Strayed

by Katherine Bitner

It’s been three years since the detrimental night that tragically transformed Callie Hayes's existence in the quiet mountain town she calls home. Counting every hard-earned penny, she longs to leave behind her tainted legacy, seeking solace in the company of her faithful companion, Opie, a stray dog who found her when she needed him most.

Callie's destiny hinges on acceptance to photography school, her golden ticket to a fresh start. But a tragic summer evening shatters her world when Opie vanishes without a trace. Gripped with sheer desperation, she embarks on a relentless search to find Opie, driven solely by her unyielding love for him.

When her valiant efforts fall short, Callie is left with a heartbreaking open herself up to the very people she's sworn off and confront the reality of that tragic night or face the unbearable and bid farewell to the future she’s planned for her and Opie.

In a poignant tale of resilience, redemption, and unwavering devotion, Callie must navigate the labyrinth of her past to secure the future she so desperately craves, all while answering the harrowing question, is the unshakable bond between Callie and Opie strong enough to save them both?

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

Katherine has been crafting stories since she learned to write. She has a passion for story-telling, all things romance, and loves a gritty character.

When she isn’t thinking up the next binge-worthy love story, she is probably taking pictures of her pitbull or rewatching The Office for the 400th time.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions that I didn’t want to get off. I read it in one sitting because I needed to know what was going to happen next, I literally couldn’t put it down!
Katherine is such an incredible writer, I can’t wait to read everything she writes in the future!

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read this book while visiting my husband in the hospital. I reluctantly put it down to drive back home and then stayed up into the wee hours to finish it.

This book! I cried, I cheered, I tried to send encouraging vibes through my Kindle ... Yes, I know that doesn't work. The story caught me up and would not let me stop until it was over. Well-written, with a story that has you rooting for the characters' success, and leaves you wanting more.

I hope you enjoy this book as thoroughly as I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris MacKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok such great writing and simple story but full of deep emotions. Love this book so much will continue to read all her books! Thank you Katherine!

[Danielle Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me SOBBING. And if you know me, you know I am not a huge crier. But this one had me on the edge of my seat BEGGING to know more, BEGGING my eyeballs to read faster because I needed answers that badly.

Katherine Bitner brings us the story of Callie, and her furry companion, Opie. In a tragic turns of events, Opie goes missing during a storm, and Callie will NOT give up on the hope of finding him safe and alive one day. Even if that means draining her escape fund and trusting the most unlikely of allies help find and bring home the love of her life. The characters were amazing, Levi and Foster will always have a place in my heart because I loved them so much. Callie is so unbelievably strong and resilient against all odds, and her journey of self-discovery was so real and so inspiring.

This is the third of Bitner's novels that I have had the pleasure of reading, and this one is my favorite. She turned such a horrific and tragic event into such an awe-inspiring story, while still staying true to her own voice. Her characters have a knack for being gritty and living in that unappreciated angst, while still being wrapped in their own individuality and gripping to read and Callie is no different. She's so strong, and her love for Ope shines through each page of this book.

Thank you Katherine for trusting me with your newest book baby, I truly, truly loved every moment of this wild and emotionally overwhelming story. I can't wait for the whole world to fall in love with Opie the way I have.

[Branden Davis-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I cried, I mean someone poured shampoo right into my eyes and the water works wouldn’t stop.

I love Opie and Callie and the lengths she’s willing to go to bring him home. (I suck at writing reviews that don’t have spoilers) I deeply admire that Katherine always has a dog in her stories for many reasons and that she is such a big advocate for adoption.

5 out of 5 paws 🐾, bring the tissues, and carve out some time because you won’t want to put this down.

[Kayla Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great great book, cried multiple times reading it and finished majority of it in one sitting. Loved the characters and the story line as well as the imagery created around the small mountain town setting.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional read

You really feel for the FMC. Its definitely a roller coaster read... And you'll need tissues cause there's a really good chance that you will cry.

[Kilee Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not cry often when reading books but let me tell you, this one had me ugly crying. This was so beautifully written and you really fell in love with the characters.
I could not put it down!

[Robin Clager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is a beautiful story of hope, resilience, grieving, and transformation. It came at just the time I needed it, and I am sure I will read it again.

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in my feels right from the beginning! By the second half of the story, I was SOBBING! Once I started crying, I couldn’t stop. Callie and Opie’s story took me on quite the ride, that’s for sure.

Their human/soul dog relationship is one that I personally relate to. And it just so happens that my soul dog is also a white American Bulldog pitbull-type boy. His name is Andrew, and we saved each other. Just as Callie and Obie did. So, everything Callie feels while he’s missing, and everything she explains about their connection, hit my heart HARD! Even if you’ve never had a soul dog experience, Strayed will resonate with all dog parents!

And Callie’s dad …. Well, to quote Bitner, let’s just say that “Mack is THE WORST!!” I wanted to throw mud in his face at the very least! I won’t tell you if he gets a redemption ARC or not, but man … he’s something else …

But it’s the family Callie finds during this heart wrenching journey that really got the best of me. Without them, I don’t think I would have survived. They kept me going the way they kept Callie going. You just FEEL everything all throughout this book.

Bitner’s writing is raw. It feels SO REAL! Even though there are a lot of tears, they aren’t all sad; there’s a lot of happiness, love and strength in this story too. Everything about it is beautiful! This book is a contender for my favorite book of 2024! 5 stars! Seriously! I loved everything about it! It’s the first book I’ve read by her, but it certainly will not be my last!

Trigger warnings are listed at the end of this review; just know that this story is “safe for animal lovers, but you’ll still need your tissues! There will certainly be a pack with every copy I gift to all my dog loving friends!

TW: Alcoholism, child abandonment, mentions of death on page.

[Amy Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the emotional roller coaster I didn’t know I needed. Bitner delivered a beautifully raw, complex story that captivated me from the beginning. I am not someone who cries easily, but this book broke me. If you love contemporary, suspenseful dramas (AND DOGS), STRAYED is the book for you. Well done, Katherine! 🐶🤍🫶🏼🐾

[Sharon Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I have to say thanks to Katherine for posting this on the PitBull Mamas Facebook group because this is where I learned about her book. As a fellow pittie mama, of course I had to get it immediately. I read this in 2 days and if I didn't have to put it down to go to bed, I would have read it in one!

Katherine has a wonderful way of writing and is a brilliant story teller. I think I experienced every emotion in this roller coaster of a story about Callie and her dog, Opie. Opie reminded me of my own sweet bully rescue, also all white with a perfect round black patch over his left eye.

This is a story of grief, hope, love, and bravery. Callie, who has a tumultuous relationship with her father, has lost everything, including her best friend pup named Opie. She goes through hell and back trying to find him. But with a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a photography school she's dreamed of forever, that means having to leave her roots and give up looking for Opie herself and instead leave it to others that promise to continue helping her look for him. How do you choose between your lifetime passion and your best friend who is everything to you? Read this book and find out, but I promise you will need a box of tissues for all of the emotions you will feel.

Strayed is a beautiful reminder of the love of true friends and the strength to lean on them when you need to. It also displays the magical relationship that dogs and their person can have. We don't deserve the unconditional love that a dog gives us. Thank you Katherine for this wonderful reminder! I can't wait to read more of your books!

[Millsieey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful yet heart wrenching book. This one will definitely have you reaching for your tissues.

This book will make you feel each one of your emotions and sometimes all at once! This is the first book I have read of Katherine Bitner's and it has made me want to seek out her other books. I love Katherine's writing style. I truly got a sense for how the main character, Callie, was feeling. The book was so well written that as someone who has been through a lost dog situation, this book made me think back on the experience and really made me feel all those torturous feelings again and relive the joy of finding my dog.

I loved Katherine's use of symmetry in the guilt of Callie losing her dog with the guilt she felt for her involvement in the car accident. This book covered a lot of somewhat heavy topics but in a way that didn't feel heavy or clunky. I enjoyed seeing Callie's character grow and flourish into the person she always could be once she was supported by her chosen family. It really showed that once Callie had the right people around her she was able to seek a better future for herself.

This is a must read for all fellow dog lovers and dog owners out there.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book From Bitner To Date

Callie has never had an easy life. Her mom passed away when she was young, her grandparents are now gone, and her father hasn’t been a father to her in a really long time.
Back in high school, there was an accident, someone got hurt, and even though Cassie was also injured the town still holds her partially responsible. Heck, she hold herself responsible, secluding herself as much as possible, mentally punishing herself every chance she gets, constantly swirling in the “what-ifs”.
The only way she can see to get out of this cycle, is to start a new life, in a new town. She’s been saving for, squirreling away every nickel and dime to afford a photography school she’s dreamt of going to for years.
That’s until her dog goes missing, her only companion, her best friend that she met from thru fate.
Either she spends the money to find him, losing her chance of ever leaving her small town, or starts her new life without him.

Strayed is a new adult book that features found family, new friends, personal growth, and realizing anything can happen when you have a team behind you.

PS, bring some tissues, you’ll need them.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strayed is my first novel by Katherine Bitner and it is truly wonderful. An inspiring story about a young woman's journey to find herself and her dog.

Callie has not had the best childhood. Basically abandoned by her father, she has graduated from high school and is saving up to get out of town. When she finds a small puppy that is underweight and struggling, she decides to take him in.

Callie is a classic, hard-working, stubborn as all get out, main character who can be incredibly frustrating at times, but you cannot help but appreciate what she's working for and her struggles to get there.

When she starts accepting help and realizing that she does have people that care about her, her world really starts to open up.

This novel was beautifully written and the characters were wonderful! I'm missing Callie, Opie, Levi, and Foster already!!

[Christina Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held so much freaking HOPE.

Callie had an extremely rough go at family life. Her father (if you can call him that) is the town's deadbeat who really could care less about his daughter. Just out of jail, he's ready to stir up trouble at a time that couldn't be worse. She's on the brink of getting out of town until everything that could force her to stay happens.

The journey of letting go of something that is so important to you was so well written and kept me listening to the audiobook any time I got the chance. Opie was extremely lovable from the very first page. Even as her dog, you really get to know him like we do with our own furry friends.

There is a lot of suspense in this one, which also surprised me! I really loved it.

No spoilers here, but I love how Bitner concluded this story. It was just right.

[Timothy Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very unexpected adventure. Strayed really captures the growth of an individual (Callie) whose been dealt such terrible circumstances growing up. The author did an amazing portrayal of what it's like to live through trauma and not have the relationships and connections we all need. But it's the growth we see in Callie on her journey to find Opie and the lovability of Levi and Foster that had me on edge and at times in tears with this book. It was a beautifully told story that will touch the heart of dog lovers. But more so, it's a book that is actually relatable to all types of readers. I finished this book feeling so content and happy! It's inspiring and the author should be so proud of this story and the message that will resonate with readers. 5 STARS!!!

[Ashily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is more powerful than the bond between a girl and the dog that came into her life at the perfect time 💯

This story was perfection! It is of of those books that destroys you to your core and then slowly builds you back up.

It's a story about resilience, redemption, and unbreakable bonds.

I really found myself relating to Callie and Opie. It reminded me of my dog, and it spoke true to how I'm feeling. I, too, have reoccurring dreams/nightmares about him and where he could be. I want nothing more than to one day be reunited and under the same roof.

There's even a sweet love story that unfolds.

I would LOVE to see a novella from Opies pov 👀🐶

Tropes:
- Childhood best friends
- small town
- golden retriever MMC x black cat FMC
- second chance
- found family

[Kara Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Before you start reading this book, cancel your plans because you will not be able to put it down.

Strayed is a beautifully written story. Callie’s voice gripped me from the first page. She’s lived a hard life, but she’s strong, determined, and so full of love (especially for Opie). She is one of the best female protagonists I’ve read. Her character arc was executed flawlessly.

Strayed is a complex, emotional story with amazing characters that stay with you. If you’re looking for a book that features small town, found family, and unconditional love, Strayed is the perfect book for you!

P.S. I suggest having your fur baby nearby (preferably cuddled up right next to you), because you’ll need to give them a lot of extra snuggles while reading.

[Terah ~ pitties.and.pageturners · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about so much more than a girl and her dog. Although, the premise of my dog (who also happens to be a pittie) going missing is absolutely soul-crushing and made me have to read the last 20 pages through my tears.

This book is about finding the strength to move on, the bravery to go after what you want, even if it scares you, the courage to break down the walls that you put up, the tenacity to trust in someone other than yourself to help you heal, and realizing that you are worthy of love and the choice to put yourself first.

♾️/5 stars

[Kasia Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a precious story. Ironically, my dogs name is Opie so I felt even more attached to this story and the dog than I think I would have. The relationship that Callie had with Opie resonated so deeply with me and my relationship with my Opie. I cried so hard!
Callie’s story was so touching, about feeling isolated and then finding “your people”. I was really rooting for her the whole time I was reading.

[Adaline Ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book would make me emotional

I knew this book would make me emotional. (And that doesn’t happen often with my stone cold heart.)

There is so much depth to this one. It’s a beautiful complex story, filled with tragedy, love and hope.
And you can always count on Katherine to write a great character arc! ✨

[Allie Faith Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I was an emotional mess reading this.... But, in a good way. What a talented author, Katherine knows how to make you feel emotions that is for sure. ❤️ What a woman would do for the fur baby she loves. ❤️ A beautiful story, 5/5 a must read. Thank you Katherine, for yet another 5 star read. I read this book on two sittings.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will pull you in, surprised at how you see yourself in the characters and the story as it moves along. Eventually, you will be unable to do anything but finish reading as quickly as you can! You won’t regret buying this and devouring it—because when you stop reading, you still find yourself immersed and maybe even a little bit changed by the experience. Brava, Katherine!

[Alexandra Tlapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I loved this book! Its one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it. I was so emotional the day I finished it. I was so entangled in the main characters story that I couldn't put it down. I cried to many times because of how I felt for her and what she was going through. It has a beautiful ending too!! A must read!!!

[Scott S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and what an amazing story it is. A powerful tale of emotions and intense moments built around a cast of characters that I was able to easily connect to. A story that had me moved to tears as well.
I love Katherine’s writing style, as well as the locations she used in the one. It is easy for me to recommend this story!

[Patti S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have shed a tear or two and I never do that! I’ll start by saying this is not my typical genre to read, but since I loved Katherine’s other books I knew I had to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. I felt this characters emotions like they were my own. Very well written and highly recommend.

[Erin Kearby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin on this review when your emotions are all over the place (all good ones!)?! I was lucky enough to have received an ARC for this book and I loved everything about it! From beginning to end. If you love small town, grumpy X sunshine, and found family tropes, this is the book for you! (Also if you need a good ugly cry!) An emotional journey between a girl and her beloved dog, I love how the author incorporates dogs into her stories! Bitner brings to us a coming of age story about letting go of our pasts and not letting them determine our futures, while facing some trials in between.

Callie thought she had it all planned out: get her and Opie (her sweet dog) out of their small town, get into photography school, escape her past and start over fresh. But one stormy night changes all of that in an instant. Opie goes missing and Callie is not leaving without him. Along her journey old and new friends are brought into her life and she is not sure what to think of it, since she's used to doing everything on her own. But Callie learns some lessons along the way and starts to realize it’s okay to accept love and help when/where it's offered, even when it's from one of the most unlikely of sources.

Go pre-order your copy now! 🐾

[Lorelei Hartbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful and heartfelt story. Beautifully written to where you feel like you are in the story. The characters are easily relatable and you also fall in love with Opie. It’s jaw dropping and tear inducing, in the best way.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming book! It got pretty emotional at times, especially for someone like me who's super close to my rescue dog, but I loved it from start to finish. I'd recommend it to anyone that loves dogs.