Cocoa’s Christmas Love: A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Family, and Winter Puppy Care

Dear Readers,

I hope this post finds you well and filled with the holiday spirit! I have some exciting news to share with you today—it’s release day for
Cocoa’s Christmas Love, a heartwarming tale of love, family, and the magic of the season.

About Cocoa’s Christmas Love:
In the charming town of Evergreen Valley, where snowflakes fall like confetti and the aroma of cocoa fills the air, a special Christmas miracle is about to unfold. Join Ivy, the heroine, as she discovers the true meaning of love and friendship.

Limited-Time Offer
To celebrate the release, I’m offering a special deal! You can grab your copy of Cocoa’s Christmas Love at a discounted price of only 99 cents.
Don’t miss out—it’s the perfect addition to your holiday reading list.

Get your copy today on:
Amazon
Apple
Available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and large print paperback.
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In the picturesque town of Evergreen Valley, where snowflakes fell like whispered secrets, Ivy’s life was about to take an unexpected turn. It all began on a frosty winter’s night, when she chanced upon a scene that would change her world forever.

Read an Excerpt from Chapter Three, when Ivy first discovers the puppy and meets the hero, Blake.

Cocoa’s Christmas Love:
As Ivy began her customary route home, the full moon provided only minimal light on the deserted sidewalks. The wind whistled as it wove through the bare branches of trees and sent stray newspapers skittering across the pavement. A chill seeped through Ivy’s coat, and she shoved her hands in her pockets and quickened her pace.

Her ears perked up at the subtle rustling of movement, and she slowed her steps. In a dimly lit alleyway, a thin tabby cat crouched motionless beside a trash can. The cat’s whiskers trembled, ever so slightly.
Ivy advanced, her footsteps slowing. The cat scrutinized her with wary eyes.
The lid of a trash can clattered as it hit the ground. The cat sprang back and disappeared into the alley.

A flicker of movement followed by a faint whimper made her pause.
She peered into the shadows, struggling to catch sight of whatever it was. Perhaps there was another creature who sought refuge or assistance.
The form moved again, and two sparkling eyes peered up at her.
As she crept closer, the shape revealed itself to be a puppy, and she glimpsed its fluffy body and wagging tail.

Her breath caught in her throat. The poor abandoned creature looked so small and helpless. How could someone leave this innocent puppy out here alone to freeze?

Kneeling on the cold ground, she spoke softly so as not to startle it.
“There’s no need to be scared,” she whispered.
The puppy flinched back.
She extended her hand, pale in the dim light.
The puppy hesitated, then inched forward to sniff her, its wet nose nudging her palm. Winter’s chill left traces on its matted fur, and its protruding ribs were visible.

“I won’t hurt you.” She scratched behind its frostbitten ears, eliciting another tail wag. Her gaze darted about the alley, searching for any hint of an owner, but the surroundings remained silent and deserted.
She unbuttoned her coat and rose, lifting the puppy.
She was reminded of her own yearning for a puppy in her childhood days. She’d brought home stray dogs she’d found, begging her parents to let her keep them. Pleading her case, she promised to care for the puppy and assume full responsibility.
But her parents, worried about added expenses and chaos, always said no. “Perhaps when you’re older,” they told her, although that day never came.

Now, decades later, Ivy held an orphaned pup that desperately needed her care. She cradled the puppy, feeling a deep sense of responsibility, and reversed her steps.

Her heart raced as a tall figure approached, casting a lengthy shadow in the alleyway. Squinting, she clutched the puppy tighter.

“Hey there. Is everything okay?” A man held up a gloved hand in a friendly wave. He wore a faded leather jacket and a tartan scarf.

“Oh, umm. I’m fine.” She opened her coat just enough for the man to glimpse the puppy’s face, and big brown eyes peered out at him.

“Cute! Poor little guy.”

“The puppy isn’t yours, by any chance?” She glanced at the stranger. “I think it was abandoned, and it’s so cold out.”

“Nope. Not mine.” The man stepped closer. He had a strikingly attractive ruggedness, with defined features that suggested a well-experienced life. Strong jawline and dark, furrowed eyebrows, while his intense blue eyes bore traces of strength and kindness.
“Here.” He slipped off his scarf, which was intricately woven in deep burgundy and gray. “Take this to keep the little guy warm. I’m Blake, by the way.”

“Ivy. Ivy Bennett.” She accepted the scarf, surprised at its pleasantly substantial texture. Quickly, the puppy snuggled into the luxurious fabric.

Blake smiled, genial and appealing, as if he and Ivy were long-lost friends. “You’re the flower shop lady. We met this morning.”

“We did?”

“Yes.” His blue eyes glimmered with a touch of mischief. “I attended your Wishing Blooms ceremony.”

“I…I remember. I’m grateful you came to the ceremony.”

“I didn’t intend to. I stumbled into it.”
“Thanks a lot.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” He chuckled softly, his gloved hands adjusting the collar of his jacket against the chill. “To clarify, we didn’t exactly meet, but I was there.”

“Stumbled into it.”

“Right. It’s nice to formally meet you, Ivy.”

“Likewise.”

He hesitated. “Don’t I get a polite Nice to meet you, Blake?”

“Alright.” She offered a tentative smile. “Nice to meet you, Blake.”
She recalled him more clearly with each word of their conversation. A tall man with a camera slung around his neck who had remained at the fringes of the crowd. She became aware of him watching her during the ceremony. When their eyes briefly met, she felt the faintest flutter in her heart.
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Discover the Full Story:

If you’re captivated by this heartwarming encounter and eager to know how Ivy and Blake’s story unfolds, Cocoa’s Christmas Love is now available for purchase! Join them on their journey of love and family as they discover that sometimes the most precious gifts come in the form of paws and wagging tails….

Early Reviews and Praise:
I’m thrilled to share that Cocoa’s Christmas Love has already received 5 Star reviews from early readers:

“Wonderful story! Definitely Hallmark-worthy.” -T. Pearson
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