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Second Chance #1
A Dog's Hope
There are some things in life that only a dog can teach you.
A poignant, heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting novel about the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog. Perfect for fans of A Dog’s Purpose, The Art of Racing in the Rain and Marley and Me.
In the farming town of Riverside in Washington, Toby Fuller is feeling more alone than ever. Nothing Toby did was ever good enough for his father, but he never expected his father to leave, to abandon him and his mother forever. He loses hope, until a scruffy golden retriever called Buddy follows him home from school.
Though he’s struggling to walk, Buddy matches Toby step for step, never taking his eyes off him, as if Toby is all he needs in the world. And from that day on Buddy never leaves Toby’s side.
Buddy shows Toby a loyalty that he has never known. But then disaster strikes and Toby’s life is changed forever. Will Buddy be able to give Toby the strength he needs to carry on?
A tale of how unconditional love can bound into your life when you least expect it, giving you hope in the darkest of times.
A poignant, heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting novel about the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog. Perfect for fans of A Dog’s Purpose, The Art of Racing in the Rain and Marley and Me.
In the farming town of Riverside in Washington, Toby Fuller is feeling more alone than ever. Nothing Toby did was ever good enough for his father, but he never expected his father to leave, to abandon him and his mother forever. He loses hope, until a scruffy golden retriever called Buddy follows him home from school.
Though he’s struggling to walk, Buddy matches Toby step for step, never taking his eyes off him, as if Toby is all he needs in the world. And from that day on Buddy never leaves Toby’s side.
Buddy shows Toby a loyalty that he has never known. But then disaster strikes and Toby’s life is changed forever. Will Buddy be able to give Toby the strength he needs to carry on?
A tale of how unconditional love can bound into your life when you least expect it, giving you hope in the darkest of times.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2020
1391 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
About the author
Casey Wilson
3 books36 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
February 10, 2020
This is a story of soulmates. A dog is wandering around, dirty, limping and is looking for someone special. He sees Toby walking home from school one day and a friendship is born.
Toby is frustrated with his mother. It is his sophomore year in high school and he has moved yet again. His anger and his outbursts have made life difficult for them both. His parents have divorced and his mother has made the best decision that she could. No doubt Toby never realized that a dog would end up saving his life. Toby calls him Buddy.
This then and now story is delivered in both Toby and Buddy’s viewpoints. From the very beginning I needed a box of Kleenex. It was impossible not to understand and absorb the emotions that this story was trying to convey. Casey Wilson has written a remarkable book. A Dog’s Hope does a spectacular job of conveying the most intense feelings and insights that are sure to affect everyone that picks up this book.
With my toppling TBR rereads are not something that I generally have time for. However, this book is something incredibly special, and so I will read it again and again. This book becomes my first favorite of 2020.
I am not a dog person, so I almost passed on this book when it came up for review. I am so glad that I didn’t! I was invested from the very start and the closer and the closer I got to the end I was bawling. This story was so compelling that I have already reread sections of it before writing this review. I am eager to read Ms. Wilson’s next book, A Dog’s Chance, when it is released.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Toby is frustrated with his mother. It is his sophomore year in high school and he has moved yet again. His anger and his outbursts have made life difficult for them both. His parents have divorced and his mother has made the best decision that she could. No doubt Toby never realized that a dog would end up saving his life. Toby calls him Buddy.
This then and now story is delivered in both Toby and Buddy’s viewpoints. From the very beginning I needed a box of Kleenex. It was impossible not to understand and absorb the emotions that this story was trying to convey. Casey Wilson has written a remarkable book. A Dog’s Hope does a spectacular job of conveying the most intense feelings and insights that are sure to affect everyone that picks up this book.
With my toppling TBR rereads are not something that I generally have time for. However, this book is something incredibly special, and so I will read it again and again. This book becomes my first favorite of 2020.
I am not a dog person, so I almost passed on this book when it came up for review. I am so glad that I didn’t! I was invested from the very start and the closer and the closer I got to the end I was bawling. This story was so compelling that I have already reread sections of it before writing this review. I am eager to read Ms. Wilson’s next book, A Dog’s Chance, when it is released.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 11, 2025
A Dog’s Hope by Casey Wilson is the first in the Second Chance series. I’m always drawn to books that have dogs on the cover, so of course when I came across this book I just had to read it and I’m pleased to say I’m glad I did. A beautifully written story that will pull at your heartstrings. Tissues are required for this one. Recommended.
November 6, 2024
4.75 rounded up ✨✨✨✨✨
This is a bittersweet and beautiful story about a dog's unconditional love. It's beautifully written and the characters are believable and well developed.
I really love that it's told from 2 POV, the beautiful dog named Buddy and his boy, Toby!! The parts that I like best are told from Buddy's point of view. 🐕 Buddy is a stray Golden Labrador Retriever that Toby finds on the way home from school. Toby and Buddy are inseparable and Buddy helps Toby over his anger issues because he has moved around too much with his Mom. As the story moves along, something happens to Toby and Buddy is devastated. Buddy is determined to wait for Toby to come home.
Keep the tissues handy for sad/ happy tears!! 😢😁. I really enjoyed this one so very much!! If you read The Art of Racing In The Rain, you'll enjoy this one too! I really loved both. Buddy is based on the authors Golden Labrador Retriever.
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🐕
This is a bittersweet and beautiful story about a dog's unconditional love. It's beautifully written and the characters are believable and well developed.
I really love that it's told from 2 POV, the beautiful dog named Buddy and his boy, Toby!! The parts that I like best are told from Buddy's point of view. 🐕 Buddy is a stray Golden Labrador Retriever that Toby finds on the way home from school. Toby and Buddy are inseparable and Buddy helps Toby over his anger issues because he has moved around too much with his Mom. As the story moves along, something happens to Toby and Buddy is devastated. Buddy is determined to wait for Toby to come home.
Keep the tissues handy for sad/ happy tears!! 😢😁. I really enjoyed this one so very much!! If you read The Art of Racing In The Rain, you'll enjoy this one too! I really loved both. Buddy is based on the authors Golden Labrador Retriever.
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🐕
February 10, 2020
Omg! Omg! Omg! I am so glad I picked this one from NetGalley. What a great choice I did!
This book just breaks my heart into thousand pieces. I am so hurt finishing this.
The first Chapters captivates me to continue. I have never read a book with a dog’s point of view and that is just the cutest. It tells about how Buddy waits for Toby to return. It’s such a heartfelt and poignant situation that it crush my heart even from the start of the book!
The story has Toby’s and Buddy’s point of views. It switches from present and past. Though I can’t really imagine it is past because it feels so fresh and it attracts such strong emotions. I think the style of writing is quite helpful and it peak’s the readers interest and delivers the right sentiments.
Toby’s life change after he met Buddy. His parents were divorced and they moved from Seattle to Riverdale with Karen’s (Toby’s mother) hope of him finishing high school without them moving to a lot of places due to his father’s military job. He grew up hating his father since he always barks at Toby, demands, his words are always envelope with commands, and he always find fault in Toby’s actions. This leads Toby to be a rebel in school that leads him to a lot of trouble.
All of that change when he found Buddy. Buddy followed him one day on the way to Toby’s home. Toby tried to shoo Buddy away but he decided to bring him home. After knowing he doesn’t have an owner he adopts him.
Buddy is such a well-behaved dog. He follows Toby wherever he goes and even goes to school with Toby and wait under the tree and watch his baseball practice. I adore his loyalty and patience.
Buddy witness how Toby’s life change. I find it heartfelt when I read Buddy’s words and how he adores Toby a lot and that he is his life. He helps Toby when he is mad and angry and this helps Toby control his anger. Buddy is always there to give Toby company in his distress and success. He is such a huge part in Toby’s life. Their relationship is inseparable. When I learned that Buddy was the dog Toby wanted when he was still a puppy, it gives me so much emotion that destiny leads them to each other. It’s so beautiful.
After the incident with Evan and Natasha, Toby is devastated. It hurts me a lot. I love that in the end, he finally understands his father. I realise how wonderful life is. That we don’t always know the circumstances of other people even the ones you thought you knew. After that, his healing process is touching. His life change. His mind fix on what he really wanted to do.
The end just hurts me. It made me cry so bad. Even while typing this my heart aches. I can’t move on. Buddy always knew what will happen. His instinct is so on point. That last moments are so precious. He is such a gem. His loyalty and patience is remarkable. I wish things turn out the other way but the moments are precious.
This book is striking, phenomenal, heart warming, poignant, painful, and beautiful. The whole reading experience is heart warming for me. The sweetness is touching. I have never smiled a lot while reading but this one does to me.
I have not typed a lot of words as a review these past books that I’ve read. This one just strikes me a lot. This is a book that I will always remember, a book that gives a lot of impression on me.
Conclusion:
Of course I am going to recommend this. I can say my best read so far.
This book just breaks my heart into thousand pieces. I am so hurt finishing this.
The first Chapters captivates me to continue. I have never read a book with a dog’s point of view and that is just the cutest. It tells about how Buddy waits for Toby to return. It’s such a heartfelt and poignant situation that it crush my heart even from the start of the book!
The story has Toby’s and Buddy’s point of views. It switches from present and past. Though I can’t really imagine it is past because it feels so fresh and it attracts such strong emotions. I think the style of writing is quite helpful and it peak’s the readers interest and delivers the right sentiments.
Toby’s life change after he met Buddy. His parents were divorced and they moved from Seattle to Riverdale with Karen’s (Toby’s mother) hope of him finishing high school without them moving to a lot of places due to his father’s military job. He grew up hating his father since he always barks at Toby, demands, his words are always envelope with commands, and he always find fault in Toby’s actions. This leads Toby to be a rebel in school that leads him to a lot of trouble.
All of that change when he found Buddy. Buddy followed him one day on the way to Toby’s home. Toby tried to shoo Buddy away but he decided to bring him home. After knowing he doesn’t have an owner he adopts him.
Buddy is such a well-behaved dog. He follows Toby wherever he goes and even goes to school with Toby and wait under the tree and watch his baseball practice. I adore his loyalty and patience.
Buddy witness how Toby’s life change. I find it heartfelt when I read Buddy’s words and how he adores Toby a lot and that he is his life. He helps Toby when he is mad and angry and this helps Toby control his anger. Buddy is always there to give Toby company in his distress and success. He is such a huge part in Toby’s life. Their relationship is inseparable. When I learned that Buddy was the dog Toby wanted when he was still a puppy, it gives me so much emotion that destiny leads them to each other. It’s so beautiful.
After the incident with Evan and Natasha, Toby is devastated. It hurts me a lot. I love that in the end, he finally understands his father. I realise how wonderful life is. That we don’t always know the circumstances of other people even the ones you thought you knew. After that, his healing process is touching. His life change. His mind fix on what he really wanted to do.
The end just hurts me. It made me cry so bad. Even while typing this my heart aches. I can’t move on. Buddy always knew what will happen. His instinct is so on point. That last moments are so precious. He is such a gem. His loyalty and patience is remarkable. I wish things turn out the other way but the moments are precious.
This book is striking, phenomenal, heart warming, poignant, painful, and beautiful. The whole reading experience is heart warming for me. The sweetness is touching. I have never smiled a lot while reading but this one does to me.
I have not typed a lot of words as a review these past books that I’ve read. This one just strikes me a lot. This is a book that I will always remember, a book that gives a lot of impression on me.
Conclusion:
Of course I am going to recommend this. I can say my best read so far.
July 1, 2020
I don’t understand all the high ratings for this book. Maybe had I known it’s for a junior high audience I would have approached it differently. Regardless, the entire story is told under an emotional rain cloud: sad, downcast, and blah. I love a good tear jerker but when the majority of the book is one unfortunate event after another, it loses it’s potency. Even the “happier” achievements seemed weighed down by the other stuff. The author tried too hard with this one and I wish reviewers would stop comparing it to the great “Art of Racing in the Rain” and “Marley and Me”. Other than having a dog in them, they are not in the same class.
July 12, 2020
If you’re a dog lover, you’ll most probably enjoy this book. I did although I didn’t find it as absorbing as “the Art of Racing in the Rain”, another novel with both a human and canine perspective. There’s a lot about baseball and if you’re not a fan of it you may find that part to be dull. Around the middle I skipped through the pages as I’d lost interest but it picks up again after that. The ending will most likely make you tear up. It did me. There were areas where I would like to have known more, such as why one of the characters was so insistent that his sibling go back home and what another character actually wrote to him after the major incident in the novel.
February 6, 2020
It's not always a person finding a dog but sometimes it's the dog finding it's person. That's how this story happens. It's a connection between a wandering dog, Buddy, and a mixed up, confused and often angry boy, Toby, that this emotionally filled story is about. Casey Wilson has filled the pages of this book with a heartwarming story that has heart wrenching situations. She adds a lovable and faithful golden retriever to make this a story of unconditional love between Toby and Buddy.
Being a dog lover myself since I was a little girl and knowing that Casey Wilson is, I knew this was a must read book for me. I loved the two different POVs in this book. Buddy, the golden retriever and Toby, the young boy. It starts with the "Now" and Buddy's thoughts as he faithfully reminisces about his unbreakable bond with Toby. Ms. Wilson so perfectly brought me into Buddy's thoughts of how he felt about his human soulmate. From the anticipation of throwing a ball: "There's no time to think when you're staring into your best friend's eyes, waiting for the next ball" to the trust and "knowing" he will be back: "I know Toby wouldn't leave me. He told me he'd be back and he keeps his promises", there is a connection with Buddy right away. He won my heart. The story then goes to Toby's POV and the "Then"....the struggles Toby has of making changes in his life from the conflicting and turmoiled relationship with his father to the finding of his true love in his life, Buddy is the constant companion and always there for him. I turned the pages feeling as if I were there experiencing the love and connection between a dog and his boy. "His gentle eyes remind me I'll never be alone. He's a faithful companion who never tires of being near me. He's an excellent listener and sometimes, the way he looks at me, I think he understands me even when I don't say a word." A dog's intuition for his person. What a feeling!
This story gave me so many emotional ups and downs. It made me cry but also made me happy. I felt Ms. Wilson's heart the story was written from. A heart for the love of dogs and their loyalty, faithfulness and love. I could feel myself looking into Buddy's eyes and seeing his pure love for Toby. I know that feeling as I look into the eyes of my own loyal and unconditionally loving dogs. This book is one any dog lover will so appreciate. I most certainly do. Anyone who has had a "best friend" in a faithful dog. There is nothing like that bond. This book took me intimately into that place through the heartfelt words from an author's heart. It was more than just a read, it was an experience.
I want to thank Casey Wilson for the honor and privilege of reading an ARC of this beautifully written story. All opinions and thoughts are my heartfelt own. I absolutely loved this book!
Being a dog lover myself since I was a little girl and knowing that Casey Wilson is, I knew this was a must read book for me. I loved the two different POVs in this book. Buddy, the golden retriever and Toby, the young boy. It starts with the "Now" and Buddy's thoughts as he faithfully reminisces about his unbreakable bond with Toby. Ms. Wilson so perfectly brought me into Buddy's thoughts of how he felt about his human soulmate. From the anticipation of throwing a ball: "There's no time to think when you're staring into your best friend's eyes, waiting for the next ball" to the trust and "knowing" he will be back: "I know Toby wouldn't leave me. He told me he'd be back and he keeps his promises", there is a connection with Buddy right away. He won my heart. The story then goes to Toby's POV and the "Then"....the struggles Toby has of making changes in his life from the conflicting and turmoiled relationship with his father to the finding of his true love in his life, Buddy is the constant companion and always there for him. I turned the pages feeling as if I were there experiencing the love and connection between a dog and his boy. "His gentle eyes remind me I'll never be alone. He's a faithful companion who never tires of being near me. He's an excellent listener and sometimes, the way he looks at me, I think he understands me even when I don't say a word." A dog's intuition for his person. What a feeling!
This story gave me so many emotional ups and downs. It made me cry but also made me happy. I felt Ms. Wilson's heart the story was written from. A heart for the love of dogs and their loyalty, faithfulness and love. I could feel myself looking into Buddy's eyes and seeing his pure love for Toby. I know that feeling as I look into the eyes of my own loyal and unconditionally loving dogs. This book is one any dog lover will so appreciate. I most certainly do. Anyone who has had a "best friend" in a faithful dog. There is nothing like that bond. This book took me intimately into that place through the heartfelt words from an author's heart. It was more than just a read, it was an experience.
I want to thank Casey Wilson for the honor and privilege of reading an ARC of this beautifully written story. All opinions and thoughts are my heartfelt own. I absolutely loved this book!
March 20, 2020
"Sometimes you get mere moments with a person, sometimes we get a lifetime, but someone can change your life in the briefest fragments of time, and having that is better than nothing. It's better than being alone forever."
Toby Fuller and his mom move from a big city to the small farming town of Riverside in Washington.
They leave behind his father, starting a new life away from his moodiness and anger.
But sixteen year old Toby is frustrated and lost, he's had some issues of his own and he is afraid of the adjustments he must make.
When a bedraggled stray golden retriever appears on the road one day, a special bond is forged between boy and dog, so strong it will not be broken.
Toby names his new companion Buddy, they become inseparable.
As Toby lives his life, filled with happiness and heartaches, he is always supported by his loyal friend Buddy.
This endearing, beautifully written story had me smiling through my tears. Heartbreaking, but hopeful.
This will touch your emotions whether you are a dog person or not.
Thank you Bookouture for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
Toby Fuller and his mom move from a big city to the small farming town of Riverside in Washington.
They leave behind his father, starting a new life away from his moodiness and anger.
But sixteen year old Toby is frustrated and lost, he's had some issues of his own and he is afraid of the adjustments he must make.
When a bedraggled stray golden retriever appears on the road one day, a special bond is forged between boy and dog, so strong it will not be broken.
Toby names his new companion Buddy, they become inseparable.
As Toby lives his life, filled with happiness and heartaches, he is always supported by his loyal friend Buddy.
This endearing, beautifully written story had me smiling through my tears. Heartbreaking, but hopeful.
This will touch your emotions whether you are a dog person or not.
Thank you Bookouture for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
April 27, 2023
This book took me a while to read, but not because it was bad but because it was really emotional. The big reason I picked it up was to make me cry, and boy did it! The big reason that I put it down was because my partners family ended up having someone get pretty sick and then pass away. So, I was already dealing with a lot of emotions then.
But as some of you know, I'm going through my currently reading books, and this is one of my books that have been on the list the longest. It's about a boy who adopts a dog named Buddy. They have an instant connection, which something everyone dreams of when adopting a dog. It's also sometimes written the perspective of Buddy, which just melts my heart.
The ending made me cry my eyes out. I can't wait to cry to the second book!
4.5 stars 🌟 🤩
But as some of you know, I'm going through my currently reading books, and this is one of my books that have been on the list the longest. It's about a boy who adopts a dog named Buddy. They have an instant connection, which something everyone dreams of when adopting a dog. It's also sometimes written the perspective of Buddy, which just melts my heart.
The ending made me cry my eyes out. I can't wait to cry to the second book!
4.5 stars 🌟 🤩
March 12, 2020
I read the synopsis for 'A Dog's Hope' and I just knew that I had to read this book as soon as I could. For a starter, I love books that feature dogs and show the impact that dogs have on people's lives. I couldn't wait to start reading and so without further ado I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle, claimed my comfy spot on the sofa and settled down to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Dog's Hope' but more about that in a bit.
'A Dog's Hope' certainly appealed to me on a few different levels. Over the years I have had the pleasure of living and growing up with five dogs- first was Flash, second was Kandy, third was Karla, fourth is Honey and fifth is Daisydoo. In their own separate ways, each dog has helped me cope with difficult times in my life, for which I will be forever grateful. Hand on heart I can definitely say that without them, I wouldn't be here. Anyway that's enough of my personal witterings so back to the review I must go.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first sentence, I knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would find hard to put to one side for any length of time. As much as I wanted to, I wasn't able to binge read this solidly over the course of a day because boring things like life got in the way. However, if I had to put the book down for a little while, I was immediately looking forward to being able to pick the book up again. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book and well you get the picture. I was able to finish the book over the course of about three days. 'A Dog's Hope' was certainly an emotive read for me but I loved every single second of it.
'A Dog's Hope' is very well written. The author grabs your attention from the synopsis alone and the synopsis draws you into the story. Casey has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I love the way in which the author has written so beautifully about the strong bond between humans and their dogs and the healing powers that dogs have. Casey uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I began to feel that I was part of the story myself.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Dog's Hope' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Casey's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
'A Dog's Hope' certainly appealed to me on a few different levels. Over the years I have had the pleasure of living and growing up with five dogs- first was Flash, second was Kandy, third was Karla, fourth is Honey and fifth is Daisydoo. In their own separate ways, each dog has helped me cope with difficult times in my life, for which I will be forever grateful. Hand on heart I can definitely say that without them, I wouldn't be here. Anyway that's enough of my personal witterings so back to the review I must go.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first sentence, I knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would find hard to put to one side for any length of time. As much as I wanted to, I wasn't able to binge read this solidly over the course of a day because boring things like life got in the way. However, if I had to put the book down for a little while, I was immediately looking forward to being able to pick the book up again. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book and well you get the picture. I was able to finish the book over the course of about three days. 'A Dog's Hope' was certainly an emotive read for me but I loved every single second of it.
'A Dog's Hope' is very well written. The author grabs your attention from the synopsis alone and the synopsis draws you into the story. Casey has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I love the way in which the author has written so beautifully about the strong bond between humans and their dogs and the healing powers that dogs have. Casey uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I began to feel that I was part of the story myself.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Dog's Hope' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Casey's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
March 11, 2020
My mother has always told me, “you will know the right dog when you see him.” I always blew it off because to me that was every dog I ever saw! I mean who couldn’t love any dog, right? I never realized how much my mom’s statement was true until we went to an animal rescue looking to adopt a new dog after losing my little buddy from cancer. I saw quite a few dogs that day and while they were all cute and lovable, this one dog caught my attention, a little five pound Chihuahua mix with an underbite hopping around like a rabbit trying to kiss me on the lips as soon as we met him. You know those cartoons where the cartoon character meets the love of his life and his eyes bug out of his head a mile long and look like hearts, yup, that was me when I met my little Frankie.
I guess this leads me to the point in A Dog’s Hope when Buddy meets Toby for the first time. Buddy automatically knew he found his person. Toby needs Buddy in ways even Toby does not understand yet. Toby has anger issues and often doesn’t know how to control them. His family life isn’t the best and while he loves his mother, his relationship with his military father is strained. Buddy gives Toby the comfort and understanding he needs. Buddy is incredibly loyal and follows Toby everywhere, even to school where he waits for him until the end of the school day. The opening scene with Buddy waiting for Toby just breaks my heart. It really shows such a strong bond between dog and owner. You never really think about how much a dog becomes attached to his owner and you can really see that in this story.
A Dog’s Hope is told in the present through the eyes of the dog, Buddy, and the past through the eyes of Toby. Casey Wilson has written an emotionally heartbreaking story that encompasses so much between its short pages. There are real life issues such as anger, depression, divorce, PTSD, tragedy and on the other side there is hope, picking yourself up when you are at your lowest and at the center of it all is the unconditional love between a boy and his dog.
If you are an animal lover like me, I urge you to pick up this book. Although, I will say, make sure you have tissues handy because A Dog’s Purpose will make you shed many tears and when finishing the last page, it will make you hug and cuddle your dog even harder.
I guess this leads me to the point in A Dog’s Hope when Buddy meets Toby for the first time. Buddy automatically knew he found his person. Toby needs Buddy in ways even Toby does not understand yet. Toby has anger issues and often doesn’t know how to control them. His family life isn’t the best and while he loves his mother, his relationship with his military father is strained. Buddy gives Toby the comfort and understanding he needs. Buddy is incredibly loyal and follows Toby everywhere, even to school where he waits for him until the end of the school day. The opening scene with Buddy waiting for Toby just breaks my heart. It really shows such a strong bond between dog and owner. You never really think about how much a dog becomes attached to his owner and you can really see that in this story.
A Dog’s Hope is told in the present through the eyes of the dog, Buddy, and the past through the eyes of Toby. Casey Wilson has written an emotionally heartbreaking story that encompasses so much between its short pages. There are real life issues such as anger, depression, divorce, PTSD, tragedy and on the other side there is hope, picking yourself up when you are at your lowest and at the center of it all is the unconditional love between a boy and his dog.
If you are an animal lover like me, I urge you to pick up this book. Although, I will say, make sure you have tissues handy because A Dog’s Purpose will make you shed many tears and when finishing the last page, it will make you hug and cuddle your dog even harder.
February 2, 2021
I couldn’t put it down. Read it in 3 days. A book about unconditional love and reminding us to live in the moment
January 29, 2020
Wow! I’m an animal lover—I have 1 pup angel (my furry soulmate as this Casey Wilson, the author describes) that we lost at the end of 2019, 2 crazy fat cats, and a new LabRottie, 9 a week old pup!—DP books about animals and personal relationships with them always speak to my heart! Our family believes a house is not a home without the love of a dog!
This story is one of heartbreak, love, loss, forgiveness and overcoming! It’s a wonderful story about the peace that’s come when you find your sweet, furry soul mate, and I believe everyone has one! ❤️ It’s very well written and I love that it goes back and forth between “then” (spoken in Toby’s voice) and “now” (spoken in Buddy’a voice). I want to live in a small town like Riverside - a place for new beginnings and fresh starts! I want to play in the orchards and fields with my pup! I want to be friends with Tobys mom, I can see so much of me in her!
We can learn so much from a dog and this book captured that perfectly! I cannot wait to read the next book of Casey’s- I know it’s going to be wonderful
This story is one of heartbreak, love, loss, forgiveness and overcoming! It’s a wonderful story about the peace that’s come when you find your sweet, furry soul mate, and I believe everyone has one! ❤️ It’s very well written and I love that it goes back and forth between “then” (spoken in Toby’s voice) and “now” (spoken in Buddy’a voice). I want to live in a small town like Riverside - a place for new beginnings and fresh starts! I want to play in the orchards and fields with my pup! I want to be friends with Tobys mom, I can see so much of me in her!
We can learn so much from a dog and this book captured that perfectly! I cannot wait to read the next book of Casey’s- I know it’s going to be wonderful
June 3, 2020
A Dog's Hope by Casey Wilson is a tear-jerker for sure. It didn't take long for me to start bawling my eyes out but do not let that deter you from this book! This is such a well-written story that kept me hooked all throughout. There were moments where I just could not fathom how this book could end on a positive note, but Wilson got it just right. This book really described what it means to enjoy the loyalty and support of a dog without making it seem unrealistic. I have a bond much like that with my own dog and there aren't many books that I've enjoyed as much as this one that have attempted to show the same. Wilson has not just one but several characters that experienced real growth throughout the story. She handled the multiple timelines and character point of views well, which is something I've always enjoyed as well. I can't wait to read more from her.
March 7, 2020
This is a wonderful emotional story about an unbreakable bond and life journey between a boy and his dog.
This story is told through the narration of a teenage boy named Toby and his dog Buddy. The story flows back and forth between the past and present.
It's a touching story that I found to be a great quick read a book and author that's definitely worth reading.
I recieved a copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This story is told through the narration of a teenage boy named Toby and his dog Buddy. The story flows back and forth between the past and present.
It's a touching story that I found to be a great quick read a book and author that's definitely worth reading.
I recieved a copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 11, 2020
Not well written and a poor book choice for me
May 22, 2022
I am the outlier here. The dog is the clickbait to an otherwise ordinary story.
July 9, 2021
*****A Must-Read For Dog Lovers And Anyone Who Enjoys A Book That Taps Into All their Emotions!
I had never heard of Casey Wilson until I came across her debut novel, A Dog’s Hope, and decided to read it above all the other books on my TBR list. Having just finished it I immediately ordered her second Book, A Dog’s Chance.
I should start off saying that I am a dog lover and a lover of most books that have a dog as it’s main character or at least a character that is central to the plot. To me, A Dog’s Purpose is my favorite book to-date of this type and one of my favorite books of any type. So, for me to say that A Dog’s Hope is as good as A Dog’s Purpose — and in some ways possibly better — should give you a good idea of just how strongly I feel about A Dog’s Hope.
I won’t spend time providing a summary of it’s plot, as this can be gotten from the Amazon or Goodreads Book Descriptions. To borrow a bit from them, I’ll just say that A Dog’s Hope is an extremely poignant heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting novel about the unbreakable bond between a teenage boy, Toby, and his unforgettable dog, Buddy. I think you’ll agree after finishing this book that are some things in life that only a dog can teach you. But be prepared , you’ll likely need a box of tissues by your side while you experience the lessons you’ll learn from Buddy.
Casey Wilson deserves a heap of praise and — more importantly — a wide reading audience for the talents she exhibits in her debut novel. Not only does she write beautifully and demonstrate a rare ability to tap into every emotion (love, anger, loyalty, heartache, friendship to name a few), she does so in a style that will make readers feel that they are really “in the story” experiencing first-hand what happens in this book. Further, beyond Toby and Buddy, Wilson develops a cast of characters that are so well-developed that, despite some of their flaws, most young and older readers will recognize traits in these characters that reminds them of real people in their lives they know or have known. Finally, I really liked the “Now” and “Then” approach Wilson used to present both Toby’s and Buddy’s POVs regarding their lives and relationship.
Very highly recommended!
I had never heard of Casey Wilson until I came across her debut novel, A Dog’s Hope, and decided to read it above all the other books on my TBR list. Having just finished it I immediately ordered her second Book, A Dog’s Chance.
I should start off saying that I am a dog lover and a lover of most books that have a dog as it’s main character or at least a character that is central to the plot. To me, A Dog’s Purpose is my favorite book to-date of this type and one of my favorite books of any type. So, for me to say that A Dog’s Hope is as good as A Dog’s Purpose — and in some ways possibly better — should give you a good idea of just how strongly I feel about A Dog’s Hope.
I won’t spend time providing a summary of it’s plot, as this can be gotten from the Amazon or Goodreads Book Descriptions. To borrow a bit from them, I’ll just say that A Dog’s Hope is an extremely poignant heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting novel about the unbreakable bond between a teenage boy, Toby, and his unforgettable dog, Buddy. I think you’ll agree after finishing this book that are some things in life that only a dog can teach you. But be prepared , you’ll likely need a box of tissues by your side while you experience the lessons you’ll learn from Buddy.
Casey Wilson deserves a heap of praise and — more importantly — a wide reading audience for the talents she exhibits in her debut novel. Not only does she write beautifully and demonstrate a rare ability to tap into every emotion (love, anger, loyalty, heartache, friendship to name a few), she does so in a style that will make readers feel that they are really “in the story” experiencing first-hand what happens in this book. Further, beyond Toby and Buddy, Wilson develops a cast of characters that are so well-developed that, despite some of their flaws, most young and older readers will recognize traits in these characters that reminds them of real people in their lives they know or have known. Finally, I really liked the “Now” and “Then” approach Wilson used to present both Toby’s and Buddy’s POVs regarding their lives and relationship.
Very highly recommended!
February 21, 2020
A beautiful story about a dog and his bond with his human. I loved Buddy, loved seeing the world through his eyes.
A dog limping out of the bushes, a broken boy filled with anger soon found themselves as best mates. This was the dog's Buddy's story and how he waited for his best friend, never giving up hope, believing it in his heart that his best friend would be back.
My first book by author Casey Wilson, each word written by her had a wealth of emotion in it. The love between Buddy and Toby had me swiping my eyes frequently. The author had written a story so poignant that I read it with my heart in my hands. It bespoke of a bond far beyond the realms that we know of, a bond between two hearts.
I loved how both of them supported each other. Their love and caring for each other was palpable. Buddy's support without judgment as only a dog could give, made Toby grow up and understand the situations. Buddy's insights about life caught my heart strings. They were clear and so true, his heart could feel more than I knew. He was sensitive and brave and was the only one who understood Toby completely.
I loved how the author made me long for a dog of my own. Everyone deserved a Buddy in their lives. A beautiful story which would stay with me for a long time, until the next book of the author.
A dog limping out of the bushes, a broken boy filled with anger soon found themselves as best mates. This was the dog's Buddy's story and how he waited for his best friend, never giving up hope, believing it in his heart that his best friend would be back.
My first book by author Casey Wilson, each word written by her had a wealth of emotion in it. The love between Buddy and Toby had me swiping my eyes frequently. The author had written a story so poignant that I read it with my heart in my hands. It bespoke of a bond far beyond the realms that we know of, a bond between two hearts.
I loved how both of them supported each other. Their love and caring for each other was palpable. Buddy's support without judgment as only a dog could give, made Toby grow up and understand the situations. Buddy's insights about life caught my heart strings. They were clear and so true, his heart could feel more than I knew. He was sensitive and brave and was the only one who understood Toby completely.
I loved how the author made me long for a dog of my own. Everyone deserved a Buddy in their lives. A beautiful story which would stay with me for a long time, until the next book of the author.
February 1, 2020
Dogs are incredible creatures. Their soulful eyes can melt your heart, and their playful demeanor can entertain for days.
I was drawn into A Dog's Hope by Casey Wilson from its cover and synopsis. Once I began reading, I couldn't put the book down. A Dog's Hope is a heartwarming journey between a young boy and an abandoned dog. The book goes back and forth between Now and Then, through the perspective of both the dog and Toby, the main character.
Toby is the son of a military man who has had to move often, and he lands at a new school once again. He has struggled in the past with controlling his emotions and is hoping for a fresh start in a new location and school. While unpacking, a dog spots Toby and feels an instant connection with him.
The author does a beautiful job of describing the relationship and loyalty the dog, Buddy, has for Toby. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and the book captures the relationship between Toby and Buddy growing together and being inseparable. The book provides a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings from a dog's perspective and how we can learn from each other.
The title of the book is very accurate: An unputdownable, heartwarming, and emotional page-turner. A Dog's Hope is a great read and one book to put on your shelf.
#ADogsHope #NetGalley @bookouture
I was drawn into A Dog's Hope by Casey Wilson from its cover and synopsis. Once I began reading, I couldn't put the book down. A Dog's Hope is a heartwarming journey between a young boy and an abandoned dog. The book goes back and forth between Now and Then, through the perspective of both the dog and Toby, the main character.
Toby is the son of a military man who has had to move often, and he lands at a new school once again. He has struggled in the past with controlling his emotions and is hoping for a fresh start in a new location and school. While unpacking, a dog spots Toby and feels an instant connection with him.
The author does a beautiful job of describing the relationship and loyalty the dog, Buddy, has for Toby. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and the book captures the relationship between Toby and Buddy growing together and being inseparable. The book provides a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings from a dog's perspective and how we can learn from each other.
The title of the book is very accurate: An unputdownable, heartwarming, and emotional page-turner. A Dog's Hope is a great read and one book to put on your shelf.
#ADogsHope #NetGalley @bookouture
February 13, 2020
First off I want to thank @netgalley, @bookouture & @caseywilson for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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If you love pets read this book. I am completely demolished, this was the most heart warming, sweet and beautiful book I've read in a while. It grabbed me and just stole my heart.
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I am a sucker for pets so for sure I couldn't pass up the chance to read this one. I didn't think it would affect me this much. Throughout the whole book I had this ball in my throat, even had watery eyes (it's never happened!). This says a lot about the quality of the writing and the quality of the characters. What I love was the double POV, the then which was Buddy (the dog) and the now which was Toby (his master). I can't even express my feelings, just read it!
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This was a beautiful novel about love, hope, friendship, loyalty and forgiveness. This one will give you all the feels guaranteed. Don't miss out !
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If you love pets read this book. I am completely demolished, this was the most heart warming, sweet and beautiful book I've read in a while. It grabbed me and just stole my heart.
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I am a sucker for pets so for sure I couldn't pass up the chance to read this one. I didn't think it would affect me this much. Throughout the whole book I had this ball in my throat, even had watery eyes (it's never happened!). This says a lot about the quality of the writing and the quality of the characters. What I love was the double POV, the then which was Buddy (the dog) and the now which was Toby (his master). I can't even express my feelings, just read it!
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This was a beautiful novel about love, hope, friendship, loyalty and forgiveness. This one will give you all the feels guaranteed. Don't miss out !
March 11, 2020
Written with all of the things you can’t buy; but, all of the emotions you can feel, “A Dog’s Hope” by Casey Wilson touches on a lot the hardships we deal with in life with grace...often seen through the eyes of a dog named, Buddy.
Such a captivating tale! So moving and touching!
The relationship between the dog, Buddy, and his person, Toby are full of such love, it is beautiful.
This intensity can sometimes even hurt immeasurably.
It’s surprising what is on the other side of that pain.
Hope.
This is a story to wrap yourself up with!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
Such a captivating tale! So moving and touching!
The relationship between the dog, Buddy, and his person, Toby are full of such love, it is beautiful.
This intensity can sometimes even hurt immeasurably.
It’s surprising what is on the other side of that pain.
Hope.
This is a story to wrap yourself up with!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
January 31, 2020
If I could rate this 10 stars, I would! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book drew me in from the first page. It does go from Now to Then throughout the book and sometimes it is from the dog’s point of view and sometimes from Toby’s, but it all works. So much insight and so many points that can be applied to anyone’s life. You can read the synopsis, so I won’t repeat that, but I definitely shed some tears reading this. If you love dogs and are looking for a book with REAL meaning, grab this one!
September 22, 2022
I liked this book for it's classic dog as best friend trope but did not like how the author tacked on the soldier boy presumed dead is alive ending. The golden retriever Buddy teaches the main character Toby to live in the moment and not obsess over the past and future. This canine Stoic helps Toby through his parent's divorce and a car accident that ends his baseball playing days. Buddy is a character in this book with his own POV with insightful thoughts. It was a feel good book that a dog lover will like.
February 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely delightful story if you are a dog lover as I am definitely a must read.
An absolutely delightful story if you are a dog lover as I am definitely a must read.
August 15, 2025
Beautiful book.
November 8, 2024
Buddy
A truly beautiful and heartwarming story that grabbed my emotions and wouldn't let go. The bond between man and dog is probably the deepest of all relationships. The author's insights made the telling--and reading--of this book remarkable.
A truly beautiful and heartwarming story that grabbed my emotions and wouldn't let go. The bond between man and dog is probably the deepest of all relationships. The author's insights made the telling--and reading--of this book remarkable.
February 24, 2020
A Dog's Hope is an endearing, heartwarming and poignant story about the special bond between a boy and his dog. Toby is a teenager, floundering in a new town, when Buddy finds him, creating a relationship between boy and dog that is so very special. Their interactions, their loyalty and devotion to each other, brought tears to my eyes. I loved that the story is sometimes told from Buddy's point of view--don't we all wonder what our dogs and pets are thinking about? This wonderful story of hope, healing, trust, and friendship will touch your heart.
March 6, 2020
What can I say?
You will cry. At the beginning, at the end, and in between. If you are a dog person, you will understand the heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming story (yes, it's possible).
No matter how unrealistic the story seems, we all wish to have the perfect dog with whom we have this connection, who needs no training and just always knows what to do.
But you can suspend your disbelief and enjoy the close bond between a boy and his dog, and realise this is not a one-way relationship. They needed each other and they found each other.
You will cry. At the beginning, at the end, and in between. If you are a dog person, you will understand the heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming story (yes, it's possible).
No matter how unrealistic the story seems, we all wish to have the perfect dog with whom we have this connection, who needs no training and just always knows what to do.
But you can suspend your disbelief and enjoy the close bond between a boy and his dog, and realise this is not a one-way relationship. They needed each other and they found each other.
May 8, 2020
Beautifully written
For dog lovers this book is a must read! Hard to put down! Loved the connection between a boy and his dog. Cried at the end but happy years also that Buddy got to see his boy as the last breath he took! The loyalty of a pet is so evident in this book! Well written
For dog lovers this book is a must read! Hard to put down! Loved the connection between a boy and his dog. Cried at the end but happy years also that Buddy got to see his boy as the last breath he took! The loyalty of a pet is so evident in this book! Well written
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