Ask anyone and they will tell you that I love Christmas movies! I will watch them all year long if you let me and thanks to Hallmark it’s totally possible. Books are no different except these days time to read is in short supply. Thankfully I discovered Audible.com which have brought books back into my life in a whole new way. But that is definitely a story for another day. Today I want to tell you about my latest read (*cough* listen) –Ā The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayless.
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Table of Contents
The Twelve Dates of Christmas
Overview:
I’ll be the first to admit that it does have your typical Hallmark story line but for the non-hallmark loving people out there – this is still a great read as each date unfolds. Aside from a series of disastrous and often laughable dates, Bayliss does a wonderful job depicting Kate’s sleepy and cozy Bristish hometown of Blexford village in detail with all its quirks. The village is like a character in itself and really makes the story come to life. Several times I envisioned ordering Matt’s coffee and Kate’s brownies from The Pear Tree as I (like the villagers) watch, cheer and sometimes laugh at Kate’s dates.
Characters:
Kate Turner is a fabric designer and part-time baker. She has a great career, friends and family but her love life is missing something actually it is missing everything – it’s nonexistent. That is until her best friend convinces her to sign up for the Twelve Dates of Christmas, a matchmaking program that arranges 12 unique dates at 12 different locations with 12 different men.
Laura is Kate’s best friend that convinces her to do the Twelve Dates of Christmas.
Matt Wells is the cafe owner of The Pear Tree and Kate’s long ago flame. The two had a major falling out but have since rekindled their friendship. Matt pokes fun at Kate’s participation in the program and calls it the “Twelve Dates of Shagmas” and it isn’t too far off from the truth. But, he also shows displeasure when Kate comes back from one of her dates very hopeful that she found her soulmate.
The Twelve Dates
Twenty-three days before Christmas, 12 unique dates with 12 different men for a price. What could possibly go wrong? I won’t give too much away but I will say there is crying and not from Kate. There’s also a not so single Mr. Right and a betting pool…the nerve!
There is a guy that checks all the boxes of Kate’s Mr. Right…but there’s a small problem. She doesn’t have a penis. Yes, you read that correctly. She lacks a penis, for which she apologizes for not having in their farewell. It is Will & Grace all over again except its Kate and I forgot what his name is. It is probably for the best asĀ I don’t want to ruin it for you anyways. There is another seemingly Mr. Right but that falls apart in a bad way. You’ll have to read the book to find out more.
Conclusion
Prior to the twelve dates, Kate was giving up on love. But something about Christmas made her hopeful. Even after each date fails she continues to look forward to the next. She’s just waiting for the magic of Christmas to happen and you’ll be happy to know a little Christmas magic does happen. But you’ll just have to read and follow along as Kate discovers love might be right under her nose…
Book Information
The book had a 4 star rating and here’s the synopsis that I read that pushed me to hit the add to cart button.
When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say “Bah, humbug.” The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn’t exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate’s found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt’s neighborhood cafĆ©. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right?
Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before–and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures–Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it’s least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it’s been right under her nose all along.
About the Author
Jenny Bayliss lives in the UK with her husband as empty nesters. She was a professional cake-baker for years which may explain how she can describe the food in the book so deliciously. At the age of 39 she went back to college and studied creative and professional writing. She is a unique individual like her characters and loves baking, stationary and wearing party dresses to the supermarket. She is also the author of A Season for Second Chances.
My Book Rating
(I rate all my books on a 4 heart thump scale)
This book is romantic and funny with some bantering that will make you chuckle but not blush in embarassment.
“A few saucy texts doesn’t entitled him to the keys to your knickers-unless of course you want him to have them.”
“It’s been so long,” said Kate. “I don’t remember where the keys are!”
I loved everything about this book. It was so heartwarming and funny. I will miss the cozy village of Blexford and all its offerings especially The Pear Tree. I’m sure my rating will not surprise you but without further delay…drum roll please (click video to find out)
Before You Go…
If you read this book let me know how you liked it. Also, what did you think about the ending – were you surprised or did you know all along?
Book Suggestions
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