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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Cathy Lamb's JULIA’S CHOCOLATES.
Caroline from Atascocita, TX
What authors do you read?
Anne Rice, J .K. Rowling and Michael Crichton.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
Thank you for allowing me to read the book and comment.
This was an often witty and fun story dealing with harsh realities of human life, helping others, and overcoming one’s past.
JULIA’S CHOCOLATES is filled with love and tolerance for imperfection. It is an inspiring and clever book reminding one to look at the brighter side and persevere.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Absolutely.
Diane from Hernando, MS
What authors do you read?
This is a tough question! I read everything --- from fiction and nonfiction, to cereal boxes. Whatever book I am currently devouring is my favorite. I love to talk books and recommend them to friends and patrons. Cathy Lamb listed some of her favorites in her author interview, and many of them would be my top choices also! The ones I haven’t read, I have put on my long-to-read list!
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
This was a fun read, [but it also addressed some very serious issues]. The characters were real people facing real problems. I would love to have some of them as real friends! Who could resist Stash? And doesn’t everyone need a bossy, supportive, always-there-for-you Aunt Lydia? The story moved well, and kept me turning the pages to see how it would all be resolved. I particularly liked the way Cathy Lamb took the time to wrap up all the storylines and end happily. Life is messy enough, and reading is an escape; we all want happy endings for ourselves. We all need a little chocolate in our lives! Psychic nights were bizarre and wacky: booksellers and librarians, will need to be careful when recommending this book.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Absolutely! She has a fresh voice and wonderfully quirky characters. She writes frankly and warmly of women, our problems, friendships, hopes and dreams.
Josie from Mystic, CT
What authors do you read?
I have very eclectic reading tastes. I have read such authors as Jodi Picoult, Anita Diamant, Isabel Allende, Elizabeth Berg, Sue Monk Kidd, and many mystery and romance writers: Sara Paretsky, Sue Grafton, Dick Francis, Robert Ludlum, and Janet Evanovich, to name a few.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
I have just finished reading JULIA'S CHOCOLATES, and I enjoyed the book very much. I liked how Cathy Lamb combined serious social issues with humor. One couldn't help but love many of her characters, who were --- for the most part --- believable, even those with quirky natures. The change in Ms. Cutter, the librarian, was extreme though, especially over such a short amount of time. The contrasts of the humorous events at the "Psychic Nights" paralleling the unfolding of the traumatic events in Julia's life really grabs the reader, although I do think the first two "Psychic Nights" delved further into breasts and vaginas than some might think necessary.
The book did leave me wondering, though, how Julia got so seriously involved with Robert in the first place. The reader never gets the sense that he was ever anything but mean, though you feel he must have done something at the beginning of the relationship to endear himself to Julia, to the point that she would stay with him through the abuse. She was an intelligent, self-sufficient woman. Thinking no one else would have her is not enough of a reason to enter a long-term relationship if he was abusive from the start.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Ms. Lamb's writing style flowed nicely, making reading a book about abuse --- a difficult topic --- easy to read. I would definitely read other books by Cathy Lamb.
Judith from New Lenox, IL
What authors do you read?
I like many different authors. Here are just a few: Billie Letts, Fannie Flagg, P. J. Tracy, Tami Hoag, Mitch Albom, and I just read a book by Linda Nichols that I loved. There are many, many more.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
I really liked this book. I felt the author did a wonderful job of making her characters come alive. The abuse of both adults and children is a sad and very real fact. I could feel their pain, as well as Julia's helplessness. My only complaint was with the character of Aunt Lydia and her Psychic Nights. I really felt that this took away from the issue and theme of the story, and it cheapened it in some ways.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
I probably would.
Lindsey from Oak Island, NC
What authors do you read?
Other authors I read are Jodi Picoult, Chris Bohjalian, Harlan Coben, Carl Hiaasen, Adriana Trigiani, Alexander McCall Smith, Debbie Macomber, Janet Evanovich, Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, Anita Shreve, Elinor Lipman and Marian Keyes.
What did you think of JULIA'S CHOCOLATES?
I liked the book, although it was a bit depressing at first, especially the way Julia "beat herself up" all the time. I loved the interaction of the female friends and how they helped each other. I was in an abusive marriage for 7 years, so I could understand why she stayed with Robert so long even though they weren't married. I loved Aunt Lydia. I think that if the social services department of that town are typical, we have a lot of reforming to do to protect innocent children.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
I would read another book by Cathy Lamb. Thank you for sending me JULIA'S CHOCOLATES to read.
Mary from Morgantown, WV
What authors do you read?
I have a few favorites that I read: Jane Green, Alexander McCall Smith, Sophie Kinsella, Robert Jordan, and any who catch my eye.
What did you think of JULIA'S CHOCOLATES?
It started a bit slowly for me in the beginning, but once I got to know the characters, I just couldn't put it down. It's amazing how we all have secrets that we want to hide. This book is the coming-of-age story of Julia and this group of women she meets. They each have a special talent that helps them find their inner strengths.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes, I would.
Mya from Concord, CA
What authors do you read?
I read an extremely wide range of books. By quantity, it's mostly mysteries and romances, but I also read a variety of general fiction and nonfiction. In the last 6 months, I have read books by Suzanne Brockmann, Robyn Carr, Jennifer Crusie, Dick Francis, Elizabeth George, Daniel Gilbert, J. A. Jance, Guy Gavriel Kay, China Mieville, Christopher Moore, Pamela Morsi, Donald A. Norman, Naomi Novik, Robert B. Parker, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Phillip Pullman, Jenn Reese, Curtis Sittenfeld and Miriam Toews.
What did you think of JULIA'S CHOCOLATES?
JULIA'S CHOCOLATES is "chick lit." It's a tricky genre, as there are a limited number of storylines. The plot for JULIA'S CHOCOLATES has been well used (escaping from an abusive relationship, creating a chosen family, and the use of chocolate/cooking as a path to rebuild the protagonist's life), but Lamb does a good job with it. Because it's a common plot, many of the details, including the specifics of the happy ending, were quite predictable, but I still enjoyed reading the story to get there. The book was entertaining enough that I read it in only two or three sittings. This is due, in large part, to Lamb's appealing characters. It would have been nice if she hadn't felt it necessary for *every* character to be quite so quirky and good-hearted, but they were fun to get to know, and I will enjoy thinking about them in the future. Lamb also captures some nice
observations about people and how they perceive and handle problems in their life.
Some quotes that caught my attention:
"I nodded a little bit, patted her shoulder. This whole thing didn't make sense to me, either, but friends go along even when there's no sense involved." - Chapter 10
"When you're sad or depressed, you might as well get something done... Pretty soon, you're not sad or depressed, and darned if things aren't done." - Chapter 6
"If I could jump into the sunrise I'm sure all my problems would be solved. I thought about this while I watched the sun peek above the row of blue mountains in the distance. The sun was the color of egg yolks, the pinks and oranges around it like cotton candy and squished oranges. Part of me knows that I am losing my mind, but I am proud in a weird sort of way that I can lose it while still appreciating nature's beauty." - Chapter 4
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes. She has a distinct enough voice that I'm curious to see what she tackles next.
Thank you for a chance to read an entertaining book. I hope JULIA'S CHOCOLATES does well for Ms. Lamb.
Pat from Marion, SC
What authors do you read?
I read a wide range of authors, but enjoy chick lit, mysteries/thrillers, and Southern fiction.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
Initially, I was thinking that this book reminded me too much of THE DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA YA SISTERHOOD and other Southern fiction books with quirky female characters and clubs groups in the plot; but reading further into the book distinguished the characters, and the storylines. I found myself laughing aloud, crying, and caring about the characters. This was a great read!
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
I would definitely read other books by Cathy Lamb, and look forward to her new novella and book to be published.
Thanks for the opportunity to enjoy this new author.
Rhonda from Fairview, UT
What authors do you read?
I love Nora Roberts, J. D. Robb, Mary Higgins Clark, Carol Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, Sherrilyn Kenyon, J. K. Rowling, Louis L'Amour, J. T. Edson, and many more. I love books.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
I really enjoyed reading JULIA'S CHOCOLATES, but there was too much talk about penis. However, overall, the book made me hungry for good chocolate. It also made me appreciate my good childhood, as well as hope that I am a parent like Katie.
I know a lot of bad things happen to children; I hope if I see something like Julia did, I will act and care about those children.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
I would love to read more of her books. I appreciate that you let me read this one. Thanks.
Rose from Eugene, OR
What authors do you read?
Joanna Trollope, Elizabeth Berg, Elizabeth Buchman, Lolly Winston, Anita Shreve, Nancy Thayer, Sharon Owens, Marcia Willet, Jennifer Weiner, Sophia Kinsella, Candace Bushnell, Peter Pezzelli, Marilynne Robinson, Sarah Hall, Maeve Binchy and many others, classic and modern. I also read poetry almost every day.
What do you think of JUILIA'S CHOCOLATES?
Thank you for the opportunity to read JULIA'S CHOCOLATES.
I enjoyed reading the book. However, I don't think it is very well written. The style is somewhat sophomoric and the characterization was, at times, stereotypical. I liked the characters. I live in Oregon, but since I just moved here from California, I can't be considered an Oregonian, so I didn't take the portrayal of them personally. I thought Oregonians were portrayed as country yokels. As I said, I did like the characters --- their generosity, their warmth and goodness (except for the evil ones --- there was so much good vs. evil, with no nuances, which was a weakness). I also think the plot was somewhat contrived. How do all those abused people end up in such a small place? I am not ignorant of the world of abuse. I was an administrator in an inner city high school for a number of years so I don't deny the presence of what Lamb wrote about, but it touched too many characters. I think the book would have had more depth with less abused characters.
The humor was enjoyable. I think her language/style is just adequate; language can be used much more effectively than the way she used it. The change in Olivia was delightful and one of the strengths in the book. Even though I like the characters of Stash and Aunt Lydia, they were a bit much at times.
In summary: I truly liked the characters and enjoyed the humor and humanity of them. I think the writing style needs work and the plot development was too contrived).
I also think the book will probably do well. It is not "chick lit" at its best, but there is a market for this type of book. Sometimes it's nice to have things all tied up in a "pink bow" at the end, however contrived that type of ending might be.
Would you ever read another book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes, I would. I would like to see how she develops as a writer. Once again, thank you for sending me the proof of JULIA'S CHOCOLATES.
Sandy from Macon, GA
What authors do you read?
Anita Shreve, Susan Issacs, Sue Miller, Maeve Binchy, Anne Rivers Siddons, Cassandra King, Dan Brown, William Lashner, Daniel Silva, Robert Goddard, Elizabeth George and Deborah Crombie.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
A rollicking cast of characters whose outlandish behaviors mask a myriad of troubles and tragedies. It is a story of survival, courage, and the necessity of community in the lives of the characters. I was particularly interested in the inclusion of Shawn and Carrie Lynn as their story echoed the story of Julia’s life. Though the ending was a little too pat, I enjoyed the characters and was frantically reading to see what happened next.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes!
Sherri from Pasadena, CA
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
This is my first book by Cathy Lamb and it was simply delightful!
I have already told a book club to use it as their next choice, and I have e-mailed all the people I think would enjoy it. I never wanted it to end....and I think it should be packaged with some chocolate!
Tommi from Keysville, VA
What authors do you read?
Joyce Carol Oates, John Irving, Elizabeth Berg, Janet Evanovich and Anita Shreve.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
I enjoyed the book! It had inviting characters that gave the book multiple storylines to follow. It was a good story!
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes.
Mary from Huntington Beach, CA
What authors do you read?
Christopher Buckley, Christopher Moore, Dave Barry, Janet Evanovich, Jodi Picoult, and MaryJanice Davidson, as well as other best-selling authors and Chick Lit.
What did you think of JULIA'S CHOCOLATES?
I really loved the story as it was one of the best books I have read this year. It reminded me a lot of Jodi Picoult and Wally Lamb. It was very emotional, with just enough humor and mystery thrown in for good measure. I did find myself predicting the ending, but I do that with a lot of books I read.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes, I would love to read whatever she writes next!
Rosalie from New Boston, TX
What authors do you read?
So many! Carolyn Haines, Francine Rivers, Jim Ainsworth, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Elizabeth Crook, Tony Hillerman, Michael Johnson, Anne Rivers Siddons and Iris Johansen.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
I enjoyed it, especially the wide range of characters --- men and women. Each one touched me in a different way. I think the mix of women is very indicative of groups of women who come together and bond. The relationships grow over time and the love for each other really is a sisterhood. Ms. Lamb pegged it! I certainly could have done without the names for the get-togethers and some of the things they did during them. I so loved the wedding dress hung on the tree. Priceless! Except for the aforementioned examples, it was a great read. I would still recommend it.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes, most likely.
Thank you for allowing me to read JULIA'S CHOCOLATES.
I am glad I read it.
Sue from Tenafly, NJ
What authors do you read?
I read a such a wide mix of authors. The last few books I've read have been written by Ann Hood, Kate Jacobs, Andre Dubus, Jodi Picoult and Sandra Dallas.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
The beginning of the book seemed a little bit "out there" for me. There were too many hints of the abuse that Julia had suffered in her life, but not enough to make sense. Until the story developed, a lot of it seemed gratuitous, but in the end, I believe it all came together.
I love how the friends rally around each other to help each other fight their demons. And they surely did all have demons of their own to fight. And of course, who doesn't love a 'happily ever after.'
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Yes, I probably would read future books by Cathy Lamb.
Ellen from Wauwatosa, WI
What authors do you read?
Jodi Picoult, Anita Shreve, Zadie Smith and P.D. James.
What did you think of JULIA’S CHOCOLATES?
I thought it was a modern, sexy romance masquerading as a more serious woman's novel. I enjoyed many of the characters and plot lines, but was really put off by the [graphic] descriptions of [female body parts]. I wouldn't recommend this to my friends who already know you don't need a man to make you happy and don't read romance writers.
Would you ever read a future book by Cathy Lamb?
Nope.
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