In this treasure trove of humor, information, wisdom, and fascinating, poignant memories, author Claire Cook once again presents us with convincing evidence of the reasons she remains a delight for her vast audience of female readers. “Bonus Time: Still Got It,” this second entry in her “Bonus Time” series, once again describes in vivid detail the lives, adventures, and even thought processes of the series’ three protagonists: Glenda, who doubles as the first person narrator, Jan, and Harmony, the three forever friends who have moved to beautiful St. Simons Island, Georgia, both to escape from the many issues that have characterized and sometimes plagued their lives in Massachusetts and to reinvent themselves in a brand new setting.
These three wonderful characters are determined to maintain their individual personalities while working together to assume the roles of the 2025 Three Female Musketeers, fighting for justice, righteousness, and sometimes — when it’s legitimately called for — revenge. They are often, in those vengeful times, pleasantly evil. Though never violent, they’re quite merciless in their reactions to those who abuse their positions of power as well as those who have personally wronged the three women. And when the combined silliness and cruelty of those of the male persuasion assert themselves, the three women take charge.
Yet that mission does not erase the rough memories and even present-day events that are truly awful for each of them: Glenda was victimized by a teen-aged rapist, which resulted in a pregnancy which, in turn, caused her parents never to speak to her again. And she has been married four times to three different men. Harmony, who is waiting for her husband to move down to the island with her, also has to face and deal with the decision of her adult daughter to separate herself completely from her parents. And Jan speaks bitterly of her children, who have never demonstrated an ounce of respect for her even though she was a loving and understanding mom.
Many of the men on the island work at the FLETC, a training center for law enforcement officers. Glenda and her friends work there as role players. One of the trainers, a handsome man with an engaging smile, has been pursuing Glenda. She’s taking things slow because after three husbands and four marriages, she isn’t jumping into anything quickly. Then mysterious things start happening to her home. Her porch lights disappear, a bag of dog poop is left on her front step. When she learns the reason for the unpleasantness, the three friends decide it’s time to even things up. And when they plan revenge, it’s sweet. Bubble gum sweet. Cook’s dialog and narrative while describing those events are smart and witty as always.
Between walks on the beach in the early morning hours while ruminating on life and multitasking by cleaning garbage from the water, the women live the life that looks perfect. It actually mimics the life that Claire Cook herself lives as she shares on social media videos of her early morning walks on the beach while the sun rises. Life seems idyllic, but, of course, if it were, there would be nothing to write about. And we love reading about and spending time with these feisty, never-gonna-lose-it women.
Finally, I would be remiss were I not to mention several sections toward the end of the novel, wherein Glenda’s thoughts and comments on the beauties of nature and her appreciation of those things that do make life worth living, comprise truly poetic writing and philosophical validity.
Brava.
And the combination of all those elements of fine and fascinating writing and terrific character development, the humor and bonds of friendship, the determination of these women to live their best lives, all make “Bonus Time: Sill Got It” a novel not to be missed. And while this book certainly stands on its own, why not read the first book in the series, “Bonus Time,” so you don’t miss out on even one page of fun.
Please note: This review is based on the advance readers copy provided by Claire Cook for review purposes.