Sarah Hurlihy is trying to get herself back into the dating scene after her divorce but goes through a lot of starts and stops. There are a series of funny connections with losers based on her personal ad and a smaller group of potentials that is more serious. All the connections involve dogs, since her sister thinks that is the way to sort the wheat from the chaff. This aspect of the story is very chick-lit, Bridget Jonesy, although she seems to have a more level headed outlook than said Jones. This was a good look at decision making and getting one’s self esteem back.
One thing that set this tale apart is the connection with her big interfering family. At times it seems her house has a revolving door, everyone feels free to walk in at any time and to give her advice. But there are subplots dealing with a sister’s problems with her teenage daughter and a brother’s troubled marriage that saves the story from being one dimensional. These problems are handled seriously and supportively within a large close extended family.
The third aspect of the story, the most humorous, but also most contrived, is the Lothario aspect of Sarah’s widowed father. His dating and relationships are over the top, a mid-life crisis extending into his senior years. All in all this was a fun read. Apparently it was made into a movie, so I’ll have to look it up. ( )

Hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting the author and having her sign the book. She's an engaging speaker, and I adore her writing style. Enjoyed the book even more than the movie, picturing Diane Laine in all the humorous situations. Fun read with wonderful relationship insight. ( )

cute story ( )

Fun story and great characters. Claire Cook has written yet another wonderful book! ( )

This gets a whole star because I did finish it, even though that may be more a reflection upon my tenacity than of quality. The thing is, I did not expect much of this book. I got it used, cheap, and thought it would be an easy, surface, summer read. For the first 3 or 4 nights I kept thinking it would get better. It didn't. The past several nights were I'm-not-letting-this-thing-get-the-better-of-me. And the fact it took that many nights to read such a little book tells the rest of the story. I couldn't stay awake to finish the damn thing any sooner. ( )