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Lake Harriet #1
Walking Sam: A Lake Harriet Novel
Love isn’t always a walk in the park…
Ryan Collier has lived a quiet life with his golden retriever, Sam, and two orange tabbies since the death of his wife nearly three years ago. His friends and family are encouraging him to move on and find someone to share his life with, but Ryan feels he’ll never find anyone he’ll love as much as his wife. Ryan reluctantly starts going out on weekends, and soon finds that not only have women changed, but also the rules of dating. He’s longing for a fulfilling relationship but everyone he meets only want one-night stands. Then, Kristen moves in next door and he finds they have a lot in common. There’s only one problem—she’s not available.
Kristen Foster craves a peaceful place to call home. With her stressful job as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse and a failed marriage behind her, she doesn’t want any more drama in her life. Then her casual boyfriend—a surgeon—proposes to her. And she finds that the widower next door is a thirty-something, handsome man who seems to have his choice of young women every weekend. His only redeeming quality is his beautiful dog, Sam. But as she gets to know Ryan, Kristen is drawn to him. She finds herself struggling to choose between the dependable surgeon or the man she believes is the neighborhood playboy.
Can Sam’s furry charm bring Ryan and Kristen together?
Walking Sam is a heartwarming story of two people who have to let go of the past in order to see what’s right in front of them.
Ryan Collier has lived a quiet life with his golden retriever, Sam, and two orange tabbies since the death of his wife nearly three years ago. His friends and family are encouraging him to move on and find someone to share his life with, but Ryan feels he’ll never find anyone he’ll love as much as his wife. Ryan reluctantly starts going out on weekends, and soon finds that not only have women changed, but also the rules of dating. He’s longing for a fulfilling relationship but everyone he meets only want one-night stands. Then, Kristen moves in next door and he finds they have a lot in common. There’s only one problem—she’s not available.
Kristen Foster craves a peaceful place to call home. With her stressful job as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse and a failed marriage behind her, she doesn’t want any more drama in her life. Then her casual boyfriend—a surgeon—proposes to her. And she finds that the widower next door is a thirty-something, handsome man who seems to have his choice of young women every weekend. His only redeeming quality is his beautiful dog, Sam. But as she gets to know Ryan, Kristen is drawn to him. She finds herself struggling to choose between the dependable surgeon or the man she believes is the neighborhood playboy.
Can Sam’s furry charm bring Ryan and Kristen together?
Walking Sam is a heartwarming story of two people who have to let go of the past in order to see what’s right in front of them.
210 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
820 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
39 books628 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 4, 2016
This book was very sweet. It is like visiting old friends. Walking Sam is a book that makes you feel very happy while you read and it and long after you finish it. I love those feel good stories that make you believe in love and the power of friendship. Walking Sam is one of those heartwarming books. Grab it today, you won't regret it.
May 7, 2020
At first this book read like a Debbie Macomber book and I was excited to have another author on my bookshelf.....then I started getting into the book.....
Ryan a widower is just getting back in the dating scene. Kristen divorced just bought the house next door to Ryan. Sam short for Samantha, Ryan's dog is loved by all.
First of all, why such the big deal that Sam is a girl dog, that was mentioned too much in the book. Like for sure I meet a dog, told is name and immediately question why it has a boy name. That so happens in real life. Second, Ryan goes to bar and brings home a random just met at the bar young girl to his dead wife's house and immediately has sex even though it felt wrong. Yep, the author should have been like yes, not only does it feel wrong for Ryan; but it felt wrong for the reader. Thirdly, it was hard to like Kristen, she was so judgmental, yep Ryan is a pig for sleeping with a younger woman, but Kristen can sleep with a man 20 years older than her. And I don't know... it was gross that Ryan kept sleeping with Nichole after he met Kristen......This book just left the reader saying yuck, these people deserve each other.
Ryan a widower is just getting back in the dating scene. Kristen divorced just bought the house next door to Ryan. Sam short for Samantha, Ryan's dog is loved by all.
