Re-Kindling The Magic

Countdown To Christmas by Dianna Houx is the most charming, heartwarming contemporary Christmas novel that will warm your spirit and leave you smiling. This really is the essence of Christmas in a book.

The novel is set in a Midwest American town that seems to have forgotten about Christmas. Wanting to re-create her grandmother’s childhood Christmas, A granddaughter enlists the help of the town to bring an old-fashioned Christmas to life once more. “She [grandmother] comes alive when she talks about memories… of Christmas.” Christmas past is set to become Christmas present.

Visitors to the town for the old-fashioned Christmas ensure a family house comes alive. “Return to a time when things were simpler… When Christmas had meaning and magic.” Christmas is less about the presents and more about the memories.

We see the importance of teamwork. “If we all work together… we can do it.” What is impossible for one, is achievable for many.

All the characters were delightfully drawn, warm and welcoming.

The setting came alive with snow and twinkly lights, sleighrides and skating, cookies and hot chocolate. Dianna Houx’s marvellous descriptive pen brought the book to life in the reader’s head.

Countdown To Christmas really was the perfect read to get you in the mood for a wonderful festive Christmas. I absolutely loved it. The book is so beautiful, hearts swell with love and kindness as an old-fashioned Christmas exploded into life.

JULIA WILSON