We love uncovering the unique quirks and passions of our authors! Sometimes what we find is surprising, other times are not so surprising…like talking about chocolate with the author of Finding Emma, Steena Holmes. If you’ve ever visited her blog, Steena’s passion for chocolate is apparent as you’re greeted with a quote declaring, “In the end, all things succumb…to the passions of your heart and to the temptation of chocolate.”

For a little Valentine’s Day inspiration, check out the interview we did with “The Queen of Chocolate” herself as we asked her a few questions about her favorite thing.

BookSparksPR: When did you discover your passion for chocolate?

Steena: I don’t remember a time I ‘didn’t’ love chocolate! I remember as an early teen, sitting in the car with my mom as she taught me the proper way to eat an O’Henry bar…but even before then, I was always baking cakes, brownies, cookies…chocolate has always been a part of my life.

BookSparksPR: Do you have any chocolate blogs you follow? Which ones?

Steena: I can’t follow chocolate blogs…if I did, I’d never get any writing done! I do follow some chocolate shops on Facebook–there’s one in the UK that I love. And I spend time on Pinterest following chocolate lovers…it’s usually the first thing I search for too. Which reminds me…I haven’t done that for a few days now…

BookSparksPR: What is your favorite chocolate recipe?

Steena: Favorite recipe? This is a hard one, because I’m always falling in love with a new chocolate recipe. My ‘go to’ is probably a cheat since I use a cake box…but it’s a moist Devil’s Food cake mix that I use apple sauce instead of oil. I bake it in a cheesecake pan and while it’s cooling, I dig two round circles into the pan (use the end of a wood spoon and only 1/8 deep) and pour some warmed up caramel sauce (I always add a bit of melted chocolate or hot fudge syrup and mix it well). Let it sit, sprinkle some powdered sugar over top and chocolate flakes…even add a dollop of whipped cream….yum! And now I know what I’m making for dessert tonight!

BookSparksPR: Hands down, what’s your favorite chocolate brand?

Steena: Hands down? Dove Milk Chocolate. No question. The way it melts in your mouth…it’s an experience all on its own.

BookSparksPR: Do you think you’ll ever write a book about chocolate?

Steena: My first book I ever wrote, Chocolate Reality, was about chocolate, if that counts.  But yes, I think I will. It’ll be a Chocolate Diary-type idea, something fun and light-hearted sprinkled with my favorite recipes and photos. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.