Picture this: it’s December, and the dating site you are on has decided to do something different for the singles. They are offering a special Christmas deal: 12 dates in 12 different places with 12 different people. However, instead of being able to swipe for the suitors, the suitors are chosen for you depending on the activity and location you choose. This is the premise for the book The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss.
The narration follows Kate a singleton who has been encouraged to sign up for this Christmas dating extravaganza by one of her best friends called Laura. We, the reader, get to have a bird’s-eye view of Kate’s dates as she meets a number of… characters on her December dates.
Hallmark Would Be Proud
If you are like me and have been watching Christmas movies since October, you’ll enjoy the vibe this book brings. However, the book is not just for the people who fit into Hallmark’s target audience.
Kate has some particularly awkward moments that make the reader sympathise with her whilst still being able to chuckle at the unfortunate state of the dating world at the same time. To all of the people who missed out on the internet dating ‘fun’ and secretly, or not so secretly, live vicariously through your single friend, reading this book will give you a taste of what the current dating arena is like.
The Current Roller Coaster
Despite all of the awkwardness and humorousness that Jenny Bayliss brings, the book raises a few thoughts about the modern dating scene. The idea of the 12 dates in 12 days combines online dating and matchmaking with a hint of speed dating. Many dating sites have tried to combine these elements in one shape or form, but without the personal touch of curated dates or matches, what’s the point?
Even though the idea has arisen from a fictional source, the mix offered in the book is quite possibly what might be needed more IRL. Let’s face it, I think we’ve all heard at least one of our single friends say, ‘I’m bored of the talking phase’ at least once this year. Maybe the mix of online dating and matchmaking with the ferocity of speed dating is the right move to shape the next phase of online dating. Cough, cough, take note… Bumble.
Reserved for the Well-Humoured
If you’re a reader who loves books by authors like Trisha R. Thomas and Sophie Kinsella, I’d definitely recommend this book to you. Additionally, if you’re someone who is looking for something to read over Christmas which contains actual laugh-out-loud moments, pick this book up. Experiencing the highs and lows that Kate goes through is destined to take you on a Christmas-themed roller coaster ride.
Title: A Christmas-Themed Roller Coaster
Author: Leonie Thomas
Date Published: 31.11.2023
Leonie Thomas 