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What a Dog Knows
From New York Times bestselling author Susan Wilson comes What a Dog Knows, another heartwarming novel about humans and the dogs that change our lives.
Ruby Heartwood has always lived a life on the move. As a traveling psychic, she makes her living working at carnivals and festivals and circuses around New England. It's a life Ruby has made peace with--settling in one place has never been for her. She needs no one, and no one needs her.
Until one night, when she is camped by the side of the road in her trusty Volkswagon Westie van, a fierce thunder and lightning storm erupts. In the middle of the downpour, she hears a distinct voice telling her to let me in. In jumps a little black and white dog, and to Ruby's astonishment, she can hear the dog's thoughts. Has she been struck by lightning? Did the storm do this? Is she losing her mind?
It turns out, Ruby can hear many dogs' thoughts. She decides to set up semi-permanent residency in the town of Harmony Farms, until she can sort out what is going on, and who the little dog, Hitch, belongs to. But some people in Harmony Farms don't want her there. And it seems that events keep preventing Ruby from leaving. What secrets is this town keeping? Why was she meant to find this dog? And what has Ruby really been running from, all these years?
Ruby Heartwood has always lived a life on the move. As a traveling psychic, she makes her living working at carnivals and festivals and circuses around New England. It's a life Ruby has made peace with--settling in one place has never been for her. She needs no one, and no one needs her.
Until one night, when she is camped by the side of the road in her trusty Volkswagon Westie van, a fierce thunder and lightning storm erupts. In the middle of the downpour, she hears a distinct voice telling her to let me in. In jumps a little black and white dog, and to Ruby's astonishment, she can hear the dog's thoughts. Has she been struck by lightning? Did the storm do this? Is she losing her mind?
It turns out, Ruby can hear many dogs' thoughts. She decides to set up semi-permanent residency in the town of Harmony Farms, until she can sort out what is going on, and who the little dog, Hitch, belongs to. But some people in Harmony Farms don't want her there. And it seems that events keep preventing Ruby from leaving. What secrets is this town keeping? Why was she meant to find this dog? And what has Ruby really been running from, all these years?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
86 people are currently reading
5249 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wilson
22 books570 followersBorn in Providence, RI, raised in Middlefield (Rockfall) Connecticut. Post High School Education, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT and Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT.
Married, two grown daughters and a granddaughter and two grandsons - plus four step grands.
Lives in Oak Bluffs, MA, on Martha's Vineyard.
Those are the stats. I am a novelist, ten published, one in progress. I frequently contribute to the on-line magazine, Stay Thirsty.
Married, two grown daughters and a granddaughter and two grandsons - plus four step grands.
Lives in Oak Bluffs, MA, on Martha's Vineyard.
Those are the stats. I am a novelist, ten published, one in progress. I frequently contribute to the on-line magazine, Stay Thirsty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
August 30, 2023
If you are a dog lover, or just love books with dogs as a main character, then I encourage you to check out this book and others by Susan Wlson.
Can you imagine how awesome it would be to have the ability to talk to your dog? That's one of Ruby's gifts as a psychic, fortune teller. This is a delightful story that has a little mystery and humor while bringing in themes of faith, family, hope and self discovery. The beginning is a tad slow but overall it's a sweet, uplifting read. This is definitely a book you should give a try.
My thanks to Susan Wilson, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can you imagine how awesome it would be to have the ability to talk to your dog? That's one of Ruby's gifts as a psychic, fortune teller. This is a delightful story that has a little mystery and humor while bringing in themes of faith, family, hope and self discovery. The beginning is a tad slow but overall it's a sweet, uplifting read. This is definitely a book you should give a try.
My thanks to Susan Wilson, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2021
Ruby, christened Mary Jones in the orphanage where she was raised, sets out on her own at age 14 after she is severely punished for revealing that she is "possessed" of some psychic abilities. She eventually joins a traveling carnival to learn from their resident fortune teller, and finds herself knocked up and alone at 15. When we join her 40 years later, she is traveling around the country telling fortunes, and one night a small dog comes to the door of her Westfalia and she clearly hears it request to be let in. That begins her ability to add "animal communicator" to her sign when she sets up at local fairs. With the help of new friends in the town where she's staying, she makes some important decisions about her life and where it's headed. Give this book a try if you are a dog lover. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
April 11, 2021
Ruby and Hitch are the perfect team. I loved Ruby, she found her source to live her best life and used it.
Ruby grows up in a Catholic orphanage. She has been there since she was dropped off as a newborn by an unknown person with no explanation. She develops a sense, she can see things when she touches people. When she she’s a future for one of the Nuns she is called evil and sent into isolation. In fear of her future there she climbs out a window and sets out into the streets where she learns to survive as a young teen. Hungry, scared, alone, she meets a woman who will change her life. This woman teaches her to use her talent to tell fortunes and make money. This season is a lifesaver. Ruby finds her way to a traveling carnival, where she trusts a mother like figure, one who will let her down in such a heartbreaking way. Later is the story fate takes a turn when she meets an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Hitch. From that moment on she can talk to the animals. <3
Her story will break your heart and make you want to throttle several of the characters. Don’t fear there is a HEA ending.
Trigger warning, rape.
I received a copy of this from the publisher for an honest review
Ruby grows up in a Catholic orphanage. She has been there since she was dropped off as a newborn by an unknown person with no explanation. She develops a sense, she can see things when she touches people. When she she’s a future for one of the Nuns she is called evil and sent into isolation. In fear of her future there she climbs out a window and sets out into the streets where she learns to survive as a young teen. Hungry, scared, alone, she meets a woman who will change her life. This woman teaches her to use her talent to tell fortunes and make money. This season is a lifesaver. Ruby finds her way to a traveling carnival, where she trusts a mother like figure, one who will let her down in such a heartbreaking way. Later is the story fate takes a turn when she meets an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Hitch. From that moment on she can talk to the animals. <3
Her story will break your heart and make you want to throttle several of the characters. Don’t fear there is a HEA ending.
Trigger warning, rape.
I received a copy of this from the publisher for an honest review
June 19, 2021
What a Dog Knows by Susan Wilson is a cute story. Ruby Heartwood is a traveling psychic. She is looking for her next place to land when a rainstorm hits. Ruby stops in by Lake Harmony in Harmony Farms for the night where something odd happens during a lightening strike. The next morning, Ruby can hear someone outside. It turns out to be a little dog and Ruby is “hearing” him inside her head. Ruby signs up for the local Farmers’ Market and Markers Faire and adds “pet communicator” to her list of skills. This is the beginning of a new venture for Ruby where events conspire to keep her from leaving the bucolic town. What a Dog Knows is well-written with an interesting group of characters and animals. We learn Ruby’s history a little at a time. I could certainly understand her nomadic existence and her desire to run when the going gets tough. I loved the descriptions of the charming town. There was a cozy house that I would love to live in. Ruby being able to hear a dog’s thoughts was intriguing. I would love to know what my pets are thinking except after bath time. I thought the author captured the animals’ thoughts and feelings very well. I enjoyed the chapters from Hitchhiker’s (Ruby’s dog) point-of-view. I did feel the pacing was a little slow at times, and the story played out in an expected manner. I still enjoyed reading this sweet story. What a Dog Knows is a mesmerizing tale with hope, fear, family, courage, friends, romance, and lovable animals. What a Dog Knows is a relaxing story that is great to read on a hot summer afternoon (preferably while relaxing by the pool).
November 26, 2022
I stumbled upon this book at a book store, and fell in love with the cover as it had a picture of a dog, so I had to buy it. It’s been an interesting read for sure, the author’s story telling is impeccable and I loved the ending❤️
November 22, 2021
Super satisfying
April 2, 2021
Don’t you wish you could actually talk to your dog? Psychic Ruby Heartwood discovers she can talk to most dogs and it all started with a terrible storm and a tiny voice asking her to let it in…enter Hitch, and let another of life’s journeys begin!
WHAT A DOG KNOWS by Susan Wilson is a delightful tale of mystery, suspense and a woman who learns to accept and embrace who she is and what she can do. Will it help settle her wanderlust or will she find trouble in the town she wants to call home?
Cute, fast-paced and perfect for those of us who wish they really could hear what their dog is thinking! A quick read that could make a dog lover out of everyone!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : St. Martin's Press (June 22, 2021)
Genre: Animal Fiction
Print length : 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
WHAT A DOG KNOWS by Susan Wilson is a delightful tale of mystery, suspense and a woman who learns to accept and embrace who she is and what she can do. Will it help settle her wanderlust or will she find trouble in the town she wants to call home?
Cute, fast-paced and perfect for those of us who wish they really could hear what their dog is thinking! A quick read that could make a dog lover out of everyone!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : St. Martin's Press (June 22, 2021)
Genre: Animal Fiction
Print length : 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 14, 2023
Having recently finished the previously published “What a Dog Knows" by Susan Wilson, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press!
The adorable cover; and a sweet, thoughtful, furry found friend was the initial draw to this story.
I was not expecting the pages of this book to be filled with finding answers to the life-long mystery of abandonment as an infant, and the constant search for an unknown family. The many friendships made during these discoveries left me with a satisfying home sweet home feeling as I ended Ruby Heartwood’s journey. Her story also left me wanting to log back on to Ancestry.com to continue the search for more hints on my own mysterious family tree!
“I’ve lived with this mystery all my life and I’d like to solve it.”
The adorable cover; and a sweet, thoughtful, furry found friend was the initial draw to this story.
I was not expecting the pages of this book to be filled with finding answers to the life-long mystery of abandonment as an infant, and the constant search for an unknown family. The many friendships made during these discoveries left me with a satisfying home sweet home feeling as I ended Ruby Heartwood’s journey. Her story also left me wanting to log back on to Ancestry.com to continue the search for more hints on my own mysterious family tree!
“I’ve lived with this mystery all my life and I’d like to solve it.”
June 22, 2021
Susan Wilson stole my heart with her deeply endearing novel, “One Good Dog”. If you want to read a few of her books, I recommend you start with that one. She maintains that deep connection between humans and dogs in her new novel, “What a Dog Knows”. I could easily see my dog thinking the thoughts and reacting as the dogs in this beautifully written story.
One of the best healers for a tortured human soul is a tortured dog soul. Susan teaches this life lesson with the help of Ruby and a stray dog she calls The Hitchhiker. During an angry rainstorm one night, Ruby Heartwood hears whining and scratching at the door to her home on wheels, which she’s lived and traveled in all her life. The wet little bundle of fur is able to “talk” with Ruby when she rubs the puppy’s head and listens closely. Ruby has always had the gift of clairvoyance so she’s not too startled by this revelation. She quickly learns that she can also communicate with horses.
Her Volkswagon Westie needs extensive work, so Ruby is reluctantly stuck in the little town of Harmony Farms strapped for cash. She uses her fortune-telling skills along with her new dog and horse reading skills to assist people and raise funds for needed repairs, and it seems that she just can’t get out of this little town soon enough.
But Hitch, her newly adopted puppy, has other plans. He knows the cure to her heartache is very close to this area and he doesn’t want her to leave until she pays attention to her own heart.
If you love dogs and/or horses, lost souls, and beautifully written words; if you love living in a well-written book so much that you dread reaching the end, then please do your soul some good and read this book. You will simply love it.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and St, Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is June 22, 2021.
One of the best healers for a tortured human soul is a tortured dog soul. Susan teaches this life lesson with the help of Ruby and a stray dog she calls The Hitchhiker. During an angry rainstorm one night, Ruby Heartwood hears whining and scratching at the door to her home on wheels, which she’s lived and traveled in all her life. The wet little bundle of fur is able to “talk” with Ruby when she rubs the puppy’s head and listens closely. Ruby has always had the gift of clairvoyance so she’s not too startled by this revelation. She quickly learns that she can also communicate with horses.
Her Volkswagon Westie needs extensive work, so Ruby is reluctantly stuck in the little town of Harmony Farms strapped for cash. She uses her fortune-telling skills along with her new dog and horse reading skills to assist people and raise funds for needed repairs, and it seems that she just can’t get out of this little town soon enough.
But Hitch, her newly adopted puppy, has other plans. He knows the cure to her heartache is very close to this area and he doesn’t want her to leave until she pays attention to her own heart.
If you love dogs and/or horses, lost souls, and beautifully written words; if you love living in a well-written book so much that you dread reaching the end, then please do your soul some good and read this book. You will simply love it.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and St, Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is June 22, 2021.
July 1, 2021
Ruby was left in an orphanage in Ottawa as an infant and dreamt that one day she would find her mother. She has a gift for telling the future and at 14 ran away from the orphanage when she was accused of being in league with the devil. Under the tutelage of Madame Celestine she learns how to read fortunes and make a living in the carnival circuit. Now she is 55, her daughter has opted for a stay-in-one place life so Ruby travels alone until one night she stops in Harmony Farms where a little dog comes to her during a storm and she realizes she can talk to her. There is a Maker's Faire in town so Ruby sets up shop, starts making friends and every time she tries to leave something stands in her way.
Ruby is such a great character. She lives in a VW Westphalia and doesn't take herself too seriously but she is loyal to the people she meets even with the thinking that she will be moving on soon. All the rest of the characters were just as endearing, Bull and Polly and Doug. Harmony Farms actually sounded like a nice place to be. There is a little mystery as Ruby searches for her mom and that was a cute ending.
I want to thank Netgalley and St Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this lovely story.
Ruby is such a great character. She lives in a VW Westphalia and doesn't take herself too seriously but she is loyal to the people she meets even with the thinking that she will be moving on soon. All the rest of the characters were just as endearing, Bull and Polly and Doug. Harmony Farms actually sounded like a nice place to be. There is a little mystery as Ruby searches for her mom and that was a cute ending.
I want to thank Netgalley and St Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this lovely story.
January 9, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. And honestly? I loved this book. I know it might not be for everybody but it really worked for me. I originally requested it because of the cute little dog on the picture. I know, I was just as shocked as you are right now. I didn't even really read the synopsis so I wasn't sure what I was heading into but I really loved the story line. Some of my friends and family would probably tell you that I am a little "out there" when it comes to what I believe is possible so a dog and human communicating worked for me...I loved the growth of the main character in that over time she stopped fighting who she was and went with it and she learned to stay put and not worry about what may or may happen. Everything could be okay in the long run. Hearing from the dog's point of me, well more than one dog, also really worked for me. Who knows what dogs would say if they really could talk to us? I know I would love to find out. So, all in all, I really loved this book. :)
March 4, 2022
If you like stories about dogs, especially when a dog is one of the main characters; that feature a quirky protagonist; that contain a little mystery, humor and romance – then you will love this book as I did. I so enjoyed getting to know Ruby Heartwood and her faithful companion, Hitchhiker, and joining them on Ruby’s quest to find her birth mother.
Ruby is a psychic who can communicate with animals. (You should know that no animals are abused or harmed in this book in case that bothers you.) All the characters are very well drawn and I grew attached to them, especially Ruby’s daughter (who is also clairvoyant). I admit that the ending moved me to tears. This is a book that I can envision rereading.
Highly recommended to all animal lovers and to those who enjoy a bit of magical realism.
Ruby is a psychic who can communicate with animals. (You should know that no animals are abused or harmed in this book in case that bothers you.) All the characters are very well drawn and I grew attached to them, especially Ruby’s daughter (who is also clairvoyant). I admit that the ending moved me to tears. This is a book that I can envision rereading.
Highly recommended to all animal lovers and to those who enjoy a bit of magical realism.
June 25, 2021
Ruby is a psychic, a fortune teller. She has spent most of her life working at street fairs, carnivals, and the odd Renaissance Faire. She has spent her life running away. She has run from the orphanage where she was left as a newborn, from those who exploited her, and away from the man who raped her. She ran from child welfare authorities when she was a teenage mother, worried someone would try and take her child from her. She seems to be losing her ability to read people, but when she meets a small dog she is suddenly able to read animals. Remaining in the small town of Harmony Farms far longer than any place before, she begins to make human connections and feel at home for the first time.
I really enjoyed this story about Ruby and her new canine companion "The Hitchhiker". The story is told from both Ruby's and the Hitchhiker's POV which is actually fun and fresh. I really enjoyed hearing how the world looks to this little dog. Ruby is a great character who has had a difficult life. We learn about her past through flashbacks and it showed how strong she really was. She is a caring person, who developed friendships with unlikely people, which demonstrated her kindness and caring. I loved hearing about her animal "readings". The animals in the story demonstrated normal behaviours that could easily be corrected once the cause was known. I liked how the animals were treated in this story and Ruby's low key approach to the owners. There is a bit of a romance, but that is the secondary storyline as it pertains to Ruby's changes in her life. This was an enjoyable story that I recommend to animal lovers and those who enjoy a good story about new beginnings. Christina Delaine does a great job with the narration of this audiobook. The voices she used for the pets were a hoot and the human voices differentiated the various characters. Her expression and tone were right on and I enjoyed this audio story very much. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoyed this story about Ruby and her new canine companion "The Hitchhiker". The story is told from both Ruby's and the Hitchhiker's POV which is actually fun and fresh. I really enjoyed hearing how the world looks to this little dog. Ruby is a great character who has had a difficult life. We learn about her past through flashbacks and it showed how strong she really was. She is a caring person, who developed friendships with unlikely people, which demonstrated her kindness and caring. I loved hearing about her animal "readings". The animals in the story demonstrated normal behaviours that could easily be corrected once the cause was known. I liked how the animals were treated in this story and Ruby's low key approach to the owners. There is a bit of a romance, but that is the secondary storyline as it pertains to Ruby's changes in her life. This was an enjoyable story that I recommend to animal lovers and those who enjoy a good story about new beginnings. Christina Delaine does a great job with the narration of this audiobook. The voices she used for the pets were a hoot and the human voices differentiated the various characters. Her expression and tone were right on and I enjoyed this audio story very much. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
November 24, 2020
This is a wonderful, intriguing story of hope, fear, courage, family, friends, faith, love and dogs, that I absolutely enjoyed!
I would love to have the "gift" that Ruby has for just one hour!
I have always wished to know what my fur kids were thinking and what kind of life they had before we met, just like Ruby.
It's not an easy life for Ruby Heartwood, but she had always made it work.
It takes the help of her new best friend "Hitch", to help her find the courage to search for someone that she has been wishing for her entire lifetime.
I truly really got caught up in this novel and I am sure you will too! Susan Wilson never disappoints!
I would love to have the "gift" that Ruby has for just one hour!
I have always wished to know what my fur kids were thinking and what kind of life they had before we met, just like Ruby.
It's not an easy life for Ruby Heartwood, but she had always made it work.
It takes the help of her new best friend "Hitch", to help her find the courage to search for someone that she has been wishing for her entire lifetime.
I truly really got caught up in this novel and I am sure you will too! Susan Wilson never disappoints!
April 18, 2021
What a Dog Knows is a charming read. Ruby is a wanderer and a woman who doesn’t like to stay in one place too long. Harmony Falls and a lost dog have other plans for her. I liked how she could read what dogs and other animals were saying. I liked all the characters in the story, even Cynthia. It’s such a sweet story, unlike any that I have read for a long time. Getting to know the animals and their angst, but also Learning more about Ruby’s past, a gently unfolding story. Don’t miss out on some great dogs and equally mesmerizing characters. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the early copy.
May 9, 2022
New to me author Susan Wilson pens a delightful and heartwarming tale about two lost souls who find their way to one another. One is traveling psychic, Ruby Heartwood and the other is a stray dog she calls The Hitchhiker, or Hitch for short. What makes this story all the more interesting and intriguing is Ruby and Hitch can communicate. Ruby hears the dog’s thoughts as clearly as she can hear her own and this opens a door for Ruby to communicate with other animals. Ruby decides to stick around the small town of Harmony Farms for a while longer than she normally would to explore this new addition to her psychic abilities and soon learns that home is much closer to her heart than the physical geography of the location.
I really liked Ruby and felt great empathy for the life she has lived, starting as an abandoned baby growing up in a convent, trying to come to terms with the ability to foresee future events and trying to help those these events affect, even though it isn’t always accepted or received by everyone around her. As a result, Ruby runs away and makes her way in the world surviving horrific events and struggling to raise a child on her own. This woman is a survivor in every sense of the word and having to rely on herself for her entire life has not hardened or embittered Ruby. She has a heart of gold that is shown in how she treats the people she meets in Harmony Farms.
The locale of this book is nearly as engaging as Ruby was. There are several secondary characters that bring a lot of vibrancy and charm to the story, both animal and human. Ruby doesn’t stay long in one place and though the reader has full disclosure of Ruby’s reasons for wanting to move on, I secretly harbored Hitch’s desire that they stay. I especially enjoyed the scenes where Ruby is giving a reading to help an animal’s owner identify a behavioral problem and hearing it from the animal’s point of view was equal parts refreshing and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook and very much enjoyed the pace of the narration and the various voices and accents she used for both the human and animal characters.
My Final Verdict: Readers who enjoy stories that are relationship driven will enjoy this book quite a bit as this story abounds with relationships. Friendships, adversarial relationships, romantic relationships, family relationships and the special relationships we have with our pets and animals are all present in this book. I highly recommend this book to all readers who enjoy stories that feature animals and the lessons they teach us.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of What a Dog Knows from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Ruby and felt great empathy for the life she has lived, starting as an abandoned baby growing up in a convent, trying to come to terms with the ability to foresee future events and trying to help those these events affect, even though it isn’t always accepted or received by everyone around her. As a result, Ruby runs away and makes her way in the world surviving horrific events and struggling to raise a child on her own. This woman is a survivor in every sense of the word and having to rely on herself for her entire life has not hardened or embittered Ruby. She has a heart of gold that is shown in how she treats the people she meets in Harmony Farms.
The locale of this book is nearly as engaging as Ruby was. There are several secondary characters that bring a lot of vibrancy and charm to the story, both animal and human. Ruby doesn’t stay long in one place and though the reader has full disclosure of Ruby’s reasons for wanting to move on, I secretly harbored Hitch’s desire that they stay. I especially enjoyed the scenes where Ruby is giving a reading to help an animal’s owner identify a behavioral problem and hearing it from the animal’s point of view was equal parts refreshing and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook and very much enjoyed the pace of the narration and the various voices and accents she used for both the human and animal characters.
My Final Verdict: Readers who enjoy stories that are relationship driven will enjoy this book quite a bit as this story abounds with relationships. Friendships, adversarial relationships, romantic relationships, family relationships and the special relationships we have with our pets and animals are all present in this book. I highly recommend this book to all readers who enjoy stories that feature animals and the lessons they teach us.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of What a Dog Knows from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2021
Wow!! What a great book! This is another finding home book, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. Ruby Heartwood was left on the doorstep of a Catholic orphanage as a newborn. She ran away from there at age 14, when the powers that be decided she was processed by the Devil because of her gift of second sight. Ruby has lived a hard life, with a lot of moving around, but she has managed to raise her daughter and make a living telling fortunes at various fairs. One night as she parks her camper van in a deserted parking lot of a campground, there is a violent thunderstorm. After a particularly spectacular lighting flash, Ruby falls asleep, awakened by a voice asking to be let in. When she looks out, no one appears to be there, but a small King Charles Spaniel. Imagine Ruby's shock when she discovers she can actually understand what the dog is thinking. Along with this newfound talent, Ruby begins having dreams of the mother she never knew, and is compelled by an urge, which she doesn't understand, to find her.
What follows is a lovely story of a woman who has lived her life as a loner, refusing to let anyone in so that she will not be hurt. When she finds herself unwillingly (she thinks) being drawn into a small community of people who accept and love her, she begins to accept that running away again might not be the best way to live her life.
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book, and I am so glad I followed my intuition and read it.
What follows is a lovely story of a woman who has lived her life as a loner, refusing to let anyone in so that she will not be hurt. When she finds herself unwillingly (she thinks) being drawn into a small community of people who accept and love her, she begins to accept that running away again might not be the best way to live her life.
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book, and I am so glad I followed my intuition and read it.
November 29, 2024
What a wonderfully unique book! I really enjoyed reading it. Ruby's life has been one big adventure, filled with ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and lots of tea leaves. She's a psychic and has traveled the country in her old but reliable Westfalia, working carnivals, fairs, and other places that she could set up her tent and read palms. Her start in life was at a convent in Canada. She was abandoned there as a baby and then fled from there when she was fourteen. She crossed the border into the United States and never looked back. She survived by her wits and raised a daughter all on her own. She's now in her fifties and arrives in Harmony Farms, Massachusetts, at the start of summer. Her plan is to make some money and then move on to the big New England fairs. But it doesn't work out that way. First, during a storm, she gets a buzzy feeling during a lightning strike and then hears a voice outside her van. Outside, she finds a dog, and she can hear its thoughts. That's never happened before! As she gets to know the dog and the people of Harmony Farms, she finds more reasons to want to stay, and something seems to be keeping her there. She also decides to look into finding her birth mother. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and learning about palm reading, tarot cards, and carnival life. The ending made me very happy, and I was happy for Ruby. I found this book heartwarming, touching, and intriguing, and I didn't want it to end.
October 24, 2021
Beautiful Story
Although this book is not my usual genre, it is a five star read for me because it was a great story, tugged at my heart, and had a "happily ever after" (HEA) ending. In spite of all that, it was NOT a romance novel, which makes me even happier since I kinda hate that genre. It spoke to my love for paranormal fiction, but it was quite here and now, not "out there." I liked Ruby right away, and she was an easy main character to root for. The little dog was truly magnificent; as I read I kept thinking of people who would love her, and I plan to add this book to my adult daughter's Christmas book box (A family tradition). The short portions at the end of many chapters where the dog tells us what she knows were priceless. I was charmed that Ruby aptly named the dog Hitch, short for "The Hitchhiker." Never maudlin, but frequently touching, I loved these short sections by Hitch. The plot is very well put together, although there are no murders and no major crimes which are usually the highlights of my favorite plotlines. There is a search and an investigation, however. If your last couple of reads were intense and complicated, or if you are just ready to be captivated and pleased, pick up this one. I think you might love it too.
Although this book is not my usual genre, it is a five star read for me because it was a great story, tugged at my heart, and had a "happily ever after" (HEA) ending. In spite of all that, it was NOT a romance novel, which makes me even happier since I kinda hate that genre. It spoke to my love for paranormal fiction, but it was quite here and now, not "out there." I liked Ruby right away, and she was an easy main character to root for. The little dog was truly magnificent; as I read I kept thinking of people who would love her, and I plan to add this book to my adult daughter's Christmas book box (A family tradition). The short portions at the end of many chapters where the dog tells us what she knows were priceless. I was charmed that Ruby aptly named the dog Hitch, short for "The Hitchhiker." Never maudlin, but frequently touching, I loved these short sections by Hitch. The plot is very well put together, although there are no murders and no major crimes which are usually the highlights of my favorite plotlines. There is a search and an investigation, however. If your last couple of reads were intense and complicated, or if you are just ready to be captivated and pleased, pick up this one. I think you might love it too.
November 20, 2021
This is a absolutely beautiful story, I loved every page of this book and truly believe that dogs and humans can, and do communicate. From my own personal experience over the years, dogs I didn’t know would find me. I knew they needed me for some reason and I would help them as best as I could, some would stay a few days and feel safe and then when they were ready and happy they would leave. I wish I had read a book like this many years ago, maybe I would have understood better the ability to communicate.
Ruby drives into the lot at Harmony Lake at night in the middle of a bad storm. The next morning Hitch appears at her camper door and knows she has found her forever person.
The connection and love between Ruby and Hitch is so powerful and beautiful. The way Hitch would tell Ruby that Harmony Farms was where they needed to stay, no need to move on to somewhere else. Who would have known that Hitch knew that all of the answers Ruby was seeking about her life were right here in Harmony Farms
Ruby drives into the lot at Harmony Lake at night in the middle of a bad storm. The next morning Hitch appears at her camper door and knows she has found her forever person.
The connection and love between Ruby and Hitch is so powerful and beautiful. The way Hitch would tell Ruby that Harmony Farms was where they needed to stay, no need to move on to somewhere else. Who would have known that Hitch knew that all of the answers Ruby was seeking about her life were right here in Harmony Farms
June 24, 2021
I've been a fan of Wilson's for years now - particularly of her dog-centric books like this one. And I really and truly loved this one!! So much that when I realized that this is actually a spin-off of Wilson's 2003 novel, The Fortune Teller's Daughter, I immediately found a way to get a copy of this out-of-print title into my hands. Main character, Ruby Heartwood is a genuine psychic and on a stormy spring evening in Harmony Falls, Massachusetts, she crosses paths with a very unique King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Her abilities suddenly expand to allow Ruby remarkably clear communication with the small dog. What she doesn't expect is that this new relationship will open Ruby up more than she ever expected and leads her to be able to get all that she ever wanted. It's such a fun read! Absolutely magically entertaining! I am so excited to read the book that focuses more on Sabine, too! And I am looking forward to seeing what Wilson writes next! But I do think that this is probably my very favorite of all of her books so far! It's an uplifting and sweet read - with some sad parts, too, but still an overwhelmingly positive book and one that I quite thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish! Wilson is a talented author who certainly seems to really "get" dogs and loves them. This would be right up just about any dog lover's alley, if you are looking for a good book to give as a gift!
October 22, 2023
Susan Wilson is famous for writing books with dogs in the story. This one is about Ruby who is a psychic. On her way traveling as a pyschic she ends up on the side of the road. she sees a cute little dog who she finds she can read the dog's thoughts. she has been a fortune teller for years but has never read the thoughts of animals. Ruby and the dog she names "the hitchhiker" become pals. Ruby sets up her tent to do readings at a fair that is in the town. here Ruby starts doing more readings on the town people's pets. of course there is always someone there who is trying to get Ruby to move on by causing all kinds of problems for Ruby. in another part of the plot Ruby who grew up for fourteen years in an orphanage convent wants to find her birth mother. she meets all kinds of people who she does readings for . Most are good. some do not want her there. a good plot. I like books that have a dog in them so a bonus for me. good read.
June 17, 2021
I'd love to know what my dog is thinking. That's the best part of this book - learning what dogs think, feel, that they hate being carried in a bag. The story was interesting enough and the idea that Ruby can help animals is intriguing. My problem was with Ruby herself. Yes, she had a rough start in life and she's doing what she can to make a living. She seems nice enough. I just didn't like how she reacted to so many different things; she acted like a brat at times and it rubbed me the wrong way. Still, the story is good and would make a good beach read.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
Another great dog book by SW :) I wasn't sure if I would like the psychic angle of this book but it tied together well with the plotline. Very satisfying ending! I also enjoyed seeing Bull and Boy from a previous book. If you love dogs, finding your roots and knowing how a dog thinks, you will enjoy this book! Highly recommend!!
November 17, 2022
great book
August 17, 2025
This book was a little different than I was expecting, but it was a fun and insightful read. I appreciate how the author displayed the importance of roots and belonging and how good things can come from hard experiences.
May 6, 2021
A dear friend sent me an advance copy of this book.
I loved the story - and the writing style.
It's now a new favorite and I highly recommend it. (Especially to animal lovers.)
I loved the story - and the writing style.
It's now a new favorite and I highly recommend it. (Especially to animal lovers.)
September 14, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/w...
Brought to you by OBS Review jerjen
Ruby has not had an easy life. She was abandoned as a baby in an orphanage and she lived many years there. She eventually ran away and grew up on the streets. She meets a lady who helps her and teaches her to read fortunes and make money. She becomes very good at it and lives her life doing it. One night there is a lightning strike and things will never be the same. She meets a runaway dog and Ruby realizes she can hear what the dog is thinking and the dog can hear her too. Since she can now communicate with animals, she plans on adding that to her act. Her and the dog become best friends.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Throughout the course of the book we learn bits and pieces of Ruby’s life until we get the complete story. Ruby continues to grow and get a better handle on her life. There are parts of chapters devoted to the dog’s(Hitchhiker) thoughts and feelings, and I really liked that.
Ruby and Hitchhiker are a team and belong together, and it has been a long time since she felt that love and belonging.
This book has a lot going for it: great characters, an intriguing plot and lots of animals and their thoughts. I enjoyed reading about Ruby learning, growing and becoming a stronger person. She is stronger than she thinks and will eventually figure this out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. I will have to look at the other books that she has written, I am sure that they are good too.
Brought to you by OBS Review jerjen
Ruby has not had an easy life. She was abandoned as a baby in an orphanage and she lived many years there. She eventually ran away and grew up on the streets. She meets a lady who helps her and teaches her to read fortunes and make money. She becomes very good at it and lives her life doing it. One night there is a lightning strike and things will never be the same. She meets a runaway dog and Ruby realizes she can hear what the dog is thinking and the dog can hear her too. Since she can now communicate with animals, she plans on adding that to her act. Her and the dog become best friends.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Throughout the course of the book we learn bits and pieces of Ruby’s life until we get the complete story. Ruby continues to grow and get a better handle on her life. There are parts of chapters devoted to the dog’s(Hitchhiker) thoughts and feelings, and I really liked that.
Ruby and Hitchhiker are a team and belong together, and it has been a long time since she felt that love and belonging.
This book has a lot going for it: great characters, an intriguing plot and lots of animals and their thoughts. I enjoyed reading about Ruby learning, growing and becoming a stronger person. She is stronger than she thinks and will eventually figure this out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted women’s contemporary. I will have to look at the other books that she has written, I am sure that they are good too.
May 12, 2021
Another Entertaining And Touching Book By Susan Wilson…And A Likely “Must Read” For Dog Lovers!
I've been a big fan of all of Susan Wilson's books since reading One Good Dog, and her latest book, What A Dog Knows, continues this author's streak of touching tales of the bond between human and animal, and readers will find plenty to enjoy beyond this bond.
I won't take your time providing a plot summary, as this can be read about in the Amazon and Goodreads Book Descriptions. What I hope is important to prospective readers is that while What A Dog Knows is not my favorite of Wilson’s books, it is a very nicely-paced, compelling and emotionally impactful book.
My overall favorable opinion of What A Dog Knows pertains to the following combination of factors: Wilson's strong writing style that enables the reader to feel that they are "right there" with what is taking place, her ability to develop multi-layered plots and multi-dimensional human and, in particular, canine characters (you'll love Hitchhiker), and her ability to build upon threads of underlying, slow-building tension that keeps readers anxious to find out how the plot is resolved.
What A Dog Knows is not, however, without a few notable factors that I think readers would want to know about — these are that the plot developments, while entertaining, are mostly predictable, and its sense of mystery/suspense is rather tepid. These factors, however, did not significantly weaken my enjoyment of What A Dog Knows, nor do they hinder me from recommending What A Dog Knows, and especially to dog lovers.
I've been a big fan of all of Susan Wilson's books since reading One Good Dog, and her latest book, What A Dog Knows, continues this author's streak of touching tales of the bond between human and animal, and readers will find plenty to enjoy beyond this bond.
I won't take your time providing a plot summary, as this can be read about in the Amazon and Goodreads Book Descriptions. What I hope is important to prospective readers is that while What A Dog Knows is not my favorite of Wilson’s books, it is a very nicely-paced, compelling and emotionally impactful book.
My overall favorable opinion of What A Dog Knows pertains to the following combination of factors: Wilson's strong writing style that enables the reader to feel that they are "right there" with what is taking place, her ability to develop multi-layered plots and multi-dimensional human and, in particular, canine characters (you'll love Hitchhiker), and her ability to build upon threads of underlying, slow-building tension that keeps readers anxious to find out how the plot is resolved.
What A Dog Knows is not, however, without a few notable factors that I think readers would want to know about — these are that the plot developments, while entertaining, are mostly predictable, and its sense of mystery/suspense is rather tepid. These factors, however, did not significantly weaken my enjoyment of What A Dog Knows, nor do they hinder me from recommending What A Dog Knows, and especially to dog lovers.
June 29, 2021
What a Dog Knows by Susan Wilson is such a sweet yet emotional book.
I was never much of a dog person until we got a puppy and now I get why so many people go crazy over their pups. Though we got our puppy for our daughter, I think he is partially mine, too. I adore this guy so much and am quite attached to him. When my daughter does on sleepovers at her friends’ houses, I sleep in her bed with him so he doesn’t have to be alone! Weird? Yes. Do I care? Nope. Until my daughter tells me not to do it anymore (forget about my husband who does not understand at all).
Anyway, the reason I went into all of this is because I was so intrigued when reading this book and I couldn’t help but look at our pup sometimes while reading and wonder what he was thinking or was trying to say. How fun would that be? I just KNOW that he is telling me how much he loves me sometimes, or is whining because no one has played with him for hours. I was thinking it would be entertaining to go see Ruby and see what she could tell me.
Ruby is such an eccentric character, and no wonder. She has led quite the interesting life and come across some flavorful people and situations over the years. I just love her personality and relationship with the other characters. She can be quite feisty, yet a softy at the same time. This book has quite a few things going on and they all blend together seamlessly, creating an enjoyable and comfortable book too read.
I was never much of a dog person until we got a puppy and now I get why so many people go crazy over their pups. Though we got our puppy for our daughter, I think he is partially mine, too. I adore this guy so much and am quite attached to him. When my daughter does on sleepovers at her friends’ houses, I sleep in her bed with him so he doesn’t have to be alone! Weird? Yes. Do I care? Nope. Until my daughter tells me not to do it anymore (forget about my husband who does not understand at all).
Anyway, the reason I went into all of this is because I was so intrigued when reading this book and I couldn’t help but look at our pup sometimes while reading and wonder what he was thinking or was trying to say. How fun would that be? I just KNOW that he is telling me how much he loves me sometimes, or is whining because no one has played with him for hours. I was thinking it would be entertaining to go see Ruby and see what she could tell me.
Ruby is such an eccentric character, and no wonder. She has led quite the interesting life and come across some flavorful people and situations over the years. I just love her personality and relationship with the other characters. She can be quite feisty, yet a softy at the same time. This book has quite a few things going on and they all blend together seamlessly, creating an enjoyable and comfortable book too read.
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