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Dingo's Recovery
Newly retired and ready to reconnect with herself, Joyce Allen realizes that she’s not yet the person she knows she was meant to be. At the age of 56, she’s committed to discovering happiness and begins her new journey by taking classes, attending concerts, and adopting the dog she has secretly wished for, Dingo.
When Dingo is injured and a visit to the new Veterinarian in town is necessary, Joyce finds herself quietly attracted to Dr. Amanda Carter, the intellectual dreamer who is many years her junior.
Joyce knows that their age difference is too big of an obstacle to overcome, and is content to settle for friendship with the thirty-two year old Vet. But Amanda, for her part, can’t see the gaping divide between them. All she knows is the warmth and attraction she feels for Joyce, and can’t understand why age should matter at all.
Join Genevieve Fortin as she weaves this heartwarming May-December romance of two women who discover the timeless truth of love at any age.
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
Genre: Romance
Words: 62,000
When Dingo is injured and a visit to the new Veterinarian in town is necessary, Joyce finds herself quietly attracted to Dr. Amanda Carter, the intellectual dreamer who is many years her junior.
Joyce knows that their age difference is too big of an obstacle to overcome, and is content to settle for friendship with the thirty-two year old Vet. But Amanda, for her part, can’t see the gaping divide between them. All she knows is the warmth and attraction she feels for Joyce, and can’t understand why age should matter at all.
Join Genevieve Fortin as she weaves this heartwarming May-December romance of two women who discover the timeless truth of love at any age.
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
Genre: Romance
Words: 62,000
206 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Fortin
13 books34 followersGenevieve was born in Rimouski, a small town in the French Canadian province of Quebec, Canada. After getting her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at Concordia University in Montreal, she moved to the United States for her graduate studies in French literature. She stayed to work and spent a total of thirteen years in the United States, from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Albany, New York. During that time she started and abandoned several novels until she started reading lesbian fiction. She found more than inspiration in the work of women like Geri Hill and Karin Kallmaker; she found direction.
Genevieve eventually went back home to Canada where she now enjoys writing, spending time with friends and family, and hiking with her dog Spike.
Genevieve eventually went back home to Canada where she now enjoys writing, spending time with friends and family, and hiking with her dog Spike.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 16, 2018
3.75 Stars. This is a sweet, age-gap romance. This is the second book I have read by Fortin. The first was Water's Edge which I liked and thought was well written, but I did enjoy this book even more. I have a feeling romance fans will enjoy this one too.
While we have all read age-gap romances before, this book had a different feel to it. For one the age-gap is pretty large. Joyce Allen is 56, widowed and enjoying an early retirement. The other main is Dr. Amanda Carter 32, who works at the local animal hospital. Joyce is lonely after losing her wife of many years. One thing Joyce has realized is her wife really was the leader of their relationship. Joyce is now trying to live her life her way, which includes finally having a dog named Dingo. When Dingo gets hurt at the dog park, Joyce is glad Amanda is the new vet to take care of him. The more time these two women spend together, the more feelings get involved. Is there a chance at a relationship or is the age difference too big of a hurdle to overcome?
The pace was really nice in this book. I actually read it in one sitting which can be rare for me with romances. It just flowed really well and I didn’t want to put the book down. There is some angst, but it didn’t feel forced. There was enough going on that I was never bored and I found myself caring for the characters, even the dog.
The romance is not a hot and steamy romance, but the characters do have chemistry. I actually found the romance to be very realistic in parts. Being 56, Joyce is body conscience in front of the younger Amanda. This is something authors don’t really go into much in other age-gap romances. I appreciate that Fortin did because it made the romance believable but also really sweet. I believed in this couple and was overall quite happy with the romance. While I love steamy romances, this sweet romance with real feelings was a real nice change of pace.
I really like how Fortin seems to write books that are a little different than the norm. It makes reading them enjoyable as they feel like really fresh stories. If you are looking for a sweet, age-gap romance, I would give this book a chance.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
While we have all read age-gap romances before, this book had a different feel to it. For one the age-gap is pretty large. Joyce Allen is 56, widowed and enjoying an early retirement. The other main is Dr. Amanda Carter 32, who works at the local animal hospital. Joyce is lonely after losing her wife of many years. One thing Joyce has realized is her wife really was the leader of their relationship. Joyce is now trying to live her life her way, which includes finally having a dog named Dingo. When Dingo gets hurt at the dog park, Joyce is glad Amanda is the new vet to take care of him. The more time these two women spend together, the more feelings get involved. Is there a chance at a relationship or is the age difference too big of a hurdle to overcome?
The pace was really nice in this book. I actually read it in one sitting which can be rare for me with romances. It just flowed really well and I didn’t want to put the book down. There is some angst, but it didn’t feel forced. There was enough going on that I was never bored and I found myself caring for the characters, even the dog.
The romance is not a hot and steamy romance, but the characters do have chemistry. I actually found the romance to be very realistic in parts. Being 56, Joyce is body conscience in front of the younger Amanda. This is something authors don’t really go into much in other age-gap romances. I appreciate that Fortin did because it made the romance believable but also really sweet. I believed in this couple and was overall quite happy with the romance. While I love steamy romances, this sweet romance with real feelings was a real nice change of pace.
I really like how Fortin seems to write books that are a little different than the norm. It makes reading them enjoyable as they feel like really fresh stories. If you are looking for a sweet, age-gap romance, I would give this book a chance.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
December 27, 2018
Joyce Allen (56) has lived her life according to rules of others -- her wife Evelyn and older sister Barbara. After Evelyn's death she tries to reconnect with her true self. Among other things, she got a pet -- a sweet basenji named Dingo. When Dingo is injured, Joyce meets Dr. Amanda Carter (32), a competent vet with social anxiety issues and absolutely no love life. Their mutual attraction comes off as a surprise to both of them. Is there a future for it?
Dingo's Recovery is a really nice and well-written May-December romance set in Bangor, Maine, USA. It is the fourth novel by Genevieve Fortin, my second by her, the first being Water's Edge, which I also really liked.
The main characters are two very likable real to life people, and their unconventional but believable romance develops alongside with Dingo's recovery regardless of the obstacles faced by couples with a significant age difference as well as some personal emotional baggage of both main characters.
The story is quite rounded, clear in its message, with good pacing and reads easily and quickly. I read it in one sitting and that is something that I do not do very often. The main conflict was plausible and done well, the ending satisfying. All in all, a really enjoyable story which I will read again. I recommend it, and am looking forward to other books by Genevieve Fortin.
4 stars
Mar 10, 2018
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
Dingo's Recovery is a really nice and well-written May-December romance set in Bangor, Maine, USA. It is the fourth novel by Genevieve Fortin, my second by her, the first being Water's Edge, which I also really liked.
The main characters are two very likable real to life people, and their unconventional but believable romance develops alongside with Dingo's recovery regardless of the obstacles faced by couples with a significant age difference as well as some personal emotional baggage of both main characters.
The story is quite rounded, clear in its message, with good pacing and reads easily and quickly. I read it in one sitting and that is something that I do not do very often. The main conflict was plausible and done well, the ending satisfying. All in all, a really enjoyable story which I will read again. I recommend it, and am looking forward to other books by Genevieve Fortin.
4 stars
Mar 10, 2018
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
March 24, 2018
This is an age gap romance between newly retired Joyce Allen and Dr. Amanda Carter, a veterinarian twenty four years younger. They meet when Dingo, Joyce's dog, is injured and Amanda cares for him during the long recovery process. Soon they forge a friendship but will they act on a growing mutual attraction?
This is a slow burn romance that takes us into the world of both main characters who are so different from each other but at the same time, they both have some insecurities. It is heart warming to read how they help each other navigate their inhibitions and push their own self imposed boundaries in order to reach their happiness. Dingo, Joyce's dog, is a very important character himself by acting as a buffer and a facilitator between both women. When words escaped them both, Dingo covered the silence with his antics and somehow makes their interactions less awkward. It is rare to see in lesfic a big age gap romance. Kudos to Ms. Fortin to approach the issue and present flawed characters as Joyce and Amanda which makes the story credible and interesting.
Overall an enjoyable read if you like age gap romances and if you are a dog lover. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a slow burn romance that takes us into the world of both main characters who are so different from each other but at the same time, they both have some insecurities. It is heart warming to read how they help each other navigate their inhibitions and push their own self imposed boundaries in order to reach their happiness. Dingo, Joyce's dog, is a very important character himself by acting as a buffer and a facilitator between both women. When words escaped them both, Dingo covered the silence with his antics and somehow makes their interactions less awkward. It is rare to see in lesfic a big age gap romance. Kudos to Ms. Fortin to approach the issue and present flawed characters as Joyce and Amanda which makes the story credible and interesting.
Overall an enjoyable read if you like age gap romances and if you are a dog lover. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
May 16, 2018
3.25 Stars for this age gap romance.
We meet Joyce Allen who is 54 a widow for 3 years when her wife Evelyn died. She is enjoying early retirement. Rediscovering herself, loving her dog, Dingo that she always wanted but Evelyn wouldn’t allow dogs. When Dingo is injured, she meets a new Vet, 34 yr old, Dr. Amanda Carter.
This is a slow burn romance with bumps in the road, two big ones in the form of Joyce’s sister Barbara & Amanda’s colleague, Doug. Both with prejudices against this relationship. I did enjoy watching the personal growth of both Joyce & Amanda. For example, when we meet Joyce, she already had come a long way. She truly loved Evelyn, who had a dominant personality such that Joyce took on Evelyn’s attitudes and doing only what Evelyn liked. After a difficult grieving period, Joyce eventually started doing what she liked such as painting, yoga and distancing herself from their old friends. I found it interesting that her sister Barbara was a mirror of Evelyn. I had to wonder that even before Evelyn, Joyce was most likely dominated by Barbara. She showed great strength to finally become herself.
This age gap romance really tackles one aspect that you rarely see - Joyce’s body image insecurities. Especially when she compared herself to the beautiful, young Amanda. So often, (always?) the partner maybe older but is a specimen of beauty, health and confidence that belies her age.
I admit I hit a slow part in the middle somewhere and almost quit, but the story picked up and I ended up enjoying the book.
For lovers of age-gap, sweet romances and HEAs this one is for you.
NOTE: I too am enjoying early retirement. It’s only been 3 months but it sure is nice. Eventually I’ll get to all the projects and plans I have. Eventually. ☺️
We meet Joyce Allen who is 54 a widow for 3 years when her wife Evelyn died. She is enjoying early retirement. Rediscovering herself, loving her dog, Dingo that she always wanted but Evelyn wouldn’t allow dogs. When Dingo is injured, she meets a new Vet, 34 yr old, Dr. Amanda Carter.
This is a slow burn romance with bumps in the road, two big ones in the form of Joyce’s sister Barbara & Amanda’s colleague, Doug. Both with prejudices against this relationship. I did enjoy watching the personal growth of both Joyce & Amanda. For example, when we meet Joyce, she already had come a long way. She truly loved Evelyn, who had a dominant personality such that Joyce took on Evelyn’s attitudes and doing only what Evelyn liked. After a difficult grieving period, Joyce eventually started doing what she liked such as painting, yoga and distancing herself from their old friends. I found it interesting that her sister Barbara was a mirror of Evelyn. I had to wonder that even before Evelyn, Joyce was most likely dominated by Barbara. She showed great strength to finally become herself.
This age gap romance really tackles one aspect that you rarely see - Joyce’s body image insecurities. Especially when she compared herself to the beautiful, young Amanda. So often, (always?) the partner maybe older but is a specimen of beauty, health and confidence that belies her age.
I admit I hit a slow part in the middle somewhere and almost quit, but the story picked up and I ended up enjoying the book.
For lovers of age-gap, sweet romances and HEAs this one is for you.
NOTE: I too am enjoying early retirement. It’s only been 3 months but it sure is nice. Eventually I’ll get to all the projects and plans I have. Eventually. ☺️
April 29, 2018
A great love story!
Age is just a number and true love doesn't care about numbers. Her attraction to Amanda sets off all sorts of alarms. Both are insecure and that is a major barrier on the road to happiness. There are a lot of issues, misunderstandings and meddling relatives that had to be dealt with. Building a friendship is harmless but would only friendship really be that simple at all? A wonderful love story with great characters. Highly recommended.
Age is just a number and true love doesn't care about numbers. Her attraction to Amanda sets off all sorts of alarms. Both are insecure and that is a major barrier on the road to happiness. There are a lot of issues, misunderstandings and meddling relatives that had to be dealt with. Building a friendship is harmless but would only friendship really be that simple at all? A wonderful love story with great characters. Highly recommended.
April 6, 2018
3.5 stars
This is an age-gap / slow burn romance
I liked the characters: we have Joyce a 56 y/o woman who is finally discovering who she really is and what she really wants, and I admire that. On the other hand is Amanda, a shy, smart but anxious woman, I adore her, I connected with her instantly.
Both women have their own insecurities to overcome, the main one being the age-gap and what people will think about it.
I think the author did a good job with the pace of the romance, maybe a further exploration of the pro and cons of the relationship could have been good but that is just my particular view.
The chemistry was there and at the end, I was rooting for the characters to have a happy ending
A nice romantic story that can be read in one sitting.
P.S. I LOVE the cover, is on point.
This is an age-gap / slow burn romance
I liked the characters: we have Joyce a 56 y/o woman who is finally discovering who she really is and what she really wants, and I admire that. On the other hand is Amanda, a shy, smart but anxious woman, I adore her, I connected with her instantly.
Both women have their own insecurities to overcome, the main one being the age-gap and what people will think about it.
I think the author did a good job with the pace of the romance, maybe a further exploration of the pro and cons of the relationship could have been good but that is just my particular view.
The chemistry was there and at the end, I was rooting for the characters to have a happy ending
A nice romantic story that can be read in one sitting.
P.S. I LOVE the cover, is on point.
May 6, 2018
Joyce and Amanda are lovely and I enjoyed reading about them. I particularly appreciated how much the author showcased Joyce’s concerns, because it’s entirely understandable that she’d be freaked out about showing her body to a woman so much younger than her. It was also interesting to contrast those concerns with Amanda, who not only didn’t have them, but couldn’t stop thinking about Joyce despite never having been in a relationship before.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/ding...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/ding...
May 27, 2019
3 and 1/2 stars
February 19, 2020
Positives
- 24 year age gap
- Good pace
- Likeable characters
Negatives
- Too sappy/cheesy for my tastes
Good read but it won't make my re-read list.
3 Stars.
- 24 year age gap
- Good pace
- Likeable characters
Negatives
- Too sappy/cheesy for my tastes
Good read but it won't make my re-read list.
3 Stars.
October 8, 2020
“Dingo’s Recovery” didn’t jive with me as much as I’d hoped. I’ve had Genevieve Fortin on my to-read list forever and I came away from this feeling neutral.
There’s not really anything wrong with the book per se. I think it’s more of mismatch to my personal tastes.
The story focuses on a very guarded, anti-social thirty-two year old that’s new to town and a mid-fifties, retiree woman that’s trying to find herself after a lifetime of blending identities with her deceased wife. Each character had something new to offer and there were some fresh concepts brought to the fore I haven’t seen often in lesbian fiction. Also, with one exception, the characters communicated really well which is a huge bonus.
But, that said, I didn’t get consumed by the story and felt some distance to it. I even started skimming some parts because it was too predictable or had drama just for drama’s sake brought in by other characters. I would’ve preferred to be more in the mind of the characters grappling with a) never being intimate before, emotionally or physically and what kinds of challenges and anxieties those bring and b) spending more time handling the body insecurity issues for being quite a bit older in the relationship. Each of these were touched on but I think they were put on the back burner to allow the other drama to come forward.
There was also a little too much telling up front where the characters both felt the other was really special and “meant to be significant” upon a first meeting without proof yet. And, the dialogue was a bit more formal than I like at times. Ex, one character said “So, you see,…” a few times and I’ve just never heard that spoken before. Small quibbles that are completely personal to me but something I noticed.
An okay read. 3.5 stars
There’s not really anything wrong with the book per se. I think it’s more of mismatch to my personal tastes.
The story focuses on a very guarded, anti-social thirty-two year old that’s new to town and a mid-fifties, retiree woman that’s trying to find herself after a lifetime of blending identities with her deceased wife. Each character had something new to offer and there were some fresh concepts brought to the fore I haven’t seen often in lesbian fiction. Also, with one exception, the characters communicated really well which is a huge bonus.
But, that said, I didn’t get consumed by the story and felt some distance to it. I even started skimming some parts because it was too predictable or had drama just for drama’s sake brought in by other characters. I would’ve preferred to be more in the mind of the characters grappling with a) never being intimate before, emotionally or physically and what kinds of challenges and anxieties those bring and b) spending more time handling the body insecurity issues for being quite a bit older in the relationship. Each of these were touched on but I think they were put on the back burner to allow the other drama to come forward.
There was also a little too much telling up front where the characters both felt the other was really special and “meant to be significant” upon a first meeting without proof yet. And, the dialogue was a bit more formal than I like at times. Ex, one character said “So, you see,…” a few times and I’ve just never heard that spoken before. Small quibbles that are completely personal to me but something I noticed.
An okay read. 3.5 stars
November 8, 2021
This is my first book by Genevieve Fortin. Based on this book, I will read more of her books. These is a very good age gap book. With true life concerns. The two MCs are so loveable. You know the giest of the book if you read the blurb, so there's no point in me going over it again. If you want an enjoyable book to read, then get this book.
June 29, 2018
This sweet and realistic romance has something for everyone. There's Joyce (56) who's sophisticated but sensible and Amanda (32) who's socially awkward, but clear-headed and compassionate. Of the two, I can relate to Amanda; I'm not as socially awkward but sooo not into mind games and trickery. Likewise, I like how Fortin convincingly sheds light on the topic of age-gap romances, which if too large, are considered taboo. Personally, I favor those older than me, so it was refreshing to read how Joyce redefined herself and faced her insecurities.
April 22, 2018
Charming!
This was a very charming May December story! Both Amanda and Joyce had such great chemistry and their love story developed smoothly. Dingo was adorable and a perfect Cupid puppy!
This was a very charming May December story! Both Amanda and Joyce had such great chemistry and their love story developed smoothly. Dingo was adorable and a perfect Cupid puppy!
May 18, 2018
This book was a fantastic surprise for me. The story is simple but so romantic, the characters just wonderfully described and I was in love with both of them. This is my first book of Genevieve Fortin and definitely will not be the last one. So beautiful story with a romantic end. Just Perfect!!!!!
September 23, 2021
Age Gap romance
Perceptions challenges
Perceptions challenges
September 28, 2021
A cute, sweet, low angst age gap romance between two lovely ladies and of course the adorable pup who brings them together.
November 9, 2020
Wonderful
This is the second book I have read by Genevieve the first book being First Fall,I enjoyed both books but this one just had that little bit extra for me.Ok you could call it a typical autumn romance but Joyce the eldest of the two and Amanda the younger both have issues and interfering other people to cope with in their budding relationship as well as an injured dog.But to quote. Well known play by The Bard of Stratford All’s Well That Ends Well,basically I Loved It can’t wait for her next book
This is the second book I have read by Genevieve the first book being First Fall,I enjoyed both books but this one just had that little bit extra for me.Ok you could call it a typical autumn romance but Joyce the eldest of the two and Amanda the younger both have issues and interfering other people to cope with in their budding relationship as well as an injured dog.But to quote. Well known play by The Bard of Stratford All’s Well That Ends Well,basically I Loved It can’t wait for her next book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews