This gripping tale of Kasia and her love for fighting for what is right. Being torn between true love and keeping family safe.
Finding out who you can truly trust and what evils lurk close to home.

Such an enjoyable read! It was also the first I've read from Nealon, so was a great introduction to her writing style too.

The story of Kasia and her father's chocolate factory had me captivated, it's such a powerful and intriguing read.

Nealon's imagery brings the story alive from between the pages and the scenes of Poland at war alive.

This was a very emotional book to read . It was set in the second world war and tells us about a Polish girl who tried to continue to run her father's chocolate factory. She works with a German and tries to help the Polish people whilst being friends with the Germans. The characters are well described and interesting. There are lots of sad parts but at least before the end there is happiness and joy. I do recommend this book be read if you want to hear about the horrors of the Gestapo and their followers.

I was looking forward to reading this! Being Polish, I gravitate to historical fiction novels set in Poland (usually during WWII). I was excited to read this because it was set in a city (Gdańsk) that isn't the normal setting for these books (Warsaw or sometimes Kraków). I was so excited to read about chocolate and how that was used to help the Polish Resistance.

Anyways, I think that the blurb is a bit misleading. I found the dual POV to be distracting. I wish chocolate was the main focal point of this book. The storytelling itself was great- beautifully written- but some parts were historically inaccurate. Overall, I was invested and couldn't put the book down.

This being said, would I read another one of Gosia's books? Yes, because I liked her writing style. I just wish there was more editing and maybe expanding on some of the major points as some parts seemed rushed (even though this book is 312 pages long).

Thank you to Net Galley for the eARC.

The Wartime Chocolate Maker is the new book from Gosia Nealon which follows Kasia and her family during the German occupation of Poland specifically her home town Gdansk. It’s June 1943 and Kasia has returned from Warsaw where she has spent several years living with her Aunt following a disagreement with her father. Her father has recently passed away and she purposefully missed the funeral but she knows her mother and younger brother need her now. The opportunity for reconciliation with her father will now never present itself and overtime this eats away at Kasia. She still can’t believe that her father turned despite being German (her mother is Polish) against what the family stood for and started supporting the German movement which has overtaken their beautiful city and in many ways the running of the family chocolate factory. Throughout the book she tries to decipher whether it was all a front or was his head really turned? It’s a conundrum amidst many that she must face.

Times are tough for the people of Poland. Their lives have been irrevocably changed but throughout it all Kasia grows as a person. She is compassionate towards other and uses her intelligence carefully. She takes a wise approach to situations but I felt she threaded a fine line. I was always fearful that the work she continued for the Resistance movement when she returned to the city would be discovered and the worst fate would befall her. Her hardworking nature saw her start work at the factory but her father’s business partner Sebastian Richter was in my mind someone not to be trusted.It was like he always had ulterior motives.

Kasia was wary of him given he was the root cause of her having to leave her family. The issues from that time still have their roots firmly set in 1943. Sebastian really tried to worm his way into her life. I found him to be sneaky and underhand but Kasia’s mother could only see good in him. Kasia had to pretend to be someone she was not when she was around him and as she began to see a bigger game developing she showed cunning and had her wits about to start playing it well but again I was anxious that she would be discovered. She works in the factory as a way of proving her loyalty to the Reich even though she detests everything that it stands for but at the same time she can gleam bits of information that might help her fellow members in the Resistance with their big plans.

I found I needed a bit more tension, unease and suspense throughout the book. Yes, there were moments when dangerous events occurred but they were too brief. I wanted things to escalate and reach a dramatic climax but this didn’t occur. What I did enjoy was reading chapters from Felek’s point of view. He had been arrested, terrorised and interrogated by the Gestapo in Warsaw but freed by the Resistance. Making his way to the Resistance group in Gdansk he was determined to continue to do his bit. I would have loved to have discovered a bit about his background and family as there wasn’t anything mentioned about that at all. He disappears for periods of the book and again it would have been brilliant to read about what his missions entailed. Yes, there were a few very brief pages detailing a significant event that occurred for him towards the last quarter of the book but again not enough detail was given. The same could be said for the epilogue. The story ended then we had the epilogue and I felt it didn’t feel in the blanks enough.

Overall, throughout I just had the feeling of needing more regarding several aspects. I did enjoy the mentions of characters from previous books and I found myself seeking them out.The feelings that develop between Kasia and Felek although they need to be kept hidden for fear of what Sebastian would do if he found out did feel real. They trusted one another and as they were part of a bigger group working towards one common goal they shared common goals and viewpoints. In a way they were kindred spirits whom I wished the war had not affected their lives so that they could be together always. Instead, daily Kasia and Felek navigate a world where danger lurks around every corner and there are hard times for all the characters involved.

The Wartime Chocolate Maker was a slow burner of a book that takes some time to get going and when it does it is only for a short time. This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me as I felt it was more of an observation of the period rather than a real, solid specific plot that the reader could get their teeth into. Yes, for the most part the details of the time and what the people were going through was present but I felt it needed more. There was a lot covered but I felt it flitted between characters too much and that events were mentioned and swiftly dealt with but they needed more exploration and development. This is not a bad book by any means but it just wouldn’t be my favourite from this author and the chocolate aspect in my mind was under utilised as there was so much potential there. Overall, an interesting and somewhat enjoyable read but not the best in the historical fiction genre that I have read so far this year.

This is my favourite genre of book, and I knew from reading some of Gosia's previous work that I would be in for a treat. It felt like a refreshing change to read a book set in Gdansk, rather than the more written about Warsaw or Krakow. The Wartime Chocolate Maker is a dual POV story, and I liked reading both Kasia and Feleks stories.

I also enjoyed the descriptions of chocolate, which I could almost taste as I was reading.

Whilst this was a enjoyable story overall, I did find there was a little something missing for me personally. I didn't get that sense of danger that I've become accustomed to within this genre. However, I think it was an engaging storyline which showed some of the dangers of living under Nazi occupation.

World War II rages on across Europe, and so many people live in harms way. Kasia works in her father’s chocolate factory. She risks her life every time she hides notes in the boxes filled with the amazing chocolates. The notes help the Polish resistance. Kasia knows the risk she is taking with every box of chocolates that is delivered.

When her network is compromised, she hides in plain sight, working on the chocolate factory’s floor. She continues her mission for the resistance, and she worries for the safety of not just herself but also her mother and brother.

The Wartime Chocolate Maker, written by author Gosia Nealon, is a wonderful story of hope and heartbreak. I was completely heartbroken, and as the tears ran down my face, I was speechless. This story really came to life, and not only had me reaching for the Kleenex, but I had to have some chocolate. Nealon is a masterful storyteller.

This book is a definite must-read for all historical fiction fans. This author reels you in from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until the last page is read. I highly recommend this fantastic book.

June 1943, Gdansk. Katharina Hartmann returns home after her father's death to take her place in the chocolate factory he owned. Now, under the Nazis, ownership is shared with her father's German business partner, Sebastian Richter who leaves her alternately cold and fearful of him and strongly attracted to and fascinated by him.

Kasia, as she's known, has hidden her involvement with the Polish Resistance both in Gdansk and in Warsaw; using the chocolate factory's chocolate deliveries to the Germans as a cover. Now, with Sebastian at the helm, dare she continue?

What is she to make of Felek, of the Polish Resistance who seems to fancy her? Why does she feel safe and secure with him while it's Sebastian she loves? Or fears?

How is she to reconcile herself with further evidence of her father's pro- Nazi involvement, while her Polish mother continues to idolize her husband? Gosia Nealon weaves all these disparate threads into a cohesive whole in this not so clean fictional tale.

I was given an ARC, but my opinions are my own. I'd actually rate it 3.5, but that's not possible..

Oh my goodness what a wonderful book it had everything romance, intrigue and tension.

Kasia has returned to work in her Father’s chocolate factory with his business partner. Her Father has recently died and she came back to support her Mother and brother. Sebastian who owns the factory jointly with Kasia family supports is hiding something he is in love with Kasia. Kasia helped Felek a Polish resistance in escaping and she keeps meeting him.

I found it very interesting to read about how the Polish people were with the Germans and the intrigue that went on you wondered how they coped with the Germans. The characters were very strong and worked well together. It was sad in places and had enjoyable in other bits of the book.

Certainly would recommend this book.

THE WARTIME CHOCOLATE MAKER, by Gosia Nealon, is a captivating historical novel that unfolds in German-occupied Poland during WWII. It immerses us in Kasia's world, a part of the underground resistance movement, as she navigates life at her family's chocolate factory in Gdańsk.

This is a compelling narrative that unfolds like an unpredictable thriller. It skillfully blends historical accuracy with vivid character dynamics. The plot is a rollercoaster of unforeseen turns, keeping the reader on the edge, wondering about the fate of Kasia, Felek, and the other characters. While the ending may feel rushed, it does not detract from the overall experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all historical fiction enthusiasts!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. This book is my Gosia Nealon's first, but not my last!

I couldn't put it down!

The Wartime Chocolate Maker captivated me from the very first words. The pain and suffering that was endured and survived are heart-wrenching. This is a story of family, faith, and friends who, with one another, can overcome the hardest of times. The author makes you feel so many emotions and paints vivid pictures in your mind's eye that you can't contain the tears of heartache and of joy. This is an absolute must read!

☕Review: The Wartime Chocolate Maker

🧁Rating: 5 Stars!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💗Praise: Bravo! The story brought to life actually events that did happen during World War II! The bravery and strength it took for these men and women to get through each day and each moment during a horrible time took a lot of heart and strength! Kasia the main character truly embodies strength and heart!

🍵Helping the resistance through her father's chocolate factory is a riveting and heart pounding story! She is truly a messenger dove in a time of woes and uncertainty.

💌 There was a touch of a love story! Something that made me see more beats in the heart of this book! Hope is the veins of this book and perseverance is the essence of the heartbeat!

🌹Characters: All the main characters and the side characters intrigued me and made me think once or twice about what would happen next! They all truly embodied what it meant to survive World War 2! Coming together or working alone at times was required. But in the end no one was ever really alone. Uniting during a takeover was the ultimate strength! The characters truly, definitely, and irrevocably embodied these qualities in moments in the story.

🍰Extra/Tropes: The author has a true gift weaving together a tale based on a horrible time in life but that created strong and hopeful people! The author is magic! I definitely want more books in the future from her!


🍪Historical
🍪Touch of Romance
🍪Heart pounding
🍪World War 2
🍪Emotional

How can something so delectable posses something so deadly.
I love the creativity of hiding Polish resistance messages in chocolatier boxes,
The fake relationship was hard to read about but what sweetened the pot was knowing someone else loved Kasia.
It’s an interesting read that deals with intrigue, history, and danger rolled up in chocolate.

I haven't read a historical fiction in a while and so it was good to be reading historical fiction once again. The Wartime Chocolate Maker is a historical fiction, based during WWII the time when Germans were occupying Poland in 1943 and the work of the Polish resistance movement.

Kasia is half-German half Polish. When her father died, Kasia inherited his chocolate making factory. She has to work alongside Sebastien who was actually her father's trusted aide and who harbors feelings towards Kasia. But Kasia is interested in Felek, who is involved in the Polish Resistance Movement and through him, Kasia gets involved in the resistance movement as well. The story is about Kasia''s romance with Felek and Felek's sacrifice to resist against the German occupation in Poland.

This was a very moving story. I do like the small romance that brewed between Kasia and Felek in the story. And as someone in the reviews mentioned, there might be some inconsistencies with the actual account of what happened in real. For example, no one knew the existence of Auschwitz until the Soviets liberated the camp in January 1945 and so the prisoners mentioning about Auschwitz was a bit inaccurate. And even though Kasia maybe half German, I read that even Polish people struggled to live comfortably during the Nazi occupation in Poland. The title of the book is Chocolate Maker and I thought I missed some point about Chocolate in the story. I am not sure if this was based on a real life account or maybe fictional although I would have more enjoyed the book if this was based on a true story.

This was a great historical read and the writing was great but could have done some more research so would have made the whole story realistic. Overall 4 stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Set in Poland during ww2, The Wartime Chocolate Maker is an amazing story about a young girl who’s half German half polish and her bravery as she joins the polish resistance. I loved Nealon’s writing stlye, it’s very descriptive and flows through the book. I enjoyed reading about the chocolate factory and found it interesting to read about its role in the resistance. We get to see the characters grow in their strength and bravery and love for their county, doing whatever it takes to protect it from the Germans.
The reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because I found the ending to be unrealistic, it was too perfect. Apart from that I throughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

It has been quite some time since I read a WWII historical fiction novel, due to the devastating feelings I experienced while watching the movie Schindler‘s List, but The Wartime Chocolate Maker was the perfect book to bring me back to the genre. This sensitive read highlights the well-known fact that during World War II, Jews were taken to camps either for imprisonment or extermination. So reading this latest book by Gosia Nealon had an impact on me from the very beginning.

Kasia was from two worlds, born to both Polish and Jewish parents. For her protection, she was sent to live with her aunt. But now, Kasia is forced to work at her own father‘s chocolate factory ostensibly to portray her support for the Third Reich. As difficult as this is for Kasia, being in her father‘s factory, with him now deceased, has her torn when it comes to how she felt about him.

Kasia is not just going along with her forced employment, she is also involved with the Polish Resistance and is helping as many Jews as possible. One strong feeling that came from reading this book was how many dealt with the difficulties of having the will to live due to the brutal treatment they endured. All the while, Kasia struggles to protect her younger brother and her mother, even though it seems that someone is using her brother to get information to her. Walking on a tight rope has become Kasia’s life. She continues to struggle for optimism and deals with confusing emotional feelings. This touching story was a very good read and will be with me for a long time.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Couldn't put this book down. Was absolutely hooked the whole way through. Sobbed so much as well! Fab book

Kasia was raised working with her father in the family chocolate factory in Poland. She ran away from home when he wanted her to marry his partner at the chocolate factory towards the start of WWII. After he passed away she returned home to work in the factory with Sebastian, who is her family's protector but she's not sure if she can trust him. She's working with the Polish resistance to smuggle information through the chocolates.

I enjoyed this historical fiction story which took place in Poland. This was an intriguing story about working for the resistance, and dealing with having to pretend who you are to get along in a difficult political climate. It also dealt with the aftermath of WWII in Poland and going from being occupied by Germans to being liberated and having to deal with the communist regime and still not having much freedom.

Thanks @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

The Wartime Chocolate Maker reflects just how powerful love, compassion and courage can be in horrific circumstances. The array of characters were the highlight of this story - their strength, resilience, loyalty, bravery and determination to survive really shines through the pages.

I felt fully transported to Gdansk whilst reading this book. The author beautifully describes the Polish culture, the food, the history and the city architecture.
Do read the author’s notes and acknowledgements at the end for a little insight into the history of chocolate in Gdansk and also her inspiration for this novel.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher, Bookouture. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed reading this book by Gosia Nealon.Kasia has come home to look after her mother and younger brother when her father dies.Kasia is working for the Polish Resistance but can speak fluent German.She has come back to help run her fathers Chocolate factory run by Sebastian who became a partner in the factory while she was away.Kasia has always had feelings for Sebastian buy can she trust him now.Kasia helps with the delivery of the chocolates to the Germans but also hides messages in the bottom of the boxes to pass to the resistance.While she be able to trust Sebastian ,who can tell.Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture.