Whether it be a summer or winter book you are always guaranteed a fantastic read from Jo Thomas and this new festive read - A Recipe for Christmas - proved to be no different. This book had the honour of being my first Christmas read for the 2024 season and it certainly lived up to all expectations and put me right in the mood for Christmas. With a colourful, warm, inviting and eye catching cover, the reader is immediately sucked into this wonderful story which is a real feast for the senses. The mention of Lindt chocolate on the opening page had my mouth watering and had me adding said chocolates to my shopping list that week.

Jo is known for having food or cooking to feature heavily in her books and that’s what sets them apart from all the rest. Chocolate and becoming a chocolatier is the main focus here and be warned don’t read this on an empty stomach or else you’ll end up craving chocolate. Make sure to have a square or two to hand as you delve into a creative story full of flavour, community, friendship and the perfect combination of Christmas and chocolate.

Clara MacKenzie is the main female character and when we are first introduced to her she is about to embark upon a major life change. She is leaving the comfort, routine and familiarity of a job that she has worked in all her life. She has worked her way up from the café to human resources in a local department store but she has now taken voluntary redundancy. She wants to do something different with her life. It’s time for a change and some adventures before she hits 40 as 23 years in the same job has taken it’s toll on her. In order to secure her redundancy package she must undertake a course of some sort and when her partner Daniel (with whom she hasn’t been with that long) is offered a job in Switzerland she decides to take the bull by the horns and go with him. Whilst there she hopes to complete a chocolate course in order to get her full redundancy. I mean what could be better than to soak up and savour all that that Switzerland has to offer whilst at the same time enjoying herself on the course?

The setting of Switzerland is simply stunning. You feel as if you have been whisked away to a country with snow-capped mountains, rivers, pine trees, wooden chalets and of course all the mentions of chocolate of which there are numerous. Yet, you haven’t left the comfort and warmth of your own home but still you are taken on an adventure where Clara gets a lot more than she bargained for and in doing so she discovers a lot more about what she wants and what she is truly capable of. Clara sets about immersing herself in the culture and history of Switzerland but soon discovers the course is not what she had expected at all. Instead of a relaxing time sampling the various chocolate creations and delights that the company, Audair, has to offer she finds herself literally thrown into the fire as the various participants and the content of the course itself are very serious. There is no room for amateurs here of which Clara definitely very much is one.

I loved how Clara didn’t up sticks and run away at the first hurdle which she could have very easily done. Instead, she chose to battle it out and learn as much as she could and prove to herself and the others that she could do it even if she was literally like a fish out of water. She pushed herself way beyond the limits of her comfort zone and she deserved nothing but admiration and respect for this. It’s not plain sailing for Clara by any means especially as she discovers fairly early on that Daniel is not all he seems and soon she finds herself flying solo. But she has courage and tenacity and she is not going to head back to England with her tail between her legs. It’s not the redundancy money that she cares about instead she is trying to better herself and soon progress, creativity and invention are all traits that start to emerge that she didn’t realise that she possessed.

Clara embeds herself into her chocolate making family and the supporting characters of Frederic, Sebastien, Michel, Patrice and Fleur all start to show their own qualities. Each have their own little backstory to share which becomes more apparent the further you read. These all melded wonderfully with Clara’s main story and only added to my overall enjoyment of the book. Madame Noeletta, the principal of the chocolate school, seemed to view Clara with disdain but I loved how Clara didn’t let this bother her at all. Instead she rose to every challenge thrown at her and put in so time, effort and practice that she was determined to succeed. Yes she may not have had the talents, expertise and background that the other participants on the course possessed but she was determined to keep going and learn as much as she could.

As I was reading I kept thinking Jo Thomas must have had the time of her life undertaking research for this book. It’s simply a chocolate lovers dream. All the little details surrounding the chocolate making process and all the different techniques the course participants learned were fascinating. At no point did the story become overloaded with details of food and chocolate which it very much could have done. Rather the perfect balance was struck alongside the more personal and human story of Clara. Going on the course brings something to life within her. Something she didn’t know she had and it was so enjoyable to see her go from a woman who didn’t know what she wanted in life now that her security blanket of her long term job was gone to someone who became inspirational and confident and who wanted to help herself and those around her. This is very much evident hen she starts to develop a friendship with Gabriel, who was a mentor on the course and a world famous chocolatier in his own right.

As with many of the other characters Gabriel had his own secrets and to be honest I did guess fairly early on what was going on with him. But it took longer for Clara to crack his shell and discover what was bothering him. Their’s was a friendship which I could potentially see developing into something more. There is a strong fire lit within Clara as she becomes determined and enthusiastic and she transfers these qualities to Gabriel. I did feel sorry for Gabriel. He was going through a tough time and had the weight of the world on his shoulders but with the help of Clara maybe he can start to believe in himself. Through the process of helping Gabriel and keeping things going on the course Clara also starts to change and instead of being the bottom of the class and so different from the others she starts to find her niche and it was brilliant to see her hard work, learning and skills emerge and come to the fore. That said there was plenty of stumbling blocks and challenges put in her path and as we raced towards the climax there was one event which I thought there was no coming back from. But Clara was amazing and took the lead and here is where friendship, community and working together really paid off.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the time I spent reading, A Recipe for Christmas. Jo Thomas creates the most wonderful feel good stories and this was a prime example of that. Chocolate for Clara is the one constant in her life which makes her feel safe and this is something we can all relate to at one time or another but going on the course takes things to an entirely different level for her. Her senses are heightened and she learns with some encouragement that if you work at the things you want in life you will be richly rewarded. How she is rewarded and how the story overall pans out, well you will have to pick up this delightful and entertaining seasonal tale. Now I’ll just have to wait patiently for my next fix of the magic that is Jo Thomas when in June I will be venturing to Tuscany with her next book A Place in the Sun.

I have read and enjoyed a few of this author's previous books and thought this one was also great. Ideal pre Christmas reading, especially if you fancy something light, easy to read and uplifting.

A Recipe For Christmas by Jo Thomas @jothomasauthor a NetGalley review. Clara is at a crossroads in her life, she craves the happily ever after like her friends, so she takes a leap of faith with a man she’s only just met. That leap of faith involves moving to Switzerland with her new boyfriend but it that where her future lies or it the leap of faith more about Clara finding herself. I really enjoyed this book, it’s a heartwarming read and it felt like a cozy, Christmas read but also a great books for anytime of year. Clara is a great character a huge lover of chocolate, passionate, brave, friendly but also lacks confidence in many respects, to trusting in occasion but she has the biggest heart and will help anyone despite at time me thinking that she’s probably kinder than I would be towards people that haven’t been particularly kind to her. It’s an incredibly easy read, that in places I didn’t want to put down, there’s no huge plot twists and yes it’s predictable but I didn’t care because there was something in the way it was written and in the story that it was telling that grabbed me (it could be the background story of chocolate!), a festive, romantic, chocolatey romp between the pages. The only thing for me is that (without giving anything away) is that despite everything going on in Clara’s life in Switzerland and the changes, that her friends back in England weren’t more involved and surprised at those changes. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more by this author , a Christmas delight which deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clara has established a fine career for herself in HR having worked her way up through the business. But now, nearing the age of 40, she feels stuck. When her very new love interest, Daniel, takes up a new job in Switzerland and a redundancy package comes up in her workplace, Clara decides to take a leap of faith. But is it a leap of faith to find love? Or something more than that.

This is such a lovely Christmas read! I absolutely loved the setting in the Swiss Alps which the author describes so well. And the chocolate-making school topped it all off for me. It is so clear from the writing what an avid foodie the author is and this book made me salivate on numerous occasions! If you're familiar with Amaury Guichon (TikTok chocolate sculpture), he was who I imagined as Gabriel for the entire book.

Clara is a fantastic main character. I really enjoyed her growth and how she found herself as the story progressed. It was really nice to have a main character that was a little bit older than the usual "hallmark" christmas books/movies (when I say older I just mean not mid 20's).

There were some quite unlikeable characters in this story but they were written really well and made the story less "sickly sweet".

There were times when I felt the story could have been a little shorter. For instance, the 12 dates/12 chocolates seemed like a lot, and perhaps six would have been sufficient, but overall it was a cosy, festive read that would be perfect for any foodie or chocolate lover!

I also really appreciated the addition of some recipes at the end of the book for dishes that featured in the story. A lovely touch!

Cute and cosy read perfect for this time of year. Love that chocolate was a big part, I am chocolate obbessed 🎅🎁✨

This is a delightful christmas read, set in stunning Switzerland, to a backdrop of chocolate. What is more perfect! Oh, someone loves cheese, that's what!
I absolutely adored learning about the chocolate making process and the intricacies of creating flavoured chocolates.
The relationships between the class were lovely to see blossoming, as was Clara's realisation of what makes her happy.
The story talks often of taking a leap of faith. You don't need one of those to read this. Just look at that cute cover! The author always writes stunning christmas tales, and this is no exception.
A perfect read for you to curl up with a hot chocolate and maybe see how many chocolates you can fit in your mouth at one go!

Classic Jo.
Slightly predictable, but written in a way that you just have to keep reading.
Well-rounded characters that you fall in love with.

This was another great cosy Christmas read by Jo Thomas. And with lots of chocolate - what's not to love!

Clara was such a lovely character who seems to naturally help everyone she meets and brings people together. Gabrielle was the perfect, brooding leading man.

I loved the Swiss location with all the vivid descriptions of the snowy conditions, and especially the chocolate school and Gabrielle's farm.

It was a stay up all night kind of read and I just didn't want it to end.

Gorgeous! Christmas, chocolate, a wonderful alpine location in the snow and a simmering romance - what more could you want.

I LOVED this book and was so sad when it ended. I think this may be my most favourite of her novels so far (I’ve probably said that before!) but her stories just keep getting better and better.

Set in the beautiful Switzerland, it’ll make you want to visit and also make you crave chocolate!

It sometimes takes a leap of faith to change your life – but when your friends clearly feel you’ve taken leave of your senses, maybe you need to think about it a little. Clara has made a big decision – leaving her job security in the local store’s HR department (where she’s worked since leaving school), finding someone to take her place in the flat share, and moving to Switzerland with Daniel, who might or might not be the man she’s been looking for (it’s difficult to tell after just one weekend together, most of it spent in bed).

Her redundancy package included some paid-for training, so she’s signed up for a beginners’ chocolate making course – only to find that she’s the only one without any previous experience, and she gets the strong feeling that no-one wants her there. And there’s little comfort at home either – she really didn’t know Daniel well enough before they moved away together.

But her situation only makes her more determined to succeed, her initially stand-offish fellow students accepting her and acknowledging her efforts (long nights perfecting tempering and playing with flavours), finding an unexpected friend and ally in master chocolatier Gabriel (who has some secrets and hidden depths of his own). Clara herself is totally adorable, as she slowly works out what will really make her happy, bravely overcoming every possible challenge, both personal and chocolate related – and, I have to say, Gabriel is rather delicious too.

The snow-covered setting is beautifully recreated, with added warmth from the relationships and the mugs of hot chocolate – and yes, I learned so much about the chocolatier’s art. I was also perpetually hungry – raclette, fondue, tartiflette (recipe provided!), and the sweetness of all those wonderful chocolates – and I blame the author entirely for the calorie-filled on-line order I placed when I finished reading (well, it is Christmas…!).

This whole book was an absolute delight – Clara’s (often emotional) journey, the warmth of the friendships, the perfect and really moving romance, the wonderfully drawn setting, the many festive touches, and all that chocolate. Just gorgeous – I really loved it.

I love this author so much, and this book is definitely up there with one of her best! Festive, heartwarming and set in the beautiful Swiss mountains, there is so much to love about this book.

Jo always enjoys a foodie theme, and to be honest I think chocolate might be my favourite choice yet. There's something so luxurious, special, silky and a little bit naughty about chocolate, and its creation is not only important to the book's plot but plays a huge part in delivering the book's message too.

Just like there are many different varieties of chocolate, people are all unique and should be valued for their originality. This is something Clara learns during her time in the Swiss mountains, but will she choose the man who truly values her, or will she conform and choose the safe option like she is so used to doing?

This was such a feel good book which contained beautifully interwoven storylines about romance, friendship, risks, food and secrets. I adored it!

Recipe for a tempting festive novel

Take one beautiful snowy setting – my goodness I wanted to visit Switzerland or any snowy location while I was reading this book!

Add plenty of chocolate – you will be craving it while you read this book, learning about chocolate making and your mouth will be watering at the sound of some of the delicious chocolate creations.

Introduce a little heat between some of the characters and gently warm – first we have the passionate relationship between Clara and her boyfriend Daniel, then some growing attraction between Clara and chocolatier Gabriel. Which would prove to be the perfect combination?

Fold in a smattering of secrets and stir well – there are a few characters who have something to hide and it was intriguing wondering what would happen when everything came to light.

Mix in a healthy dollop of Jo Thomas’s wonderful style of writing – I do love this author’s books and this one did not disappoint!

Finally, settle down somewhere cosy and enjoy this delectable festive treat!

Christmas and Chocolate go hand in hand. Clara thinks a chocolate making workshop in Switzerland is the perfect place.

What Clara doesn’t realise is she has signed herself up to a course, for advanced chocolatiers. She is out of her depth and knee deep in techniques and skills far beyond her reach. Of course the people on the course are all there for different reasons and the resident chocolate master is finding Clara’s lack of skill annoying rather than endearing.

However, Clara is determined to win all these people round and prove by stepping outside of your comfort zone you can achieve greatness. If it comes with the added bonus of chocolate then perfect.

A great mouth-watering Christmas read without all the calories! And a fascinating insight into what goes into Chocolate. I hope the author did the appropriate amount of research!

This was a nice cosy festive read, beware, you may feel like eating lots of chocolates while reading this! A good story overall and Clara was an interesting character. ⭐⭐⭐

The perfect festive read with a side order of wanderlust. Clara chooses voluntary redundancy and takes a bold leap of faith, travelling with Daniel, who she has shared a few dates with, to Geneva. Whilst in Geneva she signs up to a choclatier course. This book had me hankering for lindt, cheese and a trip to Switzerland.

When Clara follows her boyfriend to Switzerland, she enrolls in a chocolate making course. U known to her it is not the beginners class she expected but a chocolatier course for experienced chocolate makers.
As things deteriorate with her boyfriend Daniel, and her talents in the kitchen prove limited she meets some new friends who allow her to open her heart to new possibilities.
Great Christmas read

Very enjoyable book by Jo Thomas - she never fails to captivate with her stories and characters.

I particularly love the ones set in other countries so I really enjoyed that this was set in Switzerland, set at a Chocolate School - not just any but one of the best in the world and not entirely what Clara is expecting when she signs up as part of her redundancy terms. Having followed her new boyfriend for his job, she is just wanting to keep herself occupied but finds that she is in her class with serious chocolatiers who take it very seriously....!

Clara is a lovely character, somewhat lacking in confidence and is determined to leave after her first day but luckily something in the back of her head, makes her turn up day after day.

A very enjoyable book which I flew through - learning about chocolate making was a great addition to the story!

As someone who loves both Christmas and chocolate this was the book for me. I loved following her journey of breaking with what was expected and taking a chance - something we all need to do once in a while. Sticking at something when it is hard takes courage which she had in spades and then a lovely story unfolds of friendship and love from the most inauspicious starts.

A lovely tale to read on a cold winter day.

Jo Thomas is one of my go-to authors; I know when she releases a new book I am assured of a story that will have me transported to an interesting location while enjoying lots of lovely local dishes. For this year’s Christmas book, Jo is taking readers off to Switzerland. What could be more perfect than a festive trip to the snowy alps combined with lots of chocolate?

The story centres on chocolate-loving Clara, who has shocked her two best friends by announcing that she has left her position as HR manager and, what’s more, is moving to Switzerland with her very new boyfriend as he begins a new job there. Her plan is to enrol on a chocolate-making course that runs for six weeks up to Christmas. Clara has spent years celebrating Christmas on her own and is dreaming of a different experience this year with her boyfriend in their Swiss home surrounded by all the trappings of the season. The reality is somewhat different as neither the course nor the boyfriend is what she expected. However, Clara does her best to make the most of the situation. She finds friends amongst the others on the course and surprisingly becomes close to gruff tutor Gabriel. It looks as though that perfect family-style could be in her future after all.

I absolutely loved this book. It has so much going for it, with marvellous mountain scenery, a host of interesting characters, romance and a mouthwatering selection of food, with chocolate front and centre. Definitely a story for foodies and chocolate addicts, with a lovely Christmassy feel throughout. I feel as though I learnt a lot about the chocolate making processes. Even hot chocolate was very different from what we are used to drinking from our usual coffee shops. I loved the main characters in the story. Clara was somebody with great determination to turn her life around and I admired the way in which she fought to achieve her goals. She was slightly misguided in putting her faith in someone she had just met, but fortunately that worked out in the end. I was attracted to Gabriel right away, although he was a little moody at times. Thanks to the author for including a selection of recipes, sweet and savoury, at the end of the book; I might just give some a try.