This was a very jolly Christmas read. Callie and Marco had such great chemistry and the advent calendar challenge was so fun to follow.

Thank you to G. P. Putnam Son’s and NetGalley for this ARC.

What a sweet Christmas read! The characters are lovable and the story easy to fall into. I love the advent calendar challenges and treats, the family supporting each other and the love story!

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

It made me believe that Christmas is still for me!

Callie had an amazing boyfriend, a dream job and a beautiful new place to live. Unfortunately, not everything ended up so perfect when her boyfriend left her after a decade together and also announced that was in love with someone else.

Heartbroken and hopeless Callie moved in with her sister Anita who took her in immediately a did her very best to give back Callie a bit of hope and joy.

While Callie and her ex remained working for the same company, she counted on Hazel to be at ease at work and have someone to talk to.

Callie refused to go home to celebrate Christmas with her family as her ex lived next door and was such an awkward feeling! They were supposed to end up together…but, they didn’t.

As Christmas got closer Anita came up with the most wonderful idea! An Advent Calendar! Yes! That would be the solution to help Callie and give her back hope and a joyful holiday spirit!

This story was delightful beginning to end and for all those who need something beautiful, peaceful and heartwarming, this is definitely your novel.

I loved how Callie opened her heart task after task and how Cassidy created such a great guy for Callie to share her life with. I absolutely loved this novel and I highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Thank you so much to @netgalley and Holly Cassidy!

This is a fun quick read perfect for those who want to get into the holiday spirit. You may know what's coming, but fans of Christmas roamnces will be happy when they get there.

Follow along with me for a moment as I go off topic. One of my favorite Christmas movies is “The Holiday Calendar” on Netflix. Based on the title, I bet you could assume that it a similar concept to this book. “The Holiday Calendar” follows a photographer who is given her grandma’s old advent calendar. Magically, each day, a wooden figurine appears in the calendar, serving as a hint of what the day has in store for her.

I love that movie because even though it’s cheesy (as the best Holiday movies are) it has a lot of heart and sentimentality. Now, you may be wondering, why I bought it up. I believe this book takes the concept (an advent calendar shaping the day of the heroine) to an elevated level. I loved the dynamic between Callie and her sister and their obvious affection for each other. The nostalgic gifts and ‘assignments’ had so much meaning and I loved how the focus was on making Callie enjoy the holidays like they used to as children. It really tugged on my heartstrings how much thought Anita put into her calendar and what it meant to them as sisters.

Ironically enough, I had almost forgotten to write anything about Marco. Don’t get me wrong, I liked his character and his positivity a lot. But I felt like the story was so charming and festive even without mentioning the romance. Callie’s journey of self-reflection and trying things outside of her comfort zone was so much more fulfilling!

🎶Fitting Songs:
↳ Last Christmas by Wham!
↳ Cindy Lou Who by Sabrina Carpenter
↳ Christmas Makes Me Cry by Kacey Musgraves
↳ Love to Keep Me Warm by Laufey
↳ You to Me by Dave Barnes

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!

A chance meeting at a a Christmas tree market can change everything. Callie’s life was at a standstill. Her longtime boyfriend and job were at a crossroads. Meeting Marco was a catalyst she needed to balance out the changes she was experiencing. Add in an advent calendar from her sister to spur her on to challenges that made her realize she could do better. This was a cute coming about Christmas story. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily

This was about a woman who was recovering from a breakup of a 10-year relationship. Her sister sets up an advent calendar of things for her to do to get her into the Christmas spirit. I found it to be slow, and I didn't feel very invested in the characters.

This is 100% giving hallmark vibes and I love it! I’ll be recommending this during the holiday season and definitely be reading inbetween hallmark films.

It was a bit predictable, but so is a hallmark film and there is something fun, cozy, and lovable about all these productions.

I thought the pacing was wonderful as well, I’ll be looking forward to the future works from this author. Hey, maybe even a Future film for the season too?

This book has quintessential Hallmark vibes. The countdown gave the storyline a nice, steady flow. The characters were fun to get to know. There’s a good twist at the end; not super surprising, but it gave a little tension before the tender ending.

Holly Cassidy strikes again with a new beautiful Christmas Rom-Com. I loved every second reading this joy filled story of Callie finding her way back to her Christmas spirit.
Callie’s sister Anita is determined to get her into the Christmas spirit after a tough break up 8 months earlier, and to do so she has planned the advent calendar of dreams with gifts and activities. Callie has no plans to enjoy the season or open her heart again, but as the story progresses so does Callie.
It was such a joy seeing all the gift tags with the notes form Anita, and knowing the authors Swiss heritage made all the Swiss references so much sweeter. I couldn’t help but imagine Holly and her family!
Holly Cassidy is such a masterful weaver of joy and magic. This book was so hopeful and felt like such a warm hug. I loved the characters development and the journey they all took. I really hope this little town comes back in another story ♥️

This book was goofy but in a fun and very Hallmark-esque way. A cheesy christmas countdown from the FMC's sister? Check. The nice guy who happens to be a chef? Check. Having to deliver difficult news in a way that is kind? Check. Despite the fact that this book is entirely predictable (as any true Hallmark goodie is), I very much enjoyed it!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for me to review + the chance to experience a Christmas in July moment!

Fun story about a girl recovering from heartbreak during the holidays. I loved the cookies, Christmas theme, advent calendar and Marco!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and lovable. The pacing was perfect and left you wanting to read more. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Thank you Net Galley for the sweetest ARC! Awe!!! This book gave so many Hallmark Christmas vibes! It has such a creative plot which I really enjoyed! Highly recommend!

A fun and fresh Christmas romance, Holly Cassidy's The Christmas Countdown is a must- check out for fans of holiday romance, creative advent calendars, or egg puns (just kidding).

4.5 ⭐️ Super cute, cozy romance. It felt like I was reading a hallmark movie of that makes sense. I’ll probably re-read this one in December!

Cozy, warm, and all the holiday feels!

Plot: Callie, recently dumped, has been feeling a bit Grinch like. Her sister Anita decides to recreate their old family advent calendar tradition. Every day leading up to Christmas Callie opens a present, a treat or a task, switching daily. Callie must complete each task in order to continue. So much fun!

My Thoughts: I absolutely adored this book! The idea of an advent calendar counting down to Christmas was such a fun idea. Callie was a great main character and I loved seeing her turn into a strong confident woman throughout the book. She definitely got her spunk back, and I loved it! Marco was such a good sport joining her on all of the activities, and I would love to try some of his desserts! I think this book will be perfect for the upcoming holiday season!

Thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam Penguin Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this Christmas romance. All the things you want for a cozy romance, friends to lovers, humor, sweet moments, and friendship.

There have been so many great holiday themed books out lately. The Christmas Countdown was the latest great holiday book I’ve read. It was great!