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Written in 2000, I feel this truly is the definition of a timeless novel; it could easily have been written yesterday.

There really is something for everyone - chocolate lovers, church goers, mystery, french setting, witchcraft all contained within the antics of a small french village, Lansquenet.

It may be the season of Lent, but newcomer Vianne Rocher and her daughter Anouk arrive with the change of the winds on Shrove Tuesday; opening a chocolate boutique nonetheless. And despite it being the season of abstinence, the locals soon find they can’t stay away…before long Vianne’s shop becomes the talk of the community - both good and bad. I often felt sorry for Vianne as she was only trying to do good, not only for her more likeable customers, but for the whole community.

However, despite her charm, Father Reynaud is set against her and determined not to see any of the good she is doing. She may not be a church goer but she has taught her daughter a great sense of morality - what is good and bad…and by all ways possible she is a person of goodness.

It was overall a lovely, comforting and engaging read however the final 50 pages really made it for me. It had me laughing (rare with books) and had me in moments of sadness but overall, the joy was so tremendous and ended on a note of great strength and contentment.

This was a very enjoyable read for me. I have actually read The Strawberry Thief (4th in the series) so I had a fair idea whether or not I would enjoy it. But it was really special to be taken right back to the beginning and see how it all began. This series was recommended to me by my aunty; thankfully we gave similar taste in books. I look forward to reading books 2 and 3.