Christmas, a cute dog, a chocolate shop and a gorgeous man - what more could a girl wish for in a book? Well for me absolutely nothing, this was such a sumptuous story, I just didn't want it to end.

I don't think there was a second reading this book where I wasn't really hungry and craving some of Emma's exquisitely hand crafted chocolates. The flavours popped off the page, as did the shapes and designs. I really wanted to eat all of them, or just visit the shop for its spectacular window displays.

Without a doubt this is a chocolate lovers paradise of a book, just make sure you have some of your own on hand as a snack, although I doubt it would taste as nice as Emma's.

So not the largest chocolate fan? Don't worry there is more than enough story in the book too, for Emma isn't having the best time of it, something happened in her past that makes her not really want a man, and her landlord keeps putting her rent up, making her finances a problem.

I loved Emma's best friend Bev and her assistant Holly, as well as Emma's willingness to help anyone she can. This book takes place over a year so although a fair amount of it is festive, it could be read pre or post festive season quite easily.

In a nice change from books by the sea being set in Devon or Cornwall, this one is in Northumberland which has a different feel to it, and you get to know the location really well, and it was so nice to be on the coast.

I adored this book, it really is quite cosy, its definitely Christmas and without a doubt there is a chocolate shop which all combines into a fabulous novel that I would highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book was totally amazing such a lovely easy read and perfect read for the run up to Christmas and if you love chocolate it's even better. It's warm but heartbreaking at times to and sad but does it have the happy ending. Full of romance and struggling to move on from the past well worth reading. Emma has made her home in a lovely seaside resort and had a chocolate shop he works with Holly and she's trying to make a life after loosing her boyfriend when he's killed. One Boxing Day she bumps into someone on the sea front and shares a kids so she wonders if she able to move forward but he disappears and doesn't show up for months. She's also under threat of loosing her shop as the owner increases the rent can she find ways to earn more and move forward. When this handsome man turns up again can she move forward and be happy with him or does she think she's betraying her boyfriend who died. This is simply a must read as such a heartwarming story and really has you wondering what will happen next. Well worth more than five stars though.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this review copy. Also thank you to Emilie from Harper Collins for giving me the opportunity to be part of the blog tour.

We are introduced in this book to the Cosy Chocolate Shop by the Sea. It is run and owned by Emma. She hand makes delicious chocolates and sells them along with her young assistant Holly. She receives a letter from her landlord one day who is advising her that her rent will be going up. Emma only just about gets by with the shop as it is, but now has to come up with a plan to make more money. Alongside that, she also meets a mysterious stranger whilst walking on the beach. Can this stranger help Emma to hold onto the Chocolate Shop?

I was so excited to get this book! I’ve read all of Caroline Robert’s books and I’ve loved all of them, with this one being no exception. Emma is a lovely character, and you really feel for her with all the problems that she is facing. She lives on her own, and has no one to share these with except a few close friends and her dog Alfie. Her story of her past has me in tears by the end of the book, it wasn’t what I expected.

The story grabs you from page one and flows along so nicely. It’s a warm story of love, romance, friendship and life. Of course, I haven’t yet mentioned the chocolate and there is plenty of it throughout the whole book! I’m sure I’ve put on 3 stone just by reading this book! Why are there no shops like this anywhere that I ever go? The descriptions of the home made chocolates are just absolutely divine, and there are also a few recipes in the back of the book if you fancy being a DIY chocolatier!

It is set throughout the year, but Christmas does focus strongly in it, and it fits in perfectly with the story. It is so festive and perfect for this time of year. This book is a definite must have and is absolutely perfect for chick lit and romance lovers! Such a great book by a great author!

Five Stars!

Having enjoyed Caroline’s previous books I was excited to see this one pop up.
A great festive read. With brilliant characters. Felt like I was right there alongside them.

Really good read. Loved the whole storyline and characters, actually felt I was there and part of the story. Great Christmas read and love the recipes at the end!