Holly's Christmas Secret

Cornish Secrets #3

by Kirsty Ferry

Once upon a Cornish Christmas ...
It’s almost Christmas at the Pencradoc estate in Cornwall which means that, as usual, tea room owner Sorcha Davies is baking up a festive storm. And this year Sorcha is hoping her mince pies will be going down a treat at ‘The Spirit of Christmas Past’ exhibition being organised at the house by new local antiques dealer, Locryn Dyer.
But as Locryn and Sorcha spend more time together, they begin to uncover a very special story of Christmas past that played out at Pencradoc more than a century before, involving a certain ‘Lady’ Holly Sawyer, a festive dinner party and a magical secret encounter with a handsome author ...

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

Kirsty is from the North East of England and won the English Heritage/Belsay Hall National Creative Writing competition in 2009. She has had articles and short stories published in various magazines, newspapers and anthologies and was also a judge in the Paws 'n' Claws 'Wild and Free' Children's Story competition in 2011 and in 2013. 'The Memory of Snow', her first novel, was commended in the Northern Writer's Awards, shortlisted to the top five of Wyvern's novel competition in 2011 and longlisted in the Red Telephone Novel Competition in 2012. You can find out more about Kirsty and her work at www.rosethornpress.co.uk

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pencradoc was once again featuring in the Christmas festive season, with the aptly named exhibition, ‘The Spirit of Christmas Past’ involving Sorcha Davies, owner of the tearoom, and the new antiques dealer, Locryn Dyer providing the entertainment. 100 years prior, Holly Sawyer and Noel Andrews made a similar appearance at Pencradoc - now Sorcha and Locryn were following in their footsteps. Would it be a Christmas to remember for Sorcha and Locryn?

Holly’s Christmas Secret is Cornish Secrets #2.5 by Kirsty Ferry and another entertaining frolic at Pencradoc in Cornwall. Snow, lightly falling; mysterious viewing of ghostly figures; the sheer delight of the manor – it all makes for a delightful read. Set in both 1906 and the present day, I enjoyed Holly’s Christmas Secret and recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's October so that means it's time to start some Christmas reading. I saw a conversation on Twitter the other day about whether it was to early to start Christmas books. My opinion is that it doesn't matter as long as the story is good. I'm here for the story not the season or occasion and this latest timeslip by Kirsty is a great story. It's short so quick to read and when it's lashing down with rain outside as it was when I read the book, it offers something warm and cosy to detract from the gloom. I've read the previous installments so we have some of the previous characters popping back up, it's Sorcha's turn for romance and for anyone else who has been following these we have the return of Elsie in our alternate timeline. Now a teenager and at college and setting her friends up with eligible young bachelors. We're edging ever closer to Elsie's own book (we are aren't we? Do I need to start a campaign???)

It's heartwarming, it's magical, it's christmassy. I now wish I could go see some Christmas exhibitions. Oh well maybe 2021. I love all the characters and for a couple of hours the world outside was a much more delightful place.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Holly’s Christmas Secret we get two Christmas romances for the price of one! There’s lots of festive loveliness packed in the pages of Kirsty Ferry’s latest Christmas offering.

In the present we are introduced to Sorcha and Locryn. Sorcha runs the tearoom at the Pencradoc estate and be warned you will either want to bake or eat or perhaps both as you read about her delicious festive baking! Locryn is an antiques dealer who is preparing a Victorian themed Christmas festival at Pencradoc, The Spirit of Christmas Past – an appropriate name in more ways than one as it turns out. Both have been drawn to Pencradoc and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear there’s a good reason for that!

In the part of the story set in the past, Holly Sawyer has been invited to a grand Christmas party at Pencradoc by her art school friend Elsie. While feeling out of place among the well to do guests, she meets author Noel Andrews. Noel is captivated by Holly and not at all phased by the fact that they might be considered to be on different social classes. This is a couple destined to be together if ever there was one.

I thoroughly enjoyed both stories with perhaps a sneaking fondness for the storyline set in the present, probably because of the rather lovely sounding Christmas festival. As always, I enjoyed the way Kirsty Ferry slips between the two time settings and connects them with some ghostly goings on, making the past brush shoulders with the present. The romances in both parts of the books are beautifully done and so sweet to read. The kind that brings a smile to your face

We almost certainly won’t be able to celebrate Christmas 2020 in the way we usually would – no big celebrations, no markets or festivals, so get yourself in the festive mood by settling down with a mince-pie and hot drink and lose yourself for a few hours in Pencradoc.

[Valerie Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting

[Patty van Delft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simpel kerstverhaal dat zich afwisselend in het heden en het verleden afspeelt waarbij het verleden zich af en toe ook in het heden laat zien. Dit geeft zeker een originele twist aan het verhaal. Eigenlijk boek 3 in de serie, maar prima als stand-alone te lezen. Instant love en niet veel diepgang, maar dat vind ik in dit geval niet storend. Fijn boekje en erg geschikt om te lezen rond kerst.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, happy, festive, charming little book!!

It’s like having everything you love all rolled into one and makes you incredibly happy, I know I will probably use the word ‘Happy’ a lot during the review, but once you read this book you will understand what I mean and that there is no other word for how you feel when reading this book, it makes all your stresses fade away and you feel happy. Which in these incredibly weird times, we all things to make us happy and this is the perfect book for it, it’s like a big hug from a loved one.

I am a huge lover of Christmas books, I may not be a fan of the festive season (it’s doesn’t feel as full of magic as it used to when I was little, it’s become way too commercialized – or maybe, I’m just a Scrooge 😉 ) but Christmas books are something I really look forward to, especially when they are wrote by one of my favourite authors and Kirsty Ferry is easily one of the best, I absolutely love her writing, her books are always so cheerful and they put you into the festive spirit (even a Scrooge like me lol).

We are once again whisked away to the gorgeous village of; Pencradoc, for those who haven’t read the previous books in the Cornish Secret’s don’t worry these are definitely stand-alones, yes they all share the setting and some familiar faces pop up but you will never become tangled up by not knowing the previous stories, believe me I came into this series late (which is not surprising with me) and I fell in love the Cornish Secret’s. But, if have read ‘Lily’s Secret‘ earlier in the year, then you will have met our lovely tea room owner; Sorcha and I am so pleased that she has got her own story and this one is so fitting for her, plus beautiful and magical.

Sorcha as always is baking, baking, baking and making her little tea room all festive for Christmas and especially for ‘The Spirt of Christmas Past’ exhibition which will be the main evet of the season this year. It’s being organized by gorgeous….deep throat guttural groan….so handsome, way too handsome; Locryn…sigh!!!

Sorcha and Locryn start working closely together as they do the magic starts, the air crackles with festive joy and romance. Through their own blossoming romance another story emerges, one of secret parties and magical liaison’s between a Lady Holly and a visiting author…oooh, I’m getting tingles!

I adore this sweet little novella, it’s full of cheerful festive fun, romance and magic, as always Kirsty Ferry spirits you away on a delightful trip that is full of twinkling stars, festive lights and the most enchanting characters. Honestly, I cannot recommend this book and this author enough.

Holly’s Christmas Secret is just what we all need at the moment, it’s uplifting and makes you feel incredible happy, it’s like opening your favourite box of chocolates and finding a second layer so you have double the joy.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Holly’s Christmas Secret is sure to get you in an early holiday mood, I mean that cover (which I adore) just screams that the holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to get caught up in all the Christmas/Holiday romances once again.

It’s time for another trip to Pencradoc – and if you’ve read the earlier books, then you already know what happens when we visit that timeless estate. If not, then you’re in for a beautiful experience filled with surprises and wonder. This time around we’re meeting a new resident, antique dealer, Locryn Dyer who is organizing a Christmas exhibition at Pencradoc. And our favorite tea room owner, Sorcha, is hoping that her fabulous mince pies will win everyone’s delight. But… Sorcha and Locryn will have more than Christmas present to experience as they not only put together Sorcha’s catering for the exhibition but find a bit of magical love in the air as well.

Oh, I had such a good time back in this world with Holly’s Christmas Secret. We’ll get to meet up with old book friends, meet some new folks, and discover a few secrets as well. Romance is in the air, as well as Christmas memories. Because some readers may not have discovered Pencradoc just yet, I’m going to be careful in the details I give here. If you have not read A Secret Rose or Lily’s Secret just yet then I would highly recommend them to you. No, you do not have to have read them to enjoy this Christmas novella – but they are really good stories that will give you more exciting tales from the Pencradoc estate.

Holly’s Christmas Secret got me even more in the mood for all the Christmas Romances to come, to have something to look forward to in a year that’s not been at all usual, and supplied a glimpse of old friends, a new couple to love, and the laughter, smiles, and enjoyment I’ve come to expect from this author. If you are in the need for a bit of Christmas cheer… then start with this story, you’ll fall in love and completely enjoy yourself in this world.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, ChocLit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Pencradoc for another magical time slip story, and once again it just sweeps you away with the history and the mystery and I loved it!

This is book 3 in the Cornish Secrets series, but can easily be read as a standalone as each story follows a different character and experience.

This time Sorcha, the tearoom owner, is the main focus of this story as she helps get things ready for the Spirit of Christmas Past exhibition being held there. Locryn is the new local antique dealer, and he's also involved so that means they have to start spending a lot of time together! And that's when the fun starts!!

They both begin to watch the past unfold in front of their eyes and it's always such a remarkable sight to see characters of the past play out their storyline. We get to travel back to 1906 for the ghostly goings on, and are introduced to Elsie Pencradoc and her friend Holly who are planning a big Christmas party!

This had such a fairytale feel to it throughout - from the setting to the storyline - and I just adored my time spent in the company of all these characters! A spectacular supernatural story!!

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful festive read.

It seemed so strange sitting down on a gloriously sunny autumnal day and reading a book set Cornwall in the middle of winter, but within minutes I was immersed in Pencradoc's Christmas preparations.
For anyone who has read Kirsty Ferry's books about the Pencradoc Estate they'll recognise old friends and encounter a few new ones.
Sorcha, the owner of the Tea Rooms, meets newcomer to the village, Locryn, when he requests her help to cater for his Christmas exhibition. Later when they're walking around the main house together they catch glimpses of people from times long since past. No-one else has reported these ghostly appearances, they are only showing themselves to Sorcha and Locryn. It seems that the supernatural might bring two people together just in time for Christmas.

ARC generously supplied by the publisher Choc-Lit, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.

[Donna Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set at Pencradoc like the previous two books in the series but can be read as a standalone story. A time slip novel that goes between the current day and 1906.
Sorcha runs the Tower tea room and has been asked by Pencradoc’s co-owner Coren to do the catering for an upcoming Xmas exhibition.
Locryn runs an antique & collectibles shop and is coming to Pencradoc to host the aforementioned Xmas exhibition. He meets Sorcha and there is a spark.
Then we go back to 1910 with Elsie (she was in the last book) and her friend Holly.
Holly feels like an outsider as she doesn’t come from a rich family like Elsie. She meets Noel at a party at Pencradoc. They hit it off as they both feel different to their peers and there is a strong connection.
The imagery is magical and Kirsty Ferry makes you feel as though you are walking through Pencradoc with the characters.

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that, unless Kirsty Ferry completely loses it, she can only write winners for me, never disappoints. I read every word, no skipping, and savour them all. Once again, this got finished in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down, and is a super story, giving us two for one in Kirsty’s time slip style – I liked Elsie’s games – about peanuts and mittens – and really loved the little inside story of the Ice Princess and her shoes – aahhh …. worth a children’s book on its own. (You’ll have to read it to see what I mean!) So in conclusion – if you haven’t already guessed my opinion – I heartily recommend this great little read, and I am, as usual, looking forward to the next.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorcha is busy getting ready for Christmas in the Pencradoc tea rooms when Locryn arrives to set up his antique exhibition of Christmas past, the sparks are instantly flying but have they got more in common than they realise? Holly comes to stay at Pencradoc with her best friend Elsie where she feels a bit out of her depth until she meets another guest, Noel, the attraction is instant but will his possessive cousin come between them?

Another lovely story in the Pencradoc series with a great Christmassy feel and also it is great to be back and catch up with the characters from the previous books. As always with this author the timeslip works seamlessly and I really enjoyed both stories.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely, Christmas, story takes you to Cornwall and Pencradoc House. This is one of a series of books, but like the others stands alone, but it will encourage you to read the others. Sorcha and Locryn are our hero and heroine and their meeting over a Christmas exhibition leads to a passionate romance that spans the years. A joyous read at any time of the year but in the lead up to Christmas will start the festivities off well, but is an easy read to pick up and put down if you decide to snatch the odd five minutes during the holiday. All the important things are in the story, food, parties, antiques, stories, ghosts and fun. Enjoy.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit was een solid read voor mij. Het boek las prettig weg, al miste het misschien soms wel wat diepgang. Maar ik denk dat dit echt een sterk kort-verhaal is.

Zelf had ik een beetje moeite om in het verhaal te komen. Maar toen ik eenmaal in het verhaal zat, was ik ook helemaal verkocht. Dit boek is op de details heel mooi uitgewerkt en er wordt heel mooi verwezen tussen de verschillende verhaallijnen. Daarbij vond ik het heel fijn om het boek vanuit beide perspectieven te lezen. Ik had alleen wel een sterke voorkeur voor de verhaallijn uit 1906, deze sprak mij net iets meer aan.

Kortom een fijn kort verhaal die ik volgend jaar waarschijnlijk nog een keer ga lezen.

[Emmy de Reus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een dun romantisch verhaaltje over twee mensen die elkaar in de aanloop naar Kerstmis (heden) ontmoeten en een magische link ervaren met een jong stel dat ruim 100 jaar geleden op dezelfde locatie met elkaar kennis maakte tijdens een kerstparty en halsoverkop verliefd werd.
Ik weet niet of het aan de vertaler of aan de uitgever ligt, maar ik kwam wat taalkundige missers tegen, bijv. als meervoud van bal (=dansfeest) 'ballen' i.p.v. 'bals', 'het ruimte' en zinnen die niet altijd even lekker liepen.
Voor mij een magere drie sterren.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to find a more relaxing escape than one of Kirsty Ferry's books. Lovely people that you would want to meet, in lovely places you would like to visit and in this case lovely baking you would like to eat! I'm not by any means a time slip fan but it seems natural in Kirsty's stories that the past touches our time. The buildings and places are full of their history and it seeps out. Reading this was a treat.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well just beautiful is all I can say.
I've not read this author's books before and thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Not what I was expecting, a cosy romance, but with a great ghost story intertwined too.
Now please don't let the title of ghost story put you off. Two beautiful and heart warming stories set in different centuries but in the same house.
I loved it. I will look out for others in this series but this can be read as a stand alone, I did!

[Helen Arrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly’s Christmas Secret by Kirsty Ferry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The book tells 2 stories set in the same place over a century apart. We have Sorcha and Locryn’s story, and Holly and Noel’s; each chapter alternates between the two which took me a bit of getting used to in the beginning but as the book progressed I felt like it worked.
A gentle love story (or two!) in a lovely setting. It is a place I’d like to visit.

[Reconciliation · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spirit of Christmas past and the spirit of Christmas which is to come lends itself to the beautifully written book.

A stunning novel to slip into any time of year, and escape from the weird goings on that is 2020. Does history repeat itself ? There are certain similarities between the time lines that cannot be overlooked as Pencradoc prepares for Christmas.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real feel good Xmas story expanding on characters we have already met before in previous books in the series. If you enjoy Kirsty's books already you won't be disappointed and this can also be read as a stand alone story too. I'm not providing any spoilers but it is ghostly Xmas story that is not frightening and the ending was just perfect, a real heart warmer!

[Paula R. C. Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful time slip tale from a wonderful writer. Wonderful setting and well drawn characters. A perfect romantic tale for sitting on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of wine on a winter’s evening or a wet day.

[Jay Urquhart-pettifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a few chapters to get going but I absolutely loved reading this book, two very special love stories over two different time periods that come together beautifully.
It's in my read again pile 💗

[Surfy · Rating 3 out of 5]

La verdad es que fue un libro que entendí muy poquito de la trama por dos motivos: primero porque no puse la suficiente atención (ocupo mucha porque esta en inglés) desde el principio y segundo porque se me hizo aburrido, la historia no me atrapó.

[Mariska · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not continued with this book . Stopped halfthrough. Don’t like this book , the writing style is liked of it is written for little kids. Story line is dull. Every chapter I was thinking I was reading a childish book.

[Mandy Marr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit hard for me to rate as I really didn't like the time lapse thing right until over half way through when I accepted it (just not my thing) but then enjoyed it more from then on. Even though I do believe in spirit it just didn't gel with me.

[Mim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing short novel

[Maixpaix · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars, rounded up. Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for cosy Christmas films and books. If you are not, this isn't for you. Such a lovely, magical, festive read. Really enjoyed it.

[donna craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lovely short feel good story where past and present combine

[Holly Kelly-Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly cheesy. Would be nice as separate more detailed stories but otherwise ok

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it quite slow at the beginning but did like the past timeline. I didn’t really care for Sorcha and Loclyn’s romance though.