Chocolate Beach

There's an elephant in the room which I need to address. If you took a look at the Publishers Weekly review, you know what I mean. Quite the coup for a first-time novelist from a Christian publishing house to receive such notice. Except for the part of the review that delivers some tough criticism. Here's probably the harshest line: "the series of misunderstandings that she [the protagonist] substitutes for actual problems give the novel a contrived feel" Don't get me wrong--I respect PW and know that their approval (which they end up giving Chocolate Beach in small doses) can mean a lot to the success of a novel. However, they are not infallible. In this instance, they got it wrong. Not totally. But still wrong. Yes, protagonist Brianna Stone does seem to have an ideal life. I thought it sounded about perfect and sort of smiled when she found her day at her beach home with her one son and lawyer husband so exhausting she needed to take a nap. But Bri's worries are not based on misunderstandings, as PW suggests. Nor does the one comment from her friend send her off doing drastic things to her lifestyle. Instead, a sequence of events, one after the other, expose a problem at her core--a problem she handles badly. All of these circumstances taken together work powerfully to teach Bri what change she really needs to make. Which is the way I see God so often working in my life. Strengths. There are many. For one, I agree with PW that Carobini's "descriptions of characters and events are often witty and engaging." The book was fun, humorous, yes, witty. Carobini also has such a strong, fresh voice and has the knack of making each of her characters unique and interesting. Bri, of course, is the strongest. She is a likable protagonist, convincing--someone I found myself caring for, worrying with. Her jaunty tone contrasted with several of the uptight women in her life, setting her apart in a positive way. The story is delightful--the unexpected and worrisome mixed with the humorous. Carobini sprinkles the story liberally with pop-culture allusions that add an interesting dimension. Plus, I found the events believable, especially as backstory was layered in. No, some of the deep hurts of Bri's past do not become the focus of the story, nor should they in a mom-lit story. What does happen is the realization of a new way to handle hurts. Which brings me to the theme of the story. * * * SPOILER ALERT * * * If I had to spell it out, I'd use lines straight from the book--not because Carobini preached, but because her character discovered what she needed to know: "Not that I don't believe there's power in transformation. Oh, I do, I do! I think, though, that it should start with the mind and the heart, not rumors and fears." It seems to me the PW reviewer missed this point in stating that the story was built upon misunderstandings. It was not. It was built on Bri's doubts and fears, all well established throughout the story, but not belabored. After al

As soon as I picked up this book, I felt whisked away to the sunny coast of California. Julie Carobini's debut novel will warm you to your toes with quirky dialogue and characters you want for your new best friends. Married for 14 years to a handsome, rising-star attorney, Brianna begins to suspect that her flip-flops and microwaved cuisine are no longer capturing the heart of her husband. He's starting to work longer hours and travel extensively, leaving Bri alone to raise their surfer-dude teenage son. Still deeply in love, Brianna sets out to reinvent herself. Readers who love extreme makeover TV will get a kick out of the interior design drama and Bri's new wardrobe and glamorous hairstyle. But will it work? Encouraged by her longtime friend, Gaby, Bri learns to trust God with the details. The rich enjoyment of chocolate bonds their friendship throughout, making Carobini's first book pure delight to read. --Christian Women Online Book Buzz

If you are looking for a light, breezy read, I highly recommend CHOCOLATE BEACH. Julie Carobini has created realistic characters which spriing to life in this story told told from the view of Bri Stone. I loved it and can't wait until her next book releases.

Bri Stone's blissful fourteen-year marriage to Mr. Incredibly Handsome Douglas has suddenly drifted into murky waters. Friends are dropping hints that Douglas is looking rather "too single" lately while zipping around Ventura in his new sports car. Bri longs to ignore her friends' concerns, but Douglas HAS been missing their dinner dates and keeping unusually long work hours at the law office. To further muddy the marital waters, Bri has found evidence that Douglas is shopping for a new home, without discussing the matter with her. Is Douglas becoming bored with Bri's carefree ways and with their beach-kitsch-deco oceanside home? When Bri is unable to confront Douglas about the state of their marriage, due to schedule conflicts and illness, she decides to polish her casual image and her beloved house to regain her husband's interest. As friends, relatives, and a new boss advise, patronize, and sympathize with her efforts, Bri frequently consoles herself by eating delectably described brownies on the beach--leaving this winter-bound reader happily soaking up the sunny descriptions, while being tempted to wake the family by baking brownies at midnight. Bri, where is the recipe? Author Julie Carobini's characters are lovingly described and the well-paced plot balances humor, lessons in faith, and some gently explored sorrows, making Chocolate Beach a delightful read. Enjoy!

Brianna is a beach loving tour guide who is also a happily married mother. She doesn't always see eye to eye with her mother in law, but being with her chocolate loving best friend Gaby makes up for that. Bri thinks she's been living a pretty good life and thinks that her husband would agree with her. But then she starts to worry about her husband being away constantly from his home because of his job, sees him with his young coworker, and finds an email about selling the house. Dealing with her new boss and with a friend who keeps putting her down starts to put a strain on Bri. She decides a complete change is needed and puts both the house and her own self in extreme makeover mode. However she realizes that if this is what is needed to keep her husband, she'll soon lose herself in the process. I really had a great time reading this book. Bri was such a great character to get to know, and she was very likable and you can easily relate to her. You can understand why she does what she does and why she felt like she had to change. I loved that she's a chocoholic and I enjoyed the bit about the chocolate class, the chocolate chili sounds really good. The setting of the book was great as I too am a beach lover. I could hear the ocean and see the sun reflecting off the sand as I read the book. Reading this book took me away from the yucky cold here and into the warm beach surroundings. I also was glad that while Bri's mother-in-law could be annoying and pushy at times, she wasn't evil. Other books have portrayed the daughter in law losing every single battle and never being good enough for her husband's mom. While Mona was difficult to please at times, she and Bri could stand to be in a room without killing each other. The Kate issue, however, I felt seemed a little forced at times and I felt she was really rude even though she eventually made up with Bri. Gaby would be such a great friend to have and I hope that there will be another book involving her story. This is Julie Carobini's first novel and I have definitely become a fan. Chocolate Beach in running for one of the best books of 2007 for me. (And I love that cover!) I'm looking forward towards her next book!