Jenny Bayliss’ The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a debut, but, in my opinion, it’s THE contemporary romance of the year for anyone who wants a fun romance in a cozy setting. It’s just perfect for the holidays. A warning, though. It’s not easy to get at a public library right now. My sister said she would even have to wait six months for the ebook!
Thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to give up on a romantic relationship. There’s not many prospects in Blexford, England. Fortunately, she loves her job as a fabric designer, and can work from Blexford while going into the office in London just once in a while. Her best friend, Laura, lives here, and her other best friend, Matt, runs the local cafe, and she bakes for him.
Kate worked in London until Matt let her know her father was in bad shape, suffering from depression after her mother divorced him. But, she hasn’t regretted moving home. Now, though, she’s determined to have a little fun, and she signs up with a dating agency to have twelve dates before Christmas. If she doesn’t meet anyone, she’ll settle for a single life.
It doesn’t look like Kate’s adventures are off to a good start when her first date stands her up. And, Laura and Matt are eager to hear about her dates. It isn’t long before they get more interesting, though. Maybe a little too interesting to share with her best friends?
It’s obvious where this book is going. Most readers will know in the first chapter. But, Bayliss’ characters are fun, and the setting is enchanting. Blexford’s village shops, including the cafe, are charming. The village scenes, from the manor house to the local park, will welcome readers. If you’re looking for a huggable book this holiday, check out The Twelve Dates of Christmas.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2020. ISBN 9780593085387 (paperback), 358p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Sounds like fun. I am 7th in line at the library, so I probably won’t have it by Christmas, but that’s fine. Thanks for the recommendation.
One of my sisters told me she’d have to wait 6 months for the ebook at the library, Margie! Six months! So, I bought copies for both of them. I’m surprised, and pleased, to see the popularity of this book, especially since it’s a debut.
It seems like a very successful promotional campaign for a debut writer! My two previous libraries have lots of holds on this title, but there are fewer at my local library. We’ll see how long it takes. No worries, though–I just picked up six holds today! Happy reading to me.
Happy Reading to you is true, Margie! 6 books sounds fun!