Julia Bennett leaves her abusive Boston fiancé at the altar and her ugly wedding dress hanging from a tree in North Dakota. She knows she's driving away from the old Julia but what she is driving toward is as messy and undefined as her own wounded soul. The old Julia dug her way out of a tortured childhood with a monster of a mother. The new Julia will be found at her Aunt Lydia's rambling hundred-year-old farmhouse outside Golden, Oregon.
There among uppity chickens and toilet bowl planters, Julia is welcomed by an eccentric, warm and often wise clan of women including a psychic, a minister's unhappy wife, an abused mother of four and - Aunt Lydia herself - a woman who is as fierce and as independent as they come. Meeting once a week for drinks and the baring of souls, it becomes clear that every woman holds secrets that keep her from happiness. But what will it take for them to brave becoming their true selves? For Julia, it's chocolate. All her life baking has been her therapy and her refuge, a way to heal wounds and make friends. Nobody anywhere makes chocolates as good as Julia's and now chocolate just might change her life and bring her love when she least expects it. But it can't keep her safe. As Julia gradually opens her heart to a new life, new friendships and a new man, the past is catching up to her. And this time she will not be able to run but will have to face it head on.

Enjoyed this book more than I expected to as it is not my usual reading fare. Although it covers many serious issues, there is humour here too and a lot about the power of women in groups.

Mailed to another bookcrosser via the Europe wishlist tag game.

thank you for sending it and tagging me