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Chocolate #2
Truffles By The Sea
Determined to turn her life around, Gaby Flores moves to a Ventura seaside loft, takes on a new motto ~ Be gullible no more! ~ and begins to rebuild her flower shop all while searching for Mr. So Right. But when a lawsuit, an eviction notice, a near-empty bank account, and quirky neighbors invade her beachy world, not even chocolate can solve her worries as her fledgling faith is put to the test. Discussion questions included.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
351 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Julie Carobini
40 books254 followersJULIE 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 15, 2016
SUMMARY: In this inspirational beach read, chocolate lover Gaby Flores moves to a Ventura seaside loft, takes on a new motto--Be gullible no more--and begins to rebuild her flower store while searching for Mr. Right. But when a lawsuit, an eviction notice, quirky neighbors, and a kayaking adventure from the dark side invade her beachy world, will her chocolate-loving ways be enough?
REVIEW: This is book 2 in the Chocolate Series. I found it much more enjoyable than book 1. The story line is more complex and the characters are more realistic.
Gaby, from the trio of girlfriends- Bri, Livy, and herself, is the focus of this book. She is assailed by multiple problems from all sides and begins to find the answer to one when another crops up. Her career, her family life, her housing situation, and her love life are all in chaos. She been through several relationships with Mr. Wrongs and is still looking for Mr. Right. Too often depending on herself rather than asking God's guidance, she ends up in more trouble. She also learns that until she gets to know an individual herself what others tell may be driven by their own prejudices and misconceptions.
Max and Jake both seem like perfect gentlemen and show their care for Gaby in different ways. But only one of them shares her Christian values and truly understands Gaby's beliefs and values. It's up to her to determine which of them is truly the "gentleman."
An easy to read romance that does well as a stand alone even though it is part of a series. I would recommend it to those who like modern Christian romance with a "beachy-chocolate" theme.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It's obvious to me now that the life he leads now, though, is the outcome of something deep and ominous from his past.....I mean, doesn't everybody deserve another chance to get it right?"
REVIEW: This is book 2 in the Chocolate Series. I found it much more enjoyable than book 1. The story line is more complex and the characters are more realistic.
Gaby, from the trio of girlfriends- Bri, Livy, and herself, is the focus of this book. She is assailed by multiple problems from all sides and begins to find the answer to one when another crops up. Her career, her family life, her housing situation, and her love life are all in chaos. She been through several relationships with Mr. Wrongs and is still looking for Mr. Right. Too often depending on herself rather than asking God's guidance, she ends up in more trouble. She also learns that until she gets to know an individual herself what others tell may be driven by their own prejudices and misconceptions.
Max and Jake both seem like perfect gentlemen and show their care for Gaby in different ways. But only one of them shares her Christian values and truly understands Gaby's beliefs and values. It's up to her to determine which of them is truly the "gentleman."
An easy to read romance that does well as a stand alone even though it is part of a series. I would recommend it to those who like modern Christian romance with a "beachy-chocolate" theme.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It's obvious to me now that the life he leads now, though, is the outcome of something deep and ominous from his past.....I mean, doesn't everybody deserve another chance to get it right?"
September 14, 2008
Awesome story by a really sweet woman.
March 12, 2013
I loved the book.
I liked the originality of it and the mention if chocolate.
:)
I liked the originality of it and the mention if chocolate.
:)
June 25, 2024
This book had so much potential, but just fell short. It was a free book, so at least I'm only out my time.
~~What I liked~~
-The plot had good potential and the mystery behind who Gaby ended up with and what was going to happen to her was what kept me reading.
-Gaby had a pretty upbeat attitude even when things weren't going her way.
~~What I didn't like~~
-The pacing was pretty slow. Even though just about everything that could go wrong went wrong, it took a while to get there.
-The inner dialogue Gaby had with herself was a bit too much, all the time.
