Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Groucho is a beautiful carriage horse. Along with Jacqueline, his owner and driver, they live a fairly good life. Jacqueline and Groucho both have stubborn personalities but together they form a magnificent pair. After a long day of giving tourist rides around Montreal each day, they return to their stable which is owned by Doyle O’Shaughnessy. Doyle is an old man who lives and works in the stable, taking care of the five horses that live there and knowing very little about the world around him. Doyle and Jacqueline form a strong friendship and together they help each other get through the good and bad days. When Jacqueline has a heart attack and Groucho brings her home, life will never again be the same for Doyle.

It is left up to Doyle to love, care for and become Groucho's new caretaker. Doyle misses Jacqueline terribly each and every day and uses Groucho as her replacement. He spends many hours in the stall, talking to the horse and making sure he is well fed with his favorite treats of sugar and apples, along with getting enough exercise. Louise, Jaqueline's daughter, slowly forms a bond with Doyle and realizes that he has a special place in her heart. As the story continues Groucho becomes a hero; the stable is in danger of being closed down and Louise tries to help Doyle as her mother did.

Horse is a beautifully sad story of a horse named Groucho and the people who loved him. I cried a lot while reading Horse but I also smiled just as much. This is a touching story of a very special horse and the people who loved him. It is also the story of a lonely man and the people who rally around him. Leon Berger wrote this book with love, compassion, friendship and took it to a level of excellence. Horse is a book that can be enjoyed by horse lovers and people lovers alike. It is a strong, emotional read that was good from page one until the ending that I didn’t expect. Please do not pass up reading Horse; you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Look For Me Under the Rainbow: A Novella by Bernard Jan is a beautiful story that speaks about the importance of protecting the treasures of planet Earth and thereby saving the environment. Danny, a harp seal pup, looked at the vast expanse of water stretching out endlessly between the giant icebergs. His mother told him he was too small to go swimming and Danny understood that it was dangerous for baby seals in the water. His mother told the story of the Big Seal and about the Big Land where there were more seals. She also told him about the multi-colored rainbow that appeared after icy rain and how it disappeared. She told Danny to be careful of the dangers lurking around them. Will Danny run into the most dangerous of them all, Man, and see the ice become red?

Set against the backdrop of glaciers, ice, and seals, the book introduces readers to the Rainbow Warriors, an environmentalist group whose mission to save animals takes them to Greenland, the land of snow and ice. The book will make readers respect animals and help them realize how important it is to live with animals in peace. Helen, through her work with the Rainbow Warriors, exposes the cruelty and brutality of the humans who try to kill these seals. It is a beautiful story that will tug at the hearts of all readers who love animals and who want to protect them and the environment. Danny's character is memorable and he will leave a mark in the hearts of readers long after they finish the book. Helen's love and compassion for animals are palpable and many readers will be able to connect with her feelings and love towards animals. The book also captures the beauty of Mother Nature in many ways, inspiring readers with a longing to protect the planet.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Dog Thief and Other Stories is a collection of literary fiction stories written by Jill Kearney. Kearney writes about people living in impoverished and remote parts of Washington State, and the animals who form, in many cases, their reason for living and their connection with the rest of the world. She has been involved in animal rescue as well as worked as an in-home care provider, both of which gave her insights and anecdotes that fuel her stories. In The Dog Thief, Donald was the last surviving member of his family. His mother had been an unpleasant and vicious woman who alienated everyone who had the misfortune to meet her. Her two children, Donald and his sister, were dragged along behind her as they grew from terrified toddlers to reclusive teens grown soft from lives spent indoors. Blacksnake, their neighbor, had wholeheartedly despised the old witch. The daughter, who had actually attempted to be neighborly and took good care of her dogs, was a different story, but her passing meant those dogs were at the mercy of Donald, whose care of his own dogs left something sorely wanting. Elizabeth, another neighbor, had taken a not terribly welcome interest in helping Blacksnake care for his collection of cats. She heard the story of the sister’s dogs and decided it was something she had to look into.

Jill Kearney’s collection of short literary fiction stories, The Dog Thief and Other Stories, is a beautifully written and enthralling look at relationships between dogs and their human companions that survive even the harshest of economic conditions. Some of these stories are a bit dark and apt to be a bit on the depressing side, but I especially appreciated the way the author creates her tales, peopling them with characters who are unforgettable and dogs who seem to shine even in the darkest of situations. My favorite tale in the collection would have to be the title story. Kearney’s characters feel so real and the interactions between Blacksnake, Elizabeth, the animal control officer and the rescue worker are intricately and elegantly woven. Dogs do often seem to suffer from contact with humans, and Kearney’s collection highlights the need for low-cost neuter/spay, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. Her dog rescuers? They’re heavenly, and the animals all seem to know it. The Dog Thief and Other Stories is highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

In the Doghouse: A Couple’s Breakup from Their Dog’s Point of View is a quirky and unusual work of women’s fiction penned by author Teri Case. This refreshing and surprisingly wonderful romance novel features Skip as its main character: a rescued dog seeking love and purpose in life. Skip loves his owners John and Lucy very much, so when John walks out and Skip feels that it’s his fault, he does everything he can to help Lucy heal her broken heart. With the help of some quirky friends and new alliances, Skip builds a new pack as a support system as he and Lucy deal with losing John.

With switching perspectives between the enigmatic Skip and his owner Lucy, this is a real surprise of a novel that will hook you in when you give it a chance. Author Teri Case treads the fine line between the sublime and the ridiculous, giving us a truly alternative look at family ties and relationships, but also keeping the narration credible and grounded in real, deep emotional reasoning. The novel is largely light and fun, with Skip getting into new tangles as he tries to make things better, but the plot is woven masterfully to build to a new, deeper meaning and a genuinely moving conclusion to the emotional arc. I would highly recommend In the Doghouse: A Couple’s Breakup from Their Dog’s Point of View to readers who enjoy both romances and light women’s fiction: a must-read that will sink you into a unique reading experience.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

Don’t Call Me Chip is an animal story for eighth-graders by Neil O’Donnell. Timothy, a chipmunk, lives under the verandah of Mike’s home. Mike is an elderly man who made friends with the animals who live in the woods. Their peaceful, happy way of life is shattered when a family moves in next door. The family dislikes the animals, especially Timothy, whom they call Chip, much to his displeasure. The kids think it’s fun torturing creatures and make every effort to capture Timothy. But Timothy has had enough of their abuse and decides to take matters into his own paws. He enlists other rodents’ and wildlife to band together and defend themselves against these horrible humans. A battle between humans and creatures to outsmart each other leads to serious repercussions.

Although written for eighth-graders, adults will be highly amused with this very entertaining story. Don’t Call Me Chip is a fun, action-packed book by Neil O’Donnell. It’s written in the first person, and the main character, Timothy, doesn’t mince words or restrain his feelings in a cleverly written, witty narration. The animals are adorable and they get their chance to describe what life’s like for them when humans destroy their habitats or woods. Their defensive antics are funny but well justified, considering the situation. I thought the cover illustration fitting for the book. The author wrote expressively and one can see that he is a nature lover. Don’t Call Me Chip is a children’s animal book that I found delightful, while also educational.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Starting Over: A Trina Ryan Novel, Volume 2 is a young adult coming of age novel written by Sheri S. Levy. While this is the second volume in the series, Levy gives sufficient background information within the story to allow it to be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Losing Sydney had been so hard for Trina, even as she recalled how well Sydney had interacted with Logan, a young autistic boy. The year she had spent training Sydney as a service dog had been an amazing experience, but returning him had taken so much resolve. As she was turning to leave the facility without him, her attention was caught by a pair of large brown eyes peering at her from the nursery. He was a baby, eight weeks old, and much younger than Sydney had been when she had begun working with him. He would be hers for eighteen months. Summer stretched out endlessly ahead of her and Colton, as she decided to name him, would be an essential part of it. They were instantly best friends, and his eagerness to learn everything she was teaching him served to reinforce her growing conviction that training dogs was what she was meant to do.

Sheri S. Levy’s young adult coming of age novel, Starting Over: A Trina Ryan Novel, Volume 2, gives the reader a privileged look at the world of guide dog training and those who put heart and soul into their work with those dogs. I loved watching as Trina teaches Colton how to become a working partner, while still allowing him to be the ebullient and eternally optimistic Labrador puppy that he was. I was also mesmerized by the parallel story about Trina’s work with horses and her interactions with the new girl, Morgan, and her horse, Knight. While this is listed as a book for young adults, I would unhesitatingly recommend it to preteens as well as any dog and horse-loving adults out there. Levy has a gift for communicating her own love of these marvelous beings to her readers, and she imparts some grand training and interaction methods to her audience while delivering a first-rate plot complete with finely drawn characters. Starting Over: A Trina Ryan Novel, Volume 2 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Taking On Lucinda by Frank Martorana, in the fall of 1982, Chief Merrill Stephenson discovers Aaron Whitmore has been shot. As he investigates the death of his mentor, a group of animal activists called FOAM descend on Jefferson to protest against the use of animals at a cosmetic research centre. When Merrill’s brother, town vet Kent’s animal patients begin to disappear, the focus turns to FOAM and their leader Aubrey. Then events take a sinister turn, including arson and an underworld of horrific animal cruelty. Kent and Aubrey’s relationship turns from enemies to partners as they track down the criminals behind the atrocities. Time is running out and Aubrey risks her life for the cause she believes in.

The author has created a superb suspense novel. Each character had an important role to play in the plot and were all believable and excellently created. The dialogue was authentic to the characters and it brought them to life. I especially loved the relationship between Kent and Aubrey, and how it developed through the story. May-May was a fantastic villain. There were many twists and turns throughout the plot, and the build up towards the ending was gripping and exciting. The plot moved forward constantly and the conflicts were perfectly spread out. There were scenes of violence towards animals, but they were totally needed for the plot. I would love to read more from this author; the way he can set a scene and build tension is superb. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a suspense thriller or whodunit novel.

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

Cara’s life seemed to be in a shambles. She and Todd had just divorced, and soon her only child, 18-year-old Winnie, would be leaving to start her freshman year at UCLA. Although it was only a few hours away from Cara’s San Diego home, she knew she would miss her sweet daughter. While Cara found some enjoyment in her job at the Posh Pooch, a local store with pet food and other items, it was definitely not the job of her dreams. Llewellyn, her beloved Cardigan corgi, provided her with companionship and joy, while her longtime friend, Lena, pushed her to move forward in her life. In this romantic comedy, Stray Magic: A Fairy Tale for Dog Lovers, author Jackie Bouchard sprinkles some magic dust into Cara’s stagnant existence. The appearance of Cara’s fairy godfather, Vincent C. Puddlejumper, is both startling and exciting. Cara might not have believed it really happened until Winnie met him too. He promised that she could find her true love – but she had to believe.

Stray Magic: A Fairy Tale for Dog Lovers is simply delicious and charming. While there are numerous references that perhaps only authentic dog lovers will appreciate, the reader does not have to be a dog lover to enjoy this magical tale. The author is a highly skilled writer and the plot moves swiftly along. Each character is well described, and it is easy to understand the unique personality of each one. Jackie Bouchard has presented a beautiful and fascinating novel in Stray Magic, filled with realistic people, four-legged, furry friends, and otherworldly magical guests who have their own personal issues. What a fun and enchanting read!

Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite

"Tides of Avarice" by John Dahlgren is a quirky, swashbuckling, original combination of pirates, treasure maps and lemmings. Sylvester Lemmington is our hero: a timid, serious lemming who works as a translator for the head archivist at the library. The love interest is Viola, a pretty, feisty lemmingess who merrily leads Sylvester into trouble, along with his treasure map. Add a missing father, Jasper, who took part in the last great lemming Exodus, from which mysteriously none returned many years ago, a whole host more slightly off-the-wall characters, plus of course an original plot, and you have a very entertaining, enjoyable book in your hands. There is plenty of skulduggery going on, and not just from the pirates. The lemmings and other animals share all our human characteristics, including the less wholesome ones so that there is a layer of social commentary buried in the humour.

I read this with my ten year old - neither of us quite in the intended YA audience - but it is hard to say which of us enjoyed it more. I could pick up some of the humorous subtleties of the writing that he missed but he could clearly imagine every single scene going on in his own head. We were both hooked. Dahlgren, a Scandinavian by birth, has an incredible mastery of language and is a very, very clever, creative writer. The story twists and turns, with enough of the extreme and ridiculous to keep youngsters engrossed and adults chuckling. It is refreshing and ingenious – it’s brilliant!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

A Dog Named Cat by Anne Toole is a heart-warming tale for young readers, a story that is both entertaining and informative, written in beautiful verse and brilliantly illustrated. What's in a name? What happens when one identifies with a different species? Here is a story that goes far beyond the importance of having a name. In the heart of the story is the question of identity: Is one defined by what others call one or can one make the choice to define one's identity? In this story, the author shows readers what a little dog named Cat did to change its name. No, it didn't like being called Cat.

A Dog Named Cat is a perfect book to introduce young readers to poetry. The diction is beautiful and easily accessible. Readers will enjoy the rhythm and the perfect rhyming. The introduction offers a beautiful picture of a small family at an animal shelter.

Mom, dad, baby, and a little boy named Tad went to an
Animal shelter one day.
To little Tad, dad did say,
'Look at all those dogs running about,
Now you need to pick one out.'

After looking all around
At all the dogs playing on the ground,
Tad said, 'I like this one the best,'
As he held a little dog next to his chest.

Notice the storytelling skills, the ability to make a young reader imagine a family. Aside from the lovely story, the images are very telling and colorful. I read this story to my young daughter, who fell in love with the little dog. "It hurts to be called what you're not," she said at the end, and I answered, "But like the dog, you can choose who you are." Anne Toole has written a beautiful story with a powerful lesson on self-image. A really enjoyable read!