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Summer Blowout
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.
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.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2009
58 people are currently reading
1871 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cook
33 books844 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 - 30 of 404 reviews
January 14, 2019
This was a great light read
May 7, 2020
Very funny! Cute little dog will win your heart! Great beach read.
June 27, 2013
three and half stars. It was a good, quick beach read but I hate when the title and cover falsely make the reader believe they are actually picking up a book that has something to do with summer or the beach as this story really didn't have either. Story line focuses around a family owned hair salon and the main character dealing with her half sister stealing her ex husband.
March 17, 2010
This book had a great cover and a great title, but it was totally bland. Cliched characters, way too much dog and the main character had some of the ditziest opinions I've ever seen. She actually questioned why a state needs representation in Washington and considers Nancy Pelosi a celebrity. I hope the author isn't this misinformed and she was just being humorous. At any rate, skip this one...it's truly not funny and doesn't live up to it's breezy, pretty cover.
July 19, 2008
This book was pretty standard chic lit fare. A cosmetician and beautician working for her family's business works to discover who she is apart from her family and her ex-husband. In the process she of course falls for someone else. In this case she first falls for a dog who lands in her care during a gig and then for a new man. She comes out the other end having grown at least a little bit. It was quite predictable, but it was suitably light and fluffy for a good beach read.
Summer Blowout is definitely made for beach reading, but you better get to it quickly! The book is smattered with time sensitive pop culture references as well as filled to the brim with many brand and color name drops for cosmetic brands that will keep this book from standing the test of time. In fact, the rampant product placement in this book I found detracted from the story and for me personally was kind of off putting.
Summer Blowout is definitely made for beach reading, but you better get to it quickly! The book is smattered with time sensitive pop culture references as well as filled to the brim with many brand and color name drops for cosmetic brands that will keep this book from standing the test of time. In fact, the rampant product placement in this book I found detracted from the story and for me personally was kind of off putting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2008
I LOVED this book. It was like sitting down to watch a favorite sitcom. Claire Cook also wrote Must Love Dogs, which is the movie Jason and I saw the day we got engaged, and we had absolutely loved it. So I thought surely another book by the same author would be just as good if not better. And I was so right, Claire Cook did not disappoint! 3 days was all it took for me to tear through this book, I just couldn't manage to put it down, and that's fast for me. I loved all the girly descriptions of all the makeup Bella used on her clients, I should have kept a running list to actually try those colors out! It was very light reading and a perfect summer read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good chick-lit story.
March 14, 2018
A family of hair stylists led by an Irish dad who has adopted an Italian identity since his honeymoon in Italy is a fresh idea,, and Cook creates some very funny moments for her characters. However, main character Bella made a decision that left me out of sympathy for her or much interest in the book.
August 22, 2025
A nice easy fun read. It can be quite comical at times. A big fun family
July 21, 2010
Every summer I dream of lounging on the beach and reading paperback novel after paperback novel. Every summer I'm stuck at home for one reason or another (no vacation time, no money, you name it). Instead, I head to my local library and look for books I'd imagine myself reading on the beach, bring them home with me, and pretend. Claire Cook's books always fit the bill, so I recently checked out Summer Blowout.
Bella was a quirky, fun narrator.
Her family was delightfully rambunctious.
That's what I love about Claire Cook's books--the characters are everyday people that I can relate to. They have flaws and issues. They argue. They feel lost and confused. Their hearts break. Still, they find their way back, through forgiveness, perseverance, a little help from family, and, sometimes, reinvention.
But Summer Blowout isn't heavy-handed thanks to hilarious dialogue and madcap family adventures. I often found myself laughing out loud.
I also loved all the make-up tips!
So I didn't make it to the beach this summer, but I felt like I got to spend a few hours there with crazy-fun friends.
Bella was a quirky, fun narrator.
Her family was delightfully rambunctious.
That's what I love about Claire Cook's books--the characters are everyday people that I can relate to. They have flaws and issues. They argue. They feel lost and confused. Their hearts break. Still, they find their way back, through forgiveness, perseverance, a little help from family, and, sometimes, reinvention.
But Summer Blowout isn't heavy-handed thanks to hilarious dialogue and madcap family adventures. I often found myself laughing out loud.
I also loved all the make-up tips!
So I didn't make it to the beach this summer, but I felt like I got to spend a few hours there with crazy-fun friends.
July 25, 2010
A quick, fluffy, fun summer read. A tale around a truly modern family where wives, ex-wives, half-and full siblings, gays, straights, you name it, are all blended into one crazy mess that seems to work for all of them as they strive to keep the family chain of beauty salons going. Bella is trying to deal with her recent divorce, made all the more painful because the "other woman" is actually her younger, beloved half-sister. But in this family there is no running away from personal problems. The Italiophile father, Lucky Shaughnessy (Yeah, you read that right)keeps everyone together and in line with weekly business/family/pizza nights. In addition to the on-going drama, there's a family wedding, a threatened take-over of the family business, and political candidates to keep looking good. All this, along with a handsome new "business associate", an adorable little dog, and a fledgling independent business keep Bella hopping.
February 27, 2017
Didn't like it as much as some, but there were laughs. Bella works for her father, (as do all of his family) at one of his hair and beauty salons. As might be expected, she is obsessed with lipstick and make up, and this is mentioned about every other page. Her ex is now sleeping with her half sister, which causes a lot of tension! Bella swears off men, but of course meets Ryan at a college fair and eventually falls for him.
August 30, 2021
This was a bit over the top. I usually like zany families and crazy antics, but this book just wasn't able to pull it off. There were also way too many product names interspersed throughout. I get that Bella's lipstick color is linked to her mood, but the constant naming of beauty products got to be a bit much. I liked Precious/Cannoli, but she wasn't able to carry the book on her own.
August 31, 2008
My Review of Summer Blowout by Claire Cook
Claire Cook once again ventures into the genre of the “living is easy” summer beach read with her latest book, Summer Blowout. Bella Shaughnessy’s fascination with makeup, particularly lipsticks with names such as Kiss My Lips or Catfight, is the daughter of loving but divorced Irish parents. Her father, Lucky, was married three times, but still holds a place in his heart for Bella’s mother. He has a mania for all things Italian ever since their honeymoon in Tuscany. His sociable persona and outlandish mannerisms are part of his charm, and what endears Lucky to the family and clientele alike. Set in the Marshbury area around Boston, the Salon de Lucio is the main salon that is next to the family home. The other salons, including Salon de Paolo, have apartments above them, and Bella Shaughnessey lives in the one above de Paolo.
Bella’s life revolves around the family business of beauty salons where she works as a talented makeup artist and hair stylist. The Shaughnessy family mans the small family chain of beauty salons with Bella’s four half-brothers and –sisters and in-laws, both current and past. While sounding like a happy, loving family, we quickly realize the conflicts that exist are what make this story percolate. Central is Bella’s marriage that dissolves when her husband runs off with her half-sister. Bella is rightfully bitter and cautious and swears off relationships until she encounters a young, captivating entrepreneur, Sean Ryan. With a business idea, he introduces a way for Bella to use her talents to her advantage and on her own with no family connection. On her own, Bella thinks she can be happy with no man or attachments. However, enter purely by accident, one small fuzz ball of a pup that Bella falls for and finds it is a love that is worth taking a chance on. This is where Cannoli enters to steal Bella’s heart and often times, the story! Bella and Cannoli become inseparable much to the chagrin of many of the family members. But Bella finds it easy to confide in Cannoli and trust her heart to this tiny dog.
As Bella’s new business venture grows, so does Bella’s interest in this charming businessman, Sean. However, with Cannoli in her life, Bella is content and doesn’t want any more entanglements or relationships. Fighting to not let desire take over, Bella keeps her distance in this business relationship with Sean Ryan until things come to a point on a crazy family wedding weekend in Atlanta that will change Bella’s life forever.
Readers, who enjoyed the shoes in Beth Harbison’s Shoe Addicts Anonymous, or designer clothes in Lauren Weisberger’s The Devil Wears Prada, will become quickly caught up in Summer Blowout. Cook’s story revolves around the world of makeup artists and hair stylists. Fans of her other books, including Life’s A Beach and Must Love Dogs, will find Claire Cook continues to entertain with this latest romantic riotous romp! Fans won’t be disappointed if they are looking for a carefree amusing summer read!
© Karen D. Haney, 2008 for Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com
Claire Cook once again ventures into the genre of the “living is easy” summer beach read with her latest book, Summer Blowout. Bella Shaughnessy’s fascination with makeup, particularly lipsticks with names such as Kiss My Lips or Catfight, is the daughter of loving but divorced Irish parents. Her father, Lucky, was married three times, but still holds a place in his heart for Bella’s mother. He has a mania for all things Italian ever since their honeymoon in Tuscany. His sociable persona and outlandish mannerisms are part of his charm, and what endears Lucky to the family and clientele alike. Set in the Marshbury area around Boston, the Salon de Lucio is the main salon that is next to the family home. The other salons, including Salon de Paolo, have apartments above them, and Bella Shaughnessey lives in the one above de Paolo.
Bella’s life revolves around the family business of beauty salons where she works as a talented makeup artist and hair stylist. The Shaughnessy family mans the small family chain of beauty salons with Bella’s four half-brothers and –sisters and in-laws, both current and past. While sounding like a happy, loving family, we quickly realize the conflicts that exist are what make this story percolate. Central is Bella’s marriage that dissolves when her husband runs off with her half-sister. Bella is rightfully bitter and cautious and swears off relationships until she encounters a young, captivating entrepreneur, Sean Ryan. With a business idea, he introduces a way for Bella to use her talents to her advantage and on her own with no family connection. On her own, Bella thinks she can be happy with no man or attachments. However, enter purely by accident, one small fuzz ball of a pup that Bella falls for and finds it is a love that is worth taking a chance on. This is where Cannoli enters to steal Bella’s heart and often times, the story! Bella and Cannoli become inseparable much to the chagrin of many of the family members. But Bella finds it easy to confide in Cannoli and trust her heart to this tiny dog.
As Bella’s new business venture grows, so does Bella’s interest in this charming businessman, Sean. However, with Cannoli in her life, Bella is content and doesn’t want any more entanglements or relationships. Fighting to not let desire take over, Bella keeps her distance in this business relationship with Sean Ryan until things come to a point on a crazy family wedding weekend in Atlanta that will change Bella’s life forever.
Readers, who enjoyed the shoes in Beth Harbison’s Shoe Addicts Anonymous, or designer clothes in Lauren Weisberger’s The Devil Wears Prada, will become quickly caught up in Summer Blowout. Cook’s story revolves around the world of makeup artists and hair stylists. Fans of her other books, including Life’s A Beach and Must Love Dogs, will find Claire Cook continues to entertain with this latest romantic riotous romp! Fans won’t be disappointed if they are looking for a carefree amusing summer read!
© Karen D. Haney, 2008 for Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com
August 13, 2008
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.
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.
September 11, 2008
Bella is furious and heartbroken. 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 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.
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.
May 12, 2008
Clair Cook (author of Life's a Beach and Must Love Dogs) has done it again--Summer Blowout is another great summer beach read that will make youlaugh out loud darn near every page. This time she introduces us to Bella Shaughnessy, a hairdresser and makeup artist who is addicted to lipstick. She works in the big, chaotic family business though things have been rather awkward since her half sister started dating her exhusband. Things get even more interesting after tiny "purse pooch" Precious and handsome entrepreneur
Sean enter the picture. There are many giggles and makeup tips in this breezy summer read--it's too fun to miss (especially the "combover intervention"--you just HAVE to read it).
Sean enter the picture. There are many giggles and makeup tips in this breezy summer read--it's too fun to miss (especially the "combover intervention"--you just HAVE to read it).
July 5, 2008
What a great, summer book to read and then finish out near a lake waiting for fireworks.
Bella's family owns a chain hair salons in Marshbury, MA. Her father, Lucky Shaughnessy, a self-proclaimed Italiophile, is the patriarch. Two ex-wives and all the assorted kids work in various salons as part of this quirky, extended family business. Bella meets a handsome entrepreneur, Sean Ryan, and the idea for Bella's Box of Beauty Basics is born. The question is, how long can she keep her idea to herself, without the family meddling into her ideas? The action continues throughout the story--a small dog (sort of kidnapped), a family wedding in Atlanta, and some resolution with her ex-husband and daughter help Bella grow into a dynamic figure.
Bella's family owns a chain hair salons in Marshbury, MA. Her father, Lucky Shaughnessy, a self-proclaimed Italiophile, is the patriarch. Two ex-wives and all the assorted kids work in various salons as part of this quirky, extended family business. Bella meets a handsome entrepreneur, Sean Ryan, and the idea for Bella's Box of Beauty Basics is born. The question is, how long can she keep her idea to herself, without the family meddling into her ideas? The action continues throughout the story--a small dog (sort of kidnapped), a family wedding in Atlanta, and some resolution with her ex-husband and daughter help Bella grow into a dynamic figure.
November 17, 2008
Have you ever met a dysfunctional Irish family whose father thinks they're Italian? This was my third Claire Cook book plus I saw Must Love Dogs as a movie. The Shaughnessy family has several beauty salons which is staffed by a combinaiton of sisters, brothers, father and two of his three ex-wives. The book ia a quick read and the dialogue is humorous. After Bella's husband is stolen away by her half sister, she no longer wanted to be near Shopia or sit near her at weekly salon meetings. Is blood thicker than water? Can the heart heal and move on? Will the dog that Bella was stuck taking care of after making up a wedding party be reclaimed by her owner? Get set for some fun and a fast read when you open the cover.
September 4, 2008
"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."
March 25, 2009
Adorable book about a strong willed/marshmallow of a woman. Super fun insight into a dysfunctional family that loves each other and seems to work. A somewhat crass sex encounter on one page, but you can skip it and not lose any of the story. Book will make you laugh and will even give you lots of makeup tips!!!
May 23, 2009
Holy Cannoli, what a fun read! (If you've read the book you get my "holy cannoli" comment) With each book, I grow to be more of a Claire Cook fan. This book was light and fun, yet not too silly. And Sean Ryan seems like my kind of man!
September 27, 2009
I found this book very entertaining. Even though there were many elements present in this book as in her past efforts - large family, single/newly divorced woman, animals - I still enjoyed spending my time in Marshbury.
March 12, 2015
predictable, easy beach read. Bella's Irish father is a wanna-be Italian who owns beauty and make-up salons and has 3 ex-wife's. Bella, her brother, and sisters, including the half-sister who "stole" Bella's husband all work together. Cute and funny story
October 15, 2021
Chick lit is my fall back gene when I’m in a thriller slump. How can you not love a feel good book!
February 29, 2008
Delightful! If only I'd had a beach to read it on.
January 9, 2017
Perfect book to read during an afternoon by the pool.
June 25, 2008
This is a good and quick beach read. Maybe a little too much into the makeup descriptions but cute book anyways. Very similar to the rest of her books.
June 29, 2010
One of the worst books I've ever read.
July 9, 2025
Easy read. It would be a good one to take on a trip.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews