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The Christmas Guest
Who is he?
When handsome author, Nate, moves into Laura's picturesque guesthouse in coastal Maine, it seems like a holiday fairy tale.
Her quiet, comfortable life takes a new direction as they get to know each other. He seems too good to be true, and she can hardly believe how everything falls into place for them. As their romance blossoms, Laura questions what Nate is hiding from her. Who is he talking to in the middle of the night? Why is he so secretive?
But Nate isn't the only one hiding something.
Laura has secrets of her own...
A twisty, deliciously fun psychological thriller and cute romance mash up that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and The Secrets Next Door.
When handsome author, Nate, moves into Laura's picturesque guesthouse in coastal Maine, it seems like a holiday fairy tale.
Her quiet, comfortable life takes a new direction as they get to know each other. He seems too good to be true, and she can hardly believe how everything falls into place for them. As their romance blossoms, Laura questions what Nate is hiding from her. Who is he talking to in the middle of the night? Why is he so secretive?
But Nate isn't the only one hiding something.
Laura has secrets of her own...
A twisty, deliciously fun psychological thriller and cute romance mash up that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and The Secrets Next Door.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2025
247 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
September 2, 2025
Sally Royer-Derr’s The Christmas Guest blends elements of holiday charm with psychological suspense, offering readers a story that’s both cozy and unsettling. Set in a scenic Maine guesthouse during the festive season, the novel follows Laura, a woman whose quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious guest.
Strengths:
* The setting is richly described, evoking a strong sense of place and seasonal atmosphere.
* The plot introduces intriguing questions early on, keeping readers curious about the characters’ true intentions.
Considerations:
* Some readers may find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle chapters.
* I’m not a fan of insta-love or romance in a thriller so this didn’t work for me.
* The twists, though engaging, might feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers.
Overall, The Christmas Guest is a solid holiday read for those who enjoy light thrillers with a touch of romance and a festive backdrop.
Thank you to @netgalley & the author for a chance to read and leave an honest review.
Strengths:
* The setting is richly described, evoking a strong sense of place and seasonal atmosphere.
* The plot introduces intriguing questions early on, keeping readers curious about the characters’ true intentions.
Considerations:
* Some readers may find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle chapters.
* I’m not a fan of insta-love or romance in a thriller so this didn’t work for me.
* The twists, though engaging, might feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers.
Overall, The Christmas Guest is a solid holiday read for those who enjoy light thrillers with a touch of romance and a festive backdrop.
Thank you to @netgalley & the author for a chance to read and leave an honest review.
December 14, 2025
This was my first book by Sally Royer-Derr and I read it for my book club. Sorry to say I was quite disappointed in this one. It had potential of being a Christmas book and labelled as a psychological thriller book. There were a lot of lies in this book that seemed to get all tangled up. The obsession that Nate has with Laura is definitely creepy! I found it actually painful to read at times. I do not recommend this book if you're looking for entertainment rather than frustration. Glad to be finished it though!
October 21, 2025
This story was more of a not so cute romance mash up than a twisty, deliciously fun psychological thriller. However, it was still a good read that I enjoyed very much. I was looking for a holiday story that didn’t read like a sappy Hallmark story and that is what I got.
The book summary introduces the primary MC’s and storyline of Nate and Laura meeting when Nate rents Laura’s guesthouse for a couple of months while his place was being repaired after a small fire. What the book summary doesn’t say is that both Nate and Laura are widowed. It’s not long before insta-love hits them and they’re practically living together. None of this is a spoiler since it transpires pretty early in the story, which is how insta-love works.
Pretty much the first half of the story is all about Nate and Laura’s insta-love affair. Right around the halfway point, Laura becomes suspicious of some of Nate’s behavior that has her certain that Nate is hiding something. When weird things start happening, it’s revealed that Laura has some of her own secrets and she begins to suspect that she’s been found by someone from her past.
Deep into the second half, the secrets are revealed and it’s a flurry of scenes that are a little scary, and a little anti-climactic. However, it was that creepy epilogue where this story truly earned it’s “psychological thriller” status. JMHO
The character development of Nate and Laura along with Ashley was well done, but the rest of the cast were basically just talking heads. The pacing for the first half was steady with the second half being fast. The storyline and writing were ok, with the epilogue being a good twist. For most of this story, I was thinking this was a 3star read, but that ending added just that little extra turning this from an overall rating of 3.3 to a 3.5 star review that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley CoOp for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCoOp #TheChristmasGuest
The book summary introduces the primary MC’s and storyline of Nate and Laura meeting when Nate rents Laura’s guesthouse for a couple of months while his place was being repaired after a small fire. What the book summary doesn’t say is that both Nate and Laura are widowed. It’s not long before insta-love hits them and they’re practically living together. None of this is a spoiler since it transpires pretty early in the story, which is how insta-love works.
Pretty much the first half of the story is all about Nate and Laura’s insta-love affair. Right around the halfway point, Laura becomes suspicious of some of Nate’s behavior that has her certain that Nate is hiding something. When weird things start happening, it’s revealed that Laura has some of her own secrets and she begins to suspect that she’s been found by someone from her past.
Deep into the second half, the secrets are revealed and it’s a flurry of scenes that are a little scary, and a little anti-climactic. However, it was that creepy epilogue where this story truly earned it’s “psychological thriller” status. JMHO
The character development of Nate and Laura along with Ashley was well done, but the rest of the cast were basically just talking heads. The pacing for the first half was steady with the second half being fast. The storyline and writing were ok, with the epilogue being a good twist. For most of this story, I was thinking this was a 3star read, but that ending added just that little extra turning this from an overall rating of 3.3 to a 3.5 star review that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley CoOp for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCoOp #TheChristmasGuest
October 9, 2025
I wish we got half stars because I’d like to give this 3.5 stars. It’s a cute, suspenseful romantic thriller. I love how this is set at Christmas time. The beginning of the book really gets you in the holiday spirit. The romance is sweet and not explicit. The thriller part stays at a nice slow pace. There’s just enough there to keep you a little nervous and wondering what’s going on. The end didn’t feel as dramatic as I wanted it. If it was a little more drawn out it may have felt more realistic. Overall a wonderful holiday read.
September 27, 2025
Holiday cheer meets chilling suspense! As someone born and raised in the Philippines, I say "YES" to Christmas novels in September - because that’s when our festive season kicks off. And this one? It’s not your typical cozy holiday read. Think of twinkling lights, steamy romance, and a side of murder, stalking, and secrets that’ll keep you flipping pages like crazy.
I was absolutely rooting for Nate and Laura’s twisted holiday fling. Laura, at 54, is a total powerhouse - fit, sharp, and emotionally resilient. She’s a widow with a haunting past, but instead of sulking, she runs toward healing and physical strength. Her connection with Nate is intense, complicated, and at times, downright obsessive. But through it all, Laura never loses sight of the love she once had with her husband who passed away which adds a beautiful layer of depth to her journey.
What I loved:
❥ A strong, healthy alpha female lead who breaks stereotypes.
❥ A mystery that kept me guessing until the very last chapter.
❥ Fast-paced and gripping - no dull moments here!
What didn’t quite feel right:
❥ The web of lies between Laura and Nate got a bit tangled
❥ Insta-love vibes felt a little rushed
❥ Nate’s obsession with Laura? Yikes.
My Ratings:
• Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Character Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Message: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final thoughts: This book is perfect for a cozy Sunday morning with a hot cup of coffee. It’s addictive, dramatic, and ideal for readers who love holiday romance with a thrilling twist of mystery and danger. If you’re into festive vibes with a dark edge, this one’s for you!
~JaNnA~
I was absolutely rooting for Nate and Laura’s twisted holiday fling. Laura, at 54, is a total powerhouse - fit, sharp, and emotionally resilient. She’s a widow with a haunting past, but instead of sulking, she runs toward healing and physical strength. Her connection with Nate is intense, complicated, and at times, downright obsessive. But through it all, Laura never loses sight of the love she once had with her husband who passed away which adds a beautiful layer of depth to her journey.
What I loved:
❥ A strong, healthy alpha female lead who breaks stereotypes.
❥ A mystery that kept me guessing until the very last chapter.
❥ Fast-paced and gripping - no dull moments here!
What didn’t quite feel right:
❥ The web of lies between Laura and Nate got a bit tangled
❥ Insta-love vibes felt a little rushed
❥ Nate’s obsession with Laura? Yikes.
