California Summer

I received this arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
Ben and Rosie met at college where they shared a love of movies. Ten years later he is a successful Hollywood director and Rosie is scouting locations and other assistant producer jobs. When Rosie discovers that Ben is having an affair with a woman who can escalate his career she is devastated. Ben suggests that they take a break and Rosie escaped to Montecito to figure out her next move. It's Montecito where she discovers who she really is and where her passions lie.
I liked Rosie and hated Ben as you would with anyone with that inflated of an ego. I loved all of the amazing people that Rosie came into contact with in Montecito and how their stories developed around hers. This is my first read by author Anita Hughes and I would love to read more.

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.

I will start by saying that I am an avid reader of her books and have read all of them multiple times. I applaud Rosie and her quest for reinvention. Business wise, super strong. Romantically, super weak. She tries to change herself according to a man and the phrase "eyes filled with tears" appeared multiple times. She also ran away from conflict. It ended well and I will still keep reading her novels; however, Rosie should have recognized her self worth more.

Fun, family and romance all bundled up in one book.

All their hard work has paid off and Rosie and Ben have a hit on their hands. The filmmakers have been a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, but it turns out success means something different to Ben than it does to Rosie. While she’s content to keep making small, meaningful films, Ben wants the Hollywood dream. Big budgets, big actors, a big house and a big car. He’s also easily seduced by the beautiful women that come with the territory. Hurt and humiliated, Rosie decides to spend the summer with a friend in Montecito, which is nothing like Hollywood. Here, she makes new friends and learns to regain her confidence and belief in herself. This is an empowering novel about a woman taking control of her own life with a little help from her friends