The Twelve Dates of Christmas

When I sat down to read this book, I wanted a light, cozy, fun Christmas read. This book definitely delivered on that. Set in a small town in England during Christmas, this story is perfect for a cozy Winter read.

Kate Turner had yet to find her Mr. Right, so her best friend convinces her to sign up for a dating service's “Twelve Dates of Christmas” event, which will send her on twelve dates with different men. Her childhood friend Matt, owner of the town's cafe, thinks these dates are risky, but Kate is open to having fun and possibly meeting someone she would want to pursue a relationship with. The story follows Kate on these dates, some disastrous and some promising, while also exploring her friendship with Matt.

Honestly, the plot line is pretty predictable. I knew from the beginning who Kate would end up with. This did not, however, ruin my enjoyment of the story. The dates are often funny, even though sometimes complete failures. The characters are entertaining, especially Kate's married best friend. The town is charming with lovable residents. It is just plain fun to read.

I do not love the ending. I feel that much of the story is well-developed, but the ending feels rushed. It ends the way I predicted it would, but it would not have bothered me so much if the resolution had been given enough time feel complete. That being said, I still ended the book feeling happy that I read it.

I would recommend this book to readers looking for a cozy and fun Christmas read with small town vibes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me.

I'm not really much of a fiction reader, but suddenly, unexpectedly, I'm on a romance binge. And not just romance, mind you, but Christmas romance. What's next? Hallmark movies?

Kate's thirty-four and she's ready to settle down. How can she do that if she really just enjoys staying home in the evenings and she lives in small-town England? So her best friend talks Kate into signing up for a dating service that matches her up with twelve different dates with twelve different men.

And here we go. The zany English countryside. Fun. Some disastrous dates. And...well, love.