My Ratings:
• Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Character Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Message: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final thoughts: This book is perfect for a cozy Sunday morning with a hot cup of coffee. It’s addictive, dramatic, and ideal for readers who love holiday romance with a thrilling twist of mystery and danger. If you’re into festive vibes with a dark edge, this one’s for you!
~JaNnA~
November 8, 2025
This mysterious read definitely built the tension & kept my attention as I tried to read between the lines and decipher what was truly happening between Laura & Nate.
When Laura opens her guest house to admired author Nate, she is immediately smitten with him and vice versa! It is evident from the beginning that they both are harboring secrets, but who’s is worse?
Laura is an immediately likable character and we are drawn to her magnetic personality. Nate is a little suspect, but in true suspenseful fashion, nothing is what it seems. Then add in the mysterious POV of “her,” which built the intensity! Eerie winter storms, suspicious characters, secrets, deception… all recipes for a good holiday domestic thriller read! Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 10.28.25
When Laura opens her guest house to admired author Nate, she is immediately smitten with him and vice versa! It is evident from the beginning that they both are harboring secrets, but who’s is worse?
Laura is an immediately likable character and we are drawn to her magnetic personality. Nate is a little suspect, but in true suspenseful fashion, nothing is what it seems. Then add in the mysterious POV of “her,” which built the intensity! Eerie winter storms, suspicious characters, secrets, deception… all recipes for a good holiday domestic thriller read! Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 10.28.25
November 3, 2025
Not bad, not bad...
Thought his secret would have been bigger, and the end was shorter, than expected - but with a last twist...
Enjoyed reading this.
Would recommebd !
November 30, 2025
What a riveting introduction to Sally Royer-Derr’s work—The Christmas Guest is my first book by her, and certainly won't be my last.
I listened to the captivating audio narration by Oona Maya and Stacy Carolan while simultaneously reading the ebook, and both the story AND narration were superb! I was completely absorbed with the main characters; their depth made the stakes feel incredibly real. The secrets and mysterious plot kept me guessing until the very last chapter, as every character seemed both innocent and suspect! The ending was perfectly suited to the story, and I’m hoping it means there could be a sequel!
I can’t emphasize enough how much I highly recommend the Audible narration because the actors' expressive voices will draw any reader/listener into the story as if you’re right there!
***I received a free Audible code in a FB post giveaway; yet, the opinions expressed are my own***
I listened to the captivating audio narration by Oona Maya and Stacy Carolan while simultaneously reading the ebook, and both the story AND narration were superb! I was completely absorbed with the main characters; their depth made the stakes feel incredibly real. The secrets and mysterious plot kept me guessing until the very last chapter, as every character seemed both innocent and suspect! The ending was perfectly suited to the story, and I’m hoping it means there could be a sequel!
I can’t emphasize enough how much I highly recommend the Audible narration because the actors' expressive voices will draw any reader/listener into the story as if you’re right there!
***I received a free Audible code in a FB post giveaway; yet, the opinions expressed are my own***
October 29, 2025
Thank you publisher & Sally Royer-Derr for this read!
Well I just started and finished this book in one sitting! Calling all Christmas and crime lovers - this book is made for you.
The Christmas Guest is fast paced and addictive, with three POVs explored in the book. As you are reading, the author has cleverly crafted secrets and twists, and the whole time you will be trying to work out how it'll all end. Of course I couldn't help myself but binge the whole thing because I NEEDED to know what was happening. The only thing that I will say was that the love between two of our characters felt very fast, however this didn't impact the overall enjoyment of the book.
This book is perfect for thriller lovers who want a Christmas popcorn thriller was twists and turns along the way.
Well I just started and finished this book in one sitting! Calling all Christmas and crime lovers - this book is made for you.
The Christmas Guest is fast paced and addictive, with three POVs explored in the book. As you are reading, the author has cleverly crafted secrets and twists, and the whole time you will be trying to work out how it'll all end. Of course I couldn't help myself but binge the whole thing because I NEEDED to know what was happening. The only thing that I will say was that the love between two of our characters felt very fast, however this didn't impact the overall enjoyment of the book.
This book is perfect for thriller lovers who want a Christmas popcorn thriller was twists and turns along the way.
November 28, 2025
Super fast read! Loved the romcom aspect of this “thriller”. While it’s labeled as a “triller”, in my opinion it’s more of a suspenseful mystery. It lacked the thriller vibes as much others have. Still a great book!
