Cute, cozy read. LOVED the idea of reading it as a Christmas advent calendar style (one chapter a day). Loads of puns, loads of holiday shenanigans, and great pacing. Truly. This book was a good Christmas-themed book for me this winter and I'm so glad I picked it up. My quip is that I just didn't like the predictability, but if that was my only bad thing? I'd read this one for the first time again if I could! Way to go, Holly. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

This was a fun holiday read, I loved the relationship between sisters and the idea of using an advent calendar to bring holiday joy.

This was such a cute holiday read! I read it a couple weeks ago, just forgot to leave a review. The romance was adorable and the story was captivating

The book description is spot on…”a charming holiday rom com”. Callie moves in with her sister Anita after the breakup of a long-term romance with her childhood sweetheart, Oliver. Oliver had already started seeing someone else and Callie is devastated. She also can’t avoid him as they work for the same company. She decides not to go to her hometown for Christmas as Oliver and his new girlfriend will also be going there (did I mention they grew up next door to each other and their mom’s are best friends…oh yeah) so Anita creates an elaborate “Advent calendar challenge” inspired by their childhood tradition … and thus the adventures of this story truly begin. This is such a sweet, entertaining story that kept me engaged…wanting to know what happened to Callie. I wholeheartedly recommend this story to kick off your holiday season.

This was chock full of holiday goodness and feel-good vibes and OODLES of puns! I didn't much care for both of them being recently removed from relationships (~8 months or so for both) and a lot of focus on exes. Also, as an accountant, watching her "clean the books" of something that had been neglected for over 18 months in a single sunday afternoon was mind-boggling. Absolutely no way! Lol. However, Marco was a sweetheart AND a chef. Win!!!
Overall, this was a pleasant read, and I look forward to next year's release. Maybe with a little less Christmas overload!
I was pleasantly surprised to have been offered this as an ARC after reading last years release.

Loved all the activities and their relationship was so cute! I loved the family and all the talk of food and their European roots/visits!

It was a pretty fun and quick holiday read!

What a cute book! It is not my normal genre but Holly Cassidy writes in just a fun way! I enjoyed this and could recommend this to someone who likes romance and wanted a fun Christmas book!

I raved and yelled at everyone to read Cassidy’s book The Christmas Wager last year, and so many other friends loved it as well. This one was just a tad underwhelming, nothing special or stand out. Just your typical holiday romance read! It finished with a 3 star vibe for me

Thank you for the opportunity to review this advanced reader's edition. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give it the time required to write a thorough review and will be unable to read it for this purpose.

What a fun Christmas adventure this book was!!! Loved every minute of it and definitely put me into the holiday season! Flew through this book and it’s funny witty characters. Cannot recommend this holiday treat enough!

*I saved this book to read during December, I apologize for the delayed review*

OK, this was definitely one of my favorite holiday reads this year. Maybe because I'm a sucker for advent calendars? I don't know, but I really had fun with this book!

Callie, who is usually a big fan of Christmas, just wants to hibernate through it this year after a rough break up. Her sister creates her an advent calendar full of alternating tasks and treats, just like they used to have when they were kids, to try to bring her some holiday joy. While out finding a Christmas tree (one of her first tasks), Callie meets Marco. They end up becoming friendly, then actual friends, and then...well, you can guess.

I absolutely adored the fact that her sister made Callie an advent calendar, and that she tried so hard to get her back into the Christmas spirit. How precious is that???

Callie and Marco's friendship (turned more) was really fun, and I liked the evolution from friends to more. Callie was still getting over her ex leaving her, and the fact that they work together made it so much worse. She learns a lot about herself and what she wants out of life throughout the book, and I enjoyed that.

Well done. Can't wait for next year's book!

These characters- SWOON! The advent calendar aspect was unique and a fun approach. This was so festive and fun- small town charm and lots of festive happenings. The characters were so charming and their romance authentic. I loved it!

Hannah Mary McKinnon using penn name Holly Cassidy, ditches thrillers for a Holiday Romcom book you won't want to skip! Thank you to NetGalley, "Holly" and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC!!

What to Expect:
⭐ Bookish Quiet Friday vibes but at Christmas
⭐ Healing from a broken heart and relationship
⭐ Advent Calendar Tasks to bring out the holiday joy
⭐ Romance that intertwines with the calendar activities
⭐ Closed Door Romance - Low Spice
⭐ Canadian location loads of references to Hockey and specific locations

My Thoughts:
100% Hallmark vibes on this story! it was one of my first holidays reads of the season and the best way to kick it off. What you have to expect from these is similar what you get to the movies. You know what to expect, where the story will go and the development from the characters BUT you find the joy in it no matter what! This is an easy read, well developed characters, great banter and holiday activities. Sure to help anyone heal from a broken heart over the holiday season!

I didn't read her first Christmas book BUT the fact that she swapped from Thrillers to Holiday one time of year is a huge writing change!

Synopsis:
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?

This charming holiday rom-com offers a delightful exploration of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the transformative power of festive traditions. The narrative follows Callie, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a painful breakup, as she reluctantly embarks on an Advent calendar challenge devised by her well-meaning sister, Anita. Through daily tasks designed to reignite her holiday spirit and belief in love, Callie begins to rebuild her sense of self while navigating unexpected romantic possibilities with a charismatic baker, Marco.
The novel is as much about familial bonds as it is about romance. Anita's lovingly crafted Advent calendar serves as both a narrative device and a testament to the strength of their sibling relationship. The alternating treat and task days create a compelling structure, immersing readers in Callie's journey toward rediscovering joy. The festive activities not only push her out of her comfort zone but also pave the way for genuine connections, particularly with Marco, whose presence brings warmth and charm to the story.
The slow burn pacing allows for a richly detailed portrayal of each day and every interaction, making the reader feel fully immersed in Callie's world. The gradual unfolding of her emotional journey and her growing bond with Marco lend authenticity to the romance, emphasizing shared experiences and mutual support as the foundation for their connection.
Overall, this novel is a heartwarming celebration of love, family, and the magic of Christmas traditions. The Advent calendar concept is particularly inventive, offering a sense of anticipation that mirrors the holiday season itself. Readers looking for a festive read filled with charm, humor, and heartfelt moments will find much to savor in this cozy, feel-good tale.

This is the ultimate cozy holiday read that wraps you up in a blanket of festive cheer and heartwarming romance. From the very first chapter, this book delivers all the cozy vibes you could want—twinkling lights, delicious seasonal treats, and a small-town setting that feels like home. Cassidy’s writing is both charming and comforting, pulling you into the story with ease and leaving you with a contented smile on your face.

The story revolves around Emma, who is determined to make this Christmas unforgettable after a series of personal setbacks. As she embarks on a countdown of holiday activities, including tree decorating, baking, and even a bit of holiday mischief, she finds herself reconnecting with her old love, Jake, who’s back in town for the season. The rekindling of their relationship is sweet and full of gentle chemistry, with plenty of heartwarming moments that make you root for them from beginning to end.

What makes this story so special is its perfect blend of holiday magic and personal growth. It’s not just about romance—it’s about finding joy in the little things, reconnecting with the past, and learning to embrace the present. The slow, heartwarming development of Emma and Jake’s relationship feels like the best kind of Christmas gift, and the book’s pacing allows you to savor each moment.

If you're in the mood for a feel-good, low-stress Christmas romance that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, *The Christmas Countdown* is the perfect choice. It's sweet, uplifting, and full of all the holiday magic that makes this time of year so special.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my gifted ARC!

This was a very a sweet book where Anita is trying to help her sister Callie get back into the holiday spirit and gives her an advent calendar challenge and heals her heart along the way.

I, unfortunately, couldn’t get into the story. I just couldn’t connect with the characters. They were both really bland and boring. I love the premise of the book but I did not like execution.

What a fun one this one was! Callie is done with Christmas and love but her sister convinces her to keep trying. With the help of an advent calendar she finds her heart opening up to love and Christmas.

Thank you #NetGalley and #penguin for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy is a charming holiday romance that earns a 3.5-star rating for its cozy depiction of festive cheer and budding romance. The story follows Callie, a spirited protagonist that has lost pieces of herself in a recent break up, as she navigates the holiday season with a meticulously planned (by her sister, Anita) countdown to Christmas. Enter Marco, her charismatic love interest, whose unexpected presence adds a delightful twist to her carefully curated plans. Cassidy's writing captures the warmth and magic of the holiday season, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to a winter wonderland. The chemistry between Callie and Marco is sweet and engaging, though the plot occasionally falls into predictable patterns typical of the genre. Despite these familiar elements, the novel's heartwarming atmosphere and relatable characters make it an enjoyable read for those looking to get into the festive spirit. Overall, The Christmas Countdown offers a delightful escape into a world where love and holiday magic go hand in hand.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a digital copy of this book.

What a fun and cozy Christmas read! Callie is trying hard to get over her ex but she was with him for 10 years and works with him. Her sister has plans to get her out of her shell and in the Christmas spirit with an Advent calendar of treats and challenges. What happens next is funny
and somewhat unexpected as she hesitantly tackles each task. So much fun!
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the digital ARC.