The Hope in Hot Chocolate: A Poppy Creek Novel

Poppy Creek #7

by Rachael Bloome

One charming small town. Two business rivals. And a whole lot of chocolate... Kindhearted candymaker Sadie Hamilton wants nothing to do with Mr. Anti-sugar who’s opening a business right next door. Especially since she’s trying to save her struggling confectionery from going under while he’s introducing a brand-new shiny establishment that will be a direct competitor to her little store. Between caring for his ailing mother and launching a risky new venture, billionaire philanthropist Landon Morris doesn’t have time for distractions. Which is particularly aggravating since he can’t get the feisty owner of Sadie’s Sweet Shop out of his head. They’re complete opposites, but as their paths continue to cross—and they’re forced to share a booth at the Sips & Sweets Festival—they realize some connections can’t be denied, no matter how unexpected. Can they put aside their contention long enough to learn from each other’s differences? Or will they let love—and a chance at happily ever after—slip through their fingertips? Each book in the feel-good, small-town series is a sweet and heartwarming read that’s much more fun when read in order .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Chick Lit

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2022

Reviews

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael Bloome is one of my all time favorite authors, and The Hope in Hot Chocolate is truly her at her best. I'm always up for another visit to Poppy Creek, and this wonderful sweet romance kept me glued to the page from start to finish, and I almost finished the entire thing in one sitting.

Rachael truly has a way with storytelling that makes each of her stories come to life on the page for the reader, and I absolutely adored getting to follow along with Sadie and Landon's budding romance. Kind of an enemies to lovers type of trope, it was a tad different than many of the other romances in the series, and it definitely made for a refreshing change.

The plot was well paced, and engaging, and there were quite a few plot twists that I actually never saw coming. I enjoyed both Sadie and Landon as main characters, and it was interesting getting to read about both of their histories, and what lead both of them to the points they were at in their lives. If you're a fan of chocolate, you'll love the descriptive passages about the sweets that Sadie crafts to sell in her beloved sweets shop, and I especially enjoyed learning about molecular gastronomy, since I'd never heard of it prior.

I love how each of the titles in this series focuses around this quirky town's many fun festivals, and since this one is themed around Valentine's Day, it definitely didn't disappoint. I thought the Cupid Run was hilarious, and the dance sounded beautiful and spectacular.

I also can't conclude this review without mentioning how much I adored both Irene and Gigi as characters. They were probably some of my most favorite secondary characters from the entire series so far, and I loved the changes that come their way throughout the story.

All in all, Rachael Bloome has written another wonderful story that I can guarantee you aren't going to want to miss, and won't be able to put down once you start it. I can't possibly recommend The Hope in Hot Chocolate and the entire Poppy Creek series enough.

The hints at book eight already have me excited, and I'll be waiting anxiously to see where this talented author chooses to take her readers next.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to read and review this one!

I voluntarily read a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So nice to visit Poppy Creek again....I really hope this series goes on for a few more books at least
Down home, wholesome, clean and a heartwarming story! Can't get any better than The Hope in Hot Chocolate!
Rachael Bloome takes us to Poppy Creek for another adventure featuring Sadie and Landon. Sadie has her chocolate store that she takes over from her grandmother. To say that things aren't going the way Sadie would like but she's hoping that the upcoming competition for Valentine's Day with give her a boost in funds if she can come up with the winning treat!
But her new next door neighbour has plans to also win the competition with his new healthier version of a treat with molecular gastronomy, a whole new concept that I had to research. You see Landon hates sugar...why do you ask? Well we find out by reading the book so you will just have to pick up the book to find out...I'm not one to read and tell!
Highly recommend this series and if you pick this book up without reading the others...it's ok...you won't be lost but if you only read this book you are missing out on some wonderful stories
Did I say I "HIGHLY" recommend this book....you won't be sorry

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael Bloome has done it again. She takes us back to Poppy Creek in her latest addition, The Hope in Hot Chocolate. This is another heartwarming story from Ms. Bloome and she does not disappoint. This is Sadie’s and Landon’s story but she also brings back some character’s from earlier additions and also introduces some new ones. You can read this as a standalone but each and every one has its own story that will carry through to the next one. There is nothing like going to Poppy Creek, it has all the small town charms that will elevate your spirits. I highly recommend a trip to Poppy Creek, start at the beginning or the end, you will have a pleasurable experience!

Thank you Rachael Bloome and Secret Garden Press for the honor to read this wonderful story in exchange for an honest review.
#thehopeinhotchocolate #rachaelbloome
#secretgardenpress #arc

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. Sadie and Landon are a sweet couple.

[Nadira Syahidah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t read romance book, but since I found the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome I suddenly so into this clean romance book lately. It’s such an easy read for me, no cheap drama, and the characters are lovely. Honestly, I didn’t find any bad antagonist here, everyone seems nice.

Thought this book has no slow plot, which I always avoid, but the story a bit lack of something. I don’t know, I wish it’s just me and everyone has their own preference. But don’t get me wrong, on every series I always had teary eyes and can’t put the book down. I enjoyed the whole story, I just need a little bit of spice maybe.

Is this series my cup of tea? I’d like to say no, otherwise I’ll give it 5 stars. But this is a nice read and you won’t get disappointed because Mrs. Bloome always gives happy ending for us.

At the end of the story there’s always an epilogue for the next book. I thought it will tell about the new characters, but it’s back to Cassie. Unfortunately I won’t read the next book because there’s more out there for me to discover.

Anyway, thank you Mrs. Bloome for creating this amazing series

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s in a cup of hot chocolate? To chocolatier Sadie, it’s love.To entrepreneur Landon, it’s poison. As he builds out his store next to Sadie’s, neither the dividing wall nor their conflicting views can keep them apart. In The Hope in Hot Chocolate—this seventh book in the Poppy Creek series—Sadie and Landon keep getting thrown together. Watch the sparks fly!

I appreciate how Rachael Bloome fleshes out her characters. As we meet family members and as secrets are revealed, we understand why Sadie and Landon each believe what they believe. Through the story’s twists and turns, there are lots of opportunities to root for their sparks to ignite a strong flame.

I love Poppy Creek and its unique activities, from the Saint Valentine Swap to the Cupid Run. And it is always good to meet new people and catch up with friends from previous books in the series. Yes, this book can stand alone, but it is even more fun to read the whole series in order.

I received an Advance Reader Copy for my honest opinion.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always such fun reading a book set in the quaint, charming town of Poppy Creek.  I have always found the characters to be unique and sometimes inspirational.  I really liked how the title came into play in the story.  It just added another layer to the characters of Gigi and Sadie and another level to the book.  The characters and the town's quirky events were such fun to read about and it was interesting to watch Sadie and Landon ignore the sparks between them.  I especially liked the romance in this book and all the little surprises.  It made for a sweet, charming, romantic tale.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael Bloome really has a gift. I love reading her stories, because they are easy reads, meaning the words flow smoothly. Yet her books are captivating and I never find myself bored. Plus she doesn’t have a lot of conflict, which I appreciate because I read for a mental break. This particular story was exceptionally written, as two competitors, Sadie and Landon, try hard to avoid each other. Yet various circumstances keep throwing them together. They are opposites and have vastly different opinions, so they often find themselves at odds. Can they each overcome their judgements and find common ground?

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job. I liked the characters but thought the romance moved a bit on the fast side. There is a serious undertone in the story but still the story felt light. Also, I want to try some of that hot chocolate. I chuckled while I ate sugary stuff while listening to the story and I also enjoyed a cup of hot dark chocolate almond milk. This book could be dangerous if you are dieting. The story deals with diabetes and an eating disorder so that is where the serious undertone comes in.
It was an enjoyable read.

No sex, language or violence

[Ann Bellinghausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! If you are familiar with Poppy Creek then coming home again is a welcome reprieve from the stress of the real world and the characters are so relatable and appealing it's almost like your extended family that you can't wait to see and catch up with. If this is the first time you visit Poppy Creek I know you will want to read every entry in the series.
Sadie and Landon are completely different and seem to face conflict at every turn. Their extended families and friends are equally appealing and entertaining. Watching their relationships change and grow is a delight for the reader. I appreciate the writer's talent for surprising me and I love that she writes a compelling story without resorting to sensationalism or words I don't enjoy reading. Highly recommended.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful story, the most recent in the Poppy Creek series, was a joy to read from cover to cover. I tried to read it slowly so I could savor it like delicious chocolate, but the tempting treats of this story trampled my self-control. The use of chocolate as a metaphor for all types of love and the relatable characters made reading this story feel like you were devouring your favorite dessert. The inclusion of a regal dachshund named Reginald and a other animal surprises were the whipped cream and cherry on top!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie is worried about losing her chocolate shop, to add to her worries she has a new neighbor that hates sugar and she doesn't know what his shop next door is going to sell. Landon moves to Poppy Creek hoping to get his mother out of her shell and he wants to share his unique product. Sadie and Landon of course have some conflicts but they end up helping each other and his mother in unexpected ways. I enjoyed this sweet romance, the interesting characters and the kindness and generosity of the residents of Poppy Creek.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope in Hot Chocolate is a sweet, heartwarming, small town romance. It is always great to visit the charming community of Poppy Creek. This well written book pairing Sadie, a chocolatier, with Landon, Mr. Anti-sugar, is a delightful enemies to lovers romance that kept me from accomplishing anything else until I reached the end!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Poppy Creek! While these books are standalone it does help to read the previous books to see the connections between the characters in this book. This book takes us to the sweetest place on earth a place, where true chocolate is born. Sadie is working hard to take over her grandmother‘s legacy of the chocolate shop along comes Landon who pushes the idea of the food onestep further using molecular gastronomy. I have to admit I had no idea what molecular gastronomy was or what it even look like so I did some googling to get a better idea of what I was reading about. I am not sure that I still really understand it I believe that I need to taste it to really understand the true concept. Landon and Sadie have completely different viewpoints about food, sweets and chocolate.Will their work together give them a chance to compromise and understand one another more deeply and create a better work? Could it even Lead to love? This book gives us two bonus couples at the end that are absolutely delightful. I think you’ll enjoy this ride back to Poppy Creek and all of the wonderful characters there. When you are finished, take a ride to your nearest hometown chocolate store. I think St. Michael’s may be able to hook me up to the a milky chocolate vanilla cream caraml😁

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

The Hope in Hot Chocolate is a lovely, heartwarming story about two people who start as rivals and adversaries, until they each reveal their hearts.

[Melissa-ann Strausser · Rating 5 out of 5]

#7 & final in the series. Great read wish there were more.

[Pam Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, clean romance about a woman who makes chocolates and a man who wants people to eat healthier by eating less sugar. He is opening a shop beside her Chocolate shop. Will they find common ground? Why is he so against Sugar? You can answer those questions by reading it. I enjoyed by review copy.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anti-sugar guy falls for a chocolatier. Sweet story with a hot chocolate recipe from France that sounds divine.

[Emily Dill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always happy to go back to Poppy Creek! Another precious addition to the series (and another book that made me crave dessert and lattes the whole time I read lol). Rachael’s books are always so comforting that you want to get lost in them. I like the Valentine’s Day theme running through the book, and I’ll definitely be making the special hot chocolate this week!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story that tugs at your heart strings by one of my absolute favorite authors!

Sadie and Landon were polar opposites in so many ways. Lifestyle, wealth, one with a love of chocolate, the other thinking sugar is of the devil. And yet, they felt drawn to each other, but would fight the feelings that they didn’t want to have. Then, with a little intervention here and there by friends and family, they finally began to open their hearts to each other. Sadie and Landon hit several road bumps along the way, but the heart knows what the heart wants 🥰

And a little hot chocolate might just help along the way, as well 💞🌹

[Katie Rude · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading the Poppy Creek series, I immediately fell in love with the people and the town. This book was rich with new and old characters set during Valentine’s Day season. Whether this is the first book you read from the series or not, you can easily follow along. The quirky small town celebrations and relationships brought together the main characters of this story. I particularly love the ‘opposites attract’ love story written about Landon and Sadie. The health obsessed Landon and chocolate maker Sadie had conflicting intellectual values birthed upon emotional stances. The author describes, with a succinct detailed manner, the importance of the main characters’ need to mature. There is a beautiful character Irene, Landon’s mom, whose story I would love to hear more about as her new relationship develops. I highly recommend this book. It is a smart romantic story that leaves the reader feeling good about themselves and the people of Poppy Creek.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I SEE LIFE THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES

The story is part of the Poppy Creek Series but can read well as a stand-alone. This is a clean, contemporary romance with angst and secrets. It takes place in the picturesque town of Poppy Creek which is quaint with colorful characters. Longtime residents will include Gigi and Sadie Hamilton.

Sadie’s Sweet Shop was begun by Gigi and passed down to Sadie when she became an adult. Gigi has taught her how to make unique chocolate treats that the town loves. It is time for the latest event that falls after Valentine’s Day, the Sips & Sweets Festival. There will be booths and contests, with the top prize of five thousand dollars that Sadie really needs. She has told Gigi about her financial woes.

New to town will be Landon Morris, who is refurbishing the building next door to the Sweet Shop. Landon has been secretive about what his shop will involve. His reconstruction is playing havoc on Sadie’s business—including breaking through a joint wall. The one thing discovered is a box hidden in the wall full of letters.

The story is mystery, secrets, suspense, and a touch of romance. Landon and his mother, Irene, have a restored eccentric home outside of town. His mother stays in the house with the housekeeper, Gladys, and her dog, Reginald. Landon wishes she would agree to visit the town and get to know the people there. Sadie was raised by Gigi, not a blood relative, but a woman who put her life on hold to raise a nine-year-old girl after the death of her parents.

I liked the characters, interactions, and chemistry between Landon and Sadie. That doesn’t mean they will have plenty of angst and issues. A trip to visit Landon will have Sadie meeting Irene by chance—but it is the beginning of a friendship. Sadie, Gigi, and friends will help Irene discover new friends in Poppy Creek, and people who aren’t judgmental. There will be issues between Landon and Sadie over his dislike of sugar and the detriment to health.

“Their two worlds collided, igniting an unexpected connection—and undeniable attraction—as they learned something new from each other.”

Note: The story does not end on a cliffhanger, instead it is a segue into the next book, A Promise in Poppies.

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope in Hot Chocolate is about kindhearted Sadie Hamilton owner of Sadie's Sweet Shop in the charming little town of Poppy Creek and billionaire philanthropist Landon Morris who hates sugar and is renovating the building beside Sadie. After unexpected repair costs and replacing equipment, Sadie is in debt and struggling to keep her shop open. Landon is the owner and founder of Morris Bio Tech and preparing to open a new shop adjoining Sadie with his new anti-sugar invention. Construction workers knock a hole in Sadie's wall and when Landon goes to see the damage, he and Sadie find a box with love letters from long ago hidden in the wall. The Sips and Sweets Festival is soon getting under way and Sadie wants to win the first prize in the Tastiest Treat competition in hopes the prize money will pay off some of her debt and save her shop from closing. There is The Valentine Swap where everyone makes a homemade valentine and writes an act of service on the valentine and then the valentines are swapped. Sadie visits Landon's mother Irene and learns Irene was once a veterinarian years ago. Farmer Bill Tucker's beloved pet pig Peggy Sue needs medical help, and Sadie convinces Irene to go and help Peggy Sue. A romance begins. Sadie receives an unexpected gift. Sadie goes to the dance at the festival. Landon offers to help Sadie find out who wrote the secret love letters and who they were written to. Irene falls ill and is rushed to the hospital. Secrets are learned. Sacrifices are made for someone else's happiness. Twists and turns and shocking surprises. Charming story full of romance. My favorite series. I sat up all night and read the book, I couldn't put it down. I loved it.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope in Hot Chocolate is the seventh book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Sadie Hamilton is the kindhearted candymaker in the small town of Poppy Creek. Kindhearted to everyone except Landon Morris, Mr Anti-Sugar, especially as her candy shop is struggling and he will be her direct competition. Landon can’t afford any distractions between caring for his ailing mother and trying to launch his new venture. However, he can’t get Sadie out of his head and everywhere he turns, they seem to be thrown together. First, they are forced to share a booth at the town’s Sips and Sweets Festival and second, they are constantly matched as the town’s Valentine’s festivities are in full swing. There’s no denying their connection but can they put aside their contention to take a chance on love?
I love the Poppy Creek series and The Hope in Hot Chocolate is another great addition. Sadie is a woman driven by passion for the confections she lovingly makes and the legacy she has been handed when she took over the shop. Landon is also driven by passion and a commitment to bring treats without the sugar to Poppy Creek. It is an enemies to lovers romance a la You’ve Got Mail with the small town charms of Poppy Creek. A clean romance with plenty of drama and laughs, The Hope in Hot Chocolate will bring a smile to your face and a sigh to your lips. I look forward to finishing this series and revisiting the romances of Poppy Creek. I highly, highly recommend The Hope in Hot Chocolate as well as the rest of the Poppy Creek series.

The Hope in Hot Chocolate is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet-in-every-sense romance, in which chocolatier Sadie’s on the verge of a meltdown. It’s not enough that the business which she inherited from grandmother Gigi is in trouble, but new-guy-in-town Landon is giving her a headache. He’s a man on a mission--for reasons which will become apparent--to help the nation’s health by offering them sugar-free-but-sweet alternatives to the scrumptious creations offered by Sadie—and if she thought things couldn’t get any worse he’s bought the vacant unit which adjoins her own shop.

There’s undeniable chemistry between the pair, however, and I’m not talking about the dopamine, serotonin and endorphin mood-boosters produced by chocolate. Soon it’s not just the party wall between their premises which is crumbling under the weight of Landon’s renovations, and matters continue to spiral—upwards or downwards is arguable—when they’re obliged to share a booth in the upcoming Sips & Sweets Festival.
 
Can the sweet balance out the sour for this seemingly mismatched pair to ensure an appetising outcome? Matters do get a little saccharine, but I guess that's par for the course in this chocolate-coated tale. Time for a book and a box of treats, if this tempts your palate.


 

[Readsandeats · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to be back in Poppy Creek.
This book concentrates on Sadie and Landon. Sadie runs her own candy shop, she makes all the sweets she sells by hand and with love. However, due to some unforseen circumstances she has some financial worries but if she can win the Sips and Sweets Festival 1st prize then she will be ok.
Landon has bought the shop next to Sadie and plans to open a molecular gastronomy quisine shop, he also is on a campaign to ban or reduce sugar.
They are polar opposites but will have to work together as they are having to share a booth at the festival. As they spend time together they find that maybe they do have somethings is common. When Sadie meets Landon's mother, she is drawn to her and wants to help her settle into Poppy Creek and make friends.
I really like both main characters and could see both sides of the sugar argument. It was good to see previous characters come into the story, adding theith help and advice, we also got to catch up on their stories as well.
I love this series and would highly recommend it.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie owns the Sweet Treat shop in Poppy Creek. Landon is a billionaire who is opening a shop next door. Rumor has it that it is a healthy sweets shop. Sadie's parents were killed in an accident and her grandmother raised her. Her Gigi was a chocolatier and left the shop to her. Gigi is in her 80s and loves to travel. Sadie loves the shop and wants her grandmother to be proud of her. She needs to win the Tasty Treat festival contest in order to keep the store open. In various events around town, it seems that she and Landon are always thrown together. Sadie feels that she will be single like her grandmother. She doesn't want to experience loss like when she lost her parents. She feels she and Landon are too opposite and a relationship would never work between them. Landon has moved to Poppy Creek to hopefully get his mother out of her slump. His father left them and he's been trying to pull her out of her depression ever since. Sadie befriends his mother and finds someone she cares for like a mother herself. Sweet book!

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heart melting as always

Rachael Bloome has a lovely way of melting your hearts quicker than chocolate. Her stories are sweet, beautiful, and so inspirational. Be prepared to smile, laugh, giggle, and be brought to tears throughout this story and all of the adventures you'll go on in Poppy Creek. I don't know how she does it but Rachael makes every page feel magically and cozy, like Hallmark wrapped in your favorite blanket. This is an absolute must read that has such beautiful (and delicious) messages. You can feel the love, faith, and family presence through each page. Every character has so much strength that it will inspire you to be stronger every day and truly be yourself, no matter what it takes. That is how wonderful and powerful these books are.

You do NOT want to miss any of the Poppy Creek books, family, and friends. It will become like a home to you.

[BethanyKate · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was great to be back in Poppy Creek. It's been a year since my last visit, so I had to go through the descriptions of all of the other books in this series to refresh my memory. To be honest, it didn't help much. This book was about Landon and Sadie, I don't remember them at all. Lucy is Sadie's BFF and was the main in another book...don't remember anything about her 🤦‍♀️.
Anyway, this book felt so rushed. There was hardly any interaction between L and S before they were in love. Sadie worked a miracle getting Irene, Landon's mother, out of her comfort zone. And that won him over.
This book read like a screenplay. It touched upon and wrapped up a lot of things quickly. However, I would have liked it stretched out more. Less moments, more depth.
Oh, and her signature "first kiss gets interrupted" was in there.

[Parhelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was pleasantly written, and I enjoyed the tension between Sadie and Landon, especially the way the tension was often one-sided, as Landon adored Sadie but was oblivious to how much she really had to lose if he succeeded with his business idea.

I didn't really enjoy the French love letter mystery subplot. I found it detracted from what was more interesting to me, and although the French connections were present throughout the book, linking the subplot to the main plot, the resolution of this subplot felt somewhat contrived. It could have been fleshed out more, but because of its placement in a romance novel, to do that would be to steal pages required for the main plot.

For anyone who wants to read a clean romance and go through all the feels, very reminiscent of You've Got Mail but with more sugar and less books, then you will enjoy this.