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Holiday Countdown #1

Countdown to Christmas

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Welcome to Winterwood… a small town with more heart than people!

“Fans of Rachael Bloome and Rachael Lucas will love this new series by Dianna Houx!”

When Grace is told it's unlikely Granny will live to see another Christmas, she comes up with a unique plan to transform her home into a festive inn for the holidays, offering an authentic, old-fashioned Christmas experience to her guests. To make her plan a reality, Grace must convince her small-town community to get on board and help her bring her vision to life. Along the way, she meets a diverse group of people who all have their own issues and struggles, but they come together at the inn to celebrate the holiday season and find hope and joy in the midst of their challenges.

If you love small-town, holiday romances, you'll love Countdown to Christmas. A story about love, family traditions, and memories that last a lifetime.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2022

321 people are currently reading
362 people want to read

About the author

Dianna Houx

22 books49 followers

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5 stars
264 (65%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Angieleigh.
960 reviews120 followers
April 30, 2025
It took me entirely too long to get through this book.

Not that there was anything wrong with the plot of the book, I absolutely loved the idea!, but my ADHD brain kept wandering away.

I loved the characters, the plot, and am so looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

If there are any cons, it could use another read through from a proofreader/editor. There were a few grammar errors, and at times changed from present to past tense when it should be present tense.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 21 books134 followers
December 25, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author. The author's writing style is easy to read, and I enjoyed reading about Grace's plan for a town Christmas Celebration to uplift her grandmother's spirit. Little did she know that inviting families to stay at her home, would leave a lasting impression that would change their lives forever.

A heartwarming and inspirational story that also brought some tears but kept my attention even after I turned the last page. It would make a lovely Hallmark movie. Recommended.
Profile Image for Christine.
93 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2024
The meaning of Christmas

This story was so touching. Granny's house with the memories and het granddaughters Christmas ideas bring families together ..loved it
Profile Image for Butterflittin.
96 reviews
October 9, 2023
The concept is really good. I do wish Ms. Houx had a good editor. It is distracting to read.
Profile Image for Kirby.
855 reviews42 followers
January 5, 2024
Countdown to Christmas is a sweet, heartwarming read that will give every reader that chooses to pick it up a big ole case of the warm fuzzies.

Welcome readers to Winterwood-a charming little community that feels right from the screen of a Hallmark movie, or a charming little abode similar to Stars Hollow. One of Winterwood's residents, Grace, is facing a bleaker Christmas season this year. The doctors' don't expect her beloved granny to live to see another Christmas. Grace is determined to give her granny a reason to get out of bed every morning, and so she comes up with the big idea of having her community host a lavish, straight from a movie Christmas festival. Her big idea includes hosting guests in hers and granny's beloved huge home, and everything seems to be coming together perfectly. Only there's a lot more at play and at stake than Grace initially realized, and soon she's in danger of losing her heart and much more to the amazing people who've come to share Christmas with her and granny, and their entire beloved community.

A heartfelt contemporary that tugs at the heartstrings, and focuses around the importance of family and friendship during the beloved Christmas season, Countdown to Christmas is a sweet treat that I can see appealing to any reader who enjoys their happily ever afters sweet with a side of nostalgia and Christmas cheer.

I found myself wholeheartedly enjoying this title from a new to me author, and I particularly loved the way the chapters are set up. Each chapter is another day in the countdown to Christmas, and I thought that was an original idea, and not something I've seen done too many times before. The characters were well developed and likeable, and I found myself rooting for the majority of them right from the start. The romance is sweet, and even though it's quick, it didn't feel like insta love, which I appreciated since I'm never a fan of those kind of stories.

Overall, I enjoyed this one immensely and I'm glad I took the time to read it. A great read to start off 2024 with, and one I will definitely be recommending.

I will quickly mention though that there is a bit of a mention of a controversial medical practice that might be too much for some readers. It was handled gracefully and tactfully and didn't bother me because of such, but it might bother others and you just might want to be aware going into it.

All in all, a wonderful Christmas read full of heartwarming moments and swoon worthy tidbits, all wrapped up in a lovely familial relationship existing between the main character and her grandmother.

Final Rating: 4/5.



Thanks so much to the author for allowing me to read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,122 reviews30 followers
December 8, 2023
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2023/12/08/4-...

Countdown to Christmas by Dianna Houx is a feel-good holiday romance that takes twenty days to count down and is filled with Christmas cheer and several activities that fill the small town of Winterwood in the Midwest with holiday spirit and goodwill.

This Christmas may be Grace’s grandmother’s last, so Grace decides to make this a wonderful Christmas for her grandmother, whom she lives with and is her caretaker. Grace isn’t prepared for how it takes off with the help of everyone in town—from the mayor to business owners, school staff, and even members of the football team.

The town and small businesses will benefit from all her ideas that others help her implement, and there’s a heartwarming feeling throughout. There are some bumps in the road and a lot of hard work by everyone involved, but Grace’s guests become like family, and many pitch in to help wherever needed. The memories she hopes to recreate for her grandmother may not be what her grandmother and her family experienced, but it’s the thought that counts. Her grandmother has her own secrets, and things may go off-kilter.

I loved getting to know Grace and some of the others. Grace was always at the forefront but never gave herself credit, no matter how much it was deserved. There were so many ways that she was enriching not only her guest’s lives but also her grandmother’s and her own, as well as those who lived in town.

Grace made friends—something she always found hard to do—and let people who cared help her. The descriptions of the old-fashioned activities, their home, the abandoned dogs, their antics, and the small businesses made me feel like I was there. I could taste the food and feel the cold. I enjoyed the countdown to Christmas and all that unfolded, but it was sometimes choppy.

There was romance in the air for a few characters, adding another layer to the story. As we wind closer to Christmas and seeing dreams come true, the characters are able to add new traditions to those that were established. Many stories are woven together, along with secrets and surprises. There was some closure with the epilogue and hints of what could come in future books. But the book did end abruptly. I turned the page, and there was the Afterword, which was totally unexpected. This is the first book in the Holiday Countdown Series, and I can’t wait for more and to see what Grace and the others get up to next with their old-fashioned holiday experience packages at her pop-up inn.

Sit back in front of the crackling fire with a cup of something hot and snuggle in as you Countdown to Christmas and participate in so many wonderful old-fashioned Christmas experiences!
Profile Image for Christy.
1,240 reviews62 followers
December 6, 2023
Countdown to Christmas by Dianna Houx is a delightful, sweet novel that will appeal to lovers of small town, happily ever after romances. Its short chapters lead you on a literal countdown to Christmas. It’s a story about Grace, a young woman who wants to create a Christmas filled with memories for her granny who, according to the doctors, might not see another Christmas.

I just adored this sweet Christmas book. It was just what I needed to cheer me up on a dreary day. I finished it very quickly because I just loved reading about how the town came together on the days leading to Christmas to bring outsiders to their small town which could use a financial boost. The short chapters that countdown to Christmas also helped keep me turning the pages. Something fun and Christmas-y was happening every day; and since I love reading about those things in books, I couldn’t wait to see what winter activity they’d have next.

Even though the book is filled with many characters, I felt like I got to know the main characters very well. It was also easy to remember who was who among the townsfolk since they had unique roles and personalities. I hope that when I’m Granny’s age, I have a neighbor and friend like Gladys who will come over and watch Wheel of Fortune with me. I thought Gladys was a wonderful character.

The charm of the small town, rural setting gave it a cozy feeling. When I was picturing the main street, I pictured something like downtown Mayberry. I could also imagine the Mayberry townsfolk banding together like this. For you young folk, Mayberry is the town in the TV show called The Andy Griffith Show. The author’s descriptions of the Christmas decorations, the food, the ice skating, etc. really bring everything to life.

New romance blossoms and old relationships are strengthened. New friendships are forged and lives are changed. All of these things and more bring the book to a wonderful conclusion that leaves us ready for more.

I highly recommend Countdown to Christmas to sweet, clean romance lovers. The charming small town setting, the wonderful characters, the relationships, and the countdown make Countdown to Christmas a must-read!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Karen Siddall.
Author 1 book111 followers
December 3, 2023
Sweet and satisfying Christmas-themed feel-good story!

Countdown to Christmas is the first book in author Dianna Houx’s holiday-themed sweet romance series, Holiday Countdown, and it is a perfect story to indulge in during the hectic run-up to Christmas. With its engaging main character and her heartfelt goal of making this probably last Christmas with her ailing, aged grandmother memorable, this sweet story is enjoyable, endearing, and one you will also want to remember.

Grace Parker is the young, determined heroine of this often emotional story. She devises an ambitious plan to recreate the Christmases of her grandmother’s childhood and convinces her small town to help her make it a reality in less than a month. As part of this, she opens her home to paying guests for a traditional Christmas experience and thus draws in five different bookings: two families and three singles. Each of the five has a special story that brings additional dimensions to the main plot, including a love interest for Grace.

The guests are treated to a variety of traditional Christmas and winter activities, all ending with everyone gathered around a cozy living room fireplace, with warm drinks and the unexpected arrival of Christmas puppies. The story is filled with second chances, friendships, and new beginnings.

I recommend COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS to romance readers, especially those who enjoy Christmas tales.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.


Profile Image for Kate Lutter.
Author 2 books17 followers
November 16, 2023
If you love Christmas stories with happy endings that take place in small towns, where mostly good-hearted people come together to resolve their issues, then Countdown to Christmas is your cup of tea. There are many reasons to like this book. The Christmas times of yesteryear is a wonderful fantasy—the tree, the snow, the delicious foods we all remember, the love and loyalty that exists among friends and family—it’s a kind of magic recipe that provides a backdrop to this inviting story of Grace who wants to make her Granny happy by creating the perfect “last” Christmas when she believes her Granny is about to die.

The author does a good job of creating Grace, the main character, who is so caught up in taking care of Granny that she’s neglected to take care of herself. We follow Grace on her journey as she struggles to pull this magical Christmas together, attracting other people who show up to rent rooms in her Granny’s house who are also on their own journey to pull their life together. There is also a sweet romance with a guy who shows up, so expect some fairytale aspects to this story.

All in all, it’s a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of reality for just a little while. The novel is well written, peopled with an interesting array of characters. My only caveat—and I’m being picky—is that I was hoping for a bit more depth, perhaps, in the development of one of the relationships. Nevertheless, the perfect story for the holidays. 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,025 reviews91 followers
November 17, 2024
Countdown To Christmas by Dianna Houx is the most charming, heartwarming contemporary Christmas novel that will warm your spirit and leave you smiling. This really is the essence of Christmas in a book.
The novel is set in a Midwest American town that seems to have forgotten about Christmas. Wanting to re-create her grandmother’s childhood Christmas, A granddaughter enlists the help of the town to bring an old-fashioned Christmas to life once more. “She [grandmother] comes alive when she talks about memories… of Christmas.” Christmas past is set to become Christmas present.
Visitors to the town for the old-fashioned Christmas ensure a family house comes alive. “Return to a time when things were simpler… When Christmas had meaning and magic.” Christmas is less about the presents and more about the memories.
We see the importance of teamwork. “If we all work together… we can do it.” What is impossible for one, is achievable for many.
All the characters were delightfully drawn, warm and welcoming.
The setting came alive with snow and twinkly lights, sleighrides and skating, cookies and hot chocolate. Dianna Houx’s marvellous descriptive pen brought the book to life in the reader’s head.
Countdown To Christmas really was the perfect read to get you in the mood for a wonderful festive Christmas. I absolutely loved it. The book is so beautiful, hearts swell with love and kindness as an old-fashioned Christmas exploded into life.
Profile Image for Paula L.
1,008 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2024
I listened to this audiobook 3 times in 3 days! The only problem is that I slept through 80%. I wanted a good feel Christmas read that was short in duration. Of what I heard if the book it was what I wanted and I will continue to listen when I can’t sleep. Perhaps I will officially finish hearing this book to the end.

NOTE: This is the first audiobook I listened to with an AI Narrator. Perhaps this is why I kept going to sleep with this book the missing infliction of the voice. Since I can’t see well enough to physically read a book I am depended on audiobooks. I am not a fan of AI narration. Firstly, it’s a true talent to narrate a book. It adds a whole new dimension of the book. Secondly, using AI negatively impacts human narrators which I will always support. I have a lust of many narrators I follow and love to hear religiously. I will sometimes listen to a book I am debating committing hours to reading just because they are the narrator. Scott Brick is on my short list! His narration of Nelson DeMille’s books is spectacular! Another is Julia Whelan who also also a legendary narrator. She has narrated so many bestsellers she is a legend in the industry. I truly believe we need to push to keep AI out of narration. It’s truly a craft and a talent like authoring a book. Don’t get me started on that topic.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
December 4, 2023
Christmas is always a time of year that emotions can vary from happy to sad to nostalgic and everywhere in-between. This sweet romance book is an absolute gem for the Christmas season. It’s a beautiful reminder of how we are all on borrowed time and how we need to embrace all of the moments we have with our loved ones.

Grace’s mission is full of heartfelt emotion that will tug at your own heartstrings as she devises a plan to give her grandmother a second chance at experiencing Christmas past from her childhood again. I love how she gets the town involved, adding that sweet, small town spirit that makes a season so much more than the commercial side. As her grandmother is facing an ending, Grace and the guests she rents to are all facing new beginnings.

Sprinkled with a little romance, this is a wonderful book to snuggle up with on the couch. Be sure to grab a cozy blanket, warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and prepare your heart to be warmed by the reminder that Christmas is so much more than anything you could ever buy for someone. The moments you share, memories created, and upholding traditions within these pages gave me a swift kick in my seat as a reminder that I needed to refocus on what is important.
Profile Image for Emily Portman.
320 reviews42 followers
October 27, 2023
A magical, feel-good book that will capture your heart and fill you with Christmas spirit (it’s never too early for me!) There’s such a big focus on making new Christmas memories and traditions in this book, and the author effortlessly makes you fall in love with each and every character she creates. Grace is a truly wonderful main character, her growth and her journey to believing in herself and knowing she deserves happiness is something that is guaranteed to tug at your heart. And her relationship with her Granny was something so warming and just lovely! It really does feel like a hug in book form – a real special Christmas read!

Profile Image for Biggest Little Book Talker.
354 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2024
20 days till Christmas, a dying grandma, and a small town that comes together.
Grace can’t imagine a Christmas without her grandma, but after seeing several specialists.. this might her last Christmas. Grace comes up with the idea to recreate the Christmas from her grandmas stories with the help of the town. She turns her house into a destination stay with package deals from the local
town vendors. She is rushing to pull this off to help her grandma and the town, and is getting a lot of help from one of her very handsome guests that arrived early.
Very Christmas audible that I thought was done well.
Profile Image for Natasha Blazic.
Author 5 books3 followers
September 13, 2023
When I was a child, we were not celebrating Christmas. This book gave me back my lost Christmases. And that's such a precious gift!

This story is about unconditional love from dear family members. But also about special love, kindness and friendship that unexpectedly comes from complete strangers. And that's what Christmas is really about!

I enormously enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the other books in the Holiday Countdown series.
Profile Image for Tree Schwartz.
871 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2025
Lots of feels

My first book by Dianna and it will not be my last. I loved the storyline, and it’s continuing with the rest of the series. Characters I cared about and wanted to succeed. I look forward to future adventures with them. Loved the mystery of the appearing gnomes and the puppies! Well done.
Profile Image for Debra  Williams.
2,499 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2025
Nice Read

This was a nice read. Grace is trying to give her grandmother a special Christmas. The counting down began, bringing in guests, decorating the town, she pulled it off with the help of townspeople. New love was formed and old ones were brought back together. Nice read that will have you inspired by the way things turned out
Profile Image for Nanci.
80 reviews
October 15, 2025
Just what I needed…even in September!

I have been on a year long Christmas reading extravaganza. I ran across Dianna Houx’s “Countdown to Christmas”. It was just what I needed. So full of sweet fun and sweet people, it is the Best! Everyone makes memories in their own way, and end up sharing the merriest of Christmases. Enjoy, I know you will.
1,151 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2024
Countdown to Christmas

A wonderful and heartwarming story. This has hallmarks all over it like a Christmas cookies. A cozy, cheerful old fashioned Christmas. The characters are realistic, loyal, friendly and a supportive community. A wonderful holiday season must read. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Jeannie Lee.
2 reviews
September 22, 2025
Light hearted fun in a small town.

I thought this was an easy read fun and very lite on romance.(just kissing). Looking forward to the rest of the series. I was told to read them in order.
1 review
October 14, 2025
delightful

This read is a joy to read and a blessing to my soul. All families have their ups and downs; sadness and unspeakable joys. Thank you Dianna for the reminder of the peace that comes from healing.
109 reviews
October 16, 2025
Delightfu

A feel good book for Christmas! When she thought her grandma was leaving her, she wanted just one more wonderful Christmas. What she created was a blessing to more than just her family.!!! mmm


311 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2023
You've got to believe in miracles

What a great Christmas story of love and a deep caring for others. When we work to make someone else's life happy the rewards are tremendous.
Profile Image for Nickie.
120 reviews
November 15, 2024
Very sweet story about how life can change when you are open.
Profile Image for Tami Foster.
339 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2024
A very touching, heartwarming Christmas story, about family, hope and new adventures. Very sweet story about small towns, family, traditions and hope.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
9 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
Enjoyable

Enjoyable read with characters you will end up loving. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Virginia Mae Benedict.
41 reviews
January 25, 2025
Love

I love how the small town comes today for someone they love. I love how the people ended up moving to the town.
904 reviews8 followers
February 21, 2025
I loved this series of books! I'm sad to be finished with them
Profile Image for Abby Bannister.
64 reviews
March 24, 2025
Such a cute, sweet little read!! I look forward to continuing with this series.
7 reviews
April 12, 2025
Very Sweet

This was a very sweet book. It was entertaining and the characters were likable. It wasn't too long. it also had a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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