It’s always a great sign when a prequel makes you want to read a series. Of course, usually, you read a prequel at the same time you read a sequel – after the original series.
About the Book
When Clara meets and falls in love with Nicky, she has no clue who he is. He says he’s going to inherit the family business up north, but little does she know it’s at the North Pole. Then Nicky claims he’s going to be the next Santa when his father retires. And she can never tell anyone. Ever. Ho, Ho, huh?
Clara is used to life in balmy Florida. If she wants to be with Nicky, they have to live at the frigid North Pole. With his parents. And talking reindeer, walking snowmen, and elves. What has Clara gotten herself into?
Join the Claus family for Christmas magic, a whirlwind romance, a sleigh full of fun, and a whole lot of heart in this standalone merry prequel to the Santina Series!
My Thoughts
But sometimes, you come across a book and don’t realize what you’re reading. This was one of those times, and I’ll definitely be looking for the rest of the series. I’ll then have to come back and read the prequel again because there are usually little in-jokes and Easter eggs that are really fun for fans to find!
I don’t know what about the author’s name made me expect spicy, but depending on your preferences, be forewarned that it is NOT spicy. It’s a clean romance, which, considering it’s about Santa, makes me feel better. I’ve never read a Santa romance before, and I think I even finished one I realized was a Santa romance on Hallmark. Something about them usually wigs me out. But I’m reading various books to expand my horizons this year, and I’m so glad I read this one. It’s not spicy, and it was a seriously cozy holiday read!
I really enjoyed everyone in the story – except a couple of people who clearly meant to be bad guys. However, some of the standouts included Mrs. Claus and Walter, the main elf. I really enjoyed watching the growth of the two main characters, especially. They had a lot of growing to do, and the author did that well. Even without knowing where exactly their character was growing, the arc seemed beautifully constructed. And, while I’m not usually one to notice settings, this one was too unique, and the contrast with the Florida beaches could have been more wonderful to ignore. Also, the North Pole just had so many surprises.
I’m so grateful to the author and LBT for including me on this tour, and I can’t wait to read more!!
Who’s It For?
If you love a good Santa romcom, this is a holiday read for you. If you’ve never read one and would like to dip your toe in, this might be a great one to start with. You also get a little sports romance at the beginning, a little bit of a love triangle, and a whole lot of holiday magic. It’s a pretty magical, light, and fluffy tale, so any content warnings are mild and really just as a warning for those who are particularly sensitive to the topics mentioned.
Content Warnings: Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss (Off-Page), Childbirth, Family Dysfunction/Estrangement, Mild Injuries/Violence, Fatphobia, and Diet Culture. This is not meant to serve as a complete list of subjects that individuals may find potentially bothersome.
About the Author
I write mostly Literary and Women’s Fiction and PG rated Rom Coms. I’ve also written Metaphysical Inspirational Fiction. Each of my novels explores family and friendship, love and romance, relationships and life. I write from the heart and find it difficult to part with my characters when their stories end, resulting in several sequels. Each novel can be read as a standalone and there are no cliffhangers.
I enjoy reading (of course!), taking walks, brain games, movies (I was an extra in a movie), watching HGTV wearing sweats, and cohabiting with my significant other in Oregon. I also enjoy keeping in touch with readers.
Links
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Secret-Santina-Prequel-ebook/dp/B0DJDPYRFQ
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Santa-Secret-Santina-Prequel-ebook/dp/B0DJDPYRFQ
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9798227777881
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219879920-the-santa-secret
Author’s Website: www.dthrushbooks.com
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.