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The Stray Dogs
The next uplifting, feel-good romp about pups and friendship from the million-copy bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things.
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It's never too late for a fresh start - whether you're on two legs or four...
When burnt-out city vet Leona Lennox moves to the market town of Fiddlers Green determined to set up a dog rescue centre, recently divorced Desmond Leaks takes an instant shine to her and makes a rash promise to get his college band back together for some fundraising gigs.
Although The Wild Boys haven't played together in years, Desmond and his best friend Johnny have no trouble persuading their old drummer to reform as The Stray Dogs. But charismatic frontman Darcus McGuire, the magic ingredient in the original line-up, is harder to track down, and Desmond is strangely reluctant to try
.
After a disastrous first gig and objections by the neighbours, the future of the rescue centre looks ever more uncertain. But the residents of Fiddlers Green are not to be underestimated, particularly when the fates of their four-legged friends are at stake.
And meanwhile, the elusive Darcus McGuire might just be ready to make a comeback...
Lost dogs and lost people alike find new beginnings and unexpected routes to happiness in this gorgeously uplifting story filled with Ruth Hogan's trademark wit and warmth.
__________________________
Praise for Ruth
'WARM, COMPASSIONATE, WITTY' MIKE GAYLE
'LIFE-AFFIRMING' CELIA ANDERSON
'FULL OF HOPE' PRIMA
_________________________________
It's never too late for a fresh start - whether you're on two legs or four...
When burnt-out city vet Leona Lennox moves to the market town of Fiddlers Green determined to set up a dog rescue centre, recently divorced Desmond Leaks takes an instant shine to her and makes a rash promise to get his college band back together for some fundraising gigs.
Although The Wild Boys haven't played together in years, Desmond and his best friend Johnny have no trouble persuading their old drummer to reform as The Stray Dogs. But charismatic frontman Darcus McGuire, the magic ingredient in the original line-up, is harder to track down, and Desmond is strangely reluctant to try
.
After a disastrous first gig and objections by the neighbours, the future of the rescue centre looks ever more uncertain. But the residents of Fiddlers Green are not to be underestimated, particularly when the fates of their four-legged friends are at stake.
And meanwhile, the elusive Darcus McGuire might just be ready to make a comeback...
Lost dogs and lost people alike find new beginnings and unexpected routes to happiness in this gorgeously uplifting story filled with Ruth Hogan's trademark wit and warmth.
__________________________
Praise for Ruth
'WARM, COMPASSIONATE, WITTY' MIKE GAYLE
'LIFE-AFFIRMING' CELIA ANDERSON
'FULL OF HOPE' PRIMA
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Ruth Hogan
14 books2,867 followersI was born in the house where my parents still live in Bedford: my sister was so pleased to have a sibling that she threw a thrupenny bit at me. As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on: The Moomintrolls, A Hundred Million Francs, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the back of cereal packets and gravestones. I was mad about dogs and horses, but didn't like daddy-long-legs or sugar in my tea.
I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.
I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones.
I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.
I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 31, 2026
Dog has had a chequered past and it seems yet again he’s on the look out for HIS person.
Plumber Desmond is newly divorced and stuck in a bit of a rut if truth be told, but, as his happy customers will tell you he’’ll always go the extra mile.
Vet Leona Lennox is leaving her current job, but she needs to get through her last day first and it’s a bit of a sad bruiser. However, fresh starts and all that and in a few days time she moves into a wreck of a house known as Applejack Farm in Fiddlers Green, with collie Goose, once upon a time, Bob, but that’s another story. What Leo would really like to do is to open a rescue home for unwanted dogs which she tells Desmond once they meet when he offers his services as a plumber. He also suggests some fundraising via his old band who he renames The Stray Dogs, however, their former a front man Darcus McGuire is proving hard to track down.
There’s no doubt this is a feel good novel which is Ruth Hogan‘s trademark. It has gentle humour and lovely characters, some of whom have cheesy surnames but which do make me smile. All the characters are likeable bar one, but that person will probably get their comeuppance if warm hearted hairdresser Vera has anything to do with it. She is wonderful and though it’s hard to pick a favourite character, it’s probably her as she’s rarely fazed and her salon is at the very heart of this delightful place.
As for the dogs, well, this dog lover is hugely charmed by Goose, Maverick and of course, Dog whose life has been hard, I feel the need to mention Die Hard the absolutely hilarious foulmouthed parrot who sure makes me laugh. On a serious note, the author via Leo, makes excellent points about dog ownership and how ill prepared some people are, which becomes very apparent during the Covid pandemic.
