I was hoping that California Girls was the next installment in the Mischief Bay series, but it's a standalone novel. However, it has a similar feel to that series and it would have fit in well. I was even hoping Zennie's best friend would be Hayley from The Friends We Keep. Mary Jo reminded me of the mom in Sisters Like Us at times.

The story was great overall. I felt a kinship with all three sisters. Some of the guys were too good to be true and Daniel is now my new book boyfriend. I had a great time reading it and didn't want it to end, even though I did want to know how things would turn out. I even got teary-eyed at one point. I hope there will be a follow up story or that the sisters will have cameos in other books.

Movie casting ideas:
Zennie: Margot Robbie
Ali: Haley Ramm
Finola: Shantel VanSanten
Daniel: Matt Long
Clark: Freddie Stroma
Nigel: Benjamin Walker
Treasure: Skyler Samuels
Glen: Jack Quaid
Bernadette: Jessica Williams

Thanks to MIRA for the book in exchange for an honest review.

California Girls did not disappoint! Susan Mallery has the perfect amount of humour, tears, and joy in her latest novel. She is one of my go-to authors when I need a pick me up because she is so consistent in the quality of her stories!

In California Girls by Susan Mallery, They say that sisters share a special bond and that whatever affects one, affects them all. In an odd twist of fate, that couldn’t be more true for sisters Finola, Zennie and Ali, seeing how they all find their romantic relationships suddenly ending during the same week. From Ali’s broken engagement where her fiance didn’t even have the nerve to tell her the news, to Zennie’s casual-for-her-not-for-him relationship, to Finola’s husband confessing he cheated on her, the sisters have their work cut out for them if they’re to heal and move on.

But moving on is easier said than done. Ali is still reeling over her fiance’s lack of care and wonders if they were ever truly in love like she thought. Especially once she realizes the connection that’s growing with his brother, the man who stood up and helped Ali through her toughest days. And even Zennie feels a bit blindsided by Clark breaking things off, as she’s usually the one to call it quits in her dating life. But with her decision to become a surrogate for her best friend, Zennie has bigger worries on her mind as her emotions race and her body becomes something she doesn’t recognize. Then there’s Finola’s very public breakup, which is both humiliating and life-changing. And she’s not sure if she wants her husband to come crawling back or if she wants him to be miserable after he realizes the consequences of his actions.

Susan Mallery proved once again how on the mark her writing is with this relatable and funny yet poignant work of women’s fiction. Filled with the complexities of family and personal relationships, California Girls explored issues that will resonate with every reader while it ultimately tugs at your heartstrings.

I’m always surprised when I read a new Susan Mallery book with how she keeps her characters so down to earth while putting them through their paces–and with how she manages to make them inherently likable. Even the characters I don’t want to like. (I’m lookin’ at you, Finola and Mary Jo!) California Girls took me on an emotional journey along with sisters Finola, Zennie and Ali, while they all recovered from a breakup. I thought it was interesting the way Mallery showed how each of them, who were at different stages in their lives, processed their emotions over their romances ending. I’m happy to say all three sisters showed personal growth and positive changes in their lives in a way that was realistic and heartwarming.

As with any standalone that has multiple POVs, there was a lot of information in the first third or so of the book so it took me a while to find my rhythm with it. But once I got a good grasp on the dynamics between the sisters, between them and their mother Mary Jo, and with each of their romantic relationships, then I flew through the book. And I wasn’t kidding about not wanting to like certain people. Finola, the oldest sister, did finally wear me down but boy did she come off as self-absorbed and whiny for a big chunk of the story. Middle sister Zennie was a pretty cool heroine who I thought was quite selfless in becoming a surrogate–even if she didn’t necessarily realize how tough it would be.

And Ali…I probably related the most to her, although I think some readers might not like her mousey ways. She wasn’t exactly a pushover but Ali didn’t stand up for herself at first–although she sure did by the end of the story. (Yay!!) The other thing some might take issue with is how Ali slowly falls for her ex-fiance’s brother. I know, It’s kind of a weird, tangled web. But the way it played out, and the bond they formed together, I could really see it happening so I was okay with that part of the story.

My go-to author for heartfelt stories with the perfect amount of humor and humility woven in, Susan Mallery’s carefully crafted novels are sure to please. Whether you’re already a fan or not, I think California Girls has the type of storyline that will stick with you long after you finish reading.

California Girls is full of feel-good sister moments that center around starting again and taking responsibility for your own happiness. Finola, Zennie, and Ali are all dealing with the aftermath of breakups and what it means for their future. Susan Mallery meshes romance and women’s lit in this story.

Finola, wrecked by her husband’s infidelity with a pop star, feels like her life is over. She questions how she will ever be able to move on while in the public eye. Her story is relatable to anyone facing starting over. She’s been married for years and had envisioned the rest of her life with her husband by her side. She has to try and redesign her entire future. Finola does not have another romantic arc during the story and I loved that. She was able to allow herself to be angry and messy after her break up. She was granted the time she needed to focus on herself and find her inner strength.

Ali is dumped months before her wedding day and her soon-to-be husband isn’t even the one that breaks up with her. His brother has to deliver the message. From the beginning it’s clear that Ali and Daniel, her ex’s brother, have some chemistry brewing. Ali’s storyline focuses on finding love and being loved. She has spent so much time in the shadow of her sisters and hasn’t thought much of herself. She was holding onto her ex’s love because she felt like someone had finally seen her and appreciated her. She finally realizes she deserves more and doesn’t have to settle. Her romance with Daniel was incredibly sweet, slightly steamy, and so worth the build up!

Zennie has the most minor breakup. She is dumped by a guy she’s gone out on a few dates with. She worries more about what it means for herself that she’s never had a long term relationship and doesn’t feel any interest in one. She expresses that she’s not really interested in sexual relationships but the term “asexuality” is never used in the book. I wish this was something that could’ve been explored more since it’s not featured much in romances/women’s lit. Zennie’s major storyline is centered around her decision to become a surrogate for her best friend. Her friends and some family members disagree with her decision and worry about her, but ultimately Zennie knows she’s made the right choice for her.

The California based sisters all grow throughout the pages of the novels and each eventually learns that they have the power to create happiness in their lives. Each deals with a situation that they can’t control and they learn to change the things they can. This book focuses on accepting self-love along with romantic love and it’s a message many readers need to see. Susan Mallery wrote a quick, light-hearted book that readers with or without sisters will love!

Ali and Finola have a whopping bad day- the two sisters are both dumped, Finola by her husband who has run off with a pop star, and Ali by her fiancé who leaves her with the bill. Oh, and Ali also has a problem because she's sold her stuff and let her lease go because she planned to move in with Glen, the rat. Zennie, their sister, is a cool headed OR nurse whose boyfriend notes her lack of commitment to their relationship. However, Zennie is committed to her friend Bernie, so committed that she agrees to be her surrogate. How these three get their legs under them is at the core of this well written and plotted novel. That Ali recovers with the able assistance of Glen's brother Daniel is nice. It's even better that he helps her with her confidence at work. Each of the sisters is well fleshed out and you will definitely root for them. One quibble- I can't imagine why this bears the title it does. Yes they all live in California but it's not distinctly a California novel and more importantly, they aren't girls, they are women. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. A perfect read for a snowy day (or any other day!).

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Mallery is my favorite author. She is the first name that comes to mind when someone asks me to recommend an author… “Have you ever read Susan Mallery?” and most times the answer is “Yes! I love her.” From that point on I know where to go with the conversation.

First I always bring up her Fool’s Gold series, move on to the Happily Inc series and then talk about her stand alone stories. And still so many to talk about.

In this story we meet Finola, Zennie and Ali. This story takes you through every emotion a book can do. You feel the sadness and the joy that the characters feel.

Another story that can not be missed by Susan Mallery.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Finola, Zennie and Ali are sisters who have each made a comfortable life for themselves. Then, in the same week, all are dumped. Finola’s husband, Nigel, announces he has been having an affair and is leaving their marriage. Zennie has dated Clark for only a short time but there is nothing special about him. Until he tells her that he can tell she is not that interested in him and walks out of the restaurant. Ali is marrying Glen in a couple of weeks. That is until Glen’s brother, Daniel, shows up to announce that Glen has changed his mind.

This book is a romance in traditional Susan Mallery style. It is also about so much more. The lives of the three sisters, destruct and then are put back together. The metamorphism that occurs in gradual but astounding. Travel with them as they go from self-absorbed to seeing the world around them as it truly is.

This was a good book which was easy to read. It had poignant moments and laugh out loud scenes. The characters are well developed and contain richly developed thoughts and emotions.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good, clean story about love, relationships, self-awareness and what it takes to truly belong. You will not be disappointed.

In this emotionally charged new read by author Susan Mallery we meet three sisters who all seem to be going through a difficult time, at the same time. Finola, the oldest, learns that her husband is cheating on her with a famous singer who happens to be a guest on her tv show the day she finds out. Zennie gets broken up with but for her she just wasn't into it anyway, she thinks that she is her best self alone and not in a relationship. She's happy with the way things are so when her best friend, who can't have children, asks her to not only be her surrogate but also the egg donor, she thinks no problem. Then there is Ali, the youngest of the three whose fiance dumps her a couple of months before their wedding. How does he do it you ask? He lets his brother tell her because otherwise he was just going to leave her standing at the alter alone and confused. Follow along in this emotional read as these three women all work through the happenings in their lives. Will Finola be able to get over the betrayal of her husband, will they end up back together or will she move on without him? Will having a baby for her best friend but in reality is really hers become an issue for Zennie or will she be selfless enough to give her friends the gift of a child? Can Ali learn to be a stronger person and stand up for herself or will she turn to food like she has in the past? This was a wonderful read that truly touched on the relationships between sisters and the one they have with their mother. I laughed throughout and I cried throughout and in the end I was happy with each road that the sisters took. It was a fantastic read that shows the situations that a family can go through and how they deal with each problem. I look forward to seeing what Mallery brings to life next.

California Girls is brilliant! Three sisters get dumped in the same week and as a consequence go through huge changes in their lives over a short time period. Each woman goes through upheaval in facing different challenges of their new found status. The book is funny, thought provoking and thoroughly engaging, I loved it and didn’t want it to end and would definitely recommend this book.

It was the first book I read by this author and it was a great discovery.
It's an enjoyable and entertaining book that will make you laugh and move.
You cannot help rooting for the lovely and well written characters and be involved in their story.
I loved how the plot was developed and was hooked since the first pages.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to HARLEQUIN - MIRA and Netgalley for this ARC

You can always expect a super read by this author such was the case with California Girls. I found myself laughing and crying. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Susan Mallery is one of my favorite authors. She always sweeps me into another world. I always know that it’s a book that I am going to get lost in.

Great read! This Susan Mallery story is about three sisters experiencing heart break. I liked that the story jumped from each sister's point of view. Really easy read, I sped through it but didn't want it to end. Highly recommended!

Susan Mallery definitely has a winner with this book. Three sisters, three very different relationship breakups brings these sisters closer together and more understanding of each other’s different choices. As the story flowed back and forth between this family, it was easy to follow and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Three sisters who each get dumped on the same day. What follows for each is the heart of the story. This sends each on a very different path. I enjoyed meeting the three and their slightly off center Mother who just wants to be a grandmother. For each of the sisters the result is not what they expected. This follows them for a year and the result for each is a bit of a surprise. A nice contemporary romance that has both serious and light moments.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Good fun read. Three sisters and all their problems and how they came together. Really good story.

California Girls was my the first Susan Mallery book I've read and I am officially a fan now!! This book tells the story of three sisters who have all experienced a breakup at the same time. While all of these women are very different, their heartbreak unites them and they become closer. This was a quick read, can't wait to read more from Susan Mallery.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Finola, Zennie and Ali, three sisters who will suffer through life changing events and learn so much about love and life. Ali is busy working and planning the wedding of her dreams. Zennie is not interested in being a “couple”, but has her exciting life as an operating room nurse and a great group of friends. Finola has her own local television show and is planning her trip to Hawaii with her husband where she will tell him that she is ready for them to start a family. In one week, their lives will implode in unexpected ways. Ali is stunned when her future brother-in-law arrives to tell her that his brother, her fiancé wants out of the wedding. Zennie will be asked by her best friend, who is unable to have children, to be a surrogate for her and her husband. Finola will find out in the most-cruel way that her husband is having an affair…with a much younger pop star. A wonderful, heartwarming story about the way the three sisters deal with their changed lives. Will they be strong enough to survive their challenges? Whenever I read a Susan Mallery novel, I “sigh” when I finish the book and want to read it all over again. Another masterpiece by an author that takes you through every emotion possible. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

A very pleasant read. Sort of romance, sort of a domestic drama this book was fun. Reading women who are fully fleshed out - they have friends and careers and hobbies and families was a pleasure. It's the sort of book you can just read for pleasure, it doesn't need a lot of thought or analysis. And while there are love stories in there, this book does not posit that the solution to every problem is a man.

Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin Mira foor the ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

California Girls was a nice read from author Susan Mallery that contained some likeable characters that grab reader’s attentions..
Review copy received via Netgalley