Sweet Dreams Baby

Love at the Chocolate Shop #12

by C.J. Carmichael

Three weeks ago, Portia Bishop mailed a letter to the father of her baby, Saddle Bronc rider Austin Bradshaw. It’s a letter she should have written a long time ago—like when she first found out she was pregnant, shortly after she ended things with Austin, dropped out of college, and went running to her family in Marietta, Montana.

Austin has loved Portia since he first laid his eyes on her in college. A year ago, he convinced her to do something impulsive and very romantic. Now, as he opens her letter, Austin has two reasons to return to Marietta–win back the heart of the woman he still loves and convince her he's a good bet for a forever man and father.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Westerns

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2017

About the author

USA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.

Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.

Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com

For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia Bishop had returned home to Marietta, MT about a year ago having dropped out of college and obviously running from something upsetting in her life. Shortly after arriving in Marietta Portia finds out that she is pregnant but refuses to talk to any of her friends or family about who the father is or just why she returned home. Taking a job in Sage's Copper Mountain Chocolate shop Portia kept her secrets to herself and gave birth to a beautiful baby.

Now Portia has realized that she needs to make contact with the baby's father so she decides to send him a letter letting him know where she is and that she is ready to talk. Austin Bradshaw has since graduated from college but is still riding in the rodeo circuit not having decided on a career just yet when he receives the letter from Portia. Austin is still very much in love with Portia but is in for quite a shock when he arrives and finds that she hasn't told him about his baby.

Sweet Dreams Baby by C.J. Carmichael is the twelfth and final book to the Love at the Chocolate Shop series written by various authors. Each book in the series has featured a separate couple and can be read as a standalone although for readers that have followed the series there is always little updates of previous characters from the stories and the charm of the small town of Marietta can be found throughout the series.

Finally after following this series since the very beginning I was awarded with the answers to the biggest mystery in Marietta, just what Portia's story was when she returned to town. All I can say now that her story has finally been told is that is was well worth the wait and a beautiful ending to a wonderful series. Portia and Austin made an awesome couple to round out the series being that they had a history and can now build and grow together.

This particular edition also had a ton of wonderful updates all throughout of previous characters and Sage was featured quite a bit with what is going on with the chocolate shop I'd grown to love over the past twelve reads. Portia and Austin also got involved in another Marietta event that brings out the small town charm and shows just how this town pulls together. And for the fans of the entire series there is an epilogue to finish off this twelfth book that just made such a wonderful end. Definitely recommend this series to any fan of more clean romance reads full of small town charm.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Young Love, Is It Strong Enough Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
The title of this review really is the crux of this tale, Sweet Dreams Baby (Love at the Chocolate Shop #12) by C.J. Carmichael. For those who have been following this enjoyable series revolving around the infamous Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop, we have had the continuing thread of Portia Bishop, her mysterious reasons and actions for dropping out of college, coming back to family and Marietta, Montana to hide from it all.

Doing the last installment for a well liked series can be daunting. There is so much that has been set in stone. Circumstances have been laid out. Characters have had their arcs and it is a huge responsibility to tie up all of the loose threads for a satisfying end for the readers.

Oh, and then add in the final coupling the readers have been teased about for the entire 11 installments...Yup, a lot to have on an author's plate. In C. J. Carmichael's capable hands most of it goes off with out a hitch. She does a solid job of weaving in much of the past characters, story hints and other details to create a backdrop for Portia's story.

The only task which was something that could not be overcome was the actual two characters she had to work with, Portia and Austin. They were decent people but the undeniable issue was their own youth and sometimes stubborn immaturity...And let's face it...Youth is wasted on the young...

Portia comes from a home where her examples of marriage was not the best...Her father was a huge Rodeo/Bull Rider Star. He traveled, left his wife at home and in the end...left her for a younger woman. It killed Portia as her father was this Mystical man... he would come home, just wrap his arms around her and make her feel everything was going to be alright.

Unfortunately, when her father divorced her mother, it felt like he divorced her and her sister too...he stopped communicating with her even to the point where the only way they talked was through the voice messages they left one another.

Austin Bradshaw fell hard for Portia the minute he met her in college. He was a few years older than Portia's 18. Austin was an Oxymoron - a Business Major who did Saddle Bronc Riding during the off time from school. He learned through Riding Camps, not from being on the ranch...but in his heart, being on the back of a bronc was an exhilaration like no other. He just loved the sport and used it to win his tuition for college.

Portia and Austin loved each other as the young do.... and then did something very impulsive.... Austin thought everything was on track... but for Portia...she became overwhelmed and ran....all the way back to Marietta....And it was there in Marietta, she discovered she was expecting a baby.

Throughout this series, Portia has never revealed the name of the father...She has had at times a difficult and emotional pregnancy...and all of it has been the concern of her family and friends while she has worked at the chocolate shop.

Portia gave birth and now her baby is 3 months old. He is adorable and the entire town feels a bit of ownership for him. As with very small towns, the gossip mill has either been supportive of Portia or the couple of Holier Than Thou mongers have given her harsh cutting remarks.

This last entry opens up with Portia on high alert. She finally did the right thing and sent a note to the baby's father telling him "They Needed to Talk". She keeps looking out the window of the shop thinking she has seen Austin or someone who looks just like him on the street. It makes her nervous because she hasn't a clue what the first conversation with him will be.

Portia knows she should have reached out sooner... but at first she had no idea what she was going to do... Then when she decided to carry the baby... time ran away from her She knows this final meeting with Austin is not going to be easy...it has been over a year.

When Austin came back from the two rodeo events he had scheduled, he was stunned to find Portia gone from their home. She had closed all forms of communication down and Austin was lost...Where was she and what did he do wrong....He loved her and had no idea what caused Portia to up and leave like she did. Austin tried everything looking for Portia to no avail. Austin was on the road and when he came back he saw the note from Portia after all this time. He dropped everything and came running. Now he just needs to see her and try to understand what caused this separation.

When these two finally cross paths...Austin has more to take in then just Portia... He has a baby...
a beautiful little boy he and Portia made... and he wasn't allowed to be part of anything...he missed so much... these feelings he has are overwhelming...

So here we have two people who need to figure out how the next part of their relationship is going to go...There are so many emotions, hurts and still feelings for each other...It will be a rocky road.

Portia's and Austin's story is the main event but there is so much more...The Chocolate Shop is at a turning point needing to expand but the landlord has old family grudges he is holding against Sage, the owner. There is still the rumored mystery of jewelry made back in the day never found.

As I said, C.J. Carmichael had her tasks cut out for her...she had to touch all the bases while making sure she followed the game plan in play. Overall she did a fine job. My only frustration was the way both these young people didn't talk plainly to each other... and just start from a different mental place...BUT as I said...Youth is sometimes wasted on the young...and it may have taken them awhile but eventually, they figured it all out and we had a strong ending...

With a possible off shoot for something more...

Melt My Heart, Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Montana Secret Santa (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Cure (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Charmed by Chocolate (Love at the Chocolate Shop #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Comeback (Love at the Chocolate Shop #7) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Home Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Summer's Kiss (Love at the Chocolate Shop #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Captured by Chocolate (Love at the Chocolate Shop #11)

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
This is it!
We finally get to learn all about Portia,
Who the Baby Daddy is
And if he is man enough to make it all better!

There will be lots of chocolate involved...

Sweet Dreams Baby (Love at the Chocolate Shop #12)

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Sally906 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to confess it was mostly the cover that first drew my attention to this book, followed by the blurb. I have previously read, and enjoyed, another of author C.J. Carmichael’s books – Snowbound in Montana – so I knew I would be in for another good read. I was not disappointed.

Austin arrives in Marietta in response to the letter mentioned in the blurb. He has NO idea he is a daddy until he sees Portia opening the door of the Chocolate Shop where she works, holding a baby. He thinks at first she is babysitting, but she tells him the truth and he gets to hold his son for the very first time. And so the story continues – they are both so young – and so in love but both are scared of committing for different reasons. They are each wanting to make the noble sacrifice for the other, despite being miserable over the sacrifice, and they are both wanting only the best for their son, which may not be the best for them. Lack of communication ensures there is lots of misunderstanding and this angst is played out against a backdrop of three other secondary stories. The Chocolate Shop is in danger of having to close down due to a nasty landlord, there are missing family jewels and fundraising is needed to raise money for the burnt down rodeo stadium.

I loved Austin he is smart, still in love, sporty, strong, considerate and always willing to pitch in and help out where needed – even making chocolate! Portia is very mixed up – with a split home behind her, and feeling rejected by her father she doesn’t want her son to come from a broken home – not even thinking that by not giving him one at all she is letting history repeat. She has been keeping secrets from her family as well as Austin and as the secrets unravel she finally has enough peace and confidence to start making decisions.

Sweet Dreams, Baby is the twelfth and final book in the series and reads perfectly as a stand-alone as I haven’t read any of the other books. Something I plan to remedy.


With thanks to Tule Publishing and the author via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

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

Writing the finale for a fantastic series must be a daunting task for any author but I have to say CJ Carmichael has done it brilliantly! Throughout the earlier eleven novels there has been the thread of wonder concerning Portia, the niece of the Chocolate Shop owner, Sage. Portia left college unexpectedly, moving to stay in Marietta and work in her aunt’s shop. Not long after that she discovered she was pregnant, but she refused to say who the father was or to contact him. This story is where she contacts him but doesn’t say why. When he arrives he discovers he’s a father and the baby is three months old . . . . Austin can’t believe Portia didn’t contact him earlier to let him be part of his son’s life.

This is a story of young love, misunderstandings, how the past affects reactions and anxieties and so much more for this young couple. Their story and eventual reconciliation after lots of drama, is the main focus for this story but there are plenty of secondary stories, too. The Chocolate Shop is in danger as the lease is nearing its expiry date and the landlord is holding a grudge against Sage’s family and being recalcitrant. There’s a mystery regarding family jewellery to be solved and all those earlier relationships to be brought up to date on, too - and, to top it all, the town needs to raise money for a new rodeo ground -wow!

This is a packed story with plenty of angst, turmoil, mystery, community and so much more, ensuring it is a real page turner. There’s also an ‘extra’ in the form of a “Series Epilogue” which tidies up any lose ends and brings the series to a superb finale. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, including this one, and have no hesitation in highly recommending them all to anyone who enjoys escaping into cleverly interwoven into a delightful series. Each book may be read as a standalone but I think they work brilliantly as a series and are so enjoyable it would be a shame to miss any of them!

