Like the perfect chocolate candies it describes, this book manages to deftly balance its component parts so that nothing overwhelms. Readers aren't required to commit entirely to a tale of a young child with an incurable disease, a romance between two lovers fighting their fate, or a widow choosing an altered state rather than face her loneliness. Each of those stories alone has their strengths and pitfalls, when combined with a magical desk that produces recipes for, yes, magical candies, then the entire book takes on a much different quality. It brims with a different pulse and much more enthusiasm and joy than those tales might suggest. It is a winning combination that will leave readers with a strong desire for chocolate, in almost any form.

The combination of an antique table that shares secret recipes with its owners: a darling precocious eight year old; enchanted chocolate and secrets, oh so many secrets makes for a fantastic story. Penelope and her mother run a chocolate shop with the most unusual chocolates, they make the eater tell the truth, dream of the future, depending on what is purchased. Ella, Penelope's daughter has a brain tumor and they have opted to stop treatments. Ella would like a dad, as Penelope, a single mother - her thought is after she is gone her mother won't be alone. Enter Noah. In turns, moving, funny and just plain romantic this book has the absolute perfect ending...

This book surprised me. It was a simple story about a single mom with a dying child who has made a bucket list. Simple right? not so much. Also involved is a magical table that gives the mom and her mom recipes that are magical. Want to know what someone thinks, try the caramel - make a wish - the chocolate does it every time. When the dad comes back into the picture, it gets complicated, as Penelope does not want to risk her heart again. A very heartwarming story that I hated to see end. I will look for more of this author's books.

I want a magic apothecary table!

When I picked this book up, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I loved every minute of it. The writing has an almost dreamy quality that matches the tone of the book. The characters tug at your heartstrings from the beginning. It was so good, I kept wanting to slow down and really savor it so it wouldn't end, just like a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate.

Dreaming in Chocolate was a delight from start to finish. Can't wait to read Crispell's other books.


***I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***

This is the first book I have read by this author, but I loved this book. It is a charming story about chocolate, magic & love. This is the perfect book to read during the holidays. It will make you want to have a cup of hot cocoa & curl up in front of the fire while you read it too! Not to mention, how can you resist the title of this book?!?

This was my first time reading work by Susan Bishop Crispell, but it definitely won't be the last. What a talented and descriptive writer. "Dreaming in Chocolate" is a story that will touch the heartstrings of any parent, as it is heartbreaking when children suffer illnesses that can be life threatening. In "Dreaming in Chocolate", readers are introduced to Penelope, a single mother raising precocious 8 year old Ella, who is living on borrowed time due to an inoperable brain tumor; Penelope runs a special, magical, hot chocolate boutique with her mother- the townspeople believe their different varieties of hot chocolate can work miracles. Especially as Penelope and her mother have some extremely secret, unique recipes. Penelope juggles this with helping Ella check off items on Ella's "bucket list", while hiding the fact from everyone in town that Ella does not have very much time left- Penelope wants Ella treated the same as other children her age. Ella has one huge wish- to have her father in her life. Will Penelope be able to have this take place? I highly recommend fellow readers pick up "Dreaming in Chocolate" to find out!

In the small town of Malarkey, NC there is a magical chocolate shop called The Chocolate Cottage. The shop is owned by Sabine and her daughter Penelope. Penelope's daughter, Ella, is very sick and the entire town thinks the magical hot chocolate has cured her. Only Penelope knows the truth and while she is trying to keep that secret, someone from her past re-enters her life and turns it upside down.
I enjoyed this sweet, cozy story with a touch of magic. I wanted to step right into the small town and try one of The Chocolate Cottage's dark chocolate truffles or a Kismet hot chocolate. I would recommend reading this book by a roaring fire with a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

The table was weird, Ella seemed too well for a sick child and I guess the name of the town summed up how I felt about the whole story

Penelope and her mom have a chocolate shop where they sell magic desserts and hot chocolates.
As amazing as that is, what good is it having magic if you can't stop the worst possible thing from happening?
Penelope's young daughter Ella has been given only 6 months to live. They are trying to make her last days special but it's hard for Penelope not to be cynical about the family magic when it hasn't given her what she most wants.

Penelope is also dealing with the return of her high school sweetheart and the town festival.

Ella is the sweetest little girl and she wants her mom to be happy no matter what happens.

A sweet story of magic, love, chocolates and second chances to make things right.

I got to read an early copy on NetGalley. I'm so glad I got picked. This is my favorite genre and I'm a big fan of the author.