Chouchette asked Karen Brooks:

Just reading the Author's Notes is fascinating. I loved the Brewer's Tale so I searched the stacks at our library and found The Chocolate Maker's Wife. I'm so excited to start reading this story, especially since I love everything about chocolate, especially eating it. It's absolutely amazing the amount of research you do: do you ever start a project and come to a dead end? Or, just don't get inspired? Thank you

Karen Brooks Hi Chouchette! Thank you for your lovely comments and great question. I have never been asked that before. So far (fingers and everything crossed), I have never come to a dead end. On the contrary, I uncover these marvellous little gems which just convince me I might be on the right track with a story! An example in The Brewer's Tale/Lady Brewer of London is how the ale-conners tested the beer. It as such a fabulous nugget I found in this old book and points to not only male-control of the industry, but the ridiculous measures they'd go to in order to maintain it. I really hope you enjoy The Chocolate Maker's Wife. I loved researching that one - actually, I love the research for all my books! Take care and thanks again. Karen :)

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