I enjoyed the first book so could not wait to read this one and it did not disappoint it has lots going on and will have you reading late into the night it can be read on its own but I would recommend reading House of Secrets first.This one starts a month before Jess and Jacks wedding and while you think that Jess cannot possibly go through must more she is not getting a break in this one.It was a good addition to the series

All Jess wants this year at Wrea Head Hall is a nice peaceful Christmas to make up for the previous year, so that she can get on with planning her wedding to Jack in the new year..... it seems that fate has other plans for her however! With murder, intrigue and unexpected guests nothing is going to plan!

It is great to be back with everyone from the House of Secrets, I loved the first book so I was very excited to see a sequel come out and it did not disappoint

This story was so much more than I expected. I thought I was in for a light Christmas tale, but what I got was suspense, mystery and a lot of drama. There was a lot packed into this book and I loved every minute of it. I definitely am going to have to check out more by this author!

I have not read the first book in this series and unfortunately, this book spoils for the first book in the series quite significantly. On the other hand, I was able to pick up the series easily enough with this book. I started this book because it was around Christmas and it sounded like a good family drama book. I was surprised when it turned out to be a mystery/thriller kind of book but in a good way.

I knew everything was going to turn out happily, it's that kind of book but there was definitely enough conflict to get there. I did also appreciate how the conflict, while many different subplots were going on at the same time, felt organic. I never felt like Stacey was piling on the misery simply to make the book 'interesting'. You could see how the characters' decisions had led to their situations but at the same time it was completely understandable how they got to those decisions.

I loved all the characters in this book, they all connected with each other brilliantly and, like I said above, their decisions felt natural and completely IC for them. Even Annie, despite being one of the antagonists, was a character that I felt sorry for, even as I hated her for her actions. I thought she was an awful person but Stacey had her character made decisions that made sense for her. Cowardly and despicable decisions but you could see her logic.

The relationships were lovely. I was rooting for all the romantic relationships and Stacey didn't neglect the familial or the platonic relationships for them either.

This was a really enjoyable book. 4.5 stars!

Reviewed on Goodreads. I was suckered by the title, thinking I'd get a nice quick Christmas read. Instead I read a sequel that was fraught with trauma and drama. References to the previous book included murder, mayhem, arson, and kidnapping. This book is set one year later and includes homelessness, heroin addicts, pimps, prostitutes, unplanned pregnancy, and over the top emoting characters. I couldn't finish; it was too soap opera sickening. I don't like this style of book.

Lovely to catch up with familiar characters for House of Secrets. This is a cracking Christmas read and I enjoyed this book from first to last page. Highly recommend and look forward to more from this author.

I don't care for depressing Christmas books! They are not what I read during the Holidays. It's more like a Soap Opera than a Christmas story.
Carolintallahassee 👒

Bastion and eight-year-old Lily cowered in the small alcove, frozen to the bone but with no money for food or a room to sleep, Bastion could only give his daughter his spare clothing to pull on, hoping she would be warm enough. He knew he was ill – he just hoped they’d make it to the Hall the following day while he still could.

Jess Croft loved Wrea Head Hall and was determined Christmas would be much better than the previous year. She was marrying Jack Stone a week into the new year, and couldn’t be happier. But when tragedy struck one of the long-term residents, leaving Jess and her sister Madeleine devastated, it was the beginning of a run of horrors that threatened everything Jess held dear.

When it came to light that there were secrets and lies threaded throughout the Hall and its residents, Jess was more than shocked. What was happening? And why had this happened now? What more could go wrong?

House of Christmas Secrets by Lynda Stacey is a story of loss, terror, hope and love – a story of secrets held for decades, and what happens when they are revealed. I enjoyed the characters of the elderly matriarch, Emily and the child, Lily most of all. House of Christmas Secrets depicts a Christmas I certainly wouldn’t want to partake in! I prefer mine as Jess wanted hers – quiet, peaceful and boring 😉 Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.

There's a lot of back story to this book, which made me wonder if these characters were in another previous book somewhere. Though the beginning of this story is a bit overwhelming with characters and pieces of back story, I quickly got pulled into this book. There are several smaller story lines that all connect in some way. This is a great Christmastime story, full of family and connections. I enjoyed this book and would be interested to read more about Jess, her extended family, and their cozy English inn.

There's a lot going on in this one. I didn't know from the blurb, but it's a sequel. The previous story is explained almost right away, and lots of characters are introduced very quickly. It was a little overwhelming, I almost set it down right then but decided to try to follow along. It sounds like there was a whole lot going on in the first book, too! It is possible to follow this one without reading the first, I'm happy to report.

This book is a mixture of feel-good love and joy, over-the-top drama, and people so depraved you're left shaking your head in disbelief. I'm not generally big on romance, but I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit and couldn't resist the cute cover and intriguing story. I did find the book hard to put down. It's non-stop. Yes, it has corny moments, but it mostly works. A couple of niggles: Jess is supposed to be only 20, but comes off much older. There's even a moment where they reference a stolen passionate moment which took place a year ago in which they said they "felt like teenagers again". If it was a year ago, she would have technically still been a teenager! Some of the dialogue is also a bit stilted, and the characters talk aloud to themselves all of the time. Despite my quibbles, I did enjoy this book. I was expecting something nice and light, but it's full of drama and has some very very dark moments. It's a strange mixture, but it kept my rapt attention. The characters are lively, colorful, and for the most part, easy to love. I'm wavering between a 3 and 3.5 rating for this one.

Christmas last year was one everyone wishes they could forget, so Jess is determined to make this one a cherished time of love, friends, and family. She's soon to marry loving fiance Jack, and wants everything to be perfect... but that's not how things are going to go in Wrea Head Hall. A sudden death, family secrets, and unexpected guests are what she gets instead. Suddenly keeping the hotel guests happy are the least of her worries. Nothing is going to go according to plan, but this is guaranteed to be a Christmas that changes everything.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Choc Lit, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

A quiet, drama free Christmas just doesn’t seem to be in the cards for Jess and Jack. While they are both looking forward to getting married after the holidays, Jess is carrying a secret that she fears will not make Jack happy and Jess is about to get a surprise in the form of a family she didn’t know she had or are they? A good, heartwarming read for the holidays.

House of Christmas Secrets is the second book in the series, but it read as a standalone novel for me. When I began this book, I had no idea that it was part of a series. The first book in the series is "House of Secrets. “The beauty this book is not only did it work as a standalone novel for me, but it also cause me to want to read the first book in the series. Another plus, is that the Author provided enough of the backstory that I did not feel like I was missing any information that I might need to enjoy this book.

Last Christmas did not go as planned and Jess Croft has high hopes for this Holiday season. She is engaged to the man of her dreams and has worked hard to put the trauma inflicted upon her and her surviving family members by her sister's ex-boyfriend. Moving on from personal tragedy, death, the fire and loss of family members is not going to be an easy task. Now the hotel is up and running and Jess is determined to have a good Christmas....but family secrets get in the way. Also, two guests show up on their doorstop with a connection to Jess. Are they who they say they are?

Lily and her father show up at Wrea Hall Hotel unannounced. Lily is a sweet little girl and appears to be a miniature version of Jess. Her father claims to be connected to Jess. Is this true? In Christmas spirit, Jess takes them in and makes attempts to get to know them. There are two story-lines going on in this book which collide.

This book touches on themes such as drug addiction, grief, prostitution, loss, race, family secrets, acceptance, staring over and love. This isn't a typical feel-good Christmas Story. It touches on real life issues that just so happen to occur during the holiday for this group of people.

Thank you to Choc Lit and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a fair few romance/chick lit novels this Christmas so I was delighted to be able to read this one which has an excellent plot, drama and it is not your normal warm and fluffy festive book by any stretch of the imagination!

I really enjoyed the story, the writing style was excellent and there were plenty of twists and emotions in the book, it has been a treat to read it this festive period! 

Whilst this is the second book in the series, you are fine to read it as a stand alone and not be at any detriment - I have the first one to read but haven't read it as yet (will be rectified shortly now I've read this one and enjoyed it so much!!)

Definitely 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!  I am now off to read the first book in the series!

5☆ Beautiful story of Intrigue, Mystery, secrets, Family Drama.

House of Christmas Secrets is the second book in the series. I wasn't fortunate enough to read the first book.
However Lynda packed so much past story in the first few chapters I felt I knew the characters stories already. So I would definitely say you can read this as a standalone, however judging by the back story the first book is well worth a read!

Once I started this beautiful book I was instantly hooked.
Jess tells us of her near death experiences by her sisters obsessive ex boyfriend when he kidnapped them and set fire to Wrea Hall Hotel.
However lots of her family members were not so lucky. Losing their parents.

Now her sister Madeleine has the hotel up and running.

I don't want to give too much away because this story is truly captivating.
I loved each and every one of the characters. The closeness between Jess and Jack her fiancé and her sister Madeleine. Not to mention her little niece Poppy who was such a joy.

I adored Lily what a charming 8 year old. So caring with a huge heart and a zest for life.
She's not had the best start in life, her prostitute mother Annie a drug addict left her alone and cold as a baby. Then several times she robbed them blind leaving not even a toy.
Gosh Annie made my blood boil!

I want to applaud Lynda for her fantastic writing of such sensitive issues of prostitution, pimps, drugs addiction, long lost family members, racism, homelessness, grief, depression.
Although these issues are sensitive Lynda perfectly placed them within the story with ease and sensitivity. Which only added to the depth of the writing!

I can't recommend this story enough.
The characters stole my heart, captivated me, created enough tension and mystery surrounding all the secrets, exciting little twists and turns, it had heartbreak, humour, loveable characters especially Nomsa the cook who was like a mum to everyone, it had love, Family drama.

The perfect Enthralling, Poignant Christmas read!

In all honesty, I have no idea how to even begin with this review. I mean, there is SO much to this storyline from suspense to romance, to domestic situations to crime, I really don't think that my words about this book would do it justice in the slightest. I will try my very best, but do expect a little vagueness as I don't wish to undo the authors hard work by giving away her extraordinary storyline.

'House of Christmas Secrets' follows on from Lynda Stacey's previous novel, 'House of Secrets' which was published last year. Seeing as I didn't read the first book before I got stuck into this festive treat, I really do feel that 'House of Christmas Secrets' can be read perfectly well as a standalone. However, if you're wanting to get more of a back story to certain characters, then you may wish to read the first book before starting this book. For me, I found that NOT reading 'House of Secrets' beforehand, allowed me to experience more shock when certain situations arose - especially when the author brought some of the characters past to light. I was stunned, emotional and absolutely gripped by the story which the author was drip feeding me. How could Jess and her family move on from such heartbreak and devastation? You would think that Christmas time brought out people's kind-hearted nature and generosity, wouldn't you? Well, certain characters in this book obviously couldn't give a flying candy cane whether it was Christmas or not, as they only had their own interests at the forefront of their mind. Regardless of how much upset it brought to other people.

Obviously I don't wish to give anything away, BUT, this storyline really did take me on a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. As I said above, the storyline incorporated romance alongside crime, domestic situations alongside heartbreak - and that's just the obvious themes! I absolutely loved how 'House of Christmas Secrets' was able to take a snippet from most genres, mix them altogether with some rather unforgettable characters, to create one memorable and gut wrenching novel. Reading this book was a bit like having a picnic - you're unsure as to what one thing you fancy to eat, but with multiple plates full to the brim of exciting treats, you would think it an absolute travesty not to try something from each plate. Why have one genre when you can have multiple?

I did find several parts of this storyline quite difficult to read as the situations were exceptionally heart-breaking and emotional. I really was a bag of nerves hoping that things ended well for a couple of the characters in particular. I had to remind myself to breath! Also, and I might be the only one to say this, but my golly Jack Stone annoyed me! It was like battling with a man-child! Incredibly selfish, he really got my back up! 

Overall, 'House of Christmas Secrets' is an unexpected, heart-warmingly devastating novel which seemed to enjoy ripping out my heart, before carefully putting it back in like the hearts from Build-a-Bear. I absolutely adored this novel, and I am in awe at the authors skills for including so many jaw dropping themes, whilst also maintaining the high level of emotion, poignancy and intrigue. 

Definitely recommend this book, although make sure you switch every phone off before you start reading so that nobody can disturb you. Trust me, you really don't want to move your eyes off the page for a second.

Huge thanks to ChocLitUK & BrookCottageBKS.

I really enjoyed the first book, The house of Secrets, but I did wonder how Lynda Stacey could top it. After all there was a kidnapping, the murder of several of Jess's extended family as her half sister's psychopathic boyfriend went on the rampage. How much more trauma does Jess need? Fortunately once the story began, it proved just as engaging as the first although there was a fair bit of back story to wade through before the story proper began. Without wanting to spoil it, there it just as much drama in this book but with the added extra of a surprise Christmas ending. Very enjoyable but it's worth reading the first book before you do as it will make much more sense.

Lynda Stacey is one of the most exciting new writers of romantic suspense writing today. This award-winning author won plenty of reader and critical acclaim with her debut novel, House of Secrets, and this Christmas she has penned a gripping and suspenseful tale of deception, danger and the ties that bind that is simply fantastic: House of Christmas Secrets.

After last year’s tumultuous and tempestuous Christmas, Jess Croft is looking forward to a quiet and stress-free Christmas to remember for all the right reasons. Jess and her family are looking forward to putting all the drama and anguish of last Christmas behind and to count their blessings as they celebrate another holiday at Wrea Head Hall. With her impending wedding to the man of her dreams, Jack Stone, seven days after New Year’s Eve, Jess has got a lot to look forward to. But past secrets and old dangers have a habit of rearing their head again as she discovers when she is forced to confront old demons in the shape of two family members she had never met before and who could change her life forever…

When Bastion and his daughter Lily arrive at Wrea Head Hall with a very explosive secret, Jess is absolutely flabbergasted by their presence and by their connection to her. Having had a run of thoroughly bad luck back in London, Jess is their last hope for a fresh start, a new beginning and an end to a life of misery and sadness back in the capital. When Bastion is taken ill, Jess and Lily begin to get close, however, Jess is increasingly troubled by the fact that her relationship with Jack is going from bad to worse.

As never forgotten secrets resurface, will Jack and Jess get the happy ending which they’ve fought so hard for? Will happiness ever reign supreme at Wrea Head Hall? Or will they all be condemned to a lifetime of fear and sadness?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading House of Christmas Secrets. Lynda Stacey deftly and expertly juggles relationship drama and heart-pounding romance with nail-biting intrigue and red-hot suspense. House of Christmas Secrets is a terrific page-turner packed with powerful pathos, jaw-dropping twists and turns and searing emotional intensity that readers will simply adore.

A fantastic read that I devoured in a single sitting, House of Christmas Secrets is an outstanding tale of romantic suspense from a writer with a wonderful future ahead of her: Lynda Stacey!

From the cover I was expecting a lighthearted warmth filled Christmas story but what I got was a dark tale of loss, bad decisions and strained relationships. Although I had not read the first book, it was easy to catch up with the story as it was in parts over explained. An enjoyable read but not recommended if you just want snow and jingle bells!

The story is interesting and the characters are well written but the narrative is so repetitive that I lost interest

Somehow the first story, House of Secrets, slipped under my radar, but that is easily fixed in the new year. So even though I was unable to follow my own suggestion by reading in order due to time constraints, I had absolutely no problem following this story. And bits of information I needed to clarify a point or a person was smoothly included in dialogue or narrative.

Also, it should be mentioned that this is not a lighthearted, gather around the Christmas tree type of story. House of Christmas Secrets has bite, and mystery, danger and things hidden from family for a long time. Oh, you’ll definitely find Christmas here, but you’ll also find sadness, the cost of human frailties, the paths that lives often take that are completely unexpected and harsh. You’ll also find good friendships, people who are willing to step out and help others – even when loving relationships are at risk, people generally do the right thing.

I don’t want to risk giving away bits that are better left to each reader to discover for themselves – yet, it is so very easy to get lost in the lives of these characters, to laugh, cry, and get mad with them. The puzzles that surround all of the characters in one fashion or another only add to the feeling of a group of people who, no matter how different, have bonded into a solid unit. The story threads were woven so that while I was caught up in individual situations, I could also feel how those things touched other character’s lives as well. By the ending of House of Christmas Secrets I was even more annoyed with myself for missing the first book, and it will be one of the first books on my 2018 line-up for now I need to go back to the beginning firsthand.

If you love a story that is strong on family ties, even when unexpected, a touch of danger, a puzzle to solve and happy endings to discover then you’ll enjoy House of Christmas Secrets. All the while discovering a quite satisfying Christmas story as well. I believe any reader who enjoys Romance, Mystery or Suspense would like this story, add in the Christmas theme and you’ve got a winner. Indulge yourself this season and enjoy.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*