I absolutely loved Countdown to Christmas, as I do all of Jo Thomas's books. There's something so warm and inviting with her style of writing and character creation that just means that you need to become a part of their world. It was an instant page turner and I read it quicker than I'd read a book all year. It also got me into the Christmas spirit when I was struggling to get there. Would absolutely highly recommend and even bought a paperback copy so I can re-read it again.

Highly recommended! A brilliant read. I loved the setting, the story and the beautifully crafted characters. The reader becomes invested in this book - loved it

A escapism story that took me to the cold snow. It's 35 degrees where I am but I wanted to curl up under a blanket. It's a great Christmas story and I loved the advent calendar idea!

Chloe is dreading the holiday season, with her son Ruben away with his father and no plans to celebrate. However, a surprise call changes everything when she learns she may be the owner of land in Canada. Despite her initial scepticism, Chloe decides to take a leap of faith and embrace the unexpected opportunity. As she navigates her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to the community and a gruff lumberjack who ignites unexpected feelings. The novel is a heartwarming tale of second chances, love, and the magic of the holiday season.

Countdown to Christmas was actually when I read this book and I couldn't have asked for a better feelgood book to get me into the Christmas spirit!

I always adore Jo Thomas books, her characters are just lovely and feel as though they are your friends. I know I am loving a book when I am genuinely thinking about the storyline and the characters when I aren't reading it.

The descriptions of Canada made me desperate to hop on a plane and find this magical and tightly knit community but alas, I could not but through Chloe and her friends I lived vicariously.

Absolutely perfect - I can't recommend more!

Chloe lives with her son throughout the year but this Christmas he’s going to stay in America with his dad. Her son has left her an advent calendar. But then she receives a surprise call that she might be benefacting from a will in Canada. On a whim she decides to go. Anything is better than being in her own. Turns out she might inherit land in prime maple syrup country and there’s a hunky lumberjack to help her. And of course the advent calendar provides little clues each day.

After unexpectedly inheriting some land in French Canada, Chloe travels to maple syrup country to find out more, and to escape being home alone for Christmas.

An easy Christmas romance as long as you’re happy to suspend a bit of belief (the biggest one being that she was able to learn how to ski overnight!), but the antagonists in the story were like panto villains and there was a major plot hole which made the whole book sort of pointless? Although parts of the story were charming, I think maybe these type of books just aren’t for me

Chloe is not looking forward to Christmas this year, her son Rueben is spending it with his father and new family in New York. Her only concession is to have an advent calendar her son has made her, to count the days until he returns. Chloe intends to avoid Christmas.

When an heir hunter gets in touch – saying there is a patch of land that she has inherited, Chloe thinks that maybe she should look it at. The only trouble is it’s in Canada. Surely it has to be some sort of scam?

When Chloe arrives in this Canadian town, away from the hustle and bustle of a city, she discovers how important this piece of land is. Suddenly thrust into the life of the town, Chloe decides that maybe this will be the perfect distraction from missing her son at Christmas.

However, the place, the landscape and the people all affect Chloe and perhaps she can see herself amongst the snow, the maple trees and even in the affectionate turkey?

Jo Thomas manages to do it again with this novel. A Christmas read full of snow and sweet stuff – without causing your fillings to fall out!

As I sit here on Christmas Eve writing this review, the countdown to Christmas 2023 is well and truly coming to a close but that doesn’t mean you still can’t read Christmas books and you can’t go far wrong with the latest book from Jo Thomas - Countdown to Christmas. This had the honour of being my first Christmas read of the year and from the minute I saw that fabulously festive cover I knew I was in for a real treat. Jo now publishes two books a year, one in summer and one in winter and dare I say it but it’s the Christmas books that really capture my heart as she does Christmas stories so very well. Not that I don’t enjoy her summer stories but there is something magical in the way she writes about the most wonderful time of the year.

Jo encapsulates a moment to perfection and gets you in the mood for the festive season. I love how she has such varied settings for her stories and I always feel as if I have whisked away to another country when in reality I am sat curled up on my couch. This time around we are taken to Quebec in Canada, to a small isolated town named Foret des Espirits as we accompany Chloe on a fabulous journey full of warmth and human understanding with spectacular descriptions of the landscape, the food and of course there is plenty of humour along the way and I was there for every minute of it absolutely adoring this story from beginning to end.

It’s 24 days to Christmas and for Chloe it’s a strange time as her son Reuben is flying to New York to spend Christmas with his dad and his new baby sister. Chloe hates the thoughts of being away from her son and is anxious about trying to get through a month without him. Reuben has made an Advent calendar for Chloe with unique gifts for her to find as she opens one each day. This is such a lovely touch throughout the book and provides Chloe with the solace and comfort she needs at times when she wavers on the journey that she undertakes. It really does become the gift that just keeps giving.

No one likes being away from loved ones at a time that is meant for families and coming together to celebrate but something very unexpected as cropped up for Chloe. She receives news that she has inherited a parcel of land from a very distant cousin of her fathers. Her parents have passed away so she is the sole beneficiary as she is the only blood relative to a man named Harold. Everything she usually loved at this time of year has been taken away from her so she decides to bite the bullet and travel to Canada to investigate further and see can the land be put up for sale. She wants all this sorted by the time Reuben returns home. Little does she bargain on quite a story waiting for her in Canada and the people she meets there will transform her life in many different ways.

Right from the moment Chloe steps foot in the isolated snow covered town surrounded by woodland and specifically maple trees, I felt as if I was there alongside her. There was an air of magic about the place and I could visualise the trees, the snow, the log cabins and feel the cold and chilly air. A funny scene with a turkey named Ike sets the tone for plenty of humour to come but there is also a lot going on in the village who have been left devastated by the death of Harold as his land had the sugar shack where the maple syrup that is collected and then bottled. Chloe soon learns that the town works as a co-operative with everyone working together to harvest the maple syrup and in turn all the profits are shared around. But all this is under threat now that Harold is gone and all Chloe wants to do is get back to England as soon as possible.

I could see where Chloe was coming from. She was totally out of her comfort zone and all this had been sprung on her. I mean who wouldn’t want to sell and get out of there as soon as possible? Yet the town has a history and a heritage that can’t be forgotten and the people who live there rely on the syrup for their income and how can years and years of tradition just be gone like that? Chloe certainly had a tough decision to make and I felt there was only one clear cut solution but can the townspeople convince her otherwise and what happens when another unexpected arrival comes to the town who in turn has their own ideas about what should happen?

The reader can really feel the sense of community in the little town as they always rally around for one another but Chloe keeps things secret for awhile as to why she is there until she can suss things out. To be honest, this gave me a slightly uneasy feeling whilst reading simply because I was worried for Chloe that when she revealed why she was really there that Theo whom she first met at his hardware store and had quickly become friends with. Well that he would become very angry with her and turn against her and I didn’t want that to happen because deep down Chloe is a really good person but she does have to look out for herself and her son. But she had so much pressure on her because the town needed the land but yet by selling it her future would be secure. She certainly was in a conundrum and as she learns more about her family connections to the town she struggles even further.

I loved Theo as a character. He was very attractive and was there to help everyone in any way he could most notably Bea who runs the local dinner and is having difficulties keeping things going now that she is pregnant with twins. I loved how Chloe stepped in with the running of the diner and here once again the authors wonderful way of bringing food in her stories comes into play. My god were the descriptions of pancakes and taffy and all things maple syrup just mouth watering. I could see Chloe becoming more confident and assertive as she settled into a routine in the town but she did have to hold back ever so slightly as long term plans did not involve a piece of land in Canada. But as the days passed she threw herself into so many events and again the author’s imagination ran riot with a tree lighting ceremony, carols, Christmas Fair and sap run to name but a few and it all just added to the festive atmosphere and warmth that exuded from every page of this fantastic story. Chloe starts to do things she might not have wanted to which turn out to be quite fun. She is trying to do her best for the community, and she is making a difference but there is plenty sent in her direction to thwart plans and I feared that a happy ending would not be at all in sight or achievable.

A Countdown to Christmas had so much going on it but at no time did it feel overloaded. There were lots of twists and turns and surprises and to be honest I was gutted to reach the end. It has a romance that gently simmers, a stunning setting, brilliant characters, hidden secrets and vibrant terrific writing that will leave you wanting much more. It has definitely been one of my reading highlights of the last several months and it’s a story that I hope many readers will readily lose themselves in. I’ve already checked out what Jo has in store for us in 2024 and Love in Provence and Christmas in the Swiss Alps sound like we are in more wonderful writing from a very talented author.

Having previously lived in a Colorado ski resort, this book genuinely resonated with me. I understand and thoroughly enjoy small-town stories, but this town was exceptionally small. That said, it didn’t detract from the story, at all. Jo worked her magic to create a very special community, packed with an ensemble cast, comprised of some of the most relatable characters.
Chloe’s passage through the story is really rather special, and I loved the running theme created by the Advent Calendar created by her son, Ruben. Each day creates another challenge for her to rise to and some of them are quite simply guidance for a happy life.
The way in which Chloe was influenced by the change of pace created by life in Canada, gave me a wonderful feeling of warmth and joy. As she found her place within the small community and met some of the locals, I found myself fully invested in her journey and was hoping against hope for her to discover the joy that her life had been missing.
This is a very special story that made me reminisce about my time in Colorado. I was left feeling filled with the warmth of the festive season and wishing I could find an ice hockey game locally.
If you can still squeeze in another Christmas book, you won’t be sorry for choosing this one.

I do love me a good Christmas novel and this is my second Christmas novel by this author! I have really enjoyed both.

In this book we meet Chloe, who’s son has gone to New York for December, to spend time with his dad. Chloe receives a mysterious phone call which sees her jumping on a plane and embarking on her own journey and adventures.

I absolutely loved this book and all the charwaxters, except Mimi!!! The added touch of the advent calendar from Ruben just melted my heart.

This book is a hot chocolate in a mug type of book, full of happiness, Christmas family dilemmas and plenty of sugary treats!

Highly recommended to anyone looking for escapism over the Christmas period

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy.

While I was reading this book, I made myself a series of short notes in the form of bullet points so I thought I’d use them as the basis of my own little countdown!

8 – Sleigh rides, snow covered forests, ice-skating and cosy cabins. You’ll find all of these in this book so it will tick all the boxes if you like your Christmas books with a hefty covering of snow!

7 – Community. The community of Foret des Espirits sounded just lovely. This is a small and close knit community who look out for each other and with the weather the way it can get in Quebec, that is absolutely essential!

6 – Belonging. I suppose this is also linked to community. With Chloe’s life changing and her son growing fast, she really wanted to find somewhere she could belong. And while she didn’t visit Quebec with that intention, she quickly realised it was somewhere she might just get that sense of belonging.

5 – Family. Family plays a big role in this book with many different kinds of family portrayed. Chloe and her son Ruben are a close knit unit and always have been but he does still have contact with his dad and now his dad has a new family. It’s all about the different ways people can be family and although blood relations are important, found family is just as important.

4 – Ruben’s calendar. I loved Ruben’s calendar! He knew his mum would miss him while he was away and the calendar had little challenges for her to do each day, to remind her to have fun even though they were apart. They were simple things like asking someone how their day was going, having a foot bath, saying ‘yes’ to something or singing out loud. It was so thoughtful. The community were soon as keen as Chloe to see what each day would bring and so was I!

3 – Food! If you’ve read any Jo Thomas books before, you’ll know that food always plays a key role. My mouth was watering at the thought of those fluffy pancakes dripping with maple syrup. I have a sudden urge for poutine as well which I enjoyed so much when I was in Canada last year. I think there is a shop not far from me which sells it actually, must investigate. And then there’s load of Christmas baking too such as Christmas puddings, chocolate logs and gingerbread. I could almost smell the warm spices hanging in the frosty air.

2 – Recipes. And talking of food, don’t miss the recipes at the end of the book including Jo Thomas’s go-to recipe for pancakes. Maple syrup features in a few of the recipes and I might just have to give the bread and butter pudding a go too!

1 – Love. Of course, love in its many forms is at the heart of this book and Jo Thomas doesn’t disappoint with a gorgeous heart-warming romance in Countdown to Christmas as well as including love for family and friendships too.

So there you have it, my own countdown of the things I enjoyed in Countdown to Christmas. There are still a few days to go before the big day so if you are still looking for a book to enjoy as you countdown the days, you could give this one a try.

I do love me a good Christmas novel and this is my second Christmas novel by this author! I have really enjoyed both.

In this book we meet Chloe, who’s son has gone to New York for December, to spend time with his dad. Chloe receives a mysterious phone call which sees her jumping on a plane and embarking on her own journey and adventures.

I absolutely loved this book and all the charwaxters, except Mimi!!! The added touch of the advent calendar from Ruben just melted my heart.

This book is a hot chocolate in a mug type of book, full of happiness, Christmas family dilemmas and plenty of sugary treats!

Highly recommended to anyone looking for escapism over the Christmas period

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy.

Great festive read, some lovely touches in the book.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Oh I could have absolutely read this in one sitting if I didn't have so much adulting to do! This was a stunning Christmas read from Jo and I wouldn't have expected anything less. I was captivated from start to finish and fell in love with the small town in Canada, Chloe happened to find herself in during the Christmas holidays. All of the characters were such a delight, I adored the advent calendar plot and the romance was just magical. I really did not want this book to end because that meant saying goodbye to characters and a location that I wasn't ready to let go of yet, but it was an absolute dream, as was our leading man and I would highly recommend all to add this to their Christmas reading piles!

Yet another wonderful book from Jo Thomas, one of my favourite authors in this genre.
Full of great characters with a storyline that held my attention from start to finish, this is such a cosy read & perfect for the festive period.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy
This captivating seasonal story truly captivated my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed following Chole in her exciting Christmas adventure to Quebec, Canada. One of the story's highlights was the Advent calendar, which added an element of surprise and anticipation to each day. It was delightful to discover what message awaited behind each door, creating a sense of wonder and excitement. Furthermore, the community's involvement made this story even more special. The way the community came together and participated in the festivities added a heartwarming touch to the narrative.

It is impossible not to fall in love with this book, as it is simply outstanding. The storytelling is exceptional, drawing readers in and immersing them in the enchanting world of Christmas. The author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the story to life, making it a truly immersive and enjoyable reading experience. This book has become my go-to comfort read, providing a sense of warmth and joy that is unmatched.

As we eagerly await the arrival of Christmas, this book serves as the perfect companion. Its ability to transport readers to a world filled with holiday magic and cheer is unparalleled. Whether you are seeking an escape from reality or simply embracing the festive spirit, this book will surely deliver. So, let us embrace the holiday season and immerse ourselves in the ultimate comfort read that is bound to make Christmas even more special.

#Coutdowntochistmas #bookreview #bookstagramchristmas #netgalley

This was a delightful read that I didn't want to put down.
I felt for chloe having to spend christmas without her son and think she showed a great sense of adventure in hopping on a plane to Canada.
The snowy little town where she ends up is delightful. I wanted to visit and soak up the atmosphere myself. I wanted to hang out in the diner and be served pancakes.
The story was once of romance, but in a gentle way that didn't take over the book. There were other storylines that were just as endearing. It kept my attention all the way through.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC to review. All views are my own.

Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas is a 2023 Christmas release. I don’t think I have read a Jo Thomas Christmas book before now but I do have another on my TBR that I am now very excited to get to. I found the premise of this book really interesting but didn’t have super high hopes but I loved it and gave it an easy 4.5 stars.

Countdown to Christmas follows Chloe whose son, Ruben, is spending Christmas away with his dad and is just ready for the season to be over and for him to be back. Then she gets a call to say she has inherited land in Canada so she makes the decision to go to Canada and see what it’s all about.

I am a massive fan of festive romance books and this followed the structure you’d expect but wasn’t completely predictable and still let you not know exactly what was going to happen. There is a certain type of comfort that comes with these books and the reason why I read so many each year. The vibes are cosy, there are great characters and some great bonding. Also, the small town feels are fantastic.

If you couldn’t already tell, I really loved this book but I did have some favourite things that stuck out to me. Quite a few of these things are associated with specific scenes so I won’t go into too much detail not to spoil it but I still need to talk about them. The change in Chloe between when she arrives at the town and the end of the book is massive and really positive. There are certain scenes where you can see those changes and while it means things don’t quite always go as she wishes she would she is so kind to everyone and I don’t quite know the words for what I’m trying to say but there’s a scene that comes to mind when she just wants to make sure no one gets hurt, no matter who it is.

I loved the romance and while there was kind of a third act break-up there wasn’t any big miscommunication which I was so thankful for. Both characters in the relationship understood the situation and that it may not last forever but didn’t expect them to sacrifice their lives for each other which I was thankful for because they weren’t pushing in ways that hurt the other. The ending was perfect for every single character - no one was left behind and not fully included in the ending.

The friendships that were built because of how small the town was were fantastic and I loved every character from the town, the ones who didn’t live in the town maybe not so much. Bea, Theo and Chloe are now some of my favourite festive book characters and the opinion of the advent calendar in the town was fantastic. Everyone was involved and it kept them going in a fantastic way.

I will definitely be adding this to my list of go to Christmas recommendations and I highly recommend picking it up as we go into December over the next week.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a Christmas Cracker! Yet another glorious read and one of my favourite books yet by Jo Thomas.
I loved everything about this Christmas story. It felt fresh, modern and totally put me in the Christmas mood. The wintry setting in a small Canadian town was beautiful and the whole story was captivating, Superb!