Search
Log in
  • Home

  • Categories

  • Audiobooks

  • E-books

  • Magazines

  • For kids

  • Top lists

  • Help

  • Download app

  • Use campaign code

  • Redeem gift card

  • Try free now
  • Log in
  • Language

    🇸🇪 Sverige

    • SE
    • EN

    🇧🇪 Belgique

    • FR
    • EN

    🇩🇰 Danmark

    • DK
    • EN

    🇩🇪 Deutschland

    • DE
    • EN

    🇪🇸 España

    • ES
    • EN

    🇫🇷 France

    • FR
    • EN

    🇳🇱 Nederland

    • NL
    • EN

    🇳🇴 Norge

    • NO
    • EN

    🇦🇹 Österreich

    • AT
    • EN

    🇨🇭 Schweiz

    • DE
    • EN

    🇫🇮 Suomi

    • FI
    • EN
  1. Books
  2. Fiction
  3. Contemporary fiction

Read and listen for free for 14 days!

Cancel anytime

Try free now
3.8(35)

The Christmas Countdown

It’s that time of year again, snowflakes are fluttering and the countdown to Christmas has begun!

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 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.

Readers are falling in love with The Christmas Countdown!

‘Oh how I loved this book. Spent my whole afternoon reading it and once I finished it, I was filled with joy... You get so involved with these characters... Honestly, this was such a good book. Would recommend it to everyone.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘This was such a heartwarming Christmas romance and I absolutely loved Holly and Finn and was smiling through all their cute moments. This book made me so happy!’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘I adored the Christmas-y setting... While this is a super cute romance story, the main plot, at least, as I viewed it, was about Holly finding herself... Sunflower Island is a perfect setting for adorable romantic comedies and I would love to see more stories set here. It was a totally feel-good story that made me excited for Christmas.’ Books Over Everything

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.

Her first book was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 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 two teenagers about who is doing the washing up.


Author:

  • Donna Ashcroft

Narrator:

  • Kristin Atherton

Format:

  • Audiobook

Duration:

  • 10 h 17 min

Language:

English

Categories:

  • Fiction
  • Contemporary fiction
  • Romance
  • Modern romance
  • Feel-good and romance
  • Feel-good and chick lit

3.8

35 ratings

Youngblood

2023-12-30

What utter rubbish. People who complain about their lives and imitate others in the hope of having the same happiness is in my opinion, one of the worst things people can do. Or even worse, whining about shit and never doing anything about it. The only reason I finished this book is because I love Kristin Atherton, the narrator. Otherwise, total rubbish.

To write a review you need to download the app


More by Donna Ashcroft

Skip the list
  1. The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  2. Christmas in the Scottish Highlands

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  3. The Little Cornish House

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  4. The Little Village of New Starts

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  5. Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  6. Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  7. If Every Day Was Christmas

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook
  8. Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands

    Donna Ashcroft

    audiobook

Others have also read

Skip the list
  1. The Little Shop on Silver Linings Street

    Emma Davies

    audiobook
  2. The House at Hope Corner

    Emma Davies

    audiobook
  3. The Beekeeper's Cottage

    Emma Davies

    audiobook
  4. Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea

    Cressida McLaughlin

    audiobook
  5. A Chance in a Million

    T.A. Williams

    audiobook
  6. Wish Upon a Star

    Trisha Ashley

    audiobook
  7. Return to Lilacwell

    Sasha Morgan

    audiobook
  8. A Year at Appleyard Farm

    Emma Davies

    audiobook
  9. An Endless Cornish Summer

    Phillipa Ashley

    audiobook
  10. Cornish Dreams at Cockleshell Cottage

    Liz Hurley

    audiobook
  11. The Mill on Magnolia Lane

    Tilly Tennant

    audiobook
  12. A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall

    Jane Linfoot

    audiobook

Help and contact


About us

  • Our story
  • Career
  • Press
  • Accessibility
  • Partner with us
  • Investor relations
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Explore

  • Categories
  • Audiobooks
  • E-books
  • Magazines
  • For kids
  • Top lists

Popular categories

  • Crime
  • Biographies and reportage
  • Fiction
  • Feel-good and romance
  • Personal development
  • Children's books
  • True stories
  • Sleep and relaxation

Nextory

Copyright © 2025 Nextory AB

Privacy Policy · Terms ·
Excellent4.3 out of 5