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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
Yes, I know, it's a little early for Christmas books, but since this book is releasing november 1st, right after Halloween season is over, I wanted to be sure my review was up before then so people could also catch up with the rest of the series if they haven't read the books yet. So far I had an insanely good time with all of them and I was therefore really looking forward to this Christmas themed novella and even happier that the authors gave me an arc!
This book actually already starts before Thanksgiving and is therefore more than just a Christmas novella. We get to see Jane doing what Jane does best: Gathering her friends around and feeding them all kind of delicious cookies, cakes and meals. And along the way she also knows how to clear the air between people, how to loosen up the atmosphere and how to make this a holiday season to never forget for everyone involved.
Since there is no murder happening in this book and since the mysteries our characters are trying to solve are a lot smaller and less complicated there is also way more time for Jane to give her love life some serious thought. We know she firmly believes in the curse, which keeps her away from Conrad who is very clearly very in love with her. In this book we see how she's constantly battling with her own feelings and whether or not she should believe in Conrad being able to break the curse.
Without any murders there's also more time for Jane to finally focus on the question whether or not there's gold buried somewhere on her property. I love how we learn a lot about her family; About their traditions, the most amazing one being an amazing Christmas ceremony for the dead, and what kind of people her Ladling ancestors were. I really can't wait to find out what more reveals about Jane's family are waiting for us in future books!
This book actually already starts before Thanksgiving and is therefore more than just a Christmas novella. We get to see Jane doing what Jane does best: Gathering her friends around and feeding them all kind of delicious cookies, cakes and meals. And along the way she also knows how to clear the air between people, how to loosen up the atmosphere and how to make this a holiday season to never forget for everyone involved.
Since there is no murder happening in this book and since the mysteries our characters are trying to solve are a lot smaller and less complicated there is also way more time for Jane to give her love life some serious thought. We know she firmly believes in the curse, which keeps her away from Conrad who is very clearly very in love with her. In this book we see how she's constantly battling with her own feelings and whether or not she should believe in Conrad being able to break the curse.
Without any murders there's also more time for Jane to finally focus on the question whether or not there's gold buried somewhere on her property. I love how we learn a lot about her family; About their traditions, the most amazing one being an amazing Christmas ceremony for the dead, and what kind of people her Ladling ancestors were. I really can't wait to find out what more reveals about Jane's family are waiting for us in future books!
pinklilly122's review
4.0
Another cute Jane story, with a little holiday flare. There was no murder in this one, but still some mystery. I liked learning more about Jane's family and the missing gold. We got some resolution with Jane and Conrad's relationship too, hopefully it sticks this time lol.
alrightieaphroditie's review
3.0
three stars! ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ gah this was so cute! i had no idea it was even out, but i saw it on my library app and was so excited! jane really is the cutest protagonist, and i simply love the cozy fun vibes these books give off. this was definitely perfect for the fall/early christmas time, and i loved the little moments between jane and her found family <3 not to mention her relationship with conrad, which is quite literally adorable. i’m super excited for his book to come out next!
naomilane's review
5.0
I'm not going to lie, I think this might be my favorite book of the series. I absolutely loved it, I legitimately could not stop reading. Twelve Graves of Christmas is a long novella set after Game of Gravestones and it's just delightful. No murders this time, maybe, probably, but it's Jane we're talking about, and mysteries follow her around.
I actually really liked the plot for this book, I thought it was very interesting and kept me captivated the entire time. I loved seeing more romance as well, finally more development! Plus, the prologue and epilogue were absolutely priceless, I won't spoil anything, but they were my favorite parts of the book.
I think Gena & Jill are getting more and more comfortable writing together, finding their flow, and each book in this series is getting better. This is such a great, light, cozy, and fun series that I recommend to anyone!
Disclaimer: I was able to read an early copy of this book as I work for the author.
I actually really liked the plot for this book, I thought it was very interesting and kept me captivated the entire time. I loved seeing more romance as well, finally more development! Plus, the prologue and epilogue were absolutely priceless, I won't spoil anything, but they were my favorite parts of the book.
I think Gena & Jill are getting more and more comfortable writing together, finding their flow, and each book in this series is getting better. This is such a great, light, cozy, and fun series that I recommend to anyone!
Disclaimer: I was able to read an early copy of this book as I work for the author.
thebookishspot's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
idmiliris's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
This was a really fun novella, I loved the developments, and how oblivious Jane is to Conrad! Loved this story, and I do hope we get at least one more with Jane narrating, since we're going back to book one from Conrad's perspective next, which I also can't wait for!
nikkisbooknook's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
OMW - I loved being back in the quirky world of Jane Ladling. She's trying to forget her feelings for Conrad in an attempt to save him from the curse but the cunning, crafty Agent is more than up to busting some family curse!
Add in Christmas, mopping up some of the former bad guys who got away with things they shouldn't have and trying to wrangle her found family into order means that Jane has her hands full!
Rolex may have some competition for world's best pet when Jane's unexpected roomie and his corgi move in! That cat would happily take over the world. The chapters from his perspective are hilariously egomaniacal.
I was glad to see the back of the Ladling curse and root out its real origin. The little nuggets of wisdom as chapter headings were so sweet and poignant. I am super invested in this wee town and its inhabitants and can't wait to come back again.
Add in Christmas, mopping up some of the former bad guys who got away with things they shouldn't have and trying to wrangle her found family into order means that Jane has her hands full!
Rolex may have some competition for world's best pet when Jane's unexpected roomie and his corgi move in! That cat would happily take over the world. The chapters from his perspective are hilariously egomaniacal.
I was glad to see the back of the Ladling curse and root out its real origin. The little nuggets of wisdom as chapter headings were so sweet and poignant. I am super invested in this wee town and its inhabitants and can't wait to come back again.
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