Cocoa & Carols

A Wilton Hills Christmas #2

by Marianne Rice

Finishing up his patrol as the sun sets on Thanksgiving Day, officer Patrick Johnson stumbles across a woman and her dog sleeping in her car. She refuses to go to a shelter and masks her dire condition, but the Johnson manners run deep and he finds himself inviting the stranger to his parents' Thanksgiving dinner. Before the meal is over his heart grows soft for her and her scruffy dog.

Trying to make ends meet as an understudy in the Wilton Hills town play isn't enough to keep Jocelyn fed and a roof over her head. She doesn't like handouts but the police officer with shoulders that could compete with Captain America and the kindest eyes she'd ever seen leaves her no choice but to go with him to his family's home. She's instantly greeted with warmth from his parents, brother, and sisters, and before the meal is over, she believes in miracles.

Their newfound friendship turns quickly to something more, only Jocelyn doesn't plan on staying in Maine for very long. Her lifelong dream is to star on Broadway and Patrick has no desire to leave his small town. Will her dreams and his stubbornness get in the way of their relationship? They'll need a Christmas miracle to help them find their happily ever after.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2019

About the author

Marianne Rice writes small town contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always find everlasting love.

When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.

To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html

Reviews

[Keaton Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so here’s the thing.... same story outline, different characters.
I love this family, I really do. As I said in my review of the first one in this series... their setting and family are just magical. And because of that I’ll read the third one.
But I’ll admit, the fact that the story was the same made it a little repeat for me this go round.
If you’re looking for a light easy romance that’s love at first sight on hallmark lane... this is your book.

[sandra avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was such a sweet story and it was so nice to have clean language. I am so tired of reading books with filthy language.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusual contemporary romance. It is meant to be a relatively light holiday romance, or at least you get that impression from the cover. (Although I would say that the heroine would have never been dressed like that, especially at the beginning of the book.) Instead, the heroine is actually homeless after a series of stressful events. On Thanksgiving night, a local police officer discovers her car at a closed-for-the-season vegetable stand and eventually figures out that she is homeless and sleeping in her car. On a whim, he invites her to his family's house for Thanksgiving. As one would expect of the romance, there is an attraction between them pretty much right from the start.

I think what I enjoyed most about this novel are all the characters in the hero’s family. We get to know each of them, and what a wonderfully diverse crew. For one thing, they are loving and accepting of anyone to their circle. While the heroine felt awkward about just showing up, she was literally embraced by each family member, though they did mistakenly think that she and the police officer son were a romantic item. Neither of them let them know anything different. I so enjoy romances where large families take a role, especially with all the different types of personalities that are so distinct and the complex web of inter-relationships. I especially enjoyed all the sibling interaction. That family is just a lot of fun. If you enjoy contemporary romances that are just a little off of the typical with a whole lot of heart, you will most likely enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first read by the author but I look forward to reading more if they are like this one. It was an easy read with a little bit of everything in it. In today’s world you can see how someone could end up living in their car. Most people have heard the horrors of the foster system and reading this book ends with a happy ending. That to me is always a good book.

In this book, a police officer, Patrick Johnson, is doing his job when he finds a young woman and dog in a car. For some reasons, Patrick can’t get her out of his mind and ask for her to come to his house for Thanksgiving. The store goes along with the Johnson family and bringing Jocelyn right into the family, I loved the closeness the family had and how they welcomed Jocelyn so easily. As the story goes on Patrick Johnson and Jocelyn fall in love and realize that things are finally turning her way. Great read.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn has had a hard life. She's working as an actress in a play, but she's still living in her car as winter approaches. Patrick is a police officer in his small Maine town, and he answers a call that someone is staying on a farm that closed for winter. He ends up taking Jocelyn to Thanksgiving dinner at his parents' house, where his entire family falls in love with her and her dog, Cocoa. This is a truly heartwarming story - a pretty quick read but a lot of substance to it. As we're approaching the holiday season, this book is a wonderful reminder that things are not always what they seem, and it can be a good thing to take a chance on someone new.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, small town romance that happens around Thanksgiving & Christmas. I was so happy to revisit the Johnson family after reading Marshmallows & Mistletoe. I loved seeing gruff Patrick slowly soften after spending time with Jocelyn. At first he was just trying to help her out, doing his job as an officer but seeing how well she got along with his family made him want to spend more time with her. Jocelyn moved to Maine from New York after going through a painful loss but she kept planning on going back to New York one day. I also loved Jocelyn's sweet dog Cocoa as well as getting fun updates about Ian, Noel & Gabe.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn Redding was so strong giving up her Broadway dreams to help her sister battle cancer and living out of her car with her dog Cocoa because she barely had enough money to pay the medical bills never mind a place to stay. Officer Patrick Johnson could have arrested her or forced her to go to a shelter, but instead he took her and her dog to his parents for Thanksgiving. I loved his family. His siblings were a riot and so welcoming and supportive. It was great to catch up with them and their spouses and families from the previous books in this series. This was a clean sweet holiday romance.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book, the characters were relate-able and you really connected with them. Jocelyn and Patrick are both kindhearted but pretty much emotionally shut down well they like to think so anyway but when they meet each other that changes. I totally want a family like the Johnson's they are so much fun and soo loving. This is the perfect read to snuggle up on the couch with and get into the Christmas spirit with! 🎄

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet small town holiday romance with strong characters and an entertaining story line. I loved reading Patrick and Jocelyn's story. They have a strong connection and a hot chemistry but want different things in life. It will take a holiday miracle to keep them together,finding their HEA. I would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilton Hills A well written story with a very good storyline. Officer Patrick Johnson,Jocelyn Grace Redding and her dog Cocoa meet when she is staying in her car. Patrick is a very caring person he gets her to come to his family's home for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed reading their story which continues into Christmas. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great feel good story. I loved every moment of it. The Johnsons are the type of family everyone dreams of. I read it straight through in one afternoon and was so sorry when I got to the end. I hope we get more stories about the other sisters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read that I really enjoyed. The characters and story drew me in and I couldn't stop reading right up until the end. It's a fast paced small town holiday romance you won't want to miss and a definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocoa & Carols is a sweet holiday romance read that warms your heart. The characters are well developed, likable, and relatable and the Johnson family is a wonderful family that welcomes strangers in their midst. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town romance with characters that are well developed and believable. Jocelyn's story pulled at my heartstrings. I loved how great Patrick and his family were with Jocelyn and getting to catch up with characters from previous books. Great writing, a sweet, emotional, heartwarming story and a perfect holiday romance HEA make this a must read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good sweet small town holiday romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable sweet romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartening Holiday Story Of finding love in unlikely places. Of finding your way and evaluating your dreams.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn (Joss) Redding has not had an easy life going from Foster Home to Foster Home as a child with her younger sister. When everyone in her family is gone she's living on the road and in her car. One night Officer Patrick (Paddie) Johnson is informed that a strange car was spotted at a farm that was closed for the Winter. Joss and her cute little dog Cocoa were walking out in the orchard. As she apologizes for being there she leaves and goes to the local park to read and buckle down for the cold night in her car. Patrick finds her there at the end of his shift and invites her to his parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Little do they both know that this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

I love author Marianne Rice's "A Wilton Hills Chrismas" series. Book 1 "Marshmallows & Mistletoe" was really enjoyable, and I loved "Cocoa & Carols" just as much. I can't wait till the third, and the last book in the series, Peppermints & Packages," becomes available. I recommend reading this series.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: I read this book very early in the season but it still really stands out to me. It was a pretty short and easy to read holiday romance that gives you all the feels. I would recommend reading the first book in the series as there are a lot of side characters that pop up in it (big family, small town). I loved the premise of the story about a police officer just going above and beyond to care for those in his community. I, of course, loved the big family and they way they can be overwhelming but also so full of love. If you are looking for that clean, sweet hallmark movie feeling, definitely give this one a try.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet love story about a cop who reaches out to a woman who's down on her luck and forms a connection with her. It's a quick read. My one gripe was that I noticed some inconsistencies in this book and the one before it. For example, was Patrick the baby of the family or not? This was unclear as April would call him big brother and baby brother. And he called her little sis. But in the first book he was both the third born and the baby. It's a little thing and doesn't really detract from the overall story. But it nagged at me. Maybe I misunderstood something.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This is the second book in the series and I loved it too! If you’re wanting what I call Christmas perfection then this is the book for you. Perfect family. Perfect love. Perfect story. It’s predictable, drippy sweet, and exactly what I look for in a Christmas book! I love the Johnson family and will continue to read their stories!

**There is a misprint and chapter 12 is “missing” but it doesn’t hinder the flow of the book.**

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When police officer Patrick finds Jocelyn sleeping in her car, in November, he wants to help. He ends up taking her and her little dog Cocoa to his family’s Thanksgiving dinner. His sister offers her a room to stay, and the whole family embraces her. This is a beautiful story about a wonderful family who I would love to know. There is so much love and a lot of laughs when they get together.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met this family in a previous book and really loved them. This time it's Patrick, a cop who helps a woman, and her dog, who's down on her luck. What starts as a good will gestures turns into respect and love. This author does such a beautiful job of showing you what a small town loving family is like. Sweet and full of fun! So good!!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing!

The author had a unique way of telling the story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

What a beautiful story! The characters were absolutely lovely and amazing. The story was sooo romantic and sweet. Just a simple story of meeting the right man and both of them slowly falling in love with a HEA ending. Beautiful!

[Tayra Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the beginning. I just couldn’t put it down. I fell for these characters and goodness, what a story just a perfect.

[Wanda Foss Osepowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite stories.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Rhonda Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

What a great continuation of this series. I love Patrick's love story. I'm glad there was a happily ever after. I recommend this book.

[Michelle Cloutier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story.

[Kathryn Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great heartwarming story. Patrick was a classic tall dark and handsome hero,