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Bonus Time
“When you’re younger, you think friendships like ours will just keep on coming, one after another and another. Over time you realize what a rare and beautiful gift they are.”—Bonus Time
If you're lucky enough to get that bonus time, what are you going to do with it?
For Glenda, Harmony and Jan, it's heading south to age feistily in side-by-side townhouses on St. Simons Island.
One minute they're just out of college and working together in Marshbury, Massachusetts. The next, they're using their golden parachutes to land just south of Savannah on the Golden Isles.
They're ready for reinvention, not withering on the vine. Plus all this ageism is getting really old. So they hatch a plan to take care of Butt, the dishonest, lecherous head of their HOA. To ramp up their supershero skills, they get jobs working as role players at FLETC, the massive, hot-guy-filled Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Because age is just a number when you’re taking names and kicking butt. And when your life starts to feel like an I Love Lucy episode, you know you've got the right friends.
With an adorable chihuahua-pitbull rescue named Chickpea, plenty of twists and turns, plus some terrific hacks for rocking your own bonus time, this wise and witty Claire Cook novel is filled with hope, heartache, hilarity and the power of female friendship.
If you're lucky enough to get that bonus time, what are you going to do with it?
For Glenda, Harmony and Jan, it's heading south to age feistily in side-by-side townhouses on St. Simons Island.
One minute they're just out of college and working together in Marshbury, Massachusetts. The next, they're using their golden parachutes to land just south of Savannah on the Golden Isles.
They're ready for reinvention, not withering on the vine. Plus all this ageism is getting really old. So they hatch a plan to take care of Butt, the dishonest, lecherous head of their HOA. To ramp up their supershero skills, they get jobs working as role players at FLETC, the massive, hot-guy-filled Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Because age is just a number when you’re taking names and kicking butt. And when your life starts to feel like an I Love Lucy episode, you know you've got the right friends.
With an adorable chihuahua-pitbull rescue named Chickpea, plenty of twists and turns, plus some terrific hacks for rocking your own bonus time, this wise and witty Claire Cook novel is filled with hope, heartache, hilarity and the power of female friendship.
270 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2023
40 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cook
32 books843 followersCLAIRE COOK wrote her first book in her minivan at 45. At 50, she walked the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the adaptation of her novel Must Love Dogs, starring Diane Lane and John Cusack, which is now an 8-book series. Claire is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 25 books for 40-to-forever women, including her latest series, Bonus Time.
If you have a buried dream, take it from Claire, It's Never Too Late to Shine On!
Stay in the loop for new releases, giveaways, inspiration and insider extras at ClaireCook.com.
Read excerpts at ClaireCook.com/books/
Connect with Claire:
Instagram.com/ClaireCookwrite
Facebook.com/ClaireCookauthorpage
Linkedin.com/in/clairecookwrite/
BookBub.com/authors/claire-cook
Goodreads.com/clairecook
If you have a buried dream, take it from Claire, It's Never Too Late to Shine On!
Stay in the loop for new releases, giveaways, inspiration and insider extras at ClaireCook.com.
Read excerpts at ClaireCook.com/books/
Connect with Claire:
Instagram.com/ClaireCookwrite
Facebook.com/ClaireCookauthorpage
Linkedin.com/in/clairecookwrite/
BookBub.com/authors/claire-cook
Goodreads.com/clairecook
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 12, 2023
“Bonus Time” by Claire Cook is a clarion call to growing bolder not older.
It’s always a reason to celebrate when Claire Cook has a new book come out, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect for “Bonus Time” to appear. With (for many of us) a chilly, often gray bunch of months stretching out before us, this new book is the dose of sunshine we all need right now.
The book, an homage to long friendships between women, follows Glenda, Jan and Harmony from meeting as young working women, through the ups, downs and travails of life, leading us to their post-retirement life, still friends, and not slowing down.
Cook gracefully takes us back and forth, blending their past lives with the present narrative, giving we readers a deep insight into who these women were and how that informs who they are now. It’s a great reminder that it’s because of, not despite what we go through that we become who we are. All three of them go through a lot in their lives, some of which is very painful, but those challenges and hard times hopefully make us better, stronger and more compassionate people.
