The Christmas Countdown
Donna Ashcroft
Rating: 5 stars
It's that time of year again, snowflakes are fluttering and the countdown to Christmas has begun! Holly Devine is returning to the only place that feels like home, hoping that some festive magic will help to turn her life around...
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara's cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season.
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas… She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.
Every day in December, Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?
As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be…
But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?
It’s time to curl up for a delicious Christmas romance about daring to take chances, opening yourself up to love, and being true to who you really are. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Debbie Johnson and Debbie Macomber.
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What an amazingly written festive novel. One of my favourites so far I think! I've always enjoyed the style of Donna Ashcroft's writing and this one was no different - in fact, it was better! It hooked me from the first page and I couldn't wait to see where the story went. As well as the story, the cover caught my eye and made me want to read it straight away. I love the Christmassy colours, the mince pies, Christmas Cake and the snow in the background. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy just looking at it!
What I enjoyed about this was seeing the story from both main characters point of view. I enjoyed reading Holly's view on things and Finn's take on the events too. At first I was a bit unsure on Holly, just because of the comments she kept making to Finn despite the fact that she hardly knew him. But I warmed to her once I learned more about her story and her life and what she had been through... It made me understand her more. As well as Holly, I liked Finn's cheeky character. Although at some parts in the novel I did have a few tears! I felt for Finn far more than Holly in the end!
The location of this novel as well sounded delightful and all the Christmas events that take place made me feel so festive! I also loved the idea of the Christmas advent calendar with the daily tasks that Holly has to do. It's unique and I loved finding out what her next task was! As well as the main characters, we also get a few sideline stories about other secondary characters, such as Beth and Tom and Holly's Aunt Clara. I found these really interesting and it made it refreshing to read about a different sort of storyline for a little while!
Overall, Donna Ashcroft's latest book is a perfect feel-good festive novel which will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. It has great characters and will teach you a thing or two about love and loss. Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this novel to read via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
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