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Holiday Countdown #4
Countdown to Mother's Day: A Novella
What's worse than having to host your rival for a week? Having to host
two of them!
Get ready for a wild countdown to Mother's Day in this heartwarming
romance set in a small-town bed-and-breakfast. Grace's holiday
preparations take an unwelcome turn when two of her rivals check in
under fake names, mystery mothers in tow. With tensions running high and
competition heating up, Grace finds herself struggling to keep her cool.
But as she navigates these "relationships", she begins to see the humor
and heart in the situation.
Join Grace and a cast of colorful characters as they celebrate the
importance of family, discover hope in new beginnings, and experience
the power of forgiveness. With witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and
a cast of lovable and love-to-hate characters, "Countdown to Mother's
Day" is the perfect escape for anyone looking for a feel-good read.
Whether you're a hopeless romantic or simply looking for a bit of fun,
this entertaining novel is sure to leave you smiling and wanting more.
two of them!
Get ready for a wild countdown to Mother's Day in this heartwarming
romance set in a small-town bed-and-breakfast. Grace's holiday
preparations take an unwelcome turn when two of her rivals check in
under fake names, mystery mothers in tow. With tensions running high and
competition heating up, Grace finds herself struggling to keep her cool.
But as she navigates these "relationships", she begins to see the humor
and heart in the situation.
Join Grace and a cast of colorful characters as they celebrate the
importance of family, discover hope in new beginnings, and experience
the power of forgiveness. With witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and
a cast of lovable and love-to-hate characters, "Countdown to Mother's
Day" is the perfect escape for anyone looking for a feel-good read.
Whether you're a hopeless romantic or simply looking for a bit of fun,
this entertaining novel is sure to leave you smiling and wanting more.
- GenresFiction
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 19, 2025
Sweet short story!
May 11, 2026
Countdown to Mother's Day by Dianna Houx (2023)
Holiday Countdown #4
+120-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-119
Genre: Holiday > Mother's Day, Advent Novel, Family, Novella, Romance, Domestic Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for suggestive language
Featuring: Series Reading Order List,
Orphan, May, Ailing Grandmother, Tourism, Bed & Breakfast Inn, Guests, Bonding Events, Relationships, Family Dynamics, Drama, Characters and Storylines From Previous Books, Cat Fights, Vicenarian, Octogenarians, Sex - Closed Door, Insinuated; Afterword - Letter from Author, More From Valerie in Blooms in Willow Glen, Series List with Blurbs
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️📆🐕🐈⬛️🌸💐
My thoughts: This part of the series was a bit of a struggle for me, I'm officially in the lull section. I wasn't too keen on the beginning, but once we got to the inn in the next scene, I got a little excited. Then I was a bit disappointed until the guests showed up, and I had a good laugh. But that's where I became conflicted between the entertaining scenes and the outrageous pranks. I feel like these guests should have been kicked out early on, so the rest of the book just really annoyed me. That's why I gave it three stars overall; it's a decent book, but I was super conflicted the whole time, thinking, "This is way too much and not funny," and then, "It's a little funny." The author's note says Valerie's getting her own book with a cute title, but I'm also thinking, "Why would I want to read a book about her?" I couldn't stand her this entire story.
Recommend to others: Maybe. There are some heartfelt moments and hilarious hijinks but overall it's mostly drama and I just wasn't in the mood for it today of all days.
Holiday Countdown
1. Countdown to Christmas (2022)
2. Countdown to Valentine's Day (2023)
3. Countdown to Easter (2023)
4. Countdown to Mother's Day (2023)
5. Countdown to 4th of July (2023)
6. Countdown to Thanksgiving! (2024)
7. Countdown to Halloween (2023)
8. Countdown to Christmas Eve! (2025)
9. Countdown to New Beginnings (2025)
10. Countdown to a Wedding (2025)
Books and Authors mentioned: Cinderella by Charles Perrault, Blooms in Willow Glen by Dianna Houx
Songs for the soundtrack: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Memorable Quotes: “I thought Mother’s Day was on the seventh instead of the fourteenth. So, the guests are scheduled to arrive on the fifth instead of the twelfth.” “But that’s tomorrow,” Grace gasped. The sound of the kettle whistling interrupted the start of her panic attack, and she quickly got up to grab it. Back at the table, with two teacups in hand, she tried again to make sense of the latest predicament. “Okay, so we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day a week early. I guess that’s not the end of the world.” “That’s not all,” Molly winced. “I sort of forgot to put an end date. So the guests expect to be here from Friday the fifth until Monday the fifteenth.” “Please tell me this is a joke.” When Molly hung her head, Grace knew she was serious. “That means we’ll have to feed and entertain ten people for ten days. Shall I assume they only paid for three of those ten since the dates got messed up?”
But if what Rebekah had said was true, maybe it was time for Amelia to learn that consequences weren’t just for people with low incomes.
Then, finally, she nodded, turned on her heel, and left, a giant whoosh emanating from the crowd as they all released the breath they had been holding.
Holiday Countdown #4
+120-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-119
Genre: Holiday > Mother's Day, Advent Novel, Family, Novella, Romance, Domestic Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for suggestive language
Featuring: Series Reading Order List,
Orphan, May, Ailing Grandmother, Tourism, Bed & Breakfast Inn, Guests, Bonding Events, Relationships, Family Dynamics, Drama, Characters and Storylines From Previous Books, Cat Fights, Vicenarian, Octogenarians, Sex - Closed Door, Insinuated; Afterword - Letter from Author, More From Valerie in Blooms in Willow Glen, Series List with Blurbs
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️📆🐕🐈⬛️🌸💐
My thoughts: This part of the series was a bit of a struggle for me, I'm officially in the lull section. I wasn't too keen on the beginning, but once we got to the inn in the next scene, I got a little excited. Then I was a bit disappointed until the guests showed up, and I had a good laugh. But that's where I became conflicted between the entertaining scenes and the outrageous pranks. I feel like these guests should have been kicked out early on, so the rest of the book just really annoyed me. That's why I gave it three stars overall; it's a decent book, but I was super conflicted the whole time, thinking, "This is way too much and not funny," and then, "It's a little funny." The author's note says Valerie's getting her own book with a cute title, but I'm also thinking, "Why would I want to read a book about her?" I couldn't stand her this entire story.
Recommend to others: Maybe. There are some heartfelt moments and hilarious hijinks but overall it's mostly drama and I just wasn't in the mood for it today of all days.
Holiday Countdown
1. Countdown to Christmas (2022)
2. Countdown to Valentine's Day (2023)
3. Countdown to Easter (2023)
4. Countdown to Mother's Day (2023)
5. Countdown to 4th of July (2023)
6. Countdown to Thanksgiving! (2024)
7. Countdown to Halloween (2023)
8. Countdown to Christmas Eve! (2025)
9. Countdown to New Beginnings (2025)
10. Countdown to a Wedding (2025)
Books and Authors mentioned: Cinderella by Charles Perrault, Blooms in Willow Glen by Dianna Houx
Songs for the soundtrack: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Memorable Quotes: “I thought Mother’s Day was on the seventh instead of the fourteenth. So, the guests are scheduled to arrive on the fifth instead of the twelfth.” “But that’s tomorrow,” Grace gasped. The sound of the kettle whistling interrupted the start of her panic attack, and she quickly got up to grab it. Back at the table, with two teacups in hand, she tried again to make sense of the latest predicament. “Okay, so we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day a week early. I guess that’s not the end of the world.” “That’s not all,” Molly winced. “I sort of forgot to put an end date. So the guests expect to be here from Friday the fifth until Monday the fifteenth.” “Please tell me this is a joke.” When Molly hung her head, Grace knew she was serious. “That means we’ll have to feed and entertain ten people for ten days. Shall I assume they only paid for three of those ten since the dates got messed up?”
But if what Rebekah had said was true, maybe it was time for Amelia to learn that consequences weren’t just for people with low incomes.
Then, finally, she nodded, turned on her heel, and left, a giant whoosh emanating from the crowd as they all released the breath they had been holding.
June 27, 2025
This may be my favorite of the series so far! I love a good redemption arc and this delivered that in spades. In fact,
Hunter's mother showing up was an interesting twist. She was pretty insufferable until she finally realized she wasn't doing herself any favors.
Valerie was annoying as ever and I was not fond of Cole for the majority of the book. He did nothing to help Grace, even after learning that
As with the other books in the series thus far, another round of editing and proofreading would have helped. I had to hold the editor side of my brain hostage to keep from making notes of what needs to be fixed.
I am loving this series and don't want it to come to an end!
Hunter's mother showing up was an interesting twist. She was pretty insufferable until she finally realized she wasn't doing herself any favors.
Valerie was annoying as ever and I was not fond of Cole for the majority of the book. He did nothing to help Grace, even after learning that
As with the other books in the series thus far, another round of editing and proofreading would have helped. I had to hold the editor side of my brain hostage to keep from making notes of what needs to be fixed.
I am loving this series and don't want it to come to an end!
May 17, 2025
Countdown to Mother's Day with witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and a cast of lovable and love-to-hate characters, was an entertaining Mother's Day page turning read. Dianna Houx is a new to me author. I enjoyed the small-town bed-and-breakfast setting. This retiree could relate to Grace.
Grace's holiday preparations take an unwelcome turn when two of her rivals check in under fake names, mystery mothers in tow. With tensions running high and competition heating up, Grace lived up to her name as she navigates these "relationships." Grace see the humor and heart in the situation and extends forgiveness. This reader enjoys holiday inspired stories. Holiday Countdown Series offers a delightful small town holiday experience.
Grace's holiday preparations take an unwelcome turn when two of her rivals check in under fake names, mystery mothers in tow. With tensions running high and competition heating up, Grace lived up to her name as she navigates these "relationships." Grace see the humor and heart in the situation and extends forgiveness. This reader enjoys holiday inspired stories. Holiday Countdown Series offers a delightful small town holiday experience.
May 10, 2026
Book Review
Author Diana Houx
Published May 10, 2023
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grace hosted another celebration at the bed and breakfast! This time it was a Mother/Daughter theme! She was excited to meet her guests.
Her boyfriend Cole his ex wife of 8 years Valerie showed up and there was drama from the beginning.
The chaotic and event’s Valerie did had me laughing! This was a sweet and funny book! I really enjoyed it!
One of my favorite quotes from this book:
No one knows what the future holds. All you can do is treasure the time you have with the people you love. At the end of the day, that's what really matters.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there!!
Author Diana Houx
Published May 10, 2023
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grace hosted another celebration at the bed and breakfast! This time it was a Mother/Daughter theme! She was excited to meet her guests.
Her boyfriend Cole his ex wife of 8 years Valerie showed up and there was drama from the beginning.
The chaotic and event’s Valerie did had me laughing! This was a sweet and funny book! I really enjoyed it!
One of my favorite quotes from this book:
No one knows what the future holds. All you can do is treasure the time you have with the people you love. At the end of the day, that's what really matters.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there!!
January 10, 2026
This book had me laughing so hard. What antics Grace had to put up with. I felt sorry for Grace but this book is hilarious. I love that some of the characters in the first book make a return trip. I can’t wait to see what chaos the next book holds. This author has one fantastic imagination and has done an awesome job. I am truly enjoying every one of these books. They are so much fun. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
April 29, 2026
Very enjoyable series
This is the fourth book I have read in this series and I must say it was my least favorite. I missed some of the characters from the previous books and I felt the ladies in this were just nasty for their age.
This is the fourth book I have read in this series and I must say it was my least favorite. I missed some of the characters from the previous books and I felt the ladies in this were just nasty for their age.
February 21, 2025
Happy Holidays with Grace and Coke
I love reading about Cole and Grace.. The Aunt and others cat the b &B bring so much humor ..a fun series read!
I love reading about Cole and Grace.. The Aunt and others cat the b &B bring so much humor ..a fun series read!
April 30, 2025
Was a ok book. still reading the series.
May 3, 2025
Mother’s Day drama
Sweet Grace - some of her guests are yet again being mean and nasty. Cole keeps her grounded and is her rock. Good read.
Sweet Grace - some of her guests are yet again being mean and nasty. Cole keeps her grounded and is her rock. Good read.
May 3, 2025
This was utterly chaotic, but it was cute and fun to read!
June 4, 2025
Ngl I was hoping for more at the end there… maybe a proposal… he had a dinner and new outfit planned… why not a ring??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
This is a good series, but geez, the crap and drama this woman puts up with in running her B&B amazes me!
October 7, 2025
Holiday Countdown!
Great book, they all have been exciting!! On to the next holiday!! Hard to put the book down down once you get started!!
Love this series… definitely recommend
Great book, they all have been exciting!! On to the next holiday!! Hard to put the book down down once you get started!!
Love this series… definitely recommend
January 15, 2026
Great Read!
Grace has her hands full during this Mother’s Day event with Cole’s Ex! Will she survive the week? Cole saves the day!
Grace has her hands full during this Mother’s Day event with Cole’s Ex! Will she survive the week? Cole saves the day!
February 19, 2026
Oh the constant obstacles Grace has to face....
I just wanna reach through the pages a wring done necks and hug hers.
Love these clean small town stories.
I just wanna reach through the pages a wring done necks and hug hers.
Love these clean small town stories.
March 3, 2026
every mother will like this
Hyjinks and true love to the max! True love and Cole and Grace remain true to each other‼️ A happy ending for sure.
Hyjinks and true love to the max! True love and Cole and Grace remain true to each other‼️ A happy ending for sure.
March 31, 2026
This one was not a favorite.
April 24, 2026
Propose already!!!
May 9, 2026
Enjoyed heading back to this series for another holiday.
May 16, 2026
I like following all the characters in this series. Things do get a little silly though.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews