Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I always love a good dog story, and this was the best kind. A true account of the wonderful way an animal can come into our busy lives and make us appreciate the world and people around us just a little more. Sadly, the author Marika Meeks needs Stella to help her overcome one of the worst times in her life; after surviving cancer, she has trained relationships within her family and a flaggin mental health. Stella does what dogs do best though, and steals into her heart unexpectedly and brings the family back together, giving them a common bond.

This was a fantastic book, of course it was very emotional and at times overwhelming. I read this on my own, because I cried a few times and I hate crying in books in front of my partner; he never seems to understand why exactly a book can make you sad or why you'd want to read one that did! But this was a well written account also, and doesn't just hit you in the feels. It makes you appreciate the wonderful breed that is the misunderstood pitbull, and helps you learn to love one.

A great dog book, and good for animal lovers alike. Five stars!

Let me first disclose that I almost did not read this book. Simply because I knew that I would spend a majority of the time crying while reading. Which, of course, proved to be true. I cried at home, I cried at work, and I cried talking about it.

Almost a year ago my husband and I rescued a pitbull from our local Adopt-a-Pet. It was, like Marika with Stella, love at first sight. I was volunteering (and still volunteer) when he came running up to me. Jumping on me, biting me, and just being completely rambunctious. We brought him home when he was twelve-weeks old. Truthfully, it was not the right time for us to bring another dog into our family. However, it was the best decision that we have made. Our pup, Atlas, has brought so much joy to our lives that it seems impossible. We cannot imagine life without him.

I related to Marika and Stella's story so much when it came to the love that her and her family felt for their pup. Not to mention, the horrible (and downright wrong) reputation that pitbulls get. I do my best to advocate for them and prove to others that they are such an amazing breed of dog. This story was wonderful. I loved reading about how Stella changed her family's lives and brought so much life and love to them. It is incredibly how dogs can heal us.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me an Advanced copy for a review. This is an heart warming story to read although I did find it a bit difficult to get into at first. Once I got into the rhythm and flow of the writing the story of Marika dealing with breast cancer, and finding Stella who helped her through her dark days, and healed her whole family I was glad I kept reading!

Very good book it just shows you what the love of a dog can do for you and also what love you give the dog can also do.

I fell in in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the book.
It's poignant, heartwarming, makes you smile and moves you.
I loved the style of writing and how the story is told.
I think it's a must read for dog lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge dig lover, especially Pit Bulls and other breeds with misunderstood reputations, so I was very happy to be approved for this book. This book is a great example of the power a dog can have on humans. I can relate to several of the trial and error issues with trying to find a good match with dogs who have unfortunately been abused. It is such a devastating feeling knowing a poor abused pup won't be a good fit for one's family.
If you love dogs and want an uplifting story of a dog and her people, read this book!

A really good feel good book..I love this dog.Marika is doing a fantastic job of showing the world how great pits are. The world needs tons more of this.

I love reading books about animals and how could I resist the picture of Stella on the cover of this book?!

Marika was a mother, wife and owner of some restaurants in Indiana. She discovered she had breast cancer when she was in her forties and got treatment for it. She was considered cancer-free but still carried the emotional baggage regarding her mortality along with the insecurities of her childhood. Though Brian, her second husband, had made it clear when they got married a couple years ago that he didn't want to ever have a dog, she suddenly yearned to have one.

Marika found Stella, a pit bull puppy, a couple years later in 2016 and was drawn to her. Brian wanted her to be happy and stressfree and the family adopted Stella. Despite the reputation that pit bulls have, Stella is a sweet and caring dog. Marika realized how much calmer and less anxious she is when she is with Stella and had her certified as an emotional support animal.

In an attempt to "give back", Marika and her family start fostering pit bulls. Marika also wants to raise awareness that pit bulls don't deserve their reputation and to encourage others to adopt rescue animals.

I liked this book and the writing style. I thought it was interesting and found there was a good balance between Marika's story, Stella's story, the positive awareness of pit bulls and encouraging the adoption of rescue animals (I volunteer with a cat rescue).

For more information, you can check out Marika and Stella's website (www.incredibullstella.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/IncrediBullStellaa), Twitter account (twitter.com/IncrediBullStel) and Instagram account (www.instagram.com/incredibullstella).

What a delightful book! It's the true story of a rescued pit bull and how her delightful character saved her family when Marika was recovering from cancer. Pit bulls are an unfairly maligned breed of dog and this book makes it so clear how these intelligent animals and indeed many pets can bring healing to those who are ill in many ways.

It shed wonderful light on the importance of pets in emotional and recovery support.

This book is absolutely amazing!! I fell in love with Stella and the whole family. This story is very heartwarming and full of emotions. This is a 'MUST READ"!! Thank you Kensington Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

READ THIS BOOK!! If you read nothing else this year read this one!! It’s not only a story of a dog but of family and fear and love. Just pick it up and give it a go.