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Savannah “Van�� Leone has just watched the love of her life, Peter, marry her best friend Janie. Wallowing in sadness and Kool-Aid vodka cocktails, Van impulsively orders a German Shepard puppy online from Slovakia, who she names Joe. After the purchase, she realizes he cost $6,000, and when he arrives, he’s a lot bigger than expected, and only understands commands in Slovakian. Though he’s a bit much, Van loves him something fierce. He helps heal her heart, broken from losing the love of her life, and the death of her mother a few years earlier to cancer. While putting the pieces of her life back together, she meets Joe’s cute new vet, Alex, who may just be the (rest of the) answer to mending her heart.

What a wonderful and moving story about the love of animals and the special bonds we form with our pets! As a huge animal lover, I was touched by this story, and also laughed in recognition at all the funny dog antics. I loved Joe and wish he was mine. My dog’s cute and all, but he does NOT understand Slovakian and let me cry on his fur.

I knew I was going to love this book from the opening scene in which Van is attending the wedding of her two best friends/love of her life. I loved Van’s tone. It was dry, sarcastic, and pessimistic. Plus, I kept hearing it in Allie’s voice from the reading and she’s a good reader!

While this book had its light and fun moments, I liked that it also explored some deeper, more serious issues. Van and Janie have a unique past and the relationship is somewhat hurt by it. Van’s mother worked as a housekeeper for Janie’s rich family. Van and her mother lived in their carriage house, and Van and Janie became quick friends, while Van’s mother and Janie’s mother, Diane, became best friends as well. When Van’s mother dies, the dynamics are entirely thrown off, and Diane pushes Van away, leaving Van feeling hollow and alone.

When Van meets Peter in college, she loves him instantly. He keeps her as a best friend, but rejects her as a potential love interest when his rich family rejects her because she doesn’t live up to their high (read: rich) standards. She keeps loving him though.

Van has suffered a lot of heartbreak and Joe was the perfect catalyst for all of it. For once, Van felt loved and less alone. For those of you who understand and cherish the love of an animal, this is a must read! For those of you who also love exploring the intricacies of friendships and love, this is a must read for you, too.