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A Dog's Way Home #2
A Dog's Courage
#1 New York Times bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron once again captures the bravery and determination of a very good dog in the gripping sequel to A Dog’s Way Home , the acclaimed novel that inspired the hit movie!
Bella was once a lost dog, but now she lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. Then a weekend camping trip turns into a harrowing struggle for survival when the Rocky Mountains are engulfed by the biggest wildfire in American history. The raging inferno separates Bella from her people and she is lost once more.
Alone in the wilderness, Bella unexpectedly finds herself responsible for the safety of two defenseless mountain lion cubs. Now she’s torn between two equally urgent goals. More than anything, she wants to find her way home to Lucas and Olivia, but not if it means abandoning her new family to danger. And danger abounds, from predators hunting them to the flames threatening at every turn.
Can Bella ever get back to where she truly belongs?
A Dog’s Courage is more than a fast-paced adventure, more than a devoted dog’s struggle to survive, it’s a story asking that we believe in our dogs as much as they believe in us.
Bella was once a lost dog, but now she lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. Then a weekend camping trip turns into a harrowing struggle for survival when the Rocky Mountains are engulfed by the biggest wildfire in American history. The raging inferno separates Bella from her people and she is lost once more.
Alone in the wilderness, Bella unexpectedly finds herself responsible for the safety of two defenseless mountain lion cubs. Now she’s torn between two equally urgent goals. More than anything, she wants to find her way home to Lucas and Olivia, but not if it means abandoning her new family to danger. And danger abounds, from predators hunting them to the flames threatening at every turn.
Can Bella ever get back to where she truly belongs?
A Dog’s Courage is more than a fast-paced adventure, more than a devoted dog’s struggle to survive, it’s a story asking that we believe in our dogs as much as they believe in us.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2021
140 people are currently reading
6473 people want to read
About the author
W. Bruce Cameron
96 books4,488 followersI’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
June 12, 2021
Have you read A Dog’s Purpose, or a Dog’s Way Home, or seen the movie? Unfortunately, I have not, but I have read A Dog’s Courage, which published back in May. Even though it’s a sequel, it stands on its own well.
Bella had a rocky start, but she’s living the good life with Lucas and Olivia. They go camping in the Rocky Mountains, and it’s there that disaster strikes. It’s a wildfire, and Bella is lost and alone again. Along the way she cares for two mountain lion cubs.
Bella’s story is so enjoyable. There’s definitely some tension with the wildfire, but this is a feel-good book, and it’s meant to be. It’s obvious from the start that this author loves dogs immensely. I think middle grade readers to adults would simply love Bella’s story. Highly recommend to everyone who loves animals, and especially those those who have known the love of a dog.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Bella had a rocky start, but she’s living the good life with Lucas and Olivia. They go camping in the Rocky Mountains, and it’s there that disaster strikes. It’s a wildfire, and Bella is lost and alone again. Along the way she cares for two mountain lion cubs.
Bella’s story is so enjoyable. There’s definitely some tension with the wildfire, but this is a feel-good book, and it’s meant to be. It’s obvious from the start that this author loves dogs immensely. I think middle grade readers to adults would simply love Bella’s story. Highly recommend to everyone who loves animals, and especially those those who have known the love of a dog.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 1, 2023
Bruce Cameron has hit another grand slam with his latest book “A Dog’s Courage”. Bella is back from her first lost in the mountains journey and living the good life with his boy Lucas and wife Olivia. A weekend camping trip goes awry and in the middle of a ravenous forest fire she is separated once again from her people. The attention to detail about forest fires made me feel like I was there, feeling the emotions of what it must be like to be surrounded by fire. Bella’s journey to do “go home” is nothing short of heroic. Bruce does a fabulous job describing Bella’s world and her ability to communicate with humans and animals. Mostly you will love Bella herself and her unselfishness and lovable personality. I will not say more as to not spoil her heroics. Great read by my most favorite author.
June 7, 2022
As a dog lover, I always meant to read W. Bruce Cameron's books, including A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey. As a Giveaways winner, I had the opportunity to read this heart-warming sequel A Dog's Courage. This is the continuing story of Bella, who lives with her people, Lucas and Olivia after her adventures in A Dog's Way Home. Though this is a sequel it reads nicely as a standalone, but prompted me to want to go back and read the first to hear more about Bella and her adventures in the Colorado wilderness, including raising a mountain lion cub.
In this book, Bella and her people are camping and become trapped by one of the biggest wildfires in history, causing a series of harrowing events. It really brings to life this destructive force and its devastating consequences. Because of the fire, Bella ends up separated from Lucas once again and has to make her way through the wilderness, where she reunites with Big Kitten, the mountain lion now full grown, with two cubs of her own.
What unfolds in this story is a fast-paced series of events, some which came across as a bit dramatic or unbelievable, but the focus remains on the loyalty of an amazing dog (who also narrates this tale). Cameron does a great job of telling the story from a dog's perspective and it adds to the heart and humor of the story. I recommend this book to younger readers as well as animal lovers everywhere. I plan on reading this and Cameron's other books aloud with my daughter, who also loves dogs and books!
Thank you to Cameron, Forge Books and Goodreads Giveaways for the chance to read this lovely story.
In this book, Bella and her people are camping and become trapped by one of the biggest wildfires in history, causing a series of harrowing events. It really brings to life this destructive force and its devastating consequences. Because of the fire, Bella ends up separated from Lucas once again and has to make her way through the wilderness, where she reunites with Big Kitten, the mountain lion now full grown, with two cubs of her own.
What unfolds in this story is a fast-paced series of events, some which came across as a bit dramatic or unbelievable, but the focus remains on the loyalty of an amazing dog (who also narrates this tale). Cameron does a great job of telling the story from a dog's perspective and it adds to the heart and humor of the story. I recommend this book to younger readers as well as animal lovers everywhere. I plan on reading this and Cameron's other books aloud with my daughter, who also loves dogs and books!
Thank you to Cameron, Forge Books and Goodreads Giveaways for the chance to read this lovely story.
March 16, 2021
Goodreads giveaway. Let me start out by saying I was extremely excited to win a book by the same lovable author that wrote "A Dog's Purpose." I actually haven't read the first book in this series yet, I was planning on picking up a copy at a used bookstore as soon as this one came in the mail.
Unfortunately, I have yet to pick up the first book in the series.
Upon reading the summary of book 1, I made the decision to NOT read this series. The reason being; I do not like pit bulls, and I do not want to read a story about a pit bull, from the perspective of a pit bull, and proceed to read a sequel to the book, about the very same pit bull.
HOWEVER, if you are indifferent about the breed of dog, (or you like pit bulls), please please please read this series. I gave this book to a friend of mine (total lover of any and all animals) and she LOVED this book, just as much as she loved the first book in the series.
I am rating this book 5 stars on her behalf.
I understand the plot of the first book couldn't happen without Bella being a pit bull, since that particular dog breed is banned in Denver, (I'm not sure if that's actually true or just true for the sake of the story). I also understand there are TONS of people out there with sweet, lovable pit bulls, and that's fine. But, I also understand I am entitled to my opinion on the matter, just the same as everyone else is to theirs.
I do recommend this book to any and all animal/dog lovers. I love Bruce Cameron as an author and I look forward to reading other books by him.
Unfortunately, I have yet to pick up the first book in the series.
Upon reading the summary of book 1, I made the decision to NOT read this series. The reason being; I do not like pit bulls, and I do not want to read a story about a pit bull, from the perspective of a pit bull, and proceed to read a sequel to the book, about the very same pit bull.
HOWEVER, if you are indifferent about the breed of dog, (or you like pit bulls), please please please read this series. I gave this book to a friend of mine (total lover of any and all animals) and she LOVED this book, just as much as she loved the first book in the series.
I am rating this book 5 stars on her behalf.
I understand the plot of the first book couldn't happen without Bella being a pit bull, since that particular dog breed is banned in Denver, (I'm not sure if that's actually true or just true for the sake of the story). I also understand there are TONS of people out there with sweet, lovable pit bulls, and that's fine. But, I also understand I am entitled to my opinion on the matter, just the same as everyone else is to theirs.
I do recommend this book to any and all animal/dog lovers. I love Bruce Cameron as an author and I look forward to reading other books by him.
May 7, 2023
Bruce Cameron is just such an amazing author. Until I joined Goodreads, I didn’t realize I had missed this book. I ordered it within minutes of finding out and I am so happy I did. It was absolutely amazing. From the fires, to all the animals Bella meets, and another beautiful journey home. There just isn’t any other author who can make me feel as much emotion.
April 30, 2021
Who doesn’t love a good dog story! I’m pretty sure Bella is really a human! Bella is devoted, loyal and very funny! Cameron weaves an interesting story with the courage of a faithful dog. Love Bella and her humans!
November 12, 2024
As True About A Dog’s Way Home, This Sequel Is A Book Dog Lovers Won't Want To Miss! Bella, Bella!!
W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog’s Courage (book 2 in the A Dog’s Way Home series) is a book most dog lovers will not want to miss; and, once they finish it, they will very likely consider it to be a book that they were very glad they read.
A Dog's Courage is a very emotionally-charged book from many perspectives that will keep the reader actively turning the pages to see what happens next.
Without going into detail, I’ll just say that A Dog’s Courage is a heartwarming , yet exciting and adventurous tale narrated by the dog, Bella — and what a dog she is! — that takes place about five after her tribulations in A Dog’s Way Home. In this tale, Bella, who was once a lost dog, now lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. However, when a weekend camping trip turns into a harrowing struggle for survival when the Rocky Mountains are engulfed in a massive wildfire, Bella is once again separated from her people. Her efforts to survive and return home will have readers on the edge of their seat rooting for Bella every step along the way!
As in his other books, Cameron's great strength is his ability to get into dog-loving readers' hearts by fully capturing everything the main character (Bella) is thinking and feeling in such a way that it makes the reader feel that they are on an emotional rollercoaster. Cameron's skill in developing fully dimensionalized human characters, however, takes a big back seat to his anthropomorphic skill; as most of his people characters are just serviceable, at best. Having said this, let me stress that this is not really a problem as, after all, this book is all about Bella, the dog --which is who I wanted to read about when I first decided to read A Dog's Courage
If you are a dog lover, do yourself a favor and read A Dog's Courage. I'm sure you'll give yourself (and, hopefully, your dog) a treat for doing so! Don’t be concerned if you haven’t already read A Dog’s Way Home, as A Dog’s Courage can stand on its own. Although, I think your enjoyment of A Dog’s Courage will be enhanced by first reading A Dog’s Way Home.
Either way, you’re in for a treat!!
W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog’s Courage (book 2 in the A Dog’s Way Home series) is a book most dog lovers will not want to miss; and, once they finish it, they will very likely consider it to be a book that they were very glad they read.
A Dog's Courage is a very emotionally-charged book from many perspectives that will keep the reader actively turning the pages to see what happens next.
Without going into detail, I’ll just say that A Dog’s Courage is a heartwarming , yet exciting and adventurous tale narrated by the dog, Bella — and what a dog she is! — that takes place about five after her tribulations in A Dog’s Way Home. In this tale, Bella, who was once a lost dog, now lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. However, when a weekend camping trip turns into a harrowing struggle for survival when the Rocky Mountains are engulfed in a massive wildfire, Bella is once again separated from her people. Her efforts to survive and return home will have readers on the edge of their seat rooting for Bella every step along the way!
As in his other books, Cameron's great strength is his ability to get into dog-loving readers' hearts by fully capturing everything the main character (Bella) is thinking and feeling in such a way that it makes the reader feel that they are on an emotional rollercoaster. Cameron's skill in developing fully dimensionalized human characters, however, takes a big back seat to his anthropomorphic skill; as most of his people characters are just serviceable, at best. Having said this, let me stress that this is not really a problem as, after all, this book is all about Bella, the dog --which is who I wanted to read about when I first decided to read A Dog's Courage
If you are a dog lover, do yourself a favor and read A Dog's Courage. I'm sure you'll give yourself (and, hopefully, your dog) a treat for doing so! Don’t be concerned if you haven’t already read A Dog’s Way Home, as A Dog’s Courage can stand on its own. Although, I think your enjoyment of A Dog’s Courage will be enhanced by first reading A Dog’s Way Home.
Either way, you’re in for a treat!!
May 7, 2021
I love W. Bruce Cameron and I own every single one of his books. I have read them countless times and I am always recommending them to other people. I say that to say I knew I would love this book and I was right!
I didn't know I needed a continuation of Bella's story but boy am I glad I have one! Bella's story in a Dog's Way Home is so heart warming and one of my absolute favorites of his so getting to be with her and her people again brought me so much joy. Getting to see where they ended up and how things are going felt like visiting an old friend.
As far as this story goes I loved it! The tension was palpable in so many places. Cameron's writing has always been beautifully vivid but I think it's even doubly so in this book. I felt my heart racing and the gushing joy in other places. This book was brilliant and I can not wait to get a physical copy so i can curl up and read this book all over again to my dogs.
I didn't know I needed a continuation of Bella's story but boy am I glad I have one! Bella's story in a Dog's Way Home is so heart warming and one of my absolute favorites of his so getting to be with her and her people again brought me so much joy. Getting to see where they ended up and how things are going felt like visiting an old friend.
As far as this story goes I loved it! The tension was palpable in so many places. Cameron's writing has always been beautifully vivid but I think it's even doubly so in this book. I felt my heart racing and the gushing joy in other places. This book was brilliant and I can not wait to get a physical copy so i can curl up and read this book all over again to my dogs.
May 21, 2021
As a dog lover I am compelled to read all of his books, even if they grate on my nerves I know the ending will always be heart warming. I will say this was a powerful read pertaining to a forest fire, our house burned down last summer in the mammoth California fires, my anxiety was high during those pages...
May 1, 2021
Rated: ★★★★★ (5 Stars)
First of all I would like to thank Bruce and his Publishing company for sending me an E-ARC for his newest book in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome back to Bella's world! She is so glad that you wanted to come along with her once again! Cause she is such a good dog!
We join Bella, Lucas, and Olivia (Now married!) on another epic adventure! This time the family is camping in the Rocky Mountains. Bella, hoping to see Big Kitten again, but enjoying her time with her boy and Olivia.
Not too long into their camping trip a fire descends upon them! Making for some scary moments.
In this novel we revisit some old friends, and make some new ones! Bella having once again gotten away from Lucas, finds her Big Kitten. But she isn't alone now. She has two cubs herself, Boy Kitten and Girl Kitten. And through some mishap, Bella is now soul caregiver to these two kittens.
Once again she tried to do go home, but also find Big Kitten and bring her cat family to her human family. She just knows Big Kitten will Love Lucas and t-i-i-i-ny piece of cheese (This part will always make me smile.)
In this sequel, Bruce does a wonderful once again making you see the world the way a good dog might see the world. It should be no shock to anyone that I gave yet, another book of his 5 stars. His books never fail to give me all the emotions there are to have. I get mad, happy, scared, and even sad. And I just want Bella to get everything she wants (Good dogs should have it all!)
This amazing book will be out May 4th 2021! So make sure you read A Dog's Way Home, then run out and pick this baby up!
First of all I would like to thank Bruce and his Publishing company for sending me an E-ARC for his newest book in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome back to Bella's world! She is so glad that you wanted to come along with her once again! Cause she is such a good dog!
We join Bella, Lucas, and Olivia (Now married!) on another epic adventure! This time the family is camping in the Rocky Mountains. Bella, hoping to see Big Kitten again, but enjoying her time with her boy and Olivia.
Not too long into their camping trip a fire descends upon them! Making for some scary moments.
In this novel we revisit some old friends, and make some new ones! Bella having once again gotten away from Lucas, finds her Big Kitten. But she isn't alone now. She has two cubs herself, Boy Kitten and Girl Kitten. And through some mishap, Bella is now soul caregiver to these two kittens.
Once again she tried to do go home, but also find Big Kitten and bring her cat family to her human family. She just knows Big Kitten will Love Lucas and t-i-i-i-ny piece of cheese (This part will always make me smile.)
In this sequel, Bruce does a wonderful once again making you see the world the way a good dog might see the world. It should be no shock to anyone that I gave yet, another book of his 5 stars. His books never fail to give me all the emotions there are to have. I get mad, happy, scared, and even sad. And I just want Bella to get everything she wants (Good dogs should have it all!)
This amazing book will be out May 4th 2021! So make sure you read A Dog's Way Home, then run out and pick this baby up!
January 14, 2024
This book tells a beautiful story of Bella and her courage. Deciding to find home and care for Big Kittens babies , boy and girl kitten is a big dilemma for Bella. Even though being so close to home Bella knew she had to take care of her cat family for her and them to survive. I love the way when Bella find Lucas and they go home and soon later there is baby Emma. Who is like Bella‘s baby. Even though the adventure, Bella did made it a great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
{For all my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com|Always with a Book. W. Bruce Cameron will be featured May 7th.
Special thanks to Forge Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.}
Bravery, determination, and loyalty--all the qualities of a canine companion and everything that is THE DOG'S COURAGE
I was super-thrilled to learn that Bruce Cameron had a sequel to A DOG'S WAY HOME, which became a hit movie in 2019. A DOG'S COURAGE (forthcoming from Forge Books, May 4), is the follow-up to dog Bella's story, but also her people, Lucas and Olivia, now married.
Bella was once a lost dog, but now she lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. But then Lucas, Olivia, and Bella embark on
a camping trip to the Rocky Mountains, which turns into a harrowing struggle for survival they are engulfed by the biggest wildfire in American history.
The raging inferno separates Bella from her people and Bella is lost once more. Alone in the wilderness, Bella unexpectedly finds herself responsible for the safety of two defenseless mountain lion cubs. Now she’s torn between two equally urgent goals: stay with Big Kitten, a mother-figure of sorts, or to find her people. Can Bella ever get back to where she truly belongs?
A DOG’S COURAGE is an emotional and honest tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and touches on some timely and topical aspects including forest fires, ecology, homeless animals, shelters, and even inter-species relationships.
Cameron writes for all audiences, so A DOG'S COURAGE is appropriate for both YA readers, adults, and even as family read-alouds, which we did. That said, it's a more heartfelt type of read, with the overall message of resilience, loyalty, and what constitutes a family. It is told primarily from the POV of a dog, which I found endearing, but if readers are expecting a deeper dive into character and human emotions, this may not fit the bill. However...dog's are often great 'reads' of emotion and character, so that's debatable.
For all my reviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com|Always with a Book.
Special thanks to Forge Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.
Special thanks to Forge Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.}
Bravery, determination, and loyalty--all the qualities of a canine companion and everything that is THE DOG'S COURAGE
I was super-thrilled to learn that Bruce Cameron had a sequel to A DOG'S WAY HOME, which became a hit movie in 2019. A DOG'S COURAGE (forthcoming from Forge Books, May 4), is the follow-up to dog Bella's story, but also her people, Lucas and Olivia, now married.
Bella was once a lost dog, but now she lives happily with her people, Lucas and Olivia, only occasionally recalling the hardships in her past. But then Lucas, Olivia, and Bella embark on
a camping trip to the Rocky Mountains, which turns into a harrowing struggle for survival they are engulfed by the biggest wildfire in American history.
The raging inferno separates Bella from her people and Bella is lost once more. Alone in the wilderness, Bella unexpectedly finds herself responsible for the safety of two defenseless mountain lion cubs. Now she’s torn between two equally urgent goals: stay with Big Kitten, a mother-figure of sorts, or to find her people. Can Bella ever get back to where she truly belongs?
A DOG’S COURAGE is an emotional and honest tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and touches on some timely and topical aspects including forest fires, ecology, homeless animals, shelters, and even inter-species relationships.
Cameron writes for all audiences, so A DOG'S COURAGE is appropriate for both YA readers, adults, and even as family read-alouds, which we did. That said, it's a more heartfelt type of read, with the overall message of resilience, loyalty, and what constitutes a family. It is told primarily from the POV of a dog, which I found endearing, but if readers are expecting a deeper dive into character and human emotions, this may not fit the bill. However...dog's are often great 'reads' of emotion and character, so that's debatable.
For all my reviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com|Always with a Book.
Special thanks to Forge Books for this review copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 27, 2021
In A Dog's Courage, the reader is transported into the mind of Bella, a dog who has had numerous adventures and journeys in her life. This story centers on her experiences during a massive forest fire in which she becomes separated from her "boy" Lucas and his wife Olivia. It almost seems as if W. Bruce Cameron has the unique and believable ability to think like a dog. This is probably the greatest compliment I have ever given another human being. He rocks our world with a sweeping mix of suspense, danger, intrigue, loyalty and love, canine style. From the first page I read, I could not put this book down. Woven throughout the book is the theme that a dog's love and loyalty transcends any limits one might think the canine species has. Do yourself a favor and delve into Bella's world of courage and love as she strives to find a way back to her family. 5 stars.
March 14, 2025
Good to see Bella back absolutely loved this book the fire was so terrifying to read about and I’m glad it was a happy ending
April 6, 2021
It has been awhile since a book has held my interest. W. Bruce Cameron's story about Bella, Lucas and Olivia and all the other characters along the way, did just that. I fell in love with the three of them and every , "Oh, no" and "Thank goodness" and "Not again" that I uttered while reading, kept me reading chapter after chapter. It is that good!! Thank you, Bruce, for another GREAT read!
July 17, 2021
A Dog’s Courage
W. Bruce Cameron
A Dog’s Courage is the continuation of Bella’s story and is the sequel to the A Dog’s Way Home that begins Bella’s story from abandoned puppy to beloved pet. In book two Cameron will reacquaint the audience with Bella and Lucas and his wife Olivia. Readers will also get to catch up with several other characters from book one like Mack the Vet turned first responder and Bella’s pals from book one, Dutch the dog and his people who gave Bella sanctuary in book 1 and Big Kitty who Bella saved from the hunters who killed her mother and who now has two adorable cubs of her own. It’s an intense edge of your seat read that will test every emotion as Bella tries to escape one danger after another. And it being told from Bella’s prospective is both ingenious and entertaining and will make you look at your own dog differently from now on. Fans who are looking for a feel good read and of animal fiction and dog’s in particular will find this impossible to put down. It’s not necessary to read A Dog’s Way Home first but it helps.
Bella was once a lost dog who found her way home to her boy, now she is a happy dog living with her people Lucas and Olivia and knows if she’s a good dog her boy Lucas will give her, her favorite treat a t-i-n-y piece of cheese. She also loves going on car rides and sleeping in soft sided rooms snuggled up with her people in the mountains which is where Bella and her people are when they’re unexpectedly caught in an uncontrolled wildfire. When they reach a small town in the fire’s path Lucas a resident doctor and Olivia an animal advocate decide to stay and help save the town and Bella being a good dog does her best to help. And it doesn’t matter just how good a dog Bella is, she will not be able to stop the coming events that will test A Dog’s Courage.
W. Bruce Cameron
A Dog’s Courage is the continuation of Bella’s story and is the sequel to the A Dog’s Way Home that begins Bella’s story from abandoned puppy to beloved pet. In book two Cameron will reacquaint the audience with Bella and Lucas and his wife Olivia. Readers will also get to catch up with several other characters from book one like Mack the Vet turned first responder and Bella’s pals from book one, Dutch the dog and his people who gave Bella sanctuary in book 1 and Big Kitty who Bella saved from the hunters who killed her mother and who now has two adorable cubs of her own. It’s an intense edge of your seat read that will test every emotion as Bella tries to escape one danger after another. And it being told from Bella’s prospective is both ingenious and entertaining and will make you look at your own dog differently from now on. Fans who are looking for a feel good read and of animal fiction and dog’s in particular will find this impossible to put down. It’s not necessary to read A Dog’s Way Home first but it helps.
Bella was once a lost dog who found her way home to her boy, now she is a happy dog living with her people Lucas and Olivia and knows if she’s a good dog her boy Lucas will give her, her favorite treat a t-i-n-y piece of cheese. She also loves going on car rides and sleeping in soft sided rooms snuggled up with her people in the mountains which is where Bella and her people are when they’re unexpectedly caught in an uncontrolled wildfire. When they reach a small town in the fire’s path Lucas a resident doctor and Olivia an animal advocate decide to stay and help save the town and Bella being a good dog does her best to help. And it doesn’t matter just how good a dog Bella is, she will not be able to stop the coming events that will test A Dog’s Courage.
August 11, 2021
I picked up A Dog's Courage at the end of July, 2021. For whatever reason, I didn't get that it was the continuation of A Dog's Way Home. Not until I read the name Big Kitty did I go back and look at the cover of the book. Probably because I never read the first book, but rather saw the movie prior to the Covid-19 shutdown.
In the first half of the book, I learned more about saving myself from a killer forest fire than anything else. I kept wondering when Bella was going to get seperated from Lucas"her person" and show some dog courage. The first half of the book dragged a little, but picked up once Bella was fending for herself. Bella taking care of "boy" and "girl" kitten (a.k.a. mountain lion) made me smile. I was relieved that Mother mountain lion was only tranquilized and not killed in the story. Wouldn't it be crazy to actually see all this unfold on social media?
Not sure why Gavin, Taylor and Dutch (the dog) needed to be folded into the next chapter of Bella's life. It didn't add a whole lot to the story, but it was nice that this reunion caused them to want to have children. Go Bella for creating the mood for this occur. So, clearly that was the point.
I also liked the character Mack. It was nice to see that he had found his passion as a fire fighter and was happy saving lives including Lucas and Olivia's. I'll be curious whether there will be a follow-up to this novel with Emma the daughter? I'm sure Mum Cameron is setting up her table near the "pearly gates" just in case.
