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The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides #12
The Drum: The Twelfth Day
A bad luck bride...an explosive disaster...and one day left to save the town.
Behind her back, they call her Bad Luck Penny. After being twice widowed before the age of thirty, misfortune follows her all the way to Colorado, culminating in humiliation when the third groom skips town on the day they’re to be wed.
Mayor Charles Hardt will do anything to save the town he founded—as long as it doesn’t involve taking a wife. But he faces a difficult choice after a jilted bride shows up at his door begging for a ride out of town the day before they must deliver twelve married couples as part of a deal to secure the railroad. Without the railroad, Noelle is doomed.
Under no circumstances can Charlie allow Penny to escape, but Penny is certain Noelle can’t take any more of her bad luck. For that matter, neither can Charlie.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2017
84 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Burke
25 books144 followersE.E. Burke describes herself as "a history geek and a sucker for a good love story."
She recently released the 10th Anniversary Edition of her bestselling series, Steam! Romance and Rails, a fast-paced blend of Western adventure, sizzling romance and suspense.
"I love to write stories infused with history, legend, and romance. "
Her novel Tom Sawyer Returns won the Grand Prize for the 2021 LARAMIE Award, a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards. This book and the companion novel Taming Huck Finn were featured by the Mark Twain House & Museum in the author spotlight, Romancing Mark Twain.
She recently released the 10th Anniversary Edition of her bestselling series, Steam! Romance and Rails, a fast-paced blend of Western adventure, sizzling romance and suspense.
"I love to write stories infused with history, legend, and romance. "
Her novel Tom Sawyer Returns won the Grand Prize for the 2021 LARAMIE Award, a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards. This book and the companion novel Taming Huck Finn were featured by the Mark Twain House & Museum in the author spotlight, Romancing Mark Twain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 9, 2017
Poor Penny has such bad luck that two husband died shortly after she married them. She has found a new groom but it seems her bad luck has chased him away when accidents start happening around them. Broken hearted there is only one thing left to do and that is leave town and any hope of having a family is out. Charles is the founder of the town he made a deal with the railroad 12 brides in 12 days and the railroad will run through their town. Penny is the last bride when he finds out the groom left town he offers to chase him down and bring him back. No deal Penny said she is off to the nearest train station. Charles must think fast to work out a way to keep her there to marry her to another. What he does is make one mess after another until he is tied up in knots and wanting the pretty Penny for his self. Penny is having nothing to do with this plan. The chase is on it is anyone’s guess who will win this race as the clock ticks off each hour until the deal is sealed with or without 12 brides.
I loved how the stories are tied into the 12 days of Christmas and how they all entwine together. I had a blast watching these two chase each other one running the other following. I really felt sorry for Penny and how she saw herself it was heartbreaking. When Charles works out a plan on how to keep her in town I thought this isn’t going to turn out good. He is such a sweet man with a wonderful heart. I really enjoyed learning how the town got its name what a touching story. It was a joy to see the other characters I had come to love. There are a few surprises and even a time or two I held my breath. I even chuckled a few times, there are some very touching moments, some sorrow but in the end it is a story that will touch you in so many ways.
I really loved the characters, plot and the twists that really got to the heart of the matter. I thought it was well written with a touch of humor at times. What a wonderful delightful way to end this series. This whole series has been a delightful journey of 12 women who have such high hopes of starting over for so many reasons. I hope you pick up each of these books that are very entertaining giving you hours of pleasure.
I loved how the stories are tied into the 12 days of Christmas and how they all entwine together. I had a blast watching these two chase each other one running the other following. I really felt sorry for Penny and how she saw herself it was heartbreaking. When Charles works out a plan on how to keep her in town I thought this isn’t going to turn out good. He is such a sweet man with a wonderful heart. I really enjoyed learning how the town got its name what a touching story. It was a joy to see the other characters I had come to love. There are a few surprises and even a time or two I held my breath. I even chuckled a few times, there are some very touching moments, some sorrow but in the end it is a story that will touch you in so many ways.
I really loved the characters, plot and the twists that really got to the heart of the matter. I thought it was well written with a touch of humor at times. What a wonderful delightful way to end this series. This whole series has been a delightful journey of 12 women who have such high hopes of starting over for so many reasons. I hope you pick up each of these books that are very entertaining giving you hours of pleasure.
January 30, 2018
The 12 Days of Christmas series ( The Drum )
Brilliantly written the last of the 12 Days of Christmas story. I loved the two main characters Charlie and Penny how they were portrayed it made me laugh., where she seemed to be running from him and him chasing her. Penny thinking she was bad luck after being married twice and both her husband's dying shortly afterwards. when things went wrong when Penny was around she would blame herself although I must admits she seemed accident prone. I loved the way all the stories tied together bringing the married couples in Noelle to a happy ending. Charlie Harldt wasn't looking for love in the first book he tries to choke the Reverent Hammond his friend for ordering him a bride but I think after answering Penny's letter for Silas and seeing her photo he was already hook on Penny and no other women stood a chance.
Brilliantly written the last of the 12 Days of Christmas story. I loved the two main characters Charlie and Penny how they were portrayed it made me laugh., where she seemed to be running from him and him chasing her. Penny thinking she was bad luck after being married twice and both her husband's dying shortly afterwards. when things went wrong when Penny was around she would blame herself although I must admits she seemed accident prone. I loved the way all the stories tied together bringing the married couples in Noelle to a happy ending. Charlie Harldt wasn't looking for love in the first book he tries to choke the Reverent Hammond his friend for ordering him a bride but I think after answering Penny's letter for Silas and seeing her photo he was already hook on Penny and no other women stood a chance.
December 8, 2017
What a cute ending to The 12 Days Of Christmas, The Drum by EE Burke was very humorous, uplifting, and literally explosive.
Charlie Hardt is trying to save his mining town which he named after his most cherished daughter, Noelle.
Penny Jackson always down on her luck figures if she marries again, her betrothed will suffer the consequences of her bad omen. Then the groom up and walks out leaving her all alone.
Knowing her bad luck just cost Noelle the railroad, could things get worse?
She must tell the Mayor he needs to find another couple to Marry in order to save the town.
Can these two find their true selves in time to save Noelle from becoming a ghost town? Better yet can they save themselves from their own doubts about bad luck and love.
Excellent book.
Charlie Hardt is trying to save his mining town which he named after his most cherished daughter, Noelle.
Penny Jackson always down on her luck figures if she marries again, her betrothed will suffer the consequences of her bad omen. Then the groom up and walks out leaving her all alone.
Knowing her bad luck just cost Noelle the railroad, could things get worse?
She must tell the Mayor he needs to find another couple to Marry in order to save the town.
Can these two find their true selves in time to save Noelle from becoming a ghost town? Better yet can they save themselves from their own doubts about bad luck and love.
Excellent book.
December 26, 2019
“Twelve days, twelve gifts. Hey, somebody ought to write a song about that.”
Haha. Very funny.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was first published 1780, as "The Twelve Days of Christmas sung at King Pepin's Ball".
No, I didn't like this book much, because I, frankly, hate Penny. I hate heroines who whine about everything being their fault. Accidents happen. No, it's her cursed luck!
She slips like everyone else. No, it's her cursed luck!
People get sick and die. No, it's her cursed luck!
What ever happens, it's somehow her fault. I can't stand that attitude!
And I'm rather upset right now, because this book series started so well! Still at #8 I was prepared to read the next book series about brides of Noelle, but after this one... not so sure.
Haha. Very funny.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was first published 1780, as "The Twelve Days of Christmas sung at King Pepin's Ball".
No, I didn't like this book much, because I, frankly, hate Penny. I hate heroines who whine about everything being their fault. Accidents happen. No, it's her cursed luck!
She slips like everyone else. No, it's her cursed luck!
People get sick and die. No, it's her cursed luck!
What ever happens, it's somehow her fault. I can't stand that attitude!
And I'm rather upset right now, because this book series started so well! Still at #8 I was prepared to read the next book series about brides of Noelle, but after this one... not so sure.
December 30, 2025
I was gifted a copy of this book. Worth 4.75 stars, rounded up.
From Charlie's first look at Penny, while Silas is waiting for Charlie to write a letter to her, you can see he is smitten with Penny. The book is funny and the couple is endearing; they have depth, and they also need each other, but not to save the town. There is a bit of SPN in it too. I'm confused as to how Charlie was able to prank the town without him being seen, since he wasn't in town for several days in a row. Also confused at to why Charlie didn't ask Percy why he was forcing the lock. We are missing an epilogue to wrap up the collection. Here too, the editing needs a serious pass, including the fact that Madame is already gone since day 8.
From Charlie's first look at Penny, while Silas is waiting for Charlie to write a letter to her, you can see he is smitten with Penny. The book is funny and the couple is endearing; they have depth, and they also need each other, but not to save the town. There is a bit of SPN in it too. I'm confused as to how Charlie was able to prank the town without him being seen, since he wasn't in town for several days in a row. Also confused at to why Charlie didn't ask Percy why he was forcing the lock. We are missing an epilogue to wrap up the collection. Here too, the editing needs a serious pass, including the fact that Madame is already gone since day 8.
April 6, 2018
Another great read in this series! Penny was considered bad luck throughout the series and want to leave Nolle. She didn't want to marry anyone and expose them to her bad luck, but could she overcome it and find love at last? All the twist and turns in this book keep you reading until the end to find out what happens to Penny. I recommend this book and enjoy the camaraderie of the people of this town, can they save their town? Come join bad luck Penny and Major Charlie Hardt and find out what they and others of the town do to keep the town from dieing and the love that is in the air in this small town in the mountains of Colorodo!
December 13, 2017
The Drum was a Wonderful book to end the 12 Days of Christmas series with. Charlie and Penny stole my heart for I can totally relate to each of them. I love reading books that are realistic and not so sappy that the story could never be true. Well fellow readers if you love books like this then The Drum is definitely one not to be missed. I highly recommend The Drum. EE Burke never fails to deliver wonderful heart felt stories and I will continue to love and read her books as long as she writes!!!
December 14, 2017
Day 12
Time's running out. Noelle is still short a married couple. Penny's intended has deserted her. Charlie is still looking for the mother load that will bring the railroad to town. Just when Penny is convinced that her "bad luck" cloud will prevent her from ever having a home and family she longs for, all is revealed. Charlie's former partner and Percy, the town's land agent are in cahoots. All the mishaps have been instigated by a couple of very human trouble makers. One last marriage, and now the drum ornament on the tree makes for a complete set.
Time's running out. Noelle is still short a married couple. Penny's intended has deserted her. Charlie is still looking for the mother load that will bring the railroad to town. Just when Penny is convinced that her "bad luck" cloud will prevent her from ever having a home and family she longs for, all is revealed. Charlie's former partner and Percy, the town's land agent are in cahoots. All the mishaps have been instigated by a couple of very human trouble makers. One last marriage, and now the drum ornament on the tree makes for a complete set.
December 31, 2017
A satisfying conclusion to this well written and researched historical romance series with an intriguing premise (the 12 Days of Christmas) and delightful post Civil War setting in Noelle, Colorado. Even though many of the authors were new to this avid reader; the love and time put into this series makes it the best Christmas series ever. I enjoyed the delightful setting, the unique twelve men & twelve brides, and the intrigue of the twelve Christmas tree ornaments, which are woven into the premise The Twelve Days of Christmas. Well DONE!!!
December 13, 2017
Mayor Charlie Hardt wants the best for the town Noelle, this includes making sure the 12 brides are married including Penny. Penny is a widow and wants nothing more than to leave Noelle, because she fears her bad luck will prevent any good fortunes. She also happens to be the last remaining bride but that won’t be for long if Charlie has the last say about it. The Drum was a sweet ending to the 12 Brides of Christmas as the town comes together to save their town.
December 30, 2017
The Drum: The Twelfth Day!
Loved it! Loved the whole series and sorry to see it all end. I enjoyed myself thoroughly the month of December, through all the hectic shopping, baking, etc, by sitting quietly a few hours each day and traveling back through the years to a little place called Noelle. I cared about each couple and following each one to their HEA. I recommend this one and the other eleven. JudyE
Loved it! Loved the whole series and sorry to see it all end. I enjoyed myself thoroughly the month of December, through all the hectic shopping, baking, etc, by sitting quietly a few hours each day and traveling back through the years to a little place called Noelle. I cared about each couple and following each one to their HEA. I recommend this one and the other eleven. JudyE
January 21, 2018
E.E. Burke does an incredible job wrapping up this sweet, mysterious, romantic, holiday series. This is the best 12 days of Christmas ever and I love how all of the loose ends tie up beautifully in this grand finale. I'm amazed at the talent of each and every author in the series and I'm totally impressed with how all 12 books connect and interact with each other. You won't want to miss a single one!
February 6, 2019
Great ending for the 12 brides of Christmas!
I loved this series! The authors were great in developing all of the characters. I loved all the stories from the beginning to the end. From a suffragette to a Chinese acrobat. From a preacher who wears a gun to scarred one eye sheriff, each character were wonderful and the stories made me laugh and cry. So glad they are continuing the stories through the Brides of Noelle.
I loved this series! The authors were great in developing all of the characters. I loved all the stories from the beginning to the end. From a suffragette to a Chinese acrobat. From a preacher who wears a gun to scarred one eye sheriff, each character were wonderful and the stories made me laugh and cry. So glad they are continuing the stories through the Brides of Noelle.
December 13, 2017
Hero: Charlie-- Heroine: Penny
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue. I enjoyed reading this story that grabbed me and would not let go until the end. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot. I do wish there was an epilogue or another chapter.
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue. I enjoyed reading this story that grabbed me and would not let go until the end. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot. I do wish there was an epilogue or another chapter.
January 7, 2018
Incredible I
What a 12th Book! I totally relate to Penny (I struck out twice) I of course was "cursed" . So when Charlie won't take "no" I cried because I never found a Charlie - but I am so thrilled Penny and the wonderful town "Noel" did. This book ends an incredible 12 days of reading and a great Little Christmas present ever! Watch out for the epilogue.
What a 12th Book! I totally relate to Penny (I struck out twice) I of course was "cursed" . So when Charlie won't take "no" I cried because I never found a Charlie - but I am so thrilled Penny and the wonderful town "Noel" did. This book ends an incredible 12 days of reading and a great Little Christmas present ever! Watch out for the epilogue.
January 7, 2018
The Drum
The Drum is a great and exciting way to conclude the 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Series. The faith, love, and pursuit of one to overcome the fear, belief in superstition, and denial leads to lots of excitement as the storyline goes back and forth trying to wed the couple who are destined to be together.
The Drum is a great and exciting way to conclude the 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Series. The faith, love, and pursuit of one to overcome the fear, belief in superstition, and denial leads to lots of excitement as the storyline goes back and forth trying to wed the couple who are destined to be together.
January 19, 2018
Mysteries Solved
The last book in a series of 12 brings the story of Noelle,CO to a satisfying conclusion. The last Bride, convinced she brings bad luck, is confronted by the mine owner over & over until she is convinced about their future together. I will read this author’s books again!
The last book in a series of 12 brings the story of Noelle,CO to a satisfying conclusion. The last Bride, convinced she brings bad luck, is confronted by the mine owner over & over until she is convinced about their future together. I will read this author’s books again!
January 22, 2018
Loved this short story
A bit slow at the start but I get that a lot of the back story was needed in case someone was reading this one as a stand alone, (I was). Charlie and Penny's story was great. She really had me wondering if she would run away.
And the last line about writing a song about 12 days and gifts was cute.
A bit slow at the start but I get that a lot of the back story was needed in case someone was reading this one as a stand alone, (I was). Charlie and Penny's story was great. She really had me wondering if she would run away.
And the last line about writing a song about 12 days and gifts was cute.
February 15, 2018
Wow
This was the final book of a fantastic series! I have enjoyed each and every one of them! This last story let's us know that love conquers all, even fear. A sweet sweet tale, a fantastic read, a great group of authors all with wonderful tales to share! Don't miss any of them!
This was the final book of a fantastic series! I have enjoyed each and every one of them! This last story let's us know that love conquers all, even fear. A sweet sweet tale, a fantastic read, a great group of authors all with wonderful tales to share! Don't miss any of them!
December 13, 2017
Great series
What a great Christmas series. Each character reached out to me and grabbed me into their lives. Each author should be proud of themselves. Thank you for the stories. And yes, someone should write a song about those twelve ornaments.
What a great Christmas series. Each character reached out to me and grabbed me into their lives. Each author should be proud of themselves. Thank you for the stories. And yes, someone should write a song about those twelve ornaments.
December 12, 2017
Perfect ending to this wonderful Christmas series!!
I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful ending to this series!!! I loved that the Mayor is finally in the limelight after hiding so much in the previous books!!!
I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful ending to this series!!! I loved that the Mayor is finally in the limelight after hiding so much in the previous books!!!
December 13, 2017
Wonderful series
I read all 12 of the books in this series. The Drum was one of my favorites! The Drum is an excellent culminating finish to the love stories of 12 brides and grooms. B hate to see the series end... still want to know what happens with Agnes and Gus!
I read all 12 of the books in this series. The Drum was one of my favorites! The Drum is an excellent culminating finish to the love stories of 12 brides and grooms. B hate to see the series end... still want to know what happens with Agnes and Gus!
December 14, 2017
Love this book.
Great book, the characters and the town are great. Loved the series and am sad to see it end. Look forward to reading about these characters in other books by there wonderful authors.
Great book, the characters and the town are great. Loved the series and am sad to see it end. Look forward to reading about these characters in other books by there wonderful authors.
December 25, 2017
Wonderful book!
I loved this book, and the entire series!! The characters all play an important part in this book, and of course the whole town. I hope we can read more about Noelle and it's residents soon.
I loved this book, and the entire series!! The characters all play an important part in this book, and of course the whole town. I hope we can read more about Noelle and it's residents soon.
December 31, 2017
Beautiful ending
Beautiful ending to an amazing collection. Penny thought she was bad luck but Charlie talked her into making a life with him filled with luck. True love resides in Noelle.
Beautiful ending to an amazing collection. Penny thought she was bad luck but Charlie talked her into making a life with him filled with luck. True love resides in Noelle.
January 16, 2018
I Enjoyed The Whole Series
I began at the beginning and was hooked. I had to read each one in order. I couldn't wait to see what happened to each of the 12 brides. I thoroughly enjoyed each book,
I began at the beginning and was hooked. I had to read each one in order. I couldn't wait to see what happened to each of the 12 brides. I thoroughly enjoyed each book,
January 23, 2018
Beautiful
A beautiful ending to a wonderful series, a heroine who thinks she is bad luck, a hero to is down on love, will they make a special connection to break her bad luck curse and to renew his faith in love. Must read to find out.
A beautiful ending to a wonderful series, a heroine who thinks she is bad luck, a hero to is down on love, will they make a special connection to break her bad luck curse and to renew his faith in love. Must read to find out.
January 30, 2018
Best book of all
Excellent story. It brought everything together, answered questions, a very satisfying wrap-up to a great series. I definitely recommend this book and this series.
Excellent story. It brought everything together, answered questions, a very satisfying wrap-up to a great series. I definitely recommend this book and this series.
February 8, 2018
Who's Behind It??
You've got to read who is behind all this stuff! And see if they get the last marriage performed before the deadline now that another lady has run off! Such a great book. And what a fun and festive series!
You've got to read who is behind all this stuff! And see if they get the last marriage performed before the deadline now that another lady has run off! Such a great book. And what a fun and festive series!
February 10, 2018
A great ending to The Twelve Days Of Christmas book series! A rascally mine owner/mayor and an unlucky jilted bride. Charlie wanted nothing to do with marriage at the beginning of the series and ends up being the one chasing Penny all over town!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews