Poppy Alexander

In this heartwarming, feel-good holiday novel, one woman needs to find a little inspiration in the 25 days leading up to Christmas to help her remember the magic of the season and the magic of falling in love—perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Debbie Johnson, and Holly Martin. Kate Potter used to love Christmas. A few years ago, she would have been wrapping her presents in September and baking mince pies on Halloween, counting down the days and hours to Christmas. But that was before Kate’s husband left for the army and never came home. Now she can hardly stand December at all. Kate can’t deny she’s lonely, yet she doesn’t think she’s ready for romance. She knows that her son, Jack, needs a Christmas to remember—just like Kate needs a miracle to help her finally move forward with her life. So she’s decided if there isn’t a miracle on its way, she’ll just have to make her own. As Kate’s advent countdown to the best Christmas ever begins, she soon realizes that even with the best laid plans, you can’t plan for the unexpected. For when the path of the loneliest woman in town crosses with that of the loneliest man, these two destined hearts might find a way to save the holiday for both of them.

25 Days 'Til Christmas

This isn't a meet-cute romance, although there are elements of that in here. It's a look at grief in all its rawness and the dark side of the holidays among people suffering all kinds of trauma. It does wrap up how you would want a Christmas story to. I enjoyed this as it had more depth than the typical romances I pick up at Christmas.

Cheri McElroy

Ruth Parker 

Oh wow, I loved this book with a passion. I have literally devoured it over night. I feel like this will be a book I go back to during Christmas, I enjoyed it so much. I used to live in Bristol, so the familiar setting was comforting to me and well portrayed. 

Usually Christmas books are a bit fluffy and light, but this book dealt with gritty hard hitting issues and at times I found myself trying to think of ways I could help Kate and Jack. I wanted to buy them one of the Christmas tree decorations! Just to see a smile. I was moved throughout and having been through tough times myself - although nothing as comparable to these characters - I understood the horrors of having no money in the bank account and zero hour contracts, which should be banned, without a doubt. 

One of my favourite things about this book was the cross overs and the missed interactions between Daniel and Kate - he is nervous to talk to her, he makes a bit of a fool of himself, but they both frequent the same cafe, Kate has the chance to help out his side job through charity work, and they both have an interest in a shop on the Christmas Steps. I love it!

This is one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read in a long time and I will be picking up a paper copy and treasuring it.

Thank you to edelweiss for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Meghan Truskowski

I try to read one holiday book in December to get into the holiday spirit, this book was sorta depressing at certain points. Just was not prepared for that. @readingtimewithpie

In this heartwarming, feel-good holiday novel, one woman needs to find a little inspiration in the 25 days leading up to Christmas to help her remember the magic of the season and the magic of falling in love—perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Josie Silver. Kate Potter used to love Christmas. A few years ago, she would have been wrapping her presents in September and baking mince pies on Halloween, counting down the days and hours to Christmas. But that was before Kate’s husband left for the army and never came home. Now she can hardly stand December at all. Kate can’t deny she’s lonely, yet she doesn’t think she’s ready for romance. She knows that her son, Jack, needs a Christmas to remember—just like Kate needs a miracle to help her finally move forward with her life. So she’s decided if there isn’t a miracle on its way, she’ll just have to make her own. As Kate’s advent countdown to the best Christmas ever begins, she soon realizes that even with the best laid plans, you can’t plan for the unexpected. For when the path of the loneliest woman in town crosses with that of the loneliest man, these two destined hearts might find a way to save the holiday for both of them.

25 Days 'Til Christmas

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