Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Well, the truth is that I asked the book through Netgalley because of the cover and the summary. I felt the story had potential, but the truth is that it was in the middle of the way. I felt it has a lot of subjects packed in one story.
The dog who was named Scout was what really brought the whole story together. He provided happy and joyous scenes from each character. Scout is connecting all the characters in this book.
I like the idea of traveling through books to places I will never have the opportunity to visit, and Sgadansay is one of those places. The island's commentary is prolific that I felt walking through the streets, going to the old lighthouse, or even visiting the fallen castle.
If you like books with sweet dogs that make the characters happy, traveling to new places. I believe you would like to pick up "The Dog Share." It isn't a contemporary romance; it is more of woman fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.


From the cover and the summary, I thought this would be a romcom, which is just my vibe, but in the end, I was disappointed with what I've got? And I know that the expectations were mine and it's not the book's fault, but I think this one is a bit confusing too and I didn't get nearly as many scenes with the dog as I would've liked. It felt oddly paced, too, too slow at the times and just not my cup of tea, which is unfortunate.

A wonderful feel good story, something I needed at this time and definitely a good holiday read as and when we are allowed. I liked the characters and you felt for them all just trying to have a better life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book. I appreciate the opportunity to read the book before publication.

Overall, I'd give this book 2.5 stars. I'll round it up to 3 stars because of the adorable dog Scout. I'm a sucker for stories about dogs.

I liked the premise of the story as well as the plot. However, I wasn't a fan of the structure of the book or its pacing. The first 40+% of the book followed two different people who had no interaction, bouncing back and forth between them in each chapter. I found this to be disjointed and distracting. Once the two storylines converged, I liked the book much better.

I've been craving more contemporaries than usual lately, and there was just something about the blurb of The Dog Share that caught my eye immediately. I love books with a focus on animals, and I loved the sound of this story where a dog played a significant role. I've been looking forward to pick it up ever since, and when I was in the mood for the genre again I decided to simply give in and read it. And I most definitely liked what I found! Sure, I was a bit surprised by the lack of romance at first, as you won't find much of that until well into the second half, but as a whole I found The Dog Share to be an enjoyable reading experience.

The first thing that stands out in The Dog Share is the setting. The story mainly takes place on the small Scottish island Sgadansay in the Hebrides. The many descriptions really made the setting come alive, and it sounds like a wonderful place to visit. The island life and its inhabitants and history play a big role in this story, as is the whiskey distillery of course... And I think the setting is one of the reasons I ended up enjoying the story this much.

Another reason I ended up enjoying this story is our boy Scout of course. Like I said, I love stories with a focus on animals, and the dog Scout is always present as the plot evolves over time. He is not only the link between the different characters, but also brings a cheerful note to the story and really lightens up the mood. Because there is one thing: it is not all rainbows and sunshine in The Dog Share, as main character Suzy has a lot on her plate and won't have it easy getting her life and the distillery back on track.

The story is told in alternating POVs, switching between Suzy and Ricky. While I do feel the building up took a little too long and I would have liked to see more interaction between the two earlier in the story, as a whole the two POVs complemented each other and it was interesting to learn more about both characters, their past and their families. The Dog Share feels more like family drama than romance, focusing on the family relationships and flaws as well as personal struggles rather than your next epic romance story. I personally didn't mind too much after adjusting my initial expectations, but definitely don't expect a healthy dose of romance or you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a family-focused contemporary with a wonderful setting and a touch of drama though, The Dog Share will be a great fit.

Lovely story, very cute. A nice gentle read, ideal escape from the real world and ideal as a change from grittier reads.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

This book is an excellent pallet cleanser. It was sweet and breezy just as I expected it to be. For a change, it's not the usual angsty teenage or 20s romance (Nothing against it, just found the change from usual refreshing!) The protagonist in this story is in her 40s. And this is a story of how a single dog turns her life around. So it's more of a slice of a life story than a romance.
Though it was not as memorable a read as I would have liked it to be. It was not bad.
👎 Pain points
There was quite a bit of backstory about people who were irrelevant to the plot. Like the exes. Do we care? No. Are we told in detail about their likes, dislikes, and quirks? Yes. Why? I have no clue. It was not even super interesting or unique.
The story didn't start till I crossed almost 40% of the book. I was left wondering when I'll know what this dog share is all about. When she'll meet her man and so on so forth. The setting up of the stage took more than 40% of the book and that was off-putting. The story did pick up after that. So if you get discouraged by half mark, don't be, keep going, the second part definitely gets better.
The end was tied up a bit too neatly and quickly. I expected more conflict and intrigue from the story. It was a little predictable and bland for my tastes but because it's sweet I think it'll work for many.
👍 Favorable points
I enjoyed a few things, like the chats between Suzy and her kids ❤️. The Granddad, the dog. The frankly unrealistic too-good-to-be-true kind of idyllic island village.

I would have loved to see more of Suzy's dad and Cara in the story. Cara's character seemed to be incomplete, as if she was supposed to play a major part but then was cut off the story sometime during editing. I couldn't quite understand her role in the story.
Apart from the minor complaints, I think this was a good enough story.

RRKReads Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
RRKReads Sentiment Rating: Freebie grade

When Suzy finds an abandoned dog it changes her life and that of many others. I loved the characters and felt as though I knew them personally.
I certainly want to read more from this author

This was a highly enjoyable read. Slightly reminiscent of the Flat Share in that you have two different perspectives of people living their own lives. Going through their days and experiencing their challenges, what brings them joy and then slowly watching how their worlds intersect in places they don't even realize.

Scout the dog rather steals the show on many occasions, he is the glue that brings everyone together much like the charming island of Sgadansay. Beautifully described, I felt as though I were present on the beach alongside the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development of Suzy in particular, showing it's entirely possible for someone to grow into themselves and reach new heights of accomplishment later in life after raising kids and living through multiple long term relationships.. Watching the son/father/grandfather relationship between Arthur, Ricky and Harry was quite gratifying as well.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a well rounded piece of fiction.

Have read and love Fiona's books and this was no exception
I could visualise the island and people and mostly Scout the dog, by the end if the book I wanted to go and live on the island adopt him myself !
A lovely easy reading feel good story

After a couple of darker recent reads, I was in the mood for something sweet and funny, and Fiona Gibson’s latest seemed likely to hit the spot.

Suzy travels to the Hebridean island of Sgadansay for a holiday with boyfriend Paul, but it turns out Paul - king of the unsuccessful get rich quick scheme - has something else up his sleeve. When it inevitably all goes horribly wrong, threatening the livelihoods of many islanders, Suzy’s left to pick up the pieces.

Meanwhile Ricky, who was raised on the island, and son Arthur are back visiting Ricky’s dad, with Ricky’s girlfriend Meg - alternative healer and Instagram queen - in tow.

Then there’s the titular dog, Scout, who shows up - lost and hungry - at Suzy’s holiday rental one night and soon works his way into her heart, as well as acting as a catalyst for other relationships to form.

This was a lovely read - I liked all the characters (the main ones, anyway) and it was refreshing to read about a heroine of around my own age. Suzy certainly doesn’t have everything together, but she’s likeably determined and principled. Ricky, his dad and son are equally endearing characters, albeit grumpily so in the case of his dad.

I see some reviewers have complained of a lack of romance - while there is a romantic element, this is not the main focus, which is a plus for me. (I can only deal with romance in a book when it’s very lightly handled - I realise many people feel differently.)

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a light easy read. Suzy has split up from her boyfriend who has had many get rich quick schemes over the years she has lived with him. The latest surrounding a whisky distillery off the coast of Scotland. He has managed to almost destroy what was a thriving business when Suzy makes what she expected to be her last visit. Having realised the impact that closing the distillery will make she decides to see if she can manage to save it instead. Along the way she rescues a dog that has been abandoned and ends up sharing the dog with two different people she meets on the island.

This is a sweet and charming story set on a small Scottish island. Loved every character in this. Everyone in this is somehow brought together by a dog. It’s awesome that a dog plays a central and important character and instrumental in bringing happiness and providing emotional support.

A dog turned up at the holiday cottage Suzy is staying in on the island. She has come to close the distillery, which her fickle minded boyfriend Paul impulsively bought, led to bankruptcy with his in-competence and walked out on her. She had never given in to her children’ demands for a puppy when they were kids.

Ricky is originally from the island and now works as a music teacher, living with his son Arthur and girlfriend Meg in Glasgow.

Loved the WhatsApp chats between Suzy and her young adult daughter Freddie and Son Isacc. Their banter was hilarious.

I didn’t mind the romance taking a backseat in this. It’s mainly about the fabulous characters and their struggles. Island is the perfect setting for this book and Gibson has brought it to life with her beautiful writing.

Both the main characters Suzy and Ricky are adorable. Admired Suzy for her steely determination. I’ve immensely enjoyed reading when the story is told from Ricky’s perspective. He is utterly adorable, pleasant, and helps his students who aren’t privileged. Arthur is too adorable and his remarks are hilarious.

Overall, it’s a cute, heart-warming and entertaining book filled with lovable people and a adorable puppy.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

I recieved this book via Net Galley and give it my honest opinion.

This book was a slow starter, however it did not disappoint. The storyline was good and relatable in some parts. Not my favourite book from Fiona but still an enjoyable.

Suzy has never wanted dogs despite pleas from her children when they were younger, so when a stray turns up at her holiday cottage she's not too keen to take him in. She has enough on her plate trying to sort out the distillery her ex partner bought on their last visit to the Scottish Island. However she changes her mind and the dog brings comfort and friendship. Some delightful characters and great descriptions of the island make this a really enjoyable read.
Given this book by Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books UK, and Fiona Gibson for the opportunity to receive an ARC of The Dog Share. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Dog Share is another beautiful book from the author of The Mum Who Got Her Life Back which I really enjoyed reading. In this novel, Suzy Medley finds herself in a financial disaster due to her ex. But the day gets brighter when a shabby-looking dog shows up at her door. She names him Scout and her world is about to change again. Soon, her adventures with her new pal might result in a new love interest - Scout is already in love, but will Suzy be able to overcome her traumatic and damaging past? You'll have to read to find out.

This book was such a warm, charming, and uplifting story! This was just what I needed during this time of unease. I highly recommend if you are looking for a pick-me-up. I can't wait to see what Fiona Gibson comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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?

I enjoyed this book in so much as it wasn't difficult to read or hard to get in to, It just didn't wow me, The characters were nice, the setting was nice even the story was nice. The only thing that wasn't nice about this book was the dog! (He was adorable!!). Its listed as romance however I feel its more about a woman who finally likes who she is and knows what she wants to do. There's a messy ex, kids at Uni and parents who are slightly detached from her. All in all it was ok but didn't thrill me.

Absolutely loved both the concept of the book and the incredible characters. I love that there is such a varity and complexity of relationships. The idea that one dog can have such an incredible life and be so well loved but touch and change the lives of so many people. It's heartwarming and funny in equal measures. I found myself cringing, laughing out loud and wanting to shout at the characters becuase it really was such an amazing roller coaster of emotion. I found that in some ways it was predictable, but in a really good way and I love that feeling of knowing that you've figured it out or being surprised that you guessed it wrong. It's a story about discovery, empowement and embracing the important stuff. Thoroughtly enjoyed reading it!

This book was skiing cute and I loved the dog friendly plot. I enjoyed all the characters and watching them all come together by the end. I recommend to anyone wanting a fun, sweet, and quirky romance...only if you love dogs!

Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for a copy to honestly review.

This was billed as a romantic comedy, and it’s not. In fact, the main characters are still dating different people over halfway through the book and overall the book has a somber tone. The last little bit of the book is uplifting and I believe there is one kiss between the Suzy and Ricky.

The bright spot of the book is Scout. There needed to be more Scout. And Arthur, that young boy was terrific. The tagline “Two strangers, one dog. It’s complicated.” make you think there is some type of tug of war with Scout, but there isn’t. And, it’s not - complicated that is.

This should have been described as women’s literature or a “coming of middle-age” book rather than a rom-com. There is nothing romantic about this book. It wasn’t a bad story, just dry. The descriptions were vivid and it was interesting to read, but nothing what you’d expect from the description.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC and these are my honest opinions.