Wanderlust Challenges discussion
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Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
ParticipantsAgnieszka ~ Completed
Allie
Barb ~ Completed
Bev(baglady) ~ Completed
Book Concierge ~ Completed
Brenda ~ Completed
Catsalive ~ Completed
ChrisGA ~ Completed
Chrystal
Clare
Ed ~ Completed
Frankie ~ Completed
Genievieve ~ Completed
Jan ~ Completed
JoAnne ~ Completed
Jonquil ~ Completed
Karen ♐ ~ Completed
Kathryn
Kim ~ Completed
Mave
Meg ~ Completed
Olivermagnus ~ Completed
Patrizia ~ Completed
Sallie(GeorgiaGirl)
Shelly ~ Completed
Tari ~ Completed
Wanda ~ Completed
My SpotDecadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
February 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
10/10
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that mentions an airport in its text ("Sam Booker drove his rental car from the San Francisco Airport to Moonlight Cove"). Midnight | Dean Koontz 3/11/21****
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover). The Spaceship Next Door | Gene Doucette 2/7/21***
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2. Edward Adrift | Craig Lancaster 2/11/21***
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before). Death at Whitewater Church | Andrea Carter 2/16/21****
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The). Murder at Macbeth | Susan Harper 2/9/21**
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series and it included recipes. Irish Stewed | Kylie Logan 2/21/21*
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century. The Mapmaker's Apprentice | C.J. Archer 2/28/21***
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO (CANADA). Across a Thousand Miles | Nadia Nichols 2/13/21***
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book where the characters take a train ride. The Watchmaker of Filigree Street | Natasha Pulley 3/5/21**
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover. Cruel Candy | Mildred Abbott 3/11/21***
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
10/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
"I always figured the Portland Jetport changed flight patterns, or one of the smaller airports had been taking people on charter sightseeing flights" (40% kindle)- Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait 7 February; 5☆
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
303 pages- A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle 12 February; 5☆
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
Trailing a Killer by Carol J. Post 10 February; 4☆
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Christmas Up in Flames by Lisa Harris 9 February; 4 1/2☆
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
Morte a corte (=Malice at the Palace) by Rhys Bowen 24 February; 3 1/2☆
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
Our Daughter's Bones by Ruhi Choudhary 22 February; 4☆
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis 5 February; 5☆
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Charm is a island- A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 16 February; 5☆
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Finding Shelter by Kathi Daley 7 February; 4 1/2☆
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
chocolate ice cream- A Cold Brew Killing by Lena Gregory 19 February; 4 1/2☆
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1 - April 30, 2021 🎈
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (42,936 as of Feb 22, 2021)
The Long Way Home 02/232. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover
All the Colors of the Night 03/083. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2
Murder at Blackburn Hall 02/204. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before)
Dead in Dublin, Catie Murphy 03/035. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The)
The Fatal Flying Affair 02/116. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series.
A Fatal Obsession 02/18 7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century
A Scandalous Deception 03/048. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island
Hen Party 03/019. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR
Cards on the Table 02/06 10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover
Witch Chocolate Fudge 03/15
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
10/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
Irish Parade Murder Leslie Meier 2/6/21 loc 2058 “…when she drove to the airport in Portland a few days later…”
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
304-Ink and Shadows Ellery Adams 2/4/21
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
2013-Death Comes to Town K.J. Emrick 2/3/21
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Who Murdered Mr. Malone? Hope Callaghan 2/5/21
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
M-Murder Is the Pits J.A. Whiting and Amanda Diamond 2/4/21
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
#1 Gossipy Gardener series-The Garden Plot Thickens Linnea West 2/2/21
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
LJ-Undercover on the Calypso Lizzie Josephson 2/21/21
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Australia-Death in Room 7 K.J. Emrick 2/1/21
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Murder Paints a Picture Thea Cambert 2/6/21
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Cakes-
Ruth Hartzler 2/11/21
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
9/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) 2120
The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan 2/3/2021
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).368
Emma: A Modern Retelling by Alexander McCall Smith 2/1/2021
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2
The Mountain Between Us by Cindy Myers 2/4/2021
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before)
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness 2/2/2021
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The)
The Fairies of Sadieville by Alex Bledsoe 2/1/2021
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler 2/6/2021
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island
Love by Toni Morrison 2/19/2021
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book where the characters take a train ride. [from London to Dublin]
What Once Was True by Jean Grainger 2/9/2021
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes 2/21/2021
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
0/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1 - April 30, 2021
10 of 10 Complete
💖 1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
Troubled Blood - Robert Galbraith - 2/14/21 - 6,285 reviews
💖 2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
The Escape Room - Megan Goldin - 2/3/21 - 368 pages
💖 3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
Cold Wind - Paige Shelton - 2/20/21 - #2 Alaska Wild Mysteries
💖 4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Crazy Rich Asians - Kevin Kwan - 2/8/21
💖 5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
Find Me - Anne Frasier - 2/4/21
💖 6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
The Scent of Murder - Kylie Logan - 2/7/21 - #1 Jazz Ramsey
💖 7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
When Calls the Heart - Janette Oke - 2/6/21 - JO
💖 8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Murder, Handcrafted - Isabella Alan - 2/18/21 - set in Ohio
💖 9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Barbarian's Seduction - Ruby Dixon - 2/1/21 - I have 34 books by Ruby, which is more than any other author
💖 10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa
Dying for Chocolate - Diane Mott Davidson - 3/14/21
Jan wrote: "1. Belgium: Brussels... a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage "
2000 reviews? Yikes! Many of the books I read don't even have 2000 *ratings LOL
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
9/10
✅1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor - Adam Kay - 16/02
- 11,565 reviews
✅ 2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover)
- Martha Wells - 09/03✅3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
The Stranger - Albert Camus - 22/03
-1942
✅4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before)
The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly - Sun-mi Hwang - 18/02
✅5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao - Martha Batalha - 11/02
✅6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series
Illuminae - Amie Kaufman - 08/02
✅7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
Dept. of Speculation - Jenny Offill - 28/03
✅8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island
The Summer Book - Tove Jansson - 26/03
- Set on an island off Finland
✅9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR
Sleeping Murder - Agatha Christie - 26/02
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversDuration: February 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
I completely forgot about this challenge.
10/10 Completed. Finished
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many).
(72,790)
It Starts with Us-Colleen Hoover 5/20/23
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
(335)
After All-Heidi McLaughlin 2/10/21
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2.
(Souls Chapel Revenants Series)
Conjugal Visits-Lani Lynn Vale 2/24/21
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before).
Halley Sutton-The Lady Upstairs 3/03/21
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The).
Fatal Flaw-Faith Martin 2/05/21
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series.
(Evidence Series)
Concrete Evidence-Rachel Grant 4/21/21
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
Lauren Landish-Baby Daddy 2/07/21
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
(Chicago)
Mine to Keep-Cynthia Eden 2/21/21
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most.
Marie Force-Longing for Love 3/19/21
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book where the MC visits a spa.
(MC Ahmalee has a spa day)
When I Needed You-Tina Martin 2/26/21
Challenge Rules: All forms of books are accepted as long as they are 100 pages or more. When posting updates of completed books, please include a link to the title and author’s name, along with the date you finished reading the book. Please post cover if it is task appropriate. When you have completed the challenge, please copy and paste your entire challenge and re-post in a new message, letting us know it is completed.✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
3 Months from Start 1/27/2021 - 4/26/2021
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (5,106 reviews) 1/31/2021
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover).
The Dark Horse by Josh Lanyon 4/19/2021
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2
Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney 3/6/2021
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before).
This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today by Chrissy Metz 2/21/2021
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The).
Money Can Be Deadly by Cindy Bell 2/15/2021
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series.
Matrimony, Money and Murder by Cindy Bell 2/6/2021
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
A Vintage Affair by Josh Lanyon 3/2/2021
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO. Crystal Beach Wisconsin
Secrets and Pies by Jenny Kales 2/26/2021
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most.
Wild Wild Death by Casey Daniels 2/27/2021
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover).
by Bailey Cates 3/31/2021
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
0/10
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
Brussels has been called the “Chocolate Capital of the World” and is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is home to two of the biggest chocolate companies on the planet, Godiva and Leonidas, and with having over 2000 different chocolate shops to visit, you will definitely be in chocolate heaven. Two "not to miss" shops are Mary, founded by the first woman chocolatier who she shot to stardom when the royal family began favoring her chocolates and Neuhaus who claims to be the inventor of the praline. And if you didn’t get enough sweets in the city, Brussels airport happens to be the biggest chocolate emporium in the world.
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
2. France: Paris
As one of the world’s gourmet capitals, it is no surprise that there are more than 300 chocolate shops waiting to be discovered on the streets of Paris. Walking tours are available to help “taste” your way around the city. Dark chocolate is the specialty here and chocolatiers are using high-quality ingredients and original recipes featuring this luscious dark confection. Paris also hosts the world’s largest consumer chocolate show, held in conjunction with the World Chocolate Master Championships. It takes place every second year and features artisan chocolatiers who’ve been recognized around the world for innovation and excellence.
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
3. Germany: Cologne
Cologne is famous for the Stollwerck Chocolate Company, which was once the second-largest supplier of chocolate to the US. Alongside the factory is the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum, known locally as “the chocolate museum”. Both were the result of a lifelong dream of famous chocolatier, Hans Imhoff, who spent his entire life working with chocolate. Opening in 1993, the museum celebrates the history of chocolate around the world. You’ll also get to witness the impressive chocolate fountain, enjoy the interactive international exhibits and, of course, eat samples!! If you want to know everything there is to know about chocolate, you won’t want to miss this one!
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
4. England: London
In the world of artisanal chocolate, London may be the most exciting place on earth. A veritable “chocolate revolution” hit the country a few years ago when dozens of high-end chocolatiers began producing what many consider to be the world’s very best chocolate. The capital prides itself on some of the most exquisite chocolate boutiques, including Paul A Young, Rococo and Hotel Chocolat. These chocolatiers are no longer producing the formerly super sweet products; instead, they forgo preservatives and chemicals, using only the finest, often local, ingredients, like goat’s cheese and caramelized rose petals. This “new” kind of chocolate must be tasted to be appreciated!
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
5. Italy: Tuscany
Tuscany is well-known for its picturesque vineyards and fine wine, but what many
don’t realize is that a triangle formed between Florence, Pisa and Montecatini is known as "The Chocolate Valley". This picturesque countryside of rolling hills is dotted with many fantastic gourmet shops and small factories dedicated to chocolate making. In early February, a chocolate fair is held in Florence - you’ll be overwhelmed by the lingering taste and smell of sweet cocoa. While there, be sure to check out Vestri, which boasts some of the most highly rated chocolate ever. There is almost always a wait – but it is well worth your time.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
Chocolate is deeply woven into Oaxaca’s history. The ancient Mesoamericans in the region were the first to cultivate chocolate as far back as 1100 BC, and Mexico has continued to produce it ever since. In Oaxaca, residents have truly embraced chocolate as part of their culture and visitors will find they can’t walk down a street without being offered a taste in some form, whether it’s a hot beverage, pastry or candy. You’ll find much of the city’s chocolate is made using old family recipes handed down through generations. Mina Street is home to both large Mexican chocolate shops, as well as smaller family-owned spots. In both, you’ll have the chance to watch the traditional chocolate making process and learn how it’s incorporated into desserts and many other aspects of the culinary experience.
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
The Spanish were the very first Europeans to experience chocolate that was brought back from South America, and Villajoyosa, sometimes referred to as “Chocolate City”, has been a popular place for chocolate lovers ever since. The smell of chocolate permeates the small seaside town, which is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious chocolate factories in all of Spain - Valor Chocolate. The factory is housed in a charming 19th-century country estate known as a finca, and has always been family-run. Valor invites visitors to their onsite museum and offers a free tour of the premises, where you can learn all about the art of chocolate making. Be sure to try their chocolate with churros, an amazing local specialty.
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
You might be surprised to find that this popular Caribbean island, renowned for its beautiful beaches and azure waters, is also one of the leading destinations for an exotic chocolate holiday. There are a number of resorts that cater to chocolate enthusiasts, and some even have their own cocoa plantations. At Hotel Chocolat Boucan, a small establishment run by an English chocolatier, they make their chocolate from beans that are grown on its cocoa estate. The hotel also serves cacao cuisine, a full line of amazing dishes built around the enjoyment of cocoa. Rabot Estate is another chocolate plantation worth visiting, with a Tree-to-Bar experience that allows you to walk the plantation, pick and roast the beans, and then make your very own chocolate bar from those hand-picked beans.
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
9. Switzerland: Zurich
Switzerland must be included as a destination! After all, milk chocolate was created in Zurich and the Swiss nation consumes more chocolate than anywhere else in the world. Here you will find the iconic Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory and the famous chocolate shop, Teuscher. Their Champagne Truffles are legendary - made with Don Perignon champagne, buttercream and dark ganache. For something really unique, take a ride on the Swiss Chocolate Train which departs from Montreaux, making a stop in Gruyeres where Gruyere cheese is made, ultimately arriving in Broc where you’ll get a tour of the Cailler-Nestle factory, which offers tours that include an all-you-can-eat tasting experience.
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Originally called Derry Church, the city of Hershey was renamed in 1906 due to the popularity of Hershey chocolate. Today, it’s also known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” The Hershey Company and the H.B. Reese Candy Company are both found here. In this chocolate heaven, visitors can taste chocolate at Hershey’s Chocolate World, visit the Hershey Story Museum, and stay at Hotel Hershey, where there’s a real chocolate spa. Relax here with a whipped cocoa bath, a peppermint hot chocolate body wrap, a chocolate sugar facial scrub or a chocolate dipped coconut body immersion. Can’t get more into chocolate that!!
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Barb wrote: "Jan wrote: "1. Belgium: Brussels... a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage "
2000 reviews? Yikes! Many of the books I read don't even have 2000 *ratings LOL"
Yep - that will be a little harder than most tasks, Barb. Time to read a bestseller...lol.
LOL I read some bestsellers, but usually when they're still new and don't have many ratings/reviews. I did find two possibilities, though; I just need to work one of them into my reading plan sooner rather than later :)Since Hershey PA is on the list, though, I can't resist joining this one. Hershey is about 30 minutes from here, and we love going when it's warm enough to have the car windows open -- it actually smells like chocolate! The streetlights that look like Hershey's Kisses are a fun touch too :)
DECADENT DESTINATIONS FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS, 2/1 - 4/3010/10 COMPLETE
1. BELGIUM : BRUSSELS
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many)
3049 reviews : Echo Burning (Jack Reacher #5), by Lee Child, finished 2/2 ★★★★
2. FRANCE : PARIS
✱ Read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count)
345 pages : How Music Works, by David Byrne, finished 2/24 ★★★.5
3. GERMANY : COLOGNE
✱ Read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date)
publ 2019 : Hope on the Inside, by Marie Bostwick, finished 2/3 ★★★★
4. ENGLAND : LONDON
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before)
author Walter Mosley – Devil in a Blue Dress (Easy Rawlins #1), finished 2/5 ★★★.5
5. ITALY : TUSCANY
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI
both : MC = Shiloh : Farm to Trouble (Farm to Table #1), by Amanda Flower, finished 2/18 ★★★★
6. MEXICO : OAXACA
✱ Read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook)
The Kitchen Front, by Jennifer Ryan, finished 2/13 ★★★★
7. SPAIN : VILLAJOYOSA
✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA
author Liesl Shurtliff – Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,finished 2/4 ★★★★
8. ST. LUCIA
✱ Read a book that takes place on an island
most of the story takes place on Morrow Island : Sealed Off (Maine Clambake #8), by Barbara Ross, finished 2/10 ★★★★
9. SWITZERLAND : ZURICH
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR
author Jenn McKinlay – For Batter or Worse (Cupcake Bakery #13), finished 3/13 ★★★★
10. USA : HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover)
Devil's Food Cake (Culinary Mystery #3), by Josi S. Kilpack, finished 2/25 ★★★.5
***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE *****
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
Read: 10/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage.
2,372 ratings Fatal Invasion Marie Force 2/6/21
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
385 pages Thick as Thieves Sandra Brown 2/10/21
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a book that has the number 3 in its publication date (post date).
Published January 4th 2013 First Thing I See Vi Keeland 2/1/21
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author.
Write Me Home Crystal Walton 2/2/21
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F.
The Farthest Edge Kristen Ashley 2/8/21
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series.
The Last Sister Kendra Elliot 2/23/21 (Columbia River #1)
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall Jane Linfoot 2/15/21
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Cornwall Like a Winter Snow Lindsay Harrel 2/11/21
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Coming Home Fern Britton 3/12/21
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book where the MC visits a spa.
The Wedding Season Samantha Chase 3/6/21
Barb wrote: "LOL I read some bestsellers, but usually when they're still new and don't have many ratings/reviews. I did find two possibilities, though; I just need to work one of them into my reading plan sooner .Since Hershey PA is on the list, though, I can't resist joining this one. Hershey is about 30 minutes from here, and we love going when it's warm enough to have the car windows open -- it actually smells like chocolate! The streetlights that look like Hershey's Kisses are a fun touch too :)"
Glad you are joining us Barb. Maybe you will find an airport mentioned before needing to read the bestseller.
That's really cool about the Hershey Kisses street lights!!! How cute :)
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
0/10
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
Brussels has been called the “Chocolate Capital of the World” and is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is home to two of the biggest chocolate companies on the planet, Godiva and Leonidas, and with having over 2000 different chocolate shops to visit, you will definitely be in chocolate heaven. Two "not to miss" shops are Mary, founded by the first woman chocolatier who she shot to stardom when the royal family began favoring her chocolates and Neuhaus who claims to be the inventor of the praline. And if you didn’t get enough sweets in the city, Brussels airport happens to be the biggest chocolate emporium in the world.
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
2. France: Paris
As one of the world’s gourmet capitals, it is no surprise that there are more than 300 chocolate shops waiting to be discovered on the streets of Paris. Walking tours are available to help “taste” your way around the city. Dark chocolate is the specialty here and chocolatiers are using high-quality ingredients and original recipes featuring this luscious dark confection. Paris also hosts the world’s largest consumer chocolate show, held in conjunction with the World Chocolate Master Championships. It takes place every second year and features artisan chocolatiers who’ve been recognized around the world for innovation and excellence.
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
3. Germany: Cologne
Cologne is famous for the Stollwerck Chocolate Company, which was once the second-largest supplier of chocolate to the US. Alongside the factory is the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum, known locally as “the chocolate museum”. Both were the result of a lifelong dream of famous chocolatier, Hans Imhoff, who spent his entire life working with chocolate. Opening in 1993, the museum celebrates the history of chocolate around the world. You’ll also get to witness the impressive chocolate fountain, enjoy the interactive international exhibits and, of course, eat samples!! If you want to know everything there is to know about chocolate, you won’t want to miss this one!
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
4. England: London
In the world of artisanal chocolate, London may be the most exciting place on earth. A veritable “chocolate revolution” hit the country a few years ago when dozens of high-end chocolatiers began producing what many consider to be the world’s very best chocolate. The capital prides itself on some of the most exquisite chocolate boutiques, including Paul A Young, Rococo and Hotel Chocolat. These chocolatiers are no longer producing the formerly super sweet products; instead, they forgo preservatives and chemicals, using only the finest, often local, ingredients, like goat’s cheese and caramelized rose petals. This “new” kind of chocolate must be tasted to be appreciated!
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
5. Italy: Tuscany
Tuscany is well-known for its picturesque vineyards and fine wine, but what many
don’t realize is that a triangle formed between Florence, Pisa and Montecatini is known as "The Chocolate Valley". This picturesque countryside of rolling hills is dotted with many fantastic gourmet shops and small factories dedicated to chocolate making. In early February, a chocolate fair is held in Florence - you’ll be overwhelmed by the lingering taste and smell of sweet cocoa. While there, be sure to check out Vestri, which boasts some of the most highly rated chocolate ever. There is almost always a wait – but it is well worth your time.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
Chocolate is deeply woven into Oaxaca’s history. The ancient Mesoamericans in the region were the first to cultivate chocolate as far back as 1100 BC, and Mexico has continued to produce it ever since. In Oaxaca, residents have truly embraced chocolate as part of their culture and visitors will find they can’t walk down a street without being offered a taste in some form, whether it’s a hot beverage, pastry or candy. You’ll find much of the city’s chocolate is made using old family recipes handed down through generations. Mina Street is home to both large Mexican chocolate shops, as well as smaller family-owned spots. In both, you’ll have the chance to watch the traditional chocolate making process and learn how it’s incorporated into desserts and many other aspects of the culinary experience.
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
The Spanish were the very first Europeans to experience chocolate that was brought back from South America, and Villajoyosa, sometimes referred to as “Chocolate City”, has been a popular place for chocolate lovers ever since. The smell of chocolate permeates the small seaside town, which is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious chocolate factories in all of Spain - Valor Chocolate. The factory is housed in a charming 19th-century country estate known as a finca, and has always been family-run. Valor invites visitors to their onsite museum and offers a free tour of the premises, where you can learn all about the art of chocolate making. Be sure to try their chocolate with churros, an amazing local specialty.
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
You might be surprised to find that this popular Caribbean island, renowned for its beautiful beaches and azure waters, is also one of the leading destinations for an exotic chocolate holiday. There are a number of resorts that cater to chocolate enthusiasts, and some even have their own cocoa plantations. At Hotel Chocolat Boucan, a small establishment run by an English chocolatier, they make their chocolate from beans that are grown on its cocoa estate. The hotel also serves cacao cuisine, a full line of amazing dishes built around the enjoyment of cocoa. Rabot Estate is another chocolate plantation worth visiting, with a Tree-to-Bar experience that allows you to walk the plantation, pick and roast the beans, and then make your very own chocolate bar from those hand-picked beans.
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
9. Switzerland: Zurich
Switzerland must be included as a destination! After all, milk chocolate was created in Zurich and the Swiss nation consumes more chocolate than anywhere else in the world. Here you will find the iconic Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory and the famous chocolate shop, Teuscher. Their Champagne Truffles are legendary - made with Don Perignon champagne, buttercream and dark ganache. For something really unique, take a ride on the Swiss Chocolate Train which departs from Montreaux, making a stop in Gruyeres where Gruyere cheese is made, ultimately arriving in Broc where you’ll get a tour of the Cailler-Nestle factory, which offers tours that include an all-you-can-eat tasting experience.
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Originally called Derry Church, the city of Hershey was renamed in 1906 due to the popularity of Hershey chocolate. Today, it’s also known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” The Hershey Company and the H.B. Reese Candy Company are both found here. In this chocolate heaven, visitors can taste chocolate at Hershey’s Chocolate World, visit the Hershey Story Museum, and stay at Hotel Hershey, where there’s a real chocolate spa. Relax here with a whipped cocoa bath, a peppermint hot chocolate body wrap, a chocolate sugar facial scrub or a chocolate dipped coconut body immersion. Can’t get more into chocolate that!!
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
*****COMPLETED 3/15/21*****Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
February 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
0/10
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
✔1. Belgium: Brussels
Brussels has been called the “Chocolate Capital of the World” and is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is home to two of the biggest chocolate companies on the planet, Godiva and Leonidas, and with having over 2000 different chocolate shops to visit, you will definitely be in chocolate heaven. Two "not to miss" shops are Mary, founded by the first woman chocolatier who she shot to stardom when the royal family began favoring her chocolates and Neuhaus who claims to be the inventor of the praline. And if you didn’t get enough sweets in the city, Brussels airport happens to be the biggest chocolate emporium in the world.
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) 56,892 reviews- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling-2/10/21
OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
✔2. France: Paris
As one of the world’s gourmet capitals, it is no surprise that there are more than 300 chocolate shops waiting to be discovered on the streets of Paris. Walking tours are available to help “taste” your way around the city. Dark chocolate is the specialty here and chocolatiers are using high-quality ingredients and original recipes featuring this luscious dark confection. Paris also hosts the world’s largest consumer chocolate show, held in conjunction with the World Chocolate Master Championships. It takes place every second year and features artisan chocolatiers who’ve been recognized around the world for innovation and excellence.
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).-352p.- Hard Rain by Irma Venter-2/24/21
✔3. Germany: Cologne
Cologne is famous for the Stollwerck Chocolate Company, which was once the second-largest supplier of chocolate to the US. Alongside the factory is the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum, known locally as “the chocolate museum”. Both were the result of a lifelong dream of famous chocolatier, Hans Imhoff, who spent his entire life working with chocolate. Opening in 1993, the museum celebrates the history of chocolate around the world. You’ll also get to witness the impressive chocolate fountain, enjoy the interactive international exhibits and, of course, eat samples!! If you want to know everything there is to know about chocolate, you won’t want to miss this one!
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date). pub. 1983- The Cheshire Cat's Eye by Marcia Muller-2/2/21
✔4. England: London
In the world of artisanal chocolate, London may be the most exciting place on earth. A veritable “chocolate revolution” hit the country a few years ago when dozens of high-end chocolatiers began producing what many consider to be the world’s very best chocolate. The capital prides itself on some of the most exquisite chocolate boutiques, including Paul A Young, Rococo and Hotel Chocolat. These chocolatiers are no longer producing the formerly super sweet products; instead, they forgo preservatives and chemicals, using only the finest, often local, ingredients, like goat’s cheese and caramelized rose petals. This “new” kind of chocolate must be tasted to be appreciated!
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) - The Visit by Friedrich Dürrenmatt-2/4/21-
OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
✔5. Italy: Tuscany
Tuscany is well-known for its picturesque vineyards and fine wine, but what many
don’t realize is that a triangle formed between Florence, Pisa and Montecatini is known as "The Chocolate Valley". This picturesque countryside of rolling hills is dotted with many fantastic gourmet shops and small factories dedicated to chocolate making. In early February, a chocolate fair is held in Florence - you’ll be overwhelmed by the lingering taste and smell of sweet cocoa. While there, be sure to check out Vestri, which boasts some of the most highly rated chocolate ever. There is almost always a wait – but it is well worth your time.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) - My Brother's Husband, Volume 2 by Gengoroh Tagame-3/2/21
OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
✔6. Mexico: Oaxaca
Chocolate is deeply woven into Oaxaca’s history. The ancient Mesoamericans in the region were the first to cultivate chocolate as far back as 1100 BC, and Mexico has continued to produce it ever since. In Oaxaca, residents have truly embraced chocolate as part of their culture and visitors will find they can’t walk down a street without being offered a taste in some form, whether it’s a hot beverage, pastry or candy. You’ll find much of the city’s chocolate is made using old family recipes handed down through generations. Mina Street is home to both large Mexican chocolate shops, as well as smaller family-owned spots. In both, you’ll have the chance to watch the traditional chocolate making process and learn how it’s incorporated into desserts and many other aspects of the culinary experience.
✱ Read the first book of a series - Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney-3/15/21
OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
✔7. Spain: Villajoyosa
The Spanish were the very first Europeans to experience chocolate that was brought back from South America, and Villajoyosa, sometimes referred to as “Chocolate City”, has been a popular place for chocolate lovers ever since. The smell of chocolate permeates the small seaside town, which is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious chocolate factories in all of Spain - Valor Chocolate. The factory is housed in a charming 19th-century country estate known as a finca, and has always been family-run. Valor invites visitors to their onsite museum and offers a free tour of the premises, where you can learn all about the art of chocolate making. Be sure to try their chocolate with churros, an amazing local specialty.
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.- Gigi: A Comedy in Two Acts by Anita Loos-3/9/21
✔8. St. Lucia
You might be surprised to find that this popular Caribbean island, renowned for its beautiful beaches and azure waters, is also one of the leading destinations for an exotic chocolate holiday. There are a number of resorts that cater to chocolate enthusiasts, and some even have their own cocoa plantations. At Hotel Chocolat Boucan, a small establishment run by an English chocolatier, they make their chocolate from beans that are grown on its cocoa estate. The hotel also serves cacao cuisine, a full line of amazing dishes built around the enjoyment of cocoa. Rabot Estate is another chocolate plantation worth visiting, with a Tree-to-Bar experience that allows you to walk the plantation, pick and roast the beans, and then make your very own chocolate bar from those hand-picked beans.
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island -Great Britain- The History Boys by Alan Bennett-2/16/21-
OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
✔9. Switzerland: Zurich
Switzerland must be included as a destination! After all, milk chocolate was created in Zurich and the Swiss nation consumes more chocolate than anywhere else in the world. Here you will find the iconic Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory and the famous chocolate shop, Teuscher. Their Champagne Truffles are legendary - made with Don Perignon champagne, buttercream and dark ganache. For something really unique, take a ride on the Swiss Chocolate Train which departs from Montreaux, making a stop in Gruyeres where Gruyere cheese is made, ultimately arriving in Broc where you’ll get a tour of the Cailler-Nestle factory, which offers tours that include an all-you-can-eat tasting experience.
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR - The Ballad of Peckham Rye by Muriel Spark- 3/5/21
OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
✔10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Originally called Derry Church, the city of Hershey was renamed in 1906 due to the popularity of Hershey chocolate. Today, it’s also known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” The Hershey Company and the H.B. Reese Candy Company are both found here. In this chocolate heaven, visitors can taste chocolate at Hershey’s Chocolate World, visit the Hershey Story Museum, and stay at Hotel Hershey, where there’s a real chocolate spa. Relax here with a whipped cocoa bath, a peppermint hot chocolate body wrap, a chocolate sugar facial scrub or a chocolate dipped coconut body immersion. Can’t get more into chocolate that!!
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa. Bond visits a spa in the beginning of Thunderball by Ian Fleming-3/4/21
Enjoy the challenge Sallie & Ed!
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1 - April 30, 2021
10/10 DONE
1. Belgium: Brussels ✱ mentions an airport in its text "as he drove from the airport into suburbia" pg 200 The Lost Boys Faye Kellerman 2/3
2. France: Paris ✱ with a dark cover Jill Paterson 2/11
3. Germany: Cologne ✱ series book #2 Bewitching Bitters Annabel Chase 2/15
4. England: London ✱ by a "new to you" author The Girl with the Silver Eyes Willo Davis Roberts 2/9
5. Italy: Tuscany ✱ MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI Sigrid Ødegård American by Day Derek B. Miller 2/2
6. Mexico: Oaxaca ✱ fictional book includes recipes One Foot in the Gravy Delia Rosen 2/6
7. Spain: Villajoyosa ✱ takes place in the 19th century- set in Victorian England Mrs. Jeffries on the Ball Emily Brightwell 2/3
8. St. Lucia ✱ on an island AND ✱ location that begins with a letter in CACAO - Cuba North of Havana Randy Wayne White 2/18
9. Switzerland: Zurich ✱ author who has the most books on your TBR Magitech Rises Sarah Noffke 2/5
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania ✱ some kind of chocolate on cover Meredith Potts 2/18
Yummy! I'm in - even if I'm still convinced the Ritter Chocolate Company & Cholotate Museum in Waldenbuch (Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart) that is not as familar as Stollwerck is the better destination (plus their chocolate is of better quality) though I'm aware the opinions vary very strongly here :-DDecadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
Duration: 2/1/21 - 4/30/21
Completed: 18/10+
100+ pgs, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished
✔ 1. Belgium: Brussels
Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage Come Sundown by Nora Roberts 5* 2/26 - 3,062 reviews
Read a book that mentions an airport in its text. Forever Bold by Kathleen Brooks 4* 3/14 - It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the airport but it did take longer to get Greer up the steps to the plane. (she tried to do it on her own - with a broken leg) (p. 133)
✔ 2. France: Paris
Read a book with a dark cover OR with a page count between 300 and 399.
Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb 4* 2/6- dark cover & 369 pagesRead a book with a dark cover OR with a page count between 300 and 399.
Forever Freed by Kathleen Brooks 4* 3/12 - dark cover & 338 pages✔ 3. Germany: Cologne
Read a series book #2 Sunken Shadows by Kathleen Brooks 3* 3/9 - Shadows Landing #2
Read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date Cajun Fried Felony by Jana Deleon 5* 2/9 - published 7/21/19
✔ 4. England: London
Read a book by a "new to you" author Healing the Hurts of Your Past: A Guide to Overcoming the Pain of Shame by F. Remy Diederich 3* 2/16
Read a book where "local ingredients" are used Change of Fortune by Jana Deleon 5* 2/2 - Fortune used local resources to solve her situation
✔ 5. Italy: Tuscany
Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M Fortune Funhouse by Jana Deleon 4* 2/15
Read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI. Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb 4* 2/19 - Eve Dallas
✔ 6. Mexico: Oaxaca
Read the first book of a series Meg's Best Man by Cynthia Bruner 5* 2/20 - Montana Weekend #1
Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes. Kittyzen's Arrest by Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom 3* 2/19 - Country Cottage Mysteries #1 & a recipe for/of(?) Apple Walnut Cinnamon Rolls
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✔ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare 4* 4/19 - regency romance and according to GR genre definition set during the period of the English Regency or early 19th century.
Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
✔ 8. St. Lucia
Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island Fortune Furlough by Jana Deleon 5* 2/7 - Quiet Key Resort on Quiet Key
Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island or with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO. Fierce Shadows by Kathleen Brooks 5* 3/11 - locations: Charleston, South Carolina, Shadows Landing near Charleston & an island resort near Charleston
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✔ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR Swamp Spook by Jana Deleon 4* 2/5
Read a book where the characters take a train ride.
✔ 10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover
Sweets and a Stabbing by Harper Lin 4* 4/27 - a bit of chocolate on the (tripple chocolate fudge) cupckakeRead a book where the MC visits a spa. Dying for a Daiquiri book 3 in Laurel McKay Mysteries Boxed Set by Cindy Sample 2.5* 3/3
*
I love chocolate so count me in!Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
February 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
0/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many)
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier-Ishmael Beah-2/19/21-🙎🏿♂️🙎🏿♂️🙎🏿♂️🙎🏿♂️🙎🏿♂️(10,872 Reviews)
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
Seventeen Against the Dealer-Cynthia Voigt-2/1/21-⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵
Seventeen Against the Dealer-352 pages
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
Texas Tomboy-Lois Lenski-2/16/21-🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠-Publication date-1950
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania-Loree Lough-2/14/21-💜💜💜💜
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The)
The Mangrove Coast-Randy Wayne White-3/18/21-🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
People of the Wolf-2/18/21-🐺🐺🐺🐺
(North America's Forgotten Past-#1)
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century .
Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona-Miralee Ferrell-2/28/21-💜💜💜💜💜
8. St. Lucia
Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Lethal Distraction-Terri Reid-2/14/21-📰📰📰📰
It takes place in Chicago
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most.
The Kaiser's Web-Steve Berry-3/10/21-🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover)
Chocolate Muse (A Love by Chocolate Romance)-Zelda Benjamin-3/29/21-🍫🍫🍫
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
0/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Welcome Agnieszka (sounds like you know your chocoalate companies!!), Wanda and Mave!
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers02/01/2021 - 04/30/2021
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
Rin Chupeco 04/11/2021 Rating details · 20,611 ratings · 4,299 reviews2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
Adrienne Young 04/08/2021 357 pages3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
Isak Dinesen 04/09/2021 Published: 19374. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Angeline Boulley 04/13/20215. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
Terrence Williams 03/18/20216. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
Jeff VanderMeer 03/22/2021 Series book #17. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
Justina Ireland 02/10/20218. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Maria Hummel 02/02/2021 set in California9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Kent Nerburn 04/15/202110. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Joanne Fluke 12/14/2023
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversBegins: 01Feb21 / Ends: 30April21
10 / 10 completed
1. Belgium: Brussels✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage - 16,941 reviews - The Girls ✔ – 07Feb21
2. France: Paris l✱ Read a book with a dark cover -
✔ – 17Feb21 3. Germany: Cologne ✱ Read a series book #2 - Moonflower Murders ✔ – 05Feb21
4. England: London ✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author - Diane Guerrero / In the Country We Love ✔ – 06Feb21
5. Italy: Tuscany ✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M - Pride ✔ – 28Feb21
6. Mexico: Oaxaca✱ Read a fictional book that includes recipes - An Irish Country Christmas ✔ – 05Feb21
7. Spain: Villajoyosa ✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA - Y S L - Y.S. Lee / The Body at the Tower ✔ – 04Mar21
8. St. Lucia ✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO - Alabama - All Over but the Shoutin' ✔ - 14Feb21
9. Switzerland: Zurich ✱ Read a book where the characters take a train ride - The Best of Adam Sharp ✔ – 07Mar21
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania ✱ Chocolate on cover -
✔ - 28Mar21.
finishedDecadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
❎1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text). Death in the BayDianne Harman p. 43 "we took her to the airport and waited. . .
3/8/21
❎2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count). 304pp. Dangling by a ThreadLea Wait 2/21/21
❎3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 Shaun BainesJuniper Falls: A Holly Fleet Mystery 2/26/21
❎4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how). Lucy has farm, growing veggies , .aking jam a d candles to sell at farmer's marketKiller JamKaren MacInerney 3/29/21
❎5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI. Savannah DubiosityChristy Barritt 2/9/21
❎6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series Black Rock Manor: A Holly Fleet Cosy Mystery (1)Shaun Baines 2/7/21
❎7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
A Friendly MurderLanigan Vitaceae 12/19/21
❎8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.Alexandria, Virginia. The Diva Spices It UpKrista Davis. 2/20/21
❎9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book where the characters take a train ride.The Man in the Brown SuitAgatha Christie3/31/21
❎10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake
Sarah Graves 6/10/21
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1 - April 30, 2021 🎈
✱ Read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text). - Pg 104 - Why aren't you at the airport - Mister Weston Whitney G. - 2/21
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) -
Ella Miles - 2/20✱ Read a series book #2 - Instacrush Kate Meader - 2/5
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) - Bind Me, Sir Lynn Burke - 2/22
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) - Marking Time Marie Force - 2/13
✱ Read the first book of a series - One Time Only Lauren Blakely - 2/17
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century - When He Was Wicked Julia Quinn - 2/10
✱ Read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO. - Colorado - Sebring Kristen Ashley - 2/7
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR - In from the Cold Nora Roberts - 2/28
✱ Read a book where the MC visits a spa. - Three Simple Rules Nikki Sloane - 3/11
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversSorry! I don’t have copy abilities :(
1.) Belgium - Book with over 2,000 reviews on GR:
(2,508 reviews) 3/4/222.) Paris - Book with dark cover:
3/31/223.) Cologne - Book #2:
4/4/224.) London - New to me author:
5.) Tuscany - Book that starts with M:
4/7/226.) Oaxaca - First book in a series:
7.) Villajoyosa - Book takes place in the 19th century:
8.) St Lucia - Book that begins with a letter in CACAO:
9.) Zurich - Author I read the most of/most books on my tbr:
10.) Hershey - Chocolate on the cover:
Enjoy the challenge Karen & Allie!!
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate LoversFebruary 1 - April 30, 2021
10/10 DONE
1. Belgium: Brussels ✱ mentions an airport in its text "as he drove from the airport into suburbia" pg 200 The Lost Boys Faye Kellerman 2/3
2. France: Paris ✱ with a dark cover Jill Paterson 2/11
3. Germany: Cologne ✱ series book #2 (Midlife Magic Cocktail Club #2) Bewitching Bitters Annabel Chase 2/15
4. England: London ✱ by a "new to you" author The Girl with the Silver Eyes Willo Davis Roberts 2/9
5. Italy: Tuscany ✱ MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI Sigrid Ødegård American by Day Derek B. Miller 2/2
6. Mexico: Oaxaca ✱ fictional book includes recipes One Foot in the Gravy Delia Rosen 2/6
7. Spain: Villajoyosa ✱ takes place in the 19th century- set in Victorian England Mrs. Jeffries on the Ball Emily Brightwell 2/3
8. St. Lucia ✱ on an island AND ✱ location that begins with a letter in CACAO - Cuba North of Havana Randy Wayne White 2/18
9. Switzerland: Zurich ✱ author who has the most books on your TBR Magitech Rises Sarah Noffke 2/5
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania ✱ some kind of chocolate on cover Meredith Potts 2/18
First done! Great job Jonquil!!
Jan wrote: "First done! Great job Jonquil!!"It was survival, Jan, I couldn't last one more day looking at that chocolate...
Jonquil wrote: "Jan wrote: "First done! Great job Jonquil!!"It was survival, Jan, I couldn't last one more day looking at that chocolate..."
LOL!!!
FinishedDecadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
February 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
10/10
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
Irish Parade Murder Leslie Meier 2/6/21 loc 2058 “…when she drove to the airport in Portland a few days later…”
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
304-Ink and Shadows Ellery Adams 2/4/21
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
2013-Death Comes to Town K.J. Emrick 2/3/21
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Who Murdered Mr. Malone? Hope Callaghan 2/5/21
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
M-Murder Is the Pits J.A. Whiting and Amanda Diamond 2/4/21
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
#1 Gossipy Gardener series-The Garden Plot Thickens Linnea West 2/2/21
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
LJ-Undercover on the Calypso Lizzie Josephson 2/21/21
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Australia-Death in Room 7 K.J. Emrick 2/1/21
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Murder Paints a Picture Thea Cambert 2/6/21
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Cakes-
Ruth Hartzler 2/11/21
You're knocking them out today Tari! Well done :)
Jan wrote: "You're knocking them out today Tari! Well done :)"Thanks, Jan! Amazing what one book can do, lol. I just read for the U letters (I did like it and plan to continue the series) and was pleasantly surprised when the author initials matched for #7!
Done!Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers
February 1, 2021 - April 30, 2021
1. Belgium: Brussels
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
"I always figured the Portland Jetport changed flight patterns, or one of the smaller airports had been taking people on charter sightseeing flights" (40% kindle)- Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait 7 February; 5☆
2. France: Paris
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
303 pages- A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle 12 February; 5☆
3. Germany: Cologne
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
Trailing a Killer by Carol J. Post 10 February; 4☆
4. England: London
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
Christmas Up in Flames by Lisa Harris 9 February; 4 1/2☆
5. Italy: Tuscany
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
Morte a corte (=Malice at the Palace) by Rhys Bowen 24 February; 3 1/2☆
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
Our Daughter's Bones by Ruhi Choudhary 22 February; 4☆
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis 5 February; 5☆
8. St. Lucia
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
Charm is a island- A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 16 February; 5☆
9. Switzerland: Zurich
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
Finding Shelter by Kathi Daley 7 February; 4 1/2☆
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
chocolate ice cream- A Cold Brew Killing by Lena Gregory 19 February; 4 1/2☆
Decadent Destinations for Chocolate Lovers3 Months from Start
3/1/2021-6/30/2021
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
Brussels has been called the “Chocolate Capital of the World” and is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is home to two of the biggest chocolate companies on the planet, Godiva and Leonidas, and with having over 2000 different chocolate shops to visit, you will definitely be in chocolate heaven. Two "not to miss" shops are Mary, founded by the first woman chocolatier who she shot to stardom when the royal family began favoring her chocolates and Neuhaus who claims to be the inventor of the praline. And if you didn’t get enough sweets in the city, Brussels airport happens to be the biggest chocolate emporium in the world.
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
2. France: Paris
As one of the world’s gourmet capitals, it is no surprise that there are more than 300 chocolate shops waiting to be discovered on the streets of Paris. Walking tours are available to help “taste” your way around the city. Dark chocolate is the specialty here and chocolatiers are using high-quality ingredients and original recipes featuring this luscious dark confection. Paris also hosts the world’s largest consumer chocolate show, held in conjunction with the World Chocolate Master Championships. It takes place every second year and features artisan chocolatiers who’ve been recognized around the world for innovation and excellence.
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
3. Germany: Cologne
Cologne is famous for the Stollwerck Chocolate Company, which was once the second-largest supplier of chocolate to the US. Alongside the factory is the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum, known locally as “the chocolate museum”. Both were the result of a lifelong dream of famous chocolatier, Hans Imhoff, who spent his entire life working with chocolate. Opening in 1993, the museum celebrates the history of chocolate around the world. You’ll also get to witness the impressive chocolate fountain, enjoy the interactive international exhibits and, of course, eat samples!! If you want to know everything there is to know about chocolate, you won’t want to miss this one!
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
4. England: London
In the world of artisanal chocolate, London may be the most exciting place on earth. A veritable “chocolate revolution” hit the country a few years ago when dozens of high-end chocolatiers began producing what many consider to be the world’s very best chocolate. The capital prides itself on some of the most exquisite chocolate boutiques, including Paul A Young, Rococo and Hotel Chocolat. These chocolatiers are no longer producing the formerly super sweet products; instead, they forgo preservatives and chemicals, using only the finest, often local, ingredients, like goat’s cheese and caramelized rose petals. This “new” kind of chocolate must be tasted to be appreciated!
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
5. Italy: Tuscany
Tuscany is well-known for its picturesque vineyards and fine wine, but what many
don’t realize is that a triangle formed between Florence, Pisa and Montecatini is known as "The Chocolate Valley". This picturesque countryside of rolling hills is dotted with many fantastic gourmet shops and small factories dedicated to chocolate making. In early February, a chocolate fair is held in Florence - you’ll be overwhelmed by the lingering taste and smell of sweet cocoa. While there, be sure to check out Vestri, which boasts some of the most highly rated chocolate ever. There is almost always a wait – but it is well worth your time.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
Chocolate is deeply woven into Oaxaca’s history. The ancient Mesoamericans in the region were the first to cultivate chocolate as far back as 1100 BC, and Mexico has continued to produce it ever since. In Oaxaca, residents have truly embraced chocolate as part of their culture and visitors will find they can’t walk down a street without being offered a taste in some form, whether it’s a hot beverage, pastry or candy. You’ll find much of the city’s chocolate is made using old family recipes handed down through generations. Mina Street is home to both large Mexican chocolate shops, as well as smaller family-owned spots. In both, you’ll have the chance to watch the traditional chocolate making process and learn how it’s incorporated into desserts and many other aspects of the culinary experience.
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
The Spanish were the very first Europeans to experience chocolate that was brought back from South America, and Villajoyosa, sometimes referred to as “Chocolate City”, has been a popular place for chocolate lovers ever since. The smell of chocolate permeates the small seaside town, which is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious chocolate factories in all of Spain - Valor Chocolate. The factory is housed in a charming 19th-century country estate known as a finca, and has always been family-run. Valor invites visitors to their onsite museum and offers a free tour of the premises, where you can learn all about the art of chocolate making. Be sure to try their chocolate with churros, an amazing local specialty.
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
You might be surprised to find that this popular Caribbean island, renowned for its beautiful beaches and azure waters, is also one of the leading destinations for an exotic chocolate holiday. There are a number of resorts that cater to chocolate enthusiasts, and some even have their own cocoa plantations. At Hotel Chocolat Boucan, a small establishment run by an English chocolatier, they make their chocolate from beans that are grown on its cocoa estate. The hotel also serves cacao cuisine, a full line of amazing dishes built around the enjoyment of cocoa. Rabot Estate is another chocolate plantation worth visiting, with a Tree-to-Bar experience that allows you to walk the plantation, pick and roast the beans, and then make your very own chocolate bar from those hand-picked beans.
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
9. Switzerland: Zurich
Switzerland must be included as a destination! After all, milk chocolate was created in Zurich and the Swiss nation consumes more chocolate than anywhere else in the world. Here you will find the iconic Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory and the famous chocolate shop, Teuscher. Their Champagne Truffles are legendary - made with Don Perignon champagne, buttercream and dark ganache. For something really unique, take a ride on the Swiss Chocolate Train which departs from Montreaux, making a stop in Gruyeres where Gruyere cheese is made, ultimately arriving in Broc where you’ll get a tour of the Cailler-Nestle factory, which offers tours that include an all-you-can-eat tasting experience.
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Originally called Derry Church, the city of Hershey was renamed in 1906 due to the popularity of Hershey chocolate. Today, it’s also known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” The Hershey Company and the H.B. Reese Candy Company are both found here. In this chocolate heaven, visitors can taste chocolate at Hershey’s Chocolate World, visit the Hershey Story Museum, and stay at Hotel Hershey, where there’s a real chocolate spa. Relax here with a whipped cocoa bath, a peppermint hot chocolate body wrap, a chocolate sugar facial scrub or a chocolate dipped coconut body immersion. Can’t get more into chocolate that!!
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.
Hope you enjoy the challenge Chrystal :)
Wanderlust Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Oyster Catcher (other topics)
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Jo Thomas (other topics)
Ali Berg (other topics)
Barbara Metzger (other topics)
More...
3 Months from Start
February and chocolate just go together. Let’s dream ourselves away to these romantic destinations where we can eat chocolate to our heart’s content.
Complete one task for each location for a total of 10 tasks.
Challenge Rules: All forms of books are accepted as long as they are 100 pages or more. When posting updates of completed books, please include a link to the title and author’s name, along with the date you finished reading the book. Please post cover if it is task appropriate. When you have completed the challenge, please copy and paste your entire challenge and re-post in a new message, letting us know it is completed.
✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱
Destinations (in alphabetical order)
1. Belgium: Brussels
Brussels has been called the “Chocolate Capital of the World” and is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is home to two of the biggest chocolate companies on the planet, Godiva and Leonidas, and with having over 2000 different chocolate shops to visit, you will definitely be in chocolate heaven. Two "not to miss" shops are Mary, founded by the first woman chocolatier who she shot to stardom when the royal family began favoring her chocolates and Neuhaus who claims to be the inventor of the praline. And if you didn’t get enough sweets in the city, Brussels airport happens to be the biggest chocolate emporium in the world.
✱ Read a book that has over 2,000 reviews on its GR homepage (tell us how many) OR read a book that mentions an airport in its text (share text).
2. France: Paris
As one of the world’s gourmet capitals, it is no surprise that there are more than 300 chocolate shops waiting to be discovered on the streets of Paris. Walking tours are available to help “taste” your way around the city. Dark chocolate is the specialty here and chocolatiers are using high-quality ingredients and original recipes featuring this luscious dark confection. Paris also hosts the world’s largest consumer chocolate show, held in conjunction with the World Chocolate Master Championships. It takes place every second year and features artisan chocolatiers who’ve been recognized around the world for innovation and excellence.
✱ Read a book with a dark cover (post cover) OR read a book with a page count between 300 and 399 (post page count).
3. Germany: Cologne
Cologne is famous for the Stollwerck Chocolate Company, which was once the second-largest supplier of chocolate to the US. Alongside the factory is the Imhoff Stollwerck Museum, known locally as “the chocolate museum”. Both were the result of a lifelong dream of famous chocolatier, Hans Imhoff, who spent his entire life working with chocolate. Opening in 1993, the museum celebrates the history of chocolate around the world. You’ll also get to witness the impressive chocolate fountain, enjoy the interactive international exhibits and, of course, eat samples!! If you want to know everything there is to know about chocolate, you won’t want to miss this one!
✱ Read a series book #2 OR read a book that has the number 9 or 3 in its publication date (post date).
4. England: London
In the world of artisanal chocolate, London may be the most exciting place on earth. A veritable “chocolate revolution” hit the country a few years ago when dozens of high-end chocolatiers began producing what many consider to be the world’s very best chocolate. The capital prides itself on some of the most exquisite chocolate boutiques, including Paul A Young, Rococo and Hotel Chocolat. These chocolatiers are no longer producing the formerly super sweet products; instead, they forgo preservatives and chemicals, using only the finest, often local, ingredients, like goat’s cheese and caramelized rose petals. This “new” kind of chocolate must be tasted to be appreciated!
✱ Read a book by a "new to you" author (one you've never read before) OR read a book where "local ingredients" are used (be creative and tell us how).
5. Italy: Tuscany
Tuscany is well-known for its picturesque vineyards and fine wine, but what many
don’t realize is that a triangle formed between Florence, Pisa and Montecatini is known as "The Chocolate Valley". This picturesque countryside of rolling hills is dotted with many fantastic gourmet shops and small factories dedicated to chocolate making. In early February, a chocolate fair is held in Florence - you’ll be overwhelmed by the lingering taste and smell of sweet cocoa. While there, be sure to check out Vestri, which boasts some of the most highly rated chocolate ever. There is almost always a wait – but it is well worth your time.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with F, P or M (ignoring A, An or The) OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in VESTRI.
6. Mexico: Oaxaca
Chocolate is deeply woven into Oaxaca’s history. The ancient Mesoamericans in the region were the first to cultivate chocolate as far back as 1100 BC, and Mexico has continued to produce it ever since. In Oaxaca, residents have truly embraced chocolate as part of their culture and visitors will find they can’t walk down a street without being offered a taste in some form, whether it’s a hot beverage, pastry or candy. You’ll find much of the city’s chocolate is made using old family recipes handed down through generations. Mina Street is home to both large Mexican chocolate shops, as well as smaller family-owned spots. In both, you’ll have the chance to watch the traditional chocolate making process and learn how it’s incorporated into desserts and many other aspects of the culinary experience.
✱ Read the first book of a series OR read a fictional book that includes recipes (not a cookbook).
7. Spain: Villajoyosa
The Spanish were the very first Europeans to experience chocolate that was brought back from South America, and Villajoyosa, sometimes referred to as “Chocolate City”, has been a popular place for chocolate lovers ever since. The smell of chocolate permeates the small seaside town, which is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious chocolate factories in all of Spain - Valor Chocolate. The factory is housed in a charming 19th-century country estate known as a finca, and has always been family-run. Valor invites visitors to their onsite museum and offers a free tour of the premises, where you can learn all about the art of chocolate making. Be sure to try their chocolate with churros, an amazing local specialty.
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR read a book whose author's first and last initial can be found in VILLAJOYOSA.
8. St. Lucia
You might be surprised to find that this popular Caribbean island, renowned for its beautiful beaches and azure waters, is also one of the leading destinations for an exotic chocolate holiday. There are a number of resorts that cater to chocolate enthusiasts, and some even have their own cocoa plantations. At Hotel Chocolat Boucan, a small establishment run by an English chocolatier, they make their chocolate from beans that are grown on its cocoa estate. The hotel also serves cacao cuisine, a full line of amazing dishes built around the enjoyment of cocoa. Rabot Estate is another chocolate plantation worth visiting, with a Tree-to-Bar experience that allows you to walk the plantation, pick and roast the beans, and then make your very own chocolate bar from those hand-picked beans.
✱ Read a book that takes place in a resort, on a plantation or on an island OR or read a book with a location that begins with a letter in CACAO.
9. Switzerland: Zurich
Switzerland must be included as a destination! After all, milk chocolate was created in Zurich and the Swiss nation consumes more chocolate than anywhere else in the world. Here you will find the iconic Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory and the famous chocolate shop, Teuscher. Their Champagne Truffles are legendary - made with Don Perignon champagne, buttercream and dark ganache. For something really unique, take a ride on the Swiss Chocolate Train which departs from Montreaux, making a stop in Gruyeres where Gruyere cheese is made, ultimately arriving in Broc where you’ll get a tour of the Cailler-Nestle factory, which offers tours that include an all-you-can-eat tasting experience.
✱ Read a book by the author you read most or by the author who has the most books on your TBR OR read a book where the characters take a train ride.
10. USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Originally called Derry Church, the city of Hershey was renamed in 1906 due to the popularity of Hershey chocolate. Today, it’s also known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” The Hershey Company and the H.B. Reese Candy Company are both found here. In this chocolate heaven, visitors can taste chocolate at Hershey’s Chocolate World, visit the Hershey Story Museum, and stay at Hotel Hershey, where there’s a real chocolate spa. Relax here with a whipped cocoa bath, a peppermint hot chocolate body wrap, a chocolate sugar facial scrub or a chocolate dipped coconut body immersion. Can’t get more into chocolate that!!
✱ Read a book with some kind of chocolate on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the MC visits a spa.