The Dog Who Was There

About The Book:   Dog Who Was There (Thomas Nelson, January 2017)
No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah.
He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.  Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.
On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.  Learn more and purchase a copy.
About The Author:  Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare’s sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV—from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"—and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion," for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.
My Thoughts On The Book:  I am a dog lover and usually request the books with dogs as the main characters.  I was excited to read this one.....but as the ready went on I found I struggled greatly with reading it. It was some more challenging read.  The first half moves very slow and I had to fight with myself to actually get through it.  The Point of View was confusing and it  was hard to stay with because one moment it is Barley the dog and the next minute is a third person talking.  Some of the book was childlike and I could not believe it was an adult read....and then the final part of the book swept me up into the story.  I wish I had only read the last part of the book.  I cannot recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book  from Litfuse and Thomas Nelson.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


 

The Second Sister

About The Book: Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown.  An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson's Bay. Lucy, meanwhile, got out and never looked back. But now, to meet the terms of Alice's eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister's cottage--and begins to see the town, and Alice's life, anew. Alice's diverse group of friends appears to have little in common besides an interest in quilting. Yet deep affection for Alice united them and soon Lucy, too, is brought into the fold as they share problems and stories. And as she finds warmth and support in this new circle, Lucy begins to understand this will be her sister's enduring gift--a chance to move beyond her difficult past, and find what she has long been missing. . .
About The Author:  Marie Bostwick was born and raised in the Northwest. She and her family have moved a score of times, living in eight US states and two Mexican cities and collecting a vast and cherished array of friends and experiences. She has three handsome sons and now lives with her husband in Connecticut, where she writes, reads, quilts, and is active in her local church.

My Thoughts On The Book:  This was my first book by Marie Bostwick and it certainly will not be my last.  I could not put it down.  I loved the evolution of the story of Lucy and the FOA(Friends of Alice) group.  The book had me shaking my head at Lucy, getting mad at Lucy, having my heart ripped out, and crying for Lucy all within a few pages.  I was an emotional mess by the end of the book.  I felt as if I was one of the characters on the page.  This was a wonderful book. 
STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE:  I received an ebook copy of this title from Netgalley as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.