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California Summer

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California Summer is a charming and beautiful love story about a former Hollywood producer who trades her cast list in for cookbooks in the hopes of following her dreams and finding new love.

Ben and Rosie are Hollywood’s newest director/producer dream team. After hitting it big at Sundance, it seems that their ten years of love and hard work are finally paying off. Rosie is happy making independent films, but Ben wants the A-List celebrity package: a house in Beverly Hills, fancy cars in the driveway, and his name on the biggest blockbusters. He’s willing to do anything, even sleep with the most famous producer in town, to get them.

Rosie is devastated by Ben’s affair, and she decides to take a break from show business. She accepts her best friend's invitation to spend the summer at her parents' estate in Montecito. It's far away from L.A., the perfect place to start over.

In Montecito, Rosie meets a colorful cast of characters including Rachel, who owns a chocolate store, and Josh, a handsome local who splits his time between surfing and classic cars. Suddenly Rosie has new friends and a new purpose. She starts a business in the village, and her luck seems to be turning around. But Rosie knows all too well that success comes with a price, and the price might be losing love...again.

California Summer is a touching and romantic story about following your dreams but not letting them get in the way of love.

293 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2018

37 people are currently reading
1721 people want to read

About the author

Anita Hughes

26 books1,027 followers
Anita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER, and CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT published by St. Martin's Press. ROME IN LOVE is coming to the HALLMARK channel in July, 2019!

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5 stars
79 (17%)
4 stars
153 (33%)
3 stars
142 (31%)
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63 (13%)
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17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,576 reviews1,698 followers
June 5, 2018
Anita Hughes seems to be an author that can be a bit hit or miss for me. I have read several of her books and loved a couple, thought some were just OK and now with California Summer I really didn’t care for the relationship in here much at all.

In this story Rosie finds that her long time partner Ben has cheated on her so she packs up and moves to Montecito to the luxurious home of a friend’s family to stay in the guest house. At this point I’m cheering wildly you go girl, leave the jerk.

However, one Rosie is away she does nothing really but obsess and fantasize over the ex and getting back together even though all signs point to him moving forward with someone else. Frustration with Rosie begins to set in.

Cue another handsome man entering Rosie’s life that she sort of notices but still hooked on the ex until the ex does the unthinkable after which Rosie runs to new man. Really? Rebound anyone? This was not a good start for me to root on forgetting that Rosie was teetering on unlikable already. But things did not get better in my mind with more and more angst.

So needless to say this was not a favorite Anita Hughes novel for me at all and I’ll avoid being any more specific to the events after that rough start. I will however say that the one thing I will always praise her for in her books was still here in spades and that is her beautiful settings and bringing these places to life. I really do feel as if I am right there with the characters in every book I’ve read so I will continue to be a fan if for nothing else than the lovely virtual traveling within the pages.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Profile Image for Amy.
2,647 reviews2,024 followers
June 3, 2018
I found another beach read to add to your summer TBR! This was a very lighthearted, easy read that I breezed through in a few hours. It’s uncomplicated and one that you can get lost in, really simple but charming and fun.

I always think that when an author makes me want to visit the location they’re writing about then they’ve done a fantastic job at bringing a setting to life and I’m absolutely dying to go to Montecito after reading this. It sounds absolutely gorgeous and if you’re not craving fish tacos after reading about Rosie’s adventures then there may be something wrong with you! Hughes even included the recipe for fish tacos at the end, I love when authors do this, so fun.

This had a cute message about following what makes you happy and discovering your true passion and Rosie was a character I could easily get behind. There’s plenty of playful and sexy romance and a little Hollywood glitz and glam thrown in for good measure, it was just a really undemanding read that I would recommend for pure entertainment alone.

California Summer in three words: Romantic, Enchanting and Sweet.


Profile Image for ♏ Gina☽.
902 reviews168 followers
November 5, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I thank the publisher and the author for this.

California Summer is the perfect book to either: take to the beach or sit inside by the hearth while it snows outside and the temps are below 0 - to remind you of sunnier climates.

The main characters, Ben and Rosie, are well developed and likeable - well, until Ben really isn't any more. They have 10 years of marriage under their belt, during which time they became the sweetheart director-producer husband and wife team in Hollywood after a smash hit at Sundance. Rosie loves making her independent films, but Ben has stars in his eyes. He suddenly covets the fame and stardom, complete with a mansion and the hottest and most expensive cars on the market. Sleeping with a famous producer is something he is most willing to do to meet that goal.

Rosie is devastated by his infidelity and his seemingly forgetfulness of how much she supported him along the way until fame and fortune meant more to him than his wife.

An invitation by a friend to spend a summer in Montecito, far from Ben and far from Los Angeles, gives her a chance to think about what she really wants.

This book is a feel good read, and you will find yourself rooting for Rosie, even as you want to smack Ben and remind him that money can't buy everything.
Profile Image for Booksandchinooks (Laurie).
1,053 reviews98 followers
July 9, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from St Martins Press for an honest review. Rosie and Ben have been together for ten years. They were college sweethearts who went to Hollywood to find fame and fortune. Ben is now a director and Rosie works on his projects as assistant producer. Rosie discovers Ben has been having an affair and his career aspirations now don’t include her. She is devastated because her whole world revolves around Ben. Rosie heads to Montecito to live in the guest house of her best friend’s parents. She is determined to make Ben realize they can still be a couple. Slowly Rosie realizes Ben has no intention of continuing their relationship. Along the way she is encouraged to stay in Montecito and to start a small business selling fish tacos. There is a cast of great characters in the book although I didn’t feel Rosie was one of them. Although it is great to see her learn to stand on her own and start her business she was very naive in so many ways. The great descriptive writing in the book transports you to a small beach town with beautiful flowers and tantalizing food which makes this a fun summer read. There is also some romance and a few surprises along the way! 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Milena.
901 reviews116 followers
June 6, 2018
Oh, boy! The one thing I liked about California Summer is the gorgeous location the story is set in. It made me want to visit Montecito. But other than that, I didn't enjoy this book. I found so many problems with it, I don't know where to start. Many characters, including Rosie, the main heroine, are not very likeable. I am sorry to say but Rosie has the personality of a doormat. After she finds out that her boyfriend, Ben, cheated on her, she escapes to Montecito. Although, she is upset about his affair, she starts contemplating how to win him back. She thinks she should have given up her job and "keep house and throw parties and make sure we're friends with beautiful people." WTAF? What young, modern, accomplished woman thinks that? She does move on from Ben when she develops a friendship with Josh, a cute surfer she meets in Montecito. But Josh's character is not that great either. He is immature, he storms off without talking every time they have a fight or a misunderstanding.

I could go on and on about other things I didn't love about California Summer: a rushed ending, zero chemistry between Rosie and Josh, predictable story line, and use of too many clichés. But I don't want to spend any more of my time on this book.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Lorilin.
761 reviews232 followers
July 1, 2019
Rosie and Ben have spent the last ten years making hit movies together. Rosie is content with a simpler life, but Ben wants all that Hollywood has to offer, including the big house, expensive summer vacations, and lots of posh brunches with famous people. He’s so focused on his own ambition that he cheats on Rosie with a rich and successful hotshot movie producer in order to promote his own film. Rosie finds out and is devastated, but Ben expresses no remorse or hesitation when he tells her the relationship is over.

Crushed, Rosie decides she has to leave L.A. She drives up to beautiful Montecito, CA to try to figure out what she wants from herself and her life. While there, she meets a quirky and caring group of people who help her see how good life can be once she surrounds herself with kind and loyal friends.

I really wanted to love this book. It’s got all the good stuff: eccentric characters, an easily hate-able boyfriend, a beautiful setting, a saucy love interest, and a satisfying, happy ending. Unfortunately, though, the book almost has too much of all of it—to the point that the story isn’t even close to believable. I had trouble buying that Rosie was so blindly dedicated to such a self-serving a-hole like Ben. Her new love interest, Josh, isn’t much better when he states pretty much immediately that women are to blame for all of men’s problems. (It becomes Rosie’s mission to convince him to take another chance on love, and their relationship’s tortured ups and downs are definitely over the top.) I also didn’t buy that so many people would immediately open themselves up to Rosie or that her “second start on life” would come so easily—though I’ll admit that I did like all the quirky people she met…

My biggest gripe, unfortunately, was with Rosie herself. I was sympathetic to her hardships and really wanted her to get it together and make a better life for herself. But I grew tired of her reacting to every situation by giggling girlishly, blushing, or running away in a fit of tears when things got tough. I wanted her to have more of a backbone. I wanted to see strength and heart, grit. But she doesn’t show a lot of that, especially in the first half of the story.

Ultimately, this book is just okay. If you’re looking for something mindless and light, it still might be a fun read. Just don’t expect a lot of depth or believability.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC!

See more of my reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com!
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,699 reviews212 followers
May 21, 2018
“California Summer” by Anita Hughes is a captivating, enjoyable and entertaining read. The Genres for this novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Romance. Goodreads has a blurb that says. “”California Summer “is a touching and romantic story about following your dreams but not letting them get in the way of love.” The story takes place mostly in the present, and goes to the past only if it pertains to the characters or events. I like the way the author describes the scenic landscape with beaches and flowers, from Hollywood to a small town Montecito.

Anita Hughes describes her colorful cast of characters as complex, and complicated. Some characters are quirky. There are betrayals and lack of communication. Some of the characters are loyal friends. Rosie and Ben are friends, lovers, producer/director in Hollywood, until Rosie discovers that Ben has been unfaithful. Rosie leaves Hollywood and goes to Montecito, to stay with her friend’s parents. Rosie feels betrayed and hurt, and is nursing her wounds in the extra cottage on the premises.

In the small town, Rosie is able to meet some new friends, and reflect upon her life. Rosie finds she is happy preparing and cooking in the kitchen. Everyone seems to love Rosie’s fish tacos. Rosie does have major decisions to make. What are Rosie’s goals?

I like the way the author describes the importance, of family, friendship, emotional support, communication loyalty, love and hope. The author also compares being extremely wealthy and being able to have material things, and prestige, or being comfortable financially and being happy. I would highly recommend this novel to those readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Brittany Lee.
Author 2 books133 followers
December 28, 2018
Thank you for this free copy of the book, which I won through the Goodreads giveaway program.

The only thing I cared for in this book were the 2 recipes in the back of the book, 1 for guacamole which has a lovely spin on it (which I'm dying to try & know it will be delicious!!), and the other, a fish taco recipe which also sounds decadent. I am so thankful for these because I craved them the whole time through the book!!!!.

The story line in California Summer, just wasn't for me. I strongly disliked the younger characters in this book all being so self absorbed. The main character Rosie, had no mind of her own and I almost put the book down mulitiple times because I cannot stand women who are constantly Dick tripping over men nonstop! Rosie was constantly thinking about what her ex would say if he saw her, what she should wear incase she runs into him, the conversations they could have, she obesses over men in this book with no mind of her own and it drove me absolutely crazy. The characters were so dismissive to each other and then the ending it was wrapped up quickly weddings vows and pregnancies.

It just wasn't for me but I really appreciate the free copy to try out new authors. Thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Connie.
2,503 reviews62 followers
June 19, 2018
Rosie and Ben have lived together for 10 years near the ocean in California. Friends since they met in college, they have both wanted to work in films. They formed their own film company with Ben as the director and Rosie with the title of associate producer which really means gofer. Her job is to scope out places where they are thinking of filming.

When Rosie comes home after being gone for a couple of days looking at sites, she discovers that Ben has had sex with another woman in their bed. He admits that it was with a big shot female producer to hopefully close a deal. Ben tells Rosie that they are growing apart and that he wants more from life than she does. So, Rosie packs a few things and leaves. When she tells a friend what happened, she suggests that Rosie spend the summer in her mother’s guest cottage on their huge estate. The woman and her husband are extremely wealthy, also having made their money in films.

Rosie is surrounded by kindness from people but she still thinks that she and Ben will get back together. As time goes on, she realizes she needs to do something for herself, so she opens a fish taco shop.

I loved the author’s books “Christmas in Paris”, "Christmas in London”, and "Lake Como”, so I was really excited to read this book. Oh dear. What a disappointment. It read like a Danielle Steel novel where everyone is rich, beautiful, perfect, etc. Don’t get me wrong. I have read many of Ms. Steel's books and enjoyed them. They’re like nibbling on a sweet. I did not like Rosie. I found her to be a total twit with no self-esteem. To stay with a guy for 10 years where you are his bedmate and housekeeper is just stupid. I think I rolled my eyes so many times, I got dizzy. OK. Having written all this, let me add that I will most definitely read more novels by this author because I know she has the talent to write a good one.. Perhaps for me, this was just a one-off.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,642 reviews179 followers
October 6, 2025
Ben and Rosie met in University and became a couple, bonding over their love of movies. They moved to California together after graduating and put in years of hard work. Their latest production was a big hit at Sundance and they are now Hollywood’s newest director/producer dream team. Rosie is happy making independent films, but Ben wants the A-List celebrity package: a house in Beverly Hills, fancy cars in the driveway, and his name on the biggest blockbusters. When he sleeps with a famous producer to get what he wants, Rosie is devastated. She needs to take a break from Hollywood and Ben. Her best friend's parents invite her to stay at their estate in Montecito in their guest house, and she agrees. She needs to figure out what she really wants. While in Montecito, she meets new people who become friends, and her hosts encourage her to move forward. She starts a new business in the village, a taco shack, and perhaps finds a new love? Will she move on without Ben, or is she willing to take him back and move back into the Hollywood lifestyle?

I can't believe I left this book sitting on my TBR shelf so long. The characters in this book were real, even those with flaws. My heart broke for Rosie. When Ben betrayed her, she was lost. She didn't recognize him anymore and that broke her heart and her spirit. I was so happy to see her begin to blossom in Montecito. The secondary characters played a major role in this story, encouraging Rosie to move forward with her life. My one niggle is that the romance is pretty much a rebound thing, as she still thought she wanted Ben. There were lots of scenes with angst while this relationship developed, which some may find annoying. Overall, this was a book with themes of finding what you really want out of life, standing up for yourself and new beginnings.

Profile Image for Bethany Clark.
526 reviews
May 30, 2018
I love everything about Anita's writing style, it's carefree and whimsical. I read this book in a little over a day because I just couldn't separate myself from it.

I really connected with Rosie. There are times when I feel like I am living someone else's life and not the one that I would choose for myself.

I have thoughts of moving and being in a place or location that makes me happy and smile each day.

Ben and Rosie had, what she thought was, a great relationship. They fell in love at school and loved the same movies, had the same passions and knew that they wanted to create this film making empire together one day. Rosie basically couldn't make a decision without asking Ben first, he was her crutch.

Then one day she came home from scouting and he had done the unthinkable after 10 years, he had cheated and she knew by the position of the sheets.

What was she going to do? Her life literally revolved around him - her home, her job and most of her friends.

Her best friend Angelica gave her a getaway she couldn't refuse, a cottage to stay in on her parents estate in Montecito.

This is going to be a journey of self-discovery for Rosie - from making new friends, figuring out her path and who she wants to be.

This is a must read summer hit and highly recommend it as your next beach read!

Profile Image for Letty.
746 reviews
June 19, 2018
(3.5) Anita Hughes always has the perfect settings in her books that make you want to pack your bags and head out to that location. The setting here is Montecito, California where Rosie decides to spend the summer after discovering her live-in boyfriend Ben has cheated on her. Staying in a guest cottage at her best friend Angelica's parents' estate, Rosie doesn't know in what direction life will take her. She meets some very interesting but wonderful people while in Montecito and they end up becoming close and dear friends that help her in different aspects of her heartbreaking situation. I especially loved Morris, the butler at the estate that watched out for Rosie and always seemed to say and do the right things.

Overall, this was a charming and sweet read that is perfect for an afternoon reading on the beach or by the pool. A story of overcoming heartbreak, the importance of friends and family, and following through with what you really have a passion for. And, of course, there's some romance that makes it a little bit more special.

I received an advance reader's copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,217 reviews42 followers
May 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

Throughout the first half, I was ready to rate this a solid four, maybe even five stars. I loved the concept of the main character realizing that her relationship did not define her and that she was capable of living her best life on her own. Then, unfortunately, this turned into every other cheesy romance novel I've ever read, where the woman who claims she wants to be independent and get a fresh start immediately falls back into the same old loop of relationship drama. Listen, I'm all for the idea that some people need to be in a relationship to be happy, but if some guy constantly made me feel like I had to walk on eggshells lest I make a wrong move and he run away AGAIN, I'd be done. I love the idea of moving to a new place and getting a new start doing something you love, but the author completely contradicted everything she had set up in the first half. That's too bad, because up until that point I was really enjoying it.
494 reviews
July 7, 2018
The star of this contemporary romance is the setting of Montecito, California. The northern coastal area comes alive and is extremely appealing in this book. The plotline of a Hollywood producer taking refuge in the Santa Barbara area after a devastating breakup is appealing and what interested me in this title.

However, I found both the main characters fell flat as did their relationship and romance. There were some more interesting supporting characters. This was a quick read and I can see this being an appealing beach read for others.

I received a review copy through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Profile Image for Paula Pugh.
2,293 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2018
There are so many elements to this novel that I enjoyed. First, there are the characters-consistent, quirky at times, complicated at others. Second, there is the plot of a young woman (Rosie) thrown for a complete loop by her long time boyfriend who dumps her and she has to reinvent her life completely. Lastly, there are the relationships that support and encourage Rosie all along her journey over the course of the summer.
These elements all come together to form an enjoyable read for everyone.
Profile Image for Chaya.
501 reviews17 followers
March 25, 2018
An engaging romance with pleasant and interesting characters. The setting is beautiful, and the theme of overcoming heartache is one we can all relate to. A good beach read with a good strong plot and characters you care about.
Profile Image for Tiffany Rose.
627 reviews
March 26, 2018
This is a great read for the beach. It is quick and enjoyable. The characters were well written as well.

I would like to thank netgalley, and the author and publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.
Profile Image for Aida Alberto.
826 reviews22 followers
June 7, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own. I just finished this awesome and wonderful book and I wish that I could give it more than five bazzillion stars. Honestly it started out a little sappy for me and I was finding Rosie more than a little dependent but as I read more and more my opinion changed because this book has amazing depth and I just loved all of the characters. I love her writing madly and so will you so pre order this new book so it's waiting for you on release day. Clear the decks and prepare to loose yourself in this beautiful story. Happy reading! #CaliforniaSummer #NetGalley
Profile Image for Kelly.
110 reviews
February 22, 2021
Was looking forward to reading this. Liked the premise & the story line, the location was fabulous & held great promise. But I was disappointed in Rosie. Found her shallow & very selfish. And please for the love of pizza it drove me crazy how she gulped this & gulped that every time she spoke.
Story became a bit disjointed at the end & I could not wait to end it. I finish what I start usually & other characters were heart warming & sincere.
Profile Image for Sarah.
364 reviews
July 4, 2018
DNF Literally nothing happens. I got halfway thru before I decided life is too short.
Profile Image for Victoria Frow.
633 reviews
April 15, 2018
Very good. Easy to read, the characters were well written and the story was well thought out. Thank you NetGalley for the proof copy.
466 reviews9 followers
February 21, 2018
California Summer by Anita Hughes is not a typical formula romance. The author presents a believable story of today's young woman and the pitfalls of a long-term relationship that doesn't work out. It is refreshing to see the main character discover the importance of finding her own passion and ability to lead an independent life. That brings her to the point where she can enter into a healthier relationship where she doesn't lose herself. Besides a good mix of characters and an interesting storyline, I was most enamored with the California setting. It is always a plus when a book transports me to another place as this one managed to do.
Profile Image for Mom_Loves_Reading.
370 reviews90 followers
April 15, 2018
Thank you to the author/oublisher/Goodreads for this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Loved this book as a nice break from my usual thrillers! A very engaging and thoughtful romance that is not just fluff. Beautifully written and intriguing and a perfect poolside/beach read in the upcoming months. Very enjoyable!
📚📚📚📚📚
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,907 reviews33 followers
June 21, 2018
California Summer is an okay summer read. It's light, predictable, and doesn't demand anything of the reader.

Rosie and Ben have been together for ten years. The couple met in college, were best friends as well as lovers, knew each other so well they could finish each other's sentences, and worked towards the same dream - making it big in Hollywood. Now that Rosie has produced and Ben has directed an independent film that made it big at the Sundance Festival, the couple is on its way toward to the big time. Ben wants to grab his chance to do blockbuster movies while Rosie would like to continue with small, independent films. Surely they can work that out.

But when Rosie comes home from a trip scouting locations for their next film, she discovers that Ben has been unfaithful. And not just unfaithful, he thinks they need a break, to figure out what each of them really wants. Rosie knows one thing, Ben doesn't appear to want her anymore, and she is devastated. She thought they had a forever love, and doesn't understand how Ben can turn his back on their relationship.

Her best friend comes to her rescue, suggesting that Rosie spends the summer up the coast at Montecito in her parents summer cottage. Tearfully, not knowing what else to do, Rosie agrees. The summer cottage, in reality is a small house on the grounds of a huge estate. The couple who own the estate, Estelle and Oscar, and very welcoming and nice people who want Rosie to feel at home while she heals her broken heart and decides what she wants to do next. Their butler, Morris, is a great character, who befriends her and helps her find her way.

Ultimately, Rosie decides her dream is to open a fish taco shop (Eh?) and quickly opens it to great success. She also finds herself in a new relationship with Josh, a surfer who takes care of Oscar's classic cars, has rebuilt a classic car himself and wants to own a classic car shop someday.

Light, fluffy, perfect, except for the characters. Rosie is a big doormat, giving her all for Ben's dream, even though it wasn't hers. When he dumps her, she imagines all would be perfect again if only she wouldn't work, and be the stay-at-home lover (no marriage), who meets his every need and provides wonderful social gatherings so that he can continue to climb his ladder of success. Then you have Josh, who continually jumps to wrong conclusions and literally runs away when anything unexpected is said or happens. And Rosie fumbles and cries and wonders what to do to get him back. Come on - these people are supposed to be adults!?!? AUGHHHHH!!!!!! REALLY??? I just wanted to smack both of them upside their heads!

Montecito does sound lovely though.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's/Griffin for allowing me the opportunity to read this light summer read.
Profile Image for Kylie.
360 reviews53 followers
May 22, 2020
DID NOT FINISH.

This book, while the loose plot is interesting enough, and the love interest Josh is formed enough to take slight interest in, Rosie is simply annoying. She is obsessed with her cheating ex even after she has kissed another man, opened a shop, seemingly moved on.

Grammatical errors, useless passages, summaries of prior chapters, names and actions used too often after every sentence, and any number of other mistakes, make this a physically painful book to read.

I could only a chapter at a time, and finally had to put the book down after another angry headache formed.

I annotated my copy until the point I stopped reading (around page 147) and simply put I could not understand how this author had been published a dozen times prior, how this book made it to publication, and how I read as far as I did.

This book, sadly, is largely a waste of your time, money, and energy. Save yourself the headache and pick up a novel by another author. Truthfully, you could read Gone with the Wind easier than this utter piece of purely intolerable garbage.
1,212 reviews39 followers
June 15, 2018
I was thrilled when I heard Anita Hughes had a new book coming out just in time for Summer, and the title is California Summer. I became a fan of Anita's books last year when I read Christmas in London. She has a way with describing details so vividly that it really makes you feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are. I find her books to be light-hearted, easy to read, and predictable in the best way possible. I want to read a book with a happy ending, I want the girl to end up with the boy of her dreams, and I want all the characters to have exciting lives and live in places I would want to live. There are plenty of books out there that leave you wishing for a different outcome, a sad ending, a twist I didn't see coming. I think it's a nice change to know who the main character will end up with in the end, but you get to read about all the juicy details and route them on the whole book.

California Summer is about a girl named Rosie who finds out her long term boyfriend and business partner has cheated on her. She's devastated but thinks with counseling they can get past the affair, until Ben reveals his true feelings, that actually he has no feelings for Rosie. Her best friend tells her she needs to get away and decide what she wants to do with her life, and offers Rosie the opportunity to stay in her parents cottage in Montecito California. Rosie takes off and decides she'll stay for the summer, give her and Ben some space, and maybe with her gone, he'll realize he made a big mistake and beg her to come back. Montecito is as beautiful as Rachel described, and she tries to take it all in and be positive. She meets Rachel who owns the towns chocolate store, and is immediately taken under her wing. With chocolates in hand, a good pep talk, and directions to a beautiful spot on the beach to to watch the sunset, Rosie feels a little better. She meets a surfer named Josh, after running over his surf board while trying to park at the beach. So upset she confesses what brought her to Montecito and Josh is kind enough to introduce her to his friends, and have some drinks while they watch the sunset together.

Rosie drives to Angelica's parents home, a beautiful mansion with the most inviting, cozy cottage that she'll be calling home for the Summer. All she wants to do is crawl under the covers and never come out. Angelica's mom won't let her sulk. She has the butler bring her meals, she encourages her to keep putting one foot in front of the other, think about what she likes doing, what she see's her future career to be. Envision a life without Ben and what it will look like. Summer parties, new friends, a new outlook on life, and of course....the possibility of love.

As usual, Anita has me feeling all those good feels. I love getting lost in the romance, the locations in her books, and just the plot of these women starting over and all the possibilities that lie ahead.
Profile Image for Judi Easley.
1,496 reviews48 followers
July 9, 2018
California Summer

Anita Hughes

St. Martin’s Press, Jun 2018

304 pages, Kindle, paperback

Contemporary romance, Women’s lit, Second chance romance

Provided

✭✭✭✭⭑

The cover is totally eye-catching as well as suitable to the story. A girl on the beach is just what I would expect to see. Though I’m disappointed it’s not a bit more imaginative. There are so many things that could be the focus of this cover such as a rose garden, fish tacos, a classic car, a beach at sunset, or a beach with surfers. This book is a visual feast.

The story is very good. It’s typical of Ms. Hughes, too. She does tend to start with a long-term relationship that has suddenly broken apart. Ben and Rosie have been together 10 years and they even look alike. Been is now becoming a hot Hollywood property as a director. Suddenly he doesn’t see Rosie as the woman to take him to the top. She discovers by the position of the sheets that he’s had another woman in their bed. He lies trying to deny it and then admits it saying that it’s nothing, but that maybe they need to take a break and reevaluate what they each want. Rosie packs and leaves, going to the house of her best friend Angelica’s parents, Oscar and Estelle Pullman. Living in the lap of luxury, beyond anything she’s ever experienced in her life, she’s helped to heal and decide what she wants for herself in life and to fall in love again.

Rosie is introduced to Estelle’s rose garden and all its wonders, she gets up close with some of the most expensive classic cars ever made in Oscar’s collection, she eats and drinks with some very famous people, and meets one of her greatest idols of all time. She rediscovers her love of cooking and feeds everyone her wonderful fish tacos with guacamole. She comes to understand what her challenges and interests really are and where she wants her life to go. And who she wants to do it with.

Ms. Hughes paces this very well. She alternates the happy with the angry and the sad. The love with the breakups. Alzheimer’s with new life. Through the whole story is the pace of life, sometimes it’s all coming down on your head and other days it’s all coming up daisies. Some days you get a little of both. Anita Hughes is an expert at writing stories at the pace of life and love. She’s the best summer reading or re-reading I know!

Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,170 reviews141 followers
September 15, 2018
Ben and Rosie were together for a decade. Ben wants it all the high life in California, Rosie is not so sure she wants all of it. He cheats, she flees to her friend's parent's cottage in Montecito.

Life near the beach is slower paced, she takes the summer to figure out what she wants, what she likes, who she is. She decides to start her own business and things progress from there.


--Anita Hughes's California Summer is a charming and beautiful love story about a former Hollywood producer who trades her cast list in for cookbooks in the hopes of following her dreams and finding new love.

Ben and Rosie are Hollywood’s newest director/producer dream team. After hitting it big at Sundance, it seems that their ten years of love and hard work are finally paying off. Rosie is happy making independent films, but Ben wants the A-List celebrity package: a house in Beverly Hills, fancy cars in the driveway, and his name on the biggest blockbusters. He’s willing to do anything, even sleep with the most famous producer in town, to get them.

Rosie is devastated by Ben’s affair, and she decides to take a break from show business. She accepts her best friend's invitation to spend the summer at her parents' estate in Montecito. It's far away from L.A., the perfect place to start over.

In Montecito, Rosie meets a colorful cast of characters including Rachel, who owns a chocolate store, and Josh, a handsome local who splits his time between surfing and classic cars. Suddenly Rosie has new friends and a new purpose. She starts a business in the village, and her luck seems to be turning around. But Rosie knows all too well that success comes with a price, and the price might be losing love...again.

California Summer is a touching and romantic story about following your dreams but not letting them get in the way of love. (less)
625 reviews11 followers
April 17, 2018

Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Montecito is a magical place in California where building permits, lease agreements, and health inspections can all be completed within 30 days. That’s what makes it the ideal place to lick your wounds after a broken heart and reinvent yourself. Seriously though – I am so excited that Ms. Hughes has returned Stateside with a book in California. Inch by Inch, mile by mile she’s slowly coming down to Orange County where I always hope the next book is based.

What I loved: While still in a breathtaking location like previous books..this heroine doesn’t seem to be as wealthy, or accustomed to expensive things as the ones before. While still not as flawed as I would love her to be – Rosie is way down to earth and very likable. She givs off a vibe that she is still trying to find her own way in life too – with a peanut butter sandwich in hand.
What I didn’t love: I think this book is an older story that has been finally released. There’s nothing wrong with that at all – but if that’s going to happen then it should be re-read prior to print and outdated references should be removed. Unfortunately, there is no mention of the devastating fires and floods that ripped through Southern California in October 2017. Matt Laurer on the Today Show? Woody Allen still as a revered Hollywood director? Really touchy topics that scream dated.

What I learned: I’m not a fish taco girl – but I will be trying that guacamole recipe!

Overall Grade: B

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