What do you think?
Rate this book
Ann and Henry #1
A Little Hair of the Dog
Ann Bixby was born and raised as an only child in a small village on the banks of the Erie Canal. When she was 15 years old, the unthinkable happened. Her mother died. Having been raised a devout Mormon, she knew that she and her father would see her mother again-because they know that families are meant to be together forever. After a year of unspeakable loneliness, however, her father decides that living in that town without his beloved wife was more than he could bear. He takes his teen aged daughter and goes to live in Eastern Oregon, where he had a sister.
And so they moved to an even smaller town than the one they left. Ann thought it was at least "a thousand miles from anywhere". After she had graduated high school, she thought briefly of going off to college, but quickly dismissed the idea of leaving her lonely father even more alone. They lived there for more than ten years.
After the sudden death of her father, she moves back home. Her best friend, who was more like a sister growing up, is Kell Harris. Kell and her family still live back in Charlestown, NY. The Harris family are an African American-Caucasion family and are also LDS. They are like a second set of parents to the tall, quirky, unpretentious Ann. During the process of looking for a place to live, Ann comes across a fellow orphan. She knows immediately that taking him in is the right thing to do. His name is Henry. He is two years old. He weighs 180 pounds. He is a Great Dane. She has never had a dog. She has never had so much as a hamster in her life. But doing the right thing comes naturally to her and she knows that he needs her.
A dog that big needs a lot of walking, and she spends much of her time doing just that. Thanks to these walks, she meets people she never would have met, people that become as dear and dearer than anyone she has ever had in her life.
Ann buys a house, and one day while out walking, she meets, unbeknownst to her, the town hermit. He doesn't look like a hermit to her. To her, he looks like a male cover model. That's how he looks to everyone else, too, but he isn't aware of it and wouldn't care anyway. His name is Kyle Mendez and he has had enough of people. He is corrosive, off-putting, large and intimidating. He tells her, "I stay away from people. I don't know what they think. I don't care what they think. I don't ask them what they think and they don't tell me what they think." Ann is the first person in a long time who will look him straight in the eye and tell him exactly what she thinks. He knew the first time he saw her, she was different. She didn't know he was a hermit and she wasn't about to let him be one. She begins slowly drawing him out and he can't help but go with her. The story of his past peels back like the layers of an onion, and brings as many tears. Slowly she shows him how to forgive, how to love, and how to live again. She also introduces him to something he never would have predicted would interest him-the Mormon Church.
She gives him the gift of something he had long forgotten-joy.
And so they moved to an even smaller town than the one they left. Ann thought it was at least "a thousand miles from anywhere". After she had graduated high school, she thought briefly of going off to college, but quickly dismissed the idea of leaving her lonely father even more alone. They lived there for more than ten years.
After the sudden death of her father, she moves back home. Her best friend, who was more like a sister growing up, is Kell Harris. Kell and her family still live back in Charlestown, NY. The Harris family are an African American-Caucasion family and are also LDS. They are like a second set of parents to the tall, quirky, unpretentious Ann. During the process of looking for a place to live, Ann comes across a fellow orphan. She knows immediately that taking him in is the right thing to do. His name is Henry. He is two years old. He weighs 180 pounds. He is a Great Dane. She has never had a dog. She has never had so much as a hamster in her life. But doing the right thing comes naturally to her and she knows that he needs her.
A dog that big needs a lot of walking, and she spends much of her time doing just that. Thanks to these walks, she meets people she never would have met, people that become as dear and dearer than anyone she has ever had in her life.
Ann buys a house, and one day while out walking, she meets, unbeknownst to her, the town hermit. He doesn't look like a hermit to her. To her, he looks like a male cover model. That's how he looks to everyone else, too, but he isn't aware of it and wouldn't care anyway. His name is Kyle Mendez and he has had enough of people. He is corrosive, off-putting, large and intimidating. He tells her, "I stay away from people. I don't know what they think. I don't care what they think. I don't ask them what they think and they don't tell me what they think." Ann is the first person in a long time who will look him straight in the eye and tell him exactly what she thinks. He knew the first time he saw her, she was different. She didn't know he was a hermit and she wasn't about to let him be one. She begins slowly drawing him out and he can't help but go with her. The story of his past peels back like the layers of an onion, and brings as many tears. Slowly she shows him how to forgive, how to love, and how to live again. She also introduces him to something he never would have predicted would interest him-the Mormon Church.
She gives him the gift of something he had long forgotten-joy.
- GenresRomanceLdsContemporary
294 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
3 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 14, 2013
This is a very sweet, good-humored book. It has some genuinely funny slap-stick moments involving Ann and Henry and Henry and a variety of unsuspecting American Footballers. It Also has some really engaging characters - Ann herself comes across as a really likable person, as does the slightly camp Bobby and even the 'evil' Diesel. It also has a really hunky hero - Kyle - who in the best traditions of romantic leads has a troubled back-story and is emotionally scarred. Some of the characters, however, fall into parody. Vera, the original owner of Henry, who abandoned him with her mother while she went in search of enlightenment, is presented as a ridiculous fool. Prey to charlatans and drug-dealers - this could be viewed as a veiled criticism of New Age/alternative spirituality.
One of the main themes of this book is the emotional healing and spiritual awakening of Kyle to the LDS/Mormon faith through his relationship with Ann. This is explored in some detail as is the Missionary work of the LDS church, along with baptismal and marriage customs at one point Kyle gives 'testimony' of his new-found faith when he agrees to baptism. For some people this might be a bit intense and a bit of a turn-off, however I am not a religious person and I was able to read it with interest - and after-all this book is categorised as 'Mormon Fiction' so readers should not be surprised that it has a strongly Mormon flavor.
In relation to the sub-plot relating to the drug dealers - this is not a main theme of the novel, the book is definitely not a crime thriller - yes its all part of the story, the drama, but it is not the main feature so don't be disappointed if Jessica Fletcher doesn't appear (although admittedly Aunt Gert and her faithful side-kick do do their best to fill in her!)
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read - sort of Chick-Lit with a Mormon slant. It was funny, good-natured, and oddly a very uplifting novel (even for a dyed in the wool heathen like me!) which just goes to show you really don't have to be a Mormon to enjoy it!
One of the main themes of this book is the emotional healing and spiritual awakening of Kyle to the LDS/Mormon faith through his relationship with Ann. This is explored in some detail as is the Missionary work of the LDS church, along with baptismal and marriage customs at one point Kyle gives 'testimony' of his new-found faith when he agrees to baptism. For some people this might be a bit intense and a bit of a turn-off, however I am not a religious person and I was able to read it with interest - and after-all this book is categorised as 'Mormon Fiction' so readers should not be surprised that it has a strongly Mormon flavor.
In relation to the sub-plot relating to the drug dealers - this is not a main theme of the novel, the book is definitely not a crime thriller - yes its all part of the story, the drama, but it is not the main feature so don't be disappointed if Jessica Fletcher doesn't appear (although admittedly Aunt Gert and her faithful side-kick do do their best to fill in her!)
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read - sort of Chick-Lit with a Mormon slant. It was funny, good-natured, and oddly a very uplifting novel (even for a dyed in the wool heathen like me!) which just goes to show you really don't have to be a Mormon to enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2013
I must confess I was a little apprehensive to read a book about a Mormon because of some bad experiences in the past where the religion was pushed upon me. But I read all kinds of books about things that I don’t necessarily agree with or believe in so I gave A Little Hair of the Dog a shot. Wow! I am so glad I did.
I have always been an animal lover and so any story with a dog goes straight to my heart. I was not surprised to read that Jane Mcbride had man animals because of her deep understanding of the relationship between man, or in this case woman, and her dog.
Mcbridge writes with a unique humor that had me laughing out loud. It was so refreshing to read such a happy, lighthearted story that goes straight to the heart.
The Mormon aspect was not really an issue for me. It is part of who Ann Bixby is as a character and the faith was not pushed upon the reader so I’m happy I ignored my initial misgivings. It was actually interesting to read about the Mormon faith so I learned a little too. I don’t always expect to get educated while being entertained so that was a nice surprise.
A Little Hair of the Dog was a delight to read and one of those books that just flows so smoothly and easily that you can’t put it down and rush right through it, only to be sad to see it end. Luckily she has another book Reigning Cats and Dogs I have to look forward to reading! You can enter to win both of these books below!
I have always been an animal lover and so any story with a dog goes straight to my heart. I was not surprised to read that Jane Mcbride had man animals because of her deep understanding of the relationship between man, or in this case woman, and her dog.
Mcbridge writes with a unique humor that had me laughing out loud. It was so refreshing to read such a happy, lighthearted story that goes straight to the heart.
The Mormon aspect was not really an issue for me. It is part of who Ann Bixby is as a character and the faith was not pushed upon the reader so I’m happy I ignored my initial misgivings. It was actually interesting to read about the Mormon faith so I learned a little too. I don’t always expect to get educated while being entertained so that was a nice surprise.
A Little Hair of the Dog was a delight to read and one of those books that just flows so smoothly and easily that you can’t put it down and rush right through it, only to be sad to see it end. Luckily she has another book Reigning Cats and Dogs I have to look forward to reading! You can enter to win both of these books below!
May 20, 2013
This is not something I would normally read or enjoy. I'm not usually into romances or LDS fiction. But I must have been in the perfect mood because I really did enjoy it.
It had a naive feel to it, with a corny plot line, and not-too-subtle teaching of LDS doctrine. And the grammar others mentioned, that irritated me too. It was light reading and pretty short.
But sometimes it's nice to read a sweet little book. Where everyone's good and kind. Except the bad guys, who are evil in a mostly off-screen way. The characters were likeable and funny, and I knew everything was going to turn out just right in the end. It was like a mini-vacation. I was drawn to read more, and it was over before I wanted it to be.
It had a naive feel to it, with a corny plot line, and not-too-subtle teaching of LDS doctrine. And the grammar others mentioned, that irritated me too. It was light reading and pretty short.
But sometimes it's nice to read a sweet little book. Where everyone's good and kind. Except the bad guys, who are evil in a mostly off-screen way. The characters were likeable and funny, and I knew everything was going to turn out just right in the end. It was like a mini-vacation. I was drawn to read more, and it was over before I wanted it to be.
December 26, 2012
I love this book. I feel almost like the book is real. The writing style of Jane McBride is so wonderful that it stirs up old feelings that I have not even though of in years. This book is one of the best books that I have ever read. I love it so much. I just hope that Jane keeps writing because she is amazing!!!!
February 27, 2013
This was a fun read, I really enjoyed it!
July 20, 2016
Ann Bixby has long legs, a strange way of remembering weird words, and suddenly inherits a 180 lb Great Dane. Ann, who has hardly known anyone in her little sleepy town, suddenly finds that Henry, her fun-loving dog, makes her much bolder than she’d ever thought before. Taking a route she never took before, she walks right past Kyle Mendez’s house. That’s when things get fun.
This book was very fun, very cute, and had a lot of sweet scenes in it. I really enjoyed Ann’s relationship with her huge dog, Henry. You almost start feeling like Henry is a person. I love the fact that they taught Henry how to play football! Oh my word, that made me laugh! I could just picture this huge dog tackling these big guys! An Gert, oh wow! That was cute! So many “stand out” characters that you felt like you got to know them really well. The author did a great job with building character development with them all. She had me giggling on quite a few scenes.
There were a few “preachy” spots in the book, but the author did say that it was about a Mormon girl. I didn’t mind it too much, but at times it was a bit much. It was overall a really cute book. You do have to know that the dialogue has a lot of tone to it. The people all talk a little weird, but there was a warning about that in the front of the book. It really didn’t bother me at all though. Overall, a really sweet, funny, cute book!
This book was very fun, very cute, and had a lot of sweet scenes in it. I really enjoyed Ann’s relationship with her huge dog, Henry. You almost start feeling like Henry is a person. I love the fact that they taught Henry how to play football! Oh my word, that made me laugh! I could just picture this huge dog tackling these big guys! An Gert, oh wow! That was cute! So many “stand out” characters that you felt like you got to know them really well. The author did a great job with building character development with them all. She had me giggling on quite a few scenes.
There were a few “preachy” spots in the book, but the author did say that it was about a Mormon girl. I didn’t mind it too much, but at times it was a bit much. It was overall a really cute book. You do have to know that the dialogue has a lot of tone to it. The people all talk a little weird, but there was a warning about that in the front of the book. It really didn’t bother me at all though. Overall, a really sweet, funny, cute book!
October 4, 2018
I enjoyed your book Jane, and thank you for letting us download it free on Valentine's Day. Kyle was a great reader, and had all of those books, and he could quote poetry and scriptures. The thing that bothered me was the way you had him talk, which made him sound so uneducated. I was afraid you were going to have a big scene where Henry would save the day, and tackle someone at the end. I was glad you didn't do that. I cried while reading the part with the missionaries, when Kyle gave his testimony. The solo at the dance was very beautiful and romantic. I liked the parts about loving your enemies. I enjoyed the description of the house Ann bought. Your sense of humor was fun in this book. You did a nice job of presenting the gospel plan. I found a few small words or letters missing.
March 3, 2014
I actually really enjoyed this book. I didn't think I would because of the religious side of it, but once I got started I enjoyed the relaxed pace. It had an old fashioned comfortable feel, like an old pair of slippers and I found myself happily lost in its pages.
I actually found the religious Mormon side of it quite interesting, as although it was part of the book - it was not 'in your face' so to speak. It is interesting learning about other's beliefs and what makes the world go round.
I enjoyed the dialogue and could imagine each character saying it, in there local way. I am also a sucker for anything with animals in it, although I am slightly more of a cat person. Overall though it was a fun, relaxing read.
January 10, 2013
I don't get to read for pleasure that much, but I did read this one and sure loved it. I immediately read the sequel too and can't wait to see if there are going to be more in this series. I love the characters and feel like they're friends. I think this is a new author and I'm amazed that anyone could so well with a first effort. I love her writing style and getting into these stories has been stress relieving. They are feel good stories without being shallow or sappy-there good character and story development and I think the author did a great job. Waiting for more!
August 21, 2013
If you are a dog lover and also like romance as well as a bit of mystery this is the perfect novel for you!
I am not a dog person but really felt the main character's pain as she fought to get full custody of her beloved pet. Soon after she adopted her big dog, she met a man and falls in love. Both her dog and her man become very protective of her; especially after she was attacked. That is all I am going to say, to avoid spoiling anything.
I should tell you that I personally really enjoyed reading this well written book. The author really knows how to put characters to life.
I am not a dog person but really felt the main character's pain as she fought to get full custody of her beloved pet. Soon after she adopted her big dog, she met a man and falls in love. Both her dog and her man become very protective of her; especially after she was attacked. That is all I am going to say, to avoid spoiling anything.
I should tell you that I personally really enjoyed reading this well written book. The author really knows how to put characters to life.
October 12, 2012
Fun, relaxing read. Great way to escape reality, while enjoying the antics of Henry, and seeing characters dealing with tragedy, but still living life to the fullest. I am thrilled to know three more books are forthcoming in this series. It is my new favorite LDS fiction novel. It was refreshing to read a book without bad language and one with a great message and testimony of the Savior without feeling preachy and boring.
April 20, 2013
It was nice to read a easy flowing book. The reader knows what is going on long before the character does. But I can see how a girl that has never lived by drug dealers would not have figured it out.
March 29, 2014
Since I read book 2 first, I had some expectations for this book. It wasn't as good as book 2, but it was still good. I did feel like the author was trying to sell me the LDS theology, though, and that really took me away from the story.
October 8, 2012
This is my book, I wrote it!
March 31, 2013
This story was ok the characters delightful but the terrible grammar in the conversations was totally disconcerting. I did not give me a sense of locale just dumb.
May 6, 2013
Such a cute story. I loved the characters, and appreciated the morals of the heroine.
December 11, 2013
Loved it! Laughter, suspense, love. All the charators were so love able and dog had me wanting a Great Dane.
August 20, 2013
Fun and enjoyable.
May 16, 2013
I read this book on Kindle because the author lives in my ward. I was surprised that I actually liked it. It's kind of a "cozy," so the plot is pretty "light," but the characters are fleshed out pretty well. The story involves a religious theme of the Mormon faith, and the author handled it very well. My only "negatives" are that:
a) The grammar of the characters is really bad, with a lot of "ain't" and "gonna" and such phrases. The author told me that people actually speak like this in the area where the story takes place, but since the locale isn't a central part of the plot, and since most of the readers of this book don't know anything about how people there speak, it's very off-putting and detracts from the story.
b) While the two main characters don't sleep together before marriage, they do spend quite a lot of time sleeping over at each other's houses, in the same bedroom. They didn't "technically" do anything immoral, but I thought it was a little too close to the line. In a book attempting to teach church doctrine in a gentle way, I thought this point could have been worked a little differently.
Otherwise it was a great book and I really did enjoy it and get into it!
a) The grammar of the characters is really bad, with a lot of "ain't" and "gonna" and such phrases. The author told me that people actually speak like this in the area where the story takes place, but since the locale isn't a central part of the plot, and since most of the readers of this book don't know anything about how people there speak, it's very off-putting and detracts from the story.
b) While the two main characters don't sleep together before marriage, they do spend quite a lot of time sleeping over at each other's houses, in the same bedroom. They didn't "technically" do anything immoral, but I thought it was a little too close to the line. In a book attempting to teach church doctrine in a gentle way, I thought this point could have been worked a little differently.
Otherwise it was a great book and I really did enjoy it and get into it!
February 3, 2014
I'm not one to read a lot of fiction, but between the snow, cold and the choices of which reruns to watch between commercials I said, "Why not?" The title intrigued me and the fact that a dog was a main character sealed the deal. Well, Jane had me laughing by the first page and throughout the story. Once I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading!
The story was cute, with some predictability, and some twists and turns, both of which I enjoy. I didn't mind the lapses into dialect, it added flavor to the story, nor the insights into LDS or Mormon beliefs, which I found interesting, although sometimes it was a little much for my taste, especially in the last few chapters.
This is a good clean, well written story with interesting, quirky characters and an unbelievably lucky main character who often found herself being saved from some kind of trouble by her dog and her family/friends. A good story for anyone who enjoys (almost) realistic light fiction with a twist of faith.
The story was cute, with some predictability, and some twists and turns, both of which I enjoy. I didn't mind the lapses into dialect, it added flavor to the story, nor the insights into LDS or Mormon beliefs, which I found interesting, although sometimes it was a little much for my taste, especially in the last few chapters.
This is a good clean, well written story with interesting, quirky characters and an unbelievably lucky main character who often found herself being saved from some kind of trouble by her dog and her family/friends. A good story for anyone who enjoys (almost) realistic light fiction with a twist of faith.
December 27, 2014
I just finished ready A Little Hair of the Dog and I can honestly say that it has made me laugh out loud so many times.
I don't want to give anything away because then you might not laugh as hard if you know what is coming but if you like comedy, huge dogs and romance, then this is for you! You will wish that you had a Henry of your very own (the male lead is, in actual fact, a dog) and a friend as hilarious as Ann in real life.
Seriously - Buy. This. Book... NOW! The price is a real bargain for such a funny, witty book. You won't realise that you're not reading a 'mainstream' author's words, Jane is one talented lady and you will definitely not regret your purchase... In fact I know that you'll end up buying the whole collection (like me!). I can't wait to get started on the rest of the series.
I don't want to give anything away because then you might not laugh as hard if you know what is coming but if you like comedy, huge dogs and romance, then this is for you! You will wish that you had a Henry of your very own (the male lead is, in actual fact, a dog) and a friend as hilarious as Ann in real life.
Seriously - Buy. This. Book... NOW! The price is a real bargain for such a funny, witty book. You won't realise that you're not reading a 'mainstream' author's words, Jane is one talented lady and you will definitely not regret your purchase... In fact I know that you'll end up buying the whole collection (like me!). I can't wait to get started on the rest of the series.
July 4, 2015
I received an advance review e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I did feel there was too much emphasis on religion and it really turned me off on the story. I felt that the author was trying to push the Mormon religion on the reader. Now, let's talk about the story without the religious overtones. It was a cute love story. I really enjoyed the antics of Henry, the Great Dane, and the name of Aunt Gert’s partner. The author develops her characters well. There are many humorous antics throughout the book. It was refreshing to read a book written in the everyday language of the characters.
March 4, 2014
This little book has it all: Humor, Romance, Suspense, Animals, and more. The story line flows smoothly, the characters are well developed, and the plot is good. Jane McBride can definitely tell a story. I can't count the times where I was literally laughing out loud and having to share with my family what I had just read. She also lead me down a gambit of emotions that I didn't expect to find or feel. I don't want to say to much about that as I don't want to spoil it for you, but for me...I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her work in the future. Great Job Jane McBride.
January 5, 2013
This was a pretty entertaining story. I liked that it had a mix of romance and mystery. The poor grammar several characters had was a bit distracting (it took away from Kyle's attractiveness). I think animal lovers who like romance/mystery would enjoy the big role Henry plays.
July 30, 2013
I loved it. While I don't share the author's faith it was refreshing to read a wholesome book. There were times I laughed out loud, there were times I had tears. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially teenage girls. The heroine is a good role model
August 17, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book!! Found myself immediately drawn into the characters life. Love the clean story and honest look into Mormon religion. I would recommend this book to anyone! Can't wait to start the next in the series!
I loved this book!! Found myself immediately drawn into the characters life. Love the clean story and honest look into Mormon religion. I would recommend this book to anyone! Can't wait to start the next in the series!
October 10, 2012
I enjoyed this story but the poor grammar in the character dialogue drove me a little nuts!
kindle-i-own-to-read
January 5, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/04/2013
June 18, 2013
Comment pending...
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews