A dog's love is forever. A story of love, hope, and never-ending loyalty -- as told by the dog.Cam McHugh died in a tragic farming accident. He has a message for his son, Hunter, and only his dog can hear him. Halo is no ordinary dog. Not only can she see ghosts, she can talk to them, too. If only she could tell Hunter that death doesn't mean an end to being around the ones we love, maybe she could help him find his voice again. Unfortunately, she may never have the chance.Dognapped by the man who threatens to destroy the only family she has ever known, Halo must escape and find her way home -- hundreds of miles away. Halo's story is for those who want to believe there are places such as Heaven and the Rainbow Bridge, and that angels are always watching over us.
Former teacher and track coach. Runner, gardener, dog lover and sometimes farmer. Author of medieval historical fiction: The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer.
Not for someone who doesn't want to read a detailed scene of animal abuse
I know a good story. The story will have me reading for hours. I finished it just to get over with it. There are far better books out there. This book was horrible and made me skip the parts where there was animal cruelty. I rescue and foster dogs so NO i Don't want to read about animal cruelty because I see it first hand. I like when the plot flows. This was tedious and boring. It took two chapters just to describe the setting.
WARNING! This book contains multiple incidents of animal abuse and neglect! Overall, the book is fine, and the author does a nice job of wrapping things up, but I picked a "dog" book thinking I'd get some warm fuzzy reading and a break from harsh reality. I try to be selective about what I read, because I am very influenced when characters/animals are hurt, abused, abandoned, mistreated, etc. Between 15-20% of the population are "Highly Sensitive," so I know I am not alone. This is nothing against the author, and people that aren't Highly Sensitive, probably won't think twice about the difficult parts of the book, but it made it really hard to get through.
This book was so sad! There were good parts and the ending was good at least, but it just broke my heart. I wanted to read an Aussie book after losing my Blue Merle Aussie in Feb, 2014 to cancer at the young age of 11. He was my son and it still kills me to this day.
Reading a book about an Aussie in her point of view was just so sad. The things that happened to her, that happens to dogs like that in real life was so sad. I know this as I'm an animal activist but just hearing things as if it's the dog telling the story will break your heart and make you so mad at the same time. I love Aussie's so much! I love all dogs! They are the most wonderful animals on Earth. That being said, I love all animals!
I lost my heart dog last year to a mystery lung/heart illness. She was vibrant, full of life, and fiercely loyal to me. She followed me everywhere. She knew my thoughts and feelings. She knew when I needed her most. She left this world too soon. She was my Halo. She would've given her life for me. This book helped me to understand that she is happy and had a great life, and how to love even more with our current and future rescues. I hope that she's waiting for me when it's my time to go. This is a great book.
"Say No More" is the saddest book I've ever read. The story is wonderfully written, but there were times I almost stopped reading it because of the sadness it brought to me. But, I kept reading; I finally read the epilogue, which also brought tears to my eyes. Then I read the author's note. It made complete sense and that's when I decided this book was the most joyously sad book I've ever read. I volunteer in animal rescue and I've seen abuse and dire situations. The only foster fail in all my years of fostering still has trust issue with me. One day he is my shadow, then in a moment's notice he is scared of me. He is an old soul but is a young dog. Someday, he will trust me as Halo learned to trust Cecil.
The plot and story are interesting and tight. The grammar, spelling and writing style good enough not to be distracting. But.... I felt the author dwelt on the neglect and abuse of the dogs almost obsessively and that definitely detracted from the book. I almost quit reading it because of the cruelty displayed. I kept thinking " move on already". I didn't quit reading because I needed to find out how the story ended.
I got to admit, the book wasn’t anything like the description entailed. Maybe it was just me, but from the description, I thought the book was going to centered on Halo communicating with the dead and possibly helping the people who have lost those that passed but the main one would have been Cam with his family. Unfortunately, Cam and his family played a small bit in this family. Like when Cam died and you see him maybe twice but there honestly seemed like other than telling a dog that should be able to sniff where to locate a missing child mere minutes ago, Cam’s ghost really served no purpose and that was a third of the book. At least for me, I didn’t emotionally get attached to any humans other than an old man and spent most of the book hating majority of the people Halo comes across. I even wasn’t a fan of Cam’s wife and wasn’t that connected to the kid that much because other than a few run-ins and feeling bad for him, I just saw him as another side character that was easily forgotten. The book seemed more like how much torture can we put upon this dog and her incredible way of perfectly understanding humans and their meaning. I almost decided to just quit on the book but the second third of the book when we meet the old man, I started to enjoy the book. Then once again surprise of surprise tragedy occurs and more torture for the dog. I guess I hyped myself up too much and was disappointed. I don’t expect perfect life for the dog like A Dog’s Purpose where happy endings happen or a perfect life like Marley and Me but old age does occur, I even was prepared for mistreating and abuse on this dog’s journey. I expected the story to be what the description said, but you barely see but two ghosts: Cam and the old man and Halo’s mother and they were barely mentioned so I don’t understand what was the purpose since the ghosts didn’t do anything but make an appearance then disappeared forever. No message they gave to Halo or anything to help. Anyway, I’m repeating myself. I’m glad it was a book I borrowed from the library and didn’t spend money on it. Maybe I’m the rare opinion on this book but I have no interest in reading the sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely love this book perhaps it's because I love dogs . The beloved character in her story makes me look at my puppies in a different way . Oh yes I love them deeply , but through the story written as if the dog is writing it makes you realize there's a lot more going on inside those fuzzy little heads then we can imagine . I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals , who looks in their eyes and sees a soul , who cherishes their unconditional love.
I was so emotional reading this book! As a dog lover myself, it's hard to read about the trials a door goes through in their lives, and anyone (character) that abuses them, just riles me up, and I find myself crying! Halo will capture your heart and test your emotions, but it also gives you a sense that she was put in everyone's life by a loving God, to bring solace to so many who needed healing! If you love dog books, and you don't mind getting emotional, you'll love this book and the authors other books!
This book is a page turner. I couldn't put it down! It is exciting, full of dramatic scenes and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed every chance I had to read this book and I am sure you will love it too. I have 2 Australian shepherds and the author depicted them perfectly in detail. It was like I was reading about my own dogs. Brave, fearless, wanting to work, squirrel crazy, deeply loving. The best dogs in the world.
When you read this book it is very difficult to stay with the story! But you need an adventurous spirit. My problem was that while , I know it is not real, the cruelty that is made an example is what the hereafter is NOT about! Saying this clearly is necessary! Halo could have given up but chose to endure in order to have his dream of the wee bomb! However you need to read this to find the reason! Have an adventurous read! Thank you.
This was a different kind of book for me since I own no dogs. So I enjoyed it a lot, read it in a afternoon. Good story easy to follow plot. Lots of heartfelt moments. I would like to continue the series but almost $5 a book is a little steep. But one day I just might!
If you've ever owned or perhaps been owned by a Aussie this book will hit home! So sad and yet so wonderfully told it brings tears, smiles, and at the same time it kinda fills my thoughts of heaven. Had there been horses it would be my full dream!
At no more is a book about a dog's life and all the heartache and lo e she goes through. Halo is a wonderful dog and she loves kids and people too. She has many adventures and some mis adventures too. She loves a number of people and brings joy to their lives. A fantastic book everyone will love.
I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I felt broken hearted all because of a dog. A special dog named Halo. A working dog that was abandoned, beaten, starved yet still had the capacity to love and care for the people that showed her kindness. Great job. Thank you.
What an incredible book! The author reallly understands dogs and the power of a fantastic narrative. There is happiness, sadness, fear, and horror at the way this lovable little dog is treated, but she also finds a lot of love. I hope this author writes more novels about animals and what they're thinking of us.
The book is seen through the eyes of a dog. You will follow Halo from birth until old age. After halos master dies she is sent to live with family who ignore her. They hire a caretaker who abuses Halo until Halo is sold to another wonderful Master. Halo eventually ends up back home. Heartwarming read.
This fiction feels real. Ofc, not to mention how Halo was able to understand many complex sentences. Or when the language turned from dog-simple to complicated. Overly long at times, but the ending tension is good. Oh, and old girls' banter could be hilarious.
I am an animal lover. This book held my attention so much, I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my chair. I couldn't put the book down. It felt like I was living the story as I read it. I read this book in two sittings. That is how great it is to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the beginning to the author’s note at the end. It makes my heart smile. Dogs are amazing creatures that love us like our children do, because that’s the only way they know how.
This book was hard to put down. I loved the characters and hearing the story from the dog's point of view. Very easy to read with compelling twists and turns. I highly recommend it.
I didn't think I was going to like this book as much as I did....reading a book through a dog's view sounded silly but I loved this book!! The story made me smile and even cry. Thanks for such a sweet story.
I loved Halo's story....a little bit anthropomorphic, but a great read. Looking forward to more of the Faderville stories! Dedicated to all the Halos we have all loved and lost through our l ives
It was a good book! I truly love animals and especially dogs. I've had quite a few I rescued, but none like the one the book wrote about. It started slow but as I got into it, I found it hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next one!
I found this book really poignant yet disturbing. I know mean, thoughtless, selfish people exist in abundance, but I am thankful most folk are just the opposite.
A must read for animal lovers. Well written it tells a story of animals treatment at the hands of animal haters and how dogs can overcome with the love of animal people.
I loved Halo, but all of her troubles almost broke my heart. Thank goodness for tissues, because I needed them many times. So glad she had some good people who loved her and rescued her throughout the book.
I’m a sucker for dog stories. Always shared my life with a dog. The book is a keeper - well written and touching. A dog’s love never really leaves your heart. Thank you Gemini Samson!
This is the autobiographical account of the life of Halo, the Australian Shepherd family dog, cow dog, sheep dog, therapy dog, guard dog, and so much more. As a person who loves dogs, I found this a great story to read.