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Little Shops on Heart Street #1
A Family by Christmas
Chocolatier Emma Miller has a new business selling bonbons to the residents of the quaint town of Wood Creek. When a tiny visitor stops by her shop with an interesting request, Emma is intrigued. The young girl needs chocolates that will help her widowed dad fall in love, preferably with her teacher. What Emma didn't count on was Casey's ever so charming and handsome dad, Grant, stepping into her life. She has to remind herself to be cautious because the one thing she learned in foster care is that people always leave.
Pilot Grant Galloway is touched by his daughter's gift and is curious about the person who made the world-class chocolates. But when he steps into Emma's shop full of delicious smells and tasty morsels, he forgets to breathe. And it has nothing to do with his favorite dessert. She's pretty and kind, and when she has to deal with a difficult client, his protective instincts kick into high gear. But he risked his heart once. When his wife died, it left him broken. He's just now beginning to pick up the pieces, and he and his daughter will be leaving town once the holidays are over.
Thanks to some Christmas wishes, though, these two might discover that their carefully laid plans are about to change.
Pilot Grant Galloway is touched by his daughter's gift and is curious about the person who made the world-class chocolates. But when he steps into Emma's shop full of delicious smells and tasty morsels, he forgets to breathe. And it has nothing to do with his favorite dessert. She's pretty and kind, and when she has to deal with a difficult client, his protective instincts kick into high gear. But he risked his heart once. When his wife died, it left him broken. He's just now beginning to pick up the pieces, and he and his daughter will be leaving town once the holidays are over.
Thanks to some Christmas wishes, though, these two might discover that their carefully laid plans are about to change.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2019
191 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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February 23, 2025
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#1 A Family By Christmas - ★★★★
A Family for Christmas is the first book in the Little Shops on Heart Street series by Viv Royce. It is a wonderful Christmas story about new beginnings, courage, love and kindness, and I enjoyed it so much! I read it on Christmas day, and I am so happy I did! Huge thank you to the author, who suggested this book to me during a random Twitter conversation, as well as Netgalley and the publisher Entangled Publishing, LLC for granting me an ARC copy of this book.
Synopsis:
Emma Miller recently moved to the quiet town of Wood Creek, opening her business and selling chocolates and bonbons to the residents. One day, a small her stops by her shop with a very unique request, and Emma is so intrigued. The little girl needs chocolates for her dad that will make him fall in love with her teacher. Emma can’t deny this little girl and of course, she complies. Little does she know, when Casey’s charming dad comes to the shop to find the creator of the chocolates, they will get on quite well. But she has to remind herself to be careful. After all, she knows that as soon as she gets attached to people, they tend to leave.
The pilot Grant Galloway is surprised by his daughter’s surprise, and he is even more curious about the lady that made these chocolates. After his wife passed away, he is still picking up the pieces of his broken heart. And Wood Creek is only a temporary stop for him and Casey. As soon as he finds a day piloting job, he will move away. He cannot allow to start anything new, especially not now, before the holidays.
Thanks to some Christmas wishes, though, these two might discover that their carefully laid plans are about to change.
My Thoughts:
Reading this book at Christmas day added a special Christmas magic to it, and I finished it within a few hours. I loved the story, and I loved the characters. There is something about small towns that I miss now that I live in a big city. The kindness of the people, and the closeness. I used to find it intrusive that people knew everything about you, but these days, I find it very comforting, especially when people tend to alienate more and more each day.
The little town is beautiful, and Emma’s shop was described so well. I could almost see and taste her amazing chocolate creations. And same goes with Grant’s family business and the town fair that they were organising and decorating, right before Christmas.
I am always looking around for a romance novel, and I enjoyed Grant and Emma’s story. It wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to, but the book was quite short, and I think it was due to that. I still loved their little moments as well.
My favorite character has to be Casey. After knowing what I know, I can see how brave it was for her to come into Emma’s shop and ask for that favour. And that just says how much her dad’s happiness means for her. She is so selfless and kind, and oh so brave. Especially with the other surprise that she plans for her dad.
If you are looking for a lovely Christmas romance during your Christmas or winter holidays – grab this book. It has everything – the lovely town and lovely people, a family atmosphere, a lovely romance and a Christmas miracle magic in the end with a perfect happy ending. I am so glad I read this!
#1 A Family By Christmas - ★★★★
A Family for Christmas is the first book in the Little Shops on Heart Street series by Viv Royce. It is a wonderful Christmas story about new beginnings, courage, love and kindness, and I enjoyed it so much! I read it on Christmas day, and I am so happy I did! Huge thank you to the author, who suggested this book to me during a random Twitter conversation, as well as Netgalley and the publisher Entangled Publishing, LLC for granting me an ARC copy of this book.
Synopsis:
Emma Miller recently moved to the quiet town of Wood Creek, opening her business and selling chocolates and bonbons to the residents. One day, a small her stops by her shop with a very unique request, and Emma is so intrigued. The little girl needs chocolates for her dad that will make him fall in love with her teacher. Emma can’t deny this little girl and of course, she complies. Little does she know, when Casey’s charming dad comes to the shop to find the creator of the chocolates, they will get on quite well. But she has to remind herself to be careful. After all, she knows that as soon as she gets attached to people, they tend to leave.
The pilot Grant Galloway is surprised by his daughter’s surprise, and he is even more curious about the lady that made these chocolates. After his wife passed away, he is still picking up the pieces of his broken heart. And Wood Creek is only a temporary stop for him and Casey. As soon as he finds a day piloting job, he will move away. He cannot allow to start anything new, especially not now, before the holidays.
Thanks to some Christmas wishes, though, these two might discover that their carefully laid plans are about to change.
My Thoughts:
Reading this book at Christmas day added a special Christmas magic to it, and I finished it within a few hours. I loved the story, and I loved the characters. There is something about small towns that I miss now that I live in a big city. The kindness of the people, and the closeness. I used to find it intrusive that people knew everything about you, but these days, I find it very comforting, especially when people tend to alienate more and more each day.
The little town is beautiful, and Emma’s shop was described so well. I could almost see and taste her amazing chocolate creations. And same goes with Grant’s family business and the town fair that they were organising and decorating, right before Christmas.
I am always looking around for a romance novel, and I enjoyed Grant and Emma’s story. It wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to, but the book was quite short, and I think it was due to that. I still loved their little moments as well.
My favorite character has to be Casey. After knowing what I know, I can see how brave it was for her to come into Emma’s shop and ask for that favour. And that just says how much her dad’s happiness means for her. She is so selfless and kind, and oh so brave. Especially with the other surprise that she plans for her dad.
If you are looking for a lovely Christmas romance during your Christmas or winter holidays – grab this book. It has everything – the lovely town and lovely people, a family atmosphere, a lovely romance and a Christmas miracle magic in the end with a perfect happy ending. I am so glad I read this!
October 7, 2019
Amusing, sweet, and delightfully festive!
A Family by Christmas is a cosy, heartwarming, holiday read set in the quaint town of Wood Creek that takes us into the lives of two main characters. Emma, a young, hardworking woman struggling to start a new business and make a new home for herself, and Grant, a grieving, single father whose main focus is raising his daughter and resuming his career.
The prose is atmospheric and light. The characters are lonely, friendly, and thoughtful. And the plot is an engaging tale full of tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, and of course a touch of romance!
Overall, A Family by Christmas is a clean, fun, uplifting, wintery treat that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, decorated trees, twinkling lights, and scrumptious chocolatey treats.
Thank you to Viv Royce and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Family by Christmas is a cosy, heartwarming, holiday read set in the quaint town of Wood Creek that takes us into the lives of two main characters. Emma, a young, hardworking woman struggling to start a new business and make a new home for herself, and Grant, a grieving, single father whose main focus is raising his daughter and resuming his career.
The prose is atmospheric and light. The characters are lonely, friendly, and thoughtful. And the plot is an engaging tale full of tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, and of course a touch of romance!
Overall, A Family by Christmas is a clean, fun, uplifting, wintery treat that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, decorated trees, twinkling lights, and scrumptious chocolatey treats.
Thank you to Viv Royce and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Afamily by Christmas was chocolaty sweet romance that revolved round Emma, Grant and his lovely family in small town. It was about new venture in small town, family, love, belongingness, following your heart and gut feeling.
Characters-
Emma was nice person who wanted to keep her customer happy and survive her business in new town. She was too gentle and generous but I liked her sentiments and outlook towards her business totally opposite of what she was taught. Her thoughts and feelings were realistic and heartfelt. I loved her even more for selflessness.
Grant was her polar opposite. While Emma was cautious by nature, loved her sanctum of shop and home, Grant loved freedom, life-risking adventure and his old pilot job. He was caring and lively person. His feelings for his daughter was lovely.
Casey the little girl of Grant was sweet adorable child. All side characters were nice and supportive.
What I liked-
Writing was great, east to follow and atmospheric. Setting was vivid filled with Christmas spirit that gave festive touch to the story. I loved Emma’s shop, Wood Creek town, Galloway nursery and Christmas fair. The story was third person narrative from Emma and Grant’s perspective. It worked nicely here giving the parallel view of their thoughts and feelings.
It started with a little girl trotting in Emma’s Chocolate Shop placing a cute special order for her daddy. She wanted Emma to make chocolates that help her dad, Grant, fall in love with her teacher. On receiving such delicious chocolate gift, Grant was curious why owner of the chocolate shop was giving it away and so he visited her shop. He wanted Emma to befriend Casey, spend Christmas with her so she can build bond with new people, come out of her shell and enjoy Christmas before they live the town when he get new job. Emma was hesitant at first but she loved Casey and didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. But could she stop the feeling that has started growing after meeting Grant? Can she save herself from heartbreak when both Grant and Casey left the town?
Both had one thought, enjoy it and have fun till it lasts but as they spent more time with each other, friendship turned into deep feelings and blossoming love. It complicated their situation. Emma wanted to stay while Grant wanted to leave on first opportunity. I was curious to see when he will realize his true feeling for Emma and what he will decide after that and will Casey agree to leave her grandparents and Emma with whom she was attached now and have formed strong bond.
Emma’s loneliness being a foster kid touched my heart. It was admirable to see her standing on her own feet, running a shop by heart with so much love and dedication. I was happy for her when she got connected with Grant’s family and all the support she got from town and other shop owners. I knew it will be her best Christmas this time. I liked her attitude and the way she handled her feelings not spoiling new formed bond with Grant’s family. I loved her even more for her selfless advices even though it hurt her.
I liked Grant’s perspective. I could understand Grant’s dream and wish to get job after getting over his loss. It looked like selfishness from certain view but I didn’t feel so. Everybody needs to live for themselves, for something that make them happy and flying was his need and happiness. But I liked him for thinking about his daughter at the same time. His dilemma was realistic.
I loved getting answers to all questions. I liked the message in the book about, trusting your feelings and working out a way that is best for everyone not what you want and your family wants. End was sweet and filed with happiness.
Why 4 stars-
No villain, no drama, no misunderstandings that equals to no twist which made it a tad predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed this family by Christmas. It was charming, cozy, and delightful Christmas read filled with festive feel. Do I recommend this for your Christmas reads? Righto.
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author and publisher. ***
Afamily by Christmas was chocolaty sweet romance that revolved round Emma, Grant and his lovely family in small town. It was about new venture in small town, family, love, belongingness, following your heart and gut feeling.
Characters-
Emma was nice person who wanted to keep her customer happy and survive her business in new town. She was too gentle and generous but I liked her sentiments and outlook towards her business totally opposite of what she was taught. Her thoughts and feelings were realistic and heartfelt. I loved her even more for selflessness.
Grant was her polar opposite. While Emma was cautious by nature, loved her sanctum of shop and home, Grant loved freedom, life-risking adventure and his old pilot job. He was caring and lively person. His feelings for his daughter was lovely.
Casey the little girl of Grant was sweet adorable child. All side characters were nice and supportive.
What I liked-
Writing was great, east to follow and atmospheric. Setting was vivid filled with Christmas spirit that gave festive touch to the story. I loved Emma’s shop, Wood Creek town, Galloway nursery and Christmas fair. The story was third person narrative from Emma and Grant’s perspective. It worked nicely here giving the parallel view of their thoughts and feelings.
It started with a little girl trotting in Emma’s Chocolate Shop placing a cute special order for her daddy. She wanted Emma to make chocolates that help her dad, Grant, fall in love with her teacher. On receiving such delicious chocolate gift, Grant was curious why owner of the chocolate shop was giving it away and so he visited her shop. He wanted Emma to befriend Casey, spend Christmas with her so she can build bond with new people, come out of her shell and enjoy Christmas before they live the town when he get new job. Emma was hesitant at first but she loved Casey and didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. But could she stop the feeling that has started growing after meeting Grant? Can she save herself from heartbreak when both Grant and Casey left the town?
Both had one thought, enjoy it and have fun till it lasts but as they spent more time with each other, friendship turned into deep feelings and blossoming love. It complicated their situation. Emma wanted to stay while Grant wanted to leave on first opportunity. I was curious to see when he will realize his true feeling for Emma and what he will decide after that and will Casey agree to leave her grandparents and Emma with whom she was attached now and have formed strong bond.
Emma’s loneliness being a foster kid touched my heart. It was admirable to see her standing on her own feet, running a shop by heart with so much love and dedication. I was happy for her when she got connected with Grant’s family and all the support she got from town and other shop owners. I knew it will be her best Christmas this time. I liked her attitude and the way she handled her feelings not spoiling new formed bond with Grant’s family. I loved her even more for her selfless advices even though it hurt her.
I liked Grant’s perspective. I could understand Grant’s dream and wish to get job after getting over his loss. It looked like selfishness from certain view but I didn’t feel so. Everybody needs to live for themselves, for something that make them happy and flying was his need and happiness. But I liked him for thinking about his daughter at the same time. His dilemma was realistic.
I loved getting answers to all questions. I liked the message in the book about, trusting your feelings and working out a way that is best for everyone not what you want and your family wants. End was sweet and filed with happiness.
Why 4 stars-
No villain, no drama, no misunderstandings that equals to no twist which made it a tad predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed this family by Christmas. It was charming, cozy, and delightful Christmas read filled with festive feel. Do I recommend this for your Christmas reads? Righto.
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author and publisher. ***
September 19, 2019
This was a sweet romance which captured my heart with its sweetness.
Child Casey walked into a chocolate shop wanting to buy magic bonbons to make her father Grant fall in love and be happy again. Tragedy had befallen this family. The chocolatier Emma was intrigued. Grant loved the chocolates and went to meet up with Emma. Romance soon followed.
My first book by author Viv Royce, I enjoyed the premise of the story. Casey stole my heart with her innocent wishes. Grant and Emma made fun characters along with their family. A wee bit more emotions, would have seen me loving the book
Overall, this was a fun, fast read
Child Casey walked into a chocolate shop wanting to buy magic bonbons to make her father Grant fall in love and be happy again. Tragedy had befallen this family. The chocolatier Emma was intrigued. Grant loved the chocolates and went to meet up with Emma. Romance soon followed.
My first book by author Viv Royce, I enjoyed the premise of the story. Casey stole my heart with her innocent wishes. Grant and Emma made fun characters along with their family. A wee bit more emotions, would have seen me loving the book
Overall, this was a fun, fast read
September 9, 2019
4 star review of A Family By Christmas by Viv Royce
What's not to love? It's the most magical time of the year and also happens to be my most favourite holiday. I love any story that is centred around Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together, celebrate and reflect on life.
This one really tugged at the heart strings and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chocolatier Emma Miller and Pilot Grant Galloway’s story. I found Viv Royce’s writing style to be pleasant and the story flowed quite well, even though it was a tad predictible at times.
Emma is a product of the foster care system, so she has trouble trusting people,for fear they will suddenly disappear from her life. Grant is slowly coming back to life after the death of his wife.
Grant’s little girl Casey is too precious for words and my heart just about broke when she told Emma she needed chocolcates so that her dad would fall in love and smile again.
Can the magic of the Christmas season bring together two lonely souls and an adorable little girl and in turn bring joy and happiness to them all?
As feelings deepen and love blossoms will Grant and Emma take the leap or will Grant’s plans to leave Wood Cove destroy their fledgling relationship and break Emma’s heart?
A Family By Christmas is not a particularly long book, but it was sweet;Wood Cove sounds like a beautiful place and I found this story to be full of hope, love and family; of strength and determination and all in all a heart warming read.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
What's not to love? It's the most magical time of the year and also happens to be my most favourite holiday. I love any story that is centred around Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together, celebrate and reflect on life.
This one really tugged at the heart strings and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chocolatier Emma Miller and Pilot Grant Galloway’s story. I found Viv Royce’s writing style to be pleasant and the story flowed quite well, even though it was a tad predictible at times.
Emma is a product of the foster care system, so she has trouble trusting people,for fear they will suddenly disappear from her life. Grant is slowly coming back to life after the death of his wife.
Grant’s little girl Casey is too precious for words and my heart just about broke when she told Emma she needed chocolcates so that her dad would fall in love and smile again.
Can the magic of the Christmas season bring together two lonely souls and an adorable little girl and in turn bring joy and happiness to them all?
As feelings deepen and love blossoms will Grant and Emma take the leap or will Grant’s plans to leave Wood Cove destroy their fledgling relationship and break Emma’s heart?
A Family By Christmas is not a particularly long book, but it was sweet;Wood Cove sounds like a beautiful place and I found this story to be full of hope, love and family; of strength and determination and all in all a heart warming read.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
February 5, 2020
Too bad the book didn't live up to the cover. 😕
December 24, 2021
What an adorable story! Casey sure made this one special and heartwarming. A chocolate expert and a pilot who loves to eat chocolate, both with sad histories and plenty of love to share. What more could you ask for?
October 23, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
A FAMILY BY CHRISTMAS is sure to warm your heart this holiday season, and one little girl will certainly steal hearts and scenes throughout this story. Really, everything you need to know before picking up this Christmas Romance is in the Cover Description. The only thing you won’t learn from there is the depth of the emotions that are going to grab your heart and not let go until the final page.
Emma and Grant both have valid reasons for not risking their hearts again even though each is lonely in their own fashion. One charming little girl who wishes for her Dad to find love and happiness again will bring two strangers together perhaps to take a risk once again. Yes, there are a few bumps along their road to happiness but nothing huge enough to get in the way of their growing love for each other and for Casey. This is a quick read, one that kept a smile on my face throughout. I completely enjoyed this world and sincerely hope there will be more to come from the small town of Wood Creek. If you’re in the mood for some Christmas magic, two people who seem meant for each other, a charming town and one determined little girl who will steal your heart – then you need to pick up A FAMILY BY CHRISTMAS right now. I had such a good time in this world and believe you will, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
A FAMILY BY CHRISTMAS is sure to warm your heart this holiday season, and one little girl will certainly steal hearts and scenes throughout this story. Really, everything you need to know before picking up this Christmas Romance is in the Cover Description. The only thing you won’t learn from there is the depth of the emotions that are going to grab your heart and not let go until the final page.
Emma and Grant both have valid reasons for not risking their hearts again even though each is lonely in their own fashion. One charming little girl who wishes for her Dad to find love and happiness again will bring two strangers together perhaps to take a risk once again. Yes, there are a few bumps along their road to happiness but nothing huge enough to get in the way of their growing love for each other and for Casey. This is a quick read, one that kept a smile on my face throughout. I completely enjoyed this world and sincerely hope there will be more to come from the small town of Wood Creek. If you’re in the mood for some Christmas magic, two people who seem meant for each other, a charming town and one determined little girl who will steal your heart – then you need to pick up A FAMILY BY CHRISTMAS right now. I had such a good time in this world and believe you will, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 15, 2020
4.5 Stars for A Family Christmas
Christmas is my favourite time of year and let’s be honest what’s not to love about a book that’s set in the magical season and spending time with loved ones, family and friends.
Emma grew up in the foster care system and she struggles to trust people because she is terrified the moment she gets to close they will disappear from her life. Grant is finally coming to grips with the loss of his wife and his life is centred around his little girl Casey.
This book touched me on so many levels, I cried, I smiled and I held my breath a lot and what can I say about Casey telling Emma she needs chocolates so her dad would fall in love and smile again apart from it broke my heart but every tear I shed was worth it because this is a beautifully written love story that’s not just about the adults it’s about building a family unit.
I loved this book and I need to read more from this very talented author.
Christmas is my favourite time of year and let’s be honest what’s not to love about a book that’s set in the magical season and spending time with loved ones, family and friends.
Emma grew up in the foster care system and she struggles to trust people because she is terrified the moment she gets to close they will disappear from her life. Grant is finally coming to grips with the loss of his wife and his life is centred around his little girl Casey.
This book touched me on so many levels, I cried, I smiled and I held my breath a lot and what can I say about Casey telling Emma she needs chocolates so her dad would fall in love and smile again apart from it broke my heart but every tear I shed was worth it because this is a beautifully written love story that’s not just about the adults it’s about building a family unit.
I loved this book and I need to read more from this very talented author.
November 2, 2020
Chocolates, loss, love and small towns...
All crammed into a sweet novella.
Emma is new in town, unsure of her business decision of opening up a chocolate shop, when she is approached by Casey, a young girl who has an extended family and a father, Grant, but her mother died.
Grant is a widower, trying to sort out his future and a job.
There is a lot going on in here, prayers, chocolates, bad people who don't pay for chocolate. Come on, who does that? Some bad business decisions (not a fan).
Sweet, clean and quick to read.
All crammed into a sweet novella.
Emma is new in town, unsure of her business decision of opening up a chocolate shop, when she is approached by Casey, a young girl who has an extended family and a father, Grant, but her mother died.
Grant is a widower, trying to sort out his future and a job.
There is a lot going on in here, prayers, chocolates, bad people who don't pay for chocolate. Come on, who does that? Some bad business decisions (not a fan).
Sweet, clean and quick to read.
October 14, 2019
3.5/5 stars
Clean, short and sweet story. It was an ok read for me. I like my books with a little heat so that was a bit of a letdown for me. The story was good. It was like a Hallmark movie in print form. If that is what you like, then this will be the perfect book for you. It just wasn’t for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Clean, short and sweet story. It was an ok read for me. I like my books with a little heat so that was a bit of a letdown for me. The story was good. It was like a Hallmark movie in print form. If that is what you like, then this will be the perfect book for you. It just wasn’t for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 14, 2020
Cute and well-written!
When chocolatier, Emma, discovered a little girl in her new chocolate shop, she had no idea how her life would be turned upside down! It showed Emma's kind heart well, the way she responded to Casey's request and generously gave her chocolate worth far more than Casey had to spend. Her kindness toward Casey shone brightly throughout the story.
And then there was Grant. Recently widowed, he was determined to do what was best for his daughter, even if it meant limited job opportunities so he would not have to travel overnight as a pilot. His gentle ways and his protective nature greatly appealed to me. When he saw the way some of Emma's customers treated her, his response was great!
The combination of a small town, a single dad, and a woman who had spent most of her life feeling like an outsider made for a perfect, quick Christmassy read. This is my first book by Viv Royce. I'm looking forward to reading more stories from her in the future.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
When chocolatier, Emma, discovered a little girl in her new chocolate shop, she had no idea how her life would be turned upside down! It showed Emma's kind heart well, the way she responded to Casey's request and generously gave her chocolate worth far more than Casey had to spend. Her kindness toward Casey shone brightly throughout the story.
And then there was Grant. Recently widowed, he was determined to do what was best for his daughter, even if it meant limited job opportunities so he would not have to travel overnight as a pilot. His gentle ways and his protective nature greatly appealed to me. When he saw the way some of Emma's customers treated her, his response was great!
The combination of a small town, a single dad, and a woman who had spent most of her life feeling like an outsider made for a perfect, quick Christmassy read. This is my first book by Viv Royce. I'm looking forward to reading more stories from her in the future.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2021
Don't look at that 2-star rating as saying I didn't like this book. I did, but it was just OK. It's a super sweet Christmas story. The main female character is a chocolatier! It doesn't get much sweet than that. And, the story itself is just as sweet as her bonbons. Both Grant and Emma have suffered great losses. Emma when her parents died when she was a little girl. Grant's loss is much more recent, a year ago his wife suddenly died of a heart attack leaving him to raise their young daughter alone. Grant left his job as a pilot and headed home to temporarily live with his parents where he'd have help with Casey. But, now he's got a big decision to make. I just didn't really feel there was a true connection/chemistry between Grant and Emma. The story wasn't hard for me to put aside to do something else and while I still managed to read it within a day, it took me all day. This is easily an afternoon read if you can get into the story.
November 23, 2021
Emma and Grant Plus Two Love Tryst! 3.25***** Spoiler Alert!
Emma, orphaned, survived foster care and its pitfalls to purchase and managed her chocolate shop on Heart Street. There she met Casey, who wanted chocolates made for her dad, widowed Grant, to fall in love. Emma rebounded time after time from Grant's mixed messages, only to be told finally on Christmas Eve that he is staying to be with her as he loved her. This decision made his parents, the Galloways, his sister Fay, his daughter Casey, and her new puppy a merry bunch.
A fair read but an easy to put down novel, with vacillating, easy to forget characters, and a theme of embracing love when it occurs. The storyline was predictable, and his marriage to Lillie seemed superficial as he was away so often.
11/15/21- 11/22/21 COVID-19.
Emma, orphaned, survived foster care and its pitfalls to purchase and managed her chocolate shop on Heart Street. There she met Casey, who wanted chocolates made for her dad, widowed Grant, to fall in love. Emma rebounded time after time from Grant's mixed messages, only to be told finally on Christmas Eve that he is staying to be with her as he loved her. This decision made his parents, the Galloways, his sister Fay, his daughter Casey, and her new puppy a merry bunch.
A fair read but an easy to put down novel, with vacillating, easy to forget characters, and a theme of embracing love when it occurs. The storyline was predictable, and his marriage to Lillie seemed superficial as he was away so often.
11/15/21- 11/22/21 COVID-19.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
Well what can I say. If you're looking for a sweet, clean perfectly festive filled romance then this is definitely the book for you.
🎄
A family by Christmas is a wonderfully heart melting story that follows single father grant who's focus is on his daughter and building his career back up while caring for her and grieving and Emma who is sweet, loving, hardworking and desperately trying to lanch her own business.
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The plot and the characters were well thought out and written and I loved the tender moments, community and sense of family and the whole thing is set in the beautiful town of Wood Creek.
This wonderfully delightful book is perfect for fans of the holiday season, quaint small town romances and all the feels.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Highly recommend.
🎄
A family by Christmas is a wonderfully heart melting story that follows single father grant who's focus is on his daughter and building his career back up while caring for her and grieving and Emma who is sweet, loving, hardworking and desperately trying to lanch her own business.
🎄
The plot and the characters were well thought out and written and I loved the tender moments, community and sense of family and the whole thing is set in the beautiful town of Wood Creek.
This wonderfully delightful book is perfect for fans of the holiday season, quaint small town romances and all the feels.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Highly recommend.
December 23, 2024
I loved the little girl!
This is Emma's first Christmas season as the new chocolatier and bon bon maker extraordinaire in the town of Wood Creek. As a product of the foster care system, this was the first time in her life that she was settled in her own place. When young Casey walks in and asks for chocolates to help her dad Grant fall in love with her teacher, she is certainly intrigued and of course wants to help. She certainly didn't expect to fall for him herself!
It's a beautiful story of home and trying to get through the loss of a spouse and move on with your life. It's wonderfully written with kind and caring, yet imperfect people. I loved Emma and Grant, but young Casey stole my heart!
This is Emma's first Christmas season as the new chocolatier and bon bon maker extraordinaire in the town of Wood Creek. As a product of the foster care system, this was the first time in her life that she was settled in her own place. When young Casey walks in and asks for chocolates to help her dad Grant fall in love with her teacher, she is certainly intrigued and of course wants to help. She certainly didn't expect to fall for him herself!
It's a beautiful story of home and trying to get through the loss of a spouse and move on with your life. It's wonderfully written with kind and caring, yet imperfect people. I loved Emma and Grant, but young Casey stole my heart!
November 29, 2024
A very cute novella featuring single Dad Grant, his daughter Casey, and chocolate shop owner Emma, who is new to town and desperately wishes for a family of her own. Grant’s family is warm and inviting, and they fold Emma in easily. There is plenty of Christmas in this story and it was a nice quick and refreshing holiday read after finishing a darker Stephen King story. Next in this series is a Valentine’s novella which I will read soon.
January 1, 2025
Just a Beautiful Lovely Read
Emma just the most special person who was so proud of her accomplishments being brought up in Foster Homes. Grant a widower raising his very special daughter Casey. when Casey became to Emma wanting her to make some special candy for dad so he would fall in love. Little did any of them know it would be Emma. Really a beautiful love story. refreshing.
Emma just the most special person who was so proud of her accomplishments being brought up in Foster Homes. Grant a widower raising his very special daughter Casey. when Casey became to Emma wanting her to make some special candy for dad so he would fall in love. Little did any of them know it would be Emma. Really a beautiful love story. refreshing.
January 24, 2022
Sweet story
Casey, a young girl, goes into Emma’s chocolate bonbon store with a little bit of change and a special request. She wants Emma to make some chocolates for her father so he will be happy. Emma cannot turn down Casey’s request. Little does she realize that she will soon meet Casey’s father, Grant, & her life may be in for a lot of changes by Christmas.
Casey, a young girl, goes into Emma’s chocolate bonbon store with a little bit of change and a special request. She wants Emma to make some chocolates for her father so he will be happy. Emma cannot turn down Casey’s request. Little does she realize that she will soon meet Casey’s father, Grant, & her life may be in for a lot of changes by Christmas.
December 13, 2021
Sweet Story
I loved the lil girl in the story! The story was sweet. It repeated the feeling of Grant and Emma far too many times. I skimmed over that because redundant. I am glad I read it, though.
I loved the lil girl in the story! The story was sweet. It repeated the feeling of Grant and Emma far too many times. I skimmed over that because redundant. I am glad I read it, though.
November 17, 2020
Nice read
A nice romance but the ending felt really rushed. The sudden reversal in a major decision just didn’t feel genuine.
A nice romance but the ending felt really rushed. The sudden reversal in a major decision just didn’t feel genuine.
November 18, 2020
A sweet little story.
November 23, 2020
Lovely.
A really sweet and moving story, just what you could expect on the Hallmark channel. The town of Wood Creek sounds idyllic.
A really sweet and moving story, just what you could expect on the Hallmark channel. The town of Wood Creek sounds idyllic.
November 29, 2020
A really cute story!
January 8, 2021
I can tell that the author very much enjoyed writing this novel and loved her characters. I was able to switch off and quite enjoyed this. Am certain this would be gobbled up by Christmas lovers!
November 15, 2021
Nice premise, with low key angst. But somehow the storytelling didn't do it for me - it felt too rushed.
November 28, 2021
Perfect Christmasy book
December 28, 2022
Audiobook. The thing about listening to audiobooks on high speed (I can't listen to them at regular speed it's too slow) is that everything sounds dramatic like William Shatner is reading them. 😂
January 30, 2024
Cute, but forgettable.
December 22, 2024
Good story
I enjoyed this story and I can understand the thoughts and feelings after a loss. I loved that it all worked out.
I enjoyed this story and I can understand the thoughts and feelings after a loss. I loved that it all worked out.
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