First sentence: What is the worst present you ever received for Christmas? A pair of socks? A pair of scratchy socks? A pair of scratchy socks in a vile color? A pair of scratchy socks in a disgusting color that rub your big toes every step you take? A pair of coarse socks in a foul color that rub your big toes and you're forced to wear them because your grandmother gave them to you and she's coming to stay? That's pretty bad. But for Will and Ella Sullivan, the worst thing they ever got for Christmas was a dead mother.

Premise/plot: Kate Sullivan was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. Since this one is being marketed as "the next Christmas Carol" and an "instant classic" that will become a "must read for every holiday season," I thought it only fitting to introduce it properly. So it's been three--or so--years since she's died. The husband, Henry, has NOT gotten over it. He's been a total and complete wreck ever since. And Will and Ella, well, they've had to mainly raise themselves because of Henry's absent-while-present parenting style. But this Christmas, they are determined to find their dad a new wife. If he is happy then maybe Christmas can be Christmas again. So they write a dating profile for their dad...and begin corresponding with a "Ms. Truelove." The results...well...not quite what anyone expected.

It starts with a partridge in a pear tree. Literally. But it isn't until the FIVE GOLDEN RINGS are delivered to their doorstep that the family realizes with ever-growing DOOM AND GLOOM that things are about to get so much worse.

Essentially the premise is simple: the TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS literally being delivered to one family's house for the twelve days leading up to Christmas. Just take a minute or two to imagine that...

The book is about how the family reacts to these "gifts" from a "true love." Just WHO IS THIS TRUE LOVE????? And what is the motivation behind these "gifts" that feel like a curse.
My thoughts: I liked this one. I loved some chapters. I didn't quite love other chapters. It was definitely entertaining--for the most part. It is 100% premise-driven. Not many characters are fleshed out. There are plenty of comical scenes.

But for me, personally, this was no Christmas Carol. ( )

I'm a sucker for the twelve days of Christmas, so I was looking forward to how this story would play out. It was a cute holiday read. ( )

Little far fetched and I don’t necessarily like those that venture into the ridiculous but the good storytelling kept me going. Sweet story ( )

Star Rating: 5 Star – A must read

A traditional Christmas classic turned upside down.

This family is in desperate need of Christmas spirit after a devasting loss and how a classic Christmas carol brings them just what they need.

What I thought/felt: If you know the Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” you will know what to expect (if you remember the words). But, then again, you really will not be expecting it, since it is topsy-turvy and very messy.
It is cleverly written and I found humor in the chaos of every chapter. It makes a great bedtime story, is an all-around feel-good story and could even be read at any time of year. But you know you will be reading at Christmas for years to come.
As I was reading this book, I kept imagining this as a movie and I would love to see this become one.
I was familiar with James Patterson’s edge-of-your-seat writing, but the addition of Tad Safran’s heart and humor really brought this story to life. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Safran.

I love the short chapters and how each chapter offers you a pause. This is a great read during the 12 Days of Christmas because each chapter is short. This gave me a sense of satisfaction for finishing each one.
I didn’t expect to be moved to tears at the end but in a good way. And I am pretty sure that you will as well. ( )

Cute ( )