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What the Dog Ate
When Maggie Baxter, a practical, rule-following accountant, finds out what her chocolate Lab ate, her world turns upside down. Maggie thought she had the rest of her life meticulously planned out, but now she needs to figure out Plan B. With her dog, Kona, as her guru, Maggie embarks on a funny, heartwarming quest in search of tail-wagging joy.
285 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
92 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Bouchard
5 books132 followersJackie Bouchard used to be trapped in the hamster wheel of corporate America, but she was lucky enough to escape and now fully understands the term "struggling writer." Jackie loves: reading, writing, and, yes, even 'rithmetic (seriously, algebra rocks); professional cycling; margaritas; blogging (she never thought she'd say that, but she does); dogs in general, and her crazy rescue pup specifically; and her hubby. (Not in that order.) Jackie dislikes: rude people and writing about herself in the third person. After living in Southern California, then Bermuda, then Canada, then the East coast, Jackie and her husband settled in San Diego. American Jackie, her Canadian hubby, and her Mexican rescue mutt form their own happy little United Nations. Jackie's novels include "What The Dog Ate" and "Rescue Me, Maybe."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 22, 2017
I read this many times - since I wrote it. :)
If you are looking for a fun read, I recommend What the Dog Ate. I hope it will bring you many smiles and laughs.
If you are looking for a fun read, I recommend What the Dog Ate. I hope it will bring you many smiles and laughs.
April 24, 2017
When Maggie Baxter's world comes crashing down, she does what most people do. She wallows. She wallows and clings to the constant in her life...her dog Kona.But wallowing will not get you very far. So follows Maggie's rebuilding her life with all the fits, false starts and progress. And through it all Kona is her rock and mentor.
I enjoyed the humor mixed with the pathos, and found Maggie's journey pretty realistic. Who hasn't had to do some rebuilding in their lives?And Kona. As a dog lover and mom to my own pack of fur-babies, I laughed and shook my head at the antics.
I admire this author's ability to pull her reader into the story line with such ease. And I love her showcasing our relationship with the 4-legged companions in our lives.
I enjoyed the humor mixed with the pathos, and found Maggie's journey pretty realistic. Who hasn't had to do some rebuilding in their lives?And Kona. As a dog lover and mom to my own pack of fur-babies, I laughed and shook my head at the antics.
I admire this author's ability to pull her reader into the story line with such ease. And I love her showcasing our relationship with the 4-legged companions in our lives.
June 26, 2019
5 Star review of What The Dog Ate by Jackie Bouchard
Audio Review:
Jackie Bouchard and narrator Aisling Gray are both relatively new to me. What a way to find out your husband is cheating on you, having the vet hand you a bag with panties that your dog has swallowed which aren’t yours.
That’s the position Maggie Baxter finds herself in when her husband leaves her for the other woman. Left with her faithful companion Kona, Maggie is left to wonder what to do now. This was a book that had me laughing as Maggie questioned “What would Kona do” on numerous occasions?
This was a funny book, about picking oneself up and moving on and realizing that the love you want may be closer than you think. I loved the narration, it was performed well and really brought the story to life.
Audio Review:
Jackie Bouchard and narrator Aisling Gray are both relatively new to me. What a way to find out your husband is cheating on you, having the vet hand you a bag with panties that your dog has swallowed which aren’t yours.
That’s the position Maggie Baxter finds herself in when her husband leaves her for the other woman. Left with her faithful companion Kona, Maggie is left to wonder what to do now. This was a book that had me laughing as Maggie questioned “What would Kona do” on numerous occasions?
This was a funny book, about picking oneself up and moving on and realizing that the love you want may be closer than you think. I loved the narration, it was performed well and really brought the story to life.
April 22, 2013
I would give this book 6 stars if I could.
Forty-one-year-old Maggie has been working her tail off as an accountant hoping to save enough money so that she and her husband Dave (her college sweetheart and only man she's ever been with) can start their dream business. Unfortunately, Dave got tired of Maggie's work-a-holic ways (even though she was doing it for him) and found himself a girlfriend. Maggie discovers Dave's indiscretion when her black lab, Kona, eats the lavender thong "that woman" left at Maggie and Dave's house when Maggie was away on business. What the Dog Ate is a novel about finding new dreams after discovering that the dream you have been working towards is not going to come true.
I loved everything about this novel from the writing to the characters (both human and canine) to the message it delivered. I laughed out loud and I choked up in equal measure. Despite the fact that the book was about a woman whose husband left her for someone else, I found the book extremely uplifting. Although Maggie realistically felt sorry for herself and lamented the loss of her marriage for awhile, she was ultimately determined to make her life a happy one and I respected her for it and cheered her on throughout the entire book. What I especially loved about the novel, besides the amazingly real and relatable characters, Kona the dog, the perfect pacing, the humor and the warmth was the way Maggie was portrayed. In so many books about infidelity, the scorned woman, especially if she is approaching 40 or over, is portrayed as the underdog, afraid no one else will want her as she approaches "middle-age". In What the Dog Ate, however, it was almost as if age was not an issue - there was no whining about getting old, metabolism slowing or any of that. Maggie was attractive, had no problem attracting men (even younger hot men), there was no crying over her biological clock ticking, she was active etc. I loved reading about Maggie's fears about dating again, having sex with someone new, blushing in the presence of her crush etc., because even as we get older, most women still have some "girl" in them and 40 really is in the new 30 :).
I would recommend this book to any woman who has ever had to start over, more "mature" women who have not been married yet and worry about getting older and to dog lovers since Kona was definitely a main character and it wouldn't have been the same without him. In fact, I recommend this book to everyone. Read it. NOW :)
Forty-one-year-old Maggie has been working her tail off as an accountant hoping to save enough money so that she and her husband Dave (her college sweetheart and only man she's ever been with) can start their dream business. Unfortunately, Dave got tired of Maggie's work-a-holic ways (even though she was doing it for him) and found himself a girlfriend. Maggie discovers Dave's indiscretion when her black lab, Kona, eats the lavender thong "that woman" left at Maggie and Dave's house when Maggie was away on business. What the Dog Ate is a novel about finding new dreams after discovering that the dream you have been working towards is not going to come true.
I loved everything about this novel from the writing to the characters (both human and canine) to the message it delivered. I laughed out loud and I choked up in equal measure. Despite the fact that the book was about a woman whose husband left her for someone else, I found the book extremely uplifting. Although Maggie realistically felt sorry for herself and lamented the loss of her marriage for awhile, she was ultimately determined to make her life a happy one and I respected her for it and cheered her on throughout the entire book. What I especially loved about the novel, besides the amazingly real and relatable characters, Kona the dog, the perfect pacing, the humor and the warmth was the way Maggie was portrayed. In so many books about infidelity, the scorned woman, especially if she is approaching 40 or over, is portrayed as the underdog, afraid no one else will want her as she approaches "middle-age". In What the Dog Ate, however, it was almost as if age was not an issue - there was no whining about getting old, metabolism slowing or any of that. Maggie was attractive, had no problem attracting men (even younger hot men), there was no crying over her biological clock ticking, she was active etc. I loved reading about Maggie's fears about dating again, having sex with someone new, blushing in the presence of her crush etc., because even as we get older, most women still have some "girl" in them and 40 really is in the new 30 :).
I would recommend this book to any woman who has ever had to start over, more "mature" women who have not been married yet and worry about getting older and to dog lovers since Kona was definitely a main character and it wouldn't have been the same without him. In fact, I recommend this book to everyone. Read it. NOW :)
June 23, 2013
This heartwarming tale about love, life, and starting over will resonate with anyone who's ever experienced a seismic, world-crumbling shift and wondered, "What's next?" When we first meet workaholic accountant Maggie Baxter, she's presented with incontrovertible proof that her husband is having an affair. This proof comes in the form of a trashy lavender thong not belonging to her that was consumed by her Lab Kona aka the canine garbage disposal and retrieved from the dog's stomach by her vet. A devastated Maggie confronts her two-timing hubby, her college sweetheart and the only man she's ever loved, and the fallout isn't pretty. She's left alone, devastated and immobilized by her post-breakup grief.
With the help of her Smurfs-loving brother, some supportive new friends, and of course, the always faithful and enthusiastic Kona, Maggie starts down a path that she hopes will lead her to happiness and self-actualization. It's not an easy or clear-cut path since she's unsure about what she wants to do with the rest of her life and she has no clue how to date since she hasn't been single in over twenty years, but that's what her pals and Kona are for! They inspire, encourage, and lead by example, and she starts taking her cues from them in an effort to become the new and improved Maggie.
I closed this wonderful book with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye, knowing that my new friends, Maggie and Kona, were right where they were supposed to be. Kudos to author Jackie Bouchard for her wit, creativity (I want to attend a Halloween theme party where everyone comes dressed as their favorite artist or painting!), and her fabulous characterizations, including the book's very memorable titular canine. I can't wait to see what other great stories Ms. Bouchard has up her sleeve!
I received a copy of What the Dog Ate in exchange for an honest review.
With the help of her Smurfs-loving brother, some supportive new friends, and of course, the always faithful and enthusiastic Kona, Maggie starts down a path that she hopes will lead her to happiness and self-actualization. It's not an easy or clear-cut path since she's unsure about what she wants to do with the rest of her life and she has no clue how to date since she hasn't been single in over twenty years, but that's what her pals and Kona are for! They inspire, encourage, and lead by example, and she starts taking her cues from them in an effort to become the new and improved Maggie.
I closed this wonderful book with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye, knowing that my new friends, Maggie and Kona, were right where they were supposed to be. Kudos to author Jackie Bouchard for her wit, creativity (I want to attend a Halloween theme party where everyone comes dressed as their favorite artist or painting!), and her fabulous characterizations, including the book's very memorable titular canine. I can't wait to see what other great stories Ms. Bouchard has up her sleeve!
I received a copy of What the Dog Ate in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2015
Such a cute story! I loved this author's easy-to-read writing style. the characters were witty and very likable. I giggled and cried. I think any woman can pretty much relate to the story and/or events that happened. I can't wait to read more from this author!
February 1, 2019
Live life like your dog!!!
That may possibly be the greatest piece of advice I have ever received from a book! Need to re-invent yourself? What would your dog do? Need to be more active? What would your dog do? Need to make new friends? What would your dog do? Well.... maybe not that last one, but you get the point. This book follows the journey of a woman who is doing just this! Follow Maggie's journey to re-invent herself by stopping and thinking "What would Kona do?"
The narration was great! This is the first time I have listened to Aisling Gray but it definitely will not be the last. Her work was clear, crisp, and clean throughout the entire book and she made sure to give each character their own sound.
🎧AudiobookObsession
That may possibly be the greatest piece of advice I have ever received from a book! Need to re-invent yourself? What would your dog do? Need to be more active? What would your dog do? Need to make new friends? What would your dog do? Well.... maybe not that last one, but you get the point. This book follows the journey of a woman who is doing just this! Follow Maggie's journey to re-invent herself by stopping and thinking "What would Kona do?"
The narration was great! This is the first time I have listened to Aisling Gray but it definitely will not be the last. Her work was clear, crisp, and clean throughout the entire book and she made sure to give each character their own sound.
🎧AudiobookObsession
February 1, 2019
What the Dog Ate by Jackie Bouchard is full of so many realistic emotions and situations. Kona is a lab after my heart. His person is Maggie, and this is part of their story. I found the imagery in this book to be so well done, I could envision so much. I found this story had some great humor, some parts I wanted to cry, and some full of joy and hope. Aisling Gray performs this book with perfection. I could easily hear who was speaking, and she added to my enjoyment of the book. She brought the characters to life with her performance. This easy listening contemporary story is one I will definitely listen to again. Both author and narrator are fantastic.
September 16, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
Super cute story! A Maggie's life is basically turned upside down after discovering what the dog (Kona) ate. Maggie and Kona end up going on a new adventure and we get to experience different emotions as Maggie is dealing with the fall out and recovering from the discovery. Loved Maggie as a character. I would have liked more from the ending as far as romance, regardless, I'm very satisfied with how it turned out. A fun story with some very realistic situations, laced with humor and has well written characters.
The narrator does a fantastic job with this performance! She is an excellent fit for Maggie and captures the emotion and humor written throughout, perfectly. First time listening to her and I was very pleased how she made this an easy and memorable listen.
Super cute story! A Maggie's life is basically turned upside down after discovering what the dog (Kona) ate. Maggie and Kona end up going on a new adventure and we get to experience different emotions as Maggie is dealing with the fall out and recovering from the discovery. Loved Maggie as a character. I would have liked more from the ending as far as romance, regardless, I'm very satisfied with how it turned out. A fun story with some very realistic situations, laced with humor and has well written characters.
The narrator does a fantastic job with this performance! She is an excellent fit for Maggie and captures the emotion and humor written throughout, perfectly. First time listening to her and I was very pleased how she made this an easy and memorable listen.
February 14, 2019
AUDIOBOOK
Grab life by the (tennis) balls
I loved this story! anything with romance and dogs is always going to be a winner for me , Jackie bouchard writes brilliant stories and Aisling grey narrates them just as brilliantly
a fun laugh out loud story that will make you want to live your life more dog
Grab life by the (tennis) balls
I loved this story! anything with romance and dogs is always going to be a winner for me , Jackie bouchard writes brilliant stories and Aisling grey narrates them just as brilliantly
a fun laugh out loud story that will make you want to live your life more dog
January 16, 2019
Listened to on tape. Narrated by one of my faves, Aisling Gray. Looking forward to next book.
February 11, 2019
Going through a divorce my self, I loved following Maggie through pulling her self up off the ground and moving on with Kona. It wasn't one of my usual suspense/romance or action filled book but it did hook me in right from the start. It is not to often that a book literally makes me laugh and cry but this one did. And Dave can suck it...
November 17, 2012
"The vet handed Maggie Baxter a plastic specimen bag containing a pair of size-tiny, lavender thong panties extracted from her dog; but they were not hers. Or rather, they were hers now since she’d just paid $734 to have Dr. Carter surgically remove them from Kona’s guts."
From that very first sentence of the opening paragraph of What the Dog Ate, when we see the vet extricate that teensy pair of lavender thong panties from the guts of Maggie's dog, Kona, we fear the worse and yet we can't help smiling. My first thought was 'oh no, her husband is clearly cheating on her!' Which he obviously was and they break up that's just so not what this book is about. That beginning really is just the impetus, the prelude to the real story - that of Maggie's gutsy journey back to happiness, with Kona along for the ride and adventure.
But even that beginning is done with such wit and surprise.
Bouchard doesn't make Dave, Maggie's husband, the evil villain. He's a bit distant and thoughtless and yes, a gutless cheat but not QUITE the sleazy louse of a lyin' cheatin' somnabitch we might expect from a lesser writer.
“It’s a bad sign that he’s not even begging for our eakfast-bray.” Dave tells Maggie when learning Kona's been throwing up. And ... “You be a brave boy.” Dave had kissed the top of Kona’s head."
It's skillfully crafted, bittersweet dialog like that, that makes it hard to believe they won't be able to work it out at the end of the day. A couple engaging in pig latin when talking about their beloved dog! How heartwrenching is that? A few strokes that say so much about the lives they used to share. The surprise of Bouchard is that despite that connection, that bond, things don't work out. But Maggie moves on. Bouchard writes in such a fresh, funny, authentic and accessible way, we can't help but laugh. I loved Maggie with her self-deprecating charm combined with spunk, creativity and determination. It's always a pleasure to read a strong female who isn't looking to be rescued. And Kona of course, with his smoothie licking tongue. He's not just an amazing pet, he's Maggie's muse and I loved him.
From that very first sentence of the opening paragraph of What the Dog Ate, when we see the vet extricate that teensy pair of lavender thong panties from the guts of Maggie's dog, Kona, we fear the worse and yet we can't help smiling. My first thought was 'oh no, her husband is clearly cheating on her!' Which he obviously was and they break up that's just so not what this book is about. That beginning really is just the impetus, the prelude to the real story - that of Maggie's gutsy journey back to happiness, with Kona along for the ride and adventure.
But even that beginning is done with such wit and surprise.
Bouchard doesn't make Dave, Maggie's husband, the evil villain. He's a bit distant and thoughtless and yes, a gutless cheat but not QUITE the sleazy louse of a lyin' cheatin' somnabitch we might expect from a lesser writer.
“It’s a bad sign that he’s not even begging for our eakfast-bray.” Dave tells Maggie when learning Kona's been throwing up. And ... “You be a brave boy.” Dave had kissed the top of Kona’s head."
It's skillfully crafted, bittersweet dialog like that, that makes it hard to believe they won't be able to work it out at the end of the day. A couple engaging in pig latin when talking about their beloved dog! How heartwrenching is that? A few strokes that say so much about the lives they used to share. The surprise of Bouchard is that despite that connection, that bond, things don't work out. But Maggie moves on. Bouchard writes in such a fresh, funny, authentic and accessible way, we can't help but laugh. I loved Maggie with her self-deprecating charm combined with spunk, creativity and determination. It's always a pleasure to read a strong female who isn't looking to be rescued. And Kona of course, with his smoothie licking tongue. He's not just an amazing pet, he's Maggie's muse and I loved him.
August 18, 2012
What a fun book! (Four stars if you don't "get" dogs)
Maggie Is quite upset and it isn't the $700+ vet bill that did it. No, it's the sexy purple panties the vet handed her (Kona, her chocolate Lab, eats everything). It's more the fact she wears underwear - large and white -that has her fuming. The biggest surprise of the day, though, is when her husband fesses up, grabs his suitcase and heads out the door.
Maggie is lost. All she's done for too long is work. Days, evenings, weekends, her career as an accountant is stressful but she's been doing it for them. Now there is no them. Just Maggie and Kona. When her brother shows up on her doorstep, homeless and unemployed, she feels cornered. How can she hide out, subsisting on smoothies and B&J's ice cream with someone else there? She doesn't realize he is a man on a mission. He practically shoves her out the door to a yoga class he thinks she should take. He insists on making a list to get the house sale-ready. Maggie makes two incredible friends who think both she and her big, sloppy, ravenous dog deserve better. They give her the strength to break out of her workaholic lifestyle, quit crying over David and find a new life.
This is a very well written book. The dialogue is natural. I found myself nodding along at some situations, snickering, giggling, and laughing out loud at others. More importantly, I found myself caring, wanting Maggie to finally grab that brass ring, let go of all the hurt and find stroll off into the sunset, Kona at her side. Add this novel to your to-read list and enjoy!
Maggie Is quite upset and it isn't the $700+ vet bill that did it. No, it's the sexy purple panties the vet handed her (Kona, her chocolate Lab, eats everything). It's more the fact she wears underwear - large and white -that has her fuming. The biggest surprise of the day, though, is when her husband fesses up, grabs his suitcase and heads out the door.
Maggie is lost. All she's done for too long is work. Days, evenings, weekends, her career as an accountant is stressful but she's been doing it for them. Now there is no them. Just Maggie and Kona. When her brother shows up on her doorstep, homeless and unemployed, she feels cornered. How can she hide out, subsisting on smoothies and B&J's ice cream with someone else there? She doesn't realize he is a man on a mission. He practically shoves her out the door to a yoga class he thinks she should take. He insists on making a list to get the house sale-ready. Maggie makes two incredible friends who think both she and her big, sloppy, ravenous dog deserve better. They give her the strength to break out of her workaholic lifestyle, quit crying over David and find a new life.
This is a very well written book. The dialogue is natural. I found myself nodding along at some situations, snickering, giggling, and laughing out loud at others. More importantly, I found myself caring, wanting Maggie to finally grab that brass ring, let go of all the hurt and find stroll off into the sunset, Kona at her side. Add this novel to your to-read list and enjoy!
January 15, 2013
I love to laugh and this book provided so many opportunities for just that!
As I got into the book I had to remind myself it was fiction and not non-fiction. Though it could have easily been based on someone's life, I liked the fact I was forgetting if it was not a true story. The book read so easily as if I was watching someone's life unfold.
Though sad moments of heartache with character Maggie's relationship with her husband, as well as, feelings of unhappiness with her job, I love how Kona the dog, in his own special way, starts to open Maggie up to what is truly important in life. Dogs just seem to know how to teach us our greatest lessons if we are open to them.
Author Jackie Bouchard did a great job in showing us how Kona helped Maggie during tough times-- and also provided those moments of much needed laughter which made Kona even more endearing-- he teaches us that though life can throw us curve balls, we can use humor to get us through.
Though I tend to lean towards real life stories, Bouchard's novel read like a true story and I found I couldn't put it down once I started! I Enjoyed every moment of this book and have, and will continue to, recommend it to others.
I eagerly await another novel by Jackie!
As I got into the book I had to remind myself it was fiction and not non-fiction. Though it could have easily been based on someone's life, I liked the fact I was forgetting if it was not a true story. The book read so easily as if I was watching someone's life unfold.
Though sad moments of heartache with character Maggie's relationship with her husband, as well as, feelings of unhappiness with her job, I love how Kona the dog, in his own special way, starts to open Maggie up to what is truly important in life. Dogs just seem to know how to teach us our greatest lessons if we are open to them.
Author Jackie Bouchard did a great job in showing us how Kona helped Maggie during tough times-- and also provided those moments of much needed laughter which made Kona even more endearing-- he teaches us that though life can throw us curve balls, we can use humor to get us through.
Though I tend to lean towards real life stories, Bouchard's novel read like a true story and I found I couldn't put it down once I started! I Enjoyed every moment of this book and have, and will continue to, recommend it to others.
I eagerly await another novel by Jackie!
February 21, 2013
What an enjoyable, fun read. I found myself laughing out loud several times with the author's wittiness and comical ways of saying things. I liked that there wasn't too many characters to get caught up in or to distract from the story. It was believable and unlike one readers opinion for the main character to stop whining and get on with her life.... That's exactly what she was doing and in a very comical way most times. You just couldn't help but ride that roller coaster of feelings with her! And anyone who has a dog as a member of their family, will totally understand how sometimes the dog was just "there" for her.
If you want a fun, light hearted read that will make you smile and laugh and make you wish you were one of the main characters friends, and has a great ending... Then get this book. I don't think you'll be sorry. Definitely a "feel good book".
If you want a fun, light hearted read that will make you smile and laugh and make you wish you were one of the main characters friends, and has a great ending... Then get this book. I don't think you'll be sorry. Definitely a "feel good book".
April 18, 2012
I'm not one to use acronyms and I especially despise that all too used LOL but I feel that after reading 'What the Dog Ate' by Jackie Bouchard I feel like I indeed have LOL'd and even did a little ROTFL! 'What the Dog Ate' is funny and refreshing. From the opening chapter where the main character finds out her husband is cheating when their Vet pulls out another womans sexy underware to the disaster that is Maggie's dating life after her husband asks for a divorce. You will fall in love with Maggie and her side-kick Kona. If you are looking for a read that will put a permanent smile on your face then check this one out. You won't be disappointed. The e-book is also avaiable in all other e-reader formats via Smashwords. Enjoy and don't worry you can thank me later :)
November 7, 2012
I won this book from Goodreads first reads.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. The characters were likeable, and the plot was well-paced. I had an idea about what would happen in the end, and I was right, but there were still some surprises, which I loved. I think if I had a dog, I would have given it 5 stars :). If we get a dog (which is likely in the future), I'll be sure to re-read it and see if I view things differently!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. The characters were likeable, and the plot was well-paced. I had an idea about what would happen in the end, and I was right, but there were still some surprises, which I loved. I think if I had a dog, I would have given it 5 stars :). If we get a dog (which is likely in the future), I'll be sure to re-read it and see if I view things differently!
April 13, 2013
Laugh out loud funny. Great story with hope for a life beyond the craptastic husband, with a few great characters thrown into the mix. Really enjoyed this ebook..
January 29, 2019
Every once in a while, I need a good chick lit book to keep me entertained. When this one popped up, I jumped on it. After all, look at that cover! What a cute dog! Kona is Maggie's dog and her most trusted friend. After her husband, Dave was caught cheating on her in the funniest way possible, Maggie finds herself wallowing in her own pity. But now she is going to pick herself up and get her life back on track. With a group of characters that are both endearing and funny, we get to take Maggie's journey to find her happiness. Bouchard has given us a story with so many great qualities. Maggie has a supportive brother, and some new friends to help her through. She is figuring out what she wants in her life, should she have kids, is her new boyfriend the man for her, should she keep her current career. On her path to self awareness, we get to laugh, cry and most of all love with Maggie.
Narrated by Aisling Gray, the story flows and the time flies by. Gray does a wonderful job with all of the character voices, but most of all, I think she gets the story's essence through the narration. I felt like Maggie is someone I know, and could understand and relate to her. It's a wonderful listen and I highly recommend it.
Narrated by Aisling Gray, the story flows and the time flies by. Gray does a wonderful job with all of the character voices, but most of all, I think she gets the story's essence through the narration. I felt like Maggie is someone I know, and could understand and relate to her. It's a wonderful listen and I highly recommend it.
August 11, 2019
Audiobook review:
This book felt like kind of a palette cleanser for me. Normally I read romance that are heavy on the romance and plot and characters. This book was fairly light on the romance but there was enough of it there to satisfy me. The reason I feel like it was light, was because I felt like this book was more about a woman finding happiness in her life in multiple aspects, not just romantic ones. She went through major changes on the relationship front, but she really found herself. Along the way the story was humorous and entertaining. It wasn't the kind I couldn't put down and lost sleep over listening to, but it was one that I easily picked back up in free moments and was ultimately satisfied with what I heard when it was over.
The narrator was a new one for me, but I really liked her. She had humor and personality in her voice that was engaging. I felt she was not only well suited for this role, but I could see myself being comfortable listening to her in other rom-com and chick lit type books as well as hear her in a bit broader range of ages. I think she's well suited for third person type books as well. Over all I just found that I enjoyed listening to her performance and enjoyed this book.
This book felt like kind of a palette cleanser for me. Normally I read romance that are heavy on the romance and plot and characters. This book was fairly light on the romance but there was enough of it there to satisfy me. The reason I feel like it was light, was because I felt like this book was more about a woman finding happiness in her life in multiple aspects, not just romantic ones. She went through major changes on the relationship front, but she really found herself. Along the way the story was humorous and entertaining. It wasn't the kind I couldn't put down and lost sleep over listening to, but it was one that I easily picked back up in free moments and was ultimately satisfied with what I heard when it was over.
The narrator was a new one for me, but I really liked her. She had humor and personality in her voice that was engaging. I felt she was not only well suited for this role, but I could see myself being comfortable listening to her in other rom-com and chick lit type books as well as hear her in a bit broader range of ages. I think she's well suited for third person type books as well. Over all I just found that I enjoyed listening to her performance and enjoyed this book.
January 9, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is a charming tale about starting over when you thought you had already settled in for the long haul. I loved how this book started with the vet finding that Maggie's, the MC, dog had eaten the mistress's panties. You gotta laugh and cry over that one - what a way to find out your husband has been engaged in extracurricular activities. Soon, Maggie has to figure out how to start over and relies heavily on the guidance of her dog Kona. I love this concept - as a dog owner, dogs are pretty fearless and usually will go after whatever they want - humans, not so much. The story is filled with some comic banter, humorous situations [speed dating, lol], and the love of a family. Very enjoyable.
The narrator, Aisling Gray, has a very personable voice, which fit Maggie perfectly. Her narration made the story even more engaging and endearing.
This is a charming tale about starting over when you thought you had already settled in for the long haul. I loved how this book started with the vet finding that Maggie's, the MC, dog had eaten the mistress's panties. You gotta laugh and cry over that one - what a way to find out your husband has been engaged in extracurricular activities. Soon, Maggie has to figure out how to start over and relies heavily on the guidance of her dog Kona. I love this concept - as a dog owner, dogs are pretty fearless and usually will go after whatever they want - humans, not so much. The story is filled with some comic banter, humorous situations [speed dating, lol], and the love of a family. Very enjoyable.
The narrator, Aisling Gray, has a very personable voice, which fit Maggie perfectly. Her narration made the story even more engaging and endearing.
January 15, 2019
A Wonderful Story & Audible Listen🎧 5 Star Narration🎧🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What the Dog Ate
By: Jackie Bouchard
Narrated by: Aisling Gray
This is a cute and original story that is well written and well told. It grabs you right from the start and holds your attention until the end. The storylines are interesting and the characters are well developed. The star of the book is Kona, Maggie Baxter’s dog and what Kona ate is the start of the story. Kona makes numerous appearances throughout the book, as Maggie tries to learn to live again with her best friend Kona right by her side. I adored her inner dialogue & battles, also love how she found her own happiness and learned to live again.
I listened to the audible edition, Aisling Gray does a wonderful job narrating. She performs the voices of all the characters and brings each to life. She sets a great tone for the story and adds the right amount of dramatic flair. She is a talented storyteller. Thanks for the great listen!!
What the Dog Ate
By: Jackie Bouchard
Narrated by: Aisling Gray
This is a cute and original story that is well written and well told. It grabs you right from the start and holds your attention until the end. The storylines are interesting and the characters are well developed. The star of the book is Kona, Maggie Baxter’s dog and what Kona ate is the start of the story. Kona makes numerous appearances throughout the book, as Maggie tries to learn to live again with her best friend Kona right by her side. I adored her inner dialogue & battles, also love how she found her own happiness and learned to live again.
I listened to the audible edition, Aisling Gray does a wonderful job narrating. She performs the voices of all the characters and brings each to life. She sets a great tone for the story and adds the right amount of dramatic flair. She is a talented storyteller. Thanks for the great listen!!
December 11, 2019
This story took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I loved certain characters and disliked others. Some I had hope for that they would become something more.
I loved how she had to spell or use pig Latin on certain words.....because of the dog. I also enjoyed how she compared her life to her dogs. When she referenced love...it’s like the dogs wagging tail. It should go back and forth. Everything in her life was prefaced with this question “What would Kona (dog) do?” Great way to think of things since dogs are mostly happy creatures.
This is my second book by this author. I enjoyed this one as well. I live it when animals are incorporated into stories. This one brought laughs, sadness, Hope and the resurrection of pig Latin (which has been missing from my vocabulary for a while now).
I did listen to this on audio. Aisling Gray did another great job with all these characters!
I loved how she had to spell or use pig Latin on certain words.....because of the dog. I also enjoyed how she compared her life to her dogs. When she referenced love...it’s like the dogs wagging tail. It should go back and forth. Everything in her life was prefaced with this question “What would Kona (dog) do?” Great way to think of things since dogs are mostly happy creatures.
This is my second book by this author. I enjoyed this one as well. I live it when animals are incorporated into stories. This one brought laughs, sadness, Hope and the resurrection of pig Latin (which has been missing from my vocabulary for a while now).
I did listen to this on audio. Aisling Gray did another great job with all these characters!
July 10, 2019
What the Dog Ate is a tender, sweet story with a lot of heart and a lot of humor. Many of us will identify with Maggie Baxter. She is so busy following each step of her life plan, playing by the rules of course, that she doesn’t even realize when things change and her husband now apparently finds her boring. I laughed out loud when I learned what the dog really did eat, but I also cried at Maggie’s heartbreak and got mad on her behalf at the injustice of it all. Maggie is at such a loss, she had her next steps practically in concrete, and has absolutely no idea where to go from here. Not back, but how to go forward? Maggie is brave and sometimes goofy and makes a lot of mistakes but she keeps putting one foot in front of the other. Kona is a delight. What’s better than the no-questions-asked, all-encompassing love of a dog? The characters surrounding Maggie are annoying and supportive and loving and infuriating – just like all family and friends.
I received an audiobook of What the Dog Ate from the author. Reader Aisling Gray does a wonderful job. Well-paced, sharp and clear, with all the right voices and inflections. I was not required to provide a review for What the Dog Ate but I loved listening to it and recommend it without hesitation.
I received an audiobook of What the Dog Ate from the author. Reader Aisling Gray does a wonderful job. Well-paced, sharp and clear, with all the right voices and inflections. I was not required to provide a review for What the Dog Ate but I loved listening to it and recommend it without hesitation.
July 26, 2019
This book had me laughing on/off all the way through. Great humour and fantastic characters. Aisling gives these characters likeable personalities. Great job.
June 26, 2019
this is my 2nd book by this author I'm a new fan for sure.
quirky funny and spot on dating scene this book had me chuckling along with the fun bits and akward moments.
great book
quirky funny and spot on dating scene this book had me chuckling along with the fun bits and akward moments.
great book
June 19, 2013
So here's the thing: You're guaranteed to get me to buy, read and most likely, love your novel if you put a dog on the cover of your book. That's what fellow Goddess, Jackie Bouchard has done with WHAT THE DOG ATE and after reading it, all I can say is it's so incredibly funny and well-written, I just can't wait for her next novel!
Of course, if anyone knows anything about me they know first and foremost, I'm a dog freak. It's all about my shih tzu, Sassy and dog rescue, so just I fell head over heels in love with Kona, especially because Kona's so misbehaved! Right off the bat, page one, Kona gets into it and I can totally relate. My Sassy's NO ANGEL, either!
The first thing Kona does is eat the panties of the chick, Maggie Baxter's soon-to-be-ex pig husband is cheating on with. The poor puppy ends up getting so sick Maggie has to take Kona to the vet where puppy poops out a lavender thong, revealing proof of Dave the dope's, indiscretion.
This gives 41-year old Maggie, who has been working her tail off for other people the entire novel, to rethink her life and discover what makes her happy. Hello - it's not accounting, and despite her husband's lying ways, she hasn't soured on love.
"It's like a dog's tail! That's it! True love goes back and forth, and you can't control it. You find that person you're in love with, and it's gonna wag. and there's not stopping it."
WHAT THE DOG ATE is filled with fun well-developed characters that kept me reading straight through to the end. I appreciate when I finish a novel and it's the perfect ending that I, the reader wanted! I guess I'm selfish that way. :-)
I know Jackie has been marketing her novel as chick-lit, but it seems so much more. After reading WHAT THE DOG ATE, it seems like really good fiction with no boundaries!
Of course, if anyone knows anything about me they know first and foremost, I'm a dog freak. It's all about my shih tzu, Sassy and dog rescue, so just I fell head over heels in love with Kona, especially because Kona's so misbehaved! Right off the bat, page one, Kona gets into it and I can totally relate. My Sassy's NO ANGEL, either!
The first thing Kona does is eat the panties of the chick, Maggie Baxter's soon-to-be-ex pig husband is cheating on with. The poor puppy ends up getting so sick Maggie has to take Kona to the vet where puppy poops out a lavender thong, revealing proof of Dave the dope's, indiscretion.
This gives 41-year old Maggie, who has been working her tail off for other people the entire novel, to rethink her life and discover what makes her happy. Hello - it's not accounting, and despite her husband's lying ways, she hasn't soured on love.
"It's like a dog's tail! That's it! True love goes back and forth, and you can't control it. You find that person you're in love with, and it's gonna wag. and there's not stopping it."
WHAT THE DOG ATE is filled with fun well-developed characters that kept me reading straight through to the end. I appreciate when I finish a novel and it's the perfect ending that I, the reader wanted! I guess I'm selfish that way. :-)
I know Jackie has been marketing her novel as chick-lit, but it seems so much more. After reading WHAT THE DOG ATE, it seems like really good fiction with no boundaries!
August 3, 2013
Disclaimer: I am not one to normally read books which center around animals… especially when it comes to man’s best friend. Books about animals, especially dogs, have a way of bringing out my emotional side. I end up worrying all through the read that the animal might end up hurt, or (horror of all horrors!) dead. So imagine my reluctance when a friend raved about a book she had just finished by a debut author by the name of Jackie Bouchard: WHAT THE DOG ATE. A book about a dog? My friend was insistent I would love the book. So I decided to treat myself to a few pages. What happened instead was that I ended up wolfing down the entire book, just like Kona the dog might with a box of treats. What a fun romp! What a delicious read!
Jackie Bouchard has a talent for hooking readers right from the start, beginning with Maggie’s visit to the vet with her dog Kona, and her astonishing revelation as she discovers ‘what the dog ate’. Maggie is suddenly faced with a new reality: what do you do when your husband walks out? It’s not an easy journey, but with faithful Kona at her side, Maggie struggles through the humiliation and heartache as she goes about creating a new life for herself. Bouchard has a fabulous voice that keeps the reader right there with Maggie, turning the pages for the happily-ever-after each of us craves. This debut novel definitely delivers. Bravo, Ms. Bouchard, for providing such a delectable treat of a read! I’m looking forward to reading more from Jackie Bouchard!
Jackie Bouchard has a talent for hooking readers right from the start, beginning with Maggie’s visit to the vet with her dog Kona, and her astonishing revelation as she discovers ‘what the dog ate’. Maggie is suddenly faced with a new reality: what do you do when your husband walks out? It’s not an easy journey, but with faithful Kona at her side, Maggie struggles through the humiliation and heartache as she goes about creating a new life for herself. Bouchard has a fabulous voice that keeps the reader right there with Maggie, turning the pages for the happily-ever-after each of us craves. This debut novel definitely delivers. Bravo, Ms. Bouchard, for providing such a delectable treat of a read! I’m looking forward to reading more from Jackie Bouchard!
February 2, 2019
WHAT THE DOG ATE is a stand-alone romantic comedy.
I was mad and crying through most of the book. Why the hell was Jackie Bouchard fictionalizing my life story? There are so many women who have worked their asses off to make their homes and their marriages wonderful, to make the family dreams realities, just to find out that while they were working, their other half was amusing themselves in another playground! Then I set aside my personal crap (thy name is Wade) and enjoyed Kona, Maggie, and her many supportive friends.
There are wonderful emotional moments, tender and sweet. There are laugh out loud, zingy one liners (“I mean, come on, if they can put a man on the moon, we ought to be able to put one in your bedroom.”). There is Kona, a furbaby like no other. I applaud him for tattling on his Daddy! It may have cost $734 to remove those tiny purple panties, but “that woman” was exposed. He, like most pets, is Maggie’s best support and inspiration.
I will read (listen to) any book Jackie Bouchard produces. This is the second one I’ve listened to from her and she is definitely one of my rising stars.
Narration: Aisling Gray is a wonderful narrator with a clear beautiful voice. She gives distinct portrayal to each of the main characters.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: WHAT THE DOG ATE
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Romantic Comedy
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: OK
Received from: Aisling Gray (as an Audible gifted copy)
I was mad and crying through most of the book. Why the hell was Jackie Bouchard fictionalizing my life story? There are so many women who have worked their asses off to make their homes and their marriages wonderful, to make the family dreams realities, just to find out that while they were working, their other half was amusing themselves in another playground! Then I set aside my personal crap (thy name is Wade) and enjoyed Kona, Maggie, and her many supportive friends.
There are wonderful emotional moments, tender and sweet. There are laugh out loud, zingy one liners (“I mean, come on, if they can put a man on the moon, we ought to be able to put one in your bedroom.”). There is Kona, a furbaby like no other. I applaud him for tattling on his Daddy! It may have cost $734 to remove those tiny purple panties, but “that woman” was exposed. He, like most pets, is Maggie’s best support and inspiration.
I will read (listen to) any book Jackie Bouchard produces. This is the second one I’ve listened to from her and she is definitely one of my rising stars.
Narration: Aisling Gray is a wonderful narrator with a clear beautiful voice. She gives distinct portrayal to each of the main characters.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: WHAT THE DOG ATE
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Romantic Comedy
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: OK
Received from: Aisling Gray (as an Audible gifted copy)
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