A Heartbeat at My Feet

by Kristin Judd

Fate has a sense of humor in this witty, heartfelt tale of love and second chances told in two perspectives—a woman in midlife desperate for something new, and a lost dog seeking his purpose.

After years of dreams deferred, Josie Ballard’s life is about to change. She and her husband are off to Sorrento for a summer adventure, but on the eve of their departure, Josie discovers his infidelity. Devastated, she leaves her faithless husband, heading for the sun-drenched Italian coast. Alone, future unknown.

Five thousand miles away, Cicero, a rather snobbish terrier of indeterminate breeding, is likewise living an upturned life after his beloved human’s passing. Heartbroken, he wanders the wilds of Pompeii. When a flustered tourist with a kind smile appears in the ruins, clutching her tote bag and map, Cicero and Josie collide like the two lost souls they are.

In a series of turns as twisty as Sorrento’s streets, Cicero leads Josie to her second Hugo, a charming and somewhat contrary local bookseller. Against a backdrop of quaint villages, sun-dappled olive orchards, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, Hugo and Josie embark on a friendship that just might tiptoe into romance, with little Cicero to help them along the way—for dogs, he reasons, are nothing if not experts when it comes to love.

Genres: Fiction, Animals, Italy, Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Chick Lit

285 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 1, 2026

Reviews

[Laura]

Josie feels like a real-life friend who I was rooting for throughout the entirety of her wonderfully delightful adventure. A Heartbeat at My Feet made me cheer out loud, laugh out loud, and nearly adopt a dog! The hilarity of the story as told from Cicero’s four-legged point of view still has me in stitches. A lovely story of resilience, bravery, and above all else - love.

[Erika Bazzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much goodness! Loved having the back and forth POV of our leading lady and her beloved pup. Great story about family, fate and true love.

[Cindy P Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I have read in a long time!! I could relate to this story in more ways than I could have anticipated or imagined when selected it as my “next read.” Highly recommend if prepared for an engaging intertwining of people plus countries with many emotions. Highly recommend.

[Nancy McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not crying…. Oh what a lovely lovely story. I got this kindle ebook as part of first reads on prime. What a beautiful story about love and heartbreak and believing. It’s told through the alternating viewpoints of a dog, Cicero and a woman named Josie. I truly enjoyed this. Josie experiences unexpected heartbreak which takes her on an experience to Italy where she discovers more about herself along the way. It’s an easy read and well written. You will fall in love with Cicero the dog and it may leave you with a full heart and a few tears. Highly recommend

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon First Reads pick July, 2026

[Lisa Bono]

Well, this was a sweet story. A fantasy in many ways. I tend to dislike magical realism, but I was not bothered by the way the ghost was handled. It added something to the dynamic of it. The beginning half is a bit rough; there are a lot of feels. I love the way that the author describes Italy and the challenges of handling the travel alone when you’re used to relying on someone else or just the presence of someone else. That feels authentic. There are a lot of predictable elements, but you know what you’re getting when you start the book. I was less fond of some of the character development for Josie. She is supposed to have this huge growth, but throughout, she relies on men. There’s a part in the middle where you feel her starting to become independent. But then, she goes back to letting the man in her life make decisions. I get it—she experiences shock when her father unexpectedly has a stroke. I’m fine with her letting other people make decisions at that moment. But then it’s her father that says she shouldn’t go back to Mark and she realizes that he’s right. No! She should have come to that conclusion. From then on, Howard, Charlie, and Hugo tell her what to do. Even the male ghost is steering her life. Hell, the dog is a dude. There are only a few minor female characters—what about her best friend, Ellen? Where was she? Her father says something about her taking care of everyone else all her life and now it was time to let other people take care of you. Okay, I get that, but what about her learning to take care of herself? Isn’t that the message? The character did take care of herself in the middle of the story, which honestly was the most part. I understand there had to be some resolution to her previous life, but I would’ve loved to see some more self determination from the character. I’ve ranted for a bit. I did enjoy the book. I wish it had wrapped up a bit differently, although the differences would’ve been minor in terms of effects but major for the character.

[sniksnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and touching novel illustrating that second chances often come with four paws.
The story centers on Josie, a woman in midlife who has long postponed her dreams for others. As she prepares for a long awaited summer trip to Sorrento, Italy, with her husband, she discovers his betrayal. Refusing to let heartbreak define her, she travels alone to the sunlit Amalfi Coast, embarking on a journey of self discovery amidst lemon groves, sparkling seas, and ancient ruins.
Meanwhile, Cicero, a snobbish terrier with a philosophical soul, faces his own turmoil after losing his owner. Wandering the ruins of Pompeii in search of purpose, fate humorously intertwines his path with Josie’s.
This irresistible tale of healing, friendship, and unexpected romance is narrated through alternating perspectives, blending Josie’s warmth with Cicero’s witty canine insights. Set against the backdrop of southern Italy, Josie learns to trust herself again, while Cicero demonstrates that dogs may be the wisest matchmakers. Lighthearted, uplifting, and emotionally profound, this novel combines romance with a touch of magical realism through the dog’s role and subtle elements like a “ghost” from Cicero’s past. It’s enchanting, humorous, tear jerking, and hopeful. It’s ideal for those who love second chance stories, dog-centric tales, and Italian escapes.

**As a Prime member, this is a free Amazon First Reads - Releases August 1, 2026.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a sweet, beautifully-written story about second chances at love. A HEARTBEAT AT MY FEET is a delightful tale about just that -- with a lovely twist. Both Josie and Cicero are nursing broken hearts, Josie because her husband had an affair and Cicero because his master has died, leaving him to scavenge for survival with other street dogs. I loved Josie’s sensible, grounded ethics. They speak to every woman who wishes they had come to their senses sooner when their guy cheated on them. Cicero’s voice was a hoot - he may be a snob but he's also loyal ad loving. There was a point in the story when it would've been all too easy for the author to invent conflict by using the cliché of ‘how could you have kept this from me?’ followed by a long drawn out period of indignation and misunderstanding, but she resisted.
And a bonus: Kristin Judd’s lyrical descriptions of Southern Italy put travel guides to shame - the oleander flowers with their leaves fluttering in a warm breeze, the sun-kissed sparkling sea, the glorious scent of Italian meals lovingly prepared. This is a tale that enchants from start to finish.

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for a cover quote! A HEARTBEAT AT MY FEET is at once a sumptuous travelogue, an irrepressible dog's tale (tail?), and a voyage of self-discovery. Empty-nester Josie finds herself in Italy alone and broken-hearted when her husband leaves her for another woman and a long-planned romantic vacation becomes a solo trip. Impulsively adopting a scruffy terrier named Cicero from the ruins of Pompeii, Josie begins picking up the pieces of her heart as she journeys from Sorrento to Naples to Capri, unaware that Cicero is trailing the ghost of his former owner...who has his own plans for Josie's future, and sets Cicero to matchmaking. Josie's lovable warmth contrasts delightfully with Cicero's acerbic commentary—I would have happily followed this adorable duo all over Italy. Pour yourself a prosecco, put the pasta on to boil, and lose yourself to the Tuscan delight of Kristin Judd's latest.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book through Amazon Prime Reading - pure serendipity. What a delightful book! Cicero is a wonderful Italian dog who is living his life as best he can. His first family was Giorgio who read aloud to him and talked to him. Cicero is intelligent and alert, but his understanding of "family" changes as the book progresses. He finds his second family with Josie, an American, who adopts him thinking him a stray. Cicero doesn't understand Josie's words because he doesn't speak English, but he learns important things like food and walk. Cicero ultimately brings Giorgio's son Hugo and Josie together, even though that is not his intention, that is until Giorgio's ghost helps. By the end of the book Cicero is at home again and very happy. Grab the tissues for the last scene! This is a heartfelt, warm, and wonderful read.

[Pat Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristin Judd's "A Heartbeat at My Feet,"
carried me on a wonderful romp from
heartbreak to a whole-hearted conclusion.
Her characters range from authentic and
thoughtful to exasperating and contemptible.
All their dilemmas rang true.

Her descriptions of Italy's beautiful villages
and historic sites made me feel as if I were there.
And the genuineness of her narrators, Josie and Cicero,
kept me turning pages hoping for the best.

Josie reflects that, "Everyone, really, was just
figuring out life along the way, stumbling and
getting up again and again." And her soulful dog
narrator, Cicero, sums it all up with, "Love who you
were sent to love." I laughed and I cried and I felt
full of hope.

[Erin Litteken · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend of humor and heart, Kristin Judd’s A HEARTBEAT AT MY FEET is a sweet escape into the gorgeous Italian countryside with two unforgettable characters. After a lifetime of putting others first and discovering her husband’s infidelity, Josie embarks upon the trip of a lifetime to find herself. Along the way she forges a beautiful relationship with the incomparable Cicero, a wise terrier grappling with his own devastating loss. I adored their heartwarming connection, Josie’s authenticity as she reclaims her life and discovers new love, and the insightful way Judd voiced Cicero’s endearing personality. An absolute delight in every way!

[Claudia Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartbeat at My Feet is a beautifully written, sharp-witted read with characters that stay with you long after you have finished the book. Cicero, "a dog born rather introverted....with a tendency toward snobbery", anchors the book with his grief, love and insightful knowing that really, the meaning of life is "Love who you were sent to love". Josie navigates her shock and disappointment with her unfaithful husband, and takes off to Italy on a solo trip where she meets Cicero at Pompeii, both of them grieving and lost. It's a must read for those who still have faith in humanity and know that their furry friends have a lot to teach them. I loved this book!

[Babydoclaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this as part of Amazon First Reads. This is a sweet love story told from the perspective of a dog, Cicero, and a woman, Josie. Josie is going to Italy on a long awaited trip, but just before she goes, she finds out her husband of 20+ years has been unfaithful. She goes anyway, and in committing to her now solo trip, finds a way to deal with her heart break and life choices. Cicero has just lost his human, and the story also shares how he deals with his grief and life from his perspective. There are beautiful scenes in Italy, and in Kansas, where Josie is from, and challenges both Cicero and Josie face. The sweet romance that evolves from someone Josie meets in Italy, through Cicero, is lovely. I have not read this either before and I will be sure to check out her other work. thanks to Amazon First Reads for this book.

[KitKatGenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, cozy read

This book was a breath of fresh air! I love stories where dogs are more than just companions—they're central to the story—and this one delivered beautifully.

This was a heartfelt, page-turning read that took me on an emotional journey. I laughed, cried, and found myself completely invested in the characters and their lives. The writing was smooth and engaging, with seamless transitions between the different points of view that kept the story flowing effortlessly.

If you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with memorable canine companions, this is definitely a book worth reading. It touched my heart, and I was sorry to see it end.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you thank you for this very hope-filled and positive book. I loved when Cicero found Josie and they found Hugo (that relationship was a bit bumpy for Cicero!) Josie was set for a long awaited trip to Italy with her husband after years of being frugal and careful only to find out he has been having an affair for awhile. She decides to go to Italy herself and in doing so discovers many things about herself and her married life that were 'hidden away' She has some help from Cicero a 'homeless' dog missing his companion terribly. A book of self finding and discoveries and journeys. You will sigh when it ends!

[Lois Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unlikely pair meet in Italy after both of their lives have been wrecked. The first one is a lady facing a sudden divorce after twenty years, and the second wrecked life is that of a lost dog who couldn't save himself because he is a "philosopher" instead of a practical mutt.

They have a life-changing adventure together which made this reader laugh, cry, and cheer for their brave and radical decisions. I was reminded that leaning into an unknown future can be worth the risk of finding out what you want and who or what you truly love. Lois

[Laura Ballori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This book was just gorgeous. Beautifully written, featuring lovely people and wisdom. I don’t know why the idea of a dog narrator made me think it’d be fluffy. It most definitely was not fluffy. Cicero was wise but not annoyingly so. I worried for a bit in the middle that a predictable conflict might happen dampening my love of the book but it didn’t. For a bit at the beginning Josie was a bit annoying but I’m glad I got past that. This is my favorite Prime First book ever.

[Lucy Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and uplifting book ...

This was an Amazon reads recommendation and maybe because I'm a dog lover it appealed to me.

But the story is about so much more than a dog and his observations on life. A love story, but one framed against a realistic background that I'm sure many women will relate to...

Beautiful descriptions of the Italian Amalfi coast, transposed against the background of small town living in Kansas in the USA. Altogether a lovely read with a great ending.

[Gill Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sun, sea, gelato, and limoncello form a backdrop to this heartwarming tale in which a betrayed woman and a bereaved terrier form a bond. Cicero is a true original: a wise old soul who understands the meaning of life better than most humans and doesn't hesitate to let his opinions be known. This is a page-turner of a story about second chances, about learning to love again – and about trusting the instincts of our canine companions.

[Michelle R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Remarkably Bright Creatures and You, Me & Tuscany will absolutely adore this book. The characters are memorable and charming, especially Cicero, a four-legged furry philosopher who is wiser beyond his dog years. Spend your August in Italy without leaving the comfort of your own home and follow in Josie's footsteps as she experiences heartbreak and learns to trust herself and others again.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the feel-good book everyone has been waiting for. An endearing dog, a romance, a ghost. What more could any reader want? Mixed together by a skilled author who sprinkles in just enough Italian to make her reader believe we are on the sunny streets of Sorrento with her imperfect and deeply resonant characters. If you wanted to escape to Italy this summer or fall, even for short visit, this is the book for you.

[Constance Norgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heartbeat at My Feet: A Novel Kristin Judd

A great book to enjoy and I do love dogs. Cicero finds a way to many hearts and teaching them how to love. A romance it an atypical way. Kansas is at first home then everything changes and fast. Next comes a longed vacation to Italy. There what happens changes the lives of all who are in the story. The dog handles it all.

[Adrienne Shumate · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

And a beautiful reminder that life is for the living. I loved the weaving in of a dog’s perspective in this lovely heartwarming story of second chances and making the most of every day. Josie’s story was an emotional one at every turn- one I’m glad I got to experience with her.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A July 2026 Prime First Reads.

Out of many excellent First Reads choices this month this one captured my heart and hasn't yet let me go. The love that permeated this story, much of the setting on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Cicero the little terrier with the big heart. Just Wow. I want more...a sequel please!

[Karen Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story

I didn’t want to read a sad story about a dog but I decided to start reading and I could stop if I needed to. I didn’t stop. This is a lovely book about loss, betrayal, loyalty, love, and so much more. The main characters are depicted honestly and the dog, Cicero, has a big personality and an unrelenting spirit. A beautiful story.

[Nancy M. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog Love!

This was such a good read! I did not want to put it down at night. My dog wondered why I wasn’t hugging and loving her at night—my nose was in this book! And of course Sorrento and the Amalfi coast was fun to read about, bringing back my joy of being there. I highly recommend this book!

[Jordana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, cry, and often both at the same time. Cicero is an endearing dog, Josie and Hugo and Josie’s dad felt like good friends I wanted to share cappuccino with. I felt transported right to the streets of Italy. Well written with so many great lines. I never wanted it to end!

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters, both human and canine. Kristin does a fantastic job of painting a picture so vividly with her words. I felt like I was in Italy riding along with Cicero! Can't wait to check out other titles by this author.

[Sherry Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

For dog lovers who are controlled by dogs

I love the title of this book because it describes perfectly. My little Chiweenie (hog of the bed) follows me everywhere. She’s a two time rescue but is a wonderful little companion.