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. I can’t wait to hear what others think! I read it as a book club read with the book besties, and we all found it adorable and charming and uplifting.

A fun and fluffy tale full of love, friendship, and sloppy dog kisses!🐶

This adorable story was comfort food for my heart and soul... sometimes you just need a lovely story that will put a smile on your face and a wag in your tail... this is the fifth book in Beth Kendrick’s Black Dog Bay series and can absolutely without a doubt be read as a standalone.... this was my first book in the series, but I have every intention to go back and read the previous books... A perfect palate cleanser to throw in between all those dark and twisty reads...

Joslin was out running one day saves the life of a purebred show dog, and before she knows it she’s become a dogsitter.... it’s a good thing Joslin adores dogs, even though her mom didn’t let her have one as a child.... before she knows it the three dogs that she is sitting have completely captured her heart... and Curtis, Carmen, and Hester completely captured mine as well!

There was a lovely romance in the story but it was a realistic slow burn that was kind of in the background... I really love that, because it allowed this book to explore some other really wonderful relationships.... my favorite of those being the friendship between Joslyn and Bri.... these girls had such a strong friendship the ultimate besties, everyone needs a Bri in their life, or a Joslin... The relationship between Joslyn and her mother was also charming, complicated, but charming.... The romance was sweet and satisfying even though it was understated...

This book is guaranteed to make you feel good about all creatures big and small, two legged and four! The next time you need a book pick me up, pick this one up! Absolutely recommended!

*** many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***

Great addition to the Black Dog Bay series! I really enjoyed the main character and how the author incorporated the dogs' personalities to the story. Nice light read. Highly enjoyable.

No dogs die in the telling of this story.

Jocelyn Hillier and her mother live in an expensive, beachside summer vacation town in Delaware. They're not rich, though. They're locals, and run a laundry service for summer visitors.

And one day, Jocelyn is out for a run, and winds up saving a Labrador from getting hit by a car and killed. In the process, she meets both Peter Allardyce, owner of Carmen whom she has just rescued, and three other very expensive Labs, all of whom have prestigious pedigrees, and Christopher Cantor the Third, a young man both handsome and rich, as well as very charming.

Despite her mother's warnings against having anything to do with summer people, or rich people generally, Jocelyn is soon exercising Allardyce's dogs, and dating Chris.

Chris isn't the prize he seems, but on the other hand, elderly, misanthropic, and tightfisted, turns out to have a higher opinion of her than she had any basis for suspecting. She finds out when he dies suddenly.

What follows is a wild summer of sudden wealth, a custody fight over the dogs, a struggle with Allardyce's estranged son over ownership of the beach house, and revelations about old friends, her own estranged father, and the stranger aspects of the dog show world. Frozen sperm! Unacceptable colors! The huge stakes for high-ranked dogs competing with other high-ranked dogs! Puppy contracts!

Not to mention friends who turn out to have real fortune-telling gifts, and an "ugly" painting gifted to her from her estranged father that turns out to be something a great deal more.

It's a lot of fun. The dogs are great, the people are likable and interesting, and the oddities of the dog show world and purebred dog breeding are displayed without being mocked.

Did I mention the dogs are great? And that Jocelyn is a great dog owner?

Oh, and there's a good romance included, though it isn't with Chris.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley., and am reviewing it voluntarily.

In Dog We Trust was a cute book, if a bit lighter on the romance than I expected.

Jocelyn works for her mother’s laundry service, taking care of the wealthy tourists who visit their town. She picks up a second job taking care of some pampered Labs when she saves one of them from getting hit by a car. When their wealthy owner passes away unexpectedly, Joss is shocked to discover that he left most of his money to the dogs and named her as their guardian. Joss loves the dogs, but having money comes with headaches, including a lawsuit from the dead man’s unacknowledged (and hot) son, Liam. Joss has to figure out how she’s going to navigate the world she’s been thrown into without losing touch with what she values in life.

This book is a fun quick read. There’s a strong focus on the friendship between Joss and her bestie, Bree, and the scenes with the two of them are together are some of the best in the novel. However, while I did like that aspect of the story a lot, a subplot involving Bree’s high school boyfriend pushes the romance with Liam a little too far into the background. I wish the author had spent more time on Joss and Liam interacting with each other, because I’m not totally sure I bought into how quickly they went from adversaries to friends to more. If the romance was a bit lacking, though, readers get a lot of doggy love to make up for it.

If you are looking for a story that features dogs, female friendship, and a bit of romance, you should give this book a try.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

I love stories with fun, goofy animals and this one didn't disappoint. It was a very light-hearted contemporary romance and while I enjoyed most of the story, I feel like there should be been more to the ending. What about Lois and the house? Does the lawsuit continue? Aside from not being quite satisfied with the ending, I did still enjoy the story.

What a delightful read! I've read other books in the Black Dog Bay series but loved this one the most. If you are a crazy dog lady like me--read this book!!! You will LOVE Jocelyn and all those sweet Labs!! I read this book in one day, so it's the perfect weekend read when you need something light, happy and entertaining.

Writing the final women’s fiction post for HEA is such a bittersweet moment. It has been an honor to share noteworthy women’s fiction books with you, and I am glad that I have this one last opportunity to do so.
This blog is a hodgepodge — with books that are out now and are soon to be released and won’t be out until months later.
Happy reading …
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg (out now)
What it’s about:
The feel-good book of the year: a delightful novel of friendship, community, and the way small acts of kindness can change your life, by the bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.
The right stuff: Perfect for this time of year. Full of wonderful friendships and heartwarming moments. A bit bittersweet, but readers are left more with the feeling that kindness can work miracles than any sadness.
In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick (Jan. 8)
What it’s 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.
The right stuff: Zany Black Dog Bay is back! Full of wonderful characters, sometimes adorable dogs and second chances at love. All the things we’ve come to love about this series! (See a fun Q&A on HEA with Beth about In Dog We Trust.)
The Best of Us by Robyn Carr (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.
Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.
When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
The right stuff: Dare I say it? This feels like almost the conclusion to the Sullivan’s Crossing series, with all the loose ends tied up so neatly with two engaging romances and appearances by the cast of characters.
The Secret Life of Mac by Melinda Metz (Jan. 29)
What it’s about:
He’s the cat thief of love
MacGyver the tabby is feeling very pleased with himself. His human, Jamie Snyder, has found the perfect packmate—and it’s all thanks to Mac. By stealing personal items from the home of Jamie’s handsome neighbor David, the matchmaking cat brought these two L.A. singles together. Now, while the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, MacGyver is ready for a well-deserved cat nap. That is, until he meets his cat sitter Briony. Like most humans, she’s hopeless when it comes to romance. And Mac can’t resist a challenge …
She’s found the escape claws
Briony feels terrible about leaving her fiancé at the altar. When her cousin Jamie offers her the chance to cat sit MacGyver, the runaway bride leaps at the chance to cuddle up with the only male creature she trusts herself around. But MacGyver has other plans. He lures Briony to a friendly neighborhood retirement community—run by a charming young hottie named Nate. Briony and Nate hit it off instantly. But Briony’s still not sure she’s ready for a relationship. And Nate’s got problems of his own—someone is sabotaging his community.
Crazy humans. Why can’t they follow their instincts and go after the love they deserve? MacGyver is on the case. And this time, he’s not pussyfooting around …
The right stuff: It seems apropos that my first post for HEA featured a book by Ms. Metz — Talk to the Paw, and so does the final one. Charming and cute sometimes get a bad name, but not in this case. Pure delightful escapism with plenty of laughs.
The Military Wife by Laura Trentham (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Harper Lee Wilcox has been marking time in her hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina since her husband, Noah Wilcox’s death, nearly five years earlier. With her son Ben turning five and living at home with her mother, Harper fights a growing restlessness, worried that moving on means leaving the memory of her husband behind.
Her best friend, Allison Teague, is dealing with struggles of her own. Her husband, a former SEAL that served with Noah, was injured while deployed and has come home physically healed but fighting PTSD. With three children underfoot and unable to help her husband, Allison is at her wit’s end.
In an effort to reenergize her own life, Harper sees an opportunity to help not only Allison but a network of other military wives eager to support her idea of starting a string of coffee houses close to military bases around the country.
In her pursuit of her dream, Harper crosses paths with Bennett Caldwell, Noah’s best friend and SEAL brother. A man who has a promise to keep, entangling their lives in ways neither of them can foresee. As her business grows so does an unexpected relationship with Bennett. Can Harper let go of her grief and build a future with Bennett even as the man they both loved haunts their pasts?
The right stuff: Nicely done story of husband’s best friend to lover! Complex relationship issues will keep you turning the pages. Perfect feel-good ending.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?
It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?
The right stuff: Sophie Kinsella writes wonderful stories about heroines going from low self-esteem to finally getting it right, and this definitely fits the bill. Humor, lots of character growth and a sweet romance.
Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper (April 2)
What it’s about:
Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
The right stuff: Perfect blend of wacky, poignant and amusing. Escaping into one of Molly Harper’s book is pure entertainment.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center (Aug. 13)
What it’s about:
Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.
The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.
Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.
The right stuff: I know, you’re thinking, August? But this book is so good! Loved the juxtaposition of the hero’s and heroine’s roles. She’s the expert and he is the rookie. Fabulous forgiveness theme. Humorous and touching!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.

I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. I liked each character as they were introduced and the storyline was a cute, enjoyable read. Let's not forget the dogs. Who doesn't like a story where dogs are involved? Especially dogs that belong to a really rich man who dies and leaves everything to them? This fun story is about Jocelyn and what happens to her because of her love for dogs. If anyone is listening out there, I really wouldn't mind the same thing happening in my life. :) As for the rest of the storyline...I don't want to give anything away but trust me when I tell you that there is a really good chance you will enjoy it just as much as I did. This was an easy, fun read and you don't have to tax your brain in any way with this one. Sit back and relax...

An enjoyable women's literature novel set in the small town of Black Dog Bay. 

Although this is the fifth in the series, I read it as a stand-alone and it worked just fine. The character of Jocelyn was my favorite. She is a dog-lover and works part-time as a care giver to Mr. Allardyce's pampered show dogs. The three Labrador retrievers get her full attention and she is devoted to them.

Things get interesting when the millionaire, Mr. Allardyce  dies and leaves Jocelyn  named the legal guardian of his show dogs.  As guardian, she will live in his mansion and have control of his estate.

Pretty soon Mr. Allardyce's son, Liam shows up and questions about why he has been left out of any inheritance comes up. Can you imagine? It has all gone to the dogs!

I thought the first half was great and the second could have had better pacing, but overall, a a cute read filled with some humor, some puppy love, a dash of drama and a bit of a romantic interest.

Recommend for a light escape read!

Blog review to post on 1/10/2019

In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick is a cute and light fluffy read. I needed something uplifting and fun after the darker reads I've been reading.

I adored Jocelyn and her best friend Bree! They had the sweetest relationship and had me cracking up with their friendship! Awesome bestie I'd love to have :).

What I liked was that this story wasn't fully focused on a romance. It takes awhile for the pacing and story to build up into the romance. I struggled a little bit with the pacing of the book and felt the story dragging a bit... but despite this the story was just plain darn fun and cute read!

This is definitely one for animal/dog lovers! Thank you Beth... now I want to get another dog... when we just got one 3 months ago haha.

Overall, this was a definite fun read. 3.5 stars!

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 1/8/19
Published to GR: 12/26/18

This was cute! I loved the dogs and how they are described. The main character seemed a bit inconsistent with her behaviors. One minute she’s standing up for herself, but then when she really needs to, she lets people walk all over her. And the chemistry between Jocelyn and Liam was supposed to be there, but for some reason I didn’t feel it. Overall a cute read.

The newest series installment follows Jocelyn, a local Black Dog Bay resident, who runs a cleaning and laundering service for all of the beach rentals in the town, which is quite a lot as Black Dog Bay has a reputation of being one of the top tourist hot spots for the brokenhearted. Right away, a huge theme of the story is established- us vs. them, locals vs. seasonal tourists, working class vs. rich. I found this to be interesting because it never played a massive part in the other books, where many of the protagonists have either been outsiders or locals who left for a long while, and there were definitely rich local townsfolk (like Hattie from the first book in her ridiculous purple house). Jocelyn gets roped into a dog-sitting gig on the side for a mean, rich seasonal resident who dies and in a truly bizarre twist of fate leaves all of his assets to his dogs, and to Jocelyn as well as he names her their guardian.

Now I'm not too sure how realistic the legal premise for the plot of the book is, but it was fun getting to glimpse into the absolutely insane world of show dogs (which I didn't even know labs were a part of). From their fancy filtered water, upscale food, crazy training schedules- it was a crazy yet fun way to read about the lifestyle of the rich in a different perspective than usual. The dogs were hilarious and truly felt like their own characters, and I am not a dog person but I would have loved to snap up one of the puppies that's born for myself (George Clooney the silver lab, LOL).

Of course with a ridiculous will that leaves all assets to three lovable but honestly not that smart Labrador retrievers, legal drama is bound to happen, which is also intrinsically tied in to the romance of the novel. Jocelyn is being sued by Liam, Jocelyn's benefactor's son, for what he believes is his rightful inheritance. Now of course the circumstances are far from cut and dry and as the story progresses you learn that he's really not ~that bad of a guy~ but I just felt like I couldn't connect to the romance. Perhaps I personally could not get over the extreme aversion I would have to dating someone who was trying to sue me (no matter how well intentioned they were). In fact I think Jocelyn and Liam would have made better friends than romantic love interests and the whole story could have still felt the same with the same resolution. In fact, I found myself much more attracted to Liam's badass, debutante mother who can rock a french manicure and wrangle cattle at the same time while still having time to weed your garden and make fresh squeezed orange juice. It was really fun to see a character in the story who had such a strong presence who did not have ties to Black Dog Bay and I could honestly use a whole book about her backstory!

In terms of protagonists, Jocelyn was OK but not a standout compared to some of the other Black Dog Bay leading ladies in previous books. I also didn't get as many cameos as I wanted (there were a few with Lila and one with Cammie but I would have loved to see more!). However, the real stand out character in this story for me was Bree, Jocelyn's outspoken, palm-reading, aspiring lawyer best friend. Bree was hilarious in a way that you could probably imagine your real life BFF being, from very unsubtle "stake out" missions to helping you figure out how the heck to navigate a lawsuit when you barely feel like an adult yourself. I was super invested in her side story line and I'm crossing my fingers that she'll get her own Black Dog Bay book in the future!

Overall: I always love returning to Black Dog Bay and In Dog We Trust was no exception. While I wasn't a fan of the romance I enjoyed the overall story line and found several new favorite characters who I hope to see return in future installments!

In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick is the 5th book in her Black Dog Bay series. I have not read this series before, and it reads very well as a standalone.

We meet our heroine, Jocelyn Hillier, a resident of Black Dog Bay, who works with her mom in a business cleaning sheets, towels, etc for various businesses. Black Dog Bay is a unique town, known as the place to get over any heartbreak, especially with stores named Whinery, Eat your Heart Out bakery, just to name a few. While running, Jocelyn comes to the rescue of two dogs who were about to get run over by a speeding car. The eccentric wealthy owner of the dogs offers Jocelyn a job to exercise and walk the dogs (they are show dogs) daily.

A year later, the owner dies, and he left everything to the dogs, with the care of the dogs, including a stipend to live in his mansion to Jocelyn, with her in control of the money. The dogs are a handful, but she loves them, and enjoys the perks of living in the mansion. Jocelyn has to continue to help the dog trainer, despite her attitude, to keep breeding and going to shows.

A short time after the reading of the will, Jocelyn is accosted by the deceased owner’s son, who was not happy to find out that a dog walker was given full access to the estate. Liam approaches Jocelyn to tell her he is going to fight for his inheritance, even though he had no relationship with his father. Needless to say, they both do not start off on good terms.

What follows is a sweet fun story line, as we watch the slow burn romance build between Jocelyn and Liam. It was fun to see how Liam helps Jocelyn with the dogs, especially during one of the dog’s birth of puppies. The secondary characters were very good; Jocelyn’s mom, Liam’s mom (who both hit it off, which was kind of hysterical), and her best friend, Bree, who was an awesome friend.
Things get difficult, when the dog trainer threatens to fight for custody, just when Liam and Jocelyn are coming to terms in working together. But this is a feel good uplifting story, which was very enjoyable. Beth Kendrick wrote a sweet light heartwarming story,with a great couple, romance, some wacky characters, and wonderful cute dogs. What’s not to love?

In Dog we Trust is a fun book to read, and very well done by Beth Kendrick. The only thing I would have improved was the quick ending, which I thought needed a bit more detail. But overall an enjoyable read.

The fifth book in a series and this is one of those series where you can read them out of order because each book focuses on a different character in the town, but I always advise to start at the beginning and enjoy them from start to finish.

This one centers around Jocelyn who lives in town and has a business with her mother. The leading man is Liam who comes to town due to the death of his father and he wants some of what Jocelyn has. They start on a completely bad foot and the reader has to wonder if they could ever see eye to eye and end up together.

This book felt very different from the others in the series. I couldn't put my finger on it and still can't, but this one just felt like a departure, not a bad thing, just a little different from the rest. The reason for this couple to come together was an inheritance and drama and just seemed different from the previous books in the series.

I love Beth Kendrick and her writing. I don't know how to categorize her writing because it has a little romance, but has a lot of heart and soul. The characters in her books are always entertaining and it easy to root for them. These are the type of "romance" books that I like to read throughout the year.

Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "In Dog We Trust" by Beth Kendrick, Berkley Books, January 8, 2019

Beth Kendrick, Author of "In Dog We Trust" has written an enjoyable, amusing, entertaining, lovable story. If you love animals, this book will definitely make you smile. The Genres for this book are Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Romance. The timeline for this story is in the present, and only goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The colorful characters in the story each have their own personalities, and problems, including the dogs.

Jocelyn Hillier is an ambitious, honest young women, who is extremely hardworking, and loves animals. Jocelyn helps her Mom do the laundry for the renters of the community. These would be the wealthy seasonable visitors that reside in the seaside community. Joscelyn's mother has warned her to stay away from any possible romantic entanglements with the wealthy visitors.

Jocelyn finds herself helping wealthy and obnoxious Mr. Allardyce with his highly pedigreed dogs. She walks them and gives them love. When Mr. Allardyce dies, Jocelyn finds herself in the position of being legal guardian of his dogs, and living in his mansion with a tremendous amount of money that she is able to spend. Instead of being a seasonal resident, Jocelyn is now living in the wealthy tourist style, which she is not used to at all. Of course this new arrangement has irritated some people who believe that Jocelyn has no right to anything Mr. Allardyce's will stated. One of those who will fight her is Liam, Mr. Allardyce's son.

In addition to possibly fighting the will, can it be possible that Liam is cute and a nice guy as well? Of course, Jocelyn takes note that her dogs require a tremendous amount of maintenance, and some of the most lovable moments center around the dogs. The most important stipulation of the will is that Jocelyn must be guardian of the dogs. Yet, there are some people who question that as well. What does one do? Is it love or money? Which is more important?

I had a good time reading this book, and had some chuckles. This is a heartwarming story, and I highly recommend this to readers who love animal stories with romance. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review. Happy Reading!!

A fun, cheerful, chick lit + canine installment of Kendrick’s Black Dog Bay series (this is number five but each is a happy standalone). Black Dog Bay is a new island paradise for the recently discarded. Known as “breakup central,” the locals are tapping the economic gusher with businesses like “Better Off Bed & Breakfast,” “Jilted Cafe,” “Eat Your Heart Out Bakery,” and “Rebound Salon.” Tourist money has infused life into the island’s economy but also served to accentuate the differences between the locals and summer visitors.

Jocelyn Hillier runs a linen service for the tourists, but gains extra employment as “nanny” to three pampered but lovable show dogs when she saves one from a poorly driven speeding vehicle. When cranky owner Peter Allardyce dies and leaves everything to the dogs with Jocelyn as their guardian, suddenly things start to change — and not always for the better. Throw in a sassy best friend with unacknowledged psychic abilities, a hunky guy who is apologetically suing Jocelyn for Allardyce’s beach house, and a Duran Duran road trip for two “old” ladies, and you have the makings of a hilarious and heart warming read.

Dogs are often the best people, and I would often trust my dog's instincts rather than my own. Plus, they are normally a lot nicer than people!

This is my first Beth Kendrick read, and it was sweet and cute and fluffy. I needed something uplifting after some darker reads, and In Dog We Trust was just the ticket.

It goes to show that one chance encounter can change your life, and that is what happens for Jocelyn.
Is it for the good? Is it for the bad? For that you will need to read for yourself.

Wonderful characters that had me laughing, had my cursing, had me smiling to the end.

I did kind of feel that the end was just... meh. There was all this build up and then... nothing - however this could just be me.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley.com for the complimentary eARC of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

By focusing on a "local" in this edition who happens to have a non-breakup based business, there is a slight departure from the formula of prior Black Dog Bay books but it still works. Jocelyn is a spunky one - I liked how her story played out even if it was a tad predictable.

What I loved: Bree was actually my favorite character in the book (with Liam's mom as a veryclose 2nd) - I would love love love to see book #6 in the series be focused on her because of the palm-reading gift but I think her story would be too predictable (unfortunately).

What I didn't love: Usually the sighting of the black dog means true love and good things but since I only remember seeing him in the beginning, I'm a little sad that they deviated from the usual game plan; unless the black dog was for Carmen - then I totally get it.

Overall Grade: B

Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was totally intrigued. The story-line sounded really unique and refreshing. I loved the idea of the eccentric, rich pet owner leaving his fortune to his pets and was intrigued by how much this situation would change Jocelyn's life.

For the most part, I liked the story. I thought it started out really well and had a great pace to it. I loved the friendship between Jocelyn & Bree. Their bond was very sister like and I couldn't wait to see what kind of trouble they would get in to. I loved the addition of Liam to the story-line. He added some great drama to the story and really challenged Jocelyn. I thought their relationship had a lot of potential in the beginning. Jocelyn & Liam had some great chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. They definitely had the whole hate to love vibe going on. However, I felt like even though their relationship was supposed to progress and be romantic, it never got there for me. As the story progressed, I never really felt the romance between them. Honestly, it felt more platonic to me. Don't get me wrong. I did enjoy them and thought they had a great friendship, but their romance just didn't work for me.

I did have a few issues with this book. I loved the pacing in the beginning, but somewhere along the 60% mark, the story started to drag. It felt like the story was taking forever to move on, and not a whole lot was happening. Also, I felt like there was a lot and I mean a lot going on in this book. So much that there still feels like a lot of the book was left unresolved. And the lawsuits....there was just too many of them. It just felt very over the top to me.

In Dog We Trust was a cute and lighthearted read. The characters were fun and the story-line was unique. There were some parts of the book that left me wanting more, but I still had a good time getting lost in Jocelyn's story. Even though this book wasn't a 100% hit for me, I'm still glad to have checked it out.