| | |  | Cook Books | Home » » Julia's Chocolates | | | | | | | Description: | | From the moment Julia Bennett leaves her abusive Boston fiance at the altar and her ugly wedding dress hanging from a tree in South Dakota, she knows she's driving away from the old Julia, but what she's driving toward is as messy and undefined as her own wounded soul. The old Julia dug her way out of a tortured, trailer park childhood with a monster of a mother. The new Julia will be found at her Aunt Lydia's rambling, hundred-year-old farmhouse outside Golden, Oregon. There, among uppity chickens and toilet bowl planters, Julia is welcomed by an eccentric, warm, and often wise clan of women, including a psychic, a minister's unhappy wife, an abused mother of four, and Aunt Lydia herself - a woman who is as fierce and independent as they come. Meeting once a week for drinks and the baring of souls, it becomes clear that every woman holds secrets that keep her from happiness. But what will it take for them to brave becoming their true selves? For Julia, it's chocolate. All her life, baking has been her therapy and her refuge, a way to heal wounds and make friends. Nobody anywhere makes chocolates as good as Julia's, and now, chocolate just might change her life - and bring her love when she least expects it. But it can't keep her safe. As Julia gradually opens her heart to new life, new friendships, and a new man, the past is catching up to her. And this time, she will not be able to run but will have to face it head on. | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Cathy Lamb | | Paperback:
| 400 pages | | Publisher:
| Kensington | | Publication Date:
| May 01, 2007 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0758214626 | | Product Length:
| 8.28 inches | | Product Width:
| 7.98 inches | | Product Height:
| 1.08 inches | | Product Weight:
| 1.12 pounds | | Package Length:
| 8.0 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.4 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.4 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.75 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 112 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 112 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 74 found the following review helpful:
 An Exquisite DelightJul 11, 2007
By Gayla Collins
Usually chosing books on reviews, I was a bit apprehensive that I chose this book from the cover and inside blurb. Twenty pages in I was relieved to know I made a wise choice as Cathy Lamb's book is rich in character, plot and resolution.
Julia, abused her entire childhood, sickly chooses a cruel finance who continues the pattern with great zeal. The day of the wedding, in a moment of clarity, Julia realizes she is making a huge mistake. She escapes in her beat-up car from New England to Golden, Oregon to the comfort of her Aunt Lydia's farm, leaving her wedding dress dangling from a tree in North Dakota. At Aunt Lily's, Julia befriends 4 women who attend "Aunt Lydia's Psychic Nights" where each lady exposes her own set of disturbances. The friendships open Julia's injured mind to understanding no one deserves constant berating, constant hitting, constant chaos. But as she heals, her crazed fiance plots vicious revenge, and Julia knows a reckoning is coming.
I found this beautifully written because in the face of disturbing subject matter there was still uproarious humor, gentle moments, quirky, loveable characters and redemption. Written with a homespun prose, the book keeps you on a fragile edge, but doesn't leave you dangling for too long. A perfect balance makes this a must read for all that hide from truth or are in search of it.
Great first effort; I look forward to more books from this gifted author.
18 of 22 found the following review helpful:
tantalisingNov 04, 2007
By bhr
"birdwoman"
From the beginning of this story, chocolate is in the background. It represents security, peace, and self-confidence. It is a touchstone for the main character, Julia Bennett, a woman on the run from her past.
She had a crappy childhood and a pretty awful adult hood (so far). So, after running out on her abusive fiancee, she lightly packs her car (taking a few necessities, including some of her own chocolate) and heads for the home of her heart.
Julia's aunt Lydia is the hero of this story in many ways. She provides Julia the space comfort and energy Julia needs to grow. A cast of characters builds in Lydia's hometown of Golden, Oregon. They are all interesting (and there's a good number of GOOD male characters: a rarity in most chic-lit). But the coup de story is definitely Lydia. She goes around shouting things like "feel the female power in your breasts." Yet somehow, though I was almost embarrassed to read what she said, by the end, I could understand her message (though I don't know if I can ever love my body parts the way Lydia implores).
I adored the pacing of this story, the characters, the plot (which is, in many ways, graphically violent - reader be warned), and the "morals" of the story.
Scenes from this will occupy my thoughts for weeks. That is surely the hallmark of a wonderful book. Also, it features lots of orgasmic chocolate, which speaks to me.
Highly, highly recommended.
(*)>
14 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 Big DisappointmentJun 12, 2008
By Nancy C.
"napilinan"
This book was highly recommended to me by a friend. However, it seems my friend and I have entirely different tastes in books. I struggled through 100 plus pages, but didn't finish it due to boredom and a total lack of interest. The characters are unbelievable and cliche, and I cannot relate to women who sit around and celebrate their private body parts. It just isn't a realistic story.
14 of 17 found the following review helpful:
Deliciously ComplexSep 21, 2007
By Valerie Strilko
"gravehearted"
wow, I loved this book! Best thing I've read in ages.
The characters are well developed - highly quirky, funny and will without a doubt work their way into your heart. Although this is a story about friendship and courageous women, it is also a tale about facing your fears, having the courage to take risks and finding yourself. What a journey - I simply howled about the Psychic Nights, cheered at the victories and felt the fear they faced. I can not wait for Ms. Lamb's next book and have to admit that it was hard to see this book end.
There were many moments where I laughed and cried during this treasure.
22 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 UnderwhelmedJul 21, 2008
By Diane
"dianemax"
Julia Bennett is the central character in this book. She has lived with abuse all of her life with her alcoholic mother and her many boyfriends, and she is reliving it all over again with her fiancé Robert. Finally, one day after being abused she sees the light and decides to leave before her wedding and go to look for refuge with her Aunt Lydia, a woman who has tried to help her in the past.
In living with Lydia, Julia also gets to know a group of women who will help her find herself and heal her soul and her body in the process. Unfortunately, for me, a lot of these characters were just too out there in regards to the psychic nights and the ability to find strength in their private body parts! I mean, who does that?! It's fun to be quirky but this was just a little too bizarre and kind of killed the story for me.
Julia, of course manages to find love and her talent in the midst of some serious situations.
While this book is indeed filled with warmth and love, I just could not get into the characters lives, thankfully so I guess since most of them are dealing with some very serious issues. I wanted to like this book but in the end, I was just glad that it was over.
See all 112 customer reviews on Amazon.com
| | |
|
