The Twelve Loves of Christmas is an Advent romance collection from some of today’s best-selling romance authors. Expected to be released on September 29, 2026, this collection offers readers 12 short stories filled with holiday cheer and plenty of romance.
I want to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Twelve Loves of Christmas. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
The Twelve Loves of Christmas is a swoon-worthy short story collection about finding love during the most magical time of the year. Including a playful forced proximity romance featuring a woman and her older brother’s grinchy (yet unexpectedly endearing) best friend, a tender love story of two neighbors who decide to skip Christmas together, a second-chance spark reignited between exes stranded at the airport, and many more festive love stories, there’s a little holiday magic waiting for every reader.
Open one sealed story each day in the lead-up to Christmas to unwrap a season full of love, warmth, and happily-ever-afters.
My Opinions
I added The Twelve Loves of Christmas to my TBR because I have enjoyed reading other advent calendar-style books recently. That said, this is the first time I’ve read one digitally, so it’s a tad easier to “cheat” and read more than one story a day.
I have to say, I was a tad stumped on how to review this book, as it is a short story anthology. In the end, I decided to share my thoughts and opinions on each story as I read them.
Day 1: A Merry Little Christmas by Jessica Joyce
They were college sweethearts who went their separate ways for their dream jobs (her to San Francisco, him to Chicago). Only to find themselves reunited four years later at a holiday gathering in Tahoe. Overall, a sweet second-chance romance.
Day 2: Decking His Halls by Alexia Daria
He’s her brother’s best friend, and now they’re roommates. There is certainly some spice here. Though not as much as there could have been.
Day 3: I’ll Be Home for Ex-Mas by Alexandria Bellefleur
Another second-chance romance. This time they were high school sweethearts who went their separate ways after college. Imagine her surprise at running into the superstar in a tiny airport!
Day 4: Someone to Hold On To by Elise Bryant
This time, we’re getting a found-family story. And enjoyable!
Day 5: Ho Ho Oh No by M.A. Wardell
We got a male/male workplace romance with some spice.
Day 6: Twelve Seconds to Forever by Rebecca Jenshak
Ooh, this time it’s the best friend’s brother. Add in a dash of second-chance romance.
Day 7: A Solstice Kiss by Olivia Dade
A sweet story set in Sweden.
Day 8: All Roads Lead Home by Joss Richard
A sweet childhood sweetheart/second chance romance.
Day 9: Skipping Christmas by Rebekah Weatherspoon
A neighbor romance. What happens when they don’t go home for the holidays?
Day 10: Holiday Blackout by Susan Lee
Ooh, now we get a workplace romance.
Day 11: Hope This Helps by Sarah Hogle
Adorable start of a potential romance.
Day 12: Is It New Year’s Yet? by Zakiya N. Jamal
Childhood friends to lovers.
Like many short story collections, some resonate with the reader better than others. The Twelve Loves of Christmas is no different. That said, I’m not going to say which of the 12 stories I liked or didn’t like. Each was enjoyable; some more than others.
One of my biggest issues with the book as a whole is that the stories vary greatly in length. I’ve read other advent calendar books, and the days are all roughly the same length. But the stories in this book range from 15 to 40 pages. It would have been nice if they were all around the same page count. I understand it is easier said than done, since 12 different authors worked on one book.
Overall, if you enjoy reading holiday-themed romance, you should give The Twelve Loves of Christmas a read.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
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