Chocolate: Roasting

and an excerpt from my book, "No Regrets"

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Roasted cocoa beans

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I hope you enjoy this first stage of my new series on Chocolate: Roasting. I have always wanted to make chocolate from start to finish, and now you can join me on my journey! The next installment of “Cocoa” will cover the preparation process from husking the beans through to turning it into something you can add to baked goods. The last installment will be a chocolate creation!

I have also included an excerpt from my book, “No Regrets,” which I like to describe as a book that is not about romance. However, romance does play a large part in the story, and I hope you enjoy this excerpt, which features the two main characters when they are young and just starting to get to know one another. You can find my book in full here as well as on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Audible.

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No Regrets

by Juliana Nicewarner (pages 27-32)

Of course, not long after Claire started work, Andy Kovak suddenly developed a keen and decidedly out-of-character interest in reading. Claire counted him coming into the store almost every day.

“You really like books, huh?” she asked one day as Andy walked through the door.

“Uh, yeah! Absolutely. Nothing like some nice pieces of paper between your hands to make you feel alive, right?”

Claire watched as he turned red. “What’s your favorite?”

Andy blinked. He stared at her and quickly shot his hand out to the left and grabbed a book. “This one!”

“Let me see.”

He kept his eyes on her face as he walked toward her. He hesitated and reached the book across the counter, looking away as he did.

“A Guide for Diabetics?” She looked at the skinny boy in front of her.

“Oh...well. Yes! It’s a very interesting book.”

“Is it?” Claire’s eyes carried the Irish light.

“Well maybe not my favorite, but it is very interesting.” He crossed his arms and lifted his nose a fraction.