Monday, July 19, 2010

Book Review: Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook (and GIVEAWAY!)

(Be sure and read at the bottom of this post to see how you can enter to win a copy of Seven Year Switch!)




Jill Murray has a fairly comfortable life - one that she has carved out for herself and her young daughter since her husband left them seven years ago. She enjoys her jobs as a travel agent and as a cooking teacher at the local community center.

Then, out of the blue, her husband shows up, wanting to be a part of their lives once again. And to complicate matters, Jill thinks she may be falling for one of her clients, easy-going, fun-loving Billy. 10-year-old Anastasia does not remember her father, and is thrilled about the idea of him coming home and having a real family for a change. But is Jill ready for her husband to come back? And what about Billy? Jill must make some serious choices, and soon.

Seven Year SwitchClaire Cook, who is the author of Must Love Dogs (which has been made into a movie), has written a fairly good book with Seven Year Switch. There is great characterization (I especially like the part of the next door neighbor, Cynthia, who appears to be a stereotypical blonde dummy but actually turns out to be quite intelligent), and the feelings involved in such a situation were well portrayed and realistic.

Although there is a "happy ending", I ended the book somewhat dissatisfied with the choices Jill made and the attitudes she took on towards those whom she believed were keeping her from being truly happy. It is sad that so many book characters are so selfish and disregard the feelings of others and how their actions will affect their friends and family members. I think Jill is egocentric and unthankful. I suppose I am expecting too much, but I hoped that the ending would have been more beneficial to all.

Am I taking this book reading/reviewing a little too seriously? Maybe I need to lighten up and just enjoy the read. But I can't seem to shake the idea that what I am taking in is affecting me one way or another, and I don't want to believe that this is they way it should be when life can actually be so much better than the way that is portrayed in so many of today's novels.

Well, bottom line, Seven Year Switch is a fun book, a light summer read, and one to learn from. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from Pump Up Your Book! for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Now, for the GIVEAWAY! Would you like to win a copy of this new novel? All you have to do is add your name and email to the comment section. I will choose a winner on August 1 (at 11:59 PM EST), so don't wait to enter! (United States residents only, please)

Be sure and also go to Claire Cook's website to see how you can have a chance to win more of her books: http://www.clairecook.com/author/GIVEAWAY.html.

18 comments:

Pamela Keener said...

Thanks for the honest review.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a light summer read - count me in for the giveaway--> reederreads@gmail.com

Cheryl said...

Just dropping in to say hi. Thanks for hosting Claire for Pump Up this month. It's dependable bloggers like you that make all the difference.

Cheryl

Unknown said...

Awesome giveaway!
Looks like a terrific book!!
reginahott at gmail dot com

Ruthie said...

I need a great beach read...please enter me!

Thanks, ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Paula said...

looks like a great please count me in

darkangelct@att.net

Unknown said...

I love Claire Cook! I would love to try this book.

LoveMyCoffee said...

Count me in! It sounds like a great read.


Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com

dollycas aka Lori said...

Just found your blog and I like it!!

Please enter me in the giveaway.

Dollycas

dollycas79 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Count me in:)

bjhopper(at)me(dot)com

sharon54220 said...

I would love a chance to win this great book.

sharon54220@gmail.com

Sandee61 said...

I enjoyed the review, and really would like to read this book. I'm new to your blog and enjoying it very much. Thanks for the entry.

Sandee61

Muzzley56@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you for letting me have the chance to win this book. The story sounds great and the cover is wonderful.

Melissa said...

I've heard many good things about this book. Please count me in.
mbamster0720 at gmail dot com

Latter-day Saint Mom said...

Looks good. thanks for the giveaway.
cparkins14 AT teancum.net

Anonymous said...

Sara @baldridge_sara@yahoo.com would love to win your book.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win!
schlarmette[at]gmail[dot]com

Carol said...

Sign me up for the giveaway!
Carol