I expected a completely different story when I read the title, saw the book cover and read the blurb. More of a small mystery. Instead I got a chick-lit, which wasn't bad at all. I love chick-lits, and this one was actually quite nice with a very likable main character. Some side characters are also quite nice, I especially liked Uncle Terence.

The author just should have edited her manuscript a bit better to avoid unnecessary repetitions. And she could have tried using a thesaurus so that she didn't have to use the same words and phrases, like for example "hot and bothered", again and again and again.
But apart from that it was a nice read, although the ending was a bit over the top cheesy.

This book was a brilliant read and one that is perfect to escape for a few hours and loose yourself.
Characters that fall out of the pages of the book and make you fell apart of the story, the setting is lovely and captured well with words.
A great read. that I would highly recommend.

A fun, light hearted, frothy romance. Captivating and enjoyable throughout. I really enjoyed the whole book from start to finish. It has tastes of Bridget Jones with an over bearing Mother and Christmas jumpers but it really is it’s own tale and not just for Christmas. Highly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley

The perfect Christmas read! I loved the whimsical cozy town and the humor throughout. I found it to the the perfect holiday read to brighten your holiday spirit. With the perfect blend of humor, friendship, family and Christmas cheer. When Daisy finds herself unsatisfied from her life and job and she must push through all the Christmas festivities and might just reconnect with an old friend.

I'm disappointed I didn't push this one on my list in November/December because it would have been the perfect read to prepare for the holiday season. A good whimsical romance with a curve ball of secrets.

I read this at Christmas time and have been super ill and poorly so I won't be going into a full review however I did really enjoy this! A perfect little Christmas book :)

Four Christmases and a Secret is a heartwarming story that will have you laughing despite yourself. I loved the bookshop and the characters are genuine
and easy to love. I really liked this book and recommend it.

Four Christmases and a Secret was an enjoyable novel! I loved the way it was a humorous story along with serious life changes and the magical time of Christmas. Daisy is trying to find her way in her life. She has to learn to take a chance and believe in herself. Her parents and her childhood friend Ollie’s parents are always meddling in their lives, along with Uncle Terence. There is always something happening during the holiday parties in Uncle Terence’s bookstore every year.

This was a fun festive read. I laughed quite often while reading. I loved Uncle T and his bookshop! I would get lost in there as Daisy has done. It's a heartwarming story anyone can get lost. in. The characters pulled me in right away. I loved little Stanley so adorable! Ollie and Daisy's friendship is sweet and drew me into the book. Daisy, I loved her to pieces. The secret is a big twist that's unexpected. This book also drew a few tears from me in parts. Over all a great book that gives you something to get into a festive mood for the season.Also I have to mention that I love the cover of this book. It's so pretty and drew me right to the book.

Fine story. Lasted too long for me. I'm fine with the heroine getting together with her love as a couple with some new goals set. I don't really need to know she manages to make a success of all those goals as well. (Rather not, I miss my relatable screw up.) So, after Uncle Terence's video message, the story kind of dragged on for me.

The title is a bit of a misgiving: there is way more than à secret. I guessed pretty much all of them before they were properly revealed. What bothers me a little, though, is that most of these secrets were not mich of a big deal in the story. When they were revealed, they did not change how people behaved towards each other. Which is a bit strange, 'cause they were proper secrets, things that could really impact on how people feel about eachother. Damn Ollie is just too loveable and understanding.

Ah, the holidays. A time to get together with friends and family. Sometimes the gatherings are great and other times they are awkward.

That's the case when reading this title. Daisy adores her parents and extended family members like Uncle T. But she is conflicted about one certain person who has been in her life for ages...Ollie. The first awkward Christmas has them experiencing a kiss before they both went off to college. The second is years later when Daisy sees Ollie again for the first time since that fateful Christmas Eve party. She wants to hate him as years of hearing about his accomplishments paint a picture of perfection. That's something she is not.

Through the pages, you learn more about their backstories and witness them finally realize what was missing in their lives is each other. And in the process they learn a secret that takes them by surprise.

Overall, a delightful read.

Four Christmases and a Secret is a heart-warming, charmingly witty Christmas read with romance, heart-break and loveable cheer for all the year round. A great book to start off the holiday season with.

Daisy and Ollie, childhood friends, kiss under the mistletoe at Uncle Terence's Christmas Eve party and don't see each other again for years. Daisy obviously left traumatised from this kiss and her lifelong secret until old fires start burning again and all become revealed in a heart to heart. From failing her exams, losing her boyfriend, job and her loyal fostered companion, Daisy is set on believing that life is never going to squeeze some lemons

I really enjoyed this book, it really got me in the festive mood. I loved the transition of Daisy and Ollie's relationship throughout and the 'heist' of saving Stanley. Being an animal lover I enjoyed reading the relationship with Daisy and Stanley the most. The outcome of the story made me smile and I will definitely add Zara Stoneley to my authors to look out for in the future.

Heartwarming festive tale with themes of following your dreams, family ties and secrets. I enjoyed following the main protagonists journey to becoming a more confident woman , shedding a toxic friendship and an unhealthy relationship on the way. Had a few tears and smiles too whilst reading, enjoyable December read.

A cute story of Oliver and Daisy as they grow up and fall in love. Their mothers are best friends and always competing, and lots of fun and quirky characters abound. Language at times a little course, and the youthful angst and so on seems trite to this old lady, but these are minor. Echos a bit of Bridget Jones. but would still highly recommend. Fun Christmas book.

Four Christmases and a Secret is a fun holiday season read! Great plane book for a journey over the holiday as it will keep your attention.

4⭐️ Read. If you are looking for a fun cute holiday read then pick up this great book. I enjoyed every page of this great holiday read. It is fun, full of laughs and of course a little bit of romance..

I enjoyed the story of Daisy finding herself and realising her potential. The romance with Ollie, an old friend, added to the mix as Daisy realises she does deserve him. A lovely festive read and I loved the character of Uncle Terence who played fairy godfather. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

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.

Such a fun sweet rom-com. I loved this.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I stayed up way too late last night finishing this! I was looking for a great holiday read and this was so entertaining! It takes place over a series of four Christmases and there is lots of family drama and tension between Ollie and Daisy. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but I never found myself bored. Ollie was so sweet and supportive of Daisy, even though she thought he was a prick because she had not seen him in like 7 years. I also had no clue what the secret was. I loved all the characters in this story, but my favorite was Uncle Terence. Such a big hearted character! I love Zara Stoneley novels and I thoroughly enjoyed this!

An absolute delight of a festive read! Zara Stoneley’s heartwarming romantic comedy provides the reader with a perfect mix of great characters and magical storytelling. A novel that is very hard to put down and as the title suggests: 4 Christmases!
Please note my review contains spoilers.

Act 1: Must Try Harder
Set in 2017, Daisy is attending the annual Christmas Eve party at Uncle Terence’s bookshop. Although she was meant to be showing off her new boyfriend, Daisy is instead armed with her flat mate and shelter dog Stanley.
In a bid to avoid awkward questions, Daisy attempts to keep herself as low key as possible until her head is turned by a handsome stranger. That man being Oliver Cartwright - a child friend and past mistletoe snog.
As the pair are reacquainted, talking about their lives, Daisy receives news that the newspaper she currently works for will be merging and her job may not be safe in the new year.
After a bit of drunken research and a reassuring chat with her mum, Daisy decides to take matters into her own hands and begin a fresh start.

Act 2: New Year, New Me
Skipping to March 2018, Daisy is in the midst of prepping for an interview at the newly merged newspaper. Encouraged by Frankie, her flatmate and friend, Daisy sets her sights on a managerial role which will offer her the new start she desires.
After a lengthy journey, Daisy is caught off guard when she is met by the charming Tim instead of James who has had a family dog emergency. Interviewed in an informal way, Daisy is asked about her ambitions and what really interests her where she begins talking about her favourite books with delight. Her enthusiasm works and Daisy is offered the role as Junior Reporter - delight turns to dread when she realise the job will involve relocating.
Daisy’s nervousness soon subsides when Uncle T kindly offers her use of his flat in Stavington. The only catch... Ollie will be her part time flat mate! Although met with initial dread, Daisy finds that Ollie is still her sweet, supportive childhood friend and dog kidnapper extraordinaire.
Within this act, Daisy also dates Tim - the charming interviewer but as it turns out not so great boyfriend. After a moving in together proposal, Daisy discovers that Tim is not her forever after and is instead spending an increased amount of time thinking about Ollie.

Act 3: Nothing’s going to stop me now
This act again starts with Uncle T’s Christmas Eve party and a newly single Daisy who is definitely ready to mingle her way to Ollie. All is going well until an unexpected tragedy occurs that will change the course of Daisy’s future forever.
Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster!
5/5