Chloe, a single mum is set to spend Christmas alone without her son Ruben, who us spending Christmas with his father in America.. She is feeling lonely and sad, when she is unexpectedly contacted by an heir hunter regarding a piece of land in Canada that she has inherited. She decides to visit the place called Foret des Esprits. At first she wishes she hadn't come, but she soon becomes part of the caring community that want to keep the land so they can harvest the sap for maple syrup. I was fascinated to read how this is done.
Chloe not only falls in love with the place, with its magical sleigh rides and pet turkey, but also with Theo the local store keeper.
Ruben has left her an advent calendar to open daily and this soon becomes a must do for all the community.
A gorgeous story with a gorgeous Christmas setting.
Just such a joyous book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC.

Fabulous Christmas read from Jo Thomas. I loved the setting, the characters and of course the wonderful food!

I love it when a new book from Jo Thomas lands in my Kindle. I know that I can look forward to trip to somewhere I may not have visited and to meeting some interesting new characters. As a lover of Christmas, I’m particularly excited to read her new novel for the festive season. The title this time gives nothing away regarding the setting so I was keen to dig into the book. This story had me hooked right away, but I had no idea what an emotional ride I was going to have.



When single mum Chloe tearfully waves her teenage son Ruben off to spend the month of December in New York with his father, she never dreams that within days she too will be flying away after a surprise phone call from a stranger. What she expected to be a very different Christmas without Ruben is turning out to be beyond anything she could have imagined. Ruben has kept up the family tradition by leaving behind their homemade advent calendar, which he has filled with messages and gifts for his mother to find. That is one of the things she packs as she sets off to investigate the possibility that she might be the heir to some valuable land in a remote part of Canada. There, she finds a community fearing for the future if that parcel of land falls into the wrong hands. As she settles into a log cabin in the woods surrounded by strange sounds and creatures, she tries to work out her family connection with the area. It doesn’t take long to get to know the local people and understand their love of the world in which they live. She is particularly drawn to Bea who owns the diner where she serves very strong coffee and lots of pancakes with maple syrup, and the rugged Theo who seems to be there every time she needs anything. As time passes, Chloe realises she has a difficult decision to make.



This is a wonderful wintry tale that I can highly recommend this festive season. I did find it quite emotional as first Chloe has to leave her son at the airport and then later has to make the seemingly impossible decision about the community she has grown to love in Canada. The cleverly written story had me wondering how things were going to be resolved. I loved the characters that Jo Thomas introduced to the reader, from Chloe’s next door neighbour in London, to the people in the Canadian forest community such as Bea the heavily pregnant diner cook, Nancy the store owner, Philippe the mayor, shy teen Océane and of course Theo, the lumberjack with the hard exterior and heart of gold. I should also mention the wildlife that Chloe meets along the way, including the elegant elk and her calf and the fierce turkey Ike. I found myself lost in the snowy landscape so well described by the author; she really brought home to me the vastness and beauty of the land. I also learned a bit about maple syrup production, the mainstay of the community. Lastly, the book ends with a selection of recipes for dishes mentioned in the text, all containing maple syrup.

Every single Jo Thomas book is just so special, We get gorgeous settings, food and of course some lovely men lol.

I really loved this one and the idea of the advent calendar with her son, I also really adored the Canadian setting of this book and descriptions of all the yummy food!

I can't wait to have my Christmas tree in the corner and get this book out again so I can enjoy it in a festive setting!

I fell in love with the characters and found the information about making maple syrup interesting. The story was well paced and flowed nicely. The dynamics of the different relationships covered lots of age ranges and generations, it showed the power of community and how everyone can learn from each other no matter their age or background. I liked the use of the advent calendar to give focus to each chapter and enjoyed the mention of cake. A perfect book to get you in the mood for christmas.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A single Mum Chloe, is trying to have her first Christmas on her own as her son, Ruben is going to spend it with his Dad.

But, she’s informed of an inheritance, meaning she’s off to Canada to find out more.

As the story progresses we learn more about Chloe and the people she meets in Canada.

I loved the advent calendar countdown part.

I recommend this book.

This book really touched me. It read so easily and found myself fully emersed in the story that I could almost taste the maple syrup and smell the coffee. I loved how brave Chloe was, she was facing a Christmas alone as her son was spending it with his dad in another country, and she took that brave step to do something different, it would have been so easy to stay home and wallow and ignore the phone calls from the heir hunter, or just to say yes and give permission to sell, but she took that step and went on her own adventure, so brave. I totally empathised with her and how she wanted to keep everything the same, give her son the same happy memories as she had as a child, and turn a blind eye to the fact that neither of them are happy and they are alone.

Going to Canada and finding out about her long lost family was eye opening, and I was so happy that she found family, both blood and other wise. I loved all her exploring and seeing the Canadian winter for the first time, I really felt like I was there. I loved how she stepped in and helped out in the cafe, even without really knowing anyone, just helping as it's the right thing to do, and how her British touches really helped others too. But over all I have to say that the advent calander that Ruben left for her was the best. I loved how it helped her and pulled the community together and how they all came to the cafe to see what was in the calander for that day and they all embraced what it said to do, they all gained from that, and it helped Chloe still feel close to her son.

Seeing everyone come together at the end was great and it really brought a tear to my eye. I loved it from start to finish.

Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Random Things Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Chloe can't wait for Christmas . . . to be over! Her son Ruben is staying with his dad this year and Chloe is planning to ignore the holidays all together. Her only nod to the season is the advent calendar Ruben left her, to help count down the days till he's home again.

But then an heir hunter gets in touch, telling her there's a plot of land in Canada she may be entitled to. Surely, it's a scam. Or could it be just the escape she needs right now? They're offering to pay for her flights . . . and Ruben's latest note in the advent calendar tells her to 'say yes!'

Suddenly, Chloe's new countdown to Christmas involves a log cabin in the middle of a snowy forest, a community that's worried for its future, a gruff lumberjack who gives her butterflies and a lot of pancakes with maple syrup . . .

This Christmas is full of surprises!

My Opinion

This is the sort of book that makes you want to hop on a plane to visit the Maple Tree Forest. Chloe isn't looking forward to spending December on her own as her son, Reuben will be spending the holidays with his father in New York. As a going away present Reuben has made an advent calendar for Chloe to enjoy.

I read this in one sitting, as I just didn't want to put it down. A very uplifting, hart-warming read. If you have read a festive book by Jo Thomas then you will know what to expect from this book. A beautiful story with a beautiful cover.

Rating 4/5

I have a few 'go to' authors for my festive reads and Jo is one. This book is a lovely, seasonal read. Thank you Jo

‘Countdown To Christmas’ is a heartwarming holiday tale that immerses readers in the spirit of the season through a captivating story of self-discovery, community, and the magic of an advent calendar. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but it certainly will not be my last.

“Countdown To Christmas” by Jo Thomas is a heartwarming holiday read that captures the essence of Christmas in a unique way. Chloe’s journey, guided by her son Ruben’s thoughtful advent calendar, sends a powerful message of taking chances, selfless giving, and self-care. It’s a story that resonates with the spirit of the season.

The portrayal of rural Quebec and its tight-knit community is vivid and immersive, evoking a strong sense of place that allows readers to escape into the snowy forest alongside Chloe. Learning about the art of tapping trees for maple syrup adds an enriching layer to the narrative, as Chloe discovers the importance of family and connection in this new environment.

The book does an excellent job of drawing readers into the festive preparations leading up to Christmas, making it a delightful holiday read. However, the use of British terms instead of Canadian ones by Canadian characters (e.g. Happy Christmas instead of Merry Christmas, theatre instead of operating room) may disrupt the authenticity of the dialogue for some readers. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed in the final release.

Overall, “Countdown To Christmas” is a memorable and heartwarming story that will linger in your thoughts long after the holiday season is over. Jo Thomas has crafted a tale that captures the magic of Christmas and the transformative power of community, making it a must-read for those seeking a festive escape.

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

What a lovely feel good book. When Chloe says goodbye to her son who is visiting his dad for a month long trip over Christmas she doesn’t know what she’s going to do with herself . When she gets a call from an “heir hunter” saying a distant relative has died without a will she wants to find out more about him. This takes her on a trip to Canada to find her roots and maybe find her place in the world. A lovely book about friendship and being kind I loved Ike the turkey and the girls ice hockey team . A lovely festive read

Another feel good Christmas story by jo. Always enjoyable, always heartwarming and they never disappoint.

Yet another feel good read by Jo Thomas, really gives your a warm festive feel, great that’s it’s set in Canada. Really enjoyed this book you can’t go wrong with a festive tale from Jo. Would highly recommend.

Really eye catching cover.

Another lovely heartwarming story by Jo Thomas. Great characters and what is I assume a perfect description of life and community in the wilds of Canada. Well worth reading.

Another fabulous festive read by Jo!
Picture the Canadian forests covered in deep white fluffy snow, log cabins with fires lit warm and cosy, tall stately maple trees with the sap rising, wild moose, a wonderful community and the most delectable sweet treats freshly cooked and rich in locally sourced maple syrup, all of this just enhances the festive feelings in the lead up to Christmas aided and abetted by Reubens wonderfully thoughtful advent calendar!
Wonderful characters, a great storyline and just the right amount of hope, festive cheer, second chances, friendship and romance!
The perfect book to snuggle up with on a winters night to get you into the Christmas spirit and leave you feeling warm and glowy!
Would highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for this early read!

This is a wonderful story that I read in two days. I love Jo’s books and this one is my new favourite. Chloe’s 12 year old Son Ruben is going to spend his first Christmas, 4 weeks away from her, with his Father and new family in New York. Chloe is contacted by a Heir Hunter regarding a relative she didn’t know existed in Canada. Wondering if it’s a scam she accepts their offer of a plane ticket to go check it out. This story is about a small town community that pulls together and works together in true family style. Read it you will not be disappointed.

I loved this book. It certainly gives you all the festive feels. It’s such a lovely story that I found myself totally engrossed in as soon as I started reading it. Great characters both human and feathered and a narrative so descriptive you can almost hear the crunch of the snow, smell the pine and taste the maple syrup. Definitely a book to enjoy cosied up with a hot chocolate. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK Transworld Publishers and the author for the chance to review.

Get ready to loose yourself in this wonderful story of Chloe, a single mum dealing with her first Christmas alone as young son Ruben heads off on a Christmas adventure with his dad.
A bizarre twist on her plans sees her heading off to Canada after hearing she may be inline to inherit some land. It seems a little unbelievable that you would head off such a distance on what seems to be a bit of a whim, but this storyline really works.
As you delve in further you get to know our main character better and all those she meets along the way.
I love the countdown part of the story, it’s inspired me to want to make such an advent calendar with my son.
I love the chemistry between the characters and really did like Bea. I hope there will be a follow up to this, I’d like to know what all the characters are up to!

Another fantastic book from Jo. As always a fell described setting that makes you feel you’re right there. A great book to curl up with this festive winter season. A beautiful book cover too.

Will have you craving Maple syrup and pancakes, while wishing you were in a picturesque lakeside location in the French part of Canada.

At least I'd be quite happy to hop on a plane to visit this Maple Tree forest, but perhaps not a Christmas as it really does sound incredibly cold.

I think Ruben's advent calendar has to be one of the stars of this book, and I also loved Ike the Turkey, and his starring role.

Through the advent calendar, Ruben challenges his mum Chloe to do different small things each day which can have a big impact, and to help her pass the time until he's back from a month long trip to visit his father.

In the meantime Chloe discovers she may be the heir to some land in Canada, and flies out to work out just how she might be connected to this long lost relative and to find out if its genuine etc..

I loved the descriptions of Canada, and of Chloe trying to get used to the rather remote location where she is staying. And seeing her get to know the local community

This was a totally absorbing read, which I devoured in a few short hours. It took my mind off my most recent Covid jab and possibly side effects, and I could picture everything so clearly. It is another joyous and triumphant book from an author that always makes me smile.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,