Member Reviews
A truly emotional story. The author captures the essence of how I imagine a dog truly loves his family. Anyone who thinks a dog has no feelings has never looked into their soulful eyes. I hugged my dog a little longer and a little tighter after reading this. The author is so gifted with her vivid descriptions. Few authors can bring me to tears but several of her books have been able to make me reach for the tissues. One of my favorite authors.
Thank you to NetGalley and Casey Wilson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
"Dogs don't care who you are. They only thing we care about is making you happy, easing your burdens, bringing you joy and spending as much time with you as we can."
Casey Wilson's '#ADogsChance will leave pet owners grateful for their animals' love. After reading Wilson's gripping 'A Dog's Hope" I thank #NetGalley" for the opportunity to read her latest novel. While golden puppy Duke is tugging at his owner's leash, Wilson's book did the same for my heartstrings.
At the beginning, all the characters are seeking a chance to be happy. Arthur is struggling with his wife's death. Madison is fleeing from her past while raising a daughter with anxiety issues. Rounding out the cast of colorful characters, is a mischievous and lovable dog desperate to find his forever home. Duke's love and protection provides his family the opportunity to unleash their dreams.
To close, Duke weighs in on his humans:
"As I witness the interactions between Arthur and Madison, it's easy to see they both for what they lost--a family. I know that feeling all too well. There's no reason all of us can't be a family. Arthur's my family now and we have room for Madison and Abbie. That's the beautiful thing about sharing the love in your heart--it doesn't mean you have less of it. Love is the only thing that grows the more you give away."
Casey Wilson has woven together a delightful novel that features the intelligent and insightful golden pup, Duke. Abandoned, Duke finds his way to an older man, Arthur, who is grieving the recent loss of his wife. Duke's presence in Arthur's life helps him begin to find life again and soon he is the link that brings together newcomer Madison and her daughter Abbie to help fill part of the void in Arthur's life.
The author does an outstanding job of drawing the reader in. Duke was a little more humanlike than I typically enjoy, but his soulful insight into the humans around him and his role to help them is absolutely heartwarming. The developing mutual love and friendship between Arthur, Madison, and Abbie is a lovely example that sometimes we choose our family.
I was fascinated by the character of Abbie. She's described as having obsessive compulsion disorder and anxiety, and yet, I was convinced she was autistic. Perhaps that's my projection since I have a teenage son who is autistic and I'm a special education teacher. But it wasn't just the odd behaviors and social interactions with others that left me feeling that way. I have seen the impact of animals on children with autism and Abbie's connection with Duke and his ability to calm her is very similar to what I've seen with my own son and other children.
I loved this novel and I found it difficult to put down even for a moment. This was exactly the type of sweet and inspiring novel I needed as we continue to deal with the things going on in today's world. The plot is simplistic and idealistic, and I feel that sometimes those are the types of stories a bookworm like needs to keep us hopeful and inspired. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I encourage anyone who is a dog lover or who enjoys heartwarming tales of finding yourself, your family, and your purpose to read this book.
A story about a dog? Of course that is a must read for me, but on the other hand I know I am going to feel very emotional too.
And yes, the first sentence already broke my heart, but it was mended again very soon. :)
People who don't have a dog might find it hard to believe what dogs can do, but dog lovers have experienced most of those things already and know that it's genuine. I recognized a lot of those things that were described in my own dog's behavior. The things you can read in those beautiful brown eyes are incredible.
They can't talk but they do speak. They can't take you in their paws, but they do comfort you. They don't lie or cheat, but always stand by you. They truly are a a-man's best friend.
A dog is not just an animal. He really is a member of the family and should be treated that way.
I love that the story was also told from Duke's point of view. Dogs know a lot more than they sometimes get credit for.
This is a beautiful and heartwarming story about a puppy being saved and finding his 'family' and returning the favor by protecting and loving them unconditionally. I loved it. 5 stars
Thank you, Casey Wilson and Bookouture
I have mostly have had cats in my life but if I was going to get a dog, I would get a golden retriever and this book certainly cemented that feeling!
A gorgeous story told from the points of view of Duke, the dog (I know, but it works!), Madison, a single mum, and Arthur, a retired judge who has recently lost his wife.
Madison is a mum to Abbie, an anxious teenager who gets fixated on things. She is also a nurse who moves every six months in an effort to escape her past - but what is she trying to escape from, exactly?
Arthur has recently lost his wife and is feeling lost and alone. Into his life comes Duke, a boisterous puppy with a big heart.
Somehow Arthur, Madison, Abbie and Duke become family to each other and the story of how this comes to be and the bumps in the road that go along with any life worth living, is the basis of this story. It is all about love and friendship and it was just what I needed to read right now.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
This heartwarming story will resonate with everyone that ever knew the love of a dog. In this book, the dog brings people together and they form their own family. I enjoyed that the characters each had their own struggles, but they were bonded by the love for the dog. A great book for anyone that needs a lift
A wonderful story about the bond between humans of all ages and also the pets (dogs) that love them. The story is written in alternating chapters from the viewpoint of Madison, a young hard working mother with a sensitive teen daughter and Duke a Golden Retriever puppy who had been abandoned. Also in the story you will meet Arthur an older man who recently lost his beloved wife and Sonny his nephew.
The chapters "written" by Duke may seem a bit silly at times because I doubt that a dog would have such in depth thoughts but I still enjoyed them as I am a serious dog lover! The chapters in Madison's voice relayed such emotion that you found yourself rooting for Madison and her daughter Abbie.
After moving every 6 months Madison takes a new job as a nurse in a senior living community. She helps and becomes friends with the elderly Arthur. Each character helps one another and Duke is a great friend and helper to Madison, Arthur and Abbie.
If you love books about small town communities, neighbors helping each other and dogs you will enjoy this book very much.
I love reading books from the perspectives of both humans and their dogs, and this was such a heartwarming story.
All of the characters in this book were great, but I especially loved Duke and Arthur. The way that they instantly opened their hearts to Madison and Abbie, it was really beautiful to watch their little “family” come together. Though Arthur was always readily available whenever Madison and Abbie needed him, I think it was really Arthur who needed them in return, especially since losing his wife. But Duke was what really bridged them all together, and I couldn’t help but grow an even deeper appreciation for dogs after reading this.
Highly recommend!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3381745277
This remarkable story is about how a sweet golden retriever puppy affects the life of the humans he becomes attached too. The point where we meet Duke was so touching. Duke came into the story as Arthur is reading the last letter his beloved wife Rosie left him. Duke was right where he needed to be while Arthur was reading that letter. Duke relays what his mother taught him about humans, how to walk beside them. How to comfort them. Duke was all alone and so was Arthur. They were kindred spirits. It was two months later when Arthur and Duke met Madison and Abbie.
Madison’s daughter Abbie is having a hard time. Their recent move certainly has not helped Abbie to deal with the anxiety that plagues her, or to find friends. Madison is a nurse practitioner and her new job is at the Millbury Life Center, where Arthur is a resident. As a retired judge, Arthur spends some of his days at the center, and Duke accompanies him. Arthur has been having some health issues and as Madison treats him, they begin to spend some time together.
Arthur may be Duke’s person, but Abbie is a close second. Madison is a traveling nurse and Abbie is clearly lonely. While Arthur and Duke are perfect for Abbie, Madison worries about when they will have to move again. So, quite naturally, Madison is concerned about Abbie getting too close to them.
I felt for each of the characters. Madison as a single hardworking mom, making the best decisions she could for both her and Abbie. Abbie as a struggling teen who nearly broke my heart. One special thing about Abbie is her gifts, including her love of music and flowers. Arthur, a septuagenarian who recently lost his wife of many years. And Duke, who in this story has his own point of view.
The story is relayed in both Duke’s and Madison’s point of view. The messages of love and family are explored in this wonderful book. I so hoped that Madison and Abbie could remain in Millbury and that there could be a forever kind of love for all of them.
I mentioned in my review of Casey Wilson’s previous book, A Dog’s Hope, that I am not a dog person. Well, just as that book utterly captivated me and brought me to tears, this book, A Dog’s Chance, had much the same affect. Both books are conversely heartbreaking and uplifting reads that thoroughly engrossed me.
Many thanks to both Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
A heartwarming and well written story about love, loss, fear! Duke, an abandoned puppy, finds Arthur looking sad and lonely on a park bench, comforts him and soon they are inseparable. Madison and her daughter Abbie are new in town and both have anxiety issues. They become friends with Arthur and Duke, and soon they all feel like family. Madison is a traveling nurse practitioner who would like to settle down in one town to give her and her daughter a more stable life. However, she has a secret from her former life she is afraid will catch up with her. The story is told in alternate chapters by Duke and Madison. I think this book needs a sequel so we can follow the characters as they heal and move on in their lives. I would recommend this to anyone who likes animals and likes a heartfelt story. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a great story of the love between a dog and his "family". Very well written easy read . I liked that you see the dogs point of view and not just a " human" view of the action. Really nice feel good story. Thank you Net Galley, Casey Wilson and the publisher for this ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It’s definitely a heartwarming book not just for dog lovers and owners. After I grew up watching Balto, Hachi and Marley and Me this book just made me feel so much things again. I could absolutely relate to the characters, not just because I always had/have a dog but because they really saviors for people. When we get a dog from a shelter or buy we think we save them, but the truth is just like in this book, it works both ways.
This novel was written in different perspectives. I have to say I was sceptic in the beginning reading from a dog’s point of view, but it was an actual good combination from the story’s side. Duke helped a lot to this family and gave so much love and caring that only animals can give to their loved ones.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
A dog’s Chance is a sweet story about a Golden Retriever named Duke, who’s been dumped and later on rescued by his new owner Arthur. They’re going to meet Madison and her fourteen year old daughter Abbie, who struggles with different issues like anxiety and become close friends. This story is told from different perspectives.
I am a cat person myself, but a heartwarming book about dogs is something I can't refuse.
The book is divided in chapters from Duke's perspective, Duke is the dog in this story, and Maddie's perspective, a nurse practitioner. It starts with Duke being abandoned at a gas station as a puppy. He follows his nose to the park where he finds a sad Arthur, an elderly gentleman who lost his wife recently. Duke comfort Arthur and from that moment on he has found a new home. When Arthur takes him to the center he sniffs out Maddie and finds that she needs his comforting and support. Arthur needs Maddie's help with his health but is unwilling to ask for it. Duke forces them together and makes sure they both get what they need. Abbie, Maddie's daughter, struggles with anxiety and obsesses about many things, Duke brings her comfort as well. Duke is the glue for this family by choice.
I would have like to read some chapters from Arthur's or Abbie's perspective, as they are very important to the story as well. It is a likable enough book, the part about Maddie's past that comes back is a bit over the top for me, but overall enjoyable enough read.
What a heartwarming story!! I loved every word,. Thank you for the ARC. I give this all the stars. I related with the characters and loved that Duke was given a voice. As a multiple good owner and lover I learned a few things as I never thought about dogs having their own voice, but it's retire isn't it? Maybe not as complex as in this story but true just the same.
Wonderful story about a dog named Duke who brings a world of comfort to a widower, a single mom and her daughter. Abbie, the daughter, sometimes got to me because I don’t have kids or have patience for them. But of course, I loved Duke, Arthur and the possible chance for a happy life for Madison and Sonny.
I enjoyed this sweet novel about a rescue dog capturing the hearts of lovely people in a small town in Oregon. Duke wanders into a park after being kicked out of the truck of his first owner. He sees an older man sitting on a bench, holding a white rose, and looking very sad.
Fast forward to Duke and Arthur making a life together and adding on
an excellent nurse practitioner, Madison, and her daughter, Abbie. Maddy is a traveling nurse, running away from something we don't find out about for most of the novel. She always worries about her anxious daughter and their nomadic way of life.
This book about a wonderfully described Golden Retriever and people who are lost and sad is an excellent read for a morale boost and some life lessons. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this paperback.
What an absolutely adorable read I cannot express how cute and heartwarming but gut wrenching read this was. Everyone in this book was enjoyable, the bond between Duke and Abbie was so enjoyable & Arthur was easily my favourite character by far. If you are a pet lover you’ll enjoy this book a lot but be warned you will need tissues by the end.
Omg if you are emotional love animals this book really isn't for you. No all joking aside this is a beautiful emotional book of a bond between a girl and a dog loved it
"Love is the only thing that grows the more you give away."
This book is a MUST read! You WILL love each character in this story!
It is a novel of family, friendship, trust, secrets and true tenderness!
You will meet Madison, and her daughter Abbie, Arthur an elderly, retired gentleman, and the main character, Duke.
All are lost and in need of a family.
Duke is a handsome golden retriever pup dumped by his owner and in search of "His best friend forever". Duke's mother once told him that he must and will find that person when it is the right person.
When he finds Arthur in a park, he knows he can be "HIS person" and that Arthur needs him and he needs Arthur. Why is he sad? Duke will help him!
Duke then meets Madison and Abbie when he goes with Arthur to the health center where Madison is a nurse practitioner and immediately realizes that she and her daughter Abbie are in need of some friends.
Duke is happy to assist with that!
Told by both Duke and Madison, you will definitely need some tissues as you see the warmth of Duke and his new friends.
In the words of Duke-- "I think we all met for a reason-- we need each other."
Ten stars from me!