Chocolate Beach

Chocolate #1

by Julie Carobini

Bri Stone has the man of her dreams, a surf-ridin' son, a chocolate-loving best friend, and a job as a SoCal tour bus host. Throw in an intrusive mother-in-law, a flirty new boss, a vocal nemesis, and suspicions that her husband might be bored—and Bri's rose-colored sunglasses suddenly crack. Can Bri reinvent herself--and recapture his heart?

Chocolate Beach ebook is the special Recipe Edition. Other titles in the Chocolate Series include: Truffles by the Sea and Mocha Sunrise

Genres: Christian Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Humor

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

JULIE CAROBINI is an award-winning author of inspirational beach romances and cozy mysteries. She has received awards from The National League of American Pen Women and American Christian Fiction Writers; and several of her novels have reached Amazon bestseller status.

Julie is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan--not far from their grown-up kids.

Grab a free story for your e-reader at www.juliecarobini.com/free-book/

Learn more:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3vMcjEF
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliecarobi...

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book drove me nearly insane with it's never ending chatter and complete lack of focus. I skipped 40% in the middle and I didn't missed a single plot point. So much information that does nothing to advance the story. I kept thinking I'll finally get to the "good part" if I skip ahead to the main character's confrontation with her husband, but it kept getting put off and then when the confrontation happened it was a complete let down. It was so frustrating. It reminds me of one of Danielle Steele's formulaic crap fests. Not only did it drone on and on about nothing forever, it was laced with hints of the author's political beliefs (Dixie Chick bashing? Really? That's what you want to put in your book?).

Thank all that's holy that this was a free read. Ugh.

[Tonya Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so hard to get through, because the writing was unclear. I marked at least a dozen pop-culture references from Glee, to Desperate Housewives, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Pop culture references are fine to use in books, but they should not be the only depictions present. When I read, "the place was straight out of My Big Fat Greek Wedding," my only thought is, "wow, this author didn't even work hard enough to create a unique dinning setting." I do not entirely blame the author. I also put the blame on the editors who read through this book, who didn't highlight these overly numerous passages. Every other page its this is something from TV or that is something from a famous song. It's kind of infuriating to read a book like this, especially when I know that it could have been better.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUMMARY: Bri Stone has the man of her dreams, a surf-ridin' son, a chocolate-loving best friend, and a job as a SoCal tour bus host. Throw in an intrusive mother-in-law, a flirty new boss, a vocal nemesis, and suspicions that her husband might be bored--and Bri's rose-colored sunglasses suddenly crack. Can Bri reinvent herself--and recapture his heart?

REVIEW: This was a light, easy to read chick lit story; but I felt overall it went on too long with a bit too much repetitive detail. Bri, the main female character, had her cute moments and her wake up to faith; but at times, I felt that she was overdone on the "60's beachy hip." The plot line was fairly predictable as well as the conclusion. I liked the topic that the author focused on which was mid-life changes and how they can affect marriage and would have liked to see a bit more depth to that focus. Overall, an entertaining read.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "All that leaning on my own understanding has been clouding my already shaky judgment."

"I forget to pray all the time. I'm like that dumb bumper sticker with the open Bible on it that says, 'When all else fails, read the instructions.'"

"It's a swirling world out there, with plenty of unbiblical truths masquerading as gospel. I just hope our son can spot a lie when he hears one."

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This popped up as a Kindle freebie and I loved the title and the premise sounded promising. I finished it, but it dragged on and on.

I have such a hard time with limp female characters. I can't even call her the heroine of the story, because there is no story. Bri has a pretty cushy life, but like a toddler, she moves from thing to thing. The minutiae of her life was trite and tiresome. Her husband is busy with his job and because of suggestions and hints from jealous friends, she assumes he doesn't love her anymore. Seriously? It's called, "communication in marriage". Perhaps if she wasn't running around with silly girlfriends and letting herself be pushed into unnecessary redecorating, she'd be available to talk with her husband.

The Christian elements were light and the characterizations shallow. The resolution, and I use the term loosely, came too late. Maybe I'm too old. I'm certainly not trendy and up on pop culture. This book just made me tired. I did appreciate the inclusion of the recipes. Some of those will be fun to try.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, this book did not have me in the first quarter. But, I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. The main character reminds me of Lorelei Gilmore, just like she says in the book. Fast talking and too confident for her own good at times(as well as oblivious, which you find out near the end of the book, but spoilers😉).

I really enjoyed the friendship of her and her best friend, the relationship with her son, and the conflict between her and her husband. There are a couple more books in this series and I will definitely be reading them.

This book is a reminder that my worth is found in God. I really enjoyed it.

[Ida · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. Every once in a while I try a "Christian Fiction" book because I like clean books (that's why I mostly read young adult fiction). But I too often find that Christian authors are poor authors. Feel free to send any recommendations to disprove this generalization. But Chocolate Beach was awful. I didn't even finished, although I tried, I really did. The dialogue is horrible! The plot is gruesomely slow and the religion seems forced and fake. A young teenage beach bunny working in a coffee shop falls for an older lawyer. They get married, immediately have a baby and 14 years later she's wondering if he still loves her. Blah, blah, blah, blah. Just skip it. Its awful.

[Karen Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this book free on my Kindle four years ago and finally got around to it thinking it was going to be something different. I liked the main character but the pacing was all off because of several unnecessary storylines (Kate's storyline, for example, and much of the stuff at work). I won't be continuing on in the series, but I enjoyed a number of chapters, especially the dinner party scene, of this first one. And you better believe I'm going to try out the chocolate recipes at the back of the book!

[Catherine Mcneill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this Kindle book free via Amazon.com. It was a good fast read with a Christian theme. The story is about a married woman in her early 30s married to a successful attorney, with a 13 year old son who live in a beach house in Ventura, CA. Being somewhat familiar with the area the book takes place added to my enjoyment of the book. I can also tell the author is into country western music as she quotes many country songs.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, picked this up at the library in the audiobook section to listen to when driving to a business meeting. How can anything that includes chocolate & the beach not be good. Well, I missed the part about the book having religious messages when searching the shelves. Just unexpected & not in a good way.

[Robin Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

CONFESSION: This was one of the first books I purchased for my Kindle and I’ve only just read it! (so sorry, Ms. Carobini!) This was such a fun read, kitschy writing, great characters and dialogue. And a great story line.
If there’s one thing this reader knows it’s feeling like I need to change who I am to please someone else. (Thank goodness I don’t feel that way anymore.)
Bri has a bright, happy, sunny life. That is, until Ms. Carobini throws one aggravation after another her way. I loved the eclectic friends, and especially loved Gaby. But when one of their Bunko playing “friends” suggests that Bri’s husband is not only losing interest but possibly—probably—having an affair, it made me mad! And it shook Bri’s confidence to the core.
The author twisted the different pieces of Bri’s life till they were one giant knot. Leaving Bri to sort it all out.
A definite page-turner that has me eager to read more from this author.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

I purchased this book and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, Chocolate Beach, Julie Carobini, Chocolate Chick-lit Series, Truffles by the Sea, Mocha Sunrise

[Robyn Gaye-Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate Beach (The Chocolate Series book 1) by Julie Carobini
I so enjoyed this book!
Bri has a husband she adores, a son she loves and a tour bus job she mostly enjoys. The boss however is a leech and if it weren’t for the fact she loved his mother, she wouldn’t put up with his fawning ways. She has great best friends Livi and Gaby and to top it all, she has her aunt Dot’s recipe for chocolate brownies! They are worth their weight in gold! Delicious, a true heartbreak healer and much devoured by Bri, Livi, Gaby, her son and his mate! As soon as I finished this book I began the second in the series. I felt Bri, her family and friends had become mine as well. You won’t regret the purchase of this lovely, wonderful read. This review is entirely my own.

[Sylvia Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chocolate Beach" tells the story of Bri Stone, a young woman who moves to a coastal town called Chocolate Beach in California. Bri is trying to start over after a broken engagement and hopes to find healing and a fresh start in this picturesque beach community.

As Bri settles into her new life, she becomes involved with the local chocolate shop, where she discovers more than just delicious treats. Through her interactions with the shop owner, a young boy, and other quirky characters in the town, Bri begins to heal emotionally and rediscover her passion for life

If you enjoy heartwarming women's fiction with a touch of romance, "Chocolate Beach" by Julie Carobini might be a book worth considering.

Loved these books they just help escape the day to day stress

[Janice Gard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3 star rating is a pretty solid rating for me. Most of the books I read get 3 stars. It means the story is well written and enjoyable and I will probably look for other books by this author. Chocolate Beach is about Briana Stone who is perfectly happy with her life until some remarks from a so called friend make her begin to doubt whether things are really as good as she has supposed. Can a beach girl trade her flip flops for high heels, turn their home into a designer showplace, and become a gourmet cook without losing herself in the process?

[Kim Swartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little romance. It was funny and light. It was also easy to read and I truly appreciated that lack of foul language and r-rated descriptions of hot scenes between any of the men and women. I felt like the characters were a little underdeveloped but were still fun to read about. I will read more of this author's work because it is g-rated and enjoyable. Thanks for writing for those of us who don't really like bad language and sex.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. It was quirky. Everything you are led to believe throughout the story is false & I'm not sure how I feel about it. I was so prepared for certain confrontations, only for them to never happen or happen in a way that I didn't even expect. I guess that ultimately is what makes for good writing though!

[joyce white · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chocolate Beach is a good name for this book!


The story line uses the beach to sooth the doubts Brianna had concerning
Her marriage and chocolate was the source of comfort for her and Gaby
When things went down hill in Gaby's relationships. Enjoyed very much--
Now on to book number two ! !

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate Chili? I might have to look this up.
Wonderful story with enough romance for any reader, not enough God for me but it was in there.
Bri is insecure and her lawyer husband is gone a lot, so she starts thinking he is moving on, so she does a makeover and a dinner party which blows up on her anyway, and her hubby surprises her in a good way.

[Jana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seem like it’d be a good book, but it was just long. The wife suspected the husband of cheating, there were characters I didn’t know where they came from (maybe I missed something), and she loved eating brownies (chocolate reference). There were a few Bible verses thrown in, and no bad language, so that was nice. Just glad it’s over.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising

Nice story, a tiny bit predictable but that is forgiven because of the nice flow. It’s a lighthearted and fun story with some lessons on “judging a book by its cover!” (Pun intended)

[Jen Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should be labeled somewhere as a Christian book. I agree with previous reviews that while there are some good Christian authors, there are also a good share of them that aren't good. This book was a super fast read, but very predictable.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version read by Carol Monda. She did a fabulous job bringing to life this original, hard-to-put-down story that is filled with humor and concludes with satisfaction. Why did I not read this book sooner?!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chocolate Beach Carobini, Julie 3 F. wife of wonderful hard working husband afraid not enough so remakes herself/house to get his attention, finds it was unnecesary as he loves her as she is 2018 10/12/2018 10/7/2018

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story, it had enough going on to keep you waiting for the next shoe to fall. A good read.

[Derek Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Tead

This book had interesting characters who are very human. They make mistakes and cause problems. I like the Christian slant - very refreshing.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an okay book.

[eva miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story line was food

The story line was good. I liked the characters and the story , it was just harder to get into. Had lots of religious beliefs perform throughout.

[Cassie Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet escape

This book allowed a sweet escape from a chaotic reality while also opening my eyes to the blessings in front of me.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good tale

I felt like I was friends with Gabi and Bri. I worried about Douglas. I dreaded the living room make over. And thank you for the recipes!