This was such a fun, loving, quick read. The Black Dog Bay series is great and In Dog We Trust was no exception. I loved this. This is a book for every dog lover.
The story is about heartbreak and loss, and finding new beginnings with friends, fur paws and oneself. This was a very endearing read.

Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for this read for an honest reivew. Will totally recommend to other puppy lovers out there!

In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick is book five of Black Dog Bay series and is the only book I have read of the series, although when I am in the mood for comfy good stories, I may try other books in the series. Kendrick writes well, and the story flows nicely. In my opinion, for those looking to read books with good endings, animals, and love, I recommend this book.

Another great book from Beth Kendrick. Having read the rest of the series, this is just what I was hoping for. Another quick read, that is engaging and has characters that you fight for.

It was nice to return to Black Dog Bay but most of the characters we met before were either non-existent or played a minor role in the fifth book in the Black Dog Bay series.  The town was as I remembered and it was nice to be back at the beach in Delaware with quirky businesses.  This is Jocelyn's story but it's also the story of the three labs that she cares for.  The dogs add a nice element to the story and are playful but also seem to be aware of what's going on around them.  They are prize winning dogs but not when Jocelyn is around them!  There are laugh out loud moments along with some tears and a reluctant palm reader who doesn't embrace her gift or does she?

Jocelyn has a few love interests in the story and she and trust fund baby, Chris, seem to have a love that shouldn't be since they come from different sides of the track.  Are things as they really seem or is there more lurking under the surface that Jocelyn is oblivious to?  As we get to know the characters more there is a depth to each of them.  Jocelyn, her mom, Jocelyn's best friend, Bree, Chris, Liam,  and even his dead father took me by surprise more than once.  Liam and Jocelyn are on opposite sides of the fence due to a legal battle involving his father's estate but is all at it seems?  There are twists and turns to the story but a few happily ever afters are in the offing.  There is some closure but enough loose ends to take us to the next books in the series of which I hope there are many.

Ms. Kendrick is an author whose books I have enjoyed in this series although I need to read the third and fourth books in this series, Put a Ring on It and Once Upon a Wine, respectively.  I have not had the pleasure of reading any of her other books yet but have added a few to my always growing TBR pile.

In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick is a 2019 Berkley publication.

The tourist season is beginning in Black Dog Bay. The wealthy who ‘summer’ here are filtering in, which means Jocelyn Hillier, who runs a laundry service for the tourists is busy, especially now that her mother is recovering from surgery.

But, it’s Jocelyn’s other job as a dog walker and sitter for Mr. Allardyce which unexpectedly turns her life upside down.

When Mr. Allardyce suddenly dies, he leaves his fortune to his dogs, and names Jocelyn as their guardian, propelling her into a life of ease. But Mr. Allardyce’ estranged son, Liam, has decided to contest the will. However, he never counted on Jocelyn’s determination to honor Mr. Allardyce’s will or her will to fight for a new way of life.

If things weren’t complicated enough, Jocelyn and Liam discover that although they are legal adversaries, they happen to like one another- a lot!!

This is a sweet, light, and mildly fluffy story about family, class distinctions, and compromise. There is heartbreak along the way, but ultimately this is a book that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling upbeat, which is something we could all use a lot more of. The romance is sweet, with only a mild angst, despite the circumstances. Also, there are dogs- and who doesn’t love a story that features dogs?

Jocelyn is a terrific character, and I cheered for her from start to finish. The supporting cast is outstanding, each pulling their share of the load, and adding something special or important to the story.

When I close a book with a big goofy grin on my face, I owe the author a debt of gratitude for cheering me up and sending me a few much- needed positive vibes. Some will scoff and claim it is not realistic, but lets look at it a little closer-

The feel -good ending here didn’t just magically work out on its own. The characters each had to concede something or contribute something. They all had to consider the viewpoint of others involved, which requires work, patience, and maturity. Things don’t always turn out like we hope they will in life, but when people work together the results are often better than one could have thought possible.

