Review: Wallflower in Bloom
As the third of four children, Dee has always felt invisible – she’s not the oldest or the youngest, the best or the brightest – she’s just there. Things aren’t any better now that she’s an adult, and working for her famous brother, Tag, just seems to make it worse. When Dancing with the Stars announces they’re going to let the public vote for a last minute replacement, Dee uses her brother’s social media accounts to get herself voted on the show. At first she panics but then she realizes it could be just what she needs in order to blossom,
So maybe it made sense to go for the biggest life you could handle, the one that had the highest highs to balance the lowest lows. Jump on. Buckle up. And when it was over, at least you’d be able to say, “Oh, well, that was fun.”
I thought Wallflower in Bloom, by Claire Cook, was simply delightful! It was fun and funny and even a little silly at times, but it was just what I needed when I read it.
Readers never really know Dee’s age, but I felt she was younger than I am – that didn’t mean I couldn’t relate to her feelings of self doubt. Sadly, I think most women can. I thought Cook got those feelings and the family dynamics just right. An inadvertent comment from Tag when they were kids hurt Dee deeply and she’s never learned to get past it. When she finally brings it up to him, he reminds her of similar things she’d said to him. It’s a simple thing, really, but it made me think.
Of course, I enjoyed the Dancing with the Stars aspect as well, since it’s one of the few shows I watch on television. I loved the determination and strength the competition gave Dee. Obviously, most of us would never have an opportunity like that, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do something else for ourselves.
Cook approaches Dee’s story with a sense of humor and and I chuckled fairly often as I read Wallflower in Bloom. It’s a quick, light read, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This sounds like a good summer read. Too bad summer is winding down…I’m going to miss it for sure.
I’ve got this one through She Reads. It is maybe number 2 or 3 in my lineup of books, but now I’m excited to read it.
I love her books and can’t wait to read this.
This sounds like such a fun summer read! I’m definitely going to be kindling it
Great post! I love the idea that she got herself on Dancing With the Stars – how cool! And, I think that sometimes the people we love make comments without realizing how much they can hurt us – even if the comment was made when we were younger. I totally get that and understand where Dee is coming from – which is why I am excited to read this book! So glad you reviewed this one!
This sounds great. Light. I’m glad to know this gorgeous cover has a great story.
Sounds nice. Sometimes we need a light read to break from the more heavy stuff. Great Review!
Beth ^_^
http://sweetbooksnstuff.blogspot.com/
It’s weird but I always get obsessed with knowing characters’ exact ages, and when the author doesn’t say it always disconcerts me!
Such a timely review for me – I just got this one in audio and now I’m really looking forward to reading it!
“Simply delightful” is often just what you need.
aw this sounds like a really cute read!
I think I would probably relate to this book as well, and the thought of someone getting thee chance to be on Dancing with the Stars really has me interested. I liked hearing what you had to say about this one, and should probably look for it. It sounds as if it’s emotional and entertaining all at once! Great review today!
I have been waiting for a review of this book to see if it should go on my tbr list, and now I know I can. Thank you for sharing.
It sounds as if this book “hit the spot”. Terrific review, Kathy! I may
pick this one up as well.
I loved it, too, Kathy…isn’t it a good feeling to relate to the characters? Even when their experiences are different from ours? You summed it up nicely…and I chuckled, too, as I read it.
I love Claire Cooks writing and can not believe I have not got to this one yet.
I read Cook’s “Seven Year Switch” a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Sounds like I’d like this one as well.
Sounds like a fun read. I can’t believe I haven’t read any of her books yet.
This sounds cute, especially the Dancing With the Stars aspect of it.
What fun! I think I might have to add this to my Good reads list. I haven’t watched DWTS the past few years but I love the idea and catching it occasionally.
I am so happy to hear this…I loved her last book!
This was cute and I had a feeling that the Dancing with the Stars angle would appeal to you.
Hi! Remember me? Well, I’m making a comeback to the world of blogging and reading. I felt it only appropriate to make sure to stop by your blog as one of my first stops because you were always one of my most faithful readers and I certainly haven’t forgotten about you!
This sounds like a fun read, one I will definitely be adding to my list for a good time. I remember seeing Claire Cook’s books on several blogs before I left. People always seemed to enjoy the uplifting and slightly silly nature of her books. I know there are definitely many times when those are the kinds of books I need to pick up.
I watched DWTS for a few seasons but I could see it being just as interesting with “real” folks — after all, many of these “celebrities” are people I’ve never heard of.
Delightful….count me in. I like the whole idea of the story and seeing what happens when she’s finally on the show!!
I can’t believe I haven’t read Claire Cooke’s work yet. I am so behind!
Another author to add to my to-read list!
Sounds like a fun read and a main character that I can root for!