Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove

last updateLast Updated : 2023-09-09
By:  Theresa OliverCompleted
Language: English
goodnovel16goodnovel
10
3 ratings. 3 reviews
111Chapters
5.6Kviews
Read
Add to library

Share:  

Report
Overview
Catalog
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP

In the depths of winter, Christmas calls to weary travelers and leads lonely hearts home.Jocelyn Taylor is no stranger to a weary heart. Having fallen in love much too young with her sister’s old high school boyfriend has left her with mixed emotions about the possibility of true love. Now successful and the manager of a jewelry shop, Jocelyn spends her days dreaming of the perfect man and the perfect ring to match.Caden Scott is less than thrilled at the thought of spending the holidays back home where memories of his youth still haunt him. Not interested in the kitschy feel of a town known for Christmas, Caden still dwells on the thought of seeing his old high school love again. His time abroad serving his country has changed him in many ways, but could it have altered his heart as well?In the magic of the holiday season, can two hearts let go of the past? Or will true love pass them by?Christmas Cove is created by Theresa Oliver, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

View More

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

VOLUME ONE: Coming Home to Christmas Cove

"Would you like to see your ring again, Mrs. Spencer?" Jocelyn Taylor asked the silver-haired woman. When Mrs. Spencer brought the ring into the jewelry boutique the week before, the staff had dubbed it The Christmas Ring because of the story behind it.

The elder woman nodded, a smile donning her lips. "Yes, if you're sure it's not too much trouble."

Jocelyn smiled. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer used to own the jewelry store, but sold it a few years back. Now, they couldn't seem to stay away. They had been coming into the jewelry store ever since Jocelyn started working there when she graduated from college. Although she had majored in Business Administration, Jocelyn couldn't find a suitable job in the town. Since Roxanne, the new owner, hired her, Jocelyn had worked her way up to manager and helped to turn the store around. Jocelyn had taught Roxanne about business management, and Roxanne, in turn, had taught her the jewelry business. Together, they made a good team in the town where Christmas lived three hundred sixty-five days a year--Christmas Cove, Washington.

"Please, tell us the story again." Kiki, a salesperson and Jocelyn's best friend, leaned onto her elbows on the glass counter, settling in. If Roxanne had been there, she would have thrown a fit.

Mrs. Spencer waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, you don't want to hear that old story again, do you? I've told it to you a hundred times."

"Please?" Kiki batted her big, blue eyes and pooched out her lip. Her expression was so comical that Jocelyn had to laugh.

"Well-." Mrs. Spencer folded her hands primly at the edge of the counter. "Long ago, my father bought this ring for my mother while he was stationed in France during WWII. While he was away, he had missed my mother so badly that he swore that he'd propose to her the moment he saw her again."

"And what did she say?" Kiki's eyes were wide, her auburn hair falling over her arms. "Did she say yes?"

Jocelyn gently nudged her shoulder with hers. They had both heard the story many times before, but Jocelyn enjoyed hearing it just as much each time.

"Well, not at first." Mrs. Spencer's eyes danced with excitement. "Although she knew my father before he left, she didn't know him well enough to say yes. So, he asked her out on a date. He had proposed to her for the first time a week before Christmas right here in this town and she turned him down." She leaned in for effect. "But, by the end of the week on Christmas Eve, he proposed to her right there again-." She pointed through the large, plate-glass windows to the gazebo in the town square.

"And she said yes." Kiki's eyes widened as she straightened her posture.

"And she said yes," Mrs. Spencer repeated, as if Kiki hadn't said a thing.

Kiki sighed dreamily. "It's the most romantic story I've ever heard."

"Here at the boutique, we call it The Christmas Ring, you know," Jocelyn interjected, pulling the sparkling ring out from inside the case. The ring was simple, but gorgeous. Out of all the rings that had come through the Christmas Cove Jewelry Store, it was, by far, the most beautiful.

Mrs. Spencer's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Really?" She smiled, quickly recovering herself. "Well, it's very fitting, isn't it?"

Kiki sighed, a hopeless romantic. "Someday, my future husband will propose to me on Christmas Eve, too."

"Oh, really," Jocelyn stated in disbelief.

"Are you dating someone, dear?" Mrs. Spencer was a romantic, too. Jocelyn guessed that they all were.

Kiki smiled proudly. "No, ma'am. I'm not even dating anyone." She shrugged. "I guess I just haven't met the right man yet."

Mrs. Spencer gave her hand a gentle pat. "There, there. Give it time. When you meet the right man, you'll know it." Her voice was filled with pity, as if being single was an affliction.

"But how do you know?" Kiki asked like a small child as she folded her arms at the edge of the counter.

"Well-" Mrs. Spencer's eyes lit up, clearly enjoying herself. "You get a fluttering in your stomach and your heart beats ridiculously fast at just the mere mention of him. So much so that you think it'll burst-."

"Really?" Kiki was leaning against the counter again, her eyes wide.

Mrs. Spencer nodded. "But how you really know is when you can't live one more day without him in your life."

Jocelyn stopped cleaning and leaned against the counter, caught up in the older woman's romanticism. "How many years have you been married, Mrs. Spencer?"

She sighed. "Too many to count, I'm afraid."

"We've been married for forty-eight years this Valentine's Day." Mr. Spencer walked in at the tail end of the conversation. Then he reached over and took her hand in his. "She was twenty-three, and was so beautiful she took my breath away." He raised her withered hand to his lips and kissed it, never taking his eyes from hers. "And she still is."

"Oh, you ol' smoothie." Mrs. Spencer blushed as everyone laughed.

"No, I'm truthful," Mr. Spencer corrected, and then turned his attention to Jocelyn and Kiki. "She's the most beautiful woman I ever saw." Then he looked into her eyes and smiled.

That was what Jocelyn wanted one day. A love to last the ages, a lifetime love, but she feared that it just wasn't meant to be.

"Well, now-." Mrs. Spencer patted her husband's hand and then looked up at Jocelyn. "I think we've taken up enough of these young people's time."

Jocelyn walked around the counter, tucked the woman's hand into her arm, and walked her toward the door. "Never. You come in any time you like. It's always a pleasure to see you." At the risk of shooting herself in the foot, she had to ask, "But are you absolutely certain you want to sell the ring? I mean, it's been in your family a very long time."

The elder woman nodded. "Yes, I am. We never had children and I want it to go to someone who will cherish it the way I have. It'll bring good luck to a deserving couple, I'm sure.

Jocelyn could only wish for such a love, but love like that was only found in fairy tales.

Expand
Next Chapter
Download

Latest chapter

To Readers

Theresa Oliver, a renowned author, wrote the heartwarming book "Christmas Cove," capturing the hearts of many readers with its cozy story. The majority of readers have given it excellent ratings and positive feedback. The novel follows the story of Jocelyn Taylor, a prosperous jewelry shop manager, and Caden Scott, a soldier with memories from his youth that still haunt him. If you are looking for a heartwarming tale about love and the power of letting go of the past, "Christmas Cove" is a must-read. Get your hands on "Christmas Cove" and indulge in a true Christmas love story.

Comments

user avatar
Sonya Orton Bass
I love both stories! Beautifully written and a make you feel good book.
2023-01-07 23:09:51
0
user avatar
Alex Erazo
Love the two stories
2022-12-05 01:06:19
0
user avatar
Abigail Eli Adehe
It is creative
2022-10-19 05:09:40
0
111 Chapters
Chapter 1
VOLUME ONE: Coming Home to Christmas Cove"Would you like to see your ring again, Mrs. Spencer?" Jocelyn Taylor asked the silver-haired woman. When Mrs. Spencer brought the ring into the jewelry boutique the week before, the staff had dubbed it The Christmas Ring because of the story behind it. The elder woman nodded, a smile donning her lips. "Yes, if you're sure it's not too much trouble."Jocelyn smiled. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer used to own the jewelry store, but sold it a few years back. Now, they couldn't seem to stay away. They had been coming into the jewelry store ever since Jocelyn started working there when she graduated from college. Although she had majored in Business Administration, Jocelyn couldn't find a suitable job in the town. Since Roxanne, the new owner, hired her, Jocelyn had worked her way up to manager and helped to turn the store around. Jocelyn had taught Roxanne about business management, and Roxanne, in turn, had taught her the jewelry business. Together, th
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 2
"You'll call me when it sells, won't you?" Mrs. Spencer raised her drawn-on eyebrows. Jocelyn smiled. "Yes. Of course we will." She turned to Mr. Spencer. "Will you be okay driving home?"He smiled. "Yes, of course. I may be getting old, but I'm not an old coot yet."Jocelyn laughed. "No, I didn't mean--""He knows that," Mrs. Spencer interrupted. "He just likes to tease.""Well, you both be careful driving home." Jocelyn opened the door for them and cold air rushed in, chilling Jocelyn to the bone. She almost went back for her coat, but knew she would only be out for a moment. Jocelyn never tired of the landscape. A blanket of crisp, white snow glistened in the sunlight. In the center of town was the square, where the gazebo set, decorated with colorful Christmas lights, along with the rest of the town. It was only three weeks until Christmas, the busiest time of year for Christmas Cove. At night, it would become a Christmas wonderland, complete with Santa Claus in the gazebo, l
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 3
Jocelyn's jaw dropped, but she quickly recovered herself.The May-December couple gave them a dirty look and moved aside.Jocelyn took the hint. "Mallory, come to the back."Mallory's eyes opened wide. "Isn't Roxanne here?" As Mallory knew well, Roxanne frowned upon bringing guests to the back.But Jocelyn needed a moment. "Kiki? I'll be right in the back if you need me.""Take your time." Kiki looked over at Mallory and frowned her disapproval.Turning her attention to her sister, Jocelyn said, "No, she's not here, but don't touch anything." Although Mallory had her faults, Jocelyn knew she would never take anything.They walked past small white boxes on shelves and cardboard boxes and then walked into the break room, containing a small, round table and four chairs. Luckily, Roxanne had the day off, but she was always in and out. Jocelyn never knew when she might stroll in- day off or not.Jocelyn pulled out a chair for herself, but Mallory sat down in it. Jocelyn sighed and t
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 4
Caden threw a duffle bag into the backseat of his new dark gray Corvette Stingray, the paint glistening in the early morning sun. He wanted to get an early start while the sun was out. A far cry from his hometown, Christmas Cove, where it snowed in abundance every year."Drive carefully, man." Brock Conner, his best friend, gave him a manly slap on the arm. "Stop when you get tired. Don't try to drive straight through."Caden pulled him in for a one-armed man hug. "Have a good Christmas." He pulled back and his lips curled into a mischievous grin. "And don't do anything I wouldn't do."Brock was too far away from his hometown to visit for the holidays, so he decided to party in California with a bunch of other guys who couldn't go home, either. He had been Caden's best friend as soon as he arrived in NAB (Naval Amphibious Base) Coronado. When he finished BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL), he was assigned to SEAL Team 5, the same team as Brock Conner.Brock had teased him abo
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 5
Jocelyn almost fainted when Caden walked into the jewelry store, looking more gorgeous than when he had left. But it was obvious that he didn't recognize her. She just stood there behind the counter with her mouth open, feeling like a complete idiot."I'm so sorry to bother you, but I'd like to buy a ring." Caden waited. When she didn't move, he pointed toward the front door. "This is still a jewelry store, isn't it?""Yes, of course." Jocelyn suddenly found her voice again. Now, if her heart would just restart-.He took a step toward the door, obviously questioning her sanity. "I can come back, if now isn't a good time.""No, no-." Jocelyn motioned him toward the counter. "Please, come in. What can I do for you?" She decided to wait to tell him who she was. She was secretly curious how long it would take him to recognize her, if he even recognized her at all.Caden slowly approached the counter and then became engrossed in the rings. "I was wanting to by an engagement ring."Joc
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 6
She and Caden spent the next hour looking at rings together. When customers came in, Kiki graciously helped them, allowing Jocelyn time with Caden. A few times, Kiki looked over and raised an eyebrow and then looked over at Caden when he wasn't looking. But Jocelyn shook her head, hoping beyond all hope that Caden hadn't seen.Finally, Caden narrowed his choices down between The Christmas Ring and another engagement ring. "I wish I knew what Mallory liked now-." Then he looked into her eyes. "You're her sister. Which one do you think she'd like?"Jocelyn's heart sank, but she plastered a smile on her face. She would give anything to be picking out a ring with Caden right now, but she guessed it just wasn't meant to be. Get a grip, she thought to herself. He's picking out a ring for your sister! She looked at the two rings, trying to be as objective as possible, and tears came to her eyes, threatening to spill over. Not only was Caden going to ask her sister to marry him, he could qui
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 7
Caden gave Jocelyn one last smile and then slowly pulled his Corvette away from the curb. She was no longer the kid he had left. Over the years, she had become a beautiful woman. But he quickly pushed the thought aside. He couldn't allow himself thoughts like that. If Mallory said yes, then Jocelyn would become his sister-in-law. She was definitely off limits. He took a deep breath to clear his mind and then headed over to Mallory and Jocelyn's old house.It would be strange not to have their father greet him at the door with his serious snarl. But of course, Caden had only been eighteen then and Mallory's father had always viewed him as a guy trying to steal his daughter's virtue. But it wasn't like that. Caden had always respected Mallory and had never tried anything with her, other than kissing. They had had plenty of make-out sessions while they were dating, but it had never gone any farther. Caden wanted to be married to her before they did anything more.As he drove through the
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 8
As he backed out the drive and onto the street, he guessed that the old saying was true that you couldn't go back home again. When he was younger, he was infatuated with her glamor and her flirtations. But now, she no longer had the same effect on him. He was no longer a boy and could see past beauty. And so far, he didn't like what he saw. Caden pushed on the gas, backed out of the driveway, and headed back toward town, wanting to see the sights before heading over to his parents' house. He was lucky that his parents were still alive and well. On one hand, it would be nice to live near them again, to help them out. But on the other hand, he wondered if he wanted to live in a town again that's main form of capitalism was Christmas. But now that he was here, he knew he could easily get used to it again. He drove back through the winter wonderland of ice and snow that covered everything, as if ordered specifically for the town, enjoying the festive feel. Somehow, Christmases away jus
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 9
Although Caden knew his father was proud of the choices he had made, his father was disappointed that he had spent so much time away from home. When he was young, his father used to drop hints of him taking over the family business. But with each visit, there were less hints, and his bitterness grew. "He's still disappointed that I didn't take over the family business, isn't he?" In June, the tree lot became a firework stand until the 4th of July. His parents were usually busy selling something throughout the year, including items they sold at the flea market in between.Emma sighed. "Don't worry about it. You're here to enjoy the holidays, not to discuss business." She turned and waved to her husband over her head and he waved back, frowning. Emma patted Caleb's arm and they started toward his car and stopped beside his Corvette. "Surely you don't expect me to get in that thing."Caleb chuckled. "Mom, it's not all that bad." He opened the passenger-side door. "Here. I'll help you."
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Chapter 10
"Now, don't stay out too late." Caden's mother warned later that night before he left for his date."Mom, I'm a grown man." He slipped into his black leather jacket. It was cold earlier and now he was sure it'd be freezing."I know that." She pointed to her cheek. "Now, come over here and give your mother a kiss before you go."He did as he was asked and then a sly smile spread across his face. Yes, he had a lot of his mother in him. "And I'll be sure to stay out very late."She looked at him, her eyebrows raised, and then burst out laughing and pushed against his chest. "Oh, you-.""Love you," he called out as he walked out the door."Love you more!" she called after him.He walked out onto the front porch and pulled the door closed tightly behind him. It had started snowing again, but was now just flurries. From past experience, he knew it would hold out for his date with Mallory.He had checked his messages earlier that day and Mallory had instructed him to pick her up at he
last updateLast Updated : 2022-06-15
Read more
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status