kind of confusing too when it comes to their relationship but oh well.
Overall, this was a quick read and quite slow at some point. Still, it was enjoyable than I thought.
Quick Review: Four Christmases and a Secret by Zara Stoneley @ Like Chai Tea
There were still things that bugged me though was how Daisy's mom annoyed me at the beginning who kept insisting that her daughter should be dating/married and that kind of talk irks me. Some scenes between Daisy and Ollie were kind of confusing too when it comes to their relationship but oh well.
Overall, this was a quick read and quite slow at some point. Still, it was enjoyable than I thought.
Quick Review: Four Christmases and a Secret by Zara Stoneley @ Like Chai Tea