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The Chocolatier
A young widow. A husband she thought she knew. Will a chocolatier’s secret destroy the family left behind?
San Francisco, 1953: Heartbroken over the mysterious death of her husband, Celina Savoia, a second-generation chocolatière, resolves to take their young son to Italy’s shimmering Amalfi coast to introduce him to his father’s family. Just as she embarks on a magical, romantic life of making chocolate by the sea surrounded by a loving family, she begins to suspect that her husband had a dark secret—forged in the final days of WWII—that could destroy the relationships she’s come to cherish.
While a second chance at love is tempting, the mystery of her husband’s true identity thwarts her efforts. Challenged to pursue the truth or lose the life she’s come to love, Celina and her late husband’s brother, Lauro, must trace the past to a remote, Peruvian cocoa region to face the deceit that threatens to shatter their lives.
In The Chocolatier, Jan Moran, bestselling author of the Summer Beach series, The Winemakers and Scent of Triumph, offers a testament to the power of forgiveness and the resilience of love.
358 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2020
1118 people are currently reading
5401 people want to read
About the author
Jan Moran
75 books4,133 followersHi there, and welcome! If you like fun beach reads or romantic sagas that whisk you off to places like sunny beaches or Italy, Paris, and Napa Valley, then come on in. I write clean and wholesome feel-good novels.
Never miss a sale or new release! Tap "Follow" on Goodreads. Join my Readers Club and get a free read to download now, The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: https://www.janmoran.com/newsletter
If you like to binge read, visit my new online bookshop for special ebook, audiobook, and paperback bundles: https://store.janmoran.com/collection...
Join me in my Facebook Readers Group, too, where we celebrate good books and cheer each other on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58425.... That's where I share sales, ARCs, and lots of fun times.
Here's where you can find all my books: https://viewauthor.at/JanMoranBooks.
So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.
If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.
If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.
My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
Let's keep in touch! Here's how:
- Follow me on Bookbub to learn of all my sales, new releases, and preorders: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-m...
- Come visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/janmoranbooks to find out more.
- And...get a free read when you join my newsletter group: http://www.janmoran.com/contact-jan.
If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.
My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.
Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.
Happy reading!
Never miss a sale or new release! Tap "Follow" on Goodreads. Join my Readers Club and get a free read to download now, The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: https://www.janmoran.com/newsletter
If you like to binge read, visit my new online bookshop for special ebook, audiobook, and paperback bundles: https://store.janmoran.com/collection...
Join me in my Facebook Readers Group, too, where we celebrate good books and cheer each other on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58425.... That's where I share sales, ARCs, and lots of fun times.
Here's where you can find all my books: https://viewauthor.at/JanMoranBooks.
So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.
If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.
If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.
My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
Let's keep in touch! Here's how:
- Follow me on Bookbub to learn of all my sales, new releases, and preorders: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-m...
- Come visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/janmoranbooks to find out more.
- And...get a free read when you join my newsletter group: http://www.janmoran.com/contact-jan.
If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.
My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.
Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
March 16, 2020
While listening to this book I found myself both enjoying the story and rolling my eyes at the same time. I'm not a romance reader but I enjoy a good love story but this one was just predictable and over-the-top with the love interest. I also found some of the character's reactions to be over dramatic and unrealistic.
The story itself had a really good premise with really no surprises along the way. It was just a nice listen with my mouth watering from the chocolate truffle descriptions along the way.
The story itself had a really good premise with really no surprises along the way. It was just a nice listen with my mouth watering from the chocolate truffle descriptions along the way.
September 1, 2021
TL;DR: NĖRA APŽVALGOS, TIK SIUŽETO ATPASAKOJIMAS, NES JIS KALBA PATS UŽ SAVE
Uuuuu šūdų romanai! Nekenčiami romanai! Kartais visai sveika paskaityti - jei nenumiršti iš nuobodulio, gali pasijuokti. Šitas - pagal geriausias telenovelių tradicijas: netikros tapatybės, mirusieji prisikelia (bet tik iš meilės), tas bjaurus bičas kur tave įžeidinėja iš tikrųjų tavęs žiauriai nori. Italija!!! Kelionės!!! Rich bitches!!!
Čia pasakoju visą siužetą su megaspoileriais:
San Fransiske gyvena našlė šokoladininkė "jau metuose" (~ 30 m.) su 5 m. vaiku. Jos vyras mįslingai žuvo, po pusmečio ji nusprendžia paskambint vyro šeimai į Italiją, nors jis su jais visai nebendravo. Vyro šeima, šokolado magnatai, atsigabena marčią su anūku pagyvent prabangoj. Vyro brolis žiauriai nekenčia našlės (O NE, KODĖL JI JAM TAIP NEPATINKA?..). Todėl kad ji 1:1 primena jo buvusią mylimąją, kurią jis norėjo vest. Bet (PRAEITIS) per sužadėtuvių pokylį sužadėtinė pamato jo brolį (tą šokoladininkės dabar jau žuvusį vyrą) ir supranta, kad tai jis buvo ją suvedžiojęs ir pametęs, ji įskaudinta išvažiuoja su mašina, pakliūna į avariją ir va jau 13 metų guli komoj. (DABARTIS) Gan greit (per maždaug 2-3 sav.) brolis su našle susibazarina. Šeimos tėvas / uošvis neleidžia jiems tuoktis, nes pagal KB tradicijas našlė jau yra šeimos narė, jei tekės už vyro brolio, bus incestas (KAIP PATOGU, KAD KAIP TIK TUO METU PAAIŠKĖJA JOG JOS ŽUVĘS VYRAS VISAI NEBUVO TAS BROLIS, O BUVO KAŽKOKS PAŠALINIS BEVARDIS IMPOSTERIS, PAVOGĘS TURČIAUS TAPATYBĘ! VADINASI JI NEBUVO JŲ ŠEIMOS NARĖ IR VIS DĖLTO GALI TUOKTIS SU TUO BROLIU!). Bet kur tas kitas brolis, jau nebe ex-vyras, gal tada visgi jis nemirė? "Uošvis" vis tiek neleidžia tuoktis - dabar jis niekina "marčią", kad ta dėl pinigų pas juos atsibeldė. "Marti" sugalvoja planą: ji suras tą dingusį "ex-vyrą", "uošvis" bus dėkingas ir leis jai tuoktis su "ex-vyro" broliu. Bet kur rasti dingusį žmogų, kuris galvojai kad buvo tavo vyras, bet nebuvo? "Vyro" mama duoda paskaityt jo vaikystės dienoraštį. Dienorašty parašyta: svajoju nukeliauti į Peru, į Andų kalnus. Geriau tokia užuomina, nei jokios, ane??? We take what we can get. Ji išvyksta į Andus. Pakeliui prisijungia naujas mylimasis (tas pats italas "ex-vyro" brolis). Jie lipa į kalnus, pražuvėlio neranda (O NE, KODĖL?). Naujas mylimasis suserga įsipjovęs į koją. Jie išgirsta gandus, kad kalnuose jau daugiau nei 10 metų gyvena paslaptingas gydytojas (KAIP ĮDOMU, KAŽIN KAS JIS TOKS?). Ateina, išgydo, pasirodo besąs tas dingęs brolis (KOKS LAIMINGAS SUTAPIMAS!). Reikia pražuvėlį nuvežt "uošviui", kad galėtum tuoktis. Pražuvėlis nenori niekur leistis iš kalnų, nes jį slegia kaltė. Jis kaltina save dėl tos merginos, kurią suvedžiojo o paskui kurią norėjo vesti jo brolis, bet ji išvažiavo su mašina ir prisitrenkė, mirties (TAIGI JI TIK KOMOJ, DAR NENUMIRUS, KVĖŠA TU). Kodėl jis kaltina, gi suvedžiojo, paliko ir pamiršo, pati kalta kad važiavo 200 km/h? Ne, kalnuose jis suprato, kad vis dėlto ją myli. Paskui visi nusileidžia ir gali jau tuoktis. Pražuvėlis neturi su kuo tuoktis, bet kai aplanko tą merginą komoj, ji atsigauna, taigi jie irgi susituokia (KOKS LAIMINGAS SUTAPIMAS, KAD JI VIS DAR MYLI TĄ, KURIS JĄ SUVEDŽIOJO IR PAMETĖ, O NE TĄ, KURIS NORĖJO JĄ VESTI! NES DABAR BŪTŲ DVI MOTERYS VIENAM, KĄ TADA REIKTŲ DARYT?).
Ar visi meilės romanai tokie??? Aš skaičius tik Erškėčių paukščius ir Vėjo nublokštus, kažkaip ten lengviau pavykdavo įsijausti. Bet gal šitų romanų nieks ir neskaito, kad įsijaustų? Gal skaito, kad pažvengtų???? Blemba, gal reikia ir man persimesti prie šio žanro, kartais taip norisi ko nors linksmo.
Atsirinkau tik kelias ištraukėles, bet buvo sunku, tą gėrį non stop norisi daug kur cituoti.
Va čia ji vis dar gedi žuvusio vyro, savo didžiosios gyvenimo meilės, ir jau nuvažiavus į Italiją bjaurusis nemalonusis vyro "brolis", iš pradžių paharassinęs, pradeda ją čiešinti. Bet dar gyvas skausmas netekus vyro. Betgi ir amžinai našlaut negali, right?
Čia apie tą suvedžiotą, kuri paskui ilgai komoj pragulės, jau iš anksto foreshadowina (susimąsčiau: jiems visiems jau po 30+, baigę visokius mokslus, turi profesijas, o čia iš pagarbos seniems geriems laikams prisikėlė septyniolikmetę, ar tikrai bus jiems taip faina kartu?):
Hardship:
Courtship:
Negaliu duoti 1 žvaigždutės šitai knygai, ji tiesiog per daug išradinga. Turbūt... rekomenduoju? :DDD SPINDULIUOJAMAI, LOL
Uuuuu šūdų romanai! Nekenčiami romanai! Kartais visai sveika paskaityti - jei nenumiršti iš nuobodulio, gali pasijuokti. Šitas - pagal geriausias telenovelių tradicijas: netikros tapatybės, mirusieji prisikelia (bet tik iš meilės), tas bjaurus bičas kur tave įžeidinėja iš tikrųjų tavęs žiauriai nori. Italija!!! Kelionės!!! Rich bitches!!!
Čia pasakoju visą siužetą su megaspoileriais:
San Fransiske gyvena našlė šokoladininkė "jau metuose" (~ 30 m.) su 5 m. vaiku. Jos vyras mįslingai žuvo, po pusmečio ji nusprendžia paskambint vyro šeimai į Italiją, nors jis su jais visai nebendravo. Vyro šeima, šokolado magnatai, atsigabena marčią su anūku pagyvent prabangoj. Vyro brolis žiauriai nekenčia našlės (O NE, KODĖL JI JAM TAIP NEPATINKA?..). Todėl kad ji 1:1 primena jo buvusią mylimąją, kurią jis norėjo vest. Bet (PRAEITIS) per sužadėtuvių pokylį sužadėtinė pamato jo brolį (tą šokoladininkės dabar jau žuvusį vyrą) ir supranta, kad tai jis buvo ją suvedžiojęs ir pametęs, ji įskaudinta išvažiuoja su mašina, pakliūna į avariją ir va jau 13 metų guli komoj. (DABARTIS) Gan greit (per maždaug 2-3 sav.) brolis su našle susibazarina. Šeimos tėvas / uošvis neleidžia jiems tuoktis, nes pagal KB tradicijas našlė jau yra šeimos narė, jei tekės už vyro brolio, bus incestas (KAIP PATOGU, KAD KAIP TIK TUO METU PAAIŠKĖJA JOG JOS ŽUVĘS VYRAS VISAI NEBUVO TAS BROLIS, O BUVO KAŽKOKS PAŠALINIS BEVARDIS IMPOSTERIS, PAVOGĘS TURČIAUS TAPATYBĘ! VADINASI JI NEBUVO JŲ ŠEIMOS NARĖ IR VIS DĖLTO GALI TUOKTIS SU TUO BROLIU!). Bet kur tas kitas brolis, jau nebe ex-vyras, gal tada visgi jis nemirė? "Uošvis" vis tiek neleidžia tuoktis - dabar jis niekina "marčią", kad ta dėl pinigų pas juos atsibeldė. "Marti" sugalvoja planą: ji suras tą dingusį "ex-vyrą", "uošvis" bus dėkingas ir leis jai tuoktis su "ex-vyro" broliu. Bet kur rasti dingusį žmogų, kuris galvojai kad buvo tavo vyras, bet nebuvo? "Vyro" mama duoda paskaityt jo vaikystės dienoraštį. Dienorašty parašyta: svajoju nukeliauti į Peru, į Andų kalnus. Geriau tokia užuomina, nei jokios, ane??? We take what we can get. Ji išvyksta į Andus. Pakeliui prisijungia naujas mylimasis (tas pats italas "ex-vyro" brolis). Jie lipa į kalnus, pražuvėlio neranda (O NE, KODĖL?). Naujas mylimasis suserga įsipjovęs į koją. Jie išgirsta gandus, kad kalnuose jau daugiau nei 10 metų gyvena paslaptingas gydytojas (KAIP ĮDOMU, KAŽIN KAS JIS TOKS?). Ateina, išgydo, pasirodo besąs tas dingęs brolis (KOKS LAIMINGAS SUTAPIMAS!). Reikia pražuvėlį nuvežt "uošviui", kad galėtum tuoktis. Pražuvėlis nenori niekur leistis iš kalnų, nes jį slegia kaltė. Jis kaltina save dėl tos merginos, kurią suvedžiojo o paskui kurią norėjo vesti jo brolis, bet ji išvažiavo su mašina ir prisitrenkė, mirties (TAIGI JI TIK KOMOJ, DAR NENUMIRUS, KVĖŠA TU). Kodėl jis kaltina, gi suvedžiojo, paliko ir pamiršo, pati kalta kad važiavo 200 km/h? Ne, kalnuose jis suprato, kad vis dėlto ją myli. Paskui visi nusileidžia ir gali jau tuoktis. Pražuvėlis neturi su kuo tuoktis, bet kai aplanko tą merginą komoj, ji atsigauna, taigi jie irgi susituokia (KOKS LAIMINGAS SUTAPIMAS, KAD JI VIS DAR MYLI TĄ, KURIS JĄ SUVEDŽIOJO IR PAMETĖ, O NE TĄ, KURIS NORĖJO JĄ VESTI! NES DABAR BŪTŲ DVI MOTERYS VIENAM, KĄ TADA REIKTŲ DARYT?).
Ar visi meilės romanai tokie??? Aš skaičius tik Erškėčių paukščius ir Vėjo nublokštus, kažkaip ten lengviau pavykdavo įsijausti. Bet gal šitų romanų nieks ir neskaito, kad įsijaustų? Gal skaito, kad pažvengtų???? Blemba, gal reikia ir man persimesti prie šio žanro, kartais taip norisi ko nors linksmo.
Atsirinkau tik kelias ištraukėles, bet buvo sunku, tą gėrį non stop norisi daug kur cituoti.
Va čia ji vis dar gedi žuvusio vyro, savo didžiosios gyvenimo meilės, ir jau nuvažiavus į Italiją bjaurusis nemalonusis vyro "brolis", iš pradžių paharassinęs, pradeda ją čiešinti. Bet dar gyvas skausmas netekus vyro. Betgi ir amžinai našlaut negali, right?
Bet pati sau turėjo pripažinti, kad seniai norėjo tai išgirsti.
Jau dešimt mėnesių, kai nebėra Tonio, - minutė ir amžinybė.
Meilė aplanko ne taip dažnai. (p. 234)
Čia apie tą suvedžiotą, kuri paskui ilgai komoj pragulės, jau iš anksto foreshadowina (susimąsčiau: jiems visiems jau po 30+, baigę visokius mokslus, turi profesijas, o čia iš pagarbos seniems geriems laikams prisikėlė septyniolikmetę, ar tikrai bus jiems taip faina kartu?):
Jis apglėbė ją per liemenį, prispaudė prie krūtinės, bet mergina, šalta kaip lavonas gruodį tundroje, per jo petį žiūrėjo į Niną. (p. 122)
Hardship:
Selina nenorėjo, kad jis šitaip sužinotų naujieną, suraižiusią jos širdį ir asmenybę į gabalus. (p. 275)
Moteris skendo: jos gyvenimo laivelis apvirto atviroje jūroje, o ji neturėjo jokių gelbėjimosi priemonių - nieko, į ką įsikibtų bandydama atsilaikyti prieš užgriuvusias tiesos bangas. (p. 276)
Kai naktį Lauras atsisuko į ją, jo akys blausėsi nuo karščiavimo ir geismo, o Selina pasišventusi guodė jį atiduodama dalelę savęs. Nepasiduos neišnaudojusi kiekvienos savo esybės skaidulos kovai už Lauro išlikimą. (p. 359)
Courtship:
- Labai atsiprašau, - pasakė duslesniu balsu. - Bet tavo esybė mane užbūrė, tavo siela spinduliuoja iš vidaus, apšviesdama viską aplink tave. Negali manęs kaltinti, kad susižavėjau tavo grožiu. (p. 139)
- Iš tavo širdies spinduliuoja tavo esmė, - glostydamas jai kaklą sušnibždėjo Lauras, nukeldamas ją ten, kur susipynė švelnumas ir jėga. (p. 172)
Negaliu duoti 1 žvaigždutės šitai knygai, ji tiesiog per daug išradinga. Turbūt... rekomenduoju? :DDD SPINDULIUOJAMAI, LOL
October 28, 2019
Jan Moran doesn’t write many historical romances, but when she does it was well worth the wait. I completely lost myself in this story of loss, secrets, betrayal, lies, love and family. Furthermore, it was set in two of my favorite locales – San Francisco and Italy.
Wanting a family for her son after the death of her husband, Celina makes one phone call that sets this entire story into motion. Acts of desperation have long term consequences that play out here. Celina comes to realize that she didn’t really know the man she loved and married. Early on I figured out the biggest secret but there were many tentacles that ran from it that were slowly revealed over time. Moran’s pacing was perfect moving the reader along bit by bit, holding back just enough to maintain the mystery and suspense.
In all of Moran’s books she writes of strong, intelligent, competent, resilient women. That is one of the main reasons I love her books and devour each one as it is released. She does not disappoint here with Celina and Sara, women who love their sons and would do anything for them, wanting only the best for them, and never giving up on them. These women tugged on my heartstrings quite a few times.
My heart ached as Celina and Lauro fought to overcome their forbidden love. How could they possibly make it right? Oh, I so much wanted them to have the love they deserved. There was so much going against them that only a miracle could set their world right again. But where would they find that miracle?
This book is best read late at night when all the stores are closed so you can’t hit up the best chocolate shop you know. The descriptions of the chocolates created by Celina are divine. There is a recipe at the end of the book for a Traditional French Wild Truffle Chocolate Confection. Try it out if you have the courage.
Wanting a family for her son after the death of her husband, Celina makes one phone call that sets this entire story into motion. Acts of desperation have long term consequences that play out here. Celina comes to realize that she didn’t really know the man she loved and married. Early on I figured out the biggest secret but there were many tentacles that ran from it that were slowly revealed over time. Moran’s pacing was perfect moving the reader along bit by bit, holding back just enough to maintain the mystery and suspense.
In all of Moran’s books she writes of strong, intelligent, competent, resilient women. That is one of the main reasons I love her books and devour each one as it is released. She does not disappoint here with Celina and Sara, women who love their sons and would do anything for them, wanting only the best for them, and never giving up on them. These women tugged on my heartstrings quite a few times.
My heart ached as Celina and Lauro fought to overcome their forbidden love. How could they possibly make it right? Oh, I so much wanted them to have the love they deserved. There was so much going against them that only a miracle could set their world right again. But where would they find that miracle?
This book is best read late at night when all the stores are closed so you can’t hit up the best chocolate shop you know. The descriptions of the chocolates created by Celina are divine. There is a recipe at the end of the book for a Traditional French Wild Truffle Chocolate Confection. Try it out if you have the courage.
April 1, 2020
This truly beautiful book will stay with the reader long after the last page is read.
Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 22, 2021
Jos likimą pakeitė vienas šokoladinis triufeliai. Iš tiesų vienas puikiausių Selinos gaminių - juodojo šokolado kremo su grietinėle ir aviečių įdaru skanėstas, aplietas sodraus skonio šokoladinių glaistu ir apibarstytas švelniais kakavos milteliais,- jis tiesiog tirpo burnoje. Tobula vasaros knyga🥰
February 19, 2020
Had Moran given MORE historical content and LESS schmaltzy romantic fluff- she could have really had an interesting story. Certainly chocolate, identity theft, family secrets and a setting on the Amalfi coast with lemon and olive groves were a great hook...but... Our chocolatier, Selena, got over the death of her husband way too fast and we were soon plunged into a cacophony of rather gag me romantic expressions being hurled her/our way. "I'm truly sorry. But your presence mesmerizes me, your soul glows from within, illuminating all around you. You cannot blame me for falling..."
At one point Selena asks herself, "who talks like that?" Agreed Selena! No one. Even for an Italian "lova" - yuck. Disappointed in this one.
At one point Selena asks herself, "who talks like that?" Agreed Selena! No one. Even for an Italian "lova" - yuck. Disappointed in this one.
October 16, 2021
Selina - šokoladininkė, dirbanti savo mėgiamą darbą šokoladinėje. Šis darbas moterį gelbėja nuo slogių minčių, kadangi visai neseniai mirė jos vyras, palikdamas ją ir sūnelį Marką vienus du. Jos vyras buvo Tonis Savoja, emigrantas iš Italijos. Selina nusprendžia, kad derėtų apie vyro mirtį pranešti ir jo šeimai. Šie pakviečia naująją marčią su anūku atvykti paviešėti į Italiją. Ten ją pasitinka draugiški uošviai ir priešiškai nusiteikęs svainis Lauras. Viešėdama Italijoje ir vis daugiau sužinodama apie Tonį, Selina ima suprasti, kad jos vyras buvo visai ne tas žmogus, kokiu prisistatė esąs...
Ech, kokia saldžiai skani šita knyga. Kodėl taip sakau? Na, patys pagalvokite - gabi šokoladininkė, gaminanti skirtingų rūšių šokoladinius saldainius, su įvairių rūšių įdarais. Kas knygoje gali būti skaniau skaitytojai, kuri yra didelė saldumynų mėgėja? Kai knygoje buvo pasakojami siužetai, susiję su saldumynais, taip norėjosi būti ten ir jų paragauti.
Pati knygos tema - taip pat jautri, kupina dramos, įtampos ir melagystės pinklių. Šios knygos herojė Selina turėjo daug ką patirti ir išgyventi: visų pirma, anksti neteko tėvų, po to, kai gyvenime atsirado nuostabus vyras, neteko ir jo, liko našle su vaiku. Tačiau užvis sunkiausia - išgirsti, kad visą laiką žmogus, kuriuo visapusiškai pasitikėjai, tau melavo.
Pagrindiniai dramos elementai knygoje atsiranda tada, kai Selina su sūnumi atvyksta į Italiją. Nors uošviai juos priima geranoriškai, svainis Lauras visą laiką rodė nepasitikėjimą ir prašo tikresnių įrodymų, jog jie su Toniu iš tiesų buvo susituokę. Tačiau yra sakoma, kad nuo neapykantos iki meilės tik vienas žingsnis, ar ne? Selinos buvimas Italijoje, visiems knygos herojams primena senas, praeities žaizdas.
Ši knyga dar kartą parodo, kad kartais mūsų neapgalvoti, savanaudiški ir kitų žmonių gyvenimus sužlugdantys sprendimai - grįžta bumerangu, sugriaudami mūsų pačių ateitį, santykius su šeima, priverčia visiškai pakeisti savo gyvenimą, profesiją ir net charakterį. Tačiau visada galima viską ištaisyti, jei tik patys to norime.
Neslėpsiu, maždaug nuo vidurio knygos, perpratau autorę ir supratau, kas vyks toliau, tačiau tai netrukdė mėgautis istorijos šiltumu ir nė kiek nesumenkino noro sužinoti, kaip viskas išsirutulios.
Rekomenduoju mėgstantiems šiltas meilės istorijas, kurių siužeto bėgyje atsiveria šeimos paslapčių skrynia. Manau, knyga „Šokoladininkė“ - idealus pasirinkimas šaltiems rudens vakarams, nes tvirtai tikiu, jog ji sugebės sušildyti Jūsų širdis, ir, aišku, pagardins jas šokolado skoniu.
„Gyvenime neišnaudota galimybė kelia tik apgailestavimą. Reikia drąsos pakeisti esamą padėtį ir siekti savo svajonės.“
4/5⭐
Ech, kokia saldžiai skani šita knyga. Kodėl taip sakau? Na, patys pagalvokite - gabi šokoladininkė, gaminanti skirtingų rūšių šokoladinius saldainius, su įvairių rūšių įdarais. Kas knygoje gali būti skaniau skaitytojai, kuri yra didelė saldumynų mėgėja? Kai knygoje buvo pasakojami siužetai, susiję su saldumynais, taip norėjosi būti ten ir jų paragauti.
Pati knygos tema - taip pat jautri, kupina dramos, įtampos ir melagystės pinklių. Šios knygos herojė Selina turėjo daug ką patirti ir išgyventi: visų pirma, anksti neteko tėvų, po to, kai gyvenime atsirado nuostabus vyras, neteko ir jo, liko našle su vaiku. Tačiau užvis sunkiausia - išgirsti, kad visą laiką žmogus, kuriuo visapusiškai pasitikėjai, tau melavo.
Pagrindiniai dramos elementai knygoje atsiranda tada, kai Selina su sūnumi atvyksta į Italiją. Nors uošviai juos priima geranoriškai, svainis Lauras visą laiką rodė nepasitikėjimą ir prašo tikresnių įrodymų, jog jie su Toniu iš tiesų buvo susituokę. Tačiau yra sakoma, kad nuo neapykantos iki meilės tik vienas žingsnis, ar ne? Selinos buvimas Italijoje, visiems knygos herojams primena senas, praeities žaizdas.
Ši knyga dar kartą parodo, kad kartais mūsų neapgalvoti, savanaudiški ir kitų žmonių gyvenimus sužlugdantys sprendimai - grįžta bumerangu, sugriaudami mūsų pačių ateitį, santykius su šeima, priverčia visiškai pakeisti savo gyvenimą, profesiją ir net charakterį. Tačiau visada galima viską ištaisyti, jei tik patys to norime.
Neslėpsiu, maždaug nuo vidurio knygos, perpratau autorę ir supratau, kas vyks toliau, tačiau tai netrukdė mėgautis istorijos šiltumu ir nė kiek nesumenkino noro sužinoti, kaip viskas išsirutulios.
Rekomenduoju mėgstantiems šiltas meilės istorijas, kurių siužeto bėgyje atsiveria šeimos paslapčių skrynia. Manau, knyga „Šokoladininkė“ - idealus pasirinkimas šaltiems rudens vakarams, nes tvirtai tikiu, jog ji sugebės sušildyti Jūsų širdis, ir, aišku, pagardins jas šokolado skoniu.
„Gyvenime neišnaudota galimybė kelia tik apgailestavimą. Reikia drąsos pakeisti esamą padėtį ir siekti savo svajonės.“
4/5⭐
November 19, 2022
4⭐️
Keista, kad pradžioje labai sunkiai kol pavyko įsiskaityti į knygos istoriją, nes atrodo, kad lengvai viskas parašyta, bet neįtraukia pati istorija. O štai nuo knygos vidurio vienu prisėdimu pabaigiau ir jau visai kita emocija. O jau kokie šokolado gaminių aprašymai, atrodo kiekvieną skonį skaičiau ir jaučiau... triufeliai mano labai mėgstami, o čia kokie skonių deriniai... Šokoladininke save vadinanti Selina turi auksines rankas ir virtuoziškai vdo šokoladą. Kiekvienas gaminys jos rankų darbo, specialiai rinktiniai ingridientai. Pati istorija suintrigavo, nes įgavo detektyvo siužetą, kai ieškai kiekvienos užuominos, kas jos vyras ir kaip viskas baigsis. Pabaiga tai tokia saldi ir idiliška, bet tokie romanai ir patinka 😊
Keista, kad pradžioje labai sunkiai kol pavyko įsiskaityti į knygos istoriją, nes atrodo, kad lengvai viskas parašyta, bet neįtraukia pati istorija. O štai nuo knygos vidurio vienu prisėdimu pabaigiau ir jau visai kita emocija. O jau kokie šokolado gaminių aprašymai, atrodo kiekvieną skonį skaičiau ir jaučiau... triufeliai mano labai mėgstami, o čia kokie skonių deriniai... Šokoladininke save vadinanti Selina turi auksines rankas ir virtuoziškai vdo šokoladą. Kiekvienas gaminys jos rankų darbo, specialiai rinktiniai ingridientai. Pati istorija suintrigavo, nes įgavo detektyvo siužetą, kai ieškai kiekvienos užuominos, kas jos vyras ir kaip viskas baigsis. Pabaiga tai tokia saldi ir idiliška, bet tokie romanai ir patinka 😊
December 3, 2019
I loved this story!!!!! I had so many different emotions throughout the story..laughed, cried. Loved how devoted Celina was to her son and those she cared about. And the chocolates sounded so good...I wanted some truffles. I would recommend this book to everyone.
July 5, 2021
Mano skoniui šioje istorijoje visko prigrūsta per daug, per stipriai, per melodramatiškai.
May 26, 2021
Karts nuo karto perskaityti saldų romaną - visada gera mintis.
Selina- šokoladininkė, dirbanti šokoladinėje, tačiau tai ne tik jos darbo vieta ; čia ji sutiko savo vyrą, čia visada randa paguodą kai liūdna, tai vieta,kuri primena mamą ir vieta, kur ateityje mato save.
Kas tikisi iš šios knygos tik saldumo ( juk šokoladas,kaip gi kitaip...) - klysta. Selina netenka vyro, ir, palaužta sielvarto pasiryžusi surasti savo vyro šeimą, apie kurią jos vyras niekada atvirai nekalbėjo.
Jai pavyksta. Selina randa ir išvyksta į vyro gimtinę - Italiją, tačiau viešėdama pas šešurą ir marčią, jaučia, kad judviejų prisiminimai apie jį - skirtingi...
Nors visa istorija gana nuspėjama ir vietomis net pernelyg saldi, - tačiau man tai buvo atgaiva po storų ir sunkių temų detektyvų.
Tačiau nepagalvokit, kad knyga "meilė-seilė", čia pilna visokių dramų: gana drastiškų tarpusavio santykių, meilės (man sulig Santa Barbara atitikmuo) dramų, erzinimo,intrigų.. Griežtų ribų tarp meilės ir neapykantos. Čia apstu visko...
Tikrai rekomenduosiu šią knygą tiems, kurie norės romantikos su dramos prieskoniu. Ne veltui šią knygą lyginu su Santa Barbara. Patikėkit- pradėjus "valgyti" ją - nepajusit kada pasisotinot 😉
Selina- šokoladininkė, dirbanti šokoladinėje, tačiau tai ne tik jos darbo vieta ; čia ji sutiko savo vyrą, čia visada randa paguodą kai liūdna, tai vieta,kuri primena mamą ir vieta, kur ateityje mato save.
Kas tikisi iš šios knygos tik saldumo ( juk šokoladas,kaip gi kitaip...) - klysta. Selina netenka vyro, ir, palaužta sielvarto pasiryžusi surasti savo vyro šeimą, apie kurią jos vyras niekada atvirai nekalbėjo.
Jai pavyksta. Selina randa ir išvyksta į vyro gimtinę - Italiją, tačiau viešėdama pas šešurą ir marčią, jaučia, kad judviejų prisiminimai apie jį - skirtingi...
Nors visa istorija gana nuspėjama ir vietomis net pernelyg saldi, - tačiau man tai buvo atgaiva po storų ir sunkių temų detektyvų.
Tačiau nepagalvokit, kad knyga "meilė-seilė", čia pilna visokių dramų: gana drastiškų tarpusavio santykių, meilės (man sulig Santa Barbara atitikmuo) dramų, erzinimo,intrigų.. Griežtų ribų tarp meilės ir neapykantos. Čia apstu visko...
Tikrai rekomenduosiu šią knygą tiems, kurie norės romantikos su dramos prieskoniu. Ne veltui šią knygą lyginu su Santa Barbara. Patikėkit- pradėjus "valgyti" ją - nepajusit kada pasisotinot 😉
April 14, 2022
Mazai sokolado, bet daug dramos, paslapciu su trupuciu nuotykiu skoniu. Subalansuota idealiai.
Tai istorija apie drasia, ryztinga moteri. Zinancia ko nori ir siekianti savo tikslu.
Turi vizija, talenta ir svarbiausia nora, tai cia apie sokolada.
Tai istorija apie moteri kuri pamilsta ir myli, kuri del mylimuju laimes, gerosves pasiruosusi rizikuoti, net savimi ir savo sirdimi.
Tai istorija apie moteri-motina, kuri del sunaus laimes islipa is pazystamos, saugios aplinkos ir skrenda i kita pasalio krasta...
Tai istorija, kuri nepaliks vienaip ar kitaip abejingu...
Tai istorija apie drasia, ryztinga moteri. Zinancia ko nori ir siekianti savo tikslu.
Turi vizija, talenta ir svarbiausia nora, tai cia apie sokolada.
Tai istorija apie moteri kuri pamilsta ir myli, kuri del mylimuju laimes, gerosves pasiruosusi rizikuoti, net savimi ir savo sirdimi.
Tai istorija apie moteri-motina, kuri del sunaus laimes islipa is pazystamos, saugios aplinkos ir skrenda i kita pasalio krasta...
Tai istorija, kuri nepaliks vienaip ar kitaip abejingu...
