Carole Matthews talks about chocolate....

Last year, I devoured "The Chocolate Lover's Club" by Carole Matthews. It was such a delicious story. It had a "Sex and the City" feel but revolved around chocolate instead of Cosmopolitans. I loved how each woman had their own situation to deal with and how they tried to help each other out. It was so nice to see the bonds of female friendship played out in such a way. I heard that there's a sequel out in the UK called "The Chocolate Lover's Diet." (Just what I need, in more ways than one!) If anyone overseas wants to do a giveaway for it to send to someone in the US, I'd gladly enter! It sounds like another wonderful treat!

Recently, Carole Matthews sent me a signed copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner. I also got the chance to ask her some questions about chocolate. Enjoy!

1. What is your favorite brand of chocolate?

We have a great range of stores in the UK called Hotel Chocolat. I don't know if you have them yet? They make beautiful chocolate all sourced from their own plantation. It's very expensive for high street chocolate, but well worth it. I also love Lindt chocolate and their dark 70% is my favourite. A while ago someone sent me chocolate from Max Brenner in New York and that was fabulous!


2. What is your favorite movie about chocolate?

There are very few movies on the subject of chocolate and I think Hollywood are definitely missing a trick there! Someone should instantly make a movie of "The Chocolate Lovers' Club" - it would be a sure fire hit! Out of the limited choice, I don't think you can beat "Chocolat" starring the beautiful Juliet Binoche and the inimitable Johnny Depp. It was a great film - much lighter than the book but equally as yum. I could watch it over and over again.

Side note: I'd also love to see "The Chocolate Lover's Club" as a movie!

3. What is your favorite food that includes chocolate?

I love any food that contains chocolate! But I find it particularly hard to resist chocolate ice-cream, brownies or a really rich chocolate mousse. Gorgeous.

4. Where is your favorite place to purchase chocolate?

I've been very lucky in doing my research for The Chocolate Lovers' Club and The Chocolate Lovers' Diet to have visited all kinds of gorgeous chocolate shops. In fact, if I ever give up writing then I'd really like to open one! But the chocolate area in Fortnum and Mason's in London takes some beating. They have every type of high-end chocolate you can think of from all over the world.

5. Preference: White, dark, milk or something else?

I prefer dark chocolate now and as plain as possible. I find filled chocolates - or what the purists would call confectionery - just too sweet. Once you have savoured truly wonderfully produced chocolate it's hard to settle for anything less. Though sometimes, I have to confess, a Snickers bar hits the spot just as well!

Thanks again to Carole Matthews for this interview and for the book to give away.

How to win this signed book:
Please comment below with your e-mail address.

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite kind or brand of chocolate?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Winner will be picked at random on Wednesday, June 30th.