The House of Hope & Chocolate

Friends & Neighbors #1

by Ava Miles

Ava Miles, author of the #1 National Bestseller The Chocolate Garden, brings you another uplifting page-turner about hope, the will to start over, and the power of friendship. In this first Friends & Neighbors novel, meet a woman determined to realize her dreams and revitalize a beloved neighborhood with two things she believes most in: hope and chocolate.

From the time she was a little girl with a chocolate stand instead of lemonade, Alice Bailey dreamt of opening a chocolate shop. After all, chocolate heals everything, from heartache to woes.

If Alice has learned anything recently, it's that life is precious. It’s now or never—carpe diem time. She's ready to put down roots and live her dreams.

Only opening up a chocolate shop in this close-knit community proves harder than she imagined, especially when other neighborhood businesses are experiencing hard times. She's not only an outsider, but resentment over her circumstances breeds distrust among some of the other business owners.

And as she struggles to heal and rebuild, she shows her new friends and neighbors that life offers more richness than they realize.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2021

About the author

Millions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.

Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.

After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new spinoff series from "The Merrimans." Oh Clifton's story here was terrific. I loved him in the Merriman series. What a great character! Can't wait for the next book. 😉

[MARY DIEZMAN · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too full of covid!

While I was unable to stop reading all the previous books in this series I had to force myself to continue in this book. It was too focused on covid.
Where I live social distancing is minor and most people on!y wear a mask when at work.
And covid cases are few and far between

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Hope & Chocolate

Loved this book! It really is strange reading about dating and social distancing and every thing else that has become the new norm in this world we live in. Scary too. This book though does bring hope to all of us. Was so glad to finally see Hargreaves find his own love match. Happy for Alice and Hank also.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story! While this book certainly stands alone, I highly recommend that you read the Merriam series (specifically 'A Breath of Jasmine') to truly appreciate these characters. I loved the friendship between Alice and Clifton in that book, and it was charming to watch them follow their dreams. Plus, we get two romances for the price of one because both Alice and Clifton end up finding their soulmates! It was so nice watching both relationships develop, and it was a real bright spot amid all of the struggles. Alice and Hank have such a strong bond. The camaraderie of this small town was also so heartwarming to see!

This story takes place during the pandemic, and COVID is quite present in the story. It certainly felt realistic, but I'll admit that things like Alice and Hank getting tested and waiting for their results before they can share a kiss prevented me from fully connecting with the romance at times. There are also parts of the plot that are heavy - particularly Alice coping with her friend's death - so just something to be aware of as well. Overall, this is a beautiful and heartwarming story of not one but TWO romances and so many friendships!

*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Shirley Small · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like it at all I don't want to read a book where that it is about Covid 19. When I read a book I don't want to read about people that are going through what we are going through now. Ava story are so good but not this one. I am having a real hard time trying to finishing it I hope her next book is not about Covid 19 if so I going to have to be done with her books. I like to hear what others have to say about this book?

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far for me the least favorite book I have read by this author,. Way too much constant focus on Covid to the point it drowned out the underlying story for me. It could have been a part of the story in a more subtle manner, but the constant over emphasis overshadowed the underlying story and left me disappointed.

[Sandra Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very saddened and disappointed that one of my favorite authors felt the need to showcase Covid in her new series of books. We have covid shoved in our faces and lives everyday. I read to relax and escape from stress. I am very sad that I could not enjoy thus series of books.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Miles equals Love and Hope!

House of Hope & Chocolate reminded me why Ava Miles is on my "Favorite Authors" shelf along with Tess Thompson, Maggie Shayne and of course Nora Roberts. Every word that Ava writes oozes love and happily ever after. Her characters are relatable whether she is writing about the rich and famous billionaires, country western singers, poker players or down home, small town shop owners as she does in this new series of friends and neighbors. Ava is a master at creating worlds, that can transport you from a snowy, -4 degree day in Southwest Missouri to a place like Orion, N.Y in the House of Hope & Chocolate. I must warn you though if you are new to Ava Miles, or like me are reading several of her series simultaneously (I admit based solely on the deals I can get on her books), The House of Hope &Chocolate is part of her Friends and Neighbor spin-off series. While a stand alone novel with no cliffhangers, you will encounter people from her other series, The Merriams. It might be best to finish the Merriams first. Though I have read enough of Ava Miles to totally understand where all these characters come from. I have always loved Arthur and Clara Hale , as well as Clifton, but confess I had a moment where I felt I had missed an important transition to from New York city, and Europe to small town Orion. In true Ava Miles style, she catches you up on the background story but aggain, I think you would enjoy this book more if you finish her other series first. I plan to do that as soon as I finish this review! Of course there was never any doubt that I would eventually finish The Merriams series. I have just shifted the timeline.
I must also admit I had my doubts about about how Ava could pull off her signature hope, love and happily ever after, while writing about small town businesses during the Pandemic we are still in the throes of. I read to escape reality and COVID and the plight of small town businesses seemed a little to close to home. Especially so ,as I drive through main street small town, Missouri and see rundown buildings and For Sale signs on so many businesses. But in true Ava Miles style, the story of a community that despite years of differences,and competition, comes together to save their town from becoming a ghost town, is as heartwarming as a Hallmark Christmas movie! I was enchanted from beginning to end. And I also came away with some very good ideas about possible solutions to my own hometowns troubles.
Another aspect of Ava Miles Romance Novels is the accurate portrayal of love, even romantic, sexual love, at all ages. Whether her characters are in their twenties, thirties or eighties, she writes love scenes, that will have you melting like a wonderful piece of dark chocolate melts deliciously in your mouth. She makes you believe in fated love, soul-mates and loving relationships until the day you die, all over again!
Again a well-done, feel good novel that you really shouldn't miss. It will instill in you a feeling of love, joy, peace and Hope at a time when you need all the hope you can get!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is set in a small town in upstate New York during the pandemic. Small business owners are struggling. Opening a new store may not be the best idea. For some reason, I had trouble connecting with this book.
"From the time she was a little girl, Alice Bailey dreamed of opening a chocolate shop. After all, chocolate heals everything, from heartache to woes. She’s certainly had plenty of those lately, drilling home the whole “life is precious” motto. It’s now or never—carpe diem time.
Only opening up a chocolate shop in this close-knit Hudson Valley community proves harder than she imagined, especially when other neighborhood businesses are experiencing hard times. She's not only an outsider, but resentment over her circumstances breeds mistrust among some business owners.
Except for Hank O’Connor, the sexy owner of the Irish pub in town. Even though he’s experiencing his own share of troubles and is downright grumpy, he’s looking for hope and sunshine Alice-style. Maybe it’s their instant attraction, but they end up bonding over more than just chocolate as the difficult currents in town swell.
As she struggles to rebuild, she shows her new friends and neighbors that life offers more richness than they realize. Only she discovers it’s her hope that creates her very own happily ever after." synopsis copied

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding love during a pandemic. There are so many wonderful characters in this story. We met Alice and Clifton in a previous series and the immediately clicked. They loved cooking together and making chocolate. They decided to open a chocolate shop together. Alice is like Clifton's granddaughter. He didn't have any other family and now he has her. They went to a small town in New York where Alice has a friend. Things were going well in spite of the pandemic, until Alice's friend dies of COVID. Despite being beyond sad, Alice and Clifton go along with the shop opening. When Alice had visited her friend the year before, she met Hank and they reconnected when she came back to live in town. Hank's bar is in financial trouble and Clifton isn't sure he likes where the direction of the shop is going. The rest of the town is going under too and some resent Alice and Clifton for opening a shop in the middle of a pandemic. Alice has an idea for a festival but how can they do that during a pandemic? Can they make it all work?

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a choc-aholic myself, I can relate to Alice, the main female character in this book. However, it’s easy to relate to her in more ways than loving chocolate. Alice knows what loss is, she knows what grieving is and she knows what hope is. Alice is a character that would be admired in real life.

As we have faced life changing challenges due to Covid, this book tackles the subject head on. Alice is forced to deal with the effects of this pandemic. And when I say effects, I’m not just talking about the loss of someone loved. That is painful enough, but also I’m talking about how people react to situations, how resentment rears its ugly head and how Alice struggles to overcome all of this while doing her best to fulfill her childhood dream.

This is the first of a series that promises to be engaging, emotional and above all else …. hopeful. Sometimes we just need to sit back, relax and escape. This is a good book to take with you on that respite.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and freely leave my review.

[Karen Lambert-sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read any of Ava Miles books with merriams in you will already know the amazing character Hargreaves.

When he decides it’s to time to retire he opens up a chocolate shop with Alice. We met Alice and Clifton in a previous series and the immediately clicked. They loved cooking together and making chocolate. Alice is like Clifton's granddaughter. He didn't have any other family and now he has her. They went to a small town in New York where Alice has a friend. Things were going well in spite of the pandemic, until Alice's friend dies of COVID. Despite being beyond sad, Alice and Clifton go along with the shop opening. When Alice had visited her friend the year before, she met Hank and they reconnected when she came back to live in town. Hank's bar is in financial trouble and Clifton isn't sure he likes where the direction of the shop is going. The rest of the town is going under too and some resent Alice and Clifton for opening a shop in the middle of a pandemic. Alice has an idea for a festival but how can they do that during a pandemic? Can they make it all work? (less)

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Friend's and Neighbours series and it is the story of Alice and how she opens a chocolate shop after the death of her best friend Sarah who died from covid as they were going to do this adventure together but life has a way of making you look at things in a different way after tragedy and how determined Alice is to make her dream come true and honour must friend even though it is not easy as she has realised how precious life is and to live every day as it it is your last. There are twists and turns along with loss, hope, friendship, hard work and believing in yourself that makes this book a must read. The characters and storyline pulls you in right from the first page and I couldn't put this book down. Ava Miles certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

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

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first in a new series is a heartwarming read. Full of hope, love, friendship, and community. There are new characters to love and visits with some you will recognize. This is Alice and Clifton's stories. They are set to open their dream shop in a neighborhood that has been hit hard by Covid. This story is the kind the world needs in these troubling times.
I laughed, I cried, I rode the emotional rollercoaster. The relationship between Alice and Hank is beautifully written. And Clifton's new life came as a wonderful surprise.
By the end of the book I was completely invested in the characters and the community. I can't wait for Rose and Vinnie's story.
This series will easily join the bestselling ranks of other Ava Miles books. She has a talent for creating a world you care about and characters you love.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of hope and love during the pandemic we are currently in. Alice moved back to her home town to start a chocolate shop with her best friend. Unfortunately, her friend died from Covid. The story continues to tell how Sarah inspired her and helped her during this time I loved Clifton and his ways. A butler for many years, he is now Alice's partner. They agree on many things but have to work through issues at times. I also love Alice's relationship with Hank - who is struggling with his own business and relationship with his father who owned the bar before him. People learn to grow and adjust to life during this struggling time. Old friends reconnect, new friends are made and a town pulls together. I highly recommend.

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

[Donna Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a "spin-off" to The Merriman series and while there is a little cameo from some of our favourite characters it's a perfect way of introducing us to new characters.
Alice is hoping to open a chocolate shop right in the middle of the pandemic with Hargreaves, her best friend who was also going to be there unfortunately was taken too soon by COVID.
After a few set backs she wants the businesses in the neighbourhood to get together and try to keep their stores open.
This is really a heart warming story and shows how everyone is coping with social distancing. I can't wait to read the next book in the series

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

[HayleyJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the latest spin off from the Dare Valley collection. It’s a nice lovely read about 2 characters meeting their soul mates. You finally get Clifton’s story after following his character through the Merriam’s collection and Alice is is introduced later in the Merriam series. This book is set at the height of Covid and negotiating dating during a pandemic. Not personally one of my favourites within the whole collection, but for those that love these stories then it is definitely worth a read.

[Pary A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story

I waited a long time for this series to come out! Ithink this is one of my favorite stories of all time. So well written with the pandemic storyline, a horrible time for everyone in the real world. I love how the community comes together in this tough time. Sometimes it only takes one person, and starts with hope. We are lucky, not only do we get to read about a romance for the ages, but we get two! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Hope and Chocolate: Friends and Neighbors Book 1 is by Ava Miles. This charming book is set during the Covid pandemic and could possibly help someone get through the days with a smile on their face. It helps the reader see that friends and friendships can still be enjoyed while still being carefully isolated. It helps us to realize that friends and friendships are what really matter in the long run. The book is so much fun to read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Friends & Neighbors series a well written story that held my interest until the end. The story starts with Alice, and Clifton starting a chocolate shop together, and finding their soulmates along the way. It also deals with what the world is going through with Covid, and how this town pulls together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful story, even if it is set during Covid. It's about kindness, resilience and hope.

We met Clifton Hargreaves when he was a butler to Clara Hale and Arthur Merriam. Now that he's retired from butlering, he's gone into business with Alice, Francesca's (Quinn) former assistant in a small NY town, in the Hudson Valley. They both find love and adjust to life during a pandemic.

Now onto Rosie and Vinnie's story.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Alice and Clifton as they begin creating chocolate in the town of Orion. The town is full of colorful characters that are entertaining and so very interesting. The emotional turmoil the characters go through and the support of their friends kept me turning the pages. I knew I was going to enjoy this book and I was not disappointed.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Alice and Clifton and it was enjoyable to read their stories side by side. But I also had some difficulties with the timing. Even though there was plenty of heartache, it also felt like some of the depth was missing. It didn’t ring as authentic to me and left me wondering more about some of these couples after we leave them to their happily ever afters.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in a time of Covid-19 seems unlikely yet totally works for this book. I have to admit it got me thinking outside of the box. It's a wonderful story about love during trying times. The characters were unique and interesting. It's truly about having hope no matter what is going on in the world. Until next time Happy Reading!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely story

Covid plays a big part in the way the characters in this book interact with each other. I appreciate how the emotions of this time period are addressed. The dialogue between the characters is very formal and feels a bit stilted but, overall, the book was very enjoyable.

[Glenda I Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming!

I have read Ava for some time. Each one of her stories give me hope in mankind. Which is so much needed at this time. They bring laughter, hope and joy. I really enjoy the family unity even through 5he troubled times. I know sadness is coming and I will mourn them as if they were my own family.

[Jacquie Stricklind · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I want to move to Orion. This story shows how people when they get together can help each other out. The reader will laugh and root for the people in Orion to succeed. This is the first book I have read that deals with Covid pandemic and how it affects their businesses, and their friendships. A very hard book to put down.

[mindee buehner]

Loved it

I can honestly say that this was an emotional read for me because of it being a year since Vivid started. There were tears shed while reading it, and smiling too. There were times I could only read a chapter at a time because it jyst hut too hard, but I can honestly say I loved thus book just as much as all the rest.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book from Ava Miles with lots of great characters, favourites from her previous books and new ones joining the “family”.
An interesting storyline with humour, love and friendship, set in the current time with the Covid pandemic and it’s trials and tribulations forming part of the book.

[debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful story and wonderful message of HOPE

It was delightful to trip back into the magical world of the Merriam’s! And omg it is a COVID story.
My only reason for not giving 5 stars is there was a little too much driving the sweet train here and there even for me. But a great story nonetheless!