This book did such a great job and putting me in the holiday spirit! the cover is so cute and atmospheric and I felt like it was winter while reading it! I always love a good heartfelt, emotional romance for the holidays

After being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, Callie wants nothing to do with this year's holiday celebrations. Callie is officially in Grinch mode, but her meddling sister, Anita, has other plans. Anita creates a homemade Advent calendar to get Callie out of her comfort zone. Callie decides to play along, breaking some rules along the way. But when Callie meets Marco, a charming baker who likes puns as much as Callie does, she unexpectedly finds a partner for the advent challenges. As they finish each challenge, Callie finds that she might have a second chance at love.

The Christmas Countdown was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump. I loved the aspect of an Advent calendar challenge, and some of the situations Callie got into were hilarious. I enjoyed that Callie underwent significant character growth throughout this book, both personally and romantically, and I couldn't help but root for her and Marcus. Overall, this was a fantastic holiday romance, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to add a fun holiday rom com to their Winter TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to review The Christmas Countdown. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Christmas Countdown is bursting with holiday joy and a romance that is oh so delicious.

There are times when a book comes to you at just the right moment. Whether it's because you need to escape the world, or need a pick-me-up, or something that just inspires when you find that special book, you know it in your soul. That was what this book was for me. I was feeling super glum, and reading this book was like being wrapped in a cozy, warm blanket. It left my heart feeling light and happy. This book exudes a genuine Christmas spirit and joy, and I am so glad Holly wrote it. What also makes this book so special is that Holly shares some of her own family holiday traditions with us. The Christmas countdown calendar is something that she has done with her own kids, and it's such a fun and clever idea. It's full of tasks, activities, and presents. It's such a fun family or friends' tradition, and I hope it inspires others to create their own Christmas calendars.

I really cannot think of a thing that I didn't enjoy about this book. The plot is fun and full of holiday shenanigans. The puns. Oh, the puns are purrfection. I just ate up every single punny exchange that happened between these two. The banter between Callie and Marco almost has that fast, witty, punny rhythm that existed between Lorelai and Luck from the Gilmore Girls show. The only real difference is Marco isn't a grumpy man. Besides for all the fabulous dialogue that went on between Marco and Callie, this book is also bursting with fun holiday shenanigans. I love a story where the two MCs have to, or in this case, want to complete a series of fun and unique tasks together, and because these two have quite a few tasks to complete in a short period of time, it makes for a quicker-paced book, which in turn makes for a quick read.

The sisterly relationship between Callie and Anita was wonderful. That close sisterly bond was this lovely blend of sisterly love, poking fun at each other, and just a bond that comes from two sisters who are there for one another no matter what. If you are a fan of meddling, yet loving mothers, then you will enjoy the relationship between Callie and her mom. This is a romance, meaning the main focus of the story is the budding relationship between Callie and Marco. However, it is also about Callie's inner journey of self-discovery and figuring out what truly makes her happy. Her life up to this point has really been dictated by what her family and long-time boyfriend wanted. It's always great watching a heroine reflect and come to realize that she doesn't give a shits what others want her to do. It's time to do what she wants to do. And Callie, to some extent, blows up parts of her old life, so that she can break free and do what she wants to do.

The romance was sweet and charming, quintessential holiday romance. This book has great banter, chemistry that leaps from the pages, and just a relationship that you cannot help but root for. This book also has a micro trope that I adored, which is the heroine's cat (or her sister's cat in this case) that hates everyone except for the hero. It is catnip for my soul. I enjoy the fact that there wasn't too much angst between these two. There was this nice progression to their relationship. 90% of it was flirty, fun, and steamy, which is what I want from a holiday romance. That's not to say there isn't miscommunication and situations that these two have to work through in order to get the HEA they both deserve.

The Countdown to Christmas is festive, fun, and oh so sweet.

This is the perfect Christmas time romance!! Fell in love with the characters right away and it had the perfect festive mood!!

🎄✨ The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy was an absolute delight! I completely fell in love with this heartwarming holiday romance that had just the right blend of festive charm, emotional growth, and swoon-worthy moments.

I especially adored the treat/task advent calendar element—it was such a creative and cozy touch! It made each chapter feel like opening a new little surprise, and I’m honestly inspired to make one for myself this year.

Callie’s transformation from a self-proclaimed Grinch—still reeling from a painful breakup—to someone who rediscovers joy, confidence, and love was such a rewarding journey to follow. Watching her open up, step outside her comfort zone, and embrace the magic of the season was truly heartwarming.

The structure of the book, unfolding day by day through the advent calendar, was brilliant. Each task built beautifully upon the last, and I loved how it helped guide Callie’s emotional healing and her growing connection with the love interest.

If you’re looking for a festive, feel-good romance to add to your holiday TBR, this one is a must-read!

This follows Callie, recently dumped and deep in grinch mode, who’s roped into a homemade Advent calendar challenge by her meddling sister. Each day brings a new task—and a new chance to rediscover joy, especially when she meets a charming baker named Marco. It’s cozy, witty, and full of sisterly hijinks, self-discovery, and slow-burn romance.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC!

*4.5

This was really cute. I enjoyed seeing her break out of her shell and fall for her adorable baker.

If you love cheerful Christmas stories with string female characters this is the book for you. It has hallmark energy but with better writing. The connections are authentic, the plot is cute and warm but still well thought out, and the MC didn’t sacrifice personal or professional growth along the way like often happens in stories like this.

This holiday rom-com delivers all the seasonal magic you'd hope for—chilly weather, warm pastries, and a reluctant heroine rediscovering joy one Advent calendar task at a time. From the author of The Christmas Wager, this story follows Callie, freshly heartbroken and deep in grinch mode, as she’s nudged (okay, pushed) back into the holiday spirit by her loving, meddling sister.

The Advent calendar challenge adds a sweet and nostalgic structure to the story, giving readers something to look forward to each day right alongside Callie. Enter the swoony, kind-hearted baker who brings just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar charm to melt her frosty exterior. Their growing connection is slow and believable, with a healthy dose of holiday flirtation and emotional healing.

The book shines in its cozy vibes, lovable side characters, and gentle themes of self-discovery and hope. It’s predictable in places (as most holiday romances are), but that’s part of the comfort. If you’re looking for a light, festive read that blends humor, heart, and baked goods, this one is a delightful addition to your winter TBR.

I love a good Christmas story and All Callie is being dragged into the Season by her sister Anita in the midst of her grief from a breakup. The Advent calendar challenge is so much fun- I loved it!

If you’re looking to get into the spirit of the holidays or just want to read something that feels like a warm hug, I highly recommend this book.

Hannah was so lovely and shared some of her inspirations in writing the book, as well as answered our many questions. It was so nice for all of our members to meet her and chat with her throughout the evening. We had a great discussion about themes like traditions, family, letting go, and romantic relationships. The book is set in a town called Fallbrook, but is based on Oakville where Hannah lives, so it was nice for us as the Oakville chapter to be able to recognize a lot of the settings that were used in the book.

I absolutely devoured this book during the holiday season. It was very well written and the advent calendar idea was so unique and fun! I felt just as excited as the main character was to open a new advent challenge or gift. The love story was just the cherry on top! I highly recommend this book for Christmas time, or any time during the year that you need to lift your spirits. I also appreciate a book with LGBTQ themes, so it is an all around yes for me!

All Callie wants for Christmas is to stay home. She doesn't want to interact with anyone or go back to her hometown and run into her ex who now has a nice shiny new girlfriend. However, her sister has other plans in mind. Instead she creates an interactive Advent calendar in hopes of trying to get her sister into the Christmas spirit. When one of the challenges brings Marco into Callie's things change and now she is starting to get into the Christmas spirit. But is the Christmas spirit and Marco enough to get Callie to consider going back home?

This book was a cute holiday romance. I felt swept up into a Hallmark movie throughout the entirety of this book. This book not only kept you hooked but was an easy read that should progressional growth of Callie's character. At first she was a little frustrating being so hung up on her ex, but I suppose if the roles were reversed any woman may have apprehension about seeing their ex constantly and then having to back to your hometown with them being your neighbor. So in the grand scheme of things Callie's reactions are not too terrible.

The only thing that I did not enjoy about the book was that at times it felt very drawn out, I understand that the story takes place over the course of the Christmas season but sometimes the chapters were a little too descriptive that I felt myself losing interest in the book at times.

Overall, this is a cute book that makes you feel like you are in a snow globe. If you love Hallmark movies, romance and the Christmas season then you will enjoy this book.

The Christmas Countdown is a heartwarming holiday read. Callie, still hurting from a breakup, wants to skip Christmas, but her sister Anita has other plans. Anita's homemade Advent calendar, filled with cheerful tasks, nudges Callie into the holiday spirit. Reluctantly, Callie participates and meets a charming baker who might be just what she needs. As they complete the activities together, Callie's views on love and the holidays are challenged. The likable characters and engaging story make this book a delightful read. It beautifully captures the essence of Christmas, with themes of love, family, and new beginnings. Overall, 3.75/5 stars.

This is a cute Christmas romance about a woman, Callie, facing her first Christmas season after her boyfriend and close family friend of 10 years has broken up with her, while still living in the same town and working at the same company as him. She comes from a Christmas-loving family but is dreading the holiday season this year and has decided not to go home for Christmas. In an effort to cheer her up, her older sister/roommate creates an advent calendar challenge for her that includes a mix of holiday-themed treats and tasks to complete. When her sister has to leave town for work leaving Callie to complete the remaining calendar tasks alone, a cute baker she met at the Christmas tree market taps in to help her and holiday shenanigans ensue.

While I found this book to be a cute, quick read that was entertaining, I thought it was over-the-top cheesy with a lot of dialogue that I couldn't imagine real people actually saying to each other. It was also very predictable. However, if you're just looking for an easy Christmas book while you're home for the holidays, this might just fit the bill!

Thank you to Putnam for the eARC!

This was a fun fluffy Christmas read that was just the book I needed after reading a book that was sad. I wouldn't say that there was anything wrong with this book as it did its job to be full of Christmas and a light read, but it was on the slower side for me and I didn't feel deeply connected with the characters as much as I would have liked. I don't think that's always a bad thing though as long as it's enjoyable.

Overall, this was a decent read and looking forward to this author's next book.

Unfortunately i didnt love this one, i feel like it was unrealistic and borderline cheesy. I wanted more from the mains, but the advent calendar game seemed childish.

Great read! I loved this special Christmas romance by star writer Holly Cassidy. It was more than a romance--it was a sister story, a community story, with so much heart and tradition.

**3-Star Review of *The Christmas Countdown* by Holly Cassidy**

*The Christmas Countdown* by Holly Cassidy is a light, festive read that delivers plenty of holiday cheer, though it doesn’t quite bring anything fresh to the table. The story follows Jess, a woman who finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance during the lead-up to Christmas. She begins a "countdown" of sorts to help her navigate the holiday season, and along the way, romance and self-discovery unfold in a familiar, feel-good way.

Cassidy does a nice job of evoking the holiday spirit, and the setting is filled with Christmas charm—from the decorations to the cozy winter vibes. The romance is sweet and develops at a steady pace, though the plot itself is predictable, and there aren’t many surprises along the way. Jess is an endearing protagonist, but her character doesn’t always feel as fleshed out as she could be, and some of the secondary characters lack depth.

Overall, *The Christmas Countdown* is an easy, enjoyable read for fans of holiday romance. It's perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the warmth of Christmas, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of originality or emotional depth. It’s a fun escape, but ultimately, it’s a forgettable addition to the seasonal romance genre.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was the sweetest and most heartwarming holiday rom-com! The Christmas Countdown follows Callie, a young woman still reeling from heartbreak after being dumped by her childhood sweetheart. With no desire to face the holidays, she is fully in Grinch mode. But her sister, Anita, refuses to let her wallow and creates a homemade Advent calendar filled with festive challenges to reignite her holiday spirit. Along the way, Callie meets a charming baker who gently pushes her out of her comfort zone.

I absolutely loved all the festive activities and sweet treats woven into the story, and the countdown to Christmas in each chapter made it even more magical! Callie’s personal growth was so rewarding to watch, and I found myself rooting for her to open up her heart again!

If you’re looking for a cute, cozy and clean holiday read then this is the book for you! I wholeheartedly recommend!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