Now this isn’t to sound like the book is all serious and heavy, it’s also Claire Cook at her fun and adventurous best bestowing great laughs and knowing smiles as these three besties have many adventures and scrapes that they traverse together.
Another aspect I loved, as someone who tries very hard to take care of myself, is that the book was filled with lots of fun and useful healthy lifestyle hacks. I learned a lot and am now doing squats when I go to the restroom! You’ll totally get it when you read the book!
“Bonus Time” is a great reminder to seize the moment. Whether you’re still in the working trenches, or embracing your third act, you will have a great time adventuring with these ladies. I kept thinking as I was reading this that I so hope it becomes a movie or a series, I definitely want to see what happens next!
It’s always a reason to celebrate when Claire Cook has a new book come out, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect for “Bonus Time” to appear. With (for many of us) a chilly, often gray bunch of months stretching out before us, this new book is the dose of sunshine we all need right now.
The book, an homage to long friendships between women, follows Glenda, Jan and Harmony from meeting as young working women, through the ups, downs and travails of life, leading us to their post-retirement life, still friends, and not slowing down.
Cook gracefully takes us back and forth, blending their past lives with the present narrative, giving we readers a deep insight into who these women were and how that informs who they are now. It’s a great reminder that it’s because of, not despite what we go through that we become who we are. All three of them go through a lot in their lives, some of which is very painful, but those challenges and hard times hopefully make us better, stronger and more compassionate people.
Now this isn’t to sound like the book is all serious and heavy, it’s also Claire Cook at her fun and adventurous best bestowing great laughs and knowing smiles as these three besties have many adventures and scrapes that they traverse together.
Another aspect I loved, as someone who tries very hard to take care of myself, is that the book was filled with lots of fun and useful healthy lifestyle hacks. I learned a lot and am now doing squats when I go to the restroom! You’ll totally get it when you read the book!
“Bonus Time” is a great reminder to seize the moment. Whether you’re still in the working trenches, or embracing your third act, you will have a great time adventuring with these ladies. I kept thinking as I was reading this that I so hope it becomes a movie or a series, I definitely want to see what happens next!
December 14, 2023
Claire Cook has a knack for writing stories that touch the heart but also make you laugh out loud. “Bonus Time” is about three longtime friends of a certain age who have retired to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia but they aren’t letting life pass them by and they will not be overlooked or ignored. These ladies eat healthy and regularly exercise. They are avid recyclers and do their part to save the planet but don’t let that fool you into thinking that they leading boring lives. Glenda, Jan, and Harmony are full of sass and are fierce about their convictions They take on the President of their HOA in a hilarious nod to the movie “9 to 5.” His name alone will have you howling with laughter and when it comes to making things right that are all wrong, these ladies kick butt! Claire has written another winner. Don’t miss the adventures of these three fabulous friends as they make the most out of their “Bonus Time.”
December 14, 2023
Embrace Your Bonus Years
How can you not fall in love with a book that starts with,
“Find out where the joy resides and give it a voice beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
I am a 72 year old woman and I want to hang with out the SuperSHEroes; Glenda, Jan and Harmony. This is a beautiful, funny and heartfelt story of three friends, through the years, with all their ups and downs. In retirement they choose to have fun and make a difference. I choose that too.
This was the perfect winter read. Claire writes, “Wrinkles are the squiggly road map of a life well lived.” I agree totally. Be a supershero. Find your purpose. Find your joy. You have the bonus years to do this.
How can you not fall in love with a book that starts with,
“Find out where the joy resides and give it a voice beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
I am a 72 year old woman and I want to hang with out the SuperSHEroes; Glenda, Jan and Harmony. This is a beautiful, funny and heartfelt story of three friends, through the years, with all their ups and downs. In retirement they choose to have fun and make a difference. I choose that too.
This was the perfect winter read. Claire writes, “Wrinkles are the squiggly road map of a life well lived.” I agree totally. Be a supershero. Find your purpose. Find your joy. You have the bonus years to do this.
January 22, 2024
Claire Cook is such a relatable author and her latest book doesn't disappoint. I absolutely love the idea of bonus time, as the book shares "use the bonus time we're so damn lucky to have to be a force for good in the world" Getting older isn't always easy but three friends band together to enjoy their bonus time with fun and hijinks. There is nothing quite like a good girlfriend who has known you for so long, they know all about you and they know when to make sure you steer clear of bad decisions like getting back together with an ex, and Jan Glenda and Harmony are exactly those kind of friends. This book is a fun look at getting older and the importance of good friends along the way.
January 13, 2024
It's always fun to meet the characters in one of Claire's books! She tackles midlife transitions with humor, honesty and an escapade or two!
December 13, 2023
Meet the supersheroes! Glenda, Jan and Harmony are best of friends.In their younger years jobs and life caused physical separation, but in retirement they are back together again. Living in townhouses on St. Simon Island they are ready to save the island and the world in spite of the crooked HOA president. Enjoy the plots and craftiness they devise as a means to their ends. Claire has done it again!
December 18, 2023
A Fun Read for a Beachy Vacation or a Rainy Weekend Escape
If you're anywhere close to retirement, you may upgrade your expectations after reading this rollicking story of 3 lifelong friends who defy social constraints to do it in their own way. You'll laugh and commiserate. Make sure you have everything you need before sitting down with a cat in your lap because you won't want to put this book down.
If you're anywhere close to retirement, you may upgrade your expectations after reading this rollicking story of 3 lifelong friends who defy social constraints to do it in their own way. You'll laugh and commiserate. Make sure you have everything you need before sitting down with a cat in your lap because you won't want to put this book down.
December 12, 2023
Quirky, fun characters, stories to share, and memories to be had are the hallmarks of “Bonus Time”. Three women of a certain age sharing the desire to live life to the fullest. The three get themselves into some sticky but humorous situations. “Bonus Time” is different from Claire Cook’s previous books but it still has that underlying vibe that tells you this is going to be a fun and light hearted read.
January 15, 2024
So familiar and so fun
There are some universal memories for us boomer women: fruitloops, Tab, self esteem issues,and the power of frienship everlasting. I didnt want the book to end! Thankyou Claire for another giggle out loud refreshing and book with a message to make our Bonus Time shine!
There are some universal memories for us boomer women: fruitloops, Tab, self esteem issues,and the power of frienship everlasting. I didnt want the book to end! Thankyou Claire for another giggle out loud refreshing and book with a message to make our Bonus Time shine!
December 20, 2023
Bonus Time
I loved this book about growing older but still having a purpose. I wish I could live next door to my friends on a beautiful beach and work for FLETC. Is that a real employer? And some good health tips in the book as well. Funny and endearing characters.
I loved this book about growing older but still having a purpose. I wish I could live next door to my friends on a beautiful beach and work for FLETC. Is that a real employer? And some good health tips in the book as well. Funny and endearing characters.
December 17, 2023
Bonus Time opens with Glenda leaving her home up north, in her beloved EV, "Evie," and is headed for her townhouse on beautiful St. Simon's Island, off the coast of Georgia. There, she reconnects with her two longtime best friends, Harmony and Jan, who share neighboring townhouses with Glenda, a brilliant investment suggested by Harmony years earlier. Bonus Time takes us on their sometimes hilarious, sometimes tender, and always memorable and identifiable adventures as they live their best lives as women "of a certain age." Those of us who are of that "certain age" will enjoy the references to past decades - the songs they love, the products the used, movies and TV shows they watched. Those who have not yet attained that level of life experience will gain a better understanding of that generation, and see that, just maybe, we're not so different! One underlying theme is these friends' dream of being "supersheroes" and thwarting the enemy - particulary their HOA president, the self-centered and obnoxious Beaufort K. Butts the third. Claire Cook deftly weaves the storylines of their past lives, from meeting at their first post-college jobs to their present "silver sprinkles" days as retirees. Glenda, Jan, and Harmony have such diverse pasts - one having been married four times to three different men to one who has never married,, to one who is still married but living separately from her spouse. It's easy to identify with at least one of them, if not all, depending on the reader. As she does in virtually every one of her stories, Claire makes you feel as though you are another friend along for the journey. You definitely want to join these friends as they experience "life getting all lifey on you," as Jan states, as they finally take a chance on one-upping Butt (as they refer to him) and finally become "supersheroes." Bonus Time is a great lesson for us all in not wasting the time we have and getting the most out of that bonus time we're given.
June 2, 2024
I've been an ardent fan of Claire Cook's for years, and since this is the first novel featuring new characters that she's released in a number of years, I was excited to dive in, to say the least. Unfortunately, this is also the first of Cook's novels that's let me down a bit.
The Plot: Three longtime female friends embark on retirement together in a condo complex on St. Simon's Island, GA.
First, I'll lead with the good. Cook demonstrates an obvious fondness for these characters and it's clear she had fun writing this novel. As I age myself, I appreciate books that feature mature characters, as this one does, and I especially enjoyed learning more about the real-life FLECTC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) and its civilian role-playing opportunities.
Now, for the not-so-good. The plot as summarized above, is really not terribly more complex than what I described. Structurally and narrative-wise, Bonus Time felt lacking. Also, there is a lot of advice in here on reinvention and aging - clearly a spillover from Cook's recent forays into motivational non-fiction. And while the advice itself is solid, it came across a little preachy. And finally, the humor - usually a strength of Cook's - didn't always play in Bonus Time, coming off as awkward at times.
When it comes down to it, when I finished reading Bonus Time, I just didn't feel as though the effort was there in the same way it's shown up in Cook's previous novels. It all felt like more of a throwaway. In a post-script to the book, Cook intimates we've not seen the last of these characters. I only hope that the next novel is a bit more meaty.
The Plot: Three longtime female friends embark on retirement together in a condo complex on St. Simon's Island, GA.
First, I'll lead with the good. Cook demonstrates an obvious fondness for these characters and it's clear she had fun writing this novel. As I age myself, I appreciate books that feature mature characters, as this one does, and I especially enjoyed learning more about the real-life FLECTC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) and its civilian role-playing opportunities.
Now, for the not-so-good. The plot as summarized above, is really not terribly more complex than what I described. Structurally and narrative-wise, Bonus Time felt lacking. Also, there is a lot of advice in here on reinvention and aging - clearly a spillover from Cook's recent forays into motivational non-fiction. And while the advice itself is solid, it came across a little preachy. And finally, the humor - usually a strength of Cook's - didn't always play in Bonus Time, coming off as awkward at times.
When it comes down to it, when I finished reading Bonus Time, I just didn't feel as though the effort was there in the same way it's shown up in Cook's previous novels. It all felt like more of a throwaway. In a post-script to the book, Cook intimates we've not seen the last of these characters. I only hope that the next novel is a bit more meaty.
January 15, 2024
All fans of Claire Cook and her stories - rejoice ! Her newest, Bonus Time , will make your post holiday reading time bright, cheerful and ready to look forward to the New Year . And, as always, this book will make you smile, laugh, sometimes cry - and thoughtfully pause to remember the truly important things in life .
This story takes us from familiar Marshbury to St. Simons Island ( the connection, no surprise , being the love of the ocean and beaches), and follows the journey of three close friends searching for a new chapter in their senior years . Glenda, Jan and Harmony, old friends but young in their hearts , have just purchased three condos, side by side on St. Simons Island , which promises to bring new life and laughter into their lives .
Well, it does, of course, but not of course without some outlandish and laugh out loud situations along the way.
And when things don’t go their way? Watch out for anyone trying to best
these three - they are feisty, imaginative, determined, and on a mission ! Such fun!
Throughout all of Cook’s books - and I have read and loved them all - there are threads that weave and bind- and that give the reader new - or renewed - outlooks on life . For me, the greatest theme has always been friendship. In her stories, it’s always lovely and fun and sometimes heart stopping to experience her fictional families’ situations- but friends, unlike family , are chosen, and when chosen wisely, there is no gift.
Harmony, Glenda and Jan - we look forward to your next adventures.
Thank yiu, Claire Cook - and Write On !
This story takes us from familiar Marshbury to St. Simons Island ( the connection, no surprise , being the love of the ocean and beaches), and follows the journey of three close friends searching for a new chapter in their senior years . Glenda, Jan and Harmony, old friends but young in their hearts , have just purchased three condos, side by side on St. Simons Island , which promises to bring new life and laughter into their lives .
Well, it does, of course, but not of course without some outlandish and laugh out loud situations along the way.
And when things don’t go their way? Watch out for anyone trying to best
these three - they are feisty, imaginative, determined, and on a mission ! Such fun!
Throughout all of Cook’s books - and I have read and loved them all - there are threads that weave and bind- and that give the reader new - or renewed - outlooks on life . For me, the greatest theme has always been friendship. In her stories, it’s always lovely and fun and sometimes heart stopping to experience her fictional families’ situations- but friends, unlike family , are chosen, and when chosen wisely, there is no gift.
Harmony, Glenda and Jan - we look forward to your next adventures.
Thank yiu, Claire Cook - and Write On !
December 14, 2023
Three cheers for long-standing female friendships. Bonus Time was great fun to read. Glenda, Harmony and Jan are believable, funny and smart women who I'd like to know in real life. Each one has flaws, strengths, quirks (and secrets) that took me by surprise. The sense of place was perfectly executed, and made me want to visit St. Simons Island and stroll along the beach at sunrise. I enjoyed how easily the story transitioned from past to present, revealing details about each woman’s life and the ways their collective friendship evolved over the years. Along with humor, pain, sorrow, joy, and many unexpected turns, there is wisdom sprinkled throughout the story; hard-earned wisdom that comes from living and learning through decades in this great university of life. The story highlights the fact that no matter our age or circumstances, it’s healthy to take chances, dream, and discover new ways of thinking and living. The end of the book reveals a subtle “teaser” that might indicate a sequel or perhaps a series is planned. I sure hope so!
December 15, 2023
Bonus Time by Claire Cook is the newest novel in what will, I hope, become a series of adventures starring friends and supersheroes Glenda, Harmony and Jan. I have read every book by Author Claire Cook, and she never fails to entertain, teach and encourage me to be my best self. That is exactly what happens in Bonus Time. Bonus Time starts in Marshbury, MA, the scene of more than a few of Ms. Cook’s novels, and a town that is as familiar to me as my own hometown. Glenda, Harmony and Jan have decided they are ready to enjoy their retirement in gorgeous St. Simons Island, Georgia. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Well, the friends are ready to take retirement by the horns and make St. Simons a better place with hilarious happenings and plenty of walking, healthy tips and taking on the creepy Homeowner’s Association president. Put on your sunscreen and get ready for a wild time with the women of Bonus Time!
December 14, 2023
Hooray! Claire Cook’s new book is here and it is a delight! It brings to mind the holiday calendars where you lift a flap and discover a surprise. Each chapter of the book brings something fun, or uplifting, or unexpected. One of the very few authors who makes me burst out laughing while reading, Claire’s trademark wit, and skewering in one sentence, in a kind way, of human foibles is sheer joy. This book is inspiring, uplifting and funny, contrasted with deeply poignant moments. Her three new female characters, with years of history, are so vividly drawn, you would not think it was fiction. I absolutely loved them. This book is packed with truth, self-care tips, and pop culture references which are hilarious. Buy two- one for you, and one for your best friend, or anyone who would love the story of three brave, feisty, empowered women from forty to forever.
December 20, 2023
Bonus Time
Calgon, Take me away, to the world of Claire Cook!
From the moment Glenda hops in her EV, or Evie as she calls her electric vehicle, I’m all in.
These ladies are my soulmates. Claire Cook continues to take us along on this new adventure by holding up her magic mirror of similarities. She once again, hits the nail on the head in all the right places. From ageism to pared down living and relationships, Bonus Time encompasses all. I laughed, I cried and even winced when it got too close. This is what Claire does best. She shows her audience what can be and then goes out and does it!! Glenda, Jan, and Harmony are the new Golden Girls. Better yet I’d call them Platinum Girls! Bonus Time, we all deserve it!
Calgon, Take me away, to the world of Claire Cook!
From the moment Glenda hops in her EV, or Evie as she calls her electric vehicle, I’m all in.
These ladies are my soulmates. Claire Cook continues to take us along on this new adventure by holding up her magic mirror of similarities. She once again, hits the nail on the head in all the right places. From ageism to pared down living and relationships, Bonus Time encompasses all. I laughed, I cried and even winced when it got too close. This is what Claire does best. She shows her audience what can be and then goes out and does it!! Glenda, Jan, and Harmony are the new Golden Girls. Better yet I’d call them Platinum Girls! Bonus Time, we all deserve it!
December 12, 2023
"Bonus Time" by Claire Cook
December 17, 2023
Marshbury Beach Books
978-1942671350
Claire@ClaiareCook.com
269 Pages
Women’s Contemporary Fiction
Reviewed by Nancy Carty Lepri
Senior citizen Glenda Gardner is starting a new chapter in her life. Retired and with nothing holding her down, she decides to leave the cold New England climate and move to St. Simons Island, GA. Accompanied by her chihuahua-Pitbull rescue named Chickpea, Glenda manages the long drive in Evie, her electric “beach” vehicle. Her spirits roar as she drives, while she belts out “Bonus Time,” a theme song she concocted. She doesn't care if she’s in tune or not. She is excited about her future.
After an exceedingly long journey and stopping for groceries, Glenda arrives at her new home anticipating the chance to relax. Opening her front door, she spies four college-age females sprawled out in her living room which was strewn with potato chips and odors of alcohol and vomit, along with a sugary vanilla air freshener. Are they trying to camouflage the obnoxious scents? Why haven't her tenants checked out?
Glenda purchased this townhouse ten years ago and used it as a rental, but now, this is her home, and she must evict the young ladies. These sassy gals harass Glenda, so she unceremoniously kicks them out, phones the property manager to have her unit cleaned, and to charge her guests extra.
Anxious to settle in and meet up with her best friends, Jan, and Harmony, she changes clothes and heads out. The trio connected after college, and they all bought units in the development planning for their retirement. When they meet at the pool, they stop at the sign saying the pool doesn’t open till 8:00 a.m. and, no dogs are allowed! They love being up before dawn when no one is around, and how can anyone ban Chickpea admittance?
Paige, a young homeowner, watches them enter. A member of the homeowner’s association board and she tells them, quite unkindly, to leave because of the canine. This ruffles their feathers, making them decide it is up to them to amend the rules.
Unable to access the pool at their preferred time, they head across the street to the beach and work on their yoga exercises. Later, at the pool they meet the HOA president—a sixty-something guy, who struts around the deck flirting with the younger women in attendance. When he observes the retirees, he gives them a huge wink which only grosses them out. This is how their introduction goes:
“‘Beaufort K. Butts, the third,’ he said. ‘Fourth-term HOA president.’ He threw his arms open wide. ‘I’m a hugger.’
“‘Aaaand we’re not,’ I said.
“All three of us took a step back.”
“He laughed. ‘Love me some hard to get. You little ladies can just call me Beau. Or Mr. President. Up to you.’
“‘Or Butt,’ Jan said under her breath. ‘Butt could work.’
“‘What can I do for you?’ Butt said. ‘Or was one of you lookers just working up the courage to ask me out on a date? Spoiler alert: answer’s yes.’
“Harmony battered her eyes. ‘We’d just like to ask you for an itsy-bitsy teensy-weensy favor, Beau.’
“‘Anything for you, Doll,’ Butt said, speaking directly to her breasts.
“‘We’d be tickled pink,’ Harmony said, ‘if you’d reprogram the remote keyless entry thingamagig on the pool gate to open at 5 AM, just for little ol’ us.’
“‘So,’ Butt said, ‘You’re the dog ladies.’
“Jan pointed to me. ‘She is. The two of us barely know that dog lady. So, if you can do us a solid and get this pool open early for us—’
“‘No can do,’ Butt said.”
Butt further goes on with a litany of excuses why rules are rules. Arguing with him proves to be less than constructive, though he does offer ways he can “be bought!” Argh!!! He proves to be totally obnoxious.
What happens next? The ladies decide the heck with the rules and decide to scale the pool fence early in the morning! As they sit dangling their feet in the water, they reminisce about their past, giving background information about how things were decades ago when they were young; the times and their lives have changed dramatically, yet their memories are mostly happy ones.
One day as they sit by the pool before dawn, a man unlocks the gate and heads toward them, introducing himself as Dash. A fellow resident comments about the stepladder by the fence, and he asks if their pool keys aren’t working. Then he offers them one of his spare keys so they can use it at any time. He tells them he works for “FLETC,” and their key fobs are programmed to work 24/7.
They decide to bring him cookies and to ask about FLETC. He says FLETC stands for Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where they train several enforcement agencies in a college-like campus. They ask about taking a tour, and he suggests they could work there, to be used in training exercises as bystanders, shopkeepers, etc. Some of the “agents” work for their townhouse development, so they decide to check it out. Glenda questions how being a FLETC member can help to kick Butt's Butt. That odious man who robs the development and causes the ladies chaos needs to be brought down a peg or two. Jan says they can pick up new skills, and get admittance to the pool whenever they like. The biggest bonus would be to make Butt learn to play by the rules and enjoy teaching him a lesson.
Bonus Time is a novel filled with nostalgia and humor, giving those younger readers a look into how things were decades ago while giving life to three feisty older women who are making the most of their retirement years by reinventing their lives.
December 17, 2023
Marshbury Beach Books
978-1942671350
Claire@ClaiareCook.com
269 Pages
Women’s Contemporary Fiction
Reviewed by Nancy Carty Lepri
Senior citizen Glenda Gardner is starting a new chapter in her life. Retired and with nothing holding her down, she decides to leave the cold New England climate and move to St. Simons Island, GA. Accompanied by her chihuahua-Pitbull rescue named Chickpea, Glenda manages the long drive in Evie, her electric “beach” vehicle. Her spirits roar as she drives, while she belts out “Bonus Time,” a theme song she concocted. She doesn't care if she’s in tune or not. She is excited about her future.
After an exceedingly long journey and stopping for groceries, Glenda arrives at her new home anticipating the chance to relax. Opening her front door, she spies four college-age females sprawled out in her living room which was strewn with potato chips and odors of alcohol and vomit, along with a sugary vanilla air freshener. Are they trying to camouflage the obnoxious scents? Why haven't her tenants checked out?
Glenda purchased this townhouse ten years ago and used it as a rental, but now, this is her home, and she must evict the young ladies. These sassy gals harass Glenda, so she unceremoniously kicks them out, phones the property manager to have her unit cleaned, and to charge her guests extra.
Anxious to settle in and meet up with her best friends, Jan, and Harmony, she changes clothes and heads out. The trio connected after college, and they all bought units in the development planning for their retirement. When they meet at the pool, they stop at the sign saying the pool doesn’t open till 8:00 a.m. and, no dogs are allowed! They love being up before dawn when no one is around, and how can anyone ban Chickpea admittance?
Paige, a young homeowner, watches them enter. A member of the homeowner’s association board and she tells them, quite unkindly, to leave because of the canine. This ruffles their feathers, making them decide it is up to them to amend the rules.
Unable to access the pool at their preferred time, they head across the street to the beach and work on their yoga exercises. Later, at the pool they meet the HOA president—a sixty-something guy, who struts around the deck flirting with the younger women in attendance. When he observes the retirees, he gives them a huge wink which only grosses them out. This is how their introduction goes:
“‘Beaufort K. Butts, the third,’ he said. ‘Fourth-term HOA president.’ He threw his arms open wide. ‘I’m a hugger.’
“‘Aaaand we’re not,’ I said.
“All three of us took a step back.”
“He laughed. ‘Love me some hard to get. You little ladies can just call me Beau. Or Mr. President. Up to you.’
“‘Or Butt,’ Jan said under her breath. ‘Butt could work.’
“‘What can I do for you?’ Butt said. ‘Or was one of you lookers just working up the courage to ask me out on a date? Spoiler alert: answer’s yes.’
“Harmony battered her eyes. ‘We’d just like to ask you for an itsy-bitsy teensy-weensy favor, Beau.’
“‘Anything for you, Doll,’ Butt said, speaking directly to her breasts.
“‘We’d be tickled pink,’ Harmony said, ‘if you’d reprogram the remote keyless entry thingamagig on the pool gate to open at 5 AM, just for little ol’ us.’
“‘So,’ Butt said, ‘You’re the dog ladies.’
“Jan pointed to me. ‘She is. The two of us barely know that dog lady. So, if you can do us a solid and get this pool open early for us—’
“‘No can do,’ Butt said.”
Butt further goes on with a litany of excuses why rules are rules. Arguing with him proves to be less than constructive, though he does offer ways he can “be bought!” Argh!!! He proves to be totally obnoxious.
What happens next? The ladies decide the heck with the rules and decide to scale the pool fence early in the morning! As they sit dangling their feet in the water, they reminisce about their past, giving background information about how things were decades ago when they were young; the times and their lives have changed dramatically, yet their memories are mostly happy ones.
One day as they sit by the pool before dawn, a man unlocks the gate and heads toward them, introducing himself as Dash. A fellow resident comments about the stepladder by the fence, and he asks if their pool keys aren’t working. Then he offers them one of his spare keys so they can use it at any time. He tells them he works for “FLETC,” and their key fobs are programmed to work 24/7.
They decide to bring him cookies and to ask about FLETC. He says FLETC stands for Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where they train several enforcement agencies in a college-like campus. They ask about taking a tour, and he suggests they could work there, to be used in training exercises as bystanders, shopkeepers, etc. Some of the “agents” work for their townhouse development, so they decide to check it out. Glenda questions how being a FLETC member can help to kick Butt's Butt. That odious man who robs the development and causes the ladies chaos needs to be brought down a peg or two. Jan says they can pick up new skills, and get admittance to the pool whenever they like. The biggest bonus would be to make Butt learn to play by the rules and enjoy teaching him a lesson.
Bonus Time is a novel filled with nostalgia and humor, giving those younger readers a look into how things were decades ago while giving life to three feisty older women who are making the most of their retirement years by reinventing their lives.
December 19, 2023
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year when I get a chance to read a new offering from Claire Cook. Bonus Time spoke to me, as I am currently teetering at the edge of retirement, trying to figure out what will come next in my life.
Claire writes women (and all of her characters) with warmth, empathy and humor. This book felt like a warm hug to me, and will stay with me for such a long time.
No matter where you are on your life journey, you will find something to make you laugh and make you think with Bonus Time.
Claire writes women (and all of her characters) with warmth, empathy and humor. This book felt like a warm hug to me, and will stay with me for such a long time.
No matter where you are on your life journey, you will find something to make you laugh and make you think with Bonus Time.
December 14, 2023
Meet the three new members to Claire’s reinvention team; Jan, Harmony, and Glenda. The superheroes of the over 40 and Fabulous Club, here to rid the world of the Butts in life. These three health conscious and environmentally aware besties settle down together in retirement, and they bring the rest of us on a wild ride between their flashbacks of memories and the wacky adventures. Claire has hit another one out of the ball park!
December 12, 2023
The arrival of a new Claire Cook novel is always a wonderful occasion, but the arrival of a new Claire Cook novel that is also the first in what should be a brand new series of books? That's a cause for celebration! I loved spending time with Claire Cook's new trio of women seeking new adventures, with all the great charm, humour and spirit we've come to expect for her heroines. What a treat!
January 22, 2024
Fun. Silly. Farcical. Garrulous! An enjoyable romp on the Golden Isles with three supershero golden girls 😊
November 20, 2024
Glenda, Jan, and Harmony -- three friends you won't soon forget. You can read some of my favorite passages on my website: https://wendykennar.com/2024/11/13/bo...
December 29, 2025
Great beach read!
Living on St. Simons Island makes it a fun read to be so familiar with the area. Claire creates such fun characters that are relatable.
Living on St. Simons Island makes it a fun read to be so familiar with the area. Claire creates such fun characters that are relatable.
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