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Earnest
“Von Kreisler takes us deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals.”--Jacqueline Sheehan
From the bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace comes a richly insightful novel of matters of the heart—both human and canine—in an uplifting story of love, loyalty, and new beginnings…
Earnest. It’s the perfect name for a sweet, eager-to-please yellow Labrador retriever. Anna and her boyfriend Jeff fall for him the minute they see those guileless eyes gazing up from behind his gate at Seattle’s Best Friends Shelter. In no time at all, they’re a pack of three, with Earnest happily romping in their condo on Gamble Island.
During the day, Earnest keeps Anna company in her flower shop, located in a historic gingerbread Victorian on the island’s main street. Anna hopes to buy and restore the house, once owned by her beloved grandmother. But when that dream is threatened by Jeff’s actions, Anna’s trust is shattered. For so long, the house has encompassed all her ideals of security, home, and family. Yet Earnest’s devotion to his two people, and theirs to him, make it impossible for them to walk away from each other. And when a crisis hits, it’s Earnest—honest, stubborn, and uncannily wise—who will help Anna reconcile her past and embrace what the future can bring…
Praise for Earnest
“ Earnest is a dog who desires only one thing, to keep his family intact. Kristin von Kreisler deftly spins a tale of human failings and canine devotion.”--Susan Wilson
“Kristin von Kreisler captures the emotional intelligence of Earnest, a dog who provides much-needed guidance to a couple spiraling into catastrophe.”--Jacqueline Sheehan
“A truly charming story sure to please dog lovers everywhere….Be prepared to fall in love with Earnest.”--Amy Hill Hearth
“ Earnest shows us, through the wisdom of a dog, what matters most in life.”--Nancy Thayer
Includes Reading Group Guide
From the bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace comes a richly insightful novel of matters of the heart—both human and canine—in an uplifting story of love, loyalty, and new beginnings…
Earnest. It’s the perfect name for a sweet, eager-to-please yellow Labrador retriever. Anna and her boyfriend Jeff fall for him the minute they see those guileless eyes gazing up from behind his gate at Seattle’s Best Friends Shelter. In no time at all, they’re a pack of three, with Earnest happily romping in their condo on Gamble Island.
During the day, Earnest keeps Anna company in her flower shop, located in a historic gingerbread Victorian on the island’s main street. Anna hopes to buy and restore the house, once owned by her beloved grandmother. But when that dream is threatened by Jeff’s actions, Anna’s trust is shattered. For so long, the house has encompassed all her ideals of security, home, and family. Yet Earnest’s devotion to his two people, and theirs to him, make it impossible for them to walk away from each other. And when a crisis hits, it’s Earnest—honest, stubborn, and uncannily wise—who will help Anna reconcile her past and embrace what the future can bring…
Praise for Earnest
“ Earnest is a dog who desires only one thing, to keep his family intact. Kristin von Kreisler deftly spins a tale of human failings and canine devotion.”--Susan Wilson
“Kristin von Kreisler captures the emotional intelligence of Earnest, a dog who provides much-needed guidance to a couple spiraling into catastrophe.”--Jacqueline Sheehan
“A truly charming story sure to please dog lovers everywhere….Be prepared to fall in love with Earnest.”--Amy Hill Hearth
“ Earnest shows us, through the wisdom of a dog, what matters most in life.”--Nancy Thayer
Includes Reading Group Guide
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2016
137 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Kristin von Kreisler
15 books158 followersKristin von Kreisler was born on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, and all her life she has loved and rescued animals. She writes bestselling books about them and has spoken about their welfare on Coast to Coast to 560 U.S. cities and on the Voice of America to 123 million people.
Only after rescuing a desperate laboratory beagle did it occur to her that she could also help animals by writing about them. After two critically acclaimed nonfiction books about animal emotion, she wrote four novels that feature beloved dogs, who protect and encourage their people through contemporary problems. In the national bestseller, AN UNEXPECTED GRACE, an artist and a golden retriever help each other recover from violence and abuse. In Kristin's most recent story, A REASON FOR HOPE, a Labrador retriever courthouse dog comforts a bookmobile librarian as she fights for justice after a grievous assault.
Kristin's award-winning books have been translated into twelve languages, and her articles have appeared in anthologies, textbooks, and national newspapers and magazines, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Stanford Magazine, Woman's Day, and Reader's Digest. She has taught English at the University of Hawaii and journalism at California State University at San Jose.
Kristin lives on an island in Washington with her husband, John, and their beloved Lab, Bridget. Kristin says she'd rather work in her garden than breathe. Her kale grows to looming giants, and her lavender and catmint are sirens calling bees. From her desk she watches ospreys and seals, and every hour a ferry passes by. She and John have just renovated a historic Victorian farmhouse, where the island's first postmistress and sheriff once lived with their seven children.
Only after rescuing a desperate laboratory beagle did it occur to her that she could also help animals by writing about them. After two critically acclaimed nonfiction books about animal emotion, she wrote four novels that feature beloved dogs, who protect and encourage their people through contemporary problems. In the national bestseller, AN UNEXPECTED GRACE, an artist and a golden retriever help each other recover from violence and abuse. In Kristin's most recent story, A REASON FOR HOPE, a Labrador retriever courthouse dog comforts a bookmobile librarian as she fights for justice after a grievous assault.
Kristin's award-winning books have been translated into twelve languages, and her articles have appeared in anthologies, textbooks, and national newspapers and magazines, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Stanford Magazine, Woman's Day, and Reader's Digest. She has taught English at the University of Hawaii and journalism at California State University at San Jose.
Kristin lives on an island in Washington with her husband, John, and their beloved Lab, Bridget. Kristin says she'd rather work in her garden than breathe. Her kale grows to looming giants, and her lavender and catmint are sirens calling bees. From her desk she watches ospreys and seals, and every hour a ferry passes by. She and John have just renovated a historic Victorian farmhouse, where the island's first postmistress and sheriff once lived with their seven children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 14, 2016
I love a good "dog book" as much as the next guy but sadly, this wasn't one. Nothing I hate more than spending 250 pages of a 286 page book wanting to scream at the 2 main characters. Petulant. Stubborn. Instead of rooting for them to fall back in love, I found myself rooting for them to be hit by a bus. Luckily it was a mindless read I was able to get through quickly.
August 31, 2016
I always love stories about animals and this one was no exception. Nice part is that I never cried once thru the whole book --- probably because I was so busy disliking one or both of his humans.
After awhile, the story began to drag, and I was just scanning the story.
I gave it 3 stars because I love the whole idea of the story and I didn't want to hurt Earnest's feelings.
After awhile, the story began to drag, and I was just scanning the story.
I gave it 3 stars because I love the whole idea of the story and I didn't want to hurt Earnest's feelings.
August 23, 2021
Three stars because Earnest is an amazing five star dog. The setting of Gamble, Washington (obviously Port Gamble) is lovely with its old Victorian houses, small businesses, and a population of colorful characters who are fiercely independent and devoted to maintaining the town's individualistic traditions. However, for most of the story, the protagonists, Anna and Jeff, are unlikeable poster children for self-absorbed immaturity and petty impulsivity (Anna is worse). Though they are in their mid-thirties, they act like petulant, stubborn adolescents when faced with conflict. Earnest suffers the consequences of their selfishness which, to a dog lover, is hard to forgive. Fortunately for Earnest (and the reader), they gradually develop empathy and insights and find their way to a resolution satisfying to all.
March 8, 2016
Cheesy story. Best part was the dog whom I wanted to kidnap from these two losers.
September 20, 2016
I love stories about dogs. I had two golden retriever. I always wondered what dog thought about. I feel that dogs take care of their masters. In this book the dog was taking care of Jeff and Anna.
February 1, 2016
Author Kristin Von Kreisler brings readers a tale of love both human and canine in her latest novel, Earnest. This is a heartfelt story about two people at a crossroads in their relationship and how the love of their pet changes everything. Kreisler's knowledge of human nature and canine antics is inspiring. Readers who love both a good love story and a story about the relationship between people and their pets will love this one. A good story about finding the path that leads you to those you love.
What I liked:
Jeff and Anna have been together for awhile and are considering taking their relationship in a new direction. Anna wants kids and a home to call her own. She has her own successful business but there is more on her mind than just the flowers in her shop. Jeff is an up and coming architect who needs just the right project to get his career headed in the right direction. Both characters are looking to their own needs and agendas. Where they come together is in the love of their rescued dog named Earnest. Earnest is the glue that holds this couple together.
What I found interesting in the beginning of the story is that Anna looked at adopting Earnest as a precursor to having kids and getting Jeff to propose, while he looked at Earnest as a buddy or a just a companion of sorts. They both obviously love him dearly. As a character Earnest captivates the story. I appreciated the fact that the author didn't give us too much information. Earnest remained a normal dog. He didn't have moments where his thoughts were projected into the story or where he became more than what he was... he was a dog and a great one. A totally lovable character that epitomised the relationship between pets and people. The best part of the book by far.
Kreisler did a wonderful job of allowing readers to see how the relationship between humans and canines develops. She used her knowledge of dogs and even breeds to bring Earnest to life. Earnest is a Labrador Retriever and Kreisler showed all of the qualities of the breed by making Earnest loyal, smart and energetic. She also excelled at showing the human frailties and faults of her other characters. Where some might consider Anna and Jeff's characters to be self-serving and even shallow, I found them to be realistic and an unfortunate parallel to a lot of young people today.
What I didn't like:
This was a good story. The main premise was a bit over the top. Jeff and Anna end up splitting up for a while because of the fact that Anna wants to buy the Victorian house which belonged to her grandmother and Jeff wants to tear it down and build something new. Anna has her heart set on owning the building that houses both her flower shop, "Plant Parenthood" and the shops of two other friends. It belongs in the family and it symbolises to her, home and security. Jeff has a totally different view of what it can do to boost his career if he razes the building and redevelops the area. It would mean success and pride. But neither seems to want to consider the others stance on the subject.
I felt like the author made a bit of a mountain out of a mole hill. Not sure this is something that would be a deal breaker in a relationship. Communication was obviously the issue with these two and were it not for the mutual love of their dog, they wouldn't have survived it. But the end is one of those that is tried and true and tied with a ribbon. A little too pat and perfect, but still a good story of love and devotion to pets and how our stupidity often causes our pets to suffer.
Bottom Line:
Kreisler did a good job with certain aspects of the story while missing the mark a little bit on others. I loved Earnest. Any dog lover with fall for him in a heartbeat. I appreciated Kreisler's knowledge of the breed and that she didn't make Earnest a superdog with special canine powers. Her other characters were a bit static. They were not as well developed but probably pretty realistic. Today's society is all about what I need and what I want. It was nice to see these two characters come together in their love of their pet. A quaint ending that was a little predictable but I stilled loved the fact that Earnest got the family he deserved.
What I liked:
Jeff and Anna have been together for awhile and are considering taking their relationship in a new direction. Anna wants kids and a home to call her own. She has her own successful business but there is more on her mind than just the flowers in her shop. Jeff is an up and coming architect who needs just the right project to get his career headed in the right direction. Both characters are looking to their own needs and agendas. Where they come together is in the love of their rescued dog named Earnest. Earnest is the glue that holds this couple together.
What I found interesting in the beginning of the story is that Anna looked at adopting Earnest as a precursor to having kids and getting Jeff to propose, while he looked at Earnest as a buddy or a just a companion of sorts. They both obviously love him dearly. As a character Earnest captivates the story. I appreciated the fact that the author didn't give us too much information. Earnest remained a normal dog. He didn't have moments where his thoughts were projected into the story or where he became more than what he was... he was a dog and a great one. A totally lovable character that epitomised the relationship between pets and people. The best part of the book by far.
Kreisler did a wonderful job of allowing readers to see how the relationship between humans and canines develops. She used her knowledge of dogs and even breeds to bring Earnest to life. Earnest is a Labrador Retriever and Kreisler showed all of the qualities of the breed by making Earnest loyal, smart and energetic. She also excelled at showing the human frailties and faults of her other characters. Where some might consider Anna and Jeff's characters to be self-serving and even shallow, I found them to be realistic and an unfortunate parallel to a lot of young people today.
What I didn't like:
This was a good story. The main premise was a bit over the top. Jeff and Anna end up splitting up for a while because of the fact that Anna wants to buy the Victorian house which belonged to her grandmother and Jeff wants to tear it down and build something new. Anna has her heart set on owning the building that houses both her flower shop, "Plant Parenthood" and the shops of two other friends. It belongs in the family and it symbolises to her, home and security. Jeff has a totally different view of what it can do to boost his career if he razes the building and redevelops the area. It would mean success and pride. But neither seems to want to consider the others stance on the subject.
I felt like the author made a bit of a mountain out of a mole hill. Not sure this is something that would be a deal breaker in a relationship. Communication was obviously the issue with these two and were it not for the mutual love of their dog, they wouldn't have survived it. But the end is one of those that is tried and true and tied with a ribbon. A little too pat and perfect, but still a good story of love and devotion to pets and how our stupidity often causes our pets to suffer.
Bottom Line:
Kreisler did a good job with certain aspects of the story while missing the mark a little bit on others. I loved Earnest. Any dog lover with fall for him in a heartbeat. I appreciated Kreisler's knowledge of the breed and that she didn't make Earnest a superdog with special canine powers. Her other characters were a bit static. They were not as well developed but probably pretty realistic. Today's society is all about what I need and what I want. It was nice to see these two characters come together in their love of their pet. A quaint ending that was a little predictable but I stilled loved the fact that Earnest got the family he deserved.
Want to read
January 24, 2023Earnest 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Dog lovers know there are indeed several life lessons our loyal friends can teach us. Leave the past behind; don't brood in it. Live in the present... The story, though fictional, is a testament to the bond that we not only form with our dogs, but the bond that they help form and preserve among us.I expected to like this book more than I did as I read it. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either, hence the three stars rating.The beginning of the book is good. Jeff and Anna have been together long enough to know they love each other and will marry some day. They felt the time was right to get a dog so they visited their local animal control. They found a purebred Lab who ran to the front of the kennel when he saw them and worked hard to show the couple he was perfect for them. All is well for the first third of the story.
The middle third of the story dragged. Jeff and Anna argue over a new building he proposed that would require tearing down the building that Anna and her two friends worked in. Anna had sentimental feelings for this house because it use to belong to her Grandmother who had taken care of Anna when she was a child. Anna had dreamed of buying this house when she got older. Rather than act like adults and problem solve they continued to hurl insults at each other and the argument continued to escalate to the point where they seethed with anger at one another. Of course each of them wanted the dog and neither was willing to give him up. This is the part that went on so long with both of them getting angrier and with the dog being the ultimate looser.
I don't want to tell you the ending and spoil the story but I will say that the ending was abrupt and didn't work for me. I think this part could have worked to enhance the story rather than leave the reader wondering what happened.
Dog lovers know there are indeed several life lessons our loyal friends can teach us. Leave the past behind; don't brood in it. Live in the present... The story, though fictional, is a testament to the bond that we not only form with our dogs, but the bond that they help form and preserve among us.I expected to like this book more than I did as I read it. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either, hence the three stars rating.The beginning of the book is good. Jeff and Anna have been together long enough to know they love each other and will marry some day. They felt the time was right to get a dog so they visited their local animal control. They found a purebred Lab who ran to the front of the kennel when he saw them and worked hard to show the couple he was perfect for them. All is well for the first third of the story.
The middle third of the story dragged. Jeff and Anna argue over a new building he proposed that would require tearing down the building that Anna and her two friends worked in. Anna had sentimental feelings for this house because it use to belong to her Grandmother who had taken care of Anna when she was a child. Anna had dreamed of buying this house when she got older. Rather than act like adults and problem solve they continued to hurl insults at each other and the argument continued to escalate to the point where they seethed with anger at one another. Of course each of them wanted the dog and neither was willing to give him up. This is the part that went on so long with both of them getting angrier and with the dog being the ultimate looser.
I don't want to tell you the ending and spoil the story but I will say that the ending was abrupt and didn't work for me. I think this part could have worked to enhance the story rather than leave the reader wondering what happened.
June 21, 2024
Anna is venomous, unstable (with irrational and extreme reactions to very manageable situations) and childish (the silent treatment, really?). She goes completely ballistic over NOTHING, egged on by a vacuous, pot-stirring bitter hag of a co-tenant (laughably named Joy) prompting an insane and completely over-dramatic meltdown.
Jeff is a doormat and needs to grow up. I don’t entirely blame his increasing frustration with Anna. As noted, she’s mental. He needs to walk away. He’s got money, a job, reasonable ability, he’ll be fine.
The whole “break-up” situation was so childish and melodramatic that it actually made me angry to read this. Trash like these idiots don’t deserve a pet. They can’t take care of themselves much less care for a pet. The idea of being unable to solve anything (even a simple row) without blowing it all out of proportion, airing your dirty laundry to all and sundry, and involving lawyers is absurd.
How Jeff and Anna’s melodrama turned into a town-wide melodrama because of Anna’s obsession with an old house got my goat as well. Jeff’s plans for the space were not unreasonable and it was just a pissing contest between the two of them that was beyond absurd.
The ending was trite and stupid.
This gets a star for the actual dog, Earnest, who is portrayed perfectly. My heart broke for him though. He was wasting away because of the nonsense between his idiot owners. A pet should never suffer because his owners are twats!
I don’t recommend this book at all. Even dear Earnest doesn’t redeem it enough to make it even slightly enjoyable.
Jeff is a doormat and needs to grow up. I don’t entirely blame his increasing frustration with Anna. As noted, she’s mental. He needs to walk away. He’s got money, a job, reasonable ability, he’ll be fine.
The whole “break-up” situation was so childish and melodramatic that it actually made me angry to read this. Trash like these idiots don’t deserve a pet. They can’t take care of themselves much less care for a pet. The idea of being unable to solve anything (even a simple row) without blowing it all out of proportion, airing your dirty laundry to all and sundry, and involving lawyers is absurd.
How Jeff and Anna’s melodrama turned into a town-wide melodrama because of Anna’s obsession with an old house got my goat as well. Jeff’s plans for the space were not unreasonable and it was just a pissing contest between the two of them that was beyond absurd.
The ending was trite and stupid.
This gets a star for the actual dog, Earnest, who is portrayed perfectly. My heart broke for him though. He was wasting away because of the nonsense between his idiot owners. A pet should never suffer because his owners are twats!
I don’t recommend this book at all. Even dear Earnest doesn’t redeem it enough to make it even slightly enjoyable.
May 1, 2017
More about the couple than the dog, but a quick read.
April 10, 2017
I loved Earnest! But then, he is a dog, so how could I help it?
Anna and Jeff have gone to the shelter in Seattle, WA and adopted Earnest, a yellow lab. For a long time, their family was very happy. Earnest went to Anna's flower shop with her during the day, and had fun with Jeff at night. Then Jeff, an architect, secures a job to tear down the house Anna and friends shops are in. While planning the replacement, he does not mention it to Anna. When she finds out, she kicks him out of the house. Everyone's mad and Earnest is devastated. How can he get his family back together? I'll let you read the book to find out.
Anna and Jeff have gone to the shelter in Seattle, WA and adopted Earnest, a yellow lab. For a long time, their family was very happy. Earnest went to Anna's flower shop with her during the day, and had fun with Jeff at night. Then Jeff, an architect, secures a job to tear down the house Anna and friends shops are in. While planning the replacement, he does not mention it to Anna. When she finds out, she kicks him out of the house. Everyone's mad and Earnest is devastated. How can he get his family back together? I'll let you read the book to find out.
July 24, 2017
did not always like the human characters, just seemed too stubborn but I liked how the dog kept them connected through him! This seemed very cutesy chic lit type but fast enjoyable read!
April 2, 2018
Gotta love a good dog story!
December 23, 2018
MY CHRISTMAS DOG READ.
February 11, 2016
Earnest by Kristin Von Kreisler
This story starts out with Jeff and Anna and they've dated for 3 years and live together in a condo in the Northwest.
They decide to pick out a dog, Earnest and they divide their days with each spending time with the dog. They live as a family.
Jeff is an architect and is designing a new project for a house in town that he hopes will get the permits to demolish so they can rebuild a new facility to hold his girls' shop along with her two friends shops.
Problem is there is a fire, the dog gets hurt and Anna and her friends find out his project wants to destroy the house their businesses are in.
Anna won't listen to what he has to say and he leaves and she's left with the condo. She even takes steps to legally get Earnest. The dog also has some chapters where you understand what is happening to him during the separation.
Can they ever find it in their hearts to at least listen to one another, for the sake of the dog even? So many times of remembering how they met, certain events they attended throughout their years as it tugs on their hearts.
Loved all the flower classes and descriptions of the parks they frequent and his career and all he has to go through. Funny touching scenes when using online dating sites they meet.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
This story starts out with Jeff and Anna and they've dated for 3 years and live together in a condo in the Northwest.
They decide to pick out a dog, Earnest and they divide their days with each spending time with the dog. They live as a family.
Jeff is an architect and is designing a new project for a house in town that he hopes will get the permits to demolish so they can rebuild a new facility to hold his girls' shop along with her two friends shops.
Problem is there is a fire, the dog gets hurt and Anna and her friends find out his project wants to destroy the house their businesses are in.
Anna won't listen to what he has to say and he leaves and she's left with the condo. She even takes steps to legally get Earnest. The dog also has some chapters where you understand what is happening to him during the separation.
Can they ever find it in their hearts to at least listen to one another, for the sake of the dog even? So many times of remembering how they met, certain events they attended throughout their years as it tugs on their hearts.
Loved all the flower classes and descriptions of the parks they frequent and his career and all he has to go through. Funny touching scenes when using online dating sites they meet.
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
October 6, 2017
I thought this would be a feel good story but it is not. A couple adopt a dog, Earnest. Anna goes ballistic over good intentions gone wrong, throws clueless Jeff out and turns into a hateful vengeful shrew. At first Jeff acts like a doormat hoping for reconciliation, but when he isn't allowed to see the dog he gets nasty in return. Not the kind of story I expected or wanted to read, I quit halfway through. Reviewers gave the impression it's told through the dogs point of view but that must be later in the book because it's not in the first half, just a few snippets of humans guessing what the dog is thinking.
November 27, 2015
A beautiful, emotional novel, full of love and muddy paw prints. I was absolutely swept away by the story of these three beings, Anna, Jeff, and Earnest, and their struggle to find their true family. Kristin von Kreisler's writing is always fresh and full of color, a true joy to read, and she paints her characters so deeply, they feel like old friends. Earnest, of course, is the star of the show. He's just as sweet and ball/stick/toy-focused as any Lab I've ever met, but with a profoundly sensitive soul that just melts hearts. Loved it!!
December 18, 2021
Very good book
May 16, 2024
I read this entirely because the premise reminded me of Ted & Zoey on How I Met Your Mother (if it took place on an island in western Washington instead of NYC), and I was very on board to read a version of that which was a) not doomed, and b) included heavy focus on a big sweet Labrador! I got what I came for, a real feel-good story.
At times the writing is a little schmaltzy, a little too anthropomorphic about Earnest's ability to understand what's going on with his humans and being accordingly depressed about it, and definitely too OTT with describing what his various expressions/barks mean in English. At times you will also hate both of these bullheaded twerps, even if, like me, you fully understand why she dumped him on the spot.
(Pro-tip: there are zero circumstances under which people who have an emotional attachment to an old house will appreciate how cool and special the thing you want to tear it down and replace it with, unless that thing is a complete rebuild for them from the original plans and using the same quality materials, with only invisible improvements to the durability of structure, wiring, MAYBE an updated bathroom, etc.)
But ultimately, it is also -- pun maybe intended? -- very earnest in its desire to talk about how great dogs are, how fun it is to describe their cuter traits and idiosyncrasies, and how much better it is to have them in your life than not. I honestly liked both main characters. And it manages to find a compromise for the couple at the end which was, frankly, beyond my ability to imagine, so great work there!
At times the writing is a little schmaltzy, a little too anthropomorphic about Earnest's ability to understand what's going on with his humans and being accordingly depressed about it, and definitely too OTT with describing what his various expressions/barks mean in English. At times you will also hate both of these bullheaded twerps, even if, like me, you fully understand why she dumped him on the spot.
(Pro-tip: there are zero circumstances under which people who have an emotional attachment to an old house will appreciate how cool and special the thing you want to tear it down and replace it with, unless that thing is a complete rebuild for them from the original plans and using the same quality materials, with only invisible improvements to the durability of structure, wiring, MAYBE an updated bathroom, etc.)
But ultimately, it is also -- pun maybe intended? -- very earnest in its desire to talk about how great dogs are, how fun it is to describe their cuter traits and idiosyncrasies, and how much better it is to have them in your life than not. I honestly liked both main characters. And it manages to find a compromise for the couple at the end which was, frankly, beyond my ability to imagine, so great work there!
March 8, 2017
Anna, her boyfriend Jeff, and their yellow lab Earnest are a happy family of three in a small town near Seattle, Washington. Anna takes Earnest to work with her each day in her floral shop, which she runs out of the old Victorian home that used to be owned by her grandmother and Jeff is an architect. Anna's dream is to one day buy and restore the house that has so many happy memories of her grandmother. However, Jeff's actions at work threaten Anna's dream and the happiness of the formerly content family trio is threatened. In the end, it is Earnest's love for his two humans and theirs for him and for each other that help heal the rift between the couple.
This was a sweet story and a fast read that I liked despite myself. While sappy, it was difficult not to feel affection for the loveable Earnest. This was not high literature but it was a feel good story that celebrates the relationship between a dog and his family, something that you see relatively rarely in novels. Additionally, while other characters were far less fleshed out, I appreciated the portrayal of Anna and Jeff as flawed individuals who make mistakes and yet are able to work through their issues and consider the other person's perspective.
This novel did remind me of a Hallmark movie. In one of the opening scenes, Earnest is injured saving others from a house fire, Anna's floral shop is called 'Plant Parenthood,' and her evil landlady is Mrs. Blackmore (but commonly referred to by Anna and friends as Mrs. Scroogemore). It struck me as antiquated and stereotypical that Jeff makes more money than Anna and this disparity in income is constantly brought up in reference to her ability to care for Earnest. For that matter, the fact that Jeff tries to quickly move on and date and have sex with other women while Anna did not also struck me as sexist. Additionally, while it didn't bother me, I could see where some readers who be bothered by the constant anthropomorphism throughout where human emotions and thoughts are constantly being ascribed to the canine Earnest.
This was a sweet story and a fast read that I liked despite myself. While sappy, it was difficult not to feel affection for the loveable Earnest. This was not high literature but it was a feel good story that celebrates the relationship between a dog and his family, something that you see relatively rarely in novels. Additionally, while other characters were far less fleshed out, I appreciated the portrayal of Anna and Jeff as flawed individuals who make mistakes and yet are able to work through their issues and consider the other person's perspective.
This novel did remind me of a Hallmark movie. In one of the opening scenes, Earnest is injured saving others from a house fire, Anna's floral shop is called 'Plant Parenthood,' and her evil landlady is Mrs. Blackmore (but commonly referred to by Anna and friends as Mrs. Scroogemore). It struck me as antiquated and stereotypical that Jeff makes more money than Anna and this disparity in income is constantly brought up in reference to her ability to care for Earnest. For that matter, the fact that Jeff tries to quickly move on and date and have sex with other women while Anna did not also struck me as sexist. Additionally, while it didn't bother me, I could see where some readers who be bothered by the constant anthropomorphism throughout where human emotions and thoughts are constantly being ascribed to the canine Earnest.
July 23, 2017
Dog lovers know there are indeed several life lessons our loyal friends can teach us. Leave the past behind; don't brood in it. Live in the present... The story, though fictional, is a testament to the bond that we not only form with our dogs, but the bond that they help form and preserve among us.
Why Anna didn't hear out Jeff the first time is beyond me (I wouldn't have been so harsh). But who am I to judge? Jeff understood her in the end, and she understood him. One very important thing in a relationship: communication. It's not only about speaking, but it also entails a lot of listening.
Nice story. I will most likely seek out the other works of this author.
Why Anna didn't hear out Jeff the first time is beyond me (I wouldn't have been so harsh). But who am I to judge? Jeff understood her in the end, and she understood him. One very important thing in a relationship: communication. It's not only about speaking, but it also entails a lot of listening.
Nice story. I will most likely seek out the other works of this author.
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October 9, 2018“Perfect for dog lovers”
Earnest by Kristen Von Kreisler, is perfect for dog lovers. When Earnest’s owners, Jeff and Anna, get in a fight, they loose each other’s trust. Now, the last thing they want to do is see each other. This would be easy if it wasn’t for Earnest, whom they both love and want.
This book was very good towards the end but it was very slow throughout the beginning and middle. It was one of those books that drags a problem farther than needed which makes it easy to loose interest. Overall, if you stick with it, it makes for a good 4 star rating because it was worth reading.
April 29, 2019
Earnest is a fitting title for the story because the Labrador retriever was the only thing that prevented me from closing the book halfway through. Without him involved in the story, I'm not sure I could have handled reading through the childish squabbles the two main characters had. Out of both Anna and Jeff, I have to admit Jeff felt like the slightly more mature one in the book in my opinion. Still, he didn't win favorite character of the year award from me.
Pros of this book: Amazing, lovable dog.
Cons of this book: Characters who made me want to give them a good slap across the face. Especially Anna.
Pros of this book: Amazing, lovable dog.
Cons of this book: Characters who made me want to give them a good slap across the face. Especially Anna.
November 8, 2023
Jeff and Anna adopt a lab together and name him Earnest. They share a condo and Earnest, Jeff is an architect in Seattle and Anna runs a flower store in the old house that her grandmother used to own, along with two friends who have their own shops in the same house.
Jeff's planning to surprise Anna with his project that would tear down the house and put up a new shared facility with spots made for the current 3 stores and room for the kiddie museum. His thought is that his project would earn him a raise and then he and Anna could get married.
What he didn't bank on was Anna's feelings about that old house.....
Jeff's planning to surprise Anna with his project that would tear down the house and put up a new shared facility with spots made for the current 3 stores and room for the kiddie museum. His thought is that his project would earn him a raise and then he and Anna could get married.
What he didn't bank on was Anna's feelings about that old house.....
November 18, 2024
Anna has a flower shop in a 130-year-old house that she loves. The house used to belong to her grandmother, and she can feel her loving spirit in the house. When she finds out that her boyfriend has plans to demolish the house for a development he has planned, Anna is more than upset; she is angry! Earnest, the sweet dog Anna and Jeff adopted from a shelter, becomes a canine tug-of-war in a heated custody battle.
I enjoyed reading Earnest. It's not as much about a dog, but about the relationship between Anna and Jeff, which would have developed into a nasty break-up if not for the dog. The chapters are short, so it is a fast read.
I enjoyed reading Earnest. It's not as much about a dog, but about the relationship between Anna and Jeff, which would have developed into a nasty break-up if not for the dog. The chapters are short, so it is a fast read.
March 6, 2017
This was a nice story if you take the dog's side but the whole thing between the two main characters was - to me - pretty childish and stupid. It could have been solved pretty easily but then I guess there would not have much of a story to make with.
I liked the writing though. It was clear, without pretension and not too fast. Although the end felt like a bit rushed. They were fighting and suddenly all is good and fine again. It would need more development.
All in all, a nice little story to read.
*book provided by netgally for an honest review*
I liked the writing though. It was clear, without pretension and not too fast. Although the end felt like a bit rushed. They were fighting and suddenly all is good and fine again. It would need more development.
All in all, a nice little story to read.
*book provided by netgally for an honest review*
April 4, 2019
I will start saying that Earnest was not the book I expected. So disappointing. While I thought it would be more about a lovely dog, actually I found myself reading about a couple constantly fighting and being at war with each other the entire book. It was painful to get through it.
Nevertheless, I am giving this book 3 stars, because I believe in Earnest and I find that without him, I wouldn't even finished this book. He made me get over the repetitive fights. The ending was unexpected and I was pleasantly surprised.
I won't read it again though.
Nevertheless, I am giving this book 3 stars, because I believe in Earnest and I find that without him, I wouldn't even finished this book. He made me get over the repetitive fights. The ending was unexpected and I was pleasantly surprised.
I won't read it again though.
November 7, 2019
When two people share a life and a dog life can get complicated when the relationship takes a turn for the worse. Anna and her boyfriend share Ernest a sweet loveable Labrador retriever. Anna runs a flower shop located in a historic gingerbread house along with two other women and these three women want to buy the house. Jeff is an architect and Jeff is working for the owner who has different ideas for the property and wants to tear down the house. Communication becomes difficult and the pair have a big argument over the property and then also over Earnest their dog. Poor Earnest is the one to suffer as he grieves when Jeff moves out. Is it possible for a dog to bring people back together in spite of their differences?
September 9, 2018
Delightful!
Having 3 dogs I can relate to Earnest! The author did a wonderful job of relating Earnest's feelings and thoughts throughout this story. Earnest lives in the present moment. Something that can be hard ,for us humans,at times.
The story shows how important trust is between people and our furry 4 footed friends.
I look forward to reading another book by Kristin von Kreisler.
Having 3 dogs I can relate to Earnest! The author did a wonderful job of relating Earnest's feelings and thoughts throughout this story. Earnest lives in the present moment. Something that can be hard ,for us humans,at times.
The story shows how important trust is between people and our furry 4 footed friends.
I look forward to reading another book by Kristin von Kreisler.
August 24, 2022
I’m sorry to say that this was a slog to get through. Earnest the dog is distressed when common-law couple Anna and Jeff break up. The focus of the book wants to be on the dog, but instead there’s just endless sniping about their issue… which could have been resolved in fifteen minute if they’d just sat down and talked to each other. Such a worn-out and hollow trope. Why the readers are supposed to think these two belong together is beyond me.
July 14, 2023
Not at all what I expected. The only one I liked in the book was Earnest (who really is a sort of minor character). The major characters, Anna and Jeff, are too self-absorbed. Jeff does not understand Anna and Anna doesn't trust Jeff and, well - more Earnest and less of them and their crummy relationship woes, please. It was okay to start with, then the middle (and all the fighting) was boring and drawn out and ridiculous.
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