ON THE ROCKS

From Facebook to a walk-of-shame website, social media are ruining Abby Wilkes’ love life.

Every girl dreams of the perfect wedding with the perfect dress, and every girl worries a bit about being jilted at the altar. But Abby never suspected she’d be jilted at the Vera Wang store (while trying on that perfect dress) via Facebook. Since her own Facebook account is fairly quiet, Abby has to learn from her best friend, Grace, that her fiance, Ben, has changed his status to “single.” Six months, 20 pounds and countless pints of ice cream later, Abby still can’t get over Ben. He’s not helping matters by texting her almost daily, apparently forgetting that she never wants to see him again. She’s not helping matters, either, by responding to those texts. Grace knows it’s time for an intervention. She proposes they take a house in Newport for the summer. Sandy beaches, cold drinks and lots of single people should help Abby get back on track. Grace herself could use a little time out of Boston, since her affair with a married colleague is getting a little sticky. Through Grace, Abby immediately meets Bobby, a gawky, unemployed attorney, who nominates himself Abby’s dating coach, urging her to treat dating as a job. After all, dating has changed in the 12 years she’s spent with Ben. Meanwhile, Abby's sister’s wedding is approaching, which has inspired their mother to take time out of her rigorous Abby-critiquing schedule to buff and polish herself into glossy perfection. Duffy (Bond Girl, 2012) skillfully and humorously depicts the tribulations of re-entering the social scene, as well as the exhilaration of making new friends (despite some unnecessary fat-shaming). Ridiculous pickup lines, catastrophic dates, loyal girl (and boy) friends and sharp dialogue abound.

A fun, light beach read that avoids the expected Cinderella ending.