Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt

by Karen Scalf Linamen

"Less stress, more fun!" Like chocolate, these 14 sure-fire stress-busters, hope-builders, and joy boosters get women feeling better fast.

Genres: Self Help, Christian, Nonfiction, Humor, Inspirational, Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 1999

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny and honest book. Many good ideas on dealing with stress, life and soul.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - very insightful and comforting to read. Anyone who has ever felt stressed and needed a way to relax - good book for you!

[Doris Osgood]

Thank you. This was a great book to bring out again and just give a shot of encouragement and a bit of natural Vitamin D. You see during this time of quarrentines, volunteer activities shut down, and working remotely it was more stressful that going full out. There were some times when I just needed a bit of a distraction. Pulled out this book which had been started as part of our Ladies Fellowship reading years ago and fount I had not finished it.
So when I would take a break on beautiful sunny days I would sit out with this book and do one chapter so that this was the right amount of sun and a step away to treat myself with some quiet time.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is almost like sitting down with your best friend (or friends) and having conversations. Funny anecdotes, serious stories and, best of all, possible solutions to your problems. I like that the author’s also not afraid to say — sometimes we need more help than what we’re getting - it’s okay to talk to a doctor, therapist, etc.

Well worth the read.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me at 'Hand Over the Chocolate....' Years ago, I had the opportunity to hear the author speak at an author signing and only recently got it off my 'to read' shelf. What a fun and easy read. I wish I'd read this book when my children were younger as it has nuggets of wisdom tucked inside for anyone trying to make sense of their world while raising humans.

[Michael Beyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely autobiographical book of essays. Karen Scalf writes thoughtful, witty, and relatable stories of her life as a wife, mother, and writer. The personal philosophies within are mostly played for laughs, but she presents many helpful hints, life hacks, and encouragements that hit close to the heart and the very bones. A definite glowing recommendation on this one.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as funny as the title would suggest but amusing enough to make me chuckle frequently. Full of wit and wisdom this amusing little book captures the nitty gritty of stress related symptoms and problems thereof with a lot of sage advice and humour. Recommended.

[Robin Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the author and her style of writing. She's a down to earth person with her own issues and not perfect. I subtracted one star because on her list of "top ten ways to abuse your body" she listed "watching the Star Trek Marathon on the Sci-Fi Channel". Come on now!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, honest and completely hilarious!

[Jody Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to me

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found so very useful destress tips. I hope to be able to use them when discussing reducing stress with others.

[Monica Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on laughing about and dealing with stress (and occasionally eating a bit too much chocolate).

[Kari McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once in awhile I like a light devotional read, and this was no exception.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother bought this book for me at a time when life was not so great. I didn't immediately read it because she has a tendency to buy me books that are geared to "help" or "preach" to me. One particularly low day I saw it sitting around, picked it up and read the summary and decided to give it a go. It sounded like a fun and enjoyable book. Turns out it was the most awesome book. Ms. Linamen takes you through many life journeys that you can relate to whether good or bad. She does it in a way you end up laughing at the situation and possibly yourself. I found myself recognizing several situations she describes and realizing that I didn't handle those situations as well as I could have, but laughing because of it. This book has a lot of helpful insight for people going through difficult times.

Not only would I recommend it to people, I've bought it for a few of my friends when I thought they could use a laugh.

[A.C. Bauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

although this book didn't resonate with me as much as chocolatherapy, i still found several tips for streamlining my life. even though this is information i already know, sometimes it's nice to have a reminder--as well as knowing i'm not the only one who goes through certain experiences. i appreciate how the author always breaks her suggestions into manageable chunks, so that you actually feel as though you can implement them, even if incrementally, instead of feeling overwhelmed at the very thought of them.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book as a Secret Santa gift at work and I am 99% sure it was given to me just because of the title. I don't think the person who gave it to me realized there was a Christian author or that I could/would actually apply Karen's advice to my life.

That being said, I'm really glad I was given this book! It is aimed more towards middle aged mothers, and I'm a 25 year old single gal, but there are still some great tips and advice in here. I particularly love the last chapter on falling in love with Jesus.

Thanks, God, for directing this book into my life :)

[Annissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a great book for me to read during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, with out feeling guilty. I especially liked the format and how it was written in short segments and chapters. You could pick it up and read it for a few minutes with out trying to remember what the story line was. Many of the chapters made you think and ponder your own life along with giving you much needed comic relief. So I give it a thumbs up and plan on reading other works from with author!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The author is hillarious and has some fun little stories and ideas about the importance of good friends, simplifying your life, having dreams, setting limits, caring for your body and soul, etc., etc.

[Cotton Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and think back on it often. It is so nice to get support in the days when the kids are little and all consuming! Karen gives great examples on how to raise your children to be productive and responsible while not losing your sanity.

Thank you Karen!

[Calli · Rating 3 out of 5]

How could I resist?

A lot of good thoughts and analogies, but could have been a little more cohesive.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoying it so far

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any woman trying to "have it all" or anyone who is dealing with depression or stress. Very down-to-earth and amusing style which does not patronise.

[ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light book. Here writing was not as funny as her title. An o.k. book. I will try to read another of her books and see if maybe I just needed a box of chocolates to get inspired!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book!

[Sparrow12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book more every time I read it. it has such wisdom and humor!

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not my type of book.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as funny as it sounded. The book is supposed to turn stress into joy.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book/devotional. I share clips from it often in my teachings!!!! I highly recommend it often as I hand out chocolate kisses.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a gift from a very dear friend and it was a nice read. It was a book about a woman's emotional, spiritual, and physical health and how to improve all three.

[Lynda]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11896310