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Applebottom #4
The Unexpected Shelter
She saved the town’s abandoned animals. He saved her.
Abby Tyler welcomes you to the witty, well-meaning busybodies of Applebottom, Missouri, where the community takes its pies -- and its matchmaking -- very seriously.
Savannah Perkins has always loved the animal shelter her father started in memory of her mother. It’s been her life’s work and a peaceful place for her to care for him as he declines into dementia.
But it’s a hard living, and volunteers have gotten difficult to come by.
Until Luke.
No one is more surprised by Luke Southard’s arrival in Applebottom than his father. Mayor T-bone had no idea he had a son.
While Luke waits on the local veterinary school to accept his transfer, the town suggests he help out at the shelter.
But some of the local boys take issue with his closeness to Savannah, blaming him for vandalism around town. When the new vet school refuses him, Luke figures he’s overstayed his welcome.
It will take some quick thinking by the town to help Luke and Savannah save both the shelter and their tender new love.
Abby Tyler welcomes you to the witty, well-meaning busybodies of Applebottom, Missouri, where the community takes its pies -- and its matchmaking -- very seriously.
Savannah Perkins has always loved the animal shelter her father started in memory of her mother. It’s been her life’s work and a peaceful place for her to care for him as he declines into dementia.
But it’s a hard living, and volunteers have gotten difficult to come by.
Until Luke.
No one is more surprised by Luke Southard’s arrival in Applebottom than his father. Mayor T-bone had no idea he had a son.
While Luke waits on the local veterinary school to accept his transfer, the town suggests he help out at the shelter.
But some of the local boys take issue with his closeness to Savannah, blaming him for vandalism around town. When the new vet school refuses him, Luke figures he’s overstayed his welcome.
It will take some quick thinking by the town to help Luke and Savannah save both the shelter and their tender new love.
228 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2019
98 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Abby Tyler
17 books641 followersAbby Tyler loves puppy dogs, pie, and small towns (she grew up in one!) Her books combine the romance she loves with the funny, sometimes a-little-too-truthful characters she remembers from growing up in a place where everyone knew everybody’s business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 6, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
The room went wild with chairs scraping back and people gasping like T-bone done announced he was from Nebraska.
Violet had come over that morning and done her nails and helped with makeup. They had a long day ahead, so they needed armor, Violet had said. Armor by Maybelline.
My Review:
Continuing on with my fangirling of Abby Tyler with another sweet Applebottom tale, this one was a bit more melancholy than the rest due to the rather tragic circumstances the main character of Savannah was mired with. Savannah’s tale is a very relevant and realistic one for anyone struggling with an elderly family member. Despite the heavier concerns, the storylines were lively, entertaining, and highly relatable, although my two favorite tenacious pie bakers were not as prevalent in this tale and I sorely missed them. I enjoy Ms. Tyler’s amusing voice and highly endearing characters. She squeezed my heart with this one as I am a huge animal lover and involved in cat rescue and fostering myself.
The room went wild with chairs scraping back and people gasping like T-bone done announced he was from Nebraska.
Violet had come over that morning and done her nails and helped with makeup. They had a long day ahead, so they needed armor, Violet had said. Armor by Maybelline.
My Review:
Continuing on with my fangirling of Abby Tyler with another sweet Applebottom tale, this one was a bit more melancholy than the rest due to the rather tragic circumstances the main character of Savannah was mired with. Savannah’s tale is a very relevant and realistic one for anyone struggling with an elderly family member. Despite the heavier concerns, the storylines were lively, entertaining, and highly relatable, although my two favorite tenacious pie bakers were not as prevalent in this tale and I sorely missed them. I enjoy Ms. Tyler’s amusing voice and highly endearing characters. She squeezed my heart with this one as I am a huge animal lover and involved in cat rescue and fostering myself.
June 8, 2022
What a sweet book from start to finish. A true animal lovers book, a major part of the story not just a mention here and there. I have worked in a shelter and know how they work. This is the real thing, lots of work to take care of animals dumped by their previous owners.
But Samantha who has been struggling to run the shelter and care for her father needs help. Random volunteers don’t stay long, but when a new volunteer shows up sparks start to fly.
You will find nothing in this book that can’t be shared from young teens and up to Grandma. I love a good clean book. Great read from a new author to me. I received an ARC from a link somewhere but this is my unbiased opinion.
But Samantha who has been struggling to run the shelter and care for her father needs help. Random volunteers don’t stay long, but when a new volunteer shows up sparks start to fly.
You will find nothing in this book that can’t be shared from young teens and up to Grandma. I love a good clean book. Great read from a new author to me. I received an ARC from a link somewhere but this is my unbiased opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2019
Abby Tyler is a new author for me. It is a total joy to get swept up in her world of small-town Applebottom, Missouri.
The Unexpected Shelter
begins with Luke Southhard coming to Applebottom looking for his father. After his mother died, he decided to search for the man he never knew. His dad, T-Bone is the mayor of the quaint little town. Luke is a shock not only to T-Bone but the town.
Luke’s goal is to be veterinarian. He started working on a degree in Montana and decides to transfer to a local college. While Luke waits for the college’s decision, the locals suggeste that he assist at the local animal shelter on the outskirts of town.
The animal shelter is run by Savannah Perkins. She loves animals and is in desperate need of help now that her dad isn’t available. She is overwhelmed at times taking care of the animals, her dad who is suffering from dementia, and the regular housekeeping duties of everyday living. Luke admires Savanah’s work ethic and wonders how she keeps things together. The more time Luke and Savannah are together the stronger the mutual admiration and attraction grow.
The Unexpected Shelter has all the down-home feels of small-town America. Abby Tyler does an excellent job dealing with the authentic problems a pain that a child experiences when caring for a parent suffering from dementia. There are times when it breaks my heart as Savannah loses her father even though he is standing right in front of her. I recommend The Unexpected Shelter for a sweet, feel-good time with lovely characters dealing with real problems in an uplifting manner. I can see this book showing up on Lifetime one day. Now I’m ready to read more books by Ms. Tyler and looking forward to more books in the series.
Luke’s goal is to be veterinarian. He started working on a degree in Montana and decides to transfer to a local college. While Luke waits for the college’s decision, the locals suggeste that he assist at the local animal shelter on the outskirts of town.
The animal shelter is run by Savannah Perkins. She loves animals and is in desperate need of help now that her dad isn’t available. She is overwhelmed at times taking care of the animals, her dad who is suffering from dementia, and the regular housekeeping duties of everyday living. Luke admires Savanah’s work ethic and wonders how she keeps things together. The more time Luke and Savannah are together the stronger the mutual admiration and attraction grow.
The Unexpected Shelter has all the down-home feels of small-town America. Abby Tyler does an excellent job dealing with the authentic problems a pain that a child experiences when caring for a parent suffering from dementia. There are times when it breaks my heart as Savannah loses her father even though he is standing right in front of her. I recommend The Unexpected Shelter for a sweet, feel-good time with lovely characters dealing with real problems in an uplifting manner. I can see this book showing up on Lifetime one day. Now I’m ready to read more books by Ms. Tyler and looking forward to more books in the series.
May 6, 2019
Savannah is doing her utmost to care for the animal shelter named for her mother, but she's struggling, on top of dealing with her father who has dementia & declining. She's bound & determined to save the fur babies, but it's not an easy journey at the moment. Things start to look up when the Mayor's long lost son, Luke, volunteers to help, and he's definitely adding something extra to her life, but, unfortunately, if he stays, he gives up his dream to become a vet. And if he follows his dream, he loses Savannah. It's Sophie's Choice right there. Abby Tyler is a new to me author, and boy did I really love this small town story that not only have all the feels, but Lawd, did it keep me laughing hard as well. Not to mention, she made the dementia story line so realistic, I could physically feel Savannah's pain seep through my kindle like it was my own. There are a plethora of little old ladies who mean well but totally add some color to this story with their hijinks, and those fur babies?! Yeah, there are tons of them in the guise of dogs who really tried to steal the show! The Unexpected Shelter was an unexpected delight that everyone should definitely one click as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 7, 2019
I love Abby's mission!! As an animal lover, I truly appreciate what she is doing in her little small town. Rescue and animal welfare can be a somewhat thankless job, so I'm glad that this story highlights how amazing these dedicated people are.
This story did hit a little too close to home in that my dad has dementia too. Not to the same scale as Abby's but I know I will be expecting that in the future. Which is sad because who wants to think of their own parents mortality?
Anywho, Luke as an outsider is accepted by the community of Applebottom so quickly, even if he's the Mayor's surprise son no one knew he had. But I like that he loves animals and is willing to get down and help Abby with the shelter animals while trying to get his vet school career back on track. A great story.
This story did hit a little too close to home in that my dad has dementia too. Not to the same scale as Abby's but I know I will be expecting that in the future. Which is sad because who wants to think of their own parents mortality?
Anywho, Luke as an outsider is accepted by the community of Applebottom so quickly, even if he's the Mayor's surprise son no one knew he had. But I like that he loves animals and is willing to get down and help Abby with the shelter animals while trying to get his vet school career back on track. A great story.
May 7, 2019
A sweet, feel-good story with a small-town America setting. Abby Tyler does an excellent job depicting the effects of dementia on a family in a hopeful and uplifting way.
This is the first book I read by Abby Tyler but I will check out the other books in the series.
Full review on Badass Bloggettes: https://badassbloggettes.wordpress.co...
This is the first book I read by Abby Tyler but I will check out the other books in the series.
Full review on Badass Bloggettes: https://badassbloggettes.wordpress.co...
May 8, 2019
Such a cute story which had me laughing so hard, but also took over my heart and emotions. A story of a woman who has way too much on her plate. Enters sexy Luke, vet student who just came in contact with his father for the first time. The town has so many funny and interesting people.
This is the first but definitely won't be my last from this new author to me.
This is the first but definitely won't be my last from this new author to me.
May 7, 2019
This book was definitely worth the read. I fell and swooned so hard! I was sucked in until the very last line.
May 10, 2019
Would rate this 3.5 stars. Was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book but am not letting that influence my rating.
Enjoyable read. The story is about two people who have been battered by life finding shelter in their love for each other and in the animals they care for. Savannah Perkins runs a local animal shelter (Lena's Home for Strays) in Applebottom where she not only looks after abandoned animals but also her father, Boone, who has dementia. Luke Southard has been making his way through life trying to become a veterinarian when he learns about the father he never knew, T-Bone. He comes to Applebottom to spend some time with T-bone and arranges to work for Savannah to get credit for his degree. They are two caring people who learn to care about each other and the reader comes to care about them.
There are some wonderful scenes in the story, the fitting of dresses for a wedding, the orange soda picnic and Luke's wonderful gift of a garden. Love also that the author lets you get to know the pets at the shelter i.e. Sargent and Luigi (you are going to love him) and feel how they offer comfort to their humans. MS Tyler weaves a lot of emotions through the story so you are laughing and crying.
My only criticism is that I think the story and characters need to be fleshed out more. It isn't that anything is lacking but could have been enriched by some additional scenes like when Officer Stone comes to the shelter to check on an incident and is introduced to Nero the misbehaving doberman or when you see the town’s people interacting at the pie shop. I still highly recommend this book and hope others will enjoy the warmth of the tale.
Enjoyable read. The story is about two people who have been battered by life finding shelter in their love for each other and in the animals they care for. Savannah Perkins runs a local animal shelter (Lena's Home for Strays) in Applebottom where she not only looks after abandoned animals but also her father, Boone, who has dementia. Luke Southard has been making his way through life trying to become a veterinarian when he learns about the father he never knew, T-Bone. He comes to Applebottom to spend some time with T-bone and arranges to work for Savannah to get credit for his degree. They are two caring people who learn to care about each other and the reader comes to care about them.
There are some wonderful scenes in the story, the fitting of dresses for a wedding, the orange soda picnic and Luke's wonderful gift of a garden. Love also that the author lets you get to know the pets at the shelter i.e. Sargent and Luigi (you are going to love him) and feel how they offer comfort to their humans. MS Tyler weaves a lot of emotions through the story so you are laughing and crying.
My only criticism is that I think the story and characters need to be fleshed out more. It isn't that anything is lacking but could have been enriched by some additional scenes like when Officer Stone comes to the shelter to check on an incident and is introduced to Nero the misbehaving doberman or when you see the town’s people interacting at the pie shop. I still highly recommend this book and hope others will enjoy the warmth of the tale.
May 10, 2019
I loved all of the animals!
Abby Tyler has crafted another sweet romance sure to tug at your heart strings. Why? Because no one can resist puppies and kittens, especially if they are combined with a great love story like The Unexpected Shelter.
Applebottom's mayor, T-Bone, got an unexpected visitor recently – a son that he didn't know existed. Luke wants to get to know his father so he decides to hang around Applebottom for a while even though it means putting veterinary school on hold.
Savannah runs the animal shelter her father started in memory of her mother who died when Savannah was very young. She likes working with all of the animals but her father's slide into dementia is making an already difficult task even harder. When Luke steps in and begins volunteering she wonders how she made it without him for so long.
I love the way this love story developed slowly and turned Luke and Savannah's friendship into something more. They both care deeply for the animals in the shelter and it shows in the words that Abby has written.
You won't find any steamy love scenes in this book but you will get an entertaining story filled with love and sweet animals.
Abby Tyler has crafted another sweet romance sure to tug at your heart strings. Why? Because no one can resist puppies and kittens, especially if they are combined with a great love story like The Unexpected Shelter.
Applebottom's mayor, T-Bone, got an unexpected visitor recently – a son that he didn't know existed. Luke wants to get to know his father so he decides to hang around Applebottom for a while even though it means putting veterinary school on hold.
Savannah runs the animal shelter her father started in memory of her mother who died when Savannah was very young. She likes working with all of the animals but her father's slide into dementia is making an already difficult task even harder. When Luke steps in and begins volunteering she wonders how she made it without him for so long.
I love the way this love story developed slowly and turned Luke and Savannah's friendship into something more. They both care deeply for the animals in the shelter and it shows in the words that Abby has written.
You won't find any steamy love scenes in this book but you will get an entertaining story filled with love and sweet animals.
May 2, 2019
Our favorite little town is still home to quirky characters and elderly matchmakers, but now it's going to the dogs...lots and lots of dogs! Savannah is struggling to care for the animal shelter named for her late mother, while dealing with the heartbreaking reality of a father with dementia. When Mayor T-Bone's long lost son, Luke, offers to volunteer, he brings sunshine back into her life. Problem? If he stays, he may have to give up on his dream of being a veterinarian. If he goes, he has to give up on Savannah. With the help from the busybodies of Applebottom, these two finally get it all figured out, and get their happy ending. And did I mention there's lots of lovable dogs in the story? Like in all of Abby's books, you will laugh, and possibly cry, and end up feeling like you made new friends while spending time with old ones. Welcome back to Applebottom!
May 17, 2019
This is the fourth book from Abby Tyler that I have read and she never disappoints! Her books are so sweet and easy to read. Unexpected Shelter is about Savannah who is trying to care for an animal shelter that was named after her mother. But as anyone she is struggling a bit. While taking care of the animals and the shelter she is also taking care of her father who has dementia who is declining. Luke is another main character who volunteers in the shelter and is trying to help out Savannah. Luke has always loved animals and his ultimate dream is to become a Vet. So when he has to pick between Applebottom, Savannah, the shelter he has a tough choice to make. But if you want to find out if Luke stays in Applebottom and gives up his dream of becoming a vet, or going to Vet school you'll have to read The Unexpected Shelter to find out. This is defiantly a book to recommend to others!
May 6, 2019
Reviewed on Behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blogs
Savannah built an animal shelter in the name of her late mother but is now struggling to cope with the amount of dogs whilst also looking after her father who has been diagnosed with dementia.
Luke is Mayor T-Bone’s long lost son and has just volunteered to help Savannah at the shelter. The only issues is if he stays he might have to give up his dream of becoming a vet and if he does go then he has to leave Savannah behind.
With the help of the local community of Applebottom, Savannah and Luke are able to work everything out and get their happy ending. Like with all of Abby’s books I laughed, cried and felt like I made new friends whilst still spending time with old friends.
Savannah built an animal shelter in the name of her late mother but is now struggling to cope with the amount of dogs whilst also looking after her father who has been diagnosed with dementia.
Luke is Mayor T-Bone’s long lost son and has just volunteered to help Savannah at the shelter. The only issues is if he stays he might have to give up his dream of becoming a vet and if he does go then he has to leave Savannah behind.
With the help of the local community of Applebottom, Savannah and Luke are able to work everything out and get their happy ending. Like with all of Abby’s books I laughed, cried and felt like I made new friends whilst still spending time with old friends.
August 6, 2020
I really enjoying this series! The small town feel and characters is wonderful. Savannah runs an animal shelter in her mother's memory while taking care of a father in the throws of dementia oh and maybe throw in a life too, hard working and caring Savannah has taken on a big responsibility. Luke has come to town a stranger, claiming to be the mayor's son he had no idea about, one look at the two of them shows their from the same DNA, while biding his time training as a vet, Luke decides to help out at the animal shelter. Attraction, compatibility and love of animals shows how great the match could be. Town gossips, match making meddling, humor and love this book has it all! What a great read!
May 8, 2019
This author is a new-to-me-author, and I received this ARC, as a prize in a giveaway, on the condition that I write an honest review. The story about how Luke and Savannah met and fell in love, is sweet and has romance in it. Savannah runs a dog shelter and her father has dementia,, but she loves both completely. Luke comes to town to meet his dad, and begins helping at the shelter. When they meet there is an instant attraction, but the book is written to slow the love that the main characters create. Eventually, after several situations occur, they become a couple and complete their dream of an HEA. I enjoyed this book and hope to read more books written by Abby Tyler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2019
Fantastic read! I have fallen in love with Applebottom and it's residents. Savannah already has a lot on her plate. She doesn't have time for herself, let alone a man. Luke comes to Applebottom to meet his dad, T-Bone. While there he decides to volunteer at the local animal shelter. What he doesn't expect is the prettiest woman he's ever seen.
Abby Tyler has a way of writing that will suck you into the story. The Unexpected Shelter is humorous, full of animals with big personalities, and a realness that makes you want to visit this place.
Can be read as a standalone. Written in both Savannah and Luke's POV.
Abby Tyler has a way of writing that will suck you into the story. The Unexpected Shelter is humorous, full of animals with big personalities, and a realness that makes you want to visit this place.
Can be read as a standalone. Written in both Savannah and Luke's POV.
May 3, 2019
This one is tied for first place in my Applebottom society favorites. The story is fun and sweet, filled with dog fun and mayhem, then there is the life experience of dealing with the growing and overwhelming problem of dementia. All these books are easy reads, this one hits home for those of us who have lost someone to this heartbreaking disease. The romance and HEA are there along with our furry friends. Don’t miss this one.
August 16, 2025
This story is about Luke and the girl he meets as a surprise. Luke came home and encounter his father. T Bone never knew he had a son. A lady he meet many years ago did not inform him of his birth. Savannah is involved with her animal shelter and caring for her father with dementia.
May 4, 2019
ARC review For honest review. This is a beautiful story of Savannah who is taking over her parents shelter lena's home for strays and taking care of her father .when one day luke southard comes in to volunteer.
May 6, 2019
Received an ARC of this book. I usually read Julia Kent, Julie Richman, and Kristen Ashley, Deveney Perry. Very much I. The same style, I enjoyed the characters, plot, and the ending. I recommend it highly.
May 9, 2019
Loved it!
Another cozy romance from Abby Tyler. I have been on the band wagon since JJ Knight. No matter the author name or genre, you can't go wrong with the stories this woman writes. Check her out on FB to learn all her pen names and stories.
Another cozy romance from Abby Tyler. I have been on the band wagon since JJ Knight. No matter the author name or genre, you can't go wrong with the stories this woman writes. Check her out on FB to learn all her pen names and stories.
May 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It showed that you have to work at relationships and people do have to take care of sick parents. Luke and Savannah find a way to make it work which is amazing. They were made for each other. I'd to go back and see if the mayor finds someone to take him.
December 8, 2020
So refreshing to read a book that focuses on the relationship and connection between the H and h and not mindless and meaningless sex. Of course, it has animals so always a winner for me.
Wonderful characters and a lovely warm story.
Wonderful characters and a lovely warm story.
December 23, 2020
Sheltered
Interesting life, sheltering the unwanted animals as well as your father with dementia. It didn't leave much room for anything else but romance enters anyway. I enjoyed the story.
Interesting life, sheltering the unwanted animals as well as your father with dementia. It didn't leave much room for anything else but romance enters anyway. I enjoyed the story.
December 29, 2020
A lovely story about an animal shelter built to honor a mother lost too soon. You will feel the love given to the animals and the hard work it required. The story is so full of emotional situations, between the animals and Savannah’s father Boone; that you will have a hard time putting the book down. Highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.
February 20, 2021
Beautiful
A love story with a twist! A love between a daughter and her father with dementia. The love of a man with dementia for his late wife. Then the love of animals! Like and Savannah bring it all together!
A love story with a twist! A love between a daughter and her father with dementia. The love of a man with dementia for his late wife. Then the love of animals! Like and Savannah bring it all together!
March 30, 2021
A fun story.
There is laughter, sorrow, a father with dementia (heartbreaking), friends, cuddly kittens, sweet puppies, grown cats and dogs and love. Everything needed for a good story.
There is laughter, sorrow, a father with dementia (heartbreaking), friends, cuddly kittens, sweet puppies, grown cats and dogs and love. Everything needed for a good story.
May 12, 2019
Sweet read!
October 2, 2019
Loved the shelter setting. Happy to find a romance book that doesn’t have the erotica added in. This one is pretty much PG, but not in a boring way.
October 28, 2019
Shelter
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were complex and likable.
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were complex and likable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews