“Peter’s book had to be a warts and all account. But additionally, Peter is also a patently honest person. This book surely contains an element of “seeing it my way”, but you will not doubt that you are reading an unglossed account of how Thorntons grew from one shop to a £100 million turnover business, in spite of deeply dysfunctional leadership.

This is the greatest insight you will get from the book: how a successful business formula can prosper even if it lacks coherent management. Of course, it wasn’t all “in spite of”; there was a huge element of “because of” too. As Peter makes clear, every Thornton involved in the business cared passionately about the company’s products and reputation, and laboured hard in pursuit of excellence. Without this commitment, the business would surely never have made it past the first 20 shops.

Peter’s book is also a great page-turner. Threaded between the installation of the latest chocolate enrober, inspecting the shops and quarrels about which Thornton is to run which part of the company, Peter turns from a shy youth into a serious Lothario whose exploits and setbacks add an intriguing dimension to the story.”

- Alistair Blair, Investors Chronicle

“As an ex-psychiatric nurse of ten years’ standing, I have come to understand the sorts of pressures in everyday life that can cause problems, and how we all cope differently with these stresses. In the cut-throat world of business, there are many casualties – especially the more gentle souls for whom the rigorous and competitive demands of management can be very personally destructive. And not just individuals, but whole families too, where personal relationships become hopelessly entwined with the business, ultimately causing much damage. This book will give you a great insight into these issues.

This book is more than all this though. It reads like an absorbing novel but it is a real life drama. So, put your feet up and stuff as much Thorntons in as you can while reading it. Your enjoyment can only be heightened by doing as I suggest. Myriad pleasures await you as Peter Thornton takes you inside his family’s business. Enjoy!”

– Jo Brand, London, September 2009

– Deborah Collier, UK

“If you own or run a family business Thorntons – My Life in the Family Business is a must read. Peter Thornton very candidly shares his experiences, trials and tribulations while working in the famous family chocolate business. How can such a dysfunctional family build such a big business? Read this warts and all tale and find out. I loved it!”

– L. Collins, Bristol, UK, via Amazon.co.uk

“This book should be high up on your wish list!

The story covers the extraordinary rise of a new business with all the inherent excitement. As the business continues to grow and thrive, the management has to answer the age old conundrum – how far do we grow and how are we to control the beast?

The prose is always interesting as the management buoyed by initial growth, stutter from success to crisis, sometimes at the same time. The description of the implosion of the business, despite being given an identified escape route, is dramatic and heartfelt.

The story is more than interesting enough in itself, but Peter Thornton not only succeeds in describing on that level, but also in bringing to life the personal dramas involved – he clearly cared deeply about his staff, but is not so precious as to omit his own failings as he grows up in the tinder box environment of the company boardroom.

The book manages to combine the intricacies of commerce with the hopes, successes and disappointments of life in a page-turning way – no small feat. You may even want to read it a second time!”

– Tony, December 2009, via Amazon.co.uk

“This marvellously entertaining book defies all categorisation, being an autobiography, a local history, an in-depth look at one of this country’s major manufacturing success stories and a warts-and-all profile of a family mired in its own personality clashes. Actually, it’s more than the sum of its parts and will appeal to readers for different reasons. Those looking for a kiss-and-tell story of boardroom shenanigans will find a drama here to rival that of ‘Dallas’ and ‘Dynasty’ while those with an interest in the social and commercial development of Sheffield and Derbyshire will drool over the vintage photographs and nostalgic detail.

Additionally, those whose major interest is linked to their sweet tooth will find all sorts of fascinating background detail about the production of everything from Rum Truffles to the famous Thornton’s Continental Assortment. Peopled with an array of memorable characters, this book reads like a high-powered novel and yet every word in it is true.

I was particularly captivated by the author’s account of his boyhood and early military service, none of which prepared him for the ups-and-downs of adult life. It’s all here – the relationships, the conflicts and, yes, the resolutions. There is much in this book from which the rest of us can learn. Unlike a conventional business study, Mr Thornton’s writing style is a blend of anecdote and sharp comment. It is highly recommended.”

– Dave, November 2009, via Amazon.co.uk