That Dog Won't Hunt

Dearing Family #1

by Brandilyn Collins

Meet the Dearings, a crazy, loving, boisterous family in small-town Mississippi. There’s mom and dad, three daughters and their families, and the youngest—twenty-five-year-old Ben. Oh, and the family dog, a Yorkie who thinks she’s royalty. “This one’s perfect,” Ben says about his new fiancée, Christina, when he brings her home for a family reunion. Ben is just sure everyone will love Christina, and she’ll fit right in. He always did tend to wear rose-colored glasses. Christina loves Ben but secretly fears their relationship will never work. They’ve only known each other ten weeks. She hasn’t told him about her horrific past as an only child—the beatings, the neglect, and verbal abuse. Christina doesn’t know how to trust or be honest about her feelings. Being thrust into the middle of a tight-knit family like the Dearings is sure to send her over the edge. With poignancy and humor, That Dog Won’t Hunt explores the complexities of relationships and the inner strength needed to overcome a difficult childhood. The Dearings are no perfect family, but they know how to love—if only Christina will accept it.

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Adult, Young Adult

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2013

About the author

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is a sought-after teacher and speaker at writers' conferences.

Reviews

[Carissa (Regency Woman) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction to this book was "What the?" I'm a long-time fan of Brandilyn's seatbelt suspense, as she's coined the intense adrenaline rushes she puts to paper. This is not those books. Like a few other reviewers I halfway expected an evil villain to show up, threatening, well, somebody! But that doesn't happen. And it didn't need to happen is what's more!

Within 3 chapters, I was completely and totally hooked on the lives of Brandilyn's Dearing family. The basic plot point is getting all of the immediate Dearing family together for their yearly family reunion. Except this time the baby of the family, Ben, brings home a fiance. Now Mama Ruth and her hubbie Syton are open-minded about this girl, but equally worried that they might just scare her away with all of their playful rough-housing and teasing. She and Syton have three girls, two of which have spouses and children, and they're a fun-loving group. What she doesn't count on is the emotional baggage that Ben's fiance, Christine, is saddled with and the terror Christine feels at making even a simple misstep and incurring the family's wrath.

Really, the book follows three separate threads. And all those viewpoints make it awesome and interesting. We follow Ben and Christine from their respective viewpoints, one of Ben's sisters and her potential sweetheart from their viewpoints, and then Mama Ruth. It's a terrific way to cover this type of family drama because just one viewpoint would overwhelm and even bore the reader very quickly. Brandilyn avoids that ho-hum nature of the family drama with her typical upbeat writing and poise. I couldn't stop reading, even if it meant reading into the wee hours of the night, which I did.

There are no boogie-men to jump out at the main characters (except the ones they carry with them), just a simple, quirky, loving family as they find their way with grown-up children and a cute little Yorkie named Lady Penelope who knows she's queen of the pack even though daddy won't let her into the dining room with them for supper.

Don't go into this book expecting Brandilyn's typical genre. But if you're willing to accept that this is a different genre from her norm, than I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised and definitely entertained. Now to wait upon the sequel!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a dog in it – I’m bound to love this book. The dog in question is a very opinionated Yorkie. And the Yorkie will have to like the girl, if she’s going to marry the boy. But this book is much deeper than romance, and much broader than family drama. A lonely protagonist is thrown into big family dynamics, while struggling to hide the darkness of her past. A wayward son thinks he’s found “the one” and makes too many assumptions. The strong daughter might not be as strong as she looks. And the mom? In this zanily real family, she’s a matriarch with a glorious sense of humor. And she’s almost as important as the dog.

The story starts with family – so many members, adults, children (and dog) – and smelly feet. But it soars when wounded Christina arrives, changing the whole dynamic, demanding to hide yet ever being seen. Faith, family and fun combine as Christina’s terrors subside. Painful hardships, cruel misunderstandings, and lobsters give the story a genuine edge. Meanwhile the combination of sharp and sweet ends up offering just the right flavor. With wise advice and genuine heart, the book is “Unexpected. Different. A little more than ... bargained for,” just like genuinely meeting the Dearings. I shall hope to read more.

Disclosure: I bought this in the Women of Heart collection and I offer my honest review.

[Laura Puckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

No one was very likable in this book. The sister, Jess, does not deserve her love interest and should end up miserable. My strong dislike for her basically ruined the book for me. She was basically the worst. Cute, simple story. I like Collins mysteries much better.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Dog Won't Hunt is the first book in the Dearing Family series.
Recently engaged Ben Dearing believes that his fiancee, Christina, will fit right in with his family; unfortunately for him, that isn't what happens.

I really enjoyed this book. The family dynamic was different and interesting. For the most part, the way they constantly teased each other about everything was entertaining.

The characters were well written and realistic. With Christina, because she grew up in an abusive home, she tended to view herself in a negative light and perceived that others saw her that way as well. I can see how overcoming that, plus the hurt and anger towards parents who abused her, wouldn't be a simple process.

The Yorkie on the cover is so cute! I really enjoyed reading about their little dog, Lady Penelope. She was something else!

Overall, I thought That Dog Won't Hunt was a fun, interesting, and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading Pitchin' a Fit, book two in the series.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Dog Don't Hunt

This story is about a young woman suffering fro child abuse eventually find love and family. Brandilyn Collins through the plot of a family reunion give the reader the fear, the love and the value of family, with a few touches of laughter and the reader will hang on until the last page.You will enjoy this book and fall in love with Christine and Ben.

[L.T. Kodzo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disappointing. The characters were so judgmental and unkind to a person in need. They talked about how much their family was loving, but they were quick to reject someone who didn't fit into their ideals. I didn't find Jesus in any of the pages. Very sad .

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with the Dearing family from the first page! Engaging characters and a well-written story will have you wanting to join in on their reunion fun! Laugh til your sides hurt and feel their pain as they work through their struggles...and love every moment of your time with them.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85

[Judy Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expectations vs reality. Who's going to be let down first?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

Brandilyn is an amazing story teller. She can weave a love story, suspense story and who know what other stories. She is a great author and well worth reading. This story is about Christina, Ben and Jessica and Tamil and the whole Dearing family. Ben brings Christina to meet his family and due to Christina's past family life she has a hard time excepting the Dearing family. Jess, the lawyer, has known Tamil all her life and they have been off and on again boyfriend and girlfriend. Jess is set in her ways and has a hard time giving Tamil a chance. Read this story to learn more about the Dearing family. You will not be disappointed.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the cutest cover I have ever seen, I knew it was a must read just by seeing the dog posing there :)Ben, youngest and only son of 4 kids, is bringing his new fiancé home to meet his family, what could possibly go wrong? Christina has a past and she has more baggage than Ben realizes, will they be able to get past these issues and still enjoy the weekend reunion? Ruth, Ben’s mom, wants the weekend to go perfectly and for Christina to feel right at home. Ruth is absolutely loving and lovely in every way, she’s accepting to all who enter her home, she enjoys doting on her grown children, and she has Lady Penelope as a pet dog that thinks she’s human yet adored by the whole family.

All Christina has to do is get through one weekend with this feisty, southern, quirky family with loads of teasing and hilarious personalities. One grandchild with ultra smelly feet, two grandchildren with a habit of fighting over coloring books, one sister who sees through people immediately and a slight temper, a fiancé who fights for her relentlessly, an incident with lobsters, a sister who makes delightful lattes that only Christina enjoys, a sister who hilariously mixes up metaphors, and one family photo that becomes unforgettable.

This story reminded me of the movie, The Family Stone with Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Claire Danes and Rachel McAdams….except this story is the Christian version of that movie.

My favorite characters were the dog, Penny, and Lacy. It’s amazing how much healing one dog and one little girl can bring to this hurting woman who has never been loved or accepted before. As humorous as this story was it also held depth, family issues, and faith that were perfectly balanced in the plot. Also, Brandilyn Collins answers key questions at the end of story that make it all the more endearing. Get your copy today and fall in love with the Dearing family! I can’t wait to see what will happen in the sequel, Pitchin’ a Fit.
Kindle edition is $2.99 and the paperback is $9.62

***Here is an interview I found on Brandilyn’s facebook page….there’s also a giveaway of this ebook, but hurry because a winner will be announced on Monday the 22nd!! Leave a comment to be entered, this is one book that makes a GREAT summer read  http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/... ***

*I want to thank the author for the free review copy provided*

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review summary: This is a very different from what I'm using to seeing from Brandilyn Collins, but it was a very enjoyable story. In recent years Brandilyn Collins has been known for her suspense novels, but in this story she takes a step back to her roots of women's fiction. This story was a fun look inside the Darling family, a southern family full of warm hospitality for everyone they meet, especially the girl their pride and joy, Ben, is about to marry. This story is full of laughter and fun that makes it a relaxing enjoyable story to read. But it's more than just a funny story to make you laugh. We see in Ben's fiancee, Christina, she carries secrets from her past that threatened to destroy the upcoming nuptials. This main story line was touching as we watch Christina not only deal with this boisterous family but her past. This story will speak to many women and hopefully remind them there is hope.

Digging deeper: This was the first book I've read by the author that wasn't a suspense novel and I must say it was a fun change of pace that made me laugh and cry at times. The characters were unique and fun individuals that played into the story adding dimension to the story. The only character that "bugged" me was Ben's sister, Jess. I found myself wanting to slap her from time to time, but I loved Maddy and her quirky habits.

I enjoyed this story. You see the contrast of two worlds and what can happen when they come together. Christina is an only child, from an abusive home. She is shy and very insecure and fears the relationship won't work with Ben. The Darlings are loud and loving and enjoy each other and are willing to accept anyone into their home. As the two worlds come together Christina struggles to deal with the Darlings and they are not too sure how to deal with her. It becomes a learning experience for both sides.

There are plenty of laughs in this story as well as some touching moments. The interaction between characters is great as you watch the women learn to deal with the other. It was also touching to watch Ben as he learned more about Christina and himself. This is a feel good story that left me you wanting more. I'm excited to see what comes next from the Darlings.

Disclaimer: I did receive the book from the author in return for my honest review.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandilyn Collins’ newest release That Dog Won’t Hunt is not a seatbelt suspense. Let me repeat myself—this book is not a suspense thriller. Now that you have that clear don’t dismiss the book out of hand if you are a fan of Collins’ suspense novels. There is plenty of interesting plot to keep you turning pages.
Ben Dearing takes his fiancée home with him to meet his family at their annual family reunion. Meeting the perspective in-laws is tense enough but bring in the whole clan and things heat up.
The Dearing family is a cast of fun-loving, quirky characters. This competitive, teasing family is almost too much for Ben’s fiancée. Christian Day has pushed her past deep inside and tries to be what everyone wants her to be. Ben’s sister Jess’ already negative attitude toward any girl her baby brother brings home doesn’t help Christina feel welcome. Jess own mixed feeling toward her childhood friend Tamel and her desire to best everyone adds not only tension but comic relief.
A spoiled Yorkie has a place in the plot. The tiny dog often reflected various moods that help drive the plot. The title is in honor of this little princess based on a southern expression referring to non-working dogs.
The only disappointing part was how short the story was. Just as key characters are breaking through the surface of their problems the book ends. Now I have to wait for Book 2. I can only assume that the author has researched the depths of these characters emotional needs as much as she does poison, knives and disease for her other books. Sadly, I will have to wait until the next installment to find out.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That Dog Won't Hunt" by author Brandilyn Collins is book one in her Southern contemporary Dearing Family Series. This 256 page book is a departure from her usual suspense tales.

It is the delightful tale of the very Southern Dearing family. It is a lighthearted, humorous look a family life but at times I found myself tearing up. The story and character interaction was very touching at times. The book centers around the Dearing's son, Ben, and his fiancé Christina. While Ben comes from a big, boisterous Southern family Christina is an only child with a dark, painful past. The author balances the heavy issue of abuse well with the lightness in her story. She by no means brushes it off or glosses over it.

Collins is an excellent storyteller. Her lovable and her irritating characters are on point. The conversation is smooth and flows effortlessly. It even is written with a Southern flair. Descriptions are enough without being boring. She included a cute little Yorkie named Penelope for the animal lovers. Her Southern town complete with wacky people is one I wanted to see.

The author weaves faith and family boldly into her story. She tackles issues such as abuse, meeting in-laws, family tensions, and communication. Mainly she has written a delightful Southern family romance. A lovely, humorous, fun book. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a light read with just enough depth to it. Especially if you like Southern thing, you will enjoy this book. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by The Book Club Network for my honest review.

[Ron Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious to see what had happened to my favorite suspense writer. Had she really gone over to mushy side of fiction? In the hopes that the little almost-a-dog on the cover went rabid and terrorized a small Maine town, I decided to give it a try. After my initial disappointment that the Yorkie only foamed at the mouth during her tooth brushing, I discovered a very pleasant read. As much as I like a good psycho stalker thriller, anyone past the age of twenty can tell you there's plenty of drama and tension in a family gather. Brandilyn does a fantastic job of developing a rather large cast of characters for a novel that rarely leaves the house over a long weekend. Any man can relate to the rivalries between siblings and in-laws, the difficulty of meeting and getting to know a new flame, and the frustrations that are bound to occur when those two elements come together under the same roof. I can honestly say I enjoyed this book thoroughly, though I will admit I got the kindle edition so none of my fishing buddies would see that cover. I suggest an "male friendly" edition for the next run, something with a fighter jet or tanks on the cover. Great book from a great writer. I highly recommend it!

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a captivating start to the Dearing Family Series. That Dog Won’t Hunt is a contemporary novel set in small town Mississippi. The Dearing children are grown and out of the nest, and this story treats the reader to their annual family reunions. I, personally, love stories of empty nesters and grown children and this book does not disappoint. Three of the five Dearing children are married, leaving the youngest two, Ben and Jess, single. This is Ben’s story. He is bringing his new fiancé home to meet the family. The book is laugh out loud funny due to the back and forth bantering of the siblings, who love each other unconditionally, and tease each other relentlessly. Ben’s fiancé, Christina, doesn’t come from a loving family, and she struggles to understand and fit in. She is forced to make a decision whether or not she will let her abused childhood steal her joy for the rest of her life.

Again, this is one of my favorite contemporary novel settings and I truly enjoyed the book, reading it in a day. There are no slow parts and Collins writing just flows. I loved it and am looking forward to the next books in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Dog Won’t Hunt by Brandilyn Collins
The Book:
The Dearing’s, mom, dad, three daughters and their families and Ben. He brings home a girl, Christina, who secretly fears their relationship will never work. She doesn’t know how to trust or be honest with her feelings.
Christina is thrust into the middle of the Dearing family reunion.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book immensely. I could picture people in my life that matched the characters in the book.

Ruth, the matriarch of the family, was a worrier, but warm and loving.
There was a sister that thought she knew everything and judged accordingly. Another sister was a peacemaker. And another that blended into the background.
Then there was Ben, who saw life through his lens of rainbows.
From the first page to the last, I was engaged. The pages turned fast, as I found myself viewing the Dearing family, wondering what they’d do next. I was not disappointed. I recommend this book. It’s warm, and it’ll teach you about relationship and you’ll never know it. It’s a type of book, you’ll think of the characters long after the last page is read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Dog Won’t Hunt is a Dearing Family series by Brandilyn Collins. The Dearing Family’s beloved son, Ben, brings home his newly acquired fiancée, Christina, to the family reunion. Unfortunately, Christina brings her unhappy past and family baggage along with her—insecurity, lack of peace and love, etc. The Dearing’s from Ben’s loving parents, to his siblings and their precious children, and even to the Penelope, the family’s dog with a quirky personality offer their own special love and laugh-filled antics to extend acceptance and grace to Christina.
It is one fun episode after the other with the “lobster” meal mishap, the annual reunion photo op, the misquoted adages, and others. The story is delightful as well as inspiring—teaching a lesson in love and acceptance.
I recommend this Dearing Family Series. Brandilyn Collins exhibits talent in Southern family fiction as well as in her acclaimed Seatbelt—Suspense titles. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Dog Won’t Hunt was a great book by Brandilyn Collins. I love how diverse she is. This book delves into family relationships and was an accurate portrayal of what it would look like for a woman who came from an abusive family environment to have problems seeing “normal”. I can’t wait to read the next book, Pitchin’ A Fit and am so glad she included a chapter from that book in the back of this one.

Great read - it was short, sweet but really made me think. I went into the book thinking of Christina as the victim but I loved how Brandilyn Collins worked the whole scenario. Definitely one I will be thinking about for a while and definitely one I will be recommending to others.

I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Dog Won't Hunt is not the usual suspense I expect from Brandilyn Collins but it is an entertaining story of a loving, southern family who enjoy life and love God! It is humorous without being stupid which I often find in comedies. Ben's fiance, Christina, was raised in an abusive home and is not prepared for this fun loving bunch of craziness. A Yorky named Penelope plays a big part in the story. Be prepared to chuckle as you read this delightful tale!

I received this e-book from www.bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Tammy Sotela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Brandilyn Collin's books. I was thrilled to see another side of her in this book. The Dearing family would be a fun family to know. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what zany things are in store for this family.

[Deb Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different than I have come to expect from this author. It was enjoyable, nonetheless. I'm not crazy about the way the reader is left hanging with no conclusion to the book. Possibly it's a good marketing ploy for book two but I like an ending when I read a book.

[Christine Lowe]

Sweet Story

This is a sweet story but basically too simple for my tastes. I enjoy a book that has a bit more complexity. I did wish I grew up in a family as loving and connected as the Dearing Family. If you want an easy, quick read this is the book for you.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book!
The dog is just too cute.
I could just picture all the many things that happened in this big loud and loving family.
I LOVED how Ben and Christina worked through many of their issues.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant Contemporary Fiction Novel

This novel by Brandilyn Collins is the first I have read that was not a riveting, suspense page-Turner. I enjoyed this relaxing change of pace. Brandilyn Collins still wove lessons of God's love throughout this book as well.

[Galinda Barefoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story, it is different from what I have read previously of Brandilyn Collins. A nice funny story of family relationships.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light hearted look at a southern US family with all its spots and wrinkles. A fast read that most will enjoy.

[Mary Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fairly quick, funny and fun read. Look forward to more of these from Brandilyn Collins.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved meeting the Dearing family.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read about a contemporary southern family and all the drama of the annual family reunion. Written from a Christian perspective and finalist of many awards.