Heart of a Hero

by Billi Tiner

Lady, an Irish Setter puppy, is leading a simple life on a farm in Ohio during the 1940’s. Lady’s biggest desire is to become an expert hunting dog like her mother. She has no idea that her life is going to take her down a path where she will find herself in the middle of incredibly dangerous situations, including a world war. On several occasions, Lady will have to find the courage to risk her life in order to save someone she loves. The loyalty and bravery that Lady shows throughout her lifetime illustrate what it truly means to have the heart of a hero.

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Middle Grade, Clean Romance, Adventure

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2012

About the author

Dr. Billi Tiner is a veterinarian who lives with her husband and two children in Missouri. Dr. Tiner loves animals and has three dogs and three cats of her own.

Reviews

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a portrait of a loyal and brave Irish Setter, inspired by the author’s childhood family dog. As a pup, Lady wanted nothing more than to emulate her mother, who was a prize hunting dog. Carl, a teenage farmhand, develops an affinity for her, and Lady is elated when her owner Mr. Thompson sends her to live with Carl. At first life is wonderful, then World War II breaks out; and Carl leaves for battle. Carl never returns. A friend suggests to Carl’s dad that the Marines are looking for war dogs, and Lady is offered up as a candidate. After rigorous training and many adventures with new dog friends Scout and Fancy, Lady is sent to the Pacific with her human handlers, Tim and Steve. Lady succeeds in becoming a war messenger dog. She will prove herself a worthy hero.

After the war things return to normal for a while, but Lady has battle scars and her new owner will make a decision that does not include her. More uncertainty for Lady and a dramatic change in life circumstances again. Will Lady find peace, dignity and happiness in her final years?

This book makes a great read for middle grade students. It deals with complex issues in a plot that is simply laid out and easy to follow. Loyalty, bravery, courage, coming of age, bullying, and family relationships are explored. The characters are well developed; the reader can identify with Lady as she narrates the story from her point of view. I do think the plot moves a bit slowly in sections, but that may be due to the fact that the reader is eager to see what happens next. Recommended for dog lovers, history lovers and anyone who enjoys a good family read. Available in kindle and paperback editions.

[Heathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway

Was a little surprised to discover that this was a children's book. The cover certainly doesn't look like it's geared towards kids, but when I opened the pages, I discovered there were talking animals.

I've got so many mixed emotions with this book. It's a book for children/pre-teens, but it has so much violence & hardship. The dog has 4 different owners in its lifetime (one of them was killed). The dog gets shot while serving in a Marine K-9 unit, her handler is shot, one of her canine friends is wounded by mortar, and there is mention of a poodle being killed by Rottweilers. And at the end of the book, the dog gets cancer and dies. So I think it's a little inappropriate for children. I mean, it's a nice story, but some of the gory parts could've been toned down a bit.

But then I read that it's based on a true story. I cried at the end of the book when Lady the Dog died. It reminded me so much of my own dog that passed away, and one of my current dogs recently had a cancer scare.

So I'm struggling to figure out how to rank it. I almost wish this had been an ADULT book. The dog's point of view was nice, but sometimes I felt the dialogue was too childish when the humans talked. I think this would've been better had it been a full-length book, not a gory book for kids. It seems to be caught somewhere in the middle.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love dogs? this is 4 u.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of a Hero by Billi Tiner is a heartwarming story about a very special dog named Lady. As the story begins Lady is just a puppy living with her mother and brother on Mr. Thompson's farm. A young man named
Carl begins doing work around the farm for Mr. Thompson and Lady is drawn to him. Lady's heart leaps when Mr. Thompson gives her to Carl as additional payment for the work he has done.

Carl spends all the time he can with Lady and trains her to be a fine hunting dog like her mother. World War II is well underway and Carl decides to join the Marines to help America fight. Lady's is devastated when Carl leaves, but faithfully waits for his return. Carl's father receives word that Carl has been killed and Lady is heartbroken.

Still in mourning over the losing Carl, Lady is sent to participate in a military program that uses dogs as scouts and messengers. When Lady arrives at doggy boot camp she meets Steve, her handler. Lady immediately feels a connection with Steve and although she misses Carl she is once again happy. After undergoing basic training Lady and Steve are sent off to war. Lady becomes a hero. Her bravery as a messenger dog saves the lives of many soldiers, but her and Steve are wounded and relieved of their military duties.

Lady once again settles into her life with, but everything abruptly changes when Steve joins the military and is sent off to fight in the Korean war. Steve gives Lady to a man who intends to use her as a hunting dog, but is shocked to see that the war has left her gun shy. Disgusted, he gives Lady to his daughter. Will Lady find happiness again? It is well worth reading to find out!

Heart of a Hero exposes the reader to the kind of love, devotion and friendship that can only be found in relationships between an owner and their dog.

Although, fictional Heart of a Hero is based an real events that were retold to author Billi Tiner by her grandmother.

[Critique de Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Heart of a Hero
Author: Billi Tiner
Genre: YA/Animal
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 28, 2012)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Lauri

From the author:

Lady, an Irish Setter puppy, is leading a simple life on a farm in Ohio during the 1940’s. Lady’s biggest desire is to become an expert hunting dog like her mother. She has no idea that her life is going to take her down a path where she will find herself in the middle of incredibly dangerous situations, including a world war. On several occasions, Lady will have to find the courage to risk her life in order to save someone she loves. The loyalty and bravery that Lady shows throughout her lifetime illustrate what it truly means to have the heart of a hero.

What I liked: Ms. Tiner’s second adventure story is just too cute. And the story really moves. This dog truly is the hero – she goes from situation to situation, and sometimes things are very sad. She carries on, keeps loving, and does her very best. It’s a story about some of the most important things that help makes us – dogs and people – good.

What I didn’t like: Neither my son nor I liked the dog’s name. It’s just too trite. Maybe Jenny, or Oya?

In sum: One for all animal-loving kids, and grown-ups who like this genre.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of a Hero is the story of Lady, who has always wanted to be a hunting dog like her mother. In the story we follow Lady's life right from a farm life to a messenger dog to a hunting dog to girls pet. It's a story of love, loss and hurt as Lady loses her owners to war and to death. She feels connected to Carl and Steve yet, she has to adjust over and over again in her life as she is handed over from owner to another.

The thing about books is that each reader has the option to receive it the way they want to. In this case, I choose to take away a valuable lesson that both these novels portray - that dogs are more humane than humans at times and their loyalty can never be questioned. Also, in times of war and violence, there's still some hope for humanity.

[Lisa Tortorello · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice story. Heart of a Hero by Billi Tiner was a heart-warming story that gives an insight into WWII and the pain and difficulties some of the soldiers had to endure, while sharing the story of Lady, the Irish Setter. There was enough information given to help children understand about the war without getting so detailed that it would be difficult for them.

I don't know why, but I didn't expect the story to be told from the dog's perspective, but I was quite impressed. I also liked that the character of Lady was based on a real dog that served as a messenger dog in WWII. I think people who love animals, have an interest in history, or those who just enjoy a good story will certainly enjoy this one!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about the courage and loyalty of man's best friend. "Lady" is a remarkably intelligent Irish Setter who finds her life changed by three people. At each turn in her life it seems a special owner arrives to give Lady renew purpose; to love and care for people. Lady also serves in the war as a messenger dog and truly shines as a hero. This is a great book for elementary, early middle school age children. **SPOILER: I would like to note the story has a bittersweet ending with Lady dying after many wonderful years. Though bittersweet, it is a natural part of life for animals and this story approaches the topic with gentleness and respect.

[Mary Mullane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a work of fiction, this sweet book is based on a real war dog named Lady who became the author's mother's pet, just like the book's Lady became Beth's devoted pet. The dogs of war continue to help our soldiers on the battlefield. And therapy and service dogs help heal our soldiers when they come home.

[Jared Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've paired Heart of a Hero with Max: Best Friend. Hero. Marine. by Jennifer Li Shotz. Both are books about heroic dogs who are put in dangerous situations and would do anything for their friends. Heart of a Hero is a fiction book geared towards upper elementary and up while Max: Best Friend. Hero. Marine. is a nonfiction book intended for an audience of any age.

[dia betim · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the immature reader

Author probably not experienced. Should have at least RESEARCHED enough to know about dogs and to know you don't take dogs bird hunting with a rifle. You use a shotgun. Pretty basic stuff. Do your research.

[Jennifer Morefield · Rating 3 out of 5]

My granddaughter recommended that my husband and I read this book because it was the best book she ever read. It is perfect for a young child. My granddaughter just turned 11. It was a bit juvenile for my husband and me, but we enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Reihl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked our boys! It's a tear jerker.

A wonderful adventure! This story covers several life lessons that young kids need to learn how to respond to in appropriate ways. Great conversation starter for some topics. One story to save to revisit at least yearly.

[Jeroen in UK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice kids story about an Irish Setter. Surprise came at the end that this is based on a true story. Did not know dogs were used in that way in WW II.

[Eliza Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad

I liked the book but the ending was sad
Lady was jumping from owners.
It was a little scary too

[Paris Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave enough

Because I love the book it was about the war and how brave landlady was to stand up for beth

[Alex Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love This Book

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for a new reader who is struggling just a tiny bit.

[Stacy Goodworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great children's book.

[Meryem Sevda Tok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book

It really was a great. It was the coolest book I have ever read. The author has the greatest ideas

[Beth Weatherbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction that middle schoolers or younger may enjoy - especially those who are interested in military history.

[Phylis Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice story about a hero dog!!

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is based on the author's mother's dog, Lady. In the story as well as in real life, Lady was a messenger dog during WWII. This dog truly had the heart of a hero!
Although the book is geared toward upper elementary readers, I would use caution. I thought this would be a book my 9 year old grandson and 7 year old granddaughter might enjoy, but both have sensitive natures and the ending is sad. I know my granddaughter would definitely cry.

[Lemurkat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story written with obvious love and affection, and proved to be a quick (short) and enjoyable read. However, the writing style is a little clumsy, as the writer tends to tell, not show, and the book could have been improved by making it more dramatic and the dialogue seemed a little stilted and unconvincing. Still, I did enjoy it and it should be appreciated by dog-lovers.

[Mygsasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love dogs,this is your book.
The story about a wonderful and sweet dog.
Diferents owners and the same dog. Different situations but always good end.
You can read with your children they will enjoy and will respect animals .

[Eileen Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heart warming story about the brave life of a Irish setter who lead an incredible life. Children and adults of all ages will love this story.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and dog

I thought this was a true story when I started to read it, then realized it was fiction because the dog spoke to each other. But as it says at the end it is based on a true story. It was nice to know that dogs were trained during World War II to help save our troops. Lady, the main dog character, had a scare during the war, but lived to be the best friend of a girl named Beth.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in two minds about this book. On one hand, the writing was not terribly engaging or original. But, as a child, I think I would've loved this story. Episodic, as expected for this age group, we see Lady go through various stages of her long and exciting life. The afterword ('based on a true story') added another dimension to the story. Cute and fun enough, just perhaps a little plain.

[Ruby Reynalds Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great must read 📖

[N Kru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book... Read it when I was young. Truly an amazing story.