Whilst there’s no doubt I really enjoy the novel, it’s perfect for dog lovers and it’s highly entertaining, there’s quite a bit of repetition to reinforce points which I’m not quite so keen on. However, if you’re in the market for a heartwarming, easy read novel which centres on a wonderful community, it’s animals, especially the dogs then this one is for you.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Corvus for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Plumber Desmond is newly divorced and stuck in a bit of a rut if truth be told, but, as his happy customers will tell you he’’ll always go the extra mile.
Vet Leona Lennox is leaving her current job, but she needs to get through her last day first and it’s a bit of a sad bruiser. However, fresh starts and all that and in a few days time she moves into a wreck of a house known as Applejack Farm in Fiddlers Green, with collie Goose, once upon a time, Bob, but that’s another story. What Leo would really like to do is to open a rescue home for unwanted dogs which she tells Desmond once they meet when he offers his services as a plumber. He also suggests some fundraising via his old band who he renames The Stray Dogs, however, their former a front man Darcus McGuire is proving hard to track down.
There’s no doubt this is a feel good novel which is Ruth Hogan‘s trademark. It has gentle humour and lovely characters, some of whom have cheesy surnames but which do make me smile. All the characters are likeable bar one, but that person will probably get their comeuppance if warm hearted hairdresser Vera has anything to do with it. She is wonderful and though it’s hard to pick a favourite character, it’s probably her as she’s rarely fazed and her salon is at the very heart of this delightful place.
As for the dogs, well, this dog lover is hugely charmed by Goose, Maverick and of course, Dog whose life has been hard, I feel the need to mention Die Hard the absolutely hilarious foulmouthed parrot who sure makes me laugh. On a serious note, the author via Leo, makes excellent points about dog ownership and how ill prepared some people are, which becomes very apparent during the Covid pandemic.
Whilst there’s no doubt I really enjoy the novel, it’s perfect for dog lovers and it’s highly entertaining, there’s quite a bit of repetition to reinforce points which I’m not quite so keen on. However, if you’re in the market for a heartwarming, easy read novel which centres on a wonderful community, it’s animals, especially the dogs then this one is for you.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Corvus for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
September 3, 2026
A stray dog rescue center, music by a band called The Stray Dogs written by the great Ruth Hogan Win Win Win it doesn’t get much better than The Stray Dogs!!!
June 8, 2026
The Stray Dogs by Ruth Hogan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book from this author. Leo has left her job as a vet in the city and moves to the countryside and sets up a dog rescue centre. The book will draw at your heartstrings. Great writing. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy. Publication date August 2026
Another great book from this author. Leo has left her job as a vet in the city and moves to the countryside and sets up a dog rescue centre. The book will draw at your heartstrings. Great writing. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy. Publication date August 2026
June 13, 2026
A beautiful, heartwarming, emotional story that will pull at your heartstrings and let you shed a tear or two but in a good way. Thoroughly enjoyable.
With many thanks to Atlantic Books and Corvus, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.
With many thanks to Atlantic Books and Corvus, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vet Leona 'Leo' Lennox leaves her busy city practice to move to the countryside and open a rescue centre for dogs. Unexpectedly, she finds a supportive community and romance along the way.
The Stray Dogs by Ruth Hogan immediately appealed to me; I loved the author's previous two books, I really enjoy uplifting fiction, and I'm an animal lover. This book offers it all. I did approach it with a little trepidation though, wondering how many times I'd be reaching for the tissues.
Leo has become jaded with her life as a vet. Having sold her share of the practice she owns, she's working her last day when a terrible pet owner shows up, insisting that his dog be euthanised. You can feel Leo's despair as she tries to convince the owner that there are other options, but he's adamant. All of this confirms for Leo that she's made the right decision to leave.
Arriving in the small town of Fiddlers Green, Leo meets local plumber Desmond. Desmond is one of those characters who will help anyone. Taking a shine to Leo, he immediately offers support for her project. Being set in a small town, this is one of those places where everyone knows everyone else, and there is a strong sense of community. Mixed in among the individuals willing to help are quite a few eccentric characters who help to keep the story light. There's also an antagonist, who is just the right side of being a pantomime villain to have you staring daggers whenever they appear.
As well as being a tale about community, it is primarily a story of second chances. From the abandoned dogs that Leo gives a home to, through to the men Desmond was in a band with when he was younger. The dogs are offered unconditional love. For Desmond and his band mates, it's something different; a chance to reconnect, to find a purpose, to heal wounds.
The trepidation I felt at the beginning was unfounded. There are some sad elements to the storyline, but the author doesn't exploit these for emotional effect. I would, however, have preferred to see a redemption arc for the pantomime villain or a karmic ending. I felt she got off far too easily.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
The Stray Dogs by Ruth Hogan immediately appealed to me; I loved the author's previous two books, I really enjoy uplifting fiction, and I'm an animal lover. This book offers it all. I did approach it with a little trepidation though, wondering how many times I'd be reaching for the tissues.
Leo has become jaded with her life as a vet. Having sold her share of the practice she owns, she's working her last day when a terrible pet owner shows up, insisting that his dog be euthanised. You can feel Leo's despair as she tries to convince the owner that there are other options, but he's adamant. All of this confirms for Leo that she's made the right decision to leave.
Arriving in the small town of Fiddlers Green, Leo meets local plumber Desmond. Desmond is one of those characters who will help anyone. Taking a shine to Leo, he immediately offers support for her project. Being set in a small town, this is one of those places where everyone knows everyone else, and there is a strong sense of community. Mixed in among the individuals willing to help are quite a few eccentric characters who help to keep the story light. There's also an antagonist, who is just the right side of being a pantomime villain to have you staring daggers whenever they appear.
As well as being a tale about community, it is primarily a story of second chances. From the abandoned dogs that Leo gives a home to, through to the men Desmond was in a band with when he was younger. The dogs are offered unconditional love. For Desmond and his band mates, it's something different; a chance to reconnect, to find a purpose, to heal wounds.
The trepidation I felt at the beginning was unfounded. There are some sad elements to the storyline, but the author doesn't exploit these for emotional effect. I would, however, have preferred to see a redemption arc for the pantomime villain or a karmic ending. I felt she got off far too easily.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
August 18, 2026
I am bereft. This is without doubt the best book I've read this year, and now that it's over, I'm actually grieving.
I'll be honest, I hesitated over picking this one up at all. I've loved every Ruth Hogan book I've read, but I'm one million percent a cat person, so a story built around dogs gave me pause. Having now finished it, the idea that I could have missed out on this feels almost too much to think about.
The blurb focuses on Desmond and Leona, an ex-rocker stuck in a rut since his marriage ended, and a woman determined to open a rescue centre for abandoned dogs if she can just learn to accept a bit of help along the way. What it doesn't tell you about is Dog. Dog has completely stolen my heart, and coming from a mad cat woman, that's saying something. Chapters narrated by Dog are woven through the main story, following his own difficult journey, and there's a moment where his beloved bed gets ruined by rain, so he simply picks up his teddy bear and carries on, that absolutely destroyed me. I don't think I've felt heartbreak like it for a fictional character, and given I almost exclusively read psychological thrillers, this is about as far from typical reading behaviour for me as it gets.
Putting Dog aside for a moment, the rest of the story is completely fabulous in its own right. The character development is sublime, and it has everything you could want from a book: emotion, humour, humanity, love, and of course, animals.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars isn't enough! Thanks to Netgalley, Ruth Hogan and Atlantic for an ARC of this book.
I'll be honest, I hesitated over picking this one up at all. I've loved every Ruth Hogan book I've read, but I'm one million percent a cat person, so a story built around dogs gave me pause. Having now finished it, the idea that I could have missed out on this feels almost too much to think about.
The blurb focuses on Desmond and Leona, an ex-rocker stuck in a rut since his marriage ended, and a woman determined to open a rescue centre for abandoned dogs if she can just learn to accept a bit of help along the way. What it doesn't tell you about is Dog. Dog has completely stolen my heart, and coming from a mad cat woman, that's saying something. Chapters narrated by Dog are woven through the main story, following his own difficult journey, and there's a moment where his beloved bed gets ruined by rain, so he simply picks up his teddy bear and carries on, that absolutely destroyed me. I don't think I've felt heartbreak like it for a fictional character, and given I almost exclusively read psychological thrillers, this is about as far from typical reading behaviour for me as it gets.
Putting Dog aside for a moment, the rest of the story is completely fabulous in its own right. The character development is sublime, and it has everything you could want from a book: emotion, humour, humanity, love, and of course, animals.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars isn't enough! Thanks to Netgalley, Ruth Hogan and Atlantic for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having thoroughly enjoyed Ruth Hogan's previous books, I was delighted to read The Stray Dogs, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Once again, she demonstrates her wonderful ability to create memorable characters, heartfelt relationships, and a story filled with warmth, compassion, and just the right touch of magic.
One of the things I love most about Ruth Hogan's writing is the way she finds beauty and hope in unexpected places. Her characters feel authentic, each carrying their own struggles and strengths, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. As always, the story is rich in atmosphere, with vivid descriptions that bring every setting to life and make the novel a pleasure to become immersed in.
The themes of friendship, belonging, second chances, and healing are explored with sensitivity and honesty, while moments of gentle humour balance the more emotional scenes perfectly. The pacing allows the characters and their relationships to develop naturally, creating a satisfying and rewarding read.
For readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with warmth, heart, and a hint of the extraordinary, The Stray Dogs is a wonderful choice. Ruth Hogan has once again written a moving and uplifting novel that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. I would happily recommend it to both long-time fans of her work and readers discovering her writing for the first time.
One of the things I love most about Ruth Hogan's writing is the way she finds beauty and hope in unexpected places. Her characters feel authentic, each carrying their own struggles and strengths, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. As always, the story is rich in atmosphere, with vivid descriptions that bring every setting to life and make the novel a pleasure to become immersed in.
The themes of friendship, belonging, second chances, and healing are explored with sensitivity and honesty, while moments of gentle humour balance the more emotional scenes perfectly. The pacing allows the characters and their relationships to develop naturally, creating a satisfying and rewarding read.
For readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with warmth, heart, and a hint of the extraordinary, The Stray Dogs is a wonderful choice. Ruth Hogan has once again written a moving and uplifting novel that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. I would happily recommend it to both long-time fans of her work and readers discovering her writing for the first time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
Ruth Hogan is high on my list of auto-buy authors. I’ve read (and adored) all her books. My favourite was The Keeper of Lost Things, but after reading The Stray Dogs, they're tied for first place.
I read it in two sittings; when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. It’s beautifully written; Ruth has a wonderful way with words and a great talent for creating realistic, fully rounded, believable characters.
Although I liked (mostly) all of the cast, it was the canine characters that really stole my heart, especially Goose, Maverick, and Dog. A special shout out to Die Hard, the unforgettable, potty-mouthed parrot.
It’s a fabulous story full of heart, hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure. I laughed out loud at some of the antics and conversations between the characters and shed a few tears (particularly at the chapters narrated by Dog).
It’s a heartwarming, uplifting, humorous, life-affirming story of love and friendship in all their forms. It shows the joy and unconditional love our furry, four-legged friends bring into our lives, and it’s a gentle reminder of how important it is to keep adopting rescue dogs.
I loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Ruth Hogan is high on my list of auto-buy authors. I’ve read (and adored) all her books. My favourite was The Keeper of Lost Things, but after reading The Stray Dogs, they're tied for first place.
I read it in two sittings; when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. It’s beautifully written; Ruth has a wonderful way with words and a great talent for creating realistic, fully rounded, believable characters.
Although I liked (mostly) all of the cast, it was the canine characters that really stole my heart, especially Goose, Maverick, and Dog. A special shout out to Die Hard, the unforgettable, potty-mouthed parrot.
It’s a fabulous story full of heart, hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure. I laughed out loud at some of the antics and conversations between the characters and shed a few tears (particularly at the chapters narrated by Dog).
It’s a heartwarming, uplifting, humorous, life-affirming story of love and friendship in all their forms. It shows the joy and unconditional love our furry, four-legged friends bring into our lives, and it’s a gentle reminder of how important it is to keep adopting rescue dogs.
I loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another comfy, cosy read from Ruth Hogan, The Stray Dogs has all the warmth and gentle charm that I've come to expect from her novels. This time we follow Leona, who has left her career as a vet to set up a home for stray dogs, only to find herself at the centre of a community full of colourful personalities. As Leona settles into her new life, she encounters plenty of people who are keen to help - and just as many who aren't - with local loyalties apparently determined by which hair salon they happen to frequent.
Alongside Leona's story runs Desmond's mission to reunite his boyhood band - the big question is whether he can finally put a long-standing issue with former bandmate Darcus behind him and make the band whole again. While I enjoyed both storylines individually, I did find the novel a little disjointed at times, with perhaps too many threads competing for attention. For me, it wasn't my favourite of Ruth Hogan's books, but it was still an enjoyable, comfort read.
(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book.)
Alongside Leona's story runs Desmond's mission to reunite his boyhood band - the big question is whether he can finally put a long-standing issue with former bandmate Darcus behind him and make the band whole again. While I enjoyed both storylines individually, I did find the novel a little disjointed at times, with perhaps too many threads competing for attention. For me, it wasn't my favourite of Ruth Hogan's books, but it was still an enjoyable, comfort read.
(Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review - based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adore Ruth Hogan’s books, they are always just that little bit different.
The Stray Dogs in the title refer to a re-formed band and also actual rescue dogs. I was hooked from the first chapter as the characters started to be introduced, starting with Dog, about to be out on the streets again.
When on her last day of work at her Vet’s practice Leona Lomax, an experienced vet is asked to do the unthinkable, I was beside myself. What follows, as Leona moves to North Norfolk and Applejack Farm; no longer a farm really, just a house and paddock, is a real dog fairy tale. Leo, as everyone calls her is going to work part time at the local vets and also set up a dog rescue centre and as various extremely characterful dogs move in Leo is soon welcomed by many of the villagers, all except one! As the members of the village, particularly Vera’s hair salon and her customers take Leo and her rescue dogs to their hearts perhaps Leo has come to the right place to follow her dream of setting up a dog rescue.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for am honest review. I loved The Stray dogs and felt bereft once I had finished it.
The Stray Dogs in the title refer to a re-formed band and also actual rescue dogs. I was hooked from the first chapter as the characters started to be introduced, starting with Dog, about to be out on the streets again.
When on her last day of work at her Vet’s practice Leona Lomax, an experienced vet is asked to do the unthinkable, I was beside myself. What follows, as Leona moves to North Norfolk and Applejack Farm; no longer a farm really, just a house and paddock, is a real dog fairy tale. Leo, as everyone calls her is going to work part time at the local vets and also set up a dog rescue centre and as various extremely characterful dogs move in Leo is soon welcomed by many of the villagers, all except one! As the members of the village, particularly Vera’s hair salon and her customers take Leo and her rescue dogs to their hearts perhaps Leo has come to the right place to follow her dream of setting up a dog rescue.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for am honest review. I loved The Stray dogs and felt bereft once I had finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While Ruth is an amazing author (as proven once again with this beautiful book), I am also fortunate enough to be able to call her a friend. I'm 10 chapters in and completely enamored; will update this review more once I've finished it. It's one of those books you can't wait to finish to see how it ends, but also one you can't bring yourself to put down. I've read far too late into the night these last days - worth foregoing a little sleep. This book is deeply personal to Ruth, given her penchant and history for rescuing the unwanted, the unloved. Her household has two beautiful boys who were both rescues and she truly has a heart for them. I've a feeling she'd adopt them all if she had the space. No surprise - this book is filled with characters that you feel you come to know intimately - Ruth has a knack for that. Every page that I read springs to life in my minds' eye - I can see the setting, the characters and feel the emotion and where the characters are in their particular journey. Dog is adorable - I cannot wait for his happily ever after. Lots of twists and turns already - go get this the day it hits the shelves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read some of Ruth Hogan’s previous novels and loved them. I wasn’t disappointed when I read her new novel The stray dogs.
Leo gives up her job and share of a veterinary practice in the city to move to the countryside to a village called Fiddlers Green to open a dog rescue centre. She was a bit hesitant at first to think what reception she would get from the residents. But surprisingly it went better that she thought. The local loved the idea and all of them offered her help to bring her dream alive except for one Mimi who owns one of the local beauty salons.
This is another heartwarming and uplifting read from author Faith Hogan and ideal if you are a dog lover. But still a lovey endearing read if you’re not. This is a story of second chances and making lifelong friendships and had great, likeable characters. I especially the character dog the things that he had to endure in his little life to find someone to love and care for him. It was so sweet.
I enjoyed this immensely so much I couldn’t put this down. I read it to the small hours of the morning. 5 stars from me.
Leo gives up her job and share of a veterinary practice in the city to move to the countryside to a village called Fiddlers Green to open a dog rescue centre. She was a bit hesitant at first to think what reception she would get from the residents. But surprisingly it went better that she thought. The local loved the idea and all of them offered her help to bring her dream alive except for one Mimi who owns one of the local beauty salons.
This is another heartwarming and uplifting read from author Faith Hogan and ideal if you are a dog lover. But still a lovey endearing read if you’re not. This is a story of second chances and making lifelong friendships and had great, likeable characters. I especially the character dog the things that he had to endure in his little life to find someone to love and care for him. It was so sweet.
I enjoyed this immensely so much I couldn’t put this down. I read it to the small hours of the morning. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this emotional and heartwarming tale of second chances, friendship, learning to ask for help and dogs. The first chapter introduces Dog, who won my heart. His story is poignant and brutal at times, lightened with far too few moments of compassion and kindness. Dog is a survivor whose hope of finding his person shines like a beacon, and you invest in him and want him to achieve the dream he so richly deserves. Leo is a Vet, who decides to leave her career and home behind to follow her dream of opening a dog rescue. Her love of animals endears her to you. Desmond is a good man, a little lost and unsure what he wants from life. Vera is the lynchpin of the community, and her hair salon welcomes all, canine and human. The storytelling is lovely; every character enriches the narrative, and the dogs are wonderfully portrayed. Goose and Maverick are particular favourites. I love the emotion, the connection between the characters, the gentle humour and the satisfying conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This beautiful story doesn’t just steal your heart, it makes you fall in love!
Jam-packed with an array of brilliantly crafted characters with hilarious names and good intentions, this is an incredible must read.
The wonderful tale drags you in and doesn’t let go, causing your eyes to water, not only from sadness but from inexplicable joy. Full of laugh out loud moments, sadness, sorrow and in a catch of your breath, your emotions will soar, feeling jubilant and so very happy.
A truly remarkable book that has the rarest of abilities to lighten your soul and warm your heart.
Not only does it showcase the beauty of friendships it will, without any doubt change how you look at our canine friends!
I loved it, from beginning to end, my heart was fit to burst and I’ll never, EVER forget it!
My favourite book of the year so far and I’ve read some fantastic books!
Sadly, I’m only able to give Five Stars as it certainly deserves so many more!
Unforgettable.
Jam-packed with an array of brilliantly crafted characters with hilarious names and good intentions, this is an incredible must read.
The wonderful tale drags you in and doesn’t let go, causing your eyes to water, not only from sadness but from inexplicable joy. Full of laugh out loud moments, sadness, sorrow and in a catch of your breath, your emotions will soar, feeling jubilant and so very happy.
A truly remarkable book that has the rarest of abilities to lighten your soul and warm your heart.
Not only does it showcase the beauty of friendships it will, without any doubt change how you look at our canine friends!
I loved it, from beginning to end, my heart was fit to burst and I’ll never, EVER forget it!
My favourite book of the year so far and I’ve read some fantastic books!
Sadly, I’m only able to give Five Stars as it certainly deserves so many more!
Unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I recieved this book from NetGallery in return for my unbiased review.
I loved this book! I picked this book as the cover and description pulled me in being an avid animal lover with a menagerie of mostly rescued pets! It was an easy read that I could pick up and put down easily between chores and not loose track of the story.
The book has a series of lead characters, canine and human, and I quickly became invested in their stories. I can't deny getting dust in my eye as I read about Bob and Dog's final moments. Poor Bob. Reading about his trip to the vets was like watching the opening scenes in the film UP! You settle in for a cosy story and suddenly you're thinking 'no, noo, you can't do that!'... However by the end of the book there's enough happy endings to go around and you're left knowing that while life has ups and downs having a dog by your side can make the journey better!
I loved this book! I picked this book as the cover and description pulled me in being an avid animal lover with a menagerie of mostly rescued pets! It was an easy read that I could pick up and put down easily between chores and not loose track of the story.
The book has a series of lead characters, canine and human, and I quickly became invested in their stories. I can't deny getting dust in my eye as I read about Bob and Dog's final moments. Poor Bob. Reading about his trip to the vets was like watching the opening scenes in the film UP! You settle in for a cosy story and suddenly you're thinking 'no, noo, you can't do that!'... However by the end of the book there's enough happy endings to go around and you're left knowing that while life has ups and downs having a dog by your side can make the journey better!
August 28, 2026
Wow I loved this book, there is so much to absorb and so many different threads.
There is some tough heart breaking bits along with some beautiful heartwarming uplifting moments.
Leona Lennox is a vet who finds the laws around her work ridiculous and is eager to leave the city practice she is in for a country village to set up a dog rescue centre. The villagers she meets once she moves in, are friendly but just like a rescue dog she is wary. Desmond the local plumber is a good man and is willing to support the dog rescue by bringing his old band back together to raise money.
A story as much about the lost people who find themselves as well as the lost dogs who need all the love and care as much as we humans do!!
Brilliantly written, at times intense at times just beautiful.
Hugely recommended for a great read for all with love in their hearts!
Thank you to NetGalley and Corvus books for the early read! Totally and utterly brilliant!
There is some tough heart breaking bits along with some beautiful heartwarming uplifting moments.
Leona Lennox is a vet who finds the laws around her work ridiculous and is eager to leave the city practice she is in for a country village to set up a dog rescue centre. The villagers she meets once she moves in, are friendly but just like a rescue dog she is wary. Desmond the local plumber is a good man and is willing to support the dog rescue by bringing his old band back together to raise money.
A story as much about the lost people who find themselves as well as the lost dogs who need all the love and care as much as we humans do!!
Brilliantly written, at times intense at times just beautiful.
Hugely recommended for a great read for all with love in their hearts!
Thank you to NetGalley and Corvus books for the early read! Totally and utterly brilliant!
July 9, 2026
The Stray Dogs is a heartwarming story about friendship, second chances and the special bond between people and their dogs. There’s a wonderful cast of characters, both human and canine, who you can’t help but care about. Some chapters are very emotional, especially the chapters told from dog's point of view, at times they are heartbreaking. The village of Fiddler's Green is full of wonderful people who come together to help Leo achieve her dream of opening a dog rescue centre….. well mostly as every very village has a Mimi in it!!!! The story is easy to read, with a good balance of sadness and happiness that keeps you turning the pages. Although it is perfect for dog lovers, anyone who enjoys uplifting stories will enjoy it. This is a charming, feel good read that leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside!
August 27, 2026
I have not read any of Ruth's books before but I loved how it is all about dogs. It is a feel good and heart warming story that centres around Leona who decides after being a vet she wants to do something different in her life so her plan is to open a rescue centre for abandoned dogs that just need a good home and some TLC. Obviously she has a good community around her that are willing to do what they can to help her set up and start raising funds for her but also she has a certain someone who is not happy with Leona's plans. But you can't please everyone. I loved reading about all the dogs, it was so nice to see how they changed once they were with Leona, I liked the fact she was doing good for the dogs, it warmed my heart. It is crazy to think a dog can change someone completely. The ending was perfect and I would happily read more of Ruth's books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely gentle feel good read - 5 stars from me. I do really enjoy Ruth Hogan’s books and this did not disappoint.
Leo has left her job as a city vet for a fresh start for herself and her canine friends as she intends to set up a rescue centre at her new home.
Leo is reluctant at first to meet the locals but is eventually befriended by Desmond who suggesting reforming their band to raise funds for the centre and Vera, owner of the local hairdressing salon, who charms her and her dogs.
Backed by the local community Leo starts work on the centre and is soon full. The only opposition to the centre comes from her immediate neighbour.
As she builds links in the community Leo also finds love.
A delightful story of community, friendship and care for both canine and human companions.
Leo has left her job as a city vet for a fresh start for herself and her canine friends as she intends to set up a rescue centre at her new home.
Leo is reluctant at first to meet the locals but is eventually befriended by Desmond who suggesting reforming their band to raise funds for the centre and Vera, owner of the local hairdressing salon, who charms her and her dogs.
Backed by the local community Leo starts work on the centre and is soon full. The only opposition to the centre comes from her immediate neighbour.
As she builds links in the community Leo also finds love.
A delightful story of community, friendship and care for both canine and human companions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've never been disappointed by a Ruth Hogan book and this isn't an exception.
Leo is a vet disillusioned with her current job and has decided to leave and move to the country. She has plans to start a dog rescue. Her last day at the vets is spoiled by the last job she has to do and it leaves her with a bad taste in her mouth.
Fiddlers Green has some greta characters, Vera, whose salon is the hive for news and gossip, Desmond, the local plumber and the wicked witch of next door Mimi.
The main story is the dogs and their stories. The story of Dog runs through the book and you find yourself needing to know what happens to him and he experiences so much sadness.
I really loved reading this.
Leo is a vet disillusioned with her current job and has decided to leave and move to the country. She has plans to start a dog rescue. Her last day at the vets is spoiled by the last job she has to do and it leaves her with a bad taste in her mouth.
Fiddlers Green has some greta characters, Vera, whose salon is the hive for news and gossip, Desmond, the local plumber and the wicked witch of next door Mimi.
The main story is the dogs and their stories. The story of Dog runs through the book and you find yourself needing to know what happens to him and he experiences so much sadness.
I really loved reading this.
June 17, 2026
I have read Ruth Hogan’s books previously and really enjoyed them all. This one was no different. It was a lovely story, easy to read and heart warming. Leo a vet decided to move to Fiddlers Green and set up a dog sanctuary. She worked temporarily for the local vet who would be retiring soon. She desperately needed money to help run the sanctuary, so a friend called Desmond decided to help. He used to play in a band and he urged them all to get back together to help raise funds. What happens next? Read the book and find out. I’m already looking forward to Ruth’s next book! My thanks go to NetGalley, Ruth Hogan and the publishers, Corvus, an imprint of Atlantic Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've just finished The Stray Dogs by Ruth Hogan and I'm writing this review with tears streaming down my face. What an absolutely wonderful book. I've always been a dog person so was instantly drawn to the cover and title of this book. The fact that it was a Ruth Hogan novel clinched the deal. All the characters, human and canine are wonderful and totally identifiable if a little exaggerated. I'm sure we've all met similar in real life. If you want a really lovely read and you like dogs (even a tiny bit) this is a must read book for you! Absolutely fabulous!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2026
Vet Leo gives up her job and moves to the country with the plan to open a dog rescue centre. The usual good guy/bad guy scenarios of village life ensue, and will she won’t she fall in love with man number 1 or man number 2. Add to that a second story of the trials and tribulations of a stray dog looking for someone to love him and an abundance of dog training advice and you have The Stray Dogs. If you like Ruth Hogan books, I’m sure you’ll love this book, but it wasn’t for me and I’m not sure that those who want dog training advice should look to this book to get it. My thanks to the author and Net Galley for an ARC
September 5, 2026
I always love Ruth Hogan’s work, and The Stray Dogs is another beautiful example of why. She has such a wonderful way of taking sadness, complicated lives and people’s experiences and turning them into stories that feel both heartbreaking and endlessly hopeful.
Add dogs into the mix and, honestly, my heart didn’t stand a chance. 🐶💔 There’s so much sadness woven through these characters, but also kindness, connection and those little glimmers of hope that make Ruth’s books so special to me.
A gorgeous, emotional read about people, dogs and the unexpected ways they can help each other heal. Ruth Hogan has done it again. 5 stars from me.
Add dogs into the mix and, honestly, my heart didn’t stand a chance. 🐶💔 There’s so much sadness woven through these characters, but also kindness, connection and those little glimmers of hope that make Ruth’s books so special to me.
A gorgeous, emotional read about people, dogs and the unexpected ways they can help each other heal. Ruth Hogan has done it again. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a sweet, hopeful story that's deliciously easy to read and full of a fun mix of characters. I was slightly nervous at the start as I wasn't too keen on Leo, but it was okay - she remained a bit prickly but there were other characters I really enjoyed (Vera and her cohort of ladies at the hair salon) and of course there was lots and lots about dogs. Great for a cozy summer beach read where you know things will work out pretty much okay in the end.
With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Stray Dogs is a love letter to (rescue) dogs and their owners. All dogs and humans have their own personality, which shine through in this uplifting read. The book does get heavy at points (content warning for animal abuse) and I shed quite a few tears. By the end of the book my heart was mended and whole again, and I would have loved to spend more time with both the dogs and the humans!
Thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.
Thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Readable feel good book for dog lovers a wonderful collection of characters human and canine . Friendship and camaraderie win through . A burnt out vet changes her lifestyle away from a busy vet practice to set up an animal rescue centre. There are heart rending moments and a selection of amusing incidents.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Very lightheaded, fairly predictable read. But there are dogs, a bit of suburban drama and even a love story if you like these things.
I have to admit I picked this up because of the dogs.. I often do. The rest was okay but nothing special. Easy quick read, which is great between some heavier reading.
I have to admit I picked this up because of the dogs.. I often do. The rest was okay but nothing special. Easy quick read, which is great between some heavier reading.
August 27, 2026
If you like dogs or not this is a fantastic read. I love Ruth Hogans books and The Stray Dogs is another great book by her. Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure. The best thing I can say is ‘Just read it’.
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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