"Can You Really Run Away From Your Problems?"
Reviewed by Susan Dyer
Posted June 24, 2014
Romance Contemporary
Summer Benson is a flight attendant who loves her life and
her career. She
has just discovered that her handsome pilot boyfriend is
planning on
proposing to her in Paris. On the flight to Paris, their
plane has mechanical
problems and Summer survives a crash landing. While
recovering in the
hospital her boyfriend, although apologetic for his rotten
timing, tells her
that surviving the crash has made him revaluate his own life
and he
realizes that he doesn't love her. Summer finds herself in
a terrible place,
feeling heartbroken and lost. She remembers seeing an ad
for Black Dog
Bay, a small tourist town in Delaware that caters to the
heartbroken with
places such as the Eat Your Heart Out Bakery, Better Off
Bed-and-
Breakfast, and The Whinery and she heads there right away.
After running over his prized roses on her way into town,
Summer attempts
to win the heart of the town's mayor, Dutch. This proves to
be easier said
than done. He is raising his younger sister, Ingrid and has
no desire to
complicate his life even more with a woman on the rebound.
Many have
tried and many have failed. Summer loves a challenge! He
is obviously
attracted to Summer but at first, he doesn't act on it. The
chemistry
between these two and what they do to each other will have
you laughing
out loud!
Meanwhile, the locals accept her almost immediately and
for the first
time in her life, Summer doesn't feel like running. She
feels like she
belongs there. At the bar the owner gives her a drink
called the CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP, (recipe included),
Summer is suddenly feeling all is right
with the world until Hattie comes in. Her world is suddenly
changed by
Black Dog Bay's bitter and meanest resident, the wealthy
Hattie
Huntington. Hattie has a mean streak a mile wide and it's
heading straight
for Summer. How can Summer choose her happiness over the
livelihood
of her new friends? Leaving Black Dog Bay is going to be
far more worse
then what she was feeling when she first got there. Summer
knows
happiness for her is over but she knows her friends are safe
and well in
Delaware or so she thinks.
CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP is a book I will recommend to
everyone I know. It is a very funny, quick and a perfect
read when you want
to lose yourself in a book. It is one of those stories that
will be very hard to
put down once you start reading. It is the first time I
have ever read Beth
Kendrick but it won't be my last! I found myself laughing
out loud many
many times and when I wasn't laughing I was smiling like a
fool! What a
fantastic summer beach read! Whether it's stopping in for a
drink at the
Whinery, cookies at the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, shopping
at Retail
Therapy or joining in the burning of wedding dresses and
sexy outfits on a
driftwood campfire, you'll want to step right into the pages
of this novel and
join the girls!
SUMMARY
Welcome to Black Dog Bay, a tiny seaside town in Delaware
known as “the best place in America to bounce back from your
breakup.” Home to the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat
Your Heart Out bakery, and the Whinery bar, Black Dog Bay
offers a haven for the suddenly single.
Flight attendant Summer Benson lives by two rules: Don’t
stay with the same man for too long and never stay in one
place. She’s about to break rule number one by considering
accepting her boyfriend’s proposal—then disaster strikes and
her world is shattered in an instant.
Summer heads to Black Dog Bay, where the locals welcome her.
Even Hattie Huntington, the town’s oldest, richest, and
meanest resident, likes her enough to give her a job. Then
there’s Dutch Jansen, the rugged, stoic mayor, who’s the
opposite of her type. She probably shouldn’t be kissing him.
She definitely shouldn’t be falling in love.
After a lifetime of globe-trotting, Summer has finally found
a home. But Hattie has old scores to settle and a hidden
agenda for her newest employee. Summer finds herself faced
with an impossible choice: Leave Black Dog Bay behind
forever, or stay with the ones she loves and cost them
everything....
ExcerptChapter 1“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain
speaking.” “He’s so hot.” Summer Benson nudged her fellow flight
attendant Kim. “Even his voice is hot.” “Welcome to our flight from New York to Paris.” Aaron’s
voice sounded deep and rich, despite the plane’s staticky
loudspeaker. “Flying time tonight should be about seven
hours and twenty-six minutes. We’re anticipating an on-time
departure, so we’re going to ask you to move out of the
aisles and take your seats as quickly as possible.” Summer leaned back against the drink cart in the tiny first-
class galley. “Ooh, I love it when he tells me what to do.”
Kim, a petite Texan with a sleek blond bob, rolled her eyes
and started checking the meals that had arrived from
catering. “Get a room.” “As soon as we get to Paris, we will,” Summer assured her.
“And then we’re going to walk by the Seine and go to the
Eiffel Tower and eat croissants. If it’s cheesy and
touristy, we’re doing it. I actually packed a beret.” “I was wondering why you had two gigantic carry-ons,” Kim
said. “That’s a lot of luggage for a three-day layover.” “One bag’s half-full of scandalous lingerie,” Summer
replied. “I left the other half-empty so I can buy more
scandalous lingerie.” She frowned at a snag in her silky
black nylons. “These eight-hour flights are hell on my
stockings. This pair was my favorite, too. They’re all lacy
at the top. Hand-embroidered.” Kim’s jaw dropped. “You’re wearing thigh-highs? All the way
to Paris? Do you hate yourself? Do you hate your veins?” “When I’m on a flight to Paris with my boyfriend, I don’t
wear support hose. Not now, not ever.”
.
“And do you hate your feet?” Kim glanced down at Summer’s
patent leather stilettos. “I don’t have a ruler with me, but
I’m guessing those heels are higher than two and a half
inches.” She shook her index finger. “Airline regulations.” “Airline regulations also state that we have to wear black
shoes and black tights with a navy uniform,” Summer said.
“That doesn’t make it right. Besides, France has laws
against ugly shoes. You can look it up.” “You’re going to be begging for flats by the time you’re
through with the salad service,” Kim predicted. Summer had to admit that her coworker had a point—
international first-class service didn’t offer a lot of
downtime. Between distributing hot towels, drinks, place
settings and linens, appetizers, salads, entrées, fruit and
cheese, dessert, coffee, cordials, warm cookies, and finally
breakfast, a sensible flight attendant would wear
comfortable footwear. Summer had never been accused of being sensible. “The only thing more high-maintenance than the meal service
is me,” she said. “I refuse to be hobbled by a few plates of
lettuce.” Kim ducked out of the galley with a pair of plastic water
bottles. “Hang on, I’m going to go check if the pilots want
anything before takeoff. Want me to say hi to your
boyfriend?” “Sure, and ask if he has any M&M’s. I forgot to bring a
fresh supply, and he knows I’m an addict.” Two minutes later, Kim returned from the flight deck,
walking as fast as her polyester pencil skirt permitted. “I
just saw Aaron!” “Score.” Summer held out her palm as Kim handed over a bag
of candy. “He truly is the best boyfriend ever. I’ll have to
keep him around for a while.” “For a while? How about forever?” Kim clutched Summer’s
forearm and gave her a little shake. “He has a diamond ring
for you!” Summer pulled away and braced both hands on the narrow,
metal-edged countertop. “It’s gorgeous!” Kim squealed. “He was showing it to the
first officer when I opened the door. Where was an oxygen mask when you needed one? Summer inhaled
deeply, smelling stale coffee grounds and the plummy red
wine Kim had just uncorked for a passenger. “I . . .” She waited for her emotions to kick in. She should
laugh. Cry. Faint dead away. Something. “He’s going to propose in Paris! How romantic.” Kim looked
as though she might faint dead away. “A guy like him, with a
ring like that . . . God, you’re so lucky.” All at once, the emotions kicked in. Complete, overwhelming
terror, served up with a side of denial. “Slow down, slow
down.” Summer sagged back against the counter. “This is
crazy. I mean, Aaron and I have a great time together, but
we’ve certainly never talked about marriage.” “Well, why else would he buy a diamond ring?” “Maybe it’s for his mom. Or his sister.” Summer scrambled
for any plausible explanation. “Maybe he’s carrying it for a
friend, like a drug mule for Cartier. He’s not proposing—
he’s just smuggling!” “No way. You should have seen his face.” Kimberly clasped
both hands by her cheek. “He looked so nervous. It was
adorable.” Her rapturous expression flickered for just a
moment. “He made me promise not to tell you. Oops.” “Oh my God,” Summer rasped. “I know!” “Oh my God.” She grabbed the nearest bottle of wine and took
a swig. “Don’t serve that.” “You know where you should go?” Kim’s eyes sparkled.
“There’s a great little boutique hotel right off rue du
Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Hotel de la something. I’ll Google
it. Super swanky, super secluded.” She shook her head. “I
guess wearing thigh-highs and four-inch heels was a good
call, after all.” Summer took another bracing sip of wine and wiped her lips
on the back of her hand. “I can’t believe this.” “Me, neither!” Kim planted her hands on her hips. “We’ve all
been drooling over Aaron Marchand for years, and you get to
spend the rest of your life with him? Not fair. You’ve
landed the unlandable bachelor.” “Well.” Summer realized, as she forced herself to release
her death grip on the wine bottle, that her hands were
shaking. “I haven’t landed him yet. I mean, this ring is
still speculation and hearsay at this point.” “Pfft. I know an engagement ring when I see one.” Kim pursed
her lips in a little pout. “One less tall, dark, and
handsome man for the rest of us.” She sighed, then frowned
at Summer. “Wait. Why are you freaking out?” “I’m not freaking out.” Summer straightened up and cleared
her throat. “But, you know, let’s not get ahead of
ourselves. He hasn’t actually asked. I haven’t said yes.” Kim laughed. “Come on. You wouldn’t say no to Aaron
Marchand.” Her eyes widened. “Would you?” Summer ducked her head and let her hair fall over her eyes.
“Well . . .” Kim wrapped her fingers around Summer’s arm again and
demanded, “How old are you?” “Um. Thirty-two.”
“Thirty-two,” Kim repeated. “And you’ve done your share of
partying, yes?” Summer nodded. “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors. They’re
all true.” “Okay, so you’ve had your fun. But, let’s face it, you’re
not twenty-five anymore.” “Twenty-five is a state of mind.” Summer tried and failed to
free herself from Kim’s grasp. “You’re never going to do better than Aaron Marchand. You
know that, right?” Summer stared down at her shiny patent shoes. “What are you waiting for? Why on earth would you say no?”
Kim threw up both hands in exasperation. Summer darted around her fellow flight attendant and escaped
into the first-class cabin. “Hold that thought. I have to go
do the dog and pony show.” She took her place beneath the TV
monitor while the safety demonstration video played. While
she pointed out the emergency exits, she scanned the sea of
faces, looking for any sign of potential troublemakers. But tonight the passengers looked docile and weary, most of
them ignoring her as the video droned on about inflatable
slides and oxygen masks. An elderly couple was already
sleeping in the third row, the wife resting her head on her
husband’s shoulder. Summer found a thin navy blanket and draped it across the
couple’s armrests. Then, while the lead flight attendant was requesting that
everyone turn off all portable electronic devices, Summer dashed to the bulkhead and dialed her best friend Emily’s
number. When Emily’s voice mail picked up, Summer started raving
into the receiver: “Hey, I know you’re in Vancouver and you
probably have thirty thousand things going on right now, but
I need a consult. I’m about to take off for Paris with
Aaron. The pilot, remember? The one who’s all perfect and
dreamy and nice? Well, he’s about to ask me to marry him.
Marry him. Out of nowhere! Like an ambush! What should I
say? What should I do? Call me back, Em. I’m scared.” She hung up, rested her forehead against the cool, curved
plastic walls of the cabin, and forced herself to arrange a
smile on her lips before she turned back to the passengers.
As she walked through the cabin to do her final safety
compliance check (“Fasten your seat belt, please. . . .
Here, let me help you with that tray table”), she was
waylaid by a passenger with an English accent and a red
soccer jersey. He exuded entitlement and the smell of stale
beer, and she guessed he was either a professional athlete
or a professional musician. “Could you take this, doll?” He handed her a magazine that
had been left in his seat pocket. “Of course.” When Summer took the magazine from him, he
brushed his fingers against hers. “You’re gorgeous. Has anyone ever written a song about you?”
He met her gaze, then gave her a thorough once-over.
Charming, cocky, and incorrigible. A year ago, she would
have been all over him. But she had finally outgrown bad boys. She had finally moved
on to a good man. The kind of man she should marry. “Twice, actually.” Summer laughed at the passenger’s
expression. “What, you think you’re the only musician to
ever fly commercial?” “Anyone written a song about you that people have actually
heard?” He grinned gamely. “Won Grammys? Gone platinum?” “Sounds like someone could use a big glass of ice water.” He leaned into the aisle until the side of his head grazed
her hip. “What’s your name?” She gave his perfectly coiffed hair a pat. “I’ll be right
back.” “What’s that?” Kim asked when Summer squeezed into the
galley to dispose of the magazine. “Oh, 4C found it in his seat pocket.” Summer glanced at the
photo on the cover: a quaint seaside village featuring
golden sand dunes and gray cedar-shingled houses. The
headline read: The Best Place in America to Bounce Back from
Your Breakup. “Black Dog Bay, Delaware.” Kim peered over her shoulder.
“Never heard of it.” “Me, neither. I don’t think they even have an airport in
Delaware.” “Black Dog Bay. Where all the stores sell Ben & Jerry’s and
Kleenex.”
Summer laughed. “And multiple cats are mandatory.” “And the official uniform is sweatpants and a ratty old
bathrobe.” “And Steel Magnolias is on TV twenty-four/seven.” Kim tossed the periodical in the trash. “What you need is a
magazine all about awesome honeymoon destinations. Because
when Aaron Marchand says, ‘Will you marry me?’ you say
‘yes.’” “We’re number two for takeoff,” Aaron’s voice intoned.
“Flight attendants, please be seated.” Summer buckled herself into the jump seat by the bulkhead,
facing the passengers in coach. As the plane began to taxi,
she automatically “bowed to the cockpit,” tilting her head
in the direction of the flight deck as a precaution against
whiplash. As always, she devoted the last moments before takeoff to
conducting a mental inventory of the emergency medical
equipment and glancing around the cabin for ABAs—able-bodied
assistants—who could potentially help out in a crisis. Then they were lifting off and she was thinking about Aaron.
Visualizing a diamond ring and fighting back the sour taste
of bile in her throat. It wasn’t that she didn’t love him. She did love him, more
than she’d meant to. But could she keep his heart without wearing his ring? Thump. She heard a loud bang and felt the plane shudder. “What was that?” a woman gasped. Passengers started
murmuring in both English and French. Summer put on her best flight attendant face, striving to
convey both competence and nonchalance as the passengers
looked to her for guidance. Her job was to keep everyone
calm and safe. And to figure out what the hell was going on. The plane continued to gain altitude, but something about
the alignment was off. Her stomach lurched as the cabin
tilted suddenly. “Oh my God!” someone screamed. “Fire!” Summer saw the bright streak of flames out the window and
knew, with sickening certainty, that an engine was on fire.
We’re going to die. Every muscle in her body locked up, and for a long moment,
she was frozen. Her mind went blank.
And then years of training overrode her panic. She grabbed
the gray plastic interphone next to her seat and dialed the
code for the flight deck. She pressed the receiver to her ear and waited to hear
Aaron’s voice, telling her that everything would be fine.
The pilots didn’t pick up. As soon as she hung up, Kim rang from the galley: “Did you
feel that? What’s going on?” “I’m not sure.” Summer was acutely aware of the panicked
gazes of the passengers. “It’s possible one of the engines
is damaged.” She lowered her voice. “Fire.” Kim sucked in her breath. “What did the pilots say?” “Nothing yet. I tried to reach them, and they’re not picking
up.” Kim didn’t respond to that; she didn’t have to. They both
knew what it meant. Summer put down the phone and concentrated on calming the
passengers in coach. “Yes, I felt that, too. Yes, I see the
flames. But don’t worry, the pilots have this under control.
We’re all trained for this sort of thing and you know, the
plane can fly perfectly well with only one engine.” We’re going to die. She kept her hand clamped on the interphone, waiting to hear
from the flight deck. But there was nothing. The plane stopped climbing. Halfway through her breezy explanation of aerospace
engineering, the plane tilted sharply and plummeted
downward. People started screaming again. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably only a
second or two, the plane leveled off again, and Summer
started breathing. Still no word from the flight deck. The cabin lights blinked off and the screams faded into
tense silence. Her memory summoned snapshots of her past,
the proverbial life flashing before her eyes. She’d seen the northern lights in Sweden and fed baby
elephants in Thailand. She’d danced at Carnival in Brazil
and gone snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. She’d
traveled all over the world having once-in-a-lifetime
experiences. But she’d never had a garden. She’d never learned to play the piano. She’d never let herself fall completely in love. This is the worst bucket list ever. If she weren’t so petrified, she’d laugh. Pianos were for
singing along to and draping oneself across while wearing a
sequined gown. And a garden? Really? That was crazy talk.
She’d never even wanted a garden. As for love, well, she could try, right? She could open up
and let herself be vulnerable. She could accept Aaron’s
marriage proposal and settle down and love happily ever
after. I can’t. She white-knuckled the vinyl seat cushion and tried to keep
a smile on her face. Tried to slow her heartbeat and catch
her breath and say something comforting and authoritative. The plane pitched sideways again and plummeted down through
the darkness. The thick shoulder straps of her seat belt bit
into her flesh despite the sensation of weightlessness. She
heard the rush of her pulse in her ears. She felt a flood of
adrenaline coursing through her limbs. She forced herself to keep her eyes open as she braced her
body for the impact she knew was coming.
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