dblue236's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
wombat_88's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
southernbellebooks's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting story line with a theme of overcoming heartbreak but I could put the book down and not feel like "Wow I need to finish this so I know what happens"
nee223's review against another edition
3.0
After a rough breakup, Rosie heads to Montecito for the summer. After escaping Hollywood, Rosie discovers what truly makes her happy.
I enjoyed Rosie’s story. It was a little predictable at times but you couldn’t help but pull for Rosie.
Cute read. Thanks to Anita Hughes, St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for the advanced copy.
I enjoyed Rosie’s story. It was a little predictable at times but you couldn’t help but pull for Rosie.
Cute read. Thanks to Anita Hughes, St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for the advanced copy.
korisulewski's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't dislike this book, I just didn't find the writing to be captivating enough to really get me into the story. I felt like the romance just kind of happened, and the kissing scenes were so quick, they didn't really give me any time to feel anything.
fiona06's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mishale1's review against another edition
3.0
Rosie and Ben have been together for ten years, all of Rosie’s dreams are wrapped up in Ben’s plans. When she finds out Ben has cheated on her, life changes overnight.
She quickly moves out and finds herself living in a guest cottage at her best friend’s parents’ home in Montecito.
She is trying to find herself again, at first trying to figure out how to win Ben back. But soon, trying to make a new life for herself.
Her hostess Estelle encourages Rosie to find her own passion in life. She says the only way to guarantee Rosie’s happiness is if she finds and pursues her own passion in life. She can’t make all her decisions around who she’s in a relationship with.
Rosie finds herself again, practically creating herself over again. She finds a new passion in cooking, a new set of friends and makeshift family and even a new love.
Of course the setting is beautiful too. You can always count on this author to give you a story about a beautiful setting, delicious food and a strong female character.
I got to read an early e book edition of this book through NetGalley.
She quickly moves out and finds herself living in a guest cottage at her best friend’s parents’ home in Montecito.
She is trying to find herself again, at first trying to figure out how to win Ben back. But soon, trying to make a new life for herself.
Her hostess Estelle encourages Rosie to find her own passion in life. She says the only way to guarantee Rosie’s happiness is if she finds and pursues her own passion in life. She can’t make all her decisions around who she’s in a relationship with.
Rosie finds herself again, practically creating herself over again. She finds a new passion in cooking, a new set of friends and makeshift family and even a new love.
Of course the setting is beautiful too. You can always count on this author to give you a story about a beautiful setting, delicious food and a strong female character.
I got to read an early e book edition of this book through NetGalley.
rubenstein's review against another edition
3.0
This one is a quintessential beach read, total fluff with some low key drama to keep readers turning the pages. I mean, what else would you expect from a title like California Summer?
For the mini review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
For the mini review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
thegracefulbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cute summer read. It was not my favorite of her books, however, I did find myself enjoying the characters and the storyline. Perfect for a beach read!
jenblei's review
3.0
I've really enjoyed the other books I've read by Anita Hughes, so I was very much looking forward to this one. I still loved the settings, food, clothes, atmosphere etc- she certainly knows how to write beach books.
But I found the main character very unsympathetic, and really a bit stupid. I understand the pain of a breakup (don't we all), but wow, she really bounces back quickly!
Sometimes it seems like a given in romance novels that the leads have the emotional maturity of 12 year olds, and in that respect, it is an excellent book.
But I found the main character very unsympathetic, and really a bit stupid. I understand the pain of a breakup (don't we all), but wow, she really bounces back quickly!
Spoiler
For the first part of the book she's bouncing around what seems like every hour or two between being heartbroken and having a major crush on Josh. All of a sudden she's madly in love with him, although she's still half-expecting to get back together with Ben at the party. Okay. And then when she decides that she is completely in love with Josh, she continually runs away every time things don't go perfectly. God forbid they ever miss a message from each other or look for two seconds longer than normal at another person, because they'll be divorced before either of them can turn around.Sometimes it seems like a given in romance novels that the leads have the emotional maturity of 12 year olds, and in that respect, it is an excellent book.