There are misunderstandings to be tackled and a question lurking in the past that must be addressed, and Vianne stays longer than she had originally planned. The descriptions of the village are just beautiful and the whole flavour of France is wonderfully evoked. Several other familiar faces take their place in the narrative, like old friends returning.Įight year old Rosette is a lively addition to the Roche family, she is such a character, and she plays an important role in events. The animosity between Vianne and Father Reynaud is still there, but he has changed and no longer has the power over the village that he once had. Meanwhile, Roux awaits for their return on a houseboat in Paris.

A mysterious letter draws Vianne back, along with her, now teenage daughter, Anouk and her younger sister, Rosette. A community has sprung up on the far side of the river and animosity has developed on both sides.

The sleepy village of Lansquenet, where Vianne had opened her chocolaterie eight years before, is now home to a growing population of North African Muslims. The subject matter is highly topical, particularly in France, where it has been declared illegal to wear a face veil, or niqab. Unfortunately I didn't have time to read both before the discussion. Father Reynaud, Vianne's erstwhile adversary, is disgraced and under threat.Show More some gaps caused by jumping straight from Chocolat. Nor is it only the incomers from North Africa that have brought change. But Lansquenet is different now: women veiled in black, the scent of spices and peppermint tea, and, on the bank of the river Tannes, facing the church: a minaret. When Vianne Rocher receives a letter from beyond the grave, she allows the wind to blow her back to the village in south-west France where, eight years ago, she opened up a chocolate shop. It isn't often you receive a letter from the dead. 'Absolutely enchanting' - ***** Reader review 'Impossible to put down' - ***** Reader review 'Superbly written and flows along beautifully' - ***** Reader review 'Brilliant and thought-provoking' - ***** Reader review 'I found it unputdownable' - ***** Reader review

'This bewitching novel stirs the senses' - Good Housekeeping 'Expertly crafted, typically mouthwatering' - Daily Mail 'Vianne - unconventional, good-hearted, slightly magical - blows in like a refreshing breeze, forcing people to question their prejudices. Perfect for fans of Victoria Hislop, Fiona Valpy, Maggie O'Farrell and Rachel Joyce. A welcome return to Vianne Rocher and the village in rural France that was the setting for Joanne Harris's remarkable and much-loved number one bestseller Chocolat.

Peaches for monsieur le curé