What do you think?
Rate this book
Only Twelve Days
This heart-warming story is set in a time when computers and mobile phones were still in their infancy...
It is almost Christmas – one of the most wonderful times of the year. Nearly everyone is eagerly looking forward to spending the festive season with their loved ones. Children see it as a magical time. A time when wishes come true and longed for gifts miraculously appear under the Christmas tree.
But what about those who are facing Christmas alone? When Christmas means nothing more to them than working from home, rather than the office or the college?
Bill and Sally are two such people. Both are shy and rather lonely; both left behind when the rest of the country was caught up in the changes of the swinging sixties. Will they avoid the holiday season, as they usually do and spend it alone? Or, this year, just for a change, will Christmas catch up with them?
Though this story is set during the run up to Christmas, it is a tender love story to be enjoyed at any time of the year
It is almost Christmas – one of the most wonderful times of the year. Nearly everyone is eagerly looking forward to spending the festive season with their loved ones. Children see it as a magical time. A time when wishes come true and longed for gifts miraculously appear under the Christmas tree.
But what about those who are facing Christmas alone? When Christmas means nothing more to them than working from home, rather than the office or the college?
Bill and Sally are two such people. Both are shy and rather lonely; both left behind when the rest of the country was caught up in the changes of the swinging sixties. Will they avoid the holiday season, as they usually do and spend it alone? Or, this year, just for a change, will Christmas catch up with them?
Though this story is set during the run up to Christmas, it is a tender love story to be enjoyed at any time of the year
Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
17 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Thornton
24 books126 followersSince beginning a comprehensive writing course with The Writers Bureau in 2001, my articles and short stories have been published in a variety of magazines. These include Heritage, Scottish Field, The Lady and People’s Friend. In 2005 a couple of my short stories were included in two quite different anthologies. The first story was in an International Anthology, published in June, while the second appeared in Café Ole – Too Hot To Handle, which was launched in Glasgow during August.
My debut novel, The Trojan Project, an action thriller, was published at the end of May 2008 by Austin & Macauley Publishers Ltd. Now my novel is to be re-published in the USA later this year with a brand new cover. Details of my novel can be found on my website. www.eileenthornton.co.uk I also review books for newbooks a bi-monthly magazine informing the public of new books on the shelves.
I am a member of the Society of Authors, the Society of Women Writer’s and Journalists, The Edinburgh Writer’s Club, The Borders Writer’s Forum, Mystery Women and The Melrose Literary Society, as well as being an Associate Member of NAWG (National Association of Writers Groups).
My debut novel, The Trojan Project, an action thriller, was published at the end of May 2008 by Austin & Macauley Publishers Ltd. Now my novel is to be re-published in the USA later this year with a brand new cover. Details of my novel can be found on my website. www.eileenthornton.co.uk I also review books for newbooks a bi-monthly magazine informing the public of new books on the shelves.
I am a member of the Society of Authors, the Society of Women Writer’s and Journalists, The Edinburgh Writer’s Club, The Borders Writer’s Forum, Mystery Women and The Melrose Literary Society, as well as being an Associate Member of NAWG (National Association of Writers Groups).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 31, 2019
Sarà che il mio spirito natalizio somiglia molto a quello del Grinch, ma questa storia non mi ha entusiasmata più di tanto.
Un istant-love eccessivamente istant per i miei gusti, ma si sa, a Natale tutto è possibile.
Diciamoci la verità, il colpo di fulmine ci sta, in alcuni casi l'ho trovato piacevole, ma un unico sguardo per dire di essere innamorati, mi sembra eccessivo.
Carina la lettera del bambino che a Babbo Natale chiede una nuova mamma, ma perde di consistenza perché, pouf!, la mamma in 12 giorni è già impacchettata sotto l'albero. Ah, ma è Natale, è tutto possibile! E allora sarà proprio il mio spirito natalizio che è carente che mi ha fatto trovare questa storia inverosimile ed eccessivamente stucchevole, ma, visto che siamo tutti più buoni, premio l'ottima traduzione e l'assenza di refusi, donando 3 stelle. Forse non sono proprio come il Grinch...
Un istant-love eccessivamente istant per i miei gusti, ma si sa, a Natale tutto è possibile.
Diciamoci la verità, il colpo di fulmine ci sta, in alcuni casi l'ho trovato piacevole, ma un unico sguardo per dire di essere innamorati, mi sembra eccessivo.
Carina la lettera del bambino che a Babbo Natale chiede una nuova mamma, ma perde di consistenza perché, pouf!, la mamma in 12 giorni è già impacchettata sotto l'albero. Ah, ma è Natale, è tutto possibile! E allora sarà proprio il mio spirito natalizio che è carente che mi ha fatto trovare questa storia inverosimile ed eccessivamente stucchevole, ma, visto che siamo tutti più buoni, premio l'ottima traduzione e l'assenza di refusi, donando 3 stelle. Forse non sono proprio come il Grinch...
November 22, 2013
Only Twelve Days: Eileen Thornton
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is a new mommy. Can you get me one?
Love,
Joey
Joey Roberts and all of the children in his nursery class are writing special letters to Santa. Sally Hughes is covering for her ailing friend and realizes what Joey has written. Rather than make a big fuss she brilliantly says she will post his letter along with the rest. Can Santa fill his request? Can Santa bring two people magically together? You just never know!
Bill Roberts is Joey’s father who is a workaholic and never seems to have enough time for anything else. While all of the other children have been collected, Joey remains with Sally waiting for her father who is constantly late. As she begins to stew just a little she does not want Joey to feel that she is angry with him and the two seem to bond from the start. Inquisitive you have to give this child tons of credit as he seems to interview her for a candidate for mother even without realizing it.
Bill Roberts is a good looking man and when he finally arrives something happens between him and Sally that sets off a chain of events that will definitely make you wonder: Is Santa watching?
Bill feels he owes Sally something for remaining with Joey and invites her for pizza after she closes up the school and surprisingly Joey is thrilled. But, Bill is apprehensive and not sure how to proceed so he takes the easy way out you might say by taking Joey out of school for a week to spend it with his grandparents. Although this was preplanned he hoped to return him after her ailing friend would return. But, you know fate and you know that sometimes things do not always pan out the way you predicted.
When Sally mentions Bill to her friend Jo, the reaction she gets is anything but positive and makes her wonder why she is still her friend. Where as Colin, Bill’s best friend gives him the encouraging green light but will he take it or will he wait until it turns red and it is too late?
Work seems to consume them both but for some reason they cannot get away from thinking about each other so which one will make that call first and who will decide to take that once in a lifetime chance? Getting to know Bill we learn more about the stress and pressures he faces at work and what happens when things become overwhelming. Dealing with his son at one point he even loses his cool even though it is out of character. Meeting the people he works with you begin to wonder more about Alan, his devotion to trying to be the best he can, why he is so insecure around Bill, and why he cannot seem to focus when Sally is not around. Deep within him he seems to fear failure as Sally tells her parents about Bill and the reaction is surprising and mirrors that of her friend Jo. Just where will this all wind up and will it unravel?
With both sets of parents yet to meet both Bill and Sally reactions are varied and tempers will flare. When Sally explains meeting Bill her parent’s reactions are quite startling but when meeting him will it change? The magic of Christmas is in the air and within 12 days will they manage to create something special or will this just be an illusion?
When Bill finally tells his parents about Sally what will their reaction be? One inquisitive little five year boy who asks so many questions you won’t believe that he is only five. Wanting answer and getting some will he accept Sally or not?
Both Colin and Bill work together but watch what happens when someone has too much to drink, information is leaked and a friendships is tested as author Eileen Thornton takes us inside the world of Finance, the corporate world where deals are made, people are not always what they seem and some appear over anxious. We meet Colin who is in second command and works closely with Bill. We meet Alan who seems quite adept at understanding figures and unsure of himself in Bill’s presence and of course Vera or Miss Anderson, Bill’s loyal secretary who runs it all you might say.
Only Twelve Days: Counting down to the final one where everyone can open their presents and find out what they are going to get. While Joey takes out his calendar and opens each flap getting ready to have his presents revealed will Santa answer his letter? Will he deliver what he wants?
When families unite and people come together sometimes one remark can change it all. Will Joey get a Mummy for Christmas? Will Colin learn when not to speak? Will Alan ever not be afraid or unsure when he is in Bill’s presence? Friendships are tested, loyalties are stretched and one little boy’s Christmas present has yet to be decided. This is one story that will make you laugh, cry and smile!
Dear Joey:
I received your letter and you have been a good boy all year. Will do my best and will get back to you on Christmas Day.
For all of you out there who want to know what I finally decided to get for Joey for Christmas: Eileen would like you to read Only Twelve Days and enjoy the holiday season with Bill, Sally and the rest of the cast of characters and find out for yourself. Christmas is special and right now I have to get the reindeer ready to fly.
Merry Christmas:
Love, Santa
Let’s give this heartwarming book that you can read in front of an open fire, on a cold winter’s night or anytime and give it:
FIVE GOLDEN CHRISTMAS ANGELS
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is a new mommy. Can you get me one?
Love,
Joey
Joey Roberts and all of the children in his nursery class are writing special letters to Santa. Sally Hughes is covering for her ailing friend and realizes what Joey has written. Rather than make a big fuss she brilliantly says she will post his letter along with the rest. Can Santa fill his request? Can Santa bring two people magically together? You just never know!
Bill Roberts is Joey’s father who is a workaholic and never seems to have enough time for anything else. While all of the other children have been collected, Joey remains with Sally waiting for her father who is constantly late. As she begins to stew just a little she does not want Joey to feel that she is angry with him and the two seem to bond from the start. Inquisitive you have to give this child tons of credit as he seems to interview her for a candidate for mother even without realizing it.
Bill Roberts is a good looking man and when he finally arrives something happens between him and Sally that sets off a chain of events that will definitely make you wonder: Is Santa watching?
Bill feels he owes Sally something for remaining with Joey and invites her for pizza after she closes up the school and surprisingly Joey is thrilled. But, Bill is apprehensive and not sure how to proceed so he takes the easy way out you might say by taking Joey out of school for a week to spend it with his grandparents. Although this was preplanned he hoped to return him after her ailing friend would return. But, you know fate and you know that sometimes things do not always pan out the way you predicted.
When Sally mentions Bill to her friend Jo, the reaction she gets is anything but positive and makes her wonder why she is still her friend. Where as Colin, Bill’s best friend gives him the encouraging green light but will he take it or will he wait until it turns red and it is too late?
Work seems to consume them both but for some reason they cannot get away from thinking about each other so which one will make that call first and who will decide to take that once in a lifetime chance? Getting to know Bill we learn more about the stress and pressures he faces at work and what happens when things become overwhelming. Dealing with his son at one point he even loses his cool even though it is out of character. Meeting the people he works with you begin to wonder more about Alan, his devotion to trying to be the best he can, why he is so insecure around Bill, and why he cannot seem to focus when Sally is not around. Deep within him he seems to fear failure as Sally tells her parents about Bill and the reaction is surprising and mirrors that of her friend Jo. Just where will this all wind up and will it unravel?
With both sets of parents yet to meet both Bill and Sally reactions are varied and tempers will flare. When Sally explains meeting Bill her parent’s reactions are quite startling but when meeting him will it change? The magic of Christmas is in the air and within 12 days will they manage to create something special or will this just be an illusion?
When Bill finally tells his parents about Sally what will their reaction be? One inquisitive little five year boy who asks so many questions you won’t believe that he is only five. Wanting answer and getting some will he accept Sally or not?
Both Colin and Bill work together but watch what happens when someone has too much to drink, information is leaked and a friendships is tested as author Eileen Thornton takes us inside the world of Finance, the corporate world where deals are made, people are not always what they seem and some appear over anxious. We meet Colin who is in second command and works closely with Bill. We meet Alan who seems quite adept at understanding figures and unsure of himself in Bill’s presence and of course Vera or Miss Anderson, Bill’s loyal secretary who runs it all you might say.
Only Twelve Days: Counting down to the final one where everyone can open their presents and find out what they are going to get. While Joey takes out his calendar and opens each flap getting ready to have his presents revealed will Santa answer his letter? Will he deliver what he wants?
When families unite and people come together sometimes one remark can change it all. Will Joey get a Mummy for Christmas? Will Colin learn when not to speak? Will Alan ever not be afraid or unsure when he is in Bill’s presence? Friendships are tested, loyalties are stretched and one little boy’s Christmas present has yet to be decided. This is one story that will make you laugh, cry and smile!
Dear Joey:
I received your letter and you have been a good boy all year. Will do my best and will get back to you on Christmas Day.
For all of you out there who want to know what I finally decided to get for Joey for Christmas: Eileen would like you to read Only Twelve Days and enjoy the holiday season with Bill, Sally and the rest of the cast of characters and find out for yourself. Christmas is special and right now I have to get the reindeer ready to fly.
Merry Christmas:
Love, Santa
Let’s give this heartwarming book that you can read in front of an open fire, on a cold winter’s night or anytime and give it:
FIVE GOLDEN CHRISTMAS ANGELS
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
June 2, 2018
Holiday Love Story for the Lonely Hearts
Sally and Bill, two lonely hearts, meet. Well, it reads as a novella, a holiday romance, an enjoyable love story, which gives you the feeling of peace and quiet after all. Why not have a little break and learn something from the low-tech past?
Sally and Bill, two lonely hearts, meet. Well, it reads as a novella, a holiday romance, an enjoyable love story, which gives you the feeling of peace and quiet after all. Why not have a little break and learn something from the low-tech past?
January 8, 2020
Sweet, romantic read :-)
A lovely novel about Bill and Sally's blossoming relationship over the course of twelve days, and their family and friends reactions.
This had a Christmassy feel to it but could equally be read and enjoyed anytime.
The characters were well crafted and likeable. The narrative flowed well and it had humorous moments which I enjoyed.
A well written and enjoyable novel by a talented author. Five out of five stars, highly recommended!
A lovely novel about Bill and Sally's blossoming relationship over the course of twelve days, and their family and friends reactions.
This had a Christmassy feel to it but could equally be read and enjoyed anytime.
The characters were well crafted and likeable. The narrative flowed well and it had humorous moments which I enjoyed.
A well written and enjoyable novel by a talented author. Five out of five stars, highly recommended!
August 31, 2014
ONLY TWELVE DAYS BY EILEEN THORNTON
This heart warming story begins in 1979 when 4 year old Joey Roberts writes a letter to Santa asking for a new mummy for Christmas. When Sally Hughes (who is covering at the nursery Joey attends for her friend who has influenza) sees this her heart goes out to young Joey, whose mum had been killed in a car crash when he was only a year old.
Sally is a very shy young woman who had been over protected by her family and buried herself in work rather than socialise. Then she meets Bill, Joey’s father who also is a workaholic and shy. Yes, you have guessed it - they fall in love!
Will Joey’s wish come true? Will Sally and Bill overcome the hurdles along the way and have a happy ending? Well I’m not telling ……
This is written with real feeling and understanding of human nature and was an absolute pleasure to read.
Well done Eileen Thornton, this deserves five stars.
PS: this is not just for Christmas but is equally good on a sandy beach in a deck chair!
This heart warming story begins in 1979 when 4 year old Joey Roberts writes a letter to Santa asking for a new mummy for Christmas. When Sally Hughes (who is covering at the nursery Joey attends for her friend who has influenza) sees this her heart goes out to young Joey, whose mum had been killed in a car crash when he was only a year old.
Sally is a very shy young woman who had been over protected by her family and buried herself in work rather than socialise. Then she meets Bill, Joey’s father who also is a workaholic and shy. Yes, you have guessed it - they fall in love!
Will Joey’s wish come true? Will Sally and Bill overcome the hurdles along the way and have a happy ending? Well I’m not telling ……
This is written with real feeling and understanding of human nature and was an absolute pleasure to read.
Well done Eileen Thornton, this deserves five stars.
PS: this is not just for Christmas but is equally good on a sandy beach in a deck chair!
April 10, 2015
Only Twelve Days by Eileen Thornton is an unashamedly romantic Christmas story for all the family to enjoy and sigh over. This is the second novel I have read from this author and could they be further apart if they tried? Pole to pole in genres but joined at the hip in sheer writing brilliance.
For most of us Christmas is a wonderful times of the year. We have a family of our own to pull us through but there are many who celebrate alone perhaps of their own accord or maybe life sent them a curve ball that needs to be struck for a home run.
Young Joey wants a mom for Christmas and sends Santa a letter to that effect, and who delivers that letter, his new mom? Maybe, maybe not, but she has led a lonely life and so has Joey's dad. Can Santa's letter bring these two lonely people together and give them a Christmas to remember? Read and find out, you will see Christmas differently after this beautiful book.
Very highly recommended!
For most of us Christmas is a wonderful times of the year. We have a family of our own to pull us through but there are many who celebrate alone perhaps of their own accord or maybe life sent them a curve ball that needs to be struck for a home run.
Young Joey wants a mom for Christmas and sends Santa a letter to that effect, and who delivers that letter, his new mom? Maybe, maybe not, but she has led a lonely life and so has Joey's dad. Can Santa's letter bring these two lonely people together and give them a Christmas to remember? Read and find out, you will see Christmas differently after this beautiful book.
Very highly recommended!
July 5, 2017
Tutto sommato non ci sono molti errori di stesura, ma questo libro è davvero inverosimile, a cominciare dalle anomalie temporali: nel '77 c'erano già cellulari e DVD? Io non c'ero, ma non mi risulta... Poi, dodici giorni per decidere di sposare qualcuno? Ma quando mai si è vista una cosa del genere che non fosse una specie di costrizione? A 'sti due ci vogliono 2 giorni per decidere di essersi innamorati l'uno dell'altro nel momento in cui si sono incontrati e per sapere che non possono stare separati. Eppure entrambi non eccellono in spirito d'iniziativa... Lei un po' di più di lui, che alla fine ne rimane un po' "contagiato", ma comunque la storia rimane inverosimile. I problemi non fanno in tempo a presentarsi che sono già risolti, togliendo un po' di sano pepe alla storia, che ne avrebbe un disperato bisogno. Lo so che la magia del Natale fa miracoli, ma davvero c'è un limite a tutto. Chi si trasferirebbe da qualcuno che conosce da poco più di una settimana? Io credevo che gli anni 70 fossero un tantino diversi...
Be', guardo il lato positivo: me lo sono tolto dalla lista in attesa.
Be', guardo il lato positivo: me lo sono tolto dalla lista in attesa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
What a delightful romance! Once Bill meets Joey’s substitute teacher, Miss Hughes, life will never be the same. In fact, near the end of the novel, Bill even says, “Looking back, I see how bleak my life was.” Fortunately, there’s nothing even remotely bleak about this story. All the characters are interesting. For example, Bill is a whiz at math and a financial guru which makes him the target of Colin’s jokes and Alan’s admiration. Barbara also enjoys poking fun at her brother while Jo, Sally’s friend is filled with negative opinions regarding men. On top of everything it’s Christmas. There’s a holiday party and Bill’s family is coming. Most importantly—will Joey approve?
Read Only Twelve Days and find out all the things that can happen in twelve days!
Read Only Twelve Days and find out all the things that can happen in twelve days!
July 19, 2017
When Sally and Bill meet it is love at first sight. Bill is a widower with a 6-year-old boy who is too good to be true. In twelve days the couple knows their love is forever and true. It is a sweet story but felt a little too contrived and too perfect. A fast and enjoyable read.
January 21, 2019
Good romance about love at first sight. Restrained English novel, showig the collision of family and shyness. Enjoyable.
October 17, 2019
Particolarmente prevedibile e sdolcinato.
July 25, 2020
Sweet Christmas Story
Feel good Christmas story about overcoming shyness and believing in the magic of Christmas. The Only Twelve Days of Christmas book is heartwarming, funny, and full of love.
Feel good Christmas story about overcoming shyness and believing in the magic of Christmas. The Only Twelve Days of Christmas book is heartwarming, funny, and full of love.
Read
July 31, 2024Enjoyed the story But no DVDs in late 1970s or 1471 call back or mobile phones in common use. And one person running a nursery with one member of staff and 12 children not very likely.
November 30, 2014
I am enjoying reading this book because I can not wait to read how it ends. It is a definite page turner.
April 5, 2017
When Sally Hughes volunteers to work at a nursery care center, she has no idea what is in store for her. As she finds herself drawn to one of the children, it is a surprise to find herself also drawn to Bill Roberts, the child's widowed father.Both Bill and Sally have issues with being shy and reluctant to start a relationship. Readers follow along as the two discover what life might hold for them. This is a romance story that also delves into the insecurities we all have.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews