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Summer Blowout
by Claire Cook
| List Price: |
$23.95 |
| Price: |
$16.29 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. |
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$7.66 (31%) |
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Hardcover
Publisher: Voice
Bella Shaughnessy is addicted to lipstick with names like My Chihuahua Bites and Kiss My Lips, an occupational hazard, since she works as a stylist and makeup artist for her family's small chain of beauty salons in Marshbury, Massachusetts, along with her four half-brothers and -sisters. The owner is her father, Lucky Shaughnessy, a gregarious, three-times-divorced charmer with Donald Trump hair, who is obsessed with all things Italian and still carries a torch for his first wife, Bella's mother. After Bella's own marriage flames out spectacularly when her half-sister runs off with her husband, Bella decides she has seen enough of the damage love can do. She makes a vow: no more men. Then Bella meets a cute entrepreneur at a college fair, and despite their bickering, they can't seem to stay away from each other. He also gives her a brilliant business idea, one that just might allow her to share her makeup expertise with the world. A small, well-tressed dog finds her way into her life, and her heart, and she decides to chance that, too. When the whole clan heads to Atlanta for a big Southern wedding, sparks fly--in a summer blowout no one will ever forget. This hilarious, rambunctious novel is pure Claire Cook: full of juicy conflict and unconditional love.
| Customer Reviews: |
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| From S. Krishna's Books |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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While I found Summer Blowout funny and quirky, I didn't love it like I expected to. I'm not entirely certain what it was that turned me off.
Let's start with the good things. The book is funny, there's no doubt about that. Bella finds herself in hilarious situations, and the supporting cast is equally as amusing. In particular, her father had me laughing out loud multiple times throughout the book - in my opinion, he's the best character. From his insistence on pretending he's Italian to his political incorrectness regarding his gay son ("I even have a gay of my own. Two if you count the husband!"), he is a very funny character.
Like I said before, I'm not entirely certain about what I didn't like about the book. Something just felt off. The product placement got to me a bit. I understand that Bella was a makeup artist and was just that obsessed with lipstick, but it seemed like there was a brand mention twice per page. I also thought the way that Sean changed his mind at the end after sticking to one line of thought for the entire book was a bit strange (unfortunately, I can't say anything more than that or I'll give it away!)
Overall, Summer Blowout is a fun and light beach read. It's perfect for a summer day, but if you're looking for a chick lit read with a little bit of heft, this probably isn't the book for you.
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| An Entertaining Quick Read |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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This is a fun book - it's not going to change your life, but it will entertain you. If will take your mind off your own troubles as you get to Bella and her family. I learned more about makeup and salons that I ever knew before - and even though I hardly own lipgloss -- it was fun. This would be a great beach read, waiting room read or just for the heck of it read.
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| Summer Bust! |
| Customer Rating: 2 out of 5 |
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This book is like reading a makeup catalog. Name brands, descriptions, etc, its just plain boring. There is no substance to the story. I really don't care what name lipstick each person would look good in. If I want a makeup manual, I'll buy one.
This book is not worth reading.
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| Perfect for Summer Enjoyment |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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Don't let Claire Cook's light and often humorous book make you think it is without substance. Her book effectively shows how main character, Bella, adjusts to life after divorce. A beautician with a passion for lipstick, Bella befriends a small, unwanted terrier, and togetehr they find love and success on their own. Delightful story that I highly recommend.
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| A fun beach read! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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After 10 years of marriage Bella Shaughnessy's husband leaves her and after the divorce he starts dating Bella's half-sister Sophia. To make matters worse all of Lucky Shaughnessy's children, from 3 different wives, work for Lucky in his hair salon/make up artist business so Bella has to work with Sophia on a daily basis.
On one of her make-up artist gigs Bella meets Sean Ryan. Bella however is still hurting over her ex and her sister's betrayal so she keeps him at arm's length and just when Sean starts to break down the wall Bella puts up, he starts to get cold feet about dating a recently divorced woman.
Summer Blowout is a fun quick read. I quickly fell in love with Bella, her dysfunctional family and her new puppy with highlights in his fur. I highly recommend this book for chick-lit lovers even though it's lighter than the typical "working girl gets boy" chick-lit story. Cook's writing is genuine with lots of humor.
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