First of all, why such the big deal that Sam is a girl dog, that was mentioned too much in the book. Like for sure I meet a dog, told is name and immediately question why it has a boy name. That so happens in real life. Second, Ryan goes to bar and brings home a random just met at the bar young girl to his dead wife's house and immediately has sex even though it felt wrong. Yep, the author should have been like yes, not only does it feel wrong for Ryan; but it felt wrong for the reader. Thirdly, it was hard to like Kristen, she was so judgmental, yep Ryan is a pig for sleeping with a younger woman, but Kristen can sleep with a man 20 years older than her. And I don't know... it was gross that Ryan kept sleeping with Nichole after he met Kristen......This book just left the reader saying yuck, these people deserve each other.
July 19, 2017
I am struggling to review this book.
There were times when I thought it was great and times when I was rolling my eyes.
In the category of "A good beach read," I will say that it is well written and has good character development.
However, as a former pediatric oncology nurse, I found the patient-nurse relationship disturbing. This story could have been told without using a young, dying patient as the catalyst for an adult relationship. Hence, my 3 stars.
With that being said, as a dog-lover, I really enjoyed the way that "Sam" was a life-line for both characters.
My thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for this free Giveaway.
There were times when I thought it was great and times when I was rolling my eyes.
In the category of "A good beach read," I will say that it is well written and has good character development.
However, as a former pediatric oncology nurse, I found the patient-nurse relationship disturbing. This story could have been told without using a young, dying patient as the catalyst for an adult relationship. Hence, my 3 stars.
With that being said, as a dog-lover, I really enjoyed the way that "Sam" was a life-line for both characters.
My thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for this free Giveaway.
January 13, 2022
Kristen and Ryan's story was so well-written, I became invested in their journey to love almost immediately. After Kristen bought the house next to Ryan, his adorable Golden Retriever (Sam) helps bring about their meet-cute. An unexpected attraction happens, but neither one wants it or is ready for it. Kristen has trust issues from a past relationship and also from the fact her father ditched their family when she was young. Ryan is struggling with his grief over the death of his wife from an aneurysm three years ago. Little by little, (aided by Sam) Kristen and Ryan let down their guard, only to face some cleverly placed obstacles the author placed in their path, which puts them at odds and you don't think they're going to get their happily ever after. And then another character in the story (sweet Gabbi) helps them see what's important in life. (I won't elaborate on that. You'll have to read for yourself to understand the emotional impact Gabbi has on them)
February 4, 2020
A beautiful love story!
dnf
April 19, 2020Had to give up at 15% when the two main characters meet for the first time. She was just rude, judgmental and a hypocrite! She’s 32 & dating a guy in his 50’s but apparently seeing a 25 year old leave her neighbor’s (the H) house early morning- him being 38. This was cause for her to be rude???!!! Nope. I don’t care what her back story is, he did nothing but introduce himself.
October 20, 2018
A nicer love story
Kristen buys a lovely older house in a leafy suburb. As a nurse of cancer patients, she needs times to relax. Her next-door neighbour is grieving after losing his beautiful sweet wife to a brain aneurysim after only 10 years of marriage.
He is persuaded to go out for drinks and womanizing one night, and ends up sleeping with a very young woman.
His neighbour sees her leaving in the morning. She in turn is seeing a man 18 years older than her. He is a 50-year old specialist. Neither Ryan nor Kristen know the Lord. Ryan's mother has cancer. Kristen says:
"I’ll send positive thoughts your mother’s way she’d said before they’d ended the call. " Kristen is nursing a young leukaemia victim. She seems to influence both Kristen and Ryan whose golden retriever named Sam, short for Samantha, towards fairh in God. Kristen remarks:
“Yes. She’s so incredible. She’s been through so much in her short life, yet I’ve never seen her angry or discouraged. She has an inner-strength well beyond her years. And a deep faith that keeps her moving forward.” Kristen smiled. “Sometimes I truly believe she has an angel on her shoulder. A special angel that whispers sweetness into her ear. Maybe it’s even Gabriel, the messenger angel who she says she’s named after.” “I think you’re right,” Ryan said, once again feeling the warmth he’d felt when he met Gabbie. “There is definitely something ethereal about her. She nearly glowed when I first saw her. There’s something very special about her.” Kristen gazed up into his eyes. “I could tell that you felt it, too. Bradley thinks I’m silly when I speak about Gabbie that way. He doesn’t see anything past scientific fact. But you do.” “Sometimes you have to believe in more than you can see or touch. Otherwise, life would be a sad, boring existence.”
Neither Ryan nor Kristen realise that God has given them borh a second chance at happiness. I really enjoyed this story but felt frustrated that 94% of the story was about them being with the wrong partners and denying their feelings for each other. The next 1% wrapped the story up when they both realised and acknowledged their love for each other. That would not have happened either, unless Nichole, the young two-night stand girl with coloured stripes in her hair, explained to Ryan that Kristen loved him and sobbingly turned to him when her patient died, after telling her nurse to "keep Ryan."
The rest of the book was credits and other stories, so if I must find fault with this very enjoyable story, my question is, "Why take 94% of the book to build up towards the inevitable marriage and 1% dealing with their joyful recognition of their love, them selling her house and moving into his, his mother being declared cancer-free, their wrdding, and 3 months later, her pregnancy? Its nice that she finally met trustworthy men in his family. I would think that the focus of these stories could change to how happy married life can be if a couple respect God's laws of waiting to be married instead of having casual intimate relationships as both Ryan and Kristen did.
Kristen buys a lovely older house in a leafy suburb. As a nurse of cancer patients, she needs times to relax. Her next-door neighbour is grieving after losing his beautiful sweet wife to a brain aneurysim after only 10 years of marriage.
He is persuaded to go out for drinks and womanizing one night, and ends up sleeping with a very young woman.
His neighbour sees her leaving in the morning. She in turn is seeing a man 18 years older than her. He is a 50-year old specialist. Neither Ryan nor Kristen know the Lord. Ryan's mother has cancer. Kristen says:
"I’ll send positive thoughts your mother’s way she’d said before they’d ended the call. " Kristen is nursing a young leukaemia victim. She seems to influence both Kristen and Ryan whose golden retriever named Sam, short for Samantha, towards fairh in God. Kristen remarks:
“Yes. She’s so incredible. She’s been through so much in her short life, yet I’ve never seen her angry or discouraged. She has an inner-strength well beyond her years. And a deep faith that keeps her moving forward.” Kristen smiled. “Sometimes I truly believe she has an angel on her shoulder. A special angel that whispers sweetness into her ear. Maybe it’s even Gabriel, the messenger angel who she says she’s named after.” “I think you’re right,” Ryan said, once again feeling the warmth he’d felt when he met Gabbie. “There is definitely something ethereal about her. She nearly glowed when I first saw her. There’s something very special about her.” Kristen gazed up into his eyes. “I could tell that you felt it, too. Bradley thinks I’m silly when I speak about Gabbie that way. He doesn’t see anything past scientific fact. But you do.” “Sometimes you have to believe in more than you can see or touch. Otherwise, life would be a sad, boring existence.”
Neither Ryan nor Kristen realise that God has given them borh a second chance at happiness. I really enjoyed this story but felt frustrated that 94% of the story was about them being with the wrong partners and denying their feelings for each other. The next 1% wrapped the story up when they both realised and acknowledged their love for each other. That would not have happened either, unless Nichole, the young two-night stand girl with coloured stripes in her hair, explained to Ryan that Kristen loved him and sobbingly turned to him when her patient died, after telling her nurse to "keep Ryan."
The rest of the book was credits and other stories, so if I must find fault with this very enjoyable story, my question is, "Why take 94% of the book to build up towards the inevitable marriage and 1% dealing with their joyful recognition of their love, them selling her house and moving into his, his mother being declared cancer-free, their wrdding, and 3 months later, her pregnancy? Its nice that she finally met trustworthy men in his family. I would think that the focus of these stories could change to how happy married life can be if a couple respect God's laws of waiting to be married instead of having casual intimate relationships as both Ryan and Kristen did.
July 4, 2018
his wife died. a new divorced neighbor moved in next door. he tried bar dating, didnt like it. he fell in love with the neighbor. her dr boyfriend asked her to marry him. she turned him down when she realized she loved the man next door and his cute dog!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2017
Predictable but a sweet.
December 24, 2017
This is the third book I have read by this author. Have enjoyed all of them. Have three more on my reader to read in due time. They are easy to read and have good stories.
April 24, 2020
The story was cute and predictable.
September 15, 2020
My Musings
This was an okay book with likeable characters and a satisfying plot. Just would have liked more character development. Happy reading 📚!
This was an okay book with likeable characters and a satisfying plot. Just would have liked more character development. Happy reading 📚!
May 15, 2023
This is such a beautifully written story about two people brought together by a Golden Retriever named Sam (short for Samantha) that is owned by one of them. Ryan Collier has lived a quiet life with Sam and two orange tabbies (Punkin and Spice) since his wife passed away almost three years ago . His family and friends have been urging him to get back into the dating scene, but he discovers dating rules and women have changed, and looking for someone who wants to be in a long term relationship is not going to be easy. Then, when the house next to his sells to a pediatric oncology nurse named Kristen Foster, things begin to change for both of them. She is beautiful, coming out of a failed marriage, and she has a single handsome neighbor with a friendly loving dog. However, she is unavailable as she is in a casual relationship with a doctor who is a lot older than she is. Ryan and Kristen get to know each other better while walking Sam to the park as Ryan shows Kristen around the neighborhood.
Can these two people come together, as they hide their emotions from each other? Each of them wanting a relationship with the other, as feelings begins to grow, but are not able to bring out their feelings to each other. This book will leave you with a warm feeling and thinking that there really are happy endings.
Can these two people come together, as they hide their emotions from each other? Each of them wanting a relationship with the other, as feelings begins to grow, but are not able to bring out their feelings to each other. This book will leave you with a warm feeling and thinking that there really are happy endings.
February 7, 2019
Loved this book!😊
This is a very heartfelt story with characters who seem like friends you can relate to. Kristen and Ryan were next door neighbors who shared walks in the park with the star of the book, Sam. Sam is a golden retriever who fell in love with Kristen when they first met after Kirsten moved in next door. While Ryan was still grieving from the death of his wife three years before, Kirsten was dating a successful, older doctor. To find out how Sam keeps these two interested, you'll have to read for yourself! Many obstacles are thrown in the way and you finally feel that this friendship is not going to work!
This is a very heartfelt story with characters who seem like friends you can relate to. Kristen and Ryan were next door neighbors who shared walks in the park with the star of the book, Sam. Sam is a golden retriever who fell in love with Kristen when they first met after Kirsten moved in next door. While Ryan was still grieving from the death of his wife three years before, Kirsten was dating a successful, older doctor. To find out how Sam keeps these two interested, you'll have to read for yourself! Many obstacles are thrown in the way and you finally feel that this friendship is not going to work!
June 9, 2020
I thought this book was a really good book. A little predictable, but a good book. A nice quick read.
Ryan was trying to get back into the dating game after losing his wife and Kristen was a divorcee that moved into the house next door.
Sam was the dog that belonged to Ryan, and choose Kristen from the get go. She loved to be with her. I thought maybe she reminded Sam of Ryan's wife.
They had their ups and downs. He dated someone she thought was too young for him and she dated someone that he thought was too old for her.
As I said, it was a good fast read story. I gave it a five star because I thought it was a wonderful book.
Ryan was trying to get back into the dating game after losing his wife and Kristen was a divorcee that moved into the house next door.
Sam was the dog that belonged to Ryan, and choose Kristen from the get go. She loved to be with her. I thought maybe she reminded Sam of Ryan's wife.
They had their ups and downs. He dated someone she thought was too young for him and she dated someone that he thought was too old for her.
As I said, it was a good fast read story. I gave it a five star because I thought it was a wonderful book.
December 14, 2017
Ryan has been unlucky in the love department. His beloved wife passed away and now his friend is encouraging him to go out and meet women. Too bad it is at the bar and the women are young!
Kristen moved in next door. She has an ex-husband and a new boyfriend, who is a busy surgeon.
Kristen and Ryan develop a friendship thanks in part to Ryan's dog, Sam. Sam loves Kristen and she takes care of him when Ryan is away and takes him for walks to the park.
The characters in this book are very likable and it was an enjoyable, fast read!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
Kristen moved in next door. She has an ex-husband and a new boyfriend, who is a busy surgeon.
Kristen and Ryan develop a friendship thanks in part to Ryan's dog, Sam. Sam loves Kristen and she takes care of him when Ryan is away and takes him for walks to the park.
The characters in this book are very likable and it was an enjoyable, fast read!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
May 30, 2021
Beautiful story of life , family and the love of a dog.
Sweet story of having what you need sitting right in front of you. Love the story of Sam and her owner and the new neighbor. How many times have you had what you need sitting right in front of you and you don’t even see it. Life can be complicated yet there are blessings in all the sorrows if we open our eyes. Love how Sam brought these two together and how the story continues. Loved it and you will also.
Sweet story of having what you need sitting right in front of you. Love the story of Sam and her owner and the new neighbor. How many times have you had what you need sitting right in front of you and you don’t even see it. Life can be complicated yet there are blessings in all the sorrows if we open our eyes. Love how Sam brought these two together and how the story continues. Loved it and you will also.
April 28, 2020
Sam, short for Samatha, is a cute dog and an important part of this story. Lots of mix-ups cause Ryan and Kristen, two neighbors, to overcome many uncertain moments. They are drawn to each other but somehow don't realize that one can't judge by appearance only. They finally find that they are only happy when they are together, along with Sam!
A nice read.
A nice read.
May 12, 2020
What a wonderful book on love, love lost, finding love again, and not letting misunderstandings get in the way of a happily ever after. This book made me giggle, cry, and believe in life's second chances. Ryan, Sam, Kristen, and Gabbie's characters truly complimented each other. A truly wonderful read.
January 31, 2022
Good book but poorly edited
I enjoy this author’s style of writing, character development, and sweet old-fashioned love stories. This is the first book of hers that I’ve read that had such poor editing that it became a distraction. Hopefully she will find a new editor that befits her talent.
I enjoy this author’s style of writing, character development, and sweet old-fashioned love stories. This is the first book of hers that I’ve read that had such poor editing that it became a distraction. Hopefully she will find a new editor that befits her talent.
April 7, 2022
Walking Sam
Time was a love story full of misunderstandings. This guy and girl have people that they are dating that don't suite them. But it isn't until the end that they figure it out and end up getting married. Sam was a dog of one of them and the girl walked him for exercise. Thanks, Kit Ryan
Time was a love story full of misunderstandings. This guy and girl have people that they are dating that don't suite them. But it isn't until the end that they figure it out and end up getting married. Sam was a dog of one of them and the girl walked him for exercise. Thanks, Kit Ryan
November 7, 2016
Sweet romance
I loved the storyline. Being a 'dog' person, I knew I had to read this one! Both Kristen and Ryan had been through tragedy, yet they fought their way through to their happy ever after.
I loved the storyline. Being a 'dog' person, I knew I had to read this one! Both Kristen and Ryan had been through tragedy, yet they fought their way through to their happy ever after.
July 28, 2017
I LOVE books that feature a dog as one of the main components of the story.
It was a good book in and of itself - filled with hope that even after tragedy, good can happen and happiness can be found.
It was a good book in and of itself - filled with hope that even after tragedy, good can happen and happiness can be found.
April 10, 2020
Sad but loving
This book was such a great read.It had some times in it but more loving between the characters.It took a long time to get things straight. But not once could I put it down.It makes a point that not everything is what it appears.
This book was such a great read.It had some times in it but more loving between the characters.It took a long time to get things straight. But not once could I put it down.It makes a point that not everything is what it appears.
Currently reading
April 13, 2020One of the best stories I have read in a while.
I read a lot of books and within this genre, this one stands out. I cannot pick it apart and tell you why I feel it is so good, I just do.
I read a lot of books and within this genre, this one stands out. I cannot pick it apart and tell you why I feel it is so good, I just do.
May 7, 2020
As far as I concer, not only is the story very predictable but also really boring, nothing interesting happen during the whole story. And Kristen? she is very judgemental about Ryan, she should pay attention to her own acts.
April 7, 2022
Feel good story of caring people
Enjoyed this romantic story of two people that truly cared for others rather than themselves. Love Sam - the dog - as well. Highly recommend for light reading.
Enjoyed this romantic story of two people that truly cared for others rather than themselves. Love Sam - the dog - as well. Highly recommend for light reading.
February 6, 2023
Beautiful story
I couldn't put this book down and read it in one evening. It is a beautiful story about 2 people brought together by a dog. I think the story will bring a few tears, and I look forward to reading more of this genre from the author.
I couldn't put this book down and read it in one evening. It is a beautiful story about 2 people brought together by a dog. I think the story will bring a few tears, and I look forward to reading more of this genre from the author.
September 9, 2018
Great fast read. Loved how the pets brought two lonely people together.
September 23, 2018
Good story But..
Felt like the story dragged on and on. Great writing but again the story dragged on and on. I But it was a g story.
Felt like the story dragged on and on. Great writing but again the story dragged on and on. I But it was a g story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews