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Sweet Peppermint Kisses

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There’s no place like home. Until the heart gallops off in an unexpected direction…

Prepare for romance in this heart-warming holiday book brought to you by USA Today bestselling author Josie Riviera.


After Chiara passes her RN license exam, she plans to leave Virginia and return to her beloved Kansas hometown for good. Except her home health client’s handsome brother makes her consider changing her plans.

Between his job, his sister’s injury, and his horse ranch, Vance has no time for Christmas But Chiara’s delight in the season makes him willing to do anything to keep the enchanting smile on her face.

When it comes down to asking her to stay, can he let go of his painful past, throw his heart over the fence, and follow it toward a future together?

Light and sweet, this romance is full of Christmas cheer. Because sometimes the best gifts are hiding right under your heart.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2018

30 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Josie Riviera

143 books473 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Josie Riviera writes contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Send her an email at: josieriviera@aol.com


Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. You'll receive a free sweet romance ebook!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
705 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2026
Chiara is a nurse looking at taking a temporary home health position that will help her pay off the last of her student debt, then move home from Virginia to Kansas. When she was arriving for her initial check in, there was an accident in front of her and she stopped to help, despite knowing she would be late.
Sweet Peppermint Kisses is a sweet read well worth reading. The characters and storyline make this a wonderful story that while set around Christmas, would be a great five-star read anytime, so grab this read and enjoy with the confidence that you will appreciate this recommendation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
3,637 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2026
Chiara was a nurse who dreamt of being back in her Kansas hometown, where her parents and sister lived. But first, she needed to fill one last position.
Vance has hired a nurse for her sister to help her recover from an accident while riding, but he was not ready for Chiara.
This was a sweet Christmas romance where two people were too afraid to love again and nearly lost their chance due to fear.
Enjoyable and Christmassy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,511 reviews15 followers
December 30, 2024
She's there as a personal nurse for a month. He's given up on love for himself and spends his time working when he's not caring for his sister. Will he let down his walls before it's too late? Where will she go when her job is done?.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,207 reviews55 followers
December 11, 2025
Sweet Peppermint Kisses
A Sweet and Wholesome Holiday Romance
By: Josie Riviera
Narrated by: Anthea Hallett-Ybarra

Fun Christmas story! Chiara is working as a private nurse, with a end date so she can move back to her hometown. After a bad relationship, she is ready to go home where she feels safe. She loves helping Gertrude, and her brother Vance is just a benefit. She is not looking for love, and Vance, though he knows he is falling for her, he heart is in position for love. Will she find herself leaving town or will love find a way? Communication is key and these two find out just how important it is! Sweet, fun, great characters and the holiday spirit all play into this fabulous story. Loved it!

Anthea Hallet-Ybarra gives it her all as she performs the many characters she is given. A different voice for each, she finds the perfect voice for each one, building the emotions and the holiday spirit. It's a great listen.
1,032 reviews9 followers
January 3, 2026
Sweet Peppermint Kisses is a sweet clean holiday romance that can be enjoyed any time of the year. By Josie Riviera, I enjoyed it probably more the week after Christmas than I would have before Christmas when there was always one more thing that had to be done.

Chiara, a registered nurse who is care for an injured twenty-something woman. Now in Turning Point, Virginia Chiara hopes to return to Kansas to live and work near family. It seems as if this one-month care job may be the start of something unexpectedly more with the young, injured women’s protective brother.

A holiday story that is also a delightful, sweet romance with a surprising beginning, a quick ending and recipe to go along with the story. A good novella size read for any day but was especially right for me on a relaxing afternoon after Christmas.
3,601 reviews41 followers
January 10, 2021
This audiobook is a sweet, clean story to be enjoyed anytime of the year.
Chiara moved from Kansas to Virginia to get her RN license and degree. She plans to take a new job for a month helping a young woman while she recovers. Then it’s back home to Kansas.
The brother of the young woman is Vance.
While Chiara is all about Christmas, Vance never experienced it as a child. Something Chiara is determined to change.
Even though both have been hurt in matters of the heart, a relationship develops. But is this only for a month? Can Vance ask Chiara to stay? Will Chiara change her plans?
This is a story about finding love a second time around and taking chances.
1,621 reviews18 followers
November 2, 2022
“Sweet Peppermint Kisses” by Josie Riviera Narrated by: Anthea Hallett-Ybarra
Holidays & Happiness
This is a really good story that I truly enjoyed. Sweet and clean, romantic with the thread of doubt… will they both get on the same page at the same time?? Or, will they be like ships that pass in the night. The character voices my imagination tried to create did not mesh with the narration voices of the audiobook. That issue happens to me every once in a while, the discrepancy twixt the narrator’s voices and the ones my imagination generates. That said, I did truly enjoy my time in this audiobook. Happy Reading ! !
2,748 reviews12 followers
July 12, 2020
A holiday for love!

Christmas is a time for home and family, and maybe new beginnings. Chiara Johnson is going to miss spending the holiday with her family in Kansas, but her temporary nursing job at Wellington Acres will provide new friendships and an unexpected chance for love.

The story is heartwarming. Chiara and Vance are two people that need to be together. I love Josie Riviera’s clean, sweet romances and this one includes my favorite time of year. That is an unbeatable combo for me. I also intend to try the Gingerbread House recipe that is included at the end of the book this holiday season!
2,295 reviews28 followers
January 12, 2021
Chiara loves Christmas and Vance has never celebrated it. I really enjoyed seeing Christmas celebrated for the first time through the eyes of Vance and Gertrude. A really sweet romance as well as gaining family and friends. Loved the ending. I listened to this book on audible. The narrator did a really good job of making me believe the voice of each character. Sounded like more than one narrator.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,261 reviews208 followers
November 13, 2018
Sweet Peppermint Kisses by Josie Riviera
Chiara Johnson is driving to her new employment-a woman who has suffered some injuries from a horse fall.
The horse escaped from the fence area and ran out into the street and the boys in the car were injured and she stopped to help them out. She's late for her interview so the local cop escorts her to explain why she's so late..
Gertrude is the woman healing from her injuries and her brother Vance is the one in charge. He is writing an app about dating-she's gotten burned once from using one in the past. He takes a liking to her and he's allowed her to dress up the place with holiday decorations.
Love the idea of the book club-and there's only 2! Love hearing how they recycle items around the house.
She is also physically attracted to him and he wants her to bring her younger sister to help them celebrate the holidays. The family never celebrated...the grandparents always just maintained the horse farm and house to do anything else.
Misunderstandings and jealousy and her sister is missing-she fears heading to the ice that's not frozen yet... Like hearing how they celebrate with the children, what a treasure.
Love how the book got it's name and also the recipe at the end. Surprise ending.
Note from the author is included about the book. Great short story, can't wait to try the treats!
Recieved this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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377 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2025
Very enjoyable story. The h is a new RN who takes a job as a private nurse for a young woman who was injured in a riding accident, suffering a broken ankle and concussion which left her suffering from bouts of confusion. The h is excited about the job because the salary will allow her to pay off her school debt and she gets free room and board. On the way to the job she witnessed an accident and stepped in to care for the injured and helped where needed which made she late for her job interview. The H thus has no intentions of hiring her but when she arrives with the police and he finds out what happened he hired her. The h gets alone with the sister and carefully providers for her care. The H becomes drawn to the h and they slowly fall in love but don’t say anything. The h has a younger sister who loves horses and wants to play a piano and the H’s sister brings her from Kansas so she can experience the horse farm. When it becomes time for the younger sister to fly home the h considers leaving with her because her patient no longer needs her as she is fully recovered and the H has allowed her relationship to blossom with a man he previously rejected for her. The H is very hurt that she is leaving but says nothing while the h thinks that he doesn’t care. When the h doesn’t leave they are able to express their feelings and find their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Recommend it to all who like Hallmark stories. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Keren Herrera-Lyles.
339 reviews18 followers
January 4, 2021
Sweet Peppermint Kisses takes you to a Wonderland of Magic. Where Chiara is missing her family especially during this Christmas season. She can't stop thinking of snow falling and baking cookies with her mom and sister in Kansas. But when an opportunity shows up to help her finish paying her school tuition she grabs it. Vance misses all that there is about a family. Having his younger sister in a horse accident and no parents to be there for them, he works hard at his business and family legacy horse ranch. He puts up an ad for a live in nurse to help his sister.

But when the first thoughts about Chiara from Vance are not good, is her bright happy spirit and smile that over take Vance and the magic begins.

Chiara missing her family Christmas activities she opens up what was closed.... the Christmas Spirit at the horse ranch. Vance being afraid of hurting again keeps his emotions distant but is the free spirit of the nurse living up in the apartment of the ranch that brings back his Faith, and Hope in love.

A very sweet story of Trusting and the Magic of Christmas can open everything up, when you Believe and Love.

I loved this story. Read it in one day. Captures all the sweetness a story can bring in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommend and well also Vance is just a dream.
370 reviews19 followers
November 15, 2018
Sweet Peppermint Kisses brings together so many of my favorite things that I hated to see it
end.

Chiara Johnson accepts a temporary position at a private ranch to help pay off the last of her nursing school tuition so that she can return to her family home in Kansas City. She is hired by Vance Thatcher, a computer app developer, to help care for his sister, Gertrude, who is recovering from a riding accident.

The author creatively finds common interests between Vance and Chiara. Although Vance and Gertrude have not actively celebrated Christmas in many years, she also interweaves ways that they find the Christmas spirit with Chiara in the house. The romance between Vance and Chiara blossoms quickly, and while it is not a smooth ride, love triumphs in the end.

I love the characters in this book and the way that they relate to each other. I’ve loved horses for as long as I can remember, so bringing these majestic animals into the story is yet another element that draws me to this story. Of course, anyone who loves Christmas will love the holiday theme.

This is a novella that can easily be read in one sitting. Pick up your copy, find a comfortable corner, and read it from cover to cover.
132 reviews
February 3, 2023
Sweet Peppermint Kisses
Josie Riviera

What happens when two people who are afraid to fall in love find themselves falling for each other?
Meet Chaira Johnson, a nurse living in Virginia, wo is ready to return to her Kansas home. All she has to do is work the month of December as a live-in nurse at Wellington Acres for a woman injured in a horseback riding accident.
Vance Thatcher is the older brother of the young woman Chiara has signed on to assist. He is obsessed with work at the ranch and in his tech business. He’s closed off to everyone but his sister because everyone he has loved has left.
We watch as these two people learn about themselves and each other.
This is a wonderful story that has you cheering for this couple from the beginning. You watch them struggle to deal with he hurts of their past and their hopes for the future.
Josie has done a masterful job of character development and has given us a plot that keeps you engaged.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a warm
Christmas read or simply a wonderfully told romance.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
1,886 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2019
This was my first Josie Riviera. This is such an awesome book Christmas book to get you ready for the season. It's a fast easy read with a great plot twists and turns, intriguing characters. I loved the romance between Vance and Chiara. Chiara is a nurse who is hired by Vance to help care for his sister. Vance is a computer app developer. Vance and his sister have not been celebrating Christmas, he lets Chiara bring the Christmas spirit and cheer in the house. Vance and Chiara's romance starts to blossom but has some bumpy roads, but in the end love finds a way. I loved all the Christmas descriptions of the town, the house and all the horses, I especially loved Peppermint the horse, they made the story come alive! I highly recommend this book you will enjoy it like I did and you need to grab a copy to see how they get their HEA!!! I will definitely be reading more of this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
791 reviews37 followers
December 6, 2021
Chiara is spending Christmas in Virigina looking after Vance’s sister who had a fall from a horse was injured. She really wanted to be home for Christmas but she could not turn down this job, as it was a live in position and would help her financially. When she arrives at the house there is no sign of Christmas anywhere. The brother and sister have never had a real Christmas and Chiara soon changes that. Vance is busy with his business but he soon finds more than just Christmas with Chiara, he finds that a heart he has kept hidden soon brings the love and joy of the season that Chiara brings too.

This was my first book by Josie and she wrote a lovely warm hearted holiday story filled with Christmas and romance. And throw in a little girl who loves Christmas when she comes to visit and even the hard heart will melt away with the joy of the season. I enjoyed this wonderful book and I look forward to reading more of Josie’s books.

Thank you for the opportunity of this book by the author for my honest review.
1,372 reviews8 followers
September 8, 2019
Chiara moved to Virginia three years ago for a guy and then she broke up with him and since she was already in school so she waited and this Christmas is the last time she is away from her family on Christmas. Vance is divorced and determined not to marry again and then he meets his sister's new nurse try as he might he can't get his mind off of her and now he and Gertrude are celebrating Christmas because of Chiara. Pregnant horses, two people who are scarred by love don't believe they can find it again is like watching a Hallmark movie but in actuality reading a Josie Rivera book. Awesome, well written and the characters are amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,173 reviews108 followers
January 15, 2021
I love Josie Riviera Christmas romance books. She transports me to different places. The first time to Portugal. This time I stayed in the USA but went across the country to Virginia. I enjoyed being at the horse farm with Chiara and Gertrude. The romance that blossoms between Chiara and Vance along with the obstacles in their way put me in the role of a sister. My heart swelled with the sweet love developing and I felt the frustrations of a sibling when it appeared they were going to part ways without acknowledging their feelings. I wanted to shake them both. The book was a quick, sweet, read. If you need an afternoon escape that brings with it some Christmas cheer give this book the opportunity to take you away.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2019
A sweet holiday romance. 💞❤️️🎄🍬🐴💞

Chiara has been hired as a live-in nurse for Vance's younger sister, Gertrude after she fell during a horse competition getting a concussion and breaking her ankle. Her plan is to finish out the contracted month and then finally head back home to Kansas City and her family after graduation with her nurse's degree. Well, that was her plan. However, the more time she spends with Vance, the more she wants to stay in Virginia with him. 💗💕

This is a sweet and clean romance with a happily ever after that will make you sigh.❣️😊

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
492 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2020
Vance Thatcher is looking for a nurse to take care of his sister for the whole month of December after she had an accident with her horse. Chiara, the nurse, is thankful to have found this job, the last one in Virginia before she leaves for home (Kansas). Upon arrival, she realizes the Thatchers have no Christmas decorations at all. On top of her nursing duties, Chiara takes it upon herself to bring the Thatchers some Christmas cheer and more…
It is a very sweet romance, remembering us how important it is to express our feelings before it is too late. For all the readers who love Christmas, you will definitely enjoy this story full of love and Christmas spirit.
Profile Image for Karen.
735 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2021
Vance comes across at the beginning of the book to be a snob. He is critical of the woman he is attempting to hire to take care of his sister. When he realizes Chiara is late to the appointment due to an accident he mellows out. He then becomes a friendly man who struggles to express affection verbally in fear of rejection. Chiara wants to go home to Kansas. Taking a temporary job as a caregiver is a fast way to make some money before going home. She didn’t expect to be attracted to her employer. Chiara and Vance feel chemistry for each other at their first meeting. They sort of have a whirlwind romance. The book takes place during Christmas to help get us all in the mood for the season.
Profile Image for Norma Jean.
299 reviews11 followers
October 17, 2023
Chiara was looking forward to going back home to Kansas after passing her RN licensing examination in Virginia. She planned to go back home as soon as her current home health nursing job is finished. She didn’t count on falling for her patient’s big brother, Vance.

Vance is busy running the ranch and making sure his sister is well taken care of. He can’t be bothered with Christmas. Chiara loves everything about Christmas and is determined to change his attitude.

This book has the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to my next Josie Riviera book. Her sweet, clean books are a delight to read. Josie Riviera never disappoints.


2,617 reviews48 followers
October 17, 2019
This book was just okay for me. The premise of the story is good but I had a hard time buying the insta-love relationship. I liked the characters individually though. Maybe I would have liked it better in a longer version where the relationship had more time to develop. I didn't think the audio narrator showed the book to advantage either so I might have liked it better if I'd been reading it instead of listening. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and it has a happily ever after ending.

No sex, language or violence
2,182 reviews37 followers
November 22, 2019
What a cute Christmas story. When Chiara takes a month long live in nursing job, to pay off her tuition bills, she never expected to find love. She is to take care of Gertrude as she recuperates from a horse riding accident. She arrives at the ranch late, due to an accident and of course her brother Vance isn't happy. All it takes is Christmas cookies and he is smitten, but he can't express his feelings. Chiara decides to leave early to go home for Christmas, but goes back to the ranch. Is it possible there is Christmas magic at work?
Profile Image for Sharon.
698 reviews
July 14, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Chiara is an RN that thinks sugar cookies are the answers to all her problems. (Most of the time I totally agree with this statement!) Her favorite Pastor once preached " focus on the future not the past" another piece of good advice the Pastor passed along "Sometimes the best things God gave you was something you already had. I love reading about the horses and the horse ranch, and the Christmas season. A good read. A good addition to the boxes set Holiday Hearts Volume 3
2,391 reviews27 followers
May 21, 2025
Chiara and Vance meet when she is hired as a nurse for his sister, who is recovering from a horse riding accident. She loves Christmas while he and his sister have never celebrated it. Sweet, clean romance with interesting characters and great interactions. Chiara and Vance have both been hurt in previous relationships which makes them both a little leery of trying again. Coincidentally, she had a bad experiencing using a dating app while Vance is working on one. This is a well-written story with excellent descriptions. I received a copy of the book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,424 reviews
November 14, 2018
Grab a warm fuzzy blanket, some hot chocolate, ginger snap cookies and peppermint kisses, while you the reader delight in the inspiring romance Sweet Peppermint Kisses by Josie Riviera. Enjoyed the holiday festivities because my family and friends make gingerbread houses from graham crackers and milk cartons. Intriguing characters, twist and turn plot with a believable resolution. Loved the double meaning of the title. A SWEET read, especially since I am a minor character.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
September 4, 2019
If like me you enjoy a good well written really sweet holiday romance then you really should give this book a read it is a great book to curl up with. I really liked both Chiara and Vance they were good likable and very real characters these two meet when he hires her to look after his sister after her accident. The attraction between them is obvious right from the start. This was a good fun romance
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.3k reviews8 followers
September 7, 2019
Chiara, a RN and rancher Vance meet when she is hired to look after his sister Gretchen after she has an accident. A man that has everyone he loves walk away so he is afraid to open his heart, and a woman who wants to return to Kansas. I enjoyed reading how these two get their happy ending, and I enjoyed seeing how Chiara's kid sister, Emma fit in the story. A sweet Christmas story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews35 followers
September 8, 2019
This is a wonderful holiday romance. Chiara brings the spirit of Christmas back for her patient, Gertrude, and Gertrude's brother, Vance. These are charming characters, lovable and relatable. The author gives beautiful descriptions of the Christmas decorations in the small town. The romance between Vance and Chiara is very sweet and moving. A delightful short read to prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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