Rosie and Ben are college sweethearts who share the same dream. Take Hollywood by storm and make great films together. Right after graduating they head West and begin working on an independent film together. Ben as director, Rosie as producer. They have been together ten years, extremely close and call each other at least five times a day. They discuss everything. When they win an award at Sundance, they become the golden couple in La La Land. Ben is busy directing films and Rosie is sent out to find locations for future projects. When she returns home, Rosie notices the sheets on their bed tossed on the floor similar to the way Ben handles them after having sex with her. The alarm bells begin to ring and she confronts Ben. He admits he had sex in their bed with a powerful producer he wants to team up with for his next film. They argue and Ben tells Rosie he only wants to make Blockbuster films, make a lot of money and buy a huge home in Beverly Hills, where he will store several expensive classic cars. When Rosie objects to his plans which she has never heard about before, Ben tells her they have drifted apart and he wants to break up with her. He is also not shy about admitting he will do anything and use anyone to get what he wants. Rosie is heart broken, but is sure his thinking is only temporary and she will be able to win him back. After all they have always been a team, right? Didn't they only belong together?

Rosie goes to her BFF, Angelica, and tells her about the break up. Angelica insists she needs a vacation and offers Rosie her parents cottage in Montecito to unwind and rethink her future. A perfect temporary solution and one Rosie can afford.

Montecito is gorgeous and the estate of Estelle and Oscar Pullman is fabulous. The guest house comes complete with Morris, the butler. He becomes my favorite character as he knows how to help heal Rosie's broken heart, and help her find a new direction. Rosie meets Josh, a surfer who works at a Classics Car Showroom and dreams of owning it someday. He keeps all of Oscar's expensive vehicles shining at the estate. He has lived in Montecito his whole life and introduces Rosie to his gang and becomes a good friend. Between Morris, Josh, and Estelle, Rosie is tasked to find something she loves so that she can begin her new life. They hope she will stay in Montecito.

Location! Location! Location!!!! Anita Hughes will always magically transport you to a place you will never want to leave. She did it for me while watching the spectacular sunsets on the Greek Island in SATORINI SUNSETS; to the most romantic city in the world in CHRISTMAS IN PARIS; discovering the beauty of LAKE COMO, and watching to see George and Amal. This time she whisks us to Montecito, a seaside village on the coast in Northern California that will steal your heart as it does to Rosie. New friends, a new purpose, and finding what she really wants in her life begins in this new town filled with colorful people. I loved her journey and cheered when she found her perfect ending. Fish Tacos made by Rosie was a big hit and so is CALIFORNIA SUMMER. I am a devoted fan, Ms. Hughes. Where will our next adventure be set? I am ready. Let's go!

Book Summary

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.