⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
I thought The Christmas Countdown was a cute holiday romance. It was a fun, fluffy read for the holidays. Marco and Callie were cute together, while their puns were a little excessive for me, their relationship was sweet. Callie was a relatable FMC and Marco is a fun MMC, but chefs will always win points for me haha. I thought the Advent calendar challenge that Callie’s sister created for her was so fun and something that helped Callie get back to being herself after a break up. It gives Hallmark Christmas movie in the best way! If you want a fun holiday read that is sweet and full of Christmas cheer, definitely pick this one up!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I thought this one was so cute!! The perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit!

Thank you NetGalley, thank you Putnam books Penguin group for this ARC.
Reading this in the middle of the “spooky season” was a good move.
Like many other readers, I like when a romance book set at Chirtsmas gives you all the “Hallamark movie” vibes, and this one does the trick.
Callie is having a hard time after the break up with her long term boyfriend Oliver. Her sister Annita came up with the idea of a unique Advent Calendar with daily treats and challenges hoping that this bring back joy for Callie. In the meantime, she had a meet cute with Marco, a baker who ended up helping Callie to carry through the daily tasks of the Advent calendar.
This is a very cute-feel good Rom-Com. I loved the dinamics between Callie and her sister and her friend Hazel. I really like the slow burn between Callie and Marco and how he always was trying to make her feel better. I think the puns were very funny, although at some poin I felt they were a Little bit too much. My only complain is that it was a Little bit weird the “love triangle” with Joe, Callie and Marco. I know it wasn´t a love triangle, but that situation felt out of place.
In general I found all characters very lovable (except for Oliver and Grant), I loved the evolution of Callie and how she and Marco were very open with each other.
It was a very enjoyable read, recommended for fans of Jenny Bayliss ans Kitty Wilson.

This book was super cute and will get you right into the holiday spirit.

Our FMC Callie, moves to a new city with her long term boyfriend of 10 years and starts working for the same company as him. When Oliver meet someone else, he decides to dumb Callie, sending her to go live with her sister Anita. After the big break up, Callie is in no mood to celebrate Christmas, but Anita creates an advent calendar that is fill of Christmas treats and activities for her to do.

During one of the baking activities, she stumbles across Marco, who is a pastry chef. When Anita gets called out of town for business, Marco ends up helping Callie complete the advent calendar tasks, in exchange for her to clean up the financial reports for his business.

Even though she swore off finding love after the last, these two are super compatible and their relationship just seems to fall into place in the best way possible. This truly felt like a Hallmark type movie!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an early copy of this book.

Such a fun premise for a Christmas story …
Callie is NOT in the holiday spirit this year, after being dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Her sister, Anita, tries to rekindle Callie’s holiday spirit by devising an elaborate Advent Calendar of Christmas Treats and Tasks, incorporating lots of Christmas memories and traditions old and new. Throw in a chance meeting with a hunky local baker, Marco, who is ALL IN helping with the Advent Calendar Tasks - and we have the recipe for a one-of-a-kind Christmas story that will bring you JOY!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC opportunity!

I really enjoyed this book! Not only did it give the perfect Christmas vibes, like a good Hallmark movie, but it also had great character growth with the FMC, which i really enjoyed seeing.

Moments were predictable, like the situation with Vince but i did not see the Ruby twist coming. However, that did not deter from the story at all.

Marco is literally perfect. This man could do no wrong. He had a great sense of humor and understanding. Really solid MMC all around.

Exactly what I was looking for - cozy holiday vibes!! The story follows Callie, fresh off a breakup and determined to have a quiet, uneventful Christmas. Her childhood sweetheart has moved in next door with his new girlfriend, and Callie is set on avoiding him and skipping the usual holiday cheer.

Her sister has other ideas.. pushing her into a homemade Advent calendar filled with fun (and sometimes uncomfortable) challenges.

At first Callie is reluctant, but when she meets a sweet, handsome chef, things start to change. She slowly rediscovers her holiday spirit and seeing her open her heart up to love again is so heartwarming.

A light, quick holiday read if you're looking for easy, feel-good vibes with a touch of romance.

Review: I thought this book was so freaking cute. I honestly didn't wanna put it down and I read it in one day. I loved the interactions between Marco and Callie, and I loved the growth that Callie went through as the book progressed. Towards the end, I found the sister and the mom to be borderline insufferable, and I think that was the point, but it did take away from the story for me just a bit. BUT I really did enjoy this book and I'd definitely tell people to add it to their Christmas tbr. It made me laugh, I loved the Advent Calendar part of the story, and just in general this book was very feel good/happy.

Synopsis: She’s given up on love and Christmas…but fate has other plans.

All Callie wants for Christmas is to hibernate. She's still reeling from being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, and under no circumstances will she go home for the holidays considering her ex will be right next door with his new, perfect partner. Callie is officially in grinch mode, but her meddling sister, Anita, won’t let her give up on life, love, and Christmas quite so easily.

Anita stages a Christmas intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge—cheerful tasks to push Callie out of her comfort zone and into the holiday spirit, inspired by a childhood tradition. Callie reluctantly plays along, but when she comes face-to-face with a charming baker who just might be the spoonful of sugar she needs, her strict rules on love and the holidays are tested.

As they strike a deal to do the activities together, could the twenty four little doors on Callie’s Advent calendar not only open up one, but two closed-off hearts?

A Hallmark themed movie with a bit of romance added in.

If you want all the Christmas feels, like sipping hot chocolate, sledding, baking Christmas goodies, so many festivities, this book will give it all to you.

The book tells the story of Callie who is devastated by a breakup with her boyfriend and isn't in the Christmas spirit at all, with good reason! Her sister Anita decides to step in and help Callie make it through this hard time and to try to give her a bit of Christmas joy. She creates an advent calendar for Callie. The calendar doesn't have only little gifts in it, it also has tasks that Callie has to complete.

Definitely would recommend for any Christmas story lover out there!

Thank you to Netgalley, Holly Cassidy and Putnam publishing for allowing me this arc version in exchange for my honest opinion.

Freshly heartbroken, the last thing Callie wants to do is complete an Advent calendar filled with holiday challenges... but then finds herself reigniting her holiday cheer and possibly falling in love again. Callie is ready to shut herself in and have a quiet Christmas, especially after her childhood sweetheart broke up with her and has moved in next door with his new girlfriend. Callie is determined to avoid him at all cost, not go home for the holidays either, and just try and get the holidays over with, but her meddling sister is determined to bring back some holiday cheer and help Callie find a new love. Her sister stages an intervention of the holiday sort and gets her to participate in a homemade Advent calendar challenge, filled with activities that are meant to get Callie to go out of her comfort zone. Then Calle meets a very handsome Chef who could possibly have her be willing to give love another go. Can Callie find her holiday cheer again and open her heart up to romance again during this Christmas season? This was a cute and light hallmark-esque Christmas romance. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for an easy holiday romance to read!

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Holly Cassidy (favorite author), also writing as Hannah Mary McKinnon (thrillers), returns following The Christmas Wager with another charming, festive, and nostalgic holiday rom-com, THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

When a young woman is not up to celebrating the upcoming holidays due to a recent heartbreak, her sister intervenes with a fun and challenging Advent calendar that will brighten spirits and a new romance in this dazzling and lively holiday novel, which will get you into the holiday spirit!

About...

Callie Elise Meyer, an accountant, is not in the Christmas spirit. She has to see her ex at the office, which is bad enough. She is a Grinch. She wants a season pass this year.

After her recent breakup (Oliver) and moving to a new town (eight months ago), she wants nothing more than to run and hide.

The last place she wants to be is next door to her ex and his new girlfriend, Sarah (marriage). His parents lived next door to hers. Callie and Oliver were together for ten years, and now he has been dating someone for six months and is ready for marriage.

Anita is determined not to allow her sister to give up on love. She offers her a spare bedroom and a shoulder to cry on. Callie cannot see herself trusting someone with her heart in the next gazillion years. However, she has no clue what is in store for her professionally and personally.

Anita, Callie's sister, plays a pivotal role in her journey. She stages an intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge, a clever and heartwarming twist that pushes Callie out of her comfort zone and helps her regain her confidence.

Starting Dec 1st and the countdown to Christmas, Dec 24th, Callie finally agrees and meets a charming pastry chef, Marco Lancaster (29), owner of a catering company called Dessert Dudes at Central Kitchen, who might be what the doctor ordered and reignites her belief in herself, the holidays, and love.

Callie likes that she can be herself around Marco.
Open, honest, and vulnerable.
Not Cautious Callie.
Not Calamity Callie.
No pretending to be Cool Callie.
Just Callie.

"Not til we are lost, in other words, not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves. —Henry David Thoreau

My thoughts...

THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN is a delightful, fun journey filled with heartwarming moments. The creative, lively, and festive atmosphere, coupled with the romance, will warm your heart. Each day's mission is a joy to discover, and anticipating what's behind the doors adds a touch of magic to the story.

From baking, Christmas traditions, Dazey, eggnog, cookies, Christmas sweaters, cheesecakes, lattes, holiday family traditions, trees, books, sledding, movies, helping the needy, lots of fun games, pets, romance, caroling, unexpected gifts, friendship, bookstores, family, trees, snow, cocktails, chocolate, glamming, sisterhood, food drives, a bad boss, humor, toy drives, music, puzzles, lists, Christmas miracles, second chances, and so much more! (plus all things Switzerland).

Who would have thought that an Advent calendar challenge could be so thrilling? This adventurous, uplifting, and clever journey, crafted by the brilliant Holly (HMM), is a favorite magical Christmas rom-com with Hallmark vibes. It's a fun-filled ride that will keep you entertained until the last door is opened!

I loved the Epilogue—Christmas Day one year later—the characters, and the entertaining trip to Fallbrook. Get this gem on your winter reading list.

From Holly's enchanting rom-coms to her gripping thrillers as Hannah Mary McKinnon, I've been a huge long-time fan and have read all her books. Her ability to captivate readers with her storytelling is truly admirable, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

Recs...

THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN is for fans of the author and those who enjoy Katherine Center, Emily Henry, Emily Giffin, Rebecca Serle, and Mary Kay Andrew.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 22, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
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The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy is a delightful holiday read that captivates from the very first page.
I immediately got the Hallmark movie vibes again!
TCC would be an excellent choice for readers who love Hallmark, are looking for a sweet, heartfelt story with characters that will make them want to keep reading.
I absolutely loved every single second of this book. It was such a delight, it was so fun, always something happening, it was cute and swoony and adorable. It's the perfect read to get you into your holiday feels I can assure you!
Such a fun Christmas rom-com!

I absolutely loved her debut The Christmas Wager and knew immediately I had to get my hands on her second romance story! Which she did not disappoint!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank You NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Recently dumped Callie wants to ignore Christmas this year but with the help of her sister, she arranges a Christmas countdown for Callie and someone to help her with them. Marcus is a baker who helps her with this countdown. With all the time their spending together, will it lead to love?

I would give this book a solid 3.5/5 stars. It was such a delightful Christmas read. It felt like reading a Hallmark movie within a book. I love how it was a closed door romance of a book, however some of the closed door sex scenes seemed a little out of place. I loved how the romance was driven by honesty and worked hard to bring that out.

I adored all the Christmas elements in the story. From sledding to making Christmas cookies, to hot chocolate. It just made the books a perfect festive read.

Cute romance to read around the Holidays! Would still absolutely recommend to others who like holidays romances!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was so cute and a perfect holiday read. I loved the idea of an advent calendar pushing her outside her comfort zone and help her heal after her breakup. I loved the relationship with Marco and her special relationship with her sister. This will check all your holiday read boxes!

I am a sucker for a holiday romcom with all the hallmark movie vibes. This was a heart warming story where the MFC rediscovers herself and her love of Christmas with them help of her sister after a breakup. I could totally see Netflix turning this into a movie that I’d watch every year. If you’re looking for a cheesy romance with puns, I think you’ll love this book!

📖: The Christmas Countdown- a standalone

✍️ By: Holly Cassidy- new to me author

📃 Page Count: 316 e-ARC

🗓️ Publication Date: 10-22- 24 | Read: 10-20- 24


🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Holly Cassidy for this ARC 🎄! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

🌎Setting: Fallbrook, NY and Pineville, VA

Genre: Adult Fic, Contemporary Romance, Holiday

Tropes: matchmaker, pet friendly, LGBTQIA+ rep, sisterhood, book lover h

☝🏾POV: 1st person, single

⚠️TW: H cheated on by ex,

💭Summary: Callie is heartbroken over being dumped by her boyfriend Oliver. Callie doesn't want to go home for the holidays or even celebrate because she doesn't want to run into her ex whose family lives next door. Callie's sister Anita wants to bring her out of her comfort zone and have some holiday cheer, so she enacts their family's Christmas Countdown. She arranges treats and tasks for Callie to complete for twenty-four days until Christmas. When Callie goes Christmas tree hunting, she meets Marco. They hit it off with corny jokes and puns, and later agree to help each other. Callie will help with his taxes and business bookkeeping in exchange for him doing the Christmas Countdown with her.

🚺 Heroine: Callie Meyer (27) an accountant @ Whitlock & Blake Recruitment firm

🚹 Hero: Marco -a chef w/ a pastry business Dessert Dudes

🎭Side cast:

• Anita-29, Callie's sister who gifts her w/ Christmas Countdown to cheer her up. She gives her Advent calendar treats and tasks for the 24 days until Christmas.

• Vince-Marco's business partner and BFF

• Oliver-Callie's ex-boyfriend who dated for 10 years. Their mothers are BFFs and next-door neighbors. He and Callie still work together.

•Ruby Rowlinson-Marco's ex-girlfriend

• Sarah Barratt-Oliver's media famous fiancée

• Hazel-Callie's coworker and friend

• Joe-firefighter Anita tried to set Callie up with

•Dazey Rocket-Anita's cat, hilarious roof scene w/Callie

🤔My Thoughts: I loved the concept of the Christmas Countdown. Anita really came through for Callie during her time of need. My older sister has done similar things for me showing unconditional love and support. Both Callie and Marco were nursing broken hearts, and they met at the right time. I loved how Callie changed from being a recluse to taking on adventure and standing up for herself. Marco was a sweet guy, a little naive about Vince but encouraged Callie to have some fun.

Range of emotions: 😬🤔🙄
🌶️: Spice 2/5-kissing and off-page hook ups
😭: Emotion 4/5
❤️: Couple 4/5
⭐️: Rating 4/5

Callie has changed her job and life for her lifelong love Oliver.
Oliver breaks up with her and Callie is in mourning for months.
Her sister Anita develops an advent calendar to buoy Callie’s spirits and bring her back to the land of the living.
An entertaining story of relationships and changes that we all go through in trying to make sense of our own lives.
Marco is a delightful man brought into her life with ups and downs.
Loved the realistic tone of family and their interfering ways.

Callie has had a rough year. Her long time crush turned 10-year boyfriend, Oliver, dumped her earlier in the year. To drive the knife deeper, he quickly moved on with a local news correspondent. To boot, Callie and Oliver work in the same office. Her sadness, although understandable, has resulted in a lack of social life and complete absence of Christmas spirit. Her sister, Anita, sets up a holiday advent mixed with gifts and tasks she must complete. Callie agrees to whole heartedly throw herself into the tasks on the condition that her sister stops trying to set her up with people and also accepts her refusal to go back home for Christmas. (Did I mention that she and Oliver’s families live right next to one another and their moms are besties??).

In the first task, at a tree farm, we have a sweet meet-cute with Marco. He becomes her task companion when Anita needs to leave unexpectedly for business. Together, Cassie and Marco find their Christmas spirit and begin to defrost their frozen, break-up hearts.

Although this Hallmark movie worthy story is all sorts of holiday season fun, at its heart it’s about growing up, losing yourself in love, finding yourself, and letting go of what no longer serves you.

Grab this one for the holidays!!! @hollycassidyauthor I am a fan!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley and @putnambooks for this #advancedreaderscopy it was a perfect pre-holiday read. Pub date is 10/22/24.

#2024bookchallenge95of75
#thechristmascountdown
#netgalley

Thank you to PRHAudio for the ALC and Holly Cassidy and GP Putnam and Sons for the ARC! We are super excited at The Buzz for our first Christmas novel!!

Callie is far from being in the Christmas spirit this year. She is still heartbroken from her childhood sweetheart, Oliver, dumping her and the last thing she wants is to spend Christmas at home with both of their families. So when her sister tasks her with an advent calendar filled with treats and fun activities, she is hesitant but really has nothing to lose. Her meeting a charming baker is just icing on the cake.

This story was just what I needed! I could relate so much to Callie, in how she was learning to stand up for herself. Like Callie, it took me some time to realize my own worth and to stand up to people who don’t value you. I wanted to cheer for her by the end, because she had grown so much and figured out she was deserving of true happiness. Overall, this was the perfect holiday read! A sweet small town, a beautiful relationship between sisters and a little romance too. If you enjoy feel good holiday stories, don’t miss this one!

“The Christmas Countdown” is out now! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@book_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

Growing up I loved doing an advent calendar, so the premise of this book really drew me in. I enjoyed the tasks that Callie had to do and how her sister reminded her of past family fun with each task.

I am not a huge fan of the instant love trope, but in a way Marco and Callie’s relationship didn’t feel too fast. The third act breakup was an interesting twist.

This book is a fun holiday read that will get you in the mood for baking cookies, ice skating, singing carols and all the holiday activities.

Thanks to @netgalley and @putnambooks for providing the ARC.