Mondays Book Talk - Julia's Chocolates

Written by Victoria Libby

Julia’s Chocolates by Cathy Lamb 

I finished reading Julia's Chocolates by Cathy Lamb last night. It's been one of the best reads in awhile, especially for finding a book at the Doctors office, book exchange table. You don't find something you really like, a lot, on a freebie table. But then again this was a perfect place to find such a book. Julia's Chocolates is a book of healing, facing fears, growing, learning and developing wonderful friendships. 

I found I really connected with people, especially Julia and Aunt Lydia. I recognise pieces of myself in them. It felt like they could be my neighbors/friends. This is the story of Julia and her struggle of being raised by a mother who was abusive mentally/emotionally and let her low life boyfriends physically abuse Julia. There were other people along Julia’s childhood path that did their best to give help/support, which really helped in the end. 

As an adult (34) and working in an art gallery, Julia has become involved in a very abusive relationship with Robert, a spoilt rich kid. When one has no self-esteem and all one has known is mistreatment it's very easy for Julia to believe that's all she deserves.

Julia summons courage and leaves Robert at the altar, driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Golden, Oregon, leaving the wedding dress hanging on a tree in Dakota. At her Aunt Lydia's she starts to heal. She finds solace in helping with farm chores and making friends with three other struggling women at Aunt Lydia’s Psychic Night, discussing such topics as Breast Empowerment. The group would share food, wine and a special brownie or two along with the evening of self-esteem building and psychic readings, given by Caroline at the end of their gathering.

Along her journey, Julia takes a paper route and a children's reading hour at the local library to earn money in supporting herself. She also begins making her chocolates and chocolate desserts, and is able to start selling at the local fair which turns into a new found business. Julia meets a new love interest which helps her learn and appreciate a true and real love relationship. She learns to trust and believe. Aunt Lydia goes through breast cancer and Robert comes after Julia, using harassing mail before finally showing up in person and is arrested but I am not going to ruin the ending! 

It is a story of love, laughter and pulling together of true and real friends. Being able to look at things from an adult’s eyes but finding the humor of a child. Rediscovering the simple joys and what truly means the most in life. To find oneself and face one's fears in spite of the obstacles that are put on the path along the way. A read I truly enjoyed.