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Hot Chocolate
Cocoa Tanner is determined to make it through life on her own, without help from anyone, even God. Bill James, still reeling from the tragedy of losing his wife and twins in a car accident, is not yet ready to open the door for God to return to his life. Two people, thoroughly disenchanted with their perception of God, turn to one another, only to find out there's more to God than meets the eye.
179 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
About the author
Laura V. Hilton
39 books655 followersAward winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 10, 2014
Tried to have romantic suspense but it feels tacked on, Other storylines well done. Edited very well for a small press book.
December 2, 2017
Inspiring read of hardship, intrigue, kidnapping, with a Michigan setting. Who doesn't like a small business success being a coffee shop. St. Joseph, MI is mentioned.
September 26, 2016
I was caught up in the storyline from the beginning. This is an earlier book by Laura V. Hilton, but knew it would be a delightful read. After all she is one of my favorite authors, since I discovered her Amish books as her plots are filled with lovable characters, plots that are predictable and God's love, grace and mercy.
Cocoa Tanner was determined to have a successful business with her new coffee shop, Common Ground. She had done her homework for an appropriate location and was she ever on target. She greeted her first customer with a hug and rest is history. Cocoa kept getting busier until she had to hire additional help. The new employees were college students that attracted the college students to the coffee shop, besides all the business men and women who had been coming in since opening day.
Bill James was the customer Cocoa had hugged the first morning she opened her coffee shop. Bill was hooked after his first cup of hot chocolate that Cocoa said was on the house. The attraction between Bill and Cocoa was present, but Cocoa had bowed she would never marry again after being in a controlling marriage. Bill's daughter, Ashley, and Cocoa's daughter, Brianna, were in the same daycare and best of friends. Would they have an influence with Bill and Cocoa during things together? There were some unexpected twists and turns with tense moments that added to this charming story, including Cocoa friend Josh wanting more than friendship from her when he discovered Bill was seeing her. Order a copy of Hot Chocolate to see what transpires after Cocoa is injured.
I appreciated the developed characters that gave my emotions a work out with laughter, heart pounding at times and tears. Laura created a story built on relationships, faith, moving past the past and experiencing life with joy, peace and love.
I received a complimentary copy of the original Hot Chocolate book from the author for my review earlier this year. Sorry to say I just now read the book and shared my honest opinion.
Cocoa Tanner was determined to have a successful business with her new coffee shop, Common Ground. She had done her homework for an appropriate location and was she ever on target. She greeted her first customer with a hug and rest is history. Cocoa kept getting busier until she had to hire additional help. The new employees were college students that attracted the college students to the coffee shop, besides all the business men and women who had been coming in since opening day.
Bill James was the customer Cocoa had hugged the first morning she opened her coffee shop. Bill was hooked after his first cup of hot chocolate that Cocoa said was on the house. The attraction between Bill and Cocoa was present, but Cocoa had bowed she would never marry again after being in a controlling marriage. Bill's daughter, Ashley, and Cocoa's daughter, Brianna, were in the same daycare and best of friends. Would they have an influence with Bill and Cocoa during things together? There were some unexpected twists and turns with tense moments that added to this charming story, including Cocoa friend Josh wanting more than friendship from her when he discovered Bill was seeing her. Order a copy of Hot Chocolate to see what transpires after Cocoa is injured.
I appreciated the developed characters that gave my emotions a work out with laughter, heart pounding at times and tears. Laura created a story built on relationships, faith, moving past the past and experiencing life with joy, peace and love.
I received a complimentary copy of the original Hot Chocolate book from the author for my review earlier this year. Sorry to say I just now read the book and shared my honest opinion.
September 26, 2016
I found out about the re-release of this book. I started reading Laura with her Amish series books so I was curious about her older books but hand't been able to get my hands on them. When I found out it was coming out for the Kindle I snagged it the minute I could find it.
I was not disappointed, unless you count the fact that I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't realize how cold the bubble bath had became. At least I did not burn dinner which happened with another book.
I was a little scared for what was going to happen due to the big threat in the first few pages towards Marie. Then we met Cocoa and I fell in love with her and wondered how she was going to fit into the story. Bill was such a nice guy that I was rooting for him pretty quickly, but loved how he wasn't pushy even though he was determined. Josh was OK, but seemed a bit to self centered for a long term guy for her.
As we learned more of Cocoa and Eddie's story I was sad for her and hoped that she would be able to get out of this mess her dead husband had created for her and their daughter.
I was sitting on pins and needles as I waited to hear her final choice for which man had won her heart. I was happy to not get a big plot twist right there.
I love how Laura can introduce her Faith into the story but it isn't overly pushy but it is important to the characters.
I was not disappointed, unless you count the fact that I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't realize how cold the bubble bath had became. At least I did not burn dinner which happened with another book.
I was a little scared for what was going to happen due to the big threat in the first few pages towards Marie. Then we met Cocoa and I fell in love with her and wondered how she was going to fit into the story. Bill was such a nice guy that I was rooting for him pretty quickly, but loved how he wasn't pushy even though he was determined. Josh was OK, but seemed a bit to self centered for a long term guy for her.
As we learned more of Cocoa and Eddie's story I was sad for her and hoped that she would be able to get out of this mess her dead husband had created for her and their daughter.
I was sitting on pins and needles as I waited to hear her final choice for which man had won her heart. I was happy to not get a big plot twist right there.
I love how Laura can introduce her Faith into the story but it isn't overly pushy but it is important to the characters.
December 25, 2016
Hot Chocolate by Laura V Hilton
Cocoa Tanner's husband is murdered and she soon moves from chicago to Grand Rapids Michigan. She wants to depend only on herself and make her dream come true to have a coffee shop, She named it "Common Ground". catchy name. Life is good.
she has a three yr old daughter that she wants to make a living for them without anyone's help,not even God.
Bill James lost his wife and twins in a car accident and now makes work his # one priority to keep the memories away. When the Common Ground opens close by his work he likes to stop in each day for some "Good coffee". He is the first customer and soon Cocoa runs and puts her arms around him and smiles jubilantly making Bill smile too. WOW what a beginning.
Come read the story of how these two who needs no other, soon learn to depend on one another. Bill has a daughter and the two little girls soon become fast friends.
Thank Laura for another wonderful story to read and enjoy...
Cocoa Tanner's husband is murdered and she soon moves from chicago to Grand Rapids Michigan. She wants to depend only on herself and make her dream come true to have a coffee shop, She named it "Common Ground". catchy name. Life is good.
she has a three yr old daughter that she wants to make a living for them without anyone's help,not even God.
Bill James lost his wife and twins in a car accident and now makes work his # one priority to keep the memories away. When the Common Ground opens close by his work he likes to stop in each day for some "Good coffee". He is the first customer and soon Cocoa runs and puts her arms around him and smiles jubilantly making Bill smile too. WOW what a beginning.
Come read the story of how these two who needs no other, soon learn to depend on one another. Bill has a daughter and the two little girls soon become fast friends.
Thank Laura for another wonderful story to read and enjoy...
September 29, 2016
Adventure, mystery and faith make this an inviting story. Cocoa Walker is determined to make it own her on and provide for her two-year old daughter, Brianna. So she decides to open a coffee shop and her first customer is Bill James. Bill is adjusting to life after an accident claimed the lives of his wife and twins leaving him to raise his two-year old daughter, Ashley by himself. Bill and Cocoa quickly become friends. Their adorable two-year olds become fast friends, as well. As the mystery involving her deceased husband is revealed will Cocoa and Bill be able to have a second chance at love? Will their faith in God be restored? Lovable characters and a sweet story-line make this an enjoyable read…check it out!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews