Leave It to Claire

Claire Everett #1

by Tracey Bateman

A modern-day single mother creates a to-do list to fix the mess she's made of her life. Will she realize the only way to truly grow is to let go of her own plans and listen to God?

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Chick Lit, Romance, Religion, Book Club

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2006

About the author

Tracey Bateman is also published as Tracey Cross, is the Christy award-winning author of more than thirty titles and has nearly a million books in print. She lives in Missouri's Ozarks with her husband and four children.

Reviews

[Deborah Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book club book of the month. The book is a quick read. I woke up at 3 a.m. Saturday morning and having slept for several hours already, I didn't have any hope of going back to sleep so I read until I needed to get up and make breakfast at 6 a.m. I finished reading it while watching the Red Sox kick the Colorado Rockies out of the park. I must admit I was so engrossed in the book at one point that I missed three runs and the excitement over it. My husband was stunned that I could block it out.

What was the book about? Claire is a single mother. She is a Christian author. Her mother lives 3 doors down and she depends on her mother to help out with her kids and do the extra "mom" type of things while she works on her books. She ends up needing surgery on her wrist which will make it impossible for her to work for 6 weeks. Her mother moves to Texas to live with her brother's family just before Claire's surgery. She is on her own.

Claire makes a list of 6 goals, which I found to be the typical person type of thing. I loved the "exercise - maybe" goal and the way her feelings and thoughts were expressed through the book. Her kids go through some normal challenges and the way she deals with them is typical but it is written in such a way that it is light. She is attracted to her son's teacher, who ends up buying her mother's house and they are neighbors.

Through it all she ends up growing, learning and becoming a better Claire in the end. Probably the biggest thing is to be able to forgive her ex-husband.

I can't say I would recommend the book to others. If you are looking for nice, light reading material then this would be perfect.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart connected with Claire a single mom, and her publishing journey. Claire learns to pick up the broken pieces of her life and cope the best way she can. She can laughin spite of herself.

After a surgery Claire faces the reality of how disconnected she has become while immersed in her career. Claire’s’ kids have grown distant while she was working hard, in the meantime her mother has decided to move away, and her life was spiraling out of control.

Claire comes to the conclusion that she cannot fix her family by herself. Claire starts to realize that sometimes the only way to truly grow is to let go of her own plans and embrace Gods. She learns how to GIVE the broken pieces of her life to her heavenly Daddy to fix.

This story is a heart-felt, funny, poignant novel I totally enjoyed, Claire is a character I could relate to. This story has a surprising spiritual depth. Sometimes this book came close to my own life and was uncomfortable to read, it’s powerful. I highly recommend it as a good read and one that would work well for a book club setting.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading Favorites..

This was written awhile ago, but I feel like it is a classic. It is funny, but realistic. Single mom, dealing with healing after a divorce sounds like not your classic story, but in reality, we need more books like this.

[Cecelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could you be friends with your unfaithful ex-husband’s new wife? The main character in Leave It To Claire struggles with this predicament.

I really enjoyed this book. The author has the perfect voice for chicklit(or momlit, not sure about the correct way to categorize this story). The story is about Claire Everett, a fairly successful romance author and the struggles she has to go through to raise her four kids as a single mother. Claire struggles to forgive her ex-husband, Rick, for his infidelity. He had an affair, and since their divorce, he’s gotten remarried. Claire finds it hard to have a relationship with Rick’s fairly new wife since Claire has a hard time separating the fact that Darcy is NOT the woman who Rick had an affair with. Subconsciously, and wrongly, she blames Darcy for her marital breakup.

As Claire deals with her issues, she suffers through two carpal tunnel syndrome surgeries, and struggles to accept Darcy’s kind offer to help. As a result of her son’s behavioral problems, she must attend family therapy with her husband and Darcy in order to discover the root to her son’s problems. She also makes a list of things to do to improve her life. She promises herself to strengthen her faith in God, as well as improve her relationship with her family. She decides to have family study time and weekly social events with her kids, hoping to bond with them.

Claire also finds herself attracted to Greg, her son’s handsome teacher. When her mother moves to another state, she is saddened. However, when Greg buys her mother’s home(down the street from her house) and moves in with his young daughter, Claire discovers he is a widower. She fantasizes about having a relationship with her son’s teacher, and he’s there for her when she goes through her anxiety attacks.

In the end, a rude awakening takes place when Darcy forces Claire to admit to her role in her husband’s infidelity. Darcy makes Claire come to terms with her mistakes, and to admit to the mistakes she’s made in her marriage to Rick.

This book was excellent. Although the family would be considered dysfunctional, the author uses her humorous voice to show how Claire deals with her problems. Tracey Bateman also shows us how, if we find our faith wavering, we need to make solid decisions about making our faith stronger in God.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire Everett, a single mom and semi-successful writer, thinks her life is going rather well. Her mother lives right down the street and has been a huge help in raising Claire's four children, and the kids' dad is still involved in their lives. But when Claire has to be off work (and away from her computer) for weeks due to carpal tunnel surgery, she discovers that said life is not as wonderful as she believed. Her children are belligerent strangers, her mother is moving across the country, and her venom regarding her ex-husband is unparalleled.

So Claire buckles down and makes a list of goals to improve her life - she needs to get her relationship with God back on track, re-connect with her children, and make some real-life (not e-mail) friends. The path to better relationships is not a smooth one. Claire's children each have their own issues, with her and in their lives. Has she been that out of touch with them? And Claire finds it difficult to let go of her feelings about her ex-husband's infidelity. Can she learn to yield to God and trust in Him to help her forgive?

This first in a new series is both funny and touching. The characters are realistic, sometimes uncomfortably so! Since the story is told from Claire's viewpoint, we are privy to her thoughts, which are not always full of rainbows and happiness. Claire has tough issues that take her a long time to work through. This is true-to-life, but often heartbreaking to witness. If the reader has not personally experienced a similar situation, it may seem as if Claire is dwelling too long on things that occurred many years before. But the book is ultimately uplifting, as Claire learns and grows and changes. Her life isn't perfect and although the ending is positive, it's not wrapped up in a pretty little package.

A great deal of humor lightens the mood just when the story seems to be heaviest. Secondaries are interesting and don't always behave predictably. The ex-husband's new wife is a unique character with an unexpected viewpoint. Although the book might appear fluffy mom-lit on the surface, it addresses many deeper issues that will move the reader to serious self-examination. There's a strong Christian-focused message woven through the entire plot. Leave it to Claire is an excellent start to this series and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sort of fell into this book accidentally. I bought it on a sales racvk a few years ago and just recently found it in a box. Had I known ahead of time that it was a Christian novel I woul dhave skipped it. Having said that, it was not bad. A little heavy on the religion, but not too bad. It was a light read, didn't really leave me with much to think about, but it was enjoyable enough that I kept going back to it.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could I would have given this book a 3.5 stars. It was an entertaining read that often was comical too. It focuses on the life of Claire, a well-known author, and that of her four kids. She has to take six weeks off of writing when she has to have surgery on her arms. The story takes you through all of Claire's discoveries during this time of reflection. This is a fairly light read and I would recommend it if you want an easy to read book :)

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was good, but I was not a fan of the protagonist/narrator.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

Like...REALLY enjoyed this book.

While my life has not played out like Claire's (my husband and I are still married, and we've never dealt with the issue of adultery), there were so many ways how Claire and I are a lot alike. We have the same goals, hopes, and dreams that we've not made a priority as much as we should have. It was eye-opening to read her perspective (even if it was fictional).

I wanted to cry through all the moments where she genuinely struggled to have a kind word to say to her ex-husband. Her heart had been shattered, and their kids were paying the price. But the moment when she finally realizes that she could forgive him because she had some pretty big flaws of her own, oh...that scene written beautifully.

There was a small romantic thread that I believe will be more prominent in the next book, so that leaves me LOTS to look forward, too.

Having read this 15+ years after it was originally published, there were so many pop culture things from that time that made me smile when I came across them. Mentions of Trump on The Apprentice, The Purpose Driven Life book, Dr. Phil,... the list goes on. It felt like a warm, fun hug.

I could literally gush forever, but I won't. Just get a copy and read it, too...it's worth it.

[Have Faith And Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how realistic Claire was - her flaws and faults, none of the “perfect” mom you sometimes see in Christian fiction. I always like Christian fiction that helps me see my faith in a different way. For this book, it reminded me that we can set goals, and that it’s about progress. God desires our heart, not perfection. Like Claire said in the end, we are running our race.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an unexpected story that enjoyed reading!

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I laughed and I cried as Claire dealt with her issues. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't even know where this book came from. I just found it on the shelf in my home library. Somebody probably gave it to me because my name is Claire. With that being said, it wasn't a terrible book but it wasn't something I would ever read again. I don't know how I find myself reading Christian romance books, but I'm not a huge fan of them. This one had a few good points and a few really annoying ones. Other than that not terrible.

[Deb]

plot summary: what happens, when & where, central characters, major conflicts[return]clare is a single mom who can't believe all the trouble her life is bringing her. her kids are smart-mouthed and distant, her husband seems smug in his new marriage, his new wife wants to be her best friend, clare's doctor says she needs carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists, and her mother is moving to texas. clare's tendancy is to focus on her own problems and shut everyone else out, but some pointed advice from her mother makes her come up with a new game plan. now clare is committed to reconnecting with her kids, taking better care of herself, and reignite her relationship with god...but first she has to face a few demons from her past.[return][return]style characterisics: pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]clare tells the story in a very cynical angry tone, she is indeed wrapped up in herself and the story does a good job of showing how painful it is for her to change. there is also a very typical romantic element, good looking guy shows up just when she needs help. for the frivolity of the cover it went a little deeper than i expected with her family problems. claire seemed like a very real "girl next door" character. the ex-wife seemed too good to be real.[return]how good is it?[return]a nice read for a contemporary women, claire is easy to relate too.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend for work as casual vacation reading, with a Christian twist. There were definitely Christian references, although to a Christian culture that is foreign to my own. I didn't find the tone that humorous, actually, because I didn't much like the first person narrator. I disagreed with some of her parenting decisions and reactions, and couldn't get into her abiding bitterness over her 5 year old divorce from an adulterous husband. I'm deeply grateful to not have that particular trial to overcome, and I'd just as soon not learn empathy by endurance, but I still had a hard time wallowing with the character. I also couldn't get into Christian lust over the gorgeous youth pastor love interest. Not offensive, but not particularly engaging. Definitely a vacation read.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, both the story and the writing. I read th rest of the series as well, and while each successive title was less enjoyable, I still would have read more about the character, if the series had continued. The biggest problem I had with the book, is similar to many of this genre- christian or not- and that is that the amount of time spent chastisibg the cheated upon wife for her lack of forgiveness, is exponentially more than is spent on the cheater: feeling; expressing behaving; and acting with true remorse. I find it insulting, and unrealistic, to expect women to 'just get over it' and move on, and vecause of this I felt that the new wife's attitude was a bit sanctimonius- especially because she knew she was marrying a man who had sinned, and hurt his first family. Having saud that ex hubby was a bit of a meh wimp, so Claire is probably better off without him!

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Claire to be rather refreshing as the heroine of a Christian fiction series. She is far from perfect, makes mistakes with her kids and her life in general. Claire is a successful author trying to raise her four children and deal with her anger at ex-husband Rick while facing carpal tunnel surgery. The surgery will sideline her writing for a while so Claire is determined to improve her life during this hiatus from work. God is working in Claire's life as she deals with unbelievably sweet Darcy - her husband's new wife, her children's problems in their school and social lives and her mother. This book is funny and mostly realistic. Anxious to read the second installment.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire is a divorced woman with four children. In this book, she comes to terms with her life, her divorce, and basically turns her entire life around. It’s very similar to book 28, but I think Claire comes across much more true to life. The book actually did make me cry at the end, so I was excited to see that there is a sequel coming out. I will be interested to see how a sequel will continue, however, since I felt like this book wrapped itself up quite nicely.

[Amy Brooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is utter trash. I will admit, I'm a fan of the trashy, brit-lit girl loses boy, gets new and better boy stories. But this piece of trash was not even worth reading (yet I did)! It's a stupid, predictable story about a bitter divorcee oh, but she's a Christian and throws some scripture in there too. I was horrified to find out that there are 2 more follow up books to this one. I will NOT be reading them.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

my first "christian chic-lit" series. soap-operish but i enjoyed them anyway. :> i especially liked that the struggles claire has are very real christian challenges. it helped me find more areas in my life that need work and the motivation to improve. the second and third books were also good but i liked the first best.
she also wrote the "drama queen' series. they were probably 3-3.5.
read a western series of hers and was bored to tears.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason this book really resonated with me, which is odd because I haven't been through anything like the main character. But I was really able to relate to her and the feelings she expressed throughout the book. I saw much of myself in Claire to the point that I actually cried several time while reading. The writer definitely captured the human emotions perfectly! Not everything is cut and dried as a Christian and it was refreshing to read a book that illustrated that so clearly.

[Julie Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire is not too likeable. She's self absorbed, angry and bitter. She is however, very recognisable and that's what makes this such a great book. We see her grow through the issues she faces and in all this is quite a thought provoking read. I totally get not wanting to be best buds with your ex husband's wife even if she is someone you would like in other circumstances.

I like the author's writing style and will probably look out for her in future.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The author is religious, not bombarding the reader with it, but definitely keeping her book clean with characters who generally want to be good. It's about a single mother trying to raise her teens. The sarcasm that the main character had throughout the book had me laughing out loud a couple of times. Fun read.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me. I felt connected with the main character. Understanding her pain, her anger. Like the main character, I have a hard time differentiating with the ex-husband's new wife with the women he cheated with during the marriage. All in all, I thought it was a good read. Onto book number 2!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book I bought at the library; I didn't even realize until I started reading it that it is a 'Christian fiction' book (that's not a bad thing, just an FYI!) It's a good 'mom' story and I enjoyed it; I also noticed at the end that there is a sequel called 'Claire knows best' so I am going to read that one too.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian book but it was not at all sweet and soppy like they sometimes are. Just a real woman with real problems, hurts, unforgiveness, divorce, etc. and I loved it. I bought two at a bookshop sale at the church. This was the first and I'm planning to dig into all this author's books after I finish the second one.

[Kath Tayco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is some-kind of funny and relevant to a single mom,juggling her work being a famous writer and doing her duties being a mom of four kids.Being left behind by her own mom,she tries to be an hands-on mom to her four children and to have a good relationship with her ex-husband who is now happily married with his new wife Darcy

[Nutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I didn't know this was a "Christian" fiction book or part of a series (yay), I'm glad I picked this up.

The writing shows great wit - it made me laugh! I can't wait to read the sequels.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is along the same line as yada yada in terms of easy reading. Not quite as engaging though. It focuses on just one family and the things that come up in their life. It's the kind of book where you know at the end that everything is going to work out o.k.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start, but a good finish. Don't know that I enjoyed it enough to read the next book in the series, Claire Knows Best.