New York Times bestselling author Susan Wilson is back with another signature heartwarming novel–one that begs the question: Can a dog lead the way to finding one’s humanity? After spending years in prison for a crime she didn’t intend to commit, Rose Collins is suddenly free. Someone who knows about the good work she has done–training therapy dogs while serving time–has arranged for her … time–has arranged for her early release. This mysterious benefactor has even set her up with a job in the coastal Massachusetts community of Gloucester, on the edge of Dogtown, a place of legend and, for the first time since Rosie’s whole world came crashing down, hope. There she works to rebuild her life with the help of Shadow, a stray dog who appears one rainy night and refuses to leave Rose’s side.
Meghan Custer is a wheelchair-bound war veteran who used to be hopeless, too. Living at home with her devoted but stifling parents felt a lot like being in prison, in fact. But ever since she was matched with a service dog named Shark, who was trained in a puppy-to-prisoner rehabilitation program, Meghan has a brand new outlook. Finally, she can live on her own. Go to work. And maybe, with Shark by her side, even find love again.
Two strong women on a journey toward independence whose paths collide in extraordinary ways. Two dogs who somehow manage to save them both. A tale of survival and a testament to the human spirit, The Dog I Loved is an emotional and inspiring novel that no reader will soon forget.
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It’s a beautiful book!! Keep going!!
This was an inspirational novel! The story is about mistakes and new beginnings. It’s about family and friendships. And dogs and our bonds with them. Meghan was injured during her military service and now requires a wheelchair. When she stumbles upon a prison program that trains service dogs, she decides to apply. She gets Shark, who was trained by Rosie. Rosie is serving a sentence for a mistake she made years ago. Meghan gains independence with Shark, but still struggles emotionally with her disabilities. Rosie became estranged from her family right before she went to prison. The two women form a close friendship. The story is about what they went through, their regrets, and the challenges they have to overcome.
The first half of the book was better than the rest. The story began to drag.
There is so much to love about this book. Being a big dog lover I couldn’t wait to read this. The story touches on several sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse, death, wounded veterans and estrangement from family. I didn’t feel like the story was all wrapped up in a bow. It showed the struggles and challenges that the main characters persevere through. I would highly recommend this book.
Fantastic, Ten-Star Book
This is the best piece of women’s fiction that I have read in a long time. It touches all of my favorite things; dogs, history, family, wounded warriors and gratefulness. The story will bring a tear, a smile, some anger, and some love into your heart. Awesome! I am putting this book on my list for getting the hardcover to place in my library. Yes, it is that good! I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
With a mystical feel and uplifting messages, separate tragedies irrevocably change two women’s lives and a service dog brings them together. Travel this journey with Rosie, Meghan and their respective canines, Shark and Shadow, and be ready to hand over your emotions to their profound, touching, and compelling story.
This author has a wonderful writing style, doling out bits of the past as puzzle pieces the reader collects, eager to fit together and reveal the whole story. Set in New England and full of history, this book will keep you riveted from the first page to the last. Devastating, poignantly beautiful and inspiring, The Dog I Loved will have you believing in redemption and cheering for second chances. If you read only one book this year, make it this one.
*I read a pre-publication version of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
I truly loved this story! It is an emotional journey of a young lady who finds herself in a Women’s Correctional Facility for manslaughter.
Rose needs to stay afloat in this lonely place. Can she spend twenty-five years here and survive?
When a new program comes to the prison Rose applies and is accepted to train puppies to become service pets to folks in need. It is the answer to her prayers.
Shark is who gives Rose purpose and love each day.
Then comes the day he must go to his new owner. ( and the tears begin.)
But…. this is just the beginning of Rose’s story as she eventually begins to move forward with her own life.
Anybody who loves dogs will not be able to put this novel down!
The feelings of each person and the dogs in this novel come through in beautiful detail.
It is seen and certainly true that a dog will bring out the best in a human and Susan Wilson has proven this! Excellent!
Another hit by Susan Wilson. What a great book. Prison, prison trained dogs, military vet service dogs, family drama, historical house renovation, new friendships and more Absolutely a must read especially for dog lovers! Thanks to Goodreads and the Publisher for the win of an ARC of this wonderful book.