When Peace by Chocolate was first released in 2020, we called it an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the power of community. Six years later, Peace by Chocolate: Revised and Expanded Second Edition proves that the Hadhad family’s remarkable journey did not end with the final page of the original book—it has continued to grow in ways that reflect both the family’s entrepreneurial spirit and Canada’s ongoing conversation about immigration, belonging, and kindness.
Author Jon Tattrie revisits the extraordinary story of Isam Hadhad, who built one of Syria’s most successful chocolate companies before civil war destroyed everything his family had worked for. Forced to flee Damascus, the Hadhads eventually found refuge in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, where they rebuilt their lives—and their chocolate business—from a small workshop into an internationally recognized Canadian success story. While readers familiar with the first edition will recognize the central narrative, this expanded edition adds valuable perspective, new context, and updates that make the book feel fresh rather than simply reissued.
One of the strengths of the revised edition is its new foreword by Tareq Hadhad, founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate. Looking back nearly a decade after arriving in Canada, Tareq reflects on how the family’s original dream was simply to find peace, only to discover that welcoming neighbours, loyal customers, and a supportive community allowed them to build something much larger than a successful business. His heartfelt message reinforces the book’s central theme—that peace is built through everyday acts of generosity, inclusion, and shared purpose.
Tattrie remains an engaging storyteller, weaving together history, biography, food culture, and business into a compelling narrative. The revised edition continues to balance the heartbreaking realities of war with the optimism that defines the Hadhad family. Rather than dwelling solely on tragedy, the book celebrates perseverance, entrepreneurship, and the importance of giving back—values that have become synonymous with the Peace by Chocolate brand.
The expanded edition also benefits from the passage of time. Readers can better appreciate how a family that once operated out of a small shed in Nova Scotia has become a symbol of successful refugee resettlement and Canadian generosity. Their story feels even more relevant today as communities across the country continue to welcome newcomers seeking safety and opportunity.
For those who read the original edition, this revised version is well worth revisiting. The additional reflections and updated material deepen an already moving story without losing the warmth that made the first edition such a favourite. For new readers, it remains one of the most inspiring Canadian stories published in recent years, reminding us that resilience often begins with family, flourishes through community, and sometimes arrives wrapped in chocolate.
Our review of the first edition praised the book for reminding us that “even against enormous odds, remarkable things can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance.” Those words remain true today, but the expanded edition demonstrates that the story continues to evolve. Like the Hadhad family’s business itself, Peace by Chocolate has grown while staying true to its heart.
Since we’re talking about chocolate, we thought you’d like to try the Creamy No Bake Chocolate Dessert in our Recipe section. After you’ve made the basic recipe, choose some of the options to make different desserts. You can also indulge in the Hadhad’s Chocolate Wrap recipe at Chocolate wrap with Strawberries, Hazelnuts, and Caramel – Canadian Cookbooks
The revised and expanded edition will be celebrated at several launch events this fall. In Nova Scotia, the book launch and Peace by Chocolate’s 10th Anniversary Celebration takes place at the Halifax Public Library on Monday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a launch event at the Antigonish Heritage Museum on Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. New Brunswick readers can meet author Jon Tattrie during a reading series at Sunbury Shores in St. Andrews on Friday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. These events offer an ideal opportunity to celebrate not only a remarkable book, but also one of Canada’s most uplifting success stories.
Contents and images used with permission by Goose Lane Editions. Peace by Chocolate (New, Expanded Edition) – Goose Lane Editions