The Christmas Countdown

Callie's sister, Anita, creates an Advent Calendar Challenge for Callie to follow to get her out of her funk after Callie and her long time boyfriend, Oliver, part ways. Callie is reluctant, but agrees to carry out the tasks listed in the calendar. She meets Marco, a baker, and they become fast friends, bonding over silly puns. Callie is concerned about jumping too quickly into a relationship after her break-up, but Marco is too good to resist.
A cute Christmas story, funny puns and situations, but sometimes, I felt like the author was explaining why the character was doing something and why it was right or moral.

Callie is having a miserable time. First, she gets dumped by her long-time boyfriend, and then there is a shake up of personnel at her job. Her sister wants to shake her up a bit, too. The whole family is upset when Callie states she isn’t going home for Christmas. She wants to avoid her ex, whose family happens to live next door, and his new girlfriend. So a plan is needed and fast! Anita has revived an old family tradition of a type of Advent calendar. One day is a treat; the next day is a task. Callie gets caught up in the adventure. Of course, meeting a cute guy at the Christmas tree farm didn’t hurt, and Anita’s manipulation kind of pushed things along. This sweet and fluffy romance has an interesting concept, likable show more characters, and a happy ending. It’s perfect for a merry Christmas read. show less

"Callie is officially in grinch mode...
She's given up on love and Christmas…but fate has other plans." - excerpt from The Christmas Countdown

You know I'm not a romance reader if you read my reviews. I recently had the chance to read an ARC of "The Christmas Countdown" by Holly Cassidy (also known for her excellent suspense novels as Hannah Mary McKinnon). Get ready for some serious holiday cheer with this heartwarming story.

Meet Callie, who moves to a new town with her childhood sweetheart and lands a job with the same company, only for him to dump her and break her heart! What a low blow, right? But when she's feeling at her lowest, her sister creates a unique Advent calendar to lift her spirits. And when Callie crosses paths with a show more charming and incredibly attractive baker, her Christmas takes an exciting turn. You'll adore Callie and her journey!

The Christmas vibes are strong with this one! This is a must-read if you're a fan of feel-good holiday movies with a touch of romance (Hallmark vibes, anyone?).

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and Holly Cassidy for providing this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TheChristmasCountdown #HollyCassidy #Putnam #BookLovers #thebuzz show less

Several months after being dumped by her boyfriend of a decade, Callie is still struggling with a broken heart. Callie’s sister, Anita, is determined to get her out of her funk and into the Christmas spirit. She’s revised their family Advent calendar tradition and filled the daily gift boxes with treats and tasks. Callie grudgingly accepts the challenge.

I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting Christmas romp. All the tasks seemed so fun, and I loved reading as Callie opens up to the delightful Marco and finds herself again. This story will captivate your heart and make you long for the holidays.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cute Christmas advent with heartbreak and new love