Member Reviews
Excellent, funny, holiday story. Kate Turner is done with dating. Happy on her own, she has a great career as a designer. For fun Kate bakes fabulous dishes for her friends cafe. Small town England isn't exactly exciting until Kate's friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises a successful match in the 23 days before Christmas. Kate ends up with 12 dates with 12 different men. Of course the dates are awful, and everyone in town is invested in the results. Will the dating program deliver as promised, or will Kate have to take matters in to her own hands? Delightful, well-written book, perfect to get you in the holiday mood.
Even though it's summertime as of reading this galley, this romance book has me yearning for winter and hot chocolate and cozy sweaters! By page one, I knew this was a book that was right up my alley. I mean, British setting, romance, holidays, check check and check! Kate and Matt have been old friends since childhood, and like, it's clear they have to fall in love, right. But, the time's not quite right. She signs up for a matching making dating service, hence the book title, where she has different blind dates before the holiday. The primary focus of the book is all about her bad dates and horrible dating luck, which like, Kate, you are preaching to the choir lol. But, it's already shaping up to be a fun, indulgent, and very cute holiday romance. It is quite a good idea, however, the execution fell a bit, I don't know, meh. It's cute and all, but like that's it. And it is a super, super slow burn for the HEA in a romance, like I wish the pace was quicker. It's a predictably cute holiday romance. Then, after all the bad dating luck, it's clear Matt is her only decent option even if they don't yet, and you are just hoping for some type of HEA to make all her troubles and heartache worth it, even if it is just self-worth and friendship. TBH, I was quite cynical going into this read and reading about these trash dating options and how predictable everything was, but I can't deny that the ending made me smile because it was just so damn adorable.
This was a delightful read and even though I read it in August -- it gave me all of the holiday feels! The characters and their friendships rang very true and the dating mishaps were all very relatable. I already have some library patrons in mind that will enjoy this book too.
The perfect feel-good holiday read. Romance, humor, and great descriptions of everything from Christmas decorations to nature to food, set in a cozy English village.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, escapist romance with a clever theme. Sign up for twelve planned dates with carefully matched partners to find “Mr maybe right” before New Years. I enjoyed the various dates and men that the heroine met. I admit I did peg the one fairly early but it was fun to go all 12 dates.
Enduring a very hot summer while living through the pandemic, this book was a real treat. Not only did it take place in the winter, but snow was talked about,and being being cold when outside. Quite refreshing. The entire premise of meeting one's true love in this manner was quite interesting. The suggestions for the dates were so clever, and you got to chose which one you got to do. The entire book was a joy to read. I'm just sorry that I have finished it as now it's over. Still I highly recommend it.
"The Twelve Dates of Christmas" was a joy to read. I couldn't put the book down and felt completely wrapped up in the joy of the holiday from the first page to the last. The cozy English countryside setting and the quirky plot were delightful.
Kate Turner is determined to give love one more chance this holiday season with a dating service called The Twelve Dates of Christmas. We follow her through all of her hilarious dates while she shares her quaint village life. You can't help but root for her to find that spark with one of her dates all the while falling more and more in love with one of her best friends in town, Matt.
A wonderful, cozy holiday read.
Yes, I picked this book based on the title. It sounded fun and light, something I would enjoy. I was right.
Meet Kate, single and likable who is a fabric designer - a cool job I've never thought of . She live in a small village/town I would love to visit. The author's descriptions make it sound lovely. The town is close enough to London for Kate to go in for work when she needs to. She has several close people in her life and everyone knows everyone's business.
Laura, Kate's best friend, talks her into signing up for the Twelve Dates of Christmas. You go to different locations, date 12 different people and it varied activities to take part in. Lots of ups and downs with this process to be sure.
Will Kate find love? Read the book and find out!
Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing this ARC.
This was a fun and cute feel good book, although I new from the first chapter who Kate was going to end up with at the end of the story. That being said I still really enjoyed it. I love how it was based around Christmas. The supporting characters were all interesting as well as the Kate herself.
I loved the setting and Characters. It was fun and witty and a lot of fun. This was a great quick Christmas read. It was funny and a great romance. The Characters were fun and enjoyable.
This was such a fun, frothy, book. It would be the perfect book to read by the light of the Christmas tree. I loved the book and was in suspense the whole time about how it was going to turn out!
This was such a fun premise! And I am a sucker for holiday books set in England. I just wish that I felt more of a connection between Matt and Kate, but it was definitely there. I thought all the supporting characters were lovely. The imagery was absolutely beautiful. I definitely with I could see some of Kate's designs! It felt absolutely dreamy.
The Twelve Dates Of Christmas is a sweet, loving book full of first date humor, fun dates, and a cast of fun personalities. It definitely made me ready for the holiday season!
Not Like The Movies meets One Day in December with this festive Christmas romance. Kate is just fine living the single life. She lives in a picturesque town surrounded by her loved ones -- her dad, her best friend Laura and her other best friend, Matt, but still she signs up for a dating app's initiative 12 Days of Christmas. 12 dates. 12 men. Will Kate find the one? You'll follow Kate throughout the highs and lows of her 12 dates of Christmas. Kate was very relatable and this novel will definitely get you in the holiday spirit, but it was just missing some extra magic. If you love bingeing on Hallmark movies all holiday season, you will enjoy this book!
I read a Christmas book in July, and it’s definitely put me in the Christmas spirit! This book, while somewhat predictable, was a delightful story. Kate is persuaded into participating in a dating service called The Twelve Dates of Christmas, which pairs her with 12 different men for 12 planned dates. What could go wrong? Well, a lot actually. And what about Matt, her childhood best friend? If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, this one is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss is a wonderful romantic novel filled with Christmas time cheer, funny cringe worthy situations , and some really laugh out loud moments .
I absolutely loved this book. I cant wait to read it again when the weather is cold and I can curl up on my couch with a blanket and a nice cup of tea. I loved both main characters Laura and Matt. They were flaw humans with layers and I loved their chemistry. I also loved all of the personalities in village of Blexford. Everyone was realistic and down to earth, it all helped tell this story.
Really loved the idea of the 12 dates plot. It was funny, romantic and made me swoon! Recommending this to all of my friends!