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New Uses for Old Boyfriends
(Black Dog Bay #2)
by
After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s u
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Paperback, 336 pages
Published
February 3rd 2015
by NAL
(first published January 1st 2015)
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Showing 1-30
Start your review of New Uses for Old Boyfriends (Black Dog Bay, #2)
A perfect "relaxing on a Saturday afternoon" kind of read. This is a no stress, outlandish enough in providing escapism, and quirky characters that are easy to like sort of book. A most definite chick lit book as the male characters are designed to appeal to the female reader. And if that is the kind of book mood you are in, go for it in reading this book. I laughed out loud at least five times and had a perma-grin through the last half of the book.
A home shopping network host has-been, Lila ...more
A home shopping network host has-been, Lila ...more
"Who knew the secret to happiness could be so simple? Reduce, reuse, recycle."
Enjoyable, funny chick lit about a daughter and a mother trying to carry on and reinvent themselves after a divorce and a spouse's death. Both women are used to having money and being taken care of by their husbands. But through financial hardship, they learn to stand on their own. All this sounds like it's a heavy book, but it's not. There is alot of humor to lighten up the plot, and many fun characters that enter the ...more
Enjoyable, funny chick lit about a daughter and a mother trying to carry on and reinvent themselves after a divorce and a spouse's death. Both women are used to having money and being taken care of by their husbands. But through financial hardship, they learn to stand on their own. All this sounds like it's a heavy book, but it's not. There is alot of humor to lighten up the plot, and many fun characters that enter the ...more
If you've ever read one of Beth Kendrick's books, I'm not going to tell you anything you don't already know: her novels are fun, smile and laugh-producing, and a great break in whatever you have going on (for me, it's government budget time!) from which you can appreciate a brief escape. New Uses for Old Boyfriends is certainly no exception; in fact, it was really fun for me because some of the lovable characters from Cure for the Common Breakup appear again and I felt like I'd picked up right w
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It seems I keep picking up these contemporary romances, where the heroine seems to lose everything and hit rock bottom, but you know what? It was a lot of fun watching Lila pick herself back up. It's never easy going home, but at least Lila's return had her crossing paths with not just one, but two exes, both of whom seemed to still have a little interest in her. I was very pleased with the direction Kendrick took on that romantic front, and I really enjoyed the vintage clothing storyline. I, li
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I read most of the other books in the Black Dog Bay series before this one. They were all still enjoyable, despite references to characters who were the subject of, or mentioned in, subsequent stories. The books do not have to be read in any order; they might be slightly more enjoyable if you do. This was a cute story of a woman (multiple women) discovering what she is capable of when circumstances require strength and action. The main character's return to her hometown had her running into peop
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is my first experience with this author and I am thrilled to have been offered this book for review. The story is like a breath of fresh air and just what I needed.
It is hard to go back home again. In Lila’s case her life has basically fallen apart. She has lost her job and her husband has left her and all just a few months after her father has passed away. She arrives back in Black Dog Bay to start over and help her mom adjust to living without her dad, which turns out t ...more
A more critical reviewer would likely characterize this novel as fluff and while I couldn't argue that assessment, I will also say that there's something cozy and comforting about a light read filled with humor, romance, and overly dramatic characters. This book may not be Hemingway, but it is perfect to read while relaxing with a glass of wine and sometimes I need that more than I need critically acclaimed literature. This novel features a broke divorcee who's trying to help her recently widowe
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Be minimalist in short.. A lazy day read..
Who knew the secret to happiness could be so simple? Reduce, reuse, recycle.
This story was a lot of fun.
New Uses for Old Boyfriends
was a great upbeat story about overcoming. Lila was a great character who goes home after a nasty divorce to live with her Mom. Lila’s Mom is completely broke. Of course, her Mom is in complete denial about her financial situation which leads Lila to take action. This book was full of fun ideas and surprises.
The setting of Black Dog Bay was so quaint and perfect for Lila to start over. There was a bit of humor in this story. I could to ...more
The setting of Black Dog Bay was so quaint and perfect for Lila to start over. There was a bit of humor in this story. I could to ...more
I was honestly attracted to this book because of the cover (pretty colors) and the title (it sounded humorous). It wasn't terrible, but it was utterly forgettable. Just your average perfect girl meets the real world with a spritz of cute guy tossed in.
We start with Lila Alders, a 29 year old divorcee who returns to her hometown of Black Dog Bay, where she has to regroup and restart her life. She lives with her mother, an ex-model who has a shopping addiction and a large number of financial prob ...more
We start with Lila Alders, a 29 year old divorcee who returns to her hometown of Black Dog Bay, where she has to regroup and restart her life. She lives with her mother, an ex-model who has a shopping addiction and a large number of financial prob ...more
Mar 30, 2015
Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
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I love when an author takes you back into a familiar place with familiar characters, Kendrick has brought us back to Black Dog Bay in her follow up novel NEW USES FOR OLD BOYFRIENDS. I encourage readers to first read THE CURE FOR A COMMON BREAKUP, as you will gain so much more depth to this already richly written, well developed and engrossing story!!! I want Black Dog Bay to be real...I want to go there and spend time. Kendrick has a way to pull the reader in and to make not only the setting fe
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This one did not disappoint!! I'm looking forward jumping right into the next book set in Black Dog Bay.
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This book is really a story about Lila and her mom. Lila's husband left her and so she goes back home to Black Dog Bay. When her husband said he was leaving her, she went out and bought as much as she could before the finances were split because she knew she'd be broke. She bought the biggest, most fully loaded SUV she could get and she called it the FUV throughout the story. I thought it was so funny!
Lila's dad has also somewhat recently died, leaving her mom widowed. Her mom has been ignoring ...more
Lila's dad has also somewhat recently died, leaving her mom widowed. Her mom has been ignoring ...more
Intro:
I hadn't heard of Beth Kendrick's writing prior to reading New Uses for Old Boyfriends, but after seeing both the title and cover of the book, and reading the synopsis, I knew that this was something I wanted to read right away.
And seriously, I'm so glad I did. This book is quiet and delightful, and seriously reenergized me after I finished reading.
***
Things that worked:
Characterizations
We meet Lila just as she's hit a low point in her life - she's newly divorced, unemployed and ...more
I hadn't heard of Beth Kendrick's writing prior to reading New Uses for Old Boyfriends, but after seeing both the title and cover of the book, and reading the synopsis, I knew that this was something I wanted to read right away.
And seriously, I'm so glad I did. This book is quiet and delightful, and seriously reenergized me after I finished reading.
***
Things that worked:
Characterizations
We meet Lila just as she's hit a low point in her life - she's newly divorced, unemployed and ...more
It wasn't bad but it wasn't good. Had a few chuckles, entertaining antics, but weak plot, shallow characters, and lame climax. There are better chick-lits out there.
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It was a definite Hallmark movie in print.....
It was a cute book, the girl in high school that had everything comes back to the small seaside town of Black Dog Bay after her divorce to find out her mom is broke too and in desperate need of help. Together they open up a vintage clothing store with a lot of mishaps and discovering of themselves. A fun twist on the "It" girl comes back home, rediscovers the new version of herself. I have read other versions of this storyline that I liked better, I just never connected with the characters and s
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Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
I love Beth Kendrick and I'm always so excited when she publishes a new book. It should be no surprise then that I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel, New Uses For Old Boyfriends. The book was good and I enjoyed reading it...but...I found it a little lacking.
I think one of my issues is I found the characters to be somewhat two dimensional. Or maybe I just didn't get the connection I wanted with them. For example, Daphne, Lila's mom, drove me up the wal ...more
I love Beth Kendrick and I'm always so excited when she publishes a new book. It should be no surprise then that I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel, New Uses For Old Boyfriends. The book was good and I enjoyed reading it...but...I found it a little lacking.
I think one of my issues is I found the characters to be somewhat two dimensional. Or maybe I just didn't get the connection I wanted with them. For example, Daphne, Lila's mom, drove me up the wal ...more
In "New Uses for Old Boyfriends," Lila's life falls apart and the only place that she can think of to go is Black Dog Bay, her hometown. She finds that even her hometown has changed and the gold status that she once enjoyed is gone. Her mom's financial status is in ruins and she wants Lila to help her keep her home but she may be forced to leave her home behind. This book explores one woman's try at trying to put her life back together when the conditions are anything but easy.
This book takes p ...more
This book takes p ...more
MY THOUGHTS
Lila has had a charmed life until her husband dumps her, she loses her job hosting on a shopping channel and her father passes away. She has always counted on men to make the hard decisions. Now on her own and moving back home, she finds her mother’s financial situation is dire. Her mother, Daphne, a former model, cannot face the fact that her beloved home will have to be sold. Until Lila discovers that Daphne has been collecting and hording designer fashions through out her lifetime. ...more
Lila has had a charmed life until her husband dumps her, she loses her job hosting on a shopping channel and her father passes away. She has always counted on men to make the hard decisions. Now on her own and moving back home, she finds her mother’s financial situation is dire. Her mother, Daphne, a former model, cannot face the fact that her beloved home will have to be sold. Until Lila discovers that Daphne has been collecting and hording designer fashions through out her lifetime. ...more
4.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I really enjoyed this book. It was a fairly quick read that had me smiling throughout.
New Uses for Old Boyfriends was a fun read. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few giddy, romantic moments. I wasn’t sure about Lila in the beginning. She just seemed like a spoiled brat, but there was more to her. She had initiative. I loved how she and her mother went out and took control, even if they weren’t quite ready to do so. I really loved Daphne’ ...more
Did I enjoy this book: I really enjoyed this book. It was a fairly quick read that had me smiling throughout.
New Uses for Old Boyfriends was a fun read. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few giddy, romantic moments. I wasn’t sure about Lila in the beginning. She just seemed like a spoiled brat, but there was more to her. She had initiative. I loved how she and her mother went out and took control, even if they weren’t quite ready to do so. I really loved Daphne’ ...more
Firstly, I love the title of this book. Secondly it is belly-laugh funny. I keep telling people about Lila's vehicle. Nearly wet my pants each time I read its nick-name.
The setting gets 5 stars. Beth has drawn me into Black Dog Bay, I hope a town like this exists. I love her musical references, just wish she had a spotify playlist or any list somewhere if I want to hear the songs mentioned in order.
This book brings back characters from another book. I could handle Summer if we had more of Dutch ...more
The setting gets 5 stars. Beth has drawn me into Black Dog Bay, I hope a town like this exists. I love her musical references, just wish she had a spotify playlist or any list somewhere if I want to hear the songs mentioned in order.
This book brings back characters from another book. I could handle Summer if we had more of Dutch ...more
I really enjoyed this book. I had just read something pretty heavy and this light, quick, read was just what I needed. I liked the main character and her new friends, and her romantic interest. Her mother drove me insane for most of the book, but she did grow a lot by the end, so I can appreciate the character arc. This is the first book I've ever read by Kendrick, but I'm definitely going to check out some of her other books.
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Re-read (audio) four years later and it was good but not my favorite of the series. I got annoyed with some of the logistical stuff - look, lady, you have a new car. There’s warranties on that stuff. Take it to the dealership!! And stop coddling your mom and talk some sense into her. You can do it nicely without totally avoiding the issues... - but it was overall cute and funny and I loved the clothes.
I really couldn't stand this story. the writing was fine. if I heard one more "sweet pea" or culture reference, I was going to lose it. I found no chemistry between Lila and Malcolm. the Whinery had to be the most annoying bar in history. Sorry I just skimmed most of this since I paid for it. disappointed.
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This was a sweet book but I didn't particularly like any of the characters (except for the masterful sewer slash Marine Malcolm). I wasn't really interested in what happened to anybody, but I loved the descriptions of the vintage clothes, even if I was about as clueless as the protagonist as to which designer did what.
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This book left me wanting... more. More chemistry, more romance, more friendship, more growth. It was like the author got close, but just couldn't quite jump off the cliff ;)
That said, it's a very easy read and perfect for the beach. ...more
That said, it's a very easy read and perfect for the beach. ...more
Beth Kendricks is so good. Her characters are interesting and funny. I really like Black Dog Bay.
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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 re ...more
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I’m a Leo, a middle child, and a formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. I re ...more
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