Carole Bellacera, Chocolate On A Stick

Chocolate On A Stick

Carole Bellacera

Baycrest Books, Sept 2005, 257 pp.

ISBN 0972845062

Velma and Louie met at the Happy Valley Hope for Retired Citizens in Memphis, Tennessee and fell in love. Even though they are in their seventies, their love life is that of a couple in their twenties. They are very happy together until the day Louie meets her son (owner of the used car lot, Elvis Mobile) his bible thumping wife Loretta and Louie's identical twin daughters Geneva and Genovedene. They inform the duo that the home is being closed and she will live with them while Louie will live in with his daughter.

Opposing the arrangements especially without their inputs Louie calls his grandson, rich and famous rock star Gavin who he helped raise. Gavin sends them money and a red corvette to make their getaway. Their families call the police and their plight captures the heart of America who believes their children should leave Velma and Louie alone. On their way to California they ride the rapids, win money in Las Vegas and take a ride on a hot air balloon, evading the police and their family. When the family catches up with the lovebirds, tempers flare and Velma has do something drastic to convince their children they are going to be together.

This is a very different type of read than the ones Carole Bellacera has written in past. It is funny yet contains a serious social issue that is addressed. The elderly have rights even though their grown up children might not agree with their choices and the lovebirds prove that they will do whatever is necessary to lead their own lives. CHOCOLATE ON A STICK is a sweet charming geriatric romance.

Harriet Klausner