Book Club,  Book Review,  Romance,  Women's Fiction

Book Review: In Dog We Trust | Beth Kendrick

January 10, 2019 /
Cute emergency!!!

In Dog We Trust is adorable, uplifting, and magnetic—I care so much for Jocelyn and those sweet labs that I wish I could have another book so I don’t have to leave them behind on those pages! When I read In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick, I wasn’t sure what to think. A dog romance book? But no—this is a book about a woman finding herself, learning about love and heart ache, and saving some pretty adorable pups along the way. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a feel-good romance with some laugh-out-loud moments!

About the Book

From the author of Once Upon a Wine, a new novel set in the charming seashore town of Black Dog Bay, Delaware.

When everything has gone to the dogs . . .

When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.

Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.

Reflection

Well, let me start off with the thing that worried me going in—this is part of a series and it is book 5. I don’t mind jumping in part way, but I worried that I’d be spoiled on other books, or lost. I didn’t need to worry! The series is actually focused on the town of Black Dog Bay—a town renowned for healing broken hearts. Each book in the series focuses on a different resident or visitor to the town, and tells their story. I took a peak and there are a few characters from previous books that pop up as side characters here, but it didn’t spoil ANY of their stories, so I’m already looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

Jocelyn is so fantastic—I loved her! She is vulnerable, a bit naive at times, but when it comes to her values she won’t compromise an inch. She is all heart, and because of that, she believes the best in everyone—even those who might not deserve it. I would read ten books about Jocelyn! But of course, her story has been told, and told well here.

The dogs! I loved the contrast between the rigid training of show dogs, and the loving care that Jocelyn provides. As curmudgeon-y as her boss seems, he is the one who hired her. He knows what she offers to those dogs and he wants that for them. I found it incredibly sweet!

And then there is the whole heartbreak to contend with. I won’t say much, but you’ll be infuriated like I was, I’m sure! But I thought it was wonderful how Kendrick didn’t let the story turn depressing. Jocelyn has other passions in life, and the dogs need her. Jocelyn is a strong woman and I really enjoyed reading about her so much! And there are a few other awesome females in this book that I loved as well.

Many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

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