July 15 Book Review: Holiday Hearts Volume 3 by Josie Riviera

Holiday Hearts Volume 3 by Josie Riviera
Collecton of three stories by the author.
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Sweet Peppermint Kisses: A Sweet and Wholesome Holiday Romance
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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A Chocolate-Box Christmas
The Chocolate Box Christmas by Josie Riviera
This short story is about Maise who's relocated from Alaska to CA and she's taken a job being a food/writer reporter.
On this assignment she must judge the chocolate contest at a nearby shelter. She knows many of the contestants as she's been around town.
She is able to meet Ben and she discovers his secret as to why he is there. He also finds out why she doesn't really want to be a judge, especially with anything to do with chocolate.
Fun Christmas read, enjoyed it.
Book ends with a note from the author, recipes, and about the author, other works by the author in series format but all can be read as stand alone.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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Holly's Gift by Josie Riviera
This book starts out with a dedication and about the series.
Holly is a Korean born woman who tries to not only fix things but help others.
Holly Kim teaches piano and realizes there's something wrong with one of the students as she's late and has other excuses but she is able to track her down,at a homeless shelter.
She was there to find them, on a hunch, but runs into obstacles as the center is closing due to a deterioration that the electric is not up to code...
They must evacuate everyone. Story at this point follows the decision he has made as he tries to come to grips with it and the beautiful woman that's wandered into his life.
Never read a book where female is from Korea and I like how determined she is, strong and brave all in one as she goes after what she knows needs to happen.
He invites her to the ice rink and would even hold her up and she learns many things about him. Love what the charm bracelet means to her and why.
Love hearing about all the outside winter activities. Like the passages were the Bible is mentioned and quoted and how it fits in with the story.
Love that her friend has left her money for charity, now she has a reason to use it.
Love hearing from both sides as you get the full picture.
Love how she teaches him about herself and love of God. She understands his position but know she will stick true to her faith and maybe he will slide on her side.
Bonus of a Christmas cookie recipe is included, OH YUM!  Dedication and acknowledgments and about the author are also included with nightlights of her other works.
Excerpt is also included of another holiday book.  Knowing some things about the author I love how they are brought out in this book.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.