Meet Bri Stone, a laid-back beach chick from Ventura, California. Bri has it all: the man of her dreams and their surf-ridin’ teenage son, a chocolate-loving best pal, an adorable beach bungalow, and a kicky job as a Southern California tour bus host. She also has a few things she didn’t ask for: a know-it-all friend, a snobby mother-in-law, and a Fabio-meets-Dilbert boss. Ack! All three of them seem eager to share their strong opinions and suspicions about Bri’s relationship with her husband, Douglas. When Bri’s rose-colored sunglasses crack after she finds evidence that Douglas has grown tired of her carefree ways, she resolves to win him back. Can she reinvent herself—and recapture her husband’s heart?
I’m giving away a new, autographed copy of this Christian beach read, Chocolate Beach, Julie Carobini’s debut novel, which arrived at my home office this past weekend direct from Julie’s online beach shop. See the bottom of this post for instructions on how to enter the giveaway.
(BTW, I’m also giving away a copy of the sequel, Truffles by the Sea, in another post. Be sure to enter for a chance to win that one as well.)
What They Say
According to Narelle Mollet of titletrakk.com, “Julie Carobini’s first novel is a delight! It is chock full of eclectic and entertaining characters, laugh out loud humor and a message not to be missed.”
Says Cindy Mealer (ck2skwipsandkritiques.com), “Chocolate Beach is a fun, quirky read that is perfect for a sunny day—whether on the beach or off.”
And Heather Ivester, christianwomenonline.net: “Julie Carobini’s debut novel will warm you to your toes with quirky dialogue and characters you want for your new best friends..”
What I say: “Started slowly—not necessarily a bad thing, as some wonderful stories start slowly. After a hundred pages or so, I was falling in love with the characters, and enjoying the story increasingly as I went along. And I simply loved how Bri’s fears and suspicions resolved. (Poor Bri! How many times have we done something like that?) I’d like to read more books like this.”
How to Enter the Giveaway
Leave a comment below, on this post, in order to enter the giveaway. Be sure to enter your email address in the appropriate field below. (It won’t appear on the website, but if you don’t leave me your email, I’ll have no way to verify your entry or to contact you when you’ve won.)
On the morning of Friday, December 17, I’ll select a winner at random. (One entry per unique email address.) I’ll email the winner to find out where to send the book. And if you respond quickly, you’ll probably have it in time for Christmas!
Big Book Giveaway
Check out the other book giveaways from Big Book Giveaway 2010-2011.
Subscribe to this blog for future updates. Or go to my Facebook page and click “Like.” Or follow me on Twitter.
-TimK
I have read other books by Julie Carobini and have enjoyed reading them and would love to win a copy of her book “Chocolate Beach”, sounds good and so delicious, imagine a lake of chocolate!
I haven’t had the pleasure of reading Julie’s books, and would love to read “Chocolate Beach”…especially since its her first book. It looks like a really fun read. Thanks for the entry! I’m not a blogger, but love to read book blogs and enjoy finding new authors to read. Enjoying your blog.
Blessings,
Sandy
I would love to read this book – sounds fabulous!
This sounds like an interesting book. I have never read anything by Julie but would love to win this one. Bri sounds like someone I would love to meet. Thanks!
LOVE Julie’s books! I haven’t read Chocolate Beach and would love to win. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks!
Sherry
As a christian and avid reader, I am always on the look out for inspirational books. I have never heard of Julie before so I am excited about a new find. As a chocloholic, my mouth is already drooling:) I would love to win this book!
Count me in!
Sounds like a great read.
Ann Lee Miller
I am always on the lookout for new writers and I am so happy for the author when I hear of a first book release – perhaps that will be me someday! I would love to read Julie Carobini’s books – please add my name to the drawing.
Thanks!
Jan Marie
I would love to read Chocolate Beach, sounds YUMMY. Thank you so much.
I have read a few of Julie’s books and have enjoyed them so much.
Chocolate Beach… I love the images that conjures up! Please enter me in the drawing. 🙂
Sounds like a great read…with an intriguing title!
Wow! Sounds quirky and fun! I think I would enjoy this book! Please enter me into the contest! PS: I usually donate my books to the library where I work!
Sounds like a fun read and great storyline.
I would love to win this book, thanks.
I have never read any of Julie Caroboni’s books. I love the beach and chocolate. I am always looking for new Christian author to read that I haven’t read before. This sounds like a book I would pick up and not put down.
Chocolate Beach sounds like a fun read . I would love to win a copie !!
Chocolate Beach sounds like it’d be such an interesting read! I mean, literature is already so marvelous — add to that, a hint of “chocolate” and you’re lookin’ at a delicious time. 😉 I would love to win a copy!!!
Christian romance novels are my favorite type of book to read. Not only are they relaxing, but they allow me a good, clean way to escape the everyday stressors that come with life itself. And, this type of novel gives me the opportunity to share in someone else’s world of love and blessings. I am looking forward to reading this book as well as adding another Christian “favorite” author to my list.
Count me in! Would love to win a copy of the book.
I would love to read this book. It sounds like fun and different from my current reading which has been mostly inspirational. Advent studies etc.
I am also a writer, but only of articles to this point.
I enjoy reading debut novels and the review of this book makes it sound intriguing.
LeAnn
Reinventing oneself and recapturing someone’s heart are all themes I have lived as well. Sounds wonderful!
Anything with chocolate in the title is good for me…
This novel sounds delicious…(-:
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
I have not read any of Julie’s books but Chocolate Beach sounds like a delightful book. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
Reinvention is always an adventure. I look forward to reading about this woman’s life.
Please enter me; I’d love to win it!
love the plot, and sounds interesting….. pick me, pick me! *raises hand five feet in the air* 🙂
How could I pass up a chance to win a book titles Chocolate Beach. Sounds like a good one.
Hey I would love to win this
I really appreciate these book give a ways 🙂
Please enter me. Thank you so much!
enter me in too 🙂
hey i wonder if i can enter in right now?