To All The Dogs I’ve Loved Before by Lizzie Shane is a charming story of a second-chance romance. When you add in the joy that a fearless dog brings to the story, this one is certain to melt your heart. The book is the third in the author’s Pine Hollow series but can certainly be read as a stand-alone. To All The Dog’s I’ve Loved Before is available now.
From The Publisher:
The last person librarian Elinor Rodriguez wants to spend time with is her first love, Levi Jackson, but it seems her mischievous rescue dog has other ideas. Without fail, Dory slips from the house whenever Elinor’s back is turned. And in Pine Hollow, calls about a dog herding cars on Main Street go straight to Levi. The quietly intense lawman broke Elinor’s heart once, and now she’s determined to move on, no matter how much she misses him.
As the kid who barely graduated—and still struggles to hide his dyslexia—Levi always believed that Elinor was way out of his league. Even though he ended their engagement all those years ago, Elinor still takes Levi’s breath away whenever he sees her. But with a little help from a four-legged friend, Levi and Elinor may just get the second chance they deserve.
Book Review:
I enjoyed reading this book. It is full of the small-town charm I’ve come to love with highly likeable characters. Dory’s adventures provided both some comedy and drama to the story: you can’t help but fall for this lovable canine.
Second-chance romance is one of my favourite tropes. Three years after Levi suddenly broke off their engagement without any explanation has left Elinor still confused and angry about the sudden break-up. They’d been a couple on and off since high school and had finally been a place where they could marry.
The reason for the break up was slowly revealed, as was the history of their relationship. Levi has a complex history surrounding the way he was parented and educated including a late-to-diagnose learning challenge. After a tragedy on the job, Levi’s focus is keeping the town safe despite everything he must sacrifice to do so.
Elinor has always been seen by the town for her exceptional intellect. As the school’s librarian, she’s trying to connect with as many students as she can. As a budding author, she knows it’s time to try and write the book she’s always wanted to publish.
The star of the book for me was Dory – a good example of a dog bred to be working dog who doesn’t appreciate being alone at home while Elinor is away. The way the town embraces Dory is loving and heart-warming. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
What I Liked:
- The second-chance romance
- The inclusion of a dog to add charm to the story
- The great use of a main character who has adapted to learning challenges
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers who enjoy romance novels.
My Rating:
★★★★☆
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane by Jeannie Chin
The House on Sunshine Corner by Phoebe Mills
Summer by the Sea by Jenny Hale
I hope that you have a wonderful day!
Jaya Avendel
Totally loving the name of this book! It has a fun similiarity to “All the Boys I loved before” in a good way, and the cast of characters (dog included!) sound interesting.
thathappyreader
It was such a fun read Jaya! Thanks for reading.
Carla
The cover of this book is adorable. The story sounds sweet and I love when animals play a role in stories. Wonderful review Jodie.
thathappyreader
Thank you Carla!
Wendy Williams
I read this a while back and really enjoyed it. I agree, Dory was the star of the story.
thathappyreader
Thank you Wendy! I’m glad that you enjoyed this book too.
Lauren
I haven’t read this book before. But it sounds interesting. You have written such a detailed review. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this read.
Lauren
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Lauren!
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
Anything to do with dogs pretty much gets my vote, haha! This sounds absolutely charming!
thathappyreader
Thank you Molly!
readandreviewit
Great review! I always love a good second chance romance and one with small town charm and a dog has sealed the deal for me, haha. Thank you so much for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Ceri!
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Fadima Mooneira
This book has an interesting title. I’m sure it’s a good read. Thank you for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Fadima!
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