Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas - USA TODAY BESTSELLER: Have a Very Merry Movie Holiday

by Caroline McKenzie, Candace Cameron Bure (Foreword), Rachel Hardage Barrett (Introduction)

The Publishers Weekly and USA TODAY Best Seller!
The official Hallmark Channel Christmas keepsake takes you behind-the-scenes of your favorite feel-good holiday films with the casts' memories, photos, recipes and more.

This stunning book invites readers to an exclusive inside look at the making of everyone's favorite holiday classics with secrets from the stars, screenwriters, set designers, costume designers, and directors who create the movie magic. Featuring the network's top leading ladies and gentlemen--Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, Kristin Chenoweth, Debbie Matenopoulos, Cameron Mathison, Chris McNally, Danica McKellar, Christina Milian, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jodie Sweetin, Holly Robinson Peete, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, and many others--this ultimate deck-the-halls guide shares their personal holiday recipes, favorite ideas for Christmas decorating and gift giving, as well as ways to savor and share the true meaning of the holidays.

Inside you'll find:
• 45 recipes for delicious holiday meals, Christmas cookies, desserts, cocktails, and even snacks perfect for serving at your movie marathons, plus recipes from the Hallmark Channel movie stars such as Danica McKellar's Chocolate Yule Log, Chris McNally's Classic Eggnog, and Lacey Chabert's Sweet Potato Pie
• A heartfelt foreword from Candace Cameron Bure on her love of the holiday season
• An introduction from Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett on how holiday movies offer comfort and warmth
• Super-fun quizzes to test your Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie IQ
• Special decorating and gift-wrapping ideas and thoughtful ways to express gratitude
• Everything you need to host a watch-party including a play-along bingo card and shareable memes
• Color photos throughout including captivating images from your favorite holiday romances
• Heartwarming tales of rescue animals like the network's Happy the Dog and Happy the Cat

It's the must-have gift for your favorite Hallmark Channel movie fan or for anyone who wants to put a little more happily-ever-after into the happiest season of all!

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Holiday, Ebooks, Media Tie In, Food and Drink

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun read for a TRUE SUPERFAN of Hallmark Christmas movies.

Only a true fan would enjoy this book. Let’s face it, if you hate the movies you’ll hate this book.

I love the movies and I love this book. Simple right?

[Tabatha (tab.talks.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOKSTAGRAM | BOOK BLOG | AMAZON

So we’re in the middle of Hallmarks Christmas in July and I needed to read this book—winter/Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and I am having such anticipation for cooler weather and decorating. Hallmark movies NEVER. NEVER EVER disappoint regardless how cliche and predictable they are. Also this book had some AMAZING recipes in it. I think I saved every single one. Great family and party food. This book helped fill that little void of the holidays when it’s 80° plus weather in New England. I’m also fortunate I live somewhere were I have every single season. I cannot wait for the snow!! ❄️

[Chris Buono · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holly jolly gem!

Packed with Christmas this coffee table book overflows with Hallmark Channel holiday spirit, good-feeling joy, and downright “Countdown to Christmas” Ho-Ho-Ho fun!

Saying more than a thousand words with every gorgeous Hallstar and mouthwatering family recipe pictured, this yuletide guide of sorts shines to a perfect Christmassy delight.

From Bure’s heartwarming Foreword and “Country Living” editor Barrett’s meaningful Introduction, to Hallmark Channel’s quick-gift guide—with snapshot TV movie moments, décor tips, wrapping pointers, letter-writing help, tree selection aid, e-z mix cups of cheer, quizzes, game prods, and “pawfect” behind-the-scenes goodies that author McKenzie works all in well with a Season’s Greetings-like flair throughout—this hardback is a wonderful complement to all that is a Hallmark movie.

Whether you’re seeking a stocking stuffer for a “The Heart of Christmas” fan, a family member who enjoys "The Heart of TV" movies, gift for a friend, or just something special for yourself, you can’t go wrong with this very merry unique Hallmarkie companion.

*I had received an ARC gift of this book from Hallmark Channel. My review was not requested in exchange for it, but rather posted because it is deserved.

[Rochelle Saldaña · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to propel you into the Christmas season! Fun ideas, romantic movies, sweet treats, and loads of nostalgia - I couldn’t have asked for a more complete book! Our family will thumb through this book every Christmas for as long as the book lasts.

[Robin Deutschmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband gave me this book as an early Christmas present, so right there it's fabulous! This book has all the Hallmark holiday feels. From the beautiful photographs to the festive graphics to the fun and lovely fonts used, the book itself is gorgeous. It features a mixture of Hallmark channel icons, holiday recipes, and behind the scene looks at some of my favorite Hallmark holiday movies. The photos and information on Evergreen alone excites my festive soul ... just check out that red truck photo on page 26. Fabulous! It's a fun and easy read and is a great book for any Hallmark Christmas movie fan. Getting it as a gift makes it that much more special.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm definitely not the target for this book considering I do not like Christmas movies (Hallmark or not), haven't watched one in at least 10 years and have seen absolutely none of those mentioned in Countdown to Christmas.

This said I still enjoyed the book quite a lot. I've bookmarked a few recipes (the jury's still out when it comes to know if I will actually make them or not) and particularly enjoyed all the behind the scenes chapters. I would have loved if they had gone more into details about how they create those movies but that wasn't really the point of the book, I know.

My favorite part was the one about the dogs (and a few other animals) who acted in different Hallmark movies, it made my cold little Scrooge heart melt.

All in all, Countdown to Christmas left me with a festive feeling and a pretty cheerful mood even though I will never attend the kind of Christmas meal/party this book intended to prepare me for.

[Terry Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hallmark channel inside scoop which is great. I want that hot chocolate!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must love Hallmark Christmas movies

If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, this book is for you. A perfect read to get into the holiday spirit.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun for people who watch the Hallmark movies like my family does. There are amazing recipes and craft ideas in here too. Read it cover to cover, and I'll probably do it again. A fun read to cozy up with beside the tree.

[Annie Sostok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! I sat down and read this within an hour! Definitely holds fun gems of facts, recipes and behind the scene tricks that help make the classic Hallmark magic!

[Megan Tolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Hallmark Christmas movies especially ones. That Lacey Chabert and Ashley Williams and I loved getting to read about the behind-the-scenes and some of the movies that they were in so cool. Definitely recommend this book if you love Hallmark movies.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really hard not to get sucked in to the Hallmark Channel movies. I have several friends who watch marathons every Christmas and this little gem is the perfect present to share with them just in time for the holidays. Great stories, fun recipes and I love all the vibrant colors/images throughout the book.

[Colleen Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book yesterday to help me get into the Christmas spirit.
Although a lot of the recipes doesn’t appeal to me, the book is so lovely and joyful.
I will definitely be returning to this throughout the season and in years to come

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I’ve been struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year, so when I saw this in my library catalog I thought it might help. I not-so-secretly love Hallmark Christmas movies, so what better way to feel that warm glow of the season then by reading a book all about them?

Unfortunately this wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I thought it would feature a lot of the movies and perhaps give behind the scenes information about them, but it really didn’t at all. I was also hoping for interviews with the actors who always appear in the movies but I didn’t get that, either. It did have little sound bites from certain people, but it all came off as rather superficial. Some of the recipes looked incredibly tasty, but it ultimately just fell short of my expectations.

Still, if you’re a fan of the movies it’s worth taking a quick look at. It’s a very quick read and it did make me feel a little Christmas-y inside, so I’m glad I read it.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the book had a complete list by year of all the Christmas movies. Sort of a check sheet. Also would have like to have seen more recipes. I enjoyed reading the whole book. One of my favorite leads is Cameron Mathison not much included on him. Bios of stars would be nice.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just okay. I guess because it was not at all what I expected is why the low score. I thought it would give a short insight to every upcoming movie. It doesn't. It was well done just not what I wanted.

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since this first hit the shelves, I have wanted my own copy and finally got one this holiday season. As a Hallmark super fan, I am definitely the audience for this book, which was a visual blitz through all the things we love about Hallmark holiday movies and will serve with my holiday books as a beacon to other super fans who come to our house.

I look forward to trying several of the recipes in this book, as well as using the Hallmark holiday BINGO game with spaces such as "Big city career gal reluctantly returns to hometown" and "impending threat of a family business going under."

I wasn't expecting such useful tips for tablescapes and ornament crafting out of this book, but I definitely got some very cute, usable ideas that I will employ. There were some things that I did expect/hope for in this book that weren't there, which just means that Hallmark needs to put out another book.

I would love to see:
*Profiles on actual small-town locations used in filming
*Backstage memories of cast and crew while filming/what their favorite Hallmark holiday movies are and why
*An index of all the Hallmark holiday movies
*A better look back at some of the most beloved Hallmark holiday movies of all time, especially Hallmark Gold Crown movies (I was really surprised not to see even a hint of some of the older Hallmark movies, especially The Christmas Card [2006], which was voted as the top Hallmark Christmas movie ever.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, especially those with a Christmas theme, then you will enjoy Caroline McKenzie's compilation of recipes, backstories of the movie making magic, crafts and getting a chance to become better acquainted with some of its beloved stars found in Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas: Have a Very Merry Movie Holiday. I wasn't particularly fond of learning some of the "secrets" behind changing out a few items and creating a totally different set or a couple of other such items because I'm not someone who likes to know the process of how water appears from the faucet. I also can appreciate the celebrities sharing recipes and some memories but I would have rather the recipes took the Sandra Lee approach and weren't so time consuming. I will have to say that the links provided in the book are still active so that is a positive note on the contents. Alll in all it is a book that if you find yourself wanting to make the holidays memorable, you can find a few ideas that will help.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"each film reminds us that people are inherently kind, & communities rally together when it matters"

I was particularly drawn to chapter four which highlights a lot of the magic that draws us, as viewers, back, time and again, to the hallmark movies... and has been doing so since before they had a channel to call their own.

It is so easy to relax with hallmark movies because they highlight the best moments, return to the happiest nostalgic memories, and hit chords that resonate with millions of viewers. This book touches on what comes of those notes are, shares images from some favorite movies, recipes from some of the actors... and is filled with that same both wholesome and relaxed feeling.

The shame is that this only scratches the surface.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute gem! I am a certified Hallmark junkie and just adored this coffee table-worthy book! It has everything Hallmark that I could possibly want, all wrapped up in a gorgeous, hardcover, full-color book! It has relevant articles, fun actor photos, quizzes, behind-the-scenes pics and info from some of my favorite Hallmark movies, entertaining and decorating ideas, actor & personality recipes...you name it, and it’s in here! This is one that will make its way out every holiday season! I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and was not under any obligation to write a review.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge Hallmark fan, I had to check out this book! It's a fun coffee table hardcover with mostly photos and fluff, without much real substance. I could do without the movie quizzes. I watch so many Hallmark Christmas movies that they all run together and the names and actors are a blur. My favorite part was the craft and decor ideas. There were a few good recipes, too, but most of them are pretty basic and predictable, much like their movies. I was hoping for some more original and unique recipes. More behind the scenes insights would have been fun, too. So, all in all, I like the idea of this book and I wanted it to be everything I had imagined, but it fell short. Hallmark- try again.

[Apriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a good Hallmark movie, Christmas or otherwise (but especially Christmas!), so this book was right up my holiday decorated alley. It’s nothing groundbreaking. Just a book about how they go about making the Christmas movies from beginning to end with tips and tricks from set designers for decorating and favorite recipes from some of the leading ladies of Christmas. It was a fun way to spend an hour or so and I might just make a recipe or two from the book.

*realistically this is a 3 star book but I gave it an extra one for all the feelz!

[Cathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lovely companion volume for superfans, offering oodles of full-color set photos, recipes, small craft ideas, and mini-quizzes.

I am not the target audience, but I understand the appeal satisfaction that has contributed to the evolving phenomenon. It would have been a pleasant surprise if the editors had delved into the tropes, staples, and variations - if not interrogate them - but that was my own wishful thinking.

[Melanie Rippon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick fun read for Hallmark movie fans - yes, focuses on Christmas obviously but the general comments on most of the “ingredients” of a Hallmark Christmas movie apply just as much to their “general” romance movies. Plus cute gift-wrapping/giving ideas & recipes for injecting a bit of Hallmark into your own Christmas if that’s your thing. Not a Hallmark super-fan by any means, I mostly picked it up ‘cos it features Candace Cameron-Bure who I AM a fan of! And I like the USA edition of Country Living which Rachel Hardage-Barrett edits......

[Jenny Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehow the 'Deck the Hallmark' podcast guys managed to get more behind the scenes content and quotes from Hallmark cast and crew for their book than the publishers of this book who were, let me check... *checks notes* ...Hallmark. To be fair, there's nothing wrong with this book. It's a cutesy thing to have on one's coffee table, but it's a bit light on substance. I'd read a whole book of just the Tracy Andreen pages.

[Pam Papworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited about buying this book after seeing Hallmark's ads for it. But I was somewhat disappointed that the movies featured weren't from 2020, but rather from past years. They make so many movies, I couldn't remember all of the references to the movies pictured, but would have remembered ones form the current year.

[Jennifer]

I picked up because I was looking for a little extra inspiration on bringing holiday cheer during this crazy COVID-19 Christmas season. To me it just seemed like one great big, long commercial with very few recipes or crafts as promised. If you are a huge Hallmark Christmas movie junkie, probably will find enjoyable it just wasn't the book I was looking for.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recipes from stars! Backstories of famous stars! Meet animals of the Hallmark films! Discover traditions yet unknown to you or start new ones! Uncover some behind-the-scenes about the trees, locations, and more tid-bits.
The let-down was that it didn't really offer as much as you think it will....

But it's still a cute read.

[Gil Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it, there seem to be nice recipes to try and there are beautiful pictures and some backstories of how the countdown to Christmas takes place. I just wished there was more about the movies and how and where they were filmed and maybe more on set behind-the-scenes photos.
I still recommend this if you love Hallmark and Countdown to Christmas it's worth a read and a look.

[Peggy Hess Greenawalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas sappy like the movies, and I love it. Great holiday ideas, recipes, stories and photos. Sent it to my sister, so she could enjoy it as well as we watch 2020 movies together from afar. What a wonderful healing diversion from Covid and the election.