"Tis The Season For Secrets" is another wonderful journey into Kate Callaghan's magical world of Christmas, the second in the "Village of Yule" series and a worthy sequel to the first book, "The Naughty or Nice Clause". This time, we are drawn into the story of Juliet Frost, who unexpectedly discovers the secrets of her family's past, while pursuing a long-lost relationship. Once again, the author masterfully weaves together Christmas wonder, family drama and heart-warming romance, while taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster.

The story opens with Juliet's unexpected inheritance: an old chest from her late grandmother, in which she discovers information that will turn her life upside down. She learns that her mother, whom she never knew, lives in a magical Christmas village and is waiting for her. This tiny village, which we got to know in the first book, enchants us once again as the snowy streets, fairytale atmosphere and festive lights come to life in the author's descriptions. Yule is not only a place, but also a protagonist of the story, where the secrets of the past and the challenges of the present are intertwined.

The plot never lets the reader's attention waver. As Juliet tries to understand her family's history, more and more mysteries unfold about the Frost and Heart families' past. Events are further complicated by Will Duncan, whom Juliet should not even know about, yet when they meet, the irresistible attraction between them is instantly palpable. Kate Callaghan once again delivers a great dose of suspense, and the romance unfolds gently but unstoppably as emotions and shadows of the past continue to test the characters.

The character of Will immediately tugs at the heartstrings – he is the perfect bookish male lead, both a perfect gentleman and a passionate man who would do anything for Juliet. The author brilliantly portrays the journey of their relationship, from the lack of trust to the deep emotions and the fateful bond. The story alternates between humour, drama and touching moments, while the supporting characters are also brought to life – whether they are lovable or hated, the author is a master at creating them all.

"Tis The Season For Secrets" is not only a Christmas tale, but an emotional, gripping story of family secrets, coming to terms with the past and the possibility of a new beginning. For those who loved the first book in the series, this volume will be a real holiday treat as well, not only introducing new characters but also bringing back some of the familiar faces from the first book.

Kate Callaghan proves once again that she can bring the Christmas atmosphere, suspense and romance together in perfect harmony, making every page of "Tis The Season For Secrets" a real winter wonderland. A book to be read with a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket, to allow you to fully immerse yourself in Yule's special world.

I picked up “Tis the Season for Secrets” hoping for a meaningful holiday read, but unfortunately it didn’t resonate with me. The story was very well written but wasn’t my type of book. I struggled to connect with the characters but it doesn’t mean the book is not good enough, I really want to read other books from the author. Hopefully soon!!!!!

I would give 2.75

Not a fan, sorry, I tried. I picked up the book over and over again, hoping that it would spark, but unfortunately It didn't. I'm very sorry, the premises were good, but I found the plot flat in its development. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for this e-copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.

'Tis the Season for Secrets is the kind of book that feels like stepping into a snow globe—enchanting, cozy, and brimming with holiday magic. I was drawn to this book after reading about Yule Village on NetGalley, and I’m so glad I picked it up! While it can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading The Naughty or Nice Clause first to fully appreciate the world and its characters.

Juliet Frost is determined to climb the ranks in her publishing career, but her latest task—securing a manuscript from a mysterious author—unexpectedly leads her straight into the arms of Will Duncan. Their one-night encounter sets off a whirlwind journey filled with romance, secrets, and a touch of magic. I loved how Juliet’s story unfolded, especially as she discovered her own ties to Yule.

Kate Callaghan crafts a heartwarming romance with just the right amount of spice, though I did find the shift in tone a bit inconsistent. The story starts off with an intense moment between Juliet and Will, only for the romance to become more closed-door for the rest of the book. That being said, their chemistry was undeniable, and I enjoyed seeing their connection grow beyond the initial spark.

One of the standout elements of this book was the setting. Yule is a charming and immersive world, and I appreciated how seamlessly the magic was woven into the story. The town’s history and politics played a significant role in the latter half of the book, which I found intriguing, though I would have loved a bit more resolution on some of the lingering plot threads.

Beyond the romance, the side characters added so much depth. From supportive friends to intriguing family dynamics, they enriched the story and made Yule feel like a place I’d love to visit again.

If you’re looking for a holiday read that blends romance, mystery, and a sprinkle of festive enchantment, ‘Tis the Season for Secrets is a great pick. It’s a perfect book to curl up with by the fire, hot chocolate in hand, and let yourself believe in a little Christmas magic.

[Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC with honesty.]

And we are back in Yule! This story is interconnected stand alone. Personally, I always like to read in order, so I went ahead and read the previous story to this one and while, you really don't NEED to read the first, I would recommend you do. You get to see characters from the previous book overlap in this one.

That being said, I think I both liked the set up with this FMC a little more than the first (not that the first was bad, just different) and the backstory of Juliet felt more personal. I don't want to say too much but I felt like this book was a little more fleshed out. The beginning I was a bit confused with Will but after a bit it had a better flow to the story. The only thing that kept driving me nuts was Juliet's need to run. I won't specify what or that would be spoilerish.

Overall, I had a fun time with this one. Nice little story that while it revolves around Christmas (sort of) you could probably read this outside of the season as well.

My Rating: 3.5 (rounded up)

This story has everything you're looking for during the holidays, cozy rom com. "Tis The Season For Secrets" has magical hallmark movie vibes. Juliet has to uncover family secrets including their connection to the village of Yule while her secret Guardian Will keeps close tabs on her. Close tabs indeed.

A great Christmas read! Full of holiday spirit and magic with a lovely addition of mystery. And I am always here for a good bodyguard romance!

**Review of *Tis The Season For Secrets: Village of Yule Book 2* by Kate Callaghan**

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

*Tis The Season For Secrets* by Kate Callaghan is a cozy, holiday-themed romance set in the charming Village of Yule. The setting is festive and warm, and the small-town atmosphere really adds to the book’s charm. The story offers a mix of romance, mystery, and seasonal cheer, which makes it perfect for fans of light-hearted, holiday reads.

However, while the book is enjoyable, it feels a bit predictable at times, and the plot didn’t offer many surprises. The characters are likable, but they could have been more fleshed out, and the emotional depth of their relationships felt a little underdeveloped. The secrets that drive the plot are intriguing, but they don’t fully land in a way that made me feel as invested in the outcome.

Overall, *Tis The Season For Secrets* is a pleasant and festive read, ideal for readers looking for a quick, feel-good holiday romance. It’s enjoyable for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist, but it might not have the emotional punch or depth that some readers crave.

Another fun slightly magical holiday romance from a fav indie author. This was just the lighthearted read I needed over the winter season and I would definitely recommend it! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I loved the start of this book, but, by the time I got to the middle, I was dying for him to just tell her what was happening. I had to put it down and, honestly, it took me way too long to pick it back up. I do think it's a solid sequel in an interesting series, but it dragged on for far too long. I think a shorter to the punch would have helped make the story a lot more interesting. However, that only dings it a star - this is a solid 4 star read.

I read this around the holidays and enjoyed it. The pacing at some points was slow but it really did a great job of setting the holiday mood. It seemed like a fairy tale and i was envisioning a hallmark movie. I read this as a standalone but cant wait to read the others in the series. Thanks so much for the ARC!

Book Review: A Whimsical Journey of Self-Discovery
In "A Whimsical Circus of Revelations," we follow the enchanting journey of aspiring editor Juliet Frost, who inherits an old family chest that unravels a tapestry of closely guarded family secrets. What begins as a tranquil holiday season quickly transforms into a delightful adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Juliet's discovery that she is the product of a forbidden love affair adds layers of intrigue, and her ties to a magical Christmas village called Yule introduce a sense of wonder that captivates the reader's imagination. The author's ability to weave fantasy with heartfelt emotions invites us to explore themes of love, identity, and belonging.
The reappearance of the mysterious Will Duncan from Juliet's past brings an additional spark to the narrative. His enigmatic presence raises questions about fate and destiny, leading readers to ponder whether their encounter is a serendipitous moment or part of a greater plan. As Juliet navigates her feelings and uncovers the truth about her heritage, the story beautifully illustrates the struggle between following one's heart and seeking answers.
This captivating tale not only entertains but also inspires readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery. With its whimsical elements and rich character development, "A Whimsical Circus of Revelations" is a delightful read that leaves one feeling uplifted and hopeful. It's a perfect addition to your holiday reading list, reminding us all that the magic of the season can lead to profound revelations about who we are and where we truly belong. #netgalley

I’m so sad to say that this one just wasn’t my favorite.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series!! It’s one of my top 5 favorite Christmas books! I loved the characters and the story.

I feel like this one just missed the mark. I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters and the story fell flat. I liked that characters from the first book were mentioned, but I wish their appearance would have been written differently.

All in all I didn’t really like this book, but I would read another if she wrote one for this series. To try to catch the feelings I had for the first book.

This is like a Romeo & Juliet Hallmark Christmas story and I loved it! It was just warm and cozy, it was a little insta-lovey but Juliet and Will were so adorable and had so much chemistry that I didn't really care. There was also quite a lot more mystery in this book compared to the first book and it kept it really engaging!

I find Yule completely charming and I loved going back. Will was adorable and I was glad we got to catch up with some old friends. However, Juliette came across a bit too immature and self centered for me personally. If she had used a little bit of logic when making decisions I could have excused her rashness but it just came across as her thinking she knew more/better than everyone else. She also gave me too much insta-love vibe, at least Will’s non-creepy stalking gave his infatuation some credibility. The solution to the problem of her being welcome in Yule was just way too simple and obvious, I called it incredibly early in the story.

So overall it was a quick, easy read. I enjoyed some parts/characters more than others and I’m still excited to read more about Yule and its inhabitants.

I wished that I had more time to read and review but not not get to finish this one in time to give a review for it. I dud like the setting and characters.

This was the perfect, cute, spicy, festive read! It had all the magic of a holiday read with all the romance of an ideal spicy romcom. I was immediately taken by the characters, particularly Will Duncan who was gloriously mysterious.

I hadn’t read the first book in the Village of Yule series, but I don’t think it detracted from the reading experience, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

It was so atmospheric, full of beautiful Christmas imagery, and was a perfect book to curl up with during the festive season.

Read this if you like:
✨One night stand
✨Forced proximity
✨Dual POV
✨Forbidden love
✨Bodyguard

Thank you NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for the ARC of this book!

Tis the season for secrets was the second book I've read in the Yule series by Kate Callaghan.
Loved it just as much as the first.
Not something I would usually pick up, so pleasantly surprised.
5*****

'Tis the Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan is a delightful read and the second instalment in the Village of Yule series. While it is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. This low fantasy romance marvellously transports readers to a world where magic seamlessly intertwines with reality, all set in the enchanting, snow-covered village of Yule.

The story revolves around Juliet, a dedicated editor working hard for her next promotion, and Will, a guardian of Yule who secretly takes on the role of her bodyguard. The author has intricately crafted the characters, adding depth and dimension that make the story all the more engaging and enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of holiday romances, those who enjoy magical settings with a touch of realism. If you’re looking for a cozy, enchanting escape, 'Tis the Season for Secrets is the perfect choice.

Tis The Season of Secrets by Kate Callaghan delivers a captivating blend of holiday magic, forbidden romance, and family secrets. When Juliet Frost inherits an antique chest from her grandmother, she unearths a shocking truth: her mother lives in a hidden, magical Christmas village. This revelation throws her life into disarray and leads her to Will Duncan, a man from her past who holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of her family history. Their rekindled connection, however, is fraught with danger and deception as they navigate a world of hidden agendas and ancient magic.


While the story may benefit from a slightly faster pace at times, Callaghan masterfully crafts a richly imagined world filled with enchanting details of the magical village of Yule. The vivid descriptions of snow-covered landscapes, festive traditions, and whimsical creatures transport readers to a winter wonderland. The characters are engaging, with Juliet’s journey of self-discovery and her complex relationship with Will forming the heart of the narrative. While some readers may find the “Romeo and Juliet” parallels a bit predictable, the unique blend of holiday romance, family drama, and fantastical elements sets this book apart.

Tis The Season of Secrets is a delightful escape for readers seeking a heartwarming and captivating holiday romance. With its blend of magic, mystery, and sizzling romance, it will enchant readers and leave them yearning for the next instalment in this enchanting series.