The Twelve Dates Of Christmas is everything you want from a festive read. There's mince pie baking, hot chocolates, snowy streets full of decorations, a cosy cafe that serves hazelnut lattes, carol singing, supportive friends, awkward parents, romantic dates (and plenty of them), and a patridge in a pear tree (literally).

The small town setting and festive atmosphere are both described brilliantly. Bayliss does such a good job of transporting you into her world that I spent half of my time daydreaming about how wanted to live here. The modern twist on the premise is a fantastic idea. However, I would have liked more of a focus on the dates themselves rather than an analysis of them the day after. But I loved that each date was so different and that the men all acted and treated Kate in different ways which gives readers a lot to think about.

Best of all, Kate is such a likeable character. She's funny, open-minded and kind, but painfully unlucky in love. While I'm happily married and would dread having to face the dating scene again, I was jealous of all the amazing drinks, yummy food, and festive experiences that Kate was getting to enjoy over Christmas. Sadly, her dates didn't always live up their surroundings.

Although I predicted what would happen from the very beginning, I was in no way disappointed by this book. Festive romances aren't about shocks and surprises, it's about the emotional journey you take getting there. And by the end, I have to admit that I shed a few tears. The conversations around Kate piecing her life together were really bittersweet, and it certainly left me with a smile on my face.