June 24, 2020
So predictable. Any reader who doesn't realize that poor Cecelia's deceased husband wasn't the Savoia's missing son when looking at the photos Sara had placed in her room needs to turn in their library card. From that point on the clues were heavy handed and the rest of the plot everything was so predicatble. The characters were one-dimentional and too many unexplained changes of heart. Lauro cold, suspecious until.... what made him do a 180 on his feeeling for Celina. Nino so dedicated to learning about Peruvian medicine he refuses to treat white people - but then back to Italy without a second thought. There was also some sloppy editing which could be forgiven for a compelling plot but in this case just added insult to injury.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2021
This was the Nook serial reads for the month and I was excited to see it because I had seen several books by this author that I thought sounded pretty good. Sadly, the editing and continuity issues drove me crazy! I was reading on the Nook app on my iPad and I lost track of how many times I started a chapter, then stopped and went back because I thought I must have accidentally skipped a chapter. I did like the overall story so not sure if I will read another book by this author or not.
January 26, 2020
I truly enjoyed reading this book.
Absolutely wonderful, beautiful, emotional
& surprising.
Such great characters & intriguing
story line. All the chocolate you can
read & dream about. A great description of life in the 50's in San Francisco & Italy.
A MUST READ!!
Absolutely wonderful, beautiful, emotional
& surprising.
Such great characters & intriguing
story line. All the chocolate you can
read & dream about. A great description of life in the 50's in San Francisco & Italy.
A MUST READ!!
December 28, 2019
Incredible writer. Excellent read.
November 18, 2021
Selina dirba šokoladininke San Franciske. Neseniai netekusi vyro ir likusiu su mažu sūneliu nusprendžia nusiųsti telegramą vyro šeimai Italijoje. Netrukus jie išvyksta į Italiją. Ten susipažinusi su velionio vyro šeima sužino keistų dalykų apie jį, ko nebuvo niekada žinojusi, o jo brolio Lauro slepiamas pyktis irgi turi priežastį. Galop Lauro šeima įtikina Seliną pasilikti Italijoje metams ir atidaryti šokoladinę. Deja... netrukus Selina sužino tokį dalyką apie savo vyrą, kad istorija apsiverčia aukštyn kojomis.
Dėkoju leidyklai „Sofoklis“ už padovanotą knygą.
Taigi nuo ko čia pradėti?.. Daugiau nei pusė knygos gan lėtai skaitėsi ir trūko veiksmo, tačiau galų gale atsirado įdomumas: po skandalo šokoladinės atidarymo metu viskas ėmė greičiau rutuliotis. Knyga man gan patiko, nes gi buvo rašoma apie mano mylimą Italiją... šokoladą... ir šeimos paslaptis. Trys mėgstami dalykai viename. Nors tai ir romantinė knyga, tačiau saldu nė kiek nebuvo: saldumą užgožė gedulas. Tačiau jį į paviršių iškėlė rašytojos aprašomos šokolado rūšys ir skoniai (gerai, kad po ranka turėjau pistacijų skonio šokolado). Na ir galėčiau pridurti, jog knyga parašyta lyg ir iš dviejų laiko juostų: 1953- ieji („dabartis“) ir 1939-1945-ieji (praeitis). Praeities laiko juosta padeda geriau suvokti dabarties įvykius, nes paaiškina dėl ko jie įvyko.
Taigi trumpai ką manau apie šią knygą: įdomi, įtraukianti ir kupina paslapčių bei su laiminga pabaiga. Man tikrai patiko.
Dėkoju leidyklai „Sofoklis“ už padovanotą knygą.
Taigi nuo ko čia pradėti?.. Daugiau nei pusė knygos gan lėtai skaitėsi ir trūko veiksmo, tačiau galų gale atsirado įdomumas: po skandalo šokoladinės atidarymo metu viskas ėmė greičiau rutuliotis. Knyga man gan patiko, nes gi buvo rašoma apie mano mylimą Italiją... šokoladą... ir šeimos paslaptis. Trys mėgstami dalykai viename. Nors tai ir romantinė knyga, tačiau saldu nė kiek nebuvo: saldumą užgožė gedulas. Tačiau jį į paviršių iškėlė rašytojos aprašomos šokolado rūšys ir skoniai (gerai, kad po ranka turėjau pistacijų skonio šokolado). Na ir galėčiau pridurti, jog knyga parašyta lyg ir iš dviejų laiko juostų: 1953- ieji („dabartis“) ir 1939-1945-ieji (praeitis). Praeities laiko juosta padeda geriau suvokti dabarties įvykius, nes paaiškina dėl ko jie įvyko.
Taigi trumpai ką manau apie šią knygą: įdomi, įtraukianti ir kupina paslapčių bei su laiminga pabaiga. Man tikrai patiko.
May 22, 2022
I enjoyed this book, it’s a love story about chocolate, between mothers and their children and of Italy, especially the Amalfi coast. It is a light, delicious read. I would give it three and a half stars if I could., or how about three and a half truffles.
March 7, 2020
Family secrets, romance, and mystery abound in THE CHOCOLATIER, a beautifully written novel by Jan Moran.
When Celina, a young widow with a son, decides to go to Italy to meet her deceased husband’s family for the first time, she has no idea what secrets she is about to uncover. She is welcomed by her husband’s parents, but his brother is leery of her, believing she may be a fraud wanting to claim money from the family fortune. In truth, she has no idea of the lies she’s been told or the secrets that her deceased husband held.
THE CHOCOLATIER takes you on a journey from San Francisco to the beautiful coast of Italy in the years after WWII. You fall in love with Celina and her son as you learn of her past as well as her love affair with her husband. And when she finally makes the decision to meet her deceased husband’s family, you hope for only the best outcome for her. But there is so much more happening below the surface, as you learn hidden truths along the way with Celina. Beautifully written, mesmerizing. Those who love novels by Danielle Steel or Kristin Hannah will enjoy this story.
When Celina, a young widow with a son, decides to go to Italy to meet her deceased husband’s family for the first time, she has no idea what secrets she is about to uncover. She is welcomed by her husband’s parents, but his brother is leery of her, believing she may be a fraud wanting to claim money from the family fortune. In truth, she has no idea of the lies she’s been told or the secrets that her deceased husband held.
THE CHOCOLATIER takes you on a journey from San Francisco to the beautiful coast of Italy in the years after WWII. You fall in love with Celina and her son as you learn of her past as well as her love affair with her husband. And when she finally makes the decision to meet her deceased husband’s family, you hope for only the best outcome for her. But there is so much more happening below the surface, as you learn hidden truths along the way with Celina. Beautifully written, mesmerizing. Those who love novels by Danielle Steel or Kristin Hannah will enjoy this story.
January 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this. I felt for Celina and wanted her to be happy in Italy with her son after all the sadness she had experienced."Tony's" family seemed to want it too and encouraged her to get on with Lauro so I couldnt quite understand when his father Carmine objected on religious grounds. They would have known that at the beginning wouldn't they? However I felt that everything was not as it seemed and events certainly took a dramatic turn.
I think Jan writes very descriptively and she seems to have a great knowledge of the chocolate industry. I hope there is another to follow on as really loved Celina and her family.
I thank Booksprout for my Arc and hope that this review meets with their approval.
I have already read Life is a Cabernet and will carry on with The Winemakers series.
Thank you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think Jan writes very descriptively and she seems to have a great knowledge of the chocolate industry. I hope there is another to follow on as really loved Celina and her family.
I thank Booksprout for my Arc and hope that this review meets with their approval.
I have already read Life is a Cabernet and will carry on with The Winemakers series.
Thank you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2022
This book was sooooo unapologetically indulgent. ITALY. CHOCOLATE. BEACHES. Oh my gosh what a welcome escape from my dry sexless reality. I will say the plot twists were compelling and rewarding, albeit predictable. Just pop this book in your mouth and let it melt on your tongue and make you all warm inside.
May 11, 2024
i listened to the audio version of this book.
i'm not one for love stories, but i needed something light after a heavy read.
it is predictable, like love stories are, but i enjoyed it. it was interesting to listen to the way they were making chocolates with different flavours. i craved chocolate all the time.
i'm not one for love stories, but i needed something light after a heavy read.
it is predictable, like love stories are, but i enjoyed it. it was interesting to listen to the way they were making chocolates with different flavours. i craved chocolate all the time.
February 20, 2023
Saldi, skani meilės istorija, kurioje daug šokolado ir Italijos atspindžių. Tinka paplūdimio atostogoms arba kaip tik niūriam žiemiškam orui. Net užsimaniau tikro šokoladinio triufelio 😊
Vertimas toks šiaip sau (o gal ir originalus tekstas buvo keistokas) - labai kliuvo tai, kad pagrindinė veikėja visur ištisai vadinama šokoladininke. Kai aprašomas jos darbas, parduotuvėlė, tai lyg ir tvarkoj, bet ten, kur autorė rašo apie jausmus, apie santykius, tas žodis kažkaip visai netinka 🙈 Tas dalykas mane erzino visos knygos eigoje...
Vertimas toks šiaip sau (o gal ir originalus tekstas buvo keistokas) - labai kliuvo tai, kad pagrindinė veikėja visur ištisai vadinama šokoladininke. Kai aprašomas jos darbas, parduotuvėlė, tai lyg ir tvarkoj, bet ten, kur autorė rašo apie jausmus, apie santykius, tas žodis kažkaip visai netinka 🙈 Tas dalykas mane erzino visos knygos eigoje...
October 18, 2020
Een tikkeltje voorspelbaar vrouwenboek.
De reeks toevalligheden en de verschillende continenten waar het verhaal speelt, doen het boek in de verte lijken op De zeven zussen. Maar wat niksigheid in een boek is eigenlijk wel fijn in deze nieuwe semi-lockdown.
De reeks toevalligheden en de verschillende continenten waar het verhaal speelt, doen het boek in de verte lijken op De zeven zussen. Maar wat niksigheid in een boek is eigenlijk wel fijn in deze nieuwe semi-lockdown.
January 26, 2021
This was the Barnes and Noble Nook serial read for the month of January. I really enjoyed unraveling the mystery of this. I both dreaded and looked forward to the truth coming out. I did feel one of the romances was a bit rushed. Like, proposing marriage before kissing rushed. But maybe that fit the times? This definitely made me remember my trip to Italy and overlapped with some of the places I visited, which was fun.
October 12, 2023
Knyga pradžioje skaitėsi ganėtinai sunkiai, nors istorija parašyta paprastai ir skaitėsi lengvai, tačiau pati istorija neįtraukė. Tačiau labai patiko knygoje aprašomi šokolado gaminiai, atrodė tarsi kiekvieną skonį jausčiau skaitydama knygą. Knygoje jaučiasi šiek tiek detektyvo siužetas, atrodė tarsi ieškotum kiekvienos užuominos, tačiau pabaiga labai jau perdėtai saldi ir gana idiliška, bet juk tokie romanai dažniausiai ir būna.
October 15, 2020
Per leggere la recensione: https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
May 13, 2021
Oh geez. Now all I want is chocolate, chocolate and then some more of that chocolate@
January 18, 2020
The book involves the story of a young woman, Celina, living in San Francisco in 1953 with her young son Marco, shortly after the death of her husband Tony Savoia. Celina works as a chocolatier in a small shop, having learnt a lot about her craft from her mother who was trained in Paris. She never met any of her husband’s family and he wouldn’t ever discuss them other than saying he had had a falling out with his parents before the war. He was heavily scarred from his service in the American army and also wouldn’t allow any photographs to ever be taken of him or them together.
Some moths after his death, she had tried writing to his family, only to have her letters returned. So, knowing that her husband’s family run a well-known chocolate company, she calls the company long distance. She ends up speaking to a brother she never knew about and then receives a telegram inviting her and her so to come out to the Amalfi coast to meet his parents. They greet her with welcome arms, but the brother, Lauro has his doubts about the legitimacy of her claim. She has all the correct paperwork and dog tags of her late husband, but something isn’t right.
It seems Lauro and his parents are hiding secrets about what happened all those years ago, that force Nino, as they refer to Tony, away from the family and the life he was supposed to lead as the oldest son. Since the war ended, the Savoia family has managed to restart their companies and get people in their community back to work. Celina comes to love the coastal area and the life with Tony’s family and friends. She begins to make friends and starts to think of opening a shop of her own in a nearby town. His parents want her to stay longer and make a life for herself and her son with them. Celina has little to take her back to the US, apart from her neighbour and a fellow worker. She has no other living family or close friends.
Just as she starts to make her life her own in Italy, the opening night of her own chocolatier shop, brings about some unwelcome truths. Friends make themselves scarce as the truth about Nino/Tony is brought to a head and Celina begins to remember a bit more of the unsavoury memories and strange behaviours of her late husband. Seeing his belongings, a journal of his travels before the war and even some old clothes, makes Celina question whether the man she knew was really who he said he was. She is falling in love, but due to the close links, cannot be accepted into the family. The only way will be to find out the truth of what happened.
Lauro and Celina must follow the former travels of his brother Nino, to find out the truth for them both. Whether they will find an answer in the remote mountains of Peru or will be left with unanswered questions, is for the reader to discover. This is a slow burn story of romance in unexpected lands and the love of chocolate creations bringing people together. The secrets hidden in the background of the tale are complex in detail and difficult for some to believe.
I loved reading this book and didn’t put it down until I came to the very end! The complexities of identity, family secrets and what is really love, plus the love of chocolate in all its form and flavours, made for a fascinating read. You have to image what life was like at that time, the prejudices of small town Catholic villages and the people who lived in them, the number of men maimed and lost, and the suffering the war brought upon many, some wanting to escape their previous lives while others wanted to live the lives of others. A complex storyline with many different aspects to be considered and the truth slowly dawning for Celina and Nino’s parents, never mind the effects on Marco and his new life.
I have read one of the author’s books in the Summer Breeze series and this one is so totally different in so many ways, but is told in just as sympathetic manner as this one. They are both brilliantly written and I can’t wait to read some more books by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Some moths after his death, she had tried writing to his family, only to have her letters returned. So, knowing that her husband’s family run a well-known chocolate company, she calls the company long distance. She ends up speaking to a brother she never knew about and then receives a telegram inviting her and her so to come out to the Amalfi coast to meet his parents. They greet her with welcome arms, but the brother, Lauro has his doubts about the legitimacy of her claim. She has all the correct paperwork and dog tags of her late husband, but something isn’t right.
It seems Lauro and his parents are hiding secrets about what happened all those years ago, that force Nino, as they refer to Tony, away from the family and the life he was supposed to lead as the oldest son. Since the war ended, the Savoia family has managed to restart their companies and get people in their community back to work. Celina comes to love the coastal area and the life with Tony’s family and friends. She begins to make friends and starts to think of opening a shop of her own in a nearby town. His parents want her to stay longer and make a life for herself and her son with them. Celina has little to take her back to the US, apart from her neighbour and a fellow worker. She has no other living family or close friends.
Just as she starts to make her life her own in Italy, the opening night of her own chocolatier shop, brings about some unwelcome truths. Friends make themselves scarce as the truth about Nino/Tony is brought to a head and Celina begins to remember a bit more of the unsavoury memories and strange behaviours of her late husband. Seeing his belongings, a journal of his travels before the war and even some old clothes, makes Celina question whether the man she knew was really who he said he was. She is falling in love, but due to the close links, cannot be accepted into the family. The only way will be to find out the truth of what happened.
Lauro and Celina must follow the former travels of his brother Nino, to find out the truth for them both. Whether they will find an answer in the remote mountains of Peru or will be left with unanswered questions, is for the reader to discover. This is a slow burn story of romance in unexpected lands and the love of chocolate creations bringing people together. The secrets hidden in the background of the tale are complex in detail and difficult for some to believe.
I loved reading this book and didn’t put it down until I came to the very end! The complexities of identity, family secrets and what is really love, plus the love of chocolate in all its form and flavours, made for a fascinating read. You have to image what life was like at that time, the prejudices of small town Catholic villages and the people who lived in them, the number of men maimed and lost, and the suffering the war brought upon many, some wanting to escape their previous lives while others wanted to live the lives of others. A complex storyline with many different aspects to be considered and the truth slowly dawning for Celina and Nino’s parents, never mind the effects on Marco and his new life.
I have read one of the author’s books in the Summer Breeze series and this one is so totally different in so many ways, but is told in just as sympathetic manner as this one. They are both brilliantly written and I can’t wait to read some more books by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 15, 2020
This book is the story of Celina, a young woman who’s working to support herself by working in a chocolate shop. While at work one day, soon after the end of WWII, a couple of military men come in and Celina meets her future husband. When he dies suddenly, Celina is left to support her young son. She feels she must reach out to her husband’s family in Italy, even though he refused to do so during their marriage. When they invite her and her son to visit them, Celina’s life will take an unexpected turn.
I really enjoyed the start of this book, the part that took place in San Francisco. However, while I enjoyed the remainder of the book that takes place in Italy, I felt that it became a bit too melodramatic and soap-opera-y.
I liked Celina. I thought she came across as a knowledgeable and real working woman. I loved Sara, her mother-in-law. She was kind and loving, and she had her priorities straight. Lauro? While I liked him, I didn’t think he came across as real. He was too hot, cold, hot, cold. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like Marco at all. I thought he was whiney and spoiled. I suppose that’s not surprising to find in a child whose father died and whose mother leaves him with a neighbor while she works. I could deal with that if Celina made any attempt to correct his behavior. Instead, she encourages it.
I’ll be honest, the lowest point in this story was the immediately following the accident. First, I’d have liked to know what Tony calling out to Celina meant. There’s no explanation for this otherworldly intervention, one of a few that make appearances in the book. Second, Celina and Lauro are both banged up and in pain, but that doesn’t stop him from making moves on her. I think his actions would have caused both of them pain, yet they both ignore any physical discomfort. It seemed rather callous for him to choose that time to come on to her. Then, Celina, who made such a big deal over keeping Tony at bay until they married and took great offense when Lauro first tried to kiss her, very easily succumbs to Lauro’s advances after they’ve been told that they can’t be together due to Church rules. I didn’t find that believable.
I didn’t feel that there were any surprises in this story. I knew what was going to happen very early on. I figured out exactly what Tony had done concerning Nino, and I knew how the story would play out from there with Lauro. I also felt that this book lost the historical thread and involved several contemporary sensibilities into the characters and their behavior, even into the flavors Celina used for her chocolate making. I’ll admit that I’m no expert on chocolates, but it seemed that many of the flavors she used are ones that have become popular from the 1990s into the twenty-first century with the emphasis on salted caramel, raspberry, and pistachio.
I did enjoy this book, I just believe that it could have been so much more. The writing is good, and I loved the characters, so I have no complaints over reading this novel. This book would make a great beach read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All comments in this review express my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
I really enjoyed the start of this book, the part that took place in San Francisco. However, while I enjoyed the remainder of the book that takes place in Italy, I felt that it became a bit too melodramatic and soap-opera-y.
I liked Celina. I thought she came across as a knowledgeable and real working woman. I loved Sara, her mother-in-law. She was kind and loving, and she had her priorities straight. Lauro? While I liked him, I didn’t think he came across as real. He was too hot, cold, hot, cold. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like Marco at all. I thought he was whiney and spoiled. I suppose that’s not surprising to find in a child whose father died and whose mother leaves him with a neighbor while she works. I could deal with that if Celina made any attempt to correct his behavior. Instead, she encourages it.
I’ll be honest, the lowest point in this story was the immediately following the accident. First, I’d have liked to know what Tony calling out to Celina meant. There’s no explanation for this otherworldly intervention, one of a few that make appearances in the book. Second, Celina and Lauro are both banged up and in pain, but that doesn’t stop him from making moves on her. I think his actions would have caused both of them pain, yet they both ignore any physical discomfort. It seemed rather callous for him to choose that time to come on to her. Then, Celina, who made such a big deal over keeping Tony at bay until they married and took great offense when Lauro first tried to kiss her, very easily succumbs to Lauro’s advances after they’ve been told that they can’t be together due to Church rules. I didn’t find that believable.
I didn’t feel that there were any surprises in this story. I knew what was going to happen very early on. I figured out exactly what Tony had done concerning Nino, and I knew how the story would play out from there with Lauro. I also felt that this book lost the historical thread and involved several contemporary sensibilities into the characters and their behavior, even into the flavors Celina used for her chocolate making. I’ll admit that I’m no expert on chocolates, but it seemed that many of the flavors she used are ones that have become popular from the 1990s into the twenty-first century with the emphasis on salted caramel, raspberry, and pistachio.
I did enjoy this book, I just believe that it could have been so much more. The writing is good, and I loved the characters, so I have no complaints over reading this novel. This book would make a great beach read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All comments in this review express my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
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