The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island

Seven Sisters #5

by Hope Holloway

The saga continues with secrets, surprises, and sweet temptations…Sadie Wingate has been keeping secrets...from her family and from her brand new husband. But once the truth is revealed, her whole world melts like a truffle in the sunshine. Can Sadie finally settle for a sweet life on Amelia Island…or will stability send her searching for the next adventure?Raina nears her delivery date and signs the papers ending her marriage, but there’s one thing missing in her life. Despite being the fixer in her family, the only solution to heart’s dilemma seems all wrong for this newly-divorced mother of infant twins. But how can she say no?Madeline's one and only love reappears, and this enigmatic man turns her well-ordered life upside down, while Susannah orchestrates major changes on Wingate Way.When the winds of change blow over the candy store on Amelia Island, the Wingate women learn over and over again that the bond between the seven sisters is as strong as steel, as soothing as a seaside breeze, and as lasting as their family legacy.The Seven Sisters SeriesThe Wingate women are unique and unforgettable...but they all share inner strength, abiding love, a few quirky traits, and the ability to support each other through every challenge. This family is founded on love and laughter and a sisterhood unlike any other.The Seven Sisters series will consist of seven books with recurring characters, continuing stories, heartbreaking and hopeful moments, later-in-life romance, a touch of mystery, and lots of happy tears.All of the books will be available in digital, paperback, and audio formats.The Beach House on Amelia Island (book 1)The Café on Amelia Island (book 2)The Bookstore on Amelia Island (book 3)The Florist on Amelia Island (book 4)The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island (book 5)The Dressmaker on Amelia Island (book 6)The Inn on Amelia Island (book 7)

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Family, Contemporary, Adult, Chick Lit

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Hope Holloway gives us a book with all the feels as she continues the Seven Sisters series. Add in a possible ghost, delicious chocolate (I’d love to visit Amelia Island to get a taste of that!), relationship ups and downs, the impending birth of twins, and secrets from the past, and I couldn’t put it down! Emotional, delightful, and captivating - I highly recommend this book and the entire series (because it all makes more sense and is more fun to read the books in order!)

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway (2024)
Seven Sisters #5
309-page Kindle Ebook story pages 4-303

Genre: Family, Contemporary Romance

Featuring: Author's Links & Contacts, Character List, Sisters, Daughters, Quadragenarians, Tricenarians, Amelia Island, Nassau County, Florida; Multiple POVs, Family Businesses, Realtors, Chocolatier, Chef, Seamstress, Bookstore, Bakeshop, Inn, Wedding Planning, November, Fast Forward the Holidays, New Year’s Day, January, February, Trust Issues, Second Chance Tropes, Divorcées, Ghost Stories, FBI, Childbirth, Forgiveness Trope, Gender Reveals, Winter, Drama, Secrets, Undercover, Cliffhanger, To Be Continued with Spoilers for The Dressmaker on Amelia Island, Author's Links, Seven Sisters Series List, List including Blurbs for The Coconut Key Series and The Shellseeker Beach Series

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Songs for the soundtrack: "I Choose You" by Willie Hutch, "Believe" by Cher

Books and Authors mentioned: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz aka The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum (Lyman Frank Baum) - Oz #1, The Bait by John Donne,

Memorable Quotes: He gave her another squeeze. “Let’s call the shop Belgian Bliss. I’ll bring Belgium, you bring…the bliss.”

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏝🫕🍫🍪🤰💒👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏿‍♂️

My thoughts: 🔖195 of 309 Chapter Fifteen Susannah - I just knew I was going to knock out 3 books today, but as busy as I've been I'll be lucky to get one. This story had a slow start so I was expecting a lull, but nope exciting events are occurring. I may be up tonight.

This was good but the suspense was killing me, babies, ghosts, new love interests, they need to hurry up. I'm starting book 6 bright and early, unfortunately on the new release day. I don't know if I should postpone book 7 or make my new books wait, one's a Feeney so we'll see. I'm tempted to start now but it's almost midnight.

Recommend to others: Absolutely, this series has my full attention and I have mixed feelings about being near the end.

Seven Sisters
1. The Beach House on Amelia Island (2023)
2. The Cafe on Amelia Island (2023)
3. The Bookstore on Amelia Island (2023)
4. The Florist on Amelia Island (2023)
5. The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island (2024)
6. The Dressmaker on Amelia Island (2024)
7. The Inn on Amelia Island (2024)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the Amelia Island series. The seven sisters are always there for each other. This story has betrayal, an engagement, birth, second chances, and maybe even a ghost story. Great series! I didn't want to put it down. Thank you to Hope Holloway for an ARC for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series continues to get better and better. Each book is an individual and distinct great read, which can be read by itself. But the series as a whole is even better.

I love that each book has its own plot, its own tension, its own twists and character development.

It's just 100% amazing writing!

I can't wait for book #6.

[Kaytlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Sadie and her return to Amelia Island after a mistake she made marrying a rich person who has no compassion and doesn’t care.
Sadie really dives in to her own self worth and finding her chance to make something of her own.
I enjoyed Sadie's coming of her own and becoming the person her family always believed she could be.

[Jennifer Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the “everything ends up perfectly” family. This series is exactly the comfort series I need sometimes! I was joking about part of the plot (in which I accurately guessed what the ultimate resolution was), and my son said “it’s like you’re playing a video game and you’re controlling the characters.” Yes! A sweet, nice little video game world where the right people fall in love, the family drama works out in the end, and the bad guys get their just desserts. Perfect.

[Deb F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Excellent!!!

If you have read any of Hope Holloway's books or series, you know you can get wrapped up in the story and never want it to end! The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island is one book I could not put down,
just like the rest of the series. Hope's descriptions and the personalities of each of her characters draws you into the story so that you feel you are part of the story. One of the sisters, Raina is such a wonderfully interesting lady, I know we would be best friends. The love and caring she has for the whole Wingate family and her babies, Thing one & Thing two, her unborn babies. Raina's strength and devotion to those she loves gives you such a feeling of wanting to know her better and be like her in real life. All the Wingate sisters are strong, loving, independent, brave women who
put family first. Whenever one is celebrating, they all are and when one has heartache or problems, the sisters get together in force to help each other. The sisters parents, Rex and Susannah are definitely the best parents and stay involved in each of the girl's lives. They are ecstatic that Sadie is home to open a primer chocolate candy shop. Sadie is using all the knowledge she learned in France working for a famous chocolate empire. While she was there she eloped with the owner of the companies son, Tristan who is not who she thinks he is. This new refreshing story about another sister of the Wingate clan is so excellent! Just know that you also get to catch up on all of what's happening on Amelia Island, oh, what a wonderful place!!.
I can not wait to visit again...Hope, please hurry and write the next saga in the Wingate family , we are waiting (impatiently) and hoping it will soooon!!!!❤

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 7 Sisters are all back in Amilea Island.
Sadie had been workin for chocolatier in Brussels. Got married. He comes back to her tells her to get a shop ready that he has to go back and teach someone the business. He gives her the money to do it. He ask her to give him the secret ingredient and she dose trusting him. He plays her. Adam the guy who broke Madeline’s heart 25 yrs ago comes back with a letter. That said he wasn’t coming. Adam had quit working for them. Sadie opens the chocolate store. Makes friends with fellow business owner. Scout. They make an item together and it wins the festival award. She feels she can trust him he’s a good guy.
Susannha decides to open the Inn as a Wedding venue. Grace wedding will be the first. She thinks the Inn has a toast but it’s a cat with kittens. They find old wedding dresses.
Raina has the twins. Chase comes back after see sent this long text she dictated and sent but didn’t realize it. He came back to help her and rub her feet! She goes into labor and he’s there with her till all the family gets there. Then he come back the next morning and has flowers. They held the babies and she named one after his grandma that just died. And one after him Charles.
Madeline and Adam are now talking as he apologizes. Now she want to help him track a criminal down.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CHOCOLATE SHOP ON AMELIA ISLAND is my favorite book so far in Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series. I know. I know. I say that with each new book released. Is it my fault that the author keeps one upping herself? This fifth book has humor, poignant moments, betrayals, new beginnings, and the strength, love, and unflagging spirit that bonds this special family together. I read it in one sitting and turned the final page with a smile in my heart. I love this family.

If you enjoy contemporary women's fiction with humor, heart, emotional (closed door) romance, betrayals, hope, a strong sense of setting (you'll want to book a trip to Amelia Island), and overcoming adversity, all within the steadfast, unbreakable bonds of friendship and family (seven sisters!), don't miss Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series. As each of the books in the series builds upon the previous ones, I strongly recommend reading the books in order.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things start of with a shock to the Wingate family as they find out Sadie is married and that weasel Tristan ugh I did not like him right from the get go, but thankfully she has the chocolate and maybe more than just a secret ingredient. Madeline is also having problems when it comes to the heart when we finally find out why she has stayed single and I was devastated for her and totally got not wanting to open her heart again whilst a wonderful surprise happens during Sadie's grand opening.
Of course we catch up with everyone else to see how they are going and my gosh my heart went out to Raina as she finalises leaving the past and amazing new things to come while Susannah struggles to stop being a helicopter wife to Rex and taking on a new project with a spooky concern.
There is never a dull moment with the Wingate clan and I can not wait to see ow they are all getting on in the next book!!!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island is the fifth book in Hope Holloway’s Seven Sisters series and it had me once again rapidly turning the pages. This story drew me in as it continued the Wingate family saga. Although each book features a different sister, we continue to learn more about the other sisters and their parents in each one.

This story brings us a mixture of romance and family relationships, along with a taste of intrigue. Ms. Holloway brings her characters to life on the page as they conquer the challenges and rejoice in the good things that come their way.

Chocolate lovers are going to drool over the descriptions of delectable chocolates. Animal lovers will smile at the introduction of a couple of rescue dogs.

Although you can read this book as a standalone, I think it is probably best to read the earlier books in the series first as each builds on the previous one.

[Donna Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about the Scout and Sadie and also about Madelin and Adam. The Chocolate Shop was supposed to be a shop for Sadie and her husband Tristan, but Tristan ditched her and went home to Europe. Scout met Sadie and started a friendship and business proposals with her. Maddie and Adam started a relationship in New York and then he left only to turn up again on Amelia Island. Adam is in love with Maddie but she has some very real heartache over him. Raina is about to give birth to twins and is all alone except for her sisters until Chase comes back from Europe to rent out his room from her. The other sisters are close and the mom, Susannah is turning the Inn into a bridal destination. Susannah also thinks the Inn is haunted. Grace and Isaiah are getting married after his proposal at the Chocolate Shop. Tori is still seeing Justin and Chloe is still seeing Travis, and Rose and Gabe are still going strong.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It had a lot of action and some mysteries. Now I have to wait a few months for the next book to come out!

Amazon synopsis:
Sadie Wingate has been keeping secrets...from her family and from her brand new husband. But once the truth is revealed, her whole world melts like a truffle in the sunshine. Can Sadie finally settle for a sweet life on Amelia Island…or will stability send her searching for the next adventure?

Raina nears her delivery date and signs the papers ending her marriage, but there’s one thing missing in her life. Despite being the fixer in her family, the only solution to heart’s dilemma seems all wrong for this newly-divorced mother of infant twins. But how can she say no?

Madeline's one and only love reappears, and this enigmatic man turns her well-ordered life upside down, while Susannah orchestrates major changes on Wingate Way.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate, Love, and Babies

It’s fascinating how Hope Holloway seamlessly interweaves the lives, loves, projects, and problems of seven sisters and their families so seemingly effortlessly in her books. The focus here is upon Sadie, sister #5, newly arrived home after years learning the business of Belgian chocolates from the very core of- and learning more than she wanted to know about the well known chocolatier family. In the meantime, oldest sister Madeline, through Sadie’s story, finds a love from her long lost past. And Raina’s Thing One and Thing Two choose the day of the Food Festival, Chloe’s big day, to make themselves known to the world. Ghosts, swindlers, and surprises abound. A good read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I need a heartwarming, feel-good book, I can always count on Hope Holloway! The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island is the fifth book in her Seven Sisters Series with all the good emotional feels I expected. The seven Wingate sisters rally around each other in times of need, or just for the love of family. This book had a bit of heart-breaking betrayal, second chances, and forgiveness. There was also some possible paranormal activity, the impending birth of twins, and a dessert contest that could make or break Sadie and her newly opened Chocolate Shop. What a delicious and sweet story! I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[M.J. James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series really sticks in my heart. I love the Wingate sisters. The characters are people you would want to know. This book really digs into Sadie and a bit of her journey. She struggles through a difficult time, and seems almost in awe of the kindness shown to her as she returns to the bosom of the town she had flown away from. Surrounded by the love and support of her family, she embraces her skills and rebuilds herself into a stronger person. It's a super feel-good book (series) that reminds us all about returning to places that surround us in love and the power and healing that comes with it.

[Marilyn Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best find of 2023 in romance books is Hope Holloway. Her writing is exactly the kind I love best. The Seven Sisters series is complex, full of surprises, dangers, challenges, and most everything else you can think of.

She has a writing ability that is perfect for complex series. I also read her series last fall with her writing buddy Cecilia Scott which was equally delightful.

Her use of Sisters Sadie and Madeline was just perfect as the M. C. In this book. I can’t wait for May and the next Book in the series.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another great book by Hope with a twist. Its more than family and love, its got ghosts, bad guys and a little mystery. Keeping you engaged with every page you turn. I didn't want it to end, definitely something to look forward too, Book 6. And I'll be first in line to purchase it when it comes out.

This is book 5 in the series, some say its a stand alone and of course you can but you will want to read them all and in order

[MARY MAYO · Rating 5 out of 5]

seven sisters

I have been unable to put these books down I am starting to read book six. I love the family dynamics in these books. I also love how each sister relies on each other no one is jealous or envious of each other. the love of mother and daughters is a gift and having a father who loves each of them a blessing. The story of each sister is inspiring ,while finding their passion for their talents and being able to make it a part of their lives and work is amazing.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well of course anything involving chocolate is fabulous including this book! Once again this delightful family rallies around one another with all the love and support needed. I am so enjoying getting to know more about this lovely family and new surprises with each new book in this series. Chocolate, rumors of a ghost and twins about to join the family all add to another marvelous story!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end! Hope Holloway did it again; she created a story that fits like visiting with your favorite next door neighbors. This is the fifth book in the series and has all of the necessary elements to make it a good read: new love, betrayal, mystery, and, of course, chocolate. Highly recommended. Thank you for the ARC copy.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuation of the Wingate family series on Amelia Island. Some expected and not so expected twists are encountered by the family with a lot of focus on Sadie and the chocolate shop. As always, the books focus on family bonds and prove that love and family can get us through anything. A perfect beach read that leaves you feeling good but anxious for the next in the series!

[Cindy McCurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

Great book. I love this series. Read this book in one sitting I could not put it down. It's different to not have the focus on just one couple, but instead the whole family. I loved every minute of it. If you love reading good books with family, heartbreak, and romance, you must read this series. There may even be a ghost involved.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying both reading and listening to this series on my FireTab. Hope always throws these feel-good, homey wonderful characters at you, when you need the comfort of friends and make-believe or found family.
This series, and some of her previous ones have held me through. Thank you Hope for knowing the right words to place in the perfect stories.

[Cathy Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

I love any book that takes place in Fl, being a Native Floridian. I've read the others, and this one, oh my stars!!! I very rarely cry when reading, but I was crying happy tears towards the end of this one! Hold on Amelia Island, in coming in for the next installment!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many stories. but that is good

As I read this 5th book, I imagine how impossible it would be to try and make a story about each Wingate women. They are all to close and all leave in town so they are in everybody else’s story. Big families can be that way and this one is shares the love! We all wish we got along well. I cannot wait to read more.
Thanks for sharing your craft.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy for the arrival of Thing 1 and Thing 2! 😊 I adore this series and have throughly enjoyed experiencing the audiobooks for each story! This is definitely a 5+ Star series filled with “warm fuzzies” as well as contemplative situations that ring true to so many of us. You don’t want to miss a single installment of this wonderful series! ❤️

[Nykki Porteous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you'd want from a Norah Robert's series

No disrespect to either writer. Styles are totally different, but the family, romance, new characters popping it, danger, heartbreak, intrigue... all there. I love this series. Oh. And she doesn't over explain previous books either. Ugh. That is so tedious - and doesn't happen here!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 of this 7 book series did not disappoint. I just love this wholesome series that is entertaining without smut, violence, cruelty, etc. It can get a little cheesy at times but it’s just so nice to read a book like these in between my Thriller and Romance books. 2 books left in the series and I can’t wait to find out what happens to these 7 sisters on Amelia Island. Highly recommend.

[Cindy Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Born and raised in Jacksonville, I enjoy reading this series. Amelia is a special place. Sadly, growing developed all over the p!ace. With only 2 books left in this series, will be sad to see it end. Not giving away any spoilers!