Silver Dagger Book Tours presents... Nika Children's Adventure Series from Author Rick Marino - DOUBLE Review + GIVEAWAY!

 

I Love You Very Muchly: The Story of the Brave Little Girl

Nika Children's Adventure Series Book 1

by Rick Marino

Genre: Children's Book

I Love You Very Muchly is a true story about Nika, a Shih-Tzu puppy who was abandoned in a crate with no one to take care of her. Her new mommy and daddy found her and decided to adopt her. They did not know how it would work out because they had two large golden retrievers, but they wanted to try anyway. This the heartwarming story of a beautiful, fun, sweet, (and sometimes bossy) puppy who needed the love of her parents and the skills of the surgeons to save her life

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I fell in love with this one from the start. I, too, had a Shih-tzu pupper, her name was Lucia, and she was the most adorable, lovable, stubborn, fuzzy bundle of love you could ever hope for. In her later years, she was a bit of a curmudgeon, wanted things specifically her way, and didn’t back down from letting you know if something wasn’t right, but she could make friends with anyone and melt your heart in an instant. She has since passed on, and I will always hold her in my heart, but little Nika’s story touched my heart. To be abandoned at such an early stage in life, through no fault of her own mind you, with no one to take care of her, and then to have health issues piled on top of that...it was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Once her forever home was found and her new mom and dad got her the help she needed, even with everything still up in the air, I had tears for different reasons...love and joy.

The story coupled with the illustrations help bring the story to life visually, and I must say that they really got the personality of these feisty little dogs right on the nose. Anyone who says they are all the same just isn’t taking the time to get to know them...much like Nika points out how humans and pups CAN hear each other speak, if only we take the time. Recommended read for the kiddos, perhaps with a little adult guidance just to squelch any fears that things will turn out all right in the end.

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I Miss You Very Muchly, City of the Cats: Nika's Trek to Find Big Brother

Nika Children's Adventure Series Book 2

Every year, some of our pets wander away from home, some never to return. Sometimes you get lucky (like our family) and they come home. Why do they ever leave, where do they go? They must have a reason to leave their safe surroundings of good food, fresh water, companionship, and the like.

This is the story of Nika, her desire to find her big brother, and the heroic measures that were taken by both humans and her new found animal friends to save her from certain doom.

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Oh my heart was in my mouth throughout this story as little Nika takes on the big, sometimes bad, world in search of her big brother. I’ve often wondered just what our fur kids think when we have to leave them for any length of time. I mean, do they really understand that we will in fact be back shortly, or that sometimes people leave for greater stretches, but will one day return? Or goodness forbid time catches up with some and that return is after the rainbow bridge? What exactly is going through their adorable little minds because they sure are excited when they see us again!

In this story, Nika shares exactly what’s on her mind and she’s none to pleased (or patient!) to leave things as they are. She sets out on a journey to find big brother, pushing aside the warnings of those that have gone before her to the City of Cats. Sounds like an ominous place, right? Yeah, well let’s just say they don’t take kindly to dogs, actually have recruits to persuade some into their midst so they can exact their revenge, and even though they may think they are in power, there are those that conspire against them to save the innocent that will also have their day.

This time around, the story did not go exactly where I had imagined, which is a GOOD thing because the ending we and Nika (and friends!) get is SO MUCH BETTER! It warmed my heart to see everything come full circle, and added a welcome warmth to the tale perfect for the reading season.

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Rick Marino and his wife, Teresa have been raising rescue dogs and cats for decades. They share their time between their home in Ohio and New Jersey. Nika inspired Rick with her personality and braveness to write the two books about her, her bother Marco and her sister Penelope Purr.

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Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to AS THE STARS FALL by Steve N. Lee - REVIEW!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

If you've got deja vu, you're not wrong.  This is post number TWO of the day and yet another book birthday to take note of...but this one is so very different from the first we featured.  It's a Contemporary Fiction novel that will make and break your heart a hundred times over.  In fact, I wasn't sure how I was going to read it in order to write this review, and I'll tell you why...in just a second, after we introduce today's book birthday celebrant and ebook of choice...

As the Stars Fall

by

Steve N. Lee

9780955652585

Blue Zoo

About the book...

A desperate dog. A scarred girl. A bond nothing can break.

When a young girl suffering with her own tragedy comes across an injured young dog, she can’t resist helping him. Both having braved the worst the world had to throw at them, the pair quickly form an unbreakable bond. They picture their future as an endless stream of adventures filled with love, laughter, and good times.

But life has one last cruel trick to play…

At one moment heart-warming, the next heart-breaking, this is the story of a desperate dog’s roller coaster journey to be the one thing every good dog dreams of being – a best friend. Through a touching tale, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

For animal lovers, pet owners, and anyone who has ever had a four-legged best friend...

AMAZON:  US  |  UK  |  CA  |  AU

B&N  |  KOBO  |  APPLE  |  GOOGLE PLAY

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I should have never read this book...

...and yet I can't bring myself to regret a moment.

Now, why on earth would I start a book review with THAT sentence?  I blame the tears rolling down my face SO MANY TIMES throughout the book.  I blame my love of dogs and my belief that they should always be with us.  I blame my soft heart wanting GOOD for everyone in life despite what it gives them.  I blame my inability to separate myself from the story enough to avoid the heartache and pain seeping in...and yet without it, nor could I experience the joy.  I blame the state I found myself in by book's end as I lie in bed ugly crying, reminiscing about my own fur babies, past and present, and trying to put myself back together...because the story was just that good.

You see, it's a story that is equal parts intense beauty and heart wrenching agony, all tied up with an adorable fur baby to boot.  It's a story that has all the feels, and I do mean ALL THE FEELS, big enough to drag you around by the nose, like so many scattered scents on the wind to our beloved canines, and toss you amid the stars to frolic, to play, yet to utterly fall under its spell...and now I'm getting all misty eyed again because I'm thinking too much. *sigh...sob...snort*

In it's simplest form, it's a story of life, love, and growing up, told through the eyes of Dog...aka Kai.  His voice leads us through his volatile beginning, passed the hard moments that won't let go and to new starts, only to have things turn on their heads again and again.  I won't go into detail (though I so dearly want to) because it would spoil the experience, but I can tell you, it's not a book you can go into lightly.  It's not a story that can soon be forgotten.  It's not a tale that you can take on without a hefty supply of tissues at the ready and for so many other reasons than the one you may be contemplating as you read this.  

In close, all I can say is this...I feel very privileged to have gotten to know Kai and his pack.  Though the story may be Fiction, the heart hidden between the pages glows with such intensity, you can feel it from start to finish.  I know I'll still think of this story years down the road...and be recommending it in equal parts enthusiasm and caution for other tenderhearted readers like myself.

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About the author...

Apart from animals and writing, Steve’s passion is travel. He’s visited 58 countries and enjoyed some amazing experiences, including cage-diving with great white sharks, sparring with a monk at a Shaolin temple, and watching a turtle lay eggs on a moonlit beach. He’s explored Machu Picchu, Pompeii, and the Great Wall of China, yet for all that, he’s a man of simple tastes — give him an egg sandwich and the TV remote control, and he’ll be happy for hours!

He lives in the North of England with his partner, Ania, and two black cats who graciously allow Steve and Ania to stay in their house.

SITE  |   FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to author Steve N. Lee for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or his others works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is AVAILABLE NOW via Blue Zoo, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

A Rose by Any Other Name....: Oogy by Larry Levin

Happy Saturday, everyone!

The end of October is fast approaching and so is my chance to share with you all the books chosen for their spooktacular features.  (Oh, poo!)  Fear not...whatever doesn't make it in between today and tomorrow will still be shared in the coming days; after all, we don't need an excuse to read spooky fun books, just merely the time and the right mood. 

Today's post features a title that may come as a surprise to you when you are considering seasonal reads; in fact it might seem down right strange.  No worries, I'll explain.  The spooktacular find today is less on the spectacular side and more on the horror side....ANIMAL CRUELTY.  Most of you out there are animal lovers and those that visit my blog often enough know that the same goes for me, but there are some that would rather see these beautiful loving fuzzy (and non-fuzzy) wonders put to much more nefarious uses.  Is it sad?  YES!  Is it true?  Sadly, yes.  In fact one case (among many) that gained quite a bit of media publicity brought these heinous acts into the limelight and raised a good bit of awareness nationwide, but if it stops at awareness there won't ever be an end to these unfortunate and unnecessary tragedies.  A small warning to those that are easily affected by animal cruelty (including myself)...the story has a sad beginning, but it is just that, a beginning.  It does not reflect the majority of the book's content nor the ending so take heart, it gets better.  Today's book of choice is....

Oogy:

The Dog Only a Family Could Love

by

Larry Levin

When one door closes, another door opens...or so the saying goes.  In 2002, one family saw this first hand in a most unexpected way.  The passing of a pet, whether expected due to age or ailment or not, is an unsettling event to say the very least and the thought of bringing a new fuzzy friend into the fold any time soon is hard to digest.  You don't want to feel like you are stepping on the memory of the one that came before plus there is a grieving period for most families, but sometimes circumstances present themselves that demand your attention and immediate action.  In the case of the Levin family, their beloved cat had just passed away and unbeknown to them someone new was about to come into their lives; someone that needed them as much as they needed him, whether anyone knew it yet or not.  This is the story of Oogy.

Reports of fighting dogs are more common than not in today's world.  A sad truth, but still a fact to be known.  One look at sweet Oogy and you're probably thinking he was one of these fighting dogs, right?  Wrong.  He wasn't a fighting dog in the least; in fact his very nature goes against everything the criminals involved in these acts of violence look for in a fighter.  No, Oogy's treatment was far worse.  Since he wasn't a fighter, they use him as bait.  Now I won't go into what occurs in these types of situations (you can look it up if you like, too violent to go into here), but rest assured it's not a pretty picture nor something that most survive.  Oogy on the other hand....DID.

This is the touching tale of what love and trust can really do even against odds that seem insurmountable...Oogy's story is one that is certain to touch the hearts and minds of readers and pet lovers round the world. How can you resist his adorable presence? I mean really, for all the tragedy that this dog has seen, he has one of the most open and welcoming faces that I've seen among dogs.  You would think he would be mean, afraid of people and the world at large, but he's not...a lesson in forgiveness we (humans in general) could surely stand to learn from.  Combine that with his affectionate nature and you have a dog that any number of people would be glad to call their own...I know I would and after reading this book, I do in some ways as will all those that venture to read this tale.

The only drawback for me was that the book lapsed into what felt like filler at times (detailing medical procedures, daily routines, etc to almost the point of one foot in front of the other) seemingly in an effort to lengthen the story relayed into an appropriate length for publication. Personal opinion...it didn't need it. The story shared is more than enough to capture our hearts and the family tie-ins of their life as a whole just further that bond.  You not only learn how their lives are now with Oogy, but how their lives evolved prior to his charming presence.

In summary, a book for animal lovers and readers alike; reading this book is to experience all that is "Oogy" and see what happens when a little love is shared.  This book was released earlier this month so be on the look out in a store near or online outlet near you.  Review copy courtesy of Hachette Book Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title and their full catalog, visit them online or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time...happy reading.

Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson

Welcome back, insatiable readers!

Its Tuesday....yay!

Why yay?

Well, it's one day behind us in the days of the week we usually associate to work, yesterday's post featured a great little mystery with a chance for you to win a copy all your own, and today we are continuing the bookish and dog loving fun!  Sound good?  I sure hope so because you really don't want to miss out on the title reviewed today as it's the perfect fit for dog lovers round the world as well as those curious about how their utilization in rescue efforts came to be...in my opinion at least.  Today's featured book of choice is....

Scent of the Missing:

Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog

by

Susannah Charleson

Susannah Charleson...dog lover, pilot....search and rescue team member?  Yep.  You read that right.  Who did you think made up the amazing teams of human/animal search duos around the country...paid professionals?  Well, professional they are after the rigorous training both they and their canine companions are put through (you wouldn't believe how many hours are put into it and the scenarios practiced!), but payment comes more in a successful mission than it does in actual dollars.  This is not a "task" someone chooses because they want to be rich....it is a path chosen because they want to DO GOOD for others.  Susannah Charleson felt that draw and began working as the third point in a search and rescue team.  This book is the story of her journey from assistant to full fledged handler and the handful of a partner she choice (or perhaps that chose her) to accompany her on this journey....

Inspiring, educational, touching....and FUNNY!  All words perfectly suited to describing this wonderful book.  I knew the moment I saw the cover that I had to read it one day.  You see, despite the fact that I have several wonderful, would-never-trade-them-for-the-world fuzzy friends of my own....I've always wanted a Golden Retriever.  Why?  I'm not certain...I think I've always loved their look, their demeanor, and the way they seem to be the perfect fit as a family dog...although that last bit could be a applied to ANY dog that that chooses you as their forever home.  But I digress....before I get too into it, let me answer a question you may be harboring....


Why is this book being featured on a Tuesday you might ask...or at least you would if you regularly visit the site.  You see, normally this day belongs to the 'Taste Testing Tuesday' post and while it may post as well today with a sampling of my current reads (gotta share the bookish fun), the book we are focusing on today has stolen the spotlight on more than one occasion.  It seems that being a dog lover I can totally see my pups in some of the situations the author describes as Puzzle is growing up and the laughter over it can be shared with anyone and everyone.  For two of the more memorable ones shared in a teaser post, click here or here.  Don't feel like clicking around the site?  Fine, be that way.  Just kidding.  I couldn't let this one go without one last share from it's fabulous pages.  This one has to be read with the enthusiasm the scene calls to mind.  Imagine the utter joy a child feels when seeing a new toy and then getting to play with it....that's the level of excitement needed for this quote.  It's a few sentences, but totally worth the share.  Here we go....

Puzzle's nap aboard the airplane has refreshed her, and she has entered the house all bounding energy and curiosity.  It takes her only moments to put her nose to the butt of every Pom that rushes forward to inspect her, to flush a cat from the laundry basket, and to knock over a row of plastic bottles I have set aside for recycling.  Now she has suddenly discovered the stuffed lobster that's made the trip with us, and she takes the over-large toy in her mouth, rushing up to little Sophie with it, shaking it meaningfully:  booga-booga-booga, lobster-booga!  Sophie honks and skitters, her dark eyes wide.  -- pg 41

ROTFL!  -wipes tear from eye- Whew!  See what I mean?  Just imagine the situation...bounding yellow puppy, bigger than the Pomeranian's jumping around making sure it's known she has this large red toy under control, no worries, you see, you see?  *laughs some more*  Okay, I think I've composed myself enough to continue....

In a nutshell, this is a wonderfully touching look at canine search and rescue teams straight from the source...both handler AND dog!  Author Susannah Charleson takes you behind the scenes of events that draw their own amount of attention and tells it like it is. From the head lining stories of national tragedies to the small town disappearances big in their own way (because let's face it, a missing person in our town is just as important to us as one being broadcast across the nation...am I right?), readers are welcomed into their "special club" and given a front row seat to the highs and lows experienced in their daily calls.

You get to meet teams with years of experience that show us what a seasoned "sniffer" can do, as well as meet, greet and watch as one pup grows from precocious puppy to certified search and rescue dog...with all the antics along the way. Yes there are quite a few antics, some that I've mentioned, some that I haven't.  They not only provide more detail and depth to the story, but also show that Puzzle is underneath it all a regular dog.  Her daily interactions with Susannah and her crew of Pom's (lovably cute and funny Pomeranians), her training sessions and choice of motivation, and so much more go into creating the full picture view of this fuzzy girl.  Though Puzzle only truly gets into her first actual search at book's end, the journey to get to that said search is a story in and of itself making this a memorable read. Highly recommended for those pet lovers as well as anyone wanting a better understanding of all the work that goes into creating a successful search and rescue team...


Review copy courtesy of Julie Harabedian at FSB Associates.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this great online marketing company and their fabulous bookish features, visit their website or follow along on Twitter (1, 2, or 3)!  To learn more about the author and fuzzy friend Puzzle, check out their website by clicking here (really nice set up too...beautiful color choice) or see them as listed on the Mark 9 Search and Rescure site.

Until next time...happy reading!

Blog Tour: Day 2: Author Interview with Charles Franklin Emery III

Hello again, everyone!  It's day two for our visiting blog tour brought to you courtesy of Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book!  Yesterday, we featured a book review for A Man and His Maniac, the Bunkie Story.  Visiting us today is the man behind the book that chose to share the like and love of one special pup in it's purest (and sometimes raw) form!  Please join me in welcoming....

....author Charles Franklin Emery III!

So you have some pretty crazy tales in the book......are they all true?  No embellishing?

You are not the first person to ask that question. Folks that know me, have accused me of not letting the truth get in the way of a good story. But, as Dog is my witness, the stories are as I remember them. Every disgusting and amazing one of them. I miss Bunkie, life was a real hoot with him around; I wouldn't trade our lives and adventures and the memories of them for anything. As nuts as our adventures were, the current Boston Terrier Horde is generating some pretty amazing and disgusting stories too. Stay tuned for 'Moondoggie and the Boston Terrier Horde' coming out this year.

Did any stories hit the editing floor that you'd care to share?

Oh yeah, there are a few that will never make print after I read my own story. But they are not for sharing, sorry. The folks involved are still alive and I'd like for them to maintain some privacy and decorum. I think they're funny but the stories would probably initiate a few suicides or escape into hermit lands. I'll just say that Bunkie (like all dogs) have a natural curiosity about the execution of the human reproductive process. Thanks for asking, I'm laughing my ass off over here at the memories. Ah, the memories, the gift that keeps on giving. I will share a story about Gidget (aka Sadie Mae) our Boston Terrier counterpart to Moondoggie (aka Lucky). It's a story titled "No More Nippies for Chuck", it may be a little too racy for ya'll so edit it if you like. I was in a different frame of mind when I penned this bit: (Yes readers, I did edit the story as the author did allow....I believe the humorous aspects will still shine through in what is below....)

No More Nippies for Chuck

Menopause sucks.

And I’m a man.

........

  

Life was good. And then I got married.

You know what? It’s still good. ...... Sometimes I get to cop a feel, but mostly I just get sleep farts in return.

Oh wait, that is probably just the dogs.

One night I woke up to a heavy bout of French kissing, but was somewhat disappointed to discover that Sadie, our Boston Terrier, was just showing her affections. Yuck, I know where that tongue has been. ......

Well, it’s always good to know that the dogs are here for me.

........................................

I know you share this information in the book, but seeing as many of my readers probably have not had the chance to enjoy it as of yet....what drove you to share Bunkie's story?

Bunkie deserves to be remembered and this story was my way of insuring that his memory stays intact and available to any who are interested enough to read it. I even went so far as to register the copyright and Bunkie Story with the Library of Congress. He got me through some tough times during my divorce and we spent a lot of time together scouting out the Washington, California and Tennessee countryside's. He also helped my Dad. That's reason enough to do a book about Bunkie. I also wrote 'Dad, Dog & Fish', a memoir about my Dad -  the Bunkie Story is the center of 'Dad, Dog & Fish', it's also copyright registered at the Library of Congress.

The road from inspiration to published work can be rather daunting  You've reached that dream (congratulations!), but many are still striving for it as we speak.  Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew then?  Any pearls of wisdom you'd care to share?

 The word persevere comes to mind and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something.

A few quid pro quos, if you would please indulge us.....

On my nightstand.....is a radio alarm clock. All my reading material is in the garage. I'm afraid that all there is in my reading list are engineering reports and technical manuals. Beyond boring. But I do intend on reading Sherlock Holmes (Doyle) again this year. My wife bought me a really nice leather bound set a few years ago and I'm going to get to it.

If I wasn't a writer.....I'd fish more.

A recurring dream I've had....None that I can remember. That's probably a good thing though, I don't want to know why my pillow is covered in slobber.

When I was younger, I wanted to be....A fireman.

My favorite type of book to read is....Detective stories and Americana like Mark Twain.

One of my favorite authors (currently) is....Always has been Samuel Clemens, I don't have many favorites other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Clemens and Steven King

Final thoughts: 
Life is too short. Every day is precious, don't waste days, hours or minutes. Grab your significant other or friend(s), human or otherwise and tell them you love them. Take time to look around and appreciate your life and the world that we're in. Put your troubles aside for a minute and come to grips with the reality that you are in at the moment and enjoy the moments. Once you learn to enjoy and appreciate the moments, you'll cascade that enjoyment into days and years. There will be bad days but just remember that every day on this side of the grass is a good one.

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Thank you so much to author Charles Franklin Emery III for those candid answers (as well as the editing privilege)!  I'm sure everyone is enjoying taking a look behind the scenes on your latest venture!

Special thanks once again to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for letting us host the last two days of the blog book tour!  It's been fun indeed!

Until next time....happy reading!

Blog Tour: Day 1: A Man and His Maniac, The Bunkie Story by Charles Franklin Emery III

Welcome back, everyone!  It's a new day and a new post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  Today, we are playing host to a book tour courtesy of Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book!  They help new and existing authors connect with readers across the blogosphere with their virtual book tours and this selection is no different.  This stop will be a two day event....book review today and an author interview tomorrow! (YAY!)  Let's get started, shall we?  Today's book of choice and book tour visitor is....

A Man and His Maniac,

The Bunkie Story

by

Charles Franklin Emery III

For every dog lover out there, there are at least a thousand and one stories that can be told.  From the "love at first sight" to "the time they chewed my shoes" and everything in-between, it's something that can't be helped when one of these special friends is in your care.  This is the story of one such lucky pup that made that connection with his new "parent", forming a life long bond that would be tested time and time again.

Bunkie was a "special" puppy to say the least.  Aside from his many run-ins with temptation that he jsut couldn't say no to, he had the fortune of having as many lives as a cat!  In his life, he was run over, lost for weeks, in a car accident.....more times than one cares to ever imagine.  The poor pup!  You'd think he'd be traumatized by the events but not this little guy.  He's a trooper!  He would make Iron Man look like the Tin Man with the number of things he managed to pull off and still come out okay on the other side.  With each event, his resilience and hunger for life shown through, adding to the bond author Charles Franklin Emery III already and he already had.  To say it was love at first bark would be clique for these two....more like at first sight, and love through the steadfast joy they brought to each other throughout the years.

I will warn readers that although this is a great tale, it can often times be a bit "raw".  The author is telling it from his point of view, no holds barred so there are the occasional foul words (not to hard to imagine being said if you woke up in the morning to step in one pile of doggy goo...and then see about ten more all over the new carpet).  ALSO, while the author spins the magically true tale of Bunkie, unfortunately, time does pass....he gets older and lets just say while the ending is touching, bringing a box of tissues is perfectly acceptable (almost protocal).

As a fellow dog lover and owner, I can definite relate to many of the things that Bunkie did throughout his years.  One of my favorites....has to be the small, timid, bring-me-inside look.  Now, my dogs are not outside dogs by any means....heck, Ashley doesn't even like to go outside to do her business if it's raining!  (Seriously...she looks out the back door, turns back to me, and you could see in her eyes, she's thinking...."Um, yeah...I'm NOT going out there, if that's what you think...")  Bunkie here, being a larger dog, developed his own special way of tugging the heart strings of whomever was watching him.  One story shared tells of a time he was outside in the rain.  He was shivering and making the big puppy eyes (so sad!), only to be happily content the moment he THOUGHT you weren't looking, and back to his acting skills the moment you were!  (Now really...how many of you out that that have or had dogs before have not witnessed something like this?  They know they have us right where they want us...)

Be sure to check back tomorrow for day 2 on the Bunkie Blog Tour!  We'll have an interview with the author himself that is sure to be revealing (trust me, I've read it)!

COMMENT CREATOR

If you have ever had a pet, you can certainly relate to the funny things that they tend to do.  What is the most best "talent" your pet has or the most memorable story that first comes to your mind when thinking of them?

Until next time....happy reading!

Family Ties: Second Chance by Sandra J. Gerencher

Hello, everyone!  Post number two of the day (yay, me!), and what do you know, we have a book review!  This one is definitely a great read for all ages.  A heart-warming story for this special time of year....or any time for that matter.  Let's get right done to business, shall we?  Today's book of choice is....

Second Chance:

How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog

by

Sandra J. Gerencher

Meet Chance.  He is the current "roommate" of Ruffles at the animal shelter.  That's right, Chance is a dog.  As it turns out, he's not just any dog either.  He has been chosen by a new "mommy" for a forever home, her home.  Along with a cast of other rescued souls, his new Mommy shares her endless love with her young son, Ryan.  Ryan is a special child, apart from the fact that he has Autism.  Ryan's special factor lies in how he came to be with his current family.  You see, Ryan and Chance are very much alike.  They both have had to adjust to new surroundings; both have had several "mothers" throughout their lives.  Above all else, their common bond lies in the fact that they were both....adopted.  Follow along with Chance as he learns the ins and outs of his new domain, discovers the amazing connection amongst his new family, and finally learns the true meaning of a forever home.  A touching story for readers of all ages, and an eye opening look at new ways to open our hearts.

I must say that I was thoroughly surprised by this one!  I did not anticipate the narrator being Chance, but it definitely worked for the story.  How cute is it to see a book from a dog's perspective? (Oh, I forgot, you probably haven't read it yet...but trust me, it is definitely an experience.) Knowing that this "tail" (pun INtended) is based on true life events makes it all the more memorable.  Another interesting aspect (in my humble opinion) is the fact that the human characters take a backseat to the animals throughout most of the story.  You meet P.J., Little Rascal, and Shelby (or as I like to call them the "Pom Squad") (yes, they are Pomeranians) throughout the course of Chance's thoughts.  My favorite scene, although so hard to pick, was when young Ryan explains adoption to Chance.  Due to his special abilities, Ryan is able to communicate with his furry pals better than most, and so this conversation is especially heart-warming.  He explains that their new mommy made "the unselfish decision to adopt" and that this means they are "loved forever".  Now how can you truly compete with a message like that?  (WARNING:  Have a tissue handy, just in case you get weepy eyed....it's not said, just heart-breakingly sincere and beautiful.) (Oh, one last note, a portion of the proceeds for each book sold go to the Humane Society....a very fitting and noble cause, if I do say so myself.)

Review copy access courtesy of Nicole at Tribute Books!  (Thank you!) You can see their other titles online or check them out on Twitter for news and updates!

COMMENT CREATOR
Adoption is a tall order for many.  It is an undertaking that requires a lifelong commitment from both parties...the adopter and the adoptee.  Let's take a look at this process of love and share our own stories from this topic.  Have you ever adopted someone (whether furry friend or fellow person)? 

I myself have 2 dogs (of my several) that were adopted from the local shelter.  Britney, a chow/lab/shepherd mix (so loveable and cute!), came to her new forever home as a puppy, but my other little one, Winston (daschund), was already an older gent.  Needless to say they are both well loved, happy, and healthy little pups (hey, no matter how old they may get, they are still PUPS!)...even if they do perhaps get a few too many treats now and again (what can I say, I love to spoil them).

Until next time....happy reading!

'Tails' from the Heart: Three Angels by Ben Kerschberg

Pets bring joy to our lives beyond compare. From the moment they select us to be their "parent", a bond is formed that stands the test of time for their unconditional love is there for you and you alone. Sure, they may wag their tail at a stranger, or "kiss" the wayward hand that happens to caress their head, but in the end, you are their world and for that you should be forever grateful. Today's book of choice is....

Three Angels: For The Love Of Dogs:
Tributes To Three Amazing Pups

by

Ben Kerschberg

I normally go for the books with happy endings. Hey, so call me an optimist but I think that after reading a novel you should be left in a good place, not a black hole of despair. Let me start by saying that this short but sweet "tail" provides many pages of happiness in the form of puppy behaviors that you will easily liken to your own four-legged friends. Containing the life stories of three of the authors beloved mates, you will laugh, you will cry, you will share smiles with the crazy antics that are purely puppy.

I happen to be "grandma" to my mother's German Shepherd (don't question the family tree...to her pets, I'm grandma...to mine she is there's) and can honestly vouch for the greeting tackle that the author describes. In order to maintain control of your wardrobe, you become a master of the "dash and change" method. For those without dogs (German Shepherd's in particular), this is when you come home, race in to get changed, and then happily accept the unabashed face cleaning you'll receive from your fuzzy friend.

~WARNING~ I do feel that I have warn you, the endings of the stories are not that cheery. Take into account the fact that the author did not own these dogs at the same times and you'll understand what I mean. Despite the tears that may fall, I do heartily recommend this book for a quick reminder (it's only about 54 pages) of the fantastic times you've shared with your best bud. You'll definitely want to give them a big hug after this read.

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!

Until next time...happy reading!