The Chocolate Tin in Aussie Readers

Oct 17, 2016 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, own-read, 2016-release, historical-fiction, aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, reviewing-by-request

Alexandra Frobisher was frustrated by her mother’s constant harping on her lack of a husband – with the war on there was a small respite as the three men who had been chosen as prospective husbands were at the front. But Alex knew she didn’t have long – she shuddered at the thought. Alex’s greatest wish was to work in the Rowntree chocolate factory in her home town of York; to learn the craft and make it her career. But 1915 was a time when young women of means didn’t work – marrying well and su Alexandra Frobisher was frustrated by her mother’s constant harping on her lack of a husband – with the war on there was a small respite as the three men who had been chosen as prospective husbands were at the front. But Alex knew she didn’t have long – she shuddered at the thought. Alex’s greatest wish was to work in the Rowntree chocolate factory in her home town of York; to learn the craft and make it her career. But 1915 was a time when young women of means didn’t work – marrying well and supplying grandchildren while supporting their husbands was what was expected. Alex desperately wanted more from her life.

When Matthew Britten-Jones entered her life with a proposal which would suit them both, Alex was tempted. A witty and delightful man, Matthew knew how to make Alex laugh; he had her parents eating out of his hands – but was it enough? Alex knew she didn’t love him, and he, though affectionate, didn’t love her either. But the solution would solve Alex’s dilemma; her future would be assured.

Captain Harry Blakeney returned from the war a changed man. He was determined to visit the Rowntree chocolate factory in York – his quest was to discover the identity of the author of a note of love he’d discovered while recovering bodies in France. The chocolate tin which had been sent to soldiers on the front in 1915 as a Christmas parcel had housed the note; in Harry’s search for the sweetheart of the lost soldier he met up with Alex and Matthew. But what would happen when their lives became bound in an inconceivable way and long buried secrets rose to the surface?

The Chocolate Tin by Aussie author Fiona McIntosh is an emotional and haunting narrative which had me reaching for tissues a few times. Blending mystery, intrigue and heartbreak with the historical romance of the times, the author’s ability to tell the story amid the depth of her research makes The Chocolate Tin an authentic and delightful read. Very highly recommended.

With thanks to Penguin Random House Australia for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
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Nov 26, 2017 Kathryn rated it liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, australian-authors, reading-list-2017, fiction, reading-list-2018

A bit soppy in some places, but I did enjoy the storyline. The over-sentimentality reminded me of another of Fiona McIntosh's - The Perfumer's Secret, although I think this one was better overall in that respect. And a more interesting and less predictable plot, in general, than that one. ...more

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Jan 23, 2017 Dzintra aka Ingrid rated it it was amazing

Another wonderful read by Fiona McIntosh.....loved the historical detail!

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Mar 01, 2017 Tianne Shaw rated it it was amazing

A highly enjoyable book set in WW1 and around major chocolatiers we know. Follow the twists and turns along the way but an excellent historical novel and great back stories to help build it further to enjoy. Very glad to have chosen this to read

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Apr 15, 2017 Tanya rated it really liked it

Huh, what a pleasant surprise this book was!

I struggled to get into the very beginning, but am so glad I stuck with at as after a few chapters it really took off and became something very different from what I was expecting. Although I felt a bit predictable in parts, it was an enjoyable read.

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