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The Faderville Novels #2
Say That Again
A little girl's love. A dog's courage.
Echo's life hasn't been easy so far. Mistreated by one owner after another, he'd rather just learn to get by on his own. Still, he longs for his 'forever home'. Not until he meets young Hannah McHugh does he learn to trust again. Hannah not only understands him ― she hears him.
Before the accident, Hannah already knew she was different from other kids. Now, animals are speaking to her ― and no one believes her. Her sister calls her a liar. The kids at school make fun of her. Her teacher labels her as imaginative. And the psychologist hints that she's troubled. Even her own father, Hunter, tells her she should keep it to herself. Only with her dog Echo, an Australian Shepherd, at her side does she feel truly safe and accepted.
Then, the reclusive Heck Menendez moves in next door. The last thing he wants is a little kid and her dog hanging around. Yet Heck is the only one her family can rely on to keep an eye on her.
When Hannah and Echo disappear, rumors run wild about old Heck. Hunter wants to trust his gut, but time is ticking away.
Echo's life hasn't been easy so far. Mistreated by one owner after another, he'd rather just learn to get by on his own. Still, he longs for his 'forever home'. Not until he meets young Hannah McHugh does he learn to trust again. Hannah not only understands him ― she hears him.
Before the accident, Hannah already knew she was different from other kids. Now, animals are speaking to her ― and no one believes her. Her sister calls her a liar. The kids at school make fun of her. Her teacher labels her as imaginative. And the psychologist hints that she's troubled. Even her own father, Hunter, tells her she should keep it to herself. Only with her dog Echo, an Australian Shepherd, at her side does she feel truly safe and accepted.
Then, the reclusive Heck Menendez moves in next door. The last thing he wants is a little kid and her dog hanging around. Yet Heck is the only one her family can rely on to keep an eye on her.
When Hannah and Echo disappear, rumors run wild about old Heck. Hunter wants to trust his gut, but time is ticking away.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2015
480 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
N. Gemini Sasson
20 books176 followersFormer teacher and track coach. Runner, gardener, dog lover and sometimes farmer. Author of medieval historical fiction: The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
May 3, 2015
I just finished reading Say That Again and I finished it on a plane, which had the person next to me looking at me weird because tears were falling down my face. It is one of those stories that make you cry both tears of sorrow and of joy. It tells a story about 2 souls who struggle in this world and are still able to touch others. Hannah and Echo’s relationship is just one that you want to have. Having a heart dog is something that we all want and wishing that they would come back again and again. I am not going to give any spoilers because I really dislike that when I am reading a review to see if I want to read a book. If I were to give a spoiler, I would alert you first, but this book is a must read for anyone who ever had a heart dog or even a dog they love and a child with special needs.
January 21, 2016
I don't often write reviews, much to the dismay of my fellow bibliophiles. This book, however, warrants it. I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. The story is beautiful and heart-wrenching and hopeful. The characters are wonderfully and imperfectly human. I read the entire thing in a day...just couldn't put it down.
July 31, 2018
This was really good book!!! It made you feel a lot of emotions. Dogs are such wonderful animals!! I'm a dog lover myself and I'm so glad I read this book. Can't wait to read the other ones in the series!!
September 18, 2015
This is a well written book and has many good points. I do have a few comments that are not actually criticisms, but clarifications for dog lover's who are considering reading the book. In my opinion, the best relationship with a dog occurs when the service the dog provides to its human is properly balanced with the service the human provides to the dog. This proper balance is not always equal, but this book leans a little too heavily toward the service provided by the dog. Sadly, the opening chapters accurately show how terribly skewed the human-dog relationship can become with people who are not dog-lovers at all. These chapters will be painful reading for true dog-lovers. The book does an excellent job attempting to reveal the mental processes of children with high- performing autism and in highlighting the wonderful support that dogs can provide to special needs children of all types as well as to the elderly. This relationship does not always work and depends on the specific individual, but it is always worth considering and trying. The book also does an excellent job of showing how difficult it can be for men who have much to offer special needs children, but must struggle to obtain the necessary degree of trust within our sick, flawed culture. Although again a comment and not a criticism, I could have done without the reincarnation philosophy taught in the book.
May 3, 2016
I really liked this book. An Aussie that has a rough start, then finds his family, his person, he can talk to the girl and she can talk to him. He provides love, support and heroism. What's not to love? Only thing that could be better is red tri or red merle being the hero:)
January 13, 2016
I read this on the recommendation from a group of friends, and it did not disappoint. Gemini puts herself into the mind of the dog, and it works. Some books with the same idea can be crass or gimmick-y, but this strikes me as being the most genuine work I've read in this style of writing.
The parts about the little girl to me are the grease that makes the story move about Echo the dog, and gives him ways to grow that people do not usually give an animal character in a novel. I really appreciated that, as the relationship that Echo and Hannah have also show how relationships can evolve around them with other people that still have a lot to give, yet are tossed away by society (similar to how Echo is carelessly tossed away by his humans prior to finding the McHugh family).
The only criticism I have of it is the bit about reincarnation feels tacked on - like its going to be the jumping off point for a future novel and had to be added in because this is sublabeled "A Faderville Novel". I understand if that's a but the author wants to do in future novels, but the case had already been laid earlier in the book with the remembrances of the humans. It didn't need to be added to the dog's remembrances as well.
The parts about the little girl to me are the grease that makes the story move about Echo the dog, and gives him ways to grow that people do not usually give an animal character in a novel. I really appreciated that, as the relationship that Echo and Hannah have also show how relationships can evolve around them with other people that still have a lot to give, yet are tossed away by society (similar to how Echo is carelessly tossed away by his humans prior to finding the McHugh family).
The only criticism I have of it is the bit about reincarnation feels tacked on - like its going to be the jumping off point for a future novel and had to be added in because this is sublabeled "A Faderville Novel". I understand if that's a but the author wants to do in future novels, but the case had already been laid earlier in the book with the remembrances of the humans. It didn't need to be added to the dog's remembrances as well.
February 4, 2020
This is a grown-up dog lover’s novel featuring an autistic child who has survived a near death experience with the ability to converse with animals. I particularly liked the portrayal of the child and her family. If I could give half stars I would have give this a 3 1/2, but I ended up giving it a 4 rather than a 3 ... not because of the loyal dog story, but rather because of the handling of this little girl’s Asperger’s Syndrome. This family felt quite real to me. Their problems and frustrations and their great love were both clear and honest.
January 11, 2016
Should be listed as a children's book
I might have enjoyed this book at the age of ten, but there was no indication that this was a book for young adults.
I might have enjoyed this book at the age of ten, but there was no indication that this was a book for young adults.
January 12, 2016
Wonderful story told from several viewpoints, including that of Echo, a dog that just wants to be special to one human.
July 22, 2018
When I started reading this I noticed that it was #2 in a series, and I never read the first book. That did not cause any problems, and I didn't feel like I missed anything. The only thing that was confusing was that each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. The character's name is the title of the chapter. It took me a while to figure that out. I would have been nice to know that right from the start.
This was an enjoyable read, with some scenes more intense than I expected. I was not clear who the target audience was. Some parts seemed like it was a YA book, and then other times there were depictions of an attempted rape and other things not in line with a book aimed at a young audience.
A problem I noticed was that the point of view of the dog was not consistent. Sometimes he did not understand human things, as you would expect, and other times he understood complex topics and terms. It would have been better if this were evened out a bit more.
This is not a problem with the book, but I was really bothered by the wife in the story and what she did regarding the neighbor. I don't want to spoil anything, but it really bothered me. She came across as a terrible person. If that was the author's intent, they did a good job of it. I know every character can't be completely likable, but I really disliked her for how self-centered she was, and what she did to the neighbor.
Overall I enjoyed reading it, the book kept me interested, and it finished well. It made me want to read more books in the series. I recommend this if it sounds interesting to you.
This was an enjoyable read, with some scenes more intense than I expected. I was not clear who the target audience was. Some parts seemed like it was a YA book, and then other times there were depictions of an attempted rape and other things not in line with a book aimed at a young audience.
A problem I noticed was that the point of view of the dog was not consistent. Sometimes he did not understand human things, as you would expect, and other times he understood complex topics and terms. It would have been better if this were evened out a bit more.
This is not a problem with the book, but I was really bothered by the wife in the story and what she did regarding the neighbor. I don't want to spoil anything, but it really bothered me. She came across as a terrible person. If that was the author's intent, they did a good job of it. I know every character can't be completely likable, but I really disliked her for how self-centered she was, and what she did to the neighbor.
Overall I enjoyed reading it, the book kept me interested, and it finished well. It made me want to read more books in the series. I recommend this if it sounds interesting to you.
September 25, 2019
A GREAT BOOK
Ms Sasson writes about the bond dogs feel for their humans. The Faderville Novels have drawn me into the stories told from human and canine points of view. She seems to get the dogs loyalty and love for their humans just right.
Hannah is a special young girl who can hear the animals talking to her. Echo is a pup who had a rough start in life and yearns for a human to love him. Hannah sees Echo in a ditch where he was dumped by his previous owner's abusive boyfriend. Hunter is a veterinarian and Hannah's dad. Hunter is able to heal Echo's broken body and Hannah heals his broken spirit. Say That Again is their story.
Ms Sasson writes about the bond dogs feel for their humans. The Faderville Novels have drawn me into the stories told from human and canine points of view. She seems to get the dogs loyalty and love for their humans just right.
Hannah is a special young girl who can hear the animals talking to her. Echo is a pup who had a rough start in life and yearns for a human to love him. Hannah sees Echo in a ditch where he was dumped by his previous owner's abusive boyfriend. Hunter is a veterinarian and Hannah's dad. Hunter is able to heal Echo's broken body and Hannah heals his broken spirit. Say That Again is their story.
March 2, 2024
Loved this book. A young girl named Hannah has Asperger's and Echo, an Australian shepherd pup comes into her life, helping her remain calm and communicate in situations that overwhelm her. When she meets the neighbor, he shows her how to express herself in art. When her parents argue, Hannah decides to run away so her parents wouldn't have to "deal" with her. Echo tags along trying to keep her safe. Echo is the same soul as the dog in the previous book and near the end of this book, she remembers her previous life when she runs into a former family member. I would consider owning this book and rereading it.
January 21, 2019
Like the first in the series, a tear jerker!
If you've ever owned a Aussie this series is so tyre to this type of dog! The storyline is awesome, heartwarming yet so deeply sad yet takes you to a ending which is wonderful! Having Aussie dogs and healers all my life, sharing with two mini Aussies now in my 60s the author has done a incredibly good job of telling what they are like!
If you've ever owned a Aussie this series is so tyre to this type of dog! The storyline is awesome, heartwarming yet so deeply sad yet takes you to a ending which is wonderful! Having Aussie dogs and healers all my life, sharing with two mini Aussies now in my 60s the author has done a incredibly good job of telling what they are like!
April 10, 2022
This is Halo reincarnated as Echo
I can't say enough about the author and the dog books she writes. I have two dogs now, and had a heart dog that passed over the bridge two years ago, but I would like to think that a part of his spirit is in my current pups! Please read these books in order, as this one follows book one, with Hunter, as a father, to two daughters, one very gifted!
I can't say enough about the author and the dog books she writes. I have two dogs now, and had a heart dog that passed over the bridge two years ago, but I would like to think that a part of his spirit is in my current pups! Please read these books in order, as this one follows book one, with Hunter, as a father, to two daughters, one very gifted!
July 26, 2022
Who woulda' thunk!?
How could a great story be told (mainly) through the eyes of a dog? How could that possibly hold my attention? And yet, from the first line of the story, I was engaged. As the story went on, I was captivated. And then, I did not want to put the book down! Admittedly, I read the first book in this series, but had forgotten how enjoyable I found the story to be. Thank you, Ms. Sasson!
How could a great story be told (mainly) through the eyes of a dog? How could that possibly hold my attention? And yet, from the first line of the story, I was engaged. As the story went on, I was captivated. And then, I did not want to put the book down! Admittedly, I read the first book in this series, but had forgotten how enjoyable I found the story to be. Thank you, Ms. Sasson!
January 8, 2023
All dogs are therapy dogs
This is the one about Echo, who becomes a therapy dog for Hannah, the daughter of Hunter (i.e., a sequel!). A well-told story about a family living with and loving a child with special needs, and the love between a dog and its person, as well as a dog and its family. I love the communications between Hannah and Echo! It was also nice to get the reminders and updates about Halo and her family from the last book.
This is the one about Echo, who becomes a therapy dog for Hannah, the daughter of Hunter (i.e., a sequel!). A well-told story about a family living with and loving a child with special needs, and the love between a dog and its person, as well as a dog and its family. I love the communications between Hannah and Echo! It was also nice to get the reminders and updates about Halo and her family from the last book.
May 21, 2018
Fantastic book!
This book is great! I loved every adventure, every moment. I have 2 Australian Shepherds and this author describes them perfectly from mischief to brave heart. This book is full of excitement. It's hard to put down, you just want to read it straight through. You will Love it!
This book is great! I loved every adventure, every moment. I have 2 Australian Shepherds and this author describes them perfectly from mischief to brave heart. This book is full of excitement. It's hard to put down, you just want to read it straight through. You will Love it!
September 20, 2018
I loved this book it was very enjoyable to read and hard lots of different twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book
I chose them s rating because it was a very well written book
I really liked how Echo could talk back to Hanah
I would definitely recommend this book to dog lovers.
I chose them s rating because it was a very well written book
I really liked how Echo could talk back to Hanah
I would definitely recommend this book to dog lovers.
August 10, 2019
This is the second in a series, and while not really a sequel -- it's Echo's story, not Halo's -- several of the characters are the same, and several references are made to incidents in the first book.
Very good story. I did wonder if Heck knew someone with Aspergers, or if it was his wife's condition that made him sympathetic to Hannah's needs.
Very good story. I did wonder if Heck knew someone with Aspergers, or if it was his wife's condition that made him sympathetic to Hannah's needs.
November 27, 2022
Tears and joy
It is hard to parent an autistic child. Their brilliance over shadows their social awkwardness and we forget what they can't do. We expect them to think and act in order, but they connect differently and it takes a lot of time and professional guidance to see all of them. I love the dog shadows her and protected her.
It is hard to parent an autistic child. Their brilliance over shadows their social awkwardness and we forget what they can't do. We expect them to think and act in order, but they connect differently and it takes a lot of time and professional guidance to see all of them. I love the dog shadows her and protected her.
July 23, 2023
The Echo of a life well lived
This is book two of a three book series about Faderville Kentucky. Extremely well written and very moving stories. They are among the finest books I’ve ever read. They involve the greatest challenges people and dogs have overcome. I highly recommend these books.
This is book two of a three book series about Faderville Kentucky. Extremely well written and very moving stories. They are among the finest books I’ve ever read. They involve the greatest challenges people and dogs have overcome. I highly recommend these books.
August 3, 2024
Loved this book! Such a bond between Hannah and Echo in helping each other through ups and downs of life! This series on dogs I would highly recommend you will fall in love with the dog in each series and the vital part they play in saving the life of their owners and being such a loyal loving dog or should I say best friend!
July 22, 2017
A book that gives you a glimpse at the workings of a dog's mind - and an Australian Shepherd at that! I admit to being partial as I have an adoring Aussie at my feet as I type this but I really enjoyed reading the varying perspectives of the people in this story as well as Echo's.
October 20, 2018
A Fine dog tale about a wonderful pup and a special child. It took about half of the story for the two to get together.
The interaction between the girl and the dog is manic for both.This is a tale you will love for sure.
The interaction between the girl and the dog is manic for both.This is a tale you will love for sure.
June 21, 2019
Again
I liked this book. It was exciting and dramatic. I found I couldn't put it down. It was like a continuation of the first one I read, but more effective in that it was more amazing. I can't wait to read the next one.
I liked this book. It was exciting and dramatic. I found I couldn't put it down. It was like a continuation of the first one I read, but more effective in that it was more amazing. I can't wait to read the next one.
August 23, 2019
Sweet Story
This novel is a sweet story about an Australian shepherd and his families. He finally finds the child and the family he is supposed to guide. I recommend this touching novel.
This novel is a sweet story about an Australian shepherd and his families. He finally finds the child and the family he is supposed to guide. I recommend this touching novel.
February 5, 2020
So many lessons to learn
Not sure how the title fits, but there are so many life lessons to learn in this story of the loving bond that develops between dog and human, and so much more.
Not sure how the title fits, but there are so many life lessons to learn in this story of the loving bond that develops between dog and human, and so much more.
February 6, 2020
LOVED
Well developed characters, skips back and forth between POV, so you get what is going on from all fronts. I loved the bond between the dog and Hannah and the way Echo knew the heart's of people unlike the humans did. I really enjoyed the book.
Well developed characters, skips back and forth between POV, so you get what is going on from all fronts. I loved the bond between the dog and Hannah and the way Echo knew the heart's of people unlike the humans did. I really enjoyed the book.
April 7, 2020
Loved this book!
This was an easy read and very hard for me to put down. Being an animal lover the story was sweet meaningful I would recommend this book to anyone that loves her dog.
This was an easy read and very hard for me to put down. Being an animal lover the story was sweet meaningful I would recommend this book to anyone that loves her dog.
February 2, 2021
A five year old and the dog that loves her
Such a sweet story about a 5 year old girl, diagnosed with Aspergers, and an unwanted and cruelly treated puppy, who decides to trust one more time. Beautifully written.
Such a sweet story about a 5 year old girl, diagnosed with Aspergers, and an unwanted and cruelly treated puppy, who decides to trust one more time. Beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews