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The 12 Days of Christmas
A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE: A battle of wills between an ageing rock star and the feisty Emma Partridge determined to protect a Pear Tree.
TWO TURTLE DOVES: A tragic love affair abruptly ended by murder only to re-surface decades later, curtesy of a restless ghost.
FIVE GOLD RINGS: Bigamy is one thing…multi bigamy, oh dear, dear me.
NINE LADIES DANCING: A Latino newcomer puts the ladies in a flutter when he visits the Lower Wallop Tea Dance.
TEN LORDS A 'LEAPING: An age old curse travels down the centuries creating havoc amongst the Morose family.
TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING: Just tin toys, that’s all they were but these twelve little Drummers had minds of their own.
These and all the other stories in this collection will make you think again about the origins of the Christmas song, THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.
TWO TURTLE DOVES: A tragic love affair abruptly ended by murder only to re-surface decades later, curtesy of a restless ghost.
FIVE GOLD RINGS: Bigamy is one thing…multi bigamy, oh dear, dear me.
NINE LADIES DANCING: A Latino newcomer puts the ladies in a flutter when he visits the Lower Wallop Tea Dance.
TEN LORDS A 'LEAPING: An age old curse travels down the centuries creating havoc amongst the Morose family.
TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING: Just tin toys, that’s all they were but these twelve little Drummers had minds of their own.
These and all the other stories in this collection will make you think again about the origins of the Christmas song, THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2015
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Turner
17 books13 followersAlthough born in Birmingham in the Midlands I have lived in Gloucestershire for the past thirty years. I applied for redundancy following 25 years as a teaching assistant in a rural Gloucestershire school. I had already started writing my debut novel First Breath before finishing work and completed the writing in 2012. The book was published in August 2012. Since then I have penned a further three novels and a collection of short stories. All have been published as e books and most as traditional books as well. Two of the e books were later re-published as one traditional novel. All my novels are in the fantasy romance genre. My collection of short stories are multiple genre. My writing has been influenced by many authors from H.G. Wells to Laini Taylor. As well as fantasy romance I enjoy reading Historical, sci fi and contemporary books.
My books are: First Breath...
Malchediel-Warrior Angel...
Amy-Nephilim Freedom Fighter...
Do Androids Dream?...
Purgatory...
Wings Unfurled.
I am 45,000 words into my latest book as yet untitled.
My books are: First Breath...
Malchediel-Warrior Angel...
Amy-Nephilim Freedom Fighter...
Do Androids Dream?...
Purgatory...
Wings Unfurled.
I am 45,000 words into my latest book as yet untitled.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 14, 2024
Author Turner treats readers to an entertaining collection of short stories based upon the festive holiday tune in The 12 Days of Christmas. The stories include a romantic romp; a mysterious encounter; a life changing, family inheritance; a spirit's revenge; a naughty husband; and clever maneuvers are just a few examples that will leave you smiling and pondering forces beyond.
This is a great collection of short stories for the holidays, or anytime you crave the mystery and magic of the season. A highly recommended read!
This is a great collection of short stories for the holidays, or anytime you crave the mystery and magic of the season. A highly recommended read!
November 8, 2015
I first found Maureen Turner's books on twitter in 2013. Since then she has become one of my favourite authors, rivaling any traditionally published author. Her writing style is intelligent yet easy to read and I love it! Her stories flow well and I am instantly drawn in. I couldn't wait to read this, her latest collection of short stories.
This collection, as the title suggests, takes its theme from the Christmas Carol, but they are not Christmas stories. The author has cleverly interwoven each of the twelve days into its own unique story. Such a brilliant idea which illustrates her varied imagination.
Two Turtle Doves.
What a beautiful, beautiful story. Wonderfully crafted with a very moving sub plot - or is it the main plot? - as its heart. I love a good ghost story but this was so much more than a ghost story, it was truly spiritual. I felt tears prick my eyes as I read the last page. I wanted to know what happened but I didn't want to leave the characters when the story ended.
Three French Hens.
A more lighthearted story showing the author's versatility and skill as a writer. I loved it! Loved the humour and Archie Burns.
Four Calling Birds.
Another ghost story but this one not so poignant. A vengeful spirit this. Don't be fooled by innocence.
I enjoyed all of the stories but these three, along with Ten Lords A'Leaping and Eleven Pipers Piping were my favourites. I have discovered several talented writers on twitter and that is now the first place I look for my reading material. I am eagerly awaiting the next Maureen Turner book.
This collection, as the title suggests, takes its theme from the Christmas Carol, but they are not Christmas stories. The author has cleverly interwoven each of the twelve days into its own unique story. Such a brilliant idea which illustrates her varied imagination.
Two Turtle Doves.
What a beautiful, beautiful story. Wonderfully crafted with a very moving sub plot - or is it the main plot? - as its heart. I love a good ghost story but this was so much more than a ghost story, it was truly spiritual. I felt tears prick my eyes as I read the last page. I wanted to know what happened but I didn't want to leave the characters when the story ended.
Three French Hens.
A more lighthearted story showing the author's versatility and skill as a writer. I loved it! Loved the humour and Archie Burns.
Four Calling Birds.
Another ghost story but this one not so poignant. A vengeful spirit this. Don't be fooled by innocence.
I enjoyed all of the stories but these three, along with Ten Lords A'Leaping and Eleven Pipers Piping were my favourites. I have discovered several talented writers on twitter and that is now the first place I look for my reading material. I am eagerly awaiting the next Maureen Turner book.
November 17, 2015
A seasonal collection of fairy tales based on the well-known Christmas song, this anthology displays the author’s talent for putting her own twist on a popular theme. The stories vary in length and character and there’s something here for everyone.
Characterisation is good and the settings work well throughout. Interestingly, although the tales feature well-known character types, the author has avoided stereotypical representations and made them into interesting players.
A slight reservation relates to occasional editing errors and some formatting oddities. But these are minor and shouldn’t impact on the reading experience.
The author’s imagination and inventive turn of mind is displayed in the many variations on the song’s featured cast members. There are some really unusual takes on the characters and how they came to be included in the song’s list of gifts.
An enjoyable holiday read and one that many will find charming and amusing.
This reviewer has signed the True Review Pledge.
Characterisation is good and the settings work well throughout. Interestingly, although the tales feature well-known character types, the author has avoided stereotypical representations and made them into interesting players.
A slight reservation relates to occasional editing errors and some formatting oddities. But these are minor and shouldn’t impact on the reading experience.
The author’s imagination and inventive turn of mind is displayed in the many variations on the song’s featured cast members. There are some really unusual takes on the characters and how they came to be included in the song’s list of gifts.
An enjoyable holiday read and one that many will find charming and amusing.
This reviewer has signed the True Review Pledge.
October 11, 2023
As other reviewers have noted, this collection of short stories by Maureen Turner does not, on its surface, bear a discernible relation to the holiday season. The only connection seems to be the title, and the fact that each story takes its name from a line of the famous English Christmas carol. But I disagree. After reading the compilation (and some stories more than once), there was something here that just said “Christmas” to me. There’s nothing schmaltzy, though, nothing maudlin. Far from it. I’ve read several of Turner’s novels, and where her sharp, clear-eyed writing is concerned, there’s not a maudlin bone in her body. So what was it that still made me think, “Christmas”?
There is much variety in this collection, and all the tales are inventive, often unexpected. They lack easy answers and conclusions, but are nevertheless satisfying. Some are lighthearted and amusing, while others, like “Two Turtle Doves,” are genuinely, deeply moving. Others make me think of the supernatural Christmas story tradition of Victorian England, but with modern twists (“Four Calling Birds,” for instance, which left me with an indelible, horrific image, and whose narrator was the perfect levelheaded observer). Some worthy characters get the happy ending they deserve, others reap tragedy instead. Some get their comeuppance. But as I read, I came to realize that as different as the stories might seem from each other, there was a common thread: Supernatural forces swirl through these pages, and a sense that things happen as they do because they are meant to. This, for me, is what makes the tales of Maureen Turner’s The 12 Days of Christmas so enjoyable, and conjures the holiday season as surely as M.R. James reading aloud a ghost story before a fire.
There is much variety in this collection, and all the tales are inventive, often unexpected. They lack easy answers and conclusions, but are nevertheless satisfying. Some are lighthearted and amusing, while others, like “Two Turtle Doves,” are genuinely, deeply moving. Others make me think of the supernatural Christmas story tradition of Victorian England, but with modern twists (“Four Calling Birds,” for instance, which left me with an indelible, horrific image, and whose narrator was the perfect levelheaded observer). Some worthy characters get the happy ending they deserve, others reap tragedy instead. Some get their comeuppance. But as I read, I came to realize that as different as the stories might seem from each other, there was a common thread: Supernatural forces swirl through these pages, and a sense that things happen as they do because they are meant to. This, for me, is what makes the tales of Maureen Turner’s The 12 Days of Christmas so enjoyable, and conjures the holiday season as surely as M.R. James reading aloud a ghost story before a fire.
December 20, 2019
Initially inspired by the fact that Christmas is just around the corner, I’ve been on a bit of a reading spree of Christmas stories this week. I was attracted to this book by its simple but very pretty cover, not to mention the fact that I’ve always loved the Christmas song. I have also already read three novels by Ms Turner, and having enjoyed them so much, I decided to find out what short stories she had created to suit the ‘gifts’ sent on each of the twelve days.
I am so glad I did. I loved all twelve stories. They are cleverly and imaginatively written, each the twelve stories inspired by the words in each part of the song. All are very different in length, theme and setting. Some are historical, others are set in the present; there are romances and fantasies, those with a paranormal theme or a comedy element, and some that deal with real-life situations. The author has turned her hand to them all really well and even included a Scottish dialect in Three French Hens.
The characters in all the stories are well-crafted and unique, and I enjoyed joining each of them for a short moment in time. One of my particular favourites was ‘Two Turtle Doves’. Essentially a ghost story, it alternates between the present and the First Wold War. Ms Turner has the ability to evoke powerful emotions and I found this story a beautiful tear-jerker.
This is a lovely little book, which would be a great read at any time of year, but is particularly suitable for the Christmas period.
I am so glad I did. I loved all twelve stories. They are cleverly and imaginatively written, each the twelve stories inspired by the words in each part of the song. All are very different in length, theme and setting. Some are historical, others are set in the present; there are romances and fantasies, those with a paranormal theme or a comedy element, and some that deal with real-life situations. The author has turned her hand to them all really well and even included a Scottish dialect in Three French Hens.
The characters in all the stories are well-crafted and unique, and I enjoyed joining each of them for a short moment in time. One of my particular favourites was ‘Two Turtle Doves’. Essentially a ghost story, it alternates between the present and the First Wold War. Ms Turner has the ability to evoke powerful emotions and I found this story a beautiful tear-jerker.
This is a lovely little book, which would be a great read at any time of year, but is particularly suitable for the Christmas period.
December 15, 2020
3.5/5 stars
This collection of short stories felt somewhat like it was jumping on the Christmas bandwagon. The stories were each named after a line from the famous song, but apart from that had nothing to do with Christmas. This wasn’t a problem for me, but I imagine some people might buy this book expecting a book full of cosy Christmas themed stories.
The stories were varied in both length and theme - ghost stories, a love story, a story of bigamist, a horror style story, wartime stories, among others.
In some cases I felt like the author had committed to their theme of a story for each line from the song and then struggled to write a story to fit that particular line. Five gold rings clearly lends itself to a story of bigamy - but honestly who has the time/energy to successfully juggle five wives without getting found out - it seems like too many to be plausible. If you are prepared to suspend disbelief and take each story with a pinch of salt they are enjoyable enough, though.
The whole premise of basing stories on song lyrics is a nice one, and I applaud Maureen Turner for pulling it off.
This collection of short stories felt somewhat like it was jumping on the Christmas bandwagon. The stories were each named after a line from the famous song, but apart from that had nothing to do with Christmas. This wasn’t a problem for me, but I imagine some people might buy this book expecting a book full of cosy Christmas themed stories.
The stories were varied in both length and theme - ghost stories, a love story, a story of bigamist, a horror style story, wartime stories, among others.
In some cases I felt like the author had committed to their theme of a story for each line from the song and then struggled to write a story to fit that particular line. Five gold rings clearly lends itself to a story of bigamy - but honestly who has the time/energy to successfully juggle five wives without getting found out - it seems like too many to be plausible. If you are prepared to suspend disbelief and take each story with a pinch of salt they are enjoyable enough, though.
The whole premise of basing stories on song lyrics is a nice one, and I applaud Maureen Turner for pulling it off.
November 30, 2016
What an absolutely wonderful seasonal read. I saw this book advertised in
The Bookshop Bistro Books For Christmas Sale
Check it out in the link below.
The idea had me hooked from the start, twelve wonderful short stories based on the Christmas poem 12 Days of Christmas. All truly magical a couple even had me moved to tears.
My favourites, if I were to choose were the first story 'A Partridge in a Pear Tree' a little romantic comedy. When Miss Partridge lends a helping hand in the garden of Kit Cooper retired musician they have a public fall out after he decides he wants to cut down one of the beloved pear trees in his front garden.
Two Turtle Doves a ghost story connected with a little trinket of two pretty doves found in a second hand store.
Eleven Pipers Piping Simply beautiful.
I actually love them all and have added this to my favourite reads of all time. I love this authors writing she keeps me hooked and turning the pages all the time.
Highly Recommended
https://www.facebook.com/events/13341...
The idea had me hooked from the start, twelve wonderful short stories based on the Christmas poem 12 Days of Christmas. All truly magical a couple even had me moved to tears.
My favourites, if I were to choose were the first story 'A Partridge in a Pear Tree' a little romantic comedy. When Miss Partridge lends a helping hand in the garden of Kit Cooper retired musician they have a public fall out after he decides he wants to cut down one of the beloved pear trees in his front garden.
Two Turtle Doves a ghost story connected with a little trinket of two pretty doves found in a second hand store.
Eleven Pipers Piping Simply beautiful.
I actually love them all and have added this to my favourite reads of all time. I love this authors writing she keeps me hooked and turning the pages all the time.
Highly Recommended
https://www.facebook.com/events/13341...
December 12, 2015
This is a great book of anthologies to be read at any time of the year. I love how the author has used the Christmas theme, and then interwoven a clever mix of different stories tied to the rhyme - all so very different, some humorous, some spiritual etc.
This is a great book to pick up, and the fact that each story has its own separate theme and context, it is one that you can read over, going back to the particular stories you love.
The author's writing style is creative and fun - it quickly engages you with her characters and demonstrates her wonderful imagination.
I will be reading more of this author's work in future and recommend you do too!
This is a great book to pick up, and the fact that each story has its own separate theme and context, it is one that you can read over, going back to the particular stories you love.
The author's writing style is creative and fun - it quickly engages you with her characters and demonstrates her wonderful imagination.
I will be reading more of this author's work in future and recommend you do too!
January 3, 2022
Wonderful Christmas read, the 12 short stories bring you a festive read, each different, from spooky paranormal to long lost loves. Beautifully written and I enjoyed how the stories encapsulated the famous 12 Days of Christmas song, clever thought provoking, I especially liked the story of the four calling birds. Lovely book, please check it out.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews