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The Twelve Days of Christmas
The air glitters with hope as the snowy village of Merrywake celebrates the Christmas season after the tumult of the Napoleonic Wars.
As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.
Reimagining each of the traditional carol's gifts, and written in tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?
Readers love
'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance'
'Wonderfully atmospheric'
'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction'
'Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read'
'An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope'
'Beautifully written, gripping and evocative'
As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.
Reimagining each of the traditional carol's gifts, and written in tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?
Readers love
'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance'
'Wonderfully atmospheric'
'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction'
'Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read'
'An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope'
'Beautifully written, gripping and evocative'
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2025
173 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Susan Stokes-Chapman
7 books615 followersSusan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, PANDORA, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction prize 2020 as well as longlisted for the Bath Novel Award that same year. You can find Susan on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @SStokesChapman. Her website is www.susanstokeschapman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 7, 2025
**3,75/5**
🎄Christmas setting
❄️Regency era
🎄Downton Abbey coded
❄️interwoven short-stories
🎄multiple pov
What I liked:
- It reminds me a lot of Downton Abbey! You follow different characters and their relationships, catching glimpses of their lives and everyday dramas during Christmastime.
- Although it’s a cozy Christmas book, the author includes social issues of that era, from forbidden homosexuality to women’s independence and even slavery. These themes are incorporated well into the story without feeling unrealistically modern for the time period.
What I didn’t like:
- It’s very low stakes, a bit too much for me. A little bit of a (Christmassy) mystery would have made it more interesting to follow.
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Worldbuilding: 4/5
Story & Plot: 3/5
Vibes: 4/5
Will I buy a physical copy: already did
Will I read more books by the author: yes
Where would I place it on my bookshelf: in the short-story section
🎄Christmas setting
❄️Regency era
🎄Downton Abbey coded
❄️interwoven short-stories
🎄multiple pov
What I liked:
- It reminds me a lot of Downton Abbey! You follow different characters and their relationships, catching glimpses of their lives and everyday dramas during Christmastime.
- Although it’s a cozy Christmas book, the author includes social issues of that era, from forbidden homosexuality to women’s independence and even slavery. These themes are incorporated well into the story without feeling unrealistically modern for the time period.
What I didn’t like:
- It’s very low stakes, a bit too much for me. A little bit of a (Christmassy) mystery would have made it more interesting to follow.
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Worldbuilding: 4/5
Story & Plot: 3/5
Vibes: 4/5
Will I buy a physical copy: already did
Will I read more books by the author: yes
Where would I place it on my bookshelf: in the short-story section
December 31, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It rapidly joined the ranks of my favourite Christmas books.
A must-read for fans of Austen, Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. I'm keeping everything crossed it will be made into a Christmas mini-series ASAP!
A must-read for fans of Austen, Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. I'm keeping everything crossed it will be made into a Christmas mini-series ASAP!
September 8, 2025
Dearest reader, grab a drink of your favourite tea or tipple, cover yourself with a warm blanket, and get lost within a collection of tales that shall have you feeling as though you’re part of this rich tapestry….
The air glitters with hope as the snowy and sleepy village of Merrywake celebrates the majesty and wonder of the magical Christmas season in the wake of the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars.
As the Viscount’s famous and much-discussed Twelfth Night Ball draws ever closer, the villagers have a story of their own to tell and all are worthy of a keen ear or eye as we go on a journey from a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited after many, many years of a misunderstanding finally may come to a conclusion, a duke who has caught the attention of three sisters all determined to secure his hand, two servants that perhaps have much more in common than the other could ever hope to be reciprocated (But there still may be time to), and a soldier making his way home, rather unsure and full of reservations as to the welcome he will receive, and a toy maker trapped in the past who could finally move on with the help of a curious little girl desperate for a toy soldier of her own.
As their tales weave into the tapestry we know as life, pulling each other closer as one tale ends and another starts, stories told from belowstairs and those above, one thing is clear; we all deserve our own moments - no matter how small - to shine, and to feel deserving of another’s love and affection.
Reimagining each of the traditional carol’s gifts, this is a perfect homage to the tales of yore while staying fresh and showcasing the authors true love of storytelling and her adoration for the classics!
Set to be a must-have book this season! I look forward to picking up a stunning hardback!
Thank you both to Susan and the publisher for trusting me with someone so special!
The air glitters with hope as the snowy and sleepy village of Merrywake celebrates the majesty and wonder of the magical Christmas season in the wake of the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars.
As the Viscount’s famous and much-discussed Twelfth Night Ball draws ever closer, the villagers have a story of their own to tell and all are worthy of a keen ear or eye as we go on a journey from a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited after many, many years of a misunderstanding finally may come to a conclusion, a duke who has caught the attention of three sisters all determined to secure his hand, two servants that perhaps have much more in common than the other could ever hope to be reciprocated (But there still may be time to), and a soldier making his way home, rather unsure and full of reservations as to the welcome he will receive, and a toy maker trapped in the past who could finally move on with the help of a curious little girl desperate for a toy soldier of her own.
As their tales weave into the tapestry we know as life, pulling each other closer as one tale ends and another starts, stories told from belowstairs and those above, one thing is clear; we all deserve our own moments - no matter how small - to shine, and to feel deserving of another’s love and affection.
Reimagining each of the traditional carol’s gifts, this is a perfect homage to the tales of yore while staying fresh and showcasing the authors true love of storytelling and her adoration for the classics!
Set to be a must-have book this season! I look forward to picking up a stunning hardback!
Thank you both to Susan and the publisher for trusting me with someone so special!
December 3, 2025
I’ve previously only read one short story by Susan Stokes-Chapman (in the anthology The Winter Spirits) and I was interested in reading more of her work. This seemed like the perfect time of year to read her new book, The Twelve Days of Christmas!
The book is loosely based on the Christmas carol of the same name, with each chapter inspired by one of the gifts traditionally mentioned in the song – for example, Chapter 1 features pear trees and a character called Miss Partridge (“a partridge in a pear tree”) and Chapter 6 revolves around a game involving hidden goose eggs (“six geese a-laying”). In some cases this is done quite subtly, but in others it’s more heavy-handed; I can appreciate that it’s probably not easy to work all of these references into a novel without it beginning to feel unnatural!
Each chapter feels almost like a separate story (a few of them probably would work as standalones), but they are also linked together through shared characters and a shared setting. That setting is the little English village of Merrywake during the Regency period, with the Napoleonic Wars playing out in the background. Beginning on Christmas Day and ending on Twelfth Night, we join Viscount Pepin of Wakely Hall and his family, friends and servants as they celebrate the festive season. There’s a lovely Christmassy atmosphere as we watch the characters decorate the house, kiss under the mistletoe, open gifts, write and solve riddles, and prepare for the grand Twelfth Night Ball. But although it may all sound idyllic, not everyone at Wakely Hall is having a happy Christmas…
Stokes-Chapman explains in her author’s note that this book is her tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and you can definitely see the influence of both. The Viscount and Viscountess Pepin (the name also has links to the song The Twelve Days of Christmas) with their five daughters immediately made me think of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – the chapter based on “five gold rings” deals with the five girls and their hopes of marriage. The servants, though, are given just as much attention as the upper classes: there are stories about Loveday Lucas, the new kitchen maid, who can’t seem to do anything right; Will Moss the under-gardener, who appears to have fallen in love with someone completely unsuitable; and Mrs Wilson, the cold, strict housekeeper who is shocked to find that her staff consider her heartless.
I loved the world Stokes-Chapman created at Wakely Hall, but it was also nice to get some insights into the lives of the other residents of Merrywake, such as the village toymaker whose son, a drummer in the British army, has failed to come home from France. The toymaker’s story was one of the highlights of the book for me and together with the chapter that follows, about another army musician (a piper, as you may have guessed), it shows that the impact of the Napoleonic Wars is being felt all over the country, in even the smallest of communities.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a lovely book and despite it obviously being very contrived in places, I found it completely absorbing. I particularly liked the way so many different characters from such varied backgrounds are all given their chance to shine, while each chapter also cleverly builds on the one before. I was sorry to say goodbye to the people of Merrywake and would love a sequel so we could catch up with them again in the summer!
The book is loosely based on the Christmas carol of the same name, with each chapter inspired by one of the gifts traditionally mentioned in the song – for example, Chapter 1 features pear trees and a character called Miss Partridge (“a partridge in a pear tree”) and Chapter 6 revolves around a game involving hidden goose eggs (“six geese a-laying”). In some cases this is done quite subtly, but in others it’s more heavy-handed; I can appreciate that it’s probably not easy to work all of these references into a novel without it beginning to feel unnatural!
Each chapter feels almost like a separate story (a few of them probably would work as standalones), but they are also linked together through shared characters and a shared setting. That setting is the little English village of Merrywake during the Regency period, with the Napoleonic Wars playing out in the background. Beginning on Christmas Day and ending on Twelfth Night, we join Viscount Pepin of Wakely Hall and his family, friends and servants as they celebrate the festive season. There’s a lovely Christmassy atmosphere as we watch the characters decorate the house, kiss under the mistletoe, open gifts, write and solve riddles, and prepare for the grand Twelfth Night Ball. But although it may all sound idyllic, not everyone at Wakely Hall is having a happy Christmas…
Stokes-Chapman explains in her author’s note that this book is her tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and you can definitely see the influence of both. The Viscount and Viscountess Pepin (the name also has links to the song The Twelve Days of Christmas) with their five daughters immediately made me think of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – the chapter based on “five gold rings” deals with the five girls and their hopes of marriage. The servants, though, are given just as much attention as the upper classes: there are stories about Loveday Lucas, the new kitchen maid, who can’t seem to do anything right; Will Moss the under-gardener, who appears to have fallen in love with someone completely unsuitable; and Mrs Wilson, the cold, strict housekeeper who is shocked to find that her staff consider her heartless.
I loved the world Stokes-Chapman created at Wakely Hall, but it was also nice to get some insights into the lives of the other residents of Merrywake, such as the village toymaker whose son, a drummer in the British army, has failed to come home from France. The toymaker’s story was one of the highlights of the book for me and together with the chapter that follows, about another army musician (a piper, as you may have guessed), it shows that the impact of the Napoleonic Wars is being felt all over the country, in even the smallest of communities.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a lovely book and despite it obviously being very contrived in places, I found it completely absorbing. I particularly liked the way so many different characters from such varied backgrounds are all given their chance to shine, while each chapter also cleverly builds on the one before. I was sorry to say goodbye to the people of Merrywake and would love a sequel so we could catch up with them again in the summer!
September 26, 2025
A book of 12 short stories built around the 12 days of Christmas & also interconnected & set in the fictional town of Merrywake.
Of Fruits & Follies (Partridge) - star-crossed lovers reunite in later life. 3 out of 5
The Christmas Box (Turtle Doves) - the new maid causes waves. 4 out of 5
Faith, Hope, & Charity (French Hens) - a visitor to Wakely Hall happens upon a homeless child in the snow. 3.5 out of 5
Mistletoe Gambol (Colly Birds) - a valet & under-gardener have to work together to gather decorations for the Hall, 4 out of 5
A Most Unsuitable Suitor (Gold Rings) - will the Viscount ever see all his daughters married? 4 out of 5
The Humbled Heart (Geese A-Laying) -, stern housekeeper has a change of heart. 3.5 out of 5
First Impressions (Swans A-Swimming) - middle sister Charlotte is determined never to marry. 3.5 out of 5
A Thread Unfinished (Maids A-Milking) - a young couple have a misunderstanding. 4 out of 5
The Wooden Soldier (Drummers Drumming) - the tale of a toymaker & his wife. 4 out of 5
Reunion (Pipers Piping) - a soldier returns. 4 out of 5
C# (Ladies Dancing) - a rehearsal for the ball is held & secrets spilled. 4 out of 5
Twelfth Night (Lords A-Leaping) - all's well that ends well. 4 out of 5
My first thought on this was it's very Downton Abbey meets Pride & Prejudice! In fact it was very P&P coded for me: five daughters (the pretty one, the vivacious one, the studious one, the two rather silly younger ones), one of the stories was even called 'First Impressions'. When I had read the first story (which was the weakest one for me) I wasn't sure this was going to be for me, but after a couple more I was interested in how it was all going to turn out. The stories were really well plotted with the interconnecting stories & characters, & I really enjoyed reading it. One of the best collections of short stories I've ever read. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Random House UK, Vintage/Harvill, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Of Fruits & Follies (Partridge) - star-crossed lovers reunite in later life. 3 out of 5
The Christmas Box (Turtle Doves) - the new maid causes waves. 4 out of 5
Faith, Hope, & Charity (French Hens) - a visitor to Wakely Hall happens upon a homeless child in the snow. 3.5 out of 5
Mistletoe Gambol (Colly Birds) - a valet & under-gardener have to work together to gather decorations for the Hall, 4 out of 5
A Most Unsuitable Suitor (Gold Rings) - will the Viscount ever see all his daughters married? 4 out of 5
The Humbled Heart (Geese A-Laying) -, stern housekeeper has a change of heart. 3.5 out of 5
First Impressions (Swans A-Swimming) - middle sister Charlotte is determined never to marry. 3.5 out of 5
A Thread Unfinished (Maids A-Milking) - a young couple have a misunderstanding. 4 out of 5
The Wooden Soldier (Drummers Drumming) - the tale of a toymaker & his wife. 4 out of 5
Reunion (Pipers Piping) - a soldier returns. 4 out of 5
C# (Ladies Dancing) - a rehearsal for the ball is held & secrets spilled. 4 out of 5
Twelfth Night (Lords A-Leaping) - all's well that ends well. 4 out of 5
My first thought on this was it's very Downton Abbey meets Pride & Prejudice! In fact it was very P&P coded for me: five daughters (the pretty one, the vivacious one, the studious one, the two rather silly younger ones), one of the stories was even called 'First Impressions'. When I had read the first story (which was the weakest one for me) I wasn't sure this was going to be for me, but after a couple more I was interested in how it was all going to turn out. The stories were really well plotted with the interconnecting stories & characters, & I really enjoyed reading it. One of the best collections of short stories I've ever read. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Random House UK, Vintage/Harvill, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
December 1, 2025
12 short stories based around the 12 days of Christmas song. The writing is beautiful. It will remind you of a mix of Downton Abbey and pride and prejudice. If you love Georgette Heyer’s writing, you will probably enjoy this.
WARNING ⚠️ ‼️ Chapter 4, contains 2 gentlemen’s lust for one another. Why does every contemporary author feel the need to have to put this in every book? 😥 Sad. Of course, no warning anywhere that this lifestyle is in this book.
WARNING ⚠️ ‼️ Chapter 4, contains 2 gentlemen’s lust for one another. Why does every contemporary author feel the need to have to put this in every book? 😥 Sad. Of course, no warning anywhere that this lifestyle is in this book.
December 11, 2025
I loved the twelve days of Christmas a cosy read perfect for the Christmas season. With a nod to Jane Austen and Downton Abbey . A cast of wonderful characters i couldn’t put down . With thanks to the author (Susan) and the publisher for the ARK
December 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐
everyone just gets with everyone and i love that. get me there asap.
everyone just gets with everyone and i love that. get me there asap.
October 1, 2025
Such a fun and enjoyable collection of stories from Susan Stokes-Chapman. I loved the links between each stave and the link with the 12 Days of Christmas was so cleverly done.
The descriptions of Christmas at the Pepin’s household were beautiful and really set the scene for the whole book. The characters and their stories delightful and emotional.
December 24, 2025
In the run up to Christmas I’ve been all about the festive reads. And in the final few days of the countdown I decided to immerse myself in the gorgeous, heartwarming and enthralling, The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman.
This book is a collection of seasonal stories that reimagine each of the gifts in the eponymous traditional carol as a Christmassy tale based on a delightful and compelling cast of characters that includes a Viscount and Viscountess, their children, friends and staff. There are weddings, a ball, a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited years after a misunderstanding tore them apart, a child found in the woods who won’t tell anyone her name, a trio of sisters who are competing to marry a handsome but dastardly duke, a grieving father, and a soldier making his way home after way. It is an inspired choice that Ms. Stokes-Chapman pulls off with finesse, intricately weaving together each of the stories to create a picture of a merry Regency Christmas in an English village. I loved all of the characters and stories, but especially enjoyed Staves three and five.
I listened to this on audio and Charity Wakefield, the narrator, was fantastic, bringing these stories and their characters to life in vivid detail.
Exquisitely written, atmospheric, poignant and joyful, this was the perfect book to get me into the Christmas spirit and would be a great gift to find under the tree. Highly recommended.
This book is a collection of seasonal stories that reimagine each of the gifts in the eponymous traditional carol as a Christmassy tale based on a delightful and compelling cast of characters that includes a Viscount and Viscountess, their children, friends and staff. There are weddings, a ball, a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited years after a misunderstanding tore them apart, a child found in the woods who won’t tell anyone her name, a trio of sisters who are competing to marry a handsome but dastardly duke, a grieving father, and a soldier making his way home after way. It is an inspired choice that Ms. Stokes-Chapman pulls off with finesse, intricately weaving together each of the stories to create a picture of a merry Regency Christmas in an English village. I loved all of the characters and stories, but especially enjoyed Staves three and five.
I listened to this on audio and Charity Wakefield, the narrator, was fantastic, bringing these stories and their characters to life in vivid detail.
Exquisitely written, atmospheric, poignant and joyful, this was the perfect book to get me into the Christmas spirit and would be a great gift to find under the tree. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2025
This was a charming, endearing and wonderfully festive book. I loved the stories and how each chapter/stave was part of that festive rhyme The Twelve Days of Christmas. All set in the regency period and just after the Napoleonic Wars. To me this was a tribute to Jane Austen and to another romantic writer Georgette Heyer I found myself smiling and kicking my feet up at all the romantic trysts that happened. This book though at times could be dark… due to the period in which it is set and just how particular society was I still felt a warm glow from the characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has loved Bridgerton and needs a fix or even just loved Austen and any historical romance.
December 23, 2025
I read this as part of a book club pick for December and to be honest ordinarily it's not something I would have picked up - but I'm so glad I did!
Set in the Regency Era (think Bridgerton vibes) you find yourself in the fictional town of Merrywake as they celebrate the Christmas season.
This book is split into 12 short stories/'staves' each reimagining the traditional carols gift and following different residents of the town with the focal point being Wakely Hall and the lead up to the viscounts annual Twelfth Night Ball!
I loved just the cosy feel of this book and I found myself so invested in all the different characters, I could have read more about each of them! I liked that the stories were interwoven so you found out how other characters had progressed in future stories as like I said | just wanted to know more! I could have read even more William and Ralph for sure and Molly and George's parents!
This book also deals with some heavier topics given the era it's set in such as slavery, forbidden homosexuality, loss of loved ones and women's rights but these themes are incorporated in a way that feels realistic for the period and not too much so that it makes the book feel like a difficult read in anyway!
Overall I recommend this if you're looking for an old timey wholesome cosy Christmas read!
Set in the Regency Era (think Bridgerton vibes) you find yourself in the fictional town of Merrywake as they celebrate the Christmas season.
This book is split into 12 short stories/'staves' each reimagining the traditional carols gift and following different residents of the town with the focal point being Wakely Hall and the lead up to the viscounts annual Twelfth Night Ball!
I loved just the cosy feel of this book and I found myself so invested in all the different characters, I could have read more about each of them! I liked that the stories were interwoven so you found out how other characters had progressed in future stories as like I said | just wanted to know more! I could have read even more William and Ralph for sure and Molly and George's parents!
This book also deals with some heavier topics given the era it's set in such as slavery, forbidden homosexuality, loss of loved ones and women's rights but these themes are incorporated in a way that feels realistic for the period and not too much so that it makes the book feel like a difficult read in anyway!
Overall I recommend this if you're looking for an old timey wholesome cosy Christmas read!
December 31, 2025
4.5 🌟 Last book of this year! & such a perfect read for this time of the year too. Bought this book in Oxford last october when it just came out, having no idea what it was all about. The Twelve Days of Christmas actually starts at dec 25th and ends at january 6th. I loved this mix of Downton Abbey/Jane Austen-esc 'short stories', which all blended together perfectly, along with the festivities and heartwarming characters in the 19th century.
Absolutely loved it & just what I needed this time of the year! 🦢🦢✨️🍐🥁🕯🎄💍
Absolutely loved it & just what I needed this time of the year! 🦢🦢✨️🍐🥁🕯🎄💍
December 28, 2025
Four stars for the amount I enjoyed it rather than it's literary quality really - yes the characters and some of the plots are not very original, everything is resolved satisfactorily, and people are a little too *good*, but the front cover says 'festive tales to curl up with ', and it is exactly that, really lovely and cosy. I loved how all the stories and characters intersected, and how some of the less pleasant aspects to the period were not ignored, such as the war, and servants not always wanting to serve. It made me feel very cosy and festive, I'd like to see this made into a TV series, I think it could be lovely to watch over Christmas.
January 1, 2026
I loooooved this! Giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through.
Some stories were significantly stronger than others (Mistletoe Gambol and First Impressions are both amazing) so not quite a five star read but I will definitely do a reread of this next Christmas! I’d love to see this adapted into a mini series 🎄✨
Some stories were significantly stronger than others (Mistletoe Gambol and First Impressions are both amazing) so not quite a five star read but I will definitely do a reread of this next Christmas! I’d love to see this adapted into a mini series 🎄✨
December 27, 2025
Een collectie van twaalf korte verhalen (steeds ander pov, maar dezelfde personages komen wel steeds weer langs) in een Downton Abbey achtige setting, met een iets meer zoetsappige insteek. Perfect kerstboek.
December 24, 2025
Absolutely lovely
December 31, 2025
I LOVE IT! It’s got regency, romance, history, christmas,… What more could you want?
December 30, 2025
lovely short stories all interlinked
December 29, 2025
A fun collection of interconnected tales!
December 21, 2025
Very sweet, I enjoyed this book a lot. Fun to read a festive story & enjoyed the book being made up of lots of interconnecting short stories.
November 28, 2025
This was a cute and festive read. It felt like a story that's been passed along generations. Each chapter follows different characters feeling like a short story yet they all intertwine through use of invisible strings. It was not a book I felt like I could read in one sitting but rather enjoy a tale or two at a time. Great read for transitioning into the holiday season!
October 26, 2025
I was very lucky to have won this beautiful advanced copy and a gorgeous golden swan tree decoration too!
This delightful book is constructed around the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas and is set in the final days of 1816, at the end of the Napoleonic War.
It is a collection of 12 short stories which centre around Wakely Hall
where we meet the Viscount and Viscountess and their daughters as they prepare for Christmas and a grand festive Ball.
We learn not only about their lives but also about their servants and staff plus some key inhabitants of the village of Merrywake, where the big house is situated.
Even though each of the stories focusses on a specific character or characters, they are all so cleverly connected that the reader, over the course of the book, learns so much more about each of their relationships, their harboured secrets and the scandals that ensue.
Full of warmth, I was completely charmed by this lovely story collection and I really appreciated the writing style, which was very much of the time period.
I became engrossed and invested in each of the stories and was sad to finish each one, only because I was enjoying them so much.
This was a delightful Christmas themed book and would make the perfect gift for anyone who loves very good historical fiction.
Thank you so much to @harvillbooks for sending me this beautiful advanced copy for my honest review.
This delightful book is constructed around the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas and is set in the final days of 1816, at the end of the Napoleonic War.
It is a collection of 12 short stories which centre around Wakely Hall
where we meet the Viscount and Viscountess and their daughters as they prepare for Christmas and a grand festive Ball.
We learn not only about their lives but also about their servants and staff plus some key inhabitants of the village of Merrywake, where the big house is situated.
Even though each of the stories focusses on a specific character or characters, they are all so cleverly connected that the reader, over the course of the book, learns so much more about each of their relationships, their harboured secrets and the scandals that ensue.
Full of warmth, I was completely charmed by this lovely story collection and I really appreciated the writing style, which was very much of the time period.
I became engrossed and invested in each of the stories and was sad to finish each one, only because I was enjoying them so much.
This was a delightful Christmas themed book and would make the perfect gift for anyone who loves very good historical fiction.
Thank you so much to @harvillbooks for sending me this beautiful advanced copy for my honest review.
June 1, 2025
A heartwarming collection of short stories built around the theme of the twelve days of Christmas, that stand alone, but also interconnect in a very clever and entertaining way. The author does a wonderful job of creating a community of characters, while evoking a great sense of place, within a lovely historical setting. Thank you to Harvill Secker/Vintage Books for the early reading copy. Published 25 September 2025
December 16, 2025
On the surface, The Twelve Days of Christmas promises a delightful, Austen-inspired journey into a post-Napoleonic War Christmas. The initial premise—intertwining village stories leading to a grand Twelfth Night Ball—seems crafted for seasonal comfort. The first three staves (chapters) deliver precisely that: a glittering, snow-dusted setting, charming misunderstandings, and a heartwarming embodiment of goodwill and holiday cheer. For a brief moment, it appears to be a perfect companion for Advent, celebrating community, reconciliation, and the hopeful spirit of the season. That's why this December, I eagerly embarked on reading it in the book club I used to be an active member of.
However, this promising facade crumbled profoundly in the fourth stave (chapter). In a jarring and dissonant departure from the established tone, the narrative devotes itself to the explicit depiction of sodomitical relationships and sinful lust. This is not a subtle nod or a period-accurate reference; it is a focused celebration of acts that stand in direct opposition to the Christian virtues the Christmas season is meant to honor!
As a potential Advent read, this book transforms from a festive collection into a profoundly inappropriate choice. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, reflection, and celebration of sacred truths. To immerse oneself in stories that initially champion love, kindness, and redemption, only to be confronted with a narrative that glorifies carnal sin, is both disruptive and disheartening. It is the literary equivalent of mud wrapped in a candy-striped cover—an attractive package hiding something that sullies the very occasion it purports to celebrate.
The genre of festive historical romance carries an implicit expectation. Readers anticipate the elevation of virtues such as chastity, faithful love, integrity, and the triumph of goodness within a social order. These are the values that align with and enhance the Christmas message of peace, joy, and divine love. This novel betrays that covenant too soon.
While the craftsmanship of the opening chapters is competent, the core content of the fourth of makes it impossible to recommend for readers seeking a Christmas story that upholds the traditional Christian values inherent to the season. For a truly edifying Advent reading experience, one must look elsewhere to stories where the light of the season is not obscured by the shadow of sin.
However, this promising facade crumbled profoundly in the fourth stave (chapter). In a jarring and dissonant departure from the established tone, the narrative devotes itself to the explicit depiction of sodomitical relationships and sinful lust. This is not a subtle nod or a period-accurate reference; it is a focused celebration of acts that stand in direct opposition to the Christian virtues the Christmas season is meant to honor!
As a potential Advent read, this book transforms from a festive collection into a profoundly inappropriate choice. Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, reflection, and celebration of sacred truths. To immerse oneself in stories that initially champion love, kindness, and redemption, only to be confronted with a narrative that glorifies carnal sin, is both disruptive and disheartening. It is the literary equivalent of mud wrapped in a candy-striped cover—an attractive package hiding something that sullies the very occasion it purports to celebrate.
The genre of festive historical romance carries an implicit expectation. Readers anticipate the elevation of virtues such as chastity, faithful love, integrity, and the triumph of goodness within a social order. These are the values that align with and enhance the Christmas message of peace, joy, and divine love. This novel betrays that covenant too soon.
While the craftsmanship of the opening chapters is competent, the core content of the fourth of makes it impossible to recommend for readers seeking a Christmas story that upholds the traditional Christian values inherent to the season. For a truly edifying Advent reading experience, one must look elsewhere to stories where the light of the season is not obscured by the shadow of sin.
November 24, 2025
The adorable book cover caught my eye in the library. I haven't found a better bait. This book is just right for Christmas season. It has twelve stories set in the quaint little town of Merrywake. I love how the story progresses from the main premise of Wakely Hall where the Pepin family resides to the neighboring Hodge farm and the market and back to Wakely Hall. It reminded me of Miss Marple who would often say that people are somehow connected to each other in a village.
The author seems to have done her homework. I found the language, costumes and manners fitting the Regency era. None of the characters are particularly annoying or unlikeable. I also think she has taken advantage of hindsight and addressed a lot of social issues prevalent in that period And these are integrated into the story well without seeming too preachy.
I have given only four stars because not all stories are remarkable. They work very well as a Christmas read. But I probably wouldn't feel so connected to them at any other time of the year. Most of the characters are black or white and I am not sure if any of them have any growth or character arc except Loveday.
But if you are getting this book in winter, you can snuggle inside a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and get lost in the Christmas spirit!
The author seems to have done her homework. I found the language, costumes and manners fitting the Regency era. None of the characters are particularly annoying or unlikeable. I also think she has taken advantage of hindsight and addressed a lot of social issues prevalent in that period And these are integrated into the story well without seeming too preachy.
I have given only four stars because not all stories are remarkable. They work very well as a Christmas read. But I probably wouldn't feel so connected to them at any other time of the year. Most of the characters are black or white and I am not sure if any of them have any growth or character arc except Loveday.
But if you are getting this book in winter, you can snuggle inside a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and get lost in the Christmas spirit!
November 25, 2025
Декларируется, что это сборник рассказов, но на самом деле, все они объединены событиями и персонажами, живущими в одном поместье и поблизости.
Двенадцать рассказов («сцен», как называет их автор) обыгрывают старую песенку про 12 дней рождества. В песенке поётся о том, что в каждый из 12 дней возлюбленный приносит героине песни какой-нибудь подарок: в первый день – куропатку, во второй – двух голубей, в третий – трёх курочек и так далее. Так что в каждой «сцене» фигурирует соответствующий мотив. Это весьма изящно. К тому же, в каждом рассказе – свой центральный персонаж: на него, как в театре, направляется луч света, выхватывает его историю из общего сюжета – и мы становимся свидетелями рождественского чуда. Чудо случается в каждой «сцене» - но не материальное, а духовное-душевное-эмоциональное. Главный герой рассказа что-то осознаёт, становится лучше, добрее, ближе к счастью. Всё в духе рождественских историй, но не слезливо-приторных, а по-настоящему добрых и трогательных, пусть и немного театральных – но в этом и задумка. Близость к театру, мне кажется, ещё и во встречающихся «шекспировских» именах вроде Джульетты и Корделии.
Герои, кстати, не только благородные господа, но и слуги в доме, и жители соседнего городка – по духу – «Аббатство Даунтон» в миниатюре : )
Двенадцать рассказов («сцен», как называет их автор) обыгрывают старую песенку про 12 дней рождества. В песенке поётся о том, что в каждый из 12 дней возлюбленный приносит героине песни какой-нибудь подарок: в первый день – куропатку, во второй – двух голубей, в третий – трёх курочек и так далее. Так что в каждой «сцене» фигурирует соответствующий мотив. Это весьма изящно. К тому же, в каждом рассказе – свой центральный персонаж: на него, как в театре, направляется луч света, выхватывает его историю из общего сюжета – и мы становимся свидетелями рождественского чуда. Чудо случается в каждой «сцене» - но не материальное, а духовное-душевное-эмоциональное. Главный герой рассказа что-то осознаёт, становится лучше, добрее, ближе к счастью. Всё в духе рождественских историй, но не слезливо-приторных, а по-настоящему добрых и трогательных, пусть и немного театральных – но в этом и задумка. Близость к театру, мне кажется, ещё и во встречающихся «шекспировских» именах вроде Джульетты и Корделии.
Герои, кстати, не только благородные господа, но и слуги в доме, и жители соседнего городка – по духу – «Аббатство Даунтон» в миниатюре : )
December 14, 2025
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman was such a delight to read for the holiday season. Think Downton Abbey vibes mixed with a Bridgerton-era Regency period piece.
The book is a clever play on the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, told through twelve interconnected short stories that flow together into one larger, cohesive novel. We experience Wakely House from every level of society — from viscounts to scullery maids — which gives the story wonderful depth and perspective.
While many of the stories are lighthearted and festive, they also underline the historical realities of the time, including the Napoleonic Wars, the dangers of childbirth for women, corrupt aristocracy, and the overall harshness of life for servant staff. This balance between charm and realism is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
There is so much to love here — romance, reunions, mystery, and found friendships — and I’m so glad I picked up this Christmas-time jewel. Anyone who enjoys period pieces, British and French aristocracy, romance, and cozy yet meaningful stories will love this book. And while it is holiday-focused, I don’t think you have to read it during Christmas to enjoy it; there’s plenty of substance beyond the seasonal setting.
The book is a clever play on the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, told through twelve interconnected short stories that flow together into one larger, cohesive novel. We experience Wakely House from every level of society — from viscounts to scullery maids — which gives the story wonderful depth and perspective.
While many of the stories are lighthearted and festive, they also underline the historical realities of the time, including the Napoleonic Wars, the dangers of childbirth for women, corrupt aristocracy, and the overall harshness of life for servant staff. This balance between charm and realism is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
There is so much to love here — romance, reunions, mystery, and found friendships — and I’m so glad I picked up this Christmas-time jewel. Anyone who enjoys period pieces, British and French aristocracy, romance, and cozy yet meaningful stories will love this book. And while it is holiday-focused, I don’t think you have to read it during Christmas to enjoy it; there’s plenty of substance beyond the seasonal setting.
December 18, 2025
💬 My Bookish Thoughts
What an absolute joy this collection of interlinking seasonal stories was to read. And the cover is just stunning. I read a digital copy but I simply must treat myself to a physical copy.
I absolutely adored every story and loved how it feels like a novel as well as a collection of short stories. With a cast of fabulous characters, the tales gradually reveal their backstories and experiences during the twelve days of Christmas, set in the Georgian era.
The perfect book to pick up during the festive period and lose yourself in the village of Merrywake, with its upstairs downstairs tales, seasonal cheer, music, romance, wit, Georgian Christmas traditions and mouthwatering descriptions of food with lashings of plum pudding.
I have not read any of Susan Stokes-Chapman’s books before, but I will definitely be tracking down her back catalogue.
The Twelve Days of Christmas would make a perfect treat for yourself or a Christmas gift for fans of historical fiction, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Downton Abbey and romance.
✨ Three words: Rich🕯️🥂 • Joyous 🎶 ✨ • Feast 🍗🍐
🙏🏼 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @vintagebooks and @sstokeschapman for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
What an absolute joy this collection of interlinking seasonal stories was to read. And the cover is just stunning. I read a digital copy but I simply must treat myself to a physical copy.
I absolutely adored every story and loved how it feels like a novel as well as a collection of short stories. With a cast of fabulous characters, the tales gradually reveal their backstories and experiences during the twelve days of Christmas, set in the Georgian era.
The perfect book to pick up during the festive period and lose yourself in the village of Merrywake, with its upstairs downstairs tales, seasonal cheer, music, romance, wit, Georgian Christmas traditions and mouthwatering descriptions of food with lashings of plum pudding.
I have not read any of Susan Stokes-Chapman’s books before, but I will definitely be tracking down her back catalogue.
The Twelve Days of Christmas would make a perfect treat for yourself or a Christmas gift for fans of historical fiction, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Downton Abbey and romance.
✨ Three words: Rich🕯️🥂 • Joyous 🎶 ✨ • Feast 🍗🍐
🙏🏼 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @vintagebooks and @sstokeschapman for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2025
The book "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was a hidden gem for me! Personally, I didn’t expect much from it, as Christmas stories can often be too sweet, naive, or optimistic for my taste. However, this book offered a fresh perspective, and I'm grateful to the BookFlix club for choosing it for December.
First and foremost, I was impressed by the author's work in weaving so many historical and cultural Easter eggs into the story. The structure, which connects the chapters with lines from the Christmas carol, is brilliant. I was always curious how the song’s verses would play out in the narrative and what message the reader would ultimately receive. It was executed perfectly.
Secondly, I loved the stories themselves. While most have happy endings, they are balanced with tough, complicated personal issues and storylines that—given the setting in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars—couldn’t end perfectly but still found a sense of relief or resolution. This felt authentic to the period.
And of course, I appreciated the narrative style—so British and Jane Austen-esque! Loved it.
I would love to see a TV series adaptation of this book one day. It would be so beautiful and heartwarming.
First and foremost, I was impressed by the author's work in weaving so many historical and cultural Easter eggs into the story. The structure, which connects the chapters with lines from the Christmas carol, is brilliant. I was always curious how the song’s verses would play out in the narrative and what message the reader would ultimately receive. It was executed perfectly.
Secondly, I loved the stories themselves. While most have happy endings, they are balanced with tough, complicated personal issues and storylines that—given the setting in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars—couldn’t end perfectly but still found a sense of relief or resolution. This felt authentic to the period.
And of course, I appreciated the narrative style—so British and Jane Austen-esque! Loved it.
I would love to see a TV series adaptation of this book one day. It would be so beautiful and heartwarming.
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