Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Must Love Dogs #3

How to See With Your Heart

Rate this book
From bestselling author Jennifer Youngblood comes a touching story about a second chance at life and love. And a trusty guide dog name Tucker who proves that dogs really are a man’s best friend.

Brooklyn Reese has a thriving flower shop but isn’t as lucky in love. Having a lowdown, cheating fiancé is bad enough, but add a meddling mother and catty sister into the mix, and it’s sure to spell disaster.

A rollerblading trek around the lake near Brooklyn’s home comes to a calamitous close when she accidentally plows into a man and his dog. To make matters worse, she realizes the guy’s blind and it was his guide dog that she dragged into the lake. Then she recognizes him—the illustrious and dreamy Dax Preston, former Nascar racing superstar. The very guy she’s had a crush on since the eleventh grade!

Captivated by Dax’s charm and his loyal guide dog Tucker, Brooklyn falls hard and fast as a tender romance blossoms. But Brooklyn and Dax’s idyllic relationship is threatened by an unexpected treatment that could wreck everything. Can Brooklyn put aside her fears and learn to see with her heart? Or will she let the love of a lifetime walk out of her life?

Includes Bonus Chapter of How to Love a Dog's Best Friend by Cami Checketts and How to Train a Husband by Sarah Gay.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2017

200 people are currently reading
250 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Youngblood

175 books782 followers
Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has a BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University Hawaii where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
220 (55%)
4 stars
100 (25%)
3 stars
55 (13%)
2 stars
16 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,589 reviews1,564 followers
March 1, 2018
Kindle freebie at time of download

Brooklyn Reese owns a busy and successful flower shop in Utah. When she has down time she likes to rollerblade around the lake and avoid answering phone calls from her drama queen mother. On one such rollerblading trip she literally trips right over a man and dog and falls into the lake, along with the dog. Brooklyn tries to apologize profusely but receives an angry tirade from the man for running over his dog. The dog isn't just any dog- he's a seeing eye dog! Oops! Brooklyn recognizes the man as her childhood friend turned famous NASCAR driver Dax. Dax lost everything in an accident that took his sight and it was only his dog Tucker who helped him back from the brink of despair to live a normal life so he can't help but be angry and fearful Tucker might be hurt. While Tucker is fine, Dax calms down and discovers Brooklyn's identity. He realizes it's been too long since he's felt a connection to a woman who didn't recognize his fame and fortune instead of the man he is inside. Can Brooklyn be that woman? He feels a strong connection to her but senses she's been holding back. Brooklyn has been hurt before. Can she trust her own heart and trust Dax not to break it? When her meddling family interferes with her life, Brooklyn is forced to evaluate her own feelings and figure out what she wants.

This is such a boring story! I started it on Valentine's Day, got bored and set it aside until I ran out of library books. I don't read many straight up romances that aren't "chick lit" or Regency set. I also don't read many Christian books and I would not have read this one had I known it was "Inspirational." The plot bored me to sleep. The characters have several misunderstandings, some of which don't make sense.

I really didn't like Brooklyn. At first I did because she is a successful business owner and seemed nice but her issues were just too much for me. First she needs to grow up and get over her ex. He doesn't deserve her if he chose someone else, especially the woman he chose. Her indecision about her feelings nearly costs her several relationships. She is also hung up on something her sister did in high school! That was high school-a long time ago! Let it go! She also needs to grow a spine and stand up to her mother.

Brooklyn's mother is a Mrs. Bennet type without good reason. Mrs. Bennet at least was limited by the laws of the 19th century and had every reason to NEED to see her girls married off. Brooklyn is young, independent and successful. What more could her mother ask? Why merely a marriage and children with her friend's son, a boring man Brooklyn isn't the least attracted to. Who cares if Brooklyn doesn't love him! Marry him anyway! He's a good provider. Brooklyn's biological clock is ticking! Her mother sounds like a nightmare and I would avoid her at all costs. There's not really any backstory but I gather that perhaps Brooklyn's parents are not happily married and her mother doesn't value love very highly. Perhaps her parents pressured her to marry a "good provider?" Hello, this is the 21st century and Brooklyn owns a business! She does not need to marry a good provider. In fact she doesn't "need" to marry anyone to give her mother grandchildren if she so chooses.

Brooklyn's sister Madison is also a drama queen. Brooklyn is not nice to her sister. "I can't wear that [denim mini skirt] I'd look like a bimbo!" Given the fact Madison was wearing such a skirt at the time makes the comment really off base. I didn't care much for spoiled Madison trying to turn on the charm with Dax or approve of her life choices but I didn't think she deserved Brooklyn's negative comments and silent treatment.

Dax is too nice for Brooklyn. At first I didn't like him. The racing background and comparisons to Tom Cruise made me uneasy. His legendary charm was too much for me and I felt he came on too strong to Brooklyn at first. Then once I got to know him better, I liked him much more. The whole car obsession is a turn off though, even if he does love dogs. The other turn off is his praying for things that seemed silly to me. Also, what happens at the end is not a miracle-it's called science! Tucker is a sweet dog. He does his job well and when he's off duty he knows he can act like a normal dog. The bond between Dax and Tucker is very sweet. The big misunderstanding at the end was really stupid and I agreed with Dax. He doesn't deserve Brooklyn.

Overall this story failed to wow me and warm my cold, cynical heart. I'll stick to witty Regency romances instead.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,909 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2017
I was feeling especially bored with the other book I'm reading right now, so I started this one. "What the hey?" I thought. "It's short, clean, and probably won't bore me to tears." And while that may be true, I still feel pretty bored.

The MCs are one dimensional and read like teenagers instead of adults in their late 20s, the plot is too simple, and I am so glad this is short. And I know that this is a clean read, but by skimming over the H's past, the love he has for he h seems less convincing. I don't need explicit details, but knowing how he's changed, and not just due to his circumstances but due to his values, is important to the plausibility of the story.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
Author 44 books788 followers
July 28, 2017
This is another great book in the Must Love Dogs Romance series. I loved Brooklyn's character because even though she's been burned by those she should be able to depend on, she still has a giving heart. The first meeting with Dax is hilarious and I couldn't wait for them to run into each other again. The author did a great job of portraying the hero with his faithful guide dog, Tucker. It was interesting to step into that world and watch a true heart connection unfold.
Youngblood did an excellent job with the pacing of the story. Readers of romance will definitely love this book!
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
April 22, 2017
This was a fun addition to this Must Love Dogs series. I loved the different take with one of the main characters being blind with a seeing eye dog. It brought a fresh dynamic to this love story. I also loved the flower shop. :) This story tugged a bit on my heartstrings a bit in the end which is always a good sign of emotion well represented.

Content: Clean
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,398 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2017
DNF @64%

I swear, I tried. I gave it a valiant effort. But homiGAWSH, was this ever a slog. There's the hero, who latches on *WAY* the heck too fast, the herione who flies off the handle *WAY* to short-fused, the mother who shouldn't even be a part of this girl's life, and the tiny little problem of their being really no plot or direction in which this story is going. Well, yes, there'll be a HEA, but there's no JOURNEY there. Just mundane with contrived angst because of stupidity. Which is tedious, considering most of our lives.

I just couldn't do it. It's not that it was badly written - otherwise I wouldn't have made it that far - but it just didn't make me like him. Or her. Or anyone. Not even the dog.

Oh, and one other thing: the spiritual references in this book have no point, whatsoever. It's like someone wanted to nod at faith without bothering to actually GIVE the characters any. This is pointless. Either commit or get out, y'know?
Profile Image for Teya Teya.
Author 9 books103 followers
June 10, 2017
OKay, I hated that he never answered her back communication wise. However, I do love the story. I LOVE the ending. I teared up. I love the seeing eye dog stories, and getting his eye sight back. This is a tender hearted book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
17 reviews
September 19, 2017
Spoiler Alert - this was some rather decent writing, which as an avid reader, I totally appreciate. I don't normally enter review comments. But in this case, I felt like I had to. I like that the main characters knew each other, literally ran into one another. And I felt like the book's "problem" was real enough and interesting enough to hook me - famous person gone blind and now that he's adjusted, he needs to start living. But I have to admit, I was not a fan of the fairy tale ending. Blind man suddenly can see again. I feel like there needed to be more story development here. A lot of times, in real life, people don't get the kind of fairy tale ending where you get the man (or the girl) and you get your sight back, too. I think the story should have been more developed over this story line. He didn't want to have the surgery bc he would be too devastated if it didn't work. And she needed to love him without his sight and have the whole world understand it. Instead, she immediately pushed for the surgery. And he just had it, and it worked. I think maybe it shouldn't have worked, and there would have been so much more story and character development here. Maybe I shouldn't be so critical, but having every little thing work out in the end was too perfect, and therefore, unbelievable. Real life is flawed. Then again, maybe someone else will need the perfect happy ending that this provides.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly Krey.
Author 100 books1,669 followers
July 29, 2017
This story is the whole package. A clean read with well-rounded characters, great humor, and plenty of romance! I love when I can laugh out loud, swoon, and shed tears all in the same story. This is the second book I've read by Jennifer Youngblood, and I absolutely loved them both!
Profile Image for Cathy.
814 reviews23 followers
May 3, 2017
Must love this book!

I will admit that I am a sucker for the wounded hero, but I was not prepared for the way this book would impact me. Dax, Brooklyn and Tucker now have a very special place in my heart. I read this book in a days time and just loved it💓 Very highly recommend!!
April 21, 2023
An awesome, clean romance!❤️
This book was way better than I expected!!

I love those books that have the "he's disabled" trope!
They make what would be a normal, boring, contemporary romance much more exciting and interesting to read!
The author writes about Dax’s sight disability really well, and that makes the book enjoyable.

⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️⚠️⚠️






I liked how the book wasn’t way too long and I actually got connected with Dax and Brooklyn. Their relationship was interesting and believable, especially since the author writes in their past in high school a bit.

Brooklyn wasn’t annoying or boring to read about, and we get to learn so much about Dax’s past with the NASCAR driving and his present with his blindness and how he handles that.

Honestly, everyone in the book SUCKED except Dax and Brooklyn.
Brooklyn’s friend Nicole was ANNOYING and she was always bringing up negative points in Brooklyn’s life and relationships.
Brooklyn’s sister and mom were totally horrible. Brooklyn was way too nice to them and like half of the book was filled with Brooklyn dealing with her sister and Mom. Ugh.
Brooklyn’s Mom was a narcissist and wouldn’t butt out of her life, and while Madison came around and became a better person and sister near the end, it took her long enough!
Even Dax’s Mom was a tad annoying because she kept mentioning how Dax might go back to his old girlfriend and ditch Brooklyn if he regained his sight. That caused so much unnecessary tension.

I really liked the plot and how the author didn’t shy away from confrontations between her characters.
I felt like there was a LITTLE bit too much back and forth fighting between Dax and Brooklyn, though. Every other chapter Brooklyn was leaving Dax for some reason, and vice versa.
It was a bit too much.

The connection that Youngblood creates between Dax and his guide dog Tucker is great, too!
So much so that when Dax has to give up Tucker to another disabled person because Dax had regained his sight and no longer needed him, I bawled. I seriously cried.
Brooklyn gifting Dax a brand new Labrador puppy and them naming it Rev (like “Rev yourrrrr engines!”), didn’t help cover up the pain of losing Tucker.

There were so many cute parts!! Like when Brooklyn was out eating with Dax and Ramsey was stalking her, followed her into the restaurant, and asked her out again.
Dax totally stepped in and created fake plans between them to save her fromhaving to accept Ramsey's invite.


❤️❤️❤️Cute parts I liked:

When Dax reaches for Brooklyn's hand to feel if she wears a wedding ring:
Before she could put the tulip back in the container, he placed a hand over hers and surreptitiously rubbed over the naked strip of skin on her ring finger. A crooked smile tipped his lips. “You’re not taken. That’s good to know,” he murmured. A slow burn melted through her stomach as she laughed nervously. “No, I’m not,” she stammered.

“I get that. We both have a past. So what?” The tiniest of smiles crept over his lips, and she’d never seen a guy look more devastatingly handsome. “Give us a chance,” he implored softly. “I can tell you’ve been hurt before. We can take things slow.”

Brooklyn saying she needed to go shopping to look her best when he possibly regains his eyesight and sees her for the first time:
“You don’t need a new outfit.” He gave her a slight smile. “I know you, Brooklyn Reese. I’ve seen you.” He pointed to his chest. “In here.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “I hope you feel the same way tomorrow … after.” The words dribbled off. “Absolutely.” He pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Let’s get one thing straight. You’re mine, I’m yours, and eyesight or not, that’s not gonna change.”

“You have been the greatest blessing in my life, even greater than my eyesight. I want to be with you always.”

When Brooklyn sees Cassidy kissing Dax and she confronts him about it:
“I know what I saw.” He studied her for one long moment. “Yeah, that’s the problem. You’re going off what you saw. Well, I’ve got news for you. The eyes can be tricked.” He let out a bitter laugh. “Trust me, I know.” His eyes penetrated hers. “Until you learn to see with your heart and trust it more than your eyes, then there’s no hope for us.”

When Dax regains his sight and sees Tucker for the first time:
"Before leaving the eye center, Dax grabbed Tucker’s neck and cried like a baby when he could make out his shape."


An honestly amazing book! So glad I read it.
Profile Image for Mrs. Darcy or Mrs. Columbo?.
223 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2025


DNF @ 21% and Skipped to the End

If the mfc wasn't constantly mentioning how hot the mmc was, she was then acting like a complete idiot about blind people/even people with disabilities in general. Sure, she didn't judge him. However, she was treating him like he was helpless and couldn't do anything. He lives on his own, makes a living, and manages to make his way around town by himself; including to her shop. She ask if he needs help crossing a crosswalk or mentions how he much he lost after his accident. Who does that? I like you, but let me make you feel inept and remind you why.

Lets also not mention that she's an adult whose living on her own with her own business, but she's letting her mother guilt trip her into things that she doesn't want to do. I'm so fed up with all these "adults" that behave like children. Why won't these authors have them behave their age/life experience. Her sister "stole" her man and the mother wants her to forgive her because her marriage is on the rocks. Flipp'n forgive her whenever you want too and NOT YOUR PROBLEM!; she should go see a therapist/marriage councilor.

As a wife of someone with a disability, it's not easy. Yet, there is technology that can help or alternative way to various circumstances/situations. People have had to deal with these issues long before any of the resources that we have now, and they somehow managed. The mfc acted so clueless that she should have been embarrassed. She could google him/read gossip but not do any research to understand him/his needs/struggles/ways to assist?

I'm glad I bowed out early when I saw that their was a third act breakup. It was sooo cliché. Ex-fiancé was the one behind all of the drama, and the mfc shows up right as she kisses him. This obviously leads back to the beginning of the book. Significant others "cheating" on her. Surprisingly, he did get to explain. She just couldn't trust or believe him. *SCREAM*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Latoya .
162 reviews
June 1, 2021
Cute, sweet, clean.

I enjoyed this novel because it was easy to read and slow enough for my stressed mind to relax while reading it. The plot was not hard to follow and a little predictable in some parts so it was easy to read. I liked all the characters no matter how small their roles were because they were quite memorable. They were distinct in their own way and contributed to the plot meaningfully. I like the sunset motif and nature motif in general because natural beauty is all around and it can be experienced with sight but deeper beauty in our humanity can be seen when we look beyond what we can see. It is then that we can focus on virtues. That was a nice contrast. Dax won big in the race... The race that we all are in which is to make better choices not based on pleasure but in choosing better for good life. I enjoyed this book. I'm glad that we could see development in the main characters. No one is perfect but we should keep learning how to have peace and make peace as we go along. In regards to the writing style, the beginning of the book seemed a little shaky and unsure but as I continued to read it, it was smooth sailing which, from my experience, the end of the book normally has more grammatical errors than the beginning. Good job, J. Youngblood!
11 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2022
I'm still clearing my throat from being chocked with tears as I finished this book.
Clean, lovely book. Dax lost his sight from car racing. Brooklyn and Dax were in science class and she had a crush on him in High School. Her sister, Madison, always competing to take from Brooklyn anything she saw with Brooklyn, snatched him for a valentine's dance. Brooklyn withdrew her interactions with Dax; both Dax and Madison were very social and outgoing, but she was more of a nerd.
After his accident and becoming visually Impaired, Dax returned home and they ran into each other, literally.
I love how Jennifer Youngblood dealt with the different emotional issues and complexes. I love her writing style.
2,286 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2017
Thankfully each book in this series is a stand alone--and I must say, if all are this good, I am looking forward to reading more of them.

Dax Preston was a NASCAR driver until an accident took his sight. He now lives mostly independently with the help of his dog, Tucker, but feels something is missing from his life. He's literally bowled over by a girl from his past, Brooklyn Reese. Brooklyn owns her own flower shop, but is on guard against love ever since her sister "stole her boyfriend and married him". Brooklyn and Dax fall in love, but Brooklyn struggles to feel she is good enough. When Dax gets the chance to get his sight back, Brooklyn wonders if their relationship will change.
3,543 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2017
How To See With Your Heart by Jennifer Youngblood is a fairly quick read, a great choice for those with limited time for reading. Ms Youngblood has given us a well-written, clean book. Dax (blind from a racing accident) and Brooklyn's story is full of conflicts between Brooklyn and her sister and mother and it tickled me when she finally found her backbone. There is also bits of humor along with the drama. I enjoyed reading How To See With Your Heart and would be happy to read more from Jennifer Youngblood in the future. How To See With Your Heart is book 3 of the Must Love Dogs Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
1,926 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2021
How to see with your heart

This is a story of a young man who loses his sight and has to rely on his best friend ,a seeing eye dog, during his early life he lives and breathes the help of his dog until he meets a young woman who falls in love with him. His brother who is a Doctor tries to talk him into getting the new operation to get back his eyesight but he refuses as he had already done that once only for it to fail. This was a very intense and interesting story and full of information on blind people. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
August 13, 2017
Sometimes sighted people can be the most blind.

Brooklyn literally ran over her old high school crush while rollerblading. She realizes he's now blind, and has to figure out a way to apologize without it sounding likes it pity. Two lost insecure souls finding what true love really means. Great characters, with very descriptive locations, make this another winner for us and the author. You can never go wrong with any book written by Jennifer Youngblood!!
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 29 books29 followers
October 29, 2017
A romantic tale of love. Dax, a famous racing car driver, is in an accident that leaves him blind. He returns to his hometown and by pure fate meets with his ex.girlfriend. Love blooms but not without difficulties, especially from a busybody mother who is totally against her daughter marrying a disabled person. Will they be able to finally be a couple or are the obstacles too great for them?
A good read with lots of sentiment
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews22 followers
April 16, 2021
Enjoyable

Brooklyn and Dax reconnect in an unexpected way. Dax is now blind due to a racing accident, but remembers Brooklyn after awhile. The two get to know each other better while Brooklyn is dealing with family issues, an old boyfriend, her mom trying to set her up with a guy she has no feelings for, and more. This is a clean, enjoyable read. Tucker, the guide dog, is a darling. Have some tissues ready near the end.
30 reviews
April 23, 2021
This story has all the feels

"Let me start at the beginning. No, there is too much, let me sum up." This story has all the warmth and the loveand even some of the fun you are looking for. Reversals come from the characters ' own weaknesses (some of which seem a little extreme at times) and resolve beautifully. If you love flowrs and chocolate and sunset walks, and can forgive a little soap opera, you will love this story of forgiveness, hope and love.
Profile Image for Stephanie Shelley.
29 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2017
Good book

This is a clean book.
I did enjoy this book. It flowed well. The characters were good. The only thing that seemed to lack was I did not feel what they were feeling. I wish they would have felt more with Brooklyn's feelings with trust. It seemed to be missing how they could work through them.
Profile Image for Alethia.
1,020 reviews16 followers
August 25, 2017
Sweet and funny and Dad and wonderful all at the same time. Loved reading this book. Brooklyn and Dax have their rocky parts in their relationship because of her past and his disability. But things work out and the ending almost had me crying. If you love dogs and a good story, go pick this book up.
Profile Image for EmbGram.
218 reviews
September 25, 2017
Beautiful story

This is a beautiful story of two wounded people who find love together, with some help from a faithful canine friend. Dad was injured in a horrific NASCAR wreck and lost his sight. Renewing his acquaintance with a young woman from his teen years brings unexpected blessings of hope and love. Don't miss this beautiful love story!
Profile Image for Jasmine Dorsett.
139 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2017
Love AT First Sight

I loved this book. I haven't read a good Christian love story in a long time but this one gave me hope. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author. I couldn't wait to finish the book to find out what happened but I was so sad when it ended. I need more.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,532 reviews17 followers
January 13, 2020
I loved this wonderful story. I loved the growth in the characters and their willingness to try to "see with your heart". The author prefaced the story, saying that when she wrote it, she finished with tears in her eyes. I was a skeptic but I too finished the book with tears of joy in my eyes. GREAT BOOK!
2 reviews
June 13, 2020
Weak men and women

? No strong women wwho can up to men and mothers. Do they mostly all shrink?!!!!!!!!!! Seem so wishy-washy. Men too. Doubt but make decisions then repair. Be, men, strong enough to work strive encourage the woman you love. Until she really doesn't want you, THEN rethink ur feelings. !!!!!!
570 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2021
This was a special story!

This story touched my heart and I fell in love with the main characters. Both are strong in their own way but still some insecurities. The title tells us how we should really see people. But sometimes it is hard. The journey through this story was eye opening and inspiring.
8 reviews
May 6, 2017
The story started out great, but had rather predictable plots. It was too repetitious.

and could have eliminated or changed one of the situations where a person was caught kissing her husband or boyfriend.
Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
June 4, 2017
A relatively "clean and Christian" romance about a couple who meet again after having a class together in high school. She's a doormat for her obnoxious mother. He'a a race car driver now dealing with blindness after a horrible accident.

Profile Image for Donna.
1,375 reviews25 followers
August 30, 2017
Emotional

I shouldn't have read this story as my son-in-law was recently told that his sight loss from nerve damage is permanent. This is a sweet story with great trials. A tale of unrequited love, second chances, forgiveness, self confidence, and bravery all beautifully told.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.