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The Dog Walker's Diary
When jaded and overworked Los Angeles literary agent Daniel Ashe hires Annie Doherty, an Irish dog walker, he's simply looking for someone to care for his dogs so he can focus on landing a dream client and save his career. He certainly doesn't expect to come home each night to find Annie has left him a new and fantastical story about the secret lives of his dogs--or that she's cast him, a man who doesn't believe in love, as a romantic hero. Now his nights are spent in a fantastical sea world, a magical circus, and the kingdoms of wonder and discord where these characters live. Each morning Daniel writes Annie a letter, asking her the questions he needs answered to get her off his mind, and each evening he finds himself more entranced than the night before. When his personal life and professional one collide, Daniel must ask himself how much he really knows about his dog walker and whether he's truly incapable of falling in love after all.
360 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2017
2 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Donahue
1 book13 followersI am the youngest of five. My mother was a farm girl with a temper to match her red hair, my father was much older, with a brilliant sense of humor that was a gift in all our lives.
I went to a Catholic women's college, got a graduate degree and had a career as a medical Speech Pathologist. But I have always been compelled to write.
I have been gifted with insomnia, and start my writing day hours before the sun comes up.
I have also been gifted with a Welsh corgi who joins me in the room where I write, though sometimes I suspect she's in it for the early breakfast.
I went to a Catholic women's college, got a graduate degree and had a career as a medical Speech Pathologist. But I have always been compelled to write.
I have been gifted with insomnia, and start my writing day hours before the sun comes up.
I have also been gifted with a Welsh corgi who joins me in the room where I write, though sometimes I suspect she's in it for the early breakfast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 6, 2017
I saw the cover and read the blurb and it looked like it would be interesting to read. What I got was so much more. It is not like any other romance story I have ever read and had me captivated and reading long into the night. I couldn’t put it down! For a debut novel, I am impressed and bubbly with excitement to spread the word that this is a book that anyone and EVERYONE should read. It’s entertaining, fun, heartbreaking, and a mystery with a few twists that will absolutely delight you.
Daniel Ashe hires Annie Doherty to be a dog walker for his two dogs, Sparks and Eddie. When he gets in return is a spiral notebook of fantastical stories on the secret lives of the dogs and how their owner is always the romantic hero. These stories are what grab you and don’t let go. Daniel has a warped misconception about redheads and is totally captive by Annie and her mystical power to tell these fantasies on a whim. Annie has become a present day Scheherazade and that Daniel is the king in The Arabian Nights who couldn’t fall in love. Daniel calls Annie the most interesting person who he knew nothing about but through her stories she tells us her backstory and it is both tragic and magical.
Daniel’s life is turned upside down when he hires Annie as his dog walker. He went through the motion of living a solitary life of work, and never falling in love. I loved how he described himself as an insomniac who was sleeping through life. The book is divided into 2 parts and in some way it is how Daniel lived his life itself; walking through it and the other part living it with his eyes wide open and a little on the edge. There are other characters in the story that are part of Daniel’s life but it is the one’s that Annie creates that are the true gems within the bigger story.
I could divulge more but I don’t want to ruin the fun and pleasure of reading The Dog Walker’s Diary. The story was captivating and I easily read it in one sitting. I can’t wait to get a chance to read it again soon. I would have to say that this is one of the best books I have read this year. Thank you Kathryn Donahue for writing an awesome story and I look forward to your next one.
September 27, 2017
The first thing you should know is that this isn't an ordinary novel. The Dog Walker's Diary isn't just the story of Daniel where he meets Annie and they have some trouble and have to figure out their lives.
No.
It's more than that.
You don't only get Daniel's story or Annie's story. You get the story of a couple of dogs as well. The story of those amazing pets in their alternate universe where they are part of adventures and are heroes in their own right.
Everything is put together in such a fashion that you want to keep reading. I didn't get just curious about Daniel and Annie. I wanted to find out more about the dogs' adventures as well. I wanted to find out how everything would fit together in the end and that's what got me hooked till the end.
Not to mention Kathryn is pretty good at unexpected plot twists. I really thought I knew what was going on.. Until I didn't.
I read The Dog Walker's Diary in a day's time and loved every word of it. I got frustrated with Daniel, I pitied him and at times I found him absolutely hilarious.
Honestly, this is one of those novels that I'd love to have on my own shelf so I might just order the final copy, haha.
A solid 5 / 5!
Kathy
I received an eARC of this novel through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not being compensated in any way.
No.
It's more than that.
You don't only get Daniel's story or Annie's story. You get the story of a couple of dogs as well. The story of those amazing pets in their alternate universe where they are part of adventures and are heroes in their own right.
Everything is put together in such a fashion that you want to keep reading. I didn't get just curious about Daniel and Annie. I wanted to find out more about the dogs' adventures as well. I wanted to find out how everything would fit together in the end and that's what got me hooked till the end.
Not to mention Kathryn is pretty good at unexpected plot twists. I really thought I knew what was going on.. Until I didn't.
I read The Dog Walker's Diary in a day's time and loved every word of it. I got frustrated with Daniel, I pitied him and at times I found him absolutely hilarious.
Honestly, this is one of those novels that I'd love to have on my own shelf so I might just order the final copy, haha.
A solid 5 / 5!
Kathy
I received an eARC of this novel through NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own. I'm not being compensated in any way.
January 4, 2018
Review to comeGrade: C+
I adored the premise of a jaded literary agent who needs a best seller suddenly discovers a magical world when his dog walker leaves him explicit stories telling him about his dogs’ secret lives and the adventures they have. This eclectic and amusing story captivated me for the first half. Daniel’s idiosyncrasies concerning redheads, witches, and virgins combined with the dog walker’s elaborate fantasies that she weaves around Daniel’s dogs were an utter delight. I enjoyed the bold yet subtle romance that developed from this couple’s very unusual relationship. Then the second half came along and jumped shark, leaving me less enchanted overall. The tone, set up, story arc, conflict…it was all so very different. Donohoe decides to toss in some larceny, betrayal, and deception and we learn everything we just read was not as we thought. It felt as if Donahoe wrote two completely separate stories and jammed them together. Despite the hiccup, readers looking for something a little different in romance will enjoy this unusual portrayal.
I adored the premise of a jaded literary agent who needs a best seller suddenly discovers a magical world when his dog walker leaves him explicit stories telling him about his dogs’ secret lives and the adventures they have. This eclectic and amusing story captivated me for the first half. Daniel’s idiosyncrasies concerning redheads, witches, and virgins combined with the dog walker’s elaborate fantasies that she weaves around Daniel’s dogs were an utter delight. I enjoyed the bold yet subtle romance that developed from this couple’s very unusual relationship. Then the second half came along and jumped shark, leaving me less enchanted overall. The tone, set up, story arc, conflict…it was all so very different. Donohoe decides to toss in some larceny, betrayal, and deception and we learn everything we just read was not as we thought. It felt as if Donahoe wrote two completely separate stories and jammed them together. Despite the hiccup, readers looking for something a little different in romance will enjoy this unusual portrayal.
July 21, 2017
I recently started a book challenge list that asked me to read a book with the word “dog” in the title and to my delight when searching the NetGalley list The Dog Walker’s Diary came up first.
Daniel Ashe is a literary agent who has never fell in love and is looking for an awesome story to get his career moving. Oh, and unbeknownst to him, he is looking for a dog walker for his dog’s Sparks and Eddie.
Annie Doherty is a beguiling, red-headed, Irish dog walker/witty short story writer who is Daniel’s unexpected nemesis.
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review
Daniel Ashe is a literary agent who has never fell in love and is looking for an awesome story to get his career moving. Oh, and unbeknownst to him, he is looking for a dog walker for his dog’s Sparks and Eddie.
Annie Doherty is a beguiling, red-headed, Irish dog walker/witty short story writer who is Daniel’s unexpected nemesis.
See my complete review at The Eclectic Review
June 18, 2017
It is very rare that I immediately write a review after finishing a book -- in fact it might be the second or third time I do so, which means that The Dog Walker's Diary left such an impression on me that I'm still trying to figure it out.
But I know I loved it. I haven't laughed out loud at a book a while, and I flat out panicked when my table battery DIED in the middle of a climactic chapter.
Daniel, a 40-something literary agent is stuck in life. Unable to fall in love, be successful in his job, or cook a decent meal, hires a red-headed Irish dog walker who changes his life completely. Unable to overcome his fear of red-heads, Daniel and Annie correspond via a Dog Diary where Annie creates stories about the dogs she walks.
At times the book ran a bit to long in parts (I found myself skipping a bit just to get to the action), but I loved it, and am excited to read more books by Ms. Donahue. There were unpredictable twists, sweet and flawed characters, and overall a cheerful and funny book to read, despite some tough subject matter. I'd recommend this fairly light-hearted book for anyone who loves to read. Period.
But I know I loved it. I haven't laughed out loud at a book a while, and I flat out panicked when my table battery DIED in the middle of a climactic chapter.
Daniel, a 40-something literary agent is stuck in life. Unable to fall in love, be successful in his job, or cook a decent meal, hires a red-headed Irish dog walker who changes his life completely. Unable to overcome his fear of red-heads, Daniel and Annie correspond via a Dog Diary where Annie creates stories about the dogs she walks.
At times the book ran a bit to long in parts (I found myself skipping a bit just to get to the action), but I loved it, and am excited to read more books by Ms. Donahue. There were unpredictable twists, sweet and flawed characters, and overall a cheerful and funny book to read, despite some tough subject matter. I'd recommend this fairly light-hearted book for anyone who loves to read. Period.
June 22, 2017
Ms. Donahue has created the most intriguing, unique story I've come across this year. This is not your cookie-cutter romance, folks. In fact, it's not even close. I'm struggling to even find a way to describe this book. It's told from the hero's (Daniel's) point of view, but much of it comes straight from the mind of the heroine (Annie) through stories she has written in the Dog Diary and emails to Daniel. I fell in love with both of these characters and the critters that surrounded them. I laughed out loud one minute and wanted to throw my Kindle across the room the next. Rarely does a book illicit this range of emotion from me. I love (nay, REQUIRE) an HEA in a romance to feel satisfied, and I began to worry at one point that an HEA wouldn't be found. I was wrong. And thank goodness for that, particularly since the HEA is delightful. I suspect this book will be snatched up and turned into a movie at some point.
November 9, 2017
This was interesting. To be honest I have conflicted feelings regarding this novel. They story follows Daniel, a middle aged literary agent with an irrational fear of redheads who happens to hire Annie, a red headed dog walker. Annie leaves Daniel cute short stories and anecdotes regarding his dogs via a notebook called the Dog Diary. Hilarity ensues.
The first half of the book was good. Two people falling in love, cute dog stories, what else do you need? Well, apparently the author felt we needed a little larceny in our love story. It felt weird. The tone of the second half of the novel was entirely different from the first. You almost have two separate stories here.
Despite this weird shift, I still enjoyed the book. It's a quick read and does keep you invested in the characters. Thanks to Netgalley for providing and ARC for review!
The first half of the book was good. Two people falling in love, cute dog stories, what else do you need? Well, apparently the author felt we needed a little larceny in our love story. It felt weird. The tone of the second half of the novel was entirely different from the first. You almost have two separate stories here.
Despite this weird shift, I still enjoyed the book. It's a quick read and does keep you invested in the characters. Thanks to Netgalley for providing and ARC for review!
September 1, 2017
I don't like to write bad reviews so I'm not going to say anything badly about this book. However, it just wasn't my style. I couldn't get into it and I found myself flipping ahead to see if it'd get more interesting, but unfortunately it did not.
January 21, 2018
I found this book at a local author's fair at my public library and was pleasantly surprised to see it's written by my neighbor! That being said, it's one of the best books I've read in a very long time. The story told is so creative and there is a major plot twist that made me gasp.
November 7, 2017
The Dog Walker's Diary is definitely a different sort of book. Literary agent Daniel Ashe hires Annie Doherty, an Irish dog walker, to care for his dogs. Their means of communication is not normal, however. Annie leaves him stories about his dogs’ secret lives, which go from the sea world to a magic circus to a unique place where the dog characters live, every day. As time goes on, Daniel becomes enthralled with the stories and with Annie herself. Their growing affection for each other develops slowly but easily as the book continues, showing Daniel and the reader how resourceful and different the dogs’ lives can be and are. However, the growing romance between Daniel and Annie shines through beyond the creative and whimsical interactions the author has created with this unique but interesting format for their budding romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The dogs’ stories were interesting and captivating. The book started out a bit slow and did not gather steam until almost half way through, but nevertheless, it still held my attention from the get-go. I loved the two main characters, but the dogs and their fantastic, magical stores were the most interesting part for me. I think the author deserves credit for this innovative approach to a simple romance. I will not soon forget this one. The book is a great read for anyone who enjoys something refreshing and/enjoys dogs. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The dogs’ stories were interesting and captivating. The book started out a bit slow and did not gather steam until almost half way through, but nevertheless, it still held my attention from the get-go. I loved the two main characters, but the dogs and their fantastic, magical stores were the most interesting part for me. I think the author deserves credit for this innovative approach to a simple romance. I will not soon forget this one. The book is a great read for anyone who enjoys something refreshing and/enjoys dogs. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
October 22, 2017
The Dog Walker’s Diary by Kathryn Donahue was a great read. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline, and the funny twists and turns. The book was much more entertaining than I expected and there were some twists that were totally unexpected as well.
Annie Doherty is an Irish dog walker. Daniel Ashe hires her to walk his dogs, although he did freak out when he discovered she had red hair. There are various plots afloat: a best selling book that needs publishing, a story telling dog walker, and some job related controversies, but Daniel’s obsession with Annie is what makes the book so much fun. It was fun watching someone who feels he can not love fall in love only to have several unexpected twists cause severe problems. Annie has some secrets of her own and when everything comes to light - well - it’s unexpected.
The Dog Walker’s Diary is a bit of whimsey, tall tale and fantasy with a love story and a mystery all rolled into one book. It was a great read.
Annie Doherty is an Irish dog walker. Daniel Ashe hires her to walk his dogs, although he did freak out when he discovered she had red hair. There are various plots afloat: a best selling book that needs publishing, a story telling dog walker, and some job related controversies, but Daniel’s obsession with Annie is what makes the book so much fun. It was fun watching someone who feels he can not love fall in love only to have several unexpected twists cause severe problems. Annie has some secrets of her own and when everything comes to light - well - it’s unexpected.
The Dog Walker’s Diary is a bit of whimsey, tall tale and fantasy with a love story and a mystery all rolled into one book. It was a great read.
October 20, 2018
I loved this book. I used to read romance novels but haven't for years. I was looking for some light reading to balance all the intense fiction I've been reading lately and the 'dog' part hooked me in. I didn't expect much, figuring it'd be another typical romance novel.
It was not. It was absolutely delightful and entertaining, and I was as hooked as I've ever been by any other book. It does have romance, but it has twists and unexpected story lines and a bit of mystery ... it's just really good. I can't wait for her to write more.
It was not. It was absolutely delightful and entertaining, and I was as hooked as I've ever been by any other book. It does have romance, but it has twists and unexpected story lines and a bit of mystery ... it's just really good. I can't wait for her to write more.
November 27, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley, North Star Editions, and Kathryn Donahue for the ARC to review. I started to read this book and I wasn't quite taken with it right off the bat. However, as I kept on reading, I became engrossed in this book and couldn't put it down. It was very entertaining with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, pow, your hit with a new scenario. I don't want to give anything away, but I was glad to see the way the author finished the book. I would definitely read, and look forward to reading, other Kathryn Donahue books. I highly recommend! It's a great read.
October 22, 2017
I was excited to read this book. The previous reviews were so positive. The book started out interesting. The plot idea was interesting. I then found it didn’t move fast enough for me. I grew tired and started skipping parts to finally giving up. Maybe one day I will go back and reread with more interest and find enjoyable to update my review.
November 7, 2017
Annie & Daniel
loved this story!
loved this story!
December 24, 2019
Cute, quirky, and funny this is a quick read that involves stories made up by the dog walker about the dog's adventures while the owner is away. Lighthearted and fuzzy. Thoroughly enjoyed.
September 18, 2017
This is such an unusual book and it sucked me in! It is however very difficult to describe the book so I will refrain :-)
Daniel hires a dogwalker (Annie) and every day when he returns at home in the evening, she has written amazing stories in the diary they use to communicate. The stories are about his dogs of course but in a magical way, with pirates, mermaids et all. I totally loved this story with all its turns and twists and (phew!) a HEA! No, it is not your ordinary romance but I highly recommend.
I will look for another book by this author again.
Daniel hires a dogwalker (Annie) and every day when he returns at home in the evening, she has written amazing stories in the diary they use to communicate. The stories are about his dogs of course but in a magical way, with pirates, mermaids et all. I totally loved this story with all its turns and twists and (phew!) a HEA! No, it is not your ordinary romance but I highly recommend.
I will look for another book by this author again.
September 27, 2025
This review was originally posted on book reviews with the blogmonstarMy first thought upon seeing this title on Netgalley was - "how cute!" I have to say I wasn't disappointed at all. The Dog Walker's Diary blends the day-to-day adventures of Daniel's dogs together with his own day-to-day life in a surprisingly seamless and entertaining way.
*I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review from the publisher via Netgalley.
The Dog Walker's Diary is one of those books people are either going to really enjoy, or they are going to think is down right blergh. I am in the first category - I really enjoyed it, even though it took me a while to read, but that was due to a little thing called real-life getting in the way. If you are a dog an you'll enjoy the colourful descriptions of not only the dogs' appearances, but their personalities and reasons for behaving the way they do.
The most interesting thing about The Dog Walker's Dairy is how several different stories are woven skillfully together to make one very interesting much longer story. The stories Annie tells about the dogs and their past lives are thoroughly enjoyable and yet still relate to the plot going on with Daniel's professional and personal lives, as well as what we begin to learn about Annie.
There's an interesting 'plot-twist' about two-thirds of the way into the story, which I won't give away, but even though you could see it potentially coming, it wasn't for the reasons you thought it was for once it gets untangled and sorted out. It's a fairly major part of the overall plot in the end, and you'll get a little bit cross with some of the characters because of it.
There were times throughout The Dog Walker's Dairy that I wanted to shake Daniel, commiserate with him and root for him - often there was a combination of two of those feelings at once. He's a little bit awkward sometimes, especially with his 'cursed redheads' theory, and occasionally it felt like he was an awkward teenage boy who was getting caught up in things that were a little bit over his head. However, the boy did good and it all worked out for him eventually.
Although there is definitely a romantic element, I wouldn't categorise The Dog Walker's Dairy as just a romance. It's more of a contemporary novel with a side-serve of romance. IT would however make a great beach read (on those summer days when it's actually warm enough - not like here today where it's summer and barely 18 degrees Celsius with rain) or weekend read. There's plenty of laughs, shenanigans, innuendos and head-desk moments to keep you entertained.
*I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review from the publisher via Netgalley.
The Dog Walker's Diary is one of those books people are either going to really enjoy, or they are going to think is down right blergh. I am in the first category - I really enjoyed it, even though it took me a while to read, but that was due to a little thing called real-life getting in the way. If you are a dog an you'll enjoy the colourful descriptions of not only the dogs' appearances, but their personalities and reasons for behaving the way they do.
The most interesting thing about The Dog Walker's Dairy is how several different stories are woven skillfully together to make one very interesting much longer story. The stories Annie tells about the dogs and their past lives are thoroughly enjoyable and yet still relate to the plot going on with Daniel's professional and personal lives, as well as what we begin to learn about Annie.
There's an interesting 'plot-twist' about two-thirds of the way into the story, which I won't give away, but even though you could see it potentially coming, it wasn't for the reasons you thought it was for once it gets untangled and sorted out. It's a fairly major part of the overall plot in the end, and you'll get a little bit cross with some of the characters because of it.
There were times throughout The Dog Walker's Dairy that I wanted to shake Daniel, commiserate with him and root for him - often there was a combination of two of those feelings at once. He's a little bit awkward sometimes, especially with his 'cursed redheads' theory, and occasionally it felt like he was an awkward teenage boy who was getting caught up in things that were a little bit over his head. However, the boy did good and it all worked out for him eventually.
Although there is definitely a romantic element, I wouldn't categorise The Dog Walker's Dairy as just a romance. It's more of a contemporary novel with a side-serve of romance. IT would however make a great beach read (on those summer days when it's actually warm enough - not like here today where it's summer and barely 18 degrees Celsius with rain) or weekend read. There's plenty of laughs, shenanigans, innuendos and head-desk moments to keep you entertained.
August 27, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was so unique and had a lot of unexpected twists in it. When I first started reading it I thought it was gonna be very boring but I was very wrong about that. It has all kind of emotions in this book. Even some adult parts about abuse and more in it. I can't say much more or else there will be spoilers. Read it!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me this arc to read and review!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me this arc to read and review!
December 5, 2018
This is the most charming, hilarious, and exciting book in the world. I mean it combines dogs, red heads, and Ireland. One of my favorite parts is the blog, and Leonard the lizard. He tells a middle school kid he’ll show him cold blooded murderer. There are so many great puns, and descriptions in this book. A description I loved was Daniel describing the state of his insomnia while in prison. He says something about Beetlejuice and Jacob Marley coming through the bars holding hands. I could barely put this book down it was so good!
April 19, 2018
This was a fun read! I don't do romances too often, but this one sounded fun. I loved the letters in the book! I've noticed they've become a trope over the past few years...we love reading folks diaries, journals, and letters, lol! I started to think, early on, that the book agent might well be looking at his star client and a best seller. Fun story!
I received a Kindle Arc of this story from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle Arc of this story from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
January 31, 2018
I give the first 250 pages 4 stars, but the last 100 pages would only get 2, so I'm splitting the difference. the first 250 pages are quirky and fun, but then it just abruptly got weird and I ended up skimming the last 100 pages.
November 23, 2018
Challenge: 2018 Summer Romance Bingo - Dog/cat on cover (20). How to incorporate many stories and a sudden plot derailment without jeopardizing the main story line is mastered by this author. One of the most satisfying endings with multiple closures. Does the romance genre proud.
October 24, 2017
I could not finish this book. I could not get past the odd diary entries and the whole weird setup with the redhead.
December 31, 2017
Funny and quirky romance, with some mystery thrown in. If you enjoyed The Rosie Project, you would probably enjoy this also.
October 14, 2022
A fun quirky story. Much more than a romance; definitely more than dogwalking tales. Does start out a bit confusingly but gets better once you understand the basic storyline. Fun!
January 30, 2018
Quirky and different....my kind of book...and glad to have a book that had me smiling and didn't make me cry. I recommend for anyone who is looking for a fun well written love story.
February 2, 2018
Loved this book, it was funny and I cared about the characters. The dogs were a fun part of the story, but sort of disappeared towards the last part of the book, which was a shame. Great first novel.
October 23, 2019
super quick read, great for that time between large novels.. has a great plot and good twist you won't see coming .. loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews