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Twelve Days of Christmas: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – October 17, 2017
Purchase options and add-ons
Friendly and bubbly, Julia Padden likes nearly everyone, but her standoffish neighbor, Cain Maddox, presents a particular challenge. No matter how hard she’s tried to be nice, Cain rudely rebuffs her at every turn, preferring to keep to himself. But when Julia catches Cain stealing her newspaper from the lobby of their apartment building, that’s the last straw. She’s going to break through Cain’s Scrooge-like exterior the only way she knows how: by killing him with kindness.
To track her progress, Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts to humanize Cain are far from successful. Julia brings him homemade Christmas treats and the disagreeable grinch won’t even accept them. Meanwhile, Julie’s blog becomes an online sensation, as an astonishing number of people start following her adventures. Julia continues to find ways to express kindness and, little by little, chips away at Cain’s gruff façade to reveal the caring man underneath. Unbelievably, Julia feels herself falling for Cain—and she suspects that he may be falling for her as well. But as the popularity of her blog continues to grow, Julia must decide if telling Cain the truth about having chronicled their relationship to the rest of the world is worth risking their chance at love.
Praise for Twelve Days of Christmas
“Another heartwarming seasonal [Debbie] Macomber tale, which fans will find as bright and cozy as a blazing fire on Christmas Eve.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Twelve Days of Christmas is a delightful, charming read for anyone looking for an enjoyable Christmas novel. . . . Settle in with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and curl up for some Christmas fun with Debbie Macomber’s latest festive read.”—Bookreporter
“If you’re looking for a quick but meaningful holiday romance that will be sure to spark a need inside you to show others kindness, look no further than Twelve Day of Christmas.”—Harlequin Junkie
“Twelve Days of Christmas is a charming, heartwarming holiday tale. With poignant characters and an enchanting plot, Macomber again burrows into the fragility of human emotions to arrive at a delightful conclusion.”—New York Journal of Books
- Print length256 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBallantine Books
- Publication dateOctober 17, 2017
- Dimensions4.12 x 0.62 x 6.87 inches
- ISBN-100553391755
- ISBN-13978-0553391756
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more
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![Twelve Days of Christmas: A Novel](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/812BjbAjF6L._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
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- As a kid I can remember my mother telling me that our lives are merely a reflection of what we see and do. If we are kind, others will treat us with kindness. If we love, we will be loved. If we care, we will be cared for.Highlighted by 180 Kindle readers
- Being kind is like looking at your own reflection in the calm waters of a lake. Then the act of kindness ripples those waters, like a stone tossed upon the surface.Highlighted by 88 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Twelve Days of Christmas is a delightful, charming read for anyone looking for an enjoyable Christmas novel. . . . Settle in with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and curl up for some Christmas fun with Debbie Macomber’s latest festive read.”—Bookreporter
“If you’re looking for a quick but meaningful holiday romance that will be sure to spark a need inside you to show others kindness, look no further than Twelve Day of Christmas.”—Harlequin Junkie
“Twelve Days of Christmas is a charming, heartwarming holiday tale. With poignant characters and an enchanting plot, Macomber again burrows into the fragility of human emotions to arrive at a delightful conclusion.”—New York Journal of Books
“Twelve Days of Christmas is . . . a straight-up, clean romance with a happily ever after, all set during the Christmas season. . . . What more could you want at Christmas than a feel-good book with a happy ending?”—Desert Island Book Reviews
“The perfect Christmas romance . . . As expected from any Macomber novel, you’ll love the progress of humanity, kindness and get all the feels of a holiday romance.”—Books for Her
“Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber is a beautifully written, festive tale of love, understanding and finding what you need . . . the perfect Christmas read to get you into the holiday mood. A truly delightful, happy read!”—Books of all Kinds
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Cain Maddox stepped into the elevator, and then just as the doors were about to close he heard a woman call out.
“Hold that for me.”
