The book is okay, not great, but okay. The author did not seem to have an inspired grasp on her characters. Maeve is 36 years old; even though she has had a good life, she seems to lack maturity and seems to handle her emotions and feelings the way a teenage girl would, with very little grace and awareness of how other people around her feel. The first third was not bad, the middle seemed a bit contrived and the last part seemed to introduce an additional plot that had not been alluded to in the earlier parts of the book. Not a bad book, just a bland main character, an incomplete plot and an adequate writing style. The character of Alice could have been more fully developed - she was an interesting individual.

This is a cute book, with some interesting themes. Based on the title, I was expecting more pets/animal rescue. The alternating time lines/points of view took a few chapters to figure out, but overall it works. The heroine has more attitude than I was expecting, which was refreshing. There were some issues with pacing, with everything wrapping up very quickly and conveniently at the end. Overall, it was entertaining reading and distracted me from a very uncomfortable flight.

I think if I'd read anything before starting this book, I might have been more leery, but despite all the "eh" reviews, I really enjoyed this book. It's a slow, gentle book about starting over and unexpected gifts. I have to admit the end seemed somewhat tacked on, but by that point, _something_ needed to happen in the plot so I can see why the author did it. Recommended, especially for those who don't have any expectations.

From the cover and the description of this book I thought the plot would involve more animals. The cover is very cute and will certainly grab the attention of animal lovers, but it does feel misleading after reading the book. The story mainly focuses on Maeve's unresolved feelings about her birth mother putting her up for adoption. The chapters switch back and forth between Maeve in present day and her mother in the year before Maeve's birth. Although this is a light and easy read, the author tried to infuse too much emotional angst that ultimately fell flat. Maeve is a 36-year-old woman but she often handles her emotions and feelings the way a 16-year-old girl would; that is, with immaturity and a distinct lack of grace. She is utterly unconvincing as a mature, adult woman. I found I had no connection with her, nor with any of the other characters in the book. Everything lacked that certain spark that propels me to keep turning the pages. Not a bad book, just very bland in character, plot, and writing style.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

St. Francis Society for Wayward Pets is a fun quick read. Great characters. Especially perfect for fans of dogs, cats and knitting.

This book isn't one of my typical genre choices but that cover with the upside down Boston Terrier screamed READ ME--you'll be glad you did. I did and it made me smile. Ever have one of those really horrible, awful days--the kind where you lose a job, you find out your significant other isn't who you thought, and you get mugged before you can get home to cry? This book starts out with one of those really bad days but turns out that it just paved the way for a much better life that couldn't have happened otherwise. Serendipity. This sweet novel is full of that, plus great new friends, a new love and a new understanding that what appear to be faults are just interesting character traits. We all have them.

What a GREAT read! This story line kept the pages turning. I enjoyed all the characters and their stories. I will definitely be recommending this book !

Mae Stevens was raised by a wonderful, nurturing and loving family, always knowing she was adopted. At 36 she feels like a failure, especially next to her adopted brother Eli. Everyone around her seems to have is completely together. Not Mae. Her boyfriend cheats on her in a viral YouTube video, she loses her job, moves back home with her family and now she gets a call saying her birth mother who wouldn’t get to know her has died, and would she come to the funeral? Surprising everyone, she attends discovering more about her birth mother and even herself in the process. Deciding to stay and live in the house she was left, Mae learns she is far from a failure, and embraces the wonderful new people, and even animals in her life. A book about caring, understanding, change and growth, and learning none of us are perfect.

Maeve Stephens has lost everything that matters to her when she gets word that her birth mother had passed away and left Maeve a house, an old car and a lively cat. When she arrives in the town of Timber Creek she discovers she’s also inherited a dog who’s been dumped her new porch. Things start to look up, she has a handsome, if taciturn neighbor and a cool new group of friends who knit sweaters for cats and dogs. This book is every bit as delightful as it sounds, it’s the ultimate feel good story