Summer Blowout

Claire Cook has again succeeded in creating a funny, nostalgic and satisfying summer read. This book has all the ingredients you want to accompany a beach chair and a few cans of cold beer on an afternoon ALONE at the beach; romance, slapstick comedy, family relationships and by the way, a few good tips on starting a new business and doing your own marketing. I not only greatly enjoyed this story, I learned something while I was at it! I love the way Claire develops characters through dialogue - it makes them come alive and also makes them soooo real. I loved Bella, the heroine. She so reminds me of one of my best friends - she says the things I aways want to say but can't quite bring myself to blurt out. Claire, I've read all your books so far and can't wait for the next one. You are living my dream!

I'm a journalist on Cape Cod who received an advance copy of Claire Cook's most recent book, "Summer Blowout." I've interviewed Claire several times, and have read all five of her books. I find Claire to be a complete delight, and I think that "Summer Blowout" is her best book yet - and this from someone who has long held on to "Must Love Dogs" as my absolute favorite Claire Cook book. "Summer Blowout" will be the must-read book this summer. I would encourage readers to grab a copy of this book, a tube of their favorite lipstick, and prepare to be delighted and transported to the delightful world of the Shaughnessy's - the most entertaining faux-Italian/Irish clan you'll ever meet. Candace Hammond http://candyonthecape.blogspot.com

I loved this book. Claire's characters are warm and funny and real, and they always make me wish I could keep them with me after finishing one of her books. This is a perfect summer weekend read.

Claire Cook has done it again! It seems as though she's created her own genre: wonderful. moving, and breezy summer reads. How could anyone resist Bella Shaughnessy, the newly single entrepreneur who, after swearing off men, finds herself falling for one? I've always appreciated comfort food; what I didn't know until I read Claire Cook's novels is that there was such a thing as comfort reads. She's the sort of writer who hides her great talents behind her all-too-human characters, almost all of whom operate from a profound sense of goodwill and, despite their trials and tribulations, optimism. You can't finish this book without a smile on your face and a burning desire to read more Claire Cook novels.

"Summer Blowout" is about Bella, a hairdresser, in an Irish (spelled I-t-a-l-i-a-n) family of hairdressers. The story is similar to a perfectly seasoned marinara sauce; with a pinch of hope, heartache, determination, wit and love -- with an extra pinch of humor (to "boot"). For dessert there is the little dog named, Cannoli, that Bella adopts--sort of. It's a great read and even has some cosmetic tips I found useful. I really enjoyed it!! --A Foglia SUMMER BLOWOUT