The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs

by Danae Little

A second chance at love happens for a small-town cowboy when his chocolate loving gal returns home for Christmas.

Jim Johnson knows two things with absolute certainty: He belongs in Christmas Tree Hill, and he wants Ellie Watkins to be his wife. When she leaves Christmas Tree Hill, he doesn’t stop her. He lets her go with a promise to meet her with a ring should she decide to return.

That second chance comes during a Christmas Bake-Off where Jim uses every tool in the shed, including Christmas surprises, to make sure Ellie knows she belongs with him in Christmas Tree Hill.

Eleanor Watkins wanted nothing more than to leave the small town of Christmas Tree Hill. Yet, being back is stirring emotions she thought were long gone.

Christmas miracles abound in this clean holiday romance. Will one of them be the second chance of love between Ellie and Jim?

More about the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series: Get ready to jingle all the way into the festive season with twelve Christmas novelettes that are like little bites of sweet and swoony delight. These heartwarming and feel-good romances feature second chances, enemies to lovers, fake dating adventures, and more, all wrapped up in the cozy merriment of Christmas. Plus, there’s a cookie recipe in each book!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Slice Of Life, Clean Romance

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2024

Reviews

[heleenethebookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and adorable holiday novella but a tad bit boring 🎄

[Kirsten Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

the cowboys chocolate covered christmas
4 ✨

overview: I loved this; it was absolutely charming!

characters: Ellie is a dear, as is Jimmy. I loved the parents, siblings, and small town friends.

romance: Jimmy is so thoughtful and respectful; exactly what a cowboy should be 🤭 I love how patient and understanding he was with Ellie. And she is absolutely wooed by him (me too, girl).

✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ second chance
✨ “I’ve been waiting on you”

”I thought I had little to offer you, only the life of a ranch hand, and, even now, I doubt I’ll ever be a rich man, but I can promise that everything I do will be to keep the promise of showing you and our future children just how much I love you, giving you everything of me.” His hand squeezed hers tighter, and she realized they were trembling as he lowered to one knee, right there, in the middle of the church. “Eleanor Rose Watkins, I’ve waited so long for this day. I’ve loved you since before I even knew what love was and could never see life without you in it. The time while you were away only solidified my conviction even more. I can’t live without you. Ellie, will you marry me?”

She hid her face in Jim’s chest. “You okay?” he leaned down to whisper, his breath warming her head.
“Hold me tighter, Jim. I can’t feel my legs touching the floor.”
“I can’t either.” He kissed the top of her head. “Guess we’ll have to fly together.”

writing: fast paced but still feels cozy, easy to read.

atmosphere: pans of cookies scattered around a flour-and-sugar-dusted-kitchen, little booted feet running inside and out, a soft apron, a cowboy hat hanging on a nail.

Christmas lights wrapped around the poles of the old logging town and drooped across the road, lighting up the giant wreaths holding electric candles that they drove under.

By the time he exited the barn, the sun had slipped behind the mountains, leaving the stars popping out in the dark overhead, but purples and dark pinks still silhouetted the mountain peaks.

season: winter.

———

content: language (n/a). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (n/a).

———

💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Woohoo! I loved this adorable, quick, and lighthearted read. This book was the perfect little Christmas present of a book. It had a beautiful story of the soulmate connection between Ellie and Jim. Jim was a true gentleman who worked hard for the job that brought him joy. Ellie was figuring out her life and her dreams and Jim was there to help support her on her way to her perfect future. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a super quick, one sitting, read this holiday season. 💚🎄✅

Main Tropes:

🍪 small town
🍫 epilogue included (8 years later)
🍪 Christmas tree farm
🍫 baker x rancher
🍪 found family

Follow me on bookstagram for more bookish content and reviews @brisbooksandbackpacks 💘

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Johnson has been waiting for Ellie Watkins to come home for years so he can make her his wife. He also knows she has to want to come back of her own accord. So he gives her a little nudge and hopes she feels the magic when she gets here, and then he will make his move.

Ellie was determined to make a go of life away from the little town she grew up in and have a successful career as a baker. But horrified by the thought of being courted by someone she hasn’t even chosen herself, she takes the opportunity to go home and bake specialty diet cookies for Jim’s mother. I loved how Ellie was so kind and generous, wanting to help wherever she could, be it cookies for Mama, or new clothes for her sisters without damaging her parents pride.

Jim was the sweetest rancher in the world, kind, patient and unassuming, just happy to spend time with Ellie, helping her out, waiting for her to see what he already did. And he fully deserved everything he got in the end.

[♡☆Fatima☆♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim was amazing, full of patience, love and acceptance. Ellie needed all three. One of the sweetest books I have read in a while. I love best friends to forever love stories.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas by Danae Little (2024)
Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs #10
Cowboys at Christmas Tree Ranch #3.5
57-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-53


Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Short Story, Western Romance

Featuring: Second Chance Trope - The One That Got Away; Homecoming Trope, Bake-Off, Rancher, Cowboy, Hashimoto’s Disease, Celiac Disease, Dietary Restrictions, City vs Country, Scarcity Mindset, Link to Cowboys at Christmas Tree Ranch Series,
Read Next - Cowboy’s Reunited Christmas: Link, Cover Blurb; Recipe for Salted Chocolate Coconut Cookies - Grain Free/Dairy Free; Bonus Summer Scene, Summer Recipe - Layered Chocolate Surprise, Bibliography for Danae Little, Author's Links

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "Jingle Bells" by George Strait

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤠👢🐴🐎🍪🎄

My thoughts: This story was pretty cute, and it touched on some serious points. I'm not sure I'm going to read the related series, but there is a possibility.

Recommend to others: Absolutely! This was very realistic for Western Romance, to a degree

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs
1. Baking Spirits Bright! (2024) Kaci Lane
2. Christmas Tree Connection (2024) Elle Rush
3. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (2024) Meg Easton
4. Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute (2024) Ellie Hall
5. Molasses and Mr. Christmas (2024) Lindsey Jesionowski
6. Pistachio Craze for the Holidays (2024) Kimberly Krey
7. St. Nick and Me Are Mint to Be (2024) Tamie Dearen
8. Tying the Knot with her Sweet Scrooge (2024) Ginny Sterling
9. 'Tis the Gingerbread Season (2024) Monique Brasher
10. The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024) Danae Little
11. Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024) Jessie Gussman
12. The White Chocolate Christmas Wish (2024) Jess Mastorakos

Cowboys at Christmas Tree Ranch
1. The Cowboy's Reunited Christmas (2022)
2. The Cowboy's Fake Christmas (2023)
3. The Cowboy's Secret Christmas (2023)
3.5 The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024)
4. The Cowboy's Romantic Christmas (2024)
5. The Cowboy's Magical Christmas (2025)
6. The Cowboy's Forever Christmas (2026)


Memorable Quotes: “Yes, Auntie Rose, it’s just me. That storm is really gearing up.” She hung up her coat and ran her fingers through her hair to release the tangles. “You ever miss the snow storms in Christmas Tree Hill?” “Oh, goodness no.” Her aunt waved off the thought as if it was so far-fetched it didn’t even warrant her attention. “Speaking of that tiny scratch in the mountain, that boy called again.” “Oh, Jim?” Ellie’s heart raced as it always did when she heard from Jim, then sunk in guilt. Even after two years, he hadn’t given up on her. In all rights, he should have started courting Betty Thompkins or even Whitney Moore. “He still sounds like a lovesick puppy.” Her aunt motioned her to follow her into the parlor, where tea and cakes filled the ornate coffee table. “You sure you aren’t leading that boy on?” “No, Auntie, of course not.” “Well, I told him I’d have you telephone him back. I’m sure he really can’t afford the long-distance call.” The casual way her aunt threw out the fact that Jim was poor rankled Ellie, but she sucked back the retort and sat on the stiff sofa where her aunt motioned. “Have some tea and warm up a bit before you call, dear.” Ellie sipped the tea, quelling the desire to tap her foot or bounce her knee while her aunt regaled her with the morning’s happenings. Over the last two years, Ellie had concluded that the sole occupation of rich housewives was to trade in gossip and look pretty.

“Hashimotos and Celiac…this is important, Jim.” Ellie’s mouth went dry and her mind reeled with ideas. “I told you it was. So, you’ll help me?” “Of course. My boss is a magician. I’m sure he can help me come up with something.” She pondered the sugar substitutes she knew of and flour alternatives. “I’ll have to research those diseases more, but we’ll figure something out.” “Does that mean you’ll come home for Christmas?” Hope lined Jim’s voice, but the expectation behind it stuck in her chest. “I…I don’t know. It’s our busy time at the bakery, you know…” “Well, I can’t make them without you. I may try, but we all know I can’t bake to save my life.” Jim never pleaded, but today he got about as close as he had to begging her to come home. The thought of spending Christmas politely beating off Mr. Hopkin’s advances sped up her decision-making. “I’ll ask my boss tomorrow. If it’s at all possible, I’ll be there, Jim.” The phone crackled when Jim attempted to cover up the receiver as he let out a little hoot. “You sure will be a sight for sore eyes, Ellie. You just let me know when you’re expected to come in, and I’ll pick you up at the bus station.” Ellie’s heart sped up with the thought of coming home as she realized just how much she had missed the small town with its smiling people and all the Christmas cheer a heart could desire. “Yeah, it sure would be nice to see you too, Jim.”

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lovely and extra special Christmas treat with two main characters that instantly steal your heart. Jim and Ellie’s story is set in the charming small town of Christmas Tree Hill where everyone knows each other and their business There is lots of Christmas cheer and atmosphere included in this book, as well as the importance of community, giving and faith.

It is easy to love Ellie and Jim. They were young sweethearts and still have a special connection even though she has lived with her rich aunt in the city for two years, while he lives and works on a ranch just outside Christmas Tree Hill. This Christmas, Jim has asked Ellie to come home, ostensibly to help his mother, but really to entice her to stay and hopefully become his wife. He encouraged her to leave two years ago, knowing she needed time and space away from her family and their small town in order to spread her wings. He promised her then, that when she was ready to come home, he would have a ring waiting. Ellie is ready to come home, as life in the city is not for her. She misses the slower pace and the sense of community in her small hometown. Yet, she doesn’t want to go back to living with her family where she feels smothered and like she is an extra burden to her financially struggling parents. Ellie and Jim soon discover that everything is in enlightenment to help them attain their dream….a future together.

This extraordinary book has my highest recommendation.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie had spent the last two years living in the city with her rich Auntie Rose and working at a local bakery. But she was homesick for her small mountain town of Christmas Tree Hill.

Jimmy Johnson convinces Ellie to come home for Christmas. He needs her help to come up with a grain-free, dairy-free and sugar-free cookie recipe for his mama.

That is the gist of this clean, contemporary romance. Danae Little has written a story that makes you feel the homesickness as well as the magic that Ellie had been missing, and felt as soon as she got home. Ellie begins to realize the importance of family, friends and neighbors, and how much more Christmas Tree Hill has to offer over the city where her Auntie Rose lives.

The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas is a short story - about 60-70 pages - but it's filled with feel-good moments and definitely a satisfying happy-ever-after. I can't think of a better way to spend an hour than to read this story.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Danae Little, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

NOTE: The Cookie recipe is at the end of the story - yum!

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Destined Forevermore -
Elle didn’t expect to feel home sick after moving to the city to live her dreams, so she was apprehensive about returning home when Jim called and asked for her help. Jim had never gotten over Elle in the time she had been away, so he planned to do everything possible to ensure she didn’t return to the city after she arrived. Jim took every opportunity to spend time with Elle showing her how good their lives could be if she stayed and it finally paid off, when he received news about his windfall and she accepted his marriage proposal. Jim and Elle not only found happiness together, but they worked together to make all their dreams come true.

This is a great clean, faith-filled romance story, that reminds us that what God has planned for our lives will come to pass. This was an excellent reading experience, that gave me a good glimpse into life on a ranch and the God respecting residents of a small town. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to read, then take a chance on this book and you won’t be disappointed.

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

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Danae Little and I loved her writing style. This was a feel good holiday book about a second chance romance.

Jim lives in Christmas Tree Hill where he works as a ranch hand for a wonderful couple that have taken him under their wings. His wish is to get Ellie to come back home to help him make cookies for his mom who has to start eating less sugar due to her recent diagnosis. It's also his hope that while she is back home that he can get her to come back to stay.

Ellie is a baker and comes back home to help Jim bake cookies for his mom. While she is bake she realizes how much she missed home. Jim and Ellie reconnect in this beautiful story about family and a found family. I had such a great time getting to know all of these characters. I loved the old style feel to this book. I would definitely recommend this sweet novella!

Thank you Danae Little for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do you like it?” she asked, picking up a lock of her hair and looking at it.

“Ellie, I don’t think it will ever matter how you do your hair or your makeup,” he stepped back and took her in her tight jeans that flared at the bottom, “or what you wear. You’ll always be the most beautiful girl in the world.”

The Cowboy’s Chocolate Covered Christmas: A Clean Christmas Cowboy Romance by Danae Little is a cute novella that speaks wonderfully of family, community, and loving patience. This dual POV, small town, cowboy romance with Ellie and Jim will certainly warm your spirit from head to toe. I love the balance in their story between the past and the present, and the hope for the future.

This novella is a standalone in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumb series.

Sweet kisses only!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun short read for the holidays
A fun story of returning to your roots and discovering what you really want in life. For two years Ellie had worked at a bakery in the big city and lived with her aunt. She enjoyed her job but when Jim, her high school boyfriend, calls asking for Ellie’s help she returns home. Jim had always said he would propose if she ever decided to return but he had no future as a farm hand and was concerned for their future if they married. As Ellie and Jim work together to make his mother’s Christmas bright, they are drawn together and Ellie begins to think that home is where she belongs. Mix in a Christmas miracle and you have a warm second chance story of love and self-discovery. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance story worth the read. Jim is a man who was certain of what he wanted and was ready to wait for Ellie. It's beautiful that he loved her enough to let her go and explore her dream and wait patiently for her. Jim's interaction with other characters shows a man full of love and determination. The way he allowed Ellie to make her choice without imposing his will on her is awesome.
Ellie shows a depth of care and concern for her loved ones even as she made her decision.
An inspiring story where there's loving support for others even as both characters find their place with each other.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leona Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romantic, clean-cut story of a girl who wants to leave her small town for the big city. After 2 years she returns home at the request of the boy she left behind. Ellie has been working at a bakery and Jim hopes she can cook a tasty cookie with no grains, sugar or dairy for his mom who now has to be on a special diet. This request brings back fond memories of Jim’s Mother as well as nostalgia for her small town life and Jim. Danae little is an excellent author who quickly hooks the reader into the story. I can highly recommend this story as well as her novels. I especially love the Hope Lake series.
I read an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet coming home story where good people are rewarded for their hard work, and a community comes together to make the best Christmas ever. But the real question is, "Will they or won't they" with Jim and Ellie? With a promise made two years before, but everyone trying to push Ellie out of town and make something of herself, their path to HEA is not an easy one. I was cheering them on! I loved the faith elements in this one and giving heart of the sweet mountain town.

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since it was a very short read, without much context or storyline, the story felt a bit vague and incomplete. But I loved the fresh storyline of the MMC waiting for the FMC and the FMC actually considering and giving that thought a chance. But I would have obviously loved for the story to be a bit longer to understand how they were before she left, though her mom suggesting her reasons for her wanting to escape the small-town why she was there for two years or what kept her there, etc to understand better especially to understand if it really were a second-chance romance. So, longer book with alternating timeline and more story plot would have made me love this more!

[Sherri Korn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet clean and wholesome short read. Jim and Ellie are such great characters. Jim has always known that he belongs in the small town but Ellie had to leave to find out that she belongs. Jim patiently waited for her to discover the truth on her own. I like how the story is based around the premise that he had her come home to figure out how to make a special cookie recipe for his Mama who is now on a special diet. It’s wonderful to see a focus on the needs of some people. I especially love that the recipe is included in the book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novelette was short but sweet and full of true love that stays faithful even when apart. I loved the way Jim never gave up hope that he could one day marry Ellie—even when she moved away from Christmas Tree Hill to the big city. The story was full of characters who exuded kindness and goodness (without being cloying). It was a feel-good story! Bonus: It can be read in one sitting for when you’re super-tired but you want to know how the story ends—ideal for the busy holiday season. I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Jim Johnson works at Christmas Tree Ranch and wants his best friend and girlfriend Ellie Watkins who is a baker to return to stay. He invites her home for Christmas and to help him make cookies for his mother’s new special diet. Once she arrives, she begins to remember how much she likes the area better than the city where she has been living. A heartwarming Christmas story about the community working together to help each other, and seeking a plan for the future.

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story of coming home. Jim and Ellie, childhood sweethearts, reunite at Christmas time. Jim has never given up on marrying Ellie even when she moves away to follow her dream. When she returns to the small town where she grew up, she realizes that this is where she belongs with the people she loves. As they follow their hearts, God blesses them beyond what they could have dreamed..



I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC, but this is an honest review

[Gail Midgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet love story about Jim and Ellie. They’ve been apart for two years, but time and distance caused their love to only grow stronger. They are both very caring and considerate and thought of ways to help make life easier for their families. This heartwarming story will make you smile as you follow them on their journey to reach their HEA! Danae has definitely written another WINNER!🥇
I rate this 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and can’t wait for more in the series.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! I’ve read the other books currently available in the Christmas Tree Ranch series. It was so much fun reading the grandparents story! I loved the story also, dealing with gluten and sugar issues. So many of us these days have different food intolerances if not outright allergies. This whole story was a delight and even better because it connects with the Christmas Tree Ranch series.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie and Jimmy grow up together in their small town and he has always hoped to marry her one day but she wants to leave her small town for the big city. She moves to the city where she lived with her aunt while working at a bakery but two years later when she returns Jimmy ask her to bake something special for his mother but he really wants her to stay because he is ready to marry her. Another sweet small town romance.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

​I liked this sweet Christmas story about Ellie returning home to Christmas Tree Hill so she could help Jim.. The story centered around Jim letting Ellie pursue her dreams with the promise that if she ever returned to stay he would be ready with a ring and a proposal. She has now returned, so I had to read to see how things would work out. I cannot wait to try the cookie recipe at the end of the book.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series this one by Danae Little.
Short story of love in a small town.
Ellie lives in the city with her wealthy aunt and uncle but misses her small town home and friends.
Jim works on a ranch and is Ellie’s longtime friend. He’s got a plan to have her move back to Christmas Tree Hill.
Can he convince her to come home to stay?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

Christmas time can be hectic and leave little time to enjoy a book. This book was perfect to unwind with. It took me just under 2 hours to read. I love Ellie and Jim. I definitely want to read the books of their family. I adored the small-town feel in this book. It is just right if you are looking for a Christmas feel HEA but have little time to read. Find the Christmas Spirit anytime of the year in this story.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book! Jim and Ellie loved each other, though Ellie moved to the city to live with her aunt for awhile. However, now she's back, and Jim wants to convince her to stay this time. Ellie wants to stay, too, as she's learned she's not a city girl. This would have been even better if instead of saying "everything aligns as it should" they'd have placed their trust in God to work everything out for their good!!

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim knows two things in life…that he wants to work on the ranch and that he wants Ellie to be his wife. Ellie left their small town of Christmas Tree Hill to go live in the city with her aunt to become a baker.

I really enjoyed Jim and Ellie’s bond, that sweet love they have. The family bonds and small town feel this book brings is just so sweet.

This book is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs multi author series and a short holiday read that can be read in one sitting.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet clean holiday romance featuring small town life focused on faith and family. Set during the weeks leading up to Christmas makes this a perfect holiday read. Its relatively short length means you can enjoy it in between all those parties and activities. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.