TRUFFLES BY THE SEA

Author: Julie Carobini ISBN: 9780764204272 2/2008 CHICK LIT Publisher: BETHANY HOUSE

Determined to turn her life around, Gaby Flores moves to a beachfront loft, takes on a new motto—"Be gullible no more—and begins to rebuild her flower store 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.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

TRUFFLES BY THE SEA by Julie Carobini is a story about life, loss and learning to move in new directions-even when the way seems unclear.

Gaby is a woman whose luck couldn't get any worse. She's endured one unfortunate incident after another. Finally, when it seems she's got nothing, no one and nowhere to turn, she moves into a small loft and tries to reassure herself that whatever's going on in her life is, truly, part of God's Big Plan. She hopes.

Although I felt for Gaby, I never felt sorry for her. She isn't the kind of character who compels the reader to wring their hands and wonder how Gaby will survive. Gaby Flores is such a strong, well-written character that I knew from the start she'd find a new direction for her life. I loved the plethora of interesting secondary characters in Gaby's world. her neon-shorts neighbor, Andy, Jake, whose beefiness I could see and faithful Agnes. Gaby evolves substantially once she learns a few small lessons, and it is a joy to watch her circumstances change. I won't give away the ending but I will say it moved me to tears.

TRUFFLES BY THE SEA is delightful! Julie Carobini has a new fan in this reader, and she's earned a spot on my keeper shelf.

Kay James