Audible Book Review: Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley

The story is sweet and I did enjoy it through the end.
Perestroika in Paris
By: Jane Smiley
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 12-01-20
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Animals, Family, Friendship
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres and the New York Times best-selling Last Hundred Years Trilogy, a captivating, brilliantly imaginative story of three extraordinary animals - and a young boy - whose lives intersect in Paris.
Paras, short for "Perestroika", is a spirited racehorse at a racetrack west of Paris. One afternoon at dusk, she finds the door of her stall open and - she's a curious filly - wanders all the way to the City of Light. She's dazzled and often mystified by the sights, sounds, and smells around her, but she isn't afraid. Soon she meets an elegant dog, a German shorthair pointer named Frida, who knows how to get by without attracting the attention of suspicious Parisians.
Paras and Frida coexist for a time in the city's lush green spaces, nourished by Frida's strategic trips to the vegetable market. They keep company with two irrepressible ducks and an opinionated raven. But then Paras meets a human boy, Etienne, and discovers a new, otherworldly part of Paris: the ivy-walled house where the boy and his nearly 100-year-old great-grandmother live in seclusion. As the cold weather and Christmas near, the unlikeliest of friendships bloom. But how long can a runaway horse stay undiscovered in Paris? How long can a boy keep her hidden and all to himself?
Jane Smiley's beguiling new novel is itself an adventure that celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, and the desire of all creatures for true love and freedom.
©2020 Jane Smiley (P)2020 Recorded Books

Review:
Perestroika (Paras) is a racehorse who defines herself as a “curious” filly. One day, after winning a race, she realizes her stall door is open and she wanders out. At her door she finds a purse which she picks up and takes with her.

After a walk through woods and across a roadway, Paras finds herself in a park where she meets Frida, an elegant dog who has lost her human. Frida has been around on her own and knows how to remain quiet and pass without drawing attention of the authorities. Freda already has some friends in her nook. These include a raven and two ducks.

Freda finds the purse with money and starts trekking to the village to purchase fruits and meat for the friends. Paras even ventures out to make friends who provide her with grain and treats. They make a few friends among the shopkeepers who keep the secret of their visits. On several of their forays down the streets, Paras and Freda are seen by a young boy, Etienne, who discovers where they are living. The boy eventually entices Paras to his home where he resides with his elderly, blind grandmother. Freda is reluctant to have her friend penned at a house. And what might happen if Paras decides to revisit her racetrack?

There is interesting detail for the development of the animal characters and their living situation. Also, a good description of the history and living circumstances of Etienne and his grandmother. I liked where the author delivered the friends at the end of the story too.

I chose this story from my TBR shelf for the #parisinjuly2023 event. Although I initially felt the story was not really going anywhere, I eventually enjoyed the quiet sharing of the friendships that grow and change. I enjoyed the gentle story and it made me wonder a bit why the author put this little tale together. I recommend this to readers who enjoy animal characters and stories of friendship. It could be good for children too.

Audio Notes: Suzanne Toren does a nice job with the narration. She provided clear and distinctive voices that fit each character, animal and human. I enjoyed the audiobook.

Source: 4/5/2021 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Good Dog, Bad Cop by David Rosenfelt

I enjoyed this entry in the K Team series.
Good Dog, Bad Cop
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Fred Berman

The K Team #4
Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 03-14-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animals, Private Investigators
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

For the K Team, playing "good dog," "bad cop" is all fun and games...until there's a body on the scene, in the next K Team Novel by bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.
Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried–and failed—to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.
Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.
Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer, and clear Jimmy’s name. Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns in Good Dog, Bad Cop, where there’s little to go on, but that won’t stop Paterson, New Jersey’s favorite private investigators from sniffing out the truth.

Review:
The K Team has been hired by the Paterson, New Jersey, police department to work on cold cases. The team consists of former police detective Corey, his K-9 partner Simon, former officer Laurie, and the ‘hulk’ bodyguard, Marcus. They get to call in the help of computer hack wizard, Sam, and of course they get a little legal input and financial support from Laurie’s husband, Andy Carpenter.

The team has picked up a suspected murder-suicide case where the victims were found dead and adrift from a boat outing. The case involved Corey’s police mentor and a local woman who was the wife of  another police officer murdered earlier than this pair. Because the cases may be tied together, the team will look at all three.

Very quickly the team is able to pull records from a local restaurant that begins to give leads the detectives never followed. One lead moves to another and it isn’t long before Corey finds himself being attacked. Fortunately, he has Simon, and Marcus, as backup. Clearly the team is rocking the boat, and someone wants to stop them from digging deeper. This just gives them more incentive to push along the investigation even as it takes them to other states.

The story is told from the view and voice of Corey so it has the police/investigator perspective. I always enjoy these characters with their humorous banter and interaction. Then there are the plots that start locally but soon spread out to more nefarious conspiracies. This one twists and turns to a terrorist threat that drags in Homeland Security. I will continue to read, and enjoy, the novels by David Rosenfelt. I recommend this book and the series to fans of K-9 characters and private investigator mysteries.

Audio Notes: Fred Berman does a good job with the narration. The character voices are clear and distinct. Berman also is able to deliver the narration with the underlying dry wit of the author’s work. The enjoyed the audio version and appreciate the opportunity to listen to this story.

Source: 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Occupation goals.

#NetGalley Audio Review: Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

I always enjoy the legal process and police procedures of this series. This did not disappoint.
Santa's Little Yelpers
An Andy Carpenter Mystery
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Series: An Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 26
Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 10-11-22
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animals, Lawyer, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This program is read by award-winning longtime series narrator, Grover Gardner.
"Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Rosenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit."—AudioFile Magazine on Bark of Night
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his humorous investigating team return in Santa's Little Yelpers, the next Yuletide mystery in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling series.
'Tis the season in Paterson, New Jersey: Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are surrounded by holiday cheer. It’s even spread to the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization, not used to having puppies, has their hands full with a recent litter. Eight puppies are a lot to handle, and Andy is relieved when his co-worker Chris Myers agrees to foster them.
Myers, a newer employee at the Tara Foundation, did time for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. When Myers discovers a key witness against him lied on the stand, he goes to Andy to ask for representation in getting the conviction overturned. Myers thinks they can have this wrapped up by Christmas, no problem.
But when the witness is murdered, and Myers is arrested for the crime, things go from bad to worse. Suddenly, it’s all elves on deck to make a list and check it twice, so they can prove Myers is innocent.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
©2022 David Rosenfelt (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Once again, a murder case falls at the feet of reluctant attorney Andy Carpenter. A newer employee at the Tara Foundation, Chris Myers, previously spent time in jail for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. When a key prosecutor witness in his case is on the cusp of recanting his testimony, the man ends up dead. Myers is the primary suspect since he was present when the man was killed. It might appear coincidental but really it is a well-planned frame up.

Andy is pulled in to represent Myers and Andy soon is calling on his full investigative team to take on the case. Par for course, the deeper Andy probes, the more bodies appear, and his own life is put at risk.

This is an easy listen. As usual, the plot has twisty suspect lines that might involve the mob or radical groups. The FBI might even get involved. You just don’t know until Andy ferrets out the bad guys. I totally enjoy this series and recommend this to mystery and legal procedure fans.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner delivers wonderful narration. The few times I have read a book in this series, I can still hear Gardner’s voice. The narration adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt

As usual with this series, I enjoyed the legal aspects and mystery... and dogs.

Best in Snow
(Andy Carpenter #24)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Series: Andy Carpenter Series, Book 24
6 hours and 52 minutes
Release date: 10-19-21
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animals, Holidays, Legal Procedures, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
In this Christmas mystery, Best in Snow, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is nowhere to be found.
Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that left over two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow - to a point - but he misses the walks he takes his dogs on every day.
When the snow starts to melt, and a body is discovered, Andy ends up in the office of the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is that of crooked businessman Thomas Lansing, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Lansing had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter - and prime suspect - isn’t answering his phone...and everyone is worried.
Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The snow is piling up - along with the evidence - in the next Christmas mystery in this best-selling series from David Rosenfelt.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books
©2021 David Rosenfelt (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Wealthy and want-to-be retired lawyer, Andy Carpenter, is out walking the dogs when his main dog, Tara, sniffs out a body under the snow. It turns out to be the local mayor and the police are quick to focus on a young reporter, Bobby Nash, who had reason to have a grudge. When they find blood in Bobby’s trunk, he is arrested for the murder. One of Andy’s drinking ‘buddies’, Vince, a newspaper editor and Bobby’s former boss, coerces Andy into taking on the defense representation.

Evidence builds against Bobby as his car and phone are placed at the scene and the mayor’s wife advises the police that Bobby made threatening phone calls a few days before the murder. Unfortunately, Bobby isn’t able to help much with the facts as he was in a car accident shortly after the murder and has no memory of the events. When a potential witness is killed, it seems to turn the search away from Bobby who was in the hospital. Until it is determined that the source of the second murder could have been set up before Bobby was arrested.

Still, Andy sees lots of holes in the evidence. He just needs more facts to lead the jury to a different conclusion – to reasonable doubt. Andy gathers his quirky crew of investigators, and they get busy searching out alternate suspects. Attempts to eliminate Bobby and Andy make it clear that there are other suspects to be found.

As usual in this fun series, the Carpenter Team is able to dig out good facts pointing to bad actors further afield. The necessary details don’t get to Andy until the eleventh hour and he and his client have to wait out the jury verdict.

I enjoy this series for its unique characters. Andy has a snarky personality but his crew dish right back at him. I also enjoy the legal proceedings, in preparation and presentation. The writing is concise and moves along at a good pace. I recommend this story to fans of legal procedure mysteries. Each book is a new murder or criminal event so they can be read as standalones. However, I do recommend reading the first several to get to know the characters… and that may lead to reading more in the series.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is the voice of Andy Carpenter and pulls me right into the story. I have read one or two of the books on Kindle and I still can hear Gardner’s voice. I have to smile as soon as I start listening. I love listening to this series.

Source: 9/9/2021 from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: I'm On It (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!) by Andrea Tsurumi

This is a fun children's book.
I'm On It! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!)
by Andrea Tsurumi; Illustrater Mo Willems

Releases May 11.
Publisher : Hyperion Books for Children (May 11, 2021)
Hardcover : 64 pages
ISBN-10 : 1368066968
Reading age : 5 - 8 years
Grade level : Kindergarten - 3
Genre: Animals, Children, Friendship
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Goat likes to lead. Goat also likes Frog to follow.
When Goat jumps on it, Frog does, too. Soon Goat and Frog are on it, along it, above it, inside it, beside it, around it, and under it―phew! How can their friendship get through it?

Review:
Goat is a bit rambunctious and likes to challenge his friend Frog to follow what Goat does. Goat uses all sorts of prepositions with props. Frog tries to keep up while balancing on his lily pad. Initially the game is fun, but soon it becomes overwhelming for Frog. Can their friendship survive all this “one-upsmanship”?

This is a fun book with bright, cute illustrations. The book shares propositions for young people to learn and enjoy in a fun way. It also provides the opportunity to discuss friendship and peer pressure. This is apparently part of a series called Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! where Elephant and Piggie introduce the book and conclude it. I recommend this as a fun book to share with kindergarten and elementary children.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Pugly Duckling by Carla Siravo

This is very cute but has a major flaw.

The Pugly Duckling
by Carla Siravo
P. Santiago (Illustrator)

Publisher : Indigo River Pub (December 8, 2020)
Paperback : 36 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1950906802
Reading age : 5 - 6 years
Genre: Animals, Children
My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0

Jean and Joe Duck were oh-so-surprised, When their duckling hatched, not quite the right size, With a curly-swirly tail and hairy-scary paws, And furry fat rolls and sharp beast claws. They loved their son, though he was ugly, Not quite a duckling, and a little bit pugly.

Review:
Jean and Joe Duck really want a child. They are thrilled when they finally have an egg to care for, even if it is a "ugly-wugly". And they are thrilled too when the egg hatches and produces their own pugly child. The problems come when the adorable pug tries to pretend to the other ducks that he is one of them. They are ready to accept him if he would stop pretending to be something he is not.

The story is a bit of a twist on the classic Ugly Duckling story. It is very cute and has wonderful rhyming that kids would surely like. I think the illustrations are adorable, like the cover. The story has a good message about being yourself and allowing others to accept you for the real you.

It was hard to give this only a 3.25 rating but I didn't feel right rounding up to 4.0. I wasn't thrilled with the repeated 'ugly" descriptions for the pug as that might give children the idea it is okay to call others "ugly" instead of finding kinder word choices. But the big flaw for me was that dogs don’t come from eggs. An adult understands this but it would have to be explained to children and, for me, that lessens the effectiveness of the story and message. Dressing up in a cute duck costume and trying to fit in with the ducks can be explained. But I think each parent/teacher who might share this book would have to think how they would address the egg issue.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel by Annie England Noblin

This is a sweet romance story with flawed characters.

Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel
Written By: Annie England Noblin
Narrated By: Amy McFadden

Date: October 2017
Duration: 9 hours 59 minutes
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Women's Divorce, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Summary:
Sit! Stay! Speak! author Annie England Noblin’s novel takes one woman starting over, adds an aging pug named Teddy Roosevelt, and proves the power of a well-baked dog treat.
All she wants is a settled-down life.
What she gets is a dog—and a whole new normal . . .
There he stood in the doorway: overweight, depressed and nearly homeless—a pug named Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy was Brydie Benson’s latest problem, arriving on top of her messy divorce and sudden move. Brydie needed a place to start over, so this rent-free home seemed a great idea. She just never counted on Teddy, or his owner, the Germantown Retirement Village’s toughest customer, Pauline Neumann.
And because rent-free doesn’t mean bills-free, Brydie gets a night-shift job at a big-box grocery. Whoever guessed there were so many people who wanted baked goods after midnight?
Then, she gets an idea—why not combine her baking skills with her new-found dog knowledge? And so her store Pupcakes is born. Along with a new start comes a possible new love, in the form of Nathan Reid, a local doctor with a sassy Irish Wolfhound named Sasha. And as fall turns to winter, and then to Christmas, Brydie begins to realize that life is a little bit like learning a new recipe for puff pastry—it takes a few tries to get it just right!...

Review:
Brydie is struggling to make a comeback after her husband cheated on her and divorced her for the ‘other’ woman. Her husband was also her business partner in the bakery they built together. Brydie left all of that mess, but not the heart-break, behind and has lived for months with her best friend, Elliott. Now that Elliott and her husband are preparing to welcome their second child, Brydie needs to find another place to live. Elliott recommends a house that needs ‘sitting’ for Mrs. Neumann, a woman in a nursing retirement home. The house comes with an important occupant – Mrs. Neumann’s beloved pug, Teddy Roosevelt. Brydie has never had a dog and she has to find a way to engage this elderly, reluctant animal.

Elliott suggests that Brydie take Teddy to a nearby dog park. Finally, the dog shows some enthusiasm except he throws up on the shoes of Nathan Reid who is there with his lively Irish Wolfhound, Sasha. Brydie takes off in embarrassment but gets to meet Nathan again when she visits Mrs. Neumann in the nursing facility. Nathan turns out to be a local doctor with rotating duties at the retirement home. It is clear that all the single nurses (and some of the residents) are interested in the handsome doctor. Brydie has trouble accepting the fact that Nathan is interested in dating her.

Byrdie takes a night-shift job at a local grocery where she begins to make new friends, but also makes mistakes. Byrdie experiments making dog treats to tempt Teddy to eat. This leads to a group of customers from the dog park and the nursing home.

When Byrdie uncovers a family mystery at Mrs. Neumann’s home, her curiosity is pushing her to ask Mrs. Neumann about the locked trunk. Nathan insists that doctor’s orders are not to raise the issue as it is likely to upset his patient. Byrdie takes umbrage at the doctor’s position and cuts off their growing relationship. Although Byrdie’s confidence begins to return with her baking, she continues to struggle to control her emotions.

First, I need to note that the blurb is not totally accurate as the new Pupcakes bakery isn’t really established until very near the end of the book. Second, I have to admit that I was frustrated by Byrdie’s despondency and self-absorption. I was relieved when she finally stepped away from her negative attitudes. In contrast, I found Nathan to be extraordinarily patient and kind. The romance develops with a subdued spark but some natural urges. The dogs add fun interest with birthday parties and stolen turkey antics. I liked the sweet (if predictable) surprise at the end even though the ending does seem rushed. As long as the reader can push through Byrdie's emotions, I recommend this as a sweet read/listen.

Audio Notes: Amy McFadden does a satisfactory job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and manages to convey Byrdie’s struggling emotions. I was glad to be able to listen to this story.

Source: November 2019 Sale at Audiobooks.com $3.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Woof by Spencer Quinn

This is a fun listen suitable for kids and adults.
Woof
Written By: Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: James Frangione

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Date: May 2015
Duration: 7 hours 5 minutes
Genre: Animals, Kids, Middle Grade, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary:
"Spencer Quinn speaks two languages--suspense and dog--fluently."--Stephen King
Bowser is a dog detective on the loose, paired with an eleven-year-old girl, Birdie. Bowser and Birdie live on the Louisiana coast with Birdie's Grammy. When a prize stuffed marlin is stolen from Grammy's bait and tackle shop, Birdie and Bowser decide to take on the case. But what looks like a straightforward break-in soon becomes as tangled as a tourist's fishing line. Was Grammy hiding a treasure map in the marlin? What's up with Old Man Straker, owner of a rival tackle shop, and his juvenile delinquent son? And most sinister of all, why does it suddenly look as if someone wants to harm Birdie? Told entirely from Bowser's hilarious dog point of view, WOOF launches a brand-new, slightly slobbery, but utterly winning detective duo.

Review:
Bowser is a dog of mixed heritage and he is thrilled when a young girl named Birdie picks him for adoption. Birdie's Granny isn’t so thrilled but Birdie and Bowser quickly become best buds. Bowser does his best to understand how to please his new friend although there are times when his natural urges just take over.

The first day Bowser goes home with Birdie they discover that a prized stuffed marlin, Black Jack, has been stolen from Granny’s bait shop. Bowser is quick to pick up on the scents of strangers (why can’t the humans do that?) in the shop and leads Birdie to find a cigar as a clue. Birdie wants to recover Black Jack and her determination to solve the mystery only increases when Birdie learns that there may be a hidden treasure involved. Fortunately for Birdie, Bowser is along to help her with smells and protection although he also adds to the risks on occasion. But the thief apparently is willing to try to kidnap Birdie and even kill if need be to get to the treasure.

The story is told from Bowser point of view and it is delightful. He is pretty much a normal dog, thrilled with food, all sorts of scents, and new experiences like riding in the truck or boat. He is also territorial and doesn’t like the fact that some other dog has been visiting the yard of his humans, which is now Bowser’s yard. The story is fun and suitable for middle graders and adults who love dogs. I will be glad to get more of these books in the future.

Audio Notes: James Frangione does a very nice job with the narration. He portrays the nature of the dog and manages the human voices too. The audio helped make this a fun ‘read’.

Source: 10/29/2019 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Deal. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

This is a delightful little holiday romance.
The Dogs of Christmas
Written By: W. Bruce Cameron
Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne

Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: October 2013
Duration: 6 hours 14 minutes
Genre: Animals, Dogs, Holiday, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh's Colorado home. But Josh can't resist Lucy's soulful brown eyes, and though he's never had a dog before, he's determined to do the best he can for Lucy-and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies.
Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help, and meets Kerri, a beautiful woman with a quick wit and a fierce love for animals. As Kerri teaches Josh how to care for Lucy's tiny puppies and gets them ready to be adopted through the shelter's 'Dogs of Christmas' program, Josh surprises himself by falling for her.
But he's fallen even harder for his new furry family, which has brought incredible joy into Josh's life. He barely has time to sit down, between chasing after adventurous Sophie and brave Oliver, but when he does, his lap is quickly filled by the affectionate Lola. And Rufus and Cody's strong bond makes Josh wonder about his own relationships with his family.
With Christmas and the adoption date looming, Josh finds himself wondering if he can separate himself from his beloved puppies. At odds with Kerri, Josh isn't willing to lose her, but doesn't know how to set things right. Can a surprise litter of Christmas puppies really change one man's life?
W. Bruce Cameron's The Dogs of Christmas is a charming and heartwarming holiday tale that explores the power of love, trust, and a basket full of puppies....

Review:
Josh is nearly a recluse especially after his girlfriend walked away. He wasn’t much of a social fellow anyway as a software programmer who works on the computer from home. He isn’t thrilled when his neighbor delivers his dog to his door claiming he needs Josh to dog sit for the weekend until he can make other arrangements. Then Josh realizes that Lucy, the dog, is very pregnant. Josh has never had a dog, much less puppies. He is practically panicked when he calls the vet. But being the precise person that he is, Josh begins to research how to take care of the dog and puppies.

When Josh seeks help from the local animal shelter, he meets the lovely, strong-minded Kerri. Kerri is more than happy to help and finds herself interested in Josh who is willing to care so diligently for the dogs. The problem is, Josh is becoming attached to Lucy and the puppies. Kerri insists he cannot keep them and she wants to include the puppies to be delivered to new homes as part of the Dogs of Christmas adoption program. But Josh has learned the unique personalities of each dog and isn’t sure anyone else can care for them as he does. He now has a family of his own and doesn’t know how he will give them up.

Josh’s character is a little difficult as, at age 28, he is very socially immature. He becomes flustered like a teen boy in Kerri’s presence. Still, it is sweet and not totally unrealistic for a computer nerd. In addition to the conflict between Josh’s feelings for Kerri and the dogs, Josh’s unresolved feelings for his ex impacts his relationship with Kerri with a little twist.

The story flows well with humor and lovely dog antics, including one that has a handicap. The romance is light and gently presented. I enjoyed the easy, light, sweet story. I recommend it to readers who enjoy dogs and gentle romance.

Audio Notes: Kirby Heyborne does a very nice job with the narration. He aptly portrays the distress, confusion, enthusiasm, and other emotions, especially of the main character. The narration helped me enjoy the story and I would be comfortable listening to other books narrated by Heyborne.

Source: November 2019 $4.99 Sale Purchase at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Book Review: Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures) by Andy Stonehouse

This is a cute childrens' book.
Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures)
by Andy Stonehouse

Series: Rosie Bears Adventures (Book 1)
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Moosehead Publishing (July 17, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1916180406
Genre: Animals, Children's Book
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Lily wakes up one morning and can’t find one of her favorite toys. Along with Rosie Bear, Lily goes on a mystery hunt around the house in which they live to find their missing friend. Along the way she encounters other inhabitants of Lily’s world who help her along the way. ‘Where Are You Moosehead? Is the first in a series of books that follows the adventures of Lily and Rosie Bear as they experience the magic of growing up.

Review:
Lily loves her Rosie Bear and Moosehead and takes them with her everywhere. But one morning she cannot find Moosehead. She searches throughout the house, seeking help from other ‘friends’.

I found the story cute although the rhyming isn’t always set in easy timing for reading outloud. This probably will not bother the targeted young audience. The illustrations are artfully natural, charming and fitting to the tale. I recommend this as a sweet story that can be enjoyed by children and parents.

Source: Oct-November 2019 Review Request from Publishing Push – Thank you.

#NetGalley Book Review: Read on Arrival by Nora Page

This is a fun, cozy, who-done-it mystery.
Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page

File Size: 3314 KB
Print Length: 329 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1643850032
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (May 7, 2019)
ASIN: B07HM7PGTG
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Animals, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Death, deadly omens, and a decades-overdue book put senior librarian Cleo Watkins on a collision course with a killer in the second Bookmobile mystery.
Septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins believes in gracious manners, sweet tea, and justice―library justice. For over forty years, Cleo has tried every trick in the book to get delinquent patron Dixie Huddleston to return the most overdue volume in Catalpa Springs, Georgia. When Dixie says she’ll finally relinquish the book, Cleo is shocked. She’s even more startled by the reason: superstitious Dixie says she’s seen the signs: she’s about to die and is setting her affairs in order.
Cleo dismisses Dixie’s ominous omens…until she and her gentleman friend, Henry Lafayette, arrive at Dixie’s home to find her dead. Cleo suspects murder. The police agree but promptly list Cleo among the likely culprits. To clear her good name and deliver justice, Cleo uses her librarian skills to investigate, with Henry and her trusty bookmobile cat, Rhett Butler, at her side.
However, the killer has opened a new chapter of terror. Death threats appear around town, and residents start seeing bad luck everywhere, including in Cleo and her beloved bookmobile Words on Wheels. With her bookmobile and legacy on the line, Cleo accelerates her sleuthing. Suspects and clues stack up, but so does the danger. Another death is coming due, and Cleo fears the killer may be about to turn the final page on someone she loves most.

Review:
Cleo Watkins is a woman in her 70s who has been the local librarian, spreading her passion for books for over 40 years. During those years Cleo has tried to recover a special library book, Luck and Lore, from local real estate broker, Dixie. Dixie insists the book has been her lucky token for her successful career and she has flaunted it under Cleo’s nose. But suddenly Dixie is experiencing death omens and she wants to return the book. When Cleo and her gentleman friend, Henry, goes to Dixie’s home to pick up the book. Instead of the book they find Dixie’s dead body in clearly suspicious circumstances.

Cleo has previous used her amateur skills to solve a local murder. It is natural that community members are coming to her for information and encouraging her to dig up clues. Even her neighbor, Gabby, a Deputy Sheriff, is willing to accept input from Cleo, although Gabby warns Cleo to stay safe. While Cleo continues to look for the missing library book and clues about the murder, she is also fighting attempts from a bouncy blonde who is flirting with the library board president while proposing modernization of the library, including Cleo’s beloved bookmobile.

This is a true, warm ‘cozy’ mystery. I enjoyed the elderly characters with their precious pets (cat for Cleo and dog for Henry). I also liked Cleo’s friendship with her neighbor, Deputy Sheriff, Gabby. The small community is full of lively characters and a list of possible suspects who had various motives for disliking and ultimately killing Dixie. The murder is creative and the ongoing death threats to other members of the community adds to the mystery.

The small-town setting is ‘cozy’ and the easy flowing writing is a clear fit for the cozy, who-done-it genre. I sort of wished I could have read this in the fall to fit with the cover which pulled me in. But, anytime of the year, it is a satisfactory read for the cozy mystery fan.

Source: NetGalley 2018 This is the last of my 2018 NetGalley picks. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley goal.

Book Review: Oberon's Meaty Mysteries: The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne

This is a very fun quick mystery story.

Oberon's Meaty Mysteries: The Squirrel on the Train
by Kevin Hearne

File Size: 560 KB
Print Length: 120 pages
Publisher: Subterranean Press (November 30, 2017)
ASIN: B076JB7YKH
Genre: Animals, Mystery, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Oberon the Irish wolfhound is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan. The first complication is an wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who’s there to investigate. But they also recognize the body—or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can’t handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it’s time to investigate once more—for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos!
Alongside his faithful Druid, Oberon and the other loyal hounds navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim’s home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels!
But will our hungry band of heroes be able to identify the culprit before someone else is murdered? Will there be mystery meat in gravy as a reward or tragedy in store for the world’s (or at least the Pacific Northwest’s) greatest dog detective?
Like its predecessor The Purloined Poodle, the latest of Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries, The Squirrel on the Train, is not to be missed by fans of Kevin Hearne’s New York Times best-selling Iron Druid series.

Review:
This is a fun, easy adventure with Oberon, the Irish wolfhound who keeps company with Iron Druid, Atticus. Atticus is taking Oberon and his friends, wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, on the train to Portland where they can have a run. Initially the dogs are distressed because there is a squirrel on the train. The dogs are convinced that all squirrels have an evil plan against dogs and humans.

They all get distracted when they get to the station and find a body that looks an awful lot like Atticus. Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who has worked with Atticus before, is there to investigate. Since Atticus isn’t official to help, he and the dogs join in unofficially with the dogs using their noses to hunt down clues.

The story is told from Oberon’s doggy brain, acknowledging that he doesn’t understand time where 10 minutes might be 10 hours or years for all the dog knows. And of course they get distracted by food, not to mention the squirrels.

This made me want to pick up the series where I left off (at Book 5). If you have never read this series I recommend it for fun and excitement. This is just a short side story but could be read to get a feel for the characters and a taste of the author’s writing. It should give a reason to smile.

I received this from NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: King Harald's Snow Job by Richard Audry

This is a fun, easy mystery read.
King Harald's Snow Job 
(King Harald Mysteries Book 3)
by Richard Audry

Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Conger Road Press (August 1, 2017)
Paperback: 302 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0985019686
E-Book ASIN: B0747QWYLZ

Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

It’s early December and Andy Skyberg is itching to blow town for a weekend of holiday cheer with old friends—including a date with an attractive divorcée who thinks he's hot.
But first, Aunt Bev needs a teensy bit of help. She’s managing the Girls’ Weekend Out event at the Beaver Tail Resort and could use some extra muscle. Andy figures he can spare a few hours before hitting the road.
Mother Nature, though, has other plans. A giant blizzard makes an unexpected turn. Andy and his pooch King Harald find themselves snowbound—in a hotel full of hard-partying women, stranded travelers, a hockey team, a man-eating novelist, a belligerent blogger, and one violent, devious jewel thief.
Before you know it, man and mutt are up to their noses in another case. It’s a winter wonderland of fast-paced fun and merry madness, as the sleuthing duo dig out from King Harald’s Snow Job.

Review:
King Harald is a big, ginger mutt. Sorry I am not quite sure what type of dog, but he is very sweet and fun. He really cares for his master, Andy, but isn’t beyond slipping away on occasion. Andy is a 40-year-old artist and temporary mayor of his small town. He is divorced and looking to spend the weekend with his guy friends and then a dinner and concert date with a nice woman who is also divorced.

Andy’s Aunt Bev calls him in to help her at an event she is overseeing at a nearby resort. Harald is uncomfortable leaving home but can’t communicate his reluctance to Andy. Andy is willing to pitch in to help not realizing that they will get snowed in and have to deal with a jewel theft.

There is plenty of animosity towards the theft victim, a popular author, as she is not a very sympathetic character. Andy adds several suspects to his list, but he seems to be barking up the wrong tree. Harald doesn’t exactly do any great sleuthing -- except to track down another dog when directed to -- but he manages to get involved in the heist by accident.

I liked the many different suspects who had been treated poorly by the author as she pushed herself to fame. I expected more sleuthing by Harald but still enjoyed his parts in the story. It sounded like he might have been more involved in the first two books. As a third in the series, this book still read fine as a standalone.

This is light, fun and clean; easy reading that I found very enjoyable. The story is told in third person mostly from Andy’s viewpoint but sometimes from Harald’s which is fun. They have a nice, affectionate relationship. I appreciated that Andy is a gentleman who cares about the ladies beyond just male interest. This is a very nice light cozy mystery that would be good to curl up with on a cold, snowy day.

I received this book from the author for review through Great Escape Tours.

About The Author –

 

Richard Audry is the pen name of D. R. Martin. In addition to his career as a journalist and copywriter, D. R. has written a dozen books, both fiction and non-fiction. His current projects include a fantasy adventure trilogy, a canine cozy mystery series, and historical mysteries set at the turn of the last century.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/richardaudryauthor/

Webpage – http://drmartinbooks.com/

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Audible Book Review: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

This is a charming story.

The One and Only Ivan
By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator)
Narrated by: Adam Grupper

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 03-14-13
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Children
My Rating: 4.50 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he's seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home - and his own art - through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Ivan, a silverback gorilla, has lived most of his life in a small, uninspired mall mini circus. Ivan barely remembers his old home and family as those memories bring a poignant sadness. Ivan has a gentle friendship with the other animals and Julia, the young daughter of the mall maintenance man. Ivan and Julia share a love of art although Ivan’s efforts are much less clear than Julia’s. Ivan's other friends are Stella, an elephant with a damaged leg, and Bob, a stray dog who snuck in off the streets of the world and who sleeps on Ivan’s belly. Then the mall owner purchases Ruby, a baby elephant, in hopes of picking up business. But Ruby is untrained and the owner's methods of training makes all the animals unhappy.

As Stella becomes ill from her infected foot, she makes Ivan promise that he will take care of Ruby. Ivan isn’t sure how he can help Ruby and struggles to accomplish a plan once he comes up with one.

Ivan, and the other animals, are lovely characters and the story is charming. I don’t agree with the statement that we evolved from Apes, but other than that, this shares interesting details about apes, particularly silverbacks. It also shares a wonderful message of compassion, caring, friendship and hope. There are painful moments and scenes that made me cringe at the callousness of men. Fortunately, these are overshadowed by the sweet caring shown by Ivan and his friends. The story evokes empathy for the plight of animals taken out of their natural homes to live in cages for human entertainment. This may be written for children but it is a lovely read for adults too.

Audio Notes: Adam Grupper does a wonderful job with the narration. The voices fit and the reading is seamless with no distraction from the story. I recommend this in audio although I note that the kindle and print versions have awesome illustrations.

This was from my Audible library purchased through Kid’s Sale in summer 2017. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda

This is a fun story of animals – good for children and adults!
The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-03-17
Publisher: Woolly Family Studios
Genre: Animals, Children, Mystery, Noir
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Duration: 2 hrs and 34 mins
This came in just in time for my post tonight.
And I was looking for a lighter audio to listen too.
I received this from the author, Jake!
Publisher's Summary
Listen up. If you're looking for trouble, you've found it. His name's Jake G. Panda and he's a wildlife investigator. This hard-boiled bear works at a flophouse for endangered critters called the Last Resort. He's the hotel snoop. The resident fuzz. It's his job to keep these unusual guests safe and outta harm's way.
This hilarious first installment of The Endangered Files is a wild and woolly mystery involving a missing guest, a green bird, and a bunch of double-crossing critters all hot on the trail of The Cursed Dodo. It's designed to introduce young listeners to the subject of endangered species in a fun and informative way.
So join this tough talking panda detective and a cast of endangered creatures on a globe-trotting audio adventure that will appeal to young and old alike.
©2014 Jake G. Panda (P)2017 Jake G. Panda

Review:
Jake G. Panda is a bold wildlife investigator. He cares about the people/critters he lives with at the Last Resort, a hotel where endangered species gather. Jake is quick to set out to investigate when one of the hotel guests calls in while on exploration and the call is cut off.

Jake races off to foreign lands to rescue the Professor, a rare Hispid hare. Jake soon finds himself and a few friends tricked and captured. A small thing like a cage won’t stop Jake and his cohorts. As they chase down a suitcase with a rare green dodo, Jake comes across old friends, including a very special one from his past.

Other employees at the Last Resort include Rose, an El Hierro giant lizard, Gloria, a Mexican grizzly who works the front desk, and Timmy a Round Island day gecko selling newspapers in the lobby.

The enemy critters include a wild yak, a one-eyed cave salamander, a large slithery, Bimini boa, with his much-abused assistant, the shrew. They are countered by the Endangered Underground. This wildlife resistance who fight against the human intruders, are led by the legendary Diego “the Desert Rascal”, a Mexican prairie dog and Lieutenant Nina, a Tehuantepec jackrabbit.

This is a fun, quick tale that describes endangered species. Jake and critter friends run through several dangerous situations and share some lessons along the way. The presentation of the story is unusual as it is set up like a screen play with ‘fade in’ and ‘fade out’ scenes. Although I found this to be fun, I am not sure how children would follow the scene changes. Also, the detective tone has a noir atmosphere and some of the fun irony will be lost on children. I liked the characters, sass and mystery. I note that the kindle version has images that might be more engaging for children. However, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed the audio.

Audio Notes: The audio book has a cast of narrators who bring the various characters to life. I found myself smiling and chuckling through the listen. I am glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this.

I received this from the author. It adds to my Audio Challenge.

Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2) by Katie Ruggle

I like this author for fast-paced action, sweet romance between likeable characters – and canine characters too.
On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2)
by Katie Ruggle

File Size: 2103 KB
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 5, 2017)
ASIN: B01ND1K3M6
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“Vivid and charming.”—CHARLAINE HARRIS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Injured in the line of duty,
His orders are simple:
Stay alive.
But when a frightened woman bursts into his life, Hugh and his K9 companion have no choice but to risk everything to keep her safe.
The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention—especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.
Because Hugh is tall, dark…and nothing but trouble.
Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench.
Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town’s mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper’s bullet, Hugh’s mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps…
Or both of them will pay the price.

Review:
Kaylee is attending a socialite dinner with her almost “Disney Prince” boyfriend when a wrong turn has her uncovering a crime situation. She manages to escape the last-minute grab of the dinner host but is afraid to go home. A friend helps her get out of town, hidden in the small town of Monroe, CO, where she is known as Grace and must find any job to make a living.

Hugh has been injured and is supposed to be recovering and staying out of the field. But ‘cop mode’ runs in Hugh’s blood and he has a hard time sitting home, even under orders that he is not allowed on scene or at the station. Hugh is really stressed since the force is trying to catch a drug smuggler who keeps sliding through his small town of Monroe.

Hugh meets Grace and, besides being stunned by her good likes, he is immediately suspicious and tries digging for the truth. Grace tries to avoid Hugh but they are like magnets drawing together. After several near-death events, Grace reveals her past thinking that the dangerous bad guy has found her. Hugh still thinks the attempts are against him, not her, but he isn’t about to let her problem rest either.

I liked Kaylee/Grace and Hugh right away. The beginning is fun and quickly moves into high adrenaline action. The story has some crazy moments and there are character actions that caused the reaction “what are you thinking?”. I like the other officers, including the canine characters. The ending seemed a little rushed and I would’ve liked a little more detail on the bad guy’s activities. Also, there were a few incidents of unnecessary (IMHO) ugly language. Still, all in all, I completely enjoyed the fast-paced story and strong romantic chemistry without overdone sexual aspects.

I am always comfortable picking up a Katie Ruggle title as I am confident I will get a good story that includes danger, action and sweet romance. I may have to go back and read the other stories in this series so I don’t miss anything. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense that is full on action and nice romance.

This type of phrasing (location 2899) had me chuckling:

“In fact, the love semitruck was tumbling down the mountainside at high speed with no brakes, about to run her over, flatten her on the pavement and leave its Hugh-shaped tire tracks all over her heart.”

I received this through NetGalley and it qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: Yak and Dove by Kyo Maclear, Illustrator Esme Shapiro

This sweet story, with lovely illustrations, delivers a nice message of friendship.
Yak and Dove
by Kyo Maclear (Author), Esme Shapiro (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Hardcover: 56 pages
Publisher: Tundra Books; Ill edition (September 19, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1770494944
Genre: Animals, Children, Friends
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Sometimes the unlikeliest friends form the greatest friendships. A funny, charming picture book from a dynamic duo.
Friends Yak and Dove are complete opposites. Yak is large and Dove is small. Yak has fur and Dove has feathers. Yak is polite. Dove is ill-mannered. Yak likes quiet. Dove likes noise. One day as Yak and Dove list their differences they come to the conclusion that maybe they aren't meant to be friends. In the hope of finding a new best friend, Yak holds auditions. But when a small feathered contestant sings Yak's favorite song, the two begin to think that maybe they are alike after all . . .
Yak and Dove whimsically captures the highs and lows of friendship through the three interconnected tales of two very different friends.

Review:
Yak and Dove are close friends in spite of their many differences. Yak is big, furry and polite. Dove is small, feathered and abrupt to the edge of rudeness. The pair see twins and wonder what it would be like to be so close and connected. Suddenly they are challenging their own friendship and decide they are not well suited as friends after all. Marmot helps Yak audition for new friends but in the end Yak and Dove remember all they share and care about. This portion of the book is fun, the message meaningful and the illustrations are full and lovely.

The book then becomes confusing as it moves to what seemed to me to be unrelated, and disjointed additional stories. At that point it lost my attention as well as the attention of my four year old granddaughter. The book would have been better without the strange jump and could have been shortened which would fit the intended audience even better. I can recommend the first portion of the book but am sorry I was lost on the remainder.

I received the ebook through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley challenge.

Audible Book Review: Pax by Sara Pennypacker

This is a beautifully written story of friendship, loss and growth.

Pax
Written by: Sara Pennypacker
Narrated by: Michael Curran-Dorsano
Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-02-16
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Middle Graders
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.
At his grandfather's house 300 miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be - with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.
Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own....
From best-selling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the essential truths that define us and the devastating costs of war. Pax is destined to become a beloved classic.
©2016 Sara Pennypacker (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
I was drawn by the cover and blurb of this title. I had hoped it would be good for my grandchildren to listen to but I think they would have to be middle grade and up.

Peter has raised Pax since a young kit who lost his parents. Peter is now 12 and his father has enlisted in the military to help protect the homeland. His father insists that Pax be dropped off in the woods as he delivers Peter to another town to live with his grandfather while father is away a war.

After arriving at his Grandfather’s Peter realizes what a mistake it was to have left Pax behind.
He takes his backpack and a few supplies to return to the woods to get his beloved Pax. Two hundred or so miles away, Pax waits at the edge of the woods for ‘his boy’ to return for him. Finally, the little fox must move to find water and food. Pax meets a vixen and her little brother. The young kit is thrilled to play with Pax but the vixen smells humans on Pax and wants nothing to do with him. Pax makes friends with an older fox who agrees to travel with him to try to go back home to meet with Peter.

Peter meets a gruff female who lives a secluded life. She was traumatized by her experience as a soldier and withdrew from society. She isn’t thrilled to have a young boy show up in her barn but she can’t send him back out without helping him.

The story is told in alternating views for Peter and Pax. They both run across obstacles and dangers along their journey to find each other. I really liked the warm bond between Peter and Pax. They grow in their new situations and they find friends to help them and whom they help. The author uses the story to comment on war, love, injury, society, friendship and even environmental issues. I liked how it makes the reader/listener think about our behavior towards each other and nature.

The reason I hesitate to recommend this for younger listeners is because there is death and loss that might be difficult without parental guidance. Not that the young haven’t dealt with these issues before in classics like Old Yeller, The Yearling and even Bambi, Dumbo and the Lion King. I found the story beautifully written, engaging and sweet. I do recommend it - perhaps for family listening.

Audio Notes: Michael Curran-Dorsano does a wonderful job with the narration. He captures the feelings of Peter and Pax, as well other characters. His narration pulled me in and kept me listening. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

I selected this audio as a children’s title when on sale at Audible. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.