I laughed, I got teary eyed and really enjoyed this book! Anyone who has a dog or loves pets would enjoy this story of Valentine, a dog that no one wanted. Lily Garner volunteers at a pet shelter and applied to foster Valentine…she knows nothing about training dogs, but just knows that she will be able to help Valentine get a forever home. Valentine is matted and uncared for and Lily will change all that. Lily meets Shane Bowman when Valentine, who is overjoyed to be out of a cage, takes off one day. Shane is restoring his grandmother’s house and is able to corral Valentine. Lily is amazed at the structured reaction that Valentine has to Shane. Shane is a RCMP Officer who is recovering from being shot and losing his K-9 partner, Titan. He is not interested in having another dog, but finds himself unwillingly offering to help Lily. I read this book in one sitting as it was such a delightful story with characters (and Valentine) that I was rooting for. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I received a copy of A Dog Called Valentine by Roxanne Snopek from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first novel by Roxanne Snopek that I have read and I was very pleased to find a new author that I will follow for future/additional offerings!

First, the plot was simple and sweet, but it moved along without torturous, overly dramatic or lengthy "does he/she love me back" moments that can bog down a story. The novel was well written and the dialogue between the characters (primary characters as well as secondary) was entertaining and enjoyable. The chemistry between the main characters - Shane and Lily - was believable and the build up really was sweet, too.

The conflict was Shane's trauma from the death of his canine partner and his not wanting to get hurt again by taking a new canine into his heart and Lily's past experience with a loved one leaving keeping her from wanting to let another person into her heart. I admit, I did get misty eyed knowing that his canine partner had been killed in the line of duty (because killed dog...so sad!). I thought that the author wrote about that in a sensitive fashion and didn't beat the reader over the head with it.

Overall, A Dog Called Valentine by Roxanne Snopek was a fun book to curl up and definitely worth checking out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
This was really fun, easy and quick to read. Emotionally wise, it gets you right where it hurts. Depending on whether you're a dog person or not, it really reminds you of how lucky we are to have our k9 pals (even with the mischievous behaviour).
The two main characters are slightly broken by their past and need a helping hand (paw) to help them live in the now. Those moments of clarity and the relationships with other characters who care, are what make this book special.
4.5 stars.

A Dog Called Valentine by Roxanne Snopek. A heart-warming story. The author know how to bring a story together. This story grabbed me from the first chapter and wouldn't let me go until I finished the book. A totally enjoyable book.