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Black Dog Bay #1
Cure for the Common Breakup
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 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...
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...
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
119 people are currently reading
3255 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kendrick
26books771followers This is the part where I’m supposed to brag about all my illustrious accomplishments, but honestly, I’d rather talk about my dogs and brag about some of the things I haven’t done:
I’ve never been to prison*, court-ordered rehab*, or splashed across the cover of a salacious weekly gossip tabloid with my ladybits on display**.
I’m a Leo, a middle child, and a formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. I read everything I can get my hands on, from the classics to comic books. I don’t drink coffee because, frankly, I’m high strung enough without adding caffeine into the mix. Here is the true story of how I became a novelist:
So I had just started seeing this guy, and on our second or third date, he invited me to be his guest at a family wedding. Being young and free and a bit commitment-shy, I was about to decline until he casually mentioned that the bride was a successful romance novelist. Well, the second I heard that, I had to go. Being a writer had always been my dream job, and I’d never met anyone who’d actually beaten the odds and made the leap into big-time publishing. So I RSVP-ed, sidled up to the bar at the reception, waited until the bride and all her author friends uncorked the good champagne, and then peppered them with endless questions about writing, editing, and landing an agent. They were so funny and encouraging and generous with their time and advice. (And drunk!) Next thing you know, I had joined a critique group and was knee-deep in the manuscript that would eventually become MY FAVORITE MISTAKE. The open bar at that wedding changed my life forever.
Oh, and the guy who invited me to the wedding? I ended up marrying him. All together: awww�
I live in Arizona in a very cute fixer-upper that my husband and I bought in a burst of can-do, pioneering confidence. We thought it would be fun to embark on a series of do-it-yourself renovations. Yeah. I know. Turns out, replacing baseboard that’s been painted over 15 times since 1958 is not as easy as those Home Depot commercials would lead you to believe. Also, freshly-installed lawn drip systems and “helpful� dogs are a bad mix.
Friday and RoxieSpeaking of dogs, here we have the indefatigable canine lawn maintenance crew: Roxie and Friday. Both were rescued from the pound when they were puppies. I think they’re Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. (Probably. Maybe? Anything’s possible.) Roxie is the brains of the operation and Friday is…well, he’s very sweet. And so indolent he could be mistaken for a piece of furniture, which I consider a very desirable trait in a family dog.
I absolutely love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me, with the caveat that I am often on deadline/on the road/on the ragged edge of sanity, so it may be awhile before you get a reply. Just know that it’s not you; it’s me!
Have fun exploring the site, and if you have any questions about my new book, my backlist, or finding an agent…I’ll be right over there at the bar.
*Yet.
**That I know of.
I’ve never been to prison*, court-ordered rehab*, or splashed across the cover of a salacious weekly gossip tabloid with my ladybits on display**.
I’m a Leo, a middle child, and a formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. I read everything I can get my hands on, from the classics to comic books. I don’t drink coffee because, frankly, I’m high strung enough without adding caffeine into the mix. Here is the true story of how I became a novelist:
So I had just started seeing this guy, and on our second or third date, he invited me to be his guest at a family wedding. Being young and free and a bit commitment-shy, I was about to decline until he casually mentioned that the bride was a successful romance novelist. Well, the second I heard that, I had to go. Being a writer had always been my dream job, and I’d never met anyone who’d actually beaten the odds and made the leap into big-time publishing. So I RSVP-ed, sidled up to the bar at the reception, waited until the bride and all her author friends uncorked the good champagne, and then peppered them with endless questions about writing, editing, and landing an agent. They were so funny and encouraging and generous with their time and advice. (And drunk!) Next thing you know, I had joined a critique group and was knee-deep in the manuscript that would eventually become MY FAVORITE MISTAKE. The open bar at that wedding changed my life forever.
Oh, and the guy who invited me to the wedding? I ended up marrying him. All together: awww�
I live in Arizona in a very cute fixer-upper that my husband and I bought in a burst of can-do, pioneering confidence. We thought it would be fun to embark on a series of do-it-yourself renovations. Yeah. I know. Turns out, replacing baseboard that’s been painted over 15 times since 1958 is not as easy as those Home Depot commercials would lead you to believe. Also, freshly-installed lawn drip systems and “helpful� dogs are a bad mix.
Friday and RoxieSpeaking of dogs, here we have the indefatigable canine lawn maintenance crew: Roxie and Friday. Both were rescued from the pound when they were puppies. I think they’re Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. (Probably. Maybe? Anything’s possible.) Roxie is the brains of the operation and Friday is…well, he’s very sweet. And so indolent he could be mistaken for a piece of furniture, which I consider a very desirable trait in a family dog.
I absolutely love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me, with the caveat that I am often on deadline/on the road/on the ragged edge of sanity, so it may be awhile before you get a reply. Just know that it’s not you; it’s me!
Have fun exploring the site, and if you have any questions about my new book, my backlist, or finding an agent…I’ll be right over there at the bar.
*Yet.
**That I know of.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
March 8, 2024
Mostly fun read but lost a star due to the unbelievable antics of the main character� Summer (okay, maybe her name lost half that star alone).
I wanted to be delighted by this book as I really loved the premise but Summer kinda killed some of the charm of the rest of the characters and the town.
And, might I add, it could have benefited from an actual dog� instead of the promise of one. (You know what I mean if you’ve read it.)
(Reviewed 7/19/19)
I wanted to be delighted by this book as I really loved the premise but Summer kinda killed some of the charm of the rest of the characters and the town.
And, might I add, it could have benefited from an actual dog� instead of the promise of one. (You know what I mean if you’ve read it.)
(Reviewed 7/19/19)
September 30, 2018
Meh... typical chick lit.
August 11, 2016
Light chick lit about a jilted flight attendant who goes to Black Dog Bay to recover from a breakup. Although she puts on a party-girl veneer, her flirty "love 'em and leave 'em" attitude really hides a "dump him before he dumps me" fear. She dives into a rebound relationship with the town's mayor and becomes friends with the teen sister he's raising. As things get serious, she has to decide on playing it safe or giving in to real love.
I read the second book in this series first, and I liked that one better than this book. Less humor in this one, and I couldn't sympathize with the main character. An ok read, but nothing special.
I read the second book in this series first, and I liked that one better than this book. Less humor in this one, and I couldn't sympathize with the main character. An ok read, but nothing special.
August 2, 2022
This one wasn't too bad, although I didn't understand why she would be so upset about a breakup if SHE was planning on doing the breaking up, but he beat her to it first.... 🤔
November 3, 2016
At first I liked Summer, the heroine of this so-called whimsical story. I found her to be witty, funny, and a hoot. But all of that soon wore off. A beautiful, stunning girl who's loved by all, a woman who I thought was a total flake and annoying. Instead of reading about a woman in her early thirty's, it read like that of a teenager. I didn't understand how her relationship with Dutch evolved into something so serious. For a guy who hasn't dated or been in a relationship for ten years, all of a sudden he's interested in Summer, and is proposing marriage to her within weeks of knowing her. What I didn't understand is how one woman, who came to visit a place just to relax and recuperate from a break-up, is suddenly responsible for saving the island from Hattie, a filthy-rich bitter old woman. It doesn't make any sense. Hattie threatens the residents of the island that she'll allow resorts and condos to be built on the island unless Summer accompanies her on her travels throughout Europe, all because she wants to keep her away from Dutch. WTF?? That's stupid. Why not just get rid of Summer instead of paying her to be her personal assistant? Better yet, if Summer so desperately wants to save the island, why doesn't she just leave? Instead, she's being blackmailed for something that has absolutely nothing to do with her. Maybe it's just me, but holding her accountable for the entire island is just asinine. Not only that, the ending of this novel has to be one of the worst I've come across. It's been weeks and weeks since she left Dutch. She hooks up Hattie with her estranged sister and once they became close again, Summer flies right back to Dutch. For a guy who was turned down, the second he saw her he grabs her and takes her to bed. No conversation, or explanation, no sorry, nothing. They're going to live together, the island is saved, and all is good in the world. Give me a break! The ending was seriously a waste of my time. It's that pathetic. Don't even get me started on the people on the island as they're just as pathetic. They've got Summer and Dutch already getting married after a night out. I think this will be the last book of Kendrick's I'll be reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2014
"You Could practically hear waves of estrogen sloshing around" .... That 'quote' (in the book itself) --pretty much sums up my experience.
Or this line: ""Mmmm. You smell all woodsy and delectable". She shivered at the feel of the calluses against his smooth skin". I 'shivered' too, but at such a 'hog-wash' story!
My biggest question I had of this book was....
"What happened to all the people on the plane after the plane crash? Not 'one' word was mentioned about the passengers after an emergency landing -'plane crash'. The pilots girlfriend, (stewardess), was in the hospital (of course) --long enough for the Pilot to break off with her ---(he didn't love her "enough").
But....prior to the breakup when the girlfriend (from the hospital bed) and her pilot were talking ---he told her he was on TV as he had to speak about the crash. Her words were...."I bet you looked handsome"...
NOT??? "How were the passengers"?
Instead ---The story takes place in a small town in Delaware ---where people go after they have been 'dumped. "A Healing-Town-for-breakups".
"IF this is what they summer reading --I'll pass!
NOTE: The cover of the book has delicious-looking ice-cream cones ---
but in the story --the 'healing food' of choice was M&M's.
P.S. I'm sooooooooooo sorry if I've disappointed the 'gals' who enjoy these books: I don't want to take away anything for the people who enjoy these types of books. As for myself: I guess I just can't go here too often! (but I do adore and respect my GR's friend who read it first)!!
We've enjoyed many other books 'of-the-same' ---(and I'm sure we will again)
Or this line: ""Mmmm. You smell all woodsy and delectable". She shivered at the feel of the calluses against his smooth skin". I 'shivered' too, but at such a 'hog-wash' story!
My biggest question I had of this book was....
"What happened to all the people on the plane after the plane crash? Not 'one' word was mentioned about the passengers after an emergency landing -'plane crash'. The pilots girlfriend, (stewardess), was in the hospital (of course) --long enough for the Pilot to break off with her ---(he didn't love her "enough").
But....prior to the breakup when the girlfriend (from the hospital bed) and her pilot were talking ---he told her he was on TV as he had to speak about the crash. Her words were...."I bet you looked handsome"...
NOT??? "How were the passengers"?
Instead ---The story takes place in a small town in Delaware ---where people go after they have been 'dumped. "A Healing-Town-for-breakups".
"IF this is what they summer reading --I'll pass!
NOTE: The cover of the book has delicious-looking ice-cream cones ---
but in the story --the 'healing food' of choice was M&M's.
P.S. I'm sooooooooooo sorry if I've disappointed the 'gals' who enjoy these books: I don't want to take away anything for the people who enjoy these types of books. As for myself: I guess I just can't go here too often! (but I do adore and respect my GR's friend who read it first)!!
We've enjoyed many other books 'of-the-same' ---(and I'm sure we will again)
June 12, 2023
I loved this one.
