Seven Year Switch

This book was predictable. I read any good book multiple times. Not this one. It is in my donate pile. I felt the main character was self centered and boring.

As a journalist I'm lucky to get advance copies of books, and always look forward to getting Claire Cook's newest tome. I receive and read a lot of books, but I have to say "Seven Year Switch" was one of the few of late I hadn't been able to wait to get to every night when I crawled into bed. I have very much enjoyed all of Cook's books, but there was a level of depth and realism in this story of single mom, Jill, that pulled me in from page one. Of course there was the humor Cook is known for, but Jill's life isn't easy, and we get to experience the tough choices she has to make right along with her. Claire Cook has the talent to move a reader while also making them laugh. Folks who already fans of Cook's will love it, and I think this one may herald in lots of new readers as well.

Jill Murray has it all figured out. A single mom with a spunky 10-year-old daughter named Anastasia, Jill does her very best to keep her head above water. Having been abandoned by her carefree husband seven years ago, she has learned the hard way how to survive without child support or assistance from loved ones. Despite her unfortunate circumstances, her home is filled with laughter and love. Making ends meet has been a struggle for Jill; however, her latest endeavors seem to be working. Juggling part-time jobs as a travel agent as well as a cooking instructor at the community college, Jill is able to pay the bills. And best of all, the very sexy Billy Sanders hires her for some consultant work on the side. Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure? As far as Jill is concerned, she is willing to try. Just when it seems life is as perfect as it can possibly be, her runaway groom Seth shows up expecting to pick up right where he left off. Of course, Anastasia, who is starving for his attention and love, welcomes him with open arms despite Jill's reluctance. In the back of her mind, Anastasia envisions her broken home becoming whole once again. If only she can convince Jill that Seth is here to stay. Fighting him tooth and nail, Jill puts on her armor as she prepares for the most extreme marital battle of her life. What gives him the right to decide whether they can be a family again? And more importantly, how dare he assume that she still holds a place for him in her heart? SEVEN YEAR SWITCH is the seventh book by the highly popular bestselling author Claire Cook. As sure as the summer breezes will descend upon the shores, Claire Cook delivers yet another charming and delightful story that will capture her readers' hearts. Funny, engaging, and downright delectable, SEVEN YEAR SWITCH is this summer's must-read.

Claire Cook has crafted another winner. With her trademark wit and tenderness, she sweeps us into the topsy-turvy life of Jill Murray, a feisty single mom trying to stitch together a future after she and her little girl, Anastasia, are abandoned by her husband. SEVEN YEAR SWITCH explores love, loss, anger, recovery, and the surprising events that healed the hearts of a young mother and her daughter. The characters are fully developed, and each has endearing quirks, fobiles, and very real (sometimes delightfully convoluted) emotions. From page one to the end, I cheered for Jill the entire way.

I started reading and never stopped till I was finished. I simply couldn't put this book down. The characters are thoroughly convincing and the story zipped along. Lots of laughs, but also great food for thought. Jill was my favorite character, but I thought her daughter Anastasia was well drawn, and her neighbor Cynthia was a hoot and oh, so recognizable. Loved Joni and also loved that none of the characters was black and white. I am a Claire Cook fan and respect that she never lets her readers down but works hard and keeps getting better. Don't miss this one.