I’d say it paid off nicely for them. Their example is one we could all learn from. The message is just as important as those presented with a heavier tone or in a more dramatic way. So, to say it isn't possible for people to settle disputes, or conflict in a civil manner, or that love doesn't factor in it, sells us all short, in my opinion.

You may notice this is a part of a series, but this book can be read as a stand-alone. However, I think it would be fun to read the previous installments and of course I will be sure to catch any future chapters in this series, especially since Black Dog Bay is the best place to recover from a heartbreak. You may arrive with a frown, but you’ll leave with a smile- and that’s good enough for me!

Typically, I enjoy reading any books that involve dogs. Dogs rock! I had a difficult time with this book. The situation seemed unlikely. A man leaving his wealth to a relative stranger was odd. I realize that this is fiction, but the legalities of the will, while not unusual, do not provide for the guardian to pay for tickets to France, or purchase personal expensive items. I found it hard to believe that the lawyer set in place to ensure that Jocelyn provided a good home for the dogs was absent from much of the story. I realize that the author wanted to set some tension between Liam, the benefactor's son, and Jocelyn, but their arguments were forced rather than natural. Also, I found most of the characters, Bree, Rachel, Jocelyn, Craig, etc. a bit unlikable. They all had rather eccentric and unpleasant personalities. This is the latest entry in the author's Black Dog Bay series, but not one I would read again. I have not read the other entries, but I may start at the beginning to see if I am missing something. I do think that anyone enjoying a light romance without any violence, profanity, sex, etc. would probably enjoy this book.

Ahhh, I love this series so much. Beth Kendrick is quickly becoming one of my go-to happy authors and this book was no exception. While this can be read as a stand-alone, why not start at book 1 in the Black Dog Bay series?

I loved this ROM-COM! Give me a little romance, laughter and throw in Dogs and I am hooked!

This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel. It worked well on its own. I usually hate reading books out of order but I didn't mind this one.

I used this book as a slump buster and it was just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes you just need a fun, fast read that will lift you out of your reading slump.

I loved this book and hope everyone picks it up.

As soon as I saw the most adorable cover, I just had to read In Dog We Trust. It was my first read by Beth Kendrick, but it certainly won't be my last!

In Dog We Trust was set in a small, touristy seaside town in Delaware. Our heroine, townie Jocelyn Hilliard works with her mom running their small laundry business, when on a fateful morning run she rescues a black Labrador retriever from getting nearly run over. The owner of the Lab, rich but crotchety Mr. Allardyce, hires her on the spot to help take care of his dogs--three prized show dogs. When Mr. Allardyce unexpectedly dies, he leaves his fortune to his dogs making Jocelyn their guardian and turning her life upside down...

Reminiscent of Kristan Higgin's earlier books, In Dog We Trust was fun and filled with humor, cute dogs, characters to love, a dash of romance, and lots of heart. I loved Jocelyn from the start! She was hardworking and down-to-earth and I took to her right away. Besides Jocelyn, I also enjoyed all the other secondary characters like her best friend Bree (love the whole palm reading bit, especially that scene at the bachelorette party--basically, Bree needs her own book!), her mom, Liam (once he warmed up), and Nora. The small-town beach setting just warmed my heart--I wanted to stay in Black Dog Bay longer and I have my eye on the previous books in the series so I can explore it some more.

And of course THE DOGS!! Carmen, Hester, Curtis, and the puppies were the stars of the novel! They were adorable and every time they were part of a scene I melted from the cuteness. I also found the little glimpse we got of the dog show world--which I knew nothing about--very fascinating and I now am interested in watching an actual dog show on TV to see what it's all about.

I highly recommend In Dog We Trust to fans of rom-coms for prefer the steam level on the sweet side. Since this novel is my first visit to Black Dog Bay, it didn't register for me but longtime fans of the series will get a kick out of seeing some familiar characters. But, first time readers like myself can jump into In Dog We Trust without reading the previous books in the series--it's very much a standalone. In Dog We Trust is the perfect weekend or beach read and even for book clubs (the paperback edition comes with reading discussion questions). Check it out!

Jocelyn is jogging when she sees a couple of dogs examining each other in the middle of the road. Then she hears a sports car approaching and she runs a little faster. She stops disaster from happening by grabbing them and moving them from the road right before the sports car gets there. The lab's owner thanks her. The man driving the car apologizes to her. She makes her escape and takes the mutt who caused all the problems home with her.

Berkley and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It has been published so you can grab a copy now.

The man owning the labs offers her a job taking care of his dogs. The sports car driver asks her out. Her life takes a turn for the good. Everything is fine for a while. Then her employer dies and makes her guardian of his dogs and gives them the house and his money. That's almost overwhelming. The man she's been dating and was thinking of marrying (even though he hadn't asked) tells her he thinks they need to back off and give each some space. She knows that means goodbye.

If that isn't bad enough, Mr. Boat Shoes she met at her employer's house turns out to be his son. He sues her over the house. And the lady who showed the dogs sues her saying she should have been appointed as guardian. Her life is no longer the same. She can use the estate money to fight the cases, but will she win?

I enjoyed the characters, the dogs, and the romance all three in this one. It was well worth the read.

This is book 5 in the Black Dog Bay series set in the Delaware shore and the book can be read as a stand alone. Jocelyn gets roped into exercising and caring for a cranky old man's championship show labs. She feels sorry for the dogs and goes daily to run on the beach and hug them. When he has a heart attack and dies she is left his estate and the dogs to care for. When his son shows up with plans to contest the will Jocelyn plans to fight him but there is this chemistry... A story that dog lovers will enjoy and a romance that is not extremely smooth. If you enjoy this book Ms. Kendrick has many additional stories to enjoy. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Look at this cover and tell me you're NOT going to read this novel. NOT! Beth Kendrick's new novel, IN DOG WE TRUST (St.MartinPress) is all about 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.

Let's face it, any dog story is a winner, and one written by Beth Kendrick is a definite keeper. You can really tell she's a an animal lover and that's infectious! Enjoy IN DOG WE TRUST with your own four-legged friend seated next to you.

*****



ALL ABOUT BETH:

This is the part where I’m supposed to brag about all my illustrious accomplishments, but honestly, I’d rather talk about my dogs and brag about some of the things I haven’t done:

I’ve never been to prison*, court-ordered rehab*, or splashed across the cover of a salacious weekly gossip tabloid with my ladybits on display**.

I’m a Leo, a middle child, and a formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. I read everything I can get my hands on, from the classics to comic books. I don’t drink coffee because, frankly, I’m high strung enough without adding caffeine into the mix. Here is the true story of how I became a novelist:

I was invited as a plus-one to a wedding where the bride was a successful romance novelist. Well, the second I heard that, I had to go. Being a writer had always been my dream job, and I’d never met anyone who’d actually beaten the odds and made the leap into big-time publishing. So I RSVP-ed, sidled up to the bar at the reception, waited until the bride and all her author friends uncorked the good champagne, and then peppered them with endless questions about writing, editing, and landing an agent. They were so funny and encouraging and generous with their time and advice. (Not to mention quite tipsy.) Next thing you know, I had joined a critique group and was knee-deep in the manuscript that would eventually become MY FAVORITE MISTAKE. The open bar at that wedding changed my life forever. Thank you, Dom Perignon!

I live in Arizona in a very cute fixer-upper that I bought in a burst of totally delusional, can-do confidence. I thought it would be fun to embark on a series of do-it-yourself renovations. Yeah. I know. Turns out, replacing baseboard that’s been painted over 15 times since 1958 is not as easy as those Home Depot commercials would lead you to believe. Also, freshly-installed lawn drip systems and “helpful” dogs are a bad mix.

Speaking of dogs, here we have the indefatigable canine lawn maintenance crew: Roxie and Friday. Both were rescued from the pound when they were puppies. I think they’re Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. (Probably. Maybe? Anything’s possible.) Roxie is the brains of the operation and Friday is…well, he’s very sweet. And so indolent he could be mistaken for a piece of furniture, which I consider a very desirable trait in a family dog.