Summer Benson, flight attendant extraordinaire, is your typical party girl who loves a good time and hates any kind of commitment, be it to a man or to a place. After a tragic accident though, Summer finds herself in a terrible place, feeling heartbroken and lost. Not knowing what else to do, 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 and the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, and heads there right away. Almost immediately, Summer is accepted with open arms by the residents of the town, including Hattie Huntington, the most hated, evil old woman the town has ever seen. For the first time ever, Summer feels at home and doesn’t feel like running. She’s also possibly, maybe found love with a man she probably shouldn’t be falling for but she’s falling anyway, and life is looking up. Then Hattie, who is seeking revenge for a long ago wrongdoing, drops a bomb on Summer that may force her to lose everything she has only just started to find�
So. I really enjoyed this book and FLEW through it in a matter of days, which doesn’t happen all that often as I’m a fairly slow reader. I loved everything about it from the small town setting, to the vibrant cast of characters, to Summer’s witty one liners and hilarious attitude.
Black Dog Bay seems like an amazing place and I kind of wish it were real and that I lived there amongst the awesome locals (well, mostly awesome. Hattie was NOT so awesome). I love, love, love small towns and have always wished I lived in one because of the sense of community and kinship, and this fictional small town was no exception. It was full of sweet, little local businesses run by equally sweet people who welcomed Summer like an old friend. Despite her former wild, partying ways and globetrotting lifestyle, Summer quickly falls in love with the town and its people, most notably with Dutch, the stern but uber hot mayor who needs a little more fun in his life. Once Summer manages to get under his skin, both of their lives start to improve for the better.
I loved the characters in this story. All of the heartbreak themed businesses were run by local women who seemed both like great friends AND a lot of fun. I would have loved to pull up a bar stool and join them in their frequent gossip sessions at the Whinery Bar. Summer was a fantastic character who really cracked me up and always had just the right thing to say in response to any of Hattie’s nasty quips. Hattie, on the other hand, was dreadful. She was very spiteful about something that had happened many years ago, and had since been torturing basically the whole town with her nasty demeanor and constant complaints. She and Summer tend to clash on most occasions, but when Hattie gives Summer an ultimatum that can destroy everything for both her and the entire town, she is torn about what to do.
I could go on but I’ll close this by saying if you like chick lit, women’s fiction, sweet stories, or funny stories, I’d highly recommend you check this one out. I’m already itching to read my next Beth Kendrick story!
Note: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Benson, flight attendant extraordinaire, is your typical party girl who loves a good time and hates any kind of commitment, be it to a man or to a place. After a tragic accident though, Summer finds herself in a terrible place, feeling heartbroken and lost. Not knowing what else to do, 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 and the Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, and heads there right away. Almost immediately, Summer is accepted with open arms by the residents of the town, including Hattie Huntington, the most hated, evil old woman the town has ever seen. For the first time ever, Summer feels at home and doesn’t feel like running. She’s also possibly, maybe found love with a man she probably shouldn’t be falling for but she’s falling anyway, and life is looking up. Then Hattie, who is seeking revenge for a long ago wrongdoing, drops a bomb on Summer that may force her to lose everything she has only just started to find�
So. I really enjoyed this book and FLEW through it in a matter of days, which doesn’t happen all that often as I’m a fairly slow reader. I loved everything about it from the small town setting, to the vibrant cast of characters, to Summer’s witty one liners and hilarious attitude.
Black Dog Bay seems like an amazing place and I kind of wish it were real and that I lived there amongst the awesome locals (well, mostly awesome. Hattie was NOT so awesome). I love, love, love small towns and have always wished I lived in one because of the sense of community and kinship, and this fictional small town was no exception. It was full of sweet, little local businesses run by equally sweet people who welcomed Summer like an old friend. Despite her former wild, partying ways and globetrotting lifestyle, Summer quickly falls in love with the town and its people, most notably with Dutch, the stern but uber hot mayor who needs a little more fun in his life. Once Summer manages to get under his skin, both of their lives start to improve for the better.
I loved the characters in this story. All of the heartbreak themed businesses were run by local women who seemed both like great friends AND a lot of fun. I would have loved to pull up a bar stool and join them in their frequent gossip sessions at the Whinery Bar. Summer was a fantastic character who really cracked me up and always had just the right thing to say in response to any of Hattie’s nasty quips. Hattie, on the other hand, was dreadful. She was very spiteful about something that had happened many years ago, and had since been torturing basically the whole town with her nasty demeanor and constant complaints. She and Summer tend to clash on most occasions, but when Hattie gives Summer an ultimatum that can destroy everything for both her and the entire town, she is torn about what to do.
I could go on but I’ll close this by saying if you like chick lit, women’s fiction, sweet stories, or funny stories, I’d highly recommend you check this one out. I’m already itching to read my next Beth Kendrick story!
Note: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2023
forget the breakup... where did you get that ice cream?!?!?! eight towered scoops!!! want one! 🍧🍧🍧🍦🍦🍦🍨🍨🍨
June 28, 2018
Blonde fashionista, Summer, is a flight attendant and finds out her pilot boyfriend is going to propose in Paris and she freaks out. She is a jet-setter and she's not sure if she wants to settle down and get married. She kind of warms up to the idea, but on that flight to Paris their plane crashes and everything changes. She is injured, but the pilot is not. He comes to visit her in the hospital and he chooses that time to say that he wants to break up. He realized he "loves her but just not enough" or some other ridiculous quote like that. He admits that he had a ring but then changed his mind. What a jerk! Who goes to the hospital and breaks up with someone while they're there!?
A passenger leaves a magazine on board and in it is an advertisement for Black Dog Bay, Delaware- the place where people go to get over a break up. The whole town is centered around it and the hotel is like a recently dumped rehab. The owner takes your phone and puts it in a lock box so you can't text and make yourself look dumb. The clothing store is arranged into different stages of the grieving and moving on process. The jewelry store is there for selling back your rings! So funny.
