The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris

This sequel to 'Chocolat' was published in the USA with the title 'The Girl with No Shadow'

It does not actually matter if you have not read 'Chocolat' as this novel stands alone ok, but I do think you are missing out as I personally feel  'Chocolat' is better than this sequel and you are also missing out on having got to know the characters of Vianne and Anouk already. 

'Chocolat' made it into a top ten titles of the decade that I wrote about on this blog. Lovereading Books of the Decade. Also see my review here Now you know that I recommend you read 'Chocolat' first on with what happens in the sequel!

Life has moved on a few years and Vianne and her daughters are now living in Paris using different names to protect themselves from the past.  Narrated in the voices of the three main protagonists, Vianne, Anouk and Zozie the stranger that infiltrates herself into their lives with evil intentions. They tell a dark anxiety driven story that although it ends well is full of magic, worries and fear.  The magic content is a much stronger presence this time although when the novel starts we find that Vianne Rocher now known as Yanne Charbonneau has all but given up her special skills as she no longer trusts herself. Her daughter Anouk, or Annie as she is now known finds her mother a much changed person and it is for that reason that she so easily becomes attached to the flamboyant and magical Zozie.

If you do not mind books that are full of occult and you want a story that has some mystery and intrigue, along with mouth watering descriptions of chocolates then this is definitely worth reading.

I have read and enjoyed all, I think of Joanne Harris's novels up to and including Gentleman and Players.  I will now be on the look out for her most recently published novels.

Runemarks - 2007 - About the book

blueeyedboy - 2010 - About the book

If you want to learn more about 'The Lollipop Shoes' you can do so here on Joanne Harris's Official Website

This interview with Joanne Harris is also worth listening to, it will only take a minute of your time and give you further insight into her as an author.