Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves

The Costa Brothers #5

by Ellie Hall

Christmas may be a time of miracles but getting back together won’t be one of them.

Noella
It’s my first Christmas alone. No hubby-boo. No fam. No one eating the cookies I bake. More for me, right? Well, it’s kind of lonely without my beloved boxer-boo. And I miss my parents something fierce. Also, cookies taste better when shared. When I enter a small-town pizza shop, I have a case of déjà boo.

Paulo
I had it all—married to a beautiful woman, plans to start a family, and success as a boxing coach after I retired from the ring. When work took up too much of my time, it was splitz-ville. After a sudden tragedy, my brother drags me to nowhere-ville. Then I inherit two kids. Yup. I had the same reaction.

Noella
It was bad enough that my ex was more devoted to work than to me, but it turns out he has two secret (and adorable) children. What’s worse is he wants me to be their nanny. Ha! I think he took one too many blows to the head.

Paulo
I don’t know who thought I’d be qualified to be a dad. But here I am and I need my ex’s help. Maybe I need her too. I don’t think I’m the only one who hopes Santa Claus is going to grant these kids their Christmas wish...for us to be a family.

This is book 5 in the Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series, following six single, stubborn, and loyal brothers as they find their happily ever afters. They’re clean and wholesome romance, faith-friendly, stand alone stories but are best enjoyed together.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Romance

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2022

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

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Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

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The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

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Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

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Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

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Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

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The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

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The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

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Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

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On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Rodeada de tanta alegría, me llena la esperanza. Eso es, estoy buscando el amor. Estoy buscando a cualquiera menos al Rey Rompecorazones, también conocido como Paulo Costa.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




✨Paulo & Noella and the two turtle doves de Ellie Hall serie The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance libro 5🎄

Argumento:

🎀La Navidad puede ser una época de milagros, pero volver a estar juntos no será uno de ellos.

Noella

Es mi primera Navidad sola. Sin maridito. Sin familia. Nadie come las galletas que horneo. Más para mí, ¿verdad? Bueno, es un poco solitario sin mi amado boxer-boo.

Y extraño a mis padres algo feroz.

Además, las galletas saben mejor cuando se comparten. Cuando entro en una pizzería de un pueblo pequeño, tengo una caja de déjà boo.

Paulo

Lo tenía todo: casado con una mujer hermosa, planes para formar una familia y éxito como entrenador de boxeo después de retirarme del ring. Cuando el trabajo ocupaba demasiado de mi tiempo, era splitz-ville. Después de una tragedia repentina, mi hermano me arrastra a ninguna parte-ville. Entonces heredo dos hijos. Sí. Yo tuve la misma reacción.

Noella

Ya era bastante malo que mi ex fuera más devoto al trabajo que a mí, pero resulta que tiene dos hijos secretos (y adorables). Lo peor es que quiere que yo sea su niñera. ¡Decir ah! Creo que recibió demasiados golpes en la cabeza.

Paulo

No sé quién pensó que estaría calificado para ser padre. Pero aquí estoy y necesito la ayuda de mi ex. Tal vez yo también la necesito. No creo ser el único que espera que Santa Claus les conceda a estos niños su deseo de Navidad... que seamos una familia.



Mi humilde opinión:

❄️Sin lugar a dudas el pueblito de Hawk Ridge Hollow fue uno de mis favoritos dentro de las historias festivas que leí hasta ahora. Me encanta absolutamente toda la ambientación alegre y acogedora que trae cada librito. Por cierto, las portadas no podían ser más lindas acompañando cada historia de amor navideña.

Estaba intrigada por el hermano Costa que nunca apareció cuando Tommy convocó a todos los hermanos para ayudar a los padres abriendo el negocio pizzería/pasteles y ahora obtuve la respuesta...

Paulo & Noella and the two turtle doves es un romance con segunda oportunidad en el amor.

Como no podía ser de otra forma, este hermano también se puso difícil con su chica. El trabajo pasó a tener un puesto importante en su vida y dejó de lado a su esposa Noella. Dos niños aparecen para darle un giro inesperado a su vida. Él quiere más que a Noella de niñera, quiere que sean una familia pero para eso ambos tendrán que resolver esas cosas que no se dijeron en el pasado y trabajar para componer su relación.

Noella me pareció un amor pero Paulo? Era un imbécil! Cómo pudo hacerle eso a ella? elegir el trabajo, después ignorarla y sin más, fríamente terminar con ella!? Estaban casados! Me pareció exagerada su decisión además de estúpida. Pudo estar casado y tener su trabajo, solo tenia que encontrar un equilibrio entre los dos. Todo comenzó tan bien, me encantó el encuentro en el vestidor y ella con el vestido de novia, el cambio repentino de Paulo me dejó atontada. Es el peor hermano Costa!

Obviamente después todo se desarrolló bien para ellos pero no pude perdonarle esa fea actitud de Paulo al comienzo y estaba también la falta de comunicación que me frustró mucho. No soporto bien la angustia en los romances!

A pesar de eso, disfruté la lectura. Tenía sentimiento navideño, drama, familia, humor y un romance ligero que a pesar del tropiezo inicial, hay un merecido HEA.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an a cute read ! I loved seeing the dark horse of the family, Paulo, and his real reason for being MIA for so long.
Paulo was a sweetheart. I definitely felt for him as he tried to navigate all the curveballs life had thrown at him. It was sweet to watch him with the kids and figure out exactly what he wanted with Noelle. He had to figure out what he really wanted in life and what he was willing to sacrifice to get that,
Noelle was definitely relatable! I loved all of her different quirks like trying on wedding dresses and being terrified of spiders. She was a romantic and an idealist, and I loved watching her balance Paulo’s cynical side. I felt like their relationship progressed a little bit fast for me, but it did make sense for their personalities.
I loved the moral of this story though that marriage is hard work. Even though Paulo and Noelle fell in love very quickly, they had to learn how to work through the difficulties of actually being married. They had to choose to love each other, and they had to choose to stay.
This was a sweet, fun Christmas read about second chances and trying again! There were some moments where I had a hard time staying engaged in the story, but I think it made for a fun, low stress read. I would definitely recommend this to any romcom, Christmas lovers! It’s part of a series about the Costa brothers, but it can be read stand alone too :)

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll just start this by saying that there is a wonderfully unexpected surprise when it comes to mysterious Paulo. No spoilers here! This is a whirlwind of a second-chance romance that is just completely cozy, fun, and sweet!

Things I loved:
-TENS
-Memorable meet cute
-We’re going on a picnic
-Goodnight hug. Goodnight kiss.
-Miss Christmas
-Bliztendoodle
-“Sometimes things in life don’t go to plan or how we expect them to, but instead of scrapping it and throwing your dream in the trash, why not try the recycling bin?”
-”It’s like he can take all the punches in the world but fears getting walloped emotionally.”
-Mini scavenger hunt
-Noella reconnecting with Louis
-“If we’re going to seriously try again, we both have to be in. All in.”
“I’m in and it’s not a matter of trying. It’s doing. Even when it’s hard, we’re uncertain and struggling. We do whatever comes our way together.”
-An amazing HEA, seriously, it is the sweetest!

This book made me happy. It is such a short and sweet Christmas story with so much love, laughs, and swoon. I love the Costa family and cannot wait to see what is in store for baby brother Nico next!

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second chance cozy Christmas read. I loved the boxing theme and redemptive arc. I liked that one of the MCs had to work through their thought processes and figure out how to function when life gave them some twists and turns. We finally get to find out what Paulo’s been up to, and it wasn’t what I was expecting.

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Paola and Noella's story and this was my favourite of the series so far. It is emotional as you feel Noella's heartache and Paolo's struggles but there is also a lot of fun, hope and happiness. Delightful characters and a fun series.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.

[Arantxa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5✨ Este es, con diferencia, el que menos me ha gustado de todos. No me arrepiento de haberlo leído, pero estoy bastante segura de que tampoco me arrepentiría si me lo hubiera saltado y hubiera leído el de Nico directamente, sobre todo con lo mucho que me gustó el de Gio...

Dicen que en todas las familias hay una oveja negra... Pues en esta creo que le ha tocado a Paulo. Se parece tan poco a sus hermanos que no parece un Costa. Y es triste, porque todos ellos son maravillosos, y leer la historia de Paulo ha sido como un manchurrón de tinta en mitad de un párrafo...

Muchas veces lo que más disfruto de las novelas románticas es del principio, la forma en la que se conocen los protagonistas. Porque pensar que por casualidad puedes encontrarte con el amor de tu vida en la situación más cotidiana o absurda es también una bonita forma de soñar, ¿no?

Bueno, pues dentro de los encuentros iniciales surrealistas que haya podido leer hasta el momento, Paulo y Noella han ganado la batalla. La relación entre ellos surge tan de repente como una explosión de fuegos artificiales que te pilla por sorpresa una noche cualquiera. Su amor es inmediato, irrefrenable, apasionado. Pero también precipitado, descontrolado, y se consume con la misma rapidez con la que estalla porque, como también es normal, no son capaces de gestionar tantos cambios repentinos en sus vidas.

El resumen que hace Paulo de su historia empieza siendo emocionante, me hizo soñar y sonreír, deseé que durase muchísimo más que solo un puñado de párrafos, y me desgarró por dentro en cuanto leí cómo empezaba a irse a pique porque entendí perfectamente cómo empezó y terminó todo en solo seis meses. Porque a veces seis meses pueden ser el tiempo suficiente para enamorarse hasta las trancas y perder el juicio, y recuperarlo de golpe después cuando algo se tuerce.

"A date turns into a day. A day turns into a week. I spend all my spare time with her. (...) We're so busy with each other, we don't spend time with her friends or my family. However, I'm swept up in it. Swept up into her and this fairy princess fantasy. I can't inagine how I got along in life before Noella. Then five months later, (...) we declare our love. We decide to elope. The next morning, she's Mrs. Costa. I've never been so happy in my life".

"I blink back tears because my heart isn't whole. Not even halfway there yet it's true that we were only together for about six months, but it was the best time of my life. I'd never felt so happy, loved, and lit with a special newlywed glow".

***ATENCIÓN SPOILERS*** a partir de aquí, voy a justificar qué no me ha gustado del libro.

Cuando leí la sinopsis (y algunas reseñas sobre el libro) pensé que Paulo era un egoísta que puso su trabajo por encima de su relación con Noella. Pero yo no diría que Paulo es egoísta, ni egocéntrico, ni un loco obsesionado con su trabajo que no sabe ver más allá ni se permite ser feliz. Lo que sí diría es que es un pobre idiota que no supo valorar lo que tenía, como si hubiese podido meter su felicidad más pura en un tarro de cristal y hubiese decidido tirarlo al suelo (lo malo es que esto no es conclusión mía, sino una recopilación muy básica de todo lo que piensa él de sí mismo durante todo el libro). "Me. Her husband. The man who betrayed her. Life got to be too much and I left the one and only person who has ever made it better". Un completo y perfecto idiota.

Aquí voy a abrir un paréntesis para darle un pequeño aplauso merecido a la actitud (o al menos a la que ha sido su reacción más inmediata) de Noella: "He opens and closes his mouth a few times, but nothing he could say would dull my rage right now. But then I lock it down, reminding myself that Paulo doesn't deserve any emotion from me. He gets nothing, which is fair because that's exactly what he gave me. No warning or explanation. Just a breakup. Gone from my life". Y más adelante, otro: "Paulo, you can't run when things get hard. You can't create conflict because fighting is the only thing you know how to do. Leave that for the boxing ring".

Me da muchísima rabia, y lo siento muchísimo, pero este libro no me ha gustado. No me gustó el planteamiento inicial, y no me ha gustado nada cómo se ha ido desarrollando todo.

No entiendo de dónde viene tantísima inmadurez, de Paulo y de Noella, de los dos.

Al casarse a los cinco meses de relación, que por muy bien que fueran las cosas entre ellos es evidente que no estaban preparados, al llevar la relación a escondidas de sus familias y amigos, al tirar todo por la borda en cuanto aparece el primer problema (dos días después de la boda, y encima un problema ¡ajeno! a su relación), o al aparecer de repente con dos niños y permitir que todos piensen lo peor de él (que tu familia no conozca ni a tu esposa puede pasar, pero permitir que tu esposa piense de ti que tienes una vida paralela con otra mujer y no sacarla inmediatamente del error, es una cosa completamente diferente).

Y lo que más pena me da es que todos los intentos de Paulo por redimirse y arreglar las cosas con Noella han pasado por mí completamente de largo, lo he leído impasible, en un estado anímico de completa ausencia de emoción. Me ha dado igual, no me ha emocionado, y si no se hubiesen torcido tanto las cosas entre ellos me habría emocionado muchísimo leer algunas de las frases y momentos que comparten desde su reencuentro en Hawk Ridge Hollow.

"Paulo's voice is strong and strident when he says "Noella, I'm going to fix your broken heart"."

"I whisper to Noella," You didn't ask me what I want for Christmas". She stops and with an arched brow, looks up at me as if she expects me to say a new phone, car or to win a match. "Paulo, what do you want for Christmas?". I lean into her ear and whisper "You. I want you for Christmas. Us. To be together again". She inhalesvas she searches my eyes. I don't break contact. I want her to know I'm serious. No way I will ruin things again. I understand why Noella would be cautiously resistant to me. But I'll rebuild our trust. Being with Noella again, I now know my heart. It belongs to her".

Me da rabia que haya tantas cosas negativas en este libro, porque la saga entera me estaba encantando. Es casi como si en el último momento la autora hubiera decidido que necesitaba que hubiese un hermano más en la familia y hubiese escrito esta historia muy rápido y sin pensarlo mucho. Es muy incoherente lo poco que se parece Paulo al resto de los Costa, porque todos ellos tenían la personalidad muy marcada y la cabeza muy bien amueblada, y con Paulo la sensación que me queda es muy banal, muy negativa.

Y aunque los últimos cuatro capítulos han remontado un poco, no han sido suficiente para compensar lo mal que lo he pasado leyendo todas las absurdeces, una tras otra, que iban cometiendo. Se me ha hecho bola la mitad del libro, y me ha costado verdadero esfuerzo llegar a leer el final... Pero por lo menos tiene un buen final.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freelance journalist Noella is engaged in her favorite form of stress relief - trying on wedding dresses - when retired boxer turned boxing coach Paulo Costa sneaks into her dressing room to hide from an overzealous fan. There's an immediate connection and they go on their first date that same day. A few months later, they're in New Orleans for a fight and impulsively decide to elope. Unfortunately, after the fighter Paulo's coaching loses, he panics and blames his relationship with Noella for making him lose focus. He pushes her away, and their marriage is over before it's even begun. They don't even get the chance to share the news with family and friends.

A few weeks later, Noella is struggling to find her Christmas spirit as she confronts the prospect of spending the holidays alone. Her friends and family are all headed out of town, leaving her behind. Her parents decide to surprise her with a plane ticket to Montana, where her grandparents' old cabin in the small town of Hawk Ridge Hollow awaits. At first, she's unsure about making the trip, but when she finds a mysterious, yet high-paying freelance job advertised in Hawk Ridge Hollow, she can't afford to turn it down.

Meanwhile, Paulo has suddenly and unexpectedly become the guardian of 5-year-old Madison and 3-year-old Cameron, and it's not going well. He packs up the kids and takes them to Hawk Ridge Hollow for the holidays, hoping for some help from his family. They've no sooner driven into town when they run into Noella at his family's new pizza and pie shop. She helps him when the kids inadvertently cause chaos, though she makes it clear that she's still angry at him for the way things ended between them. Paulo realizes that he needs a nanny, and Noella is the perfect candidate. If spending time with her and the kids gives him a chance to try and win her back, so much the better...

I've been excited to read the mysterious Paulo's story since the beginning of this series, and it was totally worth the wait. He and Noella were so cute together and they were both great with the kids. I appreciated how genuinely remorseful Paulo was about the way he ended things with Noella, especially because he knew he hurt her. He did a really good job of showing her that he had changed and would never choose work over her (and the kids) again.

Overall, I loved this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I've truly enjoyed every book in this series and can't wait to find out what's to come in the final installment.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Paulo & Noella’s points of view

Review:

These Costa brother romances keep getting better and better! I loved this fun second chance romance! Paulo was adorable with his grumpy/tough exterior but with a soft spot for Noella and the kids. I loved that he was so determined to get back together with Noella and didn’t shy away from letting her know that. I loved that Noella wanted to give the kids joy, even when she wasn’t sure that spending time with Paulo was a good idea for herself. Some of my favorite scenes included: going on a picnic game, a scavenger hunt, meeting the family, the holiday activities, and saving Noella.

Summary:

Noella had love, but after thinking that things were going well they went downhill. Now she is loveless, jobless, and going to be spending Christmas on her own since her parents will be away on a cruise. Luckily, a freelancing job brings Noella to a quaint town that her grandparents used to live in. So she’ll be able to make money and have a free place to stay while she gets back on her feet. Unfortunately, its seems that her lost love, Paulo, will be staying in the same town this Christmas and he apparently has two children she never knew about. Can things get any worse?

Paulo has had one heck of a time the past few months. First, he made a really bad decision that separated him from Noella, then his brother insists that he and his brothers join him in a business venture in some small town, and on top of that Paulo inherits two kids. What a mess! But something good comes in the form of Noella in his family’s business the same day he gets into town. Maybe he can get a second chance and learn how to raise two kids. Maybe there is such thing as Christmas miracles…

[Manee Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance level: kissing.

"He's better able to navigate life because he knows he can withstand not having things go his way all the time."

This series is a treasure😍. We finally get the mysterious Paulo. Their first meeting was so odd & awkwardly cute. Their whole whirlwind of a relationship (part one) was super cute. It was really fast paced, but they just clicked.

The TENS's friendship was the best. I loved seeing Noella interacting w/the Costas & the kids. Their hugs were just perfect🥺.

So, there was a lot of emotions getting the best of them. The first time the communication was nul, but this time they slowly talked about it (still showing their fears & insecurities). Paulo was too stubborn for his own good, but once he got his final round, he was all in.

I wish I could have more of them & the kids🥺 they were really precious together. I also loved how simple their relationship was. They needed to figure out some pieces of the puzzle, after it went smooth. The last bits were a little fast paced, just as Paulo's hooks 😂But I still loved it.

I am super nostalgic but excited to read Nico's story next 💙.

My favorite scenes:
🛍️Their first meeting
🎅Their hugs
🍪 Baking/Cooking
🐰Scavenger hunt
⭐The twelve wishes

⚠️TW: death of a friend; stalker.

🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I read: Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves by Ellie Hall

Why I picked it up: I started this series and they have become “a book a day” for me, so I’m going to finish.

How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited in a day.

What it’s about: Noella is in Hawk Ridge Hallow by gift of her parents who are on a Caribbean vacation for Christmas. The book begins by sharing her whirlwind love story that ended in a marriage that lasted only a few days. Now she’s in the new local pie shop and in walks her ex, with two rambunctious kids … which he did not have a month ago when they got married. She’s both confused about what’s going on and missing her husband who she fell in love with over the past half a year.

What I liked: The kids in this story were a delight! I really appreciated them and also the many months they spent getting to know each other before their first quick marriage.

What I disliked: I’m having a hard time working all of these timelines together.

Genre: Chaste love story, Christmas, small town.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it’s a sweet series, I’m going to finish, but I’m not sure it’s worth all the effort. Maybe they aren’t designed to be read all in a row? Or maybe they are, I don’t know.

[Meg (thyme.for.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a whirlwind relationship that leads to an elopement, Paulo and Noella are now separated. The last thing Noella wants to think about this holiday season is the man who ruined her life. Alone for Christmas, she runs into none other than Paulo, aka King Heartbreaker, at what turns out to be his family’s small town pizza and pie place. Soon all of the secrets he’s been keeping come to light, shocking not only her but his whole family.

Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves is the fifth installment in The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance series. I highly suggest reading the other four books in the series before reading this one. All of the books take place in the same timeline so some of the events do overlap. While Paulo and Noella are the main characters of this book, there are glimpses of the other couples and family members.

Paulo and Noella have the best meet-cute out of any of the couples yet. Readers finally get to meet the mysterious Paulo and it was worth the wait. I was not expecting to get a “marriage in trouble” trope in this series but I’m pleased to see it. Second chance marriage is an underused trope and it's nice to see couples who are already together work through their problems and overcome issues. I loved seeing how the “two turtle doves” fit into the plot.

This may be my favorite book in the series yet. The complexity of their relationship and the building of their little family really gives Paulo and Noella story a little something extra. With the return of the sneaky coffee guy, I’m interested to see how that continues to play out. I’m looking forward to the final book in the series, Nico & Hope and a Partridge in a Pear Tree, coming out next month. If you are looking for a sweet, Christmas romance series, I cannot recommend this series enough.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of love, fears, lack of communication and misaligned desires
When goals and desires don’t align choices must be made and frequently fears effect the decisions for better or worse. Paulo and Noella met in a very unique location, a dressing room of a bridal shop and their romance was equally unique. She was a writer and he was a very successful boxer/coach yet they were drawn together and seem to complete each other leading to a quick marriage. However, when a professional failure occurs Paulo begins to question his choices and their relationship and he leaves Noella, never having spoken to her about the situation. Shortly after, Noella and Paulo find themselves in the same small town but with even more complications in their lives. With their continued mutual attraction, choices must be made again perhaps with a better outcome. A fun, entertaining read that will lighten your life. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Rhiannon Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

Clean, Christmas romance
Surprise children
Elopement & Marriage reconciliation

Paulo is a bit of a hot headed chicken and Noella doesn't stand up for herself but they both grow throughout the story.

Am I trying to fill my empty heart with bread products? Is that wrong? Well, it sure tastes right.

"And I’ve already won enough championships in the ring and for my guys. Now, I want to win the award for the world’s greatest dad and husband.”

Unanswered question: throughout the other books Paulo never appears. We only know he has something going on. But here we see he was in HRH before Christmas, as fast back as the Christmas Market. I don't understand how he was there, participated in a couple family events but never made an appearance in any of the other stories.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kisses only. 2.5 stars.


This was definitely a book a read this year. Their love story occurs in chapter two and all we get is a few sentence summary, I’m not convinced that Paulo will change his ways and stop running, and I don’t feel like I got to know these characters at all.

About the series, I have a problem with series where things are too convenient. All the female leads have Christmasy names (Merry, Gloria, Joy, Ivy, Noella,Hope) and all the couples (so far) get together in the few weeks before Christmas in the same place (yet we don’t really see the women outside of their own story). Not to mention all the books have a cheesy letter to Santa prologue, 13 chapters, then an epilogue. It’s a bit formulaic. Was there a 15 chapter challenge or something?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have two adults who are in love but don't know how to communicate. Miscommunication, loneliness, missing family, over work, and two mystery children appearing out of the blues.
Will they be able to get things figure out or continue on their separate ways.
A small pizza shop just might be the way to open the door for them to clear up their misunderstanding. Will Noella open her mind and listen to Paulo? Will Paulo be able to get his message across so she will understand what really happen. Or will the two children bring them together.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulo and Noella's story is the fifth book in the Costa Brothers series. Paulo and Noella have a whirlwind relationship that began when Paulo hide in the dressing room Noella was trying on wedding dresses in, no she is not getting married. Their fast courtship had them eloping only to crash quickly after when Paulo loses a fight and ghost Noella.

This is a story that takes you on a wild ride as Paulo's family gets involved and the truth of his relationship with Noella comes out. For fun twist, thrown in two young kids that was left to him and this story will have you all over the place.

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

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulo may think he’s the Costa outsider, but the family doesn’t think that way. He is a prize boxer and falls head over heels for Noella by mistake, then ghosts her of sorts. They both wind up in Hawk Ridge Hollow and reconnect. I say it every time, but I think this was my favorite. There were a lot of boxing references that I thought were perfect! This book is part of the series, but could be read alone. I like how all of the brothers are getting their HEA in a short amount of time and the time,one crossover has been really good!.

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

[Evelyn V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.Noella is a young woman who regularly goes to a Wedding boutique and tries out wedding dresses. A chance meeting at one of those outings will bring love and chaos into her life. Paulo is a boxer turned coach who gets "punched" by love. A whirlwind romance turns into something more,until Paolo decides to forgo this all-consuming love for his career. A tragic turn of events brings the two together again. The question isn't whether Noella should give Paulo another chance,but should she?

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulo was a jerk to push his new wife Noella away without even saying it was because he was worried about his career. They do get married fast and have issues. She doesn’t expect to see him again until her parents offer their family cabin in his hometown. Paulo’s godchildren are out of control, but they did lose their parents recently. He’s hoping Noella will forgive him and they can make a family with the children. I wondered about her nesting comments and love of quilting and peanut butter. I’m looking forward to the last brother Nico’s story next.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulo and Noella are already secretly married, but headed for divorce because he spends too much time at work. She heads to her family cabin to spend Christmas (alone), only to find out that she's in his hometown. And he's a new parent of his godchildren. It was sweet to see these two work to find their way back to each other. I continue to love this big Italian family. Ma Costa is in her glory having two more grandchildren. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

To box or not to box?

Another fun Christmas story featuring the Costa brothers. I was concerned that Paulo would never be able to overcome his insecurities and claim his bride. I wasn’t sure he would decide what was most important. Noella was unsure of Paulo and how things could be. She was afraid she’d be alone again, with good reason. Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves is satisfying, funny, and romantic, with a happy ending. Finally, be on the lookout for Blitzendoodle. You’ll either love him or hate him!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the five installment in this series and I was very looking fordward to read it as soon as I read the blurb once it was announced.
This story has soom of the elements I love in a book: a married based context for the characters, second chance, a boxer (OMG), force proximity . . . Besides, the story is very funny and touching in some ways. I love the interaction between the MC, and the little "mistery" about Paolo leaving.
As always I recommend to pick this one and the previous in the series. Just one left, Nico and Hope story. Cant wait to read it too!

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're getting closer to the end of the Costa brothers books, and as of right now, I don't know who is my favorite brother.

Paulo and Noella's story gave all sorts of feelings! Being a second chance romance (the couple is already married) with found family... I just love it.

It was sooo cute how they first met and the instant chemistry they had.
And even when they see each other again, after some trouble in paradise, you can really see the amount of love they have for each other. Also, IT WAS SO NICE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MIA BROTHER!!
And please don't forget about the rest of the gang because They. Are. Amazing.

[April | Aprilsbooknook_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We FINALLY got the lowdown on the mysterious Costa brother. If I'm honest, he may be my favorite.

This was such a sweet second chance romance.

I am OBSESSED with how Paulo & Noella ended up together in the first place. What an adorable meet cute 🥺 and the whirlwind romance that followed. Then how they found themselves back to eachother. 🥺

Once again, the Costa family has brought so much sweet happiness to my reading. One book left in the series and I don't think I'm ready to let them go 😭🤍

[Megan (messybun.bookishfun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Cozy Costa Christmas Brothers series is out in the world now and it’s so cute. A world-class boxer, a bridal boutique mishap meet-cute, a shotgun wedding (ish), and then a break up? What????

Oh, that’s only chapter 1! That’s right, there are 12 more amazing chapters filled with all sorts of drama and Christmas cheer. So grab you mr hot chocolate and settle in for a few hours of comfy cozy Costa romance because this is a book you just can’t put down until you figure out how Noelle and Paulo figure their own life out.

Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy of the book! I have so enjoyed being on your arc team for this series. I cannot wait Indio next month and the finale of the series! Nico… here we come!!!

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how Noella and Paulo met when she was stuck in a wedding dress... what a fun meeting that turned into a few months of happiness until Paulo called quits.
Noella returns to where her grandparents lived and finds instant Christmas.
Noella never expected to see Paulo but here he is with q wild children.
Noella is in like with the children and has missed Paulo. He proves family is everything and Noella is part of that.
Noella never knew how happy she could be.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Paulo and Noella’s story about second chances. This story features boxing and a lovely redemptive arc for our main characters. It was nice to see these two crazy kids overcome the issues that tore them apart in the first place and find their HEA at the end. Looking forward to the last story in this heartwarming series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series. This is Paulo and Noella's story. It was a fun story with some angst, drama, and romance. The story is well well written and held my interest. This has been a great series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulo & Noella and the Two Turtle Doves

I have enjoyed reading this fun and witty series. Paulo and Noelle have an awkward meet cute and end up dating then eloping. After a brief time together they separate only to meet again in the Pizza and Pie shop owned by Paulo’s family. Will they get a second chance to be together?

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in the Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series. This story is an small town second chance sweet fun happy loveable romance. Noella and Paulo have a chance to be together again and be a family. Will this holiday bring them closer to what they want. This book is a great read.

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