Synopses & Reviews
Anita Hughes' Monarch Beach is an absorbing debut novel about one womans journey back to happiness after an affair splinters her perfect marriage and life—what it means to be loved, betrayed and to love again. When Amanda Blick, a young mother and kindhearted San Francisco heiress, finds her gorgeous French chef husband wrapped around his sous-chef, she knows she must flee her life in order to rebuild it. The opportunity falls into her lap when her (very lovable) mother suggests Amanda and her young son, Max, spend the summer with her at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach. With the waves right outside her windows and nothing more to worry about than finding the next relaxing thing to do, Amanda should be having the time of her life—and escaping the drama. But instead, she finds herself faced with a kind, older divorcee who showers her with attention… and she discovers that the road to healing is never simple. This is the sometimes funny, sometimes bitter, but always moving story about the mistakes and discoveries a woman makes when her perfect world is turned upside down.
Review
"A novel that cries out to be read by the surf with a cocktail and a cabana boy… Anita Hughes is an author of womens literary fiction who delivers sex on the beach without insulting the readers intelligence."—Thelma Adams, author of
Playdate "With honesty and heart, glamour and grit, Anita Hughes tells the inspiring story of an unusual woman discovering life on her own terms and finally spreading her wings. Loved it." —Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess Cooking School
"Absolutely riveting and brimming with emotion. Monarch Beach charmed me from the very first page." —Jane Porter, author of She's Gone Country
Synopsis
Anita Hughes' Monarch Beach is an absorbing debut novel about one woman's journey back to happiness after an affair splinters her perfect marriage and life--what it means to be loved, betrayed and to love again.
When Amanda Blick, a young mother and kindhearted San Francisco heiress, finds her gorgeous French chef husband wrapped around his sous-chef, she knows she must flee her life in order to rebuild it. The opportunity falls into her lap when her (very lovable) mother suggests Amanda and her young son, Max, spend the summer with her at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach. With the waves right outside her windows and nothing more to worry about than finding the next relaxing thing to do, Amanda should be having the time of her life--and escaping the drama. But instead, she finds herself faced with a kind, older divorcee who showers her with attention... and she discovers that the road to healing is never simple. This is the sometimes funny, sometimes bitter, but always moving story about the mistakes and discoveries a woman makes when her perfect world is turned upside down.
About the Author
ANITA HUGHES attended UC Berkeleys Masters in Creative Writing Program, and has taught Creative Writing at The Branson School in Ross, California. Hughes has lived at The St. Regis Monarch Beach for six years, where she is at work on her next novel.
Reading Group Guide
1. Stephanie says that Amanda doesnt love Andre, she only lusts after him, because “he is completely unlovable.” Do you think Stephanie is correct, or is it still possible to love someone after they have betrayed you? What is the definition of love as it relates to Amanda and Andre?
2. Edward is a very likable character with obviously strong feelings for Amanda, yet he cheats on her because he thinks Amanda still cares for Andre. Should Amanda give Edward another chance, or is cheating unforgivable no matter what the excuse?
3. Stephanies friendship is one of the most important influences in Amandas life, yet they seem to have little in common. What is the basis of their friendship, and how important is it for women friends to have similar backgrounds and goals?
4. Andre tells Amanda when they are first dating that the French have different views on sex. He says it is quite acceptable for men to have affairs and still be happily married. Should Amanda have taken that into account before she married him? Should she have reacted to his cheating differently because of his nationality?
5. Amanda comes from tremendous wealth, and one of her struggles is stopping Andre from feeling like a kept man. Their lifestyle (home, vacations) is considerably scaled down because Andre wont accept help from Amandas mother. Should Amanda support Andre in this, or is Andre depriving Amanda and Max of a lifestyle they deserve? Do you think Andres feelings of financial inadequacy contribute to his desire to cheat?
6. At the end of the novel, Amanda decides to take Max to New York for a year so she can attend Parsons School of Design, a dream she has had since high school. Do you think she is doing the right thing—finally doing something for herself that will help her grow? Or do you think the move will be detrimental to Max because he will be far away from his father and grandmother?
7. How do you perceive Stephanies marriage? Do you think Stephanie loves Glenn—or did she settle for someone who could take care of her? Do you admire Stephanie or think she sold out in order to have a beautiful home and stable family life?
8. Grace takes Amanda to the St. Regis, one of the most beautiful resorts in California. Amanda has butlers and a spa and beach club at her fingertips, yet for much of the summer she is unhappy. How does ones environment affect ones happiness? Should Amanda be happier, or does a person carry their problems wherever they go, no matter how gorgeous the surroundings?
9. Do you think one of Amandas problems is that she married too young—before she had time to be an adult, working and living on her own? Do you think there is a best age to get married? If so, what do you think that age is?
10. Could you see yourself falling for and marrying a man like Andre: handsome and sexy but with questionable morals? Why or why not?