I just love any book by Jo Thomas and have read them all ! More than once, each book she writes puts you right in that place and makes you imagine just what’s it’s like and with this book just how cold it is on those trails.
Loved every page and so sorry to have finished it. No spoilers so will say no more , just read it and enjoy it
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin for the early read

A Jo Thomas book is like a hug and this book is no different. Our heroine is Chloe and she is inspired by her son Ruben's advent calendar to say yes to every opportunity that comes her way...which leads to the most exciting adventure of her life!

Another feel good read that hit me right in the feels, a five star review for a five star book.

This took me a little while to become engrossed however once I got settled into the story of Chloe, who is feeling lonely as her son Ruben is spending Christmas with his dad in New York and finds herself exploring a small Quebec town which relates to a very unexpected inheritance. I found myself loving the wonderful community she finds herself amongst and the setting sounded so peaceful and warm despite the snowy landscape. This oozes positivity especially with Rubén’s special advent calendar which the town adopts and the food Chloe was making sounded delectable - it certainly had me craving maple syrup! This is a delightful and uplifting winter read with wonderful characters and a gorgeous setting. 9/10

My second Jo Thomas book and another amazing read.
The story begins by focusing on Chloe and her son Reuben as she is left alone for Christmas as he spends time with his Dad in New York.

However that is the just the start of a fantastic whirlwind of Canada, love, friendship, family and a whole lot more surprises.

I loved the perfect romantic Christmas setting with the obligatory snow, forests full of Christmas trees, maple syrup and a lovely close knit town who all pulled together.

The characters were brilliant and I especially liked Ike and Oceane and seeing her blossom as the story progressed.

A fantastic Christmas read with the perfect ending and I would recommend everyone read this book this Christmas.

Thanks to Netgalley, Random house UK, Transworld Publishers and Jo Thomas for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

I've got a long list of festive books all being published in October, and this is my first oof of that particular pile. I've really enjoyed Jo's books in the past, and combined with Christmas, I hoped this would be an enjoyable read. And it really was.

It's got some serious topics. So many split and blended families have to navigate Christmas, and I can't imagine it is easy. I'm lucky in that I spend every Christmas with my immediate - and sometimes extended - family, but I can't imagine you having to give your child to an ex partner and not having that time with them. And I think it's important that Jo has used this as her main character's background, because it is a common thing. A lot of Christmas books and movies show this perfect nuclear family, and that's just not always the case.

Chloe often complains about how cold it is in Canada, but it sounds like my dream. Heavy snow, dark clear nights, roaring fires, a cabin in the forest - it all sounds idyllic to me, but I would quite like it to be winter all year round.

This is exactly what I expected from a Jo Thomas book. She writes with such reality, such humanity, it shows that life does throw challenges at you, but with the right environment, friends and support, you can overcome them. It's not your run-of-the-mill happy festive rom-com. Not that there's anything wrong with them, I enjoy them very much, and there are elements of that here, but there are so many deep layers in this, so much character development that it is a real pleasure to read.

I have read a few of Jo's books before and they're all very uplifting and warming, but this is definitely my favourite. The warmth, the cosiness, the honesty, the beauty, it really earns its place on my festive bookshelf. It was such a good book that it stayed with me long after I'd finished it, these characters, and the setting, it all sounded like a dream, and I'm glad I got to be part of it.

Countdown to Christmas by Jo Thomas is an excellent contemporary romance that has heart, hope, and holiday cheer.

This is such an adorable, sweet, and warm Christmas romance that I loved. It could easily be turned into a TV movie for the holidays.

The concept of Rueben’s Advent calendar incorporated into the narrative, while Chloe finds her heart, strength, purpose, a sense of belonging, and a home was just perfect. Taking a chance, helping others, and just saying ‘Yes’ were other concepts wrapped up within this book.

An excellent cast of characters (Chloe, Theo, Reuben, Bea, Ike, Hagrid, and the whole town honestly), beautiful landscapes, and maple…maple….maple surely make this a book that anyone will enjoy.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/12/23.