Pick of the Litter: A Heartwarming Story of the Dogs Who Rescue Us

Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #1

by Kay Bratt, Tammy L. Grace, Barbara Hinske

Women's Fiction for Dog-Lovers!

Ready for a free sneak peek into this new series? Grab book one for FREE to read sample chapters of all eight books!

Welcome to the dog-friendly town of Dragonfly Cove, where you’ll find plenty of heartwarming moments that blend canine companionship into the everyday lives of ordinary people, to create extraordinary stories. If you loved books like Wish Me Home by Kay Bratt, the Hometown Harbor Series by Tammy L. Grace, and the Guiding Emily series by Barbara Hinske, you will enjoy the books in the bestselling Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series; heartwarming fictional stories of the dogs who rescue us!

The Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series is perfect for fans of women's fiction who love stories that are as heartwarming as they are entertaining.

Want to know more?

Emily wanted inspiration for her book, but she found a crime, a cop, and a connection she never saw coming. --Collar Me Crazy by Million-Copy Bestselling Author, Kay Bratt.

From grief's grasp to the warmth of Marsha learns that friendship and a dog's unwavering love can light the way to joy. -- Hearts Unleashed by USA Today Bestselling author Tammy L. Grace.

From Grief to A dog's love leads to healing and family rediscovered. – Back in the Pack by USA Today Bestselling author Barbara Hinske

A cozy bookstore by the beach and two Labrador puppies—Leo’s happily-ever-after begins in Dragonfly Cove.-Loyal and True by USA Today Bestselling author Ev Bishop

With her son estranged, Nora’s fresh start comes with lessons in trust—thanks to her puppy, Charlie.. – Coming Home to Heel by USA Today Bestselling author Jodi Allan Brice

She’s come to Dragonfly Cove to start over, but will a quick decision and a challenging boss bring her something more? – Unleashed Melody by Literary Award-Winning author Julie Carobini

A retiree leans on the strength of her relationship with her dog to face the present and her past.- Teacher’s Pet by Million Copy Bestselling author David Johnson

Cat-lover Libby never wanted a dog, but an 8-week-old pup turned her life upside down.-A New Leash on Life by Literary Award-Winning author Patricia Sands

★ Don’t miss any of the Dragonfly Cove books! Download them all today! ★

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher's Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Genres: Romance, Animals, Womens Fiction

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

About the author

Writer, Rescuer, Wanderer


Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.


Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian. 


Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.

In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.


As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.


Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. 
For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.


Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pick of the Litter gives you a sneak peek into the characters in each book in the series. This is a prequel, so it’s a nice quick read which I found a delight to read. Looking forward to reading the series and I must mention the cover because it is so adorable. Recommended.

[Lori Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales that will leave Paw Prints on your heart!

This is Book 1 of 9. This book introduces a new series…A Heartwarming Story of Dogs Who Rescue Us. The chapters in this book are the first chapter of each subsequent book. It will introduce you to a group of authors, some may be favorites and others might be new to you.

In each book you will meet an different litter mate and their human, who for whatever reason, needs their pup for companionship, healing, love. Books average 150-200 pages and can be read in one sitting. These sweet reads contain adorable pups, great characters handling realistic situations. This series is perfect for anyone (young and old) who loves dogs, enjoys a little romance (all clean) and happy endings.

Watch for my review of all the books starting 1/1/25. Thanks to all the authors for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick introduction to this series. Nine puppies all waiting to be adopted, each with their own story. I’m looking forward to reading all these

[Joanne N. Dorsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Stories To Read & Experience!

These are great stories to Read & even Experience! Thanks For Sharing Your Talents With Us! I Loved Each One Of Them! 👍😊🙋

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series about puppies and the homes and families they live with. Each story in this series is written by a different author. Can't wait to see how each puppy bonds with their new family.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a short outline of the series. PICK OF THE LITTER. Is a nine book series. It’s an anthology each book is written by a different author.
This one was just a little outline of each book. Pretty much the first chapter of each book in the series.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series. It was so heartwarming and adorable. This series is going to be amazing and I am excited to read them all!!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get a nice intro to the main characters in the series, but not too much else.
Still, this little book does what it's supposed to do and whets your appetite for what is to come.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the authors.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. It was an introduction to all the of the books in the series. And they are going to be simply amazing for someone who loves dogs, that would be me and I have a golden retriever.Her name is enzo.
Each story is going to be unique in its own way.

So many wonderful authors write unique stories for all of us to enjoy.
Stories about dogs are just perfect in every way.
🐾🐾🐾🐾

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book of this series was wonderful! You get to meet The breeder Leslie with all her beautiful puppies and each sweet puppy chooses his or her owner . Loved the puppies names and their owners have their own story so we will read about each one in the next books. Dragonfly Cove sounds great and I want to move there! These authors came up with this heart warming stories and I can’t wait to escape and meet all!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous introduction to the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series and each of the writers who are part of the series. The characters weaving through each intro is something I've never read before and I'm very excited to experience this adventure with some fantastic authors. Not to mention the puppy characters! They definitely will make this a fun series to read!

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intro to a new series written by some of my favorite authors. Meet Leslie the owner and breeder of Labrador Retrievers. A litter is ready to be rehomed. Snippets of the new owners and their stories are included. Can’t wait to read more in the series. Learn the motivation behind the new
Owners

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pick of the Litter is a heartwarming preview of a new 8 book series by as many phenomenal authors. Each book is the story of a very special pup and his/her chosen person. I forsee this being a great winter read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to a fun town that I’d love to visit.
Sweet stories of cute puppies and their furrever families

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be an interesting series about where the puppies will be living. I can’t wait to see how the different authors tell their stories

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series. Take a sneak peak into each book, get a small introduction to the characters & their dogs. Such a great start to the series!

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a short introduction of the brand new series called Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series written by a bunch of amazing writers. It contains an introductioonal chapter of all the books each one unfolding a story about one or two puppies from one litter of golden Labrador puppies who have been adopted by their human parents for different reasons and who formed a bond to heal over the dealing with grief of all sorts.
A very promising series I really wanted to read more.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when you begin a new series of books, and all the participating authors give you a peak into their stories. “Pick of the Litter” is the prologue to the new Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, and what a treat to be introduced to each of the pups and their families, as well as their breeder. It is a heartwarming read and a wonderful way to start this series, sharing the stories of the dogs and their families who love them.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book with nine snippets of a new series by nine authors , if you love puppies and heartfelt stories, pick these up .You might find a new author or read something new from a author you already like . Each book intersects with the others following a main character who is on a adventure herself.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prologue book to eight stories by a collaboration of authors revolving around the adoption of lab puppies from a wonderful, caring breeder. Each author writes a story about a person who takes one of the pups in the litter. I think this series will be very entertaining and filled with good feelings and happy endings. Can’t wait for the stories!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Series Introduction For New Series Perfect For Dog Lovers. This is yet another of the multi-author series that have seemingly sprung up in the last few years, mostly in the romance and/ or women's fiction realms, where multiple authors come together to offer up stories around some common McGuffin such as every book has to feature a cruise (2024's Sail Away series, featuring many of these same authors) or every book has to feature a snowglobe in some manner (2019's Snow Globe Christmas MM romance series) or any other common tie in. As in most cases, this introductory book is essentially the first chapters of all of the rest of the books, though this one also has a prologue and epilogue that extend its own story a touch, which actually leads directly into my next main point.

Having now read a few of these as I sit to write this particular review, I can tell you that what sets this particular series apart from all of its predecessors that I've read (a handful or so) is just how well everything is integrated. Every author gets their own dog(s) and their own characters and can tell their story their way, but other than slight differences in style one could almost see this entire series written by a singular author - that is how well the storytelling and editing through 4.5 books has been so far. If you know a bit about each particular author and their style and what is going on in their "real" (non-book) lives, you have a better sense of the distinctiveness of each voice, but otherwise the stories fit so seamlessly together, even when borrowing characters from other books, that it really is quite remarkable just how well everything fits together here.

And yes, as the McGuffin for this series is that all of our central characters are getting new puppies, this series really is perfect for dog lovers of all stripes (though to be clear, these are all Labradors in these books). Sorry, cat lovers. Maybe that will be the next project for these authors or perhaps a similar group. :)

Ultimately a great introduction to the series, and a very quick read at barely 100 pages to boot. Perfect for those times at the end of the year holidays / beginning of the year ramping things back up when maybe you don't have as much time to read - or maybe you find yourself like me and trying to finish the back half of this series before it releases on Jan 1, 2025... *and* read 2.5 *other* books before the calendar flips over into 2025 in just over three more days! Eek!

Very much recommended.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marvellous multi-author series for dog-lovers!
This series introduction contains a prologue and epilogue detailing the activities of Labrador breeder, Leslie, as she prepares for an exciting trip while waiting for new owners to arrive to fetch their Labrador puppies. It contains an excerpt of each subsequent book and, feeling it would affect my enjoyment of these, I decided not to complete it.
The authors focus on the intelligence and healing power of dogs to help humans deal with, and overcome, different forms of loss. Book 2 can be read as a stand-alone, and, although the other books also each tell their own story, many characters are featured in several books.
As a reader with a good story memory, however, I was a bit disconcerted with some of the discrepancies. Although quite minor, I do believe that each author should read ALL the previous books before finalising his/her own book to ensure consistency In names, timelines and details.
I was offered ARC copies of the complete series and include my honest opinion in each.

[Candace Mowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt is masterful at blending reality with fiction and bringing important social issues to light.

This is the second book in the Dragonfly Cove series. This story focuses on two women, Emily and Mari who meet while at the dog park with their newly adopted puppies. Emily notices that Mari’s puppy, which she purchased from a local pet store less than a week before does not look well. Mari’s puppy does not survive. Mari and Emily return to the pet shop where Mari purchased her to demand a refund. The pet shop owner denies responsibility and refuses a refund. This leads Emily and Mari to investigate where these puppies are coming from so that no other unsuspecting owner has to endure this heartache. They make new friends and make new lifelong relationships during their quest from Florida to Georgia.

This story will take you through a myriad of emotions as Mari and Emily uncover deception after deception in their search for answers. Through help from unexpected sources, they uncover the truth. This book is impossible to put down!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick of the Litter (Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Book 1) is actually an introduction to the families and individuals who adopt the puppies in the stories that come next in the series. By Kay Bratt, Tammy L. Grace, Barbara Hinske, Ev Bishop, Jodi Allen Brice, Julie Carobini, David Johnson, and Patricia Sands, the reader meets Leslie the breeder selling the puppies, then the intro to each of the books. By the time I finished this book, I was eager to start each puppy and owner’s stories. I do not think that you will need to read in order but will want to read them all. All of this litter seems to have gone to someone who has encounter adversity in their lives recently. How these puppies help each owner will be a joy to discover. However, this book only gives a taste.

Neither is Pick of the Litter a book to be missed because it has the most about Leslie. There is a promise that the reader will get updates on her and her adventures. I look forward to her story too.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the intro book to the series of nine books, each written by well-known authors. Some of my favorite authors are in this group.

This book introduces Leslie, the dog breeder who is about to start a new chapter of her life. She has enjoyed raising this litter of puppies, loves their chubby bodies and their puppy breath. She knows their personalities and she's matched them with new families.

Each chapter in the book is a brief description of each of the puppies and their new homes. The last chapter is Leslie, landing in Italy and facing her future.

I'm planning to read each of the books because I adore dog books, and I know the authors do, too. I also know they are great story tellers, so I'm looking forward to this happy task.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series of eight books that take place in Dragonfly Cove, a dog-friendly town filled with many dog-loving residents. In each heartfelt story, a newly adopted Labrador puppy makes a difference and even changes the lives of their owners.
This book provides a synopsis of each of the captivating, heartfelt, entertaining stories in each of the books. Don’t miss any of the Dragonfly Cove books!

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

[Ev Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited and honoured to be part of this brand new eight author series, Dragonfly Cove Dog Park. PICK OF THE LITTER is an intro to the series, featuring the first chapter from each book and giving a glimpse into each puppy's person. The stories are perfect for fans of women's fiction who love stories that are as heartwarming as they are entertaining.

★ Don’t miss any of the Dragonfly Cove books! Download them all today! ★

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher's Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

[Kathi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, that's an hour I won't get back. This is not a novel. This is a 100-page advertisement for the other 8 books in the series. Each of those books gets an introductory "chapter" here.

The premise that ties it all together is a lack-luster retriever breeder who is handing out a litter of puppies and the people/families that buy them. I say "lack-luster" because of several things: no references to the pups' dam and sire, lack of screening of purchasers (when she is surprised that the school teacher lives alone, she is told to "mind her own business" -- she backs down), all purchasers arriving at the same time waiting on the front porch to collect [I'm sure expensive] puppies that they haven't yet met.

I do plan to read at least a few of the subsequent stories to see how this goes.

[Charlie Sandino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick of the Litter is a lovely introduction to the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Books. This is the must read series of dog stories written by several authors. It all starts out as different people and families meet when they are about to pick up their new family member. The puppies that are to be adopted choose their new families. One by one they have a new mission in life. This is a cute way to present the up-coming individual books where, each puppy in the litter has it's own story.
For any dog lover it is the sweetest and fun read about the new furry kids around the block.
I'm sure that I will enjoy each and every story that is about to be told.

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prologue launches the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series – a collaboration by a group of best-selling authors known for writing heartwarming stories with well-developed characters. It’s a quick, easy-to-read introduction to nine irresistible labrador retriever pups and the individuals taking them home.

Lives (both human and canine) are about to change, and those stories are told in the eight subsequent books.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy the loyal companionship of a dog, just love dogs, wish you had a dog, or wonder what it would be like to have a dog, I think you’ll love this series.