Carols & Cocoa

Starfish Inn #3

by Nina Potter

The charming coastal town of Mistletoe Cove is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for its annual holiday baking contest. But this year, there's an extra sprinkle of intrigue in the air.

Sophia Chen, a renowned food critic from the prestigious Gourmet Gazette, has arrived to judge the contest. At 44, she's built her career on objectivity and a discerning palate. Determined to remain impartial, Sophia sees this small-town event as just another assignment.

Xavier Bellamy, the 46-year-old owner of the beloved Sugar & Spice Bakery, has been perfecting his gingerbread recipe all year. Known for his warm smile and generous spirit, he's a pillar of the Mistletoe Cove community. But as he prepares for the contest, Xavier finds himself drawn to the sophisticated city woman who holds his culinary fate in her hands.

As carols fill the air and the scent of cocoa wafts through the streets, Sophia discovers there's more to Mistletoe Cove than she expected. Xavier's irresistible creations and even more irresistible charm begin to melt her professional detachment.

But can a woman who's built her life around big-city ambitions find happiness in a small coastal town?

Join familiar faces from Mistletoe Cove as another heartwarming romance unfolds.

Will the magic of the holidays, the warmth of community, and the sweetness of unexpected love be enough to give Sophia and Xavier their own Christmas miracle?

"Carols and Cocoa" is the third installment in the beloved Mistletoe Cove series, perfect for readers who believe in second chances and the enduring spirit of Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Novella

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2024

Reviews

[R.S.05 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start, so let me start off by saying, THE WRITING IS TOP NOTCH! I was hooked from page one!

This was such a fun, cute, cosy, light, short read, that had me smiling and laughing like an idiot...😩

I DEVOURED this book in one sitting, and let me tell you, the minutes I used to read this was SO WORTH IT!

You can never go wrong with reading a Christmas book, no matter the month or season🤭🎄

I personally was flipping through the pages as fast as possible, wanting to read more, at the same time as I didn’t want the story to end!

Nina Potter really delivered a heartfelt short book, that had everything in it!
I am definitely going to be reading this book again, and again, and again!

All in all, I loved this book, and I hope more people will have the opportunity to read this!

I received an ARC from the author, and here is my honest review on this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This starfish inn needs its own matchmaking service also i loved the gingerbread recipe at the end. I wish this was longer so Xaviers past was delved into as he is such an interesting character so this one fell a bit flat for me

[Sarafina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can almost smell the cinnamon and pine in the air!
******CHRISTMAS IN JULY******
This sweet Christmas novella was just the dash of Christmas magic I needed in this hot July sunshine. This was so wholesome, very Christmassy and I very much enjoy the baking element in Christmas stories like this. This had no spice, (except for baking😉) and no language. Very cute and very clean.

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Short & Sweet Christmas Romance

[Brooke Burger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review

Carols and Cocoa by Nina Potter

Here we meet Sophia Chen, famous food critic. However, she is living a solitary life in the big city. Her assignment is to judge a small town’s baking competition, but will she discover a new assignment?

You will also met Xavier Bellamy, baker extraordinaire. He is a military veteran with scars, outside and in. He longs for a woman who will see past his scars to the man is really is.

They meet in the small, magical, seaside town of Mistletoe Cove. Throw in the ladies of The Starfish Inn and love will strike again. Sigh.

I really think the title of the book should have been Gingerbread and Hope.

This book is part of a series, but could be read alone (but read the series). Will there be another?

I received an advance reader copy of this book, however, all opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than discussions about gingerbread to put me in the mood to read a Christmas book. Xavier has decided to enter a baking contest and needs to perfect his gingerbread recipe, which is how we are introduced to Sophia who is in town to judge the baking contest.

Everything about this book was charming from the amazing characters to names of the everything - Mistletoe Cove, Starfish Inn and The Sugar and Spice Bakery. I also liked that this was a later in life romance instead of young love. Everything just resonated with me and put me in the mood for gingerbread.

This sweet short story is the perfect read right before bed to leave you with visions of gingerbread dancing in your sleep.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Nina Potter and this does not disappoint, this is book three of four in The Starfish Inn series. Xavier Bellamy is the owner of The Sugar and Spice Bakery. He is perfecting his gingerbread recipe. Sophie Chen a reknown food critic from the prestigious Gourmet Gazette, is coming to Mistletoe Cove to judge their annual baking contest. She arrives to stay at the historic Starfish Inn, and is welcomed with open arms by the sisters that own it. After meeting Xavier and getting a tour of the town, is this just another article to write? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

Xavier and Sofia's story is a sweet, quick read that brings the Christmas spirit of hope, love and community to the reader.

I'm not usually a fan of Novella's, because you can't get as deep into the characters, their motivations, and their growth, as I normally like in the length of Novella, but Nina Potter does a great job over covering all these aspects, especially with Xavier and Sofia.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute short story. Starfish Inn is a magical place for its guest at Christmastime. Sophia and Xavier have an immediate connection but Sophia has to be careful as she is a judge for the contest Xavier is participating in. I love the great sense of community that exists in Mistletoe Cove. This is a quick read that is very enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Carols & Cocoa” Starfish Inn, book 3 by Nina Potter
Cooking up a Holiday Romance !?!
This is a thoroughly fun quick easy sweet clean romance read that had me turning those pages. Maybe I will try baking some gingerbread creations come the Holiday Season ! The recipe sounds tempting. Happy Reading ! !

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third short pre-Christmas romance in Mistletoe Cove. It centres around the annual baking competition. A city critic comes to join the judging panel. What are her views? Fun & entertaining read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author. I am writing a voluntary honest review

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

mistletoe cove is a magical place at Christmas, Sophia Chen is a food critic and is judging the annual bake off. During which she makes a connection with Xavier one of the contestants. Love blossoms and the town welcomes Sophia with open arms.
Loved the story, would thoroughly recommend.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A later-in-life Christmas holiday romance that had me at gingerbread. This is such a heartwarming story of hope and future. I enjoyed the storyline so much and the characters were wonderful and realistic. It was entertaining and fun to read. Really put me in the holiday spirit.

[Skarleth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apresurado pero bonito, una historia corta pero intensa a su manera. Lo único raro era que los personajes decían sus nombres en cada oración, supongo que para guiar al lector pero era raro.

La portada adorable.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet romance. Loved the later in life characters who fell for each other in this charming town! Great story!

[Melinda Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

This was a short love story ....there is always second chance you just have to go for it ...also sometimes you have let go of what you know to find love

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3

I am loving this series. It's a pleasant 7th read that makes me feel warm inside. I recommend this book.

[Brandy Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

cozy

This is a heart warming read. I am using this series to give me a break from dark romance and it is doing the trick!

Its never to late to do something new and start over

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Xavier's & Sophia's story! So wonderful to see how they both overcame obstacles to end up together! And, of course the backdrop & people of Mistletoe Cove made the book even better!

[Nancy Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story!

This was such a warm and fuzzy story to read, full of charm and wit! It put a smile on my face as I read this quick wonderful read!