I enjoyed the main story in the book about Asher, Caleb and the dog Boo — and Marianna in the present story —the introduction of Marianna`s background I felt could`ve been more concise though it was somewhat relevant to understand her role in the story and her background — Around chapter 22 — suddenly we are getting background on characters Bill and Cathy — again this could`ve been more concise or cut completely as I truly still don`t see the relevance how their background was important to the development of the story. I enjoyed to story overall — and the main storyline— I got invested in the main characters of the story and wanted to know the outcome- I would be interested to see how this series progresses.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the digital ARC. This is my honest review.

Finding Asher, the second in the Search and Rescue Dog Book series by Scott Hammond is a complete winner. Having read the first one, I was delighted to receive an ARC from Net Galley and my opinions are my own.
While it isn’t necessary to read the first book (Finding Caleb), understanding 14-year-old Caleb’s history lends credibility to the story when he is asked by the sheriff to bring the search dog “Boo” to the mountains to help find a young man with autism (Asher) who had disappeared when his father had a heart attack and died on the trail. Caleb’s mentor (and Boo’s handler) is out of town, and Caleb is the only one who can step up to the task. Boo leads Caleb to Asher, but getting him to come back proves to be complicated. They are not alone in the mountains.
This is a wonderful story and a wonderful series. I hope the author continues writing them and I hope they find their way on every junior and senior high school library bookshelf throughout the country. The world needs more uplifting stories with caring and complex characters like this.

Good Story But Could Be Better
I read the first book of this series and really enjoyed it. These books are geared toward middle school-aged children, I think. This book was certainly written for those younger than 'young adult'. This book is not that long, but I really struggled to finish it. Some parts were interesting and then became aimless. Some parts were like slogging through molasses. It all came together well in the end. I had major issues with the way the author explained some things and the way he portrayed some characters. He mentions a 'calving sow'. Sows do not calves, they farrow and cows calve. However, all mammals give birth. He also mentions that farm couple 'killing a cow to eat'. Farmers butcher, slaughter, or harvest, but never kill. They also rarely eat cows, they prefer steers. He also perpetuates the myth about cops and donuts. In truth, they like open-all-night places to get coffee and some of those are cafes while others are donut shops. Then, he portrays the Forest Service Rangers and caricatures of poor law enforcement and even calls the head ranger a 'Dudley-Do-Right' as a slam. I have no tolerance for teaching children the disrespect of anyone through the books they read. I was hoping that this book would be more like the first with plenty about the dog to mitigate the angst of the child. But, sadly, no. The story features a 26-year-old man as a 'boy' through the entire thing. There is an excellent portrayal of people who are wheelchair-bound, which is a good thing. I know that I am being a bit picky about some of my complaints. I am very aware of how using one word over another causes bias in the reader. Fictional stories for children should not encourage bias or stereotypes.

This is a book you don't want to miss. It's well written and is full of emotions. The author tackles some tough issues with grace and dignity. This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A poignant and compelling novel that deals with social issues and talks about lovely rescue dogs.
Thought provoking and well written
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Although this is listed as YA, adults shouldn't miss this book because it deals with adult life issues. This is not exactly a sequel to the first book, Finding Caleb, as it takes place a few years earlier but it's the story of another search & rescue adventure undertaken by Boo and Caleb. Besides the search & rescue aspect, this one also takes on the stigma and difficulties faced by the disabled, physically or mentally, and the unhoused in our communities. These difficult topics are covered with grace, understanding, and respect. I appreciate the author's willingness to tackle these issues with compassion when so many folks prefer to look the other way. No one should feel invisible.

Having read the first book, I was prepared to shed a couple of tears with this one. What I wasn't prepared for was to be completely undone by the final two pages...I lost it. Caleb and Boo's unfailing humanity did me in.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.