Twelve Days And Twelfth Night By Sarah Sundin

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night

by Sarah Sundin

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800747336

As a huge fan of the author's WWII stories, I was excited to see she'd written a Christmas novella! I was invited to review the book. The publisher sent me the book for review.

Summary:

She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected. 

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: orchestrate a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie's invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she'll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved. 

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances.

My Review:

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night is such a great story. I think I could handle a novella once a year in between the author's novels! I loved the premise around the USO and entertaining the injured troops at Christmastime. It fits so perfectly with the genre the author writes in.

Maggie is living with her grandpa as she begins her new job as USO director during WWII. Let's just say that not everyone is happy actors and actresses will be showing up to prepare for the show. If Maggie doesn't endear herself to you, I don't know what character will. She's sweet, encouraging, and sees the bright side of everything. 

Prescott is rather the opposite of Maggie, although it wasn't always that way. He happens to be the injured star that Maggie wants to headline her show. This may be just what he needs to find the new spark in life. Thankfully, Prescott knows the Lord and has a kind heart even though he had a rough start in life.

Their story of trying to bring the show together while jumping through hoops that are purposely put in their way. Maggie also has some good intentions along the way that go terribly awry. Her grandpa (one of my favorite characters) tries to guide her in seeking the Lord, and then Prescott does likewise. Unfortunately, she doesn't heed their advice. While Maggie's grandpa is a delight, Prescott's manager left a lot to be desired along with Mrs. Laverne! The two of them had me grumbling under my breath!

Pulling off the show in such a short period of time comes with its own challenges! Are Maggie and the rest of the crew up for the task? There are hurdles they have to jump over to get there, but they try their hardest to make it!

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is a bestselling author of popular World War II fiction. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information.

A Lot Like Lavender By B.R. Goodwin + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Lot Like Lavender by B.R. Goodwin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Hard to believe this is my first book by B.R. Goodwin. I do have book one saved on my Kindle. I just have to find time to read it. Check out the guest post below by today's author and then be sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: A Lot Like Lavender
Series: Happy in Honey Hill #3 
Author: B.R. Goodwin 
Publisher: Independent 
Release Date: August 3, 2026 
Genre: Closed door romantic comedy

Operating Purple Pastures & Alpaca on my own was not ever in my plans, but neither was becoming a widow and a single mom at twenty-two. Though I love this land and the life I’ve built for myself and my daughter—including the alpacas we adore, the strays we’ve taken in along the way, and the rolling hills of lavender surrounding our farm—all the years of hard work and one-woman juggling since James’ death may not be enough to keep it all together. 

In fact, I’m failing. Miserably. At farming, running a small business, managing the wild women of the Honey Hill PTA, and maintaining any semblance of a personal life. 

To top off my utter insufficiencies, I’m now being forced to accept help from the last person I ever expected to show his face again, Jordan Love. But—though it pains me to admit—having him around repairing fences, caring for my fur babies, and bonding with Molly is the first time I haven’t felt so alone in all this since I lost my husband. 

And most unexpectedly, Jordan's return to my life feels a lot like mending my heart.

 ________ 

For ten years, I’ve done a great job working through the grief of losing my best friend and the shame of selfishly walking away from the people we both cared about when I should have stayed. Even still, I knew coming back home to Honey Hill would dredge up regrets for past decisions. But when I see Emory Nelson for the first time since James’ death, I don’t expect the feelings I’ve kept well-suppressed for so long to come bubbling to the surface. Feelings I’ll need to get well under control if I intend to stick around. 

I ran away when she needed me most. With a second chance to show up for Emory and her daughter, there’s no way I can walk away again. I'm determined to be someone she can depend on, even if it means forever pretending I don't want more. 

Challenging. Beautiful. Forebearing. Resilient. Worthwhile… 

Love looks a lot like lavender. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | RomanceLandia | Amazon

More in This Series

---

Guest Post

Growing up on the outskirts of Atlanta, I have quite a bit of real-life experience with Southern, small towns. Though my hometown was not as teeny tiny as Sugartree or Honey Hill, I imagine those imaginary worlds of mine a bit like the local church I attended through my teen years. A myriad of well-meaning characters with various backgrounds, everyday careers, sometimes kooky personalities, many with the insider scoop on everyone’s love life, and all with stories of their own.

Writing a series set in a small town is most challenging simply because I want to include so many of the cast that make that town so special. They don’t feel like “throw away” characters to me. They feel like the people in my own life who in many ways helped shape my faith, my marriage, and motherhood into what it looks like today. The older women providing advice and encouragement are a representation of the mentors in my life who have done the same. The friendships built on support, honesty, and united in the Gospel, are a reflection of the friendships in which I hold tight and the women I’m thankful to have in my corner. In each of those funny, humble, God-loving men is a piece of my wonderful husband and a glimpse at the many ways he has truly loved, supported, and pointed me toward Christ for the last twenty years. I can’t help but want to see peeks into those minor characters’ lives whenever the opportunity for a scene with a larger cast arises. Whether that be a coffee shop rendezvous, an unexpected first kiss in front of the entire town, or yes, an unhinged book club.

How have the Woodhouses and Cottens stayed so impressively and expressively in love

with each other for so long? What is the Remillard family up to and how many grandbabies are

filling up Good Start Coffee on Sunday afternoons? What’s the local salon gossip? The last

cake walk champion? And of course, what couple will be the next to fall in love? These full-

casted romances feel like catching magic in a bottle and watching it bubble and grow a little

more with each additional novel. I hope readers experience that magic when they dive into one

of my small-town romcoms.

About the Author

B.R. Goodwin is a Georgia native, married to her college sweetheart, and the mother of three wild animal children she adores.

When she isn’t writing Christian Fiction, she’s reading, hiking, bee-keeping, soccer mom-ing, or planning her family’s next big adventure while drinking copious amounts of tea & coffee. Above all else, the heartbeat of everything she does in life, friendship, and writing is with an eye to sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone she meets. Connect with her at Facebook or Instagram.

---

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Grits and Glamor (A Romance on the Menu Christian Romcom) as well as an exclusive swag pack including stickers and character print!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Lady's Handbook To Gadgets & Guile By Angela Bell

A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets & Guile

by Angela Bell

Publisher: Bethany House Publisher

Series: Daughter's of Genius Society

ISBN:  978-0764242144

Having read A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures, I was very hopeful this would be just as enjoyable. I can't do the story justice for how fantastic it was! I was so thankful to receive the book for review from the publisher.

A fun little note, Angela used my name in the story! I was so shocked when she told me last summer!

Summary:

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895 
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

My Review:

This was an utterly delightful follow up to the author's debut novel! The author's vivid imagination comes to life in A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets & Guile! It's whimsical and enchanting while shining a light on chronic illness and anxiety disorder.

I can only imagine how those with a chronic, invisible illness must feel "seen" when they read this story. Margaret is so well loved by her parents, but it's clear that she feels like a burden to those who love and care for her. Clara and Theodore adore her and have never considered her a burden. I also loved that the DOGS saw her value as well. Margaret isn't always in her wheelchair, but often needs to use it. Expending too much energy can land her in bed for days. You could truly see how challenging life was for her. I love that she enjoys tinkering and inventing like her grandfather!

As Margaret takes the lead on a case, she meets Charles Noble. I thought it was very interesting that the author gave Charles a disorder that so many people can relate to! All of this was so intentionally thought out! I can't imagine another author doing these topics justice like Angela did.

There's also a lot of humor, gadgets, and a love story in the making! One of the funniest scenes in the story is when Margaret panics after meeting Charles and takes off in her wheelchair - literally! I appreciated how the author wove their lives together to create forced-proximity. Charles was such a kind and thoughtful man! I also loved that they saw each other as more than just bits and pieces of themselves, but as the whole person.

You can see Angela's creative side at work from beginning to end. Details such as how Margaret explains how much daily energy she has brings this vibrant and touching story to life! The supporting cast rounded out the story! The ladies who make up D.O.G.S., family, etc all create a delightful story. I thought the premise of the story was such a fun one! Trying to figure out how certain patents are being usurped before they can be approved for individuals. Unraveling this mystery keeps the reader us turning the page!

I could sing praises about A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile all day long! I can't wait to read the next book in the Daughters of Genius Society!

About the Author:

Angela Bell is a 21st-century lady with 19th-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. Her book A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure was named a Booklist Top 10 Romance Debut. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as "a cuppa Victorian whimsy." Whenever you need a respite from the 21st-century hustle, you're welcome to visit her imaginary parlor at AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

Gatorland Visit - Florida

It's been a long time since I did a destination review, but after my son and I visited Gatorland on Sunday, I knew I had to share about our experience! I was surprised to learn that it opened in 1949! I couldn't even wrap my head around that tidbit.

If you're a Florida resident keep an eye out for their deals. We thought we were getting 50% off our tickets. What we didn't realize was, EACH person has to be a resident. My son couldn't buy my ticket with 50% off since I'm not also a resident. That was disappointing, but live and learn!

We arrived about an hour after they opened and it wasn't too busy! We opted for the Greater Gator experience, which was only $42. With that you get: all-day admission, unlimited train rides, gator chow, and meet-a-gator. The "gator" above used to be the original entrance!

Of course, the first thing you see when you enter Gatorland is ALL of the alligators in the Jumparoo area. It looked like you could feed the alligators with a fishing pole, but we didn't wander too far into that area because there were a lot of people there. I played a little game with myself... do I die or live? Wandering around Gatorland, there are crocs and gators at every turn. Oftentimes, I wouldn't notice them and I would say, "I'm dead," after Jacob pointed them out.

There's an alligator that's missing its top jaw. Jawlene was rescued in 2023 and seems to be doing great. She gets to share space with an albino red-eared slider turtle named Nellie Wafer! They're kind of the perfect pairing because they are close in size! lol

While we could've taken the park train at some point, we never did because it was pretty easy to walk around and see each of the animals spots. I was actually surprised to see that they had more than just alligators, crocodile, and reptiles! Believe it or not, they have giant tortoises, a bobcat, a cougar, a variety of birds, a petting area (mostly goats from what we saw), and capybara. 

If you have children, there's a splash pad area for them to cool off. I may have tried to cool off by dipping my toes into the water. Lemme tell you, it was a crazy, hot day! Towards the end of our day it started raining. And I mean downpour! Thankfully, Gatorland has a lot of covered walkways and spots to take shelter in. We happened to be ready to eat so we took the time to grab some food, which was affordable and good portions!

We went to the afternoon show of meet-a-gator. A gator wrangler (not sure what the technical term would be) is in an arena with a small, watery moat around him. They try to use different alligators for the show and the meet-a-gator so they have rest periods. The show taught us more about alligators and then we got in line to meet one. We each "sat" over the alligator (which had its mouth taped shut) and had the photo snapped. Honestly, it goes so fast (for the humans) that it's over and done with before you have a chance to truly "experience" the moment. Not a complaint at all, but it just happens really fast.

When you get your gator chow, you realize it's 5 large pellets that are black and sorta stinky! They're rather large and you can feed any of the alligators throughout Gatorland. It's so interesting to watch after you throw the food to them. I think because their eyes are on the top of their head, they can't always see where it lands. You almost have to throw it into their mouth for it to be eaten immediately. Otherwise, it'll float for a bit before it's found! 

There are opportunities to hold critters and have photos taken with them at an extra cost. You can go ziplining over crocodiles as well as rock climb. There's an opportunity to go off-roading in a monster vehicle for 15 minutes! You can sign up to be a trainer for a day or do a nighttime visit. I didn't realize you could have an encounter (for $15) with a capybara! We watched for a few minutes and it didn't look like you really got to interact with it, so we passed. They're SO much bigger in person than I expected.

While we were there, a family had booked an Adventure Hour. Things took a turn when one of the alligators, I think it's name is Bite Tyson or something like that, snatched Savannah Boan's fanny pack. She and a couple of guys were tracking him for a couple of hours in the breeding marsh trying to get it back. He wasn't having it. He had a prize and was keeping it. At one point, probably over an hour into trying to get the fanny pack back, he wandered over to the trail where we were able to actually see the fanny pack. We also heard the crunch that was more than likely her phone! He then swam away with it. We don't know if she ever got it back.

If you want some peace and quiet (for the most part) I would highly suggest the swamp walk! It's an untouched part of Gatorland. It takes about 10 minutes to walk it and it's completely worth it. There are several different spots to stop and read a fact or detail about the area.

One might think that you won't spend a lot of time at Gatorland. I'm here to tell you that's not the case, especially if you have little kids. I mean, everything takes a long time with little ones, but there's plenty to keep their attention to make the tickets completely worthwhile! Also, be prepared to take a LOT of photos. I was shocked at how many I took. There were just some really cool things to see and experience at Gatorland!

The Robber and the Witness By Danielle Grandinetti + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I am LOVING the covers of Danielle's novellas. They're just so beautiful. She's also one of the sweetest people I've ever met! Check out her guest post below, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: The Robber and the Witness 
Series: Christmas Cabin Historical Romance Novellas #3 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: July 21, 2026 
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance/Mystery

Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.  

A simple favor, a best friend's promise, and the end of the line. 

Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend's sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he's merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she's grown into a charming beauty. 

Evangeline Whitaker's older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she's an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard. 

With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss's cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline's Christmas spirit might be the death of them both. 

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.  

A sweet 1931 Christmas mystery featuring a closed-door romance between a protective bodyguard and the woman who witnessed too much.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

---

Guest Post

1. What are the challenges of writing a novella compared to a full-length novel?
 
I love this question because I hear so much about the challenges, but for me, novellas are easier to write than full-length novels.

I got my start by writing short stories, in fact, I had over half a dozen, or more, published short stories before I ever signed my first novel contract. I still love writing short stories. They’re fun and ... snackable.
Novellas let me build more world-building into what could be a short story. I can include multiple points of view and chase the mystery threads better. They also allow me to slow a short story down to explore the depth of characters and plot.

While a lot of authors, I suspect, think of a novella as a shortened novel, I come from the opposite perspective. Novellas are an intense immersion into a story rather than a shortening of a story.

I think the best analogy lies in track and field. Novellas are like running the 400 meters. Long-distance runners (novelists) can compete in the 400 meters, but they won’t have the speed of a sprinter. However, sprinters (short-story authors) might not have the endurance to win a 400 meters. Though both long-distance and short-distance runners can compete in the 400 meters, their opposite specialties and failings tend to level the racing field.

However, sprinters tend to be a bit better at the 400 meters than long-distance runners. Take Team USA’s own Quincy Hall, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 400 meters. He’s a sprinter, but he dug deep in his last 100 meters to win gold. It’s an incredible story.

The other part of writing novellas that I appreciate is the more frequent wins. Writing a novel takes longer, therefore, one cannot write as many in the same amount of time as an author could write multiple novellas. When writing gets hard, those wins boost an author’s confidence.

While novellas have their own set of challenges, one of the biggest hurdles is how to view them as an author. My hope is that my readers can disappear into one of my novellas for an evening, not returning to the real world until they reach the end.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed paperback of The Robber and the Witness, a notebook/pen set, and a wooden ornament!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!