On the Rocks

February 15, 2014

With her second novel (after Bond Girl), Duffy succeeds again in bringing a fresh perspective to women's fiction for the thirtysomething set that is funny, relatable, and unpredictable. As she tries on wedding dresses for her big day, Abby learns via Facebook that her fiance has dumped her. In an effort to salvage her mental framework and her waistline after six months of wallowing in self-pity and pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Abby and her best friend Grace leave Boston for a summer in Newport, RI. They both hope to rediscover themselves and enjoy a peaceful environment free from their stresses and the control their men have over their hearts and minds. This vacation proves to be a huge learning experience for Abby as she tries to date in a social media-saturated world that is not as private and untraceable as she once thought. VERDICT With its more realistic and modern ending, this engaging novel offers readers relaxing and light yet thoughtful summer escape. [Library marketing.]--Anne M. Miskewitch, Chicago P.L.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2014
Standing in front of a three-way mirror in the most gorgeous dress she's ever seen, Abby Wilkes finally feels like a bride-to-be. Then her fianc' sets his Facebook relationship status back to single. After storming out the of the bridal boutique and confronting her now ex-fianc', she heads back to her apartment and falls into the comforting arms of reality television and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. After quite a bit of wallowing, Abby accepts her best friend's offer to share a summer rental house because she knows a change of scenery could be helpful. The next few months bring plenty of sun, cheap drinks, and a complete overhaul in Abby's dating philosophy. This story of love in the time of Facebook follows Abby's journey from bereft dumpee to content single woman. Duffy's second novel is tenderly introspective, lacking the sharply pointed wit of her debut, Bond Girl (2012). Abby's attempts to navigate the ever-changing rules of dating are infinitely relatable and will prove to be an ideal beach read for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Sarah Pekkanen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)