The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan (Audiobook – Tantor Audio)

⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 3-stars

Sad to say, this is my least favorite book thus far by Jenny Colgan. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris was a well-written story, the story just wasn’t for me. The beginning of the book drew me in, and I really liked the main character, but I didn’t feel much of an attachment to any of the other characters. And since this was a dual narrative, the other characters were a major component of the storyline. When I pick up a Jenny Colgan book I’m expecting a warm, funny story with a bit of conflict. This book was more poignant with one serious accident, one dying woman and a morbidly obese man. (no spoilers here…this is revealed in the beginning of the book). I didn’t want to feel sad while reading a book about a chocolate shop and Paris. Also, I was confused about a couple of significant statements that were made. I didn’t understand what was being alluded to until further along in the book. I wanted to say to Ms. Colgan..

Anyway, here’s a brief synopsis..

Anna Trent, 30, works in a chocolate factory. She has a serious accident on the job and finds herself in the hospital for several weeks. During her convalescence, Anna is reunited with her former French teacher, Claire, who’s receiving chemotherapy treatments. Anna worries about how her own life will proceed now that she can’t return to the factory, is boyfriendless, and partially disabled from her accident. Claire mentions that she used to know someone in Paris who worked in a Chocolate Shop, and she arranges for Anna to work there. Here’s where the story changes time-periods to show the connection between Claire and the owner of the chocolate shop.

I did like a few things about the book. I loved hearing about the process of making fine chocolate, and I enjoyed Anna’s character development. I wished the book was about her life alone, and not Claire’s too, because it’s what made it depressing. Claire’s breathy, wisp of a voice was harrowing sometimes. Beverley Crick, the audio narrator, did a good job portraying dying Claire’s voice. Maybe too good, because hearing it made me want to cry.

Overall, this book was just okay to me. I know this because I was getting anxious for it to end. Will I read another book by Jenny Colgan? Absolutely! I’d already purchased two others before finishing this audiobook and feel confident that I’ll enjoy them.

Thank you, Tantor Audio, for a complimentary download of this book. In exchange I have provided an honest review.

Have a great day everyone! Thanks for visiting Cozynookbks. ☺️