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

8 comments:

  1. What scrummy photos. I love the insights into your research and to hear how the seeds of an idea were sown.

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  2. I would want to read and review your book.

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  3. Only just found your books so not started reading them yet. Been made redundant has given me some unexpected time to myself. I have been to Warkworth numerous times & had delicious chocolate & almond croissants & hot chocolate in Cabosse so if this is where you drew inspiration, I'd better get some chocolate to eat while I read!!!

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  4. Hello Caroline , I have just read two of your books which I really enjoyed being a born and bred Geordie! Just to let you know there are a few typos in both ' The cosy teashop in the castle' and 'The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop'

    Kind wishes Jan

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  5. Reading My Summer of Magic Moments while on holiday in Madeira. I love the escapism of your writing as well as touching on the very real issues of survivorship. I can't wait to read your other books! Any plans for visiting the South West?!

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