-The romance between Gaby and Jake came out of no where. One minute she's all "He's Mr. So Wrong" and the next day she's agreeing to marry him. I mean, really? Talk about rushing.
-It didn't seem as polished as other books I've read.
Overall, I did finish it, but I would not recommend.
~~What I liked~~
-The plot had good potential and the mystery behind who Gaby ended up with and what was going to happen to her was what kept me reading.
-Gaby had a pretty upbeat attitude even when things weren't going her way.
~~What I didn't like~~
-The pacing was pretty slow. Even though just about everything that could go wrong went wrong, it took a while to get there.
-The inner dialogue Gaby had with herself was a bit too much, all the time.
-The romance between Gaby and Jake came out of no where. One minute she's all "He's Mr. So Wrong" and the next day she's agreeing to marry him. I mean, really? Talk about rushing.
-It didn't seem as polished as other books I've read.
Overall, I did finish it, but I would not recommend.
September 23, 2018
Truffles ByThe Sea (The Chocolate Series book 2) by Julie Carobini
This book is about Bri’s wonderful girlfriends. Livi is trying out a new job selling or renting real estate and Gaby, well Gaby is finding her life falling apart. Her usual optimistic is trying to keep her going but boulders seem to be placed in front every single time she tries to move ahead. She needs a place to live, her flower shop seems to be failing no matter what she tries and Gaby is hungry. Actually hungry for food to eat to keep going! My heart broke for her. Never once does she grumble. She’s a good person that bad things are presently happening to. I purchased this ebook and the review is entirely my own.
This book is about Bri’s wonderful girlfriends. Livi is trying out a new job selling or renting real estate and Gaby, well Gaby is finding her life falling apart. Her usual optimistic is trying to keep her going but boulders seem to be placed in front every single time she tries to move ahead. She needs a place to live, her flower shop seems to be failing no matter what she tries and Gaby is hungry. Actually hungry for food to eat to keep going! My heart broke for her. Never once does she grumble. She’s a good person that bad things are presently happening to. I purchased this ebook and the review is entirely my own.
June 17, 2018
Honestly, I wanted to like this book. I felt like the main character was just a jerk - there were things that she needed to do, and instead of doing them, she whined about not getting enough from her friends. Then, [SPOILER ALERT] when she gets slapped with a lawsuit that could totally wipe what was left of her out, her *mother* who knew nothing about the lawsuit, spends a few minutes with the people suing her and gets them to drop the lawsuit, something neither she nor her lawyer could manage to do. Unfortunately, it has not inspired me to read any of the rest of the series, sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2018
If you are going to have a character speak some in French then make sure it is correct. The French was from one character with Gaby using Spanish to express herself. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the accuracy of the Spanish.
A little pretentious. Plus, while Gaby is a chocolate lover, I really did not understand the significance of the title. She and her friend regularly indulge in brownies and she has the occasional truffle but, from the title, I expected her to be running a chocolate shop: instead she is a florist/artist. Again, a little pretension.
A little pretentious. Plus, while Gaby is a chocolate lover, I really did not understand the significance of the title. She and her friend regularly indulge in brownies and she has the occasional truffle but, from the title, I expected her to be running a chocolate shop: instead she is a florist/artist. Again, a little pretension.
June 9, 2018
Two stars is the best I can do with this book .It was hard to stay with the story and I really wanted to delete it. Not only does the main character, Gaby, act like a juvenile, but there are just too many crisis and unfortunate happenings. consequently, the credibility is in serious question.
This is supposed to be a Christian genre, but it is seriously lacking in its attempt.
In all honesty, I cannot recommend this book.
This is supposed to be a Christian genre, but it is seriously lacking in its attempt.
In all honesty, I cannot recommend this book.
October 1, 2020
Caught between 2 men
Very few of us think of the worst thing that could happen in our lives. But what if you're shop was robbed and your apartment building burnt down, and then your car wouldn't start? You don't know? Sounds like you need to buy this book and find out what happens when a young woman has exactly those things happened to her! You'll be glad you did... And won't it be a great thing to have du discovered this fabulous author?!
Very few of us think of the worst thing that could happen in our lives. But what if you're shop was robbed and your apartment building burnt down, and then your car wouldn't start? You don't know? Sounds like you need to buy this book and find out what happens when a young woman has exactly those things happened to her! You'll be glad you did... And won't it be a great thing to have du discovered this fabulous author?!
June 16, 2018
So many to choose from!! Which is best?
This was a cute book, wasn't sure I would enjoy it as I am more into historical romance, but this was good. The story moved along well and came with a few surprises I did not see coming. Very well written. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was a cute book, wasn't sure I would enjoy it as I am more into historical romance, but this was good. The story moved along well and came with a few surprises I did not see coming. Very well written. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 20, 2018
Good Read.
I'm not sure I have read Author Julie Carobini before. Her writing is in first person and character Gaby did a lot of musing to herself, which was a little off putting. I liked the differences of the neighborhood characters. I also liked the change reflected in Gaby's character as she gave herself to follow God's plan for her life. Overall I enjoyed the book,
I'm not sure I have read Author Julie Carobini before. Her writing is in first person and character Gaby did a lot of musing to herself, which was a little off putting. I liked the differences of the neighborhood characters. I also liked the change reflected in Gaby's character as she gave herself to follow God's plan for her life. Overall I enjoyed the book,
June 24, 2018
What walls need breaking
God often needs to use circumstances to break through the emotional and spiritual walls that entrap us. Several characters are bound by fear and difficult pasts. But God broke through to reveal true freedom on him. Carobini has written an amazingly encouraging story revealing God's love.
God often needs to use circumstances to break through the emotional and spiritual walls that entrap us. Several characters are bound by fear and difficult pasts. But God broke through to reveal true freedom on him. Carobini has written an amazingly encouraging story revealing God's love.
June 29, 2018
It was hard to get into initially, but I think part of that is because this is the second book in the series and I haven’t read the first. Once I got more into it, I enjoyed it! For a while there, I was just wondering what on Earth was going to happen because things just kept spinning more and more out of control. The ending was nice, too.
3 1/2 - 4 stars.
3 1/2 - 4 stars.
September 16, 2018
It took me a while to decide if I liked this story but I persevered and ending up enjoying it. Full of quirky characters, Gaby, a walking disaster magnet, Max, mister nice guy, NOT, Jake, the generous travelling landlord, Gaby's faithful friend and Mum, good old mum who can do no wrong! A very colourful story with yummy truffles to sweeten things up.
September 26, 2018
Technically Flawed
When a book misuses homonyms--words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings--I cannot give it a good review. Dower instead of dour is just one of several such mistakes. There were other errors that should have been caught in proofreading. Too bad, otherwise this was a good read.
When a book misuses homonyms--words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings--I cannot give it a good review. Dower instead of dour is just one of several such mistakes. There were other errors that should have been caught in proofreading. Too bad, otherwise this was a good read.
May 27, 2021
I love a good romance that is funny, not overly sentimental, and not overtly sexual. The chemistry between the protagonists was perfect and fun to see grow. I like a book about a couple who dates without hopping in the sack together. I enjoy their faith journey as well. Thanks for a good story without foul language and soft porn. I don't need either to enjoy a story.
February 25, 2025
I’m not sure how this ended up in my Kindle library. Does Amazon randomly stick books there? Perhaps my wife bought it when she was logged into my account? At any rate, it was there, and I read it. Truffles By the Sea is a lightweight Christian romance that doesn’t suck. It’s not great literature, and the plot was predictable. But it provided me with a couple of hours of amusement.
June 13, 2018
Disappointment
I didn't really care for the characters or plot. Kept reading to see if it would improve. It did not. Choppy at points in the story. Don't spend your time on this book.
I didn't really care for the characters or plot. Kept reading to see if it would improve. It did not. Choppy at points in the story. Don't spend your time on this book.
June 14, 2018
Meet Gabby and Jake
Gabby is hit with one problem aftet another. She keeos ak7ng God for guidance. Then she rents a room from Jake. Slowly she realizes God is answering her prayers. Just goes to show, if ee wait on Gods time things will work out
Gabby is hit with one problem aftet another. She keeos ak7ng God for guidance. Then she rents a room from Jake. Slowly she realizes God is answering her prayers. Just goes to show, if ee wait on Gods time things will work out
June 26, 2018
Like d the first one and am eager to read the rest.
Eager to read the rest of the series. The first one was funny and entertaining. Enjoyed the characters and the quirky plot twists.
Eager to read the rest of the series. The first one was funny and entertaining. Enjoyed the characters and the quirky plot twists.
July 3, 2018
Truffles
I enjoyed the story very much.
But Julie - you need a better proofreader. I found at least three errors in this book. Where instead of wear, her instead of here, and at least one more. All simple errors but definitely avoidable.
I enjoyed the story very much.
But Julie - you need a better proofreader. I found at least three errors in this book. Where instead of wear, her instead of here, and at least one more. All simple errors but definitely avoidable.
August 27, 2018
Not as good as I thought it would be
The main character seemed to be disjointed in thought and action. I struggled to continue reading this book, until about 80 percent done when it finally got better. This wasn't as good as other books I have read by this author.
The main character seemed to be disjointed in thought and action. I struggled to continue reading this book, until about 80 percent done when it finally got better. This wasn't as good as other books I have read by this author.
November 14, 2018
Unexpected
Definitely not what I expected would happen in this book. I appreciated how not everything gets suddenly better as you pray to God, but the ending ruined the book for me. I'm sorry the rest was good, but the end was just unrealistic.
Definitely not what I expected would happen in this book. I appreciated how not everything gets suddenly better as you pray to God, but the ending ruined the book for me. I'm sorry the rest was good, but the end was just unrealistic.
May 29, 2020
Not preachy
This is not one of those books whose purpose is to present the gospel. The characters are like real people who sometimes doubt and struggle to find God's plan for their lives, just like we all do.
This is not one of those books whose purpose is to present the gospel. The characters are like real people who sometimes doubt and struggle to find God's plan for their lives, just like we all do.
April 19, 2021
Good story line...
I enjoyed the story, but there were so many typing errors which frustrated me. Grammar is not my strong point, but I know what’s right and what’s wrong, and there was just too many wrongs for me to recommend this book.
I enjoyed the story, but there were so many typing errors which frustrated me. Grammar is not my strong point, but I know what’s right and what’s wrong, and there was just too many wrongs for me to recommend this book.
June 14, 2022
Redeemd
There are redemption stories all through here. But Jake and Gaby will rescue each other I am sure. And Sweet Thing will be there whenever Gaby needs her. I believe the sea lion is her angel.
There are redemption stories all through here. But Jake and Gaby will rescue each other I am sure. And Sweet Thing will be there whenever Gaby needs her. I believe the sea lion is her angel.
September 14, 2025
Fun “beach read” book. I didn’t know it was part of a series and so it can definitely stand alone. The happily ever after didn’t really make sense to me due to the timing, but overall it was an enjoyable book.
June 3, 2017
Easy read
It was a easy read filled with many challenges to overcome, trust in God and his plan for your life.
It was a easy read filled with many challenges to overcome, trust in God and his plan for your life.
March 6, 2018
This was OK, didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as the first book. To me a person who never knew her father falling in love with a father type figure is unhealthy.
April 23, 2018
Pleasant read
Started off well but started dragging towards the end. Typical romance, nice story line, well developed characters. Enjoyed reading the book.
Started off well but started dragging towards the end. Typical romance, nice story line, well developed characters. Enjoyed reading the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews