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The Twelve Wishes of Christmas
The debut Christmas rom-com from new author Ruby Basu, perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jo Thomas and Jaimie Admans.
* * *
She’s here for the perfect Christmas escape…
When Sharmila discovers her late friend, Thomas, has gifted her the holiday of her dreams, she can’t pack her bags fast enough. Arriving in Pineford, it’s everything she’d ever hoped for and more.
But she’s in for another surprise, because Thomas has left her with one last request: if she completes his Christmas wish list of festive activities, her chosen charity will receive a big donation. Or so Sharmila thinks.
…He’s there to reclaim his family’s legacy
Little does she know, she’s set to inherit Thomas’s estate too, much to his nephew Zach’s disbelief. Determined not to see his family’s legacy left to a stranger, he’s come to Pineford to do whatever it takes to stop Sharmila from fulfilling that list.
When Sharmila and Zach meet, neither are prepared for sparks to fly. For Sharmila’s sworn off love, and Zach doesn’t trust her. But with every passing wish they find themselves growing closer. And amongst the twinkling town lights and fallen snow, Sharmila can feel her heart opening up to Zach. But when she learns he’s been keeping a secret from her, can Sharmila forgive him and get the happy-ever-after she’s always wished for this Christmas?
* * *
She’s here for the perfect Christmas escape…
When Sharmila discovers her late friend, Thomas, has gifted her the holiday of her dreams, she can’t pack her bags fast enough. Arriving in Pineford, it’s everything she’d ever hoped for and more.
But she’s in for another surprise, because Thomas has left her with one last request: if she completes his Christmas wish list of festive activities, her chosen charity will receive a big donation. Or so Sharmila thinks.
…He’s there to reclaim his family’s legacy
Little does she know, she’s set to inherit Thomas’s estate too, much to his nephew Zach’s disbelief. Determined not to see his family’s legacy left to a stranger, he’s come to Pineford to do whatever it takes to stop Sharmila from fulfilling that list.
When Sharmila and Zach meet, neither are prepared for sparks to fly. For Sharmila’s sworn off love, and Zach doesn’t trust her. But with every passing wish they find themselves growing closer. And amongst the twinkling town lights and fallen snow, Sharmila can feel her heart opening up to Zach. But when she learns he’s been keeping a secret from her, can Sharmila forgive him and get the happy-ever-after she’s always wished for this Christmas?
384 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2021
11 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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May 26, 2022
A romance novel that I can see Hallmark scooping up any day now. Sharmila is gifted an American Christmas holiday by her late friend, and with that, she heads off to an incredibly picturesque small town covered in snow and twinkle lights.
What she doesn’t know is that this friend has also left her a big chunk of his company and more. But for her to get it she needs to complete a list of activities all revolving around the spirit of Christmas to secure this inheritance. The family is not very happy about it and tries to intervene and of course, they send two hot guys to stop her and of course, Sharmila falls for one of them. Now I don’t want to say this but cliché much?
“You’re not allowed to make fun of a cliché if your comment is a cliché in itself” Ruby Basu, The twelve wishes’ of Christmas
Yes, yes this book is full of cliches and everything you equate with Hallmark but it’s a fun read and has a way of informing those who haven’t lived an American White Christmas with vivid detail of how it could be. Sharmila lives in the UK and is of Indian descent and she has always dreamt of experiencing an American White Christmas. As someone who also has never had the privilege of seeing snow and the sheer outlandishness that is an American Christmas, it was fun to read how it all would seem if I ever had the chance.
Although the book is completely predictable it didn’t take away from the intimate small Christmas moment left throughout the book. From sleigh rides to chopping down a Christmas tree, all written to spark the imagination to dream of what could be.
Unfortunately, the characters fell flat with not much authenticity or any unique characteristics to speak of. And there really aren’t any twists to the store other than the utterly predictable ending.
There were some sweet moments and moments of growth and perhaps dare I say wisdom, which helped the book along.
“you can’t hide the person you are inside” Ruby Basu, The twelve wishes’ of Christmas
All in all a very very sweet Christmas Romance story that is a quick easy read and would stand its own against any Hallmark movie. In fact, Basu gives her thanks to Hallmark for all their movies that inspired her to write this book. So, If you love the quintessential Hallmark love story and Christmas this one should be on the top of your list.
Thank you NetGalley and HQ Stories for theARC in exchange for an honest review.
What she doesn’t know is that this friend has also left her a big chunk of his company and more. But for her to get it she needs to complete a list of activities all revolving around the spirit of Christmas to secure this inheritance. The family is not very happy about it and tries to intervene and of course, they send two hot guys to stop her and of course, Sharmila falls for one of them. Now I don’t want to say this but cliché much?
“You’re not allowed to make fun of a cliché if your comment is a cliché in itself” Ruby Basu, The twelve wishes’ of Christmas
Yes, yes this book is full of cliches and everything you equate with Hallmark but it’s a fun read and has a way of informing those who haven’t lived an American White Christmas with vivid detail of how it could be. Sharmila lives in the UK and is of Indian descent and she has always dreamt of experiencing an American White Christmas. As someone who also has never had the privilege of seeing snow and the sheer outlandishness that is an American Christmas, it was fun to read how it all would seem if I ever had the chance.
Although the book is completely predictable it didn’t take away from the intimate small Christmas moment left throughout the book. From sleigh rides to chopping down a Christmas tree, all written to spark the imagination to dream of what could be.
Unfortunately, the characters fell flat with not much authenticity or any unique characteristics to speak of. And there really aren’t any twists to the store other than the utterly predictable ending.
There were some sweet moments and moments of growth and perhaps dare I say wisdom, which helped the book along.
“you can’t hide the person you are inside” Ruby Basu, The twelve wishes’ of Christmas
All in all a very very sweet Christmas Romance story that is a quick easy read and would stand its own against any Hallmark movie. In fact, Basu gives her thanks to Hallmark for all their movies that inspired her to write this book. So, If you love the quintessential Hallmark love story and Christmas this one should be on the top of your list.
Thank you NetGalley and HQ Stories for theARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
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This is truly what a Christmas book should be. Such a feel good,happy book it would be the perfect Hallmark movie. It has all the elements a Christmas book should have.
You're not going to care if it's snowing out while you read this as the atmosphere of the book will warm you while snuggling into your warm blanket and sipping hot chocolate.
Sharmila has been gifted a very special Christmas gift from her late friend Thomas,a trip to America to spend the holiday season in Pineford to experience a what she's always wanted, a small-town American Christmas.
There is a catch though she must do his wish-list of festive activities. Now here is where the fun comes in. I loved reading the descriptions of the fun activities from the wish-list she must do, from sledding and tree lighting to parades to parties,pumpkin pies and puzzles to sledding,hot chocolate,caroling and more. She's having a blast this Christmas, American style.
When she completes these tasks she'll have a generous donation gifted to the charity of her choice. or so she thinks.
I loved the characters Zach and Sharmila. Sharmila has sworn off men after she lost her previous boyfriend to a medical crisis. She can't afford to open her heart to love again.
Zach keeps his identity secret from Sharmila, that he is Thomas's nephew because others have treated him differently when they knew he comes from money.
He tries to sabotage Sharmila's wish list plans so she's not able to finish and tries to stay away from her. When they find themselves falling for each other will they allow their broken hearts to heal or will this Christmas be a lonely time for them both?
Wonderful holiday read!
Pub Date 13 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is truly what a Christmas book should be. Such a feel good,happy book it would be the perfect Hallmark movie. It has all the elements a Christmas book should have.
You're not going to care if it's snowing out while you read this as the atmosphere of the book will warm you while snuggling into your warm blanket and sipping hot chocolate.
Sharmila has been gifted a very special Christmas gift from her late friend Thomas,a trip to America to spend the holiday season in Pineford to experience a what she's always wanted, a small-town American Christmas.
There is a catch though she must do his wish-list of festive activities. Now here is where the fun comes in. I loved reading the descriptions of the fun activities from the wish-list she must do, from sledding and tree lighting to parades to parties,pumpkin pies and puzzles to sledding,hot chocolate,caroling and more. She's having a blast this Christmas, American style.
When she completes these tasks she'll have a generous donation gifted to the charity of her choice. or so she thinks.
I loved the characters Zach and Sharmila. Sharmila has sworn off men after she lost her previous boyfriend to a medical crisis. She can't afford to open her heart to love again.
Zach keeps his identity secret from Sharmila, that he is Thomas's nephew because others have treated him differently when they knew he comes from money.
He tries to sabotage Sharmila's wish list plans so she's not able to finish and tries to stay away from her. When they find themselves falling for each other will they allow their broken hearts to heal or will this Christmas be a lonely time for them both?
Wonderful holiday read!
Pub Date 13 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2021
I quickly warmed to this story, easily slipping into this narrative with such likeable characters. Yes, the story is a bit predictable, but after I have recently read some mediocre stories, I think I enjoyed how well developed the narrative was. Plus, I enjoyed the setting of an American Christmas.
I like the concept of completing Christmas challenges and I think Basu encapsulates the quintessential American Christmas – exactly how I imagined, at least! The different tasks are all quite varied, from recreating the ending of a Christmas film, to hosting a party, and even taking part in the town’s Christmas parade. I think the competitions were my favourite: gingerbread house making, snow sculptures, and puzzles. A puzzle competition?! Who would have thought?! It’s all very imaginative and adds to the light-heartedness of this read, leaving me smiling with satisfaction.
However, no Christmas story would be complete without a bit of the Grinch. This takes the form in Lucas and Zach – Thomas’s family and inheritors. There are clauses to Thomas’s will that Sharmilla is unaware of. However, the cousins seem to be caught up in jealousy over what Sharmilla is due to inherit and will do anything to prevent her completing the challenges. Yet, as you might anticipate, as the cousins get to know Sharmilla, they start to realise that her friendship with Thomas was sweet and innocent, and she is not the manipulative witch they pictured her to be.
This is an easy, entertaining read. However, there are some more serious issues underlying the narrative. Sharmilla’s grief is an undercurrent to the story and it soon becomes clear that this is the reason for her sabbatical from her successful career as a divorce lawyer. In addition, the comments and questions Sharmilla receives because of her culture makes this a more interesting novel. Sharmilla’s reactions demonstrate how inappropriate comments are part of her daily life but, when reading them, gosh, it makes your toes curl. I like that perhaps Basu is gently reminding readers of equality and respect towards others.
This is a strong debut novel and an enjoyable Christmas read. I think Basu has the right balance between romance and Christmas; it is a bit of an obvious plot but I believe the Christmas challenges add a bit more of a quirky feel to this American festive story. Highly recommended for the seasonal time of year.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like the concept of completing Christmas challenges and I think Basu encapsulates the quintessential American Christmas – exactly how I imagined, at least! The different tasks are all quite varied, from recreating the ending of a Christmas film, to hosting a party, and even taking part in the town’s Christmas parade. I think the competitions were my favourite: gingerbread house making, snow sculptures, and puzzles. A puzzle competition?! Who would have thought?! It’s all very imaginative and adds to the light-heartedness of this read, leaving me smiling with satisfaction.
However, no Christmas story would be complete without a bit of the Grinch. This takes the form in Lucas and Zach – Thomas’s family and inheritors. There are clauses to Thomas’s will that Sharmilla is unaware of. However, the cousins seem to be caught up in jealousy over what Sharmilla is due to inherit and will do anything to prevent her completing the challenges. Yet, as you might anticipate, as the cousins get to know Sharmilla, they start to realise that her friendship with Thomas was sweet and innocent, and she is not the manipulative witch they pictured her to be.
This is an easy, entertaining read. However, there are some more serious issues underlying the narrative. Sharmilla’s grief is an undercurrent to the story and it soon becomes clear that this is the reason for her sabbatical from her successful career as a divorce lawyer. In addition, the comments and questions Sharmilla receives because of her culture makes this a more interesting novel. Sharmilla’s reactions demonstrate how inappropriate comments are part of her daily life but, when reading them, gosh, it makes your toes curl. I like that perhaps Basu is gently reminding readers of equality and respect towards others.
This is a strong debut novel and an enjoyable Christmas read. I think Basu has the right balance between romance and Christmas; it is a bit of an obvious plot but I believe the Christmas challenges add a bit more of a quirky feel to this American festive story. Highly recommended for the seasonal time of year.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2021
If you spend the entire month of December watching Hallmark Christmas movies, this is the book for you!
Sharmila is gifted her very own small town American Christmas courtesy of her friend Thomas. She needs to complete 10 Christmas wishes to earn a donation for the charity of her choice. Only she can't tell anyone about the donation. Of course romance and shenanigans ensue and the entire town rallies around our Sharmila.
I enjoyed this book. It really was cute, but I felt like it started to drag the middle and I kind of lost interest.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sharmila is gifted her very own small town American Christmas courtesy of her friend Thomas. She needs to complete 10 Christmas wishes to earn a donation for the charity of her choice. Only she can't tell anyone about the donation. Of course romance and shenanigans ensue and the entire town rallies around our Sharmila.
I enjoyed this book. It really was cute, but I felt like it started to drag the middle and I kind of lost interest.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
This was a really cute Christmas read. Perfect if you like those corny Christmas movies 🍿🎄 good choice for the week between Christmas and new year’s.
December 20, 2021
This book is an enjoyable read. Full of Christmas vibes around the competitions and friendly people you find on a small town.
I always love the setting of a small town in the story, where everyone knows other people in the same town and help each other.
This story is pretty well written and the character is also likeable.
Sharmila's character reminds me a bit to myself. Just like Sharmila I also wanted to experience the American Christmas where you can build snowman, skating in the ice rink, build gingerbread house!
Zach and his cousins are also a bit annoying but eventually they'll change bit by bit after getting to know Sharmila.
Despite it all being good, I found some parts of the story was slightly repetitive. I have to admit, the story was slightly predictable and the ending was a bit rushed.
Overall, for a debut novel this is a good one! I was looking for a festive Christmas reads and this book surely delivers that.
The way the author writes about people in the town celebrate Christmas with its parade and competitions really makes me feel like I'm inside the story.
If you enjoy watching a Christmas movie then you'll have to check this one out!
Actual rating: 3.5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Ruby Basu and HQ for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I always love the setting of a small town in the story, where everyone knows other people in the same town and help each other.
This story is pretty well written and the character is also likeable.
Sharmila's character reminds me a bit to myself. Just like Sharmila I also wanted to experience the American Christmas where you can build snowman, skating in the ice rink, build gingerbread house!
Zach and his cousins are also a bit annoying but eventually they'll change bit by bit after getting to know Sharmila.
Despite it all being good, I found some parts of the story was slightly repetitive. I have to admit, the story was slightly predictable and the ending was a bit rushed.
Overall, for a debut novel this is a good one! I was looking for a festive Christmas reads and this book surely delivers that.
The way the author writes about people in the town celebrate Christmas with its parade and competitions really makes me feel like I'm inside the story.
If you enjoy watching a Christmas movie then you'll have to check this one out!
Actual rating: 3.5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Ruby Basu and HQ for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 28, 2021
I’d like to thank NetGalley and HQ for approving me for an ARC of this book.
I was keen to start this one and thought it would make the perfect Christmas read. I’m pleased to say I wasn’t wrong. There’s romance, cheesy story lines, cliché moments and I loved every bit of it.
I thought the list idea was brilliant and it got me thinking what I would put on my own for someone else to do. Thomas was trying to give Sharmila the perfect Christmas and I loved what he had planned for her. It was clear that he had formed a strong bond with Sharmila and whilst we never met Thomas, he had a strong presence throughout the story.
I had to giggle at some of the ways Zach and his family tried to sabotage Sharmila’s chances of completing the list, the baking competition was my favourite. No matter how hard they tried Sharmila seemed to unbeatable.
The community in Pineford was highly amusing and resembled a typical idyllic village community. Everyone knew everyone and more importantly, everyone’s business. You couldn’t sneeze without someone knowing but this community rallied round Sharmila and helped her on her quest.
The romance that blossomed between Zach and Sharmila was inevitable. Whilst they were both concealing things from each other you could feel that chemistry from the start. There were many will they, won’t they moments but I loved how their story played out.
This was a cosy read, with all the Christmas comforts, that got me in the perfect mood for Christmas day!
I was keen to start this one and thought it would make the perfect Christmas read. I’m pleased to say I wasn’t wrong. There’s romance, cheesy story lines, cliché moments and I loved every bit of it.
I thought the list idea was brilliant and it got me thinking what I would put on my own for someone else to do. Thomas was trying to give Sharmila the perfect Christmas and I loved what he had planned for her. It was clear that he had formed a strong bond with Sharmila and whilst we never met Thomas, he had a strong presence throughout the story.
I had to giggle at some of the ways Zach and his family tried to sabotage Sharmila’s chances of completing the list, the baking competition was my favourite. No matter how hard they tried Sharmila seemed to unbeatable.
The community in Pineford was highly amusing and resembled a typical idyllic village community. Everyone knew everyone and more importantly, everyone’s business. You couldn’t sneeze without someone knowing but this community rallied round Sharmila and helped her on her quest.
The romance that blossomed between Zach and Sharmila was inevitable. Whilst they were both concealing things from each other you could feel that chemistry from the start. There were many will they, won’t they moments but I loved how their story played out.
This was a cosy read, with all the Christmas comforts, that got me in the perfect mood for Christmas day!
November 2, 2021
Such a mixed feeling with this one.
On one hand it's a fast read cutesy Christmas themed book. If you're into cheesy Hallmark/Netflix Christmas films then this is a book for you.
But on the other hand it's all painfully predictable, characters are wooden and one-dimentional, everyone is just damn nice, loving and helping Sharmila 5 seconds after knowing her.
Yours truly can overlook many things but even she has her limits.
I'm giving it 3 stars just because when I started reading I felt like I have to finish, and that counts for something.
I received this book from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
On one hand it's a fast read cutesy Christmas themed book. If you're into cheesy Hallmark/Netflix Christmas films then this is a book for you.
But on the other hand it's all painfully predictable, characters are wooden and one-dimentional, everyone is just damn nice, loving and helping Sharmila 5 seconds after knowing her.
Yours truly can overlook many things but even she has her limits.
I'm giving it 3 stars just because when I started reading I felt like I have to finish, and that counts for something.
I received this book from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review
January 14, 2023
Apparently I didn't make any notes at the time I read this, which is unfortunate. Wasn't a hit with me though. *shrugs*
December 23, 2021
Oh my gosh! This book was so adorable gah!
I absolutely adore reading a Christmas book at this time of year (well any time of year tbh) and when I came across this book I just knew it would be one that I would love so I got it and I read it and I’m in complete awe at how amazing it was.
A death of a friend brings an unexpected holiday and tasks (a holiday wish list to be precise) to fulfil during the three weeks Sharmila would be spending in the small town of Pineford.
After befriending Thomas at a cafe and becoming good friends with him and bonding over Christmas movies they each became family to each other. The lists include things they wanted to experience together or what Thomas wanted Sharmila to experience at Christmas.
Not knowing much about their friendship Thomas’ family are suspicious. They know next to nothing about the girl who was left things in Thomas’ will so they hatch up a plan and set it in motion by joining the town of Pineford for Christmas.
What these men don’t realise is just how much Sharmila is different to what they think.
Watching this story progress and the storyline roll out has been so wonderful, I knew without a doubt there would be that one moment where everything would blow up in that guys face but I was invested, I couldn’t stop. Sharmila is an incredible woman, after experiencing what she had and still getting on every day was something else. I loved her character so much.
The only thing I didn’t quite enjoy were the fact her “friends “ were pushy af and didn’t even stop to think what could have went on at the ending part of the book, they took the lie and went with it. Ugh
Other than that it was so much fun to read, so cute and wonderful!
I absolutely adore reading a Christmas book at this time of year (well any time of year tbh) and when I came across this book I just knew it would be one that I would love so I got it and I read it and I’m in complete awe at how amazing it was.
A death of a friend brings an unexpected holiday and tasks (a holiday wish list to be precise) to fulfil during the three weeks Sharmila would be spending in the small town of Pineford.
After befriending Thomas at a cafe and becoming good friends with him and bonding over Christmas movies they each became family to each other. The lists include things they wanted to experience together or what Thomas wanted Sharmila to experience at Christmas.
Not knowing much about their friendship Thomas’ family are suspicious. They know next to nothing about the girl who was left things in Thomas’ will so they hatch up a plan and set it in motion by joining the town of Pineford for Christmas.
What these men don’t realise is just how much Sharmila is different to what they think.
Watching this story progress and the storyline roll out has been so wonderful, I knew without a doubt there would be that one moment where everything would blow up in that guys face but I was invested, I couldn’t stop. Sharmila is an incredible woman, after experiencing what she had and still getting on every day was something else. I loved her character so much.
The only thing I didn’t quite enjoy were the fact her “friends “ were pushy af and didn’t even stop to think what could have went on at the ending part of the book, they took the lie and went with it. Ugh
Other than that it was so much fun to read, so cute and wonderful!
December 30, 2021
What a lovely debut from author Ruby Basu, combining two of my favourite things: my Indian heritage, and Christmas!
Coming from a devout Hindu background, Sharmila's family never celebrated, even though they lived in England. She fed her love of Christmas by watching Christmas Hallmark style movies.
Now, Sharmila has been gifted something she held as one of her biggest wishes: the chance to experience a real American small-town Christmas, but there are conditions attached.
Unaware that her gift is actually part of an inheritance claim, She flies to the US with her best friend Penny and embarks upon a truly magical festive adventure, but there are always going to be flies in the ointment.
Lucas and Zack are not impressed that their uncle has left their family home and controlling shares in the family business to a total stranger. They are going to try their best to overturn this.
But, you know the score. It's a Christmas book. There has to be love, and obstacles, and lots of festive food, right?
It's just the right balance of 'will they/won't they' to create a fun, easy to read festive book!
Coming from a devout Hindu background, Sharmila's family never celebrated, even though they lived in England. She fed her love of Christmas by watching Christmas Hallmark style movies.
Now, Sharmila has been gifted something she held as one of her biggest wishes: the chance to experience a real American small-town Christmas, but there are conditions attached.
Unaware that her gift is actually part of an inheritance claim, She flies to the US with her best friend Penny and embarks upon a truly magical festive adventure, but there are always going to be flies in the ointment.
Lucas and Zack are not impressed that their uncle has left their family home and controlling shares in the family business to a total stranger. They are going to try their best to overturn this.
But, you know the score. It's a Christmas book. There has to be love, and obstacles, and lots of festive food, right?
It's just the right balance of 'will they/won't they' to create a fun, easy to read festive book!
November 13, 2021
With Christmas on its way I was looking forward to reading this book. A bit of Christmas spirit and a bit of fun. And that it was. The story of a friendship between two very unlikely people leads to family, relationship, friendship and even love.
The story of Sharmila and her love of Christmas and Christmas movies and how the death of a friend leads her on a journey of hopes, dreams and Christmas wishes. It tells a great story of peoples reactions to families and how they deal with inheritances and what they think is rightfully theirs. It tells a tale of acceptance and of how a small town becomes dear to someone who never thought these type of friendships would be made in a short period of time.
Of course there is a bit of a love story in there but what I enjoyed was picturing the Christmas celebrations, the fun, the snow, the lights and decorations. It just brings joy thinking about Christmases past. It is a lot of fun but it does tell a story and the characters are well thought out. Even though there are quite a few characters they all fit well within the story.
My only complaint is that it was a bit long and drawn out and at times repetitive so if it had been a bit shorter I would have enjoyed it much more. All in all a fun book to read and enjoy before the rush of Christmas is upon us. I'd would give it 3 1/2 stars.
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas
Ruby Basu
Harper Collins Uk
The story of Sharmila and her love of Christmas and Christmas movies and how the death of a friend leads her on a journey of hopes, dreams and Christmas wishes. It tells a great story of peoples reactions to families and how they deal with inheritances and what they think is rightfully theirs. It tells a tale of acceptance and of how a small town becomes dear to someone who never thought these type of friendships would be made in a short period of time.
Of course there is a bit of a love story in there but what I enjoyed was picturing the Christmas celebrations, the fun, the snow, the lights and decorations. It just brings joy thinking about Christmases past. It is a lot of fun but it does tell a story and the characters are well thought out. Even though there are quite a few characters they all fit well within the story.
My only complaint is that it was a bit long and drawn out and at times repetitive so if it had been a bit shorter I would have enjoyed it much more. All in all a fun book to read and enjoy before the rush of Christmas is upon us. I'd would give it 3 1/2 stars.
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas
Ruby Basu
Harper Collins Uk
December 7, 2022
A nice cosy Christmas read. I enjoyed this story but didn’t struggle to connect to some of the characters.
I did enjoy reading about the setting, the Christmassy descriptions and wonderfully stereotypical Christmas activities.
I felt the pace was slightly off for me. It dipped in the middle and felt that the ending was a little rushed!
I’ve gone with a 3/5 rating as it was pleasant enough.
I did enjoy reading about the setting, the Christmassy descriptions and wonderfully stereotypical Christmas activities.
I felt the pace was slightly off for me. It dipped in the middle and felt that the ending was a little rushed!
I’ve gone with a 3/5 rating as it was pleasant enough.
December 29, 2022
An easy, low angst, cute read……
November 27, 2021
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a wonderful Christmas read.
It is slightly different to other Christmas reads but does have all the hallmarks of Christmas with a wonderful twist in the tale.
The characters are well developed and you just want to be there.
It really does leave you with a feel good feeling.
This is a wonderful Christmas read.
It is slightly different to other Christmas reads but does have all the hallmarks of Christmas with a wonderful twist in the tale.
The characters are well developed and you just want to be there.
It really does leave you with a feel good feeling.
December 15, 2021
Very unusual and beautifully written festive read, I loved Sharmila and the wonderful people of Pineford that came together to help her complete her wishes. I wanted to slap Lucas, Izzy and Zach senseless but they behaved like I suspect many of us would, the unknown beneficiary treated with suspicion, I loved this gorgeous book
October 29, 2021
Oh my goodness how lucky is main protagonist Sharmila being left a custom made Christmas holiday in a small US town?! Full of giggles, gorgeous men and gladness, this is definitely a story to make you smile and put you in the festive spirit. Sharmila finds out a lot about who she really is and develops her confidence whilst completing the 12 wishes task she’s been set and I enjoyed the fact that she is almost as clumsy as I am! A romance yes, but the book has much to say about community, giving and the true spirit of Christmas.
December 24, 2022
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas is the book world's answer to a classic Christmas Hallmark movie! The story follows main character Sharmila on a mission to complete a truly magical Christmas wishlist.
📚📚📚
British lawyer Sharmila is given a Christmas trip to small-town America in the will of a much-loved friend, Thomas. She is looking forward to building gingerbread houses and living the Christmas of her dreams. What Sharmila doesn't know is that her gift includes much more than a holiday wishlist, and some of Thomas's family are prepared to do whatever it takes to stop her from inheriting his fortune and business power.
📚📚📚
As Sharmila works to complete a list of fun Christmas activities, she learns how to overcome grief and build new friendships - and maybe a romance too! The holiday season is the perfect chance for Sharmila to achieve a movie-worthy adventure.
📚📚📚
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas is perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies. Don't forget a hot chocolate and fresh Christmas shortbread!
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Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with this eARC.
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For more bookish content, follow me on Instagram!
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British lawyer Sharmila is given a Christmas trip to small-town America in the will of a much-loved friend, Thomas. She is looking forward to building gingerbread houses and living the Christmas of her dreams. What Sharmila doesn't know is that her gift includes much more than a holiday wishlist, and some of Thomas's family are prepared to do whatever it takes to stop her from inheriting his fortune and business power.
📚📚📚
As Sharmila works to complete a list of fun Christmas activities, she learns how to overcome grief and build new friendships - and maybe a romance too! The holiday season is the perfect chance for Sharmila to achieve a movie-worthy adventure.
📚📚📚
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas is perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies. Don't forget a hot chocolate and fresh Christmas shortbread!
📚📚📚
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with this eARC.
📚📚📚
For more bookish content, follow me on Instagram!
September 22, 2021
This is a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book.
In England Sharmila bonds with Thomas, who is older and American, over their love of Christmas films. When he dies he bequeaths her a holiday of a lifetime to spend three weeks in Pineford, the small town he grew up in, to experience a Christmas like in the films. He leaves her a list of Christmas activities to do with some conditions.
Throw in some plotting from Thomas's nephews who are upset with the conditions of his will, the essential love interest, snow lots of it and some cute Christmas moments.
With Sharmila being from Indian parentage it touches on her heritage along with racism and stereotypes but most of all on her love for Christmas and you can't help but see it through her eyes and get caught up in the wonder of it all.
If you love cheesy Christmas films (who doesn't?!) you will love this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC.
In England Sharmila bonds with Thomas, who is older and American, over their love of Christmas films. When he dies he bequeaths her a holiday of a lifetime to spend three weeks in Pineford, the small town he grew up in, to experience a Christmas like in the films. He leaves her a list of Christmas activities to do with some conditions.
Throw in some plotting from Thomas's nephews who are upset with the conditions of his will, the essential love interest, snow lots of it and some cute Christmas moments.
With Sharmila being from Indian parentage it touches on her heritage along with racism and stereotypes but most of all on her love for Christmas and you can't help but see it through her eyes and get caught up in the wonder of it all.
If you love cheesy Christmas films (who doesn't?!) you will love this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC.
November 2, 2021
I had really high hopes for this book. The concept was really cute. But overall, this book just didn’t do it for me. When it comes to a Christmas Romance, I’m looking for a quick and easy read. With this book the chemistry of Sharmila and Zach seemed forced. There was no easy going banter. And the whole thing just moved a bit slow for me. It also didn’t help that the story had about as much heat as a Hallmark movie.
The supporting characters also didn’t feel very realistic or genuine. Everyone was a bit too kind and supportive.
Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me after making it over halfway. I’d hoped the story would pick up. But I just don’t think this one is for me.
The supporting characters also didn’t feel very realistic or genuine. Everyone was a bit too kind and supportive.
Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me after making it over halfway. I’d hoped the story would pick up. But I just don’t think this one is for me.
October 18, 2022
Sharmila Mitra is a young British woman whose parents are from India, and have now moved back. Sharmila is a lawyer, who had been practicing family law. After the death of her fiancé, Hari, who had lied to her about where he would be, she just can't o it anymore. She can't be objective with or about her clients. She takes a leave of absence, after which she is transferred to a different role in the firm--and from Birmingham to London.
But while she was on sabbatical, she visited her aunt and helped out at her café. One day in July, she was working at the café, and had Christmas movies on. Soppy, romantic, Hallmark movies. An older American man came in, seeming rather sad, and she took his order. The movie on at the moment caught his eye, and they started talking--especially about her fascination with American Christmas as portrayed in those movies. Her own family doesn't celebrate Christmas at all, being Hindu.
Their friendship continues, but she doesn't know he's terminally ill. Thomas does come from exactly the sort of small town featured in the Christmas movies, and he's decided he wants to give her a wonderful, unmatchable gift. Back at home in the US, he writes his will.
With her transfer to London coming up, she has three weeks vacation, and when he dies, she learns of Thomas's gift to her. A three-week, all expenses paid visit to Pineford, over Christmas. The vacation includes bringing a friend, and her friend Penny accompanies her.
She doesn't find out until she arrives and meets with Thomas's lawyer that she's only spending the first night in the hotel. After that, she's staying in Holly House, Thomas's recently repurchased childhood home. There's also Thomas's list of Christmas wishes, which if she completes all of them, she'll get a large donation to a charity of her choice. If she doesn't complete all the wishes, or if she tells anyone about the donation, it won't happen.
It's almost too much.
But Sharmila doesn't know the half of it.
Unfortunately, Thomas's nephews and niece have found out part of it. Lucas, Zack, and Izzy know that if they can't find a way to prevent her from completing the wishes, Sharmila will also inherit Holly House, and two voting shares of Thomas's company, giving her the decisive vote if Izzy and Lucas, who will inherit the rest of the shares equally, can't agree on important decisions.
Sharmila knows nothing of this. Lucas, Izzy, and Zack know nothing of the donation, and they assume in any case that Sharmila scammed a lonely, ailing man. Zack is no longer involved in the company, but Izzy's his sister, Lucas is his cousin, and he believes his mother wants to live in Holly House again.
Lucas and Zack have returned to thwart Sharmila from getting her inheritance. And Lucas and Zack are drop dead gorgeous. Lucas is charming, and Zack is interesting.
But Sharmila is absolutely, positively, no ifs, no buts, not going to open herself up to being hurt again, after Hari. Penny wants her to open herself up again.
Sharmila and Penny have fun, have frustrations, and make friends in Pineford, who, to Lucas and Zack's bewilderment and frustration, are eager and inventive in helping her complete the wishes. Sharmila also experiences some race-based suspicion and hostility, but that's not new.
And Zack starts having doubts about the "scheming, conniving woman taking advantage of Uncle Thomas" version of events. More and more, it just doesn't seem to match Sharmila. Yet he still doesn't want her to have the shares, or Holly House.
It's fun, romantic, and a lovely Christmas story.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
But while she was on sabbatical, she visited her aunt and helped out at her café. One day in July, she was working at the café, and had Christmas movies on. Soppy, romantic, Hallmark movies. An older American man came in, seeming rather sad, and she took his order. The movie on at the moment caught his eye, and they started talking--especially about her fascination with American Christmas as portrayed in those movies. Her own family doesn't celebrate Christmas at all, being Hindu.
Their friendship continues, but she doesn't know he's terminally ill. Thomas does come from exactly the sort of small town featured in the Christmas movies, and he's decided he wants to give her a wonderful, unmatchable gift. Back at home in the US, he writes his will.
With her transfer to London coming up, she has three weeks vacation, and when he dies, she learns of Thomas's gift to her. A three-week, all expenses paid visit to Pineford, over Christmas. The vacation includes bringing a friend, and her friend Penny accompanies her.
She doesn't find out until she arrives and meets with Thomas's lawyer that she's only spending the first night in the hotel. After that, she's staying in Holly House, Thomas's recently repurchased childhood home. There's also Thomas's list of Christmas wishes, which if she completes all of them, she'll get a large donation to a charity of her choice. If she doesn't complete all the wishes, or if she tells anyone about the donation, it won't happen.
It's almost too much.
But Sharmila doesn't know the half of it.
Unfortunately, Thomas's nephews and niece have found out part of it. Lucas, Zack, and Izzy know that if they can't find a way to prevent her from completing the wishes, Sharmila will also inherit Holly House, and two voting shares of Thomas's company, giving her the decisive vote if Izzy and Lucas, who will inherit the rest of the shares equally, can't agree on important decisions.
Sharmila knows nothing of this. Lucas, Izzy, and Zack know nothing of the donation, and they assume in any case that Sharmila scammed a lonely, ailing man. Zack is no longer involved in the company, but Izzy's his sister, Lucas is his cousin, and he believes his mother wants to live in Holly House again.
Lucas and Zack have returned to thwart Sharmila from getting her inheritance. And Lucas and Zack are drop dead gorgeous. Lucas is charming, and Zack is interesting.
But Sharmila is absolutely, positively, no ifs, no buts, not going to open herself up to being hurt again, after Hari. Penny wants her to open herself up again.
Sharmila and Penny have fun, have frustrations, and make friends in Pineford, who, to Lucas and Zack's bewilderment and frustration, are eager and inventive in helping her complete the wishes. Sharmila also experiences some race-based suspicion and hostility, but that's not new.
And Zack starts having doubts about the "scheming, conniving woman taking advantage of Uncle Thomas" version of events. More and more, it just doesn't seem to match Sharmila. Yet he still doesn't want her to have the shares, or Holly House.
It's fun, romantic, and a lovely Christmas story.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 27, 2022
"Something about his loneliness, his sorrow, and his distant expression spoke to her."
An unusual friendship to many, but a friendship like no other. Sharmila, young qualified divorce lawyer of Asian descent, and Thomas, a middle aged, widowed, business owner from America, become the best of friends. Sharmila is distraught to learn of the passing of her late friend Thomas, but, Thomas leaves sharmilla with the most thoughtgful and heartwarming Christmas gift. Knowing how much Sharmila loves Christmas, Thomas compiles a Christmas list full of activities for Sharmila to complete in his childhood home of Pinewood. The activities Thomas has compiled for Sharmila, do however have a stipulation, she must complete them all in order to be gifted a sizable donation for her chosen charity - but this is not the whole truth.
Thomas' gift to Sharmila is a share in his family business & deeds to the family home. Thomas' niece & nephews however, are extremely disappointed in their late Uncle's choices, & set about to sabotage Sharmila & foil her attempts at completing her Christmas list activities.
Now, this was definitely not my favorite Christmas theme book, and it will definitely be making its way to my local charity shop once I have the energy to go outside. It had potential, but I found that it was really lacking in the following;
Sharmila's boyfriend died of a brain aneurysm, and she found it extremely hard to cope after his death. I believe that the author should have done more to highlight these difficulties throughout her stay at Pinewood. I don't think that Sharmila's anxiety & weariness in meeting new people was explored well by the author, and once the reason was confirmed I'd already lost interest.
The romantic connection between Zach & Sharmila, was not it for me. One minute they were distant, the next she's planning a life with him in her dreams. How Sway? There was not enough dialogue to demonstrate the growing feelings between the two of them.
There were too many Christmas wishes & I ended up skipping pages as my interest was nosediving rapidly.
It was ok.
⭐️⭐️
An unusual friendship to many, but a friendship like no other. Sharmila, young qualified divorce lawyer of Asian descent, and Thomas, a middle aged, widowed, business owner from America, become the best of friends. Sharmila is distraught to learn of the passing of her late friend Thomas, but, Thomas leaves sharmilla with the most thoughtgful and heartwarming Christmas gift. Knowing how much Sharmila loves Christmas, Thomas compiles a Christmas list full of activities for Sharmila to complete in his childhood home of Pinewood. The activities Thomas has compiled for Sharmila, do however have a stipulation, she must complete them all in order to be gifted a sizable donation for her chosen charity - but this is not the whole truth.
Thomas' gift to Sharmila is a share in his family business & deeds to the family home. Thomas' niece & nephews however, are extremely disappointed in their late Uncle's choices, & set about to sabotage Sharmila & foil her attempts at completing her Christmas list activities.
Now, this was definitely not my favorite Christmas theme book, and it will definitely be making its way to my local charity shop once I have the energy to go outside. It had potential, but I found that it was really lacking in the following;
Sharmila's boyfriend died of a brain aneurysm, and she found it extremely hard to cope after his death. I believe that the author should have done more to highlight these difficulties throughout her stay at Pinewood. I don't think that Sharmila's anxiety & weariness in meeting new people was explored well by the author, and once the reason was confirmed I'd already lost interest.
The romantic connection between Zach & Sharmila, was not it for me. One minute they were distant, the next she's planning a life with him in her dreams. How Sway? There was not enough dialogue to demonstrate the growing feelings between the two of them.
There were too many Christmas wishes & I ended up skipping pages as my interest was nosediving rapidly.
It was ok.
⭐️⭐️
October 7, 2022
The Twelve Wishes Of Christmas by Ruby Basu is the most delightful contemporary novel that will warm your heart. It is definitely Christmas wrapped up in a book. As you snuggle into its pages, you will feel the warmth and love.
Christmas is snow and candy canes, Christmas trees and hot chocolate, peace and goodwill. Christmas is The Twelve Wishes Of Christmas. It is positively charming and I am sorry it is over.
All the characters were warm and welcoming. There was a wonderful community atmosphere that helped to divert potential disasters.
Christmas is a time for family. Not all family is blood related. Sometimes family are those with whom we have a connection. Age is no barrier. Distance is no barrier. Connection remains even beyond the grave as we look back with fond memories.
Loss affects people differently. When we lose someone we love, sometimes we never get over them. We must not miss out on life by walling up our hearts.
Ruby Basu has wonderfully descriptive passages enabling the book to come to life. I absolutely ‘lived’ the novel as I ‘saw’ the winter wonderland, almost tasting the hot chocolate as I ‘experienced’ a small-town American Christmas.
This would make a fabulous Hallmark movie.
The Twelve Wishes Of Christmas really is Christmas in a book. If you only read one Christmas book this year, make sure this is it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Christmas is snow and candy canes, Christmas trees and hot chocolate, peace and goodwill. Christmas is The Twelve Wishes Of Christmas. It is positively charming and I am sorry it is over.
All the characters were warm and welcoming. There was a wonderful community atmosphere that helped to divert potential disasters.
Christmas is a time for family. Not all family is blood related. Sometimes family are those with whom we have a connection. Age is no barrier. Distance is no barrier. Connection remains even beyond the grave as we look back with fond memories.
Loss affects people differently. When we lose someone we love, sometimes we never get over them. We must not miss out on life by walling up our hearts.
Ruby Basu has wonderfully descriptive passages enabling the book to come to life. I absolutely ‘lived’ the novel as I ‘saw’ the winter wonderland, almost tasting the hot chocolate as I ‘experienced’ a small-town American Christmas.
This would make a fabulous Hallmark movie.
The Twelve Wishes Of Christmas really is Christmas in a book. If you only read one Christmas book this year, make sure this is it.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2022
Christmas/festive seasons – check!
Friendship and community – check!
Heartwarming romance – check!
The 12 wishes of Christmas has everything you could want from a small town, festive romance novel. The setting and characters are wonderful and it’s just the perfect novel to get all snuggly with on a cold night.
Sharmila’s (from the UK) has a wish to experience a small town, American Christmas. When this wish is granted by a very dear friend, Sharmila finds herself spending a whole month in Pineford but it isn’t long before she finds out there is more to the gift than she first thought.
Pineford sounds like a wonderful place to spend Christmas and I must admit – Sharmila’s wish is one that I would share. I loved the community feel, picturesque scenery and all the activities that Sharmila has to participate in to fulfil her wishes and I really wanted to be part of them.
Sharmila is a lovely character and really deserved happiness in whatever form that may be. I love the idea of good things coming to her and how she has to earn them. Zach was an interesting character and I wasn’t always keen on his behaviour and choices. The more you learn about him though, the more his motivations become apparent and he did grow on me a lot.
This is just one of those stories that are needed sometimes at the end of a rubbish week or when you really need something uplifting and smile inducing. It’s a fabulous, heartwarming tale and I loved it.
Friendship and community – check!
Heartwarming romance – check!
The 12 wishes of Christmas has everything you could want from a small town, festive romance novel. The setting and characters are wonderful and it’s just the perfect novel to get all snuggly with on a cold night.
Sharmila’s (from the UK) has a wish to experience a small town, American Christmas. When this wish is granted by a very dear friend, Sharmila finds herself spending a whole month in Pineford but it isn’t long before she finds out there is more to the gift than she first thought.
Pineford sounds like a wonderful place to spend Christmas and I must admit – Sharmila’s wish is one that I would share. I loved the community feel, picturesque scenery and all the activities that Sharmila has to participate in to fulfil her wishes and I really wanted to be part of them.
Sharmila is a lovely character and really deserved happiness in whatever form that may be. I love the idea of good things coming to her and how she has to earn them. Zach was an interesting character and I wasn’t always keen on his behaviour and choices. The more you learn about him though, the more his motivations become apparent and he did grow on me a lot.
This is just one of those stories that are needed sometimes at the end of a rubbish week or when you really need something uplifting and smile inducing. It’s a fabulous, heartwarming tale and I loved it.
August 29, 2022
This book is totally swoon worthy.
A quick read, I did not put it down until I'd finished the lot.
It's a gorgeous tale, which I think would be made even better when snuggled under a blanket with a glass of mulled wine (maybe I'll re-read it in months to come).
What I'd describe as a rom-com, there is plenty of love and lust held within the pages of this book.
But what Basu does well is actually tell a meaningful story alongside the budding romance.
The main characters each have fairly detailed back-stories and this made the emotions quite strong and I really felt the extremes from excitement to melancholy. And the supporting cast added so much more, the community of Pineford were an absolute delight. I wouldn't mind living there myself, even if everyone does seem to know everyone else's business.
In the book Sharmila loves to watch those cheesy Christmas movies and I guess this is how this comes across - and I am a huge fan.
I'm a total Xmas lover and I found myself fully immersed in all of the activities that culminated in Sharmila's twelve wishes.
The question is do they all come true?
Of course they do silly!
Everyone wants a happily ever after in the snow.
Cosy and amusing, The Twelve Wishes of Christmas offers Hallmark idealism and as a debut novel, it really gave me positive feels.
A quick read, I did not put it down until I'd finished the lot.
It's a gorgeous tale, which I think would be made even better when snuggled under a blanket with a glass of mulled wine (maybe I'll re-read it in months to come).
What I'd describe as a rom-com, there is plenty of love and lust held within the pages of this book.
But what Basu does well is actually tell a meaningful story alongside the budding romance.
The main characters each have fairly detailed back-stories and this made the emotions quite strong and I really felt the extremes from excitement to melancholy. And the supporting cast added so much more, the community of Pineford were an absolute delight. I wouldn't mind living there myself, even if everyone does seem to know everyone else's business.
In the book Sharmila loves to watch those cheesy Christmas movies and I guess this is how this comes across - and I am a huge fan.
I'm a total Xmas lover and I found myself fully immersed in all of the activities that culminated in Sharmila's twelve wishes.
The question is do they all come true?
Of course they do silly!
Everyone wants a happily ever after in the snow.
Cosy and amusing, The Twelve Wishes of Christmas offers Hallmark idealism and as a debut novel, it really gave me positive feels.
October 12, 2021
Oh Jeez, so happy to have finally finished the book. I actually really am not sure, why I’ve read it till the end instead of DNF-ing it. I was probably waiting for something to happen. Instead I’ve got a story full of clichés, so sweet that my teeth actually started to ache, with characters so wooden and unrealistic that I couldn’t believe it myself. The name Sharmila will follow me to the grave, as every second sentence started with “Sharmila”. Sharmila this, Sharmila that, Sharmila was soooooo nice and a whole town loved her even when they didn’t know her. Gah. The nice try of stirring some troubles by introducing one racist character was so obvious and absolutely didn’t work.
I couldn’t warm to the characters. They were all sooooo nice, understanding and lovely. They didn’t feel realistic, the way they acted was not genuine.
This whole story and plot simply didn’t work for me. It was so forced and overdone, very repetitive and the “cliffhangers” the chapters ended with made me roll my eyes. It felt like a Hallmark film, actually, so sweet and with happy ending, and with will they/won’t they and as much as I wanted to like it, with every page that I turned I felt more and more bored. In the end I skim – read it.
October 13, 2021
Sharmila finds out that a late friend that she had made, Thomas, gifted her a holiday in small town America in his will that she had always dreamed about. As part of the bequest she has to fulfill twelve wishes, after which she will receive a large donation to give to charity. Along with her best friend Penny she immerses herself in Christmas in the small town, however there is opposition from Thomas's family who thinks that she is just after the money.
Think Hallmark Christmas movies and you will get the basis of the book, with references to movies that I have seen popping up throughout. If you don't enjoy such movies this might not be the book for you, however if you love them like me just shout back and enjoy. It doesn't whitewash the downsides of being in a small community, Sharmila does encounter some racism due to her Indian heritage, but also shows that most people are accepting and interested in her quest. An ideal read in the run up to Christmas, although if you're like me you also watch the Christmas movies in July you can enjoy it anytime..
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I also purchased it on release.
Think Hallmark Christmas movies and you will get the basis of the book, with references to movies that I have seen popping up throughout. If you don't enjoy such movies this might not be the book for you, however if you love them like me just shout back and enjoy. It doesn't whitewash the downsides of being in a small community, Sharmila does encounter some racism due to her Indian heritage, but also shows that most people are accepting and interested in her quest. An ideal read in the run up to Christmas, although if you're like me you also watch the Christmas movies in July you can enjoy it anytime..
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I also purchased it on release.
January 23, 2022
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas
By Ruby Basu
I really enjoyed twelve wishes of Christmas, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in this novel. Sharmila and Zach are such easy and lovable characters. I loved that she had to complete different wishes, and she got her dream of having an American Christmas. It was predictable but easily lovable how the characters came together. I didn’t care for a few of the characters but thankfully they weren’t in the book much. This book kept me hooked with its easy Christmas cheer and small-town love. The whole town gathered around her to help, and you don’t get that much anymore.
I really enjoyed how it showed how Sharmila had a hard time with everyone’s question about her heritage and inappropriate comments, and Sharmila handled herself she didn’t get mad she just smiled and answered and handled it with dignity.
In the end them wrapping it up with the final wish and having shared a kiss finally was the perfect ending. It is of course hallmark vibes, but I think any Christmas book gives the hallmark vibes, but I really want this book to become a hallmark movie.
I want to thank NetGalley and HQ Stories
I just reviewed The Twelve Wishes of Christmas by Ruby Basu. #TheTwelveWishesofChristmas #NetGalley
By Ruby Basu
I really enjoyed twelve wishes of Christmas, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in this novel. Sharmila and Zach are such easy and lovable characters. I loved that she had to complete different wishes, and she got her dream of having an American Christmas. It was predictable but easily lovable how the characters came together. I didn’t care for a few of the characters but thankfully they weren’t in the book much. This book kept me hooked with its easy Christmas cheer and small-town love. The whole town gathered around her to help, and you don’t get that much anymore.
I really enjoyed how it showed how Sharmila had a hard time with everyone’s question about her heritage and inappropriate comments, and Sharmila handled herself she didn’t get mad she just smiled and answered and handled it with dignity.
In the end them wrapping it up with the final wish and having shared a kiss finally was the perfect ending. It is of course hallmark vibes, but I think any Christmas book gives the hallmark vibes, but I really want this book to become a hallmark movie.
I want to thank NetGalley and HQ Stories
I just reviewed The Twelve Wishes of Christmas by Ruby Basu. #TheTwelveWishesofChristmas #NetGalley
July 27, 2022
The Twelve Wishes of Christmas
Ruby Basu
Rating 🎄🎄🎄🎄
Review
A book worthy enough to be used for Hallmark Christmas movie script!! I loved the story and the direction of the story, the cover is beautiful and attractive, the title adds the hint of intrigue element to bring in the necessary audience!
The storyline is a bit on the predicable side filled with a gazillion cliches but that's what makes this book hallmark worthy! Yes there are a lot of cliches but you'll still love it so so much! The book revolves around the spirit of Christmas and the beauty of small town, I mean you must be a grinch if you don't love this book 😜
Sharmila is given a trip of a lifetime and is set to inherent a company but no family would just give up THEIR inheritance to a stranger now would they, so the family send two men after her and she ends up falling for one of them!
This book is such a cute small town romance which will definitely build up your Christmas spirit and for those who love small town romances this book will be a definite five star read, the plot is predictable but very well developed, the Christmassy moments in the book are sweet and the characters are lovable, Overall a book I imagine every Christmas addict sitting by the fire to read even if it's not Christmas!
Ruby Basu
Rating 🎄🎄🎄🎄
Review
A book worthy enough to be used for Hallmark Christmas movie script!! I loved the story and the direction of the story, the cover is beautiful and attractive, the title adds the hint of intrigue element to bring in the necessary audience!
The storyline is a bit on the predicable side filled with a gazillion cliches but that's what makes this book hallmark worthy! Yes there are a lot of cliches but you'll still love it so so much! The book revolves around the spirit of Christmas and the beauty of small town, I mean you must be a grinch if you don't love this book 😜
Sharmila is given a trip of a lifetime and is set to inherent a company but no family would just give up THEIR inheritance to a stranger now would they, so the family send two men after her and she ends up falling for one of them!
This book is such a cute small town romance which will definitely build up your Christmas spirit and for those who love small town romances this book will be a definite five star read, the plot is predictable but very well developed, the Christmassy moments in the book are sweet and the characters are lovable, Overall a book I imagine every Christmas addict sitting by the fire to read even if it's not Christmas!
October 14, 2021
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ at Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this book.
Sharmila has been gifted the chance to have a true American christmas and she can't wait. A dear departed friend arranged it all for her and left her a list of wishes she must fulfil before the end of the year. If she does a large donation will be made to a charity. She goes along with it meeting Thomas' nephew but he, his sister and cousin set out to stop her at all costs. Can Sharmila fulfil her challenge.
This is my first festive romance this year and i loved it. I am such a sucker for these stories. Yes you know how they will end and yet you still find yourself worried it might not. The plot is a slow burn but its so readable. I loved the idea of the wishes and as a fan of those Christmas romance movies like Sharmila, it was perfect. The ending was beautiful and finished the story as I wanted it to. Sharmila is so likeable, she's going through quite a bit but you just want her to succeed. I liked the romance that follows the story but at heart its the friendship between Thomas and Sharmila that really steals the show. A beautiful festive romance.
Sharmila has been gifted the chance to have a true American christmas and she can't wait. A dear departed friend arranged it all for her and left her a list of wishes she must fulfil before the end of the year. If she does a large donation will be made to a charity. She goes along with it meeting Thomas' nephew but he, his sister and cousin set out to stop her at all costs. Can Sharmila fulfil her challenge.
This is my first festive romance this year and i loved it. I am such a sucker for these stories. Yes you know how they will end and yet you still find yourself worried it might not. The plot is a slow burn but its so readable. I loved the idea of the wishes and as a fan of those Christmas romance movies like Sharmila, it was perfect. The ending was beautiful and finished the story as I wanted it to. Sharmila is so likeable, she's going through quite a bit but you just want her to succeed. I liked the romance that follows the story but at heart its the friendship between Thomas and Sharmila that really steals the show. A beautiful festive romance.
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