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  • Published: 2 December 2025
  • ISBN: 9781787304666
  • Imprint: Harvill Secker
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $39.99

The Twelve Days of Christmas

  • Susan Stokes-Chapman




A beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the Georgian Christmas carol

The air glitters with hope as the snowy village of Merrywake celebrates the Christmas season after the tumult of the Napoleonic Wars.

As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.

Reimagining each of the traditional carol's gifts, and written in tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?

Readers love Susan:
'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance'
'Wonderfully atmospheric'
'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction'
'Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read'
'An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope'
'Beautifully written, gripping and evocative'

  • Published: 2 December 2025
  • ISBN: 9781787304666
  • Imprint: Harvill Secker
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $39.99

Praise for The Twelve Days of Christmas

A gripping narrative in which secrets from the past are slowly and ingeniously revealed

Sunday Times, *Historical Fiction Book of the Month* for PANDORA

An immersive, evocative story full of romance and intrigue

Red, for PANDORA

Romantic, suspenseful and beautifully written... a glorious treat

Daily Mail, for PANDORA

A glorious treat…uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball.’

Naomi Kelsey

Clever, funny and heartfelt... I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. It’s the perfect comfort read. Fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer will love it.

Theresa Howes

An uplifting collection…absolutely the book I’m gifting everyone this year – it’s the perfect stocking filler

Venetia Constantine

So beautifully and delicately done, woven like the most detailed tapestry. Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift

Kate Griffin

A festive delight, as warming as mulled wine by a crackling fire. These twelve tales weave together beautifully in a joyous, sparkling celebration of love, wit and the true meaning of Christmas

Elodie Harper

This is a charming collection of stories, each of them delightful on their own but together creating a rich, festive tapestry. There is sparkling wit, romance and joy interspersed with poignant glimpses of darkness and sorrow which Susan Stokes-Chapman weaves beautifully throughout. It's the perfect gift to wake up to in your stocking on Christmas morning!

Jennifer Saint

Simply sublime festive fiction. Five gold stars! Susan Stokes-Chapman's clever, amusing and beautifully written collection is the perfect gift for lovers of fine literature.

AJ West
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