Love Books Actually: September 2019

Synopsis:
Four Christmases and a Secret

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Except for Daisy Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers. And Oliver Cartwright. Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates.

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things.

This Christmas however Daisy is determined things will be different. There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers. No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share…and it could change Daisy's life forever…

My Review:

Welcome to my stop on this festive Blog Tour for Zara Stoneley's Four Christmases and a Secret. OUT TODAY!

I was chuffed to be asked to read and review Zara's new book, as you all know I am a huge fan of her stories and this one is another corker! A story that includes festive jumpers celebrating Christmas Eve at a party in a bookshop has my vote! But don't fear if you think festive books are out too early, this story takes us through all the seasons as well as covering four Christmases so no bah humbugging just yet!

I really warmed to the main character Daisy straight away. A fun, caring and like a lot of us a little insecure in where life is leading. With an interfering mother who means well but can be suffocating Daisy lacks that confidence which I am pleased to report builds throughout the story, such a joy to witness.

How can Daisy not feel in direct competition with Oliver's name being thrown around. Oliver, a boy from Daisy's childhood and son of her mum's friend. Being told how amazing Ollie is can be downright annoying but Daisy decides enough and is determined to shine brighter.

You can't beat a pushy mother in a book (especially when there not yours) but luckily Zara gave us two! The rivalry between the two mums was cringing but oh so fun to read.

My favourite character though has to be Uncle Terence who owns the book shop where all the magnificent Christmas Eve parties take place year after year. I liked the relationship between him and Daisy, he is a true gentleman, a confident throughout giving her that little encouragement to dream big and to not give up.

Romance... It's not a festive read without a little romance, after all Daisy deserves a little love in her life. Although I have to admit I wasn't too keen on one of her love interests, I took an instant dislike!

With a perfect ending to such a heart-warming story, This gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings right until the very end and made me want to play Michael Buble Christmas on repeat.. too early? NEVER!

I would love love to see this on the big screen! A mix between Bridget Jones and Love Actually. I would be first in line!

Oh and not forgetting the secret... well that would be telling and I shall leave that for you to find out. But I had no clue all the way through, didn't stop me guessing though!

Another fabulous book from Zara that you all should read anytime of the year. Huge thanks to Zara Stoneley, Rachel Random Resources and Netgalley for the ARC which I have reviewed honestly and for inviting me along on this fab Blog Tour!

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

Author Bio

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of 'The Wedding Date'.

She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.