I really liked this book in the beginning, but by the end just did not care. I can't put my finger on what happened, though, and maybe I'm just over-saturated with chick-lit.

As a true single mom (meaning I raised my son w/o child support or contact with my son's father), I found myself relating to more than I thought I would reading this book. Laughed out loud when she took the spill on the bike. I can see this being made into a light comedy tv movie.

When Jill Murray’s husband left her to raise their daughter, Anastasia, all by herself seven years ago, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to make it on her own. Since her parents were no longer living, she turned to her in-laws, but they were no help. Left with no other options, Jill picked herself up, dusted herself off, and moved forward. Things haven’t always been easy, but in the last seven years, she has managed to make a life for herself and Anastasia.

Since her focus has been on her daughter, Jill hasn’t had much time for a personal life, but has finally met a man with some potential. At around the same time, her husband decides that he wants to come back into Jill’s and Anastasia’s lives. Of course, Anastasia’s thrilled at the prospect, but Jill’s not so sure. Jill has to find a way to strike some balance in her life.

Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook is a delightful book! Even though I have very little in common with Jill, I could totally relate to her, and I think a lot of other women will be able to as well. She was fiercely protective of her daughter and didn’t want her to be hurt again. Jill often sacrificed her own wants and needs in order to do what she thought was best for her daughter, yet she struggled with self doubt.

Jill has two girlfriends – her boss and mentor, Joni, and her next door neighbor, Cynthia – who play large roles in her life and are very supportive of her. I loved reading about their friendships, because they were so true to life. Even though Cynthia could drive Jill crazy, some small part of Jill still wanted to be like her. I loved that Joni and Cynthia were there for Jill when she needed them and the two of them were instrumental in her finding her own strength and discovering how she wanted to live her life.

Don’t let that cute cover fool you into thinking this is a fluffy book – Seven Year Switch is an uplifting story of love, determination and finding your inner strength, and I do recommend it!

Really enjoyed this book. It was such an easy read with a realistic story which I felt at times I could easily identify with.

Another great read by Claire Cook. Not so much romance that there isn't substance, but enough to satisfy. Great story about a woman abandoned by her husband after seven years, finding love at the exact moment he shows back up and one great trip to Costa Rica. When's my flight?!

I just like the easy feel of Claire Cook's books. Sweet stories that flow easy, not too deep but give you things to think about.

The book was better than I hoped it would be. A short book for sure, but not fluffy.

Unlike many heroines, Jill is strong enough not to fall back into the arms of the man who abandoned her and their daughter seven years earlier.

Seth wasn't a well formed character, but it's almost like he's supposed to be that (after all, he was an unknown for 7 years).

I'll be reading more by this author.

This was a TBR Buddies recommended book.

quick and fun read. Her books always make me want to travel.

Honestly this book is not good. I finished it in two sittings, but not because it was good just because I wanted it to be over so I could move on to another book. This book was chaotic, and had little to no structure of a plot. If it wasn’t so short I would have DNF’d it. Honestly do not recommend not the worth the read.

If you’re looking for another fun summer read, you’ve come to the right place! Claire Cook has made two appearances on our blog this year as LibraryLove reviewed The Wildwater Walking Club last month. What surprises me most about this author is she wrote her first book in her minivan while waiting for her daughter’s swim practice to end. Now she is a bestselling author of books such as Life’s a Beach, Must Love Dogs, and Summer Blowout. Now that’s impressive! After reading my first Claire Cook novel, I can see how she’s charmed so many and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Written with a fresh wit that has that satisfying mix of sarcasm, Claire Cook writes an entertaining read. The main character, Jill, is well versed in her culture while she teaches a Lunch Around the World Class and works for a travel agency organizing Great Girlfriend Getaways (talk about fun!) for women looking to explore, get away, or discover a new place. The variety of locales and culture will scoop you off your feet and instantly put you in daydream mode.

At 237 pages (and very short chapters), it felt like there were too many story lines going on: Jill’s relationship with her boss and her boss’ decisions, the pesky neighbor, Jill’s single mom relationship with her ten year old, the Lunch Around the World class, the ex husband’s return, the travel agency job, and the new guy, Billy. Phew! Seems like a lot, right? And all of this is jammed into 237 pages.

That being said, I wish Cook would have elaborated more and explored more in depth to Jill and her emotions and connections to those around her (both from the past and in the present.) Without giving anything away, there were scenes that surprised me without having an understanding of why Jill did or had a desire to do some of the things she did. I guess I’ve just read a lot of novels this year (well, duh!), but a lot of novels that have made me (the reader) feel like I really know the characters. With Jill, it seemed to have a “going-through-the-motions” vibe throughout the whole book.

While still interesting and entertaining, I wish there were another 150 pages so I could hang out with Jill more without feeling rushed. Claire Cook has such a refreshing sense of humor that I know I’d enjoy another novel written by her. In the meantime, if you don’t know what to take to the beach or pool with you, grab Seven Year Switch and let yourself be whisked away to far away places, both near and far.