A wonderful adventure that melted my chocolate-loving heart
353088
While Aventurine, a feisty young dragon, hasn't found her passion yet, she certainly knows what she doesnt like: being confined to the cave for her safety and being forced to study subjects that bore her. But terror strikes when she ventures outside for the first time, and shes changed into a weak and puny human girl. Surviving in this new, much weaker, state will require more than just learning to walk on two legs.

I really loved this charming story. Stephanie Burgis has created a world of fantastic characters in this tale, with Aventurine, the feisty dragon/girl, at the heart. I think the message that our mistakes do not define us is one that will resonate with people of all ages.
3704944
I adore the other four books I've ready by Florand, but this one is my favorite.  There's still the vivid portrayal of Paris and of top chocolate chefs, there's still a sweet and riveting romance, but The Chocolate Touch adds a deeper pain among the protagonists that makes their eventual joy that much richer.  I read dozens of books per month, but this one has hit the top spot for July.
3728521
I absolutely loved this book. Reading it was like pigging out on a box of chocolates, without the sugar hangover. There's not a dull moment, the characters are all fantastic, and the ending is absolutely perfect in every way.
841894
What a grand adventure!  From the moment I picked up Ingrid's book I found myself transported back to the first moment we met at an "I Can Do It" event where I was mesmerized by her beautiful smile and sense of joy that seemed to radiate from deep within her soul; there was an innate knowing that we were kindred spirits for that essence can only come from one who has done the work. It has been awhile since I found myself anxiously awaiting the time where I could jump into bed with a book, I could hardly wait to read the next chapter, savoring each delicious detail of how she came to view her life and where she fits in the world.  I finished the book in 4 sittings often forcing my eyes to stay open long past the time they wanted to close, noting that my heart was wide open, full of love and I smiled as I read.  Having met Ingrid and been blessed with spending time with her one would never know that she had GROWN through such a traumatic childhood, she is the essence of pure love, as is her story, she reminds me of a fairy sprinkling the magic of her love where ever she goes.  This is not just another feel good self-help book, it is the story of how one woman "chose" to look at life through the eyes of love and change her world. I encourage everyone to to pick up a copy of this book, my sense is that you may find that missing piece you have been longing for to shift your own life through her story; it is one of love, courage, beauty and the resilience of the human spirit.

Namaste.
Linda L. Millek
4903808
The Chocolate Touch expands on stories from characters in her previous books, The Chocolate Thief and the Chocolate Kiss, so the story stands on its own, but if you have read her other books, you will enjoy the references to other chocolatiers, just as you can savor more than one piece of chocolate.

Dominique Richard is the bad boy of the chocolate world, having worked his way into the refined world of high-end chocolates by way of an abbatoir (slaughterhouse) and an abusive father. Jaime, born into a family of a global corporate chocolate manufacturer, is the cocoa fair trade justice worker who was who gets injured for her ideals. She recuperates in Paris by nourishing her body, soul, and heart, with Dominiques exotically wild chocolate flavors.

The story weaves much from real life fair trade cocoa issues, the hardship that young apprentices face (or are running away from in their work), and the internal battle of women who strive to be strong when they need to rest and heal. Standing up to strong personalities and surrendering to trust others are themes that run throughout this story. It is also delightfully funny when the two chocolatiers, who have been lifelong competitors, forge a bond once they realize that they share a common point of view.

I loved the tentative nature of the attraction built from Dominique and Jaimes past histories. They are both wary and hungry for each other for different reasons. One of my favorite lines moments is when Jaime says, Youre going to kill me Monsieur. She laughed. An overdose of deliciousness.

Lauras books always get me hungry for Paris, delightful chocolate, and a delicious man, and after reading The Chocolate Touch, Im ready to book my flight!
3293872
I had to add this book to my 'Favorites' shelf -- it was enchanting!
First things first: I received this book for free from the author through my Goodreads book club, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All thoughts and conclusions are my own.
The tale begins with Celeste, who is a soon-to-be-seventeen year old girl living with her adoptive parents. Due to her dad's job, her family has had to move a lot, and Celeste has become used to being "the new kid". Right before her 17th birthday, she and her family move to a small town in Kansas where she begins again in a new high school. She is immediately befriended by a young man called `Tink', who has a flamboyant personality and a penchant for cute boys. Tink notices something different about Celeste right away, and no matter what kind of crazy things get thrown at him he stays right by Celeste's side. Celeste becomes enamored of a hottie named Rylan, who is dark, mysterious and SOOOOO dreamy.
Leading up to her 17th birthday strange things start to happen, and Celeste knows that something BIG is getting ready to go down...and apparently Rylan knows what it is, because he is giving her cryptic answers and furtive glances. Flocks of ravens line the trees around Celeste's house, and seem to follow her wherever she goes. Strange shadow shapes show up in her bedroom, and she hears disembodied voices pleading for her to `open the door, Rua'. Is she losing her mind, or is she a part of something magical?
I can honestly say that I don't have any complaints about this story! I thought it was very well written, the characters were believable, and the adventure was nail-bitingly close. I absolutely love the character Tink - so often in YA novels you see the obligatory gay character, and they are portrayed as so over-the-top that it just seems completely unrealistic. However Tink is written as a strong male lead, and one who is unfailingly faithful to his new friend Celeste. Rylan is exciting and dark, and completely delicious. Celeste is a very dynamic female with the ordinary flaws and insecurities of any normal 17 year old girl, but one who also knows that she has an inner strength that will see her through whatever comes. I would love to read more about the world that author Miranda Kavi has created, and I hope that she continues to narrate Celeste's new journey!
271173
The Sugar Queen has to be the most adorable book I've ever read. It's sweet and salty, and a little magical and mysterious. Like chocolate covered pretzels. And like chocolate covered pretzels, I didn't want to put it down. I haven't had such a visceral reaction to a book like that in... well, I don't know how long. And I don't mean visceral like the book was such an amazing piece of literature that I wanted to curl in a ball and die. I mean visceral as in this book made me smell peppermint when it wasn't there; and drool over grilled tomato and cheese; and last night I made fried egg sandwiches, with a sprinkle of dill, and cheddar cheese because I craved them due to this book (amazingly delicious, directions on page 86). It's such an incredibly satisfying read, like watching a good love-story, but it also has a tinge of mystery to it, making it so much more than a romance. Putting this book into the category of a romance is wrong; it's far beyond cheap mass-market paperbacks, it's literary and beautiful. And every chapter is the name of another type of candy.

The book starts by introducing us to Josey Cirrini, a plump anti-southern belle who devotes her life to her mother in retribution for being a spolied, horrible child. Forced to remember her childhood antics every day she has secluded herself from the town of Bald Slope. She has no friends, aside from their housekeeper, and her mother is her only surviving family member. Her only happiness is the stock pile of romance novels and sweets hidden in a secret compartment in her closet.

Her closet and her secret love for her mailman are Josey's only personal enjoyments. But Josey's carefully constructed routine starts to unravel when Della Lee Baker shows up. Della Lee snuck into Josey's closet overnight to hide from her abusive boyfriend. The two form an unlikely friendship, and Josey lets her stay in her closet until Della Lee decides she's ready to head north and leave Bald Slope behind. Della Lee is sassy and different, but she's also sad and lonely.

The two bond and Della Lee starts to work her magic on Josey. Through her manipulations, Josey meets Chloe, a sandwich shop owner whose just found out her boyfriend cheated on her. Like Josey's feelings for her mailman, and Della Lee's hideout, Chloe also has a secret: she has a "special relationship" with books. They appear to her out of nowhere for every situation she needs. After the first few times it happened during her childhood she got used to it.

Don't we all wish that would happen to us?

This book is more than just a tale about three women and how their lives relate to each other. There's a mystery, an affair, a fourty-year-old heartbreak, a murder, a burgeoning romance, and lots and lots of food. With Josey's help Chloe starts to heal from her heartbreak; and with Della Lee's help, Josey starts to crawl out of the hole she's been living her entire adult life. The three lives of these women mysteriously intermingle with the men they love, and you will enjoy the way the pieces all come together. It made me smile, it made my eyes tear up, it made me hungry (both for food and for more of the book). I didn't want to stop once I had started it.

Rating: 5 out of 5. I'm being a tad generous, because it feels wrong to give it a 4 1/2. I think it would be a fabulous movie. Visual and magical and fabulous. I will definitely be reading her first book, Garden Spells, and can't wait for her next release in 2010.
3031735
With a deep storyline, wonderful endearing characters and the capability to stir every emotion, Theresa Meyers has given us a lovely story that completely captivated me from the first page.

I'll happily admit that as a true romantic who craves a happy ending, Bliss books are part of my staple literary diet; this book has firmly entered the realms as one of my favourites.  I was totally invested in Reece and Taylor's journey; they were realistic and strong, yet not without their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I fell completely in love with Reece; he's protective, thoughtful and level-headed and my heart absolutely ached for the pain he goes through. Taylor was also easy to love; a single mum, she is an outstanding parent and her daughter is simply her world.

I felt their joy, sadness, happiness and pain. I smiled and I sobbed but I also laughed; the innocent comments that their daughter Emily shares are sweet, funny and, as with all four year-olds, completely truthful and straight to the point. She was a wonderful little person and this book is as much her journey as Reece or Taylor's.

The only thing missing for me was an epilogue, but that doesn't detract from a fabulous read that I would certainly recommend and I look forward to more from San Sebastian in the future.
46212
Its a long while since a book gave me so much pleasure.  I just loved it.  In a nutshell its a cross between the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith, and Fig Jam and Foxtrot - Tales of life, love and food in the Karoo, by Lynn Bedford Hall - one of my favourite recipe books.  Tannie Maria is the middle-aged widow with a passion for food and cooking, and she believes that theres very little in the human condition that cant be improved by good food made with love.  She writes an advice column in the local newspaper and answers every letter with warmth, empathy, a great deal of common sense  and a recipe she thinks may help the situation.

A very pleasant occupation takes a sinister turn when she receives a letter from someone who is being badly abused by her husband.  Tannie Maria takes this letter very much to heart as she herself was abused while her husband was alive.  When this same lady is found murdered a short while later, she  together with the very willing help of Jessie Mostert, an investigative journalist with a nose like a bloodhound for a story, decide to start their own investigations, and a page-turning whodunit follows full of twists, turns and red herrings.  The story is peppered with extraordinary and unforgettable characters and mouth-watering references to food, and I just love the absolute, unabashed and guilt-free enjoyment of eating shown by Jessie and Tannie Maria - the sort of thing that would most definitely NOT go down well with the Banting brigade!

The setting - the Little Karoo and the small town of Ladismith snuggled at the foot of the massive Swartberg Mountain chain  is almost as much the hero of the story as Tannie Maria and all good things edible.  Sally Andrews love for the Karoo shines through, and her descriptions of everything  the plants, the countryside, the incomparable night sky, the people, the caring mentality of a small town - all resonate loudly in my soul.  But then Im biased as I live in South Africa, not that far from Ladismith, and can relate to every inch of the running.  (The sterretjiebos is one of my favourites too!)  Im pretty sure that it will have South African expat readers howling with homesickness!

The story is full of what I call chewing-the-cud moments  phrases or descriptions that are so beautifully written that one stops, re-reads and reflects on them for a moment or two before carrying on with the story.  Which was often difficult as the excitement mounts as the story progresses!  I couldn't help wondering, though, if a glossary should be included to help the non-South African readers understand some of the impossible-to-translate Afrikaans expressions like Jessies frequent use of Jislaaik!  and, of course Lekker.  With hints on pronunciation!

A five-course banquet of a book, thoroughly satisfying in every way.  If I could give it more than five stars, I would.  It is the perfect antidote to the rather grim realities of our world today, and I cant wait to read the next book in the series.  Viva Tannie Maria, Viva!

BENNIE BOOKWORM

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
1392912
Without giving away details, this story was a remarkable recipe of:
-Heaping spoonfuls of biting my lip in anticipation.
-Cups of suspense.
-Pounds of being propelled through the pages of adventure.
-Flavored liberally with the ability of steaming up my glasses.
-Seasoned palatably with romance.
I was left full-bellied; however, I find myself wanting seconds and thirds of this tasty series.
A job well done, TW Knight! I can't wait to see what your muse comes up with next. Nom! Nom!
4788532
I absolutely loved this novella!

Rebecca does a fantastic job of bringing her characters to life with so few words. It's short and sweet, and definitely leaves you wanting more. But the great thing is, there's a whole series of these Gingerbread Cafe stories!

One of my favourite things about this book was the detail in the chocolate festival. As the main character, Lil, owns a cafe, food is an important part of her story. And this was done so well you could almost smell the chocolate!

Definitely recommended!
382851
I'm not sure how I could have loved this book more. It was interesting to see the story told from the perspective of Charmion. It was inspired to use Charmion as a way to explore alternative sexuality in the ancient world. The reincarnation aspect was intriguing. The magical realism gripped me. For me, this was like eating a big slice of chocolate cake...pleasurable in every way.
3777193
My heart is full, right now. Full of emotion and satisfaction over having read this story that has evolved so beautifully from sexy fun to a wholesome emotional adventure. My calendar is complete. A whole year! And I'm going to miss it.

My beloved Wes and Mia have come full circle. He's dealing with this trauma in a much healthier way while Mia has another successful go at her new job filming segments for TV about what beauty is in people's lives. Their bond is deeply touching. Yet for Mia there's a huge hurdle to overcome that I was eagerly awaiting. And it's as devastating, surprising and human as I wanted it to be.

The feelings of family unity and Christmas cheer were strong and heartfelt. I loved every minute of it. There are also some harrowing moments for Mia and her sister. They were hard, realistic. I can't believe this year-long journey of life and love has come to an end, but it's been so fulfilling and intense that I can only wish it could start again.

First reviewed on Literaria http://sede-literaria.blogspot.com
651824
First of all, Appledore is a real place. A Real Place. Just remember that.

Delilah the Pomeranian has to be one of the most adorable characters in fiction Ive come across in a while. The other one I liked was Ella who returns to Devon in order to resurrect the old ice cream van business.  Running a Ice Cream business in Devon has to be one of the nicest ideas you can imagine  the aromas, the hot sandy days, the jingle of bells in the summer breeze.now thats got to mend a broken heart right?
Robertas mum  well shes a right hoot  give the woman her own book or TV show right now! Ah this was just the nicest bunch of characters Ive had the pleasure to meet. I was right there with them and inside their adventures in dear old Appledore. The setting reminded me of country village mixed with Harry Potter and there was more than enough magic in the pages.

Delightful and even if you're not a huge ice cream fan like me,  you lick this up in one delightful scoop
4377712
I just loved this book! The pairing of the pieces of modern art, and the reveal of the confection created to honor it, was so magical. I chose it for that reason, but a side bonus was reading about the author's journey to her calling. While I wasn't interested in attempting the recipes, I enjoyed reading some of them as they let me imagine the remarkable flavors these elegant treats offered. I smiled while I read this book--what a lovely little diversion!
4146679
Bliss is a delicious, delightful, sensuous and hilarious tale of reinvention, discovery and fulfillment (carnal and otherwise). Packed with quirky characters and brilliant wit, Serafina's journey to affirmation and flourishing is deeply moving, Ms. Fields light touch notwithstanding. As Serafina recovers from the vitriol of a vindictive and callous celebrity chef ex-lover, she flies to rescue her ostesibly grieving Aunt Pauline in Santa Fe, New Mexico, only to find herself rescued by this same memorable Aunt and her cadre of remarkable "Back Room Babes." Serafina finds real love, and a new life (not to mention sexual fulfillment) in a magical town that brings healing and second chances.

A once-famous (now infamous, thanks to the evil ex) pastry chef in New York City, Serafina is offered the opportunity to open her own shop in Santa Fe, through the generosity of her wonderful Aunt. Aunt Pauline suggests Serafina convert the storefront Pauline has been renting from luscious landlord Asher Wolf into a bakery, provided Serafina keep the back room as-is: a backroom devoted to quite carnal earthly delights, and to the Back Room Babes who meet there to support one another in love, life, and sexual discovery. The resulting combination is unexpected, and wonderful. And this, along with a budding relationship with the aforementioned Wolf, offers Serafina a rebirth, and a defence against the continued persecution of her ex, who reappears in Santa Fe, with the object of ruining her new found happiness. And Serafina's response, and the response of the community that supports her, to this unwarranted attack, is beautiful, moving, and perfect.

Ms. Fields is a true, real talent, with much promise. I very much look forward to more offerings from her able pen.
2017590
Full of charm and heart, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is one girl's magical journey towards finding herself.

My Super Sweet is a book that I had been looking forward to since I first read the synopsis, and I'll admit it, the cover totally hooked me. I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it early because I simply adored it.

Author Rachel Harris did a phenomenal job of recreating Sixteenth Century Florence. So many details that could have been easily overlooked, such as the silverware and plumbing used, helped lend a nice touch of authenticity. The manners and speech of the Sixteenth century felt real. I loved that Cat continually struggled throughout the story to behave in a manner that reflected that era.

The characters in My Super Sweet all hit the right notes. Cat was lovable, awkward, funny and charming. Alessandra was a doll. I love that she openly embraced Cat and gave her no choice but to love her. Lorenz was super swoony, everything you expect in an Italian gentleman, without coming on too strong.

I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the story. Cat's journey towards trust, being open to love was one any of us can learn from. But besides the lesson, My Super Sweet was fun! The setting provided the perfect opportunity for an escape. In fact, it's the best Italian getaway you can hope for,short of actually going there. The ending was absolutely perfect. I think I may have even cackled with glee. I can't wait for the next adventure!

Whether you're looking for a story with depth, a sweet escape, or better yet, both, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is a book that will find your sweet spot.