Summer is a take-no-crap kind of person and is really thrown off when she's depressed and blue about the break up. She spends some time in the local bar and makes some friends- not least of which is Hattie Huntington- a mean, privileged old lady who thinks she rules the roost and is better than everyone. Everyone bows down to her and is scared- everyone except Summer. Summer doesn't bow down to her and so Hattie forms an odd kind of affection for her and offers her a job as her personal assistant.
When she first arrives to Black Dog Bay, she takes out someones rose bushes. Come to find out, its the young handsome mayor's- Dutch Janson. Their paths continue to cross, and despite not being her type at all, they fall for each other. She also forms a sweet friendship with his little sister, whom he's raising since his parents died.
In the end, Hattie wants Summer to go to Paris with her indefinitely and Summer has to choose- a 5 star, fully paid for trip to Paris OR staying in Black Dog Bay with Dutch and the gang. Hattie threatens that if she doesn't go then she's going to have resorts and condos built on the island and basically . make it a corporate sell out. At first, Summer goes, but only long enough to connect Hattie with her long lost sister and then she goes back to Black Dog Bay to be with Dutch.
I actually really liked Summer's character and I think this is one of my favorites of the series. Of course I think its silly that Summer, just one of the heartbroken that come to town, would have the whole weight of the island put on her shoulders. It's also silly that Miss Jet Setter would settle down and get married. It's also unlikely that Dutch, the man who doesn't date, would fall for her so quickly. HOWEVER, you have to suspend your belief a little with books like these-- the whole premise is a little silly and far fetched.
For what it was, I thought it was a lot of fun. I'd definitely recommend it.
A passenger leaves a magazine on board and in it is an advertisement for Black Dog Bay, Delaware- the place where people go to get over a break up. The whole town is centered around it and the hotel is like a recently dumped rehab. The owner takes your phone and puts it in a lock box so you can't text and make yourself look dumb. The clothing store is arranged into different stages of the grieving and moving on process. The jewelry store is there for selling back your rings! So funny.
Summer is a take-no-crap kind of person and is really thrown off when she's depressed and blue about the break up. She spends some time in the local bar and makes some friends- not least of which is Hattie Huntington- a mean, privileged old lady who thinks she rules the roost and is better than everyone. Everyone bows down to her and is scared- everyone except Summer. Summer doesn't bow down to her and so Hattie forms an odd kind of affection for her and offers her a job as her personal assistant.
When she first arrives to Black Dog Bay, she takes out someones rose bushes. Come to find out, its the young handsome mayor's- Dutch Janson. Their paths continue to cross, and despite not being her type at all, they fall for each other. She also forms a sweet friendship with his little sister, whom he's raising since his parents died.
In the end, Hattie wants Summer to go to Paris with her indefinitely and Summer has to choose- a 5 star, fully paid for trip to Paris OR staying in Black Dog Bay with Dutch and the gang. Hattie threatens that if she doesn't go then she's going to have resorts and condos built on the island and basically . make it a corporate sell out. At first, Summer goes, but only long enough to connect Hattie with her long lost sister and then she goes back to Black Dog Bay to be with Dutch.
I actually really liked Summer's character and I think this is one of my favorites of the series. Of course I think its silly that Summer, just one of the heartbroken that come to town, would have the whole weight of the island put on her shoulders. It's also silly that Miss Jet Setter would settle down and get married. It's also unlikely that Dutch, the man who doesn't date, would fall for her so quickly. HOWEVER, you have to suspend your belief a little with books like these-- the whole premise is a little silly and far fetched.
For what it was, I thought it was a lot of fun. I'd definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick
Black Dog Bay #1
8h 7m narrated by Amy Rubinate, 336 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Romance > Contemporary Romance; Adult Fiction, Humor
Featuring: Flight Attendants, Delaware, B&B, Bootcamp, Cantankerous Rich Women, Magical Realism
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language and adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Always on My Mind" by Pet Shop Boys, "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift, I Will Survive
Song by Gloria Gaynor, "A Villa in Portugal" by The Pursuit of Happiness, "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé, "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette, "You Learn" by Alanis Morissette "You Lie" by The Band Perry, "My Give a Damn's Busted" by Jo Dee Messina, "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra, "Fist City" by Loretta Lynn, "Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)" by Travis Tritt, "The 1" by Taylor Swift, "Feel a Sin Comin� On" by Pistol Annies, "Circle in the Sand" by Belinda Carlisle, "Divorce Song" by Liz Phair, "Needle in a Haystack" by The Velvelettes, "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry, "Symphony No. 40" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, "Scenario" by A Tribe Called Quest, "Breakin' Dishes" by Rihanna, "God May Forgive You (But I Won't)" by Iris Dement, "I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, "St. Matthew Passion" by Johann Sebastian Bach, "Stupid" by Kacey Musgraves, "At Last" by Etta James
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: 📱11% 56:18 Ch. 5 - This is different. I think there is a reason why I was unable to download the entire series, a sign that says wait until you finish book 1. I think the books are doing overkill on the Taylor Swift references.
📱15% 1:14:19 Ch. 6 - These apps are going crazy today! Survivor time! I do think I'm going to enjoy this book and the rest of the series.
📱45% 3:42:46 Ch. 17 - Summer isn't annoying anymore but this book is turning into an adult version of Pollyanna.
📱85% 6:57:40 Ch. 31 - I'm convinced this is a retelling of Pollyanna with Summer as Pollyanna and Miss Huntington as a Mrs. Snow-Aunt Polly hybrid. I bet they're going to plan a bizarre, not really but they're brewing something to save the town and get her a man.
In the end, it got me. I will be reading the entire series after I finish playing these songs, Fist City was the highlight of the book for me.
Recommend to others?: Yes! It took a minute but it was fun.
Black Dog Bay #1
8h 7m narrated by Amy Rubinate, 336 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Romance > Contemporary Romance; Adult Fiction, Humor
Featuring: Flight Attendants, Delaware, B&B, Bootcamp, Cantankerous Rich Women, Magical Realism
Rating as a movie: PG-15 for suggestive language and adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Always on My Mind" by Pet Shop Boys, "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift, I Will Survive
Song by Gloria Gaynor, "A Villa in Portugal" by The Pursuit of Happiness, "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé, "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette, "You Learn" by Alanis Morissette "You Lie" by The Band Perry, "My Give a Damn's Busted" by Jo Dee Messina, "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra, "Fist City" by Loretta Lynn, "Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)" by Travis Tritt, "The 1" by Taylor Swift, "Feel a Sin Comin� On" by Pistol Annies, "Circle in the Sand" by Belinda Carlisle, "Divorce Song" by Liz Phair, "Needle in a Haystack" by The Velvelettes, "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry, "Symphony No. 40" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, "Scenario" by A Tribe Called Quest, "Breakin' Dishes" by Rihanna, "God May Forgive You (But I Won't)" by Iris Dement, "I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, "St. Matthew Passion" by Johann Sebastian Bach, "Stupid" by Kacey Musgraves, "At Last" by Etta James
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: 📱11% 56:18 Ch. 5 - This is different. I think there is a reason why I was unable to download the entire series, a sign that says wait until you finish book 1. I think the books are doing overkill on the Taylor Swift references.
📱15% 1:14:19 Ch. 6 - These apps are going crazy today! Survivor time! I do think I'm going to enjoy this book and the rest of the series.
📱45% 3:42:46 Ch. 17 - Summer isn't annoying anymore but this book is turning into an adult version of Pollyanna.
📱85% 6:57:40 Ch. 31 - I'm convinced this is a retelling of Pollyanna with Summer as Pollyanna and Miss Huntington as a Mrs. Snow-Aunt Polly hybrid. I bet they're going to plan a bizarre, not really but they're brewing something to save the town and get her a man.
In the end, it got me. I will be reading the entire series after I finish playing these songs, Fist City was the highlight of the book for me.
Recommend to others?: Yes! It took a minute but it was fun.
March 24, 2018
Trigger warnings: plane crash, minor car accident, blackmail.
3.5 stars.
After reading a string of slightly mediocre books, I was hoping that this would be the one to break the string of 3-3.5 star books. But LOL NOPE. It just continued things. Sigh.
Still. It was an enjoyable enough read about a flight attendant whose pilot boyfriend goes from about-to-propose to we're-done in the length of time it takes for their plane to crash. So she takes herself off to Black Dog Bay, Delaware, which she read about in the onboard magazine as being just the place to recover from a break up.
The town itself was delightful. Founded by a woman recovering from a broken heart, the town has set itself up to be a hub for heartbroken women. There's a B&B where the owner confiscates your phone so you can't make drunken 3am phone calls to your ex. There's a bar that plays nothing but break up songs. There's a clothing shop where everything is sorted according to which stage of grief you're going through. And the characters that went along with these places were equally delightful.
But I had two issues with this:
1. All the romance is fade-to-black stuff. Which, like, fine. But if you're going to do that? It takes a LOT of work to make the chemistry between the characters and the way their feelings are developing obvious. And this didn't quite go as far as it needed to in order to make Summer and Dutch a believable couple.
2. The antagonist is a grumpy old lady who owns half the town and who inexplicably ends up hiring Summer to be her companion, only to blackmail her into ending her relationship with Dutch because Dutch's grandfather wooed her and then left her for her sister like 50 years earlier??? And, like, I understand old ladies who hold grudges. My grandmother went to her grave pissed off at her dead sister-in-law for not inviting her to the movies one time in 1943. But to threaten an entire town because the mayor's grandfather threw you over years earlier and to blackmail your employees into ending their relationships because their boyfriend's grandfather was a jerk to you? WTF.
So yeah. I wanted to love this. And there were definitely aspects of it that I loved. But overall? It fell a little short.
3.5 stars.
After reading a string of slightly mediocre books, I was hoping that this would be the one to break the string of 3-3.5 star books. But LOL NOPE. It just continued things. Sigh.
Still. It was an enjoyable enough read about a flight attendant whose pilot boyfriend goes from about-to-propose to we're-done in the length of time it takes for their plane to crash. So she takes herself off to Black Dog Bay, Delaware, which she read about in the onboard magazine as being just the place to recover from a break up.
The town itself was delightful. Founded by a woman recovering from a broken heart, the town has set itself up to be a hub for heartbroken women. There's a B&B where the owner confiscates your phone so you can't make drunken 3am phone calls to your ex. There's a bar that plays nothing but break up songs. There's a clothing shop where everything is sorted according to which stage of grief you're going through. And the characters that went along with these places were equally delightful.
But I had two issues with this:
1. All the romance is fade-to-black stuff. Which, like, fine. But if you're going to do that? It takes a LOT of work to make the chemistry between the characters and the way their feelings are developing obvious. And this didn't quite go as far as it needed to in order to make Summer and Dutch a believable couple.
2. The antagonist is a grumpy old lady who owns half the town and who inexplicably ends up hiring Summer to be her companion, only to blackmail her into ending her relationship with Dutch because Dutch's grandfather wooed her and then left her for her sister like 50 years earlier??? And, like, I understand old ladies who hold grudges. My grandmother went to her grave pissed off at her dead sister-in-law for not inviting her to the movies one time in 1943. But to threaten an entire town because the mayor's grandfather threw you over years earlier and to blackmail your employees into ending their relationships because their boyfriend's grandfather was a jerk to you? WTF.
So yeah. I wanted to love this. And there were definitely aspects of it that I loved. But overall? It fell a little short.
December 1, 2018
A town that is known as the breakup capitol is an interesting starting point.
What I enjoyed:
* Summer was an interesting character. She had a lousy childhood and a major incident that led her to Black Dog Bay. She quickly became friends with many residents and stood up to the town bully.
* Ingrid, Dutch's teenage sister was adorable. She towed the line, being raised by her brother, the mayor and after meeting Summer, finally got to act her age a bit.
* Dutch was a good man. Very patient and understanding, but otherwise I didn't get much of a feel for him.
* The townspeople were fun and the legend of the black dog interesting.
What could have been better:
* Hattie. Seriously, holding a grudge for 50 years??? And blackmailing Summer
* Aaron was a complete ahole
What I enjoyed:
* Summer was an interesting character. She had a lousy childhood and a major incident that led her to Black Dog Bay. She quickly became friends with many residents and stood up to the town bully.
* Ingrid, Dutch's teenage sister was adorable. She towed the line, being raised by her brother, the mayor and after meeting Summer, finally got to act her age a bit.
* Dutch was a good man. Very patient and understanding, but otherwise I didn't get much of a feel for him.
* The townspeople were fun and the legend of the black dog interesting.
What could have been better:
* Hattie. Seriously, holding a grudge for 50 years??? And blackmailing Summer
* Aaron was a complete ahole
July 1, 2017
Full Review on The Blog
You guys, I don't even LIKE chic lit and I can't rave about this book enough! This is more of a 4.5 but at the top of my recommendations right now for light, fluffy, laugh out loud reading material.
I knocked down half a star because I wasn't in love with how the story began, it seemed too over the top. Then Summer arrived in Black Dog Bay. And ran over the mayors rose bushes. And blamed it on turtles and Taylor Swift. From this point on I was 100% sold on this charming rom com.
If you’re in the mood for a light, comedic, romantic page turner, THIS is the book to read!
You guys, I don't even LIKE chic lit and I can't rave about this book enough! This is more of a 4.5 but at the top of my recommendations right now for light, fluffy, laugh out loud reading material.
I knocked down half a star because I wasn't in love with how the story began, it seemed too over the top. Then Summer arrived in Black Dog Bay. And ran over the mayors rose bushes. And blamed it on turtles and Taylor Swift. From this point on I was 100% sold on this charming rom com.
If you’re in the mood for a light, comedic, romantic page turner, THIS is the book to read!
March 27, 2025
I don’t know why I’m giving this book 5 stars. It was not spectacular by any means. But it was just so fun! It was quirky and cute and wholesome. It’s also about a lady who moves to Delaware to start a new life, which is exactly what I’m doing right now haha
July 1, 2017
I have about 80 pages left of this book, and I can already review it. Don't. Do. It. I read this because I read Nearlyweds, also by Kendrick, and it was an unexpected great read (I had picked it up at a library sale). Despite my initial hesitance to read Cure for the Common Breakup, (because it isn't the kind of book I normally read), I went with my previous experience of reading Kendrick and the goodreads rating. How in the world this book has a 3.75 rating is beyond me.
I found Summer, the main character, to be one of the most unlikable characters I can remember reading. She was crass, unnecessarily rude and sarcastic (which I think the author might have equated with strong or tough...it is not the same), THOUGHT she was funny, and somehow with her "charming" personality won EVERYONE over in the small town that she wound up in. Everything was so unrealistic, I couldn't take it it! The only reason I'm still reading is because I don't like to "quit" books.
Save yourself. Skip this one.
I found Summer, the main character, to be one of the most unlikable characters I can remember reading. She was crass, unnecessarily rude and sarcastic (which I think the author might have equated with strong or tough...it is not the same), THOUGHT she was funny, and somehow with her "charming" personality won EVERYONE over in the small town that she wound up in. Everything was so unrealistic, I couldn't take it it! The only reason I'm still reading is because I don't like to "quit" books.
Save yourself. Skip this one.
May 10, 2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is the second book I have read in the series, and it was exactly what I was looking for - fun and on the lighter side. Loved the set up, and thought Dutch and Summer were fabulous together. I also loved Black Dog Bay in general. Kendrick made the town a refuge for the heartbroken and filled it with some really colorful characters.
| | | | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
This is the second book I have read in the series, and it was exactly what I was looking for - fun and on the lighter side. Loved the set up, and thought Dutch and Summer were fabulous together. I also loved Black Dog Bay in general. Kendrick made the town a refuge for the heartbroken and filled it with some really colorful characters.
| | | | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 21, 2020
“I guess I’ll have a glass of Shiraz,� Summer said.
“Nope. You need the Cure for the Common Breakup.� Jenna grinned and explained, “It’s our specialty drink. Pairs perfectly with chocolate and mood swings.�
March 2, 2020
Cute rom-com
Good romantic comedy for when you want some light feel good reading. Enjoyable and recommend. Rated PG for language and sexual references.
Good romantic comedy for when you want some light feel good reading. Enjoyable and recommend. Rated PG for language and sexual references.
October 26, 2018
I was rather surprised that I enjoyed this chicklit book. This type of book usually makes me cringe but I really liked the heroine, Summer and I just found cranky Dutch sexy. Maybe it just hit me on a good day. lol
I will definitely be returning to Black Dog Bay.
I will definitely be returning to Black Dog Bay.
July 7, 2014
I have to admit, I am a book cover snob - one of my biggest pet peeves is when the cover art work has absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. This one features a stack of ice cream scoops balancing on a cone. Nowhere in the book do the characters eat ice cream, visit an ice cream shop or have anything to do with ice cream. So why put it on the cover?
The title of the book refers to a cocktail that is mixed for the characters. This is mentioned a couple of times - why not put that on the cover? The main character visits a village in Maryland called Black Dog Bay and there is a silhouette of Labrador at the beginning of each chapter (even though the character discuss that “the� black dog that visitors see is an Irish Wolfhound) - why not put that on the cover?
Just drives me crazy.
The book itself is an interesting story and I liked it overall, but the main character kept wavering all over the place. One minute she was a sassy candy obsessed man hunter, and then she was telling a teenage girl she needed to loosen up and get wild, but then she was supposed to be a stable mentor for said teenage girl. It was just too much whiplash in my opinion; you never knew where you stood with this character.
In the opening pages of the book, the character goes through a major traumatic life event; and yet that is never dealt with or discussed in the book. She has a serious injury and that is mentioned for about a paragraph during one of the romance scenes. And she goes to this town to get over a heartbreak, which lasts � maybe a couple of days until she moves on. I just couldn’t love the main character as much as I liked the supporting cast.
The title of the book refers to a cocktail that is mixed for the characters. This is mentioned a couple of times - why not put that on the cover? The main character visits a village in Maryland called Black Dog Bay and there is a silhouette of Labrador at the beginning of each chapter (even though the character discuss that “the� black dog that visitors see is an Irish Wolfhound) - why not put that on the cover?
Just drives me crazy.
The book itself is an interesting story and I liked it overall, but the main character kept wavering all over the place. One minute she was a sassy candy obsessed man hunter, and then she was telling a teenage girl she needed to loosen up and get wild, but then she was supposed to be a stable mentor for said teenage girl. It was just too much whiplash in my opinion; you never knew where you stood with this character.
In the opening pages of the book, the character goes through a major traumatic life event; and yet that is never dealt with or discussed in the book. She has a serious injury and that is mentioned for about a paragraph during one of the romance scenes. And she goes to this town to get over a heartbreak, which lasts � maybe a couple of days until she moves on. I just couldn’t love the main character as much as I liked the supporting cast.
June 6, 2014
Flight attendant Summer Benson has spent her entire career traveling to exotic places and enjoying relationships with men, all while guarding her heart and avoiding commitment. As she debates whether it is finally time to settle down, unexpected events land her in the hospital, and an anticipated marriage proposal ends up as a break-up instead. Summer finds her tidy world turned upside down and heads to a quiet little shoreline town to sort thing out...
Black Dog Bay, a small seaside village known as “the best place in America to bounce back from your break-up� is where she ends up. While there, she befriends the locals and quickly establishes herself as a member of the community. After running over his prized roses, Summer attempts to win the heart of the town’s mayor, Dutch, and delves into the mystery of Hattie, the mean old woman who lives in the purple mansion and appears to hate the little town and everyone in it. But Hattie has revenge on her mind…can Summer discover why and bring peace to the little town she’s grown to love?
What a fantastic summer beach read for this summer! The characters and their dialogue had me laughing out loud, and Summer’s precociousness is second to none. Whether it’s stopping in for a drink at the Whinery, a goody at the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, shopping at Retail Therapy or participation in the burning of wedding dresses on a driftwood campfire, you’ll want to step right into the pages of this novel and join the girls at the bar!
Black Dog Bay, a small seaside village known as “the best place in America to bounce back from your break-up� is where she ends up. While there, she befriends the locals and quickly establishes herself as a member of the community. After running over his prized roses, Summer attempts to win the heart of the town’s mayor, Dutch, and delves into the mystery of Hattie, the mean old woman who lives in the purple mansion and appears to hate the little town and everyone in it. But Hattie has revenge on her mind…can Summer discover why and bring peace to the little town she’s grown to love?
What a fantastic summer beach read for this summer! The characters and their dialogue had me laughing out loud, and Summer’s precociousness is second to none. Whether it’s stopping in for a drink at the Whinery, a goody at the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, shopping at Retail Therapy or participation in the burning of wedding dresses on a driftwood campfire, you’ll want to step right into the pages of this novel and join the girls at the bar!
February 8, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review - original post in full on Two Classy Chics
The first word I think of with this story is FUN. This book is fun and a great read! I love the main character Summer. She is strong, confident, says what she wants and tries not to show her vulnerability. It is easy to love her and as I kept reading, I decided I want to be just like her!
And Dutch? The perfect compliment to Summer with his laid back personality and take charge attitude. He is the perfect fit for her. The author does a fabulous job crafting their meeting and developing their interest. So much so that you don’t even realize that they are falling for each other. They are just comfortable and accept the fact they are destined to be together� well, almost. I love that you are not thrown into a wild ride or passion filled story but rather a easy to read story that flows so well with a touch of romance; a lot of witty friends; one lady you love to hate and plenty of fun.
This book is a light read created by a master author of great women’s fiction and simple romance. It is definitely one that you want to pick up for your weekend relaxation. I am going to check out her other books too. I want to read more from Beth Kendrick and she has many on her list!
The first word I think of with this story is FUN. This book is fun and a great read! I love the main character Summer. She is strong, confident, says what she wants and tries not to show her vulnerability. It is easy to love her and as I kept reading, I decided I want to be just like her!
And Dutch? The perfect compliment to Summer with his laid back personality and take charge attitude. He is the perfect fit for her. The author does a fabulous job crafting their meeting and developing their interest. So much so that you don’t even realize that they are falling for each other. They are just comfortable and accept the fact they are destined to be together� well, almost. I love that you are not thrown into a wild ride or passion filled story but rather a easy to read story that flows so well with a touch of romance; a lot of witty friends; one lady you love to hate and plenty of fun.
This book is a light read created by a master author of great women’s fiction and simple romance. It is definitely one that you want to pick up for your weekend relaxation. I am going to check out her other books too. I want to read more from Beth Kendrick and she has many on her list!
May 24, 2014
Another hit out of the ballpark for Beth Kendrick. Her books just keep getting better and better. I'm at the point where one per year doesn't suffice. :)
Black Dog Bay sounds like such an awesome place, if there isn't a town in America that's like this, there should be. I want to go there and I'm not even going through a breakup. And Beth did an excellent job of making you hate some of the characters in the beginning, but by the end of the book, showed you a different side to them that made you end up liking them.
Beth asked people on her Facebook page the other day, if she were to write a sequel starring another character from Black Dog Bay, who would we like to see in the starring role? I had about three different ideas and am hoping that she DOES write a sequel. There's so much she could do with it.
Can't wait for her next book, whether it's another Black Dog Bay book, or something else.
Black Dog Bay sounds like such an awesome place, if there isn't a town in America that's like this, there should be. I want to go there and I'm not even going through a breakup. And Beth did an excellent job of making you hate some of the characters in the beginning, but by the end of the book, showed you a different side to them that made you end up liking them.
Beth asked people on her Facebook page the other day, if she were to write a sequel starring another character from Black Dog Bay, who would we like to see in the starring role? I had about three different ideas and am hoping that she DOES write a sequel. There's so much she could do with it.
Can't wait for her next book, whether it's another Black Dog Bay book, or something else.
May 13, 2014
I read "Cure for the Common Breakup" as part of Booksparks PR's "Summer 2014 Reading Challenge" and I loved it! Kendrick weaves a wonderful story!
Summer Benson is a flight attendant who travels the world, never setting down roots and fleeing any type of serious relationships. When a near-tragedy grounds her, she ends up in Black Dog Bay, Delaware - dubbed the world's best place to recover from a breakup, only to find that she doesn't need much time to recover. From day one, she makes her mark on the town, "handling" its most difficult residents and becoming a local hero. Summer is only planning to stay a few weeks, but ends up falling in love with the town and its residents. But will it be enough to ground her permanently? Read the book and find out!
Summer Benson is a flight attendant who travels the world, never setting down roots and fleeing any type of serious relationships. When a near-tragedy grounds her, she ends up in Black Dog Bay, Delaware - dubbed the world's best place to recover from a breakup, only to find that she doesn't need much time to recover. From day one, she makes her mark on the town, "handling" its most difficult residents and becoming a local hero. Summer is only planning to stay a few weeks, but ends up falling in love with the town and its residents. But will it be enough to ground her permanently? Read the book and find out!
April 30, 2014
I received this book for free through ŷ First Reads.
I cannot recommend this book enough! To everyone who enjoys chick lit! To everyone who enjoys beach reads! To everyone who enjoys a great story! And to anyone who has ever tried to run away from a problem before rather than face it head on - this book is for you!
I found it difficult to put this book down once I started it. I too am a 32 year old unmarried female, who has had her share of "walking it off" moments. I found myself wishing I could escape to Black Dog Bay (please tell me it's real!) and drinking with the ladies of The Whinery!
I cannot recommend this book enough! To everyone who enjoys chick lit! To everyone who enjoys beach reads! To everyone who enjoys a great story! And to anyone who has ever tried to run away from a problem before rather than face it head on - this book is for you!
I found it difficult to put this book down once I started it. I too am a 32 year old unmarried female, who has had her share of "walking it off" moments. I found myself wishing I could escape to Black Dog Bay (please tell me it's real!) and drinking with the ladies of The Whinery!
January 5, 2015
This book was super annoying. It got to the point where I could not tolerate reading about Summer and how beautiful, amazing, etc she is. Summer was annoying and tried too hard to be the cool girl. In addition, there's no real plot to the book. Summer gets dumped and goes to this town for people who have gotten dumped. She meets a guy there. The end. Seriously that took me 2 sentences. I really, really wanted to like this book. I can't. (2 stars instead one 1 because I liked the beginning of the book and I generally like this author.)
May 6, 2014
The only thing I did today besides read is eat--with one hand holding my e-reader. I tried to slow down and make the book last but I couldn't. I want to go to Delaware and meet these people. Maybe Summer could befriend and mentor me; that's how real the characters feel. I have to go to the store now and buy chocolate to help me with this book hangover, because real life doesn't measure up to the funny world Beth Kendrick created with her snarky protagonist.
August 31, 2018
This was pretty much a dud for me. I’m don’t think I’m picky when it comes to chick lit but there was just *nothing* about this book. I loved Kendrick’s “The Week Before the Wedding�, liked “My Favorite Mistake� and was pretty meh on “Exes and Ohs� � this might be my least favorite. Nothing in the story was captivating, the characters weren’t fully developed; there’s nothing I hate more than “oh that guy/girl doesn’t date anyone� on page 10 only to be obsessed/in love/blatantly into someone on page 25. I get it’s fiction, but none of it was believable or even fun. Maybe I got lucky with her first book and Kendrick’s books just aren’t for me.
Overall I’d skip this snooze. A lot better books out there in this genre.
Overall I’d skip this snooze. A lot better books out there in this genre.
March 30, 2017
4.5 stars I think. I loved this. Beth Kendrick became a quick favorite when I read and I decided to explore the Black Dog Bay series via audiobook. Summer was such a sassy character who knew exactly what she wanted. I loved being inside her head. I shipped the romance HARD and the friendships she developed even harder. The town of Black Dog Bay is amazing and I can't wait to see who else I'll meet in the upcoming companion stories. (The setting is known for being a haven for the newly heartbroken, with places called the Whinery bar, Better Off Bed & Breakfast, and Eat Your Heart Out Bakery. Sooo fun!)
July 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice light romance. No crazy antics. The townspeople are of course the backbone to these kinds of books and they did their job splendidly. Do not hestiate if you just need a quick, light Sunday read.
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