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The Christmas Countdown
Lucy Sullivan swore she'd never spend another Christmas in Birch Harbor.
Not after Dylan Mercer drowned ten years ago.
Not after the town turned his death into a tragedy no one wanted to talk about.
And definitely not after she left behind Dean Walker—the boy who stayed by her side when her entire world fell apart.
But when her parents announce they're leaving Maine for good, Lucy returns home for one last Sullivan Family Christmas, expecting little more than awkward reunions and memories she's spent years trying to outrun.
Birch Harbor's newest detective, Dean Walker has spent the last decade trying to move on from the girl who disappeared from his life without warning. But the moment Lucy walks back into town, old feelings come rushing to the surface—and so do questions surrounding Dylan's death.
When mysterious gifts begin appearing on Lucy's doorstep—each one connected to the night Dylan died—it becomes impossible to ignore the past.
Everyone in Birch Harbor has always believed Dylan's death was an accident. But someone remembers exactly what happened on the icy harbor that night. And they're determined to make sure the truth stays buried.
As the truth draws them closer, Lucy and Dean begin to wonder if coming home might mean more than finally putting the past to rest—it might mean finding their way back to each other.
Not after Dylan Mercer drowned ten years ago.
Not after the town turned his death into a tragedy no one wanted to talk about.
And definitely not after she left behind Dean Walker—the boy who stayed by her side when her entire world fell apart.
But when her parents announce they're leaving Maine for good, Lucy returns home for one last Sullivan Family Christmas, expecting little more than awkward reunions and memories she's spent years trying to outrun.
Birch Harbor's newest detective, Dean Walker has spent the last decade trying to move on from the girl who disappeared from his life without warning. But the moment Lucy walks back into town, old feelings come rushing to the surface—and so do questions surrounding Dylan's death.
When mysterious gifts begin appearing on Lucy's doorstep—each one connected to the night Dylan died—it becomes impossible to ignore the past.
Everyone in Birch Harbor has always believed Dylan's death was an accident. But someone remembers exactly what happened on the icy harbor that night. And they're determined to make sure the truth stays buried.
As the truth draws them closer, Lucy and Dean begin to wonder if coming home might mean more than finally putting the past to rest—it might mean finding their way back to each other.
218 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2026
About the author
Linny Mack
13 books418 followersLinny Mack is an American author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense whose emotionally compelling stories explore love, loss, resilience, and the transformative power of second chances. Known for her richly developed characters, evocative settings, and layered storytelling, she writes about the complexities of human connection, the weight of the past, and the extraordinary courage it takes to open your heart to love.
Since making her publishing debut in 2025 with Changing Tides, Linny has built a growing body of work spanning multiple romance subgenres. She is the author of the Cape May series, a collection of heartfelt contemporary romances set along the New Jersey shore, and the Tidehaven trilogy, a romantic suspense series set against the atmospheric backdrop of coastal South Carolina. In 2026, she expanded her publishing career with The Christmas Countdown, her first independently published novella.
Linny's passion for storytelling began long before her first published novel. As a teenager, she filled notebooks with love stories, carefully selecting faces for her fictional characters from the pages of Delia's catalogs and sharing her creations with anyone willing to listen. What began as a childhood fascination eventually became a career devoted to telling stories that resonate long after the final page.
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Linny lives in the southern part of the state with her husband and their three children. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found reading, spending time with her family, or dreaming up the next story she can't wait to tell.
Since making her publishing debut in 2025 with Changing Tides, Linny has built a growing body of work spanning multiple romance subgenres. She is the author of the Cape May series, a collection of heartfelt contemporary romances set along the New Jersey shore, and the Tidehaven trilogy, a romantic suspense series set against the atmospheric backdrop of coastal South Carolina. In 2026, she expanded her publishing career with The Christmas Countdown, her first independently published novella.
Linny's passion for storytelling began long before her first published novel. As a teenager, she filled notebooks with love stories, carefully selecting faces for her fictional characters from the pages of Delia's catalogs and sharing her creations with anyone willing to listen. What began as a childhood fascination eventually became a career devoted to telling stories that resonate long after the final page.
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Linny lives in the southern part of the state with her husband and their three children. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found reading, spending time with her family, or dreaming up the next story she can't wait to tell.
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October 17, 2026
🎄 “This town had once been the place where I lost everything. Now, somehow... It’s become the place where I found my way home.”
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
I can't believe how jam packed this 220 page Christmas novella is!
Seriously, Linny Mack knows how to write incredible banter and deep, meaningful relationships in such a short amount of time. I was completely invested in these characters and felt like they were my actual friends by the end of the story
Something horrific happens that causes Lucy to leave her hometown and ten years later she's back for one last family Christmas before her parents sell their family home.
But returning home means being confronted with a decade's worth of memories… and not all of them are good ones.
One of the good ones though? is Dean Walker ❤️
The boy who stayed by her side through all the heartache. The boy she never forgot.
AND GUESS WHAT?!
HE NEVER FORGOT ABOUT HER EITHER 😭😭😭
This man has been PINING AFTER HER FOR TEN YEARS. TEN. YEARS.
This romance is just sooooo sweet with a slight mystery on the side
It keeps you feeling all the warm and fuzzies while also indulging your "who dunnit vibe"
I just LOVED this one. If you're looking for a holiday read that will make you feel all the warm and fuzzies while giving you a little mystery to unravel THIS IS YOUR SIGN
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
🎄 second chance romance
🎄 small town
🎄 friends to lovers
🎄 a man who has been pining for TEN YEARS
🎄 returning to your hometown
🎄 a little mystery mixed into your romance
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
I can't believe how jam packed this 220 page Christmas novella is!
Seriously, Linny Mack knows how to write incredible banter and deep, meaningful relationships in such a short amount of time. I was completely invested in these characters and felt like they were my actual friends by the end of the story
Something horrific happens that causes Lucy to leave her hometown and ten years later she's back for one last family Christmas before her parents sell their family home.
But returning home means being confronted with a decade's worth of memories… and not all of them are good ones.
One of the good ones though? is Dean Walker ❤️
The boy who stayed by her side through all the heartache. The boy she never forgot.
AND GUESS WHAT?!
HE NEVER FORGOT ABOUT HER EITHER 😭😭😭
This man has been PINING AFTER HER FOR TEN YEARS. TEN. YEARS.
This romance is just sooooo sweet with a slight mystery on the side
It keeps you feeling all the warm and fuzzies while also indulging your "who dunnit vibe"
I just LOVED this one. If you're looking for a holiday read that will make you feel all the warm and fuzzies while giving you a little mystery to unravel THIS IS YOUR SIGN
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
🎄 second chance romance
🎄 small town
🎄 friends to lovers
🎄 a man who has been pining for TEN YEARS
🎄 returning to your hometown
🎄 a little mystery mixed into your romance
October 22, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on October 20th called, The Christmas Countdown. This is about Lucy, she left her hometown after her boyfriend died ten years ago when she couldn't escape her grief, and swore she'd never come back. But it's the last Christmas before her parents are selling her childhood home and they want one last family Christmas together, so Lucy comes home for the holidays. But she's not ready to face everything and everyone she left behind, including her boyfriend's best friend, Dean. Dean was the one person who understood Lucy's grief and had stayed by her side through it all. And as soon as Dean sees Lucy after all this time, he is right back where he was ten years ago, he's falling for Lucy again. But as soon as Lucy arrives back home, someone starts sending her gifts, and they're all connected to the night her boyfriend died. His death was ruled an accident, but someone knows what really happened that night and is trying to get Lucy's attention. She doesn't understand the gifts or what this person wants, so once again she turns to Dean, and as they try to piece together the clues it brings the two of them back together. But can they figure out the truth of what really happened that night before it's too late?
Wow! This was SO GOOD! This was a holiday novella with the perfect amount of romance, suspense, and mystery! This had me on the edge of my seat; from not knowing who was sending the gifts and their motives behind them, to watching Lucy and Dean fall in love and finally heal from the past. This story was so well written and so captivating! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this and I highly recommend it! It was just the perfect Christmas read! 💙📚
Thank you to Linny Mack for this ARC of The Christmas Countdown, in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! This was SO GOOD! This was a holiday novella with the perfect amount of romance, suspense, and mystery! This had me on the edge of my seat; from not knowing who was sending the gifts and their motives behind them, to watching Lucy and Dean fall in love and finally heal from the past. This story was so well written and so captivating! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this and I highly recommend it! It was just the perfect Christmas read! 💙📚
Thank you to Linny Mack for this ARC of The Christmas Countdown, in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2026
Sometimes you just need a quick little holiday escape, and The Christmas Countdown by Linny Mack was exactly that! This Christmas novella packed in so much festive fun, a little suspense, and some sweet and sexy romance, making it such an entertaining seasonal read. It was my first book from the author, but it definitely won’t be my last!
I absolutely loved the setting of Birch Harbor and all the cozy Christmas vibes. There were so many fun holiday traditions sprinkled throughout, from baking cookies and wrapping presents to caroling and spending time with family. All those little details made the story feel especially festive, and I loved how much Christmas cheer was packed into such a short read. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and a plate of Christmas cookies.
The romance was another highlight for me! Lucy and Dean have a complicated history, and their reunion brings some sweet moments, plenty of chemistry, and a little spice. I also appreciated the mystery surrounding a tragedy from Lucy’s past. That element added some intrigue and danger to the story and gave it a little extra something beyond the holiday romance. It was a fun combination that kept things moving without losing any of that cozy Christmas atmosphere.
Overall, The Christmas Countdown was a quick, easy, and thoroughly enjoyable holiday read. It had all the festive traditions I love, a sweet and sexy romance, and just enough suspense to keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a bite sized Christmas treat that delivers plenty of seasonal charm with a little mystery on the side, this one is a great option! I’ll definitely be checking out more from Linny Mack.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book Review
The Christmas Countdown
A Novella Written By Linny Mack
Fiction - Romance
Published October 2026
220 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Add this book to your holiday reading list! This is a romance with mystery, suspense, betrayal, sadness, and love. It is a story about returning home to the place you fled a decade earlier after a terrible accident. It is a story about uncovering a mystery from the past. It is about putting the past behind you even though some mystery person is trying to keep you from doing that.
I loved the two main characters, Lucy Sullivan and Dean Walker. After ten years apart, they are trying to rekindle their friendship when Lucy returns to Birch Harbor, Maine for the holidays. Their journey leads to a very tender conclusion.
“Some things are bigger than careers. Some people are bigger than regrets.”
The Christmas Countdown
A Novella Written By Linny Mack
Fiction - Romance
Published October 2026
220 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Add this book to your holiday reading list! This is a romance with mystery, suspense, betrayal, sadness, and love. It is a story about returning home to the place you fled a decade earlier after a terrible accident. It is a story about uncovering a mystery from the past. It is about putting the past behind you even though some mystery person is trying to keep you from doing that.
I loved the two main characters, Lucy Sullivan and Dean Walker. After ten years apart, they are trying to rekindle their friendship when Lucy returns to Birch Harbor, Maine for the holidays. Their journey leads to a very tender conclusion.
“Some things are bigger than careers. Some people are bigger than regrets.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're looking for a cozy Christmas book with a touch of spice and suspense, you have to pick up "The Christmas Countdown"!! Also, who doesn't love it when a man pines after a woman for 10 YEARS!!!
This book follows Lucy Sullivan (FMC), as she makes the trip back for Christmas to her hometown of Birch Harbor, Maine. After moving abruptly to South Carolina 10 years ago, she's dreading her time back in a town that broke her heart. Enter Dean Walker (MMC), Birch Harbor's newest detective and the man who just can't seem to get Lucy out of his head. Lucy abruptly left him 10 years ago after their best friend died in a tragic accident, but that hasn't stopped him from thinking what could be. What happens when Lucy must face her past and remember what really happened the night of Dylan's death?
Dean and his slutty little glasses were just the cherry on top for this book! I read it so quickly because I wanted to know what would happen next with their relationship and with the suspense part of the book (no spoilers will come from me)!
Dean's niece, Emma, was such an elite side character and it made you love Dean even more because he treated her like a princess! This book is just what you need for the holidays!
Should you read this book? ABSOLUTELY. No questions asked!!
Thank you to Linny Mack for the advanced reader's copy! This book will be published on October 20, 2026!
This book follows Lucy Sullivan (FMC), as she makes the trip back for Christmas to her hometown of Birch Harbor, Maine. After moving abruptly to South Carolina 10 years ago, she's dreading her time back in a town that broke her heart. Enter Dean Walker (MMC), Birch Harbor's newest detective and the man who just can't seem to get Lucy out of his head. Lucy abruptly left him 10 years ago after their best friend died in a tragic accident, but that hasn't stopped him from thinking what could be. What happens when Lucy must face her past and remember what really happened the night of Dylan's death?
Dean and his slutty little glasses were just the cherry on top for this book! I read it so quickly because I wanted to know what would happen next with their relationship and with the suspense part of the book (no spoilers will come from me)!
Dean's niece, Emma, was such an elite side character and it made you love Dean even more because he treated her like a princess! This book is just what you need for the holidays!
Should you read this book? ABSOLUTELY. No questions asked!!
Thank you to Linny Mack for the advanced reader's copy! This book will be published on October 20, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you @linnymackwrites for this early copy of The Christmas Countdown! Congratulations on publishing your First Indie book! 🎉🎉🥂✨🫶
This story is a Romantic Suspense set on a harbor in Maine during Christmas. Our MMC, Lucy, left her hometown post high school after a tragedy and hasn’t been back until her family wanted one last Christmas together before they move across country. Our MMC, Dean, was her best friend, emotional support (maybe more?) before she up and left him behind.
One of the things I love most about Linny’s writing in all of her books is the relatable, down to earth characters that feel like family and settings that always feel like home. This book is no exception! I loved the mystery surrounding the tragedy and the creepy happenings throughout. I was able to figure out what was going to happen, but that didn’t take away my enjoyment at all. There were tiny facets that still needed to be uncovered that kept the story momentum moving forward. I really enjoyed the emotional depth that was achieved in a novella! And the Christmas aspects were fun, believable and not cheesy which I adored 🥹 I definitely recommend this book for people that love emotional stories, for folks that want a rich satisfying book but are short on time, for friends that love seasonal reads, for cozy mystery lovers and obviously the romantic suspense fans! It will get you in the mood for some hot cocoa, cookies and all the traditions. Plus, you get to solve a mystery! 👏👏👏
This story is a Romantic Suspense set on a harbor in Maine during Christmas. Our MMC, Lucy, left her hometown post high school after a tragedy and hasn’t been back until her family wanted one last Christmas together before they move across country. Our MMC, Dean, was her best friend, emotional support (maybe more?) before she up and left him behind.
One of the things I love most about Linny’s writing in all of her books is the relatable, down to earth characters that feel like family and settings that always feel like home. This book is no exception! I loved the mystery surrounding the tragedy and the creepy happenings throughout. I was able to figure out what was going to happen, but that didn’t take away my enjoyment at all. There were tiny facets that still needed to be uncovered that kept the story momentum moving forward. I really enjoyed the emotional depth that was achieved in a novella! And the Christmas aspects were fun, believable and not cheesy which I adored 🥹 I definitely recommend this book for people that love emotional stories, for folks that want a rich satisfying book but are short on time, for friends that love seasonal reads, for cozy mystery lovers and obviously the romantic suspense fans! It will get you in the mood for some hot cocoa, cookies and all the traditions. Plus, you get to solve a mystery! 👏👏👏
October 3, 2026
ARC Review
If you love second chance romance, Christmas, small towns, and a good suspenseful mystery then the Christmas countdown is a must read! This was a page turner, there was excitement and intrigue on every page and always had a piece of the puzzle woven in that kept you coming back for more.
the Christmas countdown follows Lucy and Dean who ended up falling in love as they grieved a tragic accident that caused them to both lose someone important to them. They found comfort and understanding in each other when others couldn’t understand their loss. Then they felt guilt for finding happiness in each other which felt like a betrayal to Dylan (Lucy’s boyfriend and Deans best friend) causing Lucy to leave Birch Harbor and stay away for 10 years.
Christmas is a time for gift giving but in this instance gifts aren’t always a blessing. When gifts begin piling up and the meaning behind each one teeters between being thoughtful and being cruel, one thing is clear they all focus on the night 10 years ago when Dylan died. Someone is trying to tell Lucy something but what? Is it a threat, a warning, or simply someone who wants the truth to come out. Is there more to the story or was it truly an accident that changed Lucy and Deans lives forever? Read the Christmas countdown to unravel the mystery in this charming holiday novella.
If you love second chance romance, Christmas, small towns, and a good suspenseful mystery then the Christmas countdown is a must read! This was a page turner, there was excitement and intrigue on every page and always had a piece of the puzzle woven in that kept you coming back for more.
the Christmas countdown follows Lucy and Dean who ended up falling in love as they grieved a tragic accident that caused them to both lose someone important to them. They found comfort and understanding in each other when others couldn’t understand their loss. Then they felt guilt for finding happiness in each other which felt like a betrayal to Dylan (Lucy’s boyfriend and Deans best friend) causing Lucy to leave Birch Harbor and stay away for 10 years.
Christmas is a time for gift giving but in this instance gifts aren’t always a blessing. When gifts begin piling up and the meaning behind each one teeters between being thoughtful and being cruel, one thing is clear they all focus on the night 10 years ago when Dylan died. Someone is trying to tell Lucy something but what? Is it a threat, a warning, or simply someone who wants the truth to come out. Is there more to the story or was it truly an accident that changed Lucy and Deans lives forever? Read the Christmas countdown to unravel the mystery in this charming holiday novella.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything I wanted and more. Linny Mack outdoes herself with every release. 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
fun & fast little novella that is absolutely perfect for the holidays! i absolutely flew through this story. i loved the mystery aspects tied into the romance. lucy and dean’s story wrapped up so nicely. definitely a great story to fit into the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
thank you to linny for an ARC copy & congratulations on your first indie published book!! 🖤
thank you to linny for an ARC copy & congratulations on your first indie published book!! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a cozy romance that gives Hallmark vibes with a little mystery and spice added in, and Linny Mack delivers!
The Christmas Countdown, Linny’s first indie/published book, had me ready to haul out the holly and deck the halls! I wanted to immerse myself set in the charming coastal Maine town of Birch Harbor, and watch Lucy and Dean’s story unfold ten years after the death or her high school boyfriend.
A decade after she left and swore she’d never return, Lucy is back in town for one last Christmas. Dean, the town’s newest detective, never thought the girl he still carries a torch for, would return. Unresolved feelings and a mysterious gift-giver create just the right amount of tension in this novella.
Linny is a master at creating settings that are as much of a character in the story as the MCs are. The story develops quickly as the romance between Lucy and Dean is rekindled as she continues to process Dylan’s death while navigating the feelings that come from returning to the place that holds so many of memories.
I felt the pacing, characterization, and plot were evenly developed creating a narrative I did not want to put down - I read this story in a day and a half. The ending left me satisfied, feeling like I could leave Birch Harbor knowing all of my questions had been answered. (Unless, of course, Linny takes us back in any future stories, which I would love to see happen!)
I received this book as an ARC. Thank you, Linny, for the opportunity to read and review another of your books!
The Christmas Countdown is out October 20, 2026. 🎄
🎄Friends to lovers
❤️Second chance
🎄Holiday
🎄Cozy coastal town
❤️Decade-old mystery
The Christmas Countdown, Linny’s first indie/published book, had me ready to haul out the holly and deck the halls! I wanted to immerse myself set in the charming coastal Maine town of Birch Harbor, and watch Lucy and Dean’s story unfold ten years after the death or her high school boyfriend.
A decade after she left and swore she’d never return, Lucy is back in town for one last Christmas. Dean, the town’s newest detective, never thought the girl he still carries a torch for, would return. Unresolved feelings and a mysterious gift-giver create just the right amount of tension in this novella.
Linny is a master at creating settings that are as much of a character in the story as the MCs are. The story develops quickly as the romance between Lucy and Dean is rekindled as she continues to process Dylan’s death while navigating the feelings that come from returning to the place that holds so many of memories.
I felt the pacing, characterization, and plot were evenly developed creating a narrative I did not want to put down - I read this story in a day and a half. The ending left me satisfied, feeling like I could leave Birch Harbor knowing all of my questions had been answered. (Unless, of course, Linny takes us back in any future stories, which I would love to see happen!)
I received this book as an ARC. Thank you, Linny, for the opportunity to read and review another of your books!
The Christmas Countdown is out October 20, 2026. 🎄
🎄Friends to lovers
❤️Second chance
🎄Holiday
🎄Cozy coastal town
❤️Decade-old mystery
Review of advance copy received from Author
❄️🎄🎁❤️
Lucy is going back to her hometown of Birch Harbor, Maine for the first time in ten years for Christmas. She hasn’t been back since the traumatic accident that happened to her boyfriend Dylan. A lot has changed since then like moving to South Carolina and not looking back. Dean has always called the small-town home. He hasn’t left and still lives in the quaint coastal town working as a newly promoted detective. He’s been trying to get over his dream girl since she left. Lucy gets home and shortly after she gets there runs into Dean. They bonded after everything that happened all those years ago. They were able to take comfort and found solace in each other during a hard time. They end up falling in love because of it. But they didn’t keep in touch. A few days after arriving, Lucy receives a gift and since it’s the holidays, she opens it. However, it’s not at all what she’s expecting: it’s something connected to that horrific night. She kind of brushes it off and then every few days receives a gift with a poem. Since being home, her and Dean start spending more time together again. They get food, go to the bar, and a night at the orchestra (during a snowstorm) changes everything for them. She ends up telling him, and being the detective he is tells her to be cautious. The pieces start coming together for Lucy and Dean, only to find out the answer to what happened that night all those years ago was right in front of them the entire time.
I want to thank Linny Mack for letting me be apart of her arc team and read this early! I feel so grateful to have received it. The holidays truly came early for me! I liked how this book was a mix of mostly romance but also has a sprinkle of mystery embedded in it. It’s a novella, so it’s really fast paced. I liked getting to know Lucy and Dean. I think Lucy definitely needed to come home and I’m glad she did. Dean, he has a heart of gold and deserved all the happiness. I really liked them together being able to rekindle after literally ten years of not seeing each other. They had such a special connection to begin with so as adults it wrapped it all up nicely. I definitely enjoyed the little mystery thrown in. I figured it out pretty quickly where the story was gonna go, but nevertheless enjoyed seeing it all play out.
I recommend this book if you’re looking for something quick during the business of the holiday season. It comes out October 20th!
Lucy is going back to her hometown of Birch Harbor, Maine for the first time in ten years for Christmas. She hasn’t been back since the traumatic accident that happened to her boyfriend Dylan. A lot has changed since then like moving to South Carolina and not looking back. Dean has always called the small-town home. He hasn’t left and still lives in the quaint coastal town working as a newly promoted detective. He’s been trying to get over his dream girl since she left. Lucy gets home and shortly after she gets there runs into Dean. They bonded after everything that happened all those years ago. They were able to take comfort and found solace in each other during a hard time. They end up falling in love because of it. But they didn’t keep in touch. A few days after arriving, Lucy receives a gift and since it’s the holidays, she opens it. However, it’s not at all what she’s expecting: it’s something connected to that horrific night. She kind of brushes it off and then every few days receives a gift with a poem. Since being home, her and Dean start spending more time together again. They get food, go to the bar, and a night at the orchestra (during a snowstorm) changes everything for them. She ends up telling him, and being the detective he is tells her to be cautious. The pieces start coming together for Lucy and Dean, only to find out the answer to what happened that night all those years ago was right in front of them the entire time.
I want to thank Linny Mack for letting me be apart of her arc team and read this early! I feel so grateful to have received it. The holidays truly came early for me! I liked how this book was a mix of mostly romance but also has a sprinkle of mystery embedded in it. It’s a novella, so it’s really fast paced. I liked getting to know Lucy and Dean. I think Lucy definitely needed to come home and I’m glad she did. Dean, he has a heart of gold and deserved all the happiness. I really liked them together being able to rekindle after literally ten years of not seeing each other. They had such a special connection to begin with so as adults it wrapped it all up nicely. I definitely enjoyed the little mystery thrown in. I figured it out pretty quickly where the story was gonna go, but nevertheless enjoyed seeing it all play out.
I recommend this book if you’re looking for something quick during the business of the holiday season. It comes out October 20th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this read. Thank you, Linny for having me on the ARC team for this book, your first Indie published! Congratulations!
Lucy grew up in Birch Harbor, and her high school sweetheart Dylan died in a tragic accident...right? Lucy left town after and it's been 10 years since she returned, she didn't want to face everyone and thing she left behind there and didn't want to remember it all. Among the people she left behind was Dean, Dylans best friend since childhood. Dean was the one there for her after losing Dylan. Well, they were there for each other. Upon her return, she knew she'd have to face him too. It was easier than she expected.
Dean had feelings for Lucy, always had, he wanted her before Dylan did but never said anything. He'd been harboring those feelings all those years, but now with Lucy back, so were the feelings and this time he didn't hide them.
Lucy kept receiving mysterious packages reminding her of the night Dylan died. These packages were confusing and scary at 1st, but then she started to really think into it and realized maybe there was more to his death. Dean was a detective, so she shared the things with him and he began helping. This brought the 2 of them closer, they eventually give in to temptation, finding each other again and letting themselves fall, be together.
Lucy starts to figure out the mysterious gifts, and realizes Dylan's death was not an accident, he was killed, while not on purpose, it was still covered up for all of the years leading to the moment it was discovered.
This is a story of love, family, friendships, loss, healing and moving forward. Linny Mack did this very well in this short little Novella. She packed a lot in, in a very organized, well written way. It gives you a Christmas story, with a touch of spice and suspense. I really enjoyed the story.
*Cozy Coastal Town
*Boyfriends Best Friend
*Childhood Friends to Lovers
*Second Chance
*Holiday
*He falls 1st
Lucy grew up in Birch Harbor, and her high school sweetheart Dylan died in a tragic accident...right? Lucy left town after and it's been 10 years since she returned, she didn't want to face everyone and thing she left behind there and didn't want to remember it all. Among the people she left behind was Dean, Dylans best friend since childhood. Dean was the one there for her after losing Dylan. Well, they were there for each other. Upon her return, she knew she'd have to face him too. It was easier than she expected.
Dean had feelings for Lucy, always had, he wanted her before Dylan did but never said anything. He'd been harboring those feelings all those years, but now with Lucy back, so were the feelings and this time he didn't hide them.
Lucy kept receiving mysterious packages reminding her of the night Dylan died. These packages were confusing and scary at 1st, but then she started to really think into it and realized maybe there was more to his death. Dean was a detective, so she shared the things with him and he began helping. This brought the 2 of them closer, they eventually give in to temptation, finding each other again and letting themselves fall, be together.
Lucy starts to figure out the mysterious gifts, and realizes Dylan's death was not an accident, he was killed, while not on purpose, it was still covered up for all of the years leading to the moment it was discovered.
This is a story of love, family, friendships, loss, healing and moving forward. Linny Mack did this very well in this short little Novella. She packed a lot in, in a very organized, well written way. It gives you a Christmas story, with a touch of spice and suspense. I really enjoyed the story.
*Cozy Coastal Town
*Boyfriends Best Friend
*Childhood Friends to Lovers
*Second Chance
*Holiday
*He falls 1st
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Christmas Countdown by Linny Mack
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
The first thing I noticed about the writing in this book, was the skill Linny has for creating a perfect picture with words. I first realised this on page 13, a scene set in a cafe. The description just blows me away at how vividly I could picture the whole scene playing out. And this is carried out throughout the book.
I really loved the who done it in this book! The slow pieces of information connecting to the mystery. The people who wrote it off, but never truly convinced themselves it was an accident! Somehow Linny Mack achieved an incredible balance with keeping this story super cozy and festive, with the underlying mystery.
Also… The gifts… Linny Mack, that was incredibly thought through, and I can’t say I expected anything like that!! The tiny pieces of the puzzle falling into place every few chapters, to be followed by memories for the final pieces. It was a perfect amount of keeping me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more instantly, and also giving me time to come up with my own prediction before receiving more information…. And obviously changing my prediction 🫣😂
I love the second chance aspect of this book, and how it wasn’t something that was forgotten about in their time apart. It was spoken about how he thought constantly about chasing her. And he then wouldn’t give up the opportunity when it came back to him. I loved this, it was more romantic, more cute and in perfect line with the overall tone of the book♥️
The epilogue tied everything beautifully together and was a perfect HEA.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
The first thing I noticed about the writing in this book, was the skill Linny has for creating a perfect picture with words. I first realised this on page 13, a scene set in a cafe. The description just blows me away at how vividly I could picture the whole scene playing out. And this is carried out throughout the book.
I really loved the who done it in this book! The slow pieces of information connecting to the mystery. The people who wrote it off, but never truly convinced themselves it was an accident! Somehow Linny Mack achieved an incredible balance with keeping this story super cozy and festive, with the underlying mystery.
Also… The gifts… Linny Mack, that was incredibly thought through, and I can’t say I expected anything like that!! The tiny pieces of the puzzle falling into place every few chapters, to be followed by memories for the final pieces. It was a perfect amount of keeping me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more instantly, and also giving me time to come up with my own prediction before receiving more information…. And obviously changing my prediction 🫣😂
I love the second chance aspect of this book, and how it wasn’t something that was forgotten about in their time apart. It was spoken about how he thought constantly about chasing her. And he then wouldn’t give up the opportunity when it came back to him. I loved this, it was more romantic, more cute and in perfect line with the overall tone of the book♥️
The epilogue tied everything beautifully together and was a perfect HEA.
October 14, 2026
Thank you for the chance to read this early!
I've said this recently and stand by it: I think Linny has found her groove with the 'romantic suspense/mystery" genre. Throw in a bit of outside influence/intrigue and her banter, tension, chemistry, and supporting characters just absolutely sing off the page. I really enjoyed every minute of this.
In this outing, Lucy returns home for Christmas for the first time following the death of her high school boyfriend in a freak accident many years prior. When it comes to the romance, Lucy reconnects with her boyfriend's best friend, Dean, who she had a trauma-bonded and 'right person, wrong time' interlude with after his death. Watching these two reconnect in the dual POV was SO sweet. You've got this second chance opportunity born through grief but with some real longevity, a bit of a 'he falls first' trope when Dean starts to reveal just how long he's pined after Lucy, and a chance to move on and through their shared pain as they find themselves. It's relatively tame on the spice but still really well done, and the chemistry between these two is just fantastic.
As for the mystery: as Lucy starts receiving mysterious gifts, it becomes apparent her boyfriend's death may not be what it seemed. The mystery is strong enough to be compelling but not so nerve wracking/intense to pull away from the central romance / overcoming narrative. I loved how much guilt played into the mystery, the plotting and timing of the reveal was really well done, and I love how seamlessly it blended our two leads into the surrounding community.
While I know this is stand alone...I kinda want to see these characters again.
I've said this recently and stand by it: I think Linny has found her groove with the 'romantic suspense/mystery" genre. Throw in a bit of outside influence/intrigue and her banter, tension, chemistry, and supporting characters just absolutely sing off the page. I really enjoyed every minute of this.
In this outing, Lucy returns home for Christmas for the first time following the death of her high school boyfriend in a freak accident many years prior. When it comes to the romance, Lucy reconnects with her boyfriend's best friend, Dean, who she had a trauma-bonded and 'right person, wrong time' interlude with after his death. Watching these two reconnect in the dual POV was SO sweet. You've got this second chance opportunity born through grief but with some real longevity, a bit of a 'he falls first' trope when Dean starts to reveal just how long he's pined after Lucy, and a chance to move on and through their shared pain as they find themselves. It's relatively tame on the spice but still really well done, and the chemistry between these two is just fantastic.
As for the mystery: as Lucy starts receiving mysterious gifts, it becomes apparent her boyfriend's death may not be what it seemed. The mystery is strong enough to be compelling but not so nerve wracking/intense to pull away from the central romance / overcoming narrative. I loved how much guilt played into the mystery, the plotting and timing of the reveal was really well done, and I love how seamlessly it blended our two leads into the surrounding community.
While I know this is stand alone...I kinda want to see these characters again.
October 20, 2026
This was a super cute second chance romance with great holiday vibes and the perfect amount of mystery and suspense to keep me wondering “who done it” until the end!
It’s been 10 years since Lucy Sullivan has returned home to Birch Haven. She swore she wouldn’t return after her high school boyfriend’s drowning was ruled an accident and her world was completely turned upside down. But when Lucy returns home for Christmas, someone keeps leaving her mysterious gifts, each encompassing clues from that dreadful night 10 years ago.
So who better to help than Dean Walker, the boy who was there to support her when her world fell apart. 10 years later and Dean is now a detective in Birch Haven but hasn’t spent a day not missing Lucy and will do whatever is takes to keep her safe.
What a fun way to kick start the holiday reading! This quick novella gives us yearning, second chance romance and he falls first vibes with a good dose of mystery and suspense.
My heart aches for Lucy as she grapples with not only the loss of her high school boyfriend, Dylan, but also the distance she puts between herself and her hometown as the painful memories are too difficult to return home to.
Sweet Dean Walker is down bad for his girl, Lucy. He has loved her for years and never recovered when she left town. Now that she’s back, he will go to any length to make sure she is safe and knows what she means to him.
Tropes:
- Friends-to-lovers
- Second chance romance
- He falls first
- One bed
- Mystery and secrets
It’s been 10 years since Lucy Sullivan has returned home to Birch Haven. She swore she wouldn’t return after her high school boyfriend’s drowning was ruled an accident and her world was completely turned upside down. But when Lucy returns home for Christmas, someone keeps leaving her mysterious gifts, each encompassing clues from that dreadful night 10 years ago.
So who better to help than Dean Walker, the boy who was there to support her when her world fell apart. 10 years later and Dean is now a detective in Birch Haven but hasn’t spent a day not missing Lucy and will do whatever is takes to keep her safe.
What a fun way to kick start the holiday reading! This quick novella gives us yearning, second chance romance and he falls first vibes with a good dose of mystery and suspense.
My heart aches for Lucy as she grapples with not only the loss of her high school boyfriend, Dylan, but also the distance she puts between herself and her hometown as the painful memories are too difficult to return home to.
Sweet Dean Walker is down bad for his girl, Lucy. He has loved her for years and never recovered when she left town. Now that she’s back, he will go to any length to make sure she is safe and knows what she means to him.
Tropes:
- Friends-to-lovers
- Second chance romance
- He falls first
- One bed
- Mystery and secrets
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ten YEARS, y’all. TEN YEARS! And Dean is still carrying a torch for Lucy. I don't know about y'all, but I have a soft spot for a man who knows what he wants and doesn't just forget about it because life got complicated.
Lucy coming back to Birch Harbor for Christmas brings up a whole lot of old feelings, and not just the romantic kind. She and Dean have some history, and I liked that their past wasn't something they could just sweep under the rug and pretend never happened. They had a lot to work through, and seeing them get another chance at happiness was absolute perfection.
But then the mysterious gifts start showing up, and things get a little more interesting! Someone clearly has something to say about the night Lucy's boyfriend died, and I wanted to know what was behind it all. I thought the mystery was a fun addition to the romance, especially with all the Christmas atmosphere mixed in.
This was such a good combination of holiday coziness, old feelings, and a mystery that needed solving. And Dean? Sir, TEN YEARS?! Somebody get that man an extra Christmas present!
If you love a second-chance romance with a little suspense, small-town Christmas charm, and a man who apparently never got the memo to move on, put this one on your list!
Lucy coming back to Birch Harbor for Christmas brings up a whole lot of old feelings, and not just the romantic kind. She and Dean have some history, and I liked that their past wasn't something they could just sweep under the rug and pretend never happened. They had a lot to work through, and seeing them get another chance at happiness was absolute perfection.
But then the mysterious gifts start showing up, and things get a little more interesting! Someone clearly has something to say about the night Lucy's boyfriend died, and I wanted to know what was behind it all. I thought the mystery was a fun addition to the romance, especially with all the Christmas atmosphere mixed in.
This was such a good combination of holiday coziness, old feelings, and a mystery that needed solving. And Dean? Sir, TEN YEARS?! Somebody get that man an extra Christmas present!
If you love a second-chance romance with a little suspense, small-town Christmas charm, and a man who apparently never got the memo to move on, put this one on your list!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨
🎄 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 by @linnymackwrites 🎄
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one. A Christmas mystery thriller with romance isn’t something I read all that often, but this combination really worked for me.
Lucy returns home for Christmas ten years after her former boyfriend, Dylan, died in what was believed to be an accident.
I read this in a day because I needed to know what was going on. Dean, Dylan’s best friend and now the town’s detective, gets pulled into the mystery when strange gifts connected to that night start showing up for Lucy. Was Dylan’s death really an accident?
Between Dean, Ryan, Bri — Lucy’s childhood best friend who starts acting a little strange — Lucy’s family, and the possibility of a second chance at romance for Lucy, there was always something going on to keep me turning the pages.
I also really liked the eerie, unsettling feeling throughout the mystery and how the Christmas setting worked with the darker side of the story.
🎄 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 🎄
🎄 Christmas Romance
💗 Friends to Lovers
✨ Second Chances
🫶🏼 He Falls First
🛏️ One Bed
🔎 Who Done It
🎄 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 by @linnymackwrites 🎄
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one. A Christmas mystery thriller with romance isn’t something I read all that often, but this combination really worked for me.
Lucy returns home for Christmas ten years after her former boyfriend, Dylan, died in what was believed to be an accident.
I read this in a day because I needed to know what was going on. Dean, Dylan’s best friend and now the town’s detective, gets pulled into the mystery when strange gifts connected to that night start showing up for Lucy. Was Dylan’s death really an accident?
Between Dean, Ryan, Bri — Lucy’s childhood best friend who starts acting a little strange — Lucy’s family, and the possibility of a second chance at romance for Lucy, there was always something going on to keep me turning the pages.
I also really liked the eerie, unsettling feeling throughout the mystery and how the Christmas setting worked with the darker side of the story.
🎄 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 🎄
🎄 Christmas Romance
💗 Friends to Lovers
✨ Second Chances
🫶🏼 He Falls First
🛏️ One Bed
🔎 Who Done It
Review of advance copy received from Author
🎄 Holiday Romance, Buried Secrets & an Unexpected Mystery? YES, PLEASE!
Lucy Sullivan returns to Birch Harbor for one last Christmas in her childhood home before her parents move away. But returning home also means facing the painful memories she left behind over a decade ago, including the tragic drowning of her boyfriend, Dylan.
As Lucy reconnects with old friends and Dean Walker, someone who was there for her during one of the hardest times in her life, mysterious gifts begin appearing and long-buried secrets start resurfacing. Suddenly, everything she thought she knew about the past is being questioned.
I loved Lucy’s journey back home, the rekindled feelings, the second chances, and especially the mystery that kept me guessing! I went into this expecting a sweet holiday romance and got SO much more! And if you know me, you know I’m a huge thriller and suspense lover, so this was right up my alley!
Linny has such a way of pulling me into her stories, and once again, she did not disappoint! I loved every minute of it! ❤️
Thank you so much, Linny, for the ARC copy! So excited to celebrate your release! 🎄❤️
Lucy Sullivan returns to Birch Harbor for one last Christmas in her childhood home before her parents move away. But returning home also means facing the painful memories she left behind over a decade ago, including the tragic drowning of her boyfriend, Dylan.
As Lucy reconnects with old friends and Dean Walker, someone who was there for her during one of the hardest times in her life, mysterious gifts begin appearing and long-buried secrets start resurfacing. Suddenly, everything she thought she knew about the past is being questioned.
I loved Lucy’s journey back home, the rekindled feelings, the second chances, and especially the mystery that kept me guessing! I went into this expecting a sweet holiday romance and got SO much more! And if you know me, you know I’m a huge thriller and suspense lover, so this was right up my alley!
Linny has such a way of pulling me into her stories, and once again, she did not disappoint! I loved every minute of it! ❤️
Thank you so much, Linny, for the ARC copy! So excited to celebrate your release! 🎄❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Christmas + a mystery 🎄🔎
Small town secrets ✔️
An “accidental” death ✔️
High school reunion ✔️
One bed ✔️
Second chance romance ✔️
“It’s always been you” ✔️
He falls first ✔️
Welcome to Birch Harbor!
Lucy left her hometown 10 years ago after her boyfriend died around Christmas during their senior year. She also left behind her complicated relationship with his best friend, Dean Walker.
Now, 10 years later, Dean is a detective and Lucy is back in town for a visit. Their unexpected run-in brings all those old sparks right back—but someone wants Lucy to remember what really happened the night her boyfriend died.
I really enjoyed the way the mysterious gifts were used to deepen the mystery and keep the story moving. I did figure out the twist, but there were a few red herrings along the way that kept things interesting.
The ending moved pretty quickly, which is typical for a novella, but everything came together nicely.
Cheers to Linny on her first indie! 🎉
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Christmas + a mystery 🎄🔎
Small town secrets ✔️
An “accidental” death ✔️
High school reunion ✔️
One bed ✔️
Second chance romance ✔️
“It’s always been you” ✔️
He falls first ✔️
Welcome to Birch Harbor!
Lucy left her hometown 10 years ago after her boyfriend died around Christmas during their senior year. She also left behind her complicated relationship with his best friend, Dean Walker.
Now, 10 years later, Dean is a detective and Lucy is back in town for a visit. Their unexpected run-in brings all those old sparks right back—but someone wants Lucy to remember what really happened the night her boyfriend died.
I really enjoyed the way the mysterious gifts were used to deepen the mystery and keep the story moving. I did figure out the twist, but there were a few red herrings along the way that kept things interesting.
The ending moved pretty quickly, which is typical for a novella, but everything came together nicely.
Cheers to Linny on her first indie! 🎉
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads)
I loved that it was not a pure romance story, but also a mystery. The writing was fabulous...I could see every scene clearly in front of me, and the fact that it played around Christmas gave it just the right amount of Christmas feeling. It was a quick read and I really liked that it was so short, I read it within a day. It is just right for December when you have a lot to do and organize for Christmas but want a little me-time for yourself. I could totally feel the hurt and struggle of the main characters, and the mystery around the death of Dylan kept me on my feet until the end. Not gonna lie, the presents were sending a shiver down my spine, especially reading almost the whole book at night! I would have freaked out if that were me receiving the gifts, but I was on the right path with my thought on who it was in the end. All in all, it’s a great festive read for readers who love a little bit of everything in it.
Rating: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads)
I loved that it was not a pure romance story, but also a mystery. The writing was fabulous...I could see every scene clearly in front of me, and the fact that it played around Christmas gave it just the right amount of Christmas feeling. It was a quick read and I really liked that it was so short, I read it within a day. It is just right for December when you have a lot to do and organize for Christmas but want a little me-time for yourself. I could totally feel the hurt and struggle of the main characters, and the mystery around the death of Dylan kept me on my feet until the end. Not gonna lie, the presents were sending a shiver down my spine, especially reading almost the whole book at night! I would have freaked out if that were me receiving the gifts, but I was on the right path with my thought on who it was in the end. All in all, it’s a great festive read for readers who love a little bit of everything in it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Christmas Countdown
Linny Mack
🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁/5
Welcome to Christmas in Birch Harbor. Where romance, mystery, suspense, and second chances all become apart of The Christmas Countdown.
If you love Christmas stories that involve a protective small town detective and the girl who wrecked his world ten years before, then The Christmas Countdown is for you.
Ten years of yearning. What? I had to have answers.
Lucy is coming home to bury the past and have one last Christmas with her family. Someone has other plans. Six mystery gifts reminding Lucy of the day she can't forget.
Dean finally has a second chance with Lucy. He is not going to let someone dragging up the past interfere with his Christmas plans.
Can they solve the mystery before history repeats itself?
Join Lucy and Dean in The Christmas Countdown. Their friendship is beautiful, and their story is healing. This friends to lovers Christmas story is just what my heart needed to kick off my Christmas story reading marathon.
I received an ARC of The Christmas Countdown. I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Linny Mack
🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁/5
Welcome to Christmas in Birch Harbor. Where romance, mystery, suspense, and second chances all become apart of The Christmas Countdown.
If you love Christmas stories that involve a protective small town detective and the girl who wrecked his world ten years before, then The Christmas Countdown is for you.
Ten years of yearning. What? I had to have answers.
Lucy is coming home to bury the past and have one last Christmas with her family. Someone has other plans. Six mystery gifts reminding Lucy of the day she can't forget.
Dean finally has a second chance with Lucy. He is not going to let someone dragging up the past interfere with his Christmas plans.
Can they solve the mystery before history repeats itself?
Join Lucy and Dean in The Christmas Countdown. Their friendship is beautiful, and their story is healing. This friends to lovers Christmas story is just what my heart needed to kick off my Christmas story reading marathon.
I received an ARC of The Christmas Countdown. I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
October 23, 2026
Sweet second chance Christmas story with a hint of suspense
I went into this blind, only knowing it was a love story set during Christmas.
A tragedy during their senior year of high school around Christmas where Dylan lost his best friend, who was also Lucy's boyfriend and first love. It was a sweet second chance for these two as they come together in their small town to spend Christmas but sprinkle in some suspense as Lucy starts to receive cryptic messages on her door step that's pushing her to relive the night she wishes she could forget.
It was a easy, quick holiday romance read and we get a sense of who is behind it but it didn't end like I thought it would which was a pleasant surprise that it wasn't all too predictable. I loved that each chapter goes by days and we see the progression of Dylan and Lucy's relationship grow stronger and sweeter!
Recommend for anyone who loves a holiday romance with a second chance and a mystery!
I went into this blind, only knowing it was a love story set during Christmas.
A tragedy during their senior year of high school around Christmas where Dylan lost his best friend, who was also Lucy's boyfriend and first love. It was a sweet second chance for these two as they come together in their small town to spend Christmas but sprinkle in some suspense as Lucy starts to receive cryptic messages on her door step that's pushing her to relive the night she wishes she could forget.
It was a easy, quick holiday romance read and we get a sense of who is behind it but it didn't end like I thought it would which was a pleasant surprise that it wasn't all too predictable. I loved that each chapter goes by days and we see the progression of Dylan and Lucy's relationship grow stronger and sweeter!
Recommend for anyone who loves a holiday romance with a second chance and a mystery!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book caught me by complete surprise!!! It was so easy to get into I was hooked right from the start. This is my first Linny Mack book and it definitely won't be my last, her writing is effortless & natural!!
The story itself was charming, cute, captivating and mysterious!! Definitely a perfect read for the holiday season if you're looking for something with a little extra other than just a romance!! I loved the element of mystery, it really kept me turning the page wanting to know more, more, more!!!
The character relationships and dynamics felt natural and not forced. The town was easily imaginable & it felt like I was right there in the town. There is a little bit of spice but it was the perfect amount and was super sweet!!!
If you're looking for a second chance, mysterious, holiday romance this one is quick, easy and entertaining. You won't be disappointed!!
The story itself was charming, cute, captivating and mysterious!! Definitely a perfect read for the holiday season if you're looking for something with a little extra other than just a romance!! I loved the element of mystery, it really kept me turning the page wanting to know more, more, more!!!
The character relationships and dynamics felt natural and not forced. The town was easily imaginable & it felt like I was right there in the town. There is a little bit of spice but it was the perfect amount and was super sweet!!!
If you're looking for a second chance, mysterious, holiday romance this one is quick, easy and entertaining. You won't be disappointed!!
September 17, 2026
ARC EBOOK REVIEW
Linny Mack takes us to a place that is truly picturesque, warm, and ideal for Christmas with the family—and then completely bamboozled us with tragedy. While it was terribly sad, it led to something so incredibly beautiful.
My Thoughts:
The Romance: I was rooting for Lucy and Dean from the very start!
The Villain: I was totally plotting against the minor character, Bri. She is not a girl’s girl and totally deserves a laxative or six in her peppermint beverages. ☕️💀
The Tropes: This book gives you all the feels with the just-one-bed trope, a second-chance romance, and plenty of small-town scandal.
I absolutely inhaled this novella in less than 24 hours. It is the perfect fast, emotional holiday read!
Linny Mack takes us to a place that is truly picturesque, warm, and ideal for Christmas with the family—and then completely bamboozled us with tragedy. While it was terribly sad, it led to something so incredibly beautiful.
My Thoughts:
The Romance: I was rooting for Lucy and Dean from the very start!
The Villain: I was totally plotting against the minor character, Bri. She is not a girl’s girl and totally deserves a laxative or six in her peppermint beverages. ☕️💀
The Tropes: This book gives you all the feels with the just-one-bed trope, a second-chance romance, and plenty of small-town scandal.
I absolutely inhaled this novella in less than 24 hours. It is the perfect fast, emotional holiday read!
September 19, 2026
For me, it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas. I loved this treat of a book!
I really enjoyed the way the second chance romance was done in this book. It really made me connect emotionally which isn't easy to do in a novella. The combination of that and the mystery of who is leaving Lucy cryptic Christmas gifts kept the story engaging and interesting. As I read I couldn’t help but try to solve the mystery myself which also made it a lot of fun.
Even with this being a novella, Linny still found a way to layer emotions and trauma in this story. I appreciated that none of the character's trauma felt glossed over.
Dean was so eager to not stay stuck in a place of indecision, it made him so endearing to me.
Thank you Linny for this ARC! It’s a great story that filled my heart with joy!
If anyone is looking at how long it took me to read the novella, don't assume that the book didn't have my attention. I just had a very busy week with a lot of nights where I climbed into bed to read, and instantly fell asleep.
I really enjoyed the way the second chance romance was done in this book. It really made me connect emotionally which isn't easy to do in a novella. The combination of that and the mystery of who is leaving Lucy cryptic Christmas gifts kept the story engaging and interesting. As I read I couldn’t help but try to solve the mystery myself which also made it a lot of fun.
Even with this being a novella, Linny still found a way to layer emotions and trauma in this story. I appreciated that none of the character's trauma felt glossed over.
Dean was so eager to not stay stuck in a place of indecision, it made him so endearing to me.
Thank you Linny for this ARC! It’s a great story that filled my heart with joy!
If anyone is looking at how long it took me to read the novella, don't assume that the book didn't have my attention. I just had a very busy week with a lot of nights where I climbed into bed to read, and instantly fell asleep.
September 27, 2026
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC!
This was adorable! I love romantic suspense, and this was the perfect mix of romance and mystery. The Christmas vibes were immaculate. I was completely immersed in the setting and felt like I was in Maine with our characters.
This is a novella, and the pacing felt perfect! The relationship between Dean and Lucy didn't feel too fast. I liked that we got a ton of backstory about them. Honestly, this book made it feel like I've known Dean and Lucy forever!
If you're looking for a cozy Christmas romance with a mystery thrown in there, I highly recommend scooping this up when it releases on October 20th! It was so unique and had a lot of cute moments, a wee bit of spice, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer.
This was adorable! I love romantic suspense, and this was the perfect mix of romance and mystery. The Christmas vibes were immaculate. I was completely immersed in the setting and felt like I was in Maine with our characters.
This is a novella, and the pacing felt perfect! The relationship between Dean and Lucy didn't feel too fast. I liked that we got a ton of backstory about them. Honestly, this book made it feel like I've known Dean and Lucy forever!
If you're looking for a cozy Christmas romance with a mystery thrown in there, I highly recommend scooping this up when it releases on October 20th! It was so unique and had a lot of cute moments, a wee bit of spice, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Calling all Hallmark fans! The holiday feels are alive and well with this story! The lost love, the estranged best friend, the rekindled love… my feels were piqued!
I love the setting of Birch Harbor, Maine at Christmas in this story. It was easy to see the picturesque little town covered in Christmas lights. Just like in Beneath Still Waters, setting plays as much of a role as a character does.
Dean and Lucy’s story is a long time coming. “It’s always been you” is possibly the most romantic trope of all time and Mack does it so well here!
The addition of mystery and suspense took this “so happy you came home for Christmas!” story to the next level!
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
I love the setting of Birch Harbor, Maine at Christmas in this story. It was easy to see the picturesque little town covered in Christmas lights. Just like in Beneath Still Waters, setting plays as much of a role as a character does.
Dean and Lucy’s story is a long time coming. “It’s always been you” is possibly the most romantic trope of all time and Mack does it so well here!
The addition of mystery and suspense took this “so happy you came home for Christmas!” story to the next level!
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
October 20, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This was the perfect amount of romance with suspense that will give you all the holiday feels. Who doesn’t love a good Christmas mystery?
Lucy is back home after a tragic accident happened to visit her parents before they sell their family home. The small town of Birch Harbor feels like its own side character. The way it’s described could fit right in with a Christmas movie. She starts receiving “gifts” in the form of clues about what could have really happened the night that changed her life.
This novella is great to get you ready for the holidays while we are still living the fall life for now.
Thank you Linny for the early copy. I’m always amazed by how hard you work and that each story you tell just gets better.
This was the perfect amount of romance with suspense that will give you all the holiday feels. Who doesn’t love a good Christmas mystery?
Lucy is back home after a tragic accident happened to visit her parents before they sell their family home. The small town of Birch Harbor feels like its own side character. The way it’s described could fit right in with a Christmas movie. She starts receiving “gifts” in the form of clues about what could have really happened the night that changed her life.
This novella is great to get you ready for the holidays while we are still living the fall life for now.
Thank you Linny for the early copy. I’m always amazed by how hard you work and that each story you tell just gets better.
October 21, 2026
This book was filled with all the feels. Happiness, loss, betrayal, and love. An absolutely beautiful Christmas read!
The small-town winter setting and magical Christmas atmosphere were absolutely perfect. Following Dean and Lucy as they found their way back to each other flowed so beautifully alongside the mystery of the porch gifts and the journey to uncover the truth about the night Dylan died. The way the romance and mystery intertwined kept me invested in every part of the story.
A heartwarming Christmas romance with just a dash of spice and the intriguing mystery of the porch gifts was such a wonderful combination! This book had me hooked from beginning to end, and it’s definitely one to add to your holiday reading list!
The small-town winter setting and magical Christmas atmosphere were absolutely perfect. Following Dean and Lucy as they found their way back to each other flowed so beautifully alongside the mystery of the porch gifts and the journey to uncover the truth about the night Dylan died. The way the romance and mystery intertwined kept me invested in every part of the story.
A heartwarming Christmas romance with just a dash of spice and the intriguing mystery of the porch gifts was such a wonderful combination! This book had me hooked from beginning to end, and it’s definitely one to add to your holiday reading list!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2026
Even though it says novella, it reads like a regular length and the story and characters are so good! Such a great story.
Lucy has to come home for one last Christmas in her family home in a small town in Maine. She left a decade ago after going through something horrific and life-altering. She hasn’t been back much and is still haunted by it. Dean was the boy who helped her through that tough time and this man has been pining for her for all of those 10 years. That boy is now a tall, dark & handsome detective who wears slutty little black glasses 👀.
This was fun with a bit of mystery, but also sad and sweet. I loved the banter and all of the characters. Such a great Christmas themed love story that’s easy to read.
Lucy has to come home for one last Christmas in her family home in a small town in Maine. She left a decade ago after going through something horrific and life-altering. She hasn’t been back much and is still haunted by it. Dean was the boy who helped her through that tough time and this man has been pining for her for all of those 10 years. That boy is now a tall, dark & handsome detective who wears slutty little black glasses 👀.
This was fun with a bit of mystery, but also sad and sweet. I loved the banter and all of the characters. Such a great Christmas themed love story that’s easy to read.
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