| | |  | Knives | 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. | | | Features: | |
• ISBN13: 9780758214621
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
| | | 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:
| 0.85 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 109 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 109 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 71 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.
16 of 19 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.
(*)>
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Julia's ChocolatesSep 05, 2008
By Johnnie R. Gilliland
This book was a total waste of money. It is not well written, and the story line so boring I couldn't finish this book. I gave it 90 pages and then gave up. If you read at a college level and love good writing pass this one up for something more stimulating and believable.
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.
24 of 31 found the following review helpful:
Trite and so unrealisticDec 21, 2007
By kittykat
"kdeloian"
When I bought this book, it had nothing but 5-star reviews, so I was really looking forward to it. I was so disappointed. This book is one of those highly oversimplified, sappy, fairy tale type books where the main character comes from hardships, changes her physical location, and her enitre life changes. Everyone sees her worth the instant they meet her and love her immediately, everyone she cares about is the most exceptionally gifted person at whatever they do. Nobody judges superficially as they used to, and the main character now suddenly has the power and fortitude to stand up to all wrongs and give so many gifts to the world.
I honestly just found the writing ludicrous and the storyline laughable. If you are looking for a story with some substance or realism, skip this one. If you just want some immature girly fluff, this is the book for you.
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