Shelter

Peggy is a young women alone in the world, mind haunted with past abuse. She runs away to anew town, and meets alot of different people, friendly and not so friendly, and a dog named lucky. This is a long book at over 600 pages, but is a very worthwhile read. The pictures are great too.

Peggy suddenly finds herself in charge of the Farroway Animal Shelter. The warden who was in charge of the shelter gave Peggy a job at the shelter. He didn't realize she was a runaway from a foster system that had let her down. Traumatized she had ran away. When she disembarked from the bus she found a cold, starving dog cowering by a trash bin. She couldn't keep the dog so was going to leave the dog at the shelter. Terry, the Warden, sensing she may be without a place to stay or a job. Gave her directions to shelter and offered her a job.
When Terry falls off of a roof and is hospitalized for 10 months, he leaves Peggy in charge of the shelter. What she learns and achievements she accomplished makes this a terrific read

Shelter is a wonderfully crafted story of rescue and hope, both animal and human. We are introduced to Peggy and Lucky first, and through them we meet all the other characters. Peggy ends up working for the local animal shelter in an economically depressed New Jersey town in the 1970s. I did not know a lot about how the laws surrounding animals developed, and this book helped to open my eyes to how animal protection laws were enacted through one case at a time. Shelter is not a short book, but the story was so captivating that it was hard to put it down.

I almost couldn’t take it. Frustration, sadness, nausea and anger were the feelings I had while reading this book. Thanks to the limericks and the characters of Betty, Clara and Joe there was humor to help get through this book. Ms. Conroy tells a story of humans and animals who have been abused and damaged by humans who should be incarcerated for their crimes. It was a very difficult book to read, but an important one that should be read by anyone who has the power to legislate against abusers. I’m glad I read it.

A wonderful book which excited so many different emotions as I read it. Heartbreaking at times, it was ultimately uplifting as the characters found some sense of their place and purpose in the world. The story probably wouldn’t have lost much by being shorter - it’s a long book - but it did not really drag, either.

I have enjoyed this book so much. I got so invested in each of the
characters. It's such a good story. Even though it was a long book,
I didn't want it to end. I would love to work with employees like this.
They became family quickly. I got attached to the dogs and cats in the
shelter as well. You don't want to miss out on this one!

Thank you, R.A. Conroy, the publisher, and NetGalley, for the opportunity
to read and review this great book!

I loved this book. It was tough subject matter. A shy teenager who has run away from her difficult dangerous past and only wants to be safe and for not everyone and everything to feel as if it is a threat. Add in her love for dogs and desire to save Lucky, a dog she feels an incredible kinship with and you’ll be as hooked as I was. Peggy has been through a lot in her life when she finally escapes she encounters a sweet little dog that is clearly in need of as much help as she is. She knows that she can only rely on herself, but in her head and heart wants more, but has little hope. Even though lonely, on the run and all alone she summons up the courage to save Lucky, a sweet abused dog who she identifies with and will risk everything for. It is through Lucky that she meets everyone at the Farroway rescue center and gets a job there. The cast of characters is wonderfully kind, loving, a little eccentric and unbeknownst to Peggy understand her and all want to help not only the lost and abused animals, but her as well. Together this wonderful group of loving characters help not only to save Peggy and Lucky, but the shelter and themselves. I highly recommend this book. It will make your heart grow and find you checking out your local rescue center to go and find your own best furry friend.

A poignant story which is at times heartbreaking and uplifting.
It's perfect for animal lovers and it's a rollercoaster of emotions.
Good style of writing, excellent character and plot development.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Shelter: Lost & Found is an engaging novel by R.A. Conroy. Released 29th Oct 2020 by BHC Press, it's 516 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

That the author is passionate about child and animal welfare is never under question. The shelter into which young protagonist Peggy literally stumbles trying to rescue an abused dog turns into a haven for both of them. There's an ensemble cast of "quirky" characters. They're mostly irascible and sarcastic but good under the surface.

I found the pacing quite slow. It's a substantial book and it took me several reading sessions. Although it's meant to be uplifting and positive, it's quite dark and desolate at many places throughout the narrative. It's told in third person and the flashbacks/abuse from Peggy's past were often difficult for me to read (they're internal monologues from her past abuse).

A fair bit of the humor fell flat for me and the dialogue was unpolished throughout. I do think the basic bones of the story are quite good (and the themes of animal and child/young person welfare are extremely important, of course). The author's illustrations are wonderful and really add a nice touch to the narrative.

Three and a half stars, rounded up for the charming illustrations.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.