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The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris: A Novel in Recipes
Life is sweet in this heartwarming tale of a little chocolate shop in Paris, by the bestselling author of Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams and Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe.
Mouth-watering recipes inside!
As dawn breaks over the Pont Neuf, and the cobbled alleyways of Paris come to life, Anna Trent is already awake and at work; mixing and stirring the finest, smoothest, richest chocolate; made entirely by hand, it is sold to the grandes dames of Paris.
It's a huge shift from the chocolate factory she worked in at home in the north of England. But when an accident changed everything, Anna was thrown back in touch with her French teacher, Claire, who offered her the chance of a lifetime - to work in Paris with her former sweetheart, Thierry, a master chocolatier.
With old wounds about to be uncovered and healed, Anna is set to discover more about real chocolate - and herself - than she ever dreamed.
Mouth-watering recipes inside!
As dawn breaks over the Pont Neuf, and the cobbled alleyways of Paris come to life, Anna Trent is already awake and at work; mixing and stirring the finest, smoothest, richest chocolate; made entirely by hand, it is sold to the grandes dames of Paris.
It's a huge shift from the chocolate factory she worked in at home in the north of England. But when an accident changed everything, Anna was thrown back in touch with her French teacher, Claire, who offered her the chance of a lifetime - to work in Paris with her former sweetheart, Thierry, a master chocolatier.
With old wounds about to be uncovered and healed, Anna is set to discover more about real chocolate - and herself - than she ever dreamed.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
1658 people are currently reading
12880 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Colgan
107 books12k followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,048 reviews
April 5, 2026
I looked at him like he had horns growing out of his head.Anna Trent worked in a chocolate shop for years...well...kind of? It wasn't one of those fancy artisanal shops, it was more of a pre-made mix-together kind of shop whose end product always tasted a bit chemical-ish.
"I absolutely and definitely do not feel lucky," I said.
But a freak accident involving an extremely heavy vat of chocolate and resulting in the loss of a couple of toes and suddenly Anna is unmoored. Adrift.
While recovering in the hospital, she meets an old French teacher, Claire, who offers her the opportunity to work at a *real* chocolate shop -- in Paris.
And so with much trepidation, Anna sets off...only to find out that the new place doesn't seem to have any room for a factory worker without *real* experience.
"He said he does need a new factory worker, yes. And I know of an apartment where you can stay."
But she's not a quitter - and she's ready to take on anything. Hopefully.
I've read a few Jenny Colgan books by now and I can see the formula. Girl down on her luck. Girl makes food. Girl finds purpose and meaning in life.
"...when people dedicate their lives to one thing that they really, really love and learn a lot about, amazing things can happen."
And yet...I still love it.
There's something so comforting about finding your place (even if it is a challenge at the beginning) and finding a way to feel fulfilled in the ordinary.
The character building was a highlight for me. I loved the way Anna wasn't about to let some chocolate snobs bully her out of her job.
I completely get feeling outclassed and undereducated in a field, but she never let that be her breaking point.
Also, just as a fun heads-up, the author DOES include recipes (as she does for many of her food-related books). I think it's such a wonderful bonus to be able to "cook" with the characters in a book.
August 14, 2019
First, let me not forget to note there are recipes in here. YUM. Anna Trent is a new chocolatier in of one the finest artisanal chocolate shops in Paris. She serves some of the wealthiest women in the city. She’s learning about chocolate AND herself in the process. Paris comes to life in this book, as does the skill involved in chocolate making. There was depth to the story and also some clever humor. Overall, The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is a warmhearted story of second chances and friendship. I’m so grateful for stories like this.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Some of my reviews can be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Some of my reviews can be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 10, 2018
A delightful romantic comedy.
I enjoyed spending some time in Paris with Anna, Claire, Laurent and the others. If Jenny Colgan ever decides to revisit these characters in a future book, I would definitely join in.
I love when a book includes recipes but unfortunately, my library only had the audiobook available so I was not able to view them. I will be on the lookout for the ebook or paper version in the future.
I enjoyed spending some time in Paris with Anna, Claire, Laurent and the others. If Jenny Colgan ever decides to revisit these characters in a future book, I would definitely join in.
I love when a book includes recipes but unfortunately, my library only had the audiobook available so I was not able to view them. I will be on the lookout for the ebook or paper version in the future.
June 11, 2019
I was asked to read this lovely book by the publisher, as a new cover design is coming out this summer! This was my first time reading Jenny Colgan and I have been wanting to for awhile! This book was very enjoyable, light, and would make a perfect summer read. I loved visiting Paris! The author did such a great job describing Paris, and all the talk of chocolate made me want to run out and get some lol! I laughed at times, and also felt like the story actually had depth. I can't wait to read more of Jenny's books!
August 15, 2019
This one missed the mark for me. At times, I did somewhat enjoy reading it but there was some integral things within the story that hit a nerve.
First, I will mention what I did like about the story. I liked how there were many different stories being told within this novel. There were the individual stories of both Claire and Anna occurring in parallel, but there was also the story of Claire as an adolescent being told. I liked the settings and I liked the descriptive writing that was a part of the author's writing style.
However, the romance in this novel was where I had an issue. I actually should say romances in plural because I had no excitement or interest in any of the pairings included in this story. For the character of Anna, I felt that there was no chemistry between her and the love interest but furthermore, I didn't really enjoy either of them as individual characters.
As for the character of Claire and her love interest, nearing the end I felt uncomfortable. I understand there was a history between the two but I felt that it was unfair for multiple people that were then included in that complicated web.
Even more than that, I did not like the ending. I understand it was representative of a 'fade to black' ending but I didn't like it or how it was done with this specific novel. Yes, I think the overall event of what happened the readers will understand but it read as if there was a large jump between that event and the ending, which made it feel as if there was something missing.
I will read more from this author in the future but this one unfortunately was not the read that I expected it to be.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
First, I will mention what I did like about the story. I liked how there were many different stories being told within this novel. There were the individual stories of both Claire and Anna occurring in parallel, but there was also the story of Claire as an adolescent being told. I liked the settings and I liked the descriptive writing that was a part of the author's writing style.
However, the romance in this novel was where I had an issue. I actually should say romances in plural because I had no excitement or interest in any of the pairings included in this story. For the character of Anna, I felt that there was no chemistry between her and the love interest but furthermore, I didn't really enjoy either of them as individual characters.
As for the character of Claire and her love interest, nearing the end I felt uncomfortable. I understand there was a history between the two but I felt that it was unfair for multiple people that were then included in that complicated web.
Even more than that, I did not like the ending. I understand it was representative of a 'fade to black' ending but I didn't like it or how it was done with this specific novel. Yes, I think the overall event of what happened the readers will understand but it read as if there was a large jump between that event and the ending, which made it feel as if there was something missing.
I will read more from this author in the future but this one unfortunately was not the read that I expected it to be.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
May 23, 2022
4 stars
This book had me at "chocolate" and really, enough said. Lol. Not only did this book have my mouth watering for melted chocolate and my nose twitching with the smell, it was an incredibly sweet and romantic story.
This book had me at "chocolate" and really, enough said. Lol. Not only did this book have my mouth watering for melted chocolate and my nose twitching with the smell, it was an incredibly sweet and romantic story.
July 23, 2020
Meu segundo contato com a Jenny Colgan. Gostei tanto quanto o primeiro ♡ :)
August 9, 2021
I don't even know what to say. This was a painful read and I honestly wanted to say to one of the characters (Claire) that she needed to get a grip and move on from her first love. The whole thing had me wondering if I just had no heart, but I realized no I had heart, I was just aggravated by the whole story-line. It didn't help that Thierry was actually a terrible person based on all the backstory that we got on him via other characters. And Anna just felt like a non-entity throughout this book after her accident. I wanted to read about her moving to Paris and getting to fall in love with the city and all but instead she's just being worked to death, dragged out occasionally by her neighbor Sami (who she says terrible things about here and there) and lusts over a paper bag of a character (Laurent who of course is Thierry's son).
"The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris" follows two characters, Claire and Anna. Anna, after an accident ends up in the hospital and sharing a room with her old French teacher, Claire. Claire is undergoing chemo and seems determined to teach Anna French again and to have her move back to Paris to stay with an old friend of hers. We jump back and forth between Claire in the past in the late 60s/early 70s and how she first came to Paris and met Thierry a man who is determined to be the best chocolatier in Paris. Anna goes to work for Thierry decades later and meets a man who seems stuffed with not just food, but regrets. When things hit at head at the chocolate shop, Anna is forced to step in.
Eh. I don't know. I think the only character that I liked in this one was Sami. And occasionally Benoit. Everyone else, nope. I think the biggest issue I have is that we are supposed to see Claire and Thierry as this big love story and they are not. Full stop. I kept reading and could not believe this was being pushed as some once in a lifetime love. Anna and Laurent put me to sleep.
The dialogue was off here and there. I think the biggest issue is that Claire is shown in the past (in italics) and then in the present day and the whole thing gave me a headache. Throw in Anna's third person POV's you had a lot going on. I think the flow of the book was stop and start because of that honestly.
I wish that I had gotten a better sense of Paris in this book. I just read two memoirs set in Paris and even though I didn't like the first one, I still felt like that was more an honest look at Paris than what this book was.
The ending just made me sigh inside.
"The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris" follows two characters, Claire and Anna. Anna, after an accident ends up in the hospital and sharing a room with her old French teacher, Claire. Claire is undergoing chemo and seems determined to teach Anna French again and to have her move back to Paris to stay with an old friend of hers. We jump back and forth between Claire in the past in the late 60s/early 70s and how she first came to Paris and met Thierry a man who is determined to be the best chocolatier in Paris. Anna goes to work for Thierry decades later and meets a man who seems stuffed with not just food, but regrets. When things hit at head at the chocolate shop, Anna is forced to step in.
Eh. I don't know. I think the only character that I liked in this one was Sami. And occasionally Benoit. Everyone else, nope. I think the biggest issue I have is that we are supposed to see Claire and Thierry as this big love story and they are not. Full stop. I kept reading and could not believe this was being pushed as some once in a lifetime love. Anna and Laurent put me to sleep.
The dialogue was off here and there. I think the biggest issue is that Claire is shown in the past (in italics) and then in the present day and the whole thing gave me a headache. Throw in Anna's third person POV's you had a lot going on. I think the flow of the book was stop and start because of that honestly.
I wish that I had gotten a better sense of Paris in this book. I just read two memoirs set in Paris and even though I didn't like the first one, I still felt like that was more an honest look at Paris than what this book was.
The ending just made me sigh inside.
March 2, 2014
This is the story of two women who fall in love with Paris and were never the same again. Anna Trent has had a horrific accident in the chocolate factory where she works and after recovering in hospital is jobless and depressed. While in hospital, her old French teacher, Claire Shawcross was moved into the bed next to her while undergoing chemotherapy. Both are bored with being confined to a hospital bed so to help pass the time Anna practices her French with Claire who gently corrects her and encourages her to improve. Claire had once spent a memorable summer in Paris as a teenager and comes up with a plan to help Anna overcome her depression and restart her life by finding her a summer job with an old friend who has a chocolate shop in Paris.
Claire's story is told in parallel with Anna's, going back to the time when she first arrived in Paris as an unworldly teenager with a narrow religious upbringing. Both Claire and Anna gradually blossom and come alive as they fall in love with Paris and it's people. Although somewhat predictable the story is very charming and will appeal to those who enjoy a good romance with an interesting underlying story. The author lovingly describes the streets and lanes of Paris and evokes an atmosphere of what it is like to live there rather than merely visit as a tourist. There are some memorable characters: the extrovert, party-loving Sami with whom Claire shares an apartment as well as the larger than life, Thierry Girard, the famous chocolatier and his estranged son Laurent. The description of chocolate making is fascinating and made me want to go in search of very good, hand made chocolate. The recipes at the end of the book are an added bonus and ones I would like to try.
I would have enjoyed this book more had it been a little less predictable and had a few more twists and turns, particularly in the middle where the story was a bit flat. However, it was still a great read and I defy anyone not to shed a tear or two at the end. 3.5 stars.
Claire's story is told in parallel with Anna's, going back to the time when she first arrived in Paris as an unworldly teenager with a narrow religious upbringing. Both Claire and Anna gradually blossom and come alive as they fall in love with Paris and it's people. Although somewhat predictable the story is very charming and will appeal to those who enjoy a good romance with an interesting underlying story. The author lovingly describes the streets and lanes of Paris and evokes an atmosphere of what it is like to live there rather than merely visit as a tourist. There are some memorable characters: the extrovert, party-loving Sami with whom Claire shares an apartment as well as the larger than life, Thierry Girard, the famous chocolatier and his estranged son Laurent. The description of chocolate making is fascinating and made me want to go in search of very good, hand made chocolate. The recipes at the end of the book are an added bonus and ones I would like to try.
I would have enjoyed this book more had it been a little less predictable and had a few more twists and turns, particularly in the middle where the story was a bit flat. However, it was still a great read and I defy anyone not to shed a tear or two at the end. 3.5 stars.
September 21, 2013
I’ve been a fan of Jenny Colgan’s work since I read Christmas at the Cupcake Café last year. It was a novel full of charm, a passion for food and baking and had stacks of Christmas whimsy. This year I followed up with Meet Me at The Cupcake Café to see where Issy’s story began and Welcome to Rosie Hopkins Sweetshop of Dreams which had me sobbing and crying for days. I have really come to enjoy Colgan’s charming and pleasant style of writing, and the real homey feeling of her worlds and her characters.
For me, reading The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris was like reading a completely different author or reading a parallel universe Jenny Colgan. This novel lacked all of the charm and passion for food and life I have come to expect from a Colgan adventure. While this novel started with quite a bang, it fizzled out remarkably quickly.
I didn’t know what lay ahead, I didn’t know what I was going to do with the rest of my life, whether I was going to succeed or fail, meet someone or stay single, travel or go home.
It sounds so stupid seeing as I was thirty, had no money, eight toes, a garret rental with a socialite giant, and a temporary job. But suddenly, I felt free.
Anna has just had an unfortunate accident at the chocolate factory where she works and has lost two toes. Lying in hospital mourning the loss of her toes and her life in general, Anna runs into her former French teacher Claire, hospitalised with cancer, who convinces her to take a summer trip in Paris. Claire, recognising a cry for help when she sees one, organises for Anna for work for Claire’s former flame Thierry, a world renowned chocolatier, in the hopes of reigniting her passion for life. While there, Anna starts to build a new life for herself, making new friends, and learning more about Claire and Thierry’s romance.
One of the things I have found so delightfully fun about Colgan’s novels is the inclusion of the recipes at the beginning of every chapter. These recipes do a great deal of good for the story; they convey the tone and subject of the upcoming chapter and also give a great deal of insight into the moods of the characters. There were some great moments in the Cupcake series between a young Issy and her grandfather that took place in the recipes. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris didn’t include the recipes at the beginning of each chapter, and I felt their presence was sorely lacking from the novel. Where I wanted to devour a cupcake with each page I delved in to, and wanted to eat hard boiled candies despite my dislike for them, I felt absolutely no desire to eat chocolate or even see it as delicious in this book. Where Issy lived and breathed by the cupcakes she made almost daily, Anna seems to have very little passion for the chocolate business – in the UK her job was much less hands on than in Paris – and seems to be more concerned with working with chocolate as a means of obtaining a pay check.
The setting has always had a strong influence on the novels: Issy knows that when she has the right shop front, she’ll have the right feel for the business and Rosie works very hard to restore the Sweetshop to its former glory with a strong vintage feel. This time, the setting is of course Paris, but I certainly didn’t feel like a had a strong grip on the city, or that the chocolate shop had any character to it at all. While Anna may mention a few of the most famous monuments – the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Seine, I didn’t get much of a feel for the place and I didn’t feel fully immersed in the Parisian experience.
The aspect I most enjoyed from previous Colgan novels, and chick lit in general, is seeing the lead characters turn their lives around and get everything back on track. There’s usually a career change, a dumping of old boyfriends and of course, finding the new boyfriend. While Anna moves city, gets a new job (sort of) and finds a new love interest, the story overall was incredibly lacking. Anna’s new job at the chocolate shop mostly involves being an assistant to Thierry who won’t teach the employees he’s had for many decades how to make his products. Anna may take over while Thierry is recovering from his heart attack, but her product is nowhere near as good, and once Thierry is back he will assume control again. Anna still seems to lack a purpose or direction by the end of the story and I’m not sure I would consider her any better off than she was to begin with.
The romance, if it can be called that, between Anna and Thierry’s son Laurent was entirely lacking in romance or believability. Laurent has a terrible relationship with his father for most of the novel, and he and Anna only meet by chance. While it was obvious that the two would end up together, it seemed more about a lack of other people than a genuine feeling between them. Laurent himself admits his attraction to her developed only because Anna refused to sleep with him, and Anna has only really met two men: her bisexual roommate Sami, and Laurent. There was not one part of their interactions or declarations of love that made me smile let alone swoon. Claire and Thierry don’t fare much better. They had a summer romance when they were very young and then were separated by circumstances and both ended up with other people. Claire, on death’s door, would like to see Thierry, and Paris, one last time. As Anna gets to know Thierry, it becomes very clear that Thierry’s first relationship is with himself, then food, then his reputation and then women, then perhaps his current wife. I failed to find the charm in him that others saw, or why Claire was so sad to lose him.
Normally I find Jenny Colgan’s writing to be really fun and charming, but the writing of this novel just felt off. Anna’s story was told in first person, which I am not a fan of, but also seemed at times to be told in past tense instead of present. This was also at odds with Claire’s story being told in third person. There were also some really clumsy sentences that should have been reworked like:
Then I cuddled Thierry and told him to cover his neck in the sun and asked him how it was to see Claire again, and he beamed and said she was still beautiful, and Claire blushed like a girl and said no she wasn’t and Thierry said well she was doing better than him and Claire laughed and said, yes, yes she was, and I said did Laurent kidnap you and he sniffed and said yes and that we must stay out of the way of the police, and Laurent looked a bit awkward.
If any of you are new to Jenny Colgan, I would certainly not recommend starting with The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris. The two Cupcake Café novels are definitely the best I have read, but despite not enjoying this book at all, I am still looking forward to the Rosie Hopkins sequel Christmas at Rose Hopkins Sweetshop which will be this year.
For me, reading The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris was like reading a completely different author or reading a parallel universe Jenny Colgan. This novel lacked all of the charm and passion for food and life I have come to expect from a Colgan adventure. While this novel started with quite a bang, it fizzled out remarkably quickly.
I didn’t know what lay ahead, I didn’t know what I was going to do with the rest of my life, whether I was going to succeed or fail, meet someone or stay single, travel or go home.
It sounds so stupid seeing as I was thirty, had no money, eight toes, a garret rental with a socialite giant, and a temporary job. But suddenly, I felt free.
Anna has just had an unfortunate accident at the chocolate factory where she works and has lost two toes. Lying in hospital mourning the loss of her toes and her life in general, Anna runs into her former French teacher Claire, hospitalised with cancer, who convinces her to take a summer trip in Paris. Claire, recognising a cry for help when she sees one, organises for Anna for work for Claire’s former flame Thierry, a world renowned chocolatier, in the hopes of reigniting her passion for life. While there, Anna starts to build a new life for herself, making new friends, and learning more about Claire and Thierry’s romance.
One of the things I have found so delightfully fun about Colgan’s novels is the inclusion of the recipes at the beginning of every chapter. These recipes do a great deal of good for the story; they convey the tone and subject of the upcoming chapter and also give a great deal of insight into the moods of the characters. There were some great moments in the Cupcake series between a young Issy and her grandfather that took place in the recipes. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris didn’t include the recipes at the beginning of each chapter, and I felt their presence was sorely lacking from the novel. Where I wanted to devour a cupcake with each page I delved in to, and wanted to eat hard boiled candies despite my dislike for them, I felt absolutely no desire to eat chocolate or even see it as delicious in this book. Where Issy lived and breathed by the cupcakes she made almost daily, Anna seems to have very little passion for the chocolate business – in the UK her job was much less hands on than in Paris – and seems to be more concerned with working with chocolate as a means of obtaining a pay check.
The setting has always had a strong influence on the novels: Issy knows that when she has the right shop front, she’ll have the right feel for the business and Rosie works very hard to restore the Sweetshop to its former glory with a strong vintage feel. This time, the setting is of course Paris, but I certainly didn’t feel like a had a strong grip on the city, or that the chocolate shop had any character to it at all. While Anna may mention a few of the most famous monuments – the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Seine, I didn’t get much of a feel for the place and I didn’t feel fully immersed in the Parisian experience.
The aspect I most enjoyed from previous Colgan novels, and chick lit in general, is seeing the lead characters turn their lives around and get everything back on track. There’s usually a career change, a dumping of old boyfriends and of course, finding the new boyfriend. While Anna moves city, gets a new job (sort of) and finds a new love interest, the story overall was incredibly lacking. Anna’s new job at the chocolate shop mostly involves being an assistant to Thierry who won’t teach the employees he’s had for many decades how to make his products. Anna may take over while Thierry is recovering from his heart attack, but her product is nowhere near as good, and once Thierry is back he will assume control again. Anna still seems to lack a purpose or direction by the end of the story and I’m not sure I would consider her any better off than she was to begin with.
The romance, if it can be called that, between Anna and Thierry’s son Laurent was entirely lacking in romance or believability. Laurent has a terrible relationship with his father for most of the novel, and he and Anna only meet by chance. While it was obvious that the two would end up together, it seemed more about a lack of other people than a genuine feeling between them. Laurent himself admits his attraction to her developed only because Anna refused to sleep with him, and Anna has only really met two men: her bisexual roommate Sami, and Laurent. There was not one part of their interactions or declarations of love that made me smile let alone swoon. Claire and Thierry don’t fare much better. They had a summer romance when they were very young and then were separated by circumstances and both ended up with other people. Claire, on death’s door, would like to see Thierry, and Paris, one last time. As Anna gets to know Thierry, it becomes very clear that Thierry’s first relationship is with himself, then food, then his reputation and then women, then perhaps his current wife. I failed to find the charm in him that others saw, or why Claire was so sad to lose him.
Normally I find Jenny Colgan’s writing to be really fun and charming, but the writing of this novel just felt off. Anna’s story was told in first person, which I am not a fan of, but also seemed at times to be told in past tense instead of present. This was also at odds with Claire’s story being told in third person. There were also some really clumsy sentences that should have been reworked like:
Then I cuddled Thierry and told him to cover his neck in the sun and asked him how it was to see Claire again, and he beamed and said she was still beautiful, and Claire blushed like a girl and said no she wasn’t and Thierry said well she was doing better than him and Claire laughed and said, yes, yes she was, and I said did Laurent kidnap you and he sniffed and said yes and that we must stay out of the way of the police, and Laurent looked a bit awkward.
If any of you are new to Jenny Colgan, I would certainly not recommend starting with The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris. The two Cupcake Café novels are definitely the best I have read, but despite not enjoying this book at all, I am still looking forward to the Rosie Hopkins sequel Christmas at Rose Hopkins Sweetshop which will be this year.
February 3, 2021
What a lovely story!
Several stories in one, different yet similar. Love stories. Lost loves. Two time frames revolving around Paris, glorious Paris! Hopes and dream, loves lost then found, and brand new love.
And chocolate making!
Omg this was a very interesting read on what goes on in a premiere Paris chocolatier shoppe. How candy making secrets can make or break a family, how impactful this small chocolatier has on this village, worldwide. How the owners personality is the life and breadth of so much.
The peeks and descriptions of small tucked in shops and restaurants down back streets or alleys revealed secret gourmet and homemade comforting foods. Just reading about the foods and drink and chocolate delicacies made me want to have one or the other, or all by my side!
There are some chocolate recipes at the back of the book - an added bonus! Some are relatively easy, there is one that is quite involved. I will not be making THAT one! More chocolate, please...
Several stories in one, different yet similar. Love stories. Lost loves. Two time frames revolving around Paris, glorious Paris! Hopes and dream, loves lost then found, and brand new love.
And chocolate making!
Omg this was a very interesting read on what goes on in a premiere Paris chocolatier shoppe. How candy making secrets can make or break a family, how impactful this small chocolatier has on this village, worldwide. How the owners personality is the life and breadth of so much.
The peeks and descriptions of small tucked in shops and restaurants down back streets or alleys revealed secret gourmet and homemade comforting foods. Just reading about the foods and drink and chocolate delicacies made me want to have one or the other, or all by my side!
There are some chocolate recipes at the back of the book - an added bonus! Some are relatively easy, there is one that is quite involved. I will not be making THAT one! More chocolate, please...
August 9, 2019
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan is a beautifully written, tender love story that intertwines two women, Anna, who has her whole life ahead of her, and Claire, whose life is ending. It is the story of deep love, regret, and strength. But it is also very funny and expertly written with scenes of Paris which makes the city come to life in the reader's mind.
Anna Trent worked in a chocolate factory in England. She thought this is where she would be for the rest of her life. After a serious work accident which lands her in the hospital, she finds to her surprise her roommate is none other than her childhood French teacher Claire.
As they become friends, they begin to share their life stories. Both are filled with much love and much sorrow. Claire sees herself in Anna and wants to help her experience both true life and true love. Anna on the other hand just feels as if her life is over.
Claire is able to get Anna a job at the premiere Paris chocolate shop. Anna begins her journey both excited and terrified. As she begins to acclimate to both the French, the cast of characters at the shop, as well as her hilarious roommate who forces her into the adventures of a lifetime, she begins to come out of her shell. She reluctantly at first begins to live.
What develops are two beautiful love stories which at times are mirror images of each of the women. The story is told by both Anna and Claire, and with Claire giving us flashbacks throughout her long life, we are able to see the similarities in both of them and also the regrets which Claire has and is desperately trying to help her friend avoid.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is a wonderful funny story with the richness and excitement of falling in love. There are lessons to be learned for both the characters as well as the readers. Especially in the City of Love and especially in a chocolate shop!
Thank you #NetGalley #Sourcebooks #TheLoveliestChocolateShopinParis #JennyColgan for the free book.
Anna Trent worked in a chocolate factory in England. She thought this is where she would be for the rest of her life. After a serious work accident which lands her in the hospital, she finds to her surprise her roommate is none other than her childhood French teacher Claire.
As they become friends, they begin to share their life stories. Both are filled with much love and much sorrow. Claire sees herself in Anna and wants to help her experience both true life and true love. Anna on the other hand just feels as if her life is over.
Claire is able to get Anna a job at the premiere Paris chocolate shop. Anna begins her journey both excited and terrified. As she begins to acclimate to both the French, the cast of characters at the shop, as well as her hilarious roommate who forces her into the adventures of a lifetime, she begins to come out of her shell. She reluctantly at first begins to live.
What develops are two beautiful love stories which at times are mirror images of each of the women. The story is told by both Anna and Claire, and with Claire giving us flashbacks throughout her long life, we are able to see the similarities in both of them and also the regrets which Claire has and is desperately trying to help her friend avoid.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is a wonderful funny story with the richness and excitement of falling in love. There are lessons to be learned for both the characters as well as the readers. Especially in the City of Love and especially in a chocolate shop!
Thank you #NetGalley #Sourcebooks #TheLoveliestChocolateShopinParis #JennyColgan for the free book.
June 5, 2023
I read this awhile ago and I'm now bringing this review to Goodreads. I was first introduced to Jenny Colgan books by Lucy’s Books in Oregon. They displayed her book, The Bookshop on the Corner, and I instantly became a fan.
I have been a past fan of Jenny Colgan. I loved the magical realism, cozy warmth she would bring to the pages when I would read her stories. There was alway something to be said about the loveliness and goodness of whatever happens, through her stories, we always knew, we can overcome any obstacle.
The story takes place in the 70's. Claire is the daughter of a very strict minister who believes that women are second class citizens and should not pursue ambitions, like going to college. Claire's mother fortunately provides her with the opportunity to be an au pair in Paris where Claire falls in love with a young, vibrant chocolatier. Anna works in a chocolate factory but has an accident. After her recovery and she is released from the hospital, they don't allow her to return to her job. So her best friend, Claire provides her with a job at the chocolate shop to work with her chocolatier. Who could ask for anything better - in Paris, too!
Through the pages we get to learn gratitude, enjoy Paris and chocolate!
This book is a feel good, comfort read with a warm twist of sunshine happy endings. With recipes, too! 3.5 stars.
I have been a past fan of Jenny Colgan. I loved the magical realism, cozy warmth she would bring to the pages when I would read her stories. There was alway something to be said about the loveliness and goodness of whatever happens, through her stories, we always knew, we can overcome any obstacle.
The story takes place in the 70's. Claire is the daughter of a very strict minister who believes that women are second class citizens and should not pursue ambitions, like going to college. Claire's mother fortunately provides her with the opportunity to be an au pair in Paris where Claire falls in love with a young, vibrant chocolatier. Anna works in a chocolate factory but has an accident. After her recovery and she is released from the hospital, they don't allow her to return to her job. So her best friend, Claire provides her with a job at the chocolate shop to work with her chocolatier. Who could ask for anything better - in Paris, too!
Through the pages we get to learn gratitude, enjoy Paris and chocolate!
This book is a feel good, comfort read with a warm twist of sunshine happy endings. With recipes, too! 3.5 stars.
October 21, 2020
Honestly I was a bit bored. It was a nice story, but I guess I expected more.
June 15, 2019
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is delightful and engaging. It transported me to France with its vivid portrayal of the City of Lights and had me craving chocolate with such rich descriptions that I could almost taste it!
We first meet our protagonist, thirty-one year old Anna at the chocolate factory, where she has just had a serious accident. The first sentence drew me right in and I was hooked.
“The really weird thing about it was that although I knew instantly that something was wrong—very, very wrong, something sharp, something very serious, an insult to my entire body—I couldn’t stop laughing.”
Anna is taken to the hospital where she rooms with Claire, her high school French teacher. Anna never cared much about school but she is now a captive audience and Claire insists she reacquaint herself with the language under her tutelage. After several weeks in the hospital, Claire arranges for Anna to go to Paris to apprentice at a famous chocolate shop owned by an old friend. Then the story really takes off as we watch Anna learn her way around Paris, settle into the apartment she shares with Sami, a flamboyant man who works at the Paris Opera in the costume department, learn about making gourmet chocolate and become acquainted with Thierry, the owner of Le Chapeau Chocolat.
Throughout the book there is a parallel narrative contained in short and separate sections, of Claire at seventeen first going to Paris as an au pair and her experience there, especially meeting Thierry and the development of their relationship. So for example, as Anna learns about the opportunity to work at the chocolate shop, we also read, in the next section, about Claire’s au pair position with her mother’s pen pal in Paris. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of these two narratives and felt that I was getting a second story while catching up on a back story.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is charming and heartwarming with a tiny bit of sadness. It explores the fish out of water concept of living in a foreign country as well as first loves and second chances. The characters are likable and have been well developed. The story may be a tad predictable at times but it did not detract from my enjoyment. It’s a light and quick read that would be perfect as a beach read or an escape from a snowstorm.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for an advance ready copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
We first meet our protagonist, thirty-one year old Anna at the chocolate factory, where she has just had a serious accident. The first sentence drew me right in and I was hooked.
“The really weird thing about it was that although I knew instantly that something was wrong—very, very wrong, something sharp, something very serious, an insult to my entire body—I couldn’t stop laughing.”
Anna is taken to the hospital where she rooms with Claire, her high school French teacher. Anna never cared much about school but she is now a captive audience and Claire insists she reacquaint herself with the language under her tutelage. After several weeks in the hospital, Claire arranges for Anna to go to Paris to apprentice at a famous chocolate shop owned by an old friend. Then the story really takes off as we watch Anna learn her way around Paris, settle into the apartment she shares with Sami, a flamboyant man who works at the Paris Opera in the costume department, learn about making gourmet chocolate and become acquainted with Thierry, the owner of Le Chapeau Chocolat.
Throughout the book there is a parallel narrative contained in short and separate sections, of Claire at seventeen first going to Paris as an au pair and her experience there, especially meeting Thierry and the development of their relationship. So for example, as Anna learns about the opportunity to work at the chocolate shop, we also read, in the next section, about Claire’s au pair position with her mother’s pen pal in Paris. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of these two narratives and felt that I was getting a second story while catching up on a back story.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is charming and heartwarming with a tiny bit of sadness. It explores the fish out of water concept of living in a foreign country as well as first loves and second chances. The characters are likable and have been well developed. The story may be a tad predictable at times but it did not detract from my enjoyment. It’s a light and quick read that would be perfect as a beach read or an escape from a snowstorm.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for an advance ready copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 9, 2019
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan is a beautifully written, tender love story that intertwines two women, Anna, who has her whole life ahead of her, and Claire, whose life is ending. It is the story of deep love, regret, and strength. But it is also very funny and expertly written with scenes of Paris which makes the city come to life in the reader's mind.
Anna Trent worked in a chocolate factory in England. She thought this is where she would be for the rest of her life. After a serious work accident which lands her in the hospital, she finds to her surprise her roommate is none other than her childhood French teacher Claire.
As they become friends, they begin to share their life stories. Both are filled with much love and much sorrow. Claire sees herself in Anna and wants to help her experience both true life and true love. Anna on the other hand just feels as if her life is over.
Claire is able to get Anna a job at the premiere Paris chocolate shop. Anna begins her journey both excited and terrified. As she begins to acclimate to both the French, the cast of characters at the shop, as well as her hilarious roommate who forces her into the adventures of a lifetime, she begins to come out of her shell. She reluctantly at first begins to live.
What develops are two beautiful love stories which at times are mirror images of each of the women. The story is told by both Anna and Claire, and with Claire giving us flashbacks throughout her long life, we are able to see the similarities in both of them and also the regrets which Claire has and is desperately trying to help her friend avoid.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is a wonderful funny story with the richness and excitement of falling in love. There are lessons to be learned for both the characters as well as the readers. Especially in the City of Love and especially in a chocolate shop!
Thank you #NetGalley #Sourcebooks #TheLoveliestChocolateShopinParis #JennyColgan for the free book.
Anna Trent worked in a chocolate factory in England. She thought this is where she would be for the rest of her life. After a serious work accident which lands her in the hospital, she finds to her surprise her roommate is none other than her childhood French teacher Claire.
As they become friends, they begin to share their life stories. Both are filled with much love and much sorrow. Claire sees herself in Anna and wants to help her experience both true life and true love. Anna on the other hand just feels as if her life is over.
Claire is able to get Anna a job at the premiere Paris chocolate shop. Anna begins her journey both excited and terrified. As she begins to acclimate to both the French, the cast of characters at the shop, as well as her hilarious roommate who forces her into the adventures of a lifetime, she begins to come out of her shell. She reluctantly at first begins to live.
What develops are two beautiful love stories which at times are mirror images of each of the women. The story is told by both Anna and Claire, and with Claire giving us flashbacks throughout her long life, we are able to see the similarities in both of them and also the regrets which Claire has and is desperately trying to help her friend avoid.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris is a wonderful funny story with the richness and excitement of falling in love. There are lessons to be learned for both the characters as well as the readers. Especially in the City of Love and especially in a chocolate shop!
Thank you #NetGalley #Sourcebooks #TheLoveliestChocolateShopinParis #JennyColgan for the free book.
August 25, 2019
Тотално различна в тази книга е авторката.
Не започна много добре,объркваща и объркана.
Изобщо няма да коментирам описанията на Париж,защото това донякъде се превърна в клише.
Темата за най най шоколад също вече взе своя дан. Може би и защото, сигурно съм единствения човек на планетата, който не припада по това изкушение.
И неочаквано се оформи историята , която най-много ми въздейства , за една недоизживяна страстна любов и всички последици от нея.
С това лековато заглавие отново бях заблудена.
Няма весели истории в книгата. Даже имаше места , които ме натъжиха ужасно.
Не започна много добре,объркваща и объркана.
Изобщо няма да коментирам описанията на Париж,защото това донякъде се превърна в клише.
Темата за най най шоколад също вече взе своя дан. Може би и защото, сигурно съм единствения човек на планетата, който не припада по това изкушение.
И неочаквано се оформи историята , която най-много ми въздейства , за една недоизживяна страстна любов и всички последици от нея.
С това лековато заглавие отново бях заблудена.
Няма весели истории в книгата. Даже имаше места , които ме натъжиха ужасно.
March 18, 2013
I have only recently become acquainted with Jenny Colgan's books, but have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book once I found out about it. I was also drawn to the book, because it centres around two of my very favourite things: chocolate, and the city of Paris.
The story regularly changes narratives, from Anna, who works in a chocolate factory at her hometown Kidinsborough, and Claire, Anna's former French teacher. After years have passed since school, the two come across each other when they both, for different reason end up in hospital, on the same ward.
Much of Claire's part of the story is set in the 1970s, when you are taken back to when she was a young girl and went to Paris for the first time herself. You find out all about her first love, and how it ended. The different with Jenny Colgan's multiple narratives, is that, unlike other books, you do not get confused and it is easy to keep up with.
After her accident Anna is left jobless, so it's really a sort of fate that Claire is there at exactly the same time, with a possible job opportunity, in chocolate, for Anna. At first she is sceptical, but never the less travels to Paris and embarks on an adventure of her own.
During her stay Anna gets to know lots of interesting characters, including those that Claire had met on her own trip to Paris, and learns a new skill, the art of chocolate.
I loved the characters in the book, in particular Sami, the outgoing, party animal costume maker, as well as Anna's colleagues at the chocolate shop; they really brought warmth to the book.
I love how well both stories intertwine, and as the story progresses, you learn more and more about it.
The descriptions of chocolate are so vivid and leave you craving chocolate, which meant this book was extremely difficult for me to read, as I have given up chocolate for lent. If possible, read this with lots of chocolate to accompany you! The role chocolate plays in the book is an important part, it really made the story for me. Chocolate, however, is not the only food in the book. Lots of other delicious French delicacies are mentioned, and you really feel like you are in Paris yourself.
Both of the women's stories are equally gripping throughout the book, and I think they bring a nice balance to the book in terms of the ending. This book will leave you feeling both happy and sad at the same time.
I would love to read a sequel and find out how the characters are getting on (possibly a Christmas sequel like Jenny Colgan's previous Christmas sequel?)! Overall I loved this book, my favourite Jenny Colgan book so far.
The story regularly changes narratives, from Anna, who works in a chocolate factory at her hometown Kidinsborough, and Claire, Anna's former French teacher. After years have passed since school, the two come across each other when they both, for different reason end up in hospital, on the same ward.
Much of Claire's part of the story is set in the 1970s, when you are taken back to when she was a young girl and went to Paris for the first time herself. You find out all about her first love, and how it ended. The different with Jenny Colgan's multiple narratives, is that, unlike other books, you do not get confused and it is easy to keep up with.
After her accident Anna is left jobless, so it's really a sort of fate that Claire is there at exactly the same time, with a possible job opportunity, in chocolate, for Anna. At first she is sceptical, but never the less travels to Paris and embarks on an adventure of her own.
During her stay Anna gets to know lots of interesting characters, including those that Claire had met on her own trip to Paris, and learns a new skill, the art of chocolate.
I loved the characters in the book, in particular Sami, the outgoing, party animal costume maker, as well as Anna's colleagues at the chocolate shop; they really brought warmth to the book.
I love how well both stories intertwine, and as the story progresses, you learn more and more about it.
The descriptions of chocolate are so vivid and leave you craving chocolate, which meant this book was extremely difficult for me to read, as I have given up chocolate for lent. If possible, read this with lots of chocolate to accompany you! The role chocolate plays in the book is an important part, it really made the story for me. Chocolate, however, is not the only food in the book. Lots of other delicious French delicacies are mentioned, and you really feel like you are in Paris yourself.
Both of the women's stories are equally gripping throughout the book, and I think they bring a nice balance to the book in terms of the ending. This book will leave you feeling both happy and sad at the same time.
I would love to read a sequel and find out how the characters are getting on (possibly a Christmas sequel like Jenny Colgan's previous Christmas sequel?)! Overall I loved this book, my favourite Jenny Colgan book so far.
April 28, 2018
Two love stories for the price of one. Sadly, they both needed more development for me to really care about them. The story from the 70s was the better, more touching one and it’s repercussions in the modern era were also interesting. The modern love story was just forced and didn’t have nearly enough support to make it believable. The whole book had a weird split personality where it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be super serious or quirky and funny.
June 30, 2014
This was a light and enjoyable read about a young woman, Anna, who, encouraged by Claire, an older friend, goes to Paris to make a new life for herself. I enjoyed the references to Paris, and could sympathise with some of Anna's initial woes upon arriving in Paris. It is told mainly by Anna, in the first person, but with flashbacks to Claire and the time she spent in Paris as a young au pair almost 40 years ago.
Although it is quite a light book, in terms of subject matter, there are some deeper issues explored toward the end of the book, which I enjoyed. However, also toward the end of the book, I felt some of the writing became less clear, as there were moments I was confused about what happened and why people were saying/doing some things.
But a fun read overall.
Although it is quite a light book, in terms of subject matter, there are some deeper issues explored toward the end of the book, which I enjoyed. However, also toward the end of the book, I felt some of the writing became less clear, as there were moments I was confused about what happened and why people were saying/doing some things.
But a fun read overall.
December 2, 2018
DNF at 62% with over 3 hours still to go. I'm so bored with this story. It's like she couldn't decide if she wanted it to be funny or serious. The characters are driving me nuts and I don't care about any of them enough to learn what happens to them. If you want a charming book set in a chocolate shop, I highly suggest Chocolat over this!
March 25, 2016
4.5 stars.Up until now I have never really felt the desire to visit Paris. Yes I know of readers who adore Paris, but I have always been happy to sit back happily in my own chair. What Jenny Colgan manages to achieve in her book The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris, is to have me totally in love with the sights and sounds, food and... chocolate of Paris. She makes me want to experience it for myself.
I absolutely loved this book. It made me chuckle out loud, as well it had me feeling deep sadness for some of the characters. There's a bittersweetness to it.
As you would expect from the title of the book there is a lot about chocolate, and yes I admit to having to reach for some as I read! However I am sure it would not have come up to the standard of Thierry, his workers, Laurent and Anna. I loved the whole chocolate making business - a work of art, and I am sure a delight to the taste buds.
I came to know and love all the main characters in this story. Anna - struggling after a freak accident who takes up the offer to try something new and fresh in an unknown city. Claire her mentor, who so many years ago met Thierry in Paris and had a whole wonderful experience there. What these two learn about their life as the book develops was precious.
Thierry the chocolatier - larger than life, well larger than most people too. He has the temperament of an artist, and he has a big heart too. There is his son Laurent - estranged from his father and the whole history of that relationship was fascinating. Then there is Alice - the woman Thierry loved last. At first she seems a little very strange. However I have to say I came to feel for her too.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris was a delicious read. It had everything in it I could ask of a book. Oh, and the very yummy recipes at the end. And you guessed right - of course they all have chocolate in them!
I absolutely loved this book. It made me chuckle out loud, as well it had me feeling deep sadness for some of the characters. There's a bittersweetness to it.
As you would expect from the title of the book there is a lot about chocolate, and yes I admit to having to reach for some as I read! However I am sure it would not have come up to the standard of Thierry, his workers, Laurent and Anna. I loved the whole chocolate making business - a work of art, and I am sure a delight to the taste buds.
I came to know and love all the main characters in this story. Anna - struggling after a freak accident who takes up the offer to try something new and fresh in an unknown city. Claire her mentor, who so many years ago met Thierry in Paris and had a whole wonderful experience there. What these two learn about their life as the book develops was precious.
Thierry the chocolatier - larger than life, well larger than most people too. He has the temperament of an artist, and he has a big heart too. There is his son Laurent - estranged from his father and the whole history of that relationship was fascinating. Then there is Alice - the woman Thierry loved last. At first she seems a little very strange. However I have to say I came to feel for her too.
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris was a delicious read. It had everything in it I could ask of a book. Oh, and the very yummy recipes at the end. And you guessed right - of course they all have chocolate in them!
December 31, 2019
2.5⭐️
Okay so this is my first Jenny Colgan book and I’m a bit disappointed.
Her books have been described to me as cozy and sweet etc. But I didn’t get any of that from this one.
This book flips back and forth between Anna Trent in present day and her former school teacher, Claire, back when Claire was a young woman in Paris. She sees Anna in a bit of depression after suffering an accident and sends her off to Paris to put some color back in her cheeks. While there, Anna learns that Claire had a love affair with the chocolatier that Anna is now working for when Claire and Thierry were both younger. Now that Claire and Thierry are both having health issues, Anna schemes to bring Claire to pros to reunite them one last time.
There was just a lot of weird things going on in this book for me.
1. I just don’t understand why the author felt the need to focus on everyone’s weight so damn much. Literally every other page there was a line about how massive and hefty Thierry was or how wispy and thin young-Claire was. It was so annoying.
2. We’re supposed to root for this love story between Claire and Thierry but they both are kind of terrible? They both emotionally cheat on their spouses, they both suck at communication, and they just line after each other without actually doing anything??
2b. The romance between Anna and Laurent is so outta left field. He is awful to her every single time they share an encounter and she never stands up for herself. I felt absolutely ZERO chemistry between them.
3. I just don’t get the point of this book??? I kind of wish I had spent my time reading something else.
Which is never a good sign for a book
Okay so this is my first Jenny Colgan book and I’m a bit disappointed.
Her books have been described to me as cozy and sweet etc. But I didn’t get any of that from this one.
This book flips back and forth between Anna Trent in present day and her former school teacher, Claire, back when Claire was a young woman in Paris. She sees Anna in a bit of depression after suffering an accident and sends her off to Paris to put some color back in her cheeks. While there, Anna learns that Claire had a love affair with the chocolatier that Anna is now working for when Claire and Thierry were both younger. Now that Claire and Thierry are both having health issues, Anna schemes to bring Claire to pros to reunite them one last time.
There was just a lot of weird things going on in this book for me.
1. I just don’t understand why the author felt the need to focus on everyone’s weight so damn much. Literally every other page there was a line about how massive and hefty Thierry was or how wispy and thin young-Claire was. It was so annoying.
2. We’re supposed to root for this love story between Claire and Thierry but they both are kind of terrible? They both emotionally cheat on their spouses, they both suck at communication, and they just line after each other without actually doing anything??
2b. The romance between Anna and Laurent is so outta left field. He is awful to her every single time they share an encounter and she never stands up for herself. I felt absolutely ZERO chemistry between them.
3. I just don’t get the point of this book??? I kind of wish I had spent my time reading something else.
Which is never a good sign for a book
January 3, 2021
I’m a Jenny Colgan fan, but really struggled with this book ... it’s so similar to her Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop book that I felt like she recycled the plot points by going down a checklist: girl travels to new country, girl meets an older sick woman, older sick woman’s back story about how she lost her one true love when she was young and never got over it her entire life is woven into the book by pages and pages of italics, girl saves a food-related business (sweet shop/chocolate shop), older sick woman finally reunites with her true love but doesn’t get a happy ending because one of them dies in each other’s arms.
The book jacket promises “laugh-out-loud funny” but deals with amputation, a horribly sad love story that ends tragically, and an intimate look at how cancer slowly takes a life. I didn’t laugh once.
The book jacket promises “laugh-out-loud funny” but deals with amputation, a horribly sad love story that ends tragically, and an intimate look at how cancer slowly takes a life. I didn’t laugh once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2019
Anna, from a small, rather dull village in Britain, has just been in the hospital. There, she encounters a former teacher, Claire, who helps her get a job in Paris. Anna is later able to return Claire's kindness in an unexpected way. The book alternates chapters between Claire's summer in Paris 40 years ago and Anna's current experiences, and we get a feel for how living in Paris changes these two young English women. There are recipes at the end, and I confess that I did feel like eating chocolate as I read. Sometimes you want to read a well-written book with likable characters, a beautiful setting, and a happily ever ending--nothing too unpleasant or stressful, just pure enjoyment. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris fits the bill perfectly.
March 13, 2024
Barely 3 ⭐️🫣
April 2, 2025
i'm not gonna say much, it just wasn't for me
the secondary plot was mostly what kept me going, but even that got kinda messy along the way
the mmc is terrible and the whole "oh wait i guess i am in love with you" scene was a meltdown
it was too slow and then too fast and didn't make much sense, so, yeah
i'm sorry cause i really wanted to like this
the secondary plot was mostly what kept me going, but even that got kinda messy along the way
the mmc is terrible and the whole "oh wait i guess i am in love with you" scene was a meltdown
it was too slow and then too fast and didn't make much sense, so, yeah
i'm sorry cause i really wanted to like this
April 3, 2016
The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan is a delightful read!
Life really is sweet with Jenny Colgan.
This is one cute and delightful Chocolate Story set in Paris at Le Chapeau Chocolat.
It's about tasting chocolate and cooking and moulding it to perfection. If you don't succeed at first try again!
Try out first with subtle combinations such as mint or orange and as you get more practice just experiment and try something new!
It's about tasting the best exquisite French chocolate and not settling for anything less.
It's not just about chocolate, it's about real life situations, grief, loneliness, love and some of the finer things in life often found in Paris.
At first I laughed and then I cried as it was just so funny! Actually, it was hilarious!!! I haven't laughed this much for a very long time.
I really needed a good laugh! I think Jenny Colgan must have tremendous wit and humour.
As I read more, I found out this novel is not so fluffy, it's actually deep and meaningful with a message.
Having recently been to France with my French Teacher and also the year before on The Lavender Keeper Tour with Fiona McIntosh, I could really relate to this story.
We experienced some of the best chocolate France has to offer.
I lived the dream and you can, too. Just read The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan.
I highly recommend this book.
P.s. Don't forget to try out some of the recipes at the back of this book. I'm looking fwd to trying the Chocolate Mousse with Grand Marnier and The Chocolate Meringue Cake just to name a few!
I look forward to reading many more of Jenny Colgan's novels. If you want to be uplifted this will do it for you.
I've already bought Stories From the Little Beach Street Bakery and Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan.
I got the two editions in one which should be on shelves now.
Enjoy!
Life really is sweet with Jenny Colgan.
This is one cute and delightful Chocolate Story set in Paris at Le Chapeau Chocolat.
It's about tasting chocolate and cooking and moulding it to perfection. If you don't succeed at first try again!
Try out first with subtle combinations such as mint or orange and as you get more practice just experiment and try something new!
It's about tasting the best exquisite French chocolate and not settling for anything less.
It's not just about chocolate, it's about real life situations, grief, loneliness, love and some of the finer things in life often found in Paris.
At first I laughed and then I cried as it was just so funny! Actually, it was hilarious!!! I haven't laughed this much for a very long time.
I really needed a good laugh! I think Jenny Colgan must have tremendous wit and humour.
As I read more, I found out this novel is not so fluffy, it's actually deep and meaningful with a message.
Having recently been to France with my French Teacher and also the year before on The Lavender Keeper Tour with Fiona McIntosh, I could really relate to this story.
We experienced some of the best chocolate France has to offer.
I lived the dream and you can, too. Just read The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan.
I highly recommend this book.
P.s. Don't forget to try out some of the recipes at the back of this book. I'm looking fwd to trying the Chocolate Mousse with Grand Marnier and The Chocolate Meringue Cake just to name a few!
I look forward to reading many more of Jenny Colgan's novels. If you want to be uplifted this will do it for you.
I've already bought Stories From the Little Beach Street Bakery and Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan.
I got the two editions in one which should be on shelves now.
Enjoy!
March 17, 2013
The story alternates between the past with Claire’s stay in Paris to the present with Anna’s adventures in Paris. Anna has been working in a chocolate factory so when she has an accident that leaves her a little lost in direction until her old French School Teacher Claire arranges for her to have a taster at working with a chocolatier friend of hers in Paris.
The amount of research that must have gone into this book shines through from the picturesque setting of Paris to the mouth-wateringly detailed description of chocolate making and tasting I only wish the author would have found it in her heart to have invited me along for the research!
There is more than just a beautiful setting in Paris and heavenly chocolate to this story there is also romance which I am sure you would expect from a book set in the romantic Paris. There was a particularly emotional part in this book as well which was very touching. One of my favourite books is Meet me at the Cupcake Café which is also by this author and I am sure a lot of you who are reading this review would have read it, that book has a very warm cosy feel to the book whereas this book feels a little more chic and traditional.
I did find the choice of injury to Anna a little bizarre but I did love her character she seemed to have come to a point in her life where she needed a little push in the right direction so she could make the most of her life which I think most of us can sympathise with.
One thing that seemed to be a great hit in this authors books are the recipes she gives us and I am pleased to tell you that they feature in this book too. I am very tempted to make the Malteser Cake!
This is a fantastically written book that will get those taste buds dancing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book now I can’t wait for Christmas at Rose Hopkins’ Sweet Shop.
The amount of research that must have gone into this book shines through from the picturesque setting of Paris to the mouth-wateringly detailed description of chocolate making and tasting I only wish the author would have found it in her heart to have invited me along for the research!
There is more than just a beautiful setting in Paris and heavenly chocolate to this story there is also romance which I am sure you would expect from a book set in the romantic Paris. There was a particularly emotional part in this book as well which was very touching. One of my favourite books is Meet me at the Cupcake Café which is also by this author and I am sure a lot of you who are reading this review would have read it, that book has a very warm cosy feel to the book whereas this book feels a little more chic and traditional.
I did find the choice of injury to Anna a little bizarre but I did love her character she seemed to have come to a point in her life where she needed a little push in the right direction so she could make the most of her life which I think most of us can sympathise with.
One thing that seemed to be a great hit in this authors books are the recipes she gives us and I am pleased to tell you that they feature in this book too. I am very tempted to make the Malteser Cake!
This is a fantastically written book that will get those taste buds dancing, I thoroughly enjoyed this book now I can’t wait for Christmas at Rose Hopkins’ Sweet Shop.
September 24, 2018
The story was cute, but honestly, I think it went on for too long. I enjoyed most of the characters, especially Sami, and the setting of Paris, especially in a chocolate shop, was magical! However, I think 50 pages could have easily been edited out. I liked the story, but it tended to drag a little, in my opinion.
I also found that, when the story went back in time to Claire's perspective, I enjoyed that more than the present day setting with Anna. Anna also tended to be a little annoying, and I didn't care much for Laurent and their whole thing, but aside from that, I was pretty invested in Claire and Thierry's relationship.
I think the first half of the story was better than the second, and seeing Paris for the first time through Anna's eyes was really spectacular. I've never been to Paris either (though I hope to go some day!), and reading through all the experiences Anna was having as a foreigner made the story more real and almost touchable, if that makes sense. She had a hard time adjusting, she didn't fall in love with the city right away, and she complained, but it was funny, and truthful. No one moves to a completely foreign city and fully integrates in one day, so I liked that Anna struggled a bit. It added a touch more realism to this story about Paris, which I feel we don't see a lot, because Paris is so romanticized.
All in all, this was a cute story. I was looking for something light and fluffy to read, to close off the summer, and this absolutely delivered!
I also found that, when the story went back in time to Claire's perspective, I enjoyed that more than the present day setting with Anna. Anna also tended to be a little annoying, and I didn't care much for Laurent and their whole thing, but aside from that, I was pretty invested in Claire and Thierry's relationship.
I think the first half of the story was better than the second, and seeing Paris for the first time through Anna's eyes was really spectacular. I've never been to Paris either (though I hope to go some day!), and reading through all the experiences Anna was having as a foreigner made the story more real and almost touchable, if that makes sense. She had a hard time adjusting, she didn't fall in love with the city right away, and she complained, but it was funny, and truthful. No one moves to a completely foreign city and fully integrates in one day, so I liked that Anna struggled a bit. It added a touch more realism to this story about Paris, which I feel we don't see a lot, because Paris is so romanticized.
All in all, this was a cute story. I was looking for something light and fluffy to read, to close off the summer, and this absolutely delivered!
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