North of Broken & Furever Home

by Holly B. Gutwillinger

Renley Nelsen's life is unravelling. She’s caught between midlife melancholy, her sons have drifted away, and her mother's mind is slipping beyond reach.

Sully, the youngest in a pack of abandoned dogs in Ontario's northern woods, knows only survival. Neglected and scarred, his distrust runs deep.

When Renley's closest friend begs her to join a dog rescue mission, she sees an escape. However, the broken animals—especially Sully—force her to confront more than she bargained for. As she works to save the pack, Renley discovers hidden strength and faces an impossible keep running or find the courage to claim the life she deserves.

Told from alternating perspectives between Renley and Sully, this is a story of mutual acceptance, where woman and dog must learn that healing demands the bravery to stay—when everything inside you wants to run.

Genres: Fiction

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

Reviews

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

North of Broken & Furever home by Holly B. Gutwillinger

My review:
Thanks to the author Holly B. Gutwillinger & Olivepresspublishing for this ARC.
NOB&FH is a dual narrative between the FMC Renley - a wife, mother & friend. And A dog. Renleys marriage to Jesse and her life is crumbling around her. This story features midlife melancholy and family ties fracturing. With this dual narrative, both Renley and the dog have to learn the key point - that healing requires the bravery to stay - even when everything inside you wants to run.

From the beginning I felt sorry for Renley - something as simple as misplacing keys - asking for help to recieve none.

And omg the dog POV (Sully) when i read the first chapter from Sully's POV I almost cried it was cute as hell. I feel sorry for that lil doggo.
Omg... I cried like such a girl at the bear scene 😭😭😭... so so sad.

And poor cash. This was such an emotional soppy read for me. But im glad if the positive ending.

5 stars ❤️

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story alternates between Renley, a middle-aged woman navigating loss, identity, and a shifting family dynamic, and Sully, a young dog struggling to survive in a harsh, unforgiving world. This dual perspective is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Renley’s chapters are deeply relatable, filled with the exhaustion of caregiving, the ache of unfulfilled purpose, and the longing to belong to something meaningful. Sully’s voice, on the other hand, is raw, innocent, and heartbreaking, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and loyalty in the face of fear and abandonment.

The parallels between Renley’s internal struggles and Sully’s fight for survival are handled with care, reinforcing the novel’s central theme: healing often begins when we open ourselves to love again, especially the kind that asks for nothing in return.

Animal lovers will find this book especially moving, but the story resonates far beyond that audience. Anyone who has felt lost, unseen, or “north of broken” will recognize themselves in these pages.

North of Broken & Furever Home is a heartfelt, soul-soothing read about second chances, chosen family, and the profound ways humans and animals save one another. This book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, finding a forever home starts with finding yourself.

[Dessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre, but what a hallmark movie of a hug! I think Renley takes more of the blame for her marriage tension than she deserves… otherwise very cute and tender. I liked Sully’s perspective — he’s such a sweetheart. Three and a half stars!

[Emily Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

received arc of book.

this is such a beautiful story of one woman's journey of self-discovery. be prepared to cry.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Olive Press Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I am a huge dog lover, so I was very excited to read about a dog with his own POV. I loved this book. It was very good. The dog POV was very enjoyable, as was the main characters.

[Scribble's Worth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and beautifully written, readers looking for their next feel-good fictional novel will not want to pass up North of Broken & Furever Home by Holly B. Gutwillinger. This is a tug at your heartstrings novel about a woman going through a midlife crisis. Life appears to be in chaos, so when she adopts two high-needs dogs it looks like she may have taken on too much. But could it be that these two dogs are exactly what they each need?
North of Broken & Furever Home draws the eye of readers with a beautiful outdoor scene depicted on the cover. You immediately get the impression of a walking trail traversing the woods. The mind drifts as it imagines a relaxing walk in nature with a furry companion and finding peace. Trees and shrubs dot the landscape as a woman with red hair walks the path. She looks dressed for comfort in a light jacket, comfy pants, and tennis shoes. At her side is a solid black dog as her companion.
Author Gutwillinger begins the story by introducing readers to one of the main characters, Renley. Renley is a middle-aged woman preparing to start her first shift at a local animal shelter. The problem she’s currently experiencing? Finding her keys. For many readers, this will make her immediately relatable. Because how many people have somehow misplaced their keys and then spent more time than is convenient hunting for them? LOL! Well, that is Renley’s starting situation.
During this hunt for the elusive keys, author Gutwillinger drops in a little tidbit of information about Renley. Besides the fact that she’s a mom to two boys and relatively happily married, she’s experienced a recent loss. The family dog, Chance, has passed away. Renley is still struggling with his passing and it shows. While some of her family are ready to move on, she’s not. But could her volunteering at the animal shelter be the unexpected “push” that she needs to open her heart to a new dog?
North of Broken & Furever Home has two main characters. We’re introduced first to Renley, a human, and then author Gutwillinger, introduces us to Sully, a puppy. When we meet Sully, he’s a homeless pup living on the streets with his mother and older brother. Author Gutwillinger gives readers some insight into the life of a pup on the streets.
If you didn’t already guess it, life is hard. Winter is setting in and with no real place to go to for shelter, Sully aka Little Dog and his family move from place to place. Hunger and cold are constant companions in addition to his family. Danger lurks all around from other dogs who don’t want them around, nature itself, and more. You’ll hope for the best when it comes to Sully, but things rarely go the way that we want them to.
North of Broken & Furever Home alternates between Renley and little Sully. Renley’s story is told from the third person, and Sully’s story is told from the first person. It’s a little strange in the beginning for the story to unfold in this manner, but as you read...you’ll discover that it works. Since Sully really can’t talk like humans, getting into his head is the next best thing.
As you learn about both Sully and Renley, you’ll begin to see that these two would be good fits for each other. Of course, Renley thinks the same way when she finally crosses paths with little Sully. This is amplified by the way that she decides on a name for him not long after helping catch him and a group of other stray dogs. You just know that some names when you discover them are the perfect fit and Sully is no exception.
Author Gutwillinger writes an engaging story that draws readers in from the beginning. It’s a mix of heartwarming and realistic. North of Broken & Furever Home is a story that will stir the emotions as Renley struggles with the various changes in her life, and then also the lack of change in other aspects. Her two sons are about to both be in college. She wants more from life with her job, and her marriage? Well, things are getting strained.
There isn’t any deep diving into Renley’s marriage and her relationship with her mother in North of Broken & Furever Home. But you get the sense that there is a story waiting there. Why is there so much drama between Renley and her mother? Does it have anything to do with the passing of her father? Or has this tension and often times resentment been there long before this?
While author Gutwillinger doesn’t delve too deeply into the inter-familial relationships it doesn’t detract from the overall storyline. We hate to admit it, but you will be left with questions concerning Renley and her familial relationships. The marital struggles and the under the surface resentment toward her mother. It would have been nice to dig deeper into this, but then the main story might have gotten derailed.
North of Broken & Furever Home is an engaging story, especially when you get on Sully’s chapters. You get to experience what he experiences. This story is more than meets the eye. What you’re expecting on the surface is a story about a woman struggling and how a couple of dogs helped change her life. But there is more to it than that.
North of Broken & Furever Home is a story that looks to educate and inform those who pick it up. Two of the dogs in the story, Cash and Sully, experience the pain of being returned to the animal shelter. Cash is classified as “high energy.” Families think he’s a great choice until...he proves to be too much of a challenge. There is no clear indicator as to whether this animal shelter is a “no kill” or not, but you get the sense that Cash only has so many chances left.
Sully on the other hand, you think for a brief time that maybe he’s found his “furever home.” But wait...isn’t he supposed to end up with Renley? Just wait, everything will unfold in the way that it is supposed to. What we do get is we get to see Sully’s experience with this family. There isn’t a lot of detail, but you’ll get the sense that this is not the “ideal” family for a dog who is more shy and cautious than he is exuberant and playful.
Eventually everything comes together in the way that it is supposed to be, but that doesn’t mean smooth sailing. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Renley still has a tough road ahead of her, and now with two high-need dogs, she’s going to really be pushed. You’ll enjoy the journey of watching her discover herself and exactly who she needs to be.
While North of Broken & Furever Home is a standalone novel, we would honestly love to read more about Sully and Cash. Of course, it would also be interesting to see how Renley continues to navigate and mend her various relationships.
For those looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings, North of Broken & Furever Home will be that book. This novel is more than a story about two dogs and a middle-aged woman helping each other heal. North of Broken & Furever Home tucks in a little lesson about adopting animals while not being preachy. It is definitely worth reading.

Pros:

• Engaging
• Heartwarming
• Realistic
• Tucks in a small bit of information about adopting an animal.

Cons:

• Doesn’t go in-depth in areas we would have liked more concerning Renley and her familial relationships.

[Heather Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
One think I discovered in my 2025 reading life was how much I enjoyed POVs from animals and inanimate objects throughout the story.

In North of Broken & Furever Home you follow two stories. First you have Renley, a woman dealing with crippling anxiety, a dead end job and grieving the death of her beloved dog. She is struggling being an empty nester as her boys go away to school and her relationship with her husband is strained. Her only joy is her volunteer work at the local shelter but even then she questions her abilities.
Then you have Sully, a scared and timid pup trying to survive the wilderness with a pack of strays including his brother that feel he is more dead weight than helpful.
When their paths start to cross during a rescue mission that sees the dogs brought into the safety and comfort of the shelter, their instant connection helps to bring them both out of their shells and help them both find purpose.
A heart warming and sweet story of the power that animas bring into our lives and how important they become as members of our families.

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

<4.5/5

North of Broken & Furever Home by Holly B. Gutwillinger is a warm, emotional, dog-centred novel about grief, rescue, midlife restlessness, family tension, and the strange, healing ways animals enter our lives exactly when we need them. The story follows Renley, a forty-seven-year-old wife, mother, shelter volunteer, and lifelong “serial starter,” who is still grieving the loss of her dog Chance while trying to understand what her life means now that her sons are leaving home. Parallel to Renley’s story is Sully’s: a young stray dog trying to survive in the northern wilderness after being separated from his mother and pack.

The dual perspective is the book’s most distinctive feature. Renley’s chapters are grounded in the recognisable messiness of domestic life whereas Sully’s chapters, told from the dog’s point of view, bring a very different emotional cadence that is vulnerable, instinctive, sometimes heartbreaking, and often surprisingly funny. His world of Mama, Middle Dog, Big Dog, Salty Dog, Lazy Dog, Tree, and the humans who may or may not be safe gives the novel its tenderest emotional pull.

What I appreciated most is that author Gutwillinger does not make animal rescue look simple or sentimental. The book understands that rescue is not just the happy moment of bringing a dog home; it is fear, logistics, exhaustion, guilt, medical worries, failed placements, behavioural challenges, and the slow building of trust. The rescue trip to Hidden River is one of the strongest sections of the novel because it brings Renley’s internal arc and Sully’s survival story together. Renley is not only rescuing a dog; she is proving to herself that she can do hard things, step beyond the comfort of her routine, and still has a self outside motherhood, marriage, and responsibility.

What stayed with me most is the way the novel treats dogs not as accessories to human healing, but as emotional beings with fear, memory, attachment, confusion, and their own need for safety. Sully and Cash are not simply “rescues” who fix Renley’s life. They complicate it, expand it, exhaust it, and ultimately enrich it. By the end, the title’s playfulness feels earned: “furever home” is not just about where a dog lands, but about the ongoing work of choosing love, patience, and belonging every day.

Overall, North of Broken & Furever Home is a heartfelt and comforting novel for readers who love animal stories, family dramas, and gentle emotional journeys. It is tender without being weightless, honest without being bleak, and especially moving in its understanding that healing rarely arrives suddenly. Sometimes, it comes in muddy paws, worried eyes, nervous tail wags, and the decision to open the door again.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

What a powerful, heartfelt and compelling story. The balance of emotional depth and world building was astonishing, and the connection readers formed between the characters and the world itself was strong. The alternating POVs of both Renley and Sully was able to give readers a fresh perspective of the relationship between a pet and their pet parent, or in more broad terms animal and man.

The heart of this narrative was in the powerful themes and messaging behind these characters. From the close perspective on mental health and the special bond between people and their pets, to the struggles to find your own identity and find your footing in the world, these themes helped flesh out these characters greatly and keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in their journey.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, entertaining, and memorable, author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home” is a must-read contemporary drama following family dynamics, a journey of identity, and heartfelt connection. The depth of heart and the rich, dynamic character development will keep readers glued to the page until the book’s final pages.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novel, the author weaves together two parallel journeys of healing, one human, one canine into a story about loss, second chances, and the quiet courage it takes to open your heart again.

The book features Renley, a woman navigating midlife restlessness, the ache of an emptying nest, and the lingering grief of losing her beloved dog. Her volunteer work at an animal shelter becomes more than just a way to fill time, it becomes a lifeline. Through Renley’s eyes, the author captures the often-unseen emotional labor of caregiving, the weight of always being “the dependable one,” and the longing to feel purposeful in a life that has begun to feel routine.

Running alongside Renley’s story is the heartbreaking and beautifully imagined perspective of Sully, a young stray dog trying to survive in a harsh world.

This is not just a “dog lover’s book.” It’s a story for anyone who has felt a little lost in their own life, who has struggled with grief, or who believes that love, whether between people or between humans and animals can be profoundly healing.

[Melina Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

North of Broken & Furever Home is a contemporary novel by Holly B. Gutwillinger that's perfect for any reader no matter what genre you enjoy.

Firstly, ​I absolutely love the title of this book. I rarely feel the need to point that out, but it is incredibly unique and clever while remaining perfectly tied to the central theme.

​Because we get Sully’s point of view, you have to be emotionally prepared before diving in. The dual perspective between human and dog is a standout feature; it allows us to witness both sides of the story, their individual struggles, and how their journeys eventually fit together.

​This is easily one of my favorite books of the month. It offers a poignant look into the profound bond between animals and humans. Even when their paths are rocky, you can’t help but feel deeply for both characters. Having three rescue animals myself might make me a bit biased, but this story hits all the right emotional notes.

[Dani Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

North of Broken & Forever Home by Holly B. Gutwillinger is a perfect read for those going through their midlife scenarios and dealing with other issues. Renley's life is being pulled apart and it's leaving her feeling unbalanced. Then, she's invited to join a dog rescue mission. From there Renley finds her passion, finds herself, and heals along the way. Plus, there is a super cute rescue dog, Sully, who also gets a viewpoint in this read. I loved experiencing everything through both the human and furry characters of this book. Readers explore a lot of deep topics such as communication, marriage, grief, healing, family life, and finding purpose. Holly B. Gutwillinger's writing is clear and entertaining. Being of the same age group of the main character, I really enjoyed this emotional adventure. Overall, if you love animals, contemporary issues, and women's fiction then this book is a must read!

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Liisa Kovala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Gutwillinger’s North of Broken: Furever Home is a moving story about love and acceptance. Renley is a highly relatable middle-aged mother of two, a nearly empty-nester, struggling with anxiety, and frustrated at her job, but she finds joy in volunteering at the local shelter. Through Sully’s point-of-view, Gutwillinger writes with compassion about his experiences as a dog grieving for his mother and rescued by humans only to encounter a strange new world. The reader comes to love both characters and understand their individual struggles and their need for connection. North of Broken: Furever Home is a touching story of grief, belonging, friendship, and healing that will stay with you long after you have finished the last page. Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader copy with me.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

North of Broken and Furever Home is a sweet, gentle story that will especially resonate with dog lovers.

The book moves between two timelines, following a woman finding her footing and Sully, an abandoned dog in Ontario’s northern woods. As the youngest of his pack, Sully must face the wilderness before being rescued and learning to adjust to life with humans. Reading his journey was especially moving for me, as I have a rescue who was found as a stray. Not knowing a dog’s history, their triggers, or what shaped them can be both challenging and emotional, and the book captures that perfectly.

While there are a few sad moments, at its heart this is a “who saved who” story. Tender, comforting, and full of love for animals, it’s a reminder of how deeply they can change our lives, often when we need it most.

[Jan Andrea Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the two perspectives throughout this story. It was a vulnerable, introspective, growth journey for both dog and owner, each searching for the other to fill a void in their lives. Renley is a symbol of many women trying to find their new role when adult children move away. Her insecurities seem to analyze her every move, relationship and calling through this season. Sully, a rescue dog is left without his pack and parallel’s Renley’s need for a new chapter which includes peace, security, a clear purpose and love. These two fall into step with one another, being each other’s emotional support dog/human. It has certainly made me look at my dog a little longer and give him an extra scratch behind the ear.

[Ashli · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an animal lover, and someone who recently had to say goodbye to a beloved furbaby, this story felt incredibly special to me. I was truly honored to receive an ARC. Told through a dual perspective of both a woman and a dog, the narrative beautifully captures their individual growth, their deepening bond, and a shared journey of second chances. By the end, they rescue each other in the most tender way, and I’ll fully admit I shed more than a few tears. This book is wonderfully unique and genuinely beautiful, a story that stays with you long after the final page.

[Carrie Birde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who’s rescued a pet understands the bond that can form. If we’re lucky, we may feel as though we’ve met our soulmate in animal form. In her debut novel, “North of Broken & Furever Home”, Holly B. Gutwillinger explores this idea from two points of view. Set in Ontario, a woman named Renley and Sully, aka Little Dog, experience parallel disruptions to their lives, families, and extended support systems that propel them unwittingly toward one another. This is a story of healing, mutual trust, and co-creating an interconnected path toward a happier – and furrier – future.

[Cindy Ojczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don't know what dogs think and feel, but we do know as humans what it means to be lost AND found. I enjoyed the author's perspective on both. If you enjoy stories of resilience and discovery, you'll find a home in this novel.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming 💞

Absolutely heartwarming tale of love, acceptance, self discovery, and lessons that can be found in the oddest places IF you open your heart to see them. 💞

[Chelseahmac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to Holly on her debut novel!! What a wonderful and heartfelt read! Very inspiring story. Give North of Broken & Furever Home a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

[Anne Smith-Nochasak · Rating 5 out of 5]

In North of Broken & Furever Home, Holly B. Gutwillinger explores the ways in which we are broken--and the ways in which we are healed. Renley Nelsen does not have a simple life: Her beloved dog companion has died, her sons are now both in university, she is emotionally abused and manipulated by her mother, and there is tension in communication between herself and her husband. She volunteers at an animal rescue shelter run by a close friend, but feels the rest of the staff is judging her. In addition, she worries that her mother's mental health issues will manifest in her own life. She is a woman struggling to come to terms with many things, and her issues, although unique, will resonate with readers.

The other protagonist is Sully, a homeless pup living in the northern bush; he has freedom, but also faces cold, hunger, pack disputes, predators, and the ever present danger of being hunted down hunted down as a danger to the nearly towns. Sully and the pack he joins, fleeing through the bush, brought back many memories of heartbreaking stories for me. I was also very pleased with the way she sees into the actions and reactions of the rescue dog: Many assume that the grateful dog will immediately turn into a loyal, submissive pet. The author teaches us here to respect the bewilderment, the anxiety, and the fears that the dog is experiencing. This is important.

The stories will merge in a moving and graceful way, but this does not mean the resolution will be easy. Moments of grace are often hard work, with much heartbreak along the way. For her understanding of human nature and canine nature, for an authentic and compelling story, I highly recommend North of Broken & Furever Home.