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LoveTravel #9
California Dreamers
Ever wished you could make-over your life? Make-up artist Stella is an expert at helping other people change their images, but when it comes to transforming herself, she doesn't even know where to start. So when her new friend, glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray, summons her a movie set in California, Stella can't resist the chance to start afresh - it is the land of sunshine and opportunity after all! But are they really friends or does Marina have an ulterior motive? What is the secret that both women are hiding about the nautical (but nice) men in their lives? And what will it take to really make both of their California dreams come true? In a Pacific Coast journey that takes in Los Angeles, the world's most romantic ranch and California's very own castle in the sky - this story of friendship, long-distance love, kissing (and making up) is the perfect escapist read.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Jones
34 books353 followersBelinda Jones was born in Turnbridge Wells, Kent England. At the age of 19 she moved to London, where she resided for the next ten years before moving to California. She now lives in Los Angeles.
Belinda Jones writes books for women which focus around travel and womens issues, particularly relationships. Her books tend to fall into the romance, chick lit and women's fiction categories
Belinda Jones writes books for women which focus around travel and womens issues, particularly relationships. Her books tend to fall into the romance, chick lit and women's fiction categories
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July 19, 2011
Make-up artist Stella is an expert at helping other people change their images, but when it comes to transforming herself, she doesn’t even know where to start. So when her new friend, glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray, summons her a movie set in California, Stella can’t resist the chance to start afresh – it is the land of sunshine and opportunity after all! But are they really friends or does Marina have an ulterior motive? What is the secret that both women are hiding about the nautical (but nice) men in their lives? And what will it take to really make both of their California dreams come true? In a Pacific Coast journey that takes in Los Angeles, the world’s most romantic ranch and California’s very own castle in the sky – this story of friendship, long-distance love, kissing (and making up) is the perfect escapist read.
Belinda Jones is one of my favourite authors, I love how her books take me to far-flung destinations, destinations I have yet to visit but really want to one day. I really enjoyed Living La Vida Loca last year visiting a trifecta of glamorous destinations. I was pleased to see a new Belinda Jones on Amazon earlier this year although I was a teensy bit disappointed we were re-visiting California again (having already visited California in The California Club). I was thrilled to get a review copy to read although I was incredibly shocked at how small the book is – a mere 303 pages long! I eagerly dove in, excited to have a new Belinda Jones novel to read.
I have a dilemma. While I’d like to say I loved California Dreamers unequivocally, I can’t actually say that because as much as I enjoyed the book there is a ‘but’ in there somewhere. I felt the same about Living La Vida Loca; it was good but it wasn’t amazing, it didn’t blow me away. The California descriptions are top-notch, Belinda is brilliant at giving us a proper, 3d view of a destination, it’s what makes her so appealing to me because I can imagine where the characters are spending their time, I can see it. I also thought Stella was a brilliant character, I loved her very much and I liked the setting of Hearst Castle and I enjoyed the film aspect as Stella finds herself doing the make-up for movie star Marina Ray as she stars in a movie about Marion Davies.
I can’t explain what it was I didn’t like; there wasn’t anything terrible about the novel, and it’s kind of baffling for me to be reading a book and wondering why it’s just not connecting but California Dreamers just didn’t engage for me. Belinda’s novels (before Living La Vida Loca) were about brilliant destinations, yes, but they also had some wonderful romances exploding through the pages and for the past two books I’ve felt that that’s been really lacking. Thankfully there is a romantic storyline in California Dreamers though it’s not as prominent as I expected. Part of the novel is about what it’s like to have a partner/husband/boyfriend in the Navy and while I enjoyed that, I couldn’t help feeling a bit off, as if I was reading Belinda’s own story as it’s mentioned she’s recently married someone who’s in the Navy. It felt off-kilter, despite the fact I know Stella isn’t Belinda and vice-versa. I’d definitely have preferred to have not known before reading the book because it was just really strange wondering how much of it was true-to-life (as I’m sure some of it was).
I feel bad for not enjoying it as much as I wanted to; even worse since I can’t really pinpoint why I felt so lacklustre when reading it. I was so excited to read it, so excited to see the beautiful cover appear out of its envelope but much like Living La Vida Loca, there was something missing for me. Something I can’t pinpoint (which is really annoying – I like to be able to make sense when I’m pointing out good and bad parts of novels). For the first half of the book I did have the strangest sense of deja vu – I truly thought I’d read it somewhere before (but, again, I couldn’t tell you the novel I felt it was like). There was just something about Stella getting the job with Marina Ray and heading out to California so quickly to be working on a movie set that was really familiar. It’s strange to know a novel is familiar but not be able to figure out which book it’s similar to.
If California Dreamers was my first Belinda Jones novel I’d probably think it was better than it was, but I’ve been spoiled. I’ve read The California Club, Cafe Tropicana, Divas Las Vegas and Out of the Blue and for me California Dreamers doesn’t compare to Belinda’s earlier novels. They’re (this and Living La Vida Loca) not as dreamy (despite the title!), not as funny, it’s peculiar. Belinda’s no doubt the same person, writing the same kind of novels, but for me, personally, the magic is missing. I can’t see myself re-reading California Dreamers, not the way I’d pick up Cafe Tropicana again (if I had the time!) or those others I’ve mentioned above. I’ll still read Belinda’s future novels, there’s no doubt about that because there’s no one whose travel writing compares. California Dreamers was good. But it wasn’t brilliant.
Belinda Jones is one of my favourite authors, I love how her books take me to far-flung destinations, destinations I have yet to visit but really want to one day. I really enjoyed Living La Vida Loca last year visiting a trifecta of glamorous destinations. I was pleased to see a new Belinda Jones on Amazon earlier this year although I was a teensy bit disappointed we were re-visiting California again (having already visited California in The California Club). I was thrilled to get a review copy to read although I was incredibly shocked at how small the book is – a mere 303 pages long! I eagerly dove in, excited to have a new Belinda Jones novel to read.
I have a dilemma. While I’d like to say I loved California Dreamers unequivocally, I can’t actually say that because as much as I enjoyed the book there is a ‘but’ in there somewhere. I felt the same about Living La Vida Loca; it was good but it wasn’t amazing, it didn’t blow me away. The California descriptions are top-notch, Belinda is brilliant at giving us a proper, 3d view of a destination, it’s what makes her so appealing to me because I can imagine where the characters are spending their time, I can see it. I also thought Stella was a brilliant character, I loved her very much and I liked the setting of Hearst Castle and I enjoyed the film aspect as Stella finds herself doing the make-up for movie star Marina Ray as she stars in a movie about Marion Davies.
I can’t explain what it was I didn’t like; there wasn’t anything terrible about the novel, and it’s kind of baffling for me to be reading a book and wondering why it’s just not connecting but California Dreamers just didn’t engage for me. Belinda’s novels (before Living La Vida Loca) were about brilliant destinations, yes, but they also had some wonderful romances exploding through the pages and for the past two books I’ve felt that that’s been really lacking. Thankfully there is a romantic storyline in California Dreamers though it’s not as prominent as I expected. Part of the novel is about what it’s like to have a partner/husband/boyfriend in the Navy and while I enjoyed that, I couldn’t help feeling a bit off, as if I was reading Belinda’s own story as it’s mentioned she’s recently married someone who’s in the Navy. It felt off-kilter, despite the fact I know Stella isn’t Belinda and vice-versa. I’d definitely have preferred to have not known before reading the book because it was just really strange wondering how much of it was true-to-life (as I’m sure some of it was).
I feel bad for not enjoying it as much as I wanted to; even worse since I can’t really pinpoint why I felt so lacklustre when reading it. I was so excited to read it, so excited to see the beautiful cover appear out of its envelope but much like Living La Vida Loca, there was something missing for me. Something I can’t pinpoint (which is really annoying – I like to be able to make sense when I’m pointing out good and bad parts of novels). For the first half of the book I did have the strangest sense of deja vu – I truly thought I’d read it somewhere before (but, again, I couldn’t tell you the novel I felt it was like). There was just something about Stella getting the job with Marina Ray and heading out to California so quickly to be working on a movie set that was really familiar. It’s strange to know a novel is familiar but not be able to figure out which book it’s similar to.
If California Dreamers was my first Belinda Jones novel I’d probably think it was better than it was, but I’ve been spoiled. I’ve read The California Club, Cafe Tropicana, Divas Las Vegas and Out of the Blue and for me California Dreamers doesn’t compare to Belinda’s earlier novels. They’re (this and Living La Vida Loca) not as dreamy (despite the title!), not as funny, it’s peculiar. Belinda’s no doubt the same person, writing the same kind of novels, but for me, personally, the magic is missing. I can’t see myself re-reading California Dreamers, not the way I’d pick up Cafe Tropicana again (if I had the time!) or those others I’ve mentioned above. I’ll still read Belinda’s future novels, there’s no doubt about that because there’s no one whose travel writing compares. California Dreamers was good. But it wasn’t brilliant.
March 27, 2021
2nd time ive read this book.....lovely light hearted read and it reminds you that dreams do come true
August 15, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
In England, Stella Conway, an accomplished make-up artist, is stuck in a dead-end job with a binding contract. Her life has gone colorless since she said goodbye to the love of her life when he chose the Navy over her. Every morning she wakes with the fervent wish: “Please let this be the day something happens”.
Talk about a wish being granted! When American movie star Marina Ray walks in wanting to be made up to look like the 1920s and 30s movie star Marion Davis so she can impress the director of the upcoming movie “Castle in the Sky”, a story of Marion Davis and her love life with William Randolph Hearst, Stella is assigned the task. A mutual feeling about the Navy sparks a unique friendship between the two women. Stella finds herself free of her contract and in the glitz, glittering, make-believe world of movies in sunny California.
The stereotype characters, the humor, and “the-wrinkle-in-time” situation make California Dreamers fast-paced, fun reading. Yet, there is the quiet but persistent need in Stella that permeates the story. Her love for Jonathan just won’t go away regardless of her efforts. As Stella reaches out to help others, Marina Ray reaches out to help Stella.
Even though these two women are from very different backgrounds and social groups, they each have a philanthropic streak that makes life better for others. The emotional maturation of Stella and Marina is beautifully developed by Belinda Jones even while she entertains the reader with delightful events at the Hearst’s mansion and at the San Ysidro Ranch where romance thrives.
Bodie, Marina’s dog and everyone’s friend, makes his mark on events. He is a darling. Milo, the quintessential leading man enlarges Stella’s world, but her Jonathan, with his innate elegance, sense of propriety, and easy laugh, is the only one she’s ever feels safe and protected with—the only one with whom she feels that “sense of belonging”.
How Stella finally reaches her happy-ever-after takes some expert maneuvering. Her journey from despondency to ecstasy makes a story that captivates and all the little asides with the many characters and the humor are bonuses that make the story sparkle.
Belinda Jones’s smooth writing style takes the reader on a fun adventure that is just right for vacation entertainment or for a short escape from the “daily grind”.
In England, Stella Conway, an accomplished make-up artist, is stuck in a dead-end job with a binding contract. Her life has gone colorless since she said goodbye to the love of her life when he chose the Navy over her. Every morning she wakes with the fervent wish: “Please let this be the day something happens”.
Talk about a wish being granted! When American movie star Marina Ray walks in wanting to be made up to look like the 1920s and 30s movie star Marion Davis so she can impress the director of the upcoming movie “Castle in the Sky”, a story of Marion Davis and her love life with William Randolph Hearst, Stella is assigned the task. A mutual feeling about the Navy sparks a unique friendship between the two women. Stella finds herself free of her contract and in the glitz, glittering, make-believe world of movies in sunny California.
The stereotype characters, the humor, and “the-wrinkle-in-time” situation make California Dreamers fast-paced, fun reading. Yet, there is the quiet but persistent need in Stella that permeates the story. Her love for Jonathan just won’t go away regardless of her efforts. As Stella reaches out to help others, Marina Ray reaches out to help Stella.
Even though these two women are from very different backgrounds and social groups, they each have a philanthropic streak that makes life better for others. The emotional maturation of Stella and Marina is beautifully developed by Belinda Jones even while she entertains the reader with delightful events at the Hearst’s mansion and at the San Ysidro Ranch where romance thrives.
Bodie, Marina’s dog and everyone’s friend, makes his mark on events. He is a darling. Milo, the quintessential leading man enlarges Stella’s world, but her Jonathan, with his innate elegance, sense of propriety, and easy laugh, is the only one she’s ever feels safe and protected with—the only one with whom she feels that “sense of belonging”.
How Stella finally reaches her happy-ever-after takes some expert maneuvering. Her journey from despondency to ecstasy makes a story that captivates and all the little asides with the many characters and the humor are bonuses that make the story sparkle.
