Charlee and the Chocolate Shop is a heart-warming tale of family and friendship.
Master chocolatier, Charlee Chambers, has plenty to be excited about as Christmas approaches. She’s moved in with her boyfriend, Darren, and she’s about to open a chocolate shop, following in her late granddad’s footsteps. If only Darren would show more interest in helping her refurbish Charlee’s Chocolates ready for a December opening.
When water starts pouring through the shop ceiling, and Darren can’t be contacted to help, emergency plumber Matt comes to the rescue. From that moment on, Matt does more to support Charlee in achieving her dreams than Darren ever has, and she finds herself drawn to him. But Matt’s engaged and Charlee loves Darren … doesn’t she? And Darren loves her … or at least, she thinks he does, but he's been behaving a little strangely recently.
Then Charlee discovers that Darren has a secret. But so does Matt. And so, it seems, does the woman who abandoned her at birth ...
I was born in Teesside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books although the Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous new countryside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds.
I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.
Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.
I’d love to say that I ditched a hot date or a big night out but, let’s face it, my 96-year-old great grandma has a better social life than me.
When they’re all together they act like they’re 16 instead of in their early 30s. It’s as though they’ve just discovered alcohol but the world’s supply is about to run out so they need to consume a lifetime’s quantity in one evening.
What was family? Was it shared genes or was it the people who were there for you no matter what?
Oh my God! This means Satan’s Mistress is your half-sister.
My Review:
I fear Jessica Redland has become an addiction; I adore her sneakily wry and insightful writing style. She has created a picture-perfect scene for Christmas magic with Charlee’s tale; imbuing the story with her lovely descriptions, picturesque details, and emotive word choices that scaled all the feels, several times, while also continually plucking at my curiosity. As with all her poignant books, the characters were intriguingly human, realistically flawed and more than a bit damaged, yet endearingly and admirably shouldering through while working hard and putting their best forward. I aspire to achieve the same but know I fall far short of that goal as I am slothfully lazy and well over my lifetime limit of dealing with difficult people.
Warning! Have chocolate by your side as you read this. I'm regretting finishing this so late at night as I am suddenly craving Christmas chocolates like the one Charlee has in her chocolate shop, and just wishing I could reach between the pages, grab some and eat them.
For this book really is a tale of two Christmases, and of Charlee, her best friend Jodie, boyfriend Darren, hot plumber Matt, a heart warming story about family, and a lot more besides.
As a fan of Jessica Redland it was fantastic to be back in Whitsborough Bay and to see quite a few familiar faces from her previous books. If you haven't read them despite missing out, it own't matter for the purposes of this story, they are an added extra bonus for her regular readers.
Half the book is set a year before the other, and it highlights just how much difference a year can make to your fortunes, hence the two Christmases. It is beautifully written, the descriptions are fantastic and I really do want to visit the chocolate shop and hear even more about being a master chocolatier.
There are ups and downs, sections filled with emotion and then others that will make you smile, It truly is a gem of a book, and I'm already looking forward to meeting Carly from tee Cupcake shop who has been mentioned a few times during this story.
Thank you to Jessica Redland for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You know it is Christmas when your heart gets warmed
You know it is Christmas when you love everyone
You know it is Christmas when you want to get cozy with a book
You know it is Christmas when you want cocoa cocooned in a blanket
And now I definitely know it is Christmas when I start reading Jessica Redland's books
With a great ado, I picked this book, a perfect book to warm the cockles of my heart, to put me on the pathway to Christmas.
My first book by Jessica Redland saw me hooked on to Charlee's story with my kindle, cuddled into the cushions. She was a complete person, a real lovable one who went through life's tragedies and heartbreaks, getting stronger at every step of life. I hate the vapid, simpering damsel-in-distress kinds, so thankful Charlee was strong, bold, and courageous.
Charlee followed boyfriend Darren, started her chocolate shop on Castle Street, a plumbing emergency led to the meet-cute with the hottie hunk Matt, electricity flowed. But Charlee being the loyal kinds remained a good friend till things happened, relationships overturned.
Story told in two timelines was cute in its treatment and progressed slowly and calmly. There was love and camaraderie and friendship all around. Charlee knew when to stand up for herself, and I loved that.
Then came my niggles, Charlee's absentee parents, their entry, their love and their future relationship felt a wee bit over the top. But if you can't be so jolly in Christmas, then when can you be... Ho ho ho!!
This was the book so apt for Christmas where warmth of the hearts surrounded friends and coworkers, where goodwill and laughs cheered even when tears flowed, and where family came together even when they seem far. A perfect Christmassy read!!
NGL here, I had quite a few issues with this book.
I did not feel like this was properly hashed out and the romance itself made me uncomfortable especially because both Matt and Charlee were in a committed long term relationship when they met and started having feelings for each other, I count it as cheating essentially on a personal level so I can't be okay with it whatsoever.
Darren turning out to be an asshole seemed like the easiest way for the author to push Matt and Charlee together and then Matt splitting with Libby was way too scripted.
Oh my, I loved this story. I loved the ambiance created by the author. I loved the chocolate shop setting. I loved that Nana was a Christmas decorating fiend. This book definitely amped up my Christmas spirit.
The characters of Charlee and her best friend Jodie are well-written and I almost wish they were my friends. These ladies epitomize the idea of friends who are really family. That’s particularly important as Charlee grapples with having no family left after the passing of her grandparents. There are some heart wrenching scenes at the beginning of the novel where Charlee deals with no longer having her Nana. They are beautifully written and identifiable for anyone who has lost an older relative.
When Charlee moves to Whitsborough, we are introduced to Castle Street and the business owners there. The sense of community described among the small business owners is quite delightful and highlights the small town feel of the story. Castle Street also provides a gorgeous Christmas backdrop.
“Castle Street was the perfect setting for that magical Christmas feeling. Full of Victorian character buildings housing independent businesses, there were cobbles (not that you could see them now for the snow), old-fashioned lamps, and almost a Dickensian feel to the place.”
The friendship that builds between Matt and Charlee is naturally developed and moves along at a nice easy pace. Where flashbacks are needed for a backstory, they are tidily thrown in and enhance the flow of the novel.
My only peeve about the novel is that all the ends are tied up a bit too neatly and effortlessly. The main characters are always the good guys. They don’t have to take a tough stance or make a decision that might hurt anyone. It’s sweet but not everyone can be that lucky. A little more angst would have been icing on this chocolate cake.
Some things I liked:
-You must have fallen in love with the cover art for this story. It’s just too gorgeous. -Nana’s colour-coordinated Christmas tree decoration themes. Matches my own inclination, even if not my actual execution. -The extra stories woven in. This is not just a romance tale. It’s a family story and a little bit of a mystery too. -There are several very moving scenes where Charlee deals with her grandparents, mother and even Darren.
Something I did not like:
I needed a little more angst. It is Christmas but every story arc didn’t have to be so neatly wrapped up with a bow on top.
If you are looking for your next Christmas read, this is it!!! Family, love, decorations, friendship and chocolate… it’s the perfect tale for the season.
I liked this story, but some aspects simply didn't work for me.
What was the point in writing the whole story (up to the last couple of chapters) as a sort of 'flashback'? Chapters were prefaced with : (for example)
Chapter 3 FRIDAY 19th AUGUST LAST YEAR
And I kept wondering when we were going to get to the 'now' part. There was no need for the 'Last Year' part - the whole thing could have been written with just the dates and then the final chapters (present day) could have been just that. The lack of any Table of Contents made it difficult to flick back and forth in the story as well.
And a minor note: Jodie is a teaching assistant at Brockington School and in Chapter 3 (Friday 19th August) 'stopped by after school finished' to help Charlee pack her grandmother's things. As far as I am aware, English schools are not open in August.
This was an absolute delight to read!! A wonder Christmas Rom-Com with wonderful characters. A small town, a chocolate stop, romance and Christmas....you just can't go wrong!
An enjoyable book although the cheating boyfriend was predictable and the ending far too rushed. Charlee gets her guy, finds both her parents who now decide to give it a go and move in together after seeing each other for the first time in 30? Years. Charlee moves in with new guy and gets engaged within the story “week”, ending was a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is my first Christmas book of 2021 and what a good place to begin. I love Jessica Redland's books and it was so nice to be back on Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay where several of her previous stories have been based. I'd just love to browse through all those fascinating shops in that community! Charlee's Chocolate Shop would be especially delectable. Charlee, a master chocolatier has set up her business in the newly vacant shop but her useless boyfriend is no help at all in assisting her to prepare and build the business in time for Christmas. Thankfully local plumber Matt, comes to her rescue along with her best friend Jodie who both invest much time and effort into helping Charlee. There is an interesting back story involving Charlee's mother who abandoned her at birth leaving a huge gap in the girl's life and she still hankers after a possible meet up with her birth mother but is it too late? Other questions to be answered are - is Ricky, the boyfriend all he seems? Is Matt in love with his fiancé? Will Charlee make a go of her new business? There are some surprising revelations towards the end of the book that I didn't expect and they added to the loveliness of this gorgeous story. Jessica's books always leave me uplifted and eager to start on her next book. There is something about her characters that make them seem like friends and the happy and helpful community in Whitsborough Bay, a place that anyone would love to live and be a part of. Again, another beautiful book that kept me entertained and uplifted throughout. ten out of ten from me. My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for a pre release copy in exchange for my honest review.
Before reading Jessica Redland’s new book, Charlee And The Chocolate Shop, I had been moaning about stores already having their festive stock on the shelves but afterwards I had the urge to get my tree out of the loft and start singing Jingle Bells. I'm a big fan of her work and, as always, this one is beautifully written with a natural warmth and good humour that just seems part of her style. Her heroine Charlee is both strong and at times vulnerable while her hero, Matt, is absolutely perfect – apart from having a fiancee, of course. Not only are her main characters always really well developed but the supporting cast also add colour and excitement. There are some wonderful, really did not see that coming, surprises in this book, which must have taken a lot of planning but it all comes together like a perfect jigsaw. There are also some truly gorgeous scenes, including one involving a Christmas light switch on (I won’t spoil anything) that had me swooning. A warning though; I wanted to eat a bit of chocolate – specifically Christmas chocolate - approximately every other page. If you have no will power, like me, I’d stock up before you start so you don’t have to interrupt the story to pop to the shops.
Maybe a 4.5 but regardless I loved this. It wins major points for me for having: ×A female lead who stops taking bullshit at a realistic and satisfying point instead of making me suffer and have to wait until the last few chapters. To be honest I don't think there was a single point where Charlee did anything that made me frustrated. Most of the time she did what I would do or want to do. ×A gorgeous (Kit Harrington looks yes please) and most importantly kind, funny and generous male lead who is justifiable in his actions, and any misunderstandings between him and Charlee make sense. ×An emphasis on love in ALL FORMS. I hate romance novels where the romance is seen as more important than all other relationships in the characters lives. And any book that knows family isn't restricted to blood relatives will always earn my respect. The relationship between Charlee and her best friend Jodie was lovely.
If you want a sweet, moving and devoid of eye-roll inducing drama christmas read, I highly recommend this 👍
I have a bookshelf dedicated solely to festive Christmas books so there’s a lot of competition on my part. I am 100% a Christmas, winter, snow, cold weather kind of girl and when you add a chocolate shop to it, what’s more to love?
I always start planning my Christmas in the summer so I can expand the festivities for longer, and there’s something very comforting about reading a Christmas book in the middle of June, it almost feels naughty.
Jessica’s writing is so smart and witty and insightful and warming. She had created such a picture postcard image of what a traditional village Christmas should be, and I need it in my life. It’s such a warming, curl up by the fire kind of book, especially if you’ve got a box of chocolates next to you.
I was really sad when I finished it (in a matter of hours) because it meant I had to say goodbye to this world, but the good - and dangerous - thing is I have found Jessica’s entire back catalogue which I’m overjoyed about.
Charlee and the Chocolate Shop is wonderful novel packed full of incredible characters. When Charlee opens her chocolate shop on Castle Street just before Christmas it is a huge success but unfortunately the rest of her life isn't. From the very beginning this book will grab hold and keep you reading as Charlee builds her new life full of highs and lows. Meet new characters and catch up with some Castle Street regulars too and find out just how much difference a year can make.. This is a fabulous festive read for every time of year. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Brilliant have read all of Jessica's books thinking the last one was the last of the series😐 but to my surprise I came upon Charles and the chocolate shop I absolutely over reading this book the characters seem real and you float of to anything there time whilst reading I'm definitely a book work in hoping there will be a continuing story ( book ) for Jodie I would love to see Her character come alive Let's hope I come across that one BRILLIANT read love ,sadness ,romance, Christmas cheer and a little sprinkle of Christmas magic
It's too dramatic to read that Matt and Stacey don't do things or break off from things because they are worried of hurting others. It's better to be Charlee to hold back when the gut feeling tells you that something is wrong. But she is also strong and brave to cut ties with Darren completely once and for all. Though it was pretty obvious right from the beginning that Darren was with her only for the money. Nevertheless, it's a good read. Loved Jodie too, it's too convenient though how she's matched up with Dean.
Charlene and the Chocolate Shop is a story with many complexities. The author wove each seamlessly Into an engaging story about finding true love, while at the same time ironing out the many stumbling blocks along the way. I’ve read several of her other books and am not an avid follower.
A bit slow at the start but the story sucks you in and the characters become interesting. The expressions used were different for me as I was not from the UK, however the author descriptions and setting let you surmise what they are talking about. A really enjoyable Christmas read.
I have read several of the books in this collection and love the way Jessica makes reference to the other characters for the other stories I have read. The detail of helping the reader to feel apart of the storey is wonderful. I would recommend any of Jessica Redland's books to you.
A perfect read on a dreary Autumn day, I loved the book from the beginning and enjoyed it immensely, this is the first book I've read by this author and I'll be reading others from her .
Stunning setting fab characters. Had to read to end couldn't put it down . just as good as all the others absolute must reads the characters feel so real
book 5 ... wow, great cover. i love Christmas reads, so fun. great characters. had me enjoying all of this read ... i wanna read more. like a snow globe kind of moment. traveling there in my mind. will read more.
Oh ibhave found a new author I love.. this was perfect read just before chritmas . Set in England reminds me of my grams .. oh the little town and dreams. Can't wait to read more .
A fun Christmas read. Especially enjoyed all the characters... The good bad and the ugly! Kept my spirits up during this sad and hectic year we've had with the pandemic. Also brought back happy memories of days gone by. Keep writing Jessica!
An amazing book which had me hooked from the start. Jessica is a brilliant author with a great imagination who knows how to hold her audience. Looking forward to future books as I have read all ten of her books within the last six weeks.
I am a sucker for these sort of books. This was definitely one I couldn't put down. Love the characters. It's so well written I can visualise Castle Street and what the characters look like. It's almost like I know them. Can't wait to find another one to start on!
Another great offering in this series. This series has been a great tonic after spending all this week off sick from work. Really enjoyed the story of Charlie and Matt. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Delightful story of happiness and many secrets. It was full of mouthwatering chocolates, the wonderful Christmases witch finally ends up a perfect family affair. Highly recommend - may everyone have a similar happiness with their coming Christmas.