Man, missed opportunity to talk about demisexuality! Hello, Zennie, you are completely normal and what you are experiencing has a label and a community, and isn't just you not finding the right man.

This was fun. I was excited to read this. ( )

This held my attention and it was better for embracing the stories of the 3 sisters. Otherwise, it had drama, but no edginess. It's rewarding to see each of the women gain insight into the pitfalls we all experience, and have the courage to change. Tanya Eby is the hardworking narrator. ( )

Three sisters are dumped in the same week.
Finola, the eldest of the trio, is a morning-show host who’s blindsided by her husband’s betrayal with a young, famous singer on her own television show! Just when she was ready to go ahead with a major plan for their marriage, it’s shattered in a moment.
Zennie, the middle sister, feels comfortable being alone. She dates, but always seems more satisfied relaxing at home by herself. She’s content with her job and her friends. Her recent sort-of boyfriend senses her lack of enthusiasm about their relationship and breaks off whatever it is they have together. Zennie is a bit caught off guard by this, but only mildly affected. A free agent, she decides to do her best friend a favor—she’s going to be her surrogate! But did she realize what she was getting herself into? And why does she find herself missing the man she pushed away?
Ali is the youngest of the three sisters and feels the smallest in comparison to Finola and Zennie, both in attractiveness and in accomplishments. Her fiancé didn’t even dump her for another woman, he just didn’t want to be with her anymore. To add insult to injury, he didn’t even have the decency to tell her himself, his brother broke the news to her, and he’s been so helpful in helping her get her life back on track. Why is he doing that?
I enjoyed this book about three sisters who reinvented their lives after breakups. While single they took a closer look at themselves and went after what they believed in, even if their actions weren’t immediately received favorably. But of course, in Susan Mallery fashion, each woman’s story ends on a positive note. ( )

My first book from this author. I expected grocery store cookie cutter romance. It was a library shelf surfing find, I needed something light, it was light with a touch of sadness. The characters were all interesting, will developed and likeable. It didn't follow to obvious road of romance novels, it was an enjoyable surprise. I'll give this author another try, ( )

4.5 stars.

Featuring three sisters whose lives implode on the same day, California Girls by Susan Mallery is a poignant novel of self discovery, new beginnings and healing.

Finola Corrado is happily married to Felix and looking forward to taking their marriage to the next level. The host of a popular morning show, she is stunned when her husband confesses he is having an affair. Depressed and brokenhearted, Finola is hurt by the accusation she is partly responsible for the state of her marriage. She is not exactly the most empathetic woman and she is also a bit shallow. As the weeks pass and her heartbreak plays out in the public eye, will Finola continue to hope Felix will come back to her?

Ali Schmitt is blissfully planning her upcoming wedding to her fiancé Glen. Surprised to find Glen's brother Daniel on her doorstep, she is shocked when he tells her Glen is calling off the wedding. Taken aback by his offer to help as she cancels the wedding preparations, she is grateful for his steadfast support. Reflecting on her relationship with Glen, Ali comes to a few unexpected conclusions about herself and her engagement. As she emerges from the painful break-up, she has newfound confidence that provides the boost she needs to go after what she wants. Ali is also a bit shaken by the discovery that her feelings for Daniel go deeper than friendship. Will Ali have the courage to see if she and Daniel have a future together?

Zennie is self-confident and content with her life. She has a wonderful circle of friends whom she sees quite often. She is physically active and enjoys running, hiking, surfing and rock climbing. Zennie dates but she is not really looking for a permanent relationship. When her latest romance fizzles, she decides to temporarily stop dating. The timing is fortuitous since her best friend Bernie and her husband Hayes ask her to be their surrogate. Zennie does not hesitate to say yes but once she is pregnant, she realizes she might not have given enough thought to how drastically her life will change. Someone from her past offers unexpected assistance but what will happen to their friendship once Zennie gives birth?

California Girls is an introspective, funny and heartwarming novel featuring three sisters who are facing personal challenges. The women are vibrantly developed but some of the sisters are more likable than others. The storyline is quite captivating with each of the women discovering hidden strengths as they overcome their respective challenges. The romantic element is subtle and enhances the sisters' growth as they recover from their painful breakups. The story has plenty of heart and sparkling wit and Susan Mallery brings this thought-provoking novel to an emotional and uplifting conclusion. ( )