Julia's Chocolates. Cathy Lamb

Julia's Chocolates
Cathy Lamb
Published: Allison & Busby
Date: 2007
Format: Paperback
Pages: 478
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Own book



Julia's Chocolates is the story of Julia, a woman who leaves her soon to be husband before the wedding and flees to her Aunt Lydia in Oregon. Robert who comes from a wealthy family and was to marry Julia is abusive and mean.  She escapes his clutches at the last minute, taking every bit of courage she has to do so.
Julia has had a horrific childhood as well and her Aunt Lydia is a port in the storm.

Lydia begins to make a new life for herself, finding a few jobs that will help pay her way.  She takes one up at a library and finds herself involved with two children that she takes under her wing. She recognises something of herself in them, and tries to alert authorities of suspected abuse, they however don't wish to be alerted!

Aunt Lydia is a character, yet she has a heart of gold.  She holds a women's meeting every so often, rather wacky, but it helps her reach out to some of the local women who are experiencing various difficulties in their lives.  They are all very supportive of each other and are there when needed, helping each other to realise their true selves.

Abuse, drinking, cancer, threats, attacks, depression are some of the things they grapple with, and with courage and determination work their way through it.

This was not my favourite Cathy Lamb book, although I did enjoy it on the whole.  I can see a pattern so far in some of her books where a woman ends up in Oregon, fleeing an abusive situation and begins to make different life choices that enable her to heal and become her true self. I am not complaining though - happy to read and enjoy!