I received an eARC of this book from I Am a Reader in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Twelve Days in December by Michelle Paige Holmes is a sweet romantic novella set in New York. While it is a part of a series, I can tell you that it does not have to be read with the series to enjoy it. I haven’t read any of the previous books and loved this one! William and Charlotte are characters from Marrying Christopher, and while I hadn’t read that book, I found the two quite charming.

William Vancer is a wealthy NY businessman, who is set to claim an inheritance only if he is married. He is kind, gentle with Charlotte, and takes up with her son as if he was his own. Yet he guards his own heart fiercely. This marriage with Charlotte will be his third attempt, after being jilted twice. My heart broke a bit for him and what he has faced.

Charlotte is Marsali’s older sister (for those that have read the other books) and is recently widowed. When her own sister’s husband turns up alive, Charlotte offers to take her place. She has a young son and no home to go back to. But she is still grieving, hurting over the loss of her husband and afraid to give more than just friendship to William.

This short story focuses on the 12 days that William has taken from work to get to know his new wife and step son. It really is amazing to me just how much an author can pack into these short stories. In just 80 pages, there is tremendous character growth for both Charlotte and William along with a budding romance. It’s sweet, tender, and moving!

Overall I really enjoyed their story! Personally I could’ve read a full novel about the two, it is that good. I hope to go back and read the entire series as I’d like to know more about Marsali and her husband. If you enjoy historical fiction and a little clean romance, I highly recommend this one!