In the first half of the book, I learned more about saving myself from a killer forest fire than anything else. I kept wondering when Bella was going to get seperated from Lucas"her person" and show some dog courage. The first half of the book dragged a little, but picked up once Bella was fending for herself. Bella taking care of "boy" and "girl" kitten (a.k.a. mountain lion) made me smile. I was relieved that Mother mountain lion was only tranquilized and not killed in the story. Wouldn't it be crazy to actually see all this unfold on social media?
Not sure why Gavin, Taylor and Dutch (the dog) needed to be folded into the next chapter of Bella's life. It didn't add a whole lot to the story, but it was nice that this reunion caused them to want to have children. Go Bella for creating the mood for this occur. So, clearly that was the point.
I also liked the character Mack. It was nice to see that he had found his passion as a fire fighter and was happy saving lives including Lucas and Olivia's. I'll be curious whether there will be a follow-up to this novel with Emma the daughter? I'm sure Mum Cameron is setting up her table near the "pearly gates" just in case.
May 5, 2021
The aptly named book, “A Dog’s Courage”, is classic Cameron: a heartwarming story, pup protagonist and intriguing adventure. In the latest novel in the “A Dog’s Way Home” series, we once again follow the story of Bella, a most intelligent and resourceful canine. Bella and her humans find themselves in the center of devastating wildfires and a fight for survival.
While the humans struggle to save what they can of the community, Bella strives to make sense of the wildfire. In the process, she’s separated from her human family which leads to her being reunited with an old friend who has a surprise of her own. How Bella survives and what happens to her along the way is an exciting adventure that rivals the original “A Dog’s Way Home”. W. Bruce Cameron knows how to engage readers with just the right amount of humor, excitement and well-developed characters. It’s easy to fall in love with his stories and this latest one pleases on many levels.
While the humans struggle to save what they can of the community, Bella strives to make sense of the wildfire. In the process, she’s separated from her human family which leads to her being reunited with an old friend who has a surprise of her own. How Bella survives and what happens to her along the way is an exciting adventure that rivals the original “A Dog’s Way Home”. W. Bruce Cameron knows how to engage readers with just the right amount of humor, excitement and well-developed characters. It’s easy to fall in love with his stories and this latest one pleases on many levels.
May 11, 2021
This is an adventure story about a dog finding her way home through the wilderness, in the company of a mountain lion. Call it a descendant of Homeward Bound (the movie) -- it's chock full of anthropomorphism and wholesome adventure. It would be totally appropriate for a middle-grade reader who's enjoyed Gary Paulsen.
Bella's our canine narrator. She's straightforward, cutesy, food-obsessed. She thinks deep truisms about the dog/human bond, such as: "Sometimes I think children exist so that dogs have people who always want to play," and "There's just something about having two dogs in a room that makes people happy."
I live with two dogs, and some of the depictions of Bella's behavior rang false. Bella donated a carcass to a desperate fox who was only a threat because of its hunger. I don't believe that dogs have that kind of theory of mind about other unrelated animals, or the willingness to give to a foe in order to get it to go away. Also, when Bella's owners have a baby, it takes Bella almost a year to feel anything besides fuzzy curiosity toward it. In contrast, when I brought home my newborn daughter, my 7 year old female dog immediately behaved as if she knew exactly who the baby was to me and our family, and exactly what it meant about how she should behave. She was very delicate and careful to come up to us -- she wanted my permission to even approach. The respect was off the charts.
That said, this book understands the bond between dogs and their owners. The "invisible leash". It's a sort of a love story, with a happy ever after.
Bella's our canine narrator. She's straightforward, cutesy, food-obsessed. She thinks deep truisms about the dog/human bond, such as: "Sometimes I think children exist so that dogs have people who always want to play," and "There's just something about having two dogs in a room that makes people happy."
I live with two dogs, and some of the depictions of Bella's behavior rang false. Bella donated a carcass to a desperate fox who was only a threat because of its hunger. I don't believe that dogs have that kind of theory of mind about other unrelated animals, or the willingness to give to a foe in order to get it to go away. Also, when Bella's owners have a baby, it takes Bella almost a year to feel anything besides fuzzy curiosity toward it. In contrast, when I brought home my newborn daughter, my 7 year old female dog immediately behaved as if she knew exactly who the baby was to me and our family, and exactly what it meant about how she should behave. She was very delicate and careful to come up to us -- she wanted my