The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris

Thirty-year-old Anna becomes friendly with Claire, who - years previously - was her French teacher. Claire teaches Anna some more French and then Claire suggests that she might take a temporary job in Paris with an old friend of hers.

The narrative is mostly set in the 21st century, following Anna’s adventure when she sets out into the unknown, and starts to learn some independence. But interleaved throughout is the story of Claire’s own adventures in Paris when she was 17. Although the two women are a generation apart in age, and grew up in completely different circumstances, their stories intertwine beautifully.

There are romantic threads; indeed, romance and a broken relationship are the trigger for much of the story. But show more there’s also a lot about French culture, and an amazing amount of detail about chocolate-making. All in the context of the story, rather than straying, as some books do, into a tedious display of the author’s knowledge.

The writing flows well, and it was an ideal book for me to read in the airport and on a five-hour flight. It was light enough that I could keep reading even when tired; interesting enough that I never wanted to put it down. show less

Anna has had a terrible accident at work. She shares her hospital room with her old French teacher from school. They develop a unique friendship. This leads Anna to a new job at a fancy chocolatier shop in Paris.

Anna is a little bit of a scaredy-cat. There were times I wanted to shove her in the right direction. Luckily Claire, her French teacher, knows just what buttons to push to get Anna out the door.

I enjoyed the characters in this read, especially Anna’s flat mate, Sami. He is a hoot. Then there is Anna’s love interest, Laurent. I had a love/hate relationship with him. And of course, there is Claire. You just must read this book to find out!

This is a very sweet read, pun intended. It is a bit wordy in places but the characters show more are amazing. And, of course, who can forget about the location! PARIS! And don’t forget the recipes! Yes! Wonderful chocolate recipes! show less

An unfortunate accident at a chocolate factory turns out to be very fortunate for Anna. Recovering in hospital, Anna finds herself sharing a room with her old French teacher, and almost before she realizes it, she is working in a small chocolate shop in Paris. Not really knowing how to make chocolate leaves Anna nonplussed. Little does she know what adventures await her. This novel is like chocolate. Sometimes bittersweet, sometimes smooth and delectable, but always delightful. It’s another fine tale from Jenny Colgan whose novels never disappoint.

Although Anna seems to be the main character, it feels more like it's Claire's "what might have been".
Their stories are written parallel until it is time for the older, ill Claire to reconnect with the man she never forgot in the city no one can ever forget. Anna escapes herself in Paris with Claire's help after learning what it is like to have a disability that few can see. Written with sensitivity and understanding.

I was pretty impressed with this book.... I usually do not go for romance unless there is humor and/or paranormal. I did read a review in Book Chat and it sounded like it would be interesting, it was.

I liked the characters, I liked the intertwining stories, and this held my interest. It reminded me of one of the Juliet Blackwell books I had read last year....

Claire, 58 and Anna, 30 meet in the hospital in neighboring beds. Claire is dying from cancer & Anna has lost two of her toes in a freak accident at the Chocolate factory where she worked (yep, past tense).

As they begin to get to know each other better, they find they have Chocolate in common. Claire once (still) in love w/ a famous Chocolaterie sends Anna to Paris to work for him, show more learning his trade, where Claire's past & Anna's future meld into a very lovely story.

The two intertwining love stories are bittersweet (pun intended) and interesting... somethings are a bit too pat, but as Romance novels go, this one is down to earth. So, considering I normally avoid Romances at all costs, I really have to say this is a heartwarming tale. I would have, however, maybe liked more information on the making of chocolate.

Although the author included many of her own recipes... the use of corn syrup, vegetable oil, & a few other questionable ingredients was a let down for me....

Still this book earns Four (4) Stars show less

This is the story of two women who fall in love with Paris and were never the same again. Anna Trent has had a horrific accident in the chocolate factory where she works and after recovering in hospital is jobless and depressed. While in hospital, her old French teacher, Claire Shawcross was moved into the bed next to her while undergoing chemotherapy. Both are bored with being confined to a hospital bed so to help pass the time Anna practices her French with Claire who gently corrects her and encourages her to improve. Claire had once spent a memorable summer in Paris as a teenager and comes up with a plan to help Anna overcome her depression and restart her life by finding her a summer job with an old friend who has a chocolate shop show more in Paris.

Claire's story is told in parallel with Anna's, going back to the time when she first arrived in Paris as an unworldly teenager with a narrow religious upbringing. Both Claire and Anna gradually blossom and come alive as they fall in love with Paris and it's people. Although somewhat predictable the story is very charming and will appeal to those who enjoy a good romance with an interesting underlying story. The author lovingly describes the streets and lanes of Paris and evokes an atmosphere of what it is like to live there rather than merely visit as a tourist. There are some memorable characters: the extrovert, party-loving Sami with whom Claire shares an apartment as well as the larger than life, Thierry Girard, the famous chocolatier and his estranged son Laurent. The description of chocolate making is fascinating and made me want to go in search of very good, hand made chocolate. The recipes at the end of the book are an added bonus and ones I would like to try.

I would have enjoyed this book more had it been a little less predictable and had a few more twists and turns, particularly in the middle where the story was a bit flat. However, it was still a great read and I defy anyone not to shed a tear or two at the end. show less

The Parallel stories of 30-year-old Anna Trent, recovering from an accident in a chocolate factory, and 58-year-old Claire Shawcross, her former French teacher who is sharing the same room while undergoing chemotherapy. The two reconnect, and Anna finds herself with a job in a small Parisian chocolate shop. The story of teenage Claire's summer in Paris in 1972 runs alongside that of Claire's present day experience. Central to both stories is larger-than-life master chocolatier, Thierry Girard. Both women blossom while in Paris, and fall in love with the city. A story of beginnings and endings, beautifully descriptive and evocative of the 'city of love'. Enjoyed.