The Smiling Dog Cafe: Healing Fiction: A Cozy, Magical Tale of Healing and Hope in a Brooklyn Café

by Neil S. Plakcy

✨ WELCOME TO THE SMILING DOG CAFÉ — where lost souls find their way home, guided by mysterious dogs and the scent of perfectly brewed coffee.
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, this magical little café is the crossroads of healing fiction, magical realism, and quiet emotional transformation.

💫 Step Inside
If you love cozy magical realism, gentle hopepunk, and the warm, comforting style of Japanese healing fiction (iyashikei), you’ll feel right at home here.
Each novella in this collection uncovers a different soul in need—and the dog destined to guide them.

🐾 Two Stories, One Magical Café
📘 CODE OF SILENCE
Jeff Hodges has spent a lifetime afraid to speak his truth.
When he loses his job, his home, and the last fragile pieces of certainty he’s clung to, a golden retriever appears—leading him to a Brooklyn café that seems to exist between worlds.
Inside, Betty Martinez brews coffee that tastes like memories, and a wall of painted dogs seems to watch, listen… and maybe even intervene.
To heal, Jeff must confront the silence that has shaped his life—and decide whether he’s finally brave enough to find his voice.

📘 A MOTHER’S HEART
Sophia Greenwood is drowning in fear.
Her young daughter has been diagnosed with the same heart condition that once shattered her own family.
Just when despair threatens to swallow her whole, an Irish Setter appears on the street—guiding her to the warm glow of the Smiling Dog Café.
There, surrounded by Betty’s gentle wisdom, the café’s quiet magic, and the safety of being truly seen, Sophia begins to understand that some inheritances are not curses… but callings.


❤️ Why Readers Fall in Love
Rooted in the tradition of Japanese healing fiction yet grounded in American emotional realism,
The Smiling Dog Café Healing from past traumaFound family & second chancesThe magic of communityThe courage to choose love over fearDogs who appear exactly when you need them mostBetty’s carefully crafted coffee blends and the watchful eyes of her painted dogs remind us that healing sometimes requires a little magic… and the perfect cup of coffee.
Perfect for fans Travis Baldree • Hannah Nicole Maehrer • Sarah Beth Durst

☕ Take Your Seat
Open the door to The Smiling Dog Café—and let its quiet magic change you, too.

Genres: Fiction, Animals

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2025

About the author

My newest adventure romance books are The Big Race (a takeoff on The Amazing Race) and Driven Together, a Formula 1 MM romance.

I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.

Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.

I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.

It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.

I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.

My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.

I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.

Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.

My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.

I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.

Reviews

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, healing and hopeful stories are all connected by a magical coffee shop and its canine caretakers.

The Smiling Dog Café: Healing Fiction, Volume 1 by Neil S. Plakcy, is a two-novella collection of what is known as “healing fiction,” a style of story of Japanese origin. As the stories unfold, not only do the characters undergo positive restorative change, but readers may also experience hope and satisfaction as well.

In the first story, readers are introduced to Betty Martinez, the owner of The Smiling Dog Café, a magical coffee shop well off the beaten paths in Brooklyn, and as such, a recurring character for each of the stories. I loved the concept that while some of her customers just stumbled across the café, many are led there by following one of the unusual dogs memorialized by Betty’s deceased wife in paintings adorning the walls. Each of the customers brought there by the supernatural canines is hurting, damaged, or lost in some way, and Betty, a retired grief counselor, skillfully serves up hope and wisdom along with her special coffee.

In “Code of Silence,” Jeff Hodges, the product of an abusive childhood home life because of his frustrated, alcoholic father, learned early on from his downtrodden mother that silence and invisibility are the safest routes through life. Jeff takes that lesson to heart, and despite his almost genius-level understanding of computing, computer science, and coding, he hides his abilities, choosing to be safe and secure over even a hint of risk and a fulfilling life. When his skills inadvertently put himself and his coworkers out of a job, he’s led through the side streets and alleys of Brooklyn to The Smiling Dog Café by a mysterious golden retriever.

In “A Mother’s Heart,” Sophia Greenwood’s young daughter, Emma, ends up in the local hospital’s pediatric cardiac unit, suffering from the same congenital heart problem that she has and that killed her mother. Sophia is overcome with guilt, fear, and the belief that she isn’t up to the task of mothering her daughter under the same circumstances she endured as a child. Following a three-legged Irish Setter to The Smiling Dog Café, she discovers Betty and the help she needs to recognize her past has prepared her to be a strong, capable woman and mother.

Both stories are told in mesmerizing dual timelines, detailing how the characters came to this point in their present lives. Jeff’s regrets and fears have hobbled him from living an authentic life, much like Sophia’s childhood medical restrictions could have denied her had it not been for the series of vastly different women who had a hand in her upbringing and care. The author’s writing style puts the reader in the characters’ lives and makes the intervention by the mysterious dogs seem natural while maintaining its magic. Two stories were absolutely not enough!

I recommend THE SMILING DOG CAFÉ to readers of healing fiction and fantasy, especially those who enjoyed the BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD series or similar works.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

[Elizabeth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smiling Dog Café is not just a book it’s a balm. Rarely have I read something that feels so deeply kind. From the first scene to the last, there’s an atmosphere of gentleness that makes the reader feel held, even while walking with characters through grief, fear, and pain.

The structure of two novellas was a clever choice, allowing two distinct emotional arcs while maintaining a shared, magical space. Jeff’s story in "Code of Silence" felt deeply personal, and I was moved by the metaphor of lost voice how trauma can silence us, and how finding safe spaces can slowly bring that voice back. "A Mother’s Heart" had me in tears more than once, especially when Sophia begins to understand that love can be passed down just as powerfully as fear.

And the dogs! I can’t write this review without talking about them. The golden retriever and Irish setter are more than just cute companions they’re spiritual touchstones, representing intuition, loyalty, and emotional guidance in a world that often feels directionless. Betty, the café owner, is the grounding force who makes it all feel possible, with her blends of coffee that taste like memory and her quiet, unwavering support.

This is the kind of book I’ll recommend again and again. For anyone going through a hard time, for anyone who needs hope, or for anyone who just loves a bit of cozy magic The Smiling Dog Café is a must-read.

[Gregory N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Smiling Dog Café was like wrapping myself in a warm, knitted blanket woven from hope, memory, and healing. From the very first page, I was drawn into the gentle, almost ethereal world that author [insert author name] has created a space where pain and comfort exist side by side, and where dogs aren't just pets but soulful guides who lead the wounded back to themselves.

Both novellas, "Code of Silence" and "A Mother’s Heart," are interconnected yet distinct, each tackling deeply emotional journeys of self-discovery and reconciliation. Jeff’s struggle with silence and shame, and Sophia’s fear of repeating generational trauma, are handled with such compassion that I found myself crying not out of sadness, but because of how seen I felt. The café itself, with its memory-laced coffee and portraits of dogs that almost breathe with life, is a character in its own right a liminal space that feels sacred and safe.

If you’re someone who has ever felt lost, weighed down by grief or guilt, The Smiling Dog Café will resonate deeply. It reminds us that healing is possible, even in the most unexpected places. I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. I only wish I could visit the café myself and have a quiet conversation with Betty over a cup of courage-blend coffee.

[Joyce W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a therapist, I’m always on the lookout for stories that handle emotional trauma with nuance and authenticity. The Smiling Dog Café exceeded my expectations on every level. This is fiction that understands people their fears, their longings, their silences and it meets them with kindness instead of judgment.

The idea of a liminal café that exists somewhere between reality and magic might sound whimsical, but the execution is deeply grounded. In Jeff’s story, I saw a man confronting shame and vulnerability in ways that mirror real-life therapeutic journeys. In Sophia, I saw a mother torn between fear and fierce love, trying to create a new legacy for her daughter. These aren’t just stories they’re emotional blueprints for transformation.

What sets this book apart is its heart. The dogs, the coffee, the café all are symbols, yes, but they are also tangible comforts. The writing is exquisite, lyrical without being overwrought, and the pacing allows for a slow, immersive unfolding. There is wisdom here that rivals some of the best literary fiction, but it’s wrapped in warmth and just the right touch of magic.

If you loved Legends & Lattes or The Keeper of Lost Things, you will adore The Smiling Dog Café. I’m already buying copies for my clients, my colleagues, and my closest friends.

[Patti R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an age of constant noise and chaos, The Smiling Dog Café offers a quiet, luminous refuge. This beautifully written pair of novellas pulls off something rare: it captures the magic that exists in the everyday the kind that doesn’t require spells or wizards, just honesty, love, and a willingness to change.

The characters feel heartbreakingly real. Jeff’s inability to speak his truth is a metaphor that many of us can relate to, and the way his story unfolds gently, with dignity and grace is a testament to the author’s deep empathy. Sophia’s journey, too, touched me profoundly. Her fears for her daughter and her desire to break free from inherited patterns made me reflect on my own parenting in unexpected ways.

The café, with its coffee that evokes memories and a wall of dog portraits that seem to watch and wait, is a brilliant metaphor for healing. And Betty Martinez? She’s the kind of literary figure who stays with you equal parts wise woman and everyday saint. I was especially impressed by how the stories draw on the Japanese tradition of iyashikei (healing fiction) while still feeling very rooted in Brooklyn life.

This book doesn’t shout. It whispers, and somehow that makes it even more powerful. A quiet masterpiece.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big Rochester fan. I’ve read all the books in the series thus far and the latest book has been downloaded on my Kindle just waiting for me to
This book “The SmilingDog Cafe” was very interesting and kept my interest from the first page to the end. I enjoyed the characters and the concept of the “dogs” and Betty helping the people heal. Sophia is an interesting character b/c of all the different countries she spent as a child and all the nannies she had. The nannies each had an important part in helping Sophia grow and cope as a “motherless” child. Mr.Plakcy has a way of bringing in facts into his stories so I’m sure the monitor watch Emma is wearing is actually real but what an innovative tool to help Emma lead a normal life. I can see future books with different characters the “dogs” help to heal.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Amazon, the description says this book is written in the style of Japanese healing fiction (iyashikei). Who knew there was a style of writing fiction specifically aimed towards healing? I was drawn to this book because of its title and the lovely drawing of a dog on the cover. I loved the book! It’s a quick read with two heart-warming stories. The characters have such real, authentic sorrows in their lives. They are treated so gently at the café, allowing them to find their way to healing. Very sweet and thoughtful. And the dogs play a very precious part in the story. I’ll be looking for more of this series and this genre!

[Jenn Bednar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. First of all I was very excited that I won’t as a GoodReads giveaway for my Kindle but this book really touched my heart. My mom passed away November of 2024 and I definitely related to this book emotionally. The feelings of being lost and helpless. The first half of the book every scene with Betty I pretty much cried. Then by the end of the book I was smiling. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has lost someone or just has general feelings of loss and hopelessness.

[Crystal Croteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about The Smiling Dog Café today in our book club from Carmen Johnson, and just reading the summary was enough to move me deeply. The idea of healing, quiet magic, and dogs guiding people through life’s hardest moments completely captured my heart. I haven’t even started the book yet, but the synopsis alone made me add it to my reading chart. I can already feel it will be a beautifully smooth, emotional ride.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Surprise

I am part of a reading challenge and one of the prompts was to read a healing fiction novel. Having never heard of it, I looked for the genre and didn’t see it listed so I tried a search. Luckily the author included it in the title. Otherwise I wouldn’t have found this delightful gem. Both of the novellas were interesting and heartwarming. I also learned from them. If you are looking for a good book to read this is worth checking out.

[Ronald House · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of healing and learning to forgive yourself

I really expected the story to be about a dog! I was surprised to find it’s about learning forgiveness! Sophia learned to forgive herself and her mother!! She remembered all the lessons that her “caregivers” taught her!
The Smiling Dog Cafe is a very special place!

[Dorothy Vannelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically inviting Cafe.

Definitly a different style for Neil. I found the stories drew me in. The first novella I could understand the hesitation regarding change because I have been there. The second novella provided the reader the opportunity visit different cultures and learn about them as well as learning more about Sophia. Well written. Very enjoyable to read.

[Doris Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

Very well written touching on various emotions/feelings that always need attention. Even still it’s needs some close but, not critical editing. Towards the end you were talking about Sophia but inserted Emma’s name twice instead: “…Emma went back to sleep confident her DAUGHTER…” And often repeated same descriptions unneeded. Still it is a good read.

[Carolyn J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a Warm Cup of Comfort ☕🐾
This book feels like stepping into a place you didn’t know you needed. The Smiling Dog Café is gentle, magical, and deeply healing. Each story unfolds with quiet beauty, and the dogs… they feel like guides sent exactly when needed. I finished it feeling lighter, calmer, and somehow understood.

[David M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Magic at Its Finest ✨
If you love soft, emotional stories with a touch of magic, this is a must-read. Neil S. Plakcy creates a world that feels both real and dreamlike. The café, the coffee, the mysterious dogs it all blends into something truly special. It’s the kind of book you curl up with and don’t want to leave.

[Hilton A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle, Emotional, and Beautifully Written 🐶
The writing is soft yet deeply meaningful, capturing the quiet struggles people carry inside. The café feels like a sanctuary, and Betty is the kind of character you wish existed in real life. This book reminds you that healing doesn’t have to be loud it can be slow, kind, and magical.

[Deb Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional. Good.read.that tugs at your heart.strings

The Smiling.Dog.Cafe.is a.much needed read. Teaches us even as grandmas that living.your.best.life.regardless.of.sickness.or if your healthy to make.the.best with what you have. Sophia.was a.lucky woman to have had.so many women in.her life to.care.and nurture.her and become the.woman she.was meant to be.

[Mary Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother's story

Each mother brings to her children something from all the mothers before her. What you are is a conglomeration of all those women and their methods and learnings. I haven't read a story that has touched me quite so deeply.

[Tony Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, our curated reader circle had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to this heartwarming and quietly magical book by Carmen Johnson, and it’s safe to say, it stirred something deep within all of us.

[Nora Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smiling Dog Café is a tender, beautifully woven pair of novellas that blend emotional healing with a hint of the mystical. Set in a Brooklyn café that seems to exist just beyond the borders of the ordinary, the stories offer more than comfort, they offer transformation.

[Leanne Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

So true

If you have a genetic illness this book will resonate with you.
If you have a parent who is absent physically or mentally this book will reach you.
BUT it's also a fantastic relatable feel good book that leads you to ponder the possibilities of the universe

[Phyllis Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

I’m blown away by how beautifully written this book is. The words used, the phrasing..everything! What incredible writing and what a beautiful story. I highly recommend this book.

[Janice G · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely magical story

Dogs are magical, natural healers. The combination of magical dogs and special people who bring comfort and healing to those who need it makes for a very touching and enjoyable read.

[Tina M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great heartwarming stories

Great stories about real life issues
that have positive impact. This is not a book like ever other one. This book draws you in and makes you feel like you are there as well.

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....a most fulfilling book.

I loved this book from the first sentence. The smiling Dog Cafe is a wondrous place full of real emotions and heartaches. Love and friendship to are huge parts of the book. Tender in places and joyful in others, it's well worth reading.

[Donald J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Fiction That Truly Heals ❤️
This isn’t just a story it’s an experience. Each character carries pain that feels real and relatable, and watching them slowly find peace is incredibly moving. The magical realism is subtle but powerful, making the emotional journeys even more impactful.

[Howard P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Blend of Hope and Heart 🌿
What makes this book special is its sincerity. It never feels forced just honest, comforting, and full of heart. The themes of found family and second chances are handled beautifully, and the dogs add such a touching, almost spiritual layer to the story.

[Stephen M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Anyone Who Needs a Little Light 🌟
This book comes at you gently but stays with you long after. It’s perfect for anyone going through something difficult or just needing a reminder that hope exists. The Smiling Dog Café feels like a place where broken pieces are quietly put back together.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧡🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🧡

[Carol K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What beautiful and touching stories! I hope there will be another book.