Summer Blowout

Great story despite the detailed descriptions of makeup and hairstyling every other paragraph. It was short on romance and more about family drama.

A very cute, very fast, very bubbly summer read. There's nothing heavy about this book, but that's not necessarily bad. Sometimes you just need a page-turner of a beach read, and this would fit the bill perfectly.

I have to admit that I was sucked in especially by the large faux Italian family in the book. It's a little beyond reality, but in a good, fantastic way. And I've always liked chick lit that uses dogs to save the heroine from being nuts and talking to herself.

You know, you do have to suspend reality a bit to read a book like this, but as I said before, that's not really a bad thing. If you know you're looking for fluff, this'll do the trick.

Fast read, great summer fun. Lots of details about make-up and the salon business. Loved the main character's obsession with lipstick, and her attempts to disguise her dog using various hair dyes, hairstyle, etc. Feels a little chick litish, although the main character is a little old for that I think. Perhaps mom lit?

Since I forgot to write my review when I first got this book, I did a re-read of it so I would have the facts fresh in my mind. For some reason I remember disliking this book on first reading, but this time I loved it. I will admit the constant endorsements irritated the heck out of me, but after a while I could see it for what it really was a satirical poke at fashion heavy chick lit where there is always one or two know- it -all fashionistas.

I felt sad for Bella and not the contempt that most people might feel for someone who takes the opportunity to whine aver a lost love. I applauded her and her small tantrum against her ex Craig and even fully understand the sad, revenge pity sex she had with him.. I too, think that blood is show more thicker than water; even half-blood ,and one never poaches on a sisters soon-to-be ex or ex anything. I was frustrated with the family's lack of understanding. I rejoiced when Bella started living life for herself and growing into a much much stronger woman and finding out that she didn't need her family for everything in hr life.

All in all this was a great short and easy to read novel, that will give you a few belly laughs, make you think, and as a bonus, give you some interesting make-up tips! I wish I had a girl-friend like Bella even knowing that she came complete with her nutsy family and a Cannoli! show less

Full review on Reader's Dialogue: http://readersdialogue.blogspot.com

Bella is still trying to get over the fact that her husband ran off with her half-sister. Dealing with her big, messy family is never easy and she's sworn off men - at least for a while. But when she meets a cute guy giving away college application kits at the college fair where her family has a beauty booth, and that guy turns out to have an idea that might give her some independence from her family, Bella's resolution is sorely tested.

The cast of characters in this book is so great. From the despicable Craig to the almost-perfect Sean Ryan, every character is a full person, every character stands out from the page. And Bella - I loved her, for all her neurotic, show more sarcastic, zany personality! Even the dog gets to be a full character who in some ways helps the story along and plays a big part in the plot!

The plot of the story is really good. The reason I'm labeling this women's fiction/romance and not purely romance is because although the main point of the story is how Bella moves on from her betrayal and opens up to another man, the truth is that I read this as more of a woman-empowering story than a romance. Because the plot centers on how Bella moves on, how she takes charge of her own life and makes something of herself. I love that.

This is a good, fun read, with excellent characters and a wonderful story! show less

A fast read, but fast doesn't necessarily mean it was worth reading, even as a beach book. I found the characters, most notably the main character, Bella Shaugnessy, to be flat, lacking depth. Bella's feelings about her husband and sister's infidelity lack any real emotion, any real feelings. It seemed to me that Cook simply gave Bella the feelings she thought Bella should have, without really bothering to go deeper with them. There was very little character development. It seemed to me that Bella went from bitter hate and a desire for vengeance, to make up sex, to unexpected, unexplained, and sudden forgiveness of her sister. Though these steps may seem like development at first, they were written more as a list, without any sense of show more how Bella arrived at these different stages. She was just there. And that's it. Cook says there's chemistry between Sean Ryan (the fact that she used both his first and last name for the entire novel is annoying in itself) and Bella, and yet it fails to come off the page. In essence, the reader is TOLD that there is chemistry, but they might not have noticed if they had not been told. The writing was simple, lacking in depth, and devoid of detail. Consequently, I'm sure it will be made into a chick flick before it's been on the shelves for a year. show less

This was absolutely hilarious. I started reading the evening I received it and our power went out about 30 min into it. Needless to say, the utility repairmen thought I was crazy as I sat on the porch reading this with my tiny booklight while they were replacing the transformer. An excellent way to deal with the inconvienence of no electricity in 100 degree heat.

I am the polar opposite of Bella in most areas, but felt like we were kindred spirits as I read along. Cook has produced a simply delightful read, with characters most can relate to. I certainly would love to see her turn this into a series or at least have a sequel (or three) to develop some of the storylines further.