Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Twelve Dates of Christmas
Twelve Dates of Christmas | Jenny Bayliss
165 posts | 86 read | 1 reading | 38 to read
'Tis the season for finding romance in this hilarious and uplifting holiday read 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 caf. 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. . . .
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
EclecticBookLover
post image
Panpan

Last book of the year and boy was it a slog! I loved the setting, and the quaint English village at Christmas was picturesque, but the story lost me. The 12 dates just seemed to drag on and on. I did read another book by this author earlier this year, and I loved it. This one was just not working for me.

blurb
TheEllieMo
post image

I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join in if you want!

#ABookADay2023

review
kimmypete1
post image
Pickpick

Laughed out loud several times. Such a cute holiday read.

review
candc320
post image
Pickpick

Now THIS is what I want in a Christmas rom-com! The main character was full of personality and charm, the shenanigans she gets up to trying to find love on her 12 dates is funny, and the ending is satisfying and heart warming. It wasn‘t hard to see where the story would end up from the very beginning but I didn‘t even care! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #wintergames #SantasBookshELVES

peanutnine Yay! I also loved this one 💖 4mo
5280reader I just finished this one tonight! 12 adventures for sure! 4mo
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I really liked this one too. 4mo
candc320 @peanutnine @5280reader @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I need to read more by this author, I really liked her writing style! 4mo
26 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
OriginalCyn620
post image
Eggs So pretty ⛸️🎄🩵 4mo
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I liked this one too, it was fun. 4mo
Catsandbooks 🍭❄️❤️ 4mo
peanutnine How have I never noticed that they are ice skating on this cover? 😂 4mo
28 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
TheSpineView
post image

#Movie2BookRecs @Klou
Movie: 50 First Dates

Klou Brilliant!! 7mo
56 likes1 comment
review
OriginalCyn620
post image
Pickpick

So cute! Kate signs up for 12 holiday-themed dates with 12 different men through a specialized dating service. Some of the dates are disasters (but funny), and some are promising. But her true love may have been in front of her all along. Yes, this is predictable but totally delightful!

#bookspinbingo
#christmasinjuly

Roary47 Sounds cute! I‘ll just be stacking this one. 😍 9mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 9mo
36 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
BookNAround
post image
Pickpick

I know it‘s not Christmas or even close but this is a sweet romance that works any time of year. It‘s predictable but the journey to the end is what makes it a cozy and appealing read. Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-twelve-dates-of-christmas-by.html...

TheBookHippie We had fun with this in Sunday Buddy Read 😂😅 11mo
60 likes1 comment
review
SheReadsAndWrites
post image
Pickpick

This was a super cute story and the premise of 12 dates was clever, not to mention a great way to write all the ways dates can go right or wrong. 😂 It was funny and sweet and I loved the writing. It's the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 🎄#bookspinbingo #christmas #bookspin
@TheAromaofBooks

CoverToCoverGirl Great review! I have this in my stacks ….somewhere. 🤭 13mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I really enjoyed this one. 13mo
41 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
SheReadsAndWrites
post image

Same pose, different day...😂 #baseball #greatdane #readingbuddy #dogsoflitsy

blurb
SheReadsAndWrites
post image

Perfect reading day with my perfect reading buddy. 🤓🐾 #greatdane #weekendreading

LaraReads Perfection! 14mo
45 likes1 comment
review
Sresendez12
post image
Pickpick

A perfect holiday read! Besides participating in #Winterreadathon, I‘m participating in the Reindeer readathon on Twitter. I‘m definitely using this one for my favorite trope prompt. It made me laugh and gave me all the warm, fuzzy feelings you need during the holidays!

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 1y
Andrew65 I enjoyed this one last year. 🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼 1y
31 likes2 comments
review
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
post image
Pickpick

🎧📖 Well that was cute, and I laughed out loud often. I like the premise of twelve dates of Christmas, that would be fun. But then again who actually has that much time on their hands leading up to Christmas?

Bklover Good point! 1y
98 likes2 stack adds1 comment
blurb
readwithcori
post image

Thank you, thank you, thank you @AmyG 🥰❤️ Such a sweet surprise and one that really brightened my day. I appreciate you so much!!

I hope all #LitsyLove writers know how much my face lights up with a smile when I get a letter from you. I know I‘ve been slow to respond lately but I‘m still enjoying every moment getting to know everyone through snail mail and share all about our lives and interests. Cheers to many more 💌

AmyG You are the sweetest 😘. It was my great pleasure to pass this on to you as it‘s a lovely book. And I always love to hear from you, my friend. ❤️ 2y
23 likes1 comment
review
NeuroFerz
Pickpick

Fun book for the holiday season. While predictable it was definitely something relatable as a single ladies.

blurb
Gissy
post image

❄️Tagged book is not the favorite but I enjoyed it in general in 2021.
❄️Personal goal-more time with family. But I also want to do some things in the house, at least start this year; participate in more sport events; and read more. Sorry, the question indicates one goal but I need these goals together for my inner balance🧘🏽‍♀️
❄️I completed some errands on time since tomorrow is a holiday here in PR, Tres Reyes Magos (Three Wise Kings Day).

Gissy Thank you @Eggs 🥰 2y
Eggs Totally understand #2-im struggling with the balance ⚖️ thing too😕 2y
Gissy @Eggs Yes! 🧘🏽‍♀️ 2y
40 likes3 comments
blurb
NeuroFerz
post image

Some belated #christmasreading

Chrissyreadit Welcome to litsy! My bio has a hyperlink with info about using litsy, and @LitsyEvents is a way to see all the reading activities going on that anyone can join in. 2y
7 likes1 comment
blurb
lilpumpkin2.0

January 2, 2022 My TBR books are staring at me right now on my desk: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss, Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, and In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (which I have seen so much rave about so I HAD to pick it up) What are your TBR books? Comment please 😇

BooksNBowls In a Holidaze was pretty good but I haven‘t read the other two! These are mine for this month. 2y
lilpumpkin2.0 @BooksNBowls have any other books that you would recommend 2y
3 likes5 comments
review
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
post image
Pickpick

A light pick. Kate isn't having much luck in the love department, so at the urging of some friends, she joins The Twelve Dates of Christmas. You complete a dating profile, pick your date activities, & pay for your portion of the dates in advance. The dating service them matches you up with 12 men whom you get a date with over the next few weeks. It's a super cute premise & if I was single, I totally want in! However, this was just OK for me. ⬇️

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Early on we meet Kate's childhood best friends, Matt & Laura, both of who are a bit annoying. Her small village outside of London is filled with the stereotypical small-town busybodies who are all way too invested in Kate's love life. Her dad is a gem and, thoughtfully her mother is a handful, she's at least interesting. It was obvious where this was heading from the start and the author seemed to use weird issues to keep Kate from finding lo

2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick love and the dates just weren't that interesting. There was potential for a really engaging story here, but it was just light holiday fluff.

#SundayBuddyRead @TheBookHippie I still need to go back to the final week's questions. Another December #bookspinbingo box on the board I never made @TheAromaofBooks

2y
TheBookHippie 💙💙💙💙❄️❄️❄️❄️🤍🤍🤍🤍 2y
TheBookHippie I have jumpers in the pics for you! 2y
48 likes4 comments
review
Crinoline_Laphroaig
post image
Mehso-so

#HolidayReads Print Stack. I'd really like to finish all these and then will decide what to keep and what donate to my friends or Library. Need to make some space for the new year. I think I can fit 4 more in during the #12daysofbookmas.

As for tagged book - Didn't like friend to love interest Matt. I really wanted Lumberjack Beard from Date 4 to be the HEA. Definitely not a #forevershelf read

ravenlee I really disliked Matt. And I felt really cheated, because what was the whole point of the twelve dates gimmick if it was just going to be the friend?! 2y
Crinoline_Laphroaig @ravenlee and now I‘m hoping I'm not really disappointed that I bought her newest book 2y
ravenlee Well…her characters were vivid, and there were some generally funny moments…so as long as the MC doesn‘t miraculously end up back with her ex, maybe there‘s a chance for the new one? 🤞🏻 2y
55 likes3 comments
review
Arvena
post image
Pickpick

Enjoyable rom-com: funny and feel-good, pretty predictable, but cute. Nice and entertaining christmasy story :)

Nute This was the first year that I decided to read a romantic holiday novel. I was planning to reading something by Jenny Bayliss, but her books were sold out. I picked up Holidaze which was also a book of interest. 2y
Arvena @Nute there is no time limit for christmasy books :) :) :) "Holidaze" I also enjoyed very much :) 2y
65 likes2 comments
review
sprainedbrain
post image
Mehso-so

I read this with the #SundayBuddyRead crew. While I probably wouldn‘t have otherwise, it was a pleasant, fast holiday read. The concept of the 12 holiday-themed dates with strangers was fun, and parts made me 🤣 (the architect and the gingerbread house omg), but it was a wee bit eyerollish and predictable, and it‘s hard to love a romance when you don‘t really like the main love interest. 😬

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks for being an awesome host, Christine!

TheBookHippie 😅♥️♥️♥️🎉seriously the best description!!! I loved having you along for this read! ❄️I will never look at another gingerbread house the same again 😂 2y
63 likes1 comment
blurb
TheSpineView
post image

Last Tuesday of 2021! Wow! It snuck up on me. Here are today's #Two4Tuesday questions. Thanks to everyone who played this year.

📚 Tagged.
📚 I am in the process of selling my house in Asheville. Just want it to be done. I am ready to be down to one house. Scheduled to close at the end of January.

Want to play? @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs @OriginalCyn620 @wanderinglynn @EadieB @Lcsmcat @TheAromaofBooks @DaveGreen7777 @RamsFan1963 @Nute

julesG Good luck with the house. I can imagine it's trying and you'll breathe easier once it's done. 2y
See All 21 Comments
Eggs ❤️🎉😊 2y
OriginalCyn620 Thanks for the tag! Good luck with the sale of your house! 😊 2y
TheSpineView @OriginalCyn620 You're welcome and thank you! 2y
Gissy Good luck! 👍 🏡 ❤️ 2y
TheSpineView @Gissy Thanks! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Good luck!!! 2y
MoonWitch94 Ohhhh good luck! 🍀👍🏻 Thanks for the tag! 2y
wanderinglynn Thanks for the tag! 😘 Are you going to move to SC permanently? Asheville is such a great town, but I hear it‘s a little expensive to live. A long time ago, I used to live across the border in TN. 2y
TheSpineView @MoonWitch94 Thank you and you're welcome! 2y
TheSpineView @wanderinglynn Yes we are moving to SC permanently. Lower cost of living and a better quality of life. We love living on the lake and Asheville has gotten too big, crazy and terribly expensive. It is cheaper to buy a house on the lake than it is in Asheville. Plus the city is more for the younger crowd. My Dad's family is from TN. Knox county. 2y
wanderinglynn I grew up right down the road from Knox Co. in Jefferson City (Jefferson Co.). 😀❤️ 2y
TheRiehlDeal Thanks for the tag! And good luck selling your house! 2y
DaveGreen7777 Thank you for the tag! 😊 2y
Klou Thank you for tagging me! 2y
TheSpineView @wanderinglynn Wow! Small world! 😁 2y
TheSpineView @TheRiehlDeal You're welcome! 2y
44 likes21 comments
review
Andrew65
post image
Pickpick

I enjoyed this and the resolution of the story, but for some reason it seemed a long read. Would be happy to read more by this author.

28th book read for #WinterGames2021 #MistletoeManiacs @Clwojick #ChristmasMyWay @GHABI4ROSES @DieAReader #WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire #WintercosyReadathon @PuddleJumper #AVeryMerryReadathon @TheSpineView

TheSpineView I agree, it was long. 2y
keys_on_fire Yeah, committing to doing twelve dates was a lot!! 2y
DieAReader 🎉🎉🎉 2y
65 likes3 comments
review
Gissy
post image
Pickpick

I have mixed feelings with this book. It is very predictable and I think was too long with repetitive of unnecessary details. Also I didn‘t like much Matt with his explosive character where he easily offended Kate twice. But besides those comments, the novel was so funny: Kate‘s mom😳🙄, her dates😆her relationship with Laura, the town gossips☺️At least in those blind dates there were staff present in their first date😅. Love Drew! 34⭐️

Gissy Thank you @Charityann for the book. I received it last year during #Bestof2020swap
@Chrissyreadit I‘m using the mug you sent me in the photo☕️👌🎄💚❤️

December 2021 #DoubleSpin #BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
2y
tpixie Great photo!! @Chrissyreadit @Gissy pretty mug! 2y
Chrissyreadit I love it! 2y
See All 8 Comments
Gissy @tpixie Yes! ❤️Thank you! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I have very similar feelings about this one. I found so much of it funny and fun, but wish we could have gotten more of Matt's perspective - it may have made him a more sympathetic character. 2y
Gissy @TheAromaofBooks You are right! And those immature tantrums?🙄I don‘t know what would be his decision if Sarah didn‘t leave him🤔So for me, he was a little bit selfish🤷🏽‍♀️ 2y
TheAromaofBooks The one that got me was when Kate was on her way home and it's late and she's exhausted and Matt pretty much bullies her into staying up late to help him in the cafe. I just never felt like he was putting her needs first! 2y
Gissy @TheAromaofBooks I forgot about that one! I can imagine that now she has to help him, not because he needs some help but as an obligation😠No, thank you, I don‘t need a match like Matt🙄 2y
51 likes8 comments
review
PageShifter
post image
Pickpick

This made me laugh several times. I really loved the setting: a little snowy town that had Christmas decorations & spirit everywhere. Story was really predictable but any Christmas story has never surprised me so I think that's how those usually are.

This was super cosy and I liked how this wasn't too romantic.

#SundayBuddyRead

#wintergames2021 #teamgamesleighers #AVeryMerryReadathon #ChristmasMyWay

TheSpineView Awesome! 2y
TheBookHippie ♥️ 2y
14 likes2 comments
blurb
Andrew65
post image
keys_on_fire Enjoy! 2y
TheSpineView Hope you like it! 2y
65 likes2 comments
review
Nelnjali
post image
Pickpick

#WinterGames #MistletoeManiacs

(Smokey is telling me I better make this review quick because I need to get up and feed him. Lol)

3.75🌟 This was a fun story and I enjoyed reading it. It fit that guilty pleasure that is met by Netflix Christmas movies. I did feel that a lot of conflict wa forced for the sake of creating conflict and that the characters' actions sometimes came out of left field. 👇

Nelnjali The ending also felt hurried. However, when it came to providiing a fun, romantic, Christmas fluff, this met the need. 2y
21 likes1 comment
review
Kaylamburson
post image
Pickpick

Just listened to this entire audiobook while decorating sugar cookies! It came off hold from the library today and felt like the perfect time to listen to it. It was cute and easy to listen to. It wasn't my favorite romance as the storyline and characters weren't anything surprising, and it was less humorous than some of my other recent reads. But a sweet, festive story nonetheless.

Christine Well done on the cookies - so cute!! 2y
DivineDiana Fabulous cookie making! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 2y
Lesliereads Loving your cookies! 2y
Kaylamburson Thanks all!! I had fun with it. Ans spent way too many hours 😂😂 @Christine @DivineDiana @Lesliereads 2y
60 likes4 comments
review
CoffeeNBooks
post image
Pickpick

This was very predictable, but still a fun read if you're looking for something light at the Holidays. I liked the idea of the twelve dates- it added a little bit of suspense to the story.
#SundayBuddyRead

review
asterese
post image
Pickpick

I really loved this, from the beginning right up to the end. The main character was the real star of this book for me. I rooted for her right from the start. The small town setting where everyone knew everyone else was a nice touch to making this story even more heartwarming. I would highly recommend not missing out on this as a holiday read.

⭐: 4.5

asterese (Photo in the background belongs to Jessica Delp) 2y
15 likes1 comment
review
ShelbyA7
post image
Mehso-so

Book #68: This one was just okay to me. I don‘t think I really connected with it. I didn‘t love the main love interest. I found him to be kind of a mooch and not that nice. Overall, it was a low key Christmas romance read that made me want to bake treats and drink mulled wine. I loved the 12 dates business idea and the date ideas were cool and Christmassy, but whoever ran that event did an absolutely terrible job vetting out the participants 😂

review
peanutnine
post image
Pickpick

A cute holiday rom-com where you knew how it would end from the beginning. But I enjoyed all the dating antics and mishaps along the way. And I had fun seeing everyone's thoughts in the #sundaybuddyread discussions 😊 thanks @TheBookHippie for hosting!

50 likes7 comments
review
rjsthumbelina
post image
Pickpick

I enjoyed this fun little Christmas rom com - a small town girl finds the love she had all along. I loved her dad and best friend as characters, and was glad it wasn't all about the boys, that other relationships held even more importance than the romantic prospects. #wgwordsearch 146 words in this last section for 1,460 points. #wintergames #teamgamesleighers @StayCurious #merryandbright and #dashingdecember 4 hrs=80 pts
🔽

rjsthumbelina 2,156 points added from this one 🎄🎄🎄 2y
TheSpineView Fantastic! 🤩📖📚 2y
31 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
DebinHawaii
post image
Pickpick

This holiday rom-com for #sundaybuddyread gets a soft pick from me. I didn‘t love the male lead but I enjoyed the 12 dates, small village life, many of the supporting characters, food descriptions & all the nature & design process mentions from Kate, the female lead. Overall, a good bit of holiday fluff-perfect for December. It also gets me 4,700 points for #WinterGames2021 #WGWordsearch 🤗 + 26 points & #readathon points!⬇️ for #teamgamesleighers

PuddleJumper That's great! 2y
Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 2y
See All 8 Comments
melissajayne Probably be able to read it next Christmas 2y
kspenmoll ❤️🎄💜 2y
TheSpineView Excellant! 🤩📖 2y
keys_on_fire I liked this one for what it was, and agree with you about the male MC. Good work! 2y
61 likes8 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

I so appreciate each and everyone of you reading along this year —whether for one book or twelve. It is the highlight of my week, I look so forward to our Sundays!!

Next week is OFF 🤍🎄

On to 2022!

X

Christine

JenReadsAlot I love this image 😊 2y
AmyG Thank you for everything you do for this group. Wishing everyone a happy holiday! Until 2022….. 2y
slategreyskies I really enjoyed it! Thanks for hosting!! 🥰 2y
See All 17 Comments
TheBookHippie @JenReadsAlot my friend sent it to me Friday she hates Santa I hate snowmen decorations 😂😂😂😂 winter break celebration fun! 2y
JenReadsAlot Perfect 😂 2y
kspenmoll This was such fun, especially to read together! Happy holidays to everyone! I hope you all get some rest along with your festivities! I am excited for January‘ s read! Thanks as always, Christine for all the work you do for us!!! 2y
megnews Thanks for hosting another great discussion!! 2y
DebinHawaii This was my first full year of all 12 books of #sundaybuddyread & I really enjoyed it. While not every book was my favorite, the discussions you lead really enhance my appreciation for each book. Thanks for all you do! Looking forward to 2022! 💙💙💙💙 2y
TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii 🥰🎉♥️ yay! I love all your insights you bring to discussions. 2y
TheBookHippie @kspenmoll 🥰 I do love the things you bring to discussion, it enhances the reading so much! ♥️ 2y
Deblovestoread Thanks, Christine! Even if I have nothing to add to the discussion I love reading with the group and checking in on everyone‘s thoughts. 2y
TheBookHippie @Kdgordon88 There are a few peeps that do that. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 2y
Karisa Good fluffy fun for the holidays! Cheesy? Oh yes, but sweet. Thanks, Christine for hosting all these Sundays! I sure do miss everyone‘s discussions when I skip a book. Looking forward to January 💗 2y
CoffeeNBooks My library hold of this didn't come in until last week, so I've been trying to read it as fast as I could, lol! I didn't finish it in time for Sunday's discussion. It was very predictable, but still a fun read if you're looking for something light at the holidays. I liked the idea of the twelve dates, that added a little suspense to the plot. Thanks for hosting all year!! 2y
TheBookHippie @CoffeeNBooks ♥️♥️♥️♥️ it was a good DECEMBER book. Thank you. I love our Sundays. 2y
62 likes17 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Thoughts on the book?

I loathed Matt so it didn‘t work for me. Otherwise it was fun to read.

The food and tapestry descriptions were wonderful !

AmyG I enjoyed this. I loved Kate, her Dad and Evelyn….even Matt a little. I can only say it must have been very hard on him when his Mom died. If she were alive this story would have been very different as Matt could have had her advice and love etc all along. But so is life. (edited) 2y
Sargar114 It was okay. I mostly liked the supporting cast and the town. Kate was okay but made me want to shake her a lot. Overall a fine read. 2y
slategreyskies I liked it, and I especially liked the descriptions of her work. That was probably my favorite part of the book. 2y
See All 14 Comments
TheBookHippie @slategreyskies I loved reading those. 2y
kspenmoll Could only read at Christmas. Fun, loved holiday/snow settings, her work/creativity process, her dad & Evelyn. @AmyG Matt losing his mother at a young age almost made it feel to me that his emotional development arrested then. 2y
AmyG @kspenmoll Yes! I don‘t think he hs worked through those feelings yet. 2y
DebinHawaii Loved the food, town, art & nature descriptions best. Mac, Evelyn, Drew too. Matt was not my favorite, but overall I enjoyed it as a holiday read.🎄 2y
Deblovestoread It was a fun read…I mostly liked Kate, loved the same town vibe, loved to hate the majority of her dates, wanted Matt to get a clue and was so glad she found a friend in Drew. 2y
peanutnine I liked it overall. I loved the older characters, Mac and Evelyn and Petula. The main trio were a bit immature for their age, as many have pointed out. I wish there was more character development. But I enjoyed the concept of the twelve dates, and the lovely holiday atmosphere 2y
sprainedbrain It‘s hard to love a romance when you dislike one of the mains… and I am with you, Matt was just not attractive in any way. 😬 2y
TheBookHippie @sprainedbrain He was so immature and a selfish jerk I think 😩😝 2y
PageShifter This wasn't the worst Christmas romance I have read. I loved the setting and I liked to see how those dates went. All those peculiar men :D :D This was light read 2y
TheBookHippie @PageShifter I loved the setting and the food and her creative process for her job. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I liked Kate well enough, even if we have differing tastes in fashion, but I just couldn't find Matt swoony, and that's against an overall shitty lineup of dates. I think Kate had more chemistry with the Lucky Strike reps than Matt or her dates. I liked her dad and Evelyn, Drew, Oliver, Sarah was fine. It felt like a cozy town that might no be such a bad place, but Matt as love interest just fell flat, though very obvious. 2y
11 likes14 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Did you catch the Partridge in a PEAR TREE and their love and first kiss was under a pear tree?

AmyG Yes. It was sweet. I got teary….but only a little. 2y
Sargar114 ***grooooan*** 2y
See All 13 Comments
slategreyskies I loved it! Cheesy, but okay. I don‘t mind a little cheese during the holidays! 🤣 2y
TheBookHippie @slategreyskies me too typically but not liking the “main guy” was problematic for me 😝 2y
kspenmoll @TheBookHippie Matt was portrayed as immature, impulsive,self centered, non-reflective. Acted like someone in early 20s. 30s????!!!!! (edited) 2y
kspenmoll But the partridge scene went along with the book! 2y
TheBookHippie @kspenmoll EXACTLY 30 REALLY?!?! 2y
DebinHawaii Hah! As I said before, I found Matt (& Kate to a certain extent) immature but again, as cheesy holiday rom-com & light fluff, it was fine. The partridge in a pear tree fit. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
Karisa So much 🧀, but sweet for Christmas. 2y
PageShifter I googled now and I missed all the cheesiness because this symbolism wasn't familiar to me. Maybe it was a good thing 😁😁 2y
TheBookHippie @PageShifter 😂😂😂😅probably! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Groan. Eyeroll. It felt like the imagery was bonking me on the head, like one would do with an empty wrapping paper tube. 2y
11 likes13 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Odds & Ends

Kates mum….

The wine tasting dude … Thomas…good grief …

Drew. I liked him.

Thoughts ?

Any side notes to add?

AmyG The Mum is a piece of work. But it‘s her Mum. The dates all had issues. Drew was great-I hope they remain friends. I hear from my daughters that meeting guys online-easy or nuts. This one had the nuts. 2y
Sargar114 Drew was the best part of this book!!!! Wine tasting guy was terrible. Her mom always lands on her feet, she‘s one of those people that make you cringe but can‘t help but love. 2y
megnews I wanted Kate to stand up to her mom and tell her it was a loan. Ridiculous that a grown child has to rescue their irresponsible parent like that. 2y
See All 15 Comments
megnews Wine tasting guy was ridiculous as well. I probably would have gotten up and left. 2y
slategreyskies I thought it was ridiculous that Kate had to rescue her mom too. That was probably the part of the book that bothered me most. It should‘ve been a loan. I agree with @megnews ! 2y
TheBookHippie @megnews that mom thing bothered me too. 2y
kspenmoll Her mom was incredibly immature. Kate acted like her parent- mom could not parent. 2y
kspenmoll Drew was a great character! 2y
DebinHawaii Kate paying for her mom to get back to Spain was annoying but it made me love Mac all the more. I doubt even if she told her mom it was a loan that she would ever pay it back. Wine Tasting Guy was annoying but not as bad as Gingerbread House Guy! And yes to Drew. The book needed even more Drew! 2y
TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii GINGERBREAD HOUSE GUY 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 2y
peanutnine I agree with @megnews and @slategreyskies - it should have been a loan. Especially since she bragged about spending Gerry's money when she got home. 2y
peanutnine I did love Drew. I'm glad she got a new friend - something good from the whole experience! 2y
sprainedbrain The architect and the gingerbread house part had me 🤣🤣🤣 2y
PageShifter @sprainedbrain I agree 100 % !!! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick The wine snob & gingerbread douche were both pieces of work, my goodness. I wouldn't have taken my dates nearly as well as Kate did. Her mum is shitty, but at least it was a funny sort of entertaining, unlike some of the dates. Mac is a gentleman, through and through. I, too, could've used more Drew and less Laura to be honest. She was so boring. 2y
10 likes15 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

A bird rescue a kiss and “don‘t go”…..
Gads…Matt
Then the switchero date so Matt could profess his love… a “Christmas miracle”
Thoughts ?

AmyG I had to suspend belief a bit for this book. Some parts were cheesy which is why I am not a big fan of rom coms. But I let it all go as I liked Kate. (edited) 2y
Sargar114 Not just a bird…a partridge in a pear tree…groan. I just about threw the book here. 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 SAME 😝🤦🏻‍♀️🤮 2y
See All 13 Comments
megnews Like @AmyG I often find rom coms cheesy. I only put up with them in December. 2y
slategreyskies Ah, I had fun with it, even though I saw the switcheroo coming. I wanted a happy ending, and I‘m glad we got one. :) 2y
kspenmoll @Sargar114 haha I could take it because it was a fluffy holiday feel good story🎄 2y
DebinHawaii Cheesy 🧀 but expected for a holiday rom-com. Once Drew said he met Matt, the writing was on the wall that he‘d play a role in the HEA moment. (edited) 2y
Karisa 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🫕🤣🤣🤣 2y
peanutnine Yes @DebinHawaii me too! No other reason for them to meet 😂 It was definitely super cheesy. I was kinda mad that Matt hadn't talked to Kate at all after their fight though and explained that he broke up with Sarah. 2y
sprainedbrain An expected ending, but I still did a little bit of 🙄🙄🙄 2y
PageShifter It was obvious from the beginning that she would end up with Matt. But I was fine with it because I haven't read a book from this genre and been surprised xD 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Oh boy! A partridge in a pear tree...you don't say!! Major eyerolling happened over here. Super obvious and once Drew lined up Kate for the final date (and he'd met Matt) I knew what would happen. It was all rather predictable but it was a cozy Christmas rom-com so it's par for the course. 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick LOTS OF EYE ROLLLLL 😂 2y
9 likes13 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Should Laura have told Kate right away about Matt showing up 6 months (MONTHS) after she‘d left to express his love? Would you be angry? Why tell her now?

kspenmoll I think she should have- who knows what would have transpired? I would have told my closest friend. 2y
AmyG I think if she was such good friends she would have told her. But then there may not have been 12 dates….and no book! 2y
Sargar114 I don‘t know, I answered it earlier. But Kate holds things pretty close it seems so maybe she could have told her, but if she wasn‘t sure how Kate felt about him, it could have been disastrous for their friendship 2y
See All 9 Comments
megnews I see both side of this. As a friend, she knows how Kate felt after Matt left and sometimes we want to save people from going through more bad experiences and feelings. I just don‘t know what I would have done. 2y
slategreyskies I don‘t know. Kate *was* moving on… 2y
DebinHawaii I think she truly thought she was protecting Kate & doing the right thing but she should have told her & let Kate decide for herself. 2y
peanutnine I see both sides. It's a big thing to keep from your best friend, but she was trying to protect her. Matt and Kate both seem to act impulsively so Laura was trying to avoid any rash decisions when Kate was finally happy again. 2y
sprainedbrain She probably should have told her… but I was so mad at how Kate reacted. It‘s not Laura‘s fault that Matt and Kate are ridiculous. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Laura seemed to be friends with both of them. If she told Kate, what was the expectation? That she'd return to give Matt a chance? Was he truly ready? Was she ready? Eh, I can't say what I'd do since there are so many variables. Maybe Laura held back the info because she was traveling vicariously through Kate. 2y
9 likes9 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Well Richard axed himself out of the running along with Edward….. who was warning Kate about Richard. Just creepy vibes…then of course MARRIED.. oy
So either these dates were in love with someone else, themselves or sex fiends?! Is this what dating is like?!
Or how the author got rid of 12 dates?
Also she needs a more reliable car for winter 🤦🏻‍♀️❄️😵‍💫

Sargar114 What a weird date with Edward…poor guy. Why did Richard turn into a complete psycho once he was outted??? Felt very extreme for a story like this. Maybe the holidays makes you nostalgic, but also quite a lot of people going back to list loves. But someone mentioned last week that is a major theme of this book so makes sense (might‘ve been you @TheBookHippie 😂🤣, it‘s been a long week) 2y
AmyG I think the author had to have dates where Kate couldn‘t fall in love with any of them because she was in love with Matt. Ha…I guess there are many ways to have all 12 dates not work out. 😂 2y
TheBookHippie @Sargar114 It was me and it seemed a LARGE amount going back to first love their true love etc etc 😅 the week was 😵‍💫 2y
See All 19 Comments
TheBookHippie @AmyG 😂😂😂 2y
megnews @Sargar114 @TheBookHippie I think it was an unrealistic amount of people going back to previous relationships. As @AmyG said, the author had to have a way to end the dates. Richard-no shame! Ick! (edited) 2y
slategreyskies Ugh. Richard. What a jerk! 2y
kspenmoll Richard was gross. Lecherous. Agree with all that all these people rekindling loves is not realistic but then this was a feel good holiday book. 2y
DebinHawaii Yeah, maybe not the most realistic with the loves. Richard lived up to his creepy vibes. I wanted Kate to “out” him to the match organizers. 2y
Karisa Um, yeah. So many of these books just make me think I would never want to date. 😂 Kate‘s car in that town makes no sense! 😂😂😂 2y
peanutnine It was kind of crazy how many people got back with their exes. I didn't think it was necessary to the story. She could have just not made a connection with her dates, like the wine guy. Richard was always swarmy so definitely not surprised he turned out to be a married creep. I can't believe Kate gave him another chance after the escape room debacle though. Poor choice 😬 2y
peanutnine Also, I've owned a mini cooper before - definitely a bad car for the town she lives in 🤦🏼‍♀️ 2y
TheBookHippie @peanutnine I agree with the poor choice thing. 2y
TheBookHippie @peanutnine the car thing was a little bizarre. 2y
Sargar114 @DebinHawaii I thought she might out him as well, but maybe cause it was so close to the end. And the car is right, made for some good story devices…but you‘d think after a year of living there shed swap out her city car 2y
sprainedbrain If this is how dating is, I am happy to remain single. Of course, I‘m happy to remain single anyway. 2y
TheBookHippie @sprainedbrain My daughter shares your sentiment. 2y
PageShifter It actually is quite hard to find people that you feel connected with. And especially if you haven't dated regularly. I have these days several friends who have divorced and after a long relationship dating seems to be hard. Kate was also so used to live her familiar life alone so I can believe how weird dating can be. And oh yes that car! I thought at some point that Kate couldn't even live here xD 2y
TheBookHippie @PageShifter I hear from friends how atrocious dating is. My daughter says it‘s not worth it. 😫 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick The town overall seems like it needs some winterizing! I can't imagine having to make an hour trek up/down a hill a few times a week, but maybe it's just Kate & her car. It's rough out there from the wacky stories I hear. It seems like everyone lets their freak flag fly and has no filter/best behavior. Richard turned out to be a pig, one gay, a few back to others...statistically, it doesn't work out. I think the author was lazy with these dates 2y
9 likes19 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Stubborn to the point of ridiculous Kate says she is. Can you relate?

🤐

Sargar114 Sometimes. It can be hard when you think you‘re right to see any other way. 2y
AmyG To add to @Sargar114 it‘s also hard for some to admit they are wrong. 2y
megnews Definitely 2y
See All 11 Comments
slategreyskies Sometimes it‘s easier to dig your heels in and be stubborn than it is to take stock and reevaluate… also, I agree with @AmyG. It can be hard to admit you‘re in the wrong. 2y
kspenmoll Stubborn is the man I am married to- we laugh as it appears to be a family trait!!! I am the flexible middle child. 2y
DebinHawaii I‘m definitely stubborn so I can relate but I don‘t know about the to the point of ridiculous part! 😉 (edited) 2y
TheBookHippie @DebinHawaii 😂😂😂 2y
Karisa I‘m not sure that Kate is all that stubborn. She agrees to all those dates and is such a good sport. I can be stubborn too, @DebinHawaii especially when anyone questions my teaching priorities! I feel my jaw tense whenever I hear the words “skills” “data” or “diagnostic test” 😂 I think the word stubborn is sometimes thrown out there just to dismiss a position one doesn‘t agree with. 2y
Karisa (And this picture is so sweet. It captures Kate well down to the steaming cup) 2y
TheBookHippie @Karisa half the fun is finding the pictures ♥️ 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I am the most stubborn with my guy, so I kind of relate, but like @Karisa said, Kate generally seems fairly laid-back. These dates have shown her to be rather accepting and show the men in a bad light, like the architect who couldn't build a simple damn gingerbread house. 2y
9 likes11 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Sarah needs space, tells Matt about Oliver.
Matt is a COMPLETE ASSHAT to Kate…
Thoughts about that scene ? Yikes….

Sargar114 Matt WAS an Asshat, but also Sarah could have left Kate out (I know It doesn‘t make for the story…but just sayin). This seems pretty consistent with him though…not being able to handle his grief 2y
AmyG I think Matt had alot on his plate emotionally. This was how he knew to deal with it, sadly. 2y
slategreyskies Yeah, that blew up fast. I was a bit surprised actually. 2y
See All 12 Comments
kspenmoll That seems to be how Matt copes initially with any kind of loss/grief. 2y
DebinHawaii Matt was definitely an asshat. Both of these main characters lack emotional maturity. I do agree with @Sargar114 that Sarah kind of threw Kate under the bus too. 2y
Karisa Yep, the characters seem younger than 30s often. However, maybe people do act like that in real life? I think I hold characters to a higher standard 😂 2y
peanutnine I agree with everyone here. He overreacted as he always seems to. I don't think Sarah meant harm to Kate in her actions, especially finding out later that she tried to convince Matt that he was in love with her, but the women should have discussed what to say about the Oliver thing after it happened so it didn't blow up later 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Considering their history, Matt totally overreacted when he threw the tree on Kate's doorstep. I think both Sarah and Kate are too good for him. I could see being upset, but he just kind of blew up about it in a ridiculous way. He did NOT endear himself to me here. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Also, I could probably get laid in this onesie, but I'm not so sure about Kate. LOL 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I so agree!!!! 😡🤬 2y
TheBookHippie @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick 😂😂😂😂 I‘d order it for you to try 😂😂😂😂🎉 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick 🎉Huzzah!🎉 2y
10 likes12 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

#SUNDAYBUDDYREAD

Kate admits to Laura her feelings. How could Laura not know?

Sargar114 I‘m assuming she had an idea, but it also seems like she was waiting for Kate to realize. Plus telling Kate what happened with Matt when Kate left would‘ve been a pretty big and disruptive bombshell if the feelings weren‘t mutual. 2y
AmyG Agree with @Sargar114 and while I think Laura kind of knew, I think she also had doubts which would explain why she didn‘t tell Kate (what Sargar said) 2y
megnews I like to think best friends know us well enough to know things like that. I think she thought she was doing what was best for Kate when she didn‘t mention Matt‘s feelings. 2y
See All 9 Comments
slategreyskies Yeah, I think Laura knew too, but there‘s a difference between Laura recognizing it for what it is and Kate recognizing. I think Kate was in some sort of denial… probably because she didn‘t want to get hurt again. 2y
kspenmoll Agree with @Sargar114 . At first I thought she should have told her but then, 6months had passed & Matt married…Kate definitely was in denial or just was not ready for such feelings. 2y
DebinHawaii I agree that she probably thought it but was waiting for Kate to realize/admit it. 2y
Karisa @slategreyskies Yeah, how could Laura not have known? The whole town seemed to be watching their every move. Maybe just protecting feelings 2y
peanutnine I agree with @Karisa - the whole town knew, of course Laura did lol. She was probably waiting for Kate to realize it on her own, or else Kate would not have been able to admit it 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Maybe Laura is perhaps too wrapped up in thoughts of work and her family to have noticed or it is a case of semantics. Laura knows Kate loves Matt but she didn't know that Kate realized her feelings. 2y
9 likes9 comments