Member Reviews

“What a truly heartwarming novel Casey Wilson has written!!!

“A Dog’s Chance” tells an emotional yet charming tale of Madison, Abbie, Arthur and Sonny and their relationship development.

Even Duke, the adorable pup tells some of story from his point of view! Which was really entertaining because a dog’s perspective is different from us humans.

It was hard to put the book down and the whimsical whirlwind of emotions it put my heart through.

I absolutely adored this novel!! This is a must read!!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.”

Was this review helpful?

Casey Wilson! You've done it again. I did not want A Dog's Chance to end. It was such a beautifully written book. It pulled at all of my heartstrings one at a time and all at once.

I woke up this morning thinking about Madison, Abbie, Arthur and Sonny. I was excited to get back to the book to see how everything was going to conclude.

This author creates the best characters and her dogs are simply top notch. I like that some of the story is told from the dogs point of view. That is unique and something you don't see often. It comes off as pretty authentic. I especially loved these characters and more than once found myself aching to give them a hug.

If you read A Dog's Hope and liked it, you will love this one. If you haven't read either one and you love dogs, then you will definitely want to read both of them. These are stand alone stories. Pick up whichever book you can, get a cold drink and curl up in the hammock. You're probably going to be there until you're done.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

As soon as I heard that this author had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read and review it! I loved her previous book.

This book is simply wonderful. It’s touching and gorgeous, without unnecessary sentimentality, but it truly captures the essence of our special bond with the dogs in our lives.

There is a saying about the right dog choosing you, and coming along just when you need them. In the case of Duke, this is literally what happens. A dog’s sense of intuition is astounding, and Duke just knows that he and Arthur need each other.

Madison and Abbie come into their lives too, and Duke’s capacity for love and healing increases to include them.

There’s a totally captivating storyline in this book. Madison is always moving on, but what is she running from? The characters are wonderful, I was particularly fond of Arthur, and of course of Duke, who gets some chapters told from his point of view. This really enhances the story, and the author’s understanding of a dog’s mind is so fascinating. I can really see some of these characteristics in my own dogs.

A must-read for any dog-lover, this beautiful book will bring a tear to your eye, and joy to your heart.

Was this review helpful?

Sweet and Emotional Tale
This is a sweet and emotional tale of a dog and several hurting people that he helps heal through his unconditional love. The story is well done. There are parts of the history that are just alluded to until the climactic moment. I think that it is a story any dog lover would enjoy. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a sweet story. If you are a dog lover and believe they pick people to become attached to, this book will confirm that belief. It’s got happiness, sadness, good and evil. The story even has a sweet love story. I’m not going to give any spoilers because I believe it is best to let the story unfold. It would be a good beach read and totally appropriate for a young teen. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this story! I loved that a dog would "rescue" the characters of the story. This was a story that tore at the heartstrings. I felt like I had known these characters all of my life and I was at home in their little town. Great, light read for those hot, summer afternoons.

Was this review helpful?

After reading Casey Wilson's first book called "A Dog's Hope" I was thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to read "A Dog's Chance". Ms. Wilson writes the best novels with dogs as her main characters. I've always been a dog lover and reading books that feature dogs is just the best for me! This book is no exception.....a best!

It's not always the person who finds the dog but the dog who finds and chooses its person. There is a connection between them that's just meant to be. Duke is that kind of a dog. He is an abandoned "dump dog" puppy and he longs to be in a family. Because of destiny or fate, he happens upon a very sad elderly man, Arthur, and he just knows he can comfort him. This is his person! There is an instant bond between them and that's where the story of Duke grabs my heart and takes me on his journey. Dogs bring such joy into the lives of the people they choose and Duke is there for Arthur.

Madison is a traveling nurse practioner and a single mom of a 14 year old daughter, Abbie, who's struggling with anxiety. Madison's next assignment brings them to the town of Millbury. This place just seems to be where they belong but there's a reason they can't get complacent and settle down. Madison just can't become attached to anyone or anything. It's not worth the risk. But....who can resist Duke? He's such a lovable and intuitive golden retriever and connects with Abbie. As does Madison connect with Arthur. Now what will she do and how will she ever be able to leave this new family?

I love the way this story is written between the two POVs. One is Duke's and the other is Madison's. Ms. Wilson has created a dialogue with Duke's voice that is so unique, touching and compassionate. She's put into "words" what those soulful eyes and expressions dogs have and what they would say if they could actually talk. Duke is a very wise puppy and he loves through his heart. "Dogs see what's inside, what's underneath, and we have a keen awareness of how humans are feeling and what's churning inside, deep below the surface." Duke is so intune with his people. Throughout the story, Ms. Wilson weaves Duke's instincts and connection to bring the characters together.

This story has so many of the "feels" that make it a great dog-lover story. Duke channels his inner "Lassie" so many times. One point in particular of the story. I loved watching Lassie when I was a little girl and this book reminded me so much of that. The love of a dog for his family. Always faithful to protect and comfort.

Duke had challenges when he was a pup. He was the runt of the litter and overlooked. But his mother encouraged him and told him he was "destined for greatness". He is loyal, devoted and loves unconditionally. "Just because I was different and smaller, didn't mean I wasn't powerful. Stature, breed, looks-all are labels that serve only to limit, but they don't determine our strength. Dogs know what's on the outside isn't important; it's what's deep in your heart that defines you." I love Duke!! He is a GREAT dog!

I am so honored to have read this book. Ms. Wilson's wonderful gift of writing is even more incredible in the way she expresses the inner thoughts of the dog characters she brings to life. I love her dedication to her sweet pup, Izzy. Dogs do heal hearts and bring joy. This book is full of this. Huge thanks to Ms. Wilson for the copy of this wonderful story. I loved the journey with Duke and his family. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

Was this review helpful?

A sweet and poignant story that kept me hooked and moved. It's engrossing and entertaining, the story-line and the characters are great.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

This is a sweet, warm, poignant story about how a thrown out puppy provides unconditional love and patience to an older man, a young teenager, and her mother to bring them together in the perfect forever family for himself. I really enjoy it!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. Great plot and characters. A Dog’s Chance is very well written. If you are a dog lover like me you will not want to miss this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I think that dogs always enter your life at just the right time and A Dog’s Chance is the perfect example.

Retired judge Arthur, nurse practitioner Madison and her daughter Abbie are all going through a difficult time in their lives. Arthur has just lost his beloved wife Rosie, Madison is running from something (or someone) and Abbie suffers from anxiety issues.

When a stray golden retriever called Duke comes along he finds a way of bringing them all together. Madison helps Arthur train Duke, Abbie relaxes in the dog’s company and Arthur gains some friendly and helpful company to ease his loneliness.

Just as Madison begins to relax and feel that she can finally settle in the warm-hearted community something happens which puts them all at risk.

I really enjoyed the chapters which were told from Duke’s perspective. The puppy is connected to the people around him, detecting emotions from not just sight and sound but by smell and body language. He knew how to give Arthur the companionship he was missing and how to ease Abbie’s stress levels. When he sensed danger he was quick to jump into action and keep his loved ones safe.

This is a gentle, heartwarming read which flows well and has many multi-dimensional characters. All dog lovers will love the beautifully written story of broken souls put back together and united to make a happy family.

Was this review helpful?

As a dog lover, I found A Dog’s Chance to be a light, heartwarming read - it captured the emotional connection between dogs and humans really well.

The story is told from the perspective of Duke (the dog) and Madison, another of the main characters. I enjoyed the book and read it quickly, however I found the writing started to get a bit repetitive towards the end when describing how different characters feel, as well as their thoughts and reflection on events.

Was this review helpful?

This is a MUST READ book!! It is well written and hooks you on the first page. It is full of emotions and you can feel every one them. I loved how the author included Duke's point of view in the story and showed how a dog can help a person. I loved this book so much that I pre-ordered it. Thank you Bookouture via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book, and a huge THANK YOU to Casey Wilson for writing it! All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Five months ago I read and reviewed ‘A Dog’s Hope’ by the same author. I was really impressed with her story weaving and beautiful writing in that novel so I jumped at the chance of reading and reviewing this latest novel. I can only reiterate what the gist of my review said then, because this novel fully engaged me from the very beginning so here comes my second 5* review. It’s a real corker: a feast of emotions, triumphs and tribulations.
The novel starts with a lonely, elderly widower called Arthur rescuing a Golden Retriever pup who is in need of a forever home and is living on the streets. They bond quickly and the puppy becomes a huge comfort to Arthur. He is an exuberant dog, untrained and a bit of a handful if truth be told, but very willing to learn and with all of the wonderful characteristics of a Goldie: faithful, loving and full of empathy for his new master – they are a real golden team together. Arthur names him Duke and their story is told from Duke’s point of view.
Living in the same community is Madison and her daughter Abbie. Madison is just beginning a twelve month contract in Millbury, working as a Community Nurse. Abbie has a degree of special needs and is an anxious fourteen-year-old preparing to begin a year in a new school. Madison is at work one day when Arthur and Duke attend the centre. As soon as Duke sets his eyes on Madison he cannot resist the urge to run to her and introduce himself like all energetic and friendly puppies are prone to do. Madison fusses him and returns him to Arthur who is apologetic and somewhat embarrassed. Maddison is the second narrator.
Abbie has always wanted a dog of her own. It is not practical while Madison is moving annually, but she has her reasons for moving on. She sees a mutually agreeable opportunity so she offers to train Duke in her spare time whilst also introducing Duke and Arthur into their lives. It turns out to be a lot of help for both Arthur and Abbie. This is the framework for what happens next and the continuing story will lift your heart. It is an excellent, absorbing story.
Casey Wilson is a Goldie owner herself and Duke’s narrative is absolutely spot on, whilst Madison’s narrative and her historic story is totally compelling. I liked both narratives equally. Arthur is a total sweetheart, a gentleman first and foremost but also full of empathy, understanding and goodwill. He would be my choice of favourite human characters but Buddy is also so well matched with Arthur that I really fell for him in a big way. Like most dogs, he is faithful, loyal, loving and he enriches the lives of his human friends. Dogs are friends for life, unconditionally and their friendships therapeutic.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Bookouture through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This novel is a terrific read and will keep you turning the pages, hoping against all hope that the four main characters will come out of the story well. It’s a very well deserved and solid 4.5* review from me.

Was this review helpful?

If you're looking for a light, clean, quick read, this fits the bill. Seen from the view of different characters, (to include the dog,) we watch as Madison takes on a new job at a nursing home in a small town. We know she and her 14-year old daughter are running from something or someone, but we don't know what it is. In a most unlikely circumstance, Duke (the dog) finds a new owner and over the next six months is instrumental in helping all those he comes in contact with find peace and joy in their lives.

Sweet read overall.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion!

Was this review helpful?

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘A Dog’s Chance’ by Casey Wilson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Arthur, an elderly retired Judge, finds an energetic golden retriever puppy outside a gas station who appears to be homeless. He names the puppy Duke and rather than abandon him he takes him home, but just for the one night! Meanwhile, Madison Ward and her daughter Abbie are moving into a mobile home at ‘Creekside’ as she takes up a six-month vacancy as nurse practitioner at Milbury Life Centre. Arthur is lonely and grieving his late wife Rosie while Madison is running away from her past, but Duke brings them together in a way they weren’t expecting.

‘A Dog’s Chance’ is a beautiful novel of the love and loyalty a dog has for his humans told from the viewpoint of Arthur, Madison and, of course, Duke himself. It’s a touching story that leaves you with the feel-good factor, it’s heart-warming, full of hope and emotion, and is a joy to read. If you’re not a dog-lover you will be by the time you come to the last pages, a perfect end to a lovely story.

Was this review helpful?

I have read this book in less than a day. I could not put it down.

I absolutely fell in love with Duke from the first page, before he even had a name.

A book about a dog, and told from a dogs point of view always grabs me. They are so addicting to see how the author portrays the thoughts of a dog. I always find it fascinating how people see dogs differently, but in these kind of books I love how the writer always manages to capture how I view dogs too.

This book tells the story of alot of lost people and how one dog can change everything and make a strange place feel like a home. I dont think the author could have written this any better and I absolutely adored it. I am so sad to turn the last page, and wish the new unconventional family all the best. Because with unconditional love like Dukes by their side, I'm sure they will be just fine.

Was this review helpful?

A golden retriever puppy is abandoned at a gas station, and left to find his own way in the world. As he starts wondering, he goes to a park and meets his soon to be owner Arthur, who is lonely and grieving the loss of his wife Rosie. As Arthur goes to the community center to get a tour, his new dog "Duke" decides they need to meet new to the area nurse practicioner Madison, who quickly becomes Arthur's both friend and caregiver. Madison's daughter Abbie spends time with her mother at the center and quickly finds a connection with both Arthur and Duke. This book is a heartwarming, sometimes heart wrenching account of how these four individuals become a family.

I absolutely sped through this book, wondering what happened next. The characters were very well developed and all had their personal trust issues. Duke was with them through it all, providing both the reader and the characters important life lessons. You could feel the love between them all on these pages. Where I could predict some of what happened, it's not a good book without a little bit of love story mixed in and a few heartpounding moments, I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this book for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

What a wonderful book this is! I rarely rate books 5 stars, but this definitely was for me.

First, don’t think this is a book completely written from the dog’s viewpoint. The main characters all have chapters from their POV that further the storyline along. The dog has chapters, too, of course.

Madison has made some mistakes but has done all she can to make a better life for her daughter Abbie. They meet Arthur, a widower with a brand new puppy. Arthur also has a close nephew, Sonny.

I don’t do spoilers, no worries. All these characters build relationships with each other and with their community. Relationships that are supportive, kind and loving, everything that Madison and her daughter need.

This is a very well written, clean book and I highly recommend it. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

If you are a dog lover you will absolutely love this heartwarming story! From the very beginning when Duke, a golden retriever puppy, is abandoned until the end you will drawn into the lives of everyone he meets, There is such a strong bond between humans and their dogs. It’s hard to tell who saves who in this story or who needs who more. But we learn there are always second chances in life and in love.

Was this review helpful?