Introduction

"The perfect beach read!" ?Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of Beach House Reunion.

"Tender and triumphant...California Summer made my heart sing." ?Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of Between Me and You

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 shop, 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.

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Excerpt

One


Rosie carried her overnight bag up the stairs and was greeted by the familiar mess of their kitchen. Ben had left the blender on the counter, next to a half-empty box of strawberries and a can of protein powder. Rosie imagined him wearing his Lakers t-shirt, his gray sweats with the barely legible Kenyon logo, sprinting out the door like a bullet. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1) Do you think Rosie did the right thing by running away to Montecito or should she have stayed in Hollywood and fought for her job at the studio? Why or why not?

2) When Rosie arrives in Montecito, she considers forgiving Ben. How do you feel about Rosie’s initial reaction to Ben’s affair? If a boyfriend cheated on you, would you consider giving him a second chance?

3) How do you feel about Rosie’s initial plans to change in ways that will please Ben? What does this say about Rosie, and how would you react in the same situation?

4) Montecito is the perfect escape: it’s a charming coastal village filled with friendly people. If you were going through emotional turmoil, where would be your dream escape?

5) Rosie slowly begins to reinvent herself in a way that will end up making her happy. Name the catalysts for her reinvention.

6) Give your thoughts on Josh. Do you think he is a good match for Rosie? Give examples to support your opinion.

7) Rosie and Angelica have a unique relationship. They are best friends, but don’t always get along. Where do you see this in the plot? Do you share a similar kind of relationship with any close friends?

8) Rosie meets a lot of interesting characters in Montecito. Who are your favorites and why?

9) A big part of the book is about following your dreams and what you are willing to sacrifice to achieve them. Name one of your dreams and what you would give (or have given) up to get it.

10) Where do you see Rosie and Josh, and Angelica and Dirk, in ten years’ time?

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