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Rescue Me, Maybe
If you lost both your husband and your dog to cancer within weeks of each other, but you were sadder about the dog, would you tell anyone? Maybe your closest friends. Unfortunately, Jane Bailey’s closest friends are on the other side of the country. That’s where Jane plans to go now that she’s free to leave Philadelphia, the too cold, beachless, street taco-deficient city her husband dragged her to six years ago. But with no job prospects in her hometown of San Diego, Jane is roped into helping out temporarily at her uncle’s southwestern small-town B&B. En route to her new role as innkeeper and breakfast chef, she finds a stray at a rest stop. With her heart in pieces from the loss of her dog, she’s determined not to let this mutt worm its way into her affections. She’s also determined to have next-to-no interaction with the B&B’s irritating guests, and the even more annoying handyman who lives next door. Can Jane keep her sanity—and her secret that she’s not really a grieving widow—while trying to achieve her dream of getting back to the place she thinks is home?
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2013
312 people are currently reading
1,414 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Bouchard
5Ìýbooks132ÌýfollowersJackie Bouchard used to be trapped in the hamster wheel of corporate America, but she was lucky enough to escape and now fully understands the term "struggling writer." Jackie loves: reading, writing, and, yes, even 'rithmetic (seriously, algebra rocks); professional cycling; margaritas; blogging (she never thought she'd say that, but she does); dogs in general, and her crazy rescue pup specifically; and her hubby. (Not in that order.) Jackie dislikes: rude people and writing about herself in the third person. After living in Southern California, then Bermuda, then Canada, then the East coast, Jackie and her husband settled in San Diego. American Jackie, her Canadian hubby, and her Mexican rescue mutt form their own happy little United Nations. Jackie's novels include "What The Dog Ate" and "Rescue Me, Maybe."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
September 20, 2013
It seems weird to review my own book, but hey... Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ lets me, so I outta, right?
It is probably no surprise that I love this book. It is a fictionalized version of my own dogs, so it was definitely written from the heart.
It starts with Jane losing her beagle, Barnum, and I started writing it after losing my beagle, Bailey. (Hence Jane's full name: Jane Bailey.)
A lot of books hit you with that sad dead-dog stuff at the end. I've gotten it out of the way at the beginning. :) You're welcome. I think that is one thing that makes this book different. I hope readers will also like the mix of humor, heart and hopefulness.
Whenever I hear someone talk/write about their beloved furry angel, I feel a connection to that person because we both know how devastating that loss is. I hope this book will resonate with readers who have loved a furry family member.
It is probably no surprise that I love this book. It is a fictionalized version of my own dogs, so it was definitely written from the heart.
It starts with Jane losing her beagle, Barnum, and I started writing it after losing my beagle, Bailey. (Hence Jane's full name: Jane Bailey.)
A lot of books hit you with that sad dead-dog stuff at the end. I've gotten it out of the way at the beginning. :) You're welcome. I think that is one thing that makes this book different. I hope readers will also like the mix of humor, heart and hopefulness.
Whenever I hear someone talk/write about their beloved furry angel, I feel a connection to that person because we both know how devastating that loss is. I hope this book will resonate with readers who have loved a furry family member.
April 1, 2017
Jane Bailey is dealt a double bow when her husband dies from a brief battle with cancer, then just a few weeks later her beloved beagle, Barnum passes away as well from cancer.Guilt envelopes her because she is actually more grief stricken over the dog dying the her husband. Of course there is a back story here and the author tells it well.
On her way to picking up the pieces of her life, she takes a career detour to help out her ailing aunt and uncle with their Arizona B&B. Not really a people person, she is all about hiding out in their kitchen cranking out dishes for their visitors. An ideal place to lick her wounds and do some job hunting for her "real career". But life has a way of happening according to it's own whims. Enter a dog named Maybe. A beautiful young dog who challenges Jane to think and live outside the narrow confines of the box she has built for herself.
Thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming story. I will read more from this author.
On her way to picking up the pieces of her life, she takes a career detour to help out her ailing aunt and uncle with their Arizona B&B. Not really a people person, she is all about hiding out in their kitchen cranking out dishes for their visitors. An ideal place to lick her wounds and do some job hunting for her "real career". But life has a way of happening according to it's own whims. Enter a dog named Maybe. A beautiful young dog who challenges Jane to think and live outside the narrow confines of the box she has built for herself.
Thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming story. I will read more from this author.
September 3, 2013
5 STARS FOR THIS DOG-DELICIOUS READ!
Author Jackie Bouchard has done it again, delivering another tail-thumping tale you won’t be able to put down! This delicious novel has it all. There’s the girl (Jane), the dog (Maybe), and a plot filled with emotional twists and turns that will keep readers flipping pages well into the night. When Jane Bailey loses both her dog (beloved) and her husband (not-so-beloved) to cancer, she makes the decision to turn her heart and her past aside, and to reclaim her future by heading west. But just as in life, somewhere along her lonesome journey, something happens when Jane least expects. Enter a stray mutt by the improbable name of Maybe, with soulful eyes and a loveable demeanor that she struggles to resist. Jane can do it alone, and she doesn’t need a furry friend tagging along to cause more trouble in her life. But since no one’s available to rescue Maybe, Jane reluctantly (and temporarily) steps up to the task. When her uncle needs help with his family owned B&B, Jane takes a detour from her well-laid plans and drives to the rescue, with Maybe riding shotgun in the passenger seat. Suddenly Jane finds herself running a B&B in a small sleepy southwestern town. And while she’s busy cooking and cleaning for the patrons, dodging the other staff (friendly) and next-door neighbor handyman (what’s not to like? He’s a dog lover, too!), Jane’s also busy trying to keep her heart from getting involved. But Maybe has other plans. He’s one very smart dog, and he’s working his magic. Jane is accustomed to being the one who rescues people� only this time, it’s Jane herself, and her heart, that need rescuing, instead.
I fell in love with Bouchard’s writing while devouring her debut novel, WHAT THE DOG ATE. Her voice is witty, her style is seamless, and her writing flawless. Bouchard is a gifted author with a talent for drawing readers into the story right from the start. She does an excellent job of leading us through the emotional journey of a woman’s decision to come to grips with her past, present and future, while wrapping it up with the unconditional love only a pet can convey. Bouchard’s newest novel aches with vulnerability, and her fans will not be disappointed. I love women’s fiction, and Bouchard now ranks as one of my favorite authors. I am looking forward to reading more from Jackie Bouchard!
Author Jackie Bouchard has done it again, delivering another tail-thumping tale you won’t be able to put down! This delicious novel has it all. There’s the girl (Jane), the dog (Maybe), and a plot filled with emotional twists and turns that will keep readers flipping pages well into the night. When Jane Bailey loses both her dog (beloved) and her husband (not-so-beloved) to cancer, she makes the decision to turn her heart and her past aside, and to reclaim her future by heading west. But just as in life, somewhere along her lonesome journey, something happens when Jane least expects. Enter a stray mutt by the improbable name of Maybe, with soulful eyes and a loveable demeanor that she struggles to resist. Jane can do it alone, and she doesn’t need a furry friend tagging along to cause more trouble in her life. But since no one’s available to rescue Maybe, Jane reluctantly (and temporarily) steps up to the task. When her uncle needs help with his family owned B&B, Jane takes a detour from her well-laid plans and drives to the rescue, with Maybe riding shotgun in the passenger seat. Suddenly Jane finds herself running a B&B in a small sleepy southwestern town. And while she’s busy cooking and cleaning for the patrons, dodging the other staff (friendly) and next-door neighbor handyman (what’s not to like? He’s a dog lover, too!), Jane’s also busy trying to keep her heart from getting involved. But Maybe has other plans. He’s one very smart dog, and he’s working his magic. Jane is accustomed to being the one who rescues people� only this time, it’s Jane herself, and her heart, that need rescuing, instead.
I fell in love with Bouchard’s writing while devouring her debut novel, WHAT THE DOG ATE. Her voice is witty, her style is seamless, and her writing flawless. Bouchard is a gifted author with a talent for drawing readers into the story right from the start. She does an excellent job of leading us through the emotional journey of a woman’s decision to come to grips with her past, present and future, while wrapping it up with the unconditional love only a pet can convey. Bouchard’s newest novel aches with vulnerability, and her fans will not be disappointed. I love women’s fiction, and Bouchard now ranks as one of my favorite authors. I am looking forward to reading more from Jackie Bouchard!
September 13, 2013
Despite death being a very strong theme in Rescue Me, Maybe, the book is surprisingly humorous and ultimately very life-affirming. When the story begins, Jane Bailey is in a bad way. She’s been dealt the one-two punch of losing both her husband and her beloved dog to cancer. She’s grief-stricken about the dog; she’s relieved and racked with guilt about the husband because she’d been on the verge of asking him for a divorce right before he got sick. Wanting to leave all the bad memories (and her controlling mother-in-law) behind, Jane decides to return to the place where she was happiest and still has friends � San Diego.
Familial obligation forces her to make a pit stop at a kitschy B&B in Arizona (The place is dedicated to chickens!), where she has to help run things for a few weeks while her Aunt Sugar (a hilarious character you will not soon forget) has surgery. Before she even gets to The Chicken & Dumplings, Jane crosses paths with a sweet, starving pooch that she decides to aid because she can’t in good conscience leave the poor thing on its own out in the middle of nowhere. How this very special dog proceeds to change and enrich Jane’s life is the heart of this touching tale.
There were so many things to love about Rescue Me, Maybe. All the clever bits like Jane’s penchant for making lists in her head while trying to fall asleep (i.e. “Ways I Was a Terrible Wife�) and the Sugarisms (Jane’s aunt gets the meanings of words and phrases mixed up with comical results, saying things like “going Brando,� instead of “going commando.�) Jane’s interactions with the kooky and often demanding guests at the B&B elicited many chuckles from me. And her slow burn relationship with Kai, the inn’s bear-like handyman, was delicious. Best of all was seeing Jane’s evolution throughout the book. I always enjoy watching characters grow and find themselves in an organic way, which Jane does with the help of Maybe and her new friends at the inn.
Rescue Me, Maybe is a must-read for dog lovers, fans of Women’s Fiction, and anyone who likes a funny, well-written story about overcoming life’s obstacles. This book is another winner from author Jackie Bouchard, whose work continues to entertain and impress me. Warning: Once you pick up Rescue Me, Maybe, you won’t want to put it down!
I received a copy of Rescue Me, Maybe in exchange for an honest review.
Familial obligation forces her to make a pit stop at a kitschy B&B in Arizona (The place is dedicated to chickens!), where she has to help run things for a few weeks while her Aunt Sugar (a hilarious character you will not soon forget) has surgery. Before she even gets to The Chicken & Dumplings, Jane crosses paths with a sweet, starving pooch that she decides to aid because she can’t in good conscience leave the poor thing on its own out in the middle of nowhere. How this very special dog proceeds to change and enrich Jane’s life is the heart of this touching tale.
There were so many things to love about Rescue Me, Maybe. All the clever bits like Jane’s penchant for making lists in her head while trying to fall asleep (i.e. “Ways I Was a Terrible Wife�) and the Sugarisms (Jane’s aunt gets the meanings of words and phrases mixed up with comical results, saying things like “going Brando,� instead of “going commando.�) Jane’s interactions with the kooky and often demanding guests at the B&B elicited many chuckles from me. And her slow burn relationship with Kai, the inn’s bear-like handyman, was delicious. Best of all was seeing Jane’s evolution throughout the book. I always enjoy watching characters grow and find themselves in an organic way, which Jane does with the help of Maybe and her new friends at the inn.
Rescue Me, Maybe is a must-read for dog lovers, fans of Women’s Fiction, and anyone who likes a funny, well-written story about overcoming life’s obstacles. This book is another winner from author Jackie Bouchard, whose work continues to entertain and impress me. Warning: Once you pick up Rescue Me, Maybe, you won’t want to put it down!
I received a copy of Rescue Me, Maybe in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2013
Death is never easy to deal with, but when you lose both your husband and dog to cancer within two weeks of each other, it’s bound to push even the strongest person over the edge. Jane’s husband was diagnosed with Melanoma and his health quickly plummeted. Of course she misses him and feels guilty that she’s still around and able to enjoy life, but their marriage had hit a rocky patch and she had planned on leaving him until he got sick. So, it’s no surprise to her that it’s not Ryan’s passing that has her so upset, but the passing of her dog, Barnum. Barnum had been her trusty companion for fourteen years and she misses him like crazy. But she doesn’t dare let others know that her mourning has more to do with her dog than her husband.
Now that Jane is free to live life as she wishes, she plans to move back to San Diego asap! But there’s a little problem. She has no job and no place to live. Reluctantly, she accepts an offer to stay at her family’s Bed & Breakfast in exchange for working there. She figured that it would only be temporarily, and since she had no other options, what does she have to lose? On her way to the B&B she stops at a rest stop and finds a stray dog. She’s a beautiful dog, albeit a bit skinny, with a tag that reads, Penny. She finds this ironic since her father in law has always told her that ‘found pennies are gifts from heaven.� She decides to take the dog with her so that she can bring it to the shelter the next day. However, when her aunt sees the dog, she’s quick to try convincing Jane to keep it. But Jane isn’t ready to open her heart to a new furry friend while she’s still mourning the loss of Barnum. Will Jane learn to open her heart to the possibility of a new dog and her mind to enjoying being at the B&B?
Rescue Me, Maybe is such a fun book. Although it touches on some serious topics such as illness and death, the author does such a wonderful job incorporating humor in what would normally be such sensitive subjects. I found this book to be very enjoyable, the characters relatable and the humor spot on! I also really liked how one of the main characters was a dog. How can you not love a book with a lovable, furry companion? This is the perfect book to cuddle up on the couch with your favorite four legged companion and read! I loved this book and know that you will too!
Now that Jane is free to live life as she wishes, she plans to move back to San Diego asap! But there’s a little problem. She has no job and no place to live. Reluctantly, she accepts an offer to stay at her family’s Bed & Breakfast in exchange for working there. She figured that it would only be temporarily, and since she had no other options, what does she have to lose? On her way to the B&B she stops at a rest stop and finds a stray dog. She’s a beautiful dog, albeit a bit skinny, with a tag that reads, Penny. She finds this ironic since her father in law has always told her that ‘found pennies are gifts from heaven.� She decides to take the dog with her so that she can bring it to the shelter the next day. However, when her aunt sees the dog, she’s quick to try convincing Jane to keep it. But Jane isn’t ready to open her heart to a new furry friend while she’s still mourning the loss of Barnum. Will Jane learn to open her heart to the possibility of a new dog and her mind to enjoying being at the B&B?
Rescue Me, Maybe is such a fun book. Although it touches on some serious topics such as illness and death, the author does such a wonderful job incorporating humor in what would normally be such sensitive subjects. I found this book to be very enjoyable, the characters relatable and the humor spot on! I also really liked how one of the main characters was a dog. How can you not love a book with a lovable, furry companion? This is the perfect book to cuddle up on the couch with your favorite four legged companion and read! I loved this book and know that you will too!
February 23, 2014
Jackie Bouchard writes engaging novels with female protagonists. They are well-paced, laced with humor and honest emotion, and it baffles me that they aren't in the women's fiction section of Barnes and Noble with the Jennifer Weiners of the contemporary literary world - yes, her books are that good.
That said, fiction in this genre tends to be underappreciated. Just as brilliant comedies are notoriously overlooked by the Oscar Academy, "Women's Fiction" tends to be dismissed because it keeps a light tone, a brisk plot and often offers the happy endings we loved in books as kids. Bouchard's first novel: What the Dog Ate, is a great, laugh-out-loud romp.
But Jane is a prickly, more complicated narrator. The book opens with her attending her husband's funeral, which has been altered to suit the wishes of her grieving mother-in-law Barbara who proves a sympathetic foil. Jane has also lost their pet dog, also to cancer, and memories of Barnum provoke tears more easily than recollections of her late husband. She is ungrateful, grouchy, guilty, rebellious and anti-social - not the typical plucky heroine you root for in "chick lit." Yet, as family forces Jane to re-engage, giving her new shots at friendship, career and puppy love, the reader discovers her to be a witty, caring, relatable woman. I was often frustrated with Jane as she munched Diet Coke & M&Ms, loathing the people around her, but, like all of us, she can be unlikable some days, especially getting used to a widow-hood that she didn't want, that makes her reluctant to let anyone close. I ultimately appreciated Jane's humanity and look forward to seeing what complicated characters this author creates next.
That said, fiction in this genre tends to be underappreciated. Just as brilliant comedies are notoriously overlooked by the Oscar Academy, "Women's Fiction" tends to be dismissed because it keeps a light tone, a brisk plot and often offers the happy endings we loved in books as kids. Bouchard's first novel: What the Dog Ate, is a great, laugh-out-loud romp.
But Jane is a prickly, more complicated narrator. The book opens with her attending her husband's funeral, which has been altered to suit the wishes of her grieving mother-in-law Barbara who proves a sympathetic foil. Jane has also lost their pet dog, also to cancer, and memories of Barnum provoke tears more easily than recollections of her late husband. She is ungrateful, grouchy, guilty, rebellious and anti-social - not the typical plucky heroine you root for in "chick lit." Yet, as family forces Jane to re-engage, giving her new shots at friendship, career and puppy love, the reader discovers her to be a witty, caring, relatable woman. I was often frustrated with Jane as she munched Diet Coke & M&Ms, loathing the people around her, but, like all of us, she can be unlikable some days, especially getting used to a widow-hood that she didn't want, that makes her reluctant to let anyone close. I ultimately appreciated Jane's humanity and look forward to seeing what complicated characters this author creates next.
January 22, 2014
I loved this book and would give it a 4.5!! The characters and plotline were very entertaining but what made it more interesting to me was that most of the book takes place in Prescott, AZ. My husband and I moved there just last Spring and all the places Jackie mentions are very familiar: Watson Lake (beautiful place), Thumb Butte (great place for hiking), The Dells (for hiking, biking, running). It's a really, great place for those who love the outdoors. And, it looks like we will have to try the Hassayampa Inn for dinner sometime!!
February 7, 2017
I wish this dog story had more dog and less cranky woman. I liked it, and that's three stars
September 21, 2017
Jane's a widow who has also lost her beloved dog and is looking for a job. What a catalogue of problems. Jane is talked into moving from Philadelphia not to San Diego, where she'd intended, but to Arizona to temporarily run a B&B kitchen for her ageing grandparents. She's introverted, and doesn't get along with her in-laws, but most of all, she is upset because she's not really grieving her husband. If he hadn't come down with cancer they'd have been divorcing. But she stuck it out, gave him the best care and attention, kept up the façade for the relatives.
I noticed that the late husband had insisted his ashes be scattered in Hawaii, even though Jane can't afford to revisit the place right now and will have to save the fare over years. This also puts her in contention with his parents' wishes. I have to think that this man was a control freak. Here he is still controlling his wife's movements, emotions and money after his death.
Anyway, while adapting to the B&B, Jane saddles herself with a small stray dog, which she names Maybe. She's only keeping the dog until she gets a good home, or until her grandparents get back from their trip to find medical treatment. This loving, happy dog then turns out to require treatment too, and this complicates matters.
I found Jane's inveterate habit of making lists a bit tedious after the first few, and her determination to get an office job puzzling when she clearly enjoys baking and being on her own. Also we do feel that the only single man around is pushed in her direction. Some readers will love this tale, some find it just okay. I like a lot about it and especially we are reminded to enjoy each day, and make our lives better, as we do not know how long our time will be.
Some strong language in context but otherwise the book could be read by mature teens. However it's an introspective tale meant for adults.
I was sent an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
I noticed that the late husband had insisted his ashes be scattered in Hawaii, even though Jane can't afford to revisit the place right now and will have to save the fare over years. This also puts her in contention with his parents' wishes. I have to think that this man was a control freak. Here he is still controlling his wife's movements, emotions and money after his death.
Anyway, while adapting to the B&B, Jane saddles herself with a small stray dog, which she names Maybe. She's only keeping the dog until she gets a good home, or until her grandparents get back from their trip to find medical treatment. This loving, happy dog then turns out to require treatment too, and this complicates matters.
I found Jane's inveterate habit of making lists a bit tedious after the first few, and her determination to get an office job puzzling when she clearly enjoys baking and being on her own. Also we do feel that the only single man around is pushed in her direction. Some readers will love this tale, some find it just okay. I like a lot about it and especially we are reminded to enjoy each day, and make our lives better, as we do not know how long our time will be.
Some strong language in context but otherwise the book could be read by mature teens. However it's an introspective tale meant for adults.
I was sent an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
April 2, 2016
Let's be honest here, I chose this book because of the dog.
I did not like Jane at all. I'm surprised she had any family or friends who tolerated her. She is extremely judgmental about everyone she meets and is defensive, stubborn, and rude.
It probably would have been a good book with a character I could relate to, but as it is I couldn't read more than a chapter or two without wanting to toss the book aside in frustration.
Even the dog didn't save things for me.
**Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free review copy.**
I did not like Jane at all. I'm surprised she had any family or friends who tolerated her. She is extremely judgmental about everyone she meets and is defensive, stubborn, and rude.
It probably would have been a good book with a character I could relate to, but as it is I couldn't read more than a chapter or two without wanting to toss the book aside in frustration.
Even the dog didn't save things for me.
**Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free review copy.**
December 14, 2013
I love dogs, M &M`s and California I'm part of the cool club!!First as a dog lover, well I loved the book. In the first few chapters learning how Barnum was stricken with cancer was a killer. I recently had to put down my baby Quesadilla and she was 7. I grieved for her and still talk to her everyday. OK I don't want to discount the loss of Ryan her husband. There is a little issue, that I will point out, she wasn't in love with him. Yes, she loved him but right before coming home with the melanoma diagnosis she was planning on divorcing him. She lined up her ducks and had a plan. Then he says he has cancer and what else is there to do but support him. I don't know how ling they were actually happy, but I felt bad for her. She was feeling the loss of a spouse but I think she was dealing with her own feelings of indifference. YES it is sad but there were so many things the authors does to make "light" of the situation. For example in church she should be thinking of Ryan or some part of their time together and yet she thinks "I notice his belly button. I can't remember every noticing other Christs belly buttons before." That is why I love Jackie. Who else would think that? OMG I was laughing at his funeral.
Another hysterical part for me was "I'd dig two M & M's out of the bag each time a new song started. If they were the same color, I got a bonus M & M. Those two or three with the bonus- M & M 's had to last the whole song." I totally loved Jane. I totally hated Barbara, the mother in-law, and sort of dis liked Jeffrey, the father in-law.
Jane drives from Philadelphia back to San Diego with the dead husband and the pet, both in ash form. What happens and where the course changes are really special. This is the time where Jane must evaluate her life, her future, and get Ryan's ashes to Maui.
These are just a few reasons why I adore Jackie and her writing. No writer has come across with more love for pets than her. I sometimes think I take better care of my dogs than I do my husband, so I related to this. Please if you are a dog lover, read this. It is truly a wonderfully written and enlightening book. The plot, the characters, and the awakenings they all have are to be enjoyed and shared.
Another hysterical part for me was "I'd dig two M & M's out of the bag each time a new song started. If they were the same color, I got a bonus M & M. Those two or three with the bonus- M & M 's had to last the whole song." I totally loved Jane. I totally hated Barbara, the mother in-law, and sort of dis liked Jeffrey, the father in-law.
Jane drives from Philadelphia back to San Diego with the dead husband and the pet, both in ash form. What happens and where the course changes are really special. This is the time where Jane must evaluate her life, her future, and get Ryan's ashes to Maui.
These are just a few reasons why I adore Jackie and her writing. No writer has come across with more love for pets than her. I sometimes think I take better care of my dogs than I do my husband, so I related to this. Please if you are a dog lover, read this. It is truly a wonderfully written and enlightening book. The plot, the characters, and the awakenings they all have are to be enjoyed and shared.
July 17, 2015
I received a copy via net galley.
First off I'm a huge animal lover, so when you find one of those animal loving books it's always a huge, "Yay!" I can relate a lot to the main characters personality traits I'm one of those people who lets be honest if I'm going to a party or friends house you'll find me on the floor with the pet so you can probably find a better conversationalist elsewhere. Unless you wanna talk pets then please have a seat. That was 100% me growing up, some found it off putting others thought it was great, i just prefer animals to people. So when reading this and having that huge emotional intro I honestly understood the main character's feeling towards being so heartbroken about her dog dying more so then the loss of her husband. Dogs get us better then people and they aren't here nearly long enough with us, they'd stamp us each with these paw prints on our hearts for us to later in life realize all the things they taught us.mif only they got more time... Anywho back to the review and less about me totally gushing over puppies lol
It's not so much a romance but life lessons in finding yourself and getting over grief. It had a bit of a symbolic "love" situation that never really happens but you kinda get the feeling it might if the times right. I loved the pace of the story and all the characters were golden. This is definitely maybe a reread for me later down the road.
First off I'm a huge animal lover, so when you find one of those animal loving books it's always a huge, "Yay!" I can relate a lot to the main characters personality traits I'm one of those people who lets be honest if I'm going to a party or friends house you'll find me on the floor with the pet so you can probably find a better conversationalist elsewhere. Unless you wanna talk pets then please have a seat. That was 100% me growing up, some found it off putting others thought it was great, i just prefer animals to people. So when reading this and having that huge emotional intro I honestly understood the main character's feeling towards being so heartbroken about her dog dying more so then the loss of her husband. Dogs get us better then people and they aren't here nearly long enough with us, they'd stamp us each with these paw prints on our hearts for us to later in life realize all the things they taught us.mif only they got more time... Anywho back to the review and less about me totally gushing over puppies lol
It's not so much a romance but life lessons in finding yourself and getting over grief. It had a bit of a symbolic "love" situation that never really happens but you kinda get the feeling it might if the times right. I loved the pace of the story and all the characters were golden. This is definitely maybe a reread for me later down the road.
August 25, 2015
I have struggled for several days with putting into words how much I loved and enjoyed this book. While I love most things horror and paranormal related, my main love in my life is my family (especially my 4-legged ones) and therefore, when I see a book featuring a dog, or with a cute dog on the cover, I am almost immediately sucked in. I had hoped Rescue Me, Maybe would be a GOOD "dog" book as I was looking for something to fill the space left by Lucy Dillon's books (until she releases a new canine featured one) but little did I know I was finding a GREAT "dog" book.
When the book opens, Jane Bailey has lost both her husband and her dog to cancer within a few weeks. While she hates that her husband died, that relationship boat had started to sail, so who Jane really misses is her dog Barnum. While that sounds cold-hearted, it makes for a wonderful tale. Jane goes through the grief of losing two major individuals in her life, and the guilt of not being in love with her husband when he passes. Jane decides to quit her job and move back to California but ends up covering at her aunt and uncle's B&B on the way.
She also meets up with a new dog, Maybe, and goes through the process of allowing a new dog to enter her life.
While the dogs are great characters in this book, so are the people. I adored Jane. She is very guarded and only allows a few people into her life, but I immediately felt this was someone with whom I could be friends. I also adored all the people in Arizona. While there is somewhat of a love interest, there is definitely no "insta-love" which wins extra points as far as I am concerned. Also, while this book may come across as depressing at times, it really isn't. It's a book about love, loss, new chances and moving on. There is humor spread throughout the book, such as Jane trying to steal back her dead husbands ashes from his in-laws, and the lists Jane makes in her head while trying to go to sleep at night which are a nice humorous addition.
I can't recommend this book enough. It is going on my list of top 5 books read in 2015 and I can't wait to read more of Bouchard's works. If you love dogs, good women's fiction, or contemporaries give this book a chance. I don't think you will be sorry.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When the book opens, Jane Bailey has lost both her husband and her dog to cancer within a few weeks. While she hates that her husband died, that relationship boat had started to sail, so who Jane really misses is her dog Barnum. While that sounds cold-hearted, it makes for a wonderful tale. Jane goes through the grief of losing two major individuals in her life, and the guilt of not being in love with her husband when he passes. Jane decides to quit her job and move back to California but ends up covering at her aunt and uncle's B&B on the way.
She also meets up with a new dog, Maybe, and goes through the process of allowing a new dog to enter her life.
While the dogs are great characters in this book, so are the people. I adored Jane. She is very guarded and only allows a few people into her life, but I immediately felt this was someone with whom I could be friends. I also adored all the people in Arizona. While there is somewhat of a love interest, there is definitely no "insta-love" which wins extra points as far as I am concerned. Also, while this book may come across as depressing at times, it really isn't. It's a book about love, loss, new chances and moving on. There is humor spread throughout the book, such as Jane trying to steal back her dead husbands ashes from his in-laws, and the lists Jane makes in her head while trying to go to sleep at night which are a nice humorous addition.
I can't recommend this book enough. It is going on my list of top 5 books read in 2015 and I can't wait to read more of Bouchard's works. If you love dogs, good women's fiction, or contemporaries give this book a chance. I don't think you will be sorry.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and to Jackie Bouchard.
Jane's husband and her beloved dog, Barnum, passed away within weeks of each other. Jane finds herself much more heartbroken about her beloved dog's passing than that of her husband. She and her husband were heading toward divorce when he became ill. Now Jane carries the burden of guilt that she was no longer in love with him and has to live up to the image of the grieving widow. She packs her bags to leave dreadful Philadelphia and head back to her old life in San Diego. Jane gets an offer from her aunt and uncle to help with their Bed and Breakfast in Prescott, Arizona and Jane decides that it would be a good option to build up her funds before getting back to real life. Along the way, Jane picks up a stray dog at a rest stop. Although determined not to let another dog into her heart, she cannot leave him alone at the rest stop. As determined as Jane is to not fall in love with the B&B, she finds herself being drawn to life at the inn in spite of it's nagging, annoying guests. She also finds it hard to ignore this adorable stray dog or the handsome handyman and his charming dog. Maybe life isn't going to work out quite how Jane had imagined.
This book has launched Jackie Bouchard into favorite author status. I absolutely loved Jane's introverted personality. She truly made the book. All of her quirks and faults were perfectly executed to make the reader adore her. This was a wonderful book for anyone who loves dogs. There is a hint of romance and tons of laugh out loud moments. This book was a true joy to read. As if this book wasn't perfect enough, the Author's Note makes it even better. I loved reading about the author's real life connection to this book...a wonderful touch. I will definitely be reading Jackie Bouchard's other books in the future.
Jane's husband and her beloved dog, Barnum, passed away within weeks of each other. Jane finds herself much more heartbroken about her beloved dog's passing than that of her husband. She and her husband were heading toward divorce when he became ill. Now Jane carries the burden of guilt that she was no longer in love with him and has to live up to the image of the grieving widow. She packs her bags to leave dreadful Philadelphia and head back to her old life in San Diego. Jane gets an offer from her aunt and uncle to help with their Bed and Breakfast in Prescott, Arizona and Jane decides that it would be a good option to build up her funds before getting back to real life. Along the way, Jane picks up a stray dog at a rest stop. Although determined not to let another dog into her heart, she cannot leave him alone at the rest stop. As determined as Jane is to not fall in love with the B&B, she finds herself being drawn to life at the inn in spite of it's nagging, annoying guests. She also finds it hard to ignore this adorable stray dog or the handsome handyman and his charming dog. Maybe life isn't going to work out quite how Jane had imagined.
This book has launched Jackie Bouchard into favorite author status. I absolutely loved Jane's introverted personality. She truly made the book. All of her quirks and faults were perfectly executed to make the reader adore her. This was a wonderful book for anyone who loves dogs. There is a hint of romance and tons of laugh out loud moments. This book was a true joy to read. As if this book wasn't perfect enough, the Author's Note makes it even better. I loved reading about the author's real life connection to this book...a wonderful touch. I will definitely be reading Jackie Bouchard's other books in the future.
October 5, 2015
Thanks to NETGALLEY and LAKE UNION PUBLISHING for the chance to read and give a honest review.
I am a huge animal lover, domestic and wild, but I have a special place in my heart for dogs. If I see a book cover with a dog or find a book about a dog, I am hooked.
I enjoyed reading this novel very much, I liked the main character, Jane, she has a total
introvert personality, preferring dogs over humans.
Jane is in the middle of a life crisis, she has lost her husband and her beloved dog to cancer, both within a short time period. Jane is feeling so much guilt over the fact that she had fallen
out of love with her husband, then he took ill, she decided to stay and take care of him, then her dog gets cancer and she is full of guilt because she is mourning her dog more than her husband.
Jane decides she will head back to California, but she is called upon by her aunt and uncle to help run their bed and breakfast, while her aunt has surgery. Jane really doesn't like the idea of having to deal with the public but she mostly ends of cleaning and cooking. On the way, she rescues a dog from a rest stop, Jane takes the dog with her, the next day they take her to the pound, Jane's aunt and uncle rescue the dog from the pound, they ask Jane to take care of the dog while they are gone. They name the dog "Maybe", I love how Jane takes care of Maybe.
Life at the bed and breakfast turns out to be a big life change for Jane. She makes a few new friends, she finds out that sometimes things are not as we remember them, and that sometimes what we think we want is not really what we want at all.
This was a great read , it had all the elements, family, trust, animals, love, forgiveness, humor, hope, and a great ending.
This book touched my heart, I have lost some four legged children, and my heart was broken, they will be in my heart forever.
Thanks again to NETGALLEY and LAKE UNION PUBLISHING.
I am a huge animal lover, domestic and wild, but I have a special place in my heart for dogs. If I see a book cover with a dog or find a book about a dog, I am hooked.
I enjoyed reading this novel very much, I liked the main character, Jane, she has a total
introvert personality, preferring dogs over humans.
Jane is in the middle of a life crisis, she has lost her husband and her beloved dog to cancer, both within a short time period. Jane is feeling so much guilt over the fact that she had fallen
out of love with her husband, then he took ill, she decided to stay and take care of him, then her dog gets cancer and she is full of guilt because she is mourning her dog more than her husband.
Jane decides she will head back to California, but she is called upon by her aunt and uncle to help run their bed and breakfast, while her aunt has surgery. Jane really doesn't like the idea of having to deal with the public but she mostly ends of cleaning and cooking. On the way, she rescues a dog from a rest stop, Jane takes the dog with her, the next day they take her to the pound, Jane's aunt and uncle rescue the dog from the pound, they ask Jane to take care of the dog while they are gone. They name the dog "Maybe", I love how Jane takes care of Maybe.
Life at the bed and breakfast turns out to be a big life change for Jane. She makes a few new friends, she finds out that sometimes things are not as we remember them, and that sometimes what we think we want is not really what we want at all.
This was a great read , it had all the elements, family, trust, animals, love, forgiveness, humor, hope, and a great ending.
This book touched my heart, I have lost some four legged children, and my heart was broken, they will be in my heart forever.
Thanks again to NETGALLEY and LAKE UNION PUBLISHING.
July 18, 2015
This was such a cute read! I sold at the word DOG. Which is a very common occurrence for me. Dogs are just the best, and though it was sad to read that Jane had lost her dog, it was awesome to see Maybe in her life, whom Jane rescued when she was on her way to her aunt's B&B. Although I preferred when Maybe was called Penny, because it was actually a bit symbolic to a scene in the book.
This was a sweet, simple read. Kinda sad (okay, a lot sad) and I could sort of see where Jane was coming from wherein when her husband and dog die within weeks of each other, she was sadder about the dog. Now I get sad when humans pass away, we all do, but it guts me when I hear of a pet passing away. I've had that happen, a few years ago now, and it was awful. The worst thing ever. Not that I'm saying a human passing away also isn't the worst thing ever, but hearing about a human who I didn't know passing away and a dog I didn't know passing away, the dog hurts more, for reasons I can't really explain. Perhaps I'm just not wired correctly.
I love when books show the main character changing as the novel wears on. At first, Jane is completely resistant to staying at her aunt and uncle's B&B and helping out while her aunt has an operation, so it was nice to see the B&B grow on Jane, and show her there's more to life than San Diego and working in a cubbie.
It was a good read, a way to while away a lazy Saturday afternoon. There wasn't much romance, which was a shame, but after what Jane goes through you can hardly expect her to be ready to love again (with a human at least).
This was a sweet, simple read. Kinda sad (okay, a lot sad) and I could sort of see where Jane was coming from wherein when her husband and dog die within weeks of each other, she was sadder about the dog. Now I get sad when humans pass away, we all do, but it guts me when I hear of a pet passing away. I've had that happen, a few years ago now, and it was awful. The worst thing ever. Not that I'm saying a human passing away also isn't the worst thing ever, but hearing about a human who I didn't know passing away and a dog I didn't know passing away, the dog hurts more, for reasons I can't really explain. Perhaps I'm just not wired correctly.
I love when books show the main character changing as the novel wears on. At first, Jane is completely resistant to staying at her aunt and uncle's B&B and helping out while her aunt has an operation, so it was nice to see the B&B grow on Jane, and show her there's more to life than San Diego and working in a cubbie.
It was a good read, a way to while away a lazy Saturday afternoon. There wasn't much romance, which was a shame, but after what Jane goes through you can hardly expect her to be ready to love again (with a human at least).
January 16, 2018
This was such a good heartwarming read. A story of loss in several ways, yet it is life affirming as well. The main character Jane has lost her husband Ryan to cancer, and her dog Barnum to cancer. She feels the loss of her dog deeper than her husband's death and feels guilty about playing the role of widow. She decides she needs to try and get back to her old life in CA and moves from Philadelphia PA to AZ to help her aunt and uncle while looking for a job on-line in her field of expertise. Jane rescues a dog and as she deals with her feelings and guilt over her life with her husband, Jane begins to grow into another life and its possibilities. Will Jane find a whole new life in CA or will her experiences in AZ bring about new life? The author has a excellent writing style and the characters in this story are very real.
September 16, 2013
A story of loss, love and self-discovery, Rescue Me, Maybe is brilliant in its subtle humor, intelligent prose and seamless writing. Jackie Bouchard is an excellent storyteller who captures her characters' innermost thoughts and feelings and draws her readers in from the first line. For book lovers, dog lovers and anyone who has ever wondered what's next, Rescue Me, Maybe is a must read by an incredibly talented author.
September 20, 2013
I loved Jackie's first book and couldn't wait to read her second book. When I saw the main character in this book was a widow who had lost both her husband and dog, I initially wondered if the plot might be too depressing, but Jackie, in her own inimitable style, manages to keep the story both poignant and light. I love Jackie's writing style and her cast of entertaining (and sometimes) flawed characters. Anyone who loves dogs, and well-written women's fiction, will enjoy Rescue Me,Maybe.
January 13, 2015
Loved this book! Jane has dreams of returning to San Diego to work, swim and enjoy the beautiful area. But plans change as people die, pets die,and family needs her to help at at B&B. There is "family tug of war" regarding some family member's ashes. There is humor, sadness, short tempers and all of the things that make us who we are. My daughter got me this wonderful book for Christmas because she knew I would love a special dog book.
Thanks Jackie for telling the story. �
Thanks Jackie for telling the story. �
October 8, 2013
Loved this book! Such an enjoyable read. I can totally relate to Jane. Great dialogue - witty and realistic. My only regret - B&N only sells this in Nook format! This book deserves to be sold in paperback by B&N. Although I appreciate the price break with Nook, the book deserves a better release to receive its well deserved fan following!!! I am ready for Bouchard's next book! :)
October 2, 2013
Another fine read from Jackie. I was almost late to play mahjong trying to finish the book this morning. Just had to get to the end. Can't wait to talk to someone who has read it since I am afraid I will give too much away writing about it.
September 22, 2013
What a great story! An easy read, and heartwarming besides. Read this book, you'll be happy you did!
August 22, 2022
A good read, especially if you’re a dog lover!
October 19, 2013
Rescue Me, Maybe is a story about loss and new beginnings. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it left me well satisfied and trying to live life more like my own dogs.
I love the protagonist, Jane. She's what I like to call an honorable person. When the husband she was planning on divorcing falls ill with cancer, Jane keeps her mouth shut, sticks it out until the end and even puts up with a very pushy mother-in-law.
Jane is a loner. Though good at taking care of others, she is loathe to speak up for herself. I can relate.
Jane has a kind heart. No matter that her agenda is to get back home to San Diego as soon as possible, she's easily roped into helping out her aunt and uncle at their Arizona B & B because they really need her.
Jane is a dog lover. I keenly felt her loss of her Beagle boon companion. I was with her all the way as she figures out her relationship with the dog (Maybe) she recues at a highway rest stop. Having had a tripawd dog myself, I anguished along with Jane as she makes health care decisions for Maybe.
Jane thought she was rescuing a dog. Ha! As happens more times than we humans like to admit, it was the dog doing the real rescuing. With rescue dog, Maybe, as her teacher, Jane learns to open herself to new possibilities and create a nurturing life for herself.
What a barking good read! Bouchard writes with great compassion combined with humor. She deals with issues like death and loss with an attention for the ironic details that made me sigh and, yes, made me laugh out loud. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters that remain with me even though I long ago finished reading this book.
Rescue Me, Maybe is a warm, dog friendly tale that makes real the saying: Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
Do yourself a favor and snap up a copy of Rescue Me, Maybe. It's a great read from a woman who is an authentic dog lover. An added bonus: the author has pledged 10% of 2013 profits to the Morris Animal Foundation.
I love the protagonist, Jane. She's what I like to call an honorable person. When the husband she was planning on divorcing falls ill with cancer, Jane keeps her mouth shut, sticks it out until the end and even puts up with a very pushy mother-in-law.
Jane is a loner. Though good at taking care of others, she is loathe to speak up for herself. I can relate.
Jane has a kind heart. No matter that her agenda is to get back home to San Diego as soon as possible, she's easily roped into helping out her aunt and uncle at their Arizona B & B because they really need her.
Jane is a dog lover. I keenly felt her loss of her Beagle boon companion. I was with her all the way as she figures out her relationship with the dog (Maybe) she recues at a highway rest stop. Having had a tripawd dog myself, I anguished along with Jane as she makes health care decisions for Maybe.
Jane thought she was rescuing a dog. Ha! As happens more times than we humans like to admit, it was the dog doing the real rescuing. With rescue dog, Maybe, as her teacher, Jane learns to open herself to new possibilities and create a nurturing life for herself.
What a barking good read! Bouchard writes with great compassion combined with humor. She deals with issues like death and loss with an attention for the ironic details that made me sigh and, yes, made me laugh out loud. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters that remain with me even though I long ago finished reading this book.
Rescue Me, Maybe is a warm, dog friendly tale that makes real the saying: Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
Do yourself a favor and snap up a copy of Rescue Me, Maybe. It's a great read from a woman who is an authentic dog lover. An added bonus: the author has pledged 10% of 2013 profits to the Morris Animal Foundation.
July 31, 2014
Rescue Me, Maybe by Jackie Bouchard addresses love and loss as well as how to move on. Cancer claims Jane’s husband Ryan and her dog Barnum within the first chapter. Jane is sorry her husband died, but she is devastated over the loss of her dog. Unbeknownst to anyone but Jane, she and Ryan were going through a rough patch in their relationship before his diagnosis, that both of them believed would end in separation. She felt guilty playing the grieving widow, yet could find no easy way to tell his overbearing mother or his father that she no longer loved their son. Soon after the funeral, she heads to San Diego via Prescott, AZ. Jane wants to go straight to California to start her new life with old friends she and Ryan left there when they moved to Pennsylvania so Ryan could work with his father. Her aunt and uncle run a quaint but shabby B&B in Prescott and they need Jane to come and help run it while her aunt travels east for medical treatment. Reluctantly she agrees, denying her own desire to start fresh by the ocean. On her way, she finds a stray dog that might help her fall in love again if she will listen to her heart.
Jackie Bouchard grabbed me by the heart and did not let go until the last pages of Rescue Me, Maybe. She expertly taught Jane a lesson without preaching and along the way taught me to take a closer look at living like a dog � in the moment. This is a novel about love and loss and change. Parts of it are sad, yet there is a witty, sharp, humor laced throughout which helps put Jane’s life back together. The characters were easy to love and some of them were easy to hate. Bouchard gently wraps the message to bloom where you are planted in this novel. She also lets the reader know that your garden just might be in a different spot than you originally thought it should be, but that does not mean you need to move it. I loved this novel, and recommend it for adults, YA readers and feel that dog lovers will really connect with the plot.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
Copyright © 2014 Laura Hartman
Jackie Bouchard grabbed me by the heart and did not let go until the last pages of Rescue Me, Maybe. She expertly taught Jane a lesson without preaching and along the way taught me to take a closer look at living like a dog � in the moment. This is a novel about love and loss and change. Parts of it are sad, yet there is a witty, sharp, humor laced throughout which helps put Jane’s life back together. The characters were easy to love and some of them were easy to hate. Bouchard gently wraps the message to bloom where you are planted in this novel. She also lets the reader know that your garden just might be in a different spot than you originally thought it should be, but that does not mean you need to move it. I loved this novel, and recommend it for adults, YA readers and feel that dog lovers will really connect with the plot.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
Copyright © 2014 Laura Hartman
August 24, 2015
* I received this ebook at no charge via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
When you find a penny, superstition says that it is a penny from heaven, sent by a loved to tell you either “everything’s okay� or “watch out, something momentous is going to happen.� But, what does it mean if the Penny you find has four legs and wagging tail?
Jane Bailey has had one hell of a couple of weeks because she lost both her husband and her dog to cancer. What most people didn’t know (or so Jane thought) was that things were not so great in her marriage before her husband became ill and, truth be told, although she was certainly grieving her husband’s death she wasn’t sorry he was “gone� AND she missed her dog more.
Jane has decided that she is going to leave the hated city of Philadelphia (her words, not mine) and return to her beloved San Diego. However, with little money and no job prospects it was going to be a tough move. When her aunt and uncle offer her an opportunity to run their B&B while Aunt Sugar has some surgery Jane, while not jumping for joy, she does jump at the chance to live rent-free while she is job hunting, then plans to get herself to San Diego as soon as her aunt is well enough to resume looking after the place. Well � best laid plans and all that. Things soon change when an abandoned puppy, a handsome handy man, an outgoing coworker and set of unusual circumstance all fall into her path.
This book was a “feel good� read. It had a little bit of everything; an untenable situation, a bossy mother-in-law, a pushy mom, a good dose of guilt, a little bit of love and lots of angst about what it going to happen next � all tied up with a pretty pink bow at the end. Exactly the kind of read I enjoy on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Once again Ms. Bouchard has won me over with a lovely story where the dog melts everyone’s heart. If you are looking for a cozy read “Rescue Me, Maybe� certainly fits the bill.
When you find a penny, superstition says that it is a penny from heaven, sent by a loved to tell you either “everything’s okay� or “watch out, something momentous is going to happen.� But, what does it mean if the Penny you find has four legs and wagging tail?
Jane Bailey has had one hell of a couple of weeks because she lost both her husband and her dog to cancer. What most people didn’t know (or so Jane thought) was that things were not so great in her marriage before her husband became ill and, truth be told, although she was certainly grieving her husband’s death she wasn’t sorry he was “gone� AND she missed her dog more.
Jane has decided that she is going to leave the hated city of Philadelphia (her words, not mine) and return to her beloved San Diego. However, with little money and no job prospects it was going to be a tough move. When her aunt and uncle offer her an opportunity to run their B&B while Aunt Sugar has some surgery Jane, while not jumping for joy, she does jump at the chance to live rent-free while she is job hunting, then plans to get herself to San Diego as soon as her aunt is well enough to resume looking after the place. Well � best laid plans and all that. Things soon change when an abandoned puppy, a handsome handy man, an outgoing coworker and set of unusual circumstance all fall into her path.
This book was a “feel good� read. It had a little bit of everything; an untenable situation, a bossy mother-in-law, a pushy mom, a good dose of guilt, a little bit of love and lots of angst about what it going to happen next � all tied up with a pretty pink bow at the end. Exactly the kind of read I enjoy on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Once again Ms. Bouchard has won me over with a lovely story where the dog melts everyone’s heart. If you are looking for a cozy read “Rescue Me, Maybe� certainly fits the bill.
September 28, 2015
Jane's husband, Ryan, had recently died of cancer. Her dog, Barnum, passed away two weeks later of cancer. Jane is in mourning ... for her dog. She had fallen out of love with Ryan but before she could leave him and move back to San Diego, he got sick and she stayed to take care of him. Once Ryan was gone, she still had to play the part of the grieving widow in front of her mother and his parents.
She hates Ryan's hometown of Philadephia so makes plans to move back home to San Diego. Her uncle and aunt own a B&B in Arizona so she agrees to help them out for three months while her aunt recovers from surgery. On the drive to Arizona, she comes across a stray dog at a rest stop. Rather than leave her there, she takes the dog and drops her off at a shelter when she gets to the B&B. Working in the kitchen of the B&B is perfect for Jane because she hates people but loves cooking and baking. She's counting the days, though, 'til she can head to San Diego.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and found it well-paced. Jane is a self-professed curmudgeon and story is written in first person from her point of view. I thought the narrative was snarky at times and funny. It sounds like it would be a depressing book but I found it humorous. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Though Jane doesn't sound like a likable character, I liked her. I found her funny and sarcastic. She's tall and slim and doesn't care how she dresses ... her mom is always trying to get her to dress better. She has names for the people who stay at the B&B that aren't usually flattering. As much as she isn't a fan of people, she has a huge heart for dogs.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Blog review post:
She hates Ryan's hometown of Philadephia so makes plans to move back home to San Diego. Her uncle and aunt own a B&B in Arizona so she agrees to help them out for three months while her aunt recovers from surgery. On the drive to Arizona, she comes across a stray dog at a rest stop. Rather than leave her there, she takes the dog and drops her off at a shelter when she gets to the B&B. Working in the kitchen of the B&B is perfect for Jane because she hates people but loves cooking and baking. She's counting the days, though, 'til she can head to San Diego.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and found it well-paced. Jane is a self-professed curmudgeon and story is written in first person from her point of view. I thought the narrative was snarky at times and funny. It sounds like it would be a depressing book but I found it humorous. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Though Jane doesn't sound like a likable character, I liked her. I found her funny and sarcastic. She's tall and slim and doesn't care how she dresses ... her mom is always trying to get her to dress better. She has names for the people who stay at the B&B that aren't usually flattering. As much as she isn't a fan of people, she has a huge heart for dogs.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Blog review post:
February 7, 2017
So I was stuck at the Doctor's TWICE this week without a book. I know, obviously I didn't learn the first time. I did however, have my kindle with me for back up, and despite having other books on the go, I started this one. I loved the concept; a woman loses her dog and her husband within a few days of each other, but it's the dog she grieves for more. Oddly enough I can relate to this, although it hasn't occurred to me yet. I love both my partner of 11 years and my cat, and both hold a piece of my heart and soul, but it's always Ivan (the cat) first! I can't help it, Ivan is my one and only! <3 Haha. (Sorry Bowie!) :P
About the book, I loved the small town feel, the animals, the baking. I love a feel good, slow burn kind of romance too, which this had in spades. In fact, nothing really occurs on that front, just the hint, which was more than enough for me. I mean, she's just lost her husband, of course she wasn't going to jump in with the first guy who catches her interest. Oh and the Selene friendship <3 I wish I could make friends like that. I have a similar personality to Jane, and also struggled to make 'real' friends. Internet friends? Piece of cake! Interact with real, live humans? *runs for the hills*
So a sweet little story that I ended up continuing on after the appointment, and even read long into the night. Five stars!
About the book, I loved the small town feel, the animals, the baking. I love a feel good, slow burn kind of romance too, which this had in spades. In fact, nothing really occurs on that front, just the hint, which was more than enough for me. I mean, she's just lost her husband, of course she wasn't going to jump in with the first guy who catches her interest. Oh and the Selene friendship <3 I wish I could make friends like that. I have a similar personality to Jane, and also struggled to make 'real' friends. Internet friends? Piece of cake! Interact with real, live humans? *runs for the hills*
So a sweet little story that I ended up continuing on after the appointment, and even read long into the night. Five stars!
February 25, 2016
The main character in the book, Jane experiences the loss of her husband and her dog and finds herself more devastated by the loss of the dog. (Here a couple of things come to mind: the joke: My husband left with my dog several months ago and boy do I miss that little furry guy. The idea that Jane had already mourned the death of her marriage and prepared herself for the loss of Ryan out of her life). Jane quits her job and seeks to recover her former life in San Diego. Her mother convinces her to help fill in for relatives who run a B&B. Along the way, she rescues a dog named Maybe.
Maybe is diagnosed with cancer (You have got to be kidding me, how much can one person go through in their life) and undergoes amputation of one of her legs. As the story unfolds you realize that it is not clear who is rescuing whom.
I enjoyed several things about this book: 1) Jane is a list maker as am I. Her lists add a bit of humor to an otherwise overly sad situation. 2) The character is not "rescued" by a man. 3) Although you can see the ending coming, the author does not feel the need to tie up all the loose ends.
It was interesting to read the Author's Notes and discover that this book, while fiction, is loosely based on the author's own doggy story. I did take the time to look at the videos of the author's dog Abby who also underwent an amputation due to cancer and was amazed at how well she acclimated and enjoyed her time on this earth.
Maybe is diagnosed with cancer (You have got to be kidding me, how much can one person go through in their life) and undergoes amputation of one of her legs. As the story unfolds you realize that it is not clear who is rescuing whom.
I enjoyed several things about this book: 1) Jane is a list maker as am I. Her lists add a bit of humor to an otherwise overly sad situation. 2) The character is not "rescued" by a man. 3) Although you can see the ending coming, the author does not feel the need to tie up all the loose ends.
It was interesting to read the Author's Notes and discover that this book, while fiction, is loosely based on the author's own doggy story. I did take the time to look at the videos of the author's dog Abby who also underwent an amputation due to cancer and was amazed at how well she acclimated and enjoyed her time on this earth.
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