
She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.
World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: stage a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie’s invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she’ll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.
A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances.
My Review:
Such a beautiful, meaningful Christmas story! Loved the clever way the author used the popular Carol, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ as the framework for the story. Absolute brilliance.
I got a real sense of those old timey black and white movies starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney where they put on a benefit show – thinking ‘Babes in Arms‘ and I know there are some others. That paired with the classic ‘White Christmas’ starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Sundin has captured the spirit of these morale boosting movies. I feel like this novella highlights a kind of heartwarming simplicity during the most complex of times and that made it so impactful.
A compelling story with the kind of relatable characters on a redeeming arc that a reader can learn from. Lovely Christmas touches, inspiring message and the sweetest of romances.
I listened to the audible edition of ‘Twelve Days and Twelfth Night” expertly narrated by Leah Horowitz and enjoyed it so much! Her performance did justice to Sarah Sundin’s beautiful storytelling – an excellent partnership that produced a delightful listening experience.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice
Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Twelve Days and Twelfth Night, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 12 2026.
I’m so in for this one! Thank-you!
Tam – appletamoATyahooDOTcom
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