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love at the Chocolate Shop is another of those series that I have dipped in and out of over the years. I selected this one for a challenge and it reminded me of why I love this series. This is the final book in the series, but I had no problem following the story. I loved all the characters, and of course the talk of chocolate. This is a romance, so I knew that things would work out for Portia and Austin, but the story of how they would arrive at that HEA kept me interested. I learned a bit about the family history, the reasons for some of the community rifts and how family difficulties can have a lasting effect on family members. This was a sweet, interesting story with some angst, which is to be expected. Austin is a swoon worthy love interest, and I was happy to see that Portia did get her feelings and emotions in check. Austin was willing to do what he had to in order to prove to Portia that he loved her and wanted to be a family, and I fell a little bit in love with him as well. Family reconciliations and future plans all worked out for a wonderful conclusion to this series. I am always amazed how these series, written by multiple authors always fit together so well. I will definitely be going back to read the stories I missed, even though I might already know how some of them will work out.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia had mailed a letter three weeks ago to Austin. It should have been sent a year earlier. Portia was at the door to the Cooper Mountain Chocolate Shop. Portia thought she had seen Austin, she went back inside the shop and checked on her three month old son Zavy. Portia was lucky her Aunt Sage was a mother and helped Portia learn from her. Portia’s Aunt Sage owns the chocolate business and almost everything was made by hand. Portia’s own mom Mattie couldn’t leave the ranch where she lived with her second husband, she been able to make a two day visit than she had to go back home. Austin had went to the rodeo circuit for the summer when he returned Portia was gone and had just left him a note. Austin tried every way he could to get a hold of Portia but he was always blocked and never answered in any way until the letter. So when Austin received the letter from Portia saying they had to talk Austin went to her as soon as he could then he sees her coming down the street but she was pushing a baby stroller. Then Portia tells Austin the baby is his son and she named him Xavier after Austin’s beloved father. Portia father’ Wes had a big name in the rodeo circuit back when Portia and Austin were in college. Austin kew Portia’s fear was that he was like her father Wes who the rodeo was everything for and never be happy without the rodeo life. Portia had left college a year short short of her degree. Even her extremely intelligent twin sister Wren thought there was nothing more important as a good education. Portia knew her family had a point but she would never regret carrying Zavy to term and keeping him. Austin told Portia he was going to cancel some rodeo commitments and take care of Xavier while Portia worked. But Austin also told Portia she would have to teach him how to take care of Zavy. Portia didn’t want Austin to feel trapped. Austin told Portia he couldn't imagine loving anyone else but he couldn’t but he couldn’t imagine forgiving her for keeping the fact she was pregnant and his infant son from him. Austin had his son the very next day but it wasn’t easy not really knowing his son or what to do. Austin went on to the Circle C Ranch where Portia and Zavy lived with her aunt and uncle Callen and Court Austin still loved Portia but he would have to get over it as Portia no longer Austin or she wouldn’t have cut him out of her life so cruelly and left Zavy a secret from him so long. As most everyone was out looking at the new horse barn Portia told her Aunt Sage she had eloped with Austin the summer before as Sage noticed Austin was wearing a wedding band. Then when everyone came back Portia told her family. Austin went up with Portia while she breastfed Zavy and they talked some. Austin hated the feelings Portia brought out in him, hot anger one minute, hotter desire the next. Austin had told his dad him and Portia were married after he got the letter, But Austin hadn’t told his dad about Zavy yet he deserved finding out about his first grandchild in a better way.Then Portia brought up getting a lawyer for a divorce. Austin had to get out of there though he wanted to kiss his son goodnight he didn’t want to be that close to Portia he was just too angry. Austin laid a check on the bed and told Portia when she asked that he knew Portia didn’t want to be married to him anymore but he wasn’t a dead the check was for the first three months of child support. One of Portia’s best friend’s was Rosie and she immediately asked Portia what was wrong the next day and if Zavy was alright. Portia now knew the big mistake she had made.
I loved this story. I loved how Portia’s family helped her through a bad time and stood behind her. I loved how Austin got to Portia as fast as he could. I also loved how Austin reacted to his new son. I couldn’t find anything to complain about this was an easy enjoyable great romance. I love how Austin forgave Portia for not telling him sooner and how he owned up to the mistakes he had made. I loved the small town of this book. I loved the characters and all the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia Bishop came back to Marietta and surprised her whole family, but never told them the reason why she returned. She worked at her aunt's Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop and as months passed by, people began noticing her protruding belly. And soon, there was baby Zavy and Portia finally revealed the truth about her and her son.

Austin Bradshaw was thrilled to be reunited with the one that got away. But he got the shock of his life when he met his son instead. How could Portia hide this from him?

Sweet Dreams, Baby is the last book in Love at Chocolate Shop series and I love how it concluded. Finally, the readers know the real score and real story behind Portia Bishop's pregnancy and her baby daddy. All throughout the series, I have really wanted to know more about Portia and her ordeal which was fervently discussed since book 1. I loved how everything finally came into place in the end, plus a bonus story about the missing Bramble jewels and Montana sapphires really made the whole book quite interesting and fascinating!

The Love at the Chocolate Shop series may have finally come to an end, twelve couples finally found love with the help of chocolates and pets. Big thanks and cheers to the wonderful authors who completed this journey. I promise I would forever be reading and meeting new and old faces in Marietta on the next books ahead. 

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia Bishop has mailed a letter off to her baby’s father and she is wondering if she will either hear from him or if he will actually show up in town. Austin Bradshaw arrival in town has him finally wondering if he can get answers to why Portia left him after summer and before her last year of college. He finds out that reason in the stroller that she is pushing when she introduces him to his son. Shocked and stunned and hurt, but he says and does all of the right things. Portia dealing with her parents’ divorce thinks that Austin wants to stay on the rodeo circuit and she is not going to force his hand in quieting, but does not want that. The more you go along in the story you find out more about Austin’s and her relationship this only adds to the story. All of this comes together as you get close to the end with the big dance. There her father finally shows up and helps her find her path. An excellent story that goes along with another one of the authors books which really made for an enjoyable read. Really liked the characters. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. I have always been a fan of Portia Bishop in all of the Love at the Chocolate Shop stories and now we finally get to know who the father of Xavi is. We have all fallen in love with Xavi. Portia sends the father of Xavi a letter, Austin, about the baby, Austin shows up in Marietta hurt and bewildered on why Portia left him a year ago. Loved how Austin immediately fell in love with his baby. I enjoyed how they were able to overcome their obstacles to make their relationship work.

A side story in the book is that The Chocolate Shop is going to loose their lease, and now they must convince the landlord to renew.

So many questions were answered in this book that I have been wondering about. This is a book that I could not put down. Love my Carringan family, I'm not ready to say good bye. A great epilogue to put a finale on the Chocolate Shop stories. I highly recommend.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved Sweet Dreams Baby by CJ Carmichael, book twelve, and the final entry in Love at the Chocolate Shop series. We finally get Portia Bishop’s story and find out who is the father of her baby, Austin Bradshaw. I do not want to give anything away so all I’ll say is this is an amazing story and was the perfect one to end the series with. This story entertains with all the twists and turns and mysteries solved, as well as the number of people who changed their views and thoughts towards others. Some things even brought happy tears to my eyes. All I know is that I wish I lived in the town of Marietta, Montana with all of these amazing fictional people.

I loved, loved, loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. Ms. Carmichael is such a wonderful story teller, drawing me into the story and not letting go until I read the last page. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Tule Publishing's Love at the Chocolate Shop series books, you have missed out on some fun reading. Sweet Dreams Baby brings the story of Portia and Austin to the pages. Portia has played a background character in the other books and I was happy to finally read her tale.
A single mother, Portia has been torn by her decision to leave Austin in Seattle before she knew she was pregnant. His rodeo life and her anxiety drove her back to Marietta, Montana, never divulging to anyone who the father is.
Whenever Austin came searching for Portia, he came up empty by her design until she gathers the nerve to contact him. Her letter just says it's time to talk. finding out about his son ruins all hope of Austin to reunite with Portia, his only love. He and she have many bridges to cross before they can resolve anger, resentment and distrust.

[Kristy Loftis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Dreams, Baby is the last book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. For the first 11 books we get to see part of Portia Bishop's story from an unplanned pregnancy to secrets about the father of her child. She didn't expect it to take 3 weeks for the father to come to Montana for a talk. When Austin Bradshaw gets the letter from the woman he loves weeks after she sent it he heads to Montana determined to find out why she left him. He is hit with anger when he finds out she hid her pregnancy from him and kept him from the first 3 months of his son's life. When Portia see's how Austin is with there son she realizes she made a huge mistake but has no clue how to fix it and can Austin overcome his anger?
I absolutely loved this book! I started it with so may questions and was happy to see them and more answered. I would highly recommend reading the series from start to finish you won't be disappointed.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to finally have Portia's story and it was fantastic!! After returning to Marietta a year ago, scared and pregnant, Portia has been working hard and determined to give her son Xavi a good life. Everyone in town has been great but she knows she needs to let Xavi's father know about his son. That brings Austin Bradshaw to town. Portia left him a year ago without a real explanation and now he finds out he's a father. He's angry, hurt, and confused but he wants to know his son so he will stick around in Marietta whether Portia wants him there or not. These two have a lot to work out. Don't miss their journey. It's a fun one. I highly recommend this book.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book "Sweet Dreams Baby" from Netgalley for my honest review.

Love at the Chocolate Shop is a series of books. I have not read any of the other books. Portia kept her baby a secret from the father, Austin. He finally finds out and he not happy about the fact that he missed the pregnancy and 3 months of his sons life. It was a good story and an easy fun read. I may end up reading others in the series if I have the time.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Portia Bishop caught my attention when I read an earlier book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. I wanted to know why she never talked about the father of her baby and why she never seemed to talk about her pregnancy. My wait is over!!

Portia has had a really tough year. She left college in Seattle and the love of her life, Austin Bradshaw, and fled to her aunts in Marietta, Montana. Portia didn’t even tell Austin why she was leaving or even say goodbye. She even removed herself from social media, so Austin couldn’t contact her. Now, she continues to take the coward's way out and sends Austin a letter, simply saying they need to talk.

When Austin arrives in Marietta he’s excited to finally see Portia after a year. He’s never stopped loving and caring for her. Austin’s looking forward to telling her so and picking up where they left off. When he does come face to face with Portia, he’s shocked to discover that she has a baby and that he’s Zavy’s father.

C.J. Carmichael is a new to me author and I simply loved Sweet Dreams, Baby. This is truly a sweet romance with characters you can’t help but feel for and like. Even when I wanted to not like Portia I couldn’t. Her sweetness and confusion wouldn’t allow it. Austin was sweet and went into fatherhood without hesitation and never once had any doubts. One thing that I really loved about this story was Portia’s family. Throughout Portia’s ordeal, they were all loving and supportive, without being pushy or busybodies. They were all very welcoming of Austin.

Sweet Dreams, Baby is truly a standalone read. I’ve only read one other book in this series and I don’t feel like I missed anything. I will say that fans of this series will get a nice treat with the Epilogue that wraps ups the series nicely.

**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed the book.**

[Angela Holtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

The Love in the Chocolate Shop series has a full dozen books. I really missed the boat, jumping in at #11 with Steena Holmes (Captured by Chocolate). And honestly I wasn't real happy with that story, but the characters obviously grew on me.

I saw this on NetGalley and I kept going back, thinking about it. Finally I caved. And she might also be right that I'll have to read them all.

I felt like this was a far sweeter story. It's about Portia (who I remember from Steena's book) and her baby, Zavy. That's what drew me in, I was so curious to learn her story. Plus it let us see a little more of the story behind her Aunt Sage - who owns the chocolate shop that is center to all these stories.

Portia is a young single mother. She knows she needs to get her life figured out, and that's all I need to say.

I love that these authors came together to fill in this town with the little love stories. You end up feeling at home and knowing many characters. And if you dive in and learn about the town of Marietta, you will be excited to know that this story ends with a special Epilogue!!!

[B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually really enjoy second-chance, secret baby romances, but they always have the problem of giving a good explanation of why the mother hid the baby from the father. The author has to have a reasonable explanation that doesn’t make the reader dislike the hero or heroine.

In this novel, the decision took place before the book began and it’s pretty lame. Portia and Austin were in college and got married, but she got panic attacks that they’d made a big mistake. He rides in the rodeo to get the money for his college and she has unresolved feelings about rodeo riders because her father was one and treated her mother poorly.

So she up and fled her marriage, dropped out of school and moved in with family in the sweet, little town of Marietta, Montana.

Now the baby is three months old and she’s just gotten around to letting the father know. He’s ticked that he hasn’t seen her for a year without any explanation or contact and missed the birth of his son. All she can do is apologize and give her excuses and then offer him a divorce. We know that that isn’t going to happen because it’s a romance novel, but I had no patience with Portia. What she did was immature and inexcusable.

Add in that the town has to come together to raise money for the fairgrounds that burned down and the worries about saving the gourmet chocolate shop where Portia works and that’s about the plot of the book. I kept wondering how this small Montana town could support a gourmet chocolate shop. That is the type of detail that irritates me in a book. Maybe if she had an online business, but not if all she had was the customer base of townspeople.

My verdict was that Austin was way too good for Portia and the baby was just too cute and well-behaved to be believed. But it’s sweet and there’s chocolate and pseudo cowboys so maybe that’s enough.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Dreams Baby by c.j. carmichael
The final book set at the Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop!
Three weeks ago, Portia Bishop mailed a letter to the father of her baby, Saddle Bronc rider Austin Bradshaw. It’s a letter she should have written a long time ago—like when she first found out she was pregnant, shortly after she ended things with Austin, dropped out of college, and went running to her family in Marietta, Montana.
Austin has loved Portia since he first laid his eyes on her in college. A year ago, he convinced her to do something impulsive and very romantic. Now, as he opens her letter, Austin has two reasons to return to Marietta–win back the heart of the woman he still loves and convince her he’s a good bet for a forever man and father.
this is Portia Bishop and Austin Bradshaw's story.
Three weeks had passed since Portia Bishop mailed the letter she should have sent almost a year earlier. Three very long weeks.
She stood at the open door to the Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop and looked up and down Main Street, Marietta. It was three in the afternoon, and the only movement she could spy in the small Montana town was the fluttering of the golden-colored leaves on the aspen trees. No sign of the cowboy she’d glimpsed a few moments ago.
As he settled in with his late lunch—a beef and cheddar wrap and a green smoothie—Austin Bradshaw felt as if he were visiting an eccentric old aunt. The Java Café was filled was mismatched chairs and sofas, all upholstered in a variety of colored fabrics. He had to admit the chairs were comfortable, though.
She stood at the open door to the Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop and looked up and down Main Street, Marietta. It was three in the afternoon, and the only movement she could spy in the small Montana town was the fluttering of the golden-colored leaves on the aspen trees. No sign of the cowboy she’d glimpsed a few moments ago.
As Austin settled in with his late lunch—a beef and cheddar wrap and a green smoothie—Austin Bradshaw felt as if he were visiting an eccentric old aunt. The Java Café was filled was mismatched chairs and sofas, all upholstered in a variety of colored fabrics. He had to admit the chairs were comfortable, though.
Will Austin win back the heart of Portia the woman he still loves and convince her he’s a good bet for a forever man and father? read this book to find out.
I highly recommend reading.
Sweet Dreams Baby by c.j. carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 star book.

CJ's Books with Tule:
Promise Me, Cowboy
Carrigans of the Circle C
The 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo

Good Together
Carrigans of the Circle C


Close to Her Heart
Carrigans of the Circle C

Snowbound in Montana
Carrigans of the Circle C


A Cowgirl’s Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C

Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction


Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction
Non-Fiction

A Bramble House Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C


A Book Girl’s Guide to Marietta


Melt My Heart, Cowboy
Love at the Chocolate Shop

Bitter Roots
Bitter Root Mysteries



Love at the Chocolate Shop
Love blooms in and around the Copper Mountain Chocolate shop of Marietta, Montana in a twelve book series featuring authors C.J. Carmichael, Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Roxanne Snopek, Marin Thomas and Steena Holmes.

Book 1
Melt My Heart, Cowboy
by CJ Carmichael


Book 2
A Thankful Heart
by Melissa McClone


Book 3
Montana Secret Santa
by Debra Salonen


Book 4
The Chocolate Cure
by Roxanne Snopek


Book 5
The Valentine Quest
by Melissa McClone


Book 6
Charmed by Chocolate
by Steena Holmes


Book 7
The Chocolate Comeback
by Roxanne Snopek


Book 8
The Chocolate Touch
by Melissa McClone


Book 9
Sweet Home Cowboy
by Marin Thomas


Book 10
Sweet Summer’s Kiss
by Debra Salonen

Book 11
Captured by Chocolate
by Steena Holmes

book 12
Sweet Dreams Baby by c.j. carmichael

[Book Gannet · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a year and eleven other books, the Love at the Chocolate Shop series comes to an end by clearing up the long-running Portia mystery – who’s the daddy of her baby? Why did she run away? What’s really going on with her? And while I liked Austin and it was great to have the series wrap up in sweet, chocolately style, Portia really got on my nerves.

I tried to sympathise, I truly did, but with each new revelation about her relationship with Austin and why she ran away, I lost a little more patience. She’s so immature and she just won’t talk about any of it. Yes, okay, her parents’ divorce clearly weighs on her, especially considering the behaviour of her ratbag father (see the Carrigans of Circle C series if you want to know the whole story), but she’s not a child. She’s not even a teenager. She needed to grow up and take responsibility for all of her actions, not just caring for Xavy (who is the perfect baby. Seriously, he really is too good to be true).

Austin was a lot better, but also a touch too perfect. He has a business degree and an excellent job lined up, he’s also a rising rodeo star despite being a city boy, yet he would have given it all up for Portia – if only she’d said something. But she didn’t, and he backed off, and although he’s angry at her for keeping Xavy a secret, he’s also really understanding and sweet and… maybe a bit over the top in the wonderful stakes. Still, I liked him a lot more than Portia and often wondered why he even wanted her back in the first place.

But this book isn’t just about these two (probably for the best), it’s also about Marietta and the lack of Copper Mountain Rodeo this year, thanks to a fire, and working out a way to rebuild what was lost. It’s also about the chocolate shop and Sage’s plans to expand – and the possible pitfalls in her way. There is a lot going on, with all this, the romance and catching up with all the other couples from the rest of the series (briefly in most cases), and there were times when things felt a bit rushed or crammed in to round it all off.

So, all things considered, it wasn’t perfect and won’t go down as a favourite from this series, but it does manage to tie everything up in a pretty neat bow, while giving the whole year a nice send off. Overall it was a sweet end to a fun series in one of my favourite fictional towns. Here’s hoping we’ll get Wren’s tale soon… especially if it involves a certain cowboy.

(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes Sweet Baby Dreams is going to be the new phrase I use when I love something. Love at the Chocolate Shop has been a book series that I have looked forward too reading each month for the past year. I will truly miss getting my dosage of Sage's Chocolate and a guarantee'd taste of Marietta in my kindle for me to read and live through. Of course now I also have Sweetheart, Montana a neighborhood town to stalk and love but Marietta and Sage's Chocolate Shop has carried me through many a pain filled night.

I think it is only fitting that the last book center around this wonderful warm and delicious shop. We finally get to find out all the why's and how's of Portia being a single mom..*well that remands to be seen. READ THE BOOK. Let me just insert here HOT COWBOY make a CUTE BABY DADDY. Oh did I say that. She is young and we can expect her to be dumb sometimes right? I mean look at her example? Her daddy spent all his time off on the rodeo then when he split on her momma he sold off her momma's ranch. Like I said READ THE BOOK.

If you have read the precious books..which you do not have to have read but I HIGHLY Recommend all of them... You will know the arena burn to the ground so NO Rodeo this year and maybe the next. Well that is not going to sit right ya know. If you have read the other books you know Portia and Sage like to fix things so they decide to... Oh you know you need to READ THE BOOK to find out what they do but I promise you will love it because it ties up all the other books and sadly it ends this series.

I am on bended knee, begging this amazing authors and TULE Publishing company. If you read our
reviews...and i am pretty sure some of you do...please keep this Love at the Chocolate Shop going on and on. Or at least let us know what happens to Wren and we need to know what happens later. After the you know what gets done. Does you know who succeed in you know what?
Well that is all I can say without giving this great storyline away.
Yes I am a Marietta, Montana lover at heart and right now I would give my first born for one of Sage's dark chocolate truffles.
In all seriousness this is one series of books that I will read over and over again. If it were in paper or hard back books I would own a set to pass down as well. Love it!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Throughout the Love At The Chocolate Shop series (which I have loved every single second of) we’ve had Portia’s current situation as a thread woven through each story. We’ve watched her heartbreaking return to Marietta, the discovery of her pregnancy, her battle to make difficult decisions, the complicated birth of an adorable precious little boy, and the strains of single motherhood. What we haven’t known is where the man in her life is, why he isn’t at her side and will she ever tell him about their baby. In Sweet Dreams Baby we finally have those answers. One letter will reveal whether she finds a happy ever after for herself.

I found that I had to keep reminding myself of the ages of Portia and Austin. Yes, there are plenty of very mature young adults around… yet some of their misunderstandings can really only be explained by their youth. I hurt for both of them at times, and cheered when they worked their way through those scary moments and found a strong love to see them through life. Their’s wasn’t an easy beginning but they’ve proven that love can see you through the rough moments when you’re honest with your partner and don’t let the small stuff get in the way of loving each other.

Yet Portia and Austin’s story isn’t the only thing going on in Marietta. There’s things happening at Sage’s shop, visits with the other couples from this series… and perhaps a glimpse of what is to come.

Sweet Dreams Baby was the perfect ending for this series. I’ve been purposefully vague on details for this is the story that you should be reading for yourself. If you haven’t gotten caught up in this series over the past year… what are you waiting for? Now you can start at the beginning and read them back to back… not waiting for next month’s book like we did. *grin* I would highly recommend this entire series for any Romance reader who really enjoys small town, a background thread of a different story slowly revealed throughout the series and simply really good romances that give you that happy ending we all deserve.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Secret baby books are not my favorite romance trope, but I have read and enjoyed this author’s books in the past, so I decided to give this a shot. I’m glad I did. Sweet Dreams, Baby is a very sweet romance examining trust, self-recrimination, and forgiveness. This is a quick, enjoyable read.


Portia abruptly left her boyfriend of three years when he left on the rodeo circuit. Afraid that he would cheat on her and leave her like her father did to her mother, Portia decides to break things off before Austin breaks her heart. After settling in Marietta, Montana with her family, she discovers that she’s pregnant. Determined to raise her child by herself, she frets about keeping this secret from Austin. Finally, three months after she gives birth to Zavy, she sends a letter to Austin letting him know that she’s ready to talk to him.

Austin, after discovering that Portia kept his child from him, is justifiably pissed. Until they come to some kind of an agreement regarding Zavy, he’s determined to stay in Marietta. Feeling betrayed and hurt, Austin struggles to come to terms with his feelings for Portia. He still loves her, but he’s reluctant to trust her again. And Portia still thinks that their relationship won’t work out, and that he will leave her, so she’s not interested in starting over again.

I admit that I was frustrated with some of Portia’s decisions. Yes, what her father did to her mother was inexcusable. But reflecting his behavior on to Austin wasn’t fair. Austin never came across as anything other than loyal, loving, and dedicated to making Portia happy. When she started suffering from panic attacks, she packed up her bags and left him, instead of communicating with him and letting him know she was having doubts about their relationship.

This is the first Love at the Chocolate Shop story that I read, and I never felt lost or confused by all of the characters. I have read many other Tule books set in Marietta, and it’s fun to see how everyone interconnects with each other. I found the details regarding the chocolate shop interesting, and loved how the series wrapped up. After Austin and Portia took the time to really listen to each other and set their hurt aside, I was convinced with their HEA.

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a year since Portia left school and came home to Marietta, pregnant. In that year, she worked at her Aunt Sage's chocolate shop, but stayed quiet about why she came home and who fathered her baby. Zavy is 3 months old, and it's time to be a grown up and and own up to her mistakes so she can move on with her life. The first thing: actually talking to Zavy's dad. Austin came home one day full of plans for the future to find Portia gone and with no way to contact her. Now, letter in hand, he is in Marietta looking for answers. The last thing he expected was to find Portia with a baby. These two have so much to work through, both as individuals and as a couple, but the one thing they agree on is that Zavy is their priority. Can these tow find their way through their issues? Can Austin forgive Portia for not telling him about Zavy long ago? Will Sage be able to keep the Chocolate Shop thriving? With some twists and a whole mug of emotion, CJ Carmichael has the unenviable job of wrapping up the series she started 12 months ago and her writing is up to the challenge. Carmichael creates characters with strengths and flaws that you find in any one person. Portia has been affected by her parents' divorce and her father's subsequent behavior. Instead of talking to Austin about her fears and anxieties, she ran home, which, for her age, is completely believable. Austin is the guy we all want our daughters to find. He is full of anger and hurt, but he is still able to step back and work to understand how the relationship got to the breaking point.
The Carrigans are a big part of Marietta, and Sage's Copper Mountain Chocolates is a destination everyone wants to visit, so having a series of 12 books based there has been wonderful. Carmichael started the series beautifully and ends it just as wonderfully. It was also fun to find another Carrigan/Bramble mystery wrapped up, just for a cherry on top.
I recommend this story to anyone. If you haven't read the whole series, do!
**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. My opinions are my own and voluntary.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I pick up a book by CJ Carmichael I know I’m going to entertained, there’s going to be developed characters & story, and I’m going to be left feeling that I know these characters. Sweet Dreams Baby, is the latest and the last book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. It gives us the answers to Portia’s mysterious return to Marietta. It’s a secret baby, second chance romance with a lot of small-town support as well as a few other surprises that I won’t spoil for you. I have to say there was a twist that had me saying out loud “No Way!” but in a good way. I never saw it coming and that is the magic that is author CJ Carmichael. Throughout the series, we've been given glimpses into Portia’s life from her sudden appearance then through her pregnancy with her giving very little away as to why she left college or who the baby daddy was. Austin arrives after receiving a letter from Portia and I just loved him. He is loyal, strong, full of compassion, and ready and eager to pitch in where needed. In true Love at the Chocolate shop book fashion, Portia and Austin are involved in a fundraiser for the small town as they find themselves working to overcome their mixture of feelings ranging from anger, hurt, confusion, and anxiety. They both had things to work on and grow up a bit. CJ Carmichael has done a wonderful job of completing this series. Her enjoyment of writing about Marietta and its people comes through. Through her writing you feel like the characters are real as well as the town. There’s a wonderful epilogue for fans of the series and it showcases how the Chocolate Shop was at the center of so many romances and Happily Ever Afters the past 12 months. This series has truly given me 12 months of comfort read and happiness! Definitely recommend this series to any fan of clean romance with small town charm.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written: August 26, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.

At last! The book I've been waiting for all series long. Portia and her baby Zavy finally get their happily ever after. And what a story it is too!

I've liked Portia since reading the other Carrigan family members' books. Of the twins (Portia and Wren), she has always been my favorite. Sweet and gentle as opposed to Wren's driven aggressiveness, Portia made an outsized impression on me. But here, we see how young Portia really is. She's just starting out in life, messing up, confused, scared. And those emotions really impact her choices and actions.

Because she's also in love with a boy named Austin. A boy who loves her very much. But those darn fears keep getting in the way. Once Austin knows about their baby and comes running to Portia's side, things pick up, not always in a good way but in a realistic and difficult way.

Both Austin and Portia find themselves confused and afraid, making snap judgments, and struggling to find their footing. I liked how it wasn't an easy HEA but both had to work at things, discover more about themselves and each other, and start growing up.

In the end, I see a bright future for this little family and more books about those Carrigan girls. I can't wait.

This review is ©August 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to believe this is the last book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. If you have read any of the books, you will recognize the name Portia Bishop throughout the series. We finally learn Portia's story and what happened between her and the father of her son, Zavy.

After a year, Portia finally decided to write a letter to Austin Bradshaw saying they needed to talk. When they got together, Portia confessed her concerns about Austin being in the rodeo and how she didn't want to raise a child the way she was raised. Her father was a rodeo cowboy and always on the road leaving her mother to raise their children on her own. Once Austin found out he was a father, he wanted to be there for his son. Besides, he already planned on leaving the rodeo and pursuing a job in Seattle. As he spends time in Marietta getting to know his Zavy, he realizes what a special place Marietta really is and why Portia returned there. Austin has mixed emotions about Portia and how she left him keeping her pregnancy a secret. As Portia and Austin work together on a fundraiser, they rediscover the reasons they fell in love and just might have a second chance after all.

This was a wonderful story and the perfect ending for the series. There is also a short epilogue at the end of this book that catches up on the rest of the characters in the series. It's sad to see this series end, but I know we will be seeing more of the characters in future books.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia Bishop’s story is one I have been interested in. In all of the other books, there were glimpses of what was happening in her life but no real explanation or insight. Sweet Dreams, Baby by CJ Carmichael gives the whole story. There are some surprises, many regrets and one big happily ever after, making this a great story.

I first wanted to judge Portia harshly for running to Marietta, then not contacting the father of her baby but as I read more, I thought of people who had had similar situations. Fiction is not so far off from reality especially in Portis’s case. Looking back, I remember my son’s friend who begin having major panic attacks in college, he too dropped out. It took him years to find his place in the world. Then I thought of a former co-worker who shared how she was devastated when in college her parents divorced much in the same way that Portia’s did. Again, it took years to mend the relationship with her father. It also affected her view of men in general. I think I thought at the time, that’s sad, now get over it. Perspective is everything.

I am giving Sweet Dreams, Baby 5 stars, not because the characters were perfect or always made the right decisions. It gets this rating because the book kept me reading, made me think and gave me a perspective into the way others could find situations overwhelming, which then causes me to have empathy for them.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very nice and sweet read, I really enjoyed reading it.
When Portia left Austin a year ago, she didn't just take his heart with her but also - well, there was a sweet little surprise on the way as she found right after she had left him.
It shouldn't have been a problem of course, as the two of them were married and in love but having grown up as the daughter of a rodeo legend, Portia has experienced first hand what that lifestyle does to a relationship, what a toll it takes on a family's life. With Austin still competing in the ring, she is determined to end their marriage as soon as possible.
When Austin comes to Marietta to find his runaway wife and to meet his son for the first time, he is equally determined to stay in their lives, no matter how.
They have to set aside their differences and work together for the sake of their child and their town and maybe, maybe they'll find love along the way again?

I loved all these very lovable, very authentic characters with all their flaws and their nosiness and I loved this closeness that comes from living in a small town when they were interacting. And of course, it is all about chocolate, right? At least, some parts are, the others are about love and rodeo - who could find fault with that?

It was a great story with nice and interesting characters, well written and overall a nice read. I'll definitely check out other books by the author as well because I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Miekenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally, I hate reading a series out of order because that is just the type of person I am. I hate the feeling that I should know characters as they are introduced and I wonder what I am missing.

I'm glad I unclenched long enough to read Sweet Dreams Baby because this it is such a fun and sweet book. I did not feel like I was lost in the storyline or the bigger picture at any point. It is truly a standalone book and can be enjoyed without reading the first 11 in the series. (I will make sure to start reading the series at book 1 sometime soon.)

I liked the relationship journey that Portia and Austen were on. I liked that it was messy and complex without ever falling into melodrama or bouts of childishness. They were a very young couple who hit a few big bumps in the road and while this defiantly derailed their relationship it didn't kill it. I understood where their relationship issues came from and I understood why they belonged together as well, even if their life together was not always smooth sailing. (I really like transportation metaphors.)

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary small town romances.

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Marea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 12th and last book in the series Love at the Chocolate Shop based in Marietta, Montana. Does it mean that the stories of Marietta are done, not necessarily because this small town seems to have a magical potion when it comes to finding love in a small town.

Austin Bradshaw and Portia Bishop were both young, attending college and had a lot on their minds. There was this instant connection and maybe love, but neither was sure how to handle things. This book touches on a lot of topics from young love to commitment to not having a father in your life to hiding a secret to finding out the truth. Let’s also throw in some twists about the lease on the Chocolate Shop, the landlord and another surprise while we are at it. Will Austin and Portia be able to work through it all and realize that their love is true or will the idea of divorce running in the family stop Portia from realizing not everyone is the same.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.