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BOOK REVIEW: Hot Chocolate
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by: Vickie McDonough Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: Hot Chocolate Author: Laura V. Hilton Publisher: Treble Heart Books ISBN: 1-931742-04-9 Genre: Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance After her husband is murdered, Cocoa Tanner moves to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to be near her family and to put her tragic past behind. She finally realizes her dream of opening a coffee shop, which Cocoa hopes will be successful enough that she can soon add on a deli, and be able to make enough profit to provide for her young daughter and herself. On opening day, Cocoa impulsively throws herself in the arms of her first customer. Bill James is delighted to have a new coffee shop near his office, but he is taken by surprised when the owner gives him a big hug the first time he enters her shop. And that hug cracks the wall he's built around himself after the death of his wife and twins. Cocoa's lively personality is like a magnet, drawing him back to her shop again and again. Their friendship grows, and before long, she challenges him to put aside his grief and get back into church. Drawn together by their mutual attraction and daughters who are the same age, Cocoa and Bill quickly become good friends. But Bill isn't the only man vying for Cocoa's attention. Her fun-loving friend, Josh, makes Cocoa smile, and Bill senses she hasn't smiled much lately. Is Josh the man God has chosen for Cocoa or does Bill still have a chance of winning her affections? Can Bill open up his heart and risk being hurt again? Strange events begin to happen, and Cocoa wonders if it has anything to do with her deceased husband's sordid past. When Cocoa suddenly disappears, Bill is frantic. Has he waited too long to express his feelings for Cocoa? Hot Chocolate is a sweet romance with a twist of suspense and an encouraging faith message. It is the story of two men vying for the same woman. Bill and Josh are both good, honorable men, and it is hard to see one of them lose. It's easy to root for Cocoa, whose first marriage was less than desirable. She's an overcomer and her character is an inspiration to readers who may be rebuilding their own lives. Bill's devotion to Cocoa is something readers will admire. Brianna and Ashley, Bill and Cocoa's charming daughters, added a cute and fun dimension to the story. Though I would have liked to see the suspense thread stronger in the beginning of the book, readers are sure to find themselves on the edge of their seat with Hot Chocolate's exciting ending. This first novel by Laura V. Hilton is sure to entertain readers and have them hoping for future books from talented author.
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