What do you think?
The Dog Sitter
“A sharp and humorous tale of a woman’s search for purpose. It's a hoot."
—Publishers Weekly
From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Eva Lesko Natiello comes a witty and relatable story about starting over, found family, and a dog’s unexpected wisdom.
• For fans of THE WEDDING PEOPLE and WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
• 🎧 Audiobook narrated by Audie-winner Soneela Nankani!
When a woman whose life has gone sideways takes a 30-day dog-sitting job in New York City, despite not being a dog person, she's pulled into Manhattan's chaotic social orbit. This delightfully offbeat story is a heartfelt journey of messy midlife reinvention, filled with sharp humor, quirky characters, and one very judgmental dog.
Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.
That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrives unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unraveling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He offers her a role in an ambitious new venture inside Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant scene—which triggers a shameful secret.
Colleen must confront the life she’s been living—and decide if she has the courage to seize the life that’s long overdue.
The Dog Sitter is an irresistible portrayal of one woman’s serendipitous midlife awakening, proving it’s never too late to start living authentically.
* Book Club Discussion Questions Included *
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
⭐ “The feel-good book of the year!”
⭐ “For dog lovers everywhere!”
⭐ “Relatable!”
“The Dog Sitter delivers the perfect blend of messy midlife reinvention with biting humor. Readers who love complicated women, witty banter, richly flawed characters, and chaotic “what could possibly go wrong?” energy will devour Colleen Fitzroy’s unforgettable spiral into Manhattan luxury, emotional upheaval, and one very judgmental dog.”
—Leah Tran, Manhattan Book Review
“Natiello is an incisive social satirist, turning one woman’s misfortune into something unexpectedly joyful, even aspirational.”
—Karen Karbo, bestselling author of Yeah, No, Not Happening
“With a bright, fresh, and very funny voice, Natiello takes us on the journey of a woman who has no idea where she's going, but manages to find her way there with the help of one very New York dog and a cast of outrageous but believable characters. A wholly original book!”
—Ellen Meister, bestselling author of Divorce Towers and Joyride
“Brilliant and hilarious, THE DOG SITTER blends witty social commentary with a chaotic, high-stakes plot that proves Natiello's versatility in this 'midlife awakening' comedy of errors, with a dog that might be smarter than the humans.”
—Judith D. Collins, JDC Must Read Books
"The Dog Sitter is a story about resilience, new beginnings, and finding your way when life refuses to follow your plans. Readers will appreciate themes of self-worth, perseverance, and personal growth. Natiello does an excellent job of balancing humor with genuine emotional depth in this wonderfully engaging read."
—Midwest Book Review
—Publishers Weekly
From NYT and USA Today bestselling author Eva Lesko Natiello comes a witty and relatable story about starting over, found family, and a dog’s unexpected wisdom.
• For fans of THE WEDDING PEOPLE and WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
• 🎧 Audiobook narrated by Audie-winner Soneela Nankani!
When a woman whose life has gone sideways takes a 30-day dog-sitting job in New York City, despite not being a dog person, she's pulled into Manhattan's chaotic social orbit. This delightfully offbeat story is a heartfelt journey of messy midlife reinvention, filled with sharp humor, quirky characters, and one very judgmental dog.
Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.
That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrives unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unraveling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He offers her a role in an ambitious new venture inside Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant scene—which triggers a shameful secret.
Colleen must confront the life she’s been living—and decide if she has the courage to seize the life that’s long overdue.
The Dog Sitter is an irresistible portrayal of one woman’s serendipitous midlife awakening, proving it’s never too late to start living authentically.
* Book Club Discussion Questions Included *
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
⭐ “The feel-good book of the year!”
⭐ “For dog lovers everywhere!”
⭐ “Relatable!”
“The Dog Sitter delivers the perfect blend of messy midlife reinvention with biting humor. Readers who love complicated women, witty banter, richly flawed characters, and chaotic “what could possibly go wrong?” energy will devour Colleen Fitzroy’s unforgettable spiral into Manhattan luxury, emotional upheaval, and one very judgmental dog.”
—Leah Tran, Manhattan Book Review
“Natiello is an incisive social satirist, turning one woman’s misfortune into something unexpectedly joyful, even aspirational.”
—Karen Karbo, bestselling author of Yeah, No, Not Happening
“With a bright, fresh, and very funny voice, Natiello takes us on the journey of a woman who has no idea where she's going, but manages to find her way there with the help of one very New York dog and a cast of outrageous but believable characters. A wholly original book!”
—Ellen Meister, bestselling author of Divorce Towers and Joyride
“Brilliant and hilarious, THE DOG SITTER blends witty social commentary with a chaotic, high-stakes plot that proves Natiello's versatility in this 'midlife awakening' comedy of errors, with a dog that might be smarter than the humans.”
—Judith D. Collins, JDC Must Read Books
"The Dog Sitter is a story about resilience, new beginnings, and finding your way when life refuses to follow your plans. Readers will appreciate themes of self-worth, perseverance, and personal growth. Natiello does an excellent job of balancing humor with genuine emotional depth in this wonderfully engaging read."
—Midwest Book Review
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Eva Lesko Natiello
3 books672 followersEva Lesko Natiello is the award-winning author of The Memory Box, a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling psychological thriller about a woman who Googles herself and discovers the shocking details of a past she doesn't remember. The lives of three strangers collide in her her next psychological suspense, FOLLOWING YOU, about a popular TV host who goes missing en route to a New Year's Eve Party after a panicked decision lands her in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Eva lives and writes in suburban NJ, which provided the setting for the fictional town in her debut novel. She is particularly fascinated by misconceptions and how destructive even the most benign misunderstanding can be. When not writing suspense novels, she enjoys writing humorous musings about life’s ironies which can be found on her blog: writing from the intersection of oops, yikes and awe at evaleskonatiello.com.
Ms. Natiello is a native of Yonkers, New York and a graduate of UAlbany with a degree in psychology. Her professional experience includes cosmetics industry Public Relations and Communications executive.
According to Ms. Natiello, “The sign of a good day is when the creative process in some form—be it writing, painting, or singing—has pried its way into the mundane.”
Eva is always grateful to readers who take the time to write reviews and for choosing THE MEMORY BOX and FOLLOWING YOU for book club discussions. She's always thrilled to receive book club photos from readers and loves to post them on her website, so keep 'em coming!
Never miss news about upcoming books, events and the latest happenings by signing up for Eva's newsletter at https://evaleskonatiello.com!
Follow Eva on social:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eva-l...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvaNatiello
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanatiello/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvaNatiello
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3j9fmRC
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evaleskon...
Eva lives and writes in suburban NJ, which provided the setting for the fictional town in her debut novel. She is particularly fascinated by misconceptions and how destructive even the most benign misunderstanding can be. When not writing suspense novels, she enjoys writing humorous musings about life’s ironies which can be found on her blog: writing from the intersection of oops, yikes and awe at evaleskonatiello.com.
Ms. Natiello is a native of Yonkers, New York and a graduate of UAlbany with a degree in psychology. Her professional experience includes cosmetics industry Public Relations and Communications executive.
According to Ms. Natiello, “The sign of a good day is when the creative process in some form—be it writing, painting, or singing—has pried its way into the mundane.”
Eva is always grateful to readers who take the time to write reviews and for choosing THE MEMORY BOX and FOLLOWING YOU for book club discussions. She's always thrilled to receive book club photos from readers and loves to post them on her website, so keep 'em coming!
Never miss news about upcoming books, events and the latest happenings by signing up for Eva's newsletter at https://evaleskonatiello.com!
Follow Eva on social:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eva-l...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvaNatiello
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanatiello/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvaNatiello
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3j9fmRC
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evaleskon...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 23, 2026
Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She is recently divorced and has nowhere to live, so she reluctantly agrees to work for her former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—as a Dog Sitter, while he goes to Italy for a month-a gig that includes staying in his NY townhouse while he is gone.
Too bad she doesn’t like dogs-especially large, drooling dogs like Aldo.
Or Massimo, who has left a 26 page list of instructions and gourmet food for his dog. (Really, how bad could Massimo be if he does that?)
But, it’s the perfect place to start her “Me period”, and to resurrect her career as a voice Actor, IF ONLY Massimo’s quirky family, friends and neighbors didn’t keep on arriving unannounced, involving her in their plans.
And, IF ONLY, Aldo didn’t seem so depressed!
Colleen posts a photo of the glassy-eyed Aldo asking for help:
Do dogs get sad? What to do about it? #Thedogsitter
She immediately receives a flurry of replies…
Caring for Aldo pushes Colleen out of her comfort zone, but as she begins to bond with him, she also learns that STARTING OVER, can be a GOOD thing.
And, that she might even enjoy a slobbery kiss. 🐶
Although more of a cat person, I was an elementary school entrepreneur, who offered to walk dogs in the high rise NY apartment building that I lived in, during 5th grade. Yes, I wrangled 3 poodles at one time for a few bucks!
Labeled as “FEEL GOOD relatable fiction about starting over”, I decided to give this story a try. While I liked the premise and enjoyed how the relationship between Colleen and Aldo grew over her 30 day Temp job-humor is so subjective and much of this book’s humor wasn’t a match for me. The average rating is over 4 stars, so it might may be a match for you!
3 stars ⭐️
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Fine Line Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Too bad she doesn’t like dogs-especially large, drooling dogs like Aldo.
Or Massimo, who has left a 26 page list of instructions and gourmet food for his dog. (Really, how bad could Massimo be if he does that?)
But, it’s the perfect place to start her “Me period”, and to resurrect her career as a voice Actor, IF ONLY Massimo’s quirky family, friends and neighbors didn’t keep on arriving unannounced, involving her in their plans.
And, IF ONLY, Aldo didn’t seem so depressed!
Colleen posts a photo of the glassy-eyed Aldo asking for help:
Do dogs get sad? What to do about it? #Thedogsitter
She immediately receives a flurry of replies…
Caring for Aldo pushes Colleen out of her comfort zone, but as she begins to bond with him, she also learns that STARTING OVER, can be a GOOD thing.
And, that she might even enjoy a slobbery kiss. 🐶
Although more of a cat person, I was an elementary school entrepreneur, who offered to walk dogs in the high rise NY apartment building that I lived in, during 5th grade. Yes, I wrangled 3 poodles at one time for a few bucks!
Labeled as “FEEL GOOD relatable fiction about starting over”, I decided to give this story a try. While I liked the premise and enjoyed how the relationship between Colleen and Aldo grew over her 30 day Temp job-humor is so subjective and much of this book’s humor wasn’t a match for me. The average rating is over 4 stars, so it might may be a match for you!
3 stars ⭐️
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Fine Line Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
August 25, 2026
This book had me smiling, surprised, confused, and occasionally wondering where on earth we were going next. 😅 more below...
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader / 🎧Audiobook (Narrated by Soneela Nankani for Brilliance Audio; narration and production rating: 5/5)
I received a free eARC and eALC from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited and the audiobook will be available on September 8, 2026.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: 40-something Colleen Fitzroy’s marriage is over (but this is a good thing). The bad thing is she now desperately needs a job so she can get a new place to live, but she burned some bridges at her old job at a food magazine... a job that now suddenly wants her to come in for an interview. But when she realizes she actually is being interviewed to be a dog sitter for the very man who made her leave her job...well, life makes fun of you sometimes.
Now Colleen must determine what matters most to her and how she wants her future to look, all while learning that looking after a pampered dog for a man who ropes her into some of the zaniest things with the most colorful people might just be the push she needed to become her best self.
– Location: New York City
– POV: Single first-person
– Spice: This is not a romance book. Sex may be alluded to, but not in any explicit sense.
– Tropes: starting over, non-dog-person becoming a dog person, realizing who/what matters, zany antics, reluctant “enemies” to friends, down-on-her-luck FMC, found family adjacent
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I went into this book without knowing nearly anything about it aside from there was a dog, in NYC, and a woman that felt stuck and was on a purpose journey. But Eva Lesko Natiello made sure to color in those lines with the most vibrant colors, some glitter, and a lot of shading.
I truly wasn’t sure if I was supposed to like Colleen. She is highly cynical, incredibly closed off (read as judgemental), and doesn’t like dogs to the point where she sleeps in and then is annoyed that the dog used the bathroom in the house. But the more I read, the more I realized that despite her flaws, she’s utterly determined to turn things around and learns from her past mistakes. Maybe not LEAPS and BOUNDS, but by the end, I was pleasantly happy by where she ends up.
A large part of this character rounding credit obviously goes to Eva’s witty writing, but a huge credit also goes to Soneela Nankani for developing Colleen and softening her edges while also championing her character arc. The production quality for the audio book was crisp and even toned/paced.
This book is kind of wild. I’ve been a dog sitter before, so I loved the zany antics that happen when being thrust into someone else’s environment and their dog’s lifestyle, but this book took a few turns I was NOT expecting and fully appreciated.
Would I Recommend?: Yes! If you enjoy flawed characters in crazy situations, this is a fun read.
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ The style and zaniness of Go Gentle and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. And The Wedding People by Alison Espach (a female protagonist in a period of purpose transitioning) (I know these are from the blurb, but I can definitely see the comparison having read them all!)
➼ Main characters that are flawed but also not evil (so basically, realistically human)
➼ Crazy NYC antics that you’d think only happen in books, but I’ve heard stories by New Yorkers...
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader / 🎧Audiobook (Narrated by Soneela Nankani for Brilliance Audio; narration and production rating: 5/5)
I received a free eARC and eALC from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited and the audiobook will be available on September 8, 2026.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: 40-something Colleen Fitzroy’s marriage is over (but this is a good thing). The bad thing is she now desperately needs a job so she can get a new place to live, but she burned some bridges at her old job at a food magazine... a job that now suddenly wants her to come in for an interview. But when she realizes she actually is being interviewed to be a dog sitter for the very man who made her leave her job...well, life makes fun of you sometimes.
Now Colleen must determine what matters most to her and how she wants her future to look, all while learning that looking after a pampered dog for a man who ropes her into some of the zaniest things with the most colorful people might just be the push she needed to become her best self.
– Location: New York City
– POV: Single first-person
– Spice: This is not a romance book. Sex may be alluded to, but not in any explicit sense.
– Tropes: starting over, non-dog-person becoming a dog person, realizing who/what matters, zany antics, reluctant “enemies” to friends, down-on-her-luck FMC, found family adjacent
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I went into this book without knowing nearly anything about it aside from there was a dog, in NYC, and a woman that felt stuck and was on a purpose journey. But Eva Lesko Natiello made sure to color in those lines with the most vibrant colors, some glitter, and a lot of shading.
I truly wasn’t sure if I was supposed to like Colleen. She is highly cynical, incredibly closed off (read as judgemental), and doesn’t like dogs to the point where she sleeps in and then is annoyed that the dog used the bathroom in the house. But the more I read, the more I realized that despite her flaws, she’s utterly determined to turn things around and learns from her past mistakes. Maybe not LEAPS and BOUNDS, but by the end, I was pleasantly happy by where she ends up.
A large part of this character rounding credit obviously goes to Eva’s witty writing, but a huge credit also goes to Soneela Nankani for developing Colleen and softening her edges while also championing her character arc. The production quality for the audio book was crisp and even toned/paced.
This book is kind of wild. I’ve been a dog sitter before, so I loved the zany antics that happen when being thrust into someone else’s environment and their dog’s lifestyle, but this book took a few turns I was NOT expecting and fully appreciated.
Would I Recommend?: Yes! If you enjoy flawed characters in crazy situations, this is a fun read.
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ The style and zaniness of Go Gentle and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. And The Wedding People by Alison Espach (a female protagonist in a period of purpose transitioning) (I know these are from the blurb, but I can definitely see the comparison having read them all!)
➼ Main characters that are flawed but also not evil (so basically, realistically human)
➼ Crazy NYC antics that you’d think only happen in books, but I’ve heard stories by New Yorkers...
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Best known for her psychological thriller hit The Memory Box, New York Times bestselling author Eva Lesko Natiello (favorite author) makes a brilliant and hilarious pivot into comedy with THE DOG SITTER.
This 'first foray' into humor doesn't lose her signature sharp edge; instead, it blends witty social commentary with a chaotic, high-stakes plot that proves Natiello's versatility.
"It’s a 5-star romp that fans of the author's thrillers—and anyone who’s ever been at the mercy of a difficult pet (or owner)—will absolutely adore."
Intro:
A total genre pivot! When a woman takes a high-end house-sitting gig for 30 days, she expects a quiet getaway with a pampered pet. Instead, she gets a "chaotic and hilarious" comedy of errors involving suburban absurdity and a dog that might be smarter than the humans.
🎤 Q&A Promo Hook
~"Stick around for my exclusive Q&A with Eva Lesko Natiello on my blog (May 19) where we dive into why she traded psychological thrillers for Italian truffles, a dog named Aldo, and more secrets!"
My thoughts:
~The Versatility:
"I’ve read everything Eva’s written, but The Dog Sitter is the sharp, wry, feel-good romp I didn't know I needed. It’s a total Lit-Lift for your TBR!"
~The Italy Connection:
"Pack your bags (mentally!) for Porto Venere. This book is a masterclass in setting, bridging the gap between NYC hustle and Italian coastal magic."
Eva Lesko Natiello (a long-time favorite) steps into her first foray into comedy, the vibe shifts from her usual psychological suspense with THE DOG SITTER. The standout is seeing Eva’s signature observational, sharp wit applied to humor rather than suspense. The pacing is snappy, and the humor is derived from a very relatable, real-world disaster. With fun characters, it's a masterclass in starting over, proving that a 'midlife awakening' can be just as propulsive as any psychological thriller. It’s lighthearted without being "fluffy," maintaining the smart prose her fans expect.
"It’s the ultimate summer escape that bridges the gap between a gritty New York City apartment and the vibrant, secret-filled coast of Porto Venere." Trust me, you will be salivating over the divine delicacies.
Audio 🎧 Standout
The audiobook production is an absolute 5/5 star masterpiece thanks to the impeccable narration by Soneela Nankani. Nankani is an elite, multi-award-winning voice talent who captures the exact, rapid-fire rhythm of a true New Yorker. She plays Colleen with a flawless balance of exhausted, dry cynicism and underlying vulnerability, making her internal monologues laugh-out-loud funny.
What truly elevates this recording is Nankani's stellar comedic timing during the high-stress chaos—especially the bathroom scenes, the bathtub debacle with Aldo, and the hilariously tense interactions with the colorful cast of local strangers. She brings a distinct, vivid personality to every single voice, ensuring the audio version feels completely distinct and brilliantly theatrical.
"Ever wondered what a thriller writer dreams up when she turns to comedy?" Catch my #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with @EvaLeskoNatiello (May 19) to find out!
Ready for the ride? ...
Special thanks to Fine Line Publishing and the author for providing an advanced reading copy and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #CoverCrush
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Audio Pub Date: Sep 08, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May featured #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat
This 'first foray' into humor doesn't lose her signature sharp edge; instead, it blends witty social commentary with a chaotic, high-stakes plot that proves Natiello's versatility.
"It’s a 5-star romp that fans of the author's thrillers—and anyone who’s ever been at the mercy of a difficult pet (or owner)—will absolutely adore."
Intro:
A total genre pivot! When a woman takes a high-end house-sitting gig for 30 days, she expects a quiet getaway with a pampered pet. Instead, she gets a "chaotic and hilarious" comedy of errors involving suburban absurdity and a dog that might be smarter than the humans.
✍️ Highlights:
~Vibe:
A "cinematic bridge" between the high-stakes stress of Manhattan and the slow-burn magic of the Italian Riviera.
~Standout Points:
The transition from Natiello’s signature psychological tension to this wry, propulsive humor. Having read all her books, this "genre-bend" feels like a masterclass in versatility.
~Culinary Serendipity:
The truffle business (connecting NYC to Porto Venere) serves as a metaphor for digging deep to find something valuable buried under the surface.
👤 Characters
~Colleen: A "reluctant" protagonist whose life has gone sideways.
~Aldo: A high-maintenance canine.
~Massimo: Colleen's former boss and the editor of Savor Magazine.
~Quirky New Yorkers: Who all seem to have a key to the apartment where Colleen is hiding.
"Colleen might claim she's not a 'people person,' but the way she handles Massimo, Aldo, and the Italian coast makes her the most relatable protagonist of the year."
💡 Themes & Takeaways
~Themes:
Midlife awakening, starting over from zero, the burden of "shameful secrets," and the power of living authentically.
~Metaphor:
The "leash"—literal and figurative obligations. Colleen must decide if choosing herself means "abandoning" others, or if finally seizing her own life is her greatest obligation.
~Takeaway: "It’s never too late to start living authentically".
✨ Standout Points
~The Genre Pivot:
Author Eva Lesko Natiello is known for dark thrillers like The Memory Box; this shift to contemporary fiction is being hailed as "serendipitous" and "delightfully offbeat".
~Complex Relatability:
Colleen's "messy and mixed up" journey is deeply relatable for anyone who has felt they’ve lost the thread of their own life.
~Pacing:
Engaging with an intriguing story with twists that keep you flipping pages.
~Why Buy:
"If you’ve followed Eva Lesko Natiello from the dark halls of The Memory Box, you’ll be obsessed with how she applies that same sharp observation to a story filled with heart, pasta, truffles, and a very anxious dog."
Recs or Similar Books:
They all share that same blend of wit, "laugh-out-loud" moments, and genuine emotional stakes.
~The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
~Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
~The Guncle by Steven Rowley
~The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
🎤 Q&A Promo Hook
~"Stick around for my exclusive Q&A with Eva Lesko Natiello on my blog (May 19) where we dive into why she traded psychological thrillers for Italian truffles, a dog named Aldo, and more secrets!"
My thoughts:
~The Versatility:
"I’ve read everything Eva’s written, but The Dog Sitter is the sharp, wry, feel-good romp I didn't know I needed. It’s a total Lit-Lift for your TBR!"
~The Italy Connection:
"Pack your bags (mentally!) for Porto Venere. This book is a masterclass in setting, bridging the gap between NYC hustle and Italian coastal magic."
Eva Lesko Natiello (a long-time favorite) steps into her first foray into comedy, the vibe shifts from her usual psychological suspense with THE DOG SITTER. The standout is seeing Eva’s signature observational, sharp wit applied to humor rather than suspense. The pacing is snappy, and the humor is derived from a very relatable, real-world disaster. With fun characters, it's a masterclass in starting over, proving that a 'midlife awakening' can be just as propulsive as any psychological thriller. It’s lighthearted without being "fluffy," maintaining the smart prose her fans expect.
"It’s the ultimate summer escape that bridges the gap between a gritty New York City apartment and the vibrant, secret-filled coast of Porto Venere." Trust me, you will be salivating over the divine delicacies.
Audio 🎧 Standout
The audiobook production is an absolute 5/5 star masterpiece thanks to the impeccable narration by Soneela Nankani. Nankani is an elite, multi-award-winning voice talent who captures the exact, rapid-fire rhythm of a true New Yorker. She plays Colleen with a flawless balance of exhausted, dry cynicism and underlying vulnerability, making her internal monologues laugh-out-loud funny.
What truly elevates this recording is Nankani's stellar comedic timing during the high-stress chaos—especially the bathroom scenes, the bathtub debacle with Aldo, and the hilariously tense interactions with the colorful cast of local strangers. She brings a distinct, vivid personality to every single voice, ensuring the audio version feels completely distinct and brilliantly theatrical.
"Ever wondered what a thriller writer dreams up when she turns to comedy?" Catch my #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with @EvaLeskoNatiello (May 19) to find out!
Ready for the ride? ...
~The Lobby: "Going up! We’re riding along with Eva Lesko Natiello to talk truffles, New York attitude, and her latest genre-bend, The Dog Sitter."
~The Floor 10 Hook: "One woman, one high-maintenance dog, and a 30-day countdown to a midlife awakening. Is Colleen Fitzroy ready for the ride?"
~The Penthouse: "From the grit of Manhattan to the sun-soaked shores of Porto Venere—we’re hitting the top floor of contemporary fiction."
Special thanks to Fine Line Publishing and the author for providing an advanced reading copy and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #CoverCrush
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Audio Pub Date: Sep 08, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May featured #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat
May 19, 2026
This was a funny and entertaining read. Colleen is a middle aged woman who is in quite the pickle. She's newly divorced, and also been evicted and needs a place to live, and a job. She gets hired to house sit for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo in NYC, while he’s out of town. There's lots of characters to keep track of, but the antics and circumstances are so worth the read. I completely enjoyed it. Such a feel good read. I'd highly recommend giving it a try!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2026
This comical yet heartwarming book was just what I needed right now. The snarky, independent FMC's brutally honest reactions to every absurdity thrown her way had me in stitches! While I usually put my finished books into my Little Free Library, I can't yet say goodbye to Colleen, Aldo, and the rest of this books' quirky cast of characters.
September 12, 2026
3.75
I’m not entirely sure how to review this book because, for me, The Dog Sitter felt less like simply reading a story and more like experiencing my own idea of a New Yorker’s everyday life as someone who lives in Italy. It takes things that could almost feel ordinary and turns them into something completely chaotic, eccentric, and strangely exciting, all set against the luxurious world of wealthy New York and experienced through the eyes of someone who has suddenly gone from struggling financially to temporarily living that kind of life.
The narration definitely played a big part in my experience with this book. Soneela Nankani was fantastic at capturing Colleen’s tone and personality, especially her dry humour and slightly chaotic energy. The narration had that same chaotic, very “New York” feeling I got from the story, but there was also this underlying sense of comedy, both in the absurd situations and in the way people deal with their emotions. She knew exactly when to lean into the humour and when to give the more emotional moments the weight they needed. She really brought Colleen and the rest of the cast to life, and I think the audiobook worked particularly well for this story.
I’ll admit that I didn’t particularly like Colleen at first. I mean, who takes a dog-sitting job without knowing how to deal with a dog? Aldo deserved better. Thankfully, watching Colleen’s relationship with Aldo develop was one of the more enjoyable parts of the story. As the book progressed, she gradually started taking her dog-sitting responsibilities more seriously, until she genuinely developed feelings for Aldo. It was actually very sweet to see, especially coming from someone who initially didn’t care much about dogs in general.
The people who come into Colleen’s life also play an important role in shaping her journey, and I particularly enjoyed the strange dynamic between her and Massimo, her former boss who eventually hires her again for another role. Their video calls, supposedly to check on Aldo but also clearly giving Massimo an excuse to keep an eye on Colleen to not create chaos in his apartment, were weird in the best way and added quite a bit to the story and the drama that eventually catches up with Colleen around the middle of the book. Except for the final part, when Massimo suddenly confesses his romantic(?) interest in Colleen, which felt completely out of place. But thankfully, Colleen gave him a firm no. Sir… absolutely not. After Colleen spent 30 days dealing with all the headaches caused by you, I was very glad she shut that down.
There were plenty of genuinely hilarious moments throughout the book, and I appreciated how many of the seemingly random characters and situations eventually became part of Colleen’s journey. I also think the author managed to weave a lot of different threads into the story, and most of them eventually found their place within Colleen’s journey. However, the story did start to feel a little less focused for me as it progressed, and some parts felt more drawn out than necessary.
I really liked the part where Colleen finally faces her own feelings and realizes that she hasn’t kept the promise she made to her late husband. That part felt raw and very Colleen. On the other hand, the truffle investment subplot was so absurd that I genuinely lost track of what was going on, although at the same time I couldn’t stop wondering where the story was going to take it.
It was also nice to see Colleen somehow find her footing in the middle of all the chaos she had gotten herself into, especially when it came to protecting Aldo and Stella. Despite only appearing in a handful of scenes, I really enjoyed the relationship that developed between Stella and Colleen. Honestly, they seemed to have a much healthier dynamic than Stella’s parents. Massimo, shame on you.
Overall, this was a fun and quirky read with a great audiobook performance, an unforgettable Aldo, and plenty of chaotic New York energy. It wasn’t perfect for me, and some parts definitely left me a little perplexed, especially toward the end, but I had a lot of fun with it and I’m glad I had the chance to listen to it. I’ll definitely miss Aldo. I hope he gets all the cuddles he deserves and eventually finds a better owner because, sir, you can have all the money in the world, but you don’t just leave your dog with someone who has never dog-sat before without even properly preparing her. Double shame.
Despite my few reservations, this is definitely a book I would recommend, especially in audiobook format. The narration really adds something special to the experience and makes the chaotic, funny, emotional mess of Colleen’s journey even more enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Eva Lesko Natiello, and Brilliance Publishing for the chance to listen to this ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I’m not entirely sure how to review this book because, for me, The Dog Sitter felt less like simply reading a story and more like experiencing my own idea of a New Yorker’s everyday life as someone who lives in Italy. It takes things that could almost feel ordinary and turns them into something completely chaotic, eccentric, and strangely exciting, all set against the luxurious world of wealthy New York and experienced through the eyes of someone who has suddenly gone from struggling financially to temporarily living that kind of life.
The narration definitely played a big part in my experience with this book. Soneela Nankani was fantastic at capturing Colleen’s tone and personality, especially her dry humour and slightly chaotic energy. The narration had that same chaotic, very “New York” feeling I got from the story, but there was also this underlying sense of comedy, both in the absurd situations and in the way people deal with their emotions. She knew exactly when to lean into the humour and when to give the more emotional moments the weight they needed. She really brought Colleen and the rest of the cast to life, and I think the audiobook worked particularly well for this story.
I’ll admit that I didn’t particularly like Colleen at first. I mean, who takes a dog-sitting job without knowing how to deal with a dog? Aldo deserved better. Thankfully, watching Colleen’s relationship with Aldo develop was one of the more enjoyable parts of the story. As the book progressed, she gradually started taking her dog-sitting responsibilities more seriously, until she genuinely developed feelings for Aldo. It was actually very sweet to see, especially coming from someone who initially didn’t care much about dogs in general.
The people who come into Colleen’s life also play an important role in shaping her journey, and I particularly enjoyed the strange dynamic between her and Massimo, her former boss who eventually hires her again for another role. Their video calls, supposedly to check on Aldo but also clearly giving Massimo an excuse to keep an eye on Colleen to not create chaos in his apartment, were weird in the best way and added quite a bit to the story and the drama that eventually catches up with Colleen around the middle of the book. Except for the final part, when Massimo suddenly confesses his romantic(?) interest in Colleen, which felt completely out of place. But thankfully, Colleen gave him a firm no. Sir… absolutely not. After Colleen spent 30 days dealing with all the headaches caused by you, I was very glad she shut that down.
There were plenty of genuinely hilarious moments throughout the book, and I appreciated how many of the seemingly random characters and situations eventually became part of Colleen’s journey. I also think the author managed to weave a lot of different threads into the story, and most of them eventually found their place within Colleen’s journey. However, the story did start to feel a little less focused for me as it progressed, and some parts felt more drawn out than necessary.
I really liked the part where Colleen finally faces her own feelings and realizes that she hasn’t kept the promise she made to her late husband. That part felt raw and very Colleen. On the other hand, the truffle investment subplot was so absurd that I genuinely lost track of what was going on, although at the same time I couldn’t stop wondering where the story was going to take it.
It was also nice to see Colleen somehow find her footing in the middle of all the chaos she had gotten herself into, especially when it came to protecting Aldo and Stella. Despite only appearing in a handful of scenes, I really enjoyed the relationship that developed between Stella and Colleen. Honestly, they seemed to have a much healthier dynamic than Stella’s parents. Massimo, shame on you.
Overall, this was a fun and quirky read with a great audiobook performance, an unforgettable Aldo, and plenty of chaotic New York energy. It wasn’t perfect for me, and some parts definitely left me a little perplexed, especially toward the end, but I had a lot of fun with it and I’m glad I had the chance to listen to it. I’ll definitely miss Aldo. I hope he gets all the cuddles he deserves and eventually finds a better owner because, sir, you can have all the money in the world, but you don’t just leave your dog with someone who has never dog-sat before without even properly preparing her. Double shame.
Despite my few reservations, this is definitely a book I would recommend, especially in audiobook format. The narration really adds something special to the experience and makes the chaotic, funny, emotional mess of Colleen’s journey even more enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Eva Lesko Natiello, and Brilliance Publishing for the chance to listen to this ALC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 12, 2026
My normal genre is Police Procedurals but thought I’d give this book a go for a complete change. A really enjoyable easy read, would definitely read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fine Line publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Fine Line publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 29, 2026
The Dog Sitter is a delight to read. It’s a feel-good story filled with humor, colorful characters and a touch of suspense. Eva is known for her mystery novels (the Memory Box and Following You). Here she ventures into a different genre admirably, while still keeping a subtle hint of mystery that keeps the pages turning. The writing is witty, the pace is engaging, and the short chapters make it almost impossible to stop reading. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a lighthearted, funny, and uplifting read.
July 10, 2026
This started out SO GOOD & so fun & quirky & lovely, but at about the 60% mark I was just like wtf. I wish the story focused on Colleen, Aldo, & Massi, instead of tossing in Gloria, Fez, and literally every other New Yorker on the planet. I really enjoyed watching Colleen & Massi’s relationship change as the story went on and wanted the focus to be on them— not even in a romantic way! I’m okay with platonic!
The last 40% quickly downgraded this from a 5 star to a 3 star. I was even willing to look past the literal LOLs and WTAF and NGL sprinkled throughout. Also, the ending to the epilogue felt very rushed. The pacing of the entire book was great and normal & then literally everything happened all at once. I wish we would’ve gotten more about the 6 weeks in between. Overall, cute! Fun! Quirky! The dog saved it!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!
The last 40% quickly downgraded this from a 5 star to a 3 star. I was even willing to look past the literal LOLs and WTAF and NGL sprinkled throughout. Also, the ending to the epilogue felt very rushed. The pacing of the entire book was great and normal & then literally everything happened all at once. I wish we would’ve gotten more about the 6 weeks in between. Overall, cute! Fun! Quirky! The dog saved it!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!
May 28, 2026
Thank you Fine Line Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC..
A book about a dog and a woman who needs to start over, yes please.
I really enjoyed the first 60% of the story, the quirky characters, the dog who is missing his owner. But then the story got weirder and weirder.
the whole Gloria story line was bit ridiculous and (in my opinion) unnecessary changes. I would have preferred if the story would focus on Aldo,, Colleen and Massimo. I enjoyed the food bits and the entire food poverty storyline.
I can see I would be in minority here but this was only 3 star read for me.
A book about a dog and a woman who needs to start over, yes please.
I really enjoyed the first 60% of the story, the quirky characters, the dog who is missing his owner. But then the story got weirder and weirder.
the whole Gloria story line was bit ridiculous and (in my opinion) unnecessary changes. I would have preferred if the story would focus on Aldo,, Colleen and Massimo. I enjoyed the food bits and the entire food poverty storyline.
I can see I would be in minority here but this was only 3 star read for me.
August 21, 2026
This wasn’t the book that was advertised to me. I kept growing bored and by 80% couldn’t force myself to finish. DNF
I was hoping for a light-hearted, funny, or optimistic story about this 30-something getting back on her feet. Instead what I got was a constant cat fight and a MC that didn’t grow a spine or figure out her life. The story seems based around the male character instead of the female MC. That part really turned me off. I don’t care if he’s a good guy or a bad guy or if she has the wrong opinion about him. I wanted her to figure her life out and be happy and some kind of Stella got her groove back.
The dog was the best part of the story. I didn’t find any part of this book funny 🤷♀️
Thanks netgalley
I was hoping for a light-hearted, funny, or optimistic story about this 30-something getting back on her feet. Instead what I got was a constant cat fight and a MC that didn’t grow a spine or figure out her life. The story seems based around the male character instead of the female MC. That part really turned me off. I don’t care if he’s a good guy or a bad guy or if she has the wrong opinion about him. I wanted her to figure her life out and be happy and some kind of Stella got her groove back.
The dog was the best part of the story. I didn’t find any part of this book funny 🤷♀️
Thanks netgalley
May 22, 2026
Accurately described as being for fans of The Wedding People and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, I’d also compare it to The Dog of the North. The story follows Colleen Fitzroy, a middle-aged woman trying to rebuild her life after a series of setbacks. Through an unexpected job tied to her discredited former employer, she discovers new purpose and unlikely connections.
It took me a little while to warm to Colleen, whose self-sabotaging tendencies could be frustrating at times, but her layers and vulnerability gradually made her a much more compelling character. While the pacing occasionally felt uneven, this was still a warm, uplifting read about second chances and starting over.
A solid 4/5 stars. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the e-arc.
It took me a little while to warm to Colleen, whose self-sabotaging tendencies could be frustrating at times, but her layers and vulnerability gradually made her a much more compelling character. While the pacing occasionally felt uneven, this was still a warm, uplifting read about second chances and starting over.
A solid 4/5 stars. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the e-arc.
June 16, 2026
This book didn’t know what it wanted to be, but neither did the protagonist, who was also at times the antagonist 🤷🏻♀️
May 23, 2026
THE DOG SITTER was a fun read that I can recommend! How hard can dog sitting be? Makes me laugh just thinking about it. An emotional story with plenty of humor, I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Many thanks to Eva Lesko Natiello for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Eva Lesko Natiello for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A-dog-rable! 🐶🐾🐕
"Feel good relatable fiction about starting over"
A blurb that actually get's it right for once!
Colleen recently got divorced, recently lost her house, and is in between jobs. She's just barely keeping it together when she gets a job opportunity by her ex-employer, Massimo Locatelli, to dog sit his English Setter, Aldo, while he attends business in Italy for the next month. She swore to herself she'd never have anything to do with the arrogant and misogynistic Massi ever again but times are tough and she doesn't have many choices especially ones that provide her a place to live for at least 30 days. Hopefully she can get her life sorted before he returns.
"How did people call him nice? "What a great guy. He's so nice." He's not nice. He's not a great guy. Was he nice as far as jerks go? Maybe. Everything is relative. Maybe he's the nicest asshole there was. That could be." 😂
The only problem is that she admittedly isn't a dog person. They drool, they smell, they demand, and worse: you have to pick up their poo. DISGUSTING!
Fake it 'til you make it, right?
This book is a coming of age story of a woman in her 40's that realizes her life didn't turn out as she once imagined it would.
I loved Colleen our snarky leading lady. She had me grinning ear to ear. Watching her discover her true self and finding her way after so many hardships was incredibly rewarding.
There is a small cast of characters that weave their way into Colleen's life that just add more charm to the story and they give Colleen more opportunity for her humor to shine.
My most favorite part of the book will come to no surprise to any of my friends. It was how her relationship with sweet Aldo evolved. For a woman that swore to not like dogs watching their budding friendship and loyalty to one another through so many hijinks made me want to hug my kindle. Aldo is the best boy ever!
Don't expect any *rom* to this com which made me enjoy this even more. This is all about Colleen finding herself without relying on or needing a man. Though she does make many fantastic friendships along the way.
A fun, lighthearted romp that I enjoyed immensely. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Fine Line Publishing for my complimentary copy.
"Feel good relatable fiction about starting over"
A blurb that actually get's it right for once!
Colleen recently got divorced, recently lost her house, and is in between jobs. She's just barely keeping it together when she gets a job opportunity by her ex-employer, Massimo Locatelli, to dog sit his English Setter, Aldo, while he attends business in Italy for the next month. She swore to herself she'd never have anything to do with the arrogant and misogynistic Massi ever again but times are tough and she doesn't have many choices especially ones that provide her a place to live for at least 30 days. Hopefully she can get her life sorted before he returns.
"How did people call him nice? "What a great guy. He's so nice." He's not nice. He's not a great guy. Was he nice as far as jerks go? Maybe. Everything is relative. Maybe he's the nicest asshole there was. That could be." 😂
The only problem is that she admittedly isn't a dog person. They drool, they smell, they demand, and worse: you have to pick up their poo. DISGUSTING!
Fake it 'til you make it, right?
This book is a coming of age story of a woman in her 40's that realizes her life didn't turn out as she once imagined it would.
I loved Colleen our snarky leading lady. She had me grinning ear to ear. Watching her discover her true self and finding her way after so many hardships was incredibly rewarding.
There is a small cast of characters that weave their way into Colleen's life that just add more charm to the story and they give Colleen more opportunity for her humor to shine.
My most favorite part of the book will come to no surprise to any of my friends. It was how her relationship with sweet Aldo evolved. For a woman that swore to not like dogs watching their budding friendship and loyalty to one another through so many hijinks made me want to hug my kindle. Aldo is the best boy ever!
Don't expect any *rom* to this com which made me enjoy this even more. This is all about Colleen finding herself without relying on or needing a man. Though she does make many fantastic friendships along the way.
A fun, lighthearted romp that I enjoyed immensely. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Fine Line Publishing for my complimentary copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Dog Sitter is one of those novels that draws you in with humor and ease, then gradually reveals something much more layered beneath the surface. What begins as a simple premise—a woman stepping into someone else’s life to care for a dog—evolves into a story with emotional depth and a quiet sense that things are not entirely what they seem.
At its center is Colleen, a character who is funny, complicated, and deeply human. She insists she’s fine even as her life is unraveling, and that tension between perception and reality drives the story in a way that feels both entertaining and quietly revealing. Her voice is a standout, sharp, observant, and just unreliable enough to keep you leaning in.
The writing has a keen observational edge, particularly around relationships, work, and midlife reinvention. The satire of workplace culture, especially the dynamics at SAVOR Magazine, is pointed without feeling heavy-handed, and the interactions with Massimo strike a perfect balance between exaggerated and believable. Beneath the humor, the novel thoughtfully explores power, gender, and self-perception in ways that feel relevant without being overt.
It’s also a genuinely fun read (I finished it in two days) with moments of humor that carry you through even as the story deepens.
Beneath that lighter tone, the novel explores questions of identity, reinvention, and what comes next when life doesn’t go according to plan. I found myself thinking about that long after finishing, especially the idea of how easy it is to avoid confronting what we really want, and how necessary those moments of reckoning can be.
The Dog Sitter is a smart, character-driven novel that balances wit with emotional insight. It feels light on the surface, but there is much more happening underneath, which makes it both satisfying in the moment and memorable well beyond the final page.
At its center is Colleen, a character who is funny, complicated, and deeply human. She insists she’s fine even as her life is unraveling, and that tension between perception and reality drives the story in a way that feels both entertaining and quietly revealing. Her voice is a standout, sharp, observant, and just unreliable enough to keep you leaning in.
The writing has a keen observational edge, particularly around relationships, work, and midlife reinvention. The satire of workplace culture, especially the dynamics at SAVOR Magazine, is pointed without feeling heavy-handed, and the interactions with Massimo strike a perfect balance between exaggerated and believable. Beneath the humor, the novel thoughtfully explores power, gender, and self-perception in ways that feel relevant without being overt.
It’s also a genuinely fun read (I finished it in two days) with moments of humor that carry you through even as the story deepens.
Beneath that lighter tone, the novel explores questions of identity, reinvention, and what comes next when life doesn’t go according to plan. I found myself thinking about that long after finishing, especially the idea of how easy it is to avoid confronting what we really want, and how necessary those moments of reckoning can be.
The Dog Sitter is a smart, character-driven novel that balances wit with emotional insight. It feels light on the surface, but there is much more happening underneath, which makes it both satisfying in the moment and memorable well beyond the final page.
August 20, 2026
The Dog Sitter was not at all what I expected going in, but I ended up having such a fun time with it!
Colleen’s life has basically imploded when she agrees to dog sit for her former boss for 30 days. The only problem? She’s not exactly a dog person. What follows is a quirky, chaotic story about starting over, figuring out what you actually want from life, and an adorable dog named Aldo who slowly works his way into Colleen’s heart.
I really enjoyed Colleen. She’s messy, sarcastic, flawed, and at a point in her life where absolutely nothing has gone according to plan. I loved that this wasn’t about finding a man who magically fixes everything for her. It was about Colleen figuring herself out and realizing that starting over doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve failed.
And obviously, Aldo was a highlight. Because of course the woman who doesn’t like dogs ends up forming a relationship with the dog. We knew where this was going.
I will say there were quite a few characters coming in and out of the story, and at times I had trouble remembering exactly who everyone was or how they fit into Colleen’s life. The book also went in a completely different direction than I expected based on the premise, so it took me a little while to adjust to what the story actually was.
But once I did, I just went along for the ride. I read this in a day. The audiobook was well done with engaging narration.
It was funny, charming, a little chaotic, and a super quick read with more heart underneath all the humor than I initially expected. Definitely one of those books that doesn’t necessarily give you what you thought you were signing up for but still manages to give you a really enjoyable time.
4 stars! 🐾
Colleen’s life has basically imploded when she agrees to dog sit for her former boss for 30 days. The only problem? She’s not exactly a dog person. What follows is a quirky, chaotic story about starting over, figuring out what you actually want from life, and an adorable dog named Aldo who slowly works his way into Colleen’s heart.
I really enjoyed Colleen. She’s messy, sarcastic, flawed, and at a point in her life where absolutely nothing has gone according to plan. I loved that this wasn’t about finding a man who magically fixes everything for her. It was about Colleen figuring herself out and realizing that starting over doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve failed.
And obviously, Aldo was a highlight. Because of course the woman who doesn’t like dogs ends up forming a relationship with the dog. We knew where this was going.
I will say there were quite a few characters coming in and out of the story, and at times I had trouble remembering exactly who everyone was or how they fit into Colleen’s life. The book also went in a completely different direction than I expected based on the premise, so it took me a little while to adjust to what the story actually was.
But once I did, I just went along for the ride. I read this in a day. The audiobook was well done with engaging narration.
It was funny, charming, a little chaotic, and a super quick read with more heart underneath all the humor than I initially expected. Definitely one of those books that doesn’t necessarily give you what you thought you were signing up for but still manages to give you a really enjoyable time.
4 stars! 🐾
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC received via NetGalley.
There's lots to like about The Dog Sitter. It was refreshing to have a woman in her forties front and centre.
Before Colleen's first husband, Patrick passed away, he made her promise that she'd never give up on her dreams. After she ends up homeless and divorced from her gambling addict second husband, she decides it's time for her Me Period.
Trying to get her life back on track, Colleen thinks she's interviewing for a job at Savor, a food magazine run by Massi, who she tried to get fired for being a misogynist when she temped as a receptionist there. However, the job is to actually be a live-in dog-sitter for Aldo, Massi's beloved dog while Massi's in Italy for a month. Inexplicably, despite having no experience, she gets the job.
I live in an apartment and it wouldn't be fair to have a dog so I'm drawn to books with pupsters and it was impossible not to fall for the emotionally complex Aldo.
I thought it was really interesting how reading back issues of Savor to Aldo led to Colleen thinking about the childhood food poverty she went through after her father passed away and the real reason she brings a carrot plant wherever she goes. Through Massi, she's reminded of just how much perfectly good food is wasted at fancy restaurants.
Since Patrick's death, Colleen has been so focused on making a success of being a voiceover actress, thinking that's what he meant when he asked her to make that promise but actually her dreams lead her in a completely different direction.
I was really enjoying The Dog Sitter but then it descended into a farce involving Massi's aunt, Gloria, which is why I only gave it 3 x Stars.
There's lots to like about The Dog Sitter. It was refreshing to have a woman in her forties front and centre.
Before Colleen's first husband, Patrick passed away, he made her promise that she'd never give up on her dreams. After she ends up homeless and divorced from her gambling addict second husband, she decides it's time for her Me Period.
Trying to get her life back on track, Colleen thinks she's interviewing for a job at Savor, a food magazine run by Massi, who she tried to get fired for being a misogynist when she temped as a receptionist there. However, the job is to actually be a live-in dog-sitter for Aldo, Massi's beloved dog while Massi's in Italy for a month. Inexplicably, despite having no experience, she gets the job.
I live in an apartment and it wouldn't be fair to have a dog so I'm drawn to books with pupsters and it was impossible not to fall for the emotionally complex Aldo.
I thought it was really interesting how reading back issues of Savor to Aldo led to Colleen thinking about the childhood food poverty she went through after her father passed away and the real reason she brings a carrot plant wherever she goes. Through Massi, she's reminded of just how much perfectly good food is wasted at fancy restaurants.
Since Patrick's death, Colleen has been so focused on making a success of being a voiceover actress, thinking that's what he meant when he asked her to make that promise but actually her dreams lead her in a completely different direction.
I was really enjoying The Dog Sitter but then it descended into a farce involving Massi's aunt, Gloria, which is why I only gave it 3 x Stars.
May 25, 2026
Being a dog lover, I enjoyed this novel as Colleen slowly started to connect with Aldo and the love a dog can give! Newly divorced, with no job and evicted thanks to her good for nothing gambling ex, she does what she swore she'd never do. Reaches out to her old employer and has accepted a 30 day job and it's no where near her former boss, Massimo. She has no other choice currently and it's only a month, how bad can it be? Knowing nothing about dogs except that they can stink, droll, slobber and can be rather large, how hard can it be to dog and townhouse sit? There is a twenty some page list of instruction, down to which direction she must turn when walking the dog, to Massimo calling, texting and FaceTiming whenever and however often he wants with the expectation she will pick up, every single time and he doesn't like to call a second or third time. She is in for a surprise when it seems anyone and everyone in New York has a key to this townhouse and her "Me Period" has quickly become hijacked with their plans, secrets, and trying to keep the dog alive while constantly being told what to do and not do. How will she ever make it through the 30 days with this chaos and what Massimo has dragged her into?! I enjoyed the vast array of characters that brought this story to life and that in the end Colleen realizes maybe she needed Aldo more than he really needed her. There was a lot packed into this novel but it was so well written. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
June 1, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🐕 have ever done any pet-sitting
🙃 believe your life hasn’t always gone as planned
💵 would do anything for money
😂 love to laugh
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.
That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrives unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unraveling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He taps her for his new venture—which plunges her into Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant world—triggering a shameful secret.
Colleen must confront the life she’s been living—and finally decide if she has the courage to seize the life that’s long overdue.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Books with dogs are always better in my opinion, and The Dog Sitter is no different! Colleen finds herself out of luck with no job, no house, and no prospects. When she finds herself interviewing for a former boss, the last thing she expects is end up watching his dog for a month. I loved how close she grew to Aldo over the course of the month. Watching her relationship change felt like a metaphor for her life slowly changing as well, as she realizes what she wants to do. This one made me laugh out loud a few times, and I enjoyed the crazy antics with the slew of characters. If you’ve ever been in the same predicament as our FMC, I highly recommend this one!
🐕 have ever done any pet-sitting
🙃 believe your life hasn’t always gone as planned
💵 would do anything for money
😂 love to laugh
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.
That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrives unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unraveling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He taps her for his new venture—which plunges her into Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant world—triggering a shameful secret.
Colleen must confront the life she’s been living—and finally decide if she has the courage to seize the life that’s long overdue.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Books with dogs are always better in my opinion, and The Dog Sitter is no different! Colleen finds herself out of luck with no job, no house, and no prospects. When she finds herself interviewing for a former boss, the last thing she expects is end up watching his dog for a month. I loved how close she grew to Aldo over the course of the month. Watching her relationship change felt like a metaphor for her life slowly changing as well, as she realizes what she wants to do. This one made me laugh out loud a few times, and I enjoyed the crazy antics with the slew of characters. If you’ve ever been in the same predicament as our FMC, I highly recommend this one!
June 23, 2026
The dog sitter is an exceptionally good read. The main protagonist, Colleen, is strong-willed, speaks her mind, sassy and more than capable of standing up to any male ego. I found it very refreshing to read a novel featuring a female lead who refuses to be pushed around.
Colleen has endured a difficult life with a troubled upbringing and things have not got any better over the years. Now in her 40’s she finds herself facing a midlife crisis when her ex leaves her and she loses her house, has no real prospects and very little money.
She takes a “last resort” job, one she does not want - one that, unfortunately, includes looking after a dog of all things!
What begins as a simple dog-sitting job quickly becomes far more complicated than Colleen ever imagined. Filled with unexpected guests and annoyances, the story follows a woman who just wants to survive, but somewhere in the midst of the chaos, she finds herself.
This novel is heartwarming, humorous and kept me on the edge of my seat. The cast of characters is a delightful mix of charming and frustrating personalities, and despite their flaws, I enjoyed getting to know them all.
Thank you to Fine Line Publishing, Eva Lesko Natiello and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book.
Colleen has endured a difficult life with a troubled upbringing and things have not got any better over the years. Now in her 40’s she finds herself facing a midlife crisis when her ex leaves her and she loses her house, has no real prospects and very little money.
She takes a “last resort” job, one she does not want - one that, unfortunately, includes looking after a dog of all things!
What begins as a simple dog-sitting job quickly becomes far more complicated than Colleen ever imagined. Filled with unexpected guests and annoyances, the story follows a woman who just wants to survive, but somewhere in the midst of the chaos, she finds herself.
This novel is heartwarming, humorous and kept me on the edge of my seat. The cast of characters is a delightful mix of charming and frustrating personalities, and despite their flaws, I enjoyed getting to know them all.
Thank you to Fine Line Publishing, Eva Lesko Natiello and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book.
August 9, 2026
Colleen Fitzroy's life is a mess. Newly divorced, evicted, and basically destitute, she is treading water, deciding what to do next, deciding how to reinvent herself. From now on, it is going to be Me Time for Colleen, and SPOILER ALERT: she takes a job as a dog sitter for her former boss, Massimo Locatelli, editor of Savor magazine. She is not a dog person, but it will give her a home for thirty days in New York City. How hard can it be? To watch Aldo, a pampered pooch? Well....
This novel has heart, humor, and snark. The characters are quirky, but Colleen rolls with the punches, most of the time. In that time, can she get her career back on track? Become the person she wants to be, all while dealing with Al? Or will she end up on the street, out of a job, being fired daily by a boss who is in Italy? Reinventing oneself has never been this crazy.
The story is delightful, and it's a real departure from the author's previous novels, The Memory Box and Following You, but Natiello has managed it, and well.
Full disclosure: I received an e-book copy from the author, but that in no way affected this review.
A more comprehensive review will be posted at https://pedometergeek.wordpress.com/ by August 11, 2026
This novel has heart, humor, and snark. The characters are quirky, but Colleen rolls with the punches, most of the time. In that time, can she get her career back on track? Become the person she wants to be, all while dealing with Al? Or will she end up on the street, out of a job, being fired daily by a boss who is in Italy? Reinventing oneself has never been this crazy.
The story is delightful, and it's a real departure from the author's previous novels, The Memory Box and Following You, but Natiello has managed it, and well.
Full disclosure: I received an e-book copy from the author, but that in no way affected this review.
A more comprehensive review will be posted at https://pedometergeek.wordpress.com/ by August 11, 2026
August 24, 2026
Review of advance copy provided by NetGalley.
A woman in the midst of a mid life crisis - and possibly the only non dog lover around these days - takes a job dog sitting for her former boss, a narcissistic misogynist who turns out to be going through his own mid life crisis. Even the dog is experiencing emotional distress with life changes. But dogs have a way of creating a community, especially in New York City. And any pet sitter will recognize the under appreciated role of new awkward member of that community and pet-owner therapist that accompanies caring for someone’s beloved dog. The narrator of this audiobook (I have to mention that the main character is also trying to revive her career as an audiobook narrator - clever) really carries the story and voices the diverse group of characters in the book in such a way that you feel swept along into her world. She has a strong voice as the main character and is easy to identify with even as you may question her life choices. She does a good job of wielding a sardonic tone at key times and without overuse. Any boook/narrator combo that can make me lose myself to a point where I’m laughing out loud in public and not even caring about the odd looks wins my praise.
A woman in the midst of a mid life crisis - and possibly the only non dog lover around these days - takes a job dog sitting for her former boss, a narcissistic misogynist who turns out to be going through his own mid life crisis. Even the dog is experiencing emotional distress with life changes. But dogs have a way of creating a community, especially in New York City. And any pet sitter will recognize the under appreciated role of new awkward member of that community and pet-owner therapist that accompanies caring for someone’s beloved dog. The narrator of this audiobook (I have to mention that the main character is also trying to revive her career as an audiobook narrator - clever) really carries the story and voices the diverse group of characters in the book in such a way that you feel swept along into her world. She has a strong voice as the main character and is easy to identify with even as you may question her life choices. She does a good job of wielding a sardonic tone at key times and without overuse. Any boook/narrator combo that can make me lose myself to a point where I’m laughing out loud in public and not even caring about the odd looks wins my praise.
August 28, 2026
Thank you, Netgalley & Brilliance Publishing for the Audio ARC of The Dog Sitter by Eva Lesko Natiello. I rated this one 4/5 stars.
This one is considered contemporary fiction/ women’s fiction which is pretty spot-on but also has a bit of witty humor as well. Some of the main tropes include midlife awakening, healing animal, and one of my least favorite tropes miscommunication.
We follow our main character Colleen who is forced to work as a dog sitter for her former boss, Massimo. Recently divorced & having nowhere to live Colleen doesn’t have much of a choice but to say yes to the live-in position that will give her one month to get her shit together. Yes, she must take care of a dog. No, she isn’t fond of dogs & is most definitely not fond of her former sexist boss. The boss she tried & failed to get fired from her previous job at “Savor Magazine”. Although she plans to use the time to find herself again & get back on track… the universe has other plans. Massimo’s dog Aldo is super high maintenance & it seems like half of the city has keys to his place, people showing up for dinners that were never cancelled, a nosey maintenance man, a cleaner who doesn’t seem to ever mind her own business. This easy gig isn’t turning out like Colleen had imagined. The story takes a mysterious turn when Colleen finds herself at those around her on the verge of arrest & possibility of being charged with selling counterfeit goods.
It was a fast read for me that had me laughing out loud multiple times. Colleen & Massimo’s personalities go together like oil & water, but somehow it works out fantastically. I loved the story in general & as a dog lover really enjoy books that feature loving doggy relationships. I was a little sad it didn’t end how I wanted it to, but I know not every story will end the way I want. All in all, it was a great one.
Narrator Soneela Nankani did a wonderful job bringing Colleen’s character to life which then in turn brought the whole story to life.
This one is considered contemporary fiction/ women’s fiction which is pretty spot-on but also has a bit of witty humor as well. Some of the main tropes include midlife awakening, healing animal, and one of my least favorite tropes miscommunication.
We follow our main character Colleen who is forced to work as a dog sitter for her former boss, Massimo. Recently divorced & having nowhere to live Colleen doesn’t have much of a choice but to say yes to the live-in position that will give her one month to get her shit together. Yes, she must take care of a dog. No, she isn’t fond of dogs & is most definitely not fond of her former sexist boss. The boss she tried & failed to get fired from her previous job at “Savor Magazine”. Although she plans to use the time to find herself again & get back on track… the universe has other plans. Massimo’s dog Aldo is super high maintenance & it seems like half of the city has keys to his place, people showing up for dinners that were never cancelled, a nosey maintenance man, a cleaner who doesn’t seem to ever mind her own business. This easy gig isn’t turning out like Colleen had imagined. The story takes a mysterious turn when Colleen finds herself at those around her on the verge of arrest & possibility of being charged with selling counterfeit goods.
It was a fast read for me that had me laughing out loud multiple times. Colleen & Massimo’s personalities go together like oil & water, but somehow it works out fantastically. I loved the story in general & as a dog lover really enjoy books that feature loving doggy relationships. I was a little sad it didn’t end how I wanted it to, but I know not every story will end the way I want. All in all, it was a great one.
Narrator Soneela Nankani did a wonderful job bringing Colleen’s character to life which then in turn brought the whole story to life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved it! Whimsical, heartfelt, suspenseful, The Dog Sitter is a joy to read from start to finish. The story follows Colleen Fitzroy, a lost soul whose grief and bad luck have shaped her into a woman she no longer wants to be. When an unexpected opportunity falls into her lap to care for a high-maintenance dog, she must decide whether her dislike for the furry creatures, or her hatred for the dog’s owner, Massi Locatelli, will keep her from taking the job. And a good thing she does, because what ensues is hilarious!
There are so many great lines here. I found myself pausing several times throughout to admire Lesko Natiello’s humor and observational wit. I also appreciated what a love letter this is to the dying art of magazine publishing. In a world of ai slop, there was a time when publications like Massi’s SAVOR, with their gorgeous photography and beautifully well-written prose, really meant something to the people who read them—not just as trusted authorities, but as cherished friends as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy!
There are so many great lines here. I found myself pausing several times throughout to admire Lesko Natiello’s humor and observational wit. I also appreciated what a love letter this is to the dying art of magazine publishing. In a world of ai slop, there was a time when publications like Massi’s SAVOR, with their gorgeous photography and beautifully well-written prose, really meant something to the people who read them—not just as trusted authorities, but as cherished friends as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy!
May 25, 2026
This book ultimately became a DNF for me at around 52%. I have a personal rule that if a story has not fully engaged me by the halfway point, it is usually a sign that it is not the right fit for me as a reader.
That said, the author is clearly talented, and the premise and underlying themes showed strong potential. Unfortunately, I had gone into the book expecting something lighter and more humorous, particularly given the focus on dogs, and the heavier subject matter (midlife finding of oneself and homelessness etc ) combined with humor that did not fully land for me made it difficult to stay invested. At this particular point in my life, I was looking for a faster, more comforting reading experience, and this novel simply was not the right match for my current tastes.
While it did not work for me personally, I can still see the appeal for readers who appreciate emotionally heavier contemporary fiction with deeper thematic exploration. There is humor in the story but the style may not land for everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Fine Line Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
July 13, 2026
The Dog Sitter is the story of Colleen Fitzroy, a 40-year-old woman trying to find her next step after a messy divorce and loss of pretty much everything. She's a bit of a jack of all trades/master of none character - voice over actress, actress, yoga teacher, etc. Finding herself a place to live or a job, she inadvertently lands a job as a dog sitter for a former boss with whom she parted ways...in a messy way. She also doesn't like nor has ever owned a dog, and is probably the least qualified for the job.
Colleen was alternately frustrating and endearing. She makes some questionable choices at times, but she is also a very real, layered character, and something definitely struck home about finding yourself midlife and wondering what the hell happened to your plans and how you ended up where you are.
There is a kooky cast of characters, some of whom also will surprise you and worm their way into your hearts. This was a sometimes funny, often quirky, lovely, uplifting story about finding your purpose and of second chances.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the eARC.
Colleen was alternately frustrating and endearing. She makes some questionable choices at times, but she is also a very real, layered character, and something definitely struck home about finding yourself midlife and wondering what the hell happened to your plans and how you ended up where you are.
There is a kooky cast of characters, some of whom also will surprise you and worm their way into your hearts. This was a sometimes funny, often quirky, lovely, uplifting story about finding your purpose and of second chances.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the eARC.
September 8, 2026
This was a tough one for me. It kicks off with a really promising start that gets you hooked early on, and there’s no denying that Eva Lesko Natiello has genuine talent as a writer. Unfortunately, the book quickly loses its way.
The middle section becomes increasingly frustrating, largely because the story lacks a clear throughline and focus. It ended up feeling entirely too long, with a narrative that felt under-edited for a book of this caliber. Toward the end, it really dragged as it tried to toss in a bunch of red herrings to build a mystery—which felt bizarre and out of place, since the story never established itself as a mystery to begin with.
While there were multiple intriguing directions that could have paved the way for a succinct, satisfying conclusion, the narrative just kept meandering. It became a struggle to cross the finish line. That said, because I do believe in Natiello’s potential and voice as a writer, I’d still be open to picking up another book by her in the future—this one just needed much tighter editing and a stronger sense of direction.
The middle section becomes increasingly frustrating, largely because the story lacks a clear throughline and focus. It ended up feeling entirely too long, with a narrative that felt under-edited for a book of this caliber. Toward the end, it really dragged as it tried to toss in a bunch of red herrings to build a mystery—which felt bizarre and out of place, since the story never established itself as a mystery to begin with.
While there were multiple intriguing directions that could have paved the way for a succinct, satisfying conclusion, the narrative just kept meandering. It became a struggle to cross the finish line. That said, because I do believe in Natiello’s potential and voice as a writer, I’d still be open to picking up another book by her in the future—this one just needed much tighter editing and a stronger sense of direction.
May 30, 2026
While I’m a huge dog lover, Colleen Fitzroy could take them or leave them. That is, until she unknowingly interviewed for a dog sitter position for her former boss’s dog.
From the first chapters, I knew this was going to be chaotic fun. I loved Colleen’s snarky vibe and the New York City bustle and energy. The dynamic between Colleen and her ex-boss, Massimo (the owner of Aldo the dog), was wild, as he made odd requests and had too many visitors for Colleen to contend with. This makes for hilarious, wacky moments plus some interesting adventures.
Did Colleen, a divorced, out-of-work woman, want to be a dog sitter for 30 days? No. But Aldo, in his adorable doggy ways, helped Colleen see the world differently and find her footing, maybe even opening her heart a little. Sometimes the love of an animal can remind us of what truly is important.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @evanatiello for this gifted book.
From the first chapters, I knew this was going to be chaotic fun. I loved Colleen’s snarky vibe and the New York City bustle and energy. The dynamic between Colleen and her ex-boss, Massimo (the owner of Aldo the dog), was wild, as he made odd requests and had too many visitors for Colleen to contend with. This makes for hilarious, wacky moments plus some interesting adventures.
Did Colleen, a divorced, out-of-work woman, want to be a dog sitter for 30 days? No. But Aldo, in his adorable doggy ways, helped Colleen see the world differently and find her footing, maybe even opening her heart a little. Sometimes the love of an animal can remind us of what truly is important.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @evanatiello for this gifted book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Colleen is fresh out of a lacklustre marriage. Her ex-husband has gambled away their house, leaving her in enough of a bind to reach out about a job in the magazine, Savor, where she used to work. Nothing is as she expects and soon she finds herself the in-house dogsitter for the editor-in-chief (and her own personal nemesis), Massimo, whilst he is away in Italy for a month. As she puts her own life back together, the beats of the world Massimo left behind keeps gathering Collen up, whether she likes it or not.
I went into this with zero expectations and it caught me up for the ride straight away. None of the characters are as they seem and the story is richer for it. My only real gripe is that the wrap up could have been longer with the ending coming across as rushed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this with zero expectations and it caught me up for the ride straight away. None of the characters are as they seem and the story is richer for it. My only real gripe is that the wrap up could have been longer with the ending coming across as rushed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews