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Joe and Clara’s Christmas Countdown
‘Warm and romantic, every page is sprinkled with Christmas magic’ Cressida McLaughlin, author of The Canal Boat Cafe
This Christmas she’ll give her heart to someone special…
As Christmas approaches Joe Smith knows he should be celebrating with friends and family, making the most of the season. But for Joe, Christmas only holds painful memories. Ones he can feel crushing his heart, a reminder of a time he can never forget.
Clara O'Connell loves Christmas. For her it is the most magical time of the year. And she's determined to make Joe love it too! She knows he's hurting, but maybe she can help to ease his pain. Her plan: One special gift every day to remind Joe just how loved he is.
But the clock is ticking. Will the Christmas magic wear off at midnight or will Clara's Christmas countdown be the perfect gift to heal Joe's broken heart? And in doing so, maybe she will get a gift in return…Joe's love for Christmas and forever…?
This Christmas she’ll give her heart to someone special…
As Christmas approaches Joe Smith knows he should be celebrating with friends and family, making the most of the season. But for Joe, Christmas only holds painful memories. Ones he can feel crushing his heart, a reminder of a time he can never forget.
Clara O'Connell loves Christmas. For her it is the most magical time of the year. And she's determined to make Joe love it too! She knows he's hurting, but maybe she can help to ease his pain. Her plan: One special gift every day to remind Joe just how loved he is.
But the clock is ticking. Will the Christmas magic wear off at midnight or will Clara's Christmas countdown be the perfect gift to heal Joe's broken heart? And in doing so, maybe she will get a gift in return…Joe's love for Christmas and forever…?
374 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2017
7 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 29, 2017
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, after reading easily the most festive book I've read so far this year! This is just the sort of book I have been hoping to read, to make me think Christmas may be coming!
It's not just that its clearly a festive read that has greatly pleased me, but it spoke to me on another level and has brought back so memories of my own time going to my local youth club, and then for a few years being a youth worker for the younger children, helping out, before on a Sunday night attending the club for my own age group.
Ok my group was a bit different to this one but just from the scenes being described I found myself thinking of various people in my past, and events that were very similar. I just understood the main setting so well and was rooting for a Christmas miracle for The Club on the Corner.
Now the Christmas Countdown was fantastic, both Clara and Joe are hoping to get different things out of their countdown. Joe is hoping to show Clara that men can be trusted, and that not every man is a nightmare. Clara is hoping to remind Joe just how magical the Christmas season is.
To do this every other day Clara gives Joe a gift to conjure up some festive feeling and on the other days Joe takes Clara out as friends to different Christmassy places and activities. All the while they are seeing each other continually at the youth club too.
If you are the sort that likes to only read a short bit of book each day perhaps before bed, then start this just before December, and then each day just read 1 chapter, the next day of the countdown - each chapter is day from either Joe or Clara's point of view. You could turn this into a advent calendar of a delightful book!
Of course if you are like me and get completely hooked early on, then spreading out my enjoyment was never going to be an option, as I couldn't get enough of this book. The story just hit all the right notes for me, and the Christmas gifts and activities are spot on.
Both Joe and Clara are also trying to heal from events in their pasts, and it was interesting to see just what was making them tick, once they opened up to each other.
This is a beautifully written piece of pure enjoyment of a book, and has cemented in my mind just how talented Katey Lovell is. I adored this, and wonder if I will read another this year that makes me feel this festive - I'm actually confused that it isn't December already!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 7, 2018
Another gorgeous cover,very eye catching. A heartwarming holiday book sprinkled with holiday magic,fairy lights and tea throughout. Clara absolutely loves Christmas to her it's the most magical time of the year. Joe on the other hand would rather avoid it at all costs and I can't say I'd blame him either after all it only holds sad memories for him. Clara devises a month long plan to make him see Christmas in a positive way again. Does it work? Well you'll have to read it and find out.
The Boys and Girls Club has a program every year that the finance director isn't sure will be able to put on this year because they are already scraping the bottom of the barrel with lack of funds. You know how it is with these volunteer organizations there are a few so hard working individuals that put their whole life into running and fundraising and they are so under appreciated. That is how it is for the staff here Deirdre,Clara and Jo. I can really appreciate all the hard work they put into the fundraising and how much they care about the underprivileged youth who desperately need the center to stay open but it won't if a Christmas miracle doesn't happen. A magical and fun book!
Pub Date 13 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Boys and Girls Club has a program every year that the finance director isn't sure will be able to put on this year because they are already scraping the bottom of the barrel with lack of funds. You know how it is with these volunteer organizations there are a few so hard working individuals that put their whole life into running and fundraising and they are so under appreciated. That is how it is for the staff here Deirdre,Clara and Jo. I can really appreciate all the hard work they put into the fundraising and how much they care about the underprivileged youth who desperately need the center to stay open but it won't if a Christmas miracle doesn't happen. A magical and fun book!
Pub Date 13 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2017
Clara O'Connell works at a Manchester youth club with the formidable Deirdre, as Christmas approaches they're fighting hard for funding to keep the club going and a new volunteer, Joe, steps in to help supervise the club evenings. Clara can sense Joe's humbug approach to Christmas and Joe scoffs at Clara's irrepressible but infectious Christmas spirit and out of this a challenge is born; a countdown to Christmas that neither one is going to forget.
A Christmas stocking jam-packed with treats, this book is the ultimate in festive feel-good! You can't help but adore the feisty but kind Clara, her determination to help others and her hilarious drunken antics. Joe is perfect, written with such a balance of vulnerability and strength that gets under your skin. Both of their stories are heartbreaking, but importantly the book unfolds the twists and emotions in an uplifting approach, almost as a rebirth for the characters. No festive downers here, HALLELUJAH!
From the beautiful cover to the plot and the countdown gifts you can't help but get captured by the season of goodwill, mulled wine & mince pies!
(Warning, have a handy stock of the above before opening to avoid festive FOMO)
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
A Christmas stocking jam-packed with treats, this book is the ultimate in festive feel-good! You can't help but adore the feisty but kind Clara, her determination to help others and her hilarious drunken antics. Joe is perfect, written with such a balance of vulnerability and strength that gets under your skin. Both of their stories are heartbreaking, but importantly the book unfolds the twists and emotions in an uplifting approach, almost as a rebirth for the characters. No festive downers here, HALLELUJAH!
From the beautiful cover to the plot and the countdown gifts you can't help but get captured by the season of goodwill, mulled wine & mince pies!
(Warning, have a handy stock of the above before opening to avoid festive FOMO)
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
September 23, 2017
If you are looking for a book sprinkled with Christmas magic then look no further then this delightful read.
Joe is not a Christmas fan. All his memories of the festive spirit are full of painful memories.
Clara simply adores Christmas. For her it is the most magical time of the year, and she is determined to weave its magic on Joe.
Clara has the perfect idea of giving Joe a Christmas present every day of December. To show him just how special and loved he is.
Will Clara mend Joes broken heart?
This is such a lovely romantic read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear and feeling the festive spirit of Christmas and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Making this the perfect book to read and this festive time of year. I loved it.
Joe is not a Christmas fan. All his memories of the festive spirit are full of painful memories.
Clara simply adores Christmas. For her it is the most magical time of the year, and she is determined to weave its magic on Joe.
Clara has the perfect idea of giving Joe a Christmas present every day of December. To show him just how special and loved he is.
Will Clara mend Joes broken heart?
This is such a lovely romantic read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear and feeling the festive spirit of Christmas and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Making this the perfect book to read and this festive time of year. I loved it.
April 24, 2018
A heart warming story.
One should read it a chapter a day on the 24 days leading up to Christmas, but I had to read it in one sitting.
It's the story of Clara, who loves Christmas, and Joe, who doesn't love it. Still, they both meet every day to make the Christmas countdown something special. Clara showing Joe what she loves about this festive time the most and Joe soon falls in step.
One should read it a chapter a day on the 24 days leading up to Christmas, but I had to read it in one sitting.
It's the story of Clara, who loves Christmas, and Joe, who doesn't love it. Still, they both meet every day to make the Christmas countdown something special. Clara showing Joe what she loves about this festive time the most and Joe soon falls in step.
December 23, 2018
3.5
I really loved the idea of Joe and Clara's Christmas Countdown, bringing the Christmas spirit back into Joes life.
The story was entertaining and heart-warming. I like how Joe and Clara connected over Christmas traditions and enjoyed the festive season. Still I expected some more festivity during their Countdown, though the advent calender walk through the town was a wonderful idea.
The love story wasn't too rushed and I liked that both were able to talk about their feeling and there wasn't any drama or misunderstandings involved. The romance was very heart-warming and I enjoyed the two together.
The writing style was enjoyable to read and I am looking forward to read more books by Katey Lovell.
I really loved the idea of Joe and Clara's Christmas Countdown, bringing the Christmas spirit back into Joes life.
The story was entertaining and heart-warming. I like how Joe and Clara connected over Christmas traditions and enjoyed the festive season. Still I expected some more festivity during their Countdown, though the advent calender walk through the town was a wonderful idea.
The love story wasn't too rushed and I liked that both were able to talk about their feeling and there wasn't any drama or misunderstandings involved. The romance was very heart-warming and I enjoyed the two together.
The writing style was enjoyable to read and I am looking forward to read more books by Katey Lovell.
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November 3, 2017
Oh this was just a big christmas hug wrapped up in a book! I love reading books about real people at christmas time. People who have families to support, people who have to keep working throughout the holiday season, people who work hard but play hard. And so I loved reading this book. Clara works hard and Joe provides the perfect excuse for her to start enjoying life outside of work as well and I just loved this mix.
Of course a Christmas book should make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but this book just feels like that extra tight squeeze as you're reading it because these characters are just so lovely. Not only are they trying to support each other in the run up to christmas, but they are also supporting their other friends and the local community too and I just think it is important to highlight how rarely we get to see this in a book, I loved that aspect!
The storyline surrounds these characters giving each other gifts and taking each other on outings in the run up to christmas and i am sure that this author had so much fun thinking of the gifts they were going to give and the things they were going to do. I won't spoil anything but there are some really amusing gifts as well as some really really touching ones and so each new chapter brought he promise of a new gift for me as a reader, as well as for these characters.
Obviously, from what I've already said, I loved these characters and they were a great vehicle for this story. I defy anyone not to fancy Joe and Clara is just so easy to identify with. I spent the whole book championing both of them and really wishing that they would get the happy ending that they deserved. This book is about more than Christmas and I think it would be great to read at any time of year, but if you can be reading it close to the countdown days, as the book progresses, then I would really recommend doing that. I loved this read and it is definitely one that should be added to you festive TBR immediately!
Of course a Christmas book should make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but this book just feels like that extra tight squeeze as you're reading it because these characters are just so lovely. Not only are they trying to support each other in the run up to christmas, but they are also supporting their other friends and the local community too and I just think it is important to highlight how rarely we get to see this in a book, I loved that aspect!
The storyline surrounds these characters giving each other gifts and taking each other on outings in the run up to christmas and i am sure that this author had so much fun thinking of the gifts they were going to give and the things they were going to do. I won't spoil anything but there are some really amusing gifts as well as some really really touching ones and so each new chapter brought he promise of a new gift for me as a reader, as well as for these characters.
Obviously, from what I've already said, I loved these characters and they were a great vehicle for this story. I defy anyone not to fancy Joe and Clara is just so easy to identify with. I spent the whole book championing both of them and really wishing that they would get the happy ending that they deserved. This book is about more than Christmas and I think it would be great to read at any time of year, but if you can be reading it close to the countdown days, as the book progresses, then I would really recommend doing that. I loved this read and it is definitely one that should be added to you festive TBR immediately!
October 20, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I was intrigued by the sound of this book from the start, the title is great and the cover as well; they fit they story perfectly.
Clara O’Connell works at Manchester youth club together with her boss Deirdre. Clara loves Christmas and does everything to keep up the atmosphere. She is heartbroken, because her ex cheated on her and she is not interested in men at all at the moment.
Joe Smith, has gone through a lot in his past, losing the love of his life. It has changed him. Now, he is back home volunteering at the youth club. He doesn’t have positive memories connected to Christmas, so it’s a really hard time of the year for him.
Joe and Clara meet at the club. Together they do everything for funding it and keep it running. Clara realises fast that Joe hates Christmas and he sees how her past has affected her as well. The come up with little “dates” for him to show her that not all men are jerks and in return she tries to make him love Christmas again.
Like this they spend a lot of time together and open up to each other. They even share their deepest secretes with each other and it was great to see them grow closer and closer. It was like seeing their chemistry build up, in a very beautiful way. Connected to all these Christmassy happenings and other eventful moments, the storyline was strong and addictive.
Both characters grow in this book and it’s so nice to see. This countdown gives the story a wonderful flow and Katey Lovell’s writing is so passionate and sweet. I absolutely adored this festive read!
Rating: 4.5/5
I was intrigued by the sound of this book from the start, the title is great and the cover as well; they fit they story perfectly.
Clara O’Connell works at Manchester youth club together with her boss Deirdre. Clara loves Christmas and does everything to keep up the atmosphere. She is heartbroken, because her ex cheated on her and she is not interested in men at all at the moment.
Joe Smith, has gone through a lot in his past, losing the love of his life. It has changed him. Now, he is back home volunteering at the youth club. He doesn’t have positive memories connected to Christmas, so it’s a really hard time of the year for him.
Joe and Clara meet at the club. Together they do everything for funding it and keep it running. Clara realises fast that Joe hates Christmas and he sees how her past has affected her as well. The come up with little “dates” for him to show her that not all men are jerks and in return she tries to make him love Christmas again.
Like this they spend a lot of time together and open up to each other. They even share their deepest secretes with each other and it was great to see them grow closer and closer. It was like seeing their chemistry build up, in a very beautiful way. Connected to all these Christmassy happenings and other eventful moments, the storyline was strong and addictive.
Both characters grow in this book and it’s so nice to see. This countdown gives the story a wonderful flow and Katey Lovell’s writing is so passionate and sweet. I absolutely adored this festive read!
Rating: 4.5/5
November 27, 2017
I have to say that I am the most unseasonal, Christmas loathing grinch around. However, I read this because my friend wrote it, and I like to support my author friends in everything they do. I expected to like it, because Katey writes so well. I did not expect to love it. But I truly did love it. It actually warmed the cockles of my grinch-like heart. It is festive without being schmaltzy, and it makes you feel properly pleased about the coming festive season. I love that it blends both the commercial side of Christmas and the more spiritual, philanthropic element of Christmas, without being preachy. Clara is a rock star of a heroine. I am so glad that heroines in contemporary romances are three dimensional, complex, believable characters nowadays. Clara is fierce and loveable and you can totally root for her. I also like the fact that Joe is not just a cardboard cut out hero, and he is as important in terms of character development as Clara. It's properly romantic and truly festive in the best sense.
December 3, 2018
A heart-warming Christmas read. Katey Lovell has created likeable, relatable characters who I found myself genuinely rooting for the more I read. The countdown style of chaptering would make this an ideal advent read if you wanted a cosy treat to read throughout December. Having said that, I ended up reading this in two sittings as I found myself completely caught up in the romance and the day to day happenings at The Club on the Corner.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style very much so will now be reading her other work.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style very much so will now be reading her other work.
December 11, 2018
Review to come
December 30, 2017
This was lovely.
October 16, 2017
Joe and Clara's Christmas countdown is a cute christmassy read that I couldn't put down.
The chapters are either from Clara's or Joes viewpoint and cover a different day in the run up to Christmas sooooo I suppose if you weren't as big a reader as me you could use it as an alternative to a chocolate advent calendar by reading it day by day but I don't know if you'd be able to stop yourself from reading on!!!!
Clara works at the club on the corner with Deidre, the club on the corner is a youth club that seems to open everyday to the kids in the local area. Deidre has worked there years and is the manager but doesn't have much hope for any funding for the next year so fears they will have to close down. We join Clara and Deidre at the start of December, this is Clara's favourite time of the year and can't get enough of Christmas. Joe is the vicars son and has come to volunteer as they are short of hands but can't afford to employ anyone. Joe has volunteered because he wants to try and forget about Christmas and feels if he keeps busy he'll forget about the reason why he hates Christmas. When Clara hears he doesn't like Christmas she comes up with a plan with him to get him in the Christmas spirit.
This was an enjoyable read, immensely christmassy and is set in Manchester so was a plus for me as I have been to many of the places mentioned so I felt more involved.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harpercollins uk and Harperimpulse for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
The chapters are either from Clara's or Joes viewpoint and cover a different day in the run up to Christmas sooooo I suppose if you weren't as big a reader as me you could use it as an alternative to a chocolate advent calendar by reading it day by day but I don't know if you'd be able to stop yourself from reading on!!!!
Clara works at the club on the corner with Deidre, the club on the corner is a youth club that seems to open everyday to the kids in the local area. Deidre has worked there years and is the manager but doesn't have much hope for any funding for the next year so fears they will have to close down. We join Clara and Deidre at the start of December, this is Clara's favourite time of the year and can't get enough of Christmas. Joe is the vicars son and has come to volunteer as they are short of hands but can't afford to employ anyone. Joe has volunteered because he wants to try and forget about Christmas and feels if he keeps busy he'll forget about the reason why he hates Christmas. When Clara hears he doesn't like Christmas she comes up with a plan with him to get him in the Christmas spirit.
This was an enjoyable read, immensely christmassy and is set in Manchester so was a plus for me as I have been to many of the places mentioned so I felt more involved.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harpercollins uk and Harperimpulse for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2017
This book is set very firmly in the festive season with the exception of the prologue. Clara has had her heart broken by footballer and ex-fiancee Dean and has sworn off men. The festive season for Joe though brings back sad memories of a tragedy which happened just before Christmas 8 years ago. They make a pact and agree on a Christmas Countdown: Clara will give Joe gifts to try to remind him that Christmas can be magical and Joe will take Clara out, as a friend, to remind her that she can enjoy the company of men. Each chapter covers one day and alternates between the points of view of Joe and Clara.
Can I just say first how much I love that cover? It's simple yet eye-catching and effective. And I also really enjoyed the story in between. You may well feel you know exactly how the story will end but sometimes that isn't a bad thing. The joy of reading is wondering what path the author will lead you along to get to that point. Joe and Clara were both really interesting characters. They were both caring and compassionate people who deserved to have happiness in their own lives but, as becomes understandable as you read, they both have very good reasons for being wary of love.
Joe & Clara's Christmas Countdown is a very sweet story which shows the magic of Christmas working in the lives of these two people. It is one of these books which will leave you with a contented sigh at the end and one to add to your Christmas reading list.
Can I just say first how much I love that cover? It's simple yet eye-catching and effective. And I also really enjoyed the story in between. You may well feel you know exactly how the story will end but sometimes that isn't a bad thing. The joy of reading is wondering what path the author will lead you along to get to that point. Joe and Clara were both really interesting characters. They were both caring and compassionate people who deserved to have happiness in their own lives but, as becomes understandable as you read, they both have very good reasons for being wary of love.
Joe & Clara's Christmas Countdown is a very sweet story which shows the magic of Christmas working in the lives of these two people. It is one of these books which will leave you with a contented sigh at the end and one to add to your Christmas reading list.
October 23, 2017
Snuggly Christmas book alert!!
Joe and Clara's Christmas Countdown follows (funnily enough) Clara and Joe who both help out at a struggling youth centre in Manchester. Clara is recovering from a breakup, Joe is a vicar's son who hides secrets behind his tall, dark, and handsome exterior.
It definitely isn't too early to start reading Christmas books. If shops are allowed to sell Christmas decorations, there's nothing wrong in getting festive.
I devoured this book. It took me a day to read, and I loved it. Fair enough, in a few parts, the dialogue is hard to follow and sometimes a little drawn out, but other than that, it was amazing.
I would happily snuggle down with this book again on the lead up to Christmas. It's like the much-needed warming drink after a long walk out in the cold.
I loved how Lovell has stayed in touch with reality. It isn't one of those books that makes everything all perfect and sugar-coated. It shows the world as it is - people relying on food banks for Christmas, struggling to afford presents, and a youth club on the verge of shutting down due to lack of funds. It's a real-world depiction of a Christmas romance, which is hard to find.
I'm honestly shocked with how much I loved reading this. It's been a while since I last read a book that fast.
Joe and Clara's Christmas Countdown follows (funnily enough) Clara and Joe who both help out at a struggling youth centre in Manchester. Clara is recovering from a breakup, Joe is a vicar's son who hides secrets behind his tall, dark, and handsome exterior.
It definitely isn't too early to start reading Christmas books. If shops are allowed to sell Christmas decorations, there's nothing wrong in getting festive.
I devoured this book. It took me a day to read, and I loved it. Fair enough, in a few parts, the dialogue is hard to follow and sometimes a little drawn out, but other than that, it was amazing.
I would happily snuggle down with this book again on the lead up to Christmas. It's like the much-needed warming drink after a long walk out in the cold.
I loved how Lovell has stayed in touch with reality. It isn't one of those books that makes everything all perfect and sugar-coated. It shows the world as it is - people relying on food banks for Christmas, struggling to afford presents, and a youth club on the verge of shutting down due to lack of funds. It's a real-world depiction of a Christmas romance, which is hard to find.
I'm honestly shocked with how much I loved reading this. It's been a while since I last read a book that fast.
October 20, 2017
If you have ever worked or volunteered for a nonprofit organization you understand how every dollar must be stretched. Tensions are strung tight when trying to make ends meet or organizing special events. There are always a select few people who work tirelessly for the cause and the people they serve. Clara is young, idealistic and dedicated to the boys and girls club as she seeks funding to keep it running.
One young man who enjoyed all the club offered is Joe, who returns as an adult volunteer to make sure his younger sister and others have the same opportunities and safe place he appreciated. Meeting Clara is an unexpected bonus. He never expects he could fall in love.
Besides the kids and club, Clara's enthusiasm for Christmas is over the top. When she discovers Joe, a pastor's son, is not excited about the holidays, they strike a bargain to trade gifts and experiences.
Timely, refreshing, and heartwarming, this book reminds us that everyone has something troubling in their past. It takes courage to face our troubles and keep our faith that times will get better.
One young man who enjoyed all the club offered is Joe, who returns as an adult volunteer to make sure his younger sister and others have the same opportunities and safe place he appreciated. Meeting Clara is an unexpected bonus. He never expects he could fall in love.
Besides the kids and club, Clara's enthusiasm for Christmas is over the top. When she discovers Joe, a pastor's son, is not excited about the holidays, they strike a bargain to trade gifts and experiences.
Timely, refreshing, and heartwarming, this book reminds us that everyone has something troubling in their past. It takes courage to face our troubles and keep our faith that times will get better.
November 20, 2017
Perfect, if you like your festive reads with a touch of realism. Christmastime is supposed to be fun but what if life gets in the way and makes it a time to endure rather than enjoy?
Joe lost someone he loved at Christmas time and now he just goes through the motions until the festive season is over. Clara is unlucky in love but having Christmas to look forward to helps her keep going. When she and Joe are thrown together helping Manchester's youth and trying to keep their youth centre viable Clara can't resist trying to restore the magic of Christmas for Joe by giving him a personalised advent calendar of special events. Joe sets out to make Clara see not all men are deceitful and a lovely, gentle Christmas story unfolds, which demonstrates the real meaning of Christmas.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Joe lost someone he loved at Christmas time and now he just goes through the motions until the festive season is over. Clara is unlucky in love but having Christmas to look forward to helps her keep going. When she and Joe are thrown together helping Manchester's youth and trying to keep their youth centre viable Clara can't resist trying to restore the magic of Christmas for Joe by giving him a personalised advent calendar of special events. Joe sets out to make Clara see not all men are deceitful and a lovely, gentle Christmas story unfolds, which demonstrates the real meaning of Christmas.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 2, 2018
This is such a gorgeous festive read. Joe and Clare are both wonderful characters, I loved seeing how their relationship developed over the course of the book. The festive setting added so much warmth to their story, a perfect book for reading while curled up under a blanket with a hot mug of something.
December 11, 2017
Gloriously satisfying and sweet, like enjoying a whole Christmas Yule log to yourself...!! I adored this fab festive read - I loved loved loved the protagonists (I want to be BFFs with Clara), but the supporting cast were all gems as well. I can definitely see this lovely little book being re-read for many, many a Christmas to come!
November 9, 2017
Lovely book. I fell a little bit in love with Joe myself. First Christmas book of the year and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a festive read ... And, to be honest, anyone who just likes a good story!
January 5, 2018
Loved this, was really the perfect Christmas book. It was an Advent book. Good characters and not too cheesy. Hope the book does well every Christmas.
December 28, 2019
Unashamedly festive and fluffy, this romance is cheesier than a Christmas cheeseboard and just as warming as a thick and gloopy hot chocolate. Sweet and cosy.
October 17, 2017
Joe and Clara's Christmas Countdown is a fantastic 4.5 star book that will make you laugh out loud and make you feel good whilst reading it.
It is the perfect book for this time of year and made me quite excited for the upcoming holiday season.
I'm now planning a trip to the Christmas markets in Manchester.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I devoured it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
This book will make you laugh,feel all warm inside and possibly even make you shed a tear.
I was actually sat reading the last part of the book with a massive grin on my face and I actually got giddy at one point.
This is how much the fantastic storyline and characters affected me.
I loved everything about this book.
Clara O Connell is a deputy manager at the youth centre Club on the corner in Manchester and Christmas is her feel good time and she likes nothing more than getting in to the festive spirit.
Joe Smith is the local vicars son who due to a tragic event in his past is closed off to the Christmas cheer.
What unfolds when Joe volunteers at Club on the corner is a festive feel good story of what starts off as chocolate and friendship and leads to something so much more.
I highly recommend you one click this book as soon as you can and get taken on a magical Christmas treat.
It is the perfect book for this time of year and made me quite excited for the upcoming holiday season.
I'm now planning a trip to the Christmas markets in Manchester.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I devoured it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
This book will make you laugh,feel all warm inside and possibly even make you shed a tear.
I was actually sat reading the last part of the book with a massive grin on my face and I actually got giddy at one point.
This is how much the fantastic storyline and characters affected me.
I loved everything about this book.
Clara O Connell is a deputy manager at the youth centre Club on the corner in Manchester and Christmas is her feel good time and she likes nothing more than getting in to the festive spirit.
Joe Smith is the local vicars son who due to a tragic event in his past is closed off to the Christmas cheer.
What unfolds when Joe volunteers at Club on the corner is a festive feel good story of what starts off as chocolate and friendship and leads to something so much more.
I highly recommend you one click this book as soon as you can and get taken on a magical Christmas treat.
December 23, 2018
Occasionally a little clunky, but a sweet, fun, Christmas read.
December 12, 2019
A Christmas beach read!
dnf
December 13, 2020wanted to get in the festive spirit but i simply cannot with this. dnf at 15%
February 6, 2022
This was OK-ish, I don't think I will remember it.
December 2, 2024
I really tried to like this book. But I just couldn't get into the characters. It's a great Christmas premise. Just not for me.
December 21, 2024
Awww, this gave me all the festive feels! Thank you Katey, lovely Christmassy read, with a wonderful warm community backdrop. Just perfect!
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