I love hearing from readers, and I personally read all my emails. Unfortunately, due to writing deadlines and teaching obligations (and poor time management skills!), I am unable to reply. Just know that it’s not you; it’s me!

Have fun exploring the site, and if you have any questions about my new book, my backlist, or finding an agent…I’ll be right over there at the bar.

*Yet.

**That I know of.

20 questions with Beth courtesy of www.bethkendrick.com @bkendrickbooks

If you weren’t a writer you’d be…?

Either a crime-fighting vigilante or starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

What? Oh, we’re talking about reality here? Okay then, a child development researcher. I finished my PhD in psychology right about the time I sold my first book, and although I count myself very fortunate to be able to write full-time, I also loved life in the lab.

Favorite TV Series?

“Northern Exposure,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Community”, “Friday Night Lights,” “Good Eats.” (I secretly believe that if I watch enough Food Network, I will learn how to cook gourmet meals via osmosis, with no actual hands-on effort.)

Where do you waste time online when you’re not writing?

If you are my agent and/or editor: What?!? I would never! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work on my next chapter.

If you are not my agent and/or editor: ted.com, GoFugYourself, CrazyDaysandNights, Maricopa County Library District, PetFinder

Lexulous.com

What talent do you wish you had?

Culinary prowess. (See: Food Network addiction, above.) I used to be absolutely hopeless in the kitchen, but when I started writing The Bake Off, I enrolled in some baking workshops and I am slowly but surely learning. Today, cheesecake from scratch–tomorrow, the world!

What talent would people be surprised to discover you have?

I was on the synchronized swimming team for 4 years in college. Synchro (as the cool kids call it) is kind of like ice skating or floor gymnastics in that it looks deceptively easy.

Biggest lie you’ve ever told?

“No, seriously, this time I mean it—I’m not getting any more dogs.”

Favorite smell?

Freshly cut lemons and melting birthday candle wax.

Favorite children’s book?

Muncus Agruncus, a Bad Little Mouse by Nancy Dingman Watson (no longer in print, alas), Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (I’m tearing up just thinking about this one!)

Dietary downfalls?

See’s chocolates, Sprinkles’ chocolate marshmallow cupcakes, Dove chocolate… I’m seeing a pattern here.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I have to have a glass of room-temperature water the whole time I’m writing. I can’t work without it.

Yes, I’m a diva. A dehydrated diva.

Favorite movie of all time?

“The Parent Trap.” The original, 1961 version starring Hayley Mills. (“I feel absolutely naked without my lipstick!”) Runners-up: “L.A. Confidential”, “Clueless”, “Better off Dead.”

Sentence we will never hear you utter?

“I’ll have the filet mignon, medium rare.”

What’s on your workout playlist?

Beastie Boys, Bruno Mars, Pursuit of Happiness, Eurhythmics, old-school Britney Spears (I get a ton of story ideas on the treadmill, and for some reason, my muse loves Britney. Ke$ha, too. I need serious therapy.)

What’s your favorite thing about being a writer?

Right now, I am wearing Uggs, pajamas pants printed with milk and cookies, and an ancient T-shirt from college–a.k.a. “business casual.” Oh, and I can barely move my feet because my huge oaf of a dog is hogging all the space under my desk. I love my job.

What do you like most about living in Arizona?

Citrus trees growing in my front yard. Oh, and 70 degree winters.

What do you like least about living in Arizona?

Overripe oranges splattering down on the driveway. Oh, and 120 degree summers.

Best advice about writing?

“You can’t get there from here.” Meaning, when you’re starting a first draft, you can’t possibly include all the detail and emotion and character nuance that you hope to see in the finished manuscript, so don’t even try. Just focus on the scene you’re writing right now and don’t be afraid to play around and veer off in an entirely unexpected direction. A story is organic; it should be growing and changing while you tend to it every day. Don’t sweat all the details at once. That’s why God invented second (and third and seventh) drafts.

The one thing you wish you had in your office?

That’s easy: a giant, floor-to-ceiling saltwater aquarium. You know, like the James Bond villains always have.

The one thing you wish you had in your garage?

A totally restored surf wagon from the 1950’s with wood-paneled sides. Parking would be a nightmare, but it would be worth it.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

What is this “morning” you speak of? Are you implying that the sun comes up before 9 a.m.? Heretic!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Jocelyn Hillier and her mom do tons of laundry each week for the guest houses rented out in Black Dog Bay. Due to a freak almost accident, she finds herself with a part-time job too. Dog sitter for a group of show dogs owned by Mr. Allardyce. She doesn’t care much for him but she loves his dogs. When Allardyce passes away Jocelyn is stunned to find he not only named her legal guardian for his dogs but entrusted her with the house they live in and plenty of cash to see to their every need.

Shortly after the reading of the will, her new boyfriend breaks up with her and Allardyce’s son files a lawsuit to overturn the will. He is not happy to lose his inheritance to a pack of dogs. Jocelyn also needs to deal with the dog’s trainer and their dog show schedule all while one of the dogs is due to deliver a litter of pups any day. With a lawyer trying to advise her of ways to make everyone happy, she decides to take them all on and do everything she can to keep the canines together and with her.

I was thrilled to be back in Black Dog Bay – “the best place in America to bounce back from your breakup. Home to Better Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, and the Whinery bar, Black Dog Bay offers a haven for the suddenly single.” While the books in this series all take place in the same Delaware town, they can all be read as stand-alone and in any order.

I really liked Jocelyn. She had her hands full not only with the dogs but with the laundry business as well, because her mother is recovering from back surgery. My husband had back surgery right before Christmas so I can totally relate to the care and recovery and the efforts of those helping with that recovery. At first, this character didn’t really show her strength by as the story continued the fight inside her really emerged. She fought for the dogs and she fought for herself. After a while, she even opened her heart to someone new. Her best friend Bree was there every step of the way, encouraging her on. Friends their whole lives and always there for each other.

Like any great Romantic Comedy, there is a love interest for Jocelyn, in fact, there are two. I wanted to jump right into the pages and punch the first guy right in the nose. He put on a great front at first, but his true colors were soon out for all to see. The second guy was the complete reverse, a jerk to start with, but then he came to his senses.

This is a wonderful lighthearted story. Life, family, romance, dogs, and humor fill these pages. It would make an excellent Hallmark Movie. The ending is a happily ever after as expected, but it is told in a delightful way. I really enjoy the way Ms. Kendrick tells a story.

I loved this story. It was a fun read, a perfect escape for me!

Such a cute cover but the story was "just okay". I had a hard time getting into it and felt it was a little disjointed. I kept at it and did end up enjoying the last half of the book. But I'm giving it 2 stars because I almost gave up half way through.

I received this from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

n Dog We Trust is the fifth book in the Black Dog Bay series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone (as I did). It is a light, fluffy romance, but the romance is not the main focus of the story. It is sure to please readers who are also dog lovers.

Jocelyn is a townie who ends up being named the guardian for her former employer’s high maintenance Labradors after his sudden death. One would think that becoming filthy rich in the blink of an eye would go to her head, but she remains grounded and practical, though a little out of her depth, about her newfound world of excess. Her benefactor’s estranged son Liam is definitely not happy about not inheriting what he thinks is owed to him and immediately begins litigation protesting the will. Personally, I do not think I could be romantically interested in someone who is so out to get me, but it works for the story. I expected there to be more about the world of professional show dogs, but it is glossed over. What a missed opportunity for some zany characters and funny moments.

Jocelyn is nice and sometimes a bit naïve. She is likable but not really a strong protagonist. Liam is interesting and become much more appealing as we learn more about him, his past, and his motivations. Jocelyn’s mother and best friend, along with Liam’s mother, are my favorite characters. Their interplay with the others sparkles and their relationships are realistic. But, let’s face it. The exuberant dogs are the stars of the tale.

The book is evenly paced, not dragging at all. However, the ending left me a bit perplexed. Why did they make the choices they did? It just seemed like a really odd situation. The premise of the book is a bit outlandish, although I know pets inherit healthy estates in the real world, but is it fun and a great escape from reality.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

This book was surprisingly funny and completely adorable. I really connect with the main characters and could relate to her love of dogs. The writing was easy to read, well paced and I laughed out loud several times. The supporting characters were great, I especially loved the best friend! The romance was good, though it took a back seat to the character development and I appreciated that. If you are looking for a really fun romantic comedy with some loveable dogs added in then definitely give this book a chance! Though it is part of a series (more like a group of connected books), it can be read as a standalone and you won’t miss anything.

This was my first Kendrick read and it certainly won't be my last.

From the quirky lovable town right down to the likable and fun characters, this story was just so much fun.

With a town every bit as lovable as the characters, it is definitely a place you wish you could visit if not live there too.

A sweet lighthearted story that will grab your attention and leave you with a smile on your face, In Dog We Trust was just what I needed for a quick weekend read in front of the fireplace to warm me both in body and spirit.

This is the 5th book in the Black Dog Bay series. I hadn't read the other books but I didn't feel like I missed anything. Jocelyn is out running when she saves 2 dogs from being hit by car. One is a mutt and 1 is a show dog. The owner of a show dog pretty much demands that she take care of his dogs every day by taking them out by the beach for walks and tires them out. She is also running a business with her mom and best friend. The guy of the car, who almost hit the dogs start dating Jocelyn despite her mom's warnings. The owner of the dog passes away and leaves the dogs and the house in her care. But his son fights her on that. Then another threat is on the horizon. She will fight for what she thinks is right.

In Dog We Trust is a cute story. It's the 5th in a series, and I'm usually a stickler about reading books out of order, but I really thought this one worked fine as a standalone title.

This women's fiction/chick-lit book is chock full of dogs, best friend shenanigans, locals vs. "summer people" in a resort town, legal headaches, mother-daughter issues, all wrapped up with a bit of romance! Having lived with a couple of labs myself over the years, I greatly enjoyed the descriptions of their goofy antics and sweet dispositions. And I loved Jocelyn's friendship with Bree... their interactions were a lot of fun.

The romance part of this fell a little flat for me, though. I feel like I sort of missed the transitions in Jocelyn's relationship with Liam... it seemed like one moment they were mortal enemies and then all of a sudden letting people refer to them as boyfriend and girlfriend. Just didn't feel the chemistry between them. And it almost seemed like Bree's situation with her ex kind of overshadowed it.

All in all it was a quick, sweet read... as a dog person, I found it enjoyable. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a digital review copy of this title!

This was a really cute story. Jocelyn is living a busy life, helping her mom run a linen rental business and assisting her best friend Bree with her handyman business. She saves a Labrador retriever from being run over by one of the rich vacationeers, and ends up with another job taking care of the dogs for their very rich owner, as well as a new boyfriend in the rich speeder.

Suddenly, the rich owner, Peter Allardyce, dies, and Jocelyn is named guardian of the three pedigreed Labs and the big beach mansion they -- the dogs -- live in. His son, Liam, appears at the reading of the will and threatens to sue for the house.. Long story short -- there's a dog trainer who wants the dogs but is willing to 'settle' for living in the mansion, all expenses paid, for a year; another summer person who has a mutt Friday who falls in love with one of the Labs, Carmen, and is willing to sell Friday to Jocelyn ; a pair of breeders who were promised a purebred puppy but who are so obnoxious that Jocelyn refunds their deposit; and then there's Nora, Liam's mother and Peter Allardyce's ex-wife!

The romance grows slowly, the story is really about the dogs and Jocelyn. But it's a fun read, and will leave you feeling good about both 2- and 4-legged creatures. It's part of a series but as far as I can tell they're all stand-alone stories.

I received this as an ARC for an honest review.