Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan, book 2 in the interconnected series Village of Yule is out on Kindle Unlimited and will be in paperback and hardback on November 24th. Read my review of this festive read.
3 stars.
An aspiring editor, Juliet Frost, receives an old family chest full of secrets. She finds out she is the product of a forbidden love affair and is connected to the magical Christmas village of Yule. Will, a man with whom she shared one night of passion, reappears and has things about her past to share. As Juliet uncovers the truth about where she is from she may have to fight for where she belongs.
An exceptional quality that the author has is you immediately feel comfortable in her stories. And the instantly likeable protagonist. I enjoyed how the mystery of the chest was ignited, and then left to simmer so we could get to know our leading lady. And our first encounter with Will is... fanning myself.
Both POVs are a delight to read, seeing their innermost thoughts displayed in such a relatable manner. Juliet's wit, cleverness and obvious kind heart, then her awe and wonder of discovery. Sexy and protective Will is dutiful or rather trying to be, giving us hints and piquing our curiosity about some bigger plan. Reveals are given to us casually, through seemingly simple, grounded, sharing of info that makes them even more shocking and puts our attention on high alert. The mythology of Yule is expanded and one of my favorite parts of the book was spending time in the magical village and learning its rules and how it 'works'. Love the connections to the first book and the festive appeal.
Often heart-squeezing, you feel for Juliet and what she has had to put up with and the hurt she has endured. With the humorous situations and some of the great lines uttered by the characters, it is impossible not to smile and laugh while reading this. Must mention Margot, awesome roommate in a book of the year. There are many great supporting characters — some to properly love and some to properly hate.
I have to admit there were some displays of insta-feelings, actions and reactions I was not fond of. Like I wasn't too crazy about how the first kiss happened or something Will does after their first 'encounter' in Yule that presents douchey to me and not endearing. But generally, the romance and its spice are nice wink. There are scenes or parts of scenes that just seem repetitive of things we already know and have been mentioned often. Then the big thing we are expecting to happen, that we are waiting for is rushed. Lovely finale but still rushed and abrupt.
This is a book about belonging. About legacy and family, the family you choose which can be so much better than anything you are born to. A holiday romance seasoned with magic, a healthy dose of intrigue and a slice of adventure. You have the warm fuzzies and often swoonies, plus the "I can't believe this is happening" vibes throughout this charming tale.
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