Book Review: Noelle

This book, Noelle, by Greg Kincaid, tugged at my heartstrings from the Prologue. It talked about the puppy mill where Noelle was born. My own dog was rescued at the side of the road from one of these places and would have froze to death if she were not saved.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but that was all right as they gave a good description of events and people that were in this book. Noelle was cast aside when she was born because she was not the perfect example of a Golden Retriever. However, she became the friendliest and most wonderful dog. Todd and Laura are two characters in the story.

Todd was born developmentally delayed. However, with the love and support of those around him he became a top dog trainer. In this book he and Laura move in together and look to the future. Todd becomes the manager of a new dog rescue facility.

Mary Ann, Todd's mom and outspoken library board member, has found herself in the new position of Mrs. Anna Claus.

Each of the characters is so easy to relate to, it was hard to believe that so much story could fit between the covers of this small book. This is definitely a book for those looking for a book for Christmas or for those who enjoy dog stories. I love both, so this fit in my life nicely. All the traditions of Christmas are included and put me in the mood for the season.

I was given this book by NetGalley and by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: All Dogs Go To Kevin

I love stories written by veterinarians about their quirkier moments. Dr. Jessica Vogelsang delivered to this love beautifully. Jessica has had the love of three dogs who saw her through momentous times in her life. First was a Lhasa Apso named Taffy, then a Golden Retriever named Emmett and a Labrador, Kekoa. They taught her many important lessons and helped her with patience and tolerance, plus, as many dog owners know, they also help bring smiles to the lips.

This is the story of her love for these dogs and the adventures they have been through together. It is written with love that flows from each page.

As another dog lover, I found this book tugging at my heartstrings as I think about each of the dogs in my life and the comfort, joy and love I have found in each one.

I most highly recommend this book. It is wonderful.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Children's Book Review:

Such a cute book. It has great illustrations and introduces children to caring for a dog. Ben has a dog named Buster, who is not trained. When the family decide they will go on vacation, they leave him with grandpa. This causes concern for Ben. He is not sure Grandpa will know how to take care of Buster. His dad writes notes for Ben to the grandpa. These notes are filled with some of the adventures and the not-so-great traits of Buster. While gone, Grandpa trains Buster and shows Ben how to make Buster listen. This way Buster can go on the next vacation.

The book shows why dogs should be trained and how once they are trained, the dog will be so much happier.

The colors of the illustrations are bright and filled with the details needed to gain children's attention.

I received this book from NetGalley and Peachtree Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Almost Perfect

This is a heart-warming book that will touch the heart of people who love animals and enjoy feeling good. There is an elder lady, Bess, and a teen, Benny, who through the help of a dog and the Westminster Kennel Club, are able to heal parts of their lives.

Both of the main characters and others through the book are written in such a way that I can envision them easily. I came to care for them and liked them better each page I read.

I cannot give this book high enough ratings. It is a great book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and AuthorBuzz in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Doctor Dog

Doctor Dog is filled with heart-warming and heart melting stories. M.R. Wells was able to draw from different sources of ways that dogs have been shown to help others, even as those others were caring for them. She was also able to share the relationship between each of these stories and the love of God.

Each of these stories touched me in different ways and I commend the author on the work and the love that she was able to share through this book. I would recommend this book to any of my friends and family members who are lovers of dogs.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Children's book review: It's Hard to be Good

Ellie is a sweet Wienerdog who tries very hard to be good. But sometimes it is too hard. Her owner, however, praises her when she is good and this makes Ellie feel so good. I love the story, the colorful illustrations and Ellie. The lesson learned in the story is great also. I can see this as an early reader or for parent/child reading time.

I received this book from NetGalley and Smith Publicity in exchange for my honest review.

Children's book review: Good dogs, Great Listeners: The Story of Charlotte, Lily and the Litter

This is a heart-warming book of Charlotte and her love for her dog Lily. Lily becomes injured and has to go to the vet. This causes Charlotte, who is known for her adventures, to slow down and spend quality time reading to Lily.

Charlotte was a 6 year old who was one of the Sandy Hook shooting victims and Charlotte's Litter is an program for therapy dogs in educational settings.

This book, written by her parents JoAnn and Joel Bacon, is a great way to inspire all who read this book. Such a great book to honor a lovely child.

Book Review: Rescue Road

I have rescued two dogs and two cats so when I saw this book, my heart could not wait to get it. I believe that saving an animal is a two-way street. Usually the human is saving the animal as much as the animal is saving the human.

This story about rescue gets into the nitty gritty of saving animals. Including the heart break and the success.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, especially those that have a desire to rescue them.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect, by Diane Daniels Manning, is a touching, heart-breaking and then mending book. The two main human characters are obviously flawed. Bess is a grumpy lady whose award-winning kennel is being destroyed before she has won her most sought-after goal....winning at Westminster Dog Show. She becomes depressed and feels worthless.

Benny is an autistic boy that wants to please his mother but can only focus on food. He lacks motivation to do anything else.

Through a series of events the dogs that Bess raised are able to help Ben. The process is touching as each are able to break through to the other through these wonderful Umpawaug poodles.

Such a wonderful book that the reader cannot help but come away a changed person. Do not let the soft cuddly dog on the cover fool you, this book will reach you in ways that are totally unexpected.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Why Dogs Are by Tana Thompson

Tana Thompson has a way with words that touch the heart of adults and children.

In Why Dogs Are, Thompson tells about the creation of dogs by God. More specifically why one special dog, a golden retriever, was sent to Brian by God. The dog shows Brian that God loves him so much that he sent a friend to be the seeing eyes and the hearing ears that Brian needs.

This is such a heartwarming story that is a great book to share with loved ones, no matter what the age. I read it to my 1 ½ year old granddaughter and she loved it as much as I did. Marita Gentry created wonderful illustrations to add to the book.

All the profits from this book go to charities which train and support therapy dogs.

I was very glad that I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review! Thank you.