Claire Knows Best by Tracey Bateman Published by: Warner Faith (2006) 320 pages Rating: 7/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Tracey Bateman: Leave it to Claire I Love Claire Thirsty

Tracey Bateman continues the easy going writing style that worked so well in Leave it to Claire as Claire Everett's mixed-up life continues. This time, rather than just make a list of things she wants changed in her life, Claire starts having sessions with a "life coach."

Being Claire, she's got lots of stuff on her mind, too. From the tree that falls on her house to her boyfriend's shocking announcement, Claire's life seems to be spinning out of control again. An atheist neighbor is insinuating himself into her family's life, her daughter is breaking all sorts of rules, and her writing career seems to be going nowhere fast. And the pregnant wife of her ex-husband still wants to be her best friend. You thought you had issues?

Once again, Tracey Bateman has managed to write an enjoyable entry into the "mom lit" category that's enjoyable for more than just moms. I'll admit to being worried as the story began that it was heading into a stereotypical "quirky" situation, but it straightened out and headed into Claire's unique quirkiness instead (which was much better).

It's good to see Ari, Claire's daughter get some development. Two of the kids are now pretty well known, but the other two are still in need of more exposure. Good thing there's at least one more book to come in this series.

The breezy writing style is just as readable as in the first book, and the characters that have carried over remain just as entertaining. The new additions to the cast are mostly fascinating (with one possible exception). There's really not much else to say. Recommended.