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Gone to the Dogs Camper Romance #1

Teardrops and Flip Flops

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Ruby always longed for adventure – hiking for months on end or living like a gypsy in an RV – but instead, she settled for a comfortable relationship with a man who worshipped her.

That is until he died, leaving her a teardrop trailer and the permission to find her adventure and a true love who would curl her toes.

What did she wind up with?

A stray dog who just might be her dead husband reincarnated and a good-looking photographer sniffing after her who thinks Ruby is fantastic.

The dog is not amused.

Ruby is conflicted.

Can Ruby move past the pain of losing her husband, follow her heart, and find what she has always been looking for?

Can her dog stop growling at men long enough for her to figure out what she wants?

Can any man tolerate the package that is Ruby and the dog, George?

228 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2018

351 people are currently reading
207 people want to read

About the author

Lark Griffing

13 books42 followers

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5 stars
219 (42%)
4 stars
163 (31%)
3 stars
103 (19%)
2 stars
27 (5%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for MKay.
174 reviews17 followers
July 29, 2019
This was a very cute story. I was ready for something light and it fit the bill. Ruby wants adventure. Her husband secretly buys her a small camper that she can handle alone. And the adventures begin.
I was unaware that there were more Teardrop books, so I guess I will be looking for more adventures from Ruby and George!
Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
June 30, 2019
Ok read...but lots of repetition of the basic info in first chapters...and a cliff hanger ending...which I hate!
Profile Image for Tina.
1,033 reviews16 followers
June 30, 2019
Fast Read

The book was okay. But too many typos. I am unclear why it took her one year to travel in her trailer when she had discussed working remotely from her trailer shortly after her husband died.
Profile Image for Gina.
876 reviews10 followers
Read
June 30, 2021
While Teardrops and Flip Flops is a very cute romance, I question the laugh out loud proclamation. This book rekindled my romantic notions of travelling the country in a camper -- the ones that watching Nomadland crushed.

While I don't mind reading a series, I do mind when the book doesn't resolve. Thankfully this book can stand on its own, independent from book #2.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
April 4, 2019
Endings and beginnings

A good read. Okay I didn't find it 'laugh out loud' - I found it to be poignant, emotional and uplifting. The characters are vibrant, rich and deep putting even more colour into the read. The antics of George, the dog, are amusing and is he the spirit of her dead husband? Acts like it or at least like her guardian angel.
When her husband dies suddenly, her life becomes a bleak landscape. She had always had the wander bug but he was a gentle home body. Now she is alone. Although he knew his health was bad and had taken steps to make life as good as possible for her upon his death. A phone call throws a surprise at her - he purchased a camper as a final gift. She had always wanted to go were the wind blew her and now she was alone with a camper. Her first foray was nerve-wracking but an idea was born. Her editing job had given her an assignment - write a piece of someone camping in the forest. The peace and quite soothed her and brought an unexpected find - a stray dog. Hungry, dirty but with the heart of a lion and with the name tag of her dead husband. She doesn't want a dog, she doesn't need one. Their adventures as the start a new leg of her life's journey show the attitude of some men towards a lone woman. But her guardian is up to the task. Will she find what her husband wished she could have had with him - a love that eclipses everything else?
Profile Image for Chrissy.
315 reviews
February 12, 2019
This was such a cute book!! Ruby had a difficult and unhappy childhood, but her life improved in college when she met George. He was crazy about her and was always happy to do anything he could to make her happy. Ruby loved George too. He was stable, he took great care of her, and always tried his best to make her dreams come true. But he didn't share her adventurous spirit. They both knew that, but only George knew that he had developed health issues. When he passed away unexpectedly, Ruby discovered that he had even done what he could to bring her happiness after he was gone. Thus begins her healing and lots of new adventures where she stumbles across and adopts a dog who may be her husband George reincarnated, new friends, the traveling to new places she's always dreamed of, and possibly a new love.
Profile Image for Samantha Soccorso.
225 reviews36 followers
January 20, 2019
Teardrops and Laughter

Lark Griffing has done it again with another well written novel. She knows how she wants her characters to sound and what her readers want to read. If you like the outdoors, dogs and romance this is the book for you to pick up. Between the laughter and the tragedy mixed in you will be on a rollercoaster ride throughout the pages. I highly recommend all of Lark’s books to pick up and read.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,185 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2019
This book is heavy and light (if that makes any sense).

It's about finding yourself and believing in the unbelievable.

Things I liked about the story:

I am OBSESSED with teardrop trailers and love that she was brave enough to do what she did.
The dog!!!
The balance between heavy and light.
The humor
Bravery
Following your heart and using your voice.

I RECOMMEND THIS STORY TO EVERYONE

Profile Image for Tracey Pedersen.
Author 57 books85 followers
March 5, 2019
This is a cute story about a woman finally getting to live the great adventure she's always dreamed of. I loved the quirky dog that seemed to find her and the array of fun characters. I thought it was so cute the way the ebook was formatted with a teardrop camper for each chapter. A really nice touch that has nothing to do with the story! LOL.
Profile Image for Esther Sintim.
48 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2019
Fun book

It was nice to have a romance that was not about young hot men and women but someone who had a successful marriage and is now ready to move on with life after the death of her husband. Not too in your face romance just a fun book with a great dog.
3,613 reviews16 followers
July 2, 2019
As sad as it was, I loved it!

Loved this story! Sad for her, but loved the dog! A beautiful story and I saw so many of my own dogs in him, a couple I wish I had listened to! Well written storyline!
7 reviews
August 31, 2019
A cute little read. I would have given it 4 stars but it is yet another book that has been published without being properly proofread so is full of typos and errors which absolutely ruin the enjoyment of reading a goid book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
206 reviews29 followers
December 18, 2023
A couple things about this book:

1. It's clear that Lark can come up with and tell a good story. Her description and characterization are both really good, and I very much liked George. (The canine one, of course.)

2. It's also clear that Lark is allergic to contractions. There are so many places where the dialogue went all stilted from "I am going to do this" or "I will do that" or "She did not do the other" pulled me straight out of the experience. It's not once or twice, either. It is nearly all of the book, and it is fully annoying. It's almost like she was trying to make word count for NaNoWriMo or something and forgot to go back and change the contractions back after making goal.

3. The difference between part one and part two is jarring. You don't find out how long it's been until several pages into it, and when we DO find out, the reader is treated to not just the surprise of the plot having skipped a considerable chunk of time, but also a full recap, as if it's also been a considerable chunk of time between parts for us, too, and not just the story. I'm pretty sure most of us do, in fact, remember things that happened literally six pages ago. It was...awkward.

4. I've read something like 300+ pages of this story, and I still have no idea how old the main character is. She seems older, and she and George were married for 27 years, so unless she got married at ten, would make her about 50-ish. At one point, the ranger asks if she was younger than George, too, and she says no. Something like a year and a half. So she wasn't a child bride or anything. But her dialogue and internal thoughts sometimes are way too young for that. She feels naive to me, and it's in a kind of awkward way. (Then again, I'm nearly 53 and I will occasionally toss out "yeet" in a sentence just to keep the whippersnappers on their toes. I'm hip like that. Perhaps our main character is, too.)

5. I am deeply uncomfortable with how often and in what context the author throws around racial slurs. I'm 100% positive that Lark Griffing is neither romany or traveller, and therefore, using the word "gypsy" is every bit as bad as lobbing off an n-word about a black character. It does not mean "free spirit in a trailer". It has deeply disturbing historic and racial connotations that NO non-own-voices writer should be using, especially not multiple times and double-especially for a middle aged white lady character.

(And before anybody goes all "OMG WOKE!" on me -- I'm traveller. One whole half of my family doesn't speak to the other, and the other half had a few elder folks with number tattoos on their arms from their time in nazi camps before they passed. It's a Thing, and it's kind of chilling how often that slur gets bandied about by the newfangled bohemians. Please, please, authors -- don't. Just don't.)

Soapbox aside... I still really liked this book from a story perspective. There were little things that threw me out of the story and didn't flow well, but it all made me want to load up my own dog and buy a teardrop trailer to go play in the woods. (Granted, my dog's a hundred-pound pit bull, and would be bigger than the trailer itself, but we're fantasizing here. mm-kay?)

I might even take this book with me when I go. :)
Profile Image for Carol Cassada.
Author 39 books106 followers
March 3, 2019
A scruffy, playful dog + an adventurous camping trip + second chance romance = a feel good story.

The main character of the story is Ruby, a widow who sets out on a cross country trip in her teardrop trailer. Her first stop sends her to the forest, where she meets a lovable pooch named George, the same name as her deceased husband. Not only does the dog share George’s name, but he’s also protective and quickly shows his love towards Ruby.

With her new furry companion in tow, Ruby sets out on her next trip, which takes her to the beach. She and George adjust to their new surroundings, and her handsome neighbor Joe. Ruby and Joe hit it off despite George the dog’s attempts to keep them apart. Overtime, the dog warms up to Joe and so does Ruby, who is left questioning which direction her and Joe’s relationship is headed.

Everything about this story is great. Ruby is a character you connect with because she’s a free spirit and likes to do things her way. But after her husband’s death, she’s left to wonder how or if she can move on without him. Realizing that the trailer was his last gift, Ruby decided to follow his wishes and set out on an adventure.

The author does a wonderful job of depicting the scenes. The way she write vivid details made me think I was there hiking in the woods or strolling the beach with Ruby and George. Reading about Ruby’s adventures made me want to go on one myself.

George the dog is a scene stealing throughout the book. He was so protective of Ruby the way he growled at any man who came near her. Joe, Ruby’s suitor has a tough time romancing her due to George, but eventually he and the pup become friends, and Joe also wins Ruby’s heart.

The ending leaves you with a cliffhanger as Ruby contemplates if she wants to be with Joe. All I can say is I’m ready to follow Ruby, George, and Joe on their next adventure.
Profile Image for Karen Siddall.
Author 1 book115 followers
October 11, 2019
When George, Ruby Dunning’s husband of twenty-four years, passed away, he had been planning a big surprise for her. He’d always known about his free-spirited wife’s desire for adventure and over their years together how she’d reined that all in to be with him – the ultimate homebody. Now, he was going to support her in her need for spontaneity and freedom; he secretly bought her a top-of-the-line teardrop camper to pull behind her new Jeep. However, before he can present her with this gift, he succumbs to a heart condition that he’d also kept secret from her. So, when the call comes from the saleswoman that the teardrop trailer is ready for pick-up, the grieving Ruby goes to take possession and hears how George has selected and planned this all for her.

Ruby takes time from her editing job to try the camper out and eventually goes on the road with it for longer periods of time writing and editing articles as needed by her boss. Along the way, she acquires a stray dog, uncannily named “George,” and begins to come to terms with her grief and her new life as a single woman on her own.

Teardrops and Flip Flops is a great story with a great title. Not only is there the teardrop camper but Ruby sheds quite a few teardrops as she sorts out life without George (the husband.) And flip flops are appropriate as well in referring to her footwear as well her changes of heart.

The description and circumstances of what Ruby was going through was real and heartbreaking, and the author has developed some great supporting characters to surround our heroine. With this book ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, I am looking forward to reading the further adventures of Ruby and George (the dog.)

Profile Image for Donna - Rosies.ReadingNook.
674 reviews28 followers
July 4, 2021
Ruby and George were married for 24 years. George loved his recliners, TV and Ruby. Ruby dreamed of being a wanderlust and was making her list of places to go once retired when George suddenly had a heart attack and died. Several days after George was buried Ruby found out he bought her a teardrop camper - big enough for 1. Ruby decides to follow her heart and fulfill her wanderlust needs - she will adopt a straggly stray dog name George and meet a photography name Joe.

This book was touted as A Laugh Out Loud Romantic Comedy about a Traveling Widow, Her Rescue Dog, and the Men Who Want to Court Them. - it was not. I found the story cute at times but repetitive and very poorly written - it needed someone that knew how to edit and proofread for I have reported at least 3 very obvious typos. I found much of the story line convenient - a dog named George that comes across as her reincarnated husband that is overprotected of Ruby. And all the men she comes in contact with - Allan the park ranger, Billy the bully and Joe the photography - captivated with Ruby .. a little bit much. In addition, parts of the story were not only rushed but never resolved.

There is a second book to this series called Teardrops and Rest Stops that I have no desire to read. Thankfully it was a short quick read and a free on kindle unlimited.

The best I can give this book is 2 stars and that is because the book cover is pretty cute and what drew me in.
Profile Image for Donna Feibusch.
1,769 reviews24 followers
April 24, 2022
Awesome Read!!!

I absolutely loved reading Teardrops and Flip Flops(A Go e to the Dogs Camper Romance Book 1)!!! All about Ruby Dunning a woman in her fifties an Editor/Writer & George her Terrier Mixer dog! Recently Ruby lost her husband to a heart problem very suddenly, leaving her all alone as they had no children. George her husband clearly knew he was sick, but instead of sharing, he dug his heels in and prepared everything so Ruby, could do what she always wanted to do travel in a trailer all around the states. So he bought her a top of the line trailer a Teardrop fully loaded, & he purchased her a new Jeep with a hitch so she could pull it behind her. She realized several weeks later that George never intended to enjoy this hobby with her, because he left a very specific letter in the safety deposit box laying everything out for her! On her first adventure she picks up a stray dog, whose name is George, it’s fate!!! Read this book, it’s a page turner from start to finish!!! It has every single emotion known to man, that will make you crack up and shed a few tears!!! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read book 2!!!!
82 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2019
Funny and Sad

I loved this book. It's sad that Ruby's husband had died. But he was an awesome man who planned to even see to her financial well being when he was no longer with her physically. Then to have a dog show up to be her companion and protector; who coincidentally had the same name her late husband George. The funny antics and relationship between Ruby and George the dog just kept my snickering. Trying to navigate being newly widowed and the illness is profound. To try to move on from a life that was comfortable and easy to something new and unknown has got to be so hard. But Lark made this story of being a widow and it's struggle a little lighthearted. Easier to handle. Letting those left behind that whatever you decide there is always love and you're never alone.
Profile Image for KELA Goodridge .
110 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2021
A fun romp in a teardrop trailer. Had to look them up and am thinking of possibly purchasing one. Ruby is a wanderlust and a young woman who lost her husband, George, due to a heart condition, but just before he died he bought her the little trailer that can easily be handled by only one person. Still raw from her loss, she heads out on her first adventure where she finds a little lost dog whose leather collar has the name George tooled in. With a bit of trepidation she adopts George who adores her, and only her. She meets men along the way but George, the dog, growls at every male figure who comes into her life. And so the adventures begin.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,117 reviews
February 27, 2019
Funny, charming and emotional read

Be prepared, you might not want to read part one in public, tissues close by! Ruby's story begins from George's perspective, that is until his death, hence the tissues. Part two is Ruby finding her path as a widow who's not ready for that reality. Her husband has bought her a camper to travel like she dreamed. Wonderful story of healing, frustration and new starts with her newly adopted four legged friend. Can't wait to find out if she follows her heart, and a sexy fellow traveler in the next book!
Profile Image for Mrs. Arvia.
110 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2019
I adore this light love story. Ruby was a adventurous Lady. Her husband George was a homebody. George love Ruby so much he was always trying to satisfy her wants and needs. Well George untimely death was a shock for everyone especially Ruby. Ruby had shared another adventure with George a few months before he passed. One day Ruby received a call from a Lady talking about a Rv pickup her husband had purchased for her. This was a great story about love and trusting yourself. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Diane.
952 reviews49 followers
January 17, 2022
Emotional and funny!

I thoroughly enjoyed Teardrops and Flip Flops by Lark Griffing! In the beginning the reader learns about George and his love for Ruby. He understands her restless nature and zest for adventure. Ruby's life has sudden changes she must deal with when her beloved husband suddenly dies. She decides to accept the gifts he left for her and to get out and explore new horizons. Ruby has no plans for adopting a pet, but is soon sharing her teardrop camper with a stray named...George!
125 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2019
A funny and charming story

The author sets up the storyline quickly and has the main character grieving the loss of her husband and finding he wanted her to find her adventurous side she had been hiding since marrying him. She starts her adventure in a small travel trailer he bought for her. The story continues when she finds a stray dog who has an attitude toward men. Amazing read and the adventures continue in the next book. Can't wait to read more!!!!!



Profile Image for Rosiel.
55 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2021
It started out good then it felt rushed-the husband died so quickly! Then when she decided to take the camper and go, the whole story about how she got the camper got retold, like it was a separate book. Weird. The thing with Bill, when he tried to kill her, never got closure. She didn’t remember it, they didn’t go after him. And is the dog her husband reincarnated or what? What I do know in detail is how to make some fancy camp food now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sheila.
539 reviews
January 13, 2019
This book had me crying, smiling and laughing. George and Ruby were married twenty-four years and they didn't have children. Ruby was always looking for travel and adventure. George was more of a homebody. Then something tragic happened. Ruby had to follow her heart. I can't wait to find out where her heart is taking her.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,081 reviews51 followers
February 28, 2019
This book had me in tears one minute, then laughing the next. My heart was completely gutted when Ruby read her husband’s letter. I could only imagine what she was feeling. I probably be more of a mess if my husband was gone unexpectedly. But there were also some joyous moments. Can’t wait to read book 2.
590 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2019
Delightful

The plot and characters are well developed and realistic. It is the story of a woman exploring herself and the world after unexpectedly losing her dear husband. As she follows her lifelong dream, she discovers the comfort, safety and love a dog brings to life. Enjoy this sad yet funny adventure and follow your heart!
Profile Image for Ruth Caves.
477 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2019
Adventure

Could have done with fewer references to husbands reasons for his last purchases for his wife. Loved the dog. Very convenient that all the new male acquaintances are sexually attracted to her. Liked the idea of being able to do what you want, but could have done without the guilt trips about her dead husband. If it doesn't give you joy, don't do it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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