Twelve Days: A Story of Christmas

By: Cheri Chesley

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

Length: 1 hr and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Workaholic Joe thought that he'd provided a good life for his wife and young daughter, until the night of his daughter's Christmas concert when his wife whispered that she wants a divorce. Joe revives an old holiday tradition with the hope of changing her mind, but it's his heart that changes most.

©2014 Cheri Chesley (P)2015 Cheri Chesley

A simple “cat’s in the cradle” Christmas Tale

This was a simple, sweet, story of a man learning to get his priorities straight in order to hang on to his family.

I know it is a very common issue, but I just want to reiterate to all those hard working men out there - most of us women would rather have a real relationship than a lot of fancy things.

Some swearing

Bonus short story #1 - Although I can’t image people lining up to see the Christ child like he was a mall Santa, it was cute enough.

NARRATION: Pro: Good pacing, emotion, and speed (I like things a bit faster and this was good) / Con: I didn’t love his female/child voices

I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.

enjoyably little tale story

Any additional comments?

This is a cosy short christmas story. I often find some short stories a bit rushed or unfinnished , this is not the case here .

Good plot, with the true family feel of Christmas.

Good naration.

There are a couple of added extra very short christmas stories at the end .

Great short story for Christmas!

This book will be added to my "must read each Christmas" list. I loved the characters and how Joe works so hard to get his marriage back together, This story will be a good reminder for me each year. J. Scott Bennett did a great job narrating this book!

The sprit of the season!

There are times I get so caught up in the commercialism of the holidays, that I love to hear a story that grounds me back to the spirit it is intended. Cheri Chesley's short story, Twelve Days did just that for me. Joe, the always working husband is caught off guard when his wife asks him for a divorce. It forces him to take a look at life, his job and his family. Now seeing his errors, he does his best to win back the love of his life by using the true meaning of the twelve days of Christmas. I loved this story, just so I could hear all the meanings of each day and the original ways Joe found to express them. It's spiritual and uplifting, perfect for the holiday season. In addition, we had a few extra shorts for Chesley to make the season even brighter.

J Scott Bennett pours out all the feelings this story. Joe's revelations all come through with clarity and love giving us that wonderful listen.

A Very Touching Story

Would you listen to Twelve Days: A Story of Christmas again? Why?

Yes. Every Christmas would be perfect! It has such a wonderful reminder of relationships and putting our priorities in order. I had never thought of using the twelve days of Christmas in such a way.

What about J. Scott Bennett’s performance did you like?

Scott Bennett's voice was ideal since this story is told from a man's point of view. His voice was excellent and very soothing to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I definitely did have a reaction. The ending brought tears to my eyes and I couldn't help but feel what the real message of this story was. Twelve Days of Christmas is such a heart-warming story. It reminds us to never put work before family.

get in the Christmas spirit

This heartwarming story has got me anxious for Christmas! This tells the story of a husband who's lost sight of what's important and is trying to right his wrong before it's too late. It had a sweet message and was the perfect length... I listened to the whole thing in one sitting! Grab a cup of hot cocoa and curl up in front of the fire with this enjoyable read.

4.5 stars raised to 5. I received a free audio book in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent Book for the Christmas Season

What made the experience of listening to Twelve Days: A Story of Christmas the most enjoyable?

This was a wonderful book! The story is well written, it kept my attention and had a good pace. For a short book the characters were well developed with just enough setting to bring the story alive in the imagination.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Twelve Days: A Story of Christmas?

The concept of doing the 12 days of Christmas differently than the traditional way was unique and intriguing. I could understand Joe's struggle to quickly find appropriate gifts. I loved the birds! It made me laugh out loud because out of desperation he went with it, but it so wasn't an appropriate gift..

What does J. Scott Bennett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved his tone. He read it with just enough animation to keep the story interesting but not over the top so as to distract you from the story. Well done.

If you could rename Twelve Days: A Story of Christmas, what would you call it?

I wouldn't rename the story. I think the title fits the story well.

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful book to add to the family holiday season. Begin the festivities with this story or take some time out from the holiday craziness. The story will warm your heart and lighten your mood. The additional stories on the end were an unexpected bonus. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!