Four Christmases and a Secret by Zara Stoneley

Four Christmases and a Secret

by Zara Stoneley

‘For lovers of Sophie Kinsella this is the perfect book’ Goodreads Reviewer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Except for Daisy, Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers. And Oliver Cartwright. Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates.

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things.

This Christmas, however, Daisy is determined things will be different. There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers. No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share… and it could change Daisy's life forever…

Bridget Jones meets the Hallmark Channel in an irresistible romantic comedy you won’t want to miss this Christmas.

Everyone is LOVING this Christmas romcom…

Oh my goodness, what a fantastic book…I am gutted to have finished it’ Vicki, Instagram

‘I could so easily see this working on a big screen, its such a heartwarming story’ Rachel’s Random Reads

‘Characters-*****
Hero- swoony *****
Heroine- my kinda people *****
Plot- amazing ******
Will I recommend it?-highly. To all romcom lovers!:)’ Diary of a Young Book Lover

‘There’s a secret hanging around and it’s one that I certainly didn’t see coming…would make a fabulous Christmas tv movie’ Jo, My Chestnut Reading Tree

‘A story that gets you in the feels’ Vonda, Goodreads

‘Zara Stoneley is quickly taking a place on my shelf of "must read" authors…a perfect feel good read for any time of the year’ It’s All About the Thrill

‘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!’ Zooloo’s Book Diary

Reviewed by Lynn on

5 of 5 stars

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A Christmas themed novel perfect for any time of the year. 

Uncle T's infamous annual Christmas Eve party looms signalling it's time for Daisy Dunkerly to dig out her festive jumper and flashing antlers, although she's not in the festive mood this year. It's a yearly reminder of Ollie Cartwright and a teenage kiss under the mistletoe and the fact he's now a doctor and she's failed to live up to expectations. With Stanley her foster dog in tow, she heads to the bookshop party venue hoping some seasonal luck will rub off on her. 

It's easy to understand and sympathise with Daisy and how her life has panned out over the years. A star pupil with ambitions, her life is a shadow of what she could have achieved. To make things worse, her mother is a friend of Ollie's mum who's favourite topic of conversation is bragging about her son's accomplishments. Growing up, constantly compared to him is a constant reminder of her shortcomings. 

Full of laughter with an overload of puppy love, the main plot's centred around Christmas but there's much more to the narrative than a seasonal chicken vol-au-vent and Pringles. It's about second chances, building confidence and realising some people are not who they seem...both positive and negative. Packed with emotions, secrets are revealed, deceitful acts uncovered yet the overall mood of this novel is upbeat. Who doesn't love a second chance? 

Everyone loves a happy ending and Ms Stoneley delivers one with touching sentiment and it's a fitting finale to this delightful rom-com. 

4.5 stars 

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher One More Chapter via NetGalley***

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 September, 2019: Finished reading
  • 25 September, 2019: Reviewed