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My True Love Gave to Me
The Twelve Days of Christmas get a romantic Texas twist!
Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King's respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father's support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna's true love.
Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King's respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father's support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna's true love.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
145 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Karen Witemeyer
69 books4,306 followersFor those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.
Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
October 24, 2023
I wasn't expecting this to be so short, but it was so cute! Literally, cute enough to get a cavity. I laughed while reading because of the creative gifts! I think this would have been better if it was longer than it's 43 pages, but I was able to knock it out in about 20 minutes. It was a fun little break!
Main Content-
Spiritual- 2 Corinthians 9:15 at the beginning; Set during Christmas-time; Prayers; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; A few mentions of church going & Christmas Eve service; In the author's note, there's mentions of those and events from the Bible (all the character names come from those involved in the Nativity story); At the end, there is a Christmas devotion about why Jesus came as a baby.
Negative- Mentions of pipes, tobacco, & smoking; A couple mentions of Anna's father's near death the prior year; A couple mentions of a threat.
Sexual- A forehead kiss, a cheek kiss, a blown kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Remembering embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); A man gets too close to Anna for her comfort; A crowd chants for Simon to kiss Anna (and they do); A mention of a kiss; A mention of jealousy.
Main Content-
Spiritual- 2 Corinthians 9:15 at the beginning; Set during Christmas-time; Prayers; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; A few mentions of church going & Christmas Eve service; In the author's note, there's mentions of those and events from the Bible (all the character names come from those involved in the Nativity story); At the end, there is a Christmas devotion about why Jesus came as a baby.
Negative- Mentions of pipes, tobacco, & smoking; A couple mentions of Anna's father's near death the prior year; A couple mentions of a threat.
Sexual- A forehead kiss, a cheek kiss, a blown kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Remembering embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); A man gets too close to Anna for her comfort; A crowd chants for Simon to kiss Anna (and they do); A mention of a kiss; A mention of jealousy.
February 3, 2024
Clever and fun
I really enjoyed this Christmas book. A young woman is being courted by two men but she wants her original suitor. Now to only get her father to agree. Fun and entertaining, the original suitor comes up with a clever way to gift her daily with fun and original gifts based on the Christmas song *My True Love Gave to Me." Will this work to convince her father he is the perfect man for her to marry ? Feel good clean read that I enjoyed a lot.
I really enjoyed this Christmas book. A young woman is being courted by two men but she wants her original suitor. Now to only get her father to agree. Fun and entertaining, the original suitor comes up with a clever way to gift her daily with fun and original gifts based on the Christmas song *My True Love Gave to Me." Will this work to convince her father he is the perfect man for her to marry ? Feel good clean read that I enjoyed a lot.
December 12, 2023
This was adorable and oh-so creative. I was laughing so hard at the first gift.
The first gift:
"Why are you so happy?" her father demanded. "This has to be the least romantic gift of all time. It's a half-dead cactus covered with barbs and a random bullet."
"No, Daddy," she said, her heart awash with love. "It's a cartridge in a prickly pear tree."
The first gift:
"Why are you so happy?" her father demanded. "This has to be the least romantic gift of all time. It's a half-dead cactus covered with barbs and a random bullet."
"No, Daddy," she said, her heart awash with love. "It's a cartridge in a prickly pear tree."
October 5, 2023
This adorable short story was absolutely so much fun to read! I was able to devour it in a sitting and it left me with a happy feeling in my heart. The author named characters in the book after or in honor of Biblical characters, such as David King, father of the heroine of the story.
The set up was great, with Simeon working tirelessly for twelve days to prove, along with the help of friends and family, that he was definitely Anna’s true love. It made my heart smile that Anna stayed true to him the entire time and was never pulled away from her devotion to him.
This sweet story is Christmas themed and a fun and quick jaunt back in time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The set up was great, with Simeon working tirelessly for twelve days to prove, along with the help of friends and family, that he was definitely Anna’s true love. It made my heart smile that Anna stayed true to him the entire time and was never pulled away from her devotion to him.
This sweet story is Christmas themed and a fun and quick jaunt back in time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
November 1, 2023
STOP! That was the cutest little novelette.
If you’re looking for a sweet, super fast Christmas story to read this season I highly recommend this story! It took me about 20 minutes to read it and I loved the sweet take on the classic “12 Days of Christmas”!
The characters were adorable, and I love how they all rallied around each other.
Seriously the perfect little story!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
If you’re looking for a sweet, super fast Christmas story to read this season I highly recommend this story! It took me about 20 minutes to read it and I loved the sweet take on the classic “12 Days of Christmas”!
The characters were adorable, and I love how they all rallied around each other.
Seriously the perfect little story!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
November 29, 2023
CUTE, CUTE! Even though it's short, what a clever way to incorporate the 12 Days of Christmas! 🎄❤️
November 5, 2023
This was perfectly adorable and so creative! Definitely recommend this sweet, sweet story. 💙💙 I'll have to read more by this author soon!
November 25, 2023
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas romance read. Simeon Shepherd and and Anna have been courting for 2 years when Anna's father decided a young newspaper man would be a better husband for her. Simeon and Herald, the newspaper man, agree to give Anna til Christmas to decide who would have her heart. With the help of his family, Simeon comes up with a western version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Can Herald compete with that even with his money?
Quick novella that is absolutely delightful as you romp through a western version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Quick novella that is absolutely delightful as you romp through a western version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
February 18, 2024
Five-star charmer. I adored how Simeon took the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and put his own spin on it to court his favorite girl. This story might be short, but it’s packed with the author’s trademark spunk. Loved it!
Content: tobacco
Content: tobacco
October 10, 2023
This short and sweet novella is just right for the holidays! I loved Simeon's creativity in demonstrating his love and devotion to Anna. His whole family is involved and pretty soon the whole town too, and Anna takes such pleasure in figuring out the daily gifts. I bet the author had a blast coming up with ways to turn The Twelve Days of Christmas into historical Texas-themed items! Anna and Simeon's relationship is already established and strong when the story begins, but I would have loved a bit more development of their romance. I think I felt the lack because Simeon had to stay away from Anna while she gave her new suitor a chance (which he never really had). Overall, a delightful and uplifting Christmas-themed story!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
May 18, 2024
This was fun. I enjoyed the characters, the unique gifts that went with the 12 Days of Christmas, and even the names of the characters. No, this wasn’t a deep book with character growth and action and such. It was just a short story that was fun and Christmasy and made me smile.
The romance was clean. A couple of kisses that weren't detailed.
The romance was clean. A couple of kisses that weren't detailed.
December 24, 2023
A cute short story. Loved the determination of Simeon and the creativity of the gifts. It was fun to see his whole family join in on the gift giving. While I enjoyed this story, the devotional that was included after the story was my favorite part for sure. It touched me and made me think.
October 20, 2023
This is a Christian historical romance that is just enchanting! It is the story of Anna King, whose father has made an important decision for her. It is also the story of Simeon Shepherd, the man who loves Anna. The writing is excellent and had me engaged from the first page. This is a fabulous Christmas tale and different than any that I have ever read. The characters are cleverly crafted, right down to their names.
I highly recommend this delightful sweet holiday romance ripe with subtle Christian messages and references. It would be a quick, fun read for a group of friends or reading club. There are many things to discuss. It gets a 5 star rating from me!
I highly recommend this delightful sweet holiday romance ripe with subtle Christian messages and references. It would be a quick, fun read for a group of friends or reading club. There are many things to discuss. It gets a 5 star rating from me!
December 11, 2024
A delightful Christmas story, filled with humor, true love and creative ways to show that love. The devotion at the conclusion of the book points us to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
December 20, 2025
This is a charming novella based on the 12 Days of Christmas song. Set in the town of Bethlehem, Texas in 1886, Anna and Simeon had long known they were meant for each other and planned to marry once Simeon earned enough money to provide for her. However, Anna's father has other plans and tells Anna that one of his employees is coming for an extended stay during the Christmas season in order to court her. When Anna tells Simeon, his whole family begins plotting to prove Simeon is worthy of Anna and her true love. Simeon's family is led by Grandpa Joe Shepherd, who devises a courtship based on the well known Christmas song. All of the Shepherds pitch in, even young brother Gabriel and Simeon's sister Mary. Anna's father, David King, has no idea what is in store for him, but Anna's mother tells her not to worry. So, its all of the Shepherds against the three Kings. I'm not going to say more so as not to spoil the joy in this story. In true Karen Witemeyer style, she comes up with a very clever tale that will keep the reader smiling.
September 27, 2023
A very cute novella where Simeon Shepherd uses the song The 12 Days Of Christmas to show his true love, Anna, his heartfelt love.
The characters names come from the nativity story and each day is a twist on the old Christmas song, such as a (rifle) cartridge in a prickly pear cactus tree. Very clever.
A great addition is the devotion at the end explaining why Jesus came into the world as a baby. Much food for thought.
Excellent story and funny too!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The characters names come from the nativity story and each day is a twist on the old Christmas song, such as a (rifle) cartridge in a prickly pear cactus tree. Very clever.
A great addition is the devotion at the end explaining why Jesus came into the world as a baby. Much food for thought.
Excellent story and funny too!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
October 11, 2023
This fun, romantic story, which puts a twist on the classic Twelve Days of Christmas song, is a perfect quick read for the Christmas season. This quote is the heart of the story: “Gifts of true love come from the heart, not the pocketbook.” I love how apropos each gift is for the 1886 Texas setting. The inspiring Christmas devotional at the end of the story is a wonderful, thought-provoking bonus. I loved this story and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2023
A Sweet, Adorable Short Story
What a great story! Even though it’s short, Karen Witemeyer doesn’t disappoint. The story felt perfectly paced and complete. The characters were fun. I truly enjoyed reading this as much as reading one of her full length novels. So if you’re looking for a fun, quick, inspirational romance story to read, try it!
What a great story! Even though it’s short, Karen Witemeyer doesn’t disappoint. The story felt perfectly paced and complete. The characters were fun. I truly enjoyed reading this as much as reading one of her full length novels. So if you’re looking for a fun, quick, inspirational romance story to read, try it!
December 16, 2023
A short and sweet Christmas story from one of my favorite authors with a beautiful devotional at the end. This is a short story that can be read in one sitting and is a great way to enjoy a little quiet in the midst of this busy season.
December 31, 2023
Christmas romance!
What a wonderful way to court a young woman. He called her his true love and reworked the 12 days of Christmas to show her how much he loved her and also to gain her father's approval. Loved the gift ideas! Wonderful holiday romance.
What a wonderful way to court a young woman. He called her his true love and reworked the 12 days of Christmas to show her how much he loved her and also to gain her father's approval. Loved the gift ideas! Wonderful holiday romance.
December 27, 2024
This is a cute little Christmas novella that could be read in one sitting. It's a fun western reimagining of The Twelve Days of Christmas. If you're looking for something quick, light, and full of holiday cheer (which I was!), this is the right story for you.
January 14, 2024
Cute and clever novella.
January 12, 2025
A truly marvelous story! It's a twist on the 12 days of Christmas. Karen has a wonderful imagination!
December 1, 2024
Cute short story, perfect Christmas time read.
November 2, 2023
“Love is more than a feeling… More than the tickle you feel inside when you look at a handsome young man. Love is a decision. A commitment. It’s the devoting of yourself to the well-being of another day after day, creating a lifelong partnership.”
In this sweet short story, Anna King and Simeon Shepard love each other. But Anna’s dad has promised her to another man. Simeon will stop at nothing to make sure he is the one that is with Anna. He now has 12 days before Christmas to prove that he is Anna’s true love.
This was such a witty book! I loved the take on the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” and how it was worked into the book! The gifts to Anna were fun and creative. There’s no way a girl wouldn’t swoon with all the effort that Simeon put in to prove himself for Anna. This was so cute and so sweet. It’s an easy and fast read, under 50 pages. So if you need something short, cute, and sweet, I highly recommend checking this one out!
In this sweet short story, Anna King and Simeon Shepard love each other. But Anna’s dad has promised her to another man. Simeon will stop at nothing to make sure he is the one that is with Anna. He now has 12 days before Christmas to prove that he is Anna’s true love.
This was such a witty book! I loved the take on the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” and how it was worked into the book! The gifts to Anna were fun and creative. There’s no way a girl wouldn’t swoon with all the effort that Simeon put in to prove himself for Anna. This was so cute and so sweet. It’s an easy and fast read, under 50 pages. So if you need something short, cute, and sweet, I highly recommend checking this one out!
October 10, 2023
I read this fun little tale set in Bethlehem, Texas, 1886 in under an hour. It made me smile to discover what Simeon came up with to court Anna in relation to The Twelve Days of Christmas. There is a bit of fascinating history related to the song and a nice little devotional afterward.
💞🎄🦢🕊🌵🕺🏻🥛
⭐⭐⭐⭐=Very Good
I was sent this eBook by the Author.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Release Date: 10/10/23
Read Date: 9/26/23
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 79 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
Reviews will be posted to GoodReads, Amzn, my blog, Pinterest & IG
💞🎄🦢🕊🌵🕺🏻🥛
⭐⭐⭐⭐=Very Good
I was sent this eBook by the Author.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Release Date: 10/10/23
Read Date: 9/26/23
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 79 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
Reviews will be posted to GoodReads, Amzn, my blog, Pinterest & IG
October 15, 2023
If you are looking for a quick, romantic Christmas read, Karen Witemeyer’s My True Love Gave to Me is an excellent choice. Based on the Twelve Days of Christmas poem/song, Witemeyer
Spins a story of a man in love determined to win his sweetheart (and his sweetheart’s father).
Her Western spin on the gifts is a gem.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Spins a story of a man in love determined to win his sweetheart (and his sweetheart’s father).
Her Western spin on the gifts is a gem.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2023
My True Love Gave to Me delivers the spirit of Christmas and the joy of our Savior in a small package that romance readers will adore!
Short enough to read in one very brief sitting, this novelette is the perfect bit of Christmas cheer to touch the hearts of the busiest reader during the holidays. Karen Witemeyer once again delivers wonderful heroes, strong heroines, and swoony romance— but this time in only a few chapters! Anna and Simeon’s story is extremely romantic, and I adore how Simeon fights for his true love while cherishing family. For a romantic Christmas story that will make you laugh while also reflecting on the gift of our Savior, be sure to read My True Love Gave to Me this holiday season!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!
Short enough to read in one very brief sitting, this novelette is the perfect bit of Christmas cheer to touch the hearts of the busiest reader during the holidays. Karen Witemeyer once again delivers wonderful heroes, strong heroines, and swoony romance— but this time in only a few chapters! Anna and Simeon’s story is extremely romantic, and I adore how Simeon fights for his true love while cherishing family. For a romantic Christmas story that will make you laugh while also reflecting on the gift of our Savior, be sure to read My True Love Gave to Me this holiday season!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!
December 11, 2024
Sweet Christmas novella
It won’t take you long to love Simeon Shepherd and Anna King, and no long epic is required to know how devoted they are to each other. Every player in this quick Christmas read somehow connects to the story of the first Christmas, and every gift Simeon uses to woo his lady love connects to the carol “The 12 Days of Christmas” (all with hilarious interpretations). Readers will delight in every word!
It won’t take you long to love Simeon Shepherd and Anna King, and no long epic is required to know how devoted they are to each other. Every player in this quick Christmas read somehow connects to the story of the first Christmas, and every gift Simeon uses to woo his lady love connects to the carol “The 12 Days of Christmas” (all with hilarious interpretations). Readers will delight in every word!
May 27, 2024
It's always a joy and a treat to help promote one of my all-time favorite authors! If you've read my blog for some time, you are likely familiar with my unbiased admiration for this wonderful writer. Christy award winning author Karen Witemeyer gifts her readers with a delightful short story set in Bethlehem, Texas.
My True Love Gave to Me is released just in time for the holiday season is a slice of bliss. The story begins as the air turns crisp and the holiday lights glitter. Once again demonstrating her mastery of her craft, Karen Witemeyer has given us a festive treat that will overflow with love and optimism.
The well-known "12 Days of Christmas" carol is given a unique spin by Karen Witemeyer in My True Love Gave to Me, as only she can. The story centers around Simeon Shephard and Anna King who are genuinely in love and have been courting for two years. Anna's father David refuses to grant his blessing of marriage to the couple. When a wealthy rival suitor enters the picture seeming to garner David King's respect and approval Simeon realizes time is running out. He only has 12 days to prove to her father he can provide for Anna and ultimately be the best man for his daughter.
In an attempt to win Anna's heart, Simeon enlists the help of his family and the people of Bethlehem through warmth, comedy, and a hint of festive enchantment. The outcome is a tale that is both delightful and unforgettable, making it the ideal treat to enjoy during this happy holiday season.
Will he succeed in this race against the clock? You'll find yourself fervently rooting for Simeon's triumph in this heartwarming tale of love and determination.
Allow My True Love Gave to Me to take you to the heart of Bethlehem, Texas, where love, faith, and perseverance come together to produce a story that will stick with you long after the Christmas season has passed. Cheers to the holidays and good reading!
My True Love Gave to Me is released just in time for the holiday season is a slice of bliss. The story begins as the air turns crisp and the holiday lights glitter. Once again demonstrating her mastery of her craft, Karen Witemeyer has given us a festive treat that will overflow with love and optimism.
The well-known "12 Days of Christmas" carol is given a unique spin by Karen Witemeyer in My True Love Gave to Me, as only she can. The story centers around Simeon Shephard and Anna King who are genuinely in love and have been courting for two years. Anna's father David refuses to grant his blessing of marriage to the couple. When a wealthy rival suitor enters the picture seeming to garner David King's respect and approval Simeon realizes time is running out. He only has 12 days to prove to her father he can provide for Anna and ultimately be the best man for his daughter.
In an attempt to win Anna's heart, Simeon enlists the help of his family and the people of Bethlehem through warmth, comedy, and a hint of festive enchantment. The outcome is a tale that is both delightful and unforgettable, making it the ideal treat to enjoy during this happy holiday season.
Will he succeed in this race against the clock? You'll find yourself fervently rooting for Simeon's triumph in this heartwarming tale of love and determination.
Allow My True Love Gave to Me to take you to the heart of Bethlehem, Texas, where love, faith, and perseverance come together to produce a story that will stick with you long after the Christmas season has passed. Cheers to the holidays and good reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews