Pet Friendly

by Sue Pethick

In Sue Pethick’s witty and heartwarming debut novel, a sweet dog in need of an owner brings together the perfect candidates…
 
Todd Dwyer, a successful app designer, wasn’t planning to adopt a dog, but when his Uncle Bertie dies and leaves his little mutt Archie homeless, Todd can’t help welcoming the pooch home.

Archie could charm the marrow out of a bone, but Todd’s girlfriend Gwen is less than impressed with the instant bond the fluffy white ball of fur makes with her boyfriend. When things go awry the first night, she insists that Todd give Archie to his sister, Claire, whose rural home is a day’s drive away.

Todd and Archie hit the road, but circumstances compel them to make a detour to a quaint hotel run by Todd’s childhood friend, Emma Carlisle. As it happens, the hotel is hosting a colorful group of ghost hunters in town for a paranormal conference, and when Archie starts howling into the air vent, it isn’t long before their road trip turns bumpier than an unpaved country lane.

But with Archie’s unerring canine instincts and loyal heart, he may help Todd and Emma see the happiness that’s waiting just under their noses . . .

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Dogs, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Animals, Adult

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2015

About the author

Sue Pethick is an award-winning writer whose short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Murderous Intent. The author of two books published under pen names, Sue’s life-long love of animals inspired her to write PET FRIENDLY, the story of a little dog with a big heart and an instinct for true love. Born in San Diego, California, she now lives in Vancouver, Washington.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best book, I wanted to read something that was not complicated, with not a lot of characters, a book that just focused on the main subject, and this was perfect. I enjoyed the authors
writing style, I loved all of the characters, even the not so good ones. I loved Archie, he was the center of the story to me.
This novel centers around Emma and Todd, two sweethearts from the past, they have both went there separate ways, but after the death of Todd's uncle and possession of his dog Archie, they cross paths again. There are a few ups and downs for the couple, but with the help of Archie, they see their true future. I love books about dogs, love, and especially happy endings.
I also love the fact that the author touched on a subject close to many dog lovers, when you travel, it is not always easy to find a decent hotel to stay in with your loved pet.

Such a fun book!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book from my local used bookstore, and what a cute, lighthearted story. 

Uncle Bertie, a clown entertainer for birthday parties, dies, and his nephew, Todd Dwyer, ends up inheriting Archie, a small white terrier mutt. Unfortunately, Todd's decides to surprise Gwen, his girlfriend, with Archie, and she is furious and makes him rehome the dog. Thus, Todd is forced to give Archie to Claire, his sister. Unfortunately, while driving to Claire's house, Archie escapes. Additionally, during his time hiking in the woods searching for Archie, Todd discovers the Spirit Inn. 

Emma Carlisle inherits the quaint hotel from her grandmother. Furthermore, both Todd and Claire spent childhood summers as a vacationing at the charming resort and, as a result, become close friends with Emma. Moreover, Todd and Emma renew their friendship (and possibly even more).

I would recommend this book to all dog lovers and anyone looking for a heartwarming, quick read. 

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom loaned me her copy of Sue Pethick's "Pet Friendly" and it was absolutely adorable! I enjoyed all the characters, especially Archie. Gwen, not so much, but she made for a very cool villain. I greatly enjoyed the author's writing style, use of humour, etc. The story was light-hearted and endearing and I sure hope to read more books by Sue Pethick in the future. I would recommend this book to any animal lovers that were looking for a cute, light read.

[Nancy Narma · Rating 4 out of 5]

“All the World Loves a Clown--& His Little Dog Too!”

Uncle Bertie has past away. He was a well-known Circus Clown who also had a dog act as a part of his Shtick. The pews at the Church were filled to capacity with fellow performers, complete with their colorful greasepaint. Who was in the front row but his four-legged canine partner, Archie, also known as “Houdini”. Bertie’s Nephew, Game App Designer, Todd Dwyer also attended the funeral. He was always very fond of his Uncle, but was he fond enough to agree to his Mother’s strong suggestion to take ownership of Archie? He ordinarily wouldn’t mind, but he is living with champagne taste and spoiled Gwen Ashworth and intends to propose the following weekend. Todd and Gwen had been discussing getting a dog, but Archie is not the cutesy type that Gwen would certainly have her heart set on and then, sadly, another argument would take place.
He decides he will have to “Introduce” Archie to Gwen. Maybe, just maybe, she would grow fond of the talented little ball of fur like he did. Sadly, Todd decides to take Archie to live with Todd’s Sister, Claire. What an adventuresome trip they have, as Archie escapes from the car and runs away. Todd’s search lands him at the “Spirit Inn” and a pleasant reunion with Emma Carlisle, a girlfriend he supposedly abandoned from his past. Emma has inherited the Inn from her Grandmother, but it seems the operation is having financial problems as well as needing an upgrade of the ages-old hotel. Thankfully, for the 6th year in a row, the S.S.S.P.A., a society for paranormal activity is having their convention at the Spirit Inn. Perhaps, that will help the cash-strapped Inn? Misinterpretations make the reunion uncomfortable but, just when you think all will be better—it’s just the opposite. Did Archie spy a ghost? Or did he just have some tricks up his paw? Will Todd get his feelings and mistaken beliefs sorted out? Will Emma be able to save the Inn from having to be sold? And our beloved Archie—Who will take him in and give him a home? If you’ve needed a break from high-drama type fiction, this is the book for you! It’s a light-hearted, heart-warming, easy read filled with love, loyalty and a large helping of humor. Well done Ms. Pethick! I’m hoping there will be a sequel as every dog lover will fall in love with Archie. The Author has kindly included a very informative section written by Pet Travel Expert Amy Burkert on preparing your dog for a pet-friendly vacation. Be sure you put this title on your “To Be Read” list.
Nancy Narma

[Scarlett Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this debut novel from Sue Pethick. She made me fall in love with Archie from the beginning. You will become so invested in what happens to Archie that you will not want to put the book down, so plan on reading it in one sitting! The characters had depth, and the story moves along quickly. I will not spoil the plot by revealing too much, but trust me, you will enjoy this book!

[Keri Lippold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the human characters, they're witty and fun and seem like people I would want to be friends with! The dog Archie is adorable! What a great love story and happy book! I enjoyed it so much with unexpected twists and turns. I laughed several times also and hope that this author Sue Pethick will write more! I am picking this book for my book club in July for an upbeat summer read!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I'm a sucker for books with a cute dog on the cover, but sadly I'm disappointed more often than not when reading those books. Not this time. Very cute, easy breathy read. Adorable & heartwarming. And even a plug to adopt a shelter pet. Wonderful! I will be looking for more books by this animal loving author.

[Edward III · Rating 5 out of 5]

My in-laws are gentle people with kind souls. I often watch movies with them. They don't want big explosions and exploding planets, and a hundred bullets a minute, and swearing that'll make a sailor blush. They want ordinary people who struggle in colorful ways with ordinary problems and find warm-hearted solutions. They want to be entertained -- not entertained AT.

And that's where "Pet Friendly" comes in, because Pethick's premiere novel is exactly the best kind of story to tell when the world has thrown all the explosions and bullets and mutants and cars at you and you're just exhausted and overwhelmed and all you want is a good story told with wit and humor and joy.

There are things I guessed would happen as I read it, and I was right. There were things I guessed would happen and I was wrong.

And there was an adorable dog that knew more than it was letting on.

I read "Pet Friendly" while I was leaving a crazy hectic work-day situation and flying elsewhere for a vacation and it was the PERFECT book to read to get me in the mood for a happy time.

Because "Pet Friendly" is a happy book.

Please pick up a copy and see for yourself.

It's a happy book.

And in this world, that's a damn precious thing.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sweet feel-good story. I was wanting something light and cuddly and this book accomplished it perfectly. The characters are people I would love to know, so charming. It was a quick easy read for a day when you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea and drift away for a bit.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute heartwarming story . Any dog lover will fall in love with Archie and his antics. This book was a good read for animal lovers and those who enjoy romance stories.

[Kathy Jund · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm and fuzzy, story! Archie the circus dog is instrumental in showing Todd (his late master's nephew) the way to true happiness!

[Genine Franklin-Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick easy read, read like a YA book, although I have my library filter set to exclude these. I read it because ... dog. I would have enjoyed this more when I was in my twenties. A plus: I found no glaring grammatical errors. (Yes, I am obsessive about this.)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of Sue Pethick's books so far! When Archie's owner passes away, his nephew Todd agrees to take the dog. But his girlfriend Gwen is anything but pleased and wants the dog gone. Todd then embarks on an adventure to get Archie to his sister. But a bad winter storm forces him to stay at the Spirit Inn where he spent time as a young boy. The granddaughter of the woman who ran the inn is now the owner. Also visiting the inn are people drawn by the fact that the inn is considered haunted. Laughs, romance, ghosts, tears and a furry white dog make this an entertaining story for anyone who likes a good wholesome book.

[NAOMI · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at my local library, Alafaya branch of the Orange County Library System (rated #1 in the nation by the way), on a table marked “Lorelei’s Lit Lair’s Recommendations”.
I’m glad I took a chance, by the end of this story, I was charmed and delighted. A cute little dog appears in our couple’s lives by circumstance in a “spirited” hotel setting… let the hilarity begin. This mischievous fur-ball will fan and rekindle these two old flames. I give this story 4 stars. Thanks LLL for the suggestion.

[Donna Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read for the summer, even though a bit predictable. I liked the characters. I thought the ending kind up wrapped up too quickly. I don't usually read books that feature animals because I usually wind up crying. Though there is a scene towards the end that had my heart stopping, overall it isn't a sad animal story. It was probably this scene that made the ending feel rushed. I couldn't quite get my heart going again before I turned the last page.

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should not be tagged Contemporary romance as their is no romance whatsoever! It is more Contemporary fiction and a cozy mystery.
Fun read with an adorable little dog, but not a wow read.

[Catherine Puma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 2 stars because the premise, cover art, and book jacket description were cute enough to have been executed well, but I cannot give it any more because time and again, it fails to stick the landing.

The antagonists are too horrid to be believable, and when their actions are revealed to the protagonists, readers are denied finding out how they were brought to justice. There are similarly too many unanswered questions about the ghost hunter guests in the aftermath of the climax, and how the hotel clientele might've changed under its new management. Overall, the characters are underdeveloped, and for a "romantic" novel, there aren't any romantic scenes between the two love interests.

That being said, the most egregious writing is how this "pet friendly" book mishandles its canine character. Archie is left in vehicles, lost, misplaced, neglected, almost given to an unloving home, and then nearly MURDERED due to either direct or indirect actions these characters make. Not once is he fed dog food or given a proper walk throughout the entire book, and there is no indication that he is given access to water when locked int he cabin by himself all day. He is never brought to seen proper veterinary care: not after he vomits after eating human dessert, not after being lost all night long and showing up scratched and pricked with burs, and not after being stuck in between the walls of the old hotel where his "owners" know there to be dead rats and poisonous traps! Seriously?! This reads like the author wanted to capitalize on the pet owner market but who had never cared for animals herself.

I cannot in my good conscious recommend this to anyone. Do not read it and certainly do not buy it.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on a sale shelf at my local library. I was charmed by the cute dog on the cover and didn't read far enough on the back blurb to realize it had a paranormal theme (something I don't usually enjoy). This one didn't overdo the paranormal theme--probably helped by the fact that many of the main characters don't really believe in the paranormal. Emma seems to go along with it because it was what her aunt and Clifton decided on as a theme in the past and she doesn't want to alienate her paying customers who come for that sort of thing.

Emma doesn't seem to be a very good business woman. I suspected someone was stealing from her or undermining her long before anyone in the book seemed to (except Clifton, but he had his reasons). She has ideas but all of them are going to cost her more money--money she doesn't have--rather than trying to work out a new theme idea with what she's already got. I kind of felt like she doesn't see the forest for the trees.

Archie is a houdini--he manages to escape from lots of places throughout the book--a garage, a car, locked rooms, a cottage. He also has been taught tricks by Todd's uncle. He seems like a cute, loving dog, but I don't think I could handle the constant escaping.

It's a cute story, but it's obvious from the get-go that Todd and Gwen don't suit each other and as a reader, you kind of figure that they're not going to make it to the altar with each other.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, was a quick read. Loved Archie❤️ of course. That’s what drew me into reading it and the possibility of ghosts…
A lot of things were left unsaid though so book felt unfinished so you feel like you’re not finished at the end. That is why I only gave it a 3* rating
The female characters could have a lot more potential, I found them pretty weak,
And the Male Characters could have been better better designed
Felt they were built pretty vaguely the whole novel was like skipping a stone over water with no depth.

[Ts Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a quick read with a pretty predictable story. I was disappointed that the website recommended for those of us traveling with dogs is barely functional at this time.

I do wish the story had focused more on the dog, Archie. Think of this book as your basic Hallmark movie of today rather than those made years ago shown with little commercial interruptions. It was a pleasant change from the bios and non-fiction I’ve been reading.

This can be read in an afternoon or two.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but there were a lot of things that happened that were a stretch to believe. When Todd lost his dog at a rest stop, he went looking for him in the woods and came across a hotel that he stayed at when he was a boy. Archie showing up in the middle of the night at Claire's cottage. A good light read.

[Beachreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a good debut novel. The story just isn't tight enough, the characters lack development, and the author seems to want to write a romance story, but doesn't know how. Leave the cute dog story to others who do it well like Kristin Higgins.


Will not read this author again. She needs the guidance of a writer's group and a better editor.

[Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - it was okay. All the good reviews kept me reading but I missed what they liked. Archie, the dog, is the best part. Gwen is horrible, Todd was a bit ridiculous and Emma was living in some other world - who is still mad decades later about a boy who didn’t write you back. Todd’s mother is bad too but we don’t get much from her, which is also weird. Don’t waste your time on this one.

[Jess Schira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great characters, the bones of a good story, delightful dog … there was just something about this plot that failed to live up to it's promise. It was almost like the author couldn't decided if she was writing literary fiction or romantic fiction. The end result was something that was neither. Still, pleasant enough that I'd read another one of her novels

[Denise Philipp Rutledge · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5 (‘2’ is usually reserved for books I finished and hated). It was a good attempt at a first book for this author. I love dogs and light hearted books and found it at a free little library, so worth the chance. I think Hallmark needs to pick it up and turn it into a movie… but straighten out the hasty, convoluted ending.

[Rossana Snee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book from this author. Picked it up at a library sale. I must say I really enjoyed it. It was funny, romantic, and had a lot of cute elements. I plan to read a couple of her other books!

If you want a fun book to read, I highly recommend this one!

[Jessica Nunnally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute love story? check.
Betrayal? check.
Circus dog? check.
Haunted hotel? check?
This was a quick read, almost perfectly clean (couple swears), with a cozy story. I love how normal Emma is, but was a little bothered by how much of a stereotype Gwen turned out to be.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Archie is so mischievous. Gwen was not my favorite person in the book. Hoping there is a sequel.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love a book with that face on the cover? Anyway, the story was good and fun and just perfect for a summer afternoon.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

CUTE fluffy fiction. All the warm fuzzy feels.