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The Twelve Months of Christmas
Three women. Three terrible Christmases. Can they finally perfect the holiday by celebrating every month?
From USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts comes a story of family, second chances and holiday do-overs, brimming with warmth and Christmas charm.
Sunny, Arianna and Molly are having three very different but equally terrible Christmases. Sunny is a newlywed with two new stepkids who want nothing to do with her; Arianna is newly divorced and hates having to send her daughter off to spend the holiday with her dad; for Molly, nothing is new, but her job at the post office is getting very, very old.
The whole Christmas season has been a bust all around. But Sunny and Arianna have a wild idea: What if they had a Christmas do-over in January? February? On Saint Patrick’s Day?
Christmas all year long—what could that look like? As these three determined women chase the perfect holiday through twelve months of cooking disasters, over-the-top festivity, and lots of laughter and tears, they’ll discover perfection is way overrated.
From USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts comes a story of family, second chances and holiday do-overs, brimming with warmth and Christmas charm.
Sunny, Arianna and Molly are having three very different but equally terrible Christmases. Sunny is a newlywed with two new stepkids who want nothing to do with her; Arianna is newly divorced and hates having to send her daughter off to spend the holiday with her dad; for Molly, nothing is new, but her job at the post office is getting very, very old.
The whole Christmas season has been a bust all around. But Sunny and Arianna have a wild idea: What if they had a Christmas do-over in January? February? On Saint Patrick’s Day?
Christmas all year long—what could that look like? As these three determined women chase the perfect holiday through twelve months of cooking disasters, over-the-top festivity, and lots of laughter and tears, they’ll discover perfection is way overrated.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
416 people are currently reading
5227 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Roberts
108 books1,977 followersWith fifty books to her credit, both fiction and non-fiction, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been turned into movies for the Hallmark, Lifetime and Great American Family channels. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila can be found hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and, of course, writing and reading. Sometimes she even remembers to post books she's read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
December 20, 2023
Flying through the Christmas stories. This one was cute! I enjoy Sheila Roberts’ books.
December 16, 2023
Sunny, Arianna, and Molly had disappointing Christmas celebrations, so they came up with a plan to have a monthly themed Christmas party. Along the way, they experienced heartache, joy, loss, and romance.
So much more than a sweet holiday story, this was a wonderful tribute to friendship, family, and love.
4.5 stars.
So much more than a sweet holiday story, this was a wonderful tribute to friendship, family, and love.
4.5 stars.
October 7, 2023
I’m not totally ready for holiday reads yet but I couldn’t pass up the chance to read Shelia Robert’s latest, her books are so cute and cozy and even though this was Christmassy, it could definitely be read and enjoyed at any time of the year. this follows three women, Sunny, Arianna and Molly over the course of a year. All three have awful holiday celebrations so they decide to have a do over and they celebrate once a month for a year. While this was sweet and heartfelt with plenty of lighthearted moments it was also realistic and showed the lows in the women’s lives as well. If you like stories about found family, spreading cheer all year long and a little bit of romance this one was really fun!
December 27, 2023
Sigh, this novel has all the feels - from joy to anger to sadness and love. This band of friends is there through thick and thin, the ups and downs, which is what all true friends do. That isn't to say they don't have their disagreements or misunderstandings, but this trio represents what friendship should look like.
Arianna, Ava, and Sunny are fast friends. They have been dealt with their own share of problems, but I like how they help one another through those times. Whether it is ex-husbands that are the scourge of the earth or stepchildren that make life crazy. There are also mothers who bring a fresh perspective to their world.
After a rotten Christmas, they decide to celebrate Christmas each month. There is a theme for the month, but they still bring in the joy of Christmas, from giving gifts to wearing stocking hats and more. As the year went on, I enjoyed seeing the ups and downs of each woman and their families. Not every day or celebration was perfect, but they made it balanced and stepped up to support one another during some dark and sad times. There are many moments where I shed a tear or two, but that is the sign of good writing when it tugs on the emotions.
I don't know if I had a favorite character or not, but I think Molly might top the list. She is Ava's mother and has worked as a postal worker for many years. She has her eyes set on retirement when she hits 60. Will she make it? There are many unhappy customers at the post office, which we may have all experienced in our own towns, but this monthly Christmas project puts a new spin on how she addresses these people. Perhaps there is more to them than just a transaction. I think I connected to her because of her age, and while I haven't gone through what she has gone through, I can appreciate her struggles and successes.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention there is a dog in here, too, Buster. He is adorable, and how could anyone not love him?
I was sad to see the book end but happy knowing there were so many positives that came out of this book. Be kind to one another; you never know what someone else is going through.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Arianna, Ava, and Sunny are fast friends. They have been dealt with their own share of problems, but I like how they help one another through those times. Whether it is ex-husbands that are the scourge of the earth or stepchildren that make life crazy. There are also mothers who bring a fresh perspective to their world.
After a rotten Christmas, they decide to celebrate Christmas each month. There is a theme for the month, but they still bring in the joy of Christmas, from giving gifts to wearing stocking hats and more. As the year went on, I enjoyed seeing the ups and downs of each woman and their families. Not every day or celebration was perfect, but they made it balanced and stepped up to support one another during some dark and sad times. There are many moments where I shed a tear or two, but that is the sign of good writing when it tugs on the emotions.
I don't know if I had a favorite character or not, but I think Molly might top the list. She is Ava's mother and has worked as a postal worker for many years. She has her eyes set on retirement when she hits 60. Will she make it? There are many unhappy customers at the post office, which we may have all experienced in our own towns, but this monthly Christmas project puts a new spin on how she addresses these people. Perhaps there is more to them than just a transaction. I think I connected to her because of her age, and while I haven't gone through what she has gone through, I can appreciate her struggles and successes.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention there is a dog in here, too, Buster. He is adorable, and how could anyone not love him?
I was sad to see the book end but happy knowing there were so many positives that came out of this book. Be kind to one another; you never know what someone else is going through.
We give this book 5 paws up.
June 18, 2025
2.5 stars
This book was heartwarming, but MY GOODNESS DID IT GET REPETITIVE. We get it! Sunny's stepdaughter is awful (until she finally isn't) Arianna's ex is in his deadbeat dad era, folks are horrible to people at the post office. There came a point where I felt like I was reading the same scenes over and over again. This book did not need to be more than 300 pages. Plus, I was side eyeing all the references to the Great American Family Channel.
Warning: be sure to have tissues nearby 😭
CW: death of a parent from cancer (on page)
This book was heartwarming, but MY GOODNESS DID IT GET REPETITIVE. We get it! Sunny's stepdaughter is awful (until she finally isn't) Arianna's ex is in his deadbeat dad era, folks are horrible to people at the post office. There came a point where I felt like I was reading the same scenes over and over again. This book did not need to be more than 300 pages. Plus, I was side eyeing all the references to the Great American Family Channel.
Warning: be sure to have tissues nearby 😭
CW: death of a parent from cancer (on page)
December 14, 2024
This was like a Hallmark movie in a book. Cheesiest writing I've ever read. Very simple thoughts. Almost unbearable to see it in print. I could have done a way better job. Found a few typos too. But for all of that it was a sweet happy ending story that was nice light reading for a very heavy time.
October 6, 2023
Sometimes you just need a do-over!
Christmas is a stressful time of year for three very special woman. Sunny is struggling with two new step kids who want to be anywhere except where she is. Arianna is dealing with being newly divorced and all the ugly things that go with it. Molly works for the post office and has been alone a long time, who is starting to think a certain someone who frequents the post office might be a good idea. After a Christmas that feels like a big disappointment ,they all decide on a do-over once a month all year long. What a great idea!
Sheila Roberts knows how to tug at the heartstrings, and she makes you feel for each of the characters. You don't just love one person in the story, but all of them. Such a great Christmas story that gives all the feels and I think Sheila knows people quite well where you want to read more. Pick up this wonderful story about do-overs and Christmas cheer. Couldn't we all use a little(a lot) of cheer this year? Kudos to this author who always makes me want to read more. Thank you for the ARC of this wonderful read.
#THETWELVEMONTHSOFCHRISTMAS
#SHEILAROBERTS
#MIRA
Christmas is a stressful time of year for three very special woman. Sunny is struggling with two new step kids who want to be anywhere except where she is. Arianna is dealing with being newly divorced and all the ugly things that go with it. Molly works for the post office and has been alone a long time, who is starting to think a certain someone who frequents the post office might be a good idea. After a Christmas that feels like a big disappointment ,they all decide on a do-over once a month all year long. What a great idea!
Sheila Roberts knows how to tug at the heartstrings, and she makes you feel for each of the characters. You don't just love one person in the story, but all of them. Such a great Christmas story that gives all the feels and I think Sheila knows people quite well where you want to read more. Pick up this wonderful story about do-overs and Christmas cheer. Couldn't we all use a little(a lot) of cheer this year? Kudos to this author who always makes me want to read more. Thank you for the ARC of this wonderful read.
#THETWELVEMONTHSOFCHRISTMAS
#SHEILAROBERTS
#MIRA
December 12, 2024
The premise of the book was great, I just felt like there was too much drama. Liked the main 3 characters and how their group of friends also felt like family. Read for book club.
December 13, 2023
This was a nice, realistic Christmas story. Yes, there are hardships that arise for families, but it's the way those hardships are faced that is important. This showed how Christmas and every day after could be faced with love, laughter and plenty of smiles. I especially loved the Costco references and the small Hallmark movie mention too.:-)I enjoyed this one, it was worth the read.
December 2, 2023
This was a heartfelt Christmas story about a group of friends, Sunny, Molly, and Arianna. They all experience a bad Christmas, and they decide that they're going to celebrate Christmas over again…. EVERY month. Throughout the year, they each deal with their own set of problems too, and you'll see how each of them handles these difficult situations. I found this is book emotional at times, as it deals with cancer, divorce, and death, but it was also full of hope and there were also parts with some humor too. This is a nice holiday book that I fully enjoyed!
Out now!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
Out now!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
October 12, 2023
Sheila Robert's Christmas offering this year, The Twelve Months of Christmas is a story of carrying the Christmas Spirit throughout the year. This is the story of Sunny, Arianna and Molly, three women who take a terrible Christmas and try to make the most of it. Sunny is a newlywed with two stepchildren. They were supposed to come for Christmas but their mother "accidentally" misses the plane. Arianna is newly divorced and is sending her daughter to spend Christmas with her father, leaving her alone with her mom for Christmas, and Molly is a widow, dealing with miserable customers at the post office where she works, getting her down, while giving her less time to spend time with her daughter and granddaughter. Sunny and Arianna decide to extend Christmas into the coming months, celebrating at close to the 25th each month. Will these celebrations bring joy to others as well as themselves? Will it bring their families closer?
I really enjoyed this story. Sheila Roberts doesn't disappoint with this one and it made me smile throughout. I found the three women to be realistic and relatable. All their problems are ones that if we haven't dealt with, know someone who has. Each celebration was fun and whimsical and I loved seeing what they would come up with each month. This was a story that showed that it is the spirit of Christmas that is important and it can be celebrated all year long. The secondary characters added much to the story, with some romance, family issues and some judgmental attitudes, but all come around in the end. This is one I recommend if you are looking to find you holiday cheer.
I really enjoyed this story. Sheila Roberts doesn't disappoint with this one and it made me smile throughout. I found the three women to be realistic and relatable. All their problems are ones that if we haven't dealt with, know someone who has. Each celebration was fun and whimsical and I loved seeing what they would come up with each month. This was a story that showed that it is the spirit of Christmas that is important and it can be celebrated all year long. The secondary characters added much to the story, with some romance, family issues and some judgmental attitudes, but all come around in the end. This is one I recommend if you are looking to find you holiday cheer.
October 15, 2023
The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts
10h 11m narrated by Ann Marie Gideon, 304 pages
Genre: Christmas Romance, Domestic Fiction
Featuring: Multiple POVs, Bremerton, Washington; Blended Family, Divorcée, Family Drama, Male Nurse, Kids, Post Office, Influencer, Illness, Recipes
Rating as a movie: R for adult language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by The Jackson 5, "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🗓🎄
My thoughts: 📱46% 4:42:56 Ch. 14 - It's good but has a moderate pace and the characters are chatty. Almost 15 chapters in and were still in March. It's a slow cooker on the romance scale.
📱70% 7:09:42 Ch. 22 - I'm loving it, only stopping to catch up on shows with my husband.
This was cute, but the first half was drawn out, and after I became accustomed to that pace, they rushed through the second half. All in all it was a nice story there is a cancer trigger. For Christmas all year it didn't feel that Christmassy.
Recommend to others: Yes. It was a good story not as funny as previous books, but very entertaining.
10h 11m narrated by Ann Marie Gideon, 304 pages
Genre: Christmas Romance, Domestic Fiction
Featuring: Multiple POVs, Bremerton, Washington; Blended Family, Divorcée, Family Drama, Male Nurse, Kids, Post Office, Influencer, Illness, Recipes
Rating as a movie: R for adult language
Songs for the soundtrack: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by The Jackson 5, "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🗓🎄
My thoughts: 📱46% 4:42:56 Ch. 14 - It's good but has a moderate pace and the characters are chatty. Almost 15 chapters in and were still in March. It's a slow cooker on the romance scale.
📱70% 7:09:42 Ch. 22 - I'm loving it, only stopping to catch up on shows with my husband.
This was cute, but the first half was drawn out, and after I became accustomed to that pace, they rushed through the second half. All in all it was a nice story there is a cancer trigger. For Christmas all year it didn't feel that Christmassy.
Recommend to others: Yes. It was a good story not as funny as previous books, but very entertaining.
October 17, 2023
Sheila Roberts does not disappoint with this cute story of friendship, love and celebrations!
Each of the main characters has their own hurdle to jump at the holidays and it makes for some bad holiday vibes!
Instead of sulking in the bad they decide to carry the holiday into the new year and have a do over. Each month they continue their celebrations as life continues to throw them curveballs, but their friendship and their celebrations get them through the difficult times!
We all need these friends and celebrations to get us through the year!
Each of the main characters has their own hurdle to jump at the holidays and it makes for some bad holiday vibes!
Instead of sulking in the bad they decide to carry the holiday into the new year and have a do over. Each month they continue their celebrations as life continues to throw them curveballs, but their friendship and their celebrations get them through the difficult times!
We all need these friends and celebrations to get us through the year!
December 3, 2023
I wanted my bookclub to read a light and cute Christmas book for December and, although this wasn’t December’s selection, it was exactly what I wanted to read. It was light and funny, and of course - a tearjerker. I loved it
October 6, 2023
Too sad
January 10, 2024
Just the audiobook to start while putting away the Christmas decorations. A perfect feel good read for January.
July 14, 2025
Nice women’s fiction /little romance novel! TW: character with cancer/death.
October 18, 2023
Imagine celebrating the holidays every month! That’s exactly what these characters do after a not so stellar holidays with their families. Each month is a specific theme with activities and tons of fellowship.
This cozy story is an entertaining do-over for Sunny, Arianna and Molly’s holidays. There are plenty of heartfelt moments every month between these characters and their family and friends. This book will put you in the mood to spread some cheer.
Roberts is the master of compelling, heartwarming stories and this a perfect holiday read. Thank you
This cozy story is an entertaining do-over for Sunny, Arianna and Molly’s holidays. There are plenty of heartfelt moments every month between these characters and their family and friends. This book will put you in the mood to spread some cheer.
Roberts is the master of compelling, heartwarming stories and this a perfect holiday read. Thank you
December 8, 2024
Picked this because it sounded like one of the few Christmas books that didn’t lift its plot directly from a Hallmark movie. And it was a cute idea! A little stilted on the dialogue, but otherwise fun … until one of the main character’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. I guess I wanted something *more Hallmark-y* than that.
October 24, 2023
A funny, sweet story to get you in the mood for Christmas.
November 25, 2023
This book really tugs at your heart strings. It was a bit cheesy and predictable, but also sweet and memorable and really really heartbreaking. I had a hard time putting the book down. I am not used to reading books with modern mentions like texting, Netflix, YouTube etc, so that felt a bit weird but it made it all the more relatable and natural. I did at times get confused about characters and whose which family and which relation, and especially near the end was wondering who a few characters were, but it was usually easy enough to figure out through the scenes the people were in and the dialogue happening generally ended the confusion quickly. Really enjoyable and well written. I highly recommend this book.
November 17, 2023
It’s not the Christmas season without a heartfelt, genuine Christmas novel from @sheilarobertswriter!
Sunny, Arianna, and Molly are three friends who all have a terrible Christmas. To make up for it and bring some cheer to the new year, they decide to celebrate Christmas each month. They have the Santa Bunny for Easter and Christmas fireworks for the 4th of July. Each month gives them something to look forward.
This really brings their families together. Sunny is struggling as a new step mom to kids who aren’t happy with their situation. Arianna is fresh off a divorce who is having trouble sharing custody with her daughter and Molly is stuck in a rut with her dead end job at the Post Office.
These women are more than just friends; they are family. They rely on each on each other through the good and bad times. I was definitely tearing up by the end of the book. This is a perfect read for the holidays.
Thank you @uplitbooks @_mira_books and @htpbooks for my gifted copy.
Sunny, Arianna, and Molly are three friends who all have a terrible Christmas. To make up for it and bring some cheer to the new year, they decide to celebrate Christmas each month. They have the Santa Bunny for Easter and Christmas fireworks for the 4th of July. Each month gives them something to look forward.
This really brings their families together. Sunny is struggling as a new step mom to kids who aren’t happy with their situation. Arianna is fresh off a divorce who is having trouble sharing custody with her daughter and Molly is stuck in a rut with her dead end job at the Post Office.
These women are more than just friends; they are family. They rely on each on each other through the good and bad times. I was definitely tearing up by the end of the book. This is a perfect read for the holidays.
Thank you @uplitbooks @_mira_books and @htpbooks for my gifted copy.
October 5, 2023
I know I’m always in for a good time when I read a Sheila Roberts’ book. I can’t have any beverages around while reading because I’ll spew it from laughing so hard.
What I liked about this book is the friendship among the women, although at times I wanted to shake Arianna. I thought Bella would never cease being a pill. Reggie was one of my favorite characters.
If the following aren’t hooks then I can’t help you.
Sunny—dealing with a poisonous ex wife of her husband and calls her Weed (hilarious!)
Arianna- has a real pain in the butt ex whose ring tone is “you’re no good”
Molly, PO worker, dealing with fractious customers, especially Mrs. Bigman-the stench that wouldn’t go away.
There’s so much more to read and explore!
Thanks to HTP and NetGalley for the early read.
What I liked about this book is the friendship among the women, although at times I wanted to shake Arianna. I thought Bella would never cease being a pill. Reggie was one of my favorite characters.
If the following aren’t hooks then I can’t help you.
Sunny—dealing with a poisonous ex wife of her husband and calls her Weed (hilarious!)
Arianna- has a real pain in the butt ex whose ring tone is “you’re no good”
Molly, PO worker, dealing with fractious customers, especially Mrs. Bigman-the stench that wouldn’t go away.
There’s so much more to read and explore!
Thanks to HTP and NetGalley for the early read.
January 16, 2024
This is one of my favorite Christmas books I’ve ever read! The characters went through every day problems and each one of them had something relatable about them. The romances were cute and believable. There were also some really good life lessons and words of wisdom scattered throughout.
"There will always be something sneaking up on you and trying to steal your joy. You can't let it, and the only way to combat it is to keep bringing in good things and focusing on your blessings.”
"There will always be something sneaking up on you and trying to steal your joy. You can't let it, and the only way to combat it is to keep bringing in good things and focusing on your blessings.”
October 19, 2023
This book was amazing! Would gladly recommend this book! Three friends that are having a terrible Christmas. They all decide to have a Christmas do over every month.
Read
November 1, 2023Do I have my Christmas decorations up already? I will never tell…
What I will tell you is that I am starting my holiday reads, both Christmas and non-Christmas this week.
Here’s a sweet, cozy read about three women trying to make up with holiday failures.
The Twelve Months of Christmas is for fans of the true-blue Christmas-y read. This story is a realistic portrayal of a group of people just trying to get it right. It is heartfelt and sweet with many tender-hearted and light moments that make you feel like you’re being filled with the essence of the holiday season. The found family in this novel is the front and center showstopper.
For fans of:
Hallmark stories
Found family
Christmas cheer
Cute, light reads
The Twelve Months of Christmas is out now!
What I will tell you is that I am starting my holiday reads, both Christmas and non-Christmas this week.
Here’s a sweet, cozy read about three women trying to make up with holiday failures.
The Twelve Months of Christmas is for fans of the true-blue Christmas-y read. This story is a realistic portrayal of a group of people just trying to get it right. It is heartfelt and sweet with many tender-hearted and light moments that make you feel like you’re being filled with the essence of the holiday season. The found family in this novel is the front and center showstopper.
For fans of:
Hallmark stories
Found family
Christmas cheer
Cute, light reads
The Twelve Months of Christmas is out now!
December 31, 2023
I really loved this book and these characters. This is a story about the friends who become family. 3 women who, after each has a uniquely terrible Christmas, bond as friends and decide to recreate and spread Christmas cheer all year long. Along the way they help each other through trials (becoming a stepmom to contrary teens, work stress and family health challenges) and support each other as they pursue new job opportunities, family changes and new love. I adored these women who were so very real and relatable.
January 21, 2024
ALWAYS a huge fan and support of Ms. Sheila and she is the Queen of Christmas books in my humble! Always a cozy, fun read and this one kept pace with all of her other books! Please, do yourself a favor and read this book and all of her books! Great job Sheila!
November 15, 2025
This was a realistic Christmas story with hardships, joy, anger, sadness, love and everything in-between. The very beginning was a little confusing keeping all the different couples, families and kids straight but I like how everything flowed together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews