Julia's Chocolates

I guess I'm the odd one. Most readers really liked this book-many gave it 5 stars. I would give it 0 stars if possible. The writing was confusing, silly and distasteful. Could not read past 2 chapters. Threw it out in the trash.

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. (*)>

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.

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.

Julia's Chocolates is a definite page turner--full of emotion, humor and courage. I found it hard to put the book down. It's about an abused woman running away from her psycho fiancé on her wedding day and her journey in finding her own self-worth, thanks to the loving support of her eccentric Aunt Lydia and unique women friends in Golden, OR. If you like The Secret Life of Bees and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, you love Julia's Chocolates.

If you enjoy your chick lit a little more serious, then this is the book for you. I found this book hard to put down once I started. The characters are well developed and, best of all, there is a complete plot! I thought this book would appeal to readers who enjoy Jodi Picoult and Wally Lamb. It is a very emotional book written with humor and grace. I don't want to give away the plot, but basically a troubled and abused woman overcomes her abused past and triumphs over tragedy. You have to read it.