Twelve Days and Twelfth Night

Author: Sarah Sundin
Genre: Historical Holiday Romance
Pages: 208
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Publisher: Revell

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.

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Reviewer: Trinity Caver

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin was a fresh take on WWII era events in the USO. I really enjoyed this book; it was good for Christmas in July. This book will have you crying and laughing at times. In this book you will find people who have faith but just like in real life sometimes doubts and seeking self can get people off track, not following God, but sometimes thinking they are or justifying their actions as faith. You will also see how the characters are reminded that God is in control and that He is only Good and shows His lovingkindness to His children, even when we are not so faithful, though we strive to be. What initially drew me to want to read this book was that it is a Christmas book, but then it involved WWII. I usually enjoy books that have a romantic WWII storyline. Another aspect of this book that I thought would be interesting is that it incorporates Shakespeare.

The two main characters are Prescott and Maggie. Prescott is a Hollywood actor who has an accident and is burned which results in scars and he also loses fingers on both hands because of the accident. He turns to isolation and is trying to find a way to do something, but he does not want people staring all the time and thinking that he is a has been, since he really cannot star in any movies anymore.

Maggie is looking for work to be able to afford to continue to help her grandpa, who lost his wife not that long ago. He is working on the house and falls; he breaks several bones and must walk with canes and sometimes be pushed in a wheelchair. Maggie did a short stint in Hollywood, but she did not do so well, so she jumps at the chance to put on a USO show for injured service members. When asked who she wants for the leading man, she does not hesitate to say she wants Prescott. Prescott on his part is eager to get back to doing something, so he immediately takes the role. With her star, she now must come up with a show that will entertain but be acceptable to her boss.

There is a lot of back and forth with Prescott and Maggie both thinking fondly of each other but then thinking that they may be wrong about their feelings and that each one may be interested in other people. Maggie discovers something during the rehearsal phase of the show, and she thinks it will be a good surprise for her friend. Prescott is not so sure and urges her not to go forward with her plan, but Maggie still thinks he is wrong and does not listen to his advice. There are definitely some snags along the way that could keep Prescott and Maggie apart. It is up to you reader to see if they end up together or if things between them end up as only friends or associates. In addition, see how the play turns out.

I recommend this book now or if you prefer to read it during the Christmas season it will not be disappointing. I think everyone can enjoy this book that brings some joy to others in a time when there may not have seemed to be much to be joyful about.

I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

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