I Love Claire

by Tracey Bateman

Book Overview

Lovable Claire Everett finally snagged a man, but how will she pay for the wedding when her writing career hits a snag of its own? She was busy enough as a novelist and mother of four, but after... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446696072
• ISBN13: 9780446696074
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Faithwords
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

I love Claire, too!

What can i say? I think we all... either KNOW Claire or feel like we ARE her!

Awesome book.

A great book with a great ending! This series has been phenomenal & I really enjoy all of Tracy's books!

Like a box of scrumptious chocolates to be savored one by one

Readers who can't get enough of Tracey Bateman's hilarious mom-lit will love this final installment in her Claire trilogy. I Love Claire continues the story of quirky romance writer Claire Everett, whose real-life drama inches her closer toward wedded bliss with fiancé Greg. Yet a few obstacles stand in the way of their path to the altar. First of all, there's a slight snafu with the Hawaiian honeymoon plans. Greg's new schedule as interim church pastor may prevent him from having time off to travel. Then Claire discovers the most gorgeous wedding gown ever created, which fits her like a glove, yet the price tag renders the dress way beyond her reach. To add to her sagging spirits, Claire's writing career is on the skids, and she's been dropped by her long-time agent. She passes her time watching Oprah, Dr. Phil, and other therapeutic TV shows. Enter Ollie, a 200-pound mastiff needing to be walked. Through a surprise encounter with elderly dog-owner Miss Lou, Claire devises a plan to earn her the extra cash she needs to snag the dress of her dreams. Then along comes Miss Lou's rich and charming single son, Jerry, who can't keep his eyes off Claire. Will he extinguish the passion Claire feels for her perfect Christian fiancé, Greg? Like Batemen's other novels, the humor and snappy dialogue make I Love Claire a page-turner. In addition to her financial woes and pre-wedding jitters, Claire's four kids keep her living on the edge. Through it all, God's constant presence reminds Claire that He's in control. Tracey Bateman's novels offer the perfect escape for readers, like a box of scrumptious chocolates to be savored one by one. The only problem with her books is that you laugh out loud so much, you have to keep answering the question, "What's so funny?" Leave it to Tracey; she's done it again. - Heather Ivester, Christian Book Previews

Author Clair is getting married

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (1/07) Claire Everett is divorced and a single mom to her four great kids; Tommy, Jake, Shawn and Ari. Claire is also a writer, trying desperately to break out of a mold and to find a new sponsor to represent her work. Life is looking brighter for Claire, as she is engaged to be married to Greg Lewis, a former teacher who now attends Bible School. Greg has an [..] daughter named Sadie who will be a member of the new combined family. The happy couple plans to wed the first of June followed by a two week honeymoon to Hawaii. With four kids, an upcoming wedding, and a writing career that has hit a lull, Claire finds herself short of funds and refusing to ask her fiancé or ex husband for financial help. Claire is determined to find a way to manage her finances until she goes shopping and finds the perfect wedding dress, but the price tag states an unbelievable $5,000. No other dress is acceptable, so Claire sets her sights on earning the needed dollars. As luck would have it, Claire finds that dog walking makes a nice income, even if the dog is a 200 pound mastiff named Ollie whose elderly owner has broken a hip and is confined to a wheelchair. The dog's owner, Miss Lou, quickly becomes a good friend to Claire, even if Miss Lou's son, Jerry, is someone to be reckoned with. Claire also walks the small but destructive Mitzy, until her owner abandons her pet, leaving Claire to find a home for Mitzy. Claire's fiancé, Greg, is offered the perfect pastoral job, but it is in a distant town. Unfortunately, taking the job will mean the couple's honeymoon plans will need to be postponed, for Greg's permanent job will begin the day after the planned wedding. Reluctantly, Claire tells Greg to accept the position he wants so badly. While Greg is away with the new job, a new suitor showers Claire with an unending supply of flowers, all meant to get her to change her mind about Greg. Claire finds herself confused and questioning her feelings. I found "I Love Claire" to be thoroughly enjoyable and with good Christian principles. I loved the character of Claire created by the author. Lighthearted, warm and funny, Claire is a gal with spunk. You will be enthralled with the things she says and the way she handles her problems with dogs, men, and her own kids. Without a doubt, I recommend this book to adult readers who want to laugh and enjoy a wholesome Christian-based romance. Moms with teens will relate to the issues Claire must deal with and the problems her kids find themselves in. Dog lovers will enjoy Claire's abilities with her walking companions.

3rd Book in Claire series a real winner!

I Love Claire by Tracey Bateman is the third book in her fabulous Claire series. Claire Everett is a Christian romance writer who's currently without a publishing house or an agent. What she does have is a fiance, four children, an ex-husband and his new family, a new suitor, and a desire for a $5000 wedding dress. The desire for the dress leads her to new jobs as a dog walker and nursing home housekeeper. I relate so strongly to Claire in many ways. She's a real woman who doesn't always clean her house and isn't the greatest cook. She loves her children, but sometimes she stumbles over how to care for them best. She's most comfortable in her Spongebob pj pants and leopard fuzzy slippers. Most of all, Claire is trying to live her life the way God wants to and is struggling to give Him control every day. This is a woman we can all relate to! Bateman's writing of Claire is superlative, and she creates difficult situations for her that are realistic. Her oldest son is smoking pot, and her oldest daughter is graduating from high school and in a possibly too serious relationship with a young man. Bateman isn't afraid to share the nitty-gritty details of real life in a way that makes the reader laugh and learn at the same time. The series ends on a high note with most plots tied up, but with others left dangling, just like real life. Claire Everett really is every woman, God bless her!