The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy: Book Review

The Christmas Countdown is the upcoming release from Canadian author Holly Cassidy. With an anticipated release date of October 22, 2024, readers are transported to New York state during December. Cassie has lost her love for the holiday season, so her sister has set up a challenge to help her get it back. Will the challenge work, or will it make the situation worse?

I want to thank Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Christmas Countdown. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

Synopsis from Goodreads

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?

My Opinions

The Christmas Countdown is a fun read set in a small town in western New York. Part of me was a bit annoyed when I started reading the book. Why? Because Fallbrook, the town the book is set in, is described as being in upstate New York. That automatically makes me think it’s near the Canadian border. But the vibes it gave were that it was closer to New York City. The more I read, the more I realized it’s closer to Buffalo than New York City. As someone from New York, I know that part of the state is considered Western New York. I know it’s a bit nitpicky, but it’s a battle I’ve had many times with people from New York and not New York. The part of New York I’m from is called Northern New York or Upstate New York. But that’s a discussion for another day.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. Callie is someone I could relate to. She’s heartbroken, but she’s always been cautious with what she says and does. She’s just trying to protect her heart. Anita is someone who I wish I could be. She’s daring and willing to seek adventure. But above all, she loves her sister and wants to see her happy and smiling again. Marco is someone trying to survive the holiday season. He’s a baker and super busy with orders. He’s concerned about his business and protecting his heart.

Fallbrook’s setting is perfect for the holiday season. The town is mad for Christmas, and there seem to be daily activities leading up to December 25.

Overall, The Christmas Countdown reads much like a Hallmark holiday movie. And I am okay with that. Those movies are comfy and cozy. And who doesn’t need more comfy and cozy in their lives?

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.