Thursday 28 June 2018

All Things Chocolate!

It's publication day of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop and I'm celebrating all things chocolate!

A couple of years ago, I was doing one of my first ever library talks with a grand audience of two people. The wonderful thing was that one of those people was a chocolatier. In conversation that evening, the lovely June Carruthers said I could always contact her if I ever felt like writing about chocolate. Well then, that set the seed in my mind.




When I wanted a new setting for my second series of Cosy books where better than a chocolate shop by the sea! I always say to write what you are passionate about and I'm certainly passionate about chocolate - it's such wonderful stuff and you can make so much with it: truffles, ice creams, milkshakes, brownies, cakes, croissants, cookies, all sorts of divine chocolates and more.

So the research had to begin in earnest (it's a hard job but somebody's gotta do it!). June was so friendly and welcomed me to her home where we ended up having a chocolate making and tasting session.




Next, I visited the fabulous chocolate shop and cafĂ© Cabosse in Warkworth, in my home county of Northumberland, where I met and interviewed Louise Frederique a french chocolatiere. Her shop is  so inspiring and quaint that the Chocolate Shop in the fictional village of Warkton-by-the-sea in my novel is based on that. It was Christmas time and the displays were wonderful - enough to make your mouth water.


I have also chatted with The Chocolate Spa in Alnwick, Kiki's Chocolates in Coldingham and Bev Stephenson from North Chocolates. Huge thanks to everyone for their time, help and support.

I hope you enjoy reading my new book. Settle down on a summer's day with a chilled glass of prosecco, your favourite chocolates and escape to The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop. And look out for the truffle recipe in the back! Here's some I made earlier ...




Happy reading!

Love and best wishes,

Caroline x

Thursday 21 June 2018

Chocolates, Fragile Hearts, Friends, Family & Fun at the Seaside!

ONLY A WEEK TO GO! My next book 'The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop' is due out on 28th June in all e-book versions. (Paperback to follow soon on 26th July).

The story continues the adventures of chocolatier, Emma, at The Chocolate Shop by the Sea in the beautiful harbour village of Warkton-by-the Sea, Northumberland. The setting is inspired by my local villages of Craster and Warkworth, and our stunning beaches such as Embleton and Bamburgh here in the North East of England.

Craster harbour

So, what can you expect? A heartwarming story with a few extra twists in the relationship between Emma and the rather gorgeous Max, with work getting very much in the way for both of them, and a blast from the past with a new character, Nate. But as well as a few teary moments, there's fun and laughter with prosecco parties, walks on the beach, a food festival, chocolates, ice creams galore, and a new cosy courtyard for the summer season at the chocolate shop.

Embleton beach

Come on in and have some fun, meet some new friends, and escape to a fabulous chocolate shop by the sea for what I hope you'll find is a great summer read!

I'll be back on the blog next week for launch day (yippee!) with lots of chocolate inspirations.

See you soon.

Caroline x