Member Reviews
🐾 BOOK REVIEW 🐾
Synopsis: Suzy Medley is having a bad day when a shabby terrier turns up at her door. Just like Suzy, Scout has been abandoned, although only Suzy has been left with a financial mess and a business in tatters thanks to her ex. Suzy takes Scout in and her chaotic world changes in unexpected ways: strangers have never been more welcoming and her teenage kids can't wait to come home to visit. Then a chance encounter on a windy Hebridean beach makes things more complicated, because Suzy isn't the only one who needs a friend. Scout has plenty of love to go round... but does Suzy?
Review: DNF @ 20%. I tried reading a variety of different formats too, but the audio has some major technical issues where the last few words of some sentences were repeated. Marketed as a fluffy rom-com, readers will be surprised to learn it’s more of a slow-burn, contemporary fiction novel. I didn’t enjoy the writing style and found it to be tedious, drawn out and predictable. I also struggled to relate to the main characters, but they may be due to their age.
2/5 stars ⭐️⭐️
Gave this book a try but overall didn’t enjoy it. Wasn’t able to get into the story as much as I wanted to.
This book just wasn’t really what I expected. The description made it feel like it’s more about friendship, which did start in the part that I read and I liked that bit. It was also nice to see the effect Scout, the dog, had on the people around him, though his role was less pronounced than I had expected.
The GR tags called this a romance and the setup of the narration made me think the same but at 58% (where I DNFed), the two MCs hadn’t even met yet. At this point in a romance, I personally prefer some emotional development between the POVs and that was obviously lacking when I stopped. I did really like the setting and setup of the story itself, the struggling brewery on the island and two characters that got out of bad relationships that weren’t all bad but not right for them.
The writing gave me somewhat mixed feelings as well. There were some chapters that I really enjoyed that were the reason I kept reading as long as I did. But there were others that felt more like an info dump to help set the scene, especially at the very beginning. The flashbacks just didn’t feel organic. I usually like dual timelines or even just gradually learning about characters’ backgrounds as the story unfolds, but this one just wasn’t quite for me.
The Dog Share by Fiona Gibson is a perfect fit for readers who adore heartwarming, uplifting stories about second chances, romance, and the transformative power of friendship, especially those who appreciate a slow-paced, emotional, and hopeful narrative that explores the human-animal bond and the joy of rediscovering oneself.
I was drawn to this book because of the cover, expecting a romance with a dog, but it was more about life choices. It's barely a romance and not much dog either. I just couldn't connect with it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this eARC.
Who doesn't want to read a book about a dog? I mean, I know I do.
The Dog Share is a light-hearted and easy read. I wouldn't say it blew me away, but it was most definitely an enjoyable read. One that doesn't require too much brain power, which is always a bonus!
This book follows the lives of both Suzy and Ricky. Initially, it follows their lives as individuals, until one day their lives begin to unexpectedly intertwine. The character development is a strong aspect of the book, and you can really see each of them grow as the book goes on. Scout, the dog, is an affectionate little bundle of joy, that even managed to put a smile on my face through the pages.
The romance side of things was slightly cliche, but is there a romance storyline that isn't these days? Highly doubt it, but still enjoyable.
This was a cute read, and a lot of fun. I was hoping for more romance, but it ended up being more a story about Suzy and her growth. It was a solid read, just not my favourite.
I've read a few other books by this author and have always enjoyed them. Unfortunately, this book wasn't a good fit for me. I had hoped for something different, but it ended up being unexpected. That's okay though, as I'm sure there are others who would enjoy it!
Scout changes Suzy's life. The scruffy dog is the catalyst for making new friends and building a new outlook. It's a good read that will make you smile.
DNF @ page 18. I can just tell this is not a story I’m going to enjoy in the slightest. While the concept sounds promising, I’m a sucker for a cover featuring a dog, I’m not a fan of the writing style.
I adored the idea of this book and thought it was simple, sweet, and cute. But I struggled through this one and couldn't get into it.
I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.
Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.
However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x
Firstly I would like to say thank you to say thank you to NetGalley and Avon for sending me a copy of this book to review.
The Dog Share wasn’t quite what I was expecting. From the synopsis and the marketing it seemed like I was in for a lighthearted romance, but instead it was more Chick Lit or Contemporary Fiction.
Because I was led to believe it was something it wasn’t I was a little disappointed.
The story was still fun and quirky (an obituary writer has to go to a Scottish Island to save the whiskey brewery that her ex impulsively purchased and then ran into the ground), but also fairly slow paced.
The characters were likeable and Scout, the dog, was adorable, it just wasn’t quite what I was expecting or looking for.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
I went into this book thinking it was going to be based about a dog - which it was (Scout) but there was literally hardly any mention of him or any other dogs, and was about Suzy who was obsessed with dogs which was misleading.
I thought it was an ok story but wasn't what I expected and felt the story fell a bit flat for me personally.
My reason for being drawn to this book. Clearly, it's was because it was going to contain a dog! Cute cover that screams romance and I loved it!
Set in Scotland, which was just a perfect location for such a sweet read. Scout, you have my whole heart you gorgeous dog! I loved the journey that Suzy has throughout the book and the different things she learns along the way about herself, her life and looking after brilliant Scout.
A brilliant read full of friendship, unconditional love and then romance. I love the fact that the author didn't use the romance side of the story too strongly. There were other elements to the story that were just as important as the love aspect.
So grab a blanket, take a seat and meet Scout. Such an enjoyable read!!
This book was just sadly not for me! I was hoping for something different but it turned out to be something I was not expecting, which is okay and I'm sure someone else would love it!
The Dog Share by Fiona Gibson is a heartwarming and delightful story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile. With its lovable characters, furry friends, and a dose of unexpected romance, this book is a perfect choice for animal lovers and fans of feel-good contemporary fiction.
The story follows Suzy Medley, a woman who finds herself unexpectedly responsible for a mischievous and endearing dog named Barney. As Suzy navigates the ups and downs of dog ownership, she crosses paths with her attractive neighbor, Hector, and a unique bond forms between them through their shared love for the canine companion. Along the way, Suzy discovers the healing power of friendship, the joy of new beginnings, and the importance of embracing life's unexpected adventures.
Fiona Gibson's writing style is warm, engaging, and filled with heartfelt moments. The author skillfully captures the bond between humans and their furry friends, portraying the unconditional love and joy that dogs bring into our lives. The interactions between Suzy, Barney, and the other dogs in the story are heart-meltingly sweet and will resonate with anyone who has experienced the love of a four-legged companion.
The characters in The Dog Share are well-developed and relatable, with Suzy's kind-hearted nature and Hector's charm making them instantly likable. Suzy's journey of self-discovery and newfound confidence is beautifully portrayed, and readers will find themselves cheering her on as she navigates the challenges and surprises that come her way. The supporting cast of characters, including Suzy's friends and fellow dog owners, adds depth and humor to the story, creating a vibrant and engaging community.
The book explores themes of friendship, second chances, and the transformative power of love. Suzy's emotional journey, intertwined with the joys and challenges of dog ownership, offers moments of reflection and resonates with readers on a deeper level. The author's understanding of the human-animal bond is evident throughout the story, adding an extra layer of warmth and authenticity.
While the plot follows some predictable storylines, the author infuses the narrative with enough surprises, heartfelt moments, and humorous situations to keep readers entertained. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of tender moments, funny escapades, and romantic sparks that keep the story flowing smoothly.
In conclusion, The Dog Share is a delightful and heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of love, friendship, and the unconditional affection of our furry companions. Fiona Gibson's engaging storytelling, lovable characters, and the enchanting world of dog ownership make this book a must-read for animal lovers and those seeking a feel-good escape into the world of heartfelt connections. If you're looking for a charming and uplifting story that will warm your heart, don't miss The Dog Share.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of The Dog Share from the publisher for an honest review.
What a delightful little story... I loved the setting of a Scottish island; and the characters were also endearing and it was a joy to follow their tale.
Also, any book with a dog in it will automatically win me over.
Feel good and entertaining.
A great book. Strong characters and great plot. I really enjoyed the book, it made me smile in some places
This was definitely a cute read, I mean come on it had a dog called Scout that was basically the main character. It was quick and fun but to be honest once I read it I immediately forgot about the main characters apart from Scout the dog.
This is no way a reflection on the author just that this was a good run of the mill contemporary read.