Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
BBC Audiobooks America (2008), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, Downloadable WMA/MP3 Audiofile, 6 hrs 12 mins
Description
Fiction. Romance. HTML: 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.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member biblioholic29
EARLY REVIEWER
Bella gave up on men when her husband ran away with her half-sister. She devotes her life instead to her work at her father's beauty salons. When she meets Sean, she's attracted but makes the decision to keep it strictly business while he helps her market her new Beauty Kit. You can
I didn't find much new or exciting in this book, but there was nothing terrible either. I hadn't read any of Cook's books before, but I had seen Must Love Dogs, which was based on one of her books and the narrative voice felt very much like that movie. To me this was a perfectly average book, I doubt I'll read it again, but I don't regret having read it once. Summer Blowout would probably make a pretty decent beach or vacation read if you enjoy "chick lit" and romantic comedies, you might want to give it a try.
Bella gave up on men when her husband ran away with her half-sister. She devotes her life instead to her work at her father's beauty salons. When she meets Sean, she's attracted but makes the decision to keep it strictly business while he helps her market her new Beauty Kit. You can
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probably guess the rest from there.I didn't find much new or exciting in this book, but there was nothing terrible either. I hadn't read any of Cook's books before, but I had seen Must Love Dogs, which was based on one of her books and the narrative voice felt very much like that movie. To me this was a perfectly average book, I doubt I'll read it again, but I don't regret having read it once. Summer Blowout would probably make a pretty decent beach or vacation read if you enjoy "chick lit" and romantic comedies, you might want to give it a try.
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LibraryThing member crashingwaves38
If you're looking for a book that talks about deep, profound philosophical topics, this book is not for you. If you're looking for something distract yourself and take you away to someone whose life is most likely more screwed up than your own, this is the book for you.
Cook's novel is about a
While predictable in a few spots (who didn't see the hot sad sex with the ex coming?), this fun story draws you in, makes you laugh, and takes you away from your own life. It did its job as a "beach book."
Cook's novel is about a
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woman who has suffered through a divorce to man who started dating her sister (ok, half-sister technically) either before or after he was done with her. No one's sure which. That doesn't stop Bella from hating them both, though. It seems that everything she wants or has, someone from her crazy family feels the need to take. As she's led down windy path called "her life," she meets another man who might just make things right again. Then again, he might not, as he's fighting his own internal battles. While predictable in a few spots (who didn't see the hot sad sex with the ex coming?), this fun story draws you in, makes you laugh, and takes you away from your own life. It did its job as a "beach book."
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LibraryThing member phyllis2779
Light fizzy fun summer reading. I enjoyed this book and basically finished it, on and off, in one day. It is much more women's fiction than romance, although a strong romance element runs through it. However, unlike tradtional romance, the focus is more on the family relationships -- sisters,
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sister and brother, parents, stepkids, ex-spouses, etc., rather than the progress of the hero and heroine's relationship. That was a real weakness because I found the immediate (if unspoken) attraction of the romantic protagonists somewhat less than credible. It seemed to happen in an instant without much to explain or justify it. I suppose physical attraction is real world, but this seemed to go beyond that. In a traditional romance, you accept it because an element of romance fantasy is expected, even demanded (happy ever after, etc.) but this book is trying to be more real world. I enjoyed the make-tips and the salon/beauty milieu -- it reminded me somewhat of the TV show -- What Not To Wear. Basically, the humor, happy resolutions, and smooth prose will satisfy those looking for a light summer read. Show Less
LibraryThing member lasperschlager
When Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook came out I read it and enjoyed. I then purchased Multiple Choices when it came out and never really got into it. I thought I would give the author another try with Summer Blowout. Summer Blowout is short so it's great for a summer day when you can pass the whole
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day away with a book. The main character, Bella, reminded me a little bit of Stephanie Plum from the series by Janet Evanonvich in the way she approaches life and her thought process. Even though I'm not into the names of lipsticks or tiny little dogs it was still enjoyable. If you usually like a fun summer read you will probably like this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member quadmama
I liked this book and would recommend it as a chic-lit, Summer Beach read. The main character works for the family beauty business and she goes through many trials due to her sometimes too-close knit family which includes all of her fathers children from his different marriages. I found that
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sometimes things were unnecessarily descriptive- those sections were hard to get through. However I will admit to learning some beauty tips and enjoyed the creativity that the main character possessed. Show Less
LibraryThing member 24girl
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
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 her 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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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 her 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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LibraryThing member DGrivetto
Exactly what I needed. This is a perfect summer read. Light, easy, uncomplicated. The characters are funny, the family dynamics are a riot.
LibraryThing member manogirl
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
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.
I have to admit that I was sucked in especially by the large faux Italian family in
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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.
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LibraryThing member soleenusa
Let me tell you, after two chapters I was hooked! This is the story of Bella, who has an addiction to lipstick, a crazy (and very complex) family and is trying to start a new chapter in her life… if we change the lipstick for diet coke then Bella could be any of us!
Throughout the book we get to
The conversations are hilarious and had me laughing out loud. This is a great summer read and I can't wait to read more by Claire Cook
Throughout the book we get to
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see how Bella deals with her ex-husband, her brothers and sisters, her parents, she even gets a dog (and gives "her" a makeover) and of course how she falls in love again.The conversations are hilarious and had me laughing out loud. This is a great summer read and I can't wait to read more by Claire Cook
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LibraryThing member eviltammy
Cute, fun fluff. Bella's got some legitimate gripes against her ex and her half sister. The dog is cute, the new guy is nice, and the makeup & counseling kits sound neat. The pseudo-Italian family, especially the dad, is WAY over the top - and, regardless of how interesting the kits sound, the
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makeup facts are just too much information (though I did give a small 'yeah!' when she mentioned Burt's Bees, which is my favorite lip balm). As others have said - a nice beach read, might make a nice chick flick/date movie. Better choice would be to reread _Must Love Dogs_. Show Less
LibraryThing member bearette24
Summer Blowout was definitely fun, with its crazy "faux Italian" Irish family running a bunch of salons with equally eccentric customers. A couple of things were missing for me, though. The protagonist was kind of hard-edged and masculine, a little bit hard to like. Also, there was very little
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chemistry in her relationships with the opposite sex. Show Less
LibraryThing member stalicam
what a delightful read! The main character, Bella, is sassy, bold, funny and has a wicked sense of humor. The book is about how she deals with her husband's affair with her half-sister. Along the way she encounters a little dog who helps her get through her trials and tribulations. It was fun
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reading about Bella's large and off-beat family members. I also enjoyed the make-up tips thrown in every now and again. A sweet little story about love lost and found. Show Less
LibraryThing member Nitestar
Summer Blowout by Claire Cook is a breezy and extremely light chick lit, summer book.
The main character Bella is extremely shallow, but what saves this book for me is that the storyline and the writing are quite funny. I believe the author set out to write this novel to be exactly what I mentioned:
All of the usual suspects are in this book - fashion obsession (although I have to say Bella's addiction to lipstick - as opposed to shoes was a nice take), dopey family (and this family is strange), romantic heartbreak and finally, the guy that will come in and finally save the day.
I like Cook's writing - and this book was a very,very quick read. Obviously not high lit, but who cares? its summer and I laughed.
The main character Bella is extremely shallow, but what saves this book for me is that the storyline and the writing are quite funny. I believe the author set out to write this novel to be exactly what I mentioned:
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A breezy summer read.All of the usual suspects are in this book - fashion obsession (although I have to say Bella's addiction to lipstick - as opposed to shoes was a nice take), dopey family (and this family is strange), romantic heartbreak and finally, the guy that will come in and finally save the day.
I like Cook's writing - and this book was a very,very quick read. Obviously not high lit, but who cares? its summer and I laughed.
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LibraryThing member phyllisd
Summer Blowout is exactly what it looks like: a quick, funny summer read. I enjoyed it. It was actually a serious topic that was handled in such a way that I laughed out loud. To me it was about the passage from one stage of your life to another; unable to go back and scared to go forward. Those
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times get messy and they are not always smooth. Bella could be any of us. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I’m a dog lover. Plus, I learned to keep my lip gloss in the refrigerator. Thanks! Show Less
LibraryThing member juliekatz
This book was fabulous! Not implying that it is destined to be a classic, but a wonderfully entertaining novel. The best way to sum it up is that I got on the elliptical with it and was surprised when the hour had passed. So, I pushed the buttons and kept going. To keep me that distracted from
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excercising. Impressive. Show Less
LibraryThing member kibosa
This book is a good summer read. Nothing too heavy or serious, but keeps your interest and the plot develops at a good pace. There are quite a few references to specific make up products, but that's Bella profession. I would expect the same in a medical or legal novel.
LibraryThing member alanna1122
Was it incredible attention to detail - or shameless product placement?
Either way - I found the author's decision to add literally scores of references to actual products and brands so exhausting. Each page seemed to carry the product information of something or other and some commentary about how
The story itself was okay. It is the stuff of typical mid-level chick lit - the characters were occasionally annoying and did things that made no sense (who feeds a dog out of a pop top can? way to get the dog to cut itself - while I am complaining about poor dog care - I really found the main character's enthusiasm for giving the dog different dye-jobs and salon treatments bordering so stupid and bordering on cruel - actually all of her actions concerning the dog - hiding it from its owner etc - were really irksome.)
anyway - if none of that type of stuff bothers you - you might enjoy it.
Either way - I found the author's decision to add literally scores of references to actual products and brands so exhausting. Each page seemed to carry the product information of something or other and some commentary about how
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it was so great... call me old fashioned but I find that kind of thing incredibly distracting and it really turned me off.The story itself was okay. It is the stuff of typical mid-level chick lit - the characters were occasionally annoying and did things that made no sense (who feeds a dog out of a pop top can? way to get the dog to cut itself - while I am complaining about poor dog care - I really found the main character's enthusiasm for giving the dog different dye-jobs and salon treatments bordering so stupid and bordering on cruel - actually all of her actions concerning the dog - hiding it from its owner etc - were really irksome.)
anyway - if none of that type of stuff bothers you - you might enjoy it.
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LibraryThing member laceym19
This book was a fun quick read. I was able to read it in a weekend. Its not intellectually challenging, as one would assume, but definitely a nice break between more in depth books. I would recommend this book for someone taking a relaxing vacation!!
LibraryThing member lrobe190
Bella is furious and heartborken. Her ex-husband was stolen by her half-sister, Sophia, BEFORE he was her ex. She is done with men and doesn't ever want to see Sophia again. The last is a little difficult since her father owns a number of beauty salons in Boston and the whole family works in the
I really liked this book. It is a perfect "beach read". It's funny, full of quirky characters including a little terrier dog called Precious (or Cannelloni, depending on who is asking), has a little bit of romance, and a plot that many of us can probably relate to. I read the whole book in one sitting. I highly recommend this lightly entertaining novel. It's definitely a "feel good" book.
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business....inlcuding two of his ex-wives. While working at a college fair, she meets Sean Ryan, an entrepreneur who is attracted to Bella. Bella likes Sean, but is afraid to let herself fall in love again. First, she has to discover who SHE is and what she really wants out of life.I really liked this book. It is a perfect "beach read". It's funny, full of quirky characters including a little terrier dog called Precious (or Cannelloni, depending on who is asking), has a little bit of romance, and a plot that many of us can probably relate to. I read the whole book in one sitting. I highly recommend this lightly entertaining novel. It's definitely a "feel good" book.
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LibraryThing member debavp
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member velocibadgergirl
I received Summer Blowout through the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program. It took me a little while to get into the story, in part because the main character, Bella Shaughnessy, is a makeup artist and spends quite a bit of the first few chapters talking about makeovers and salons and lipstick. I
I'm glad I didn't give up on the book, because it did get better. I loved the relationship Bella had with her brother Mario, and thought that she was a believable and relatively likable character. Her love interest, Sean Ryan, is nice and funny and doesn't do anything sleazy or suspect, which is nice in a chick lit novel. Overall, Summer Blowout was a light, fast read, which is sometimes just what a summer day calls for.
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don't wear makeup and know nothing about it, so I was at a bit of a disadvantage.I'm glad I didn't give up on the book, because it did get better. I loved the relationship Bella had with her brother Mario, and thought that she was a believable and relatively likable character. Her love interest, Sean Ryan, is nice and funny and doesn't do anything sleazy or suspect, which is nice in a chick lit novel. Overall, Summer Blowout was a light, fast read, which is sometimes just what a summer day calls for.
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LibraryThing member rosiedemario
Good quick summer read. A little predictable, but Cook is a good writer and keeps the story moving all along. You cheer for the main character and love interest and despise her ex-husband.
LibraryThing member samaree
This breezy novel centers around a hot tempered beautician, Bella, and her crazy family. Bella's husband has run off with her half sister and she vows to remain single. Of course, a man enters her life and even as she tries to keep their relationship professional she starts falling for him. A cute
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dog, a ubiquitous gay brother and a gregarious father all make their appearances. The book fell a little flat for me. The characters seemed one dimensional and the plot was thin. This was a quick read, engaging, but light. It's a good read for the beach or a flight. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ambrosia4
Claire Cook's main character, Bella, made me want to scream. She was whiny, self-defeating and ridiculous. On the other hand, throughout the course of the book she bucks up and becomes a better person. In the process, she becomes a much more likable character, which made me a much happier
Cook is a genius with characters. Her characters make you laugh with delight and shake your head in exasperation and identify people you know that are similar to the characters. Bella's Italian-wannabe father and full array of crazy siblings were the real meat of this book. Hilarious, ridiculous, and plot-moving, I was much more interested in them than Bella.
Overall, a sweet nothing kind of a book. A fun read, a little exasperating at times (I really don't care what kind of makeup you're using...), but in general a quick, beach book. Highly recommended for pick-me-up reading after a particularly depressing book!
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reader.Cook is a genius with characters. Her characters make you laugh with delight and shake your head in exasperation and identify people you know that are similar to the characters. Bella's Italian-wannabe father and full array of crazy siblings were the real meat of this book. Hilarious, ridiculous, and plot-moving, I was much more interested in them than Bella.
Overall, a sweet nothing kind of a book. A fun read, a little exasperating at times (I really don't care what kind of makeup you're using...), but in general a quick, beach book. Highly recommended for pick-me-up reading after a particularly depressing book!
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LibraryThing member bkwyrmy43
So much fun, if you are looking for the perfect summer read, this is it. I laughed out loud and I didn't want it to end. What a great movie this would make.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0792755693 / 9780792755692
Local notes
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. But then Bella meets a cute entrepreneur, and despite their bickering, they can't seem to stay away from each other. A small, well-tressed dog also finds her way into Bella's life, and her heart, and she decides to chance that, Read more...
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. But then Bella meets a cute entrepreneur, and despite their bickering, they can't seem to stay away from each other. A small, well-tressed dog also finds her way into Bella's 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.
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. But then Bella meets a cute entrepreneur, and despite their bickering, they can't seem to stay away from each other. A small, well-tressed dog also finds her way into Bella's 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.