The third story in this entertaining series focuses on Sally and Andy and their second-chance romance. The dogs' home is busy as always, but there are sinister goings-on when a developer wants to buy their land at any price. Whilst the themes are not new, and it's not difficult to guess what will happen, the characters are relatable, and the dogs are delightful. This immersive read has a lovely mix of laughter and poignancy and ends upliftingly.
It's a book to escape with.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I’ve read and reviewed the previous two books in this amazing series so I just knew I’d love this one just as much. (I was right!)

This time it’s all about Sally who’s the resident Dog Trainer at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home.

I was so happy to be reunited with all the characters in this series, they’re all so lovely and wholesome, they make you feel like you’re getting a warm hug when you read about them. (don’t forget the dogs!)

Sally has a had such a hard/sad life before she came to the dogs home , now she’s finally happy but when a figure from her past shows up and with struggles at the place she works and loves so much can she have it all?.

This was the perfect third instalment for this fantastic series, it continues a few long running storylines from the previous books which I was keen to find out the conclusion too. ( sorry no spoilers here)

I’d happily read another ten books in this series.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I believe this book is part of a series, and I haven't read any of the previous books, but I enjoyed this one. The book seemed to radiate warmth and charm, and I found myself warming to all the characters - both the humans and canines. I liked the protagonist, Sally, and appreciated her bonds of friendship with some of the other characters. It also seemed that the dogs helped the other characters bond and brought them closer in some ways, so I really liked that.

This book made me smile, and I think readers of feel-good romance will enjoy it, especially if they're dog lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, the publisher, and the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Lovvved this beautiful romantic story, made me enjoy the chemistry between Sally and Andy, made me smile at how Sally and her kennel friends helped care for the dogs at Wagging Tails, etc. Highly recommend to all romance lovers and dog lovers.

Anything with ‘wagging tails’ in the title has to be a good book, right? As soon as I saw the title, I knew I wanted to be included on the blog tour for A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home. This is the third book in the series and I haven’t read any of the others. This can be read as a standalone, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back and read the others.

I loved most of the characters in the book. They’re warm and friendly, and I felt a part of their lives from the very beginning. I wanted cuddles from all the dogs that were staying in the dogs’ home and I loved the Nemo puppies the best!

To be honest, the human characters were just a sideline to the dogs who were one hundred per cent the stars of this book. I think you'll like this one if you love dogs, great characters and a warm and easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home by Sarah Hope.

I had no idea when I signed up that this was the third in a series by Hope. I've since downloaded books 1 & 2 and plan to read them soon whilst this one's still fresh in my mind.

I have two dogs of my own, so love anything dog - unless it's cruelty - One part of me would love to work in a dogs home, but the other would be broken everytime someone brought a dog in, being able to see the hurt in their eyes, their trust in humans being broken.

The characters throughout are lovely, The dogs were all absolutely adorable and I applaud everyone at WTDH for taking care of them.

I found the book easy to read and thoroughly enjoyed it.

A Fresh Start At Wagging Tails Dogs' Home by Sarah Hope

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

There’s no place like home… Although dog trainer Sally is relatively new to Wagging Tails, the team she works with have quickly become her family and the dogs her friends.

But when Andy, the one that got away, turns up for a brief respite from the city, she is at a crossroads. As tempting as a life with him is, she loves her home of West Par, and anyway, she has responsibilities here.

Number one on that list is ensuring the dogs' home stays in business. A developer has been sniffing around wanting to buy the land, and the team is worried.

Sally will do anything to save her home and her friends’ livelihoods but the lure of reuniting with her lost love is strong. Is there a way for her to have both?

My Opinion

I am going to start by saying that this is such a lovely series. I really enjoy returning to the Wagging Tails Dogs' Home - whilst this is the third book in the series I feel that this could work well as a standalone. As an animal lover, this was such an adorable read and a very welcome escape.

This was such a beautiful book with some stunning writing that will appeal to animal lovers and romance fans. A light-hearted, enjoyable read.

Rating 4/5

I have read and enjoyed all the books in this heartwarming series! In this one we follow Sally as she continues to work at the dog home and train dogs. With her ex in town and developers sniffing around Wagging Tails it is a drama filled story! For me what I love the most about this book is the dog's. I feel my heart fill up with love when each dog finds a forever home. I am a big dog lover so I cry when the dogs are sad or mistreated and I also cry when they find there happy ever after. I read so many books and I find that the ones about humans never get the waterworks like the dog ones. I also do love the humans that work at Wagging Tails as they are my kind of people. I love how much they are all so passionate about helping the dogs and they support each other. Each and every dog has a special place in there hearts. The author has done a brilliant job of detailing what dog rescue is like. If you don't like dogs as much as myself you will still enjoy reading the book as it has romance and drama. A brilliant bunch of friends and community. I will be holding my breath until the next book so I hope you are writing Sarah! (Lol).

Sarah Hope has become one of my favourite authors of romance, she has a special talent to draw me in to a story, ensuring that I don’t want to put the book down, making me laugh, cry, lifting me up, destroying me a little, and then putting me back together better than before.

How lovely it must be to know your words create new worlds and bring happiness and a lovely escape to people, even if for a little while. I’m always appreciative of all the wonderful authors that bring some extra joy into my , its definitely needed.

A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home is third book in the wagging tails dogs home series, although part of a series, I think you could read this as a standalone, But I will say, I don’t know why you’d want to deprive yourself of two extra wonderful books when you can have the whole series and enjoy it so much more.

I’m a massive animal person, I won’t say dog person because I don’t limit it to just dogs, I love all animals. Dogs, cats, birds, rodents, insects, you name it I will love it. So I’m so delighted when this focuses on the canine cast as much as the human cast of characters as they are just as important to me. Although to be fair, I place a lot of animals higher than a lot of humans. I love how slow burn the romance in the story is, my favourite is always slow burn, nothing better than tension to a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, this is a beautiful story full of doggos, drama, friendship, community and of course some romance. Highly recommended to any fans of romance, dogs, animals in general and wonderful writing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home is the third book in a series written by Sarah Hope. T

The story showcases Sally, a passionate dog trainer who is getting accustomed to her new role at the dogs’ home. When her ex, Andy, reappears in her life, it sparks uncertainty about the future. Meanwhile, the team faces challenges with Lyle, a disliked property developer intent on purchasing their land. Will they find a resolution to these conflicts?

The characters are relatable, especially Cindy, the lovely greyhound, with whom I connected as I, too, feel uneasy when alone. The vivid descriptions of the village of West Par evoke a desire to visit immediately.

Recommended read

This wasn’t a terrible read but it also wasn’t a good read. Kind of in the middle but less than so-so. Sally is just too clueless and focused on everything dog related without noticing normal things around her. The plot “twist” was too obvious from the start, making the book feel like a chore instead of a relaxing read.

A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home is the third book in the series. Though it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone without missing anything important.
I love the fact that the book is focused on dog rescue and hope it inspires some to help dogs in some way: adoption, volunteering or even monetarily.
The book is a real ray of sunshine, guaranteed to make even the darkest skies bright. After you're done reading your heart will be filled with gladness.
The characters are well thought out and well developed, friendly sorts who want the best for the dogs and have a lot of empathy. The plot moves along at a medium pace, not getting offtrack. There is a light romance going, a second chance at love possibly. The focus is not on the romance though which was nice to see. The story is lighthearted but with some serious parts as well. Puddles stole my heart; I'm rooting for you little one. A sure win, once you start this book you'll be hooked.

Pub Date 20 Mar 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Yet another wonderful book by Sarah Hope. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming spring read.

I ma not a dog person myself but I did find this book a bit of fun with a heart-warming and romantic theme which made me smile. I enjoyed learning about Sally and her job at the Wagging Tails Dogs' Home, she is warm and friendly and the kind of person you could see yourself being friends with.

This is a cute, cosy and warm read and one you can just sit down and enjoy and come out the other end with a smile on your face. Easy to read, a great follow on from the previous books in the series and an overall fun read. I'd give it 3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.5⭐
Genre ~ women's fiction
Series ~ Wagging Tails Dogs' Home #3
Others in the series The Wagging Tails Dogs' Home, Chasing Dreams at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home
Setting ~ UK
Publication date ~ March 20, 2024
Page Count ~ 292 (33 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 43 minutes
Narrator ~ Sophie Dora Hall
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ small town, slow burn, second chance, no steamage

Sally is the dog trainer at Wagging Tails Dogs' Home. While in town one day she sees her ex-boyfriend, Andy, who she has never stopped thinking about.

There's a developer that's trying to build right behind the rescue and no one in this small town is thrilled about this. What I enjoy most about this series is everyone's dedication to the dogs and the camaraderie within the rescue. They really go above and beyond to make these sweet pups feel comfortable while they wait for their furever home.

The romance isn't prominent and very slow burn. We've got some added family drama to add a little extra layer to Sally. Overall, while where the plot is taking us is quite obvious it was still an enjoyable cozy read.

Series notes:
I would actually say not totally necessary to read the first two books. Book 1's main character has quite a bit of page time, but book 2's does not.

Loved the novel, predictable storyline, but warming read. The characters were intriguing and you felt that they were your friends. Light holiday read.

A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails," we are introduced to Sally, a dedicated dog trainer who has found a sense of belonging at Wagging Tails. When her former flame, Andy, unexpectedly reappears, Sally finds herself torn between her loyalty to her newfound family and her longing for a life with him. As the threat of a property developer looms over Wagging Tails, Sally's determination to save her home and the livelihoods of her colleagues intensifies. Faced with this adversity, she must navigate her own emotions while rallying the team to protect their beloved sanctuary. Hope's characters are relatable and endearing, their struggles and triumphs evoking both laughter and empathy. The plot is well-paced, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Set amidst the idyllic countryside of West Par, the story captures the beauty of human and animal companionship. Moreover, the novel explores the complexities of navigating relationships and making difficult choices. It reminds us that home is not just a place but a community of people and animals who support and love us. Through Sally's journey, readers will be inspired to cherish the bonds that truly matter. "A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails" is a delightful and heartwarming read that will resonate with animal lovers and anyone who has ever searched for a place to belong.

I enjoyed this feel good story. I liked the characters both canine and human. I also liked that it was quite a quick, easy, short-ish read but because of that I would really have liked more. More of the dogs' stories and training, more interactions between the characters and more of the romance. Apparently it is part of a series though so there is more to read.....

I really enjoyed book 1 in the series and I loved book 2 even more than book 1, I guess because I loved Poppy and Flora. Both Poppy and Flora reappear in this story, and Flora still has a big role, but book 3 is really Sally's story and I just didn't connect with her as much as with Poppy.

I still really enjoyed Sally's story and finding out whether the dogs' home really was in danger with the developers next door and what that would then do to them and everyone there. There were once again a lot of dogs in this story, many with great personalities which I loved and some really touching moments that got me emotional, but I also smiled and just enjoyed the story, but with a bad feeling in my stomach for when Sally would figure it all out.

I really enjoyed this sweet story. Its was so relaxing to read and the story was lovely. All the characters seemed friendly abd if I had a dog they would go there if I had to go away. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.