One Small Secret: A Sweet Romantic Comedy

Written by Esther Hatch

Narrated by Noah Wall

Ruben Palmer is on every woman’s Christmas wish list. Except mine.

I grew up with him and bested him in practically everything we did together–debate, grades, mini-golf, you name it. So I’ve built an immunity to his boy-next-door charm. Sure, sometimes I might accidentally type his name into my search engine, but his dimples, hotel empire and thirst-trap photos don’t tempt me. I’ve got my sights set on earning my way to the top of the Palmer Hotel empire, and nothing is going to get in my way.

Until my step-sister leaves her secret toddler with me before skipping town for three months. Now suddenly everyone thinks he’s mine, and instead of powering my way to the top, I’m struggling to not get fired. And instead of Ruben staying on the executive floor where he belongs, he’s invading my apartment, breaking dates with starlets, and looking disappointed that I decided to settle down with anyone except him.

But I know Ruben, and Ruben doesn’t settle down. So there's no way I’m giving him my heart. Not even for Christmas.

**One Small Secret is inspired by the classic films, Bachelor Mother and Bundle of Joy, and is part of the Gift-Wrapped Romance series. All five cozy Christmas novels can be read in any order.

Cabin Crush by Kasey Stockton

Merry Kismet by Anneka R. Walker

Solo for the Season by Martha Keyes

One Small Secret by Esther Hatch

Jingle Bell Jilt by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

• Language: English
• Publisher: Esther Hatch
• Release date: Dec 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781666655926

Esther Hatch

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.

Reviews for One Small Secret

[Berly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is part of the Gift-Wrapped Romance series. Each book is written by a different author and they are completely standalone stories.

I am familiar with Esther Hatch's historical romances and love them. She brought her writing talents and made them shine in this contemporary romcom.

I felt like this was a fresh plot and a bit of a twist on the surprise baby trope. That is one of my least favorite tropes, but with the twist this one had, I wasn't as put off by it as I normally would be. I went in completely blind as to the plot. And I am a fan of some of the other tropes this book contained.

I really liked both Cadence and Ruben but I did have a little trouble connecting with some of Ruben's motivations at times. Overall this was an enjoyable listen. I did have to take a break of almost 2 days before I could finish the last 25%. That may have taken me out of the story a bit. I know I was really invested while listening for the first 75%. Life just didn't allow me to complete it at one time.

I did listen to this and was pleasantly surprised to hear one of my favorite narrators, Noah Wall, doing the reading. This is the first time I've heard her read contemporary. Somehow that made me keep wanting to put Cadence and Ruben in Regency England! ?