A Candy Shop Christmas

by Joey Jones

A candy shop sprinkled with holiday magic might be the perfect ingredients for a Christmas miracle.

After enduring the toughest period in her life, at twenty-eight Noel Puckett is determined to move forward while keeping Beaufort Candy Company afloat this Christmas. Inheriting the beloved shop was bittersweet because she would rather celebrate the joy of the season with her parents and Fletcher. Luckily, Noel’s spirited eight-year-old helper elves, Levi and Laney, along with longtime family friend Mrs. Madelyn, believe in the candy shop and Christmas miracles.

Meanwhile, Cavin Dawson is riding high on success at his family’s prestigious, Atlanta-based business development firm. However, when his plans for a holiday getaway take an unexpected turn, he finds himself in the quaint town of Beaufort, North Carolina, tasked with acquiring waterfront property instead of leisurely soaking up the sun in Cancun.

As fate intertwines Noel’s and Cavin’s lives, a hot chocolate stand, a lost dog named Scout, and a host of unanticipated events lead them on a path that will change everything, ultimately forging an unforgettable Christmas filled with timely surprises and new beginnings.

Genres: Holiday, Christmas, Romance

310 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐️ Lucky for me, I received A Candy Shop Christmas by Joey Jones through a Goodreads giveaway. As someone who doesn’t usually seek out romance novels, I can honestly admit that maybe I just haven’t been reading the right ones—because this book was so freaking cute and kept me completely hooked the entire time.

The pacing was solid. I did find it a little wordy and descriptive at times, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it was just something that stood out to me. Overall, it was still a very easy and enjoyable read.

The happy ending was such a great change for me, and it was honestly just so incredibly sweet. I found myself getting emotional, excited, and fully sharing in the main characters’ feelings. Seriously—so sweet, so cute, and absolutely perfect for the holiday season.

Thank you to the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this Kindle copy from Joey in exchange for an honest review. Much thanks!
I am a sucker for Christmas books. Dang!
This is a cute read but not too cutesy. Definitely, a more complex plot than the run-of-the-mill Christmas romances. There were a couple nice mysteries throughout that made me keep wanting to read. The romance part wasn't overbearing or unbelievable.
There was a missing dog case that was weaved through the book which was a tad weird. We knew who the dog belonged to it seemed it was always the two little kiddos looking for the dog. Why was the owner so unconcerned in looking for his dog? Why was the dog skittish with people? It was bizarre.
The financial mystery was well-thought out and tied it all up in the end. I really liked this mystery part as it kept my interest.
The boating accident was a little wonky. I strongly disagreed with Keaton and the boys making a pact not to tell anyone else about the specifics of the accident. That is just cruel, especially when it was an accident.
Overall, seasoned author with a great concept of plotting and writing. Easy read for a busy holiday season.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story! Wonderful characters, plot, and setting. I was immediately engrossed in the story and enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the holiday season in Beaufort, NC. Noel is a strong and determined single mom; I enjoyed her relationship with Mrs Madelyn. Cavin’s transition from all business to enjoying the season and having a life is paced beautifully. The children were charming. I loved the heart of the story, the small town vibe, and the holiday magic. The charming town of Beaufort, NC is woven into the story. I’m eager to visit and find quite a few of the places mentioned that really do exist (sadly the candy shop is fictional). Do yourself a favor and pickup up this Christmas read! My first book by this author and I’m eager to read his prior releases.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story from Joey Jones! I love this story.

Cavin is sent to the small town of Beaufort, to look into it for his family business to turn it into an area of development for a big hotel. What he doesn’t expect is to meet Noel and her 2 adorable kids. The kids set out to save the candy shop and find a lost dog. They enlist Cavin help finding the dog.

What will happen when Noel finds out why Cavin is in town? Can the growing relationship stand the deception? Can Noel save the candy shop? This is another must read book.

[Cheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had already read my favorite Joey Jones novel, until I read A Candy Shop Christmas. And yes, I've read and loved all 9 of them! The magic of this book takes place in eastern N.C., in the town of Beaufort. A little town off the coast of N.C. that is dear to my heart. Be prepared to loose a few hours of sleep, because you will not want to put it down. Perfect timing of the book release, just in time to purchase yourself a copy and a few for to give as gifts.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished my 5th book from this author "A Candy Shop Christmas". I absolutely loved it. It had up and downs. It made me happy, laugh, cry, get angry and then get happy again. I hope there is going to be a sequel to this book because the ending made me want more to the story! Joey Jones keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing you at Days at the Docks in Holden Beach, NC where I will hope to get you to sign my copy of "A Candy Shop Christmas"

[Amanda Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was charmed by this book, Noel is a strong, resilient, single mom and ugh; I love her! I often times don’t like FMC, a lot of the time authors dumb them down too much and the eye rolls on my end are in an abundance. This was such a great story, and I would recommend to all as a great holiday season read!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#goodreadsgiveaway
A beautiful story about love, loss and grief. Learning to navigate in a world that your loved one is no longer a part of, learning who you are without them, and learning to live again.

[Makalee Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book in a goodreads giveaway! This was such a cute and clean romance, perfect for the Christmas season! I usually read other types of books, but I really enjoyed this as a clean read. It's great for anyone looking for a sweet and wholesome story.

[Magen Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book. I discovered Joey Jones at the Bizarre Bizarre in Richmond and purchased a signed copy. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this “sweet” story!!!! I can’t wait to read more of his books. Discovering a new author is one of the great joys of reading.

~Magen not Megan

[Erica Coon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallmark Christmas-y vibe. The characters make you fall in love with them instantly and it has so many little details about celebrating Christmas all throughout the book. I also did not expect the ending to go the way it did!

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute. Festive. Reads like a simple Hallmark rom-com. That said, at times it's disjointed, skips around and incredibly formulaic. Ultimately the writing is hard to read, but the story is heartwarming in an overly simplified way.

[Diana Kush · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! Having lived in the next town to Beaufort I could visualize the quaint scene. It truly is a Hallmark town and this book captures that. I also loved the authors wholesome, faith based writing style.

[Jacklyn Lisette Hurtado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candy shop Christmas, ended being a nice book to read as we head into the holidays. I got to enjoy reading this book and being able to learn the main characters.

[Elizabeth Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book

I loved the gentle twists and turns. The characters were so enjoyable as well as the storyline. The ending was the best! Christmas miracles!!!!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the feels. The perfect cozy, Christmas read especially if you are familiar with eastern Carolina.

[Heather Craven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful uplifting Christmas story. Love the coastal setting of Beaufort NC! Beach read meets Hallmark Christmas.

[Lisa Dollbaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Hallmark movie’ish

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Enjoyed the story although a bit slow. The ending was a big surprise that I did not see coming! Characters were great.

[Kelly Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the small town Romance with a little suspense and mischief added in. A feel good cozy book right in my backyard.

[Tuwanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book was written very well and has a great pace. Great holiday romance. I loved that all of the characters have realistic personalities.

[Dawn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! And have enjoyed all of Joey's books!

[Heather Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey Jones did it again giving us another romantic story, where we fall in love with the character. The setting was exactly like the real place and I appreciated the history that was included.

[MaryLou W · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable read

[Ashley Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! From the Beaufort waterfront to Swansboro you could definitely feel like you were in the story! It was amazing and so local!

[Julie Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and can see it becoming a Hallmark movie. I like that it was a Christian/clean romance.

[Roxanne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Ever After

I have enjoyed all of your books ! This was a feel good book ! One highly recommend! Everyone needs a Merry Christmas !

[Lisa D'Amico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love his writing! what a change from homicides for me. I love reading about different places in North Carolina where I live. He mashed me want to visit all of these places. I also love seeing Joey at my local festivals!