The 12 Books of Christmas: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

I was given an ARC of The Twelve Dates of Christmas in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Jenny Bayliss.

Kate, who although is happily single signs up for the ‘Twelve Dates of Christmas’ after her best friend Laura convinces her. Living in a small town where everyone knows whats going on in your life, the village of Blexford are greatly invested in Kate’s love life. You join Kate on all twelve dates, some of which go better than others.

This was an extremely festive read. With all of the twinkling lights and festive baking, you could not forget for a moment that this is set at Christmas. I’m really loving all of these festive reads that are set in small villages. They’re so cosy and make me want to live in a small village at Christmastime.

Although the plot is what predictable I still really enjoyed joining Kate on all of her dates. Each activity was festive and fun and although some dates were disastrous it really makes you build hope for Kate to find ‘Mr Right’.

Now I won’t spoil what happens here. However, at a certain point near the middle, it becomes quite clear how this will end. This isn’t a bad thing. It was quite nice being able to read the book knowing that it will come to a pleasant resolution. I mean I am yet to read a Christmas themed book which doesn’t end happily, do these even exist?

I really liked most of the characters in The Twelve Dates of Christmas. It is often that the main characters of romance books are insufferable and so intent on finding love that they don’t think about anything.

However, Kate was a breath of fresh air. She was happy to be single and had already decided that she would have kids alone if needed. However, she would like someone to be by her side. Finding true love was never her main goal. She instead focused on her family, friends and having fun during the Christmas period.

Kate wasn’t completely perfect though. She would, at times, take no notice of toxic behaviour from the men in her life. This is something that she works on throughout the book but is something that could have been better addressed.

Overall, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a mostly lighthearted festive read which will leave you anticipating the cosy vibes of Christmas.