Book Review: A Fresh Start at the Wagging Tails Dogs' Home

By Sara Steven

There’s no place like home… Although dog trainer Sally is relatively new to Wagging Tails, the team she works with have quickly become her family and the dogs her friends.

But when Andy, the one that got away, turns up for a brief respite from the city, she is at a crossroads. As tempting as a life with him is, she loves her home of West Par, and anyway, she has responsibilities here.

Number one on that list is ensuring the dogs' home stays in business. A developer has been sniffing around wanting to buy the land, and the team is worried.

Sally will do anything to save her home and her friends’ livelihoods but the lure of reuniting with her lost love is strong. Is there a way for her to have both? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

The Wagging Tails book series can be summed up in one word: cozy. It’s why I’ve read every single book. And this go around, we get to see the world from Sally’s perspective. Sally used to live a more mainstream lifestyle, with a background in legalities, but there was something magical about West Par and Wagging Tails. The opportunity to work with dogs and to open up her own business as a dog trainer feels like a dream come true–so much so, that the life she used to live can get to feeling like it is a distant memory lived by someone else. Until she runs into her ex-boyfriend, Andy.

Her former world and her current one collides in an instant, bringing back a lot of past pain and heaps of regret. There is a reason she considers him as the one who got away. It was sweet to see how the two characters cautiously work towards trying to bridge the gap in their relationship, but at the same time, Andy’s behaviors are odd and at times, off putting. When they are spending time together, he receives phone calls that cut their time short. It always feels like there’s something more he wants to tell Sally, but he never seems to get it out–only to assure her that things are fine, even though she knows it can’t be true. 

Has he truly forgiven her for the past? It weighs heavily on Sally. Not to mention the recent drama with a developer who stops at nothing to try to convince the owner of Wagging Tails to sell. As the chapters unfold, the future of Wagging Tails becomes a real concern. Sally and the crew will do everything they can to ensure the safety and security of their beloved dogs’ home–I really loved the surprise birthday party they threw for one of their own, and the callback to some of the familiar dogs I remember from other books in this series. It was a really nice touch, and helped to show just how important it is to save this home! 

There were many different factors and themes at play within A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home. The need for security and trust–no matter the type of relationship you’re in. Solidifying what truly makes YOU happy, even if it might not make sense or meet the approval of others. And doing all you can for those you love and cherish, whether those you loved come in human or canine form. This was a great addition to the Wagging Tails book series–a definite five-star read!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

See Sara's reviews for the other books in this series:
The Wagging Tails Dogs' Home
Chasing Dreams at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Barnes & Noble * Apple

Sarah Hope has been dreaming up stories ever since she was a child. She remembers many a family stroll when she’d daydream up her next story adventure.

As an adult, she prefers to write romance novels and novellas with a Happy Ever After ending. She has two main romance series, the Escape To... series that focuses on single mums taking a chance and fulfilling their career dreams as well as finding love, and The Cornish Bakery series, that follows a busy bakery in a beautiful fictional bay in Cornwall.

Sarah lives in Central England with her two children and an array of pets and enjoys escaping to the seaside at any opportunity.

She has also written some women’s fiction books.

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Book Review: Christmas at Corgi Cove

By Sara Steven

Rosie Reynolds had come to lakeside Corgi Cove as a lost, lonely girl abandoned by her own mother, but there she discovered a true place to call home. She loves her Corgis, Bonnie and Clyde; loves the lakeside life; and loves her aunt and uncle most of all. But when she discovers their struggling inn is about to be bought out by some big city chain, she hatches a to win a contest naming theirs the best Christmas-themed inn in the USA. It's a long shot, but she knows if the whole town pulls together that they can do it. 

But she didn’t count on Everett St Claire, who emerged from his gleaming, black BMW, straightening his tie and asking himself how did a big-city guy like him find himself in a speck on the map like Corgi Cove? And how fast could he get back to the city? After all, it couldn’t be that difficult to convince one elderly couple to take the money to retire. 

He didn’t count on getting sucked into life on the lake. Sure, the people might be…eccentric, and Rosie might seem like a pain in the backside, but there is something alluring about the place. And with the holidays nearing, and the deadline looming, Rosie and Everett are about to discover the magic of a Christmas at Corgi Cove. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

First off, who doesn’t love Corgis? Knowing the book had adorable Corgis in the mix had been a contributing factor to my wanting to read Christmas at Corgi Cove, but I ended up getting so much more than I could have even imagined. I loved the small-town atmosphere of Corgi Cove, along with the bed and breakfast that Rosie helps operate with her aunt and uncle. It just felt like the kind of place I’d love to check out and visit, but unfortunately for Rosie and her family, that hasn’t been the case for them at all. There is a much larger hotel that opened up in the area a few years back, taking in a lot of traffic, preventing any from finding their way to Corgi Cove.

Everett is set out to try to get Rosie’s aunt and uncle to sign the dotted line, in order to sell off the bed and breakfast. In some ways, it was reminiscent of some of the premise behind the movie, The Goonies- where, some big city slickers want to come in and pick up what land they can, in order to develop something entirely different. Rosie doesn’t want to see that happen to the bed and breakfast, which is why she enters the B&B into a contest, hoping against hope that they might win. It would mean much-needed money to save and salvage the B&B. 

Initially, for Everett, it’s just a job. If he doesn’t do his job, he will most likely lose the job. But, at the same time, he’s beginning to see the magic that is Corgi Cove. He fights against those feelings, despite the ones that are growing for Rosie. Rosie feels the same way for Everett, but knows he is the enemy who wants to see the B&B to the end of its demise. 

I enjoyed the way the story is written out by the author. It flowed really well with its backdrop and dialogue and it made me feel like I was right there at Corgi Cove. The constant push and pull between Rosie and Everett was a lot of fun, too, because I really had no clue what would happen in the end–if he’d fly back to the big city, or if he’d completely fall under the spell of small-town life. I know for me, I was totally under its spell, from start to finish. Bonnie and Clyde, the two star Corgis, were such a handful, adding to the great characterizations that are in this story. 

Can Rosie save her family’s legacy, with Everett by her side? That’s the primary question throughout this read–enough to even make me a little teary-eyed towards the end. It was the perfect, five-star holiday experience!

Thanks to HarperCollins for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: Chasing Dreams at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home

 

By Sara Steven

After a difficult break-up, Poppy is keen to put the past behind her and what’s better than some relaxing time with her aunt in the picturesque Cornish village of West Par. Life at her aunt Flora’s Dogs’ Home is anything but relaxing. When a poor little pup is stranded at the gates, Poppy takes them for a check up at the local vet, hoping against hope they'll be fine. And there she meets the vet who is so charming and experienced with the dogs, but selfish and – dare she say it – money-grabbing with his clients. But underneath that cold exterior, she's sure there's more to the story. If only she could convince him to open up. Because without him, the future of Wagging Tails isn't so assured… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

I love the Wagging Tails series! Having read the first book, The Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home (reviewed here), I was excited to learn more about another character who is connected to this rescue. Poppy is Flora’s niece and can recall good times spent with her aunt, moments and memories that really helped to give Poppy a solid foundation in life when she felt she needed it the most. It’s what propels her to return to the Dogs’ Home, in order to in some ways, find herself again. I thought it was interesting that we learn more about the close relationship she shares with her aunt, a motherly figure who has always provided and taken care of her, yet now, it’s Poppy who comes to her aunt’s rescue, a change in familial responsibility. 

Along the way Poppy familiarizes herself with the other members of the Dogs’ Home, many of which she remembers as fixtures of her childhood. I thought that was a nice touch, aiding in Poppy’s need to find a place to grow roots. The Dogs' Home has always had arrangements with local vet clinics in order to provide for the animals, by way of reduced medical treatments and medicine. Yet the head vet at one clinic in particular has moved on, with the new vet (Mack) refusing to budge on offering any additional assistance or price breaks for the Dogs' Home. I could completely relate with how frustrated Poppy feels towards Mack. The reasons behind Mack’s choices are easily explained, but I sided with Poppy on this one.

When Flora finds herself in dire straits, it only adds to the tension between Poppy and Mack. Despite how wonderful he could potentially seem beneath the surface, it’s hard to overlook the steps that have led to Flora’s predicament. Poppy is often torn between pummeling Mack, and kissing him, an interesting juxtaposition. The budding romance between the two of them was simplistically sweet and adorable, and it was fun to see where it might lead, all things considered. I enjoyed the romantic angle, but the one I was more drawn to was the tight bond between Poppy and Flora. The role reversal between the two of them, with Flora needing to learn to accept help, and Poppy stepping in and doing what she feels she needs to do for her loved one, was pure magic. 

I liked this book just as much as I enjoyed the first one–I’m a huge animal lover, and this really hit the spot with fulfilling my need to see sweet animals loved and provided for, while also getting a taste of romance as well as familial bonds. It was a worthy five-star addition!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Barnes & Noble * Apple

Sarah Hope is the author of many successful romance novels, including the bestselling Cornish Bakery series.

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Book Review: Unleashed Holiday

By Sara Steven

Chelsea Higgins is doing just fine. She’s heading into the holidays at the helm of a thriving dog training business, and she’s got a mellow senior dog at home to keep her warm at the end of the day. What more could she need? Enter certified gym bro Andrew Chelsea’s former nemesis, and now the newest neighbor in her business complex, who also wants to expand into the vacant space Chelsea’s been eyeing for months. Who cares if it’s the season of joy? Let the turf war begin.

When an unfortunate (and literal) run-in with Andrew’s lawless dog leaves Chelsea with a bum wrist, the two strike a deal that Andrew will help Chelsea rehab the injury if she’ll work with him to train his adorably uncivilized boxer.

Their typical bickering soon turns to bantering, and Chelsea finds herself inexplicably drawn to the man she thought she had nothing in common with. As she gets to know Andrew and his parents, she realizes she needs to refocus on her own family, especially with a milestone Christmas speeding toward them. But Chelsea can't help wondering if she and Andrew are training for keeps, or if this unexpected Christmas gift is just too good to be true. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Given the title of this book and the adorable cover, you’d assume it’s merely a feel-good holiday read. And, not that Unleashed Holiday isn’t a feel-good experience. It really is. But what a potential reader doesn’t see is the depth and the serious hotness and chemistry that is evident between Chelsea and Andrew. 

Sparks fly between the two characters! The old adage, “opposites attract” really is showcased here. Chelsea is a bit of a neat freak, with expectations that others around her will follow suit. Andrew doesn’t abide by the list of rules that Chelsea has set in place for him. She is more rigid, where Andrew is more “go with the flow,” and over time, they influence one another and round one another out. Some of the obstacles they are dealing with are past influences and experiences, as well as a recent loss that Chelsea is still healing from. Andrew doesn’t receive full support from his family in regards to his entrepreneurship, so it can bleed into how he feels about himself and his career. I loved that the coming together of this couple wasn’t flowery or perfect. There are some true to life issues that they both need to work through.

As with the other books by this author, the reader can appreciate the addition of some special animal characters that really makes the plotline pop! Chelsea is realistic with her thoughts on Edith, a recent rescue that she’s taken in, and she works hard to train both Andrew and his dog, Dude–a nice touch and a great way to bond Chelsea and Andrew together even more. I loved the mischievous little goats that Chelsea is trying to domesticate, too. It was a perfect balance of showcasing a budding romance, while also highlighting Chelsea's career and background.  

This is the third book I’ve read by Victoria Schade, and it won’t be my last! Unleashed Holiday is a definite five-star read!

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review. 

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Stefanie London is top dog...plus a book giveaway

We're thrilled to welcome Stefanie London back to CLC today to talk about dogs in honor of the upcoming release of Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen next week. This is the third book in her Paws in the City series and can be read as a standalone. (There may be spoilers for the previous books though.) Melissa enjoyed the previous two books and you can see her reviews here:

The Dachshund Wears Prada

Pets of Park Avenue

Thanks to Harlequin, we have TWO copies of Confessions to give away!

Stefanie London is a multi-award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies. Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.

Visit Stefanie online:
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Synopsis:

Can you ever really forget the one who got away?

August Merriweather has always been good with animals. In fact, she’s known as Manhattan’s Dog Whisperer. Men, on the other hand? Not so much. She’s been falling for the wrong guys ever since her regrettable crush on Keaton Sax, older brother of her best friend, Leah, and the biggest jerkface this side of the Hudson. 

Now an emotionally closed off widower, Keaton has become one of the most formidable men on Wall Street, but August knows his secret. He’s not driven by sales targets and bonus checks—Keaton just wants to give his family the security they never had. So when Leah asks Keaton to wrangle her over-the-top, dramatic husky at a weekend talent competition, Keaton says yes…and begs August to help him win the event for Leah.

Between obstacle courses, Molly’s husky temper tantrums and a cabin with just one bed, August is having a blast. Away from the pressure to have a “perfect life” with the “right guy,” she finds herself relaxing and getting to see the softer side of the man she once loved. Is this just a temporary truce? Or could Keaton finally be the right guy at the right time? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

Please share a favorite memory involving a dog.
There are so many! One that sticks out is when I was a young girl my grandmother had this beautiful dog named Lady. She was a retriever collie mix but was pure white everywhere except for a small tan patch on her back. She even had pure white eyelashes. Everywhere we walked her, people would stop us to comment on how stunning she was. Lady used to sleep outside my play pen when I was a baby and as I grew up she would follow me around the house and sit on my feet when I had my lunch and dinner so nobody could get between me and her. She had the sweetest personality and I miss her dearly.

What is the cutest thing you've ever seen a dog do?
My parents have two Chihuahuas named Zorro and Cici, and they’re a barrel of laughs. Zorro is teeny tiny but he loves stuffed toys. His favourite is a stuffed pizza slice that’s bigger than his head, but he happily trots around the house carrying it in his mouth and proudly presenting it to anyone he sees.

Who was your favorite dog to write about from this series?
That’s like asking me to pick a favourite child! I can’t do it and I love them all for different reasons. Camilla had the best internal thoughts and I had so much fun crafting her “voice.” Starr had the sweetest relationship with her owner and I loved writing the scenes with her and the characters bonding. Molly has the best attitude (well, worst depending on who you ask) and writing her body language and facial expressions was so much fun!

Who is your favorite celebrity dog?
I’m not sure if this counts but… Scooby Doo! I grew up watching the cartoon show from a very young age and I loved the idea of this big goofy dog who was afraid of everything. It also fostered my love of the mystery genre.

What is your favorite movie involving a dog?
Most of the ones that spring to mind are childhood favorites, but I did watch The Secret Life of Dogs when I was home last year with my family and it was really funny and sweet. I still love a good cartoon!

What is your favorite book, aside from your own, about dogs?
Absolutely and without a doubt, anything by Teri Wilson! I adored A Spot of Trouble which is a romcom take on 101 Dalmatians. It’s super funny and heartfelt, with loads of doggy hijinks. Unleashing Mr. Darcy is also fantastic and has been made into a Hallmark movie. Highly recommend her books.

Thanks to Stefanie for visiting with us and to Harlequin for sharing her book with our readers!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends August 1st at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Wagging Tails Dogs' Home

By Sara Steven

The annual dog show is looming, a crucial event when it comes to fundraising and ensuring the volunteers can continue the brilliant work they do.

But their trusted newspaper reporter, who always includes them in his weekly column, is retiring, only to be replaced with a city-slicker named Darryl. And Darryl, as Ginny soon learns, has no interest in articles he deems 'below him'.

Not one to take no as an answer, Ginny becomes determined to get him to meet the dogs themselves. One look at their cute faces and they'll worm their way into his heart.

But what Ginny doesn't anticipate is that Darryl might be more open-hearted than he seems. And inviting him to the dogs' home might be the best decision she ever made – even if she doesn't realise it at first! (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

I loved this dogs’ home! I used to have aspirations of running my own no kill animal shelter decades ago, and it felt like I could live vicariously through the various characters who play a major part in doing all they can to save dogs who might otherwise not have a home, or a chance at a good life. We discover that Ginny has a rocky road that led her to the dogs’ home, soon becoming her salvation in working on finding her own way to a good life–former past relationships aside. Which is why it’s so hard to trust Darryl, a man who seems insistent on ruining the reputation of her employer, potentially leading to a difficult time in adopting out their dogs.

At first, I didn’t blame Ginny for feeling that way. One minute, Darryl is completely against writing a column to highlight the dogs’ home. He’s rude and arrogant. But then, he seemingly has a change of heart. A complete one-eighty. I’m so glad Sarah Hope, the author, included that observation from Ginny’s perspective, because it really helped to explain just how confusing Darryl’s behavior could be. Later, the reader learns what is really going on and why Darryl is acting the way he is, but it’s still hard for Ginny to let go of past hurts that really stem from before Darryl. 

One of Ginny’s coworkers points out how at times, we need to forgive and give people the benefit of the doubt, and when Ginny begins to do that, not only is she learning more about Darryl, she’s learning more about herself, too. There were so many sweet moments between the two characters, also including the adorable dogs, too–like Luna! I love Luna’s quirks and tendencies that really made her such a great canine character. When Sarah Hope describes the way that Luna likes to flop down and not move until she receives attention, I could easily visually see that in my mind. It’s a really nice, unique touch.

There are some definite obstacles in the way of romance here–Ginny’s past, Darryl’s too–that create a few walls and barriers between them. I enjoyed getting to learn more about them and discover the ways they work on trying to get around their obstacles, while also learning the ins and outs of what it takes to run a successful shelter. I enjoyed The Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home immensely. A definite five-star read!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Sarah Hope has been dreaming up stories ever since she was a child. She remembers many a family stroll along the beach when she’d daydream about her next adventure story, and dreamt of one day becoming an author. Sarah writes romance novels with a Happy Ever After endings, and her latest series, Wagging Tails Dogs' Home, was published by Boldwood in 2023. Sarah lives in Central England with her two children, her dog, Lacey and a bunny named Ruby.

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Pets of Park Avenue

We're excited to feature Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London today. The second novel in the Paws in the City series released this week and it sounds just as much fun as The Dachshund Wears Prada. While it can be read as a standalone, there may be spoilers for Dachshund. Thanks to Harlequin, we have TWO copies to give away!

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at the pet talent agency where she works she’s desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake… like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

Stefanie London is a multi-award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies. Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.

Visit Stefanie online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 13th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Dog Friendly

By Sara Steven

A burned-out veterinarian takes a much-needed beach vacation, where a charming surfer makes waves in her love life, and a unique foster pup renews her passion for her work.

Exhausted veterinarian Morgan Pearce is feeling overworked and under-thanked, so when two favorite clients ask her to watch their special needs senior dog in their Nantucket home, she jumps at the chance for a summer break. She hopes her time on the island will be a reset from the stress of her everyday life, but her chill vacation vibe takes a hit when she gets roped into fostering a challenging, anxious dog and helping plan the local rescue group's glittery annual fundraiser.

Her trip starts to feel more like a vacation when Morgan begins falling for Nathan Keating, an irresistible entrepreneur who thinks every problem can be solved on a surfboard. Just as the summer is shaping up to be the magical refresh she needs, thanks to a fling that feels like the beginning of something real and Hudson, the foster dog who reminds her how much she loves her job, a visit from her estranged brother and the discovery of who Nathan really is changes everything. Morgan finds herself at a crossroads, trying to determine if mistakes from the past must define the future, or if she should forgive, forget, and grab hold of a chance to finally rescue herself. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Much like the last book I read by Schade (Lost, Found and Forever, reviewed here), it doesn’t pay to judge a book by its adorable cover. Foster dog Hudson is a great addition and plays a prominent role, but the major focus is on Morgan and highlighting on the highs and lows that can come from being a veterinarian. I had no idea of the stress or how under-thanked people in that profession can feel. It was eye-opening. It made sense that Morgan feels the need to take a break by going to Nantucket, but it’s also apparent that no matter where she goes, the stressors of her life follow her, and she has to find a way to work through that. 

It was interesting how her own feelings of anxiety are mirrored within Hudson, and vice versa. The relationship between the two was nothing short of beautiful, a means in not only healing him, but in working towards healing herself, too. Nathan happens by chance, and I liked that his peaceful, relaxed nature calms Morgan, bringing her out of her shell and helping her to find herself again. So much of life for Morgan seems to be a sense of obligation–it’s hard to find joy in your profession when the people you work for don’t appreciate you. I could tell that she still feels so much passion for animals, but not for the bureaucracy that comes with it. 

I was completely blindsided by Nathan. The synopsis indicates that Morgan finds out who Nathan really is, and when that happened, I was blown away! I guess I didn’t connect those dots fast enough, but I completely understood where both characters stand and the fallout that comes from it. I kept hoping that it could be something that Morgan could “get over,” but it’s not easy to get over such traumatic hurts. 

Dog Friendly is a cute read about adorable dogs–hence the title, I imagine. But it really is so much more than that. There was deep romance and friendship, familial ties, and strong emotional experiences that delved into some really tough subjects I didn’t expect, but it made the story that much richer and expansive. It was a definite five-star read!

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Sara and Melissa Talk About...Pets

We've been running a column series (for over two years now!) to get more personal with our readers. This month, we're talking about pets. Pets are featured prominently in chick lit novels. Cannie Shapiro's dog from Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner definitely stands out in that category. And most recently, there's the pampered pooch in The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London. We've read many, many, many books that feature pets (dogs, cats, birds, turtles, etc.) in some way or another!

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Melissa Amster:

It's been a very rough and hectic week due to a death in the family (on my husband's side), so I am sharing and modifying part of an old post I wrote at my personal blog.

I want to briefly share my family's pet “history” from when I was growing up.

When I was a baby, my parents had a West Highland Terrier named Fluffy. She was very sweet and easygoing. She died when I was seven, on Christmas (not that I even celebrate it). My parents then tried to fill the void with other dogs, but their stays with us were short-lived for various reasons. 

After that, we got our first cat, T.J. (the name she came with at the shelter). I didn’t know what to make of her at first, but she was really sweet. She managed to gain a lot of weight and our visitor from England called her “massive.” Another friend called her a “Mama Pillow Kitty.” The following year after we got T.J., we saw a kitten that looked similar to her at the same shelter. We decided to adopt her too and named her Cassie (because of “A Chorus Line.”) She was very cute and sweet, but a nervous wreck. This was brought to light when we got a beagle named Buddy (the summer I turned twelve). Buddy was rather quirky, but we managed to keep him around for a long time. Despite the fact that he drove my mom up the wall, he was my faithful friend. I took him on walks all the time and loved playing with him. He did things to embarrass me in front of my friends, but that’s okay. It made for interesting conversations later. :) 

T.J. hanging out by the front door

Cassie by her favorite hiding spot

Anyway, Cassie would hide under my bed and Buddy knew she didn’t like him. He’d come in my room and howl at the bed. I think he needed a new distraction. In the spring of my freshman year of high school, we got Velvet, a black kitten. She was nice and extremely vocal at times. We had these four pets until I graduated high school. Then we got another cat (just because we were browsing at a shelter and he liked my dad) and named him Kitty (so original…not my idea). My grandpa thought we had too many pets at the time so we pretended that he was really Cassie. We couldn’t trick him though. Kitty was a match for Buddy. This little cat could intimidate him from eating his own food or keep him away from my parents’ room, just by blocking the entrance and hissing at him. In 1997, T.J. died from feline diabetes. The following fall, Cassie met T.J.’s same fate. Velvet died from a brain tumor in 2002 and Kitty died from diabetes at some point later on. (I think it was well after we had moved out east.)

My all-time favorite picture of Buddy

Kitty and Velvet getting some fresh air

In the meantime, I moved into a condo in 2000 and got two cats a week later. I had some allergy problems with Dixie (a tabby), which I ignored until my husband also developed allergic reactions to her. We found her a new home with some friends though. Winnie stuck around the summer of 2009, due to our older son’s allergies (which weren’t tested until spring of that year). We also found her a new home and I found out earlier this year that she passed away about six years ago. I'm glad to know that she had a loving home between ours and the time she passed away. We currently do not have any pets and I do miss having them in my life. Especially after seeing my parents and sister with their dogs.

Winnie (sometime around 2005?)

While it would be fun to get a dog again someday (I’d love another beagle), I don’t know if they’ll bother people (including our children) with allergies. We’ll enjoy everyone else's dogs in the meantime...

Sara Steven:

We always seem to have a zoo at my house. I’m not sure why or how. We’ll start out with the customary dog and cat. Then we’ll add red-clawed crabs and a snake. Mice. Guinea pigs. Random insects my children have found outside that they attempt to keep as pets. And always fish. 

I’m sure a big reason for our large animal roster is due to my own love for animals. I was raised to love and appreciate all pets; furry, scaly, slimy, or otherwise. That viewpoint has extended out to my children and my ever patient husband who continually tells me, “no more pets,” but we seem to end up with them anyway. I think he secretly enjoys them just as much as the rest of us do!

Here is our family pet roster:

Chance: This little boy, or big boy nowadays–he’s twenty pounds–was found abandoned on a farm out in Nebraska. A good friend of mine had asked that I keep an eye on him for her while she was out running errands, and when she showed up carrying a small shoe box with a tiny kitten inside of it, I was a goner. I knew he would be my cat. The eight years since have been a bit of a rollercoaster with Chance. He was diagnosed with FIV in his younger years, which means he has a compromised immune system and we have to be a bit more careful with him. Despite that, he’s been healthy and ornery, nicknamed “el gato diablo” by those who know him best. Thankfully he’s mellowed out a lot in his older years. 

Mojo: We found Mojo at a PetSmart adoption event. A local animal shelter had set up shop indoors, with cages housing dogs of various sizes and shapes, and Mojo was the only one who didn’t appear to be antsy or like he wanted to put on a show for anyone. Sure, we could have adopted the adorable little chihuahua who pranced and danced about on its tiny little paws, but I felt drawn to Mojo and his super calm and chill attitude. We weren’t entirely sure yet, though, so when we left PetSmart I said, “If he’s still around next weekend, we’re going to adopt him.” And sure enough, he was. He was four when we brought him home, and despite some comments from well-meaning friends who warned me that a shelter dog could spell trouble for our family and more importantly, the safety of our children, Mojo proved the naysayers wrong. He’s sweet and kind and has been the perfect addition. 

Peter: Peter Skinkledge is my oldest son’s blue-tongued skink. He was another pet store find, a rarity, all things considered. It’s not often you see blue-tongued skinks at pet stores. Despite his scaly reptilian appearance, he’s a very sweet creature who literally cuddles on my son! I enjoy talking to him and holding him, particularly when he burrows inside of the hood of my sweatshirt. 

Last but not least, are Lemon and Mist: My younger son developed a strong interest in birds, and wanted to adopt two. He even went so far as to create a slideshow presentation so we could see just how serious he was about the birds! They’ve been a lot of fun to have around and a great way for my eleven year-old to learn to take care of something other than himself. The birds enjoy chirping (a lot) and flying around when we open up the doors of the bird cage. Lemon is a lot more laid back, while Mist thinks she’s the one in charge. 

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them. If not, do you want a pet?

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Book Review: The Year of the Horses

By Cindy Roesel

I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs lately. In fact, I began a memoir workshop in January. I enjoy Courtney Maum’s fiction, and was excited to read she wrote a memoir, The Year of the Horses (Tin House). It takes grace and courage to put your real life on the page and Courtney doesn’t hold back.

Courtney grew up privileged, she lived in a wealthy neighborhood and she rode horses. Then her brother was diagnosed with a rare heart condition and her magical childhood ended; no more horses and eventually her parents split up. As a child she had passion, friends, sports and as she got older, creative writing became an important part of her life. She soon got published, but there was something missing.

She got married, had a child, but therapy and medication didn’t help her with her depression. She refused to believed she was depressed because she was secure financially, had a husband and child, as well as successes. Thirty years after leaving the barn, she found herself riding horses and getting well. 

Riding is an activity compromised mostly of girls and strong women. Many books have been written trying to unlock the bond between women and horses. Courtney soon found herself playing polo, with husband and daughter cheering her on.

“A safe place that just so happened to be one of the most dangerous sports in the world.”
--Courtney Maum

Courtney takes us on a journey of darkness and forgiveness, and we, as readers, learn to embrace our true selves. The Year of The Horses is engaging, enjoyable and full of horse knowledge. 

FYI: The end of the memoir provides a collection of further readings.

Thanks to Tin House for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Courtney Maum:

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Book Review: Love to the Rescue

By Cindy Roesel

Marin McAllister loves dachshunds. Her whole life revolves around rescuing and making sure they have wonderful forever homes. Park Robinson loves his dachshund, Lamar. They meet at the Delray Beach Dachshund Derby in Janet Franks Little’s novel, LOVE TO THE RESCUE (Anessa Books). It’s part of her “Love on a Leash” series. Marin and Park couldn’t be more different. When pitted against each other in the derby race, free spirit Marin is loosey-goosey about the rules. Handsome, brown-eyed, Park is a stickler. Marin wins the race using some clever ingenuity and Park is annoyed.

But apparently Park has eyes for Marin and keeps showing up unexpectedly and surprising her. Eventually, one of their friends talks them into a date and there’s definite chemistry. She’s secretive about her wealthy background, which has been problematic for her in the past. He’s not too excited to share his family’s traveling around in an RV and their involvement with Renaissance Fairs. They keep dating and eventually Park offers to do the accounting for Marin’s charity, The Forever Homes Dachshund Foundation. When Park discovers someone has been embezzling money from the foundation, they have polar opposite reactions on how to deal with the thief, which leads to them breaking up. 

LOVE TO THE RESCUE tackles some serious topics like gambling and addiction. It shares insight on family dynamics and trusting others. You’ll really enjoy it if you love four-legged fur babies. It’s a cute book, but it felt a little too long to me. When you read it, maybe you won’t feel that way. FYI: There are some pretty explicit sex scenes, so if that offends you, be warned.

Thanks to Author Marketing Experts for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Janet Franks Little:

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Book Review: Pug Actually

By Cindy Roesel

Doug is more than a cute pug you want to pick up and hug. In Matt Dunn’s novel, PUG ACTUALLY (MIRA) Doug the pug is one determined sassy four-legged match-maker. Doug loves his owner, Julie, who rescued him with all of his heart. But he doesn’t think much of her boss and lover, Luke. Julie wants to break-up with Luke but she’s afraid she’ll become a lonely cat lady. Can Doug the pug help Julie find love?

Everyone in Julie’s orbit knows Luke is bad for her, but she won’t listen to reason so it’s up to Doug the pug to make her realize that love and happiness is possible for her. Her dad hooks her up with divorced neighbor, Tom, who Doug the pug thinks is perfect, but for reasons you’ll read in the book that pairing crashes and burns. Or does it?

PUG ACTUALLY is a quick, fun and lighthearted read. It’s a delightful romantic comedy that both romcom fans and dog lovers will find cheerful and charming. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the other book narrated by a dog that I read and enjoyed, Enzo in THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. Maybe PUG ACTUALLY will also be turned into a movie. We can hope.

Thanks to MIRA for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Matt Dunn:

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