Book Review of Santa’s Secret by Fern Michaels: A Delightful Italian Holiday Adventure @FernMichaels @recordedbooks

In Santa’s Secret, four lifelong friends discover the magic of Christmas in Italy while unravelling family secrets, forging new traditions, and indulging in delicious holiday treats.

Summary:

Francesca and her high school friends, Amy, Rachael, and Nina, are spending the holidays in Italy with Frankie’s boyfriend, Giovanni, and his family, who run a small Italian restaurant in Manhattan. While Giovanni and his brother, Marco, try to uncover the secret ingredient in their mama’s famous panettone—said to be “Santa’s secret”—the friends pursue their own holiday dreams. Amy hopes to see the statue of David, Nina seeks career inspiration, and Rachael is on the lookout for eligible Italian men. Amid the stunning Italian scenery and festive cheer, the group may discover much more than they expected, with holiday magic bringing sweet surprises.

My Thoughts:

Fern Michaels has done it again with Santa’s Secret, the third instalment in her charming “Santa Crew” series. This festive novel takes us on a delightful holiday escape, following Francesca (Frankie) and her lifelong friends Amy, Rachael, and Nina as they embark on an adventure to Italy, each in search of something special. Although it’s part of a series, you can easily enjoy this book as a standalone, though long-time readers will savour the return of these well-loved characters.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the sense of place and food. Italy during the Christmas and New Year’s period is beautifully brought to life through vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside, bustling cities, and, of course, its delectable cuisine. Giovanni and Marco, Frankie’s boyfriend and his brother, run a small Italian restaurant in Manhattan, but it’s their mother’s elusive panettone recipe that adds an extra layer of mystery and fun. I found myself just as eager as the characters to uncover ‘Santa’s secret’ ingredient. The joy of family recipes, particularly around the holidays, was captured so warmly.

Each of the four women has her own personal journey, and I appreciated how their individual pursuits—whether Amy’s quest to see Florence’s famed David or Rachael’s search for romance—added a fresh, layered dynamic to the story. I could easily picture myself travelling alongside them, experiencing the unique charm of Italy. Their stories, both heart-warming and humorous, blend into the fabric of the book seamlessly. The mishaps that occur, from misunderstandings to amusing adventures, lend a light-hearted tone that makes this book all the more enjoyable.

One of the book’s most touching themes was Frankie’s determination to help Giovanni’s mother and aunt. Both widows, they’ve been living more in memory than in the present, and Frankie, with her typical generosity, brings them back to life in a way that’s both thoughtful and transformative. The whirlwind shopping tour in their Italian village was a particular highlight, filled with moments of warmth and camaraderie.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version of Santa’s Secret, narrated by Susan Bennett, who also brought the earlier books in the series to life. I was thrilled to hear her voice again in this instalment, as her narration truly enhances the experience. Her pacing is impeccable, and she delivers the story with warmth and enthusiasm, making each character feel distinct and vibrant. Bennett’s tone captures the heart of the story perfectly, adding depth to both the humorous and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend the audiobook for anyone looking to be immersed in the magic of this festive tale.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Santa’s Secret is the perfect holiday read—a balance of festive magic, heartfelt connections, and the joy of new traditions. I can only hope this isn’t the last time we travel with Frankie and the Santa Crew. If you’re looking for a feel-good book to curl up with this Christmas, this one won’t disappoint.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed From This Series:

Santa Cruise (Book 1)

Santa & Company (Book 2)