Cain thrust out his arm to keep the doors from sliding shut. He inwardly groaned when he saw the woman who lived across the hall come racing toward him. He kept his eyes trained straight ahead, not inviting conversation. He’d run into this particular woman several times in the last few months since he’d moved into the building. She’d stopped several times to pet Schroeder, his Irish setter. The one he’d inherited from his grandfather when Bernie had moved into the assisted-living complex. She’d chattered away, lavishing affection on the dog. Not the talkative type, Cain responded minimally to her questions. He liked her all right, but she was a bit much, over the top with that cutesy smile. Okay, he’d admit it. He found her attractive. He wasn’t sure what it was about her, because usually the chirpy, happy ones didn’t appeal to him. Regardless, nothing would come of it and that suited him. He knew better. Yet every time he saw her a yellow light started flashing in his head. Warning, warning. Danger ahead. Cain could feel this woman was trouble the first moment he saw her and heard her exuberant “good morning.” Even her name was cheerful: Julia. Looking at her, it was easy to envision the opening scene from The Sound of Music, with Julie Andrews twirling around, arms extended, singing, joyful, excited. Even the thought was enough to make Cain cringe. He could do happy, just not first thing in the morning.
To put it simply, he found little good about mornings, and second, he’d learned a long time ago not to trust women, especially the types who were enthusiastic and friendly. Experience had taught him well, and having been burned once, he wasn’t eager to repeat the experience.
“Thanks,” she said a bit breathlessly as she floated into the elevator. Yes, floated. Her coat swirled around her as she came to stand beside him. On her coat’s lapel she wore a pretty Christmas tree pin that sparkled with jewel-tone stones. “I’m running late this morning.”
Pushing the button to close the door, Cain ignored her. He didn’t mean to be rude, but he wasn’t up for conversation.
“Didn’t I see you walking Schroeder in the dog park the other day?” she asked.
“No.” He hadn’t seen her. Maybe he had, but he wasn’t willing to admit it.
“Really? I’m pretty sure I saw you.”
He let her comment fall into empty space. Could this elevator move any slower?
Fortunately, the elevator arrived at the foyer before she could continue the conversation.
“You aren’t much of a morning person, are you?” she asked as he collected his newspaper, tucked it under his arm, and headed for the door.
Julia reached for her own and followed him. Would he never shake this woman? They were welcomed by the Seattle drizzle that was part of the winter norm for the Pacific Northwest. Cain’s office at the insurance company where he worked as an actuary was within easy walking distance. Julia matched her steps with his until she reached the bus stop outside the Starbucks, where, thankfully, she stopped.
“Have a good day,” she called after him.
Cain would, especially now that he was free of Ms. Sunshine.
“Excuse me?” Julia Padden stood in the foyer of her apartment building the following morning, astonished that her neighbor would steal her newspaper while she stood directly in front of him. She braced her fist against her hip and raised both her finely shaped eyebrows at him.
Showing his displeasure, Cain Maddox turned to face her, newspaper in hand. He had to be the most unpleasant human being she’d ever met. She’d tried the friendly route and got the message. Even his dog had better manners than he did.
“I believe that newspaper is mine.” Her apartment number had been clearly written with a bold Sharpie over the plastic wrapper. This was no innocent mistake. For whatever reason, Cain had taken a disliking to her. Well, fine, she could deal with that, but she wasn’t about to let him walk all over her and she wasn’t going to stand idly by and let him steal from her, either.
At the sound of her voice, Cain looked up.
Irritated and more than a little annoyed, Julia thrust out her hand, palm up. “My newspaper, please.”
To her astonishment, he hesitated. Oh puleese!! She’d caught him red-handed in the act and he had the nerve to look irritated at her. How typical. Not only was he reluctant to return it, but he didn’t have the common decency to look the least bit guilty. She’d say one thing about him . . . the man had nerve.
“Someone took mine,” he explained, as if that gave him the right to steal hers. “Take someone else’s. It doesn’t matter if it’s technically yours or not.”
“It most certainly does; it matters to me.” To prove her point, she jerked her hand at him a second time. “I am not taking someone else’s newspaper and you most certainly aren’t taking mine; now give it to me.”
“Okay, fine.” He slapped the newspaper into her open palm, then reached over and snagged some other unsuspecting apartment owner’s.
Julia’s jaw sagged open. “I can’t believe you did that.”
He rolled his eyes, tucked the newspaper under his arm, and headed toward the revolving door, briefcase in hand.
This wasn’t the first time her morning paper had mysteriously disappeared, either, and now she knew who was responsible. Not only was Cain Maddox unfriendly, he was a thief. Briefly she wondered what else he might be responsible for taking. And this close to Christmas, too, the season of goodwill and charity. Of course theft was wrong at any time of the year, but resorting to it during the holidays made it downright immoral. Apparently, her grumpy neighbor hadn’t taken the spirit of Christmas to heart.
That shouldn’t surprise her.
Cain and Julia often left for work close to the same time in the morning. Three times this week they’d inadvertently met at the elevator. Being a morning person and naturally cheerful, Julia always greeted him with a sunny smile and a warm “good morning.” The most response she’d gotten out of him was a terse nod. Mostly he ignored her, as if he hadn’t heard her speak.
Julia waited until she was on the bus before she called her best friend, Cammie Nightingale, who now lived outside of Denver. They’d attended college together. Cammie had graduated ahead of her when Julia’s finances had dried up and she’d been forced to take night classes and work full-time. After seeing so many of her friends struggling to pay off student loans, Julia had opted to avoid the financial struggles. Yes, it took her longer to get her degree in communications, and no, she hadn’t found the job of her dreams, but she was close, so close. Furthermore, she was debt-free. Currently she worked at Macy’s department store, where she’d been employed for the last seven years.
“You won’t believe what happened this morning,” she said as soon as Cammie picked up. Her friend was married and had a two-year-old and a newborn.
“Hold on a minute,” Cammie said.
In her irritation, Julia hadn’t asked if Cammie could talk. She waited a couple minutes before her friend picked up again.
“What’s going on?”
“My disagreeable neighbor, the one I told you about, is a thief. He tried to steal my newspaper.”
“He didn’t?”
“I caught him red-handed, and when I confronted him and demanded he give it back he took someone else’s.”
“What? You’re kidding me.”
“No joke. Not only that, he was rude again.” Come to think of it, he’d never been anything but unfriendly. It was men like him who put a damper on Christmas. Julia refused to let him or anyone else spoil her holidays.
“Are you talking about the guy who lives across the hall from you?”
“The very one.” The more Julia thought about what he’d done, the more upset she got. Okay, so he wasn’t a morning person. She could deal with that. But to steal her newspaper? That was low.
“What do you know about him?” Cammie asked.
“Nothing . . . well, other than he has a gorgeous Irish setter that he walks every morning.” She’d tried being neighborly, but Cain had let it be known he wasn’t interested. She’d started more than one conversation only to be subtly and not so subtly informed he took exception to small talk. After several such attempts, she got the message.
“Maybe he’s shy.”
Cammie possessed a generous spirit, but this time she was wrong. Anyone who’d take her newspaper without a shred of guilt wasn’t shy. “I doubt it. Trust me on this. Cain Maddox isn’t shy, and furthermore, he’s not to be trusted.”
“You don’t know that.”
“You’re wrong. I have this gift, a sixth sense about men. This one is sinister.”
Cammie’s laughter filled the phone. “Sinister? Come on, Julia.”
“I’m serious,” she insisted. “Just what kind of man steals a newspaper? I don’t know what I ever did to offend him, but he’s made it more than clear he would rather kiss a snake than have anything to do with me.” That bothered Julia more than she was comfortable admitting. He was kinda cute, too, in a stiff sort of way. He was tall, a good six or seven inches above her own five-foot-five frame.
His hair was dark and cut in a way that said he was a professional. The shape of his jaw indicated he had a stubborn bent, but that could be conjecture on her part, based on what she knew about him. And as best she could tell, he didn’t possess a single laugh line, although he did have beautiful, clear dark chocolate eyes.
The only time she’d seen him in anything but a suit was when he was at the dog park. He wore a jacket with the name of an insurance company and logo, which she assumed he was connected to in some way, and jeans. Even then he didn’t look relaxed, and he held himself away from others.
“Are you attracted to him?” Cammie asked.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. No way!”
“I have a feeling this is why you’re thirty-one and not in a serious relationship. How long are you going to hold on to Dylan, Julia?”
“That again?” Julia didn’t have time for relationships and she for sure wasn’t going to drag Dylan into the conversation. She was over him and had been for a long time. The problem was she had no time to date, between working and volunteering at church and for the Boys and Girls Club. Cammie knew that.
Besides, she had more important matters on her mind.
The blog. The challenge.
She’d gone through two intense interviews at Harvestware, a major software company, and the list had been narrowed down to two people. Because the job was in social media, the company had suggested a competition between the two candidates in the form of a blog. The one who could generate the largest following in the month of December would be awarded the job.
Julia had gladly accepted the challenge. Unfortunately, she hadn’t had a lot of success so far; her following was minimal at best. This was her chance to prove herself.
“Maybe your neighbor is the man of your dreams.”
“Cain Maddox? He’s cold, Cammie. You haven’t seen him. I have. Trust me—he’s not the kind of man you’d want to meet in a dark alley.”
The more Julia thought about it, the more convinced she became that her neighbor was some disreputable character. A chill went down her spine just thinking about the cold look in his eyes.
Cammie laughed out loud. “Your creative imagination is getting away from you, my friend.”
“Maybe, but I doubt it.”
“Julia,” her friend said in that calm way of hers that suggested Julia was overreacting. “He took your newspaper; he didn’t threaten to bury you in concrete.”
“It’s the look in his eyes, like he sees straight through people.”
“You’ve noticed his eyes?”
“Yes, they’re brown and dark. Real dark and distant.” Okay, Cammie was probably right. To see him in criminal terms was a bit of a stretch, but Julia wasn’t exactly having warm, cozy feelings toward her neighbor.
“If that’s the case, then I think you should kill him,” Cammie suggested.
Julia gasped. She couldn’t believe her bestie would even hint at such a thing.
“Kill him with kindness,” Cammie elaborated.
“This guy needs a whole lot more than kindness.” Leave it to her tenderhearted friend to suggest something sweet and good.
“It’s twelve days until Christmas,” she added after a moment, sounding excited.
“Yes. So?”
“This is it, Julia. You’ve been wanting an idea that would generate interest in your blog. Your neighbor is the perfect subject.” Cammie seemed to be growing more enthused by the second. “Weren’t you saying just the other day how you were desperate for an over-the-top idea?”
“Well, yes, but . . .”
“This is perfect,” Cammie continued. “Kill him with kindness on your blog and report your progress for the next twelve days.”
Julia wasn’t keen on this. The less exposure to Cain Maddox she had, the better. “I don’t know . . .”
“The countdown is sure to attract attention to your blog. All you need to do is to be kind to him. You’re naturally friendly and funny. This guy won’t know what hit him. And then you can document what happens on your blog. Mark my words, readers will love this.”
“Did you even hear what I said?” Julia reminded her friend. “I can tell you right now kindness isn’t going to affect him one way or the other.”
“You won’t know until you try.”
Julia bit down on her lower lip as visions of winning that highly paid position swirled in her head. Maybe Cammie was right. Maybe this idea would be just what she needed to generate a following that would show off her communication and writing skills.
“I think people are responding to my blog about Christmas decorations.”
“Julia, do you have any idea how many people blog about making homemade tree ornaments? You’re no Martha Stewart. You need something fresh and fun. A subject that will pique interest, something different—and frankly, wreathmaking isn’t it.”
Surely there was a better way to tackle this challenge. Showing kindness to someone she disliked wouldn’t be easy. In addition, she sincerely doubted it would make any difference. The man was annoying, disagreeable, and stubborn.
“You aren’t saying anything,” Cammie said, interrupting her thoughts. “Which, from experience, I know is a good sign. You’re actually considering doing this, aren’t you?”
Bouncing her index finger against her mouth, Julia said, “I suppose killing him with kindness is worth a try.”
“It totally is. And you can title your blog ‘Twelve Days of Christmas.’ ”
Truthfully, Julia wasn’t convinced this would work.
Cammie had no reservations, though. “It could inspire an entire movement.”
“I’ll give it some thought.”
“Good. Gotta scoot. Scottie’s eating the cat’s food again.”
Product details
- Publisher : Ballantine Books; Reprint edition (October 17, 2017)
- Language : English
- Mass Market Paperback : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0553391755
- ISBN-13 : 978-0553391756
- Item Weight : 4.5 ounces
- Dimensions : 4.12 x 0.62 x 6.87 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #86,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #463 in Holiday Fiction (Books)
- #3,425 in Contemporary Women Fiction
- #18,134 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
![Debbie Macomber](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/c3lvlm3rstucfqekhp61pe4g8e._SY600_.jpg)
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book's Christmas romance and uplifting message. They found the story heartwarming, with a humorous and joyful tone. Readers enjoyed the characters, especially the main character Julia. They appreciate the author's writing style and consider it a great Christmas present or treat.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's story. They find it a feel-good and sweet read with a sprinkle of love, romance, and joy. The stories are inspiring and real today as they will be in 20 years. It's a quick read that provides a heartwarming lesson.
"...The stories are as real today as they will be in 20 years! Thank You for sharing your gift with us." Read more
"Perfect little Christianna story. A sprinkle of love, romance and joy. I could see this as a Hallmark movie...." Read more
"This was a cute story. I had never read anything by this author, but decided to give this story a try...." Read more
"Loved this story! The characters were real and easy to love. Sounds like people we might encounter in our own lives...." Read more
Customers enjoy the Christmas romance in the book. They find it light and happy, putting them in the mood for Christmas. The story is about love and kindness, and is described as sweet and fun.
"Perfect little Christianna story. A sprinkle of love, romance and joy. I could see this as a Hallmark movie...." Read more
"...Full of intrigue, complications, but most a good fashion romance. A great quick read to th.e holiday season." Read more
"...Enjoy the story of Julia and Cain! I did!!" Read more
"It was a wonderful read, especially during the crazy, hectic holiday season. A definite page turner n good feel story. Jude" Read more
Customers find the book uplifting and heartwarming. It's a cute Christmas story with a lesson about being kind. They say it makes them feel warm and cozy from head to toe. The message is thought-provoking and brings happiness.
"...Her stories are about people with real feelings and Happiness!..." Read more
"...What a great reminder that kindness can truly have a ripple effect...." Read more
"...It was a really sweet hiday read with a focus on kindness! ...." Read more
"...A wonderful lesson to learn - everything and everyone can change with just a little kindness. Enjoy the story of Julia and Cain! I did!!" Read more
Customers find the book humorous and enjoyable to read. They find it light-hearted, charming, and a feel-good Christmas story that makes them laugh out loud at times.
"...characters are as real as people I know and the humor that flows through the story is Brilliant!..." Read more
"Perfect little Christianna story. A sprinkle of love, romance and joy. I could see this as a Hallmark movie...." Read more
"...The characters really come to life in a very humorous way. Excellent read." Read more
"...Super easy to read, classic grumpy boy meets charming girl...." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find the main character Julia sweet and always seeing the good in others. They look forward to meeting and becoming friends with each character, even the pets. They appreciate how the main characters both change over the course of time. The story is described as uplifting and cozy, with an adorable grandfather.
"...Her characters are as real as people I know and the humor that flows through the story is Brilliant!..." Read more
"Loved this story! The characters were real and easy to love. Sounds like people we might encounter in our own lives...." Read more
"...Loved this opposites attract story, and an adorable grandfather was the perfect icing on the cake. My only regret is that the story is over...." Read more
"...The characters really come to life in a very humorous way. Excellent read." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They love Debbie Macomber's novels and look forward to her Christmas books each year. The book is described as a feel-good read by customers.
"I haven't got a chance to read this book as of yet. Always love her books and can't wait to get the chance toread this one." Read more
"...Macomber tells a good story and I particularly enjoy reading her Christmas books every year...." Read more
"Typical novel for her - a feel good book." Read more
"Loved it.... but Debbie never disappoints me! Especially love her christmas books. The book makes me want try the kindness theory myself." Read more
Customers appreciate the book as a gift. They find it a nice Christmas present, reminding them that kindness is a special gift. The book is also a good choice for book clubs and holiday celebrations.
"...It would be a GREAT BOOK to give as a Christmas present or a just because gift. It’s never too late to follow in Julia’s footsteps...." Read more
"Good Christmas store reminding us love and kindness is the greatest gift we could ever give. Kindness is the way to the heart." Read more
"...This book has gotten me into the Christmas Spirit! Kindness is a very special gift to give!" Read more
"GIFT FOR MOM SHE WAS THRILLED." Read more
Customers find the story predictable and unrealistic at times. They find the outcome predictable and lack of surprise. The story is not as good as other books they've read, and it's formulaic and unimaginative.
"...My only regret is that the story is over. Guess I will have to curl up with a Christmas movie now." Read more
"...the Christmas feels with this book, it was a good read, however, very predictable." Read more
"...in parts, and has one of Debbie Macomber's unusual, non-predictable endings." Read more
"...It was a fun, easy read... a tad predictable and unrealistic at times... but with just enough twists and turns to keep me wondering what heartwarming..." Read more
Reviews with images
![Cute Christmas read.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/transparent-pixel._V192234675_.gif)
Cute Christmas read.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024I LOVE Debbie's writing! Her stories are about people with real feelings and Happiness! Her characters are as real as people I know and the humor that flows through the story is Brilliant!
The stories are as real today as they will be in 20 years! Thank You for sharing your gift with us.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024Perfect little Christianna story. A sprinkle of love, romance and joy. I could see this as a Hallmark movie. You just can't go wrong snuggling up to a cozy read.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025This was a cute story. I had never read anything by this author, but decided to give this story a try. Even if the ending was predictable, the story was enjoyable.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024Loved this story! The characters were real and easy to love. Sounds like people we might encounter in our own lives. What a great reminder that kindness can truly have a ripple effect. During the holidays, you don't know what hurts are going on in that person's life, but going out of your way to show a little kindness, even with a smile as you pass them can make a little difference in their life for that moment.
I am looking forward to reading another cozy Christmas story by Debbie Macomber!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024December isn't the same without a special Christmas story from Debbie Macomber each year. Twelve Days of Christmas hit all the right notes to bring a smile of joy. Loved this opposites attract story, and an adorable grandfather was the perfect icing on the cake. My only regret is that the story is over. Guess I will have to curl up with a Christmas movie now.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2023I really enjoyed the story! It was a really sweet hiday read with a focus on kindness!
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When Julia and Cain are on the verge of killing each other, with no escape from each other since they not only live in the same apartments but literally are neighbors... Julia's friend suggests that Julie kill Cain... With kindness! Not only that, but to use it as content for her blog so she can get followers and win out the last candidate for the job she wants.
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Little does she know, this little experiment is going to lead to them to both falling for each other. But what happens when Cain finds out she wrote a blogs bout him behind his back?
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I enjoyed this but I felt like the writing was...ummm, just not for me. It felt like I was watching the story from the outside and not experience the story. I really like to be immersed in the story and I felt like I couldn't with this one.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024Another heart warming story from Debbie Macomber. Full of intrigue, complications, but most a good fashion romance. A great quick read to th.e holiday season.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024Predictable but sweet story. Julia was an upbeat happy person who was working at Macy's during the Xmas holiday. This was a temp as she was hoping to get a good 9-5 job. Her neighbor was a handsome Scrooge. So she gets an idea to kill him with kindness and gives it 12 days to see if he can change. There's a blog, a dog, and a grandfather involved as well.
Top reviews from other countries
- ChelseaReviewed in Germany on May 7, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars I love Christmas novels
So lovely!
- PamReviewed in Mexico on February 9, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Gets you in the spirit!
Quick, lovely and easy read!
- Debbie BakerReviewed in Canada on January 21, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Debbie Macomber what can I say. Her books are easy to read and always have wonderful stories. I love them.
- TaniaReviewed in Italy on January 13, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Julie and Cain
Cain is the neighbor of Julie. She compaires him to Ebenezer Scrooge so she think to make the test to "killing him with kindness". She also open a blog about her going to change Cain in 12 days. Her blog have a lot of followers and have a good influence to many people.
The experiment works but... not only change Cain, but also Julie.
They fall in love, but lies risk ruining everything.
It will be Cain's grandpa who brings them closer on Christmas day.
Happy end.
- NikkibReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Feel good, fuuny, festive read - good at any time of the year...
I am on a quest to read all of Debbie Macomber's books. This one I had bought on kindle, I pre order all of this authors books as they become available, but I also won a paperback copy which I passed onto a friend.
This book is about Julia and Cain, neighbours across the hall in an apartment block on Seattle.
Julia is friendly, outgoing and loves Christmas, she's a doer and loves helping people. Cain is the opposite, grumpy, especially in the mornings, keeps himself to himself and absolutely, has nothing to do with the Christmas season.
As with all Debbie's books you know when you buy it that a romance is going to take place, but its not necessarily how the story starts out. It's how the 2 parties come to realise their attraction which makes the book.
In the case of this book, Julia is working in Macy's while she looks for her dream job. She finished college with a degree in communications, but she took longer than most as she didn't want to land herself in debt, so for the last couple of years of the course she worked and did the course part time. It's December and she applied for a job after 7 years of working at Macys; this is her dream role in communications but 2 people are in the frame so her potential employers set the 2 candidates a task, write a blog, the blog with the highest number of followers gets the job.
Simple you may think, but Julia is having problems getting people to read her blog. Her best friend cones up with an idea after Julia has a few run ins with Cain in the mornings. She suggests Julia metaphorically kill Cain with kindness, and writes a blog about how she does this.
This follows a funny read about how Julia goes all out to show Caun that not everyone is like him, that there are kind people in the world. Can she get through the armour he's put on after events in his life which have destroyed his faith in people?
As always a great read from this fantastic author. A good read any time of the year, not just Christmas.