This is a love story between… desperately trying to free itself from a hopeless situation.
She almost kept walking by. She had her own problems and besides… no one had ever stopped to help her.
Who we’re ultimately meant to be is a journey without end, but there’s always a defined start…
Hazel had no idea the dog would be her beginning, her second chance, the miracle she never saw coming. She named him Atticus. He grew up to be a very bad—and completely awesome—dog. He took Hazel on a life-changing journey filled with mischievous adventure to find her happily ever after. In the end, Hazel grew up to be completely awesome, too.
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This was such a charming story that stole my heart I think you will love this, especially if you are a dog lover!
Hazel is 32 years old. She’s a bit lost in life. She never really found her place.
She left her parents and school when she was 18 and ‘in love’ and started working as a bar tender. Then she was married for six years and now she’s living on a friend’s couch, because her cheating hubby kicked her out of the house.
And then she finds Atticus.
Atticus wandered off when his owners were showing off his adorable siblings to buyers. Atticus probably wouldn’t have sold for a good price because he has two different colored eyes. Not a good thing for buyers of such an expensive breed.
He wandered off because his already mega curious nose was drawn to the smell of meat in a neighbor’s garden – but he got lost and ended up in a ditch – freezing, hurt and hungry.
Both Atticus and Hazel befriend the local vet. He helps them deal with their new life as pet owner and pet. And Hazel helps the old doc by working off Atticus’s bill and by breathing life into the old vet practice again.
Awwww that was so mega adorable!
This book is told in both Atticus and Hazel’s POV and that is soo super cute!
Atticus is your typical dog. Mega happy to be alive and to belong to Hazel and to have food and get to play and to just be. And he gets in a lot of trouble!
And Hazel. She never used to care for anything. Or anybody else. Since she left her parents, she always had to look out for only herself. And now here’s this little guy who requests all her attention and love and time. And she loves it. Finally someone who loves her madly. If only she would find a guy like that too! But this story is not really about that… at least not yet 😉
It was the most heartbreakingly adorable book. I loved reading about every moment in the new life of our two darlings and their new friends! There were so many funny moments, moving moments, sad moments, heartbreaking moments, adorable moments. I had lots of tears in my eyes!
Every little Atticus moments is just beyond beautiful. Every time he said that he’s SO HAPPY TO BE WITH HAZEL or that he WAS SOOO HAPPY HE ALMOST PEED, BUT HE DIDN’T, BECAUSE HE WANTED TO BE A GOOD BOY FOR HAZEL … ugh – I just wanted to cry every single time! He’s sooo amazing and a menace of course!
Such an AMAZING book with an amazing story about being lost and finding friends and love and hope and belonging and … just read it – please! It’s not your typical romance. Hazel doesn’t meet her guy until very late into the book – it’s mostly about Atticus and second chances and finding yourself and helping others and starting again and ugh nuff said …. 5 BIG AND FAT STARS!
ATTICUS was the most adorable & beautiful & heartbreaking story about a woman and a dog who both needed love and a forever home!!!!! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Atticus – this one is MINE!
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I had some problems with the writing…as with every Sawyer book. It’s Sawyer’s and my THING It’s only me who has those problems with her writing. So please don’t be worried or just scroll down and don’t read the following…
I have a HUGE AS problem! You know the AS’s I’m talking about? The AS that could/should be exchanged for a SINCE or a BECAUSE or just a comma/dot/pause/whatever. It’s a British and or legal thing (if it’s a thing at all!) and it doesn’t have anything to do in an American book by an American author. I would be ok with it if one (British) character would use it, but everyone uses it! I really don’t want to insult Sawyer. I love her books, but … please stop doing it. But pfff who am I to tell her what to do, so just forget I said anything! It doesn’t stop her books from being great! Even though there were OVER THIRTY ASSES IN THIS BOOK! Ugh!
I honestly should have known that I wasn’t going to finish a book with a dog on the cover totally unscathed. But I dove in anyway. And cried all the tears.
“Atticus” is a fantastically fun and emotional story about found family and second chances at life and the world’s smartest, but worst behaved dog. Told in dual perspectives from Hazel Roundtree, Atticus’s owner, and Atticus himself, “Atticus” tells the tale of Hazel, a down on her luck thirtysomething who finds a sad, injured puppy during the lowest point in her life. Despite not having money or even her own place to live, Hazel saves the dog and takes him to the local vet, setting in motion a series of events that would change her life for the better.
The thing that really got to me about this book and what made the whole read so emotional was Hazel’s story of her found family and the idea of relearning to love yourself and other people. In order to pay off her debts to the vet that rescued Atticus, she ends up working for Dr. Oley Peele’s clinic. But what starts off as a professional relationship between the curmudgeonly old man and Hazel slowly blooms into so much more. He becomes a sort of father figure for Hazel and the first person in a very long time that truly believes in her worth. Along the way, Hazel also collects a group of other people to bring into their found family: a local homeless man with a difficult past, former friends who’ve earned forgiveness, Oley’s absentee family, and her own estranged family. It was absolutely beautiful to be along for the ride as two lonely people and a lost dog grew to love each other and themselves.
I find it funny that the thing I was most concerned about, a dog’s POV, was a huge part of why I ultimately loved this book so much. At first it was a little odd, getting a look into Atticus’s brain, but once I got a sense for the style, I was sold. It was a nice touch to get an outside perspective of Hazel’s life and I loved that it helped make Atticus’s behavior, especially his bad behavior, make more sense instead of just being an annoying dog habit. It also brought a certain amount of levity and comedic relief that was much needed in times when the emotions got a little too heavy strictly from Hazel’s point of view.
I was also really glad that I opted to listen to this as an audiobook instead of reading it. Bahni Turpin’s performance was absolutely spectacular from start to finish. I was impressed by her outstanding ability to not just give voice to the vastly different cast of characters, but to also perfectly capture the voice of a rambunctious dog.
Truth be told, I’m terribly allergic to dogs and this influences my ability to enjoy their company. But I have been a lifelong pet owner, so I understand the impact these animals have on our lives and our hearts. When the opportunity to read Atticus came along, I was drawn in by the sweet but mischievous face of the Bernese Mountain Dog on the cover. Bennett is well-established author, and has been on my radar for years, but this was the first time I’d read one of her novels.
This book focuses on the story of Hazel, a young woman who’s had a rough go of it in her early adulthood. She dropped out of high school to marry her first husband, only to have that marriage quickly disintegrate. Several years later, she finds herself crashing on the living room sofa of a friend. Hazel is looking for a way to get back on her feet after the collapse of her second marriage. She’s working part-time as a bartender and trying to survive on her meager earnings. She’s lost, not enjoying the life she’s living, but also helpless to change her circumstances.
Then one morning, as she’s walking to the convenience store, she hears a pitiful cry from a large culvert. Realizing she has found a dog in distress, she makes an impulsive decision. Hazel has no means to care for the animal, but she cannot leave him to suffer alone. After prying the dog from a tangle of barbed wire, she carries him to a nearby, but deserted veterinarian’s office. She waits patiently for the animal doctor to arrive and when he does, a gruff man well into his seventies is her only chance to save the dog’s life. After begging and promising to work off the bill around the veterinarian’s office, he reluctantly agrees to treat the injured dog.
There is a saying that when one door closes, another one opens. When Hazel steps through the doorway of the veterinary clinic with the malnourished puppy in her arms, her life is forever changed. Hazel takes a leap of faith in her decision to keep the dog, and when Dr. Peele names her new pet Atticus, his life also takes an unexpected turn. Everything that unfolds for Hazel and Dr. Peele over the next few years is a direct result of Atticus’ appearance in their lives.
This story is uniquely told through two POV’s – that of Hazel and that of Atticus – and both make a lasting impact on the reader that follows this inspirational journey. The author takes great care in introducing and building all the relationships in this novel, and then weaves them together with beautiful intricacy. Atticus is a book anyone can, and absolutely should, read. It is a brilliant story of compassion, redemption, and unconditional love. Five enthusiastic stars and certainly one of my favorite reads of 2018.
What an absolutely amazing story. It’s been a while since I’ve read a story that was so touching and heartfelt.
Atticus is hilarious! The bits of story that are from his point of view make it seem like dogs can absolutely think like that. I found myself looking at my dog and wondering if she’s currently plotting nefarious things when my back is turned!
I look back at how Hazel’s story began and it seems like a completely different person’s story. It had its sad parts so now I need to read a comedy . 5 stars, for sure!
***5 ‘That Distasteful Notion of Being Good And Obedient’ Stars***
When a book can make me smile like a goofball even as my eyes are tearing up, I call that a win and Atticus is definitely a win. I had no doubt that I’d at least really like the book because I’m a fangirl of the authors, but this one definitely pulled on all of those heartstrings and I laughed out loud, got all kinds of teary eyed and sniffly where a few drops did escape despite my attempts at blinking and looking up to keep them at bay, and I fell in love with the characters that made this book one I couldn’t put down and really wish there were more words to read.
I loved being apart of Hazel and Atticus’ journey and seeing how one moment can be the catalyst for change, even if it’s not blatantly obvious at that time. Hazel struggled, with life, herself and with others, but she found a reason to claw her way out of the grey she’d been drowning in and built a life for herself with the help of some very unlikely friends, one of whom just so happened to be four legged, furry and batshit crazy. Atticus was everything. His antics, but also just how he knew what Hazel needed, even when she didn’t, was all kinds of heartwarming, hilarious and at times cringe worthy.
Atticus is simply a feel good read. It had it’s teary/sniffly moments, but they were always followed by ones of joy and laughter. It’s filled with characters that were unique and made reading this book a true experience and I really wish we got to spend more time with all of them. This is very much women’s fiction, so if you’re looking for hot and heavy smexyness you won’t find it here, though there is a touch of romance sprinkled into the story.
So, if you’re looking for a story that will move you, especially to laughter thanks to a very unrepentant puppy who has problems reigning in his urges, then this is a definite must read!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I had to totally absorb this book for a day just to let it all sink in and know how absolutely heartwarming this book meant. From the very first page you are taken on one incredible journey of not only Atticus but of Hazel Roundtree.
How a dog and a woman both needing the other to find happiness again will just leave you with a smile as you live there story with them.
Hazel is a woman down on her luck finding herself at a crossroads but an unexpected turn in her life brings Atticus into her world and changes everything at that moment. From the moment they meet the bond they have is extremely heartwarming knowing how they need the other shows you that no matter what love comes in all different ways.
I found myself laughing out loud with all of the antics that Atticus pulls but also found myself crying at all the different crossroads that they must endure.
There will be many amazing people who come into Hazel & Atticus’s life but the most poignant ones will be Dr. Oley Peele & Bernard. The bond that the three will have you wishing you will have people like that in your own life. I love this journey that Sawyer Bennett takes us on from the very first page right up till you see the words The End
Atticus gives us a little peek into what he may be thinking. Don’t you ever wonder what your own pet is thinking? Hazel Roundtree gives me the impression she has a life that’s a little confusing. She’s also hanging on by her fingernails. Luck doesn’t seem to be a thing she has but we see her life slowly turn around. Is it her? Is it Atticus? Maybe a combination of the two?
If you’re having a bad day and need something to get you out of that mood why not read a book about a cute dog. I’d say little but if you look up his breed, they don’t stay small but I’m sure they’re still cuddly. Maybe you already have a cuddle buddy. Why not take that cuddle buddy and go sit in your favorite chair and read this story.
This is a story that builds over time. Nothing is rushed. You come to want things to get better for Hazel because in the long run it also means the same for Atticus. If you are a dog lover, you’ll understand how quickly Atticus becomes important to her. She meets a man who may give one appearance to people but he lets Hazel see beyond that. They show us that not everything in life is happy. But that’s all part of learning and experiencing life and sometimes it’s even bittersweet. In the end it shows the connection we have with a beloved pet. It may have you thinking what your own life was like before, during, and after said pet came into your life.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I adored this book and the message it conveyed! Dear Atticus you’re the best dog ever!!!
Such a heart-warming, emotional, funny, unique, and wonderful story! This was a refreshing break from the norm. I loved that the plot was unique and Atticus, the dog, got his own POV told. This is about new beginnings and a dog and his owner who need each other & learn to grow together.
I loved this book! It was a joy to read. It is not your typical love story but it touches the heart. I highly recommend reading it! Thank you Sawyer Bennett for taking me on this amazing journey!
I love all of Sawyer Bennett’s books so I knew it would be a good book. But, I questioned how it would play out. Seriously, a book with points of view from the dog??? What a risk!! But I can honestly say it was a beautiful story! The points of view were shared between the dog, Atticus and its owner, Hazel. It starts out with a down trodden, unlucky in life Hazel, barely surviving. Her lack of motivation and willingness to just accept the scraps life were throwing her were a huge turn off. But as the story builds and other characters are introduced, who are each fighting their own demons, you become embroiled with these characters, fighting and cheering for them. Hazel’s relationship with Atticus is the catalyst for her self-growth and self-realization that she is worthy. As the relationship with Atticus and the others grow so does her confidence. Her kind heart brings out the good in others and creates a cohesive circle of friends. Being witness to the rebuilding of the lives and relationships of these characters was truly beautiful. It is a magnificently told story.
Atticus is a must read for anyone who has had feelings of remorse concerning decisions in their life, low self esteem, loneliness, loss, or has ever wondered what it would be like to have unconditional love. S. Bennett touched on so many emotions. I was unable to put this book down. I laughed, cried, and more importantly, I realized how much my own dog has brought to our lives. I was introduced to the writings of S. Bennett through her romance novels. Now Atticus does include some romance but unconditional love is the theme of this book and what kept my eyes glued to it throughout the entire book and the underlying truth that all our lives have value and purpose. Beautiful Story!!
Atticus is a must read for anyone who has had feelings of remorse concerning decisions in their life, low self esteem, loneliness, loss, or has ever wondered what it would be like to have unconditional love. S. Bennett touched on so many emotions. I was unable to put this book down. I laughed, cried, and more importantly, I realized how much my own dog has brought to our lives. I was introduced to the writings of S. Bennett through her romance novels. Now Atticus does include some romance but unconditional love is the theme of this book and what kept my eyes glued to it throughout the entire book and the underlying truth that all our lives have value and purpose. Beautiful Story!!
I want to sew this book into a quilt and just snuggle with it forever! I can’t say I’ve read many books about dogs, but this one is my top favorite. It’ll emit all the feels people have for those loveable and furry puppers. Dogs are truly the best companions and I loved the journey that Hazel and Atticus go on together.
Gosh, this book was everything that I wanted it to be. It was still a love story, but not the kind of love that we oh so enjoy reading in our beloved romances. It’s about self-love and that was the journey that Hazel needed to go on. And it wouldn’t have happened if she didn’t stumble upon Atticus, the sweetest Bernese Mountain Dog. The sweetest pupper that she rescued and nearly didn’t want, but he was quick to steal her heart completely.
Like everyone else in the world, I wish I could know what goes through a dogs mind. It would definitely help me understand my dog better! I love that Bennett decided to make this a dual POV with not only Hazel, but the ever so loveable yet crazy dog, Atticus. It was everything that I imagined what a dog would think in the many stages of its life. Even those very naughty moments, where we want to be mad at them, but one look at their scruff faces, how can you resist?! I never can, it’s nearly impossible to mad at your dog!
Having Atticus in her life brought the two men that would essentially become her second dad’s, Oley and Bernard. I loved that all of them had personal stuff to get through and essentially they all on this journey together. Hazel has made many mistakes in her life, people to apologize to, to move on from, to start a new. Along with making a better life for herself, she wanted the same for the people that surrounded her.
Atticus is a riot and so darn intuitive. I loved how protective he was of Hazel and knowing who she should and shouldn’t stay away from. Those were definitely some hilarious moments that everyone will love.
I seriously can’t get enough of this book, it was truly EVERYTHING! And I want more. I enjoyed reading Hazel’s fulfilling story towards self-love. Her ever-growing relationship with Bernard and Oley. I can’t recommend this book enough, it’s definitely a story that everyone can appreciate and love. So cuddle up close with furry child and give them all the love they deserve.
P.S. What happened to Scout?! Or did I miss that
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. I don’t even know where to start. This book was amazing. I loved it so hard.
I know that Atticus is the star of the story, and he sure is a crazy and loveable dog. But, for me, this story is about so much more. Its about learning about oneself, finding your own worth, realising your past mistakes, surrounding yourself with the right people, and making your life the best life it can be.
I loved how easily this story flowed, and how we got both Hazel and Atticus’ perspectives. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Hazel learn to love herself again, with the help of Atti and the other good people she found around her at just the right time in her life.
That crazy dog brought so many people together, and whilst this story has so many deep and serious moments, its just full of so much love. I know that the things that Atti does in the book are things he really has done in real life, but how much of the rest is fiction and how much isn’t, I’m not sure. Whatever way it is though, I hope that Sawyer Bennett has so much pride in this book. Because these characters and this story are truly some of my favourites.
If you want a light and fluffy story, this is partially it. But if you want a story full of heart, one that feels real – then this is definitely your book. I cannot recommend enough. Love, love love.
I LOVED this book! Everything about it was on point and I connected with Hazel. It’s a beautiful story of how a woman’s life changed because of the unconditional love of her dog. This book hit me right in the heart and delivered on all the feels. This book has a make you feel good story. There are some moments in the book that had tears in my eyes. There is one thing that I could so relate to Hazel on when she was looking at dating that any guy she is with had to understand how important Atticus was to her. That’s the way it is with me and my cats. A thing that I loved about this book is that it’s told from Hazel and Atticus’s points of view. I thought it was cute to get into Attucis’s doggie head. The epilogue is bittersweet to me. It’s beautiful because you see how far Hazel has come, but there is a underlying message as well that grabbed my heart. I can’t recommend this book enough. It definitely needs to go into you TBR file for sure.
As an avid romance reader this was a departure from my standard genre, but what a sweet ride!
This is such a beautiful story of the ability of love, when given unconditionally, to mend lives and restore faith in humanity!
In saving the life of a puppy, Hazel restructures her life immeasurably, and despite the desperation of her initial circumstances, the unruly pup draws out the best in all who encounter him and his charge in this heart warming story.
Atticus is not the model pooch by any means, but that just makes him all the more adorable, and as his size demands, he barges his way into everyones lives, enriching them with love, laughter, and gentle measure of heartache.
I urge everyone to read this story, whether you’re an animal lover like myself or not, if only for the fact you need to be reminded of the reward of giving, this book is in itself a rare gift!
It is not often that a book comes along, that evokes nearly every emotion that a human being is capable of feeling. This book did just that, it made me feel deep down into my bones.
I was astounded and delighted to be taken on the journey along with the main character, Hazel, and her lovable, yet poorly behaved dog, Atticus. Throughout the ups and downs the two faced everything together. It became clear that anyone near the two characters seemed to have their life enriched in some way.
Both Atticus’s crazy antics and Hazel’s reactions, made me laugh so hard I thought I might not be able to stop. It truly reminded me of my relationship with my own bad dog.
At the same time, the story was so captivating that I was able to laugh and reminisce about my own dog, and once again be transported right back to the journey I was on along with the wonderful characters in this book.
This book reminded me why I love my dog so very much but it is not just a book for dog lovers. This book is for anyone. Whether you are a dog lover or not, this story will take your heart on a journey you will not soon forget.
There is not one bad thing I have to say about this book. I absolutely loved it! I didn’t want to put it down. The characters were so relatable. I had a hard time tenement it was victim and not an autobiography. This woman almost let life destroy her but I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason and people and, in this case, dogs come into our lives right when we need them. Atticus is her rain fire surviving and ironically she is his. Be prepared to have tissues handy because this author will sucker punch you right when you least expect it.
A beautiful story about growth, change, hope and love
So, it’s no secret that S. Bennett is actually Sawyer Bennett, but the author is using a different pen name for good reason, as this is quite different from her usual stories. Very well-written with tons of feels, it has a lot in common with the author’s The Hard Truth About Sunshine, and I think most people who liked that book will enjoy this as well.
As a dog lover myself, and someone who has had her version of Atticus (though mine was a 14 pound rat terrier who actually jumped onto tables rather than counter-surfed), I laughed and winced at the shenanigans Atticus gets up to. But this is so much more than a story about a misbehaving dog.
At a low point in her life, Hazel has no idea that saving that hurt and starving puppy would be a catalyst for change for the better not only for her life, but for the lives of so many people around her. I loved that Atticus and Hazel had a dual point of view, and I think anyone who has ever loved an animal will find this an easy story to relate to. And if you’ve never owned an animal, this story gives you a good idea of what it can be like.
A beautiful story about growth, change, hope and love, as normal for such stories, there’s both joy and pain, laughter and tears. With great characters and all the feels, this is going on my list of favorites reads for the year. 5++ stars
I still miss my Atticus every day.
B2B Kelly