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The 12 Days of Christmas
The most magical time of the year... For the first time in ten years, Freya is back in the little village of Middlemass for Christmas. The streets might be twinkling with fairy lights, but after the recent loss of her mother, she's never felt less festive.
Forced to sleep under the same roof as her handsome neighbour Finn, Freya realises she's going to need a distraction—fast! So she sets herself a challenge: to cook the '12 Days of Christmas'. Her delicious food soon brings the villagers together, and as each day passes, old friendships are renewed, memories stirred and there's even the flickering of romance...
She was only meant to stay for the holidays, but could Middlemass—and Finn—steal her heart forever?
Forced to sleep under the same roof as her handsome neighbour Finn, Freya realises she's going to need a distraction—fast! So she sets herself a challenge: to cook the '12 Days of Christmas'. Her delicious food soon brings the villagers together, and as each day passes, old friendships are renewed, memories stirred and there's even the flickering of romance...
She was only meant to stay for the holidays, but could Middlemass—and Finn—steal her heart forever?
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2021
52 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Alexander
8 books529 followersPoppy's first published book - the bestselling 25 Days 'Til Christmas - has been translated into several languages and optioned for TV.
Poppy Alexander wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in her writing career while she was at school, and after studying classical music at university, she decided the world of music was better off without her and returned to writing instead. She takes an anthropological interest in family, friends and life in her West Sussex village (think, The Archers crossed with Twin Peaks) where she lives with her husband, children and various other pets.
She is generally lurking on social media as @PoppyAlexanderBooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Poppy also writes as Rosie Howard.
Poppy Alexander wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in her writing career while she was at school, and after studying classical music at university, she decided the world of music was better off without her and returned to writing instead. She takes an anthropological interest in family, friends and life in her West Sussex village (think, The Archers crossed with Twin Peaks) where she lives with her husband, children and various other pets.
She is generally lurking on social media as @PoppyAlexanderBooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Poppy also writes as Rosie Howard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
November 2, 2021
This is a wonderful cute read which I devoured in one sitting. A gorgeous story with relatable and charming characters - I especially loved Martha and Diana - and mouth watering recipes thrown in. The idea for the 12 days of Christmas food challenge was so clever and I loved how it challenged Finn and Freya to come up with inspiring dishes. An emotional read for sure, I loved it from start to finish.
December 19, 2023
I should have remembered that the last book I read by this author also had a cover that seemed to imply a light hearted holiday romance. And that it didn’t turn out to be so light hearted. This book also had some very sad issues—death of a parent, loss of friendship, guilt, ambivalence about the future. I still enjoyed it very much and it did make a nice holiday read.
December 9, 2021
Heartwarming and such a pleasure to read, this really is a truly lovely story.
And just for a change it is set around the actual 12 days of Christmas (plus Christmas Eve), so although it does have Christmas theming, on the whole this could easily be read at any time of the year.
For this is the story of Freya who has rushed back to Middlemass, to see her dying mother, losing her big job in Paris as a result, and needs to decide just what she wants to do now, well after she gets through some of the hardest days of her life.
So although there is a big Christmas Day celebration it is in contrast to how Freya is feeling, and the resurrection of her acquaintance with Finn is rather well timed, as it is clear he remembers Freya and has has a habit of taking in waifs!
Knowing that Freya needs a distraction, he challenges her to cook the 12 days of Christmas, so a dish inspired by each of the days in the song, of which the birds are arguably a lot easier had me completely intrigued to see just what she would come up with each time. And the dishes were certainly inventive.
Foodies will love some of the food and descriptions mentioned, especially since Finn lives above and runs his own Deli and has a wonderful array of local produce for sale. Add in Freya's talents as a cook and there is a lot of food.
But there is also a lot of guilt from Freya that she has barely been home in 10 years, has let old friendships slide and is unsure if anyone will even remember her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book by Poppy Alexander who has a real talent for writing incredibly readable books. I look forward to seeing what her next book will be.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And just for a change it is set around the actual 12 days of Christmas (plus Christmas Eve), so although it does have Christmas theming, on the whole this could easily be read at any time of the year.
For this is the story of Freya who has rushed back to Middlemass, to see her dying mother, losing her big job in Paris as a result, and needs to decide just what she wants to do now, well after she gets through some of the hardest days of her life.
So although there is a big Christmas Day celebration it is in contrast to how Freya is feeling, and the resurrection of her acquaintance with Finn is rather well timed, as it is clear he remembers Freya and has has a habit of taking in waifs!
Knowing that Freya needs a distraction, he challenges her to cook the 12 days of Christmas, so a dish inspired by each of the days in the song, of which the birds are arguably a lot easier had me completely intrigued to see just what she would come up with each time. And the dishes were certainly inventive.
Foodies will love some of the food and descriptions mentioned, especially since Finn lives above and runs his own Deli and has a wonderful array of local produce for sale. Add in Freya's talents as a cook and there is a lot of food.
But there is also a lot of guilt from Freya that she has barely been home in 10 years, has let old friendships slide and is unsure if anyone will even remember her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book by Poppy Alexander who has a real talent for writing incredibly readable books. I look forward to seeing what her next book will be.
Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 27, 2024
So cute! And I love a good food-centric Christmas book! This dealt with some heavy things: the death of a parent, loss of friends, and other issues, yet the magical Christmassy elements never flagged. Also, it really does take place on the twelve days of Christmas, so it's a nice one to start reading AT Christmas, and along the next couple of weeks.
November 28, 2021
Cute. A little deeper than some of the fluff Christmas romances.
November 12, 2021
3.5⭐️
This is a very sweet and heart warming romance, set in that hinterland between Christmas snd Twelfth Night.
It’s been 10 years since Freya escaped the confines of the small village she grew up in, in favour of the bright lights and opportunities of working for a celebrity chef in Paris. But her mother’s death has forced her back on Christmas Eve, to a place where she’s now jobless, homeless and friendless. Until she meets her old school friend Finn…
The tale could have been quite depressing but it’s told in a gentle and uplifting way. It was lovely to see Freya learn to deal with her grief, while putting aside the guilt she felt at deserting her old life and learning to reconnect with friends.
The cast of characters are well written, and the descriptions of the food and locations bring about a cosy feel to this story which is about community and friendship as much as romance.
Freya is a chef first and foremost and her need to cook drives the challenge to cook the 12 days of Christmas, to give her a focus and distract her from her grief. I thought this was a clever idea and the recipes at the back of the book were an added bonus! I’ll definitely be trying the swan meringues!
Soon Freya has to question what she wants from life and whether or not it will include her new and recently rediscovered friends.
My only question is why she ever wanted to work for the Gordon Ramsey-esque Andre in the first place!
Christmas, food and a little romance. A lovely read for the festive period.
This is a very sweet and heart warming romance, set in that hinterland between Christmas snd Twelfth Night.
It’s been 10 years since Freya escaped the confines of the small village she grew up in, in favour of the bright lights and opportunities of working for a celebrity chef in Paris. But her mother’s death has forced her back on Christmas Eve, to a place where she’s now jobless, homeless and friendless. Until she meets her old school friend Finn…
The tale could have been quite depressing but it’s told in a gentle and uplifting way. It was lovely to see Freya learn to deal with her grief, while putting aside the guilt she felt at deserting her old life and learning to reconnect with friends.
The cast of characters are well written, and the descriptions of the food and locations bring about a cosy feel to this story which is about community and friendship as much as romance.
Freya is a chef first and foremost and her need to cook drives the challenge to cook the 12 days of Christmas, to give her a focus and distract her from her grief. I thought this was a clever idea and the recipes at the back of the book were an added bonus! I’ll definitely be trying the swan meringues!
Soon Freya has to question what she wants from life and whether or not it will include her new and recently rediscovered friends.
My only question is why she ever wanted to work for the Gordon Ramsey-esque Andre in the first place!
Christmas, food and a little romance. A lovely read for the festive period.
December 28, 2024
Heart-warming holiday story set in the same area as The Littlest Library, with a few of the characters from that novel making an appearance. Freya returns home at the death of her mother & finds that her life is a mess & she may need to make some changes as she works through her grief. Since she's a chef, she works through it by accepting a challenge from an old friend who's sheltering her to cook dishes based on the old carol.
May 13, 2023
Liked this one. It’s a bit sad and I really felt for Freya as she deals with everything resulting from her mom’s death. I liked her growth in the story and watching her figure out what she wants with the rest of her life. Good read.
January 4, 2023
I really enjoyed the many layers of this story. While it provided all the cozy feels of the season, it also delved into topics such as grief and the importance of friendship and community. The descriptive work and the dialogue was beautifully executed! It provided a pleasant escape during the holiday rush and don't get me started on the mouthwatering recipes!
MY RATING:
3.75 Stars
MY RATING:
3.75 Stars
December 3, 2022
I really liked the premise of this book—a woman finds community, friendship and her future after the devastating loss of her beloved mother on Christmas Eve. I loved the small British town vibe of the book and the warmth of Finn and his family. The cooking and food related parts were lovely and inspiring.
There is a lot to like about this book, but the main character, Freya, was so preoccupied with weight, gaining weight or appearing to have gained weight that it killed the vibe for me each time it happened. I wanted to read a book about a woman FINALLY finding joy and happiness after loss and 10 miserable years, I wish she could have been happy with herself, too.
There is a lot to like about this book, but the main character, Freya, was so preoccupied with weight, gaining weight or appearing to have gained weight that it killed the vibe for me each time it happened. I wanted to read a book about a woman FINALLY finding joy and happiness after loss and 10 miserable years, I wish she could have been happy with herself, too.
November 9, 2021
If there is one thing that I am a sucker for, it's a Christmas romance novel. This one is made even better by the running theme of food and honestly had me salivating throughout - props to the author for the recipes at the end too!
The 12 Days Of Christmas follows Freya who goes back to her hometown of Middlemass following her mother's death from breast cancer. She was working in a high-profile restaurant in Paris and lost her job due to having to leave suddenly to be with her dying mother.
She bumps into an old friend from her childhood, Finn, and upon discovering that her Freya's mother's house is inhabitable as she's been in a hospice, he invites Freya to stay with him for a while. The novel is set over Christmas and in order to keep herself busy she decides to cook every day for 12 days, recipes themed on the 12 Days Of Christmas.
Although you go into this type of book knowing a romance is bound to blossom, there are deeper aspects too such as Freya's possibility of also having the BRCA2 gene, just like her mother and grandmother. It is a wonderfully, easy read with a beautiful setting. Perfect if you are a fan of festive romances.
The 12 Days Of Christmas follows Freya who goes back to her hometown of Middlemass following her mother's death from breast cancer. She was working in a high-profile restaurant in Paris and lost her job due to having to leave suddenly to be with her dying mother.
She bumps into an old friend from her childhood, Finn, and upon discovering that her Freya's mother's house is inhabitable as she's been in a hospice, he invites Freya to stay with him for a while. The novel is set over Christmas and in order to keep herself busy she decides to cook every day for 12 days, recipes themed on the 12 Days Of Christmas.
Although you go into this type of book knowing a romance is bound to blossom, there are deeper aspects too such as Freya's possibility of also having the BRCA2 gene, just like her mother and grandmother. It is a wonderfully, easy read with a beautiful setting. Perfect if you are a fan of festive romances.
January 2, 2022
I’m not a huge romance reader but I picked this one up because I loved the concept and the fact that it even apparently includes the recipes for each of the meals. It seemed like it would be a book that focused on the joy and pleasure of food, and in part it does, with the exception of the main character, Freya, who is constantly either thinking or talking about how “fat” she’s getting or refusing to have a bit of pain aux chocolate because it will make her “chubby”. It’s totally at odds with the whole premise of the book and I wonder if perhaps it’s some of the authors own insecurities around food being reflected? Who knows, maybe Freya realises that she should just eat whatever the heck she likes and be happy but I honestly couple tell you because I had to stop 52% of the way through lest I throw my kindle at the wall in frustration as Freya puts her jeans on and apparently has put on so much weight in the 7 or so days she’s been back in the UK for that they’re now tight on her. Whatever you do, do not take a shot every time she views food as some forbidden evil (despite having spent 10 years as a chef!! In Paris!!) because you absolutely will end up hospitalised.
November 13, 2021
Poppy Alexander’s first Christmas book, 25 Days ‘til Christmas, published back in 2018 has to be one of my favourite Christmas books ever. I have been eagerly awaiting this new story, The 12 Days of Christmas ever since I saw it pop up on pre-order on Amazon a few months ago. Well, let me say given I had such high expectations for this that it didn’t disappoint in the slightest and is definitely in contention for my Christmas book of 2021 (I say contention as at the time of writing I haven’t made a significant dent into my Christmas TBR for this year). This is a glorious feast of all things Christmas and if this doesn’t get you in the festive mood then nothing will. I loved every minute of it and it was so bittersweet to reach the end and it’s rare that I want to go back to the beginning and start a book again, given there are so many books waiting out there to be read, but that’s how I felt about this one. I know I will return to the wonderful story of Freya and her life changing experiences when fate means she has to return to the place that she has been avoiding for many years.
It’s Christmas Eve and Freya is wandering amongst the food stalls at the market in Portneath. Food is a soothing thought for her. It has been her passion for as long as she can remember and her working life in a Michelin starred restaurant in Paris for the last ten years has allowed her to indulge this even if chef Andre can be quite harsh. But Freya is not herself and even though it is the most magical time of the year she is trying to avoid an emotional breakdown. The reason for which doesn’t become apparent too soon and when it does I just felt total empathy with her as I had been in the situation in the past and the way she was written throughout the book well I felt those feelings, although I wasn’t as secretive as her.
I didn’t like that she didn’t come straight out and say what had happened to her when she meets Finn. I think he would have really understood her. But I suppose Freya had barriers up and let’s be honest she had so much emotional baggage both to do with her personal and professional life that really she was trying to avoid talking about anything that meant she would have to deal with her problems. She was evasive and didn’t let her emotions show all to easily. You hoped Finn would be the one who could get through to her and help her to express how she really felt but if you are afraid to feel emotions and hold back a lot then opening up is more than likely the thing you least feel like doing.
Right from the outset the descriptions of food and festive treats and drinks etc were just mind blowing. So much care and attention went into researching all the different types of food and I loved that there was an emphasis on local produce which only increased the sense of community spirit and everyone working together throughout the book. Everything was truly mouth-watering and as Freya ventures further into her cooking of the 12 days of Christmas your taste buds are tantalised even more. I have to say it was brilliant to reach the end and discover the recipes there in detail for anyone wishing to try them out. So much thought and attention to detail went into all aspects of this story and that’s what it makes it so special and an all-round excellent book. When Freya meets Finn, she remembers the times she used hang around with some of his pals alongside her best friend Hattie and feelings are stirring within her. But she says to herself that she has hurt so many people and her life is in ruins that really she is no good for anyone.
I really loved Finn, he was such a well developed character and I loved how he took Freya under his wing. It was all done with the best of intentions with never an ulterior motive underneath it all. Yes, he regrets not previously declaring his interest in her and now ten years have passed but he knows now is not the right time just yet to make a move or express his feelings. He senses Freya doesn’t need to be pushed unnecessarily. She needs time to heal and find acceptance and her place in her new world that is emerging. For Finn his business running an artisan deli is one of the most important things in his life and once again the descriptions of this deli were just brilliant and I loved once Freya set upon the idea of cooking the 12 days as a way of thanking Finn for letting her stay that she went and used products from the deli or local products. By doing all this cooking it was like Freya was telling her story as when herself and Finn ate together they had time to talk. I could picture them in that cosy flat above the deli with it cold outside and lights twinkling on the high street. It seemed like a refuge far from what troubles Freya and it was the place she needed to rest and recuperate as going back to Paris considering the way she left didn’t seem that much of an option.
Finn was so kind, caring and creative and his bid to show Freya that Portneath could offer a good life was just brilliant but still she kept one thing from him that I really did wish she could have been more open about. Finn really was giving Freya the tools to have a new start in life but she was so down and harsh on herself I don’t think she could see fully what he was trying to do nor was she is the right place to embrace what he was offering. But will Portneath work its magic or is Freya too deep into skirting around issues that need to be confronted?
There are just the right amount of supporting characters that really add to the overall fabulousness of this book. Finn’s brother Ciaran and his wife Martha that live with their children at Holly Tree Farm. Well, I hope they get a book all to themselves in the future. Diana, Freya’s godmother, was just amazing and so supportive and it was only halfway through that it clicked with me that she featured in Poppy’s previous book The Littlest Library so it was brilliant to see characters crossing over. The only character I really didn’t warm to was Hattie, Freya’s best friend. I thought her reaction to Freya’s return was just too over the top and giving her the cold shoulder the way she did, well she really didn’t deserve that. She just came across as being very jealous and unforgiving. Yes, she helped Freya get a job in the pudding factory but I felt then that she abandoned her and if she had given Freya time things would have been a lot clearer and perhaps forgiveness would have arisen sooner rather than later. All these people help Freya learn lots of life lessons and help make this book such a lovely, engaging and engrossing read.
Poppy Alexander has another winner on her hands with The 12 Days of Christmas. It’s a cracker of a read which provides the perfect slice of escapism which pulls you into the plot from the very beginning and leaves you entranced and even more excited for the most wonderful time of the year than perhaps you already are. The unique concept of cooking the 12 days of Christmas added that little bit of extra sparkle and magic to a genuinely lovely story with characters you root for, a setting which is filled with community spirit and friendship and least I not forget all the food and treats mentioned were so richly and vividly described that this book will leave you hungry. So just make sure you have something nice to nibble on beside you whilst you indulge in this magnificent story.
’Christmas was a golden time away from normal life, a magical hiatus where the world held its breath’. These words are perfect to sum up both how I feel about Christmas and how I felt about this book. It really did give me the break away from the real world that I needed. Please say in future books we will return to the villages of Portneath and Middlemass as Poppy Alexander has created a unique community with warm, lovable characters that I really do just want read more and more about them.
It’s Christmas Eve and Freya is wandering amongst the food stalls at the market in Portneath. Food is a soothing thought for her. It has been her passion for as long as she can remember and her working life in a Michelin starred restaurant in Paris for the last ten years has allowed her to indulge this even if chef Andre can be quite harsh. But Freya is not herself and even though it is the most magical time of the year she is trying to avoid an emotional breakdown. The reason for which doesn’t become apparent too soon and when it does I just felt total empathy with her as I had been in the situation in the past and the way she was written throughout the book well I felt those feelings, although I wasn’t as secretive as her.
I didn’t like that she didn’t come straight out and say what had happened to her when she meets Finn. I think he would have really understood her. But I suppose Freya had barriers up and let’s be honest she had so much emotional baggage both to do with her personal and professional life that really she was trying to avoid talking about anything that meant she would have to deal with her problems. She was evasive and didn’t let her emotions show all to easily. You hoped Finn would be the one who could get through to her and help her to express how she really felt but if you are afraid to feel emotions and hold back a lot then opening up is more than likely the thing you least feel like doing.
Right from the outset the descriptions of food and festive treats and drinks etc were just mind blowing. So much care and attention went into researching all the different types of food and I loved that there was an emphasis on local produce which only increased the sense of community spirit and everyone working together throughout the book. Everything was truly mouth-watering and as Freya ventures further into her cooking of the 12 days of Christmas your taste buds are tantalised even more. I have to say it was brilliant to reach the end and discover the recipes there in detail for anyone wishing to try them out. So much thought and attention to detail went into all aspects of this story and that’s what it makes it so special and an all-round excellent book. When Freya meets Finn, she remembers the times she used hang around with some of his pals alongside her best friend Hattie and feelings are stirring within her. But she says to herself that she has hurt so many people and her life is in ruins that really she is no good for anyone.
I really loved Finn, he was such a well developed character and I loved how he took Freya under his wing. It was all done with the best of intentions with never an ulterior motive underneath it all. Yes, he regrets not previously declaring his interest in her and now ten years have passed but he knows now is not the right time just yet to make a move or express his feelings. He senses Freya doesn’t need to be pushed unnecessarily. She needs time to heal and find acceptance and her place in her new world that is emerging. For Finn his business running an artisan deli is one of the most important things in his life and once again the descriptions of this deli were just brilliant and I loved once Freya set upon the idea of cooking the 12 days as a way of thanking Finn for letting her stay that she went and used products from the deli or local products. By doing all this cooking it was like Freya was telling her story as when herself and Finn ate together they had time to talk. I could picture them in that cosy flat above the deli with it cold outside and lights twinkling on the high street. It seemed like a refuge far from what troubles Freya and it was the place she needed to rest and recuperate as going back to Paris considering the way she left didn’t seem that much of an option.
Finn was so kind, caring and creative and his bid to show Freya that Portneath could offer a good life was just brilliant but still she kept one thing from him that I really did wish she could have been more open about. Finn really was giving Freya the tools to have a new start in life but she was so down and harsh on herself I don’t think she could see fully what he was trying to do nor was she is the right place to embrace what he was offering. But will Portneath work its magic or is Freya too deep into skirting around issues that need to be confronted?
There are just the right amount of supporting characters that really add to the overall fabulousness of this book. Finn’s brother Ciaran and his wife Martha that live with their children at Holly Tree Farm. Well, I hope they get a book all to themselves in the future. Diana, Freya’s godmother, was just amazing and so supportive and it was only halfway through that it clicked with me that she featured in Poppy’s previous book The Littlest Library so it was brilliant to see characters crossing over. The only character I really didn’t warm to was Hattie, Freya’s best friend. I thought her reaction to Freya’s return was just too over the top and giving her the cold shoulder the way she did, well she really didn’t deserve that. She just came across as being very jealous and unforgiving. Yes, she helped Freya get a job in the pudding factory but I felt then that she abandoned her and if she had given Freya time things would have been a lot clearer and perhaps forgiveness would have arisen sooner rather than later. All these people help Freya learn lots of life lessons and help make this book such a lovely, engaging and engrossing read.
Poppy Alexander has another winner on her hands with The 12 Days of Christmas. It’s a cracker of a read which provides the perfect slice of escapism which pulls you into the plot from the very beginning and leaves you entranced and even more excited for the most wonderful time of the year than perhaps you already are. The unique concept of cooking the 12 days of Christmas added that little bit of extra sparkle and magic to a genuinely lovely story with characters you root for, a setting which is filled with community spirit and friendship and least I not forget all the food and treats mentioned were so richly and vividly described that this book will leave you hungry. So just make sure you have something nice to nibble on beside you whilst you indulge in this magnificent story.
’Christmas was a golden time away from normal life, a magical hiatus where the world held its breath’. These words are perfect to sum up both how I feel about Christmas and how I felt about this book. It really did give me the break away from the real world that I needed. Please say in future books we will return to the villages of Portneath and Middlemass as Poppy Alexander has created a unique community with warm, lovable characters that I really do just want read more and more about them.
December 22, 2021
Something I always really enjoy is when I can tell within a few opening pages that I’ve found a book I’m going to love.
This one begins on Christmas Eve, Middlemass dressed in all its Christmas finery, people making their last dashes to the shops, the Salvation Army band playing, the scent of cinnamon on the air – as Freya walks sadly around the market she always loved, shivering in her thin denim jacket, finally visiting Finn’s delicatessen in the high street for a coffee and some comfort. She’s home to arrange her mother’s funeral, having walked away from her life as a promising but under-recognised chef in Paris – finding her former home cold, dark and sadly neglected, filled with regrets that she didn’t spend more time with her mother in the years before her death. Finn – who she knew when she was young, always on the fringe of his group of friends – offers her the warmth of his friendship and the lifeline of a place to stay, and in return she takes on the challenge of cooking a daily meal based on the twelve days of Christmas, while revisiting all the regrets of her past and deciding what her future holds.
This really was the loveliest read – the beautiful warmth of the friendship and growing relationship between Finn and Freya, the new friends she finds and her attempts to recover the ones she’s lost, the way she slowly repairs herself and comes to terms with her sadness and regrets. And if Finn and Freya themselves entirely won my heart, I equally enjoyed every other well-drawn supporting character who plays their part in the story – every individual was just so wonderfully real, and I felt quite transported into their lives.
And then, of course, there’s the food – with all the quite fascinating inventiveness of developing the recipes, the whole book entirely infused with new tastes and the most wonderful enticing aromas. It’s a book any foodie couldn’t possibly fail to enjoy – and all the recipes are included in the book’s postscript if you’d like to try them yourself, where the author’s own obvious love of cooking very clearly comes across – but it also ties the food and its preparation into all the emotional ups and downs of Freya’s journey, and it’s quite perfectly done.
I really loved the writing, and in terms of emotional engagement, the author has the perfect touch – that strong focus on friendship and family that I unfailingly adore, along with the moving authenticity of the developing relationship between Finn and Freya. There are moments when you share the tears Freya sheds, but others that entirely filled my heart with joy. And I really must mention the book’s ending – perfect and uplifting in every possible way, and there was definitely an echoing cheer here in my lounge in Yorkshire (and a few happy tears).
This is everything a Christmas book should be – I loved every single moment, and recommend it really highly.
This one begins on Christmas Eve, Middlemass dressed in all its Christmas finery, people making their last dashes to the shops, the Salvation Army band playing, the scent of cinnamon on the air – as Freya walks sadly around the market she always loved, shivering in her thin denim jacket, finally visiting Finn’s delicatessen in the high street for a coffee and some comfort. She’s home to arrange her mother’s funeral, having walked away from her life as a promising but under-recognised chef in Paris – finding her former home cold, dark and sadly neglected, filled with regrets that she didn’t spend more time with her mother in the years before her death. Finn – who she knew when she was young, always on the fringe of his group of friends – offers her the warmth of his friendship and the lifeline of a place to stay, and in return she takes on the challenge of cooking a daily meal based on the twelve days of Christmas, while revisiting all the regrets of her past and deciding what her future holds.
This really was the loveliest read – the beautiful warmth of the friendship and growing relationship between Finn and Freya, the new friends she finds and her attempts to recover the ones she’s lost, the way she slowly repairs herself and comes to terms with her sadness and regrets. And if Finn and Freya themselves entirely won my heart, I equally enjoyed every other well-drawn supporting character who plays their part in the story – every individual was just so wonderfully real, and I felt quite transported into their lives.
And then, of course, there’s the food – with all the quite fascinating inventiveness of developing the recipes, the whole book entirely infused with new tastes and the most wonderful enticing aromas. It’s a book any foodie couldn’t possibly fail to enjoy – and all the recipes are included in the book’s postscript if you’d like to try them yourself, where the author’s own obvious love of cooking very clearly comes across – but it also ties the food and its preparation into all the emotional ups and downs of Freya’s journey, and it’s quite perfectly done.
I really loved the writing, and in terms of emotional engagement, the author has the perfect touch – that strong focus on friendship and family that I unfailingly adore, along with the moving authenticity of the developing relationship between Finn and Freya. There are moments when you share the tears Freya sheds, but others that entirely filled my heart with joy. And I really must mention the book’s ending – perfect and uplifting in every possible way, and there was definitely an echoing cheer here in my lounge in Yorkshire (and a few happy tears).
This is everything a Christmas book should be – I loved every single moment, and recommend it really highly.
December 19, 2022
Freya has been living in Paris for the past 10 years and left her small English hometown behind. She wanted to branch out try to make something of herself and make her mom proud. Because she had been away working for an intense chef 👨🍳 she hasn’t seen much of her mom over the years being away. She also hasn’t been back to her hometown until now.
She gets the news that her mother, light of her life has passed away. She hurries back to her hometown to deal with the death of her mother, sorting her mother’s things and reconnecting with those she had forgotten about in her absence of being away.
She bumps into an old friend/crush Finn. He looks different now, more of a man with his tall stature, dark hair and green eyes. He comes to her rescue when she arrived back in town after hearing the most horrible news. He is there for her during her journey of finding out about who her mother was while she was away and the impact she had on those around her in their small town. Finn suggests an idea: to get her mind out of the sadness is to bake. And not just bake anything but bake themed items for the 12 days of Christmas.
With Finn’s friendship, baking distractions and getting rekindled with those who remained in the town, Freya is on a self discovery of who her mom was and the life she lead and wishing she could have seen the light her mom was. But now she can be that light for others and carry on as her mother would have wanted.
Please check out this heartfelt story of The 12 Days Of Christmas 🎄 ❄️🥮🥧🥐
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0/5 (Hallmark ish) but so good!
Series or stand alone: Stand alone 📕
She gets the news that her mother, light of her life has passed away. She hurries back to her hometown to deal with the death of her mother, sorting her mother’s things and reconnecting with those she had forgotten about in her absence of being away.
She bumps into an old friend/crush Finn. He looks different now, more of a man with his tall stature, dark hair and green eyes. He comes to her rescue when she arrived back in town after hearing the most horrible news. He is there for her during her journey of finding out about who her mother was while she was away and the impact she had on those around her in their small town. Finn suggests an idea: to get her mind out of the sadness is to bake. And not just bake anything but bake themed items for the 12 days of Christmas.
With Finn’s friendship, baking distractions and getting rekindled with those who remained in the town, Freya is on a self discovery of who her mom was and the life she lead and wishing she could have seen the light her mom was. But now she can be that light for others and carry on as her mother would have wanted.
Please check out this heartfelt story of The 12 Days Of Christmas 🎄 ❄️🥮🥧🥐
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0/5 (Hallmark ish) but so good!
Series or stand alone: Stand alone 📕
February 24, 2025
Snippets and blurbs for The 12 Days of Christmas herald it as "festive" "romantic" "all the joy of Christmas".
I disagree. The 12 Days of Christmas has most of those things, however, it's a thoughtful story of regrets and grief heavily nestled under the veneer of them.
At the sudden loss of her mother, Freya suffers the trauma of her death as she's now utterly alone having abandoned friends and hometown for a career in Paris at which she's successful but not without prejudice and verbal abuse.
She arrives home on Christmas Eve, with only the clothes on her back. Despite her efforts otherwise, she is recognized by an old acquaintance. Her family home is dark, dilapidated and cold, and her rescuer refuses to leave her there and instead takes her to his apartment.
In her need to not be indebted to someone she offers to cook for him based on the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
The story unwinds from there, with Freya examining her work that she allowed to keep her from her beloved Mom until it was nearly too late, her grief that she left her Mom alone for so long despite Moms encouragement to focus on her career, her lost friendships.
As she gently reconnects with her town and learns more about her Moms life there without her she and the people in it, she allows her tears to come.
And yes, finally, there's the "festive" the "romantic" and "all the joy of Christmas".
All within those twelve days.
5 Stars for the tenderly written The 12 Days of Christmas.
I disagree. The 12 Days of Christmas has most of those things, however, it's a thoughtful story of regrets and grief heavily nestled under the veneer of them.
At the sudden loss of her mother, Freya suffers the trauma of her death as she's now utterly alone having abandoned friends and hometown for a career in Paris at which she's successful but not without prejudice and verbal abuse.
She arrives home on Christmas Eve, with only the clothes on her back. Despite her efforts otherwise, she is recognized by an old acquaintance. Her family home is dark, dilapidated and cold, and her rescuer refuses to leave her there and instead takes her to his apartment.
In her need to not be indebted to someone she offers to cook for him based on the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
The story unwinds from there, with Freya examining her work that she allowed to keep her from her beloved Mom until it was nearly too late, her grief that she left her Mom alone for so long despite Moms encouragement to focus on her career, her lost friendships.
As she gently reconnects with her town and learns more about her Moms life there without her she and the people in it, she allows her tears to come.
And yes, finally, there's the "festive" the "romantic" and "all the joy of Christmas".
All within those twelve days.
5 Stars for the tenderly written The 12 Days of Christmas.
December 22, 2021
After devastating news, Freya arrives back in Middlemass on Christmas Eve and is feeling a little bit lost and forlorn until she is rescued by Finn, who she remembers from the time when, as a teenager, she once had a bit of a crush on him. However, when her job with a top chef took her to the dizzy heights of Paris, Freya lost touch with all those people in Middlemass who had once meant so much to her. With nowhere else to go Freya agrees to stay with Finn for Christmas on the agreement that she cooks for him her unique version of the 12 days of Christmas.
What then follows is a lovely story which looks at the bonds of friendship and the importance of valuing those people around us. Whilst there is an undeniably festive feel to the story especially when Freya starts to cook her 12 days of Christmas meals, there is also the tender story of how Freya learns to cope with her tragic loss and shows that with friends around she can overcome anything The sumptuous descriptions of Freya's wonderful meals quite made my mouth water especially her meringue swans which were so lovingly described that they quite literally leapt off the page and onto my plate. For those so inclined, the author has provided the recipes to make your own 12 days of Christmas culinary delights.
With a pinch of sorrow, a cup of friendship, and a dash of romance all mixed together, The 12 Days of Christmas is a beautifully written festive story.
What then follows is a lovely story which looks at the bonds of friendship and the importance of valuing those people around us. Whilst there is an undeniably festive feel to the story especially when Freya starts to cook her 12 days of Christmas meals, there is also the tender story of how Freya learns to cope with her tragic loss and shows that with friends around she can overcome anything The sumptuous descriptions of Freya's wonderful meals quite made my mouth water especially her meringue swans which were so lovingly described that they quite literally leapt off the page and onto my plate. For those so inclined, the author has provided the recipes to make your own 12 days of Christmas culinary delights.
With a pinch of sorrow, a cup of friendship, and a dash of romance all mixed together, The 12 Days of Christmas is a beautifully written festive story.
December 18, 2021
Freya gets a text saying she needs to leave Paris now and come home and say goodbye to her beloved mum, who's dying for cancer.
This news blindside's Freya so when she returns to her little village and she bumps into Finn in a cafe she has no idea of the significance of his kindness.
Finn doesn't allow her to stay in her mum's old house is it cold and damp as there's no electricity or heating because no one has been living in the house.
As a way to distract herself from the sadness and the fact it's Christmas Eve she starts to cook. Her and Finn decide she should cook the 12 days of Christmas over the festive period as a form distraction.
In a short period of time they build a sid relationship and Finn has future plans for his business that Freya could be a part of time.
This isn't your normal Christmas read and that's actually just what I wanted to read. The sweet parts between Freya and Finn made my heart hurt and I cried at several points reading this books. The fact it deals with grief and loss is really interesting and important. I was sad when I reached the end!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me get this book. Again I'm sorry I waited till December to read it but it was worth the wait.
This news blindside's Freya so when she returns to her little village and she bumps into Finn in a cafe she has no idea of the significance of his kindness.
Finn doesn't allow her to stay in her mum's old house is it cold and damp as there's no electricity or heating because no one has been living in the house.
As a way to distract herself from the sadness and the fact it's Christmas Eve she starts to cook. Her and Finn decide she should cook the 12 days of Christmas over the festive period as a form distraction.
In a short period of time they build a sid relationship and Finn has future plans for his business that Freya could be a part of time.
This isn't your normal Christmas read and that's actually just what I wanted to read. The sweet parts between Freya and Finn made my heart hurt and I cried at several points reading this books. The fact it deals with grief and loss is really interesting and important. I was sad when I reached the end!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me get this book. Again I'm sorry I waited till December to read it but it was worth the wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2021
This book was literally one of my favourite reads this year!
For something that could’ve been traumatic and depressing this book lifted me up and gave me hope and encouragement.
Freya a talented chef has spent the last ten years away in Paris on her return she bumps into her high school crush Finn. The last thing either of them is looking for is a romantic encounter.
Determined to distract herself Freya throws herself into a 12 days of Christmas cooking challenge she develops with Finn. The recipes are mouthwatering and magical and really have you revelling in all the tastes and smells of Christmas with Freya’s special touch.
The book explores how family and community can come together especially in a time of need. I love the older characters in the book and the special bonds they have with the younger generations and the ease each has between each other.
This book was a wonderful read I can’t recommend it enough. There is also a special bonus at the end of the book to satisfy your taste buds which I absolutely adored!
I received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
For something that could’ve been traumatic and depressing this book lifted me up and gave me hope and encouragement.
Freya a talented chef has spent the last ten years away in Paris on her return she bumps into her high school crush Finn. The last thing either of them is looking for is a romantic encounter.
Determined to distract herself Freya throws herself into a 12 days of Christmas cooking challenge she develops with Finn. The recipes are mouthwatering and magical and really have you revelling in all the tastes and smells of Christmas with Freya’s special touch.
The book explores how family and community can come together especially in a time of need. I love the older characters in the book and the special bonds they have with the younger generations and the ease each has between each other.
This book was a wonderful read I can’t recommend it enough. There is also a special bonus at the end of the book to satisfy your taste buds which I absolutely adored!
I received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2021
What a joy to read! I read this in 2 sittings it was so difficult to put down!
Freya is summoned home from her beloved job in Paris working for one of the top chefs. She has worked there for 10 years, following her dream but it is extremely hard work and long hours.
She arrived just in time to see her mum before she dies. Then begins the regrets and guilt of not spending more time with her. The awful reality of arranging the funeral and clearing out her childhood home.
On the positive side she meets Finn, one of her schoolgirl crushes, who is such a gentleman he takes her under his wing and helps her through this difficult time.
She is due back to her job in Paris, but will she decide her home is now in Middlemass?
Although there is the sadness running through the story, it is overall an uplifting read of following your dreams and of course finding love! I enjoyed getting to know the many likeable characters, and even the one unlikeable one!
What a great idea to challenge Freya to use her chef skills to invent a dish based on each of the 12 days of Christmas, and the author has added the recipes to the back of the book! I’m definitely going to be trying some.
Loved it.
Freya is summoned home from her beloved job in Paris working for one of the top chefs. She has worked there for 10 years, following her dream but it is extremely hard work and long hours.
She arrived just in time to see her mum before she dies. Then begins the regrets and guilt of not spending more time with her. The awful reality of arranging the funeral and clearing out her childhood home.
On the positive side she meets Finn, one of her schoolgirl crushes, who is such a gentleman he takes her under his wing and helps her through this difficult time.
She is due back to her job in Paris, but will she decide her home is now in Middlemass?
Although there is the sadness running through the story, it is overall an uplifting read of following your dreams and of course finding love! I enjoyed getting to know the many likeable characters, and even the one unlikeable one!
What a great idea to challenge Freya to use her chef skills to invent a dish based on each of the 12 days of Christmas, and the author has added the recipes to the back of the book! I’m definitely going to be trying some.
Loved it.
November 17, 2021
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by POPPY ALEXANDER.
After ten years away, Freya finds herself back home for Christmas. It’s not a visit made in happy circumstances though, as Freya is there following the death of her mother.
As Freya struggles with her grief and loneliness, can reconnecting with her old school friend and neighbour Finn, help her to find her way.
Freya falls back on what she knows how to do best… cook!
Each day, her festive delights bring people in the village together.
Will Freya find her heart belongs in Middlemass? And will that include the lovely Finn?
There was nothing to dislike about this book. Cosy, warm, feel good, heartwarming, sweet, romantic and just all round festive loveliness.
The food descriptions were amazing, and I may have gained a few pounds just reading about all the lovely scoff!
Freya’s recipe’s are all at the back of the book, and well worth a try yourself.
A must for your festive reading pile.
Five tasty stars from me…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to #Netgalley and #Orion for an ARC of #TheTwelveDaysOfChristmas by #PoppyAlexander.
After ten years away, Freya finds herself back home for Christmas. It’s not a visit made in happy circumstances though, as Freya is there following the death of her mother.
As Freya struggles with her grief and loneliness, can reconnecting with her old school friend and neighbour Finn, help her to find her way.
Freya falls back on what she knows how to do best… cook!
Each day, her festive delights bring people in the village together.
Will Freya find her heart belongs in Middlemass? And will that include the lovely Finn?
There was nothing to dislike about this book. Cosy, warm, feel good, heartwarming, sweet, romantic and just all round festive loveliness.
The food descriptions were amazing, and I may have gained a few pounds just reading about all the lovely scoff!
Freya’s recipe’s are all at the back of the book, and well worth a try yourself.
A must for your festive reading pile.
Five tasty stars from me…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to #Netgalley and #Orion for an ARC of #TheTwelveDaysOfChristmas by #PoppyAlexander.
January 8, 2022
The 12 Days of Christmas by Poppy Alexander
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The most magical time of the year... For the first time in ten years, Freya is back in the little village of Middlemass for Christmas. The streets might be twinkling with fairy lights, but after the recent loss of her mother, she's never felt less festive.
Forced to sleep under the same roof as her handsome neighbour Finn, Freya realises she's going to need a distraction—fast! So she sets herself a challenge: to cook the '12 Days of Christmas'. Her delicious food soon brings the villagers together, and as each day passes, old friendships are renewed, memories stirred and there's even the flickering of romance...
This was a cute book I struggled to get through it. It was a clever idea with the 12 days of Christmas Food but at the same time Freya seems to have an aversion to the food she makes. Poppy has written how a community can come together when people are in a time of need, but this just was not the book for me.
Rating 3/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The most magical time of the year... For the first time in ten years, Freya is back in the little village of Middlemass for Christmas. The streets might be twinkling with fairy lights, but after the recent loss of her mother, she's never felt less festive.
Forced to sleep under the same roof as her handsome neighbour Finn, Freya realises she's going to need a distraction—fast! So she sets herself a challenge: to cook the '12 Days of Christmas'. Her delicious food soon brings the villagers together, and as each day passes, old friendships are renewed, memories stirred and there's even the flickering of romance...
This was a cute book I struggled to get through it. It was a clever idea with the 12 days of Christmas Food but at the same time Freya seems to have an aversion to the food she makes. Poppy has written how a community can come together when people are in a time of need, but this just was not the book for me.
Rating 3/5
January 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming Christmas themed story by Poppy Alexander. I loved the premise and really appreciated that the 12 days of Christmas in the title actually referred to the 12 days of Christmas - those days from Christmas Day until Epiphany (January 6th). The chemistry that was created between Freya and Finn was readily apparent and the romance that developed was sweet and believable. If you have read The Littlest Library you will have already been introduced to some of the characters and to the setting of Middlemas that is found in this book but you do not need to have read that book to understand and appreciate this tale. To me, it was, however, an added bonus. The book is heartwarming, but it also deals with some serious issues including the death of a mother, unemployment, guilt, grief and abuse in a very sensitive manner. The descriptions of the food and the recipes should be appreciated by any foodie reader and made me want to try some of the ideas in my own kitchen - if only I could in any way come close to reproducing any of the chef scrumptious dishes. All in all, this is a delightful and entertaining Christmas themed book that left me with a warm feeling.
November 17, 2021
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by POPPY ALEXANDER.
After ten years away, Freya finds herself back home for Christmas. It’s not a visit made in happy circumstances though, as Freya is there following the death of her mother.
As Freya struggles with her grief and loneliness, can reconnecting with her old school friend and neighbour Finn, help her to find her way.
Freya falls back on what she knows how to do best… cook!
Each day, her festive delights bring people in the village together.
Will Freya find her heart belongs in Middlemass? And will that include the lovely Finn?
There was nothing to dislike about this book. Cosy, warm, feel good, heartwarming, sweet, romantic and just all round festive loveliness.
The food descriptions were amazing, and I may have gained a few pounds just reading about all the lovely scoff!
Freya’s recipe’s are all at the back of the book, and well worth a try yourself.
A must for your festive reading pile.
Five tasty stars from me…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to #Netgalley and #Orion for an ARC of #TheTwelveDaysOfChristmas by #PoppyAlexander.
December 12, 2023
For some the holidays are a magical time of year but for Freya she's just been dealt with an incredibly difficult hand. Losing her mother and her job on the same day she is stuck back at her childhood home having to pick up the pieces her mom left behind. Having no real direction, a handsome friend from long ago sweeps Freya under his wing and helps her get back on solid ground. To repay him, in only the way a former chef would, Freya decides to cook Finn the 12 Days of Christmas. Meaning to only be in Middlemass for a short while Freya is finding the idea of leaving more and more difficult by the day but with nothing left for her here why would she ever stay? As far as Christmas reads go "The 12 Days of Christmas" definitely deals with some darker themes you wouldn't expect. If you are looking for a holiday escape, know that this might not be the ideal book for that. However, if you need a little more substance Alexander has written a holiday read filled with complex and real life issues.
November 8, 2021
I would compare this book to a warm hug, it was cosy, comforting and festive but most of all it is centered around food. Not just any food but Christmas food. It was such a lovely read to dip in to and I wanted to devour the whole thing and the food staright away, but took my time as I knew I was going to enjoy the story and I really did. Poppy sets the scene in Middlemass a little village that is tucked away and we see Freya who has returned because of a loss in the family. She is grieving and lonely and needs a distraction and that comes in the form of Finn and some cooking too. I loved the idea of cooking the 12 days of Christmas, all the food Freya makes sounds delicious, I couldn't stop my mouth from watering. Can Finn help Freya to open up? might there be a little festive magic for them both? who knows. I also enjoyed the recipes at the back of this book and I am going to try my hand at them too.
December 10, 2021
4,5
Em dezembro de 2019 li 25 days ‘til Christmas, primeiro livro da Poppy e fiquei surpresa com o quanto o livro me tocou. Terminei querendo ler mais dessa autora, então quando vi que ela ia lançar mais uma história de Natal esse ano, já garanti o e-book na pré-venda.
Assim como no outro livro, essa história fala sobre luto de uma forma super sensível e cuidadosa. Apesar de não ter passado pelo que a protagonista passa aqui, consegui me conectar muito com ela pela escrita da Poppy.
O romance da Freya (a mocinha) com Finn (que ela conhece desde a infância mas reencontra ao voltar na cidade para organizar o funeral da mãe) é bem construído e muito natural. só tirei meia estrela porque achei o final muito abrupto e senti falta de um epílogo.
É uma história linda sobre se reorganizar frente à uma grande tristeza. Recomendo demais se você souber ler em inglês ♥️
Em dezembro de 2019 li 25 days ‘til Christmas, primeiro livro da Poppy e fiquei surpresa com o quanto o livro me tocou. Terminei querendo ler mais dessa autora, então quando vi que ela ia lançar mais uma história de Natal esse ano, já garanti o e-book na pré-venda.
Assim como no outro livro, essa história fala sobre luto de uma forma super sensível e cuidadosa. Apesar de não ter passado pelo que a protagonista passa aqui, consegui me conectar muito com ela pela escrita da Poppy.
O romance da Freya (a mocinha) com Finn (que ela conhece desde a infância mas reencontra ao voltar na cidade para organizar o funeral da mãe) é bem construído e muito natural. só tirei meia estrela porque achei o final muito abrupto e senti falta de um epílogo.
É uma história linda sobre se reorganizar frente à uma grande tristeza. Recomendo demais se você souber ler em inglês ♥️
April 17, 2022
This book was an easy read, perfect for the bedside table. Themes of Love, grief, family, friendship, and community weave through the story and lives of main characters Freya and Finn.
Honestly, I wanted to love it, but it fell short for me. The storyline was predictable and dragged on at times. The ‘12 days of Christmas’ integration was fairly subtle and not what I expected given that it was the title of the book. The writing was fine, but the author regularly threw in needlessly complex words which stuck out against the otherwise basic and approachable writing.
That said, there were some great things about it too. The characters and storyline were well thought out and believable. The setting and descriptive writing was good and it was easy to imagine you were right there watching everything unfold.
All in all, it was an average but still enjoyable book.
Honestly, I wanted to love it, but it fell short for me. The storyline was predictable and dragged on at times. The ‘12 days of Christmas’ integration was fairly subtle and not what I expected given that it was the title of the book. The writing was fine, but the author regularly threw in needlessly complex words which stuck out against the otherwise basic and approachable writing.
That said, there were some great things about it too. The characters and storyline were well thought out and believable. The setting and descriptive writing was good and it was easy to imagine you were right there watching everything unfold.
All in all, it was an average but still enjoyable book.
December 30, 2021
4.5 stars.
This is beautiful. I was sobbing, salivating, and smiling throughout this book. A real gem of a book.
Not many books are set in the 12 days of Christmas, and I enjoyed reading it in the right time frame (though finished earlier because I couldn't stop reading!).
Although this book is sad, it also captures Christmas. With a focus on food too it was the perfect book for me. I loved the recipes.
Will certainly read more from this author! Also, loved that the whole publishing team were named and credited - helps show all the work and people involved to get these books into our hands. Thank you!
This is beautiful. I was sobbing, salivating, and smiling throughout this book. A real gem of a book.
Not many books are set in the 12 days of Christmas, and I enjoyed reading it in the right time frame (though finished earlier because I couldn't stop reading!).
Although this book is sad, it also captures Christmas. With a focus on food too it was the perfect book for me. I loved the recipes.
Will certainly read more from this author! Also, loved that the whole publishing team were named and credited - helps show all the work and people involved to get these books into our hands. Thank you!
November 25, 2022
After loving Alexander’s The Littlest Library, I ran out and purchased this book. I was delighted to realize it was set in the same world. There was a mention of the phone box library, as well as dinner with Jess and Aiden. This delighted me, but so did Freya’s story.
She had fled Middlemass, but was back due to her mother’s death. She was wracked with guilt for having stayed away so long and missing out on valuable years with her mother. Freya found solace in preparing food and set out to construct a dish for each of the twelve days of Christmas.
The food in this book was top notch. Freya was a fancy chef and created a multitude of delectable delights, but there was plenty of competition from Finn with all his farm fresh food. The food discussions between Finn and Freya were a special treat, but so were most of the interactions between them. I adored these two and loved that they had mutually pined for each other back in the day. Though they appeared to be married to their jobs, they seemed willing to bend for each other.
The food and the romance were definite highlights, but as in her previous book, it’s Alexander’s supporting characters who really elevate the story. They say it takes a village, and the good folk of Middlemass were there for Freya when she really needed them. It was lovely seeing her reconnecting with people from her past, forging new relationships, learning more about her mother, figuring out her next steps, and falling in love. Overall, I was charmed by this sweet and touching story.
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She had fled Middlemass, but was back due to her mother’s death. She was wracked with guilt for having stayed away so long and missing out on valuable years with her mother. Freya found solace in preparing food and set out to construct a dish for each of the twelve days of Christmas.
The food in this book was top notch. Freya was a fancy chef and created a multitude of delectable delights, but there was plenty of competition from Finn with all his farm fresh food. The food discussions between Finn and Freya were a special treat, but so were most of the interactions between them. I adored these two and loved that they had mutually pined for each other back in the day. Though they appeared to be married to their jobs, they seemed willing to bend for each other.
The food and the romance were definite highlights, but as in her previous book, it’s Alexander’s supporting characters who really elevate the story. They say it takes a village, and the good folk of Middlemass were there for Freya when she really needed them. It was lovely seeing her reconnecting with people from her past, forging new relationships, learning more about her mother, figuring out her next steps, and falling in love. Overall, I was charmed by this sweet and touching story.
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