September 26, 2025
Set in the winter time along Maine's beach coast which is such a perfect winter time location.
Laura is a widow at 54, her sons an ER doctor in a Boston Hospital.
Nate is a children's mystery Author who's just moved into her guest house.
Nate is also a widower at 49. Both have their secrets to be learned throughout the book.
YAY!! A mystery that I read so fast because the writing was so good!
I love a who's who, who dun it, and twists. This was cozy, suspenseful and lightly salted with
some romantic spice what else could I ask for in a book that I couldn't put down?
Laura is a widow at 54, her sons an ER doctor in a Boston Hospital.
Nate is a children's mystery Author who's just moved into her guest house.
Nate is also a widower at 49. Both have their secrets to be learned throughout the book.
YAY!! A mystery that I read so fast because the writing was so good!
I love a who's who, who dun it, and twists. This was cozy, suspenseful and lightly salted with
some romantic spice what else could I ask for in a book that I couldn't put down?
September 29, 2025
The Christmas Guest swept me up with its cozy holiday setting and surprising edge of suspense—it was the perfect mix of festive charm and thriller intrigue.
The story was set in snowy coastal Maine, the story followed Laura, a single mom who rented her guesthouse to Nate, a charming writer who showed up just in time for the holidays. What started as a cozy holiday romance quickly took a dark turn when Nate’s secretive behavior sparked unease and both characters’ hidden pasts came to light. With its blend of small-town charm, loyal dog, and slow simmering suspense, this festive tale was equal parts holiday romance and psychological thriller.
I really enjoyed the cozy, wintry Maine setting that gave this story such a festive atmosphere, and the way the author blended holiday charm with an undercurrent of suspense. Laura came across as a likable, relatable lead, and the addition of her dog added warmth and personality to the narrative. I also liked how the romance was layered with secrets, giving it more depth than a straightforward holiday love story. On the other hand, the relationship between Laura and Nate moved a little too quickly for me, which made parts of it feel rushed. The pacing didn’t always flow smoothly, with some sections that dragged while others moved too fast. And while the suspense was engaging, a few of the twists felt more predictable than surprising.
All in all, The Christmas Guest delivered a nice balance of cozy holiday cheer and subtle suspense, making it a festive mysterious story I was glad to have been given an complimentary copy to give this new-to-me author a try. If you like holiday romances that aren’t afraid to dip into psychological thriller territory, this one that may be worth adding to your December stack.
Thanks to Net Galley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a complimentary copy in return for my review.
The story was set in snowy coastal Maine, the story followed Laura, a single mom who rented her guesthouse to Nate, a charming writer who showed up just in time for the holidays. What started as a cozy holiday romance quickly took a dark turn when Nate’s secretive behavior sparked unease and both characters’ hidden pasts came to light. With its blend of small-town charm, loyal dog, and slow simmering suspense, this festive tale was equal parts holiday romance and psychological thriller.
I really enjoyed the cozy, wintry Maine setting that gave this story such a festive atmosphere, and the way the author blended holiday charm with an undercurrent of suspense. Laura came across as a likable, relatable lead, and the addition of her dog added warmth and personality to the narrative. I also liked how the romance was layered with secrets, giving it more depth than a straightforward holiday love story. On the other hand, the relationship between Laura and Nate moved a little too quickly for me, which made parts of it feel rushed. The pacing didn’t always flow smoothly, with some sections that dragged while others moved too fast. And while the suspense was engaging, a few of the twists felt more predictable than surprising.
All in all, The Christmas Guest delivered a nice balance of cozy holiday cheer and subtle suspense, making it a festive mysterious story I was glad to have been given an complimentary copy to give this new-to-me author a try. If you like holiday romances that aren’t afraid to dip into psychological thriller territory, this one that may be worth adding to your December stack.
Thanks to Net Galley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a complimentary copy in return for my review.
December 4, 2025
3.5/5
Fast paced, good characters and story but expected more.
Didn’t feel very Christmas themed.
Fast paced, good characters and story but expected more.
Didn’t feel very Christmas themed.
December 5, 2025
Book was suspenseful and made you think the secrets they were hiding were detrimental but they were not. Still a good twist and a good story.
December 5, 2025
Great December read.
November 5, 2025
Who doesn’t like a cosy Christmas romance? Well... this one comes with a nice twist of psychological thriller!
The story switches between our main characters Laura and Nate. Both have lost their partners and both are trying to come to terms with their grief. Nate wants somewhere peaceful to write his next book and Laura offers her guesthouse as the perfect retreat. However, things are not as they seem and both have secrets to hide.
I really liked the dual perspective and how what starts out as a nice romance suddenly changes as it becomes obvious that something is very wrong. This slowly creeps up on you and I liked the sense of tension and paranoia. It is not a long book, but the author packs a lot into the story and I thought the characters were interesting and I was invested. I don't want to give too much away but it is a perfect holiday thriller and that ending!
Huge thanks to the author and Novel Tours
The story switches between our main characters Laura and Nate. Both have lost their partners and both are trying to come to terms with their grief. Nate wants somewhere peaceful to write his next book and Laura offers her guesthouse as the perfect retreat. However, things are not as they seem and both have secrets to hide.
I really liked the dual perspective and how what starts out as a nice romance suddenly changes as it becomes obvious that something is very wrong. This slowly creeps up on you and I liked the sense of tension and paranoia. It is not a long book, but the author packs a lot into the story and I thought the characters were interesting and I was invested. I don't want to give too much away but it is a perfect holiday thriller and that ending!
Huge thanks to the author and Novel Tours
November 25, 2025
Painful to get through.
Take away all the descriptive latte sips, eating, trips to the gym and silly school girl monologue from a grown woman, and you maybe have 20 pages of actual plot. That plot being painfully predictable and utterly drawn out concluding to an ending that couldn’t have come fast enough.
Take away all the descriptive latte sips, eating, trips to the gym and silly school girl monologue from a grown woman, and you maybe have 20 pages of actual plot. That plot being painfully predictable and utterly drawn out concluding to an ending that couldn’t have come fast enough.
September 12, 2025
THE CHRISTMAS GUEST BY SALLY ROYER-DERR.
Release day set for the 28th of October 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
This is the perfect Christmas romance mixed in with the perfect Psychological thriller suspense.
Sally is one of them authors that makes me say "and she goes and does it again".
I highly recommend every single one of Sally's books. She's amazing. Love her
Release day set for the 28th of October 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
This is the perfect Christmas romance mixed in with the perfect Psychological thriller suspense.
Sally is one of them authors that makes me say "and she goes and does it again".
I highly recommend every single one of Sally's books. She's amazing. Love her
January 2, 2026
✨Book Review✨
✨The Christmas Guest by Sally Royer-Derr✨
🌊 Set against the quiet beauty of a small coastal town in Maine, The Christmas Guest unfolds with a comforting, wintry charm that feels like a warm fire on a snowy night.
🤍 After the passing of Laura’s husband, her life is contained and carefully guarded, that is until she rents her guest house to Nate, an author seeking solitude to finish his next book. Their connection is immediate, charged with a gentle pull neither of them expected nor one that Laura fully trusts.
🌲 Laura has long since closed the door on the idea of a new relationship, burdened by a life-altering secret that continues to shape every choice she makes. Nate, though seemingly open and easy, carries an air of mystery of his own, leaving Laura, and the reader, wondering just how much of himself he’s willing to reveal. As their relationship slowly develops, Royer-Derr weaves tension through quiet moments and unanswered questions to simmer beneath the surface.
❄️ Despite its festive title, this novel extends far beyond a seasonal romance. While the Christmas backdrop adds warmth and sparkle, the true strength of the story lies in its atmospheric coastal setting, introspective characters, and the subtle undercurrent of mystery that keeps pages turning. The pacing is smooth and inviting, making it a quick, immersive read that’s easy to sink into.
🌨️ The Christmas Guest is a cozy yet thoughtful wintertime story, perfect not only for the holidays, but for any moment when you’re craving a gentle romance and a touch of intrigue wrapped in a seaside setting.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Sally Royer-Derr for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
#TheChristmasGuest #NetGalley #Sally Royer-Derr
✨The Christmas Guest by Sally Royer-Derr✨
🌊 Set against the quiet beauty of a small coastal town in Maine, The Christmas Guest unfolds with a comforting, wintry charm that feels like a warm fire on a snowy night.
🤍 After the passing of Laura’s husband, her life is contained and carefully guarded, that is until she rents her guest house to Nate, an author seeking solitude to finish his next book. Their connection is immediate, charged with a gentle pull neither of them expected nor one that Laura fully trusts.
🌲 Laura has long since closed the door on the idea of a new relationship, burdened by a life-altering secret that continues to shape every choice she makes. Nate, though seemingly open and easy, carries an air of mystery of his own, leaving Laura, and the reader, wondering just how much of himself he’s willing to reveal. As their relationship slowly develops, Royer-Derr weaves tension through quiet moments and unanswered questions to simmer beneath the surface.
❄️ Despite its festive title, this novel extends far beyond a seasonal romance. While the Christmas backdrop adds warmth and sparkle, the true strength of the story lies in its atmospheric coastal setting, introspective characters, and the subtle undercurrent of mystery that keeps pages turning. The pacing is smooth and inviting, making it a quick, immersive read that’s easy to sink into.
🌨️ The Christmas Guest is a cozy yet thoughtful wintertime story, perfect not only for the holidays, but for any moment when you’re craving a gentle romance and a touch of intrigue wrapped in a seaside setting.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Sally Royer-Derr for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
#TheChristmasGuest #NetGalley #Sally Royer-Derr
October 27, 2025
Laura lives in a cutesy town called Starry Glen. Her old college friend Juliet calls her to ask her if she can rent her guest house to an author named Nate who is having his home repaired after a fire. Laura is hesitant but agrees. Nate is handsome and gentlemanly. Laura falls for Nate fast, and even though she is still healing from her husband's passing, she dives deep into a relationship with Nate. Strange and odd things start to happen, and they all seem to revolve around Nate. Is Nate hiding something from Laura? Is he capable of hurting her or her dog, Gertie? Did Laura make a mistake of allowing Nate into her heart and home so fast?
I really enjoyed the first part of the book where Laura and Nate begin their courtship, and their love for each other slowly grows. I loved the subtlety of the odd and strange things that started to happen to Laura. I knew something was going on with the stranger she met at the gym but not the twist. I never imagined the story would take this huge turn, and I loved it so much. Another win for Sally Royer-Derr.
Thank you, Netgalley and ARC, provided by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-OP. All opinions are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed the first part of the book where Laura and Nate begin their courtship, and their love for each other slowly grows. I loved the subtlety of the odd and strange things that started to happen to Laura. I knew something was going on with the stranger she met at the gym but not the twist. I never imagined the story would take this huge turn, and I loved it so much. Another win for Sally Royer-Derr.
Thank you, Netgalley and ARC, provided by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-OP. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 27, 2025
The description of a mash-up of psychological thriller and romance piqued my interest in The Christmas Guest as soon as I read the tag line, and it was such a great read. A brilliant festive read that was a unique blend of thriller, mystery, dark suspense and romance all set to the stunning picturesque backdrop of coastal Maine that the author painted so well.
There is a whirlwind romance between main character Laura & author Nate who is staying in her guesthouse & this part of the story definitely gave me Christmas Hallmark movie vibes but then the secrets they both seem to be hiding leads to the mystery, suspense, thriller aspects of the story and it all works so well with the author interweaving it perfectly.
The Christmas Guest is a well written, fast-paced read with great characters, a gorgeous setting and a compelling & addictive plotline, a perfect festive read for lovers of something a little darker.
Thank you to the Author & Novel Tours for my ARC of The Christmas Guest, all thoughts are my own.
There is a whirlwind romance between main character Laura & author Nate who is staying in her guesthouse & this part of the story definitely gave me Christmas Hallmark movie vibes but then the secrets they both seem to be hiding leads to the mystery, suspense, thriller aspects of the story and it all works so well with the author interweaving it perfectly.
The Christmas Guest is a well written, fast-paced read with great characters, a gorgeous setting and a compelling & addictive plotline, a perfect festive read for lovers of something a little darker.
Thank you to the Author & Novel Tours for my ARC of The Christmas Guest, all thoughts are my own.
November 15, 2025
⭐️3.5 First of all I love the fact the MCs are over 40+ yo.
Laura, is a widow living in the home she’s lived in and loved for years, the setting is idyllic (I’m not jealous at all 🤭) A friend asks her if she would put up a writer in her guesthouse and as soon as Laura hears who it is she agrees. Nate arrives, and they hit it off straight away. Getting to know one another on a personal and intimate level. However, both are holding onto secrets, a series of incidents that happen to Laura makes her start to believe her past has caught up with her and it all started when Nate arrived…
🎄 𝐼 𝑔𝓇𝑜𝒶𝓃. “𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒?” 𝒥𝓊𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓉 𝓁𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓈. “𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔.” 🧣
I enjoyed the storyline, and that they both found love again. You are given little clues as to what their secrets are and I’d be lying if it wasn’t a tad predictable, not the secret side but the characters involved. Still, it was a quick Christmas read.
Laura, is a widow living in the home she’s lived in and loved for years, the setting is idyllic (I’m not jealous at all 🤭) A friend asks her if she would put up a writer in her guesthouse and as soon as Laura hears who it is she agrees. Nate arrives, and they hit it off straight away. Getting to know one another on a personal and intimate level. However, both are holding onto secrets, a series of incidents that happen to Laura makes her start to believe her past has caught up with her and it all started when Nate arrived…
🎄 𝐼 𝑔𝓇𝑜𝒶𝓃. “𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒?” 𝒥𝓊𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓉 𝓁𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓈. “𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔.” 🧣
I enjoyed the storyline, and that they both found love again. You are given little clues as to what their secrets are and I’d be lying if it wasn’t a tad predictable, not the secret side but the characters involved. Still, it was a quick Christmas read.
October 24, 2025
Everyone has a secret in this...well, except Charlie. He seems pretty innocent!
Laura's friend Juliet seems to have done her a favour by encouraging her to open up her house or at least her guesthouse. It seems like it could be positive especially as she's been on her own a little while. I was suspicious of some of the new people inserting themselves into her life and it's almost like you know what's going to happen but you need to see it unfold anyway.
Laura's own secret bring her some paranoia which could open up a whole other terror for her. It's an extra little twist that pops up but seems a minor distraction and the issue we really need to face is Nata and Laura's relationship with him. She seems somewhat naive and vulnerable. You can't help but wonder if that's part of the attraction for Nate although it's not clear if he's genuine to some extent. He clearly has more secrets that he's holding onto and he's not willing to share.
This isn't a long story and seems evenly paced as the events unfold. The switch between characters gives a different perspective and help to slowly uncover some of the secrets at least!
Laura's friend Juliet seems to have done her a favour by encouraging her to open up her house or at least her guesthouse. It seems like it could be positive especially as she's been on her own a little while. I was suspicious of some of the new people inserting themselves into her life and it's almost like you know what's going to happen but you need to see it unfold anyway.
Laura's own secret bring her some paranoia which could open up a whole other terror for her. It's an extra little twist that pops up but seems a minor distraction and the issue we really need to face is Nata and Laura's relationship with him. She seems somewhat naive and vulnerable. You can't help but wonder if that's part of the attraction for Nate although it's not clear if he's genuine to some extent. He clearly has more secrets that he's holding onto and he's not willing to share.
This isn't a long story and seems evenly paced as the events unfold. The switch between characters gives a different perspective and help to slowly uncover some of the secrets at least!
November 3, 2025
Laura runs a cozy guesthouse on the Maine coast, where a handsome novelist named Nate rents the cottage just as the holidays begin. Their easy chemistry quickly deepens, but Nate’s midnight phone calls and evasive answers make Laura suspect he’s hiding something. As romance tangles with unease, Laura’s own secrets surface, raising the stakes inside this supposedly idyllic winter retreat. When truths collide, the holiday fairy tale twists into a fast, high-tension showdown that tests trust and survival.
Christmas Romance Thriller? I was intrigued. Also this review is a bit difficult to write bc part of me LOVED this book, but then there’s a small part of me that feels the romance aspect could have been left out completely. BUT that’s just me not being a romance reader lol GIVE ME THE THRILL. Anyways, ultimately I did enjoy The Christmas Guest and was ready and waiting for Nate to be a really bad guy and somehow I was left wanting a little bit more out of this one. Overall, is this book Christmas-y? No, not really. The romance was mild, the thrill could have been more thrilly, but it kept my attention and I finished it within 24 hours!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The Christmas Guest published on October 28, 2025. Is it on your TBR??
Trigger Warnings: stalking behavior, secrets and lies, gas-lighting, threat of violence, murder/mystery elements, psychological manipulation, suspense/terror, romantic relationship with power imbalance, holiday setting hiding darkness
🩷🩷🩷
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Christmas Romance Thriller? I was intrigued. Also this review is a bit difficult to write bc part of me LOVED this book, but then there’s a small part of me that feels the romance aspect could have been left out completely. BUT that’s just me not being a romance reader lol GIVE ME THE THRILL. Anyways, ultimately I did enjoy The Christmas Guest and was ready and waiting for Nate to be a really bad guy and somehow I was left wanting a little bit more out of this one. Overall, is this book Christmas-y? No, not really. The romance was mild, the thrill could have been more thrilly, but it kept my attention and I finished it within 24 hours!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The Christmas Guest published on October 28, 2025. Is it on your TBR??
Trigger Warnings: stalking behavior, secrets and lies, gas-lighting, threat of violence, murder/mystery elements, psychological manipulation, suspense/terror, romantic relationship with power imbalance, holiday setting hiding darkness
🩷🩷🩷
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plottwistsa...
Follow me on Goodreads:
www.goodreads.com/plottwistsandpurpose
Follow me on Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
Follow me on Fable and join my bookclub!
https://fable.co/valerie-845011235983
November 13, 2025
A very light romance/suspense. There was only a handful of characters, and backstories on them would have been nice. The author only gave us a little bit on the two main characters. The plot was interesting, but again, it needed just a bit more. I will say, I liked the way the author ended the book. If your looking for a read that is simple and easy to read with a slight twist, then this is your book.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
January 2, 2026
This story was very interesting and did have me hooked right away. I read this very quickly!
I liked the main character of Laura.
The one thing I did not enjoy was how predictable the story unfolded.
I know right away who the mystery girl was that Nate kept referencing. I was hoping i would be wrong, but sadly I wasn't.
Otherwise, a good read.
I liked the main character of Laura.
The one thing I did not enjoy was how predictable the story unfolded.
I know right away who the mystery girl was that Nate kept referencing. I was hoping i would be wrong, but sadly I wasn't.
Otherwise, a good read.
October 21, 2025
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.
Laura getting a tenant who's going to live in her guest house. She didn't expect it to be handsome Nate,who's an author and he needs place to stay until renovation of his house is done. The mutual attraction and romance is what Laura needs being a widow for the past few years,but not everybody would want to see her happy. It seems that her new boyfriend Nate hiding few things,or maybe her own secret past catching up to her?
Is Nate the perfect man she thought he is?
Who's secrets are more dangerous his or hers?
Full of mystery and suspense it was a quick read.My second book by this author,and did not disappoint me.The way secrets being revealed keep me interested, and the last two sentes at the end creep me out.Great read.
I would recommend this book for mystery fans.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Laura getting a tenant who's going to live in her guest house. She didn't expect it to be handsome Nate,who's an author and he needs place to stay until renovation of his house is done. The mutual attraction and romance is what Laura needs being a widow for the past few years,but not everybody would want to see her happy. It seems that her new boyfriend Nate hiding few things,or maybe her own secret past catching up to her?
Is Nate the perfect man she thought he is?
Who's secrets are more dangerous his or hers?
Full of mystery and suspense it was a quick read.My second book by this author,and did not disappoint me.The way secrets being revealed keep me interested, and the last two sentes at the end creep me out.Great read.
I would recommend this book for mystery fans.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
January 5, 2026
Very easy read. Definitely not my favorite book ever and kind of figure it out halfway through, wanted more thriller than I got. Story jumped around a lot and wanted more at the end.
January 6, 2026
It makes me mad that this book went through beta readers and proofing and was still published.
October 15, 2025
(Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
I haven't read anything by this author before, and I probably will not in the future. Unpopular opinion here, but I did not enjoy this book. I wanted to read it because 1. Who doesn't like a Christmas book a few months early to get you in the mood? and 2. A Christmas suspense? Bring it on! Unfortunately, there was too much going on in this book - too many characters with their own backstories and too many lies. If it all came together nicely at the end, I would have tolerated the chaos, but I felt like it was just a rushed mess.
I haven't read anything by this author before, and I probably will not in the future. Unpopular opinion here, but I did not enjoy this book. I wanted to read it because 1. Who doesn't like a Christmas book a few months early to get you in the mood? and 2. A Christmas suspense? Bring it on! Unfortunately, there was too much going on in this book - too many characters with their own backstories and too many lies. If it all came together nicely at the end, I would have tolerated the chaos, but I felt like it was just a rushed mess.
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