The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris

The Lollipop Shoes
By Joanne Harris
(Doubleday €??)

CHOCOLAT author Harris has returned to her witchy heroine Vianne and daughter Anouk to tell much the same story, but from the bad girl's angle.

The bold strap in the lollipop shoes - red and glossy - is Zozie de l'Alba, a con woman who sees great potential for profit in the chocolate shop Vianne's now running in Montmartre.

Vianne has settled for a regular life, with Anouk in school and an engagement in prospect to a nice, wealthy man.

Zozie insinuates herself into the shop with 'glamours' and 'caltrips', spells and signs. The standoffish locals start visiting and becoming friends.

And Zozie draws Anouk away from her mother, teaching her spells to deal with nasty schoolmates and unfulfilled desires.

Everything isn't sweet. Vianne has another child, Rosette, who was born with cri du chat syndrome - and her disability is a problem for wealthy Thierry.

Chocolat fans will know that it'll all be sorted out satisfactorily, with a feast, two lovers and change.

As sweet and tempting as a box of dark-chocolate-coated almonds, The Lollipop Shoes is a book to nibble through in one long feast.