Belinda Jones’s smooth writing style takes the reader on a fun adventure that is just right for vacation entertainment or for a short escape from the “daily grind”.
October 29, 2015
Belinda Jones is very popular in the world of Chick Lit. She has an ability to take you on her travels without leaving the comfort of your own home. I have read all of her books and her last release `Livin' La Vida Loca' was a true journey through three different countries. It is clear from each and every one of her books that travel is the key to her heart.
At the very start of the book we meet Stella and see her surprise introduction to Marina. You can't help but really like both of them from the very beginning. Belinda Jones makes the job of loving the characters very easy as there is an easy way about each of them.
The change in Stella's job happens very early on and as a reader we are taken along for the ride on her journey to the west coast of America. One of the additional characters added to the mix very early on is Milo, Marina's leading role opposite her in her new movie. He is very easy to like too and there is a good mix as the three of them get stuck in to making the movie.
One of the things I loved about this, and something I love about every book she writes, is the journey itself. She has a way of writing about the places, and even the journey there, that makes you feel like you are right there with them. Her writing is so brilliant, you can almost picture being in the beautiful scenes she is describing. The characters and story are funny and it is a very enjoyable read.
The only thing that I found a little bit lacking in this book was the ending. It was okay, and the story moved along okay, but I just thought in comparison to her last book it wasn't as good. I rated her last book a solid 5/5. I liked the idea behind this story and the characters were great but the ending seemed a little unfinished if I am being completely honest. It certainly wasn't terrible, but didn't wow me quite like some of her other stuff. In any event her books are still so easy and enjoyable to read and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
Her books are a fantastic choice for a beach read, and have the ability to take you away from anything. If you haven't read her books then maybe give them a try and allow yourself the pleasure of pure escapism with a capital E!
At the very start of the book we meet Stella and see her surprise introduction to Marina. You can't help but really like both of them from the very beginning. Belinda Jones makes the job of loving the characters very easy as there is an easy way about each of them.
The change in Stella's job happens very early on and as a reader we are taken along for the ride on her journey to the west coast of America. One of the additional characters added to the mix very early on is Milo, Marina's leading role opposite her in her new movie. He is very easy to like too and there is a good mix as the three of them get stuck in to making the movie.
One of the things I loved about this, and something I love about every book she writes, is the journey itself. She has a way of writing about the places, and even the journey there, that makes you feel like you are right there with them. Her writing is so brilliant, you can almost picture being in the beautiful scenes she is describing. The characters and story are funny and it is a very enjoyable read.
The only thing that I found a little bit lacking in this book was the ending. It was okay, and the story moved along okay, but I just thought in comparison to her last book it wasn't as good. I rated her last book a solid 5/5. I liked the idea behind this story and the characters were great but the ending seemed a little unfinished if I am being completely honest. It certainly wasn't terrible, but didn't wow me quite like some of her other stuff. In any event her books are still so easy and enjoyable to read and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
Her books are a fantastic choice for a beach read, and have the ability to take you away from anything. If you haven't read her books then maybe give them a try and allow yourself the pleasure of pure escapism with a capital E!
September 24, 2020
A story about Stella who moves to California with her new Hollywood actress friend, Marina. She is a makeup artist who has a sad past and would like to take this opportunity to start afresh!
This is my first time reading Belinda Jones’s book and I felt like it was an easy read. It wasn’t draggy but I think the ending was pretty rushed and was written poorly.
SPOILER ALERT:
In the end, when Jonathan comes back, she suddenly forgets about Milo but before that, the whole time, she was so into him. Most of these love triangle books pisses me off because of how confusing the female lead can get. One minute, they’re so in love with someone and then another minute, they’re just friends. Oh well, besides the ending, I guess the book was pretty well written and was really easy to read.
Rating: 6.5/10
This is my first time reading Belinda Jones’s book and I felt like it was an easy read. It wasn’t draggy but I think the ending was pretty rushed and was written poorly.
SPOILER ALERT:
In the end, when Jonathan comes back, she suddenly forgets about Milo but before that, the whole time, she was so into him. Most of these love triangle books pisses me off because of how confusing the female lead can get. One minute, they’re so in love with someone and then another minute, they’re just friends. Oh well, besides the ending, I guess the book was pretty well written and was really easy to read.
Rating: 6.5/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
I was lucky enough to meet Belinda years ago and acquire a signed copy of this book.
I absolutely adore the fun way she tells a story and Belinda has always been a great inspiration for my own writing.
California Dreamers is fun and flirty and a great read. Should def be on your TBR, I loved the descriptive quality or the locations, I could almost imagine being right there
I absolutely adore the fun way she tells a story and Belinda has always been a great inspiration for my own writing.
California Dreamers is fun and flirty and a great read. Should def be on your TBR, I loved the descriptive quality or the locations, I could almost imagine being right there
August 30, 2017
Really enjoyable book, lots of humour and honestly had no idea who the main character would actually end up with!!
September 28, 2017
A nice story from Belinda Jones. Stella loved and lost. Can she ever find someone to love again? Hollywood actress Marina is determined she will.
September 19, 2018
Easy breezy read; perfect for the beach.
May 25, 2019
I picked up a Belinda jones book called Divas Las Vegas one month ago- and have read five books of hers since then and I’ve loved every single one.
December 21, 2020
An easy breezy romantic comedy beach read!
December 15, 2022
Glamour In Californië, Gelezen in 2017!
January 27, 2025
A cliche story but cute. Was a light beach read.
March 24, 2017
Quite funny and very romantic
October 4, 2011
http://chicklitaholic.blogspot.com/20...
Ever wished you could make over your life? Well this is the idea behind Belinda Jones latest novel California Dreamers. I have read many of Belinda Jones’ previous novels and loved that they are able to take me away to the exotic locations. I was excited to be transported to California again to find out exactly what was going to happen in Stella’s life.
Stella, a make up artist from London loves nothing more than helping other people change their image, but for herself she has no idea where to even begin. When Stella is given the opportunity to join glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray to do her make up on the set of her new movie, Stella cant resist the chance. After all California is the land of sunshine and opportunity. It seems Stella and Marina have more in common than they first though, with them both hiding secrets about the navy men in their lives. But are they really friends though, or does Marina have an ulterior motive?
Belinda Jones always manages to transport me to exotic destinations, making me feel as though I could actually be wherever she is describing. This is no exception with California Dreamers, where I truly felt at times as though I could have been in California. Her use of description is fantastic throughout, truly bringing the whole story to life. Within the novel the navy, and in particular relationships within the navy are prominent. Both Belinda and Marina have been involved in relationships with men from the navy. I really enjoyed the way in which this topic was focused upon, it is something that is hardly ever featured within women’s novels. I found this very refreshing and thought it shed a whole new like on a situation I am very unfamiliar with, especially because Belinda Jones herself has had first hand experience of this.
Throughout the first half of the novel the character of Milo is likeable, showing himself to be far away from a typical Hollywood actor, appearing instead to be extremely grounded. In the second half of the novel, however he seems to be glossed over a little, where he place a much less important role. I would have liked to see more of Milo throughout the entire novel. Stella is a good main character, I enjoyed the way the novel is told from her perspective and related to her emotions regarding wanted her life to take a different turn. At times I liked Marina, she has many moments of pure selflessness and then at other times I found her annoying when she took Stella for granted. The star of the novel was Bodie, Marina’s dog was absolutely adorable and really brightened up any slow moments within the novel.
I did find the novel became a little slow at times. The premise of the novel was a good one which could potentially have been great if there was a little more to the storyline. I also would have enjoyed to learn a little more about the two male characters who are in the navy Jonathon and Jeff as I felt as though I did not get to know them well enough to like them. Finding out more about the make up aspect of Stella’s job may also have added another layer to this novel. I felt that even though Stella is a makeup artist there was very little focus on the job.
I did enjoy reading California Dreamers, however I did find that it was not up to Belinda Jones’ usual standard of her past novels. That being said this is still a fun, glitzy read that can be enjoyed on the beach, as a great holiday read or curled up on the sofa with a cup of cocoa. I would still recommend giving California Dreamers a chance especially if you have enjoyed previous novels of Belinda Jones. Here’s looking forward to the next instalment from Belinda Jones.
Ever wished you could make over your life? Well this is the idea behind Belinda Jones latest novel California Dreamers. I have read many of Belinda Jones’ previous novels and loved that they are able to take me away to the exotic locations. I was excited to be transported to California again to find out exactly what was going to happen in Stella’s life.
Stella, a make up artist from London loves nothing more than helping other people change their image, but for herself she has no idea where to even begin. When Stella is given the opportunity to join glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray to do her make up on the set of her new movie, Stella cant resist the chance. After all California is the land of sunshine and opportunity. It seems Stella and Marina have more in common than they first though, with them both hiding secrets about the navy men in their lives. But are they really friends though, or does Marina have an ulterior motive?
Belinda Jones always manages to transport me to exotic destinations, making me feel as though I could actually be wherever she is describing. This is no exception with California Dreamers, where I truly felt at times as though I could have been in California. Her use of description is fantastic throughout, truly bringing the whole story to life. Within the novel the navy, and in particular relationships within the navy are prominent. Both Belinda and Marina have been involved in relationships with men from the navy. I really enjoyed the way in which this topic was focused upon, it is something that is hardly ever featured within women’s novels. I found this very refreshing and thought it shed a whole new like on a situation I am very unfamiliar with, especially because Belinda Jones herself has had first hand experience of this.
Throughout the first half of the novel the character of Milo is likeable, showing himself to be far away from a typical Hollywood actor, appearing instead to be extremely grounded. In the second half of the novel, however he seems to be glossed over a little, where he place a much less important role. I would have liked to see more of Milo throughout the entire novel. Stella is a good main character, I enjoyed the way the novel is told from her perspective and related to her emotions regarding wanted her life to take a different turn. At times I liked Marina, she has many moments of pure selflessness and then at other times I found her annoying when she took Stella for granted. The star of the novel was Bodie, Marina’s dog was absolutely adorable and really brightened up any slow moments within the novel.
I did find the novel became a little slow at times. The premise of the novel was a good one which could potentially have been great if there was a little more to the storyline. I also would have enjoyed to learn a little more about the two male characters who are in the navy Jonathon and Jeff as I felt as though I did not get to know them well enough to like them. Finding out more about the make up aspect of Stella’s job may also have added another layer to this novel. I felt that even though Stella is a makeup artist there was very little focus on the job.
I did enjoy reading California Dreamers, however I did find that it was not up to Belinda Jones’ usual standard of her past novels. That being said this is still a fun, glitzy read that can be enjoyed on the beach, as a great holiday read or curled up on the sofa with a cup of cocoa. I would still recommend giving California Dreamers a chance especially if you have enjoyed previous novels of Belinda Jones. Here’s looking forward to the next instalment from Belinda Jones.
January 2, 2015
I liked the book to a certain extent and was dragged along nicely with the story. Yet, I couldn't help but feel it was a little far-fetched after all, even if this may have happened and may still happen to one or the other person out there.
The idea was fun and the descriptions and ideas of romantic little spots were beautiful, though they lacked a certain finesse at times that I have come to enjoy in some of Belinda Jones' other books.
Milo's character started out so interesting and then turned into a fairly unstable concept of a character almost as if he needed to be forced into a mould so the story could continue to its happy ending.
As a whole, I found the development of the characters and the story a little rushed, which may have been the reason that I feel this book was lacking something though I can't quite put my finger on what it was. Maybe the magic? When I look back on how I felt when reading "Winter Wonderland" or "Cafe Tropicana", for example, then "California Dreamers" left me feeling wanting.
Still, for anyone who likes to read Belinda Jones, I'd still suggest to go for it, even though I think it isn't one of her best.
The idea was fun and the descriptions and ideas of romantic little spots were beautiful, though they lacked a certain finesse at times that I have come to enjoy in some of Belinda Jones' other books.
Milo's character started out so interesting and then turned into a fairly unstable concept of a character almost as if he needed to be forced into a mould so the story could continue to its happy ending.
As a whole, I found the development of the characters and the story a little rushed, which may have been the reason that I feel this book was lacking something though I can't quite put my finger on what it was. Maybe the magic? When I look back on how I felt when reading "Winter Wonderland" or "Cafe Tropicana", for example, then "California Dreamers" left me feeling wanting.
Still, for anyone who likes to read Belinda Jones, I'd still suggest to go for it, even though I think it isn't one of her best.
March 19, 2013
As far as chick lit books go, this was very nicely written. Some authors don't pay much attention to the plot, with them it's just focusing all the girly stuff. One of my fav chick lit authors is Sophie Kinsella, because for her it's not just about the great clothes and the girly stuff, or the good guy, she actually focuses on the plot and the story line. Belinda does that too, and there were places where it was all a little too predictable, but the book left you feeling warm and fuzzy, I liked how she describes things, I love her imagery, I love how she takes time to write and discuss the situation.
SPOILER ALERT: I just wish the ending hadn't been so predictable because wasn't the entire point for Stella to find herself, and "get her groove back"? AND, to "dismiss Milo" when Jonathan came back into the picture, that was poorly done, as if Stella only realizes Milo has faults when Jonathan gets back into the picture - I think this was rushed and very poorly done. All in all, a fun read!
SPOILER ALERT: I just wish the ending hadn't been so predictable because wasn't the entire point for Stella to find herself, and "get her groove back"? AND, to "dismiss Milo" when Jonathan came back into the picture, that was poorly done, as if Stella only realizes Milo has faults when Jonathan gets back into the picture - I think this was rushed and very poorly done. All in all, a fun read!
December 30, 2015
I hardly ever read this kind of chick-lit any more, but after a stressful week I couldn't face reading about evil Mafiosi, so picked the fluffiest thing I could find on my book-club pile to distract me. It has done the trick, and now I can go back to reading thrillers.
Stella is a make-up artist from London who has never got over the break-up with her U.S. Navy boyfriend. She is asked to make up a famous actress who is so impressed with her that she insists Stella come with her to LA to work on a film set in the Hearst mansion, which happens to star her biggest crush, an actor called Milo. From there it's all very predictable as Stella reinvents herself and wins over everyone. And they all lived Happily Ever After.
Stella is a make-up artist from London who has never got over the break-up with her U.S. Navy boyfriend. She is asked to make up a famous actress who is so impressed with her that she insists Stella come with her to LA to work on a film set in the Hearst mansion, which happens to star her biggest crush, an actor called Milo. From there it's all very predictable as Stella reinvents herself and wins over everyone. And they all lived Happily Ever After.
June 12, 2012
A really hilarious read as Stella sets out to start a new life, away from her past heartbreak...
I got caught up in the glamour of Hollywood movies, and the love stories in California Dreamers were very fascinating to read. This is my first Belinda Jones book, and I really enjoyed this one, I would like to read more by this author in the future!
http://chocolatedigestivebiscuit.word...
I got caught up in the glamour of Hollywood movies, and the love stories in California Dreamers were very fascinating to read. This is my first Belinda Jones book, and I really enjoyed this one, I would like to read more by this author in the future!
http://chocolatedigestivebiscuit.word...
June 26, 2013
Having read Winter Wonderland (which was excellent, by the way), I was hopeful that this would be just as good, if not better. Having read the novel, I would say that.. while it is good, it's not as good as Winter Wonderland. There were some funny moments in this novel of course, but in terms of how memorable the book is, not so much.
July 27, 2012
Zo eens 'chick-lit' tussendoor vind ik wel eens leuk.
Is snel uit, verzet de gedachten, romantisch,loopt goed af, maar ook wel voorspelbaar.
Leuk tussendoortje maar niets om voor naar de bib te spurten.
Is snel uit, verzet de gedachten, romantisch,loopt goed af, maar ook wel voorspelbaar.
Leuk tussendoortje maar niets om voor naar de bib te spurten.
August 17, 2012
Possibly the most boring book I have ever spent money on. I really enjoy Belinda Jones writing style and love her other books but I had to force myself to finish this. A pointless plot and full of even more boring pointless characters.
January 31, 2013
Belinda Jones always have a way to tie things up beautifully, if not too beautifully. It's always a joy to read her books; it's filled with puns and humorous situations and I am looking forward to her next book!
June 15, 2014
This story started off strongly, but it didn't take me long to get extremely bored with all the whining about the sacrifices the navy asks for. Enough already! The whole thing wore on me and I skimmed the last 25 pages. Pretty much a waste of time, as even the romantic scenes weren't interesting.
July 6, 2011
More a 3.5 but you can't do half stars on here!
September 16, 2013
Jones's book always hook me up.
May 17, 2016
I've actually been to Hearst Castle so I could really visualize so many of the scenes. Great story line and a fun read!!
May 29, 2016
One of her best. Could not put it down. Loved it!
December 31, 2016
origineel en grappig. leuke chicklit.
April 30, 2017
Just as good as the rest
I love this series everyone of these books has been fantastic to the point i haven't been able to put them down.
I love this series everyone of these books has been fantastic to the point i haven't been able to put them down.
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