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finitha's review against another edition
5.0
Utterly fabulous! There is no other word for this emotionally woven, splendid Christmas story. It is everything that we could hope for this Christmas and I can hardly wait for December now. Out of all the books I have read of her (and that is more than one in case you are wondering), this is probably her best. Ok, I am getting carried away. But really guys, this is not an exaggeration. Whether you like the festive season or not, you really MUST read this.
What could be the reasons? Well, here is some to tempt you.
1)We get to see four Christmas parties, each one outdoing the previous year. And this is not a random selection of four Christmas celebrations, we also get to see the events leading up to it.
2)A friends to lovers story. The chemistry between Daisy and Ollie is so palpable that we just want IT to happen. So obviously, the author makes us wait.
3)Uncle Terence is one of the memorable characters that I have met. A man who doesn't frown on the new generation, but who could have guessed that among all his frolics he kept such a secret? I am not saying that he is a role model (probably not), but all the same an unforgettable person.
4)Then there is his brother Charles, who you may not even notice that much. That's why I am noting him down. I don't think a person like him exists. He is a saint. Why? I guess you have to read and find out for yourself
5)Last but not least, this story won't disappoint you.
It has ticked almost all the columns of a Christmas romance for me, and I do hope you will enjoy it too curling up on your reading nook.
What could be the reasons? Well, here is some to tempt you.
1)We get to see four Christmas parties, each one outdoing the previous year. And this is not a random selection of four Christmas celebrations, we also get to see the events leading up to it.
2)A friends to lovers story. The chemistry between Daisy and Ollie is so palpable that we just want IT to happen. So obviously, the author makes us wait.
3)Uncle Terence is one of the memorable characters that I have met. A man who doesn't frown on the new generation, but who could have guessed that among all his frolics he kept such a secret? I am not saying that he is a role model (probably not), but all the same an unforgettable person.
4)Then there is his brother Charles, who you may not even notice that much. That's why I am noting him down. I don't think a person like him exists. He is a saint. Why? I guess you have to read and find out for yourself
5)Last but not least, this story won't disappoint you.
It has ticked almost all the columns of a Christmas romance for me, and I do hope you will enjoy it too curling up on your reading nook.
littlemissbooklover's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic book. This is one that I haven't been able to put down. I've read this gorgeous book in just one sitting- it is fabulous.
I have adored the characters in this book, I was rooting for them from the very start. They are likeable and realistic, plus you can pick up the chemistry between them from the very beginning. Daisy is down to earth and as a reader it is obvious that her kids with Ollie has stayed with her for years. Ollie is the nice guy that every girl dreams of, even his colleague Juliet can see that and constantly tries to imply she's his partner.
This book has in no way been predictable, I was extremely shocked about the friendship between Daisy and Frankie turned out. Nor did I predict the relationship between Terence and Ollie. However, this only added to how fantastic the book is.
Zara captured my attention and engaged me from the very first page with this gorgeous book. I would absolutely love a follow on story with Daisy and Ollie present. This book is so good, I am gutted to have finished it. It's an easy rating for me, this is most definitely a five star book.
I have adored the characters in this book, I was rooting for them from the very start. They are likeable and realistic, plus you can pick up the chemistry between them from the very beginning. Daisy is down to earth and as a reader it is obvious that her kids with Ollie has stayed with her for years. Ollie is the nice guy that every girl dreams of, even his colleague Juliet can see that and constantly tries to imply she's his partner.
This book has in no way been predictable, I was extremely shocked about the friendship between Daisy and Frankie turned out. Nor did I predict the relationship between Terence and Ollie. However, this only added to how fantastic the book is.
Zara captured my attention and engaged me from the very first page with this gorgeous book. I would absolutely love a follow on story with Daisy and Ollie present. This book is so good, I am gutted to have finished it. It's an easy rating for me, this is most definitely a five star book.
hammock_and_read's review against another edition
3.0
“He tastes of whiskey and mince pies. And something else, something that is Ollie and nobody else. Something I want more of. And a small part of my deep inside, that I didn’t know existed, has woken up leaving me all breathless and shaky” - Daisy
Daisy is one of those characters that you just start to love- funny and girl next door vibe. I want to see her Christmas jumper! Everything is falling apart in her life but slowly she gets is back. Ollie is the family friend she has known forever but hasn’t seen since the last time they kissed -- 13 years ago, with so much of their life changed.
Uncle Terence you wish was your uncle as he is helpful, heartwarming, true romance guy, and mastermind behind a lot more than they know until the end. The Christmas Eve parties is were all the action happens and where Daisy and Ollie meet again and again.
Zara does such a good job on the little town especially that bookshop, I just want to visit! You know the author did her job when you wish it was real and could go shop around.
This just screams Hallmark movie! It is very heartwarming, romantic, happy ending type of book that reads well even not during the holiday season.
Overall, this book was good. Might add to your TBR pile during the holiday season if you love this type of books/movies but it also is very “hallmark movie” with not much new ideas/thought, bookstore, normal girl, hot boy, mother that drive her crazy, aka its very predictable. But its a very nice happy for the most part read but it does have its sad and hard to read parts. So I give it 3 stars.
*Received ARC via Netgalley for honest review*
Daisy is one of those characters that you just start to love- funny and girl next door vibe. I want to see her Christmas jumper! Everything is falling apart in her life but slowly she gets is back. Ollie is the family friend she has known forever but hasn’t seen since the last time they kissed -- 13 years ago, with so much of their life changed.
Uncle Terence you wish was your uncle as he is helpful, heartwarming, true romance guy, and mastermind behind a lot more than they know until the end. The Christmas Eve parties is were all the action happens and where Daisy and Ollie meet again and again.
Zara does such a good job on the little town especially that bookshop, I just want to visit! You know the author did her job when you wish it was real and could go shop around.
This just screams Hallmark movie! It is very heartwarming, romantic, happy ending type of book that reads well even not during the holiday season.
Overall, this book was good. Might add to your TBR pile during the holiday season if you love this type of books/movies but it also is very “hallmark movie” with not much new ideas/thought, bookstore, normal girl, hot boy, mother that drive her crazy, aka its very predictable. But its a very nice happy for the most part read but it does have its sad and hard to read parts. So I give it 3 stars.
*Received ARC via Netgalley for honest review*
drusmilford's review against another edition
Not my cup of tea
I could not get into the beginning if this book. Thought it would be a light read. Recommended if you enjoy Sophie Kinsella.
I could not get into the beginning if this book. Thought it would be a light read. Recommended if you enjoy Sophie Kinsella.
jess_nz's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
norwayellesea's review against another edition
5.0
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***
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***
zooloo1983's review against another edition
5.0
Yay, I am back with another book by Zara and I think I have to say this one is my favourite out of the ones I have read! Why, well it is just so much fun, there is a dog called Stanley and even though you have a will they, won’t they scenario it was not forced down your throat. Instead, the situations and the secrets drive this book, the romance well it gave me the warm and fuzzy feelings. Also, it had me crying quite a bit too when I was not smiling like a loon!!! For me, this book has everything! Embarrassing and cringy parents who are fab, the unrequited love, the wrong love, the outrageous friends and a lot of laughter.
Daisy and Ollie have been friends for like ever! Their mums always compete who has the better child etc and they stayed clear of it, sharing a “forbidden” kiss one Christmas at Uncle T’s Christmas party in his bookshop (love this setting!). Never to see each other again for years and when they do fireworks thank you very much, but more in a sparkler kind of way not in a whizz-bang over and done with way.
With the story being told in segments of months and times worked wonderfully. You get given snippets to Daisy and her life at different stages, watching her grow more and more in the book into the woman that Uncle T always knew she would be.
Uncle Terrence isn’t her Uncle but Ollie’s, but he is like a fairy godfather to her, always a big part of her life and growth. I have to say when he was in the story I smiled. I would love someone like him in my life, just full of life! He loves life!
For me, the friendship between Daisy and Ollie is something truly amazing. All throughout the years, they were there for each other, bar a blip in the form of a secret until years later they meet again at Uncle T’s party. Their chemistry was great fun to watch with the banter, the adjustment to being friends as adults and the way Daisy would squirm and be awkward around him.
A big part in Four Christmases and a Secret were all the secrets. They played a huge part in their lives and some were bittersweet and some heartbreaking…all made me blinking cry.
I love Stoneley’s writing, she makes it so easy to read her novels. She draws you into their lives and her characters are so realistic that you could be reading your friends’ diary. Nothing superficial, just warm and fuzzy romance, making you believe everyone has a Prince Charming and to seize every opportunity you get. 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! I definitely think this is my favourite book from Stoneley, each book she writes gets better and better than the one before. I am a sucker for romance, it’s a nice change from the blood, guts and terror and she is my go-to for hearts and flowers.
hsteel's review against another edition
MMC is annoying. 20% in and the love interest has barely appeared. Writing style not for me.
dlight's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25