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Holly Springs Romance #2
Twelve Dates of Christmas: A Holly Springs Romance
Separating from her husband left Ivy feeling heartbroken and lost. Six months later, she’s empowered and independent. So, when her soon to be ex-husband reveals his desire to get back together, her fear of losing her recently found confidence competes with the sudden longing to be back in his arms.
A trial separation was the last thing Derick expected his wife to suggest. But after six months of mulling it over, he understands why she asked him to leave. Having made the changes necessary to show he’s invested in their marriage, he’s ready to win her back. Derick tries to convince Ivy that their marriage is worth fighting for.
But in a town shrouded in holiday tradition, Ivy, the town’s party planner only has time and room in her heart for 12 days of convincing - until Christmas eve. Will 12 dates be enough for her to forgive and forget his past mistakes, or for them to remember why they fell in love in the first place?
A trial separation was the last thing Derick expected his wife to suggest. But after six months of mulling it over, he understands why she asked him to leave. Having made the changes necessary to show he’s invested in their marriage, he’s ready to win her back. Derick tries to convince Ivy that their marriage is worth fighting for.
But in a town shrouded in holiday tradition, Ivy, the town’s party planner only has time and room in her heart for 12 days of convincing - until Christmas eve. Will 12 dates be enough for her to forgive and forget his past mistakes, or for them to remember why they fell in love in the first place?
Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 22, 2021
Your usual corny Romance....set during the holiday season
December 12, 2021
Cute read, low angst for a second chance. Married couple had been separated for six months. They’d been married a long time. He was a flake and not attentive. She was under appreciated and uptight. He didn’t fight for them when she asked for a separation.
First half the book all takes place on the same day. She’s not having a very good day. He swoops into help. She thinks he kisses someone else. The author very much wrote it to appear that way. Apparently he didn’t but I found it a bit dubious.
She’s ready to file the divorce papers but he convinces her to give him the 12 days before Christmas to prove that they belong together. It’s pretty cute from there.
No burn, clean read. There are a couple kisses near the end.
Push away from h, slight OW/OM drama, they’d been separated 6 month prior to start of book. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Safety - I’d consider it safe if you accept/believe he didn’t kiss the OW. He says he didn’t. The h seems to accept and believe him. The OM drama is former HS boyfriend. He’s interested, she’s not. He causes a fight near the end. Nothing happens between h and OM.
First half the book all takes place on the same day. She’s not having a very good day. He swoops into help. She thinks he kisses someone else. The author very much wrote it to appear that way. Apparently he didn’t but I found it a bit dubious.
She’s ready to file the divorce papers but he convinces her to give him the 12 days before Christmas to prove that they belong together. It’s pretty cute from there.
No burn, clean read. There are a couple kisses near the end.
Push away from h, slight OW/OM drama, they’d been separated 6 month prior to start of book. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Safety - I’d consider it safe if you accept/believe he didn’t kiss the OW. He says he didn’t. The h seems to accept and believe him. The OM drama is former HS boyfriend. He’s interested, she’s not. He causes a fight near the end. Nothing happens between h and OM.
October 24, 2021
Another foray into “listening to romance audiobooks on 2x speed while I exercise”.
This was a fast one.
This one was festive and gentle about a long married couple, recently separated.
This one had a lot of not-so-deep character tropes in there, like the evil high school rival causing trouble for what seems to be no good reason. I suppose this is a convenient writing tool with such a short novel.
Not a steamy read, just a short little festive romance.
Made me think a lot about the general themes in the story, as well, which I’m sure will resonate with a lot of people. Husband who doesn’t see how hard the wife works and how much she does. Wife who “just can’t relax”. All of it is pretty triggering for me in the sense that these issues are so complicated and grounded in patriarchal expectations in hetero-normative relationships. In other words, it’s not just about “lazy husbands” or “uptight wives” (which are offensive tropes, in my opinion). But stories that make us take a hard look at these issues aren’t bad.
This was a fast one.
This one was festive and gentle about a long married couple, recently separated.
This one had a lot of not-so-deep character tropes in there, like the evil high school rival causing trouble for what seems to be no good reason. I suppose this is a convenient writing tool with such a short novel.
Not a steamy read, just a short little festive romance.
Made me think a lot about the general themes in the story, as well, which I’m sure will resonate with a lot of people. Husband who doesn’t see how hard the wife works and how much she does. Wife who “just can’t relax”. All of it is pretty triggering for me in the sense that these issues are so complicated and grounded in patriarchal expectations in hetero-normative relationships. In other words, it’s not just about “lazy husbands” or “uptight wives” (which are offensive tropes, in my opinion). But stories that make us take a hard look at these issues aren’t bad.
January 3, 2022
Just a vapid little Christmas story full of dull and shallow characters with poor thinking, reasoning, and communication skills who clearly have very little self awareness, and very poor ability to see the big picture. Don’t know why I even read it. Everybody in it needs to grow up.
October 16, 2019
I have been reading quite a few Christmas romances lately because, as soon as the weather gets colder, I like to dig into holiday books! Unfortunately, so many have fallen shy of the mark of the types that I like. I want a Christmas romance to actually reflect the holiday season. Surprisingly, quite a few don't integrate Christmas well enough into the storyline to make it feel like a true holiday romance. I also don't really like ones that are too heavy. They can be a little serious if needed, but that Christmas spirit should lift a slightly serious story into something that is heartwarming. And yes, I do like a holiday romance that tugs just a little (or more) at the heartstrings.
Luckily, this book filled all of my requirements for what a good Christmas romance should be. It is written in the alternating perspectives of the hero and heroine, Derick and Ivy, who are six months into their trial separation. We first meet Ivy as she is scrambling to start her morning after waking up too late after not setting her alarms. On top of getting the kids to school, her best friend calls in a panic because the party planning firm in charge of the big town holiday events, starting with that night's Christmas tree lighting and parade, has quit at the last moment. She desperately wants Ivy’s help to pull it off. Ivy is a party planner who wasn't chosen by the city to organize the events. The author did an excellent job writing this initial scene, showing how frantic Ivy was and how she was struggling to keep it together on all fronts. I also loved the breakfast meeting scene, as the author slowly doled out bits of information that let us in on some of the reasons why Ivy and Derick had separated.
The main impetus for the plot is that Ivy’s estranged husband wants a second chance. He proposes to use the time before Christmas Eve to show her that he's changed and that they can start again. I thought the author did a good job showing how the couple had problems in the past; it seemed believable and realistic. Both have grown and changed during their separation so that they could both better appreciate each other and bring more to their marriage—if only they can forgive the past and find their way back to each other. The way the children were written was excellent as well. Mallory in particular, the oldest, definitely acted realistically--both in her reactions and taking on more responsibility with her younger siblings—for a child in such a difficult situation with her parent’s marriage.
This book definitely brought the holiday romance feels with such nuanced, believable, and decent people at its heart. I particularly enjoyed the setup for all that this small town did during the Christmas holidays. Ten years ago, I lived in just such a small town that kicked off its Christmas season with a tree lighting and lighted truck parade, quite similar to what happened in this book. If you're looking for an enjoyable holiday romance, this one fills the bill.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Luckily, this book filled all of my requirements for what a good Christmas romance should be. It is written in the alternating perspectives of the hero and heroine, Derick and Ivy, who are six months into their trial separation. We first meet Ivy as she is scrambling to start her morning after waking up too late after not setting her alarms. On top of getting the kids to school, her best friend calls in a panic because the party planning firm in charge of the big town holiday events, starting with that night's Christmas tree lighting and parade, has quit at the last moment. She desperately wants Ivy’s help to pull it off. Ivy is a party planner who wasn't chosen by the city to organize the events. The author did an excellent job writing this initial scene, showing how frantic Ivy was and how she was struggling to keep it together on all fronts. I also loved the breakfast meeting scene, as the author slowly doled out bits of information that let us in on some of the reasons why Ivy and Derick had separated.
The main impetus for the plot is that Ivy’s estranged husband wants a second chance. He proposes to use the time before Christmas Eve to show her that he's changed and that they can start again. I thought the author did a good job showing how the couple had problems in the past; it seemed believable and realistic. Both have grown and changed during their separation so that they could both better appreciate each other and bring more to their marriage—if only they can forgive the past and find their way back to each other. The way the children were written was excellent as well. Mallory in particular, the oldest, definitely acted realistically--both in her reactions and taking on more responsibility with her younger siblings—for a child in such a difficult situation with her parent’s marriage.
This book definitely brought the holiday romance feels with such nuanced, believable, and decent people at its heart. I particularly enjoyed the setup for all that this small town did during the Christmas holidays. Ten years ago, I lived in just such a small town that kicked off its Christmas season with a tree lighting and lighted truck parade, quite similar to what happened in this book. If you're looking for an enjoyable holiday romance, this one fills the bill.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 8, 2019
(3.5 stars) - Good story in the main, though a little sparse for cheer
This is a sweet story, but like all separation/divorce stories, it's starting from a tough place. It's well written & the characters are decently fleshed out, but ironically, Derick is more sympathetic than Ivy.
We meet Ivy at a point when she is wrapped up in herself. Even with her kids, it's largely about how things reflect on her as a mom. We're told that her lousy marriage affected her, but since that's vague allusions to things in the past, & all we see is how she is now, she's not especially likeable.
Derick, on the other hand, sounds like he was a real self-absorbed man-child, but when we see him now, he's not & is trying so hard to make up for his past. So even though, on paper, things tally up quickly in Ivy's favor over Derick's, as characters, he easily garners more general reader sympathy than she does.
Much as I wanted them to reconcile, and even though it may have been deserved, it frustrated me to see Derick have to repeatedly suck things up, swallow his pride, and often not even be able to explain or defend himself.
Again, Ivy may have been completely justified, but we haven't seen enough to support that so we're supposed to just assume her perspective is reasonable - even while several times she notes her own similar mistakes.
I was glad to see her recognize that, and between that & her development as a person, it allowed me to feel more positively toward her by the end, but it would have been better if I didn't have to work to like her.
So, 4 stars for the writing, but 3 stars for the story - 3.5 stars - it has a well done happy ending, but I wish it had been a little lighter and that Ivy was a nicer person.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
This is a sweet story, but like all separation/divorce stories, it's starting from a tough place. It's well written & the characters are decently fleshed out, but ironically, Derick is more sympathetic than Ivy.
We meet Ivy at a point when she is wrapped up in herself. Even with her kids, it's largely about how things reflect on her as a mom. We're told that her lousy marriage affected her, but since that's vague allusions to things in the past, & all we see is how she is now, she's not especially likeable.
Derick, on the other hand, sounds like he was a real self-absorbed man-child, but when we see him now, he's not & is trying so hard to make up for his past. So even though, on paper, things tally up quickly in Ivy's favor over Derick's, as characters, he easily garners more general reader sympathy than she does.
Much as I wanted them to reconcile, and even though it may have been deserved, it frustrated me to see Derick have to repeatedly suck things up, swallow his pride, and often not even be able to explain or defend himself.
Again, Ivy may have been completely justified, but we haven't seen enough to support that so we're supposed to just assume her perspective is reasonable - even while several times she notes her own similar mistakes.
I was glad to see her recognize that, and between that & her development as a person, it allowed me to feel more positively toward her by the end, but it would have been better if I didn't have to work to like her.
So, 4 stars for the writing, but 3 stars for the story - 3.5 stars - it has a well done happy ending, but I wish it had been a little lighter and that Ivy was a nicer person.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
December 20, 2022
It’s a quick read if anyone’s looking for a quick book.
I did not like Ivy it took her too long to realize that she was also the issue. I guess it was easier to put all the blame on her husband, Derick. I liked Derick for the sole purpose he realized his flaws and strived to work on them and change to be a better version of himself for Ivy. Then Ivy proceeded to blame him for everything and somehow he still loved her.
It took about 43% of the book to set up the book, which I found slightly frustrating. I almost wished the beginning was a couple of chapters of what their life was like before the separation. We only ever get told it and all of Derick’s flaws, but what about Ivy? It takes two to tango and it’s kind of unfair to say he never appreciates you or listens when you don’t do the same thing. Also she already had one foot out the door when she agreed to the twelve dates of Christmas. Which weren’t really dates or at least not what comes to mind when I hear dates.
I think all the book really showed was how lopsided that relationship was. It was predictable and somehow I found it disappointing to be proven right. I think Derick deserved better than Ivy.
⭐️2.5
💧3
I did not like Ivy it took her too long to realize that she was also the issue. I guess it was easier to put all the blame on her husband, Derick. I liked Derick for the sole purpose he realized his flaws and strived to work on them and change to be a better version of himself for Ivy. Then Ivy proceeded to blame him for everything and somehow he still loved her.
It took about 43% of the book to set up the book, which I found slightly frustrating. I almost wished the beginning was a couple of chapters of what their life was like before the separation. We only ever get told it and all of Derick’s flaws, but what about Ivy? It takes two to tango and it’s kind of unfair to say he never appreciates you or listens when you don’t do the same thing. Also she already had one foot out the door when she agreed to the twelve dates of Christmas. Which weren’t really dates or at least not what comes to mind when I hear dates.
I think all the book really showed was how lopsided that relationship was. It was predictable and somehow I found it disappointing to be proven right. I think Derick deserved better than Ivy.
⭐️2.5
💧3
December 30, 2022
Reconciliation is sweet
I had a hard time with Ivy at first, she was so bitter and mad and controlling and judging of anything Derrick. Yes he did have issues, he was flaky and didn’t appreciate all Ivy did for the family. He recognized where he needed to improve and was working on it. The break they took was good for both of them and yes Ivy was able to relax and accept help. She took her cues from her mom who truly was very anti male from her own experiences and when Ivy was discouraged in her own relationship it wasn’t a big step to her own bitterness. It was nice to have a reconciliation of the two at the end with them having a better appreciation for each other. Clean.
I had a hard time with Ivy at first, she was so bitter and mad and controlling and judging of anything Derrick. Yes he did have issues, he was flaky and didn’t appreciate all Ivy did for the family. He recognized where he needed to improve and was working on it. The break they took was good for both of them and yes Ivy was able to relax and accept help. She took her cues from her mom who truly was very anti male from her own experiences and when Ivy was discouraged in her own relationship it wasn’t a big step to her own bitterness. It was nice to have a reconciliation of the two at the end with them having a better appreciation for each other. Clean.
December 20, 2023
There were many Punctuation errors
Wrong names used
At one point, her ex calls to say he’s coming over for their first date. She’s in the middle of baking cookies but decides to quickly run upstairs to change into something more presentable. While she’s changing, the kitchen timer goes off. And the doorbell rings. She decides it’s better to let “whomever” is at the door in first, then take out the cookies. Girl, you know who’s at the door. 🤦🏻♀️. Then she was surprised to see it was her ex. Come on
Ivy is annoying and very dramatic. And Derick is too good for her crap
Story would have been cute, but i couldn’t get into the authors writing
I did like how it was on the same timeline as the first book in the series. Was neat to read it in another characters point of view
May 15, 2024
Twelve Dates of Christmas by M.T. Knights is a fun Christmas Romance that will leave you with a full heart.
Ivy and Derick have been separated for six months. Ivy is the responsible one, not only with their finances but also making sure everything is complete and on time. Derick is less responsible, and not always great with money, but he has been trying to grow and become a better man.
Derick asks Ivy to give them another try. Ivy doesn’t want to lose her newfound confidence and is skeptical that Derick has changed. He asks for 12 dates to convince her they are worth fighting for.
A quick and easy read that is heartwarming and will put you in the holiday spirit.
3.5 stars
Ivy and Derick have been separated for six months. Ivy is the responsible one, not only with their finances but also making sure everything is complete and on time. Derick is less responsible, and not always great with money, but he has been trying to grow and become a better man.
Derick asks Ivy to give them another try. Ivy doesn’t want to lose her newfound confidence and is skeptical that Derick has changed. He asks for 12 dates to convince her they are worth fighting for.
A quick and easy read that is heartwarming and will put you in the holiday spirit.
3.5 stars
August 18, 2021
Sweet 2nd chance story
This story was unique to me because it involved a 2nd chance romance for a married but separated couple. A perfect Christmas magic story for the season or Christmas in July, which is how I read it, but not cheesy. There is authenticity in a marriage strained written in the story. I think it was handled thoughtfully. I enjoyed that this story we're shown & not told. Lovely end.
This story was unique to me because it involved a 2nd chance romance for a married but separated couple. A perfect Christmas magic story for the season or Christmas in July, which is how I read it, but not cheesy. There is authenticity in a marriage strained written in the story. I think it was handled thoughtfully. I enjoyed that this story we're shown & not told. Lovely end.
December 18, 2022
Happily
My first from these authors. I found the conflict frustrating... why don't these two get some marriage counseling!? I liked that both of them realized things they needed to make whole in themselves before enjoying a healthy relationship. I liked that each could see their mistakes and try to be better. Cute and clean.
My first from these authors. I found the conflict frustrating... why don't these two get some marriage counseling!? I liked that both of them realized things they needed to make whole in themselves before enjoying a healthy relationship. I liked that each could see their mistakes and try to be better. Cute and clean.
April 9, 2025
This should be science fiction
It was a quick, fun read but was so far from reality. Maybe they were writing to the audience of women who wanted to believe men could transform in a short amount of time. But things are complicated in real life. But it was a nice fantasy.
It was a quick, fun read but was so far from reality. Maybe they were writing to the audience of women who wanted to believe men could transform in a short amount of time. But things are complicated in real life. But it was a nice fantasy.
April 25, 2020
Nice holiday story in a very attractive setting. Not too much emotion and too little 'feelings' between the main characters.
December 8, 2020
I have been reading quite a few books lately that you could just call a Hallmark movie on paper. This is one of them. Fun and sweet.
December 17, 2020
Review of Twelve Dates of Christmas
I really enjoyed this book. In some ways it reflects how hard it is or can be to keep a marriage together. Love really is a wonderful thing.
I really enjoyed this book. In some ways it reflects how hard it is or can be to keep a marriage together. Love really is a wonderful thing.
November 29, 2021
Nice 2nd chance holiday love story.
December 25, 2021
I did not enjoy this. I didn't like Ivy at all and I wasn't really a fan of the relationship. I wanted to experience 12 dates leading up to Christmas and I just didn't get it.
Read
December 4, 2022DNF at 54%
i hope this couple doesn’t reconcile their marriage. their terrible together.
i hope this couple doesn’t reconcile their marriage. their terrible together.
December 8, 2022
Seriously?
If they'd just talked to each other from the beginning instead of letting things fester or running away, this entire book would be unnecessary.
If they'd just talked to each other from the beginning instead of letting things fester or running away, this entire book would be unnecessary.
December 10, 2023
Really cute. I think this book shows that you have to put effort into everything you do. Don’t take things for granted.
December 21, 2023
I don’t know. Maybe not quite 3 stars but not terrible enough to not round up. It is of course a Hallmark movie in book form.
November 17, 2024
Good cute story.
December 20, 2025
Content: Clean
Pretty average romance. Maybe 3.5 Stars?
Pretty average romance. Maybe 3.5 Stars?
October 16, 2019
This was an awesome read where the characters, story line, and word usage pulled me in and kept my interest. Derick and Ivy have been in a trial separation for six months and Derick wants his family back but she's not sure he's changed enough to make it work. He says he has and uses the time before Christmas eve to show her that he has. So he asks for twelve days to prove that he has. It's an awesome Christmas story to get you in the mood and a definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2019
On the 16th of October…
On the 16th of October, my awesome author gave me a wonderful book to read. This was a sweet romance about Ivy and Derick. Derick lost Ivy now he needs for a second chance. Second chance romances are not always believable but this one is right on the mark. I loved the characters they were so well-written and I loved the last chapter. This is a book that gives you that feeling that miracles happen and love wins out. This is a book I would recommend it will give you that smile that we all need. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
On the 16th of October, my awesome author gave me a wonderful book to read. This was a sweet romance about Ivy and Derick. Derick lost Ivy now he needs for a second chance. Second chance romances are not always believable but this one is right on the mark. I loved the characters they were so well-written and I loved the last chapter. This is a book that gives you that feeling that miracles happen and love wins out. This is a book I would recommend it will give you that smile that we all need. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 27, 2019
A second chance Christmas romance!
I have always loved Christmas romance books and movies, so this was a great start to my holiday reading, and it didn't disappoint. The Twelve Dates of Christmas was all about a second chance at real love. It was nice to read a story where the characters are fighting for and finding the love they already have. A great reminder that sometimes what your looking for is right in front of you and always has been. This was a heartwarming story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Re-Gifting Christmas.
I have always loved Christmas romance books and movies, so this was a great start to my holiday reading, and it didn't disappoint. The Twelve Dates of Christmas was all about a second chance at real love. It was nice to read a story where the characters are fighting for and finding the love they already have. A great reminder that sometimes what your looking for is right in front of you and always has been. This was a heartwarming story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Re-Gifting Christmas.
November 30, 2019
Team Derick
I do not like Ivy. She is rude. Narcissist. Cruel to not only her husband but her children. Cruel as in not keeping her word, taking on so much it is detrimental to her family. Not being organized and being tired and frustrated. Thank goodness the author introduced Daisy, the mayor and Ivy's Mom. Talk about female dogs. I seriously wanted to duct tape their mouths. All in all I really liked the book. Mostly I liked Derick. Bless his heart.
I do not like Ivy. She is rude. Narcissist. Cruel to not only her husband but her children. Cruel as in not keeping her word, taking on so much it is detrimental to her family. Not being organized and being tired and frustrated. Thank goodness the author introduced Daisy, the mayor and Ivy's Mom. Talk about female dogs. I seriously wanted to duct tape their mouths. All in all I really liked the book. Mostly I liked Derick. Bless his heart.
October 16, 2019
A book in the A Holly Springs Romance series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Ivy and Derrick have been separated for the last six months and now Derrick wants her back. Ivy only has time for twelve dates can he win her back? I enjoyed reading their story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2019
This Is a sweet second chance romance set around Christmas. It was a pleasant read for whiling always a cold damp afternoon. The characters were easy to identify with and the storyline very believable. I really enjoyed it and will look out for more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews