I am so glad I discovered this author last year. Her main protagonists are strong, independent women who know what they want with their lives and don't let the restrictions of their time period hold them back.
This one is set in England during & after the First World War and set in the world of chocolate. That right there will pull you in if nothing else. Who doesn't love chocolate? It is a tale about a young woman forced to marry, but who chooses someone that will give her the freedom she needs. It is not until a few years later that she discovers exactly what she gave up when she said yes.

I have been given an advanced reading copy

Predictable romance enhanced by the history - especially about the Rowntree family

This is a novel which surprised me to no end, mainly because before reading it I didn't think I'd enjoy the story that much, if not for it being work's book of the month I probably wouldn't have picked it up. The blurb didn't really excite me, and the prospect of reading another romance for work was borderline daunting. Despite this the mention of chocolate did spark my interest...how could it not!?

I was wrong. Very wrong.

The Chocolate Tin, though not perfect, made for a very entertaining read. I found it quite slow to start, and didn't get sucked into the story until about a third of the way through. Despite this, once I was hooked, I was well and truly hooked. McIntosh has really beautifully strung together the lives of these characters who all unique and rich in personality. Some less likable than others. Our protagonist, Alex, especially: to start, though wonderfully strong minded and modern, I found her whiny, almost to the point of annoyance until about halfway through the novel. Matthew on the other hand almost too charming, but otherwise rather likable. This is more a personal annoyance rather than a criticism, as for the story these two worked perfectly, especially after learning more about them. (You could say I was rather too quick to judge.)

Spoiler

Once the story had picked up, and more characters were introduced, I found it to be a much more enjoyable and even a rather exciting read! The main plot twist honestly left me rather shocked. Though I knew there was something not quite honest and good in Matthew's intentions for wanting to marry Alex, that was not was I was expecting. Yet after the reveal it couldn't be clearer as earlier hints popped back to mind. From the reveal onward I was intrigued to see how the story would play out. Having finished it now I can say that for me the ending was satisfying, though possibly a little to predictable once the drama had elapsed.

Fabulously plotted with both a heartbreaking and happy ending. McIntosh managed to write a romance which I thoroughly enjoyed (hard to do, I can assure you). I'm glad to have perceived with this one...it is definitely a read which has surprised me for the better!

I'm being generous - probably 2.5 stars. We seem to have a recurring theme with Fiona McIntosh of characters falling madly in love and making major live changing decisions after knowing each other 1 day! This had moments that I really loved but in the end was like a better written Mills & Boon!

The Chocolate Tin is, let's say, not my usual read. If I had to categorize it I would say it is a Historical/romantic/drama fiction. And I tend to lean away from such historically based novels, mostly because I have a very limited amount of tolerance for what I personally believe was a stifling era for women. But this novel exceeded my expectations. I was enchanted from the get go with Alex and her modern (for 1915) thoughts and actions. I immensely enjoyed following her journey and the battles she had to wage and win to accomplish her dream.

Don't really know how to feel about this one. I'd say a 2.5-3 stars. It was so corny and the twists and turns were all expected. But I found myself feeling for the characters and getting a teeny bit emotional towards the end.