The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

Cosy Chocolate Shop #1

by Caroline Roberts

*The new, deliciously festive ‘Cosy’ novel from the Kindle bestselling author of The Cosy Teashop in the Castle*

The snow is falling, the hot chocolate’s warming, and hearts are melting . . .

Emma is the proud owner of The Chocolate Shop by the Sea, nestled in the heart of the cosy seaside village that’s become her home. With Christmas right around the corner, she and her assistant Holly are busy cooking up the locals’ festive favourites.

From cinnamon hot chocolates to reindeer lollipops, Christmas wouldn’t taste the same without a little cocoa magic. And for Emma it’s the perfect distraction from her romantic pains of the past. So when the shop’s miserly landlord threatens to hike up the rent, Emma’s Christmas and New Year suddenly look a lot less cheerful.

With the whole village rallying behind her – and loyal spaniel Alfie by her side – Emma’s determined to hold onto her chocolate-box dream.

The chocolate calendar countdown is on. Can Emma rescue her business and her broken heart?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Holiday, Adult

409 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2019

About the author

Family, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make me smile. I love writing emotional stories about love, loss, betrayal, and family, that explore how complex and yet beautiful love can be. I also like to write romantic comedy, letting the characters have a bit of flirty fun too! I believe in following your dreams and working hard towards them, which led me to Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and a publishing deal (woop!) after many years of writing. Stunning Northumberland is my home – sandy beaches, castles and gorgeous countryside that have inspired my writing.

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: You will crave chocolate while reading this novel!

This was a heart warming story about finding your own strength, keeping up with life after tragedy and dealing with everyday issues one who runs a business has.

But most of all, it's a story about love, the importance of the family and people we surround ourselves with.

I enjoyed spending my time in a small town Warkton by the Sea.

If you're looking for a relaxing festive read, look no further!

And the bonus part: you get two chocolate recipes to make your own truffles.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit while reading this delectable Chocolate Shop book I had to eat some chocolates and drink some tea. I'll also admit they weren't fancy chocolates like the shop sells in this book but while eating my chocolate I wasn't complaining! This is a delightfully fun romantic light comedy . Emma is the proud owner of The Chocolate Shop by the Sea. It's in the heart of heart of the cosy seaside village. She had moved there after a tragedy happened during her last romance. The town's people have taken her to their bosom and she is now one of them. I loved reading about all the different types of chocolate delights in her shop and how she made them. Reading about the new recipe's she labored over with love in her heart to delight her customers was fun. It started out being Christmas time in the candy shop and goes through the seasons,Easter,Valentines Day,etc and comes full circle back to Christmas. Lots of late nights and early mornings are required for the business to run and Emma still is having financial troubles and the landlord is a knocking! Read what she does to get the shop back on track. A cute dog and a handsome man add to the delight of the story. With the shops fairy lights,chocolate reindeer,fancy drinks,luscious flavors and an atmosphere that you'll want to revisit this is one warm and cosy holiday read.
Pub Date 02 Nov 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very boring. This was because I have recently read another book by Caroline Roberts which seemed to be the same story as this one, just in a different setting.
I think if I’d only read this one I would have enjoyed it more so don’t let me put you off.
It’s a lovely book to read and enjoy but not for me.

[Sana Zameer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really struggled to finish this.The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop has nothing christmassy about it. It's not even a proper romance. The writing seemed disjointed, the pacing too slow with lots of awkward dialogues. It's mainly about Emma running her chocolate shop and her day to day routine. It was boring and repetitive. Emma lacked personality. She is indecisive, living in the past still grieving for her dead fiance for the past seven years. All she is capable of is making chocolates.

The romance was just horrible. We didn't even get to properly meet Max, before he disappeared for nine months. I mostly got the impression that Emma was more irritated with Max rather than liking him. She keeps comparing him to her dead fiance. Her hot/cold reaction annoyed me so much. Even when Emma is with him she is talking about her chocolate shop. Over all it was a very boring read.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog - thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com

I just want to start by pointing out that this is probably the best blurb I've ever read. How tempting does that whole description sound?! From cinnamon hot chocolates to the reindeer lollipops and the cocoa magic, I want it all! I've never fell more in love with a book from just it's synopsis as much as I have with this one! I also completely fell in love with the cover, I absolutely adore the colours used - they're not your traditional Christmas colours, pink and blue - but they work so well and it does look really festive as well as really beautiful.

With that aside, it's also a really enjoyable and festive filled novel. I must say, that all the Caroline Roberts novels I've read I've really enjoyed all of them. They're all feel-good, heartwarming and romantic reads with some laugh-out-loud moments too. And this one is no different. Who could resist a book about a chocolate shop at Christmas? Not me! My mouth was watering about the descriptions of Emma creating her chocolates - they all sounded sooo tasty! I feel that Bev is very lucky to have Emma as a best friend! And Holly is also as lucky to be able to work there.

The story follows main character Emma who owns her own chocolate shop in a cute little village. Emma loves her chocolate shop (and I can understand why!) but she soon finds out that her rent is going to be put up with only one months notice! So, Emma and the whole village try to hold onto Emma's shop as it is much loved within the village community. But, can Emma afford to pay the rent for much longer?

This story is full of Christmas sparkle and will certainly leave you feeling festive - and tempted to get the Christmas chocolates out already! You'll soon be desperate to read some more of Caroline Roberts novels. I would definitely recommend giving this a read! You won't regret it.

Overall, a really enjoyable Festive read. Perfect for those cosy Sundays curled up by the fire with hot chocolate. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas, a cute dog, a chocolate shop and a gorgeous man - what more could a girl wish for in a book? Well for me absolutely nothing, this was such a sumptuous story, I just didn't want it to end.

I don't think there was a second reading this book where I wasn't really hungry and craving some of Emma's exquisitely hand crafted chocolates. The flavours popped off the page, as did the shapes and designs. I really wanted to eat all of them, or just visit the shop for its spectacular window displays.

Without a doubt this is a chocolate lovers paradise of a book, just make sure you have some of your own on hand as a snack, although I doubt it would taste as nice as Emma's.

So not the largest chocolate fan? Don't worry there is more than enough story in the book too, for Emma isn't having the best time of it, something happened in her past that makes her not really want a man, and her landlord keeps putting her rent up, making her finances a problem.

I loved Emma's best friend Bev and her assistant Holly, as well as Emma's willingness to help anyone she can. This book takes place over a year so although a fair amount of it is festive, it could be read pre or post festive season quite easily.

In a nice change from books by the sea being set in Devon or Cornwall, this one is in Northumberland which has a different feel to it, and you get to know the location really well, and it was so nice to be on the coast.

I adored this book, it really is quite cosy, its definitely Christmas and without a doubt there is a chocolate shop which all combines into a fabulous novel that I would highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was totally amazing such a lovely easy read and perfect read for the run up to Christmas and if you love chocolate it's even better. It's warm but heartbreaking at times to and sad but does it have the happy ending. Full of romance and struggling to move on from the past well worth reading. Emma has made her home in a lovely seaside resort and had a chocolate shop he works with Holly and she's trying to make a life after loosing her boyfriend when he's killed. One Boxing Day she bumps into someone on the sea front and shares a kids so she wonders if she able to move forward but he disappears and doesn't show up for months. She's also under threat of loosing her shop as the owner increases the rent can she find ways to earn more and move forward. When this handsome man turns up again can she move forward and be happy with him or does she think she's betraying her boyfriend who died. This is simply a must read as such a heartwarming story and really has you wondering what will happen next.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gorgeous book- full of friendship, romance, a coastal setting and the most wonderful chocolate shop. Emma is trying to make her little shop profitable but still a magical place for the locals to buy their weekly treats.

Northumberland is somewhere I would love to visit and it would be great to find a little chocolate shop when I manage to spend a holiday there!

The scenes are drawn so clearly that you can taste the new chocolates being created and picture the window displays enticing everyone walking past. The christmas display sounded particularly pretty.

Emma's friends are lovely and Holly, the young girl who works in the shop on a Saturday is a delightful character. She comes up with the idea to make the shop into a cafe to bring extra customers through the doors and the plans are so exciting.

[Ema Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely read! Really enjoyed reading something other than fantasy!
Tho now I'm in the mood to eat lots of chocolate and drink loads of tea 😂
It almost feels like this book was written about me and my dog....shame I don't own a chocolate shop 😅

[Hej__jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Für dieses Leseerlebnis brauchst du:

  

1. Ein super gemütliches Plätzchen in deinem zu Hause

2. Viele Kissen und Decken zum Kuscheln

3. Dicke Kuschelsocken zum warm bleiben

4. Kerzen, warme Lichtchen oder am besten einen Kamin der wärmt und gleichzeitig einen goldenen Schein über alles legt

5. Ein paar Kekse für den kleinen Hunger zwischendurch oder...

um sie den Kakao zu tunken der jetzt folgt

6. Einen heißen, schokoladigen, cremigen, mit allem drum und dran Kakao der Herz, Seele und Körper wärmt


Jetzt bist du gerichtet und kannst dich auf eine Geschichte einlassen, die Herz, Seele und Geist wärmt und mit so viel weihnachtlicher Liebe angefüllt ist, dass ich sie nicht mehr verlassen wollte. Dieses Buch schickt dich auf eine Reise in ein Weihnachtswunderland mit allem was das Herz begehrt. Weihnachtlicher Kitsch inklusive und absolut erwünscht, denn wenn es eine Zeit im Jahr gibt in der es ruhig mal so richtig schön kitschig sein darf, dann ist es die Weihnachtszeit. 


Die Geschichte rund um Emma, ihre zauberhafte kleine Chocolaterie, ihre Freunde und Emmas Hund Alfie, der mein Herz gestohlen hat, hat mich einfach nur verzaubert. Über all dem liegt dieser ganz besondere Schimmer von Weihnachten und natürlich gibt es am Ende ein verzauberndes Happy End. Das muss einfach sein :) Doch bis dahin gibt es viel zu erleben und zu entdecken und vor allem lassen wir uns von Emmas köstlich, schokoladigen Kreationen inspirieren und seit diesem Buch trinke ich keinen Kakao mehr ohne vorher Zimt rein getan zu haben *__* Einfach köstlich. 


Du willst Weihnachten, Schokolade, Kitsch und Liebe - hier bist du richtig. Lese mit und komm mit mir zusammen in ein gemütliches Cottage an die Küste von
Northumberlands und erfahre die wahre Magie von Schokolade und Weihnachten.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this was a lovely read, and I really liked the story, it didn’t exactly keep me gripped.
It was enjoyable though and had some lovely characters and The Chocolate Shop Cafe sounded adorable, definitely somewhere I’d spend some time!

A nice winter read.

[Rainy Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book. It's heartwarming and all but I wish it can stop the consistent up and down roller coaster of good and bad situations in Emma's life. I mean, I read this chapter and it's all good life for Emma, and the next was bad life, and the other next was back to good again, and repeat. I also wish that Emma would stop this hot and cold attitude towards Max, like come on girl! Make up your mind already! I like those chocolates portrayed in this book, clearly the author had done a good research on chocolates to be able to put all these in this book. I even had some chocolates while reading this. I like the close-knit community of Warkton, on how they helped each other when in need. If you want to read a book that stands for the closeness of a community and the harmonious family bonds, then this is definitely the book for you.

PS: I really want to try chocolate-dipped orange slices one day.

[Melanie Mole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Caroline Roberts. I really liked it from the first page. The whole book is like Christmas wrapped in a wonderful present for the reader. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. You actually feel like you know the characters personally because their lives are described in such detail that you can't help but imagine yourself right there as part of it all. The ending makes you want to forget what you are doing and head right to this beautiful little village by the sea so that you don't miss a single second. Absolutely gorgeous!

[Fiona MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I had the same issue with this as I did with the ‘The cosy tea shop in the castle’ - the random and highly inappropriate sex scenes that do not need to be in a book like this. This isn’t a ‘sexy book; it’s supposed to be cosy chick lit. It spoilt things a bit. Moreover, I just didn’t much care for the main character, Emma. Her on again off again relationship with Max infuriated me - she couldn’t make up her mind about him and whether she was ready to move on after seven years of grieving her ex partner, and this caused her (in my opinion) to treat him not particularly well. He did all the chasing of her when they ‘got together’ and was constantly driving down from hours away on a building site to spend the evening with her because she was tired from a day selling chocolates and clearly couldn’t do the same in return. She just came across as a bit whiny, and some of the conversations between them were cringey and disjointed. She then decided after having a lovely time where the sex outweighed everything else that it was all ‘happening too fast’ and cut him off without explaining why. I also couldn’t actually work out what was so special about Max that she spent 9 months thinking about him after he bizarrely kissed her on the beach as a complete stranger. We don’t ever find out much overall and it seemed strange that a) she spent all that time pining for him when she didn’t know him based on 1 kiss (despite grieving), but then when she did get to be with him b) he seemed more of an inconvenience yet at the same time someone worthy of her moving on with when he just seemed a bit flat and 2D. She can’t have it both ways!
I did however love to hear the process of making delicious chocolates for the shop, although after a while even this was a bit repetitive. The book could’ve been half the length.

[Gitti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma hat sich nach einem Schicksalsschlag in einem kleinen Ort in Northumberland eine neue Zukunft mit einem kleinen Schokoladenladen aufgebaut. An sich läuft der Laden gut, käme da nicht eine Mieterhöhung dazu, die sie an die Grenzen ihrer Belastbarkeit bringt. Da heißt es neue Ideen umsetzen und den Laden bekannter zu machen. Gemeinsam mit ihren Freunden schafft sie es dem Laden eine neue Perspektive zu geben. Auch privat scheint sich alles zum glücklichen zu wenden, lernt sie doch Max kennen, der sich in sie verliebt. Doch muss Emma auch den Mut aufbringen, eine neue Beziehung einzugehen.

Das Buch hat mir gut gefallen, Emmas Laden ist wirklich zauberhaft und man möchte nur zu gerne ihre Schokoladenkreationen alle probieren. Und auch die Gemeinschaft im Dorf und der Rückhalt ihrer Freunde ist schön beschrieben. Die Charaktere sind sehr liebenswert und auch die Nebenpersonen sind toll ausgearbeitet. Das einzige was mich wirklich gestört hat, war Emmas dauerndes hin und her in der Beziehung zu Max. Sie ist sich derart unsicher und ängstlich dass sie der Beziehung immer wieder den Boden entzieht. Sie kann von Glück reden, dass Max sie wirklich liebt und sehr geduldig ist. Durch das hin und her zieht sich das Buch in der zweiten Hälfte ein wenig. Aber alles in allem lässt es sich schön lesen und die Stimmung im Laden und auf den Weihnachtsmärkten kommt toll rüber.

Von daher gibt es von mir durchaus eine Leseempfehlung.

[Gem ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful, adorable book that is both ideal and hell if you are a chocoholic (I was craving truffles throughout!). The technical details of being a chocolatier and mouthwatering varieties the shop offers are thoroughly well researched and a huge bonus to this book.
The characters are instantly loveable, I just felt the main romance lacked a little in the sizzling chemistry department, I'm not sure why, possibly because I've read some particularly well written attraction plots this year, but the hesitance and back story of Emma does explain why it is perhaps difficult, and certainly complicated. There were also a few moments where certain aspects of the plot lost me or seemed to just end without much explanation which I did find a bit disorientating, a bit smoother editing was needed in my opinion.
Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for this opportunity to review honestly.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This book gave me a massive craving for chocolate after just a few pages so I treated myself to a box and I wrapped myself up warm and snuggled down to read the book - definitely the best way for me to enjoy it!  

Well, I loved the storyline and the characters were great too, it was a really well written book and one that I flew through reading in a few hours, in fact I didn't realise how far I'd read and the percentage was soon creeping upon my Kindle - time was literally flying by and I completely lost myself in the story - being a mum to a 17 week baby it was just what I needed - it gave me some well deserved "me" time! 

I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is definitely one of the best Christmas reads that I've read so far in 2017 - really highly recommended and 5 festive stars from me - treat yourself to a copy today!!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I'm going to say about this delightful read, is that I feel as if I've put some pounds on in weight after reading all about the yummy sounding chocolates that Emma makes and stocks in her cosy chocolate shop. It's even making me what to make some myself, hmmm good job there's some recipes at the back of the book.

In addition to all of the chocolate yummyness, the author has created a truly wonderful cosy and heartfelt story with lots of Christmas festive moments, which was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.  I loved getting to know all of the characters including the adorable Alfie. I also loved experiencing Emma's journey and discovering where it would take her.

So all in all a perfect read for the Christmas holiday or anytime during the year. 

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tasty, mouthwatering treat this story proved to be! Although the title indicates it to be a festive read, the action occurs over more than a year, so I suspect it will prove to be a delicious read, whatever the season. Who doesn’t love some hand-crafted chocolate, an adorable spaniel, a hard working chocolatier and a handy, handsome builder who specialises in coming to her rescue?

Journey to the North East of England, to the seaside town where Emma has retreated following the tragic death of her fiancé. There she’s followed her dream of opening her own Chocolate shop and all seems to be going well - until her landlord instigates an extortionate rent hike! With support from her shop assistant, Holly, and her best friend, Bev, as well as family and some unexpected friends innovation and hard work are the key to her keeping her shop open. There’s also a few romances in waiting - but only if Emma can learn to give love a chance after her heartbreaking past and you need to read it yourself to discover any others!

The tagline for this story is “The perfect, feel good romantic comedy to curl up with this Christmas!” and I have to agree - though I think it works brilliantly whatever the season. It is a lovely change to have the story set away from the South West of England and the author brings this Northumberland setting vividly to life in the story. It has plenty of drama, laugh out loud incidents and fun, great characters and a lively plot. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys reading romances, especially ones in which the local community characters all have their role to play.

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow as im taking part in the blog tour for this book! check out jessicasbookbiz.blogspot.co.uk

[Amanda Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Warm, fun and engaging. It was perfect reading for the turn of the year.

[Jennifer Bibby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet pleasant read

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this review copy. Also thank you to Emilie from Harper Collins for giving me the opportunity to be part of the blog tour.

We are introduced in this book to the Cosy Chocolate Shop by the Sea. It is run and owned by Emma. She hand makes delicious chocolates and sells them along with her young assistant Holly. She receives a letter from her landlord one day who is advising her that her rent will be going up. Emma only just about gets by with the shop as it is, but now has to come up with a plan to make more money. Alongside that, she also meets a mysterious stranger whilst walking on the beach. Can this stranger help Emma to hold onto the Chocolate Shop?

I was so excited to get this book! I’ve read all of Caroline Robert’s books and I’ve loved all of them, with this one being no exception. Emma is a lovely character, and you really feel for her with all the problems that she is facing. She lives on her own, and has no one to share these with except a few close friends and her dog Alfie. Her story of her past has me in tears by the end of the book, it wasn’t what I expected.

The story grabs you from page one and flows along so nicely. It’s a warm story of love, romance, friendship and life. Of course, I haven’t yet mentioned the chocolate and there is plenty of it throughout the whole book! I’m sure I’ve put on 3 stone just by reading this book! Why are there no shops like this anywhere that I ever go? The descriptions of the home made chocolates are just absolutely divine, and there are also a few recipes in the back of the book if you fancy being a DIY chocolatier!

It is set throughout the year, but Christmas does focus strongly in it, and it fits in perfectly with the story. It is so festive and perfect for this time of year. This book is a definite must have and is absolutely perfect for chick lit and romance lovers! Such a great book by a great author!

Five Stars!

[JG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, easy to read book with festive romance and chocolates to boot!

Set in your a-typical English seaside village, this book is based around a chocolate shop and its chocolatier, Emma. Emma opened the chocolate shop following the sudden and unexpected death of her finance. Having turned her back on teaching, when it became a too painful link to her ex-love Luke, Emma sets her sights on opening her little Chocolate Shop by the Sea, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Emma is popular, kind, loveable and yet painfully lonely. She has a small number of close friends and family nearby and also a young work colleague that she’s close to but apart from her dog, Alfie, Emma keeps herself to herself and tries to take each day as it comes. That is until she is walking on the beach on Boxing Day and stumbles across a man who takes her breath away. Max is a builder and devilishly handsome but after their unexpected and unusual meeting, Emma doesn’t see him again for months.

With her encounter with Max a distant but sweet memory, the story continues with Emma trying to keep her little shop financially viable and looking at ways to make its future more certain, especially with her landlord and his rent increases always looming overhead.

Working part-time for Emma is 16-year-old Holly. Holly is another likeable character who has her own love story to share with readers - although her age did make me question the believability of her connection with Adam. I’d rather her have been 18 and nearing the end of her time at 6th form when starting out in a new relationship with a 20-year-old. But, that said, their connection was sweet and, if you ignored Holly’s age, her blossoming relationship with Adam kind of kept this story afloat until Emma’s relationship with Max finally got off the ground.

Emma’s relationship with Max is very tentative, despite Max making his feelings known to Emma. Finding it hard to get over what happened to Luke, Emma takes one step forward with Max then a dozen backwards. It’s only when her feelings are forced upon her, that Emma realises that she does love Max but can she ever really overcome her fear of losing yet another love?

I did enjoy this story overall, at times it was a little slow and deliberate in its plot but it kept my attention until its rather abrupt ending. I’m the first to say that I don’t like epilogues but the lack of one here did make the ending feel a little unfinished.

Overall, the book feels very similar to others on the market but if you enjoy the sweet romance stories set by the sea at Christmas time then this book will be right up your street.

This ebook was kindly provided by the author, publisher and Netgalley prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.



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[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet introduction to all the Christmas novels that I'm planning on reading this year, and was the perfect way to forget about the world for a couple of days. I was looking for something light to get me into the Christmas spirit and this book got me on the right track.

Honestly, I wouldn't call this a true Christmas book, but rather a book framed by Christmas. It opens on Christmas Eve and ends on Boxing Day the next year, but it mainly focuses on Emma (the main character) and her struggles as she tries to keep her chocolate shop open. In total there are maybe 50 pages that focus on the Christmas period so if you are looking for a immersive Christmas trip maybe choose a different book.

However don't let that fact put you off reading this book! It was a light-hearted sweet romance that has a cute dog and so much chocolate in it, so what more could you really need? Although the Christmas scenes were very sparse the whole book had the warm feeling that comes with Christmas, especially as the whole community comes together to help Emma with a can-do spirit. I'll be honest, the story is kind of predictable, but to be fair I have read hundreds of books that are like this one so I've pretty much every variation on this kind of story. And I really didn't mind the predictability because the story was enjoyable enough in its own rights.

There are a good cast of characters who actually have personalities, and I felt genuinely invested in their storylines. Emma was a genuinely interesting person to read about, not only because she has this secret which you're trying to figure out, but because she has interests outside of her man. Of course she has her chocolates, which all sound absolutely brilliant, and she also has other friends that she can talk to. It was lovely to see that Emma had a substantial group of friends, not only in the local village but with old friends who she'd stayed friends with for years. So many of these types of stories have the main character be a total hermit, only having one friend and a love interest, but Emma has several groups of friends, as well as her family who you get to learn about throughout the book.

The only character that was hard to connect with was Holly, the 17-year old employee who is friends with Emma. As much as I loved her I kept on forgetting that she was 17 because she a) spoke like she was in her 30s and b) was treated like she was in her 30s. The only way I remembered that she was 17 was because she was talking about her A-levels and college, because otherwise she could have been one of Emma's 30 year old friends. Despite that Emma was a well-rounded character, but it would have been more believable if she had been a bit older.

A couple of things that I found funny and a little unbelievable:
+ she met up with her dead fiancée's parents and they told her that it had been 7 years so she should get over their son
+ she was talking to the guy who wanted to get with her and thought he was being sincere when he said that her ex would probably want her to move on (he's trying to get into your pants!)
+ I found it odd that no one wanted to talk about how she was feeling about getting with a new guy. I really wish Bev had had a conversation with Emma about how she was feeling, rather than just 'damn, that sucks but it's been 7 years'.

Of all the fun Christmas romance books I've read this was definitely one of the more enjoyable ones (but I may be biased because it had a dog in it). It was light-hearted, with some more serious undertones, there was a romance that you rooted for and you got to read about a large cast of characters. Fun times.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma loves making chocolate and has her own shop, The Chocolate Shop by the Sea. It's a success, but it's hard to make a profit and she could still use extra income. The holidays are always busy, especially Christmas. She's finally feeling all right again after having her heart broken in a terrible way many years ago. Making chocolate distracts and heals. Emma has good friends and she has a loyal teenage employee, Holly. Emma's dog Alfie brings her much joy as well, but there's still something missing in Emma's life. She could use a spark.

Emma's rent is being raised and she needs to come up with a plan for extra business otherwise she'll have to close her beloved shop. She has to make some changes, will she be able to save her business and maybe benefit in other ways as well? Can she combine expanding her business with a few dates? When Emma meets Max she isn't ready for a man in her life yet, but she does like him. Will she find the courage to give love a chance again?

The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop is a delicious feelgood story. Emma is as sweet as her chocolates. She loves her chocolate shop and I enjoyed reading about the passion she has for her work. Due to her kindheartedness she's the perfect owner for a lovely chocolate shop and I could easily picture her behind the counter. She's easy to love and attracts all kinds of wonderful people, which made the story immediately interesting. Emma has her shop and there are many people she loves, but she's still on her own at the end of the day. There's nobody who deserves to be the one for someone more than she and I couldn't wait to find out if she'd find her happily ever after.

Caroline Roberts has written a fabulous festive story. I loved her warm and welcoming descriptions of the chocolate shop. The way she writes about chocolate made my mouth water. It's obvious she's done her research and the result is a story that will make people happy, who doesn't love reading about a delightful assortment of chocolates in a gorgeous chocolate shop? It kept putting a big smile on my face. The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop is a great combination of heartwarming winter romance and heavenly descriptions of the most amazing treats. I really enjoyed reading this tasty book.

[Karschtl · Rating 3 out of 5]

So schön wie der Schokoladen von Emma in dem kleinen Küstenort in Northumberland beschrieben ist würde ich da selbst gerne arbeiten. Oder zumindest mal zum naschen vorbei schauen. Manche der Kreationen, die zahlreich und oft erwähnt werden im Verlauf des Buches, klingen wirklich köstlich!

Dagegen fällt die Handlung leider nur sehr durchschnittlich aus. Sie plätschert so vor sich dahin, mit kleinen Höhen und Tiefen, die manchmal arg konstruiert wirken. Das erste Treffen von Emma und Max, ihr darauffolgendes Sehnen nach dem Unbekannten während sie sich gleichzeitig einredet, dass es ja nun nicht so ungewöhnlich ist dass man mal jemanden begegnet, stürmisch küsst und dann nie wiedersieht. Ja, ne, überhaupt nicht! Als sich später einer der beiden doch wieder zurückzieht wirkt das auch sehr aufgesetzt, und fungierte wohl nur als 'Spannungsgenerator' für die Story - zündet aber in dieser Funktion eh nicht.

Spannung oder auch Spaß fand ich in diesem Buch nicht. Die Geschichte hat eher einen leicht melancholischen Touch, weil Emmas Herz immer noch an ihrer verlorenen großen Liebe hängt. Diese wird mehrfach erwähnt, ohne aber genau zu erzählen was genau geschehen ist. Ständig werden nur Andeutungen gemacht - wahrscheinlich auch um Spannung aufzubauen. Klappte aber auch hier nicht, es wird mit der Zeit nur nervig und man möchte ihr am liebsten zurufen "Jetzt erzähl es doch endlich!". Vor allem weil die 'Auflösung' am Ende dann auch eher in die 08/15 Kategorie fällt.

Trotz all dieser Kritik habe ich mich beim Lesen dennoch wohl gefühlt. Behaglich! Neudeutsch würde man wohl "hygge" sagen. Genau in diese Kategorie fällt dieser Roman für mich, und damit findet er ganz sicher auch sein Lesepublikum.

[Evie Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. I've literally just finished this book, and I'm stumped as to what to say in the best way. This book is more than just a cute romance novel, it's a book about the trials and tribulations of love, the impact that lost love can have on you, and the fear of opening yourself up again.

Emma was someone who both resonated with me and whom I admired; her determination to fight for her dream to stay alive was empowering, and her fear of being hurt again was so well written that it was palpable, at least for me.

The characters in this book are all well developed, charming, realistic and funny. The romance certainly packed a punch as did the plot, there were suspenseful moments for sure even at times where I guessed what was going to happen. I truly didn't expect this book to affect me as much as it has done, but I guess that's what happens when you read a book at the perfect time in your life.

I'm sad to see these characters go, I want more of their story but I have loved the journey and will definitely be picking up more of Caroline's novels. Ah, Emma you and your chocolate have touched my heart in such a way that I'll definitely be coming back to your story next Christmas.
A must read for anyone who's looking for an escape over Christmas filled with meaning, humor, cute moments and beautiful writing.

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t happen.
First I was sadly disappointed because it was listed under Netgalley as romance book, but it’s not. In order for a book to be romance the romance has to be the main focus of a story and in this story you don’t even get to know the hero name until after chapter 20 and you still never get his background other then what he did for a living, his little detail of an x-girlfriend a few other likes and dislikes. One could say well, he was there is over 20 so that would even it out right? Not really because even after she meets Max, he still wasn’t the main focus, her business was first and far most Max was second and you can see that with the on again off again and her mind set still on her business. Also, keep note when she was off with him the story of her business just kept going so he really wasn’t there that much.

My other big disappointment was after Emma finally got with max they were on again and off again several times. They would go out one night and she would just decide this wasn’t for her and didn’t want to see him anymore, got rather annoying after a couple of times
The main focus of this story is Emma, her chocolate shop ups and downs and her assistant. I was very impressed with the detail of the chocolate making and ownership of the shop, the author must have done a lot of research for the story.

This is a sweet romance so no sexual rating for this one. I want to also note the majority of the story is first person and it’s Emma POV unlike the majority of romance stories being third persons.

I was going to rate this book a three star, because it got rather good after she meets Max, but her on again and off again relationship just put me off and it seem to just drag the story out way too much for my taste. The main focus of the story was not romance and to tell you the truth it didn’t have much Christmas to the story and that is what I look for when Christmas is in the title so I settled for 2 stars.

For you America readers bewared this book is by a British author so, you’ll find some words spelled differently, mention of British holidays that you may not know and there is no reference to help readers that don’t know about the holiday she is talking about. I’m lucky I have an English gamer friend, so I could easily understand the holiday and spellings, but if it wasn’t for him I would have had no clue what some of it was. I want to mention this because I see so many readers get upset because things like this, when they really shouldn't.

If you're looking for a great heartfelt sorry about a struggling lady trying to keep her candy shop and a touch of romance, please give this story a try. The authors writing style is great, but for a romance reader I have to have the romance as the main focus.

I almost forgot to make mention there are a couple of truffles recipes in the back of the book, Festive chocolate-orange truffles and Emma's Boozy truffles.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book last year in an Advent competition but it was too late to read it last Christmas.

What I loved about this story was the community spirit. The way everyone is thoughtful of each other and wanting to help the best they can.

The setting in Northumberland was great too. I could just imagine myself walking along the beach and enjoying a picnic in the dunes. And of course The Chocolate Shop was a fabulous setting. It is obvious the author knows/has researched how to handcraft chocolates.

The secondary characters are brilliant. We all need a 'Bev' in our lives. :)

I started off having much admiration for Emma - for her strength and determination to overcome financial and emotional obstacles. I liked her a lot. Near the end though I wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to live in the moment, to give life a chance. She was frustrating me.

If you like your romances with a will they/won't they thread throughout the story you'll enjoy this one.