Monday, October 7, 2019

BLOG TOUR - The Christmas Countown


Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft.


DESCRIPTION:

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. 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.  


MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   The Christmas Countdown
Author:  Donna Ashcroft
Genre:   Romance
Publisher:  Bookouture
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   273
Date of Publication:  October 7, 2019
My Rating:  4.5 Stars

Holly Devine is beside herself. She was at a Christmas party and when she saw her twin sister kissing her boyfriend, she all but lost it. Holly flew to her aunt Clara’s cottage planning to spend time with her in order to deal with the angst.

Not only is Holly’s aunt more than supportive, everyone else in the town is just as encouraging. One person in particular, Finn Jackson, might be just the man that Holly might need. She initially thinks that a single date with him, among other changes, might help her to feel better. Things start to look much brighter for both of them.

Holly sets up some challenges and Finn is right there for the journey. But there is something that is blocking their joy. Will Holly find the happiness that she thought was right there for the taking? Could it be that Holly and Finn have a future? Or will Holly have to give this relationship up too?

This is a delightful seasonal story. It is one filled with joy and second chances, but also one a self-examination and discovery that was handled quite well. I was touched by Holly and Finn and their story really warmed my heart. This is my third read by Donna Ashcroft and each time I pick up one of her books I know I am in for a treat. She certainly proved that to be true with The Christmas Countdown.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna Ashcroft was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager. 

Donna wrote novels for over ten years before being published. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and was a joint recipient of the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2017. She has had three books published with Bookouture and has another coming out in October 2019.

Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she's escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she's not reading or writing she'll probably be found hoovering ... or negotiating with her teenagers about who is doing the washing up.

You can find Donna on Twitter @Donnashc or visit her at www.donna-writes.co.uk


12 comments:

  1. This sounds fun - lovely review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like a fun read! Glad you enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awe this sounds beautiful, love a festive read. Great review.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'll have to check this one out! I've been wanting some Christmas reads.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like a nice Christmas read.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so excited to start picking up Christmas books here soon! Will keep this one in mind!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is definitely one I'll look into once December comes around.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh this book looks like it's just what I need!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This sounds like a one of those Hallmark Christmas movies, which I happen to love. Great review.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like a fun holiday read; like Nadene said, it reminds me of those Hallmark Christmas movies (actually I did see one that was based on a calendar of some sort)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great review Robin I love and adore Christmas books and this book looks and sounds really amazingly fun and right up my alley as well. I'm really glad you fully enjoyed reading this book. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.

    ReplyDelete