Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts

Normally, I'm a sucker for a good dog and love story, and I really tried to love this book, but I just couldn't go that far. I read it, eventually got caught up in the plot line (to some lesser degree) but I found myself scratching my head at all the British colloquialisms, and wishing they'd been edited a bit for US readers. Nothing worse than reading along and stumbling on word after word or expression after expression that mean absolutely nothing. Still, something about the story just didn't feel right to me. I out it in my pile of giveaway books as soon as I was finished.Days later, it occurred to me that the "something" that didn't feel right was simple: At the end of the book, Rachel (the primary female character) still hadn't found anyone or anything to love. In its way, that was okay. Rachel was a wounded soul who wasn't about to prematurely cast her wounds aside. But, for the reader, she never really became a likeable character. She was just a little too aloof, too distant, too unappreciative that good people were there to care about her broken heart. I didn't need to have a perfect ending. In fact, I rather liked that the ending was just real...but at the least, she could have learned to love that sweet dog. Nope. No such luck. She walked him, fed him, did what he needed, but never seemed to take in the love others gave her.In the end, she was too much like the man who broke her heart. I won't be passing this book on.

The world of canine rescue is the foundation for this sweet story. There are three main vignettes with some minor characters revolving around them. A couple dealing with infertility, a divorced mom of two with the ex from hell and all the attendant heartache and a single career woman, suddenly finding herself without a job.All find each other when they become involved with a local rescue kennel. Friendships aren't immediate but start slowly, with each so absorbed with their issues that they can't see what is just beyond their noses. Of course, the dogs do the heavy lifting in getting the characters to start seeing and resolving their issues.As is usual with animal based stories, the dogs steal the show, especially(for me) Bertie the Basset Hound. And there is plenty of good information about the benefits of rescuing versus buying a dog and some training tips. And there was a twist or two that keep the reader guessing. A quick and sweet read.

There is so much to love about this book. The characters are authentic and feel like friends you wish you had in your life. The writing is clean and true and sincere. The author invites readers into the hearts of / understanding rescue dogs. As a rescue dog "mom" I truly appreciate the love and care taken to encourage others to get involved with rehoming and volunteering. I have volunteer at an amazing rescue in LA called Wags & Walks. Get out there and meet your new best friend, and read this book with him / her cuddled on your lap / by your feet, with a good cup of tea or coffee and a muffin and dog biscuit. Can't wait to read more from this author!!!

I gave this book four stars based on the fact that it was a "feel good book". Not exceptionally deep, yet written well and encompassing the lives of several people with issues many of us can relate to. Added to that dogs are involved and their unconditional love no matter what they have been through is always a lesson we need to learn. I will read more of her books.

Wonderful characters that you feel you really know by the end of the book. Especially the dogs!

I really liked this book, it had a great story...and as someone who works for an animal rescue organization, I truly believe in what the character pursued and achieved. I was distracted at times by the language...but that's a personal thing. I would (and have already) recommend this book. It's a fun read.

I too am crazy about my animals and have found that they, not people, got me through some of the hardest times of my life. I don't want to sound like the crazy dog lady but I think I could be fine with pets as my family. This book is wonderfully done and fun to read. Yes it is a little "chick flick" but it is so heartwarming. Great book to pick up on a rainy day.

I really enjoyed this book. It is about a woman who inherits her aunts house and rescue kennels after her death. Dogs just have a way of bringing people together and this book proves it for sure. I highly recommend reading it especially if you like animals and books about friendship and starting over.

There is one HUGE problem with Lucy Dillon’s books! That they eventually come to an end! Every single book I read from this author left me feeling amazing, dreamy, and wanting to move to Longhampton! Lucy is so talented, has great style, her books are unputdownable, sweet, lovely, deep, moving, interesting, they make you think and have fantastic characters! I also love it how characters from her other books pop up and you get this feeling that you know them, you know more about them, it’s like getting to know in depth several members of a community through different books. Mr Darcy, eat your heart out because George Fenwick in coming and he sounds AMAZING :-)) I can’t wait to read Lucy’s next book and please, Lucy, never stop writing, I adore your books!!

This is the first book I have read by Lucy Dillon and it will not be the last. It's an heartwarming, entertaining and romantic book about people and their dogs. You don't necessarily have to love dogs in order to enjoy the book, but I would say it helps.Rachel inherits a house and a dog rescue kennels after her aunt Dot. Rachel is not a "dog person" but when she starts matching the abandoned dogs with new owners, things are happening to both Rachel herself and her life ... Not only does she start loving her new job and life in the small village. Also the vet George has a most unexpected effect on Rachel.Nathalie and Johnny have been trying for a child for some time without result and especially Nathalie is getting uneasy and anxious about it. Seeing other mothers and their children, hearing about pregnant women - it becomes more and more hard for Nathalie to be happy for them. Why can't it happen to her and Johnny, who has a happy marriage, cosy home and all the love in the world to offer?? And then Bertie, the abandoned basset dog comes into their life. Will he be able to make up for it??Zoe has been abandoned by her husband and is single mother to her two sons when her ex gives the boys a labrador puppy!! Toffee is ever so cute, but Zoe is a full time working hairdresser and needs the rescue shelter's daycare service to look after him. Who is going to pay for that, as well as all the extra costs which come with a dog when her ex does his utmost to giving her as little alimony as possible.Then Zoe meets single and smashing doctor Bob who has just got the poodle Lulu from the rescue center. Is there a sparkle here, and if so, will Bob mind her having two children??It may seem as if a lot is a given in the developments but in fact, the book is full of surprises, both about auntie Dot's past and how the future is turning out for everybody.Warm and fulfilling, lots of common sense and not the least humour, this is a book you never want to end. Simply brilliant!!!

Another great read full of emotions, laughter and just an easy read. Have read a few books by Lucy Dillon and really have enjoyed them all.Loved all the characters including the furry four legged ones in this one and just knew that once started to read this other stuff would have to wait. This might not be this summers must have read chart wise but for pure escapism it worked well for me. So easy to get lost in one her books I always find. Not wanting to give any endings away but a couple of things I just did not see coming which made it even more enjoyable.

This is one of the most doggy books I've read, ever. Some recent books about dogs read as if the writer has never actually taken a dog for a walk, let alone owned one, but Lucy's canine details are spot on, and her humans are good too. The characters in Lost Dogs are refreshingly normal, with interesting challenges in their lives, and satisfying solutions. This story grabbed me slightly less than other books of Lucy Dillon's I've read, but it was still an absorbing and heartwarming read.

Initially, you're reading about a few complicated 'relationships' and someone who takes over a departed relative's house which comes with a dog shelter! That's very nicely written, but at the end of the book, there is a good section on dogs and how to choose one, along with who not to support. A few contact details are given, like the RSPCA, and other organisations, so you're getting a brilliant story plus some very good information at the end of the book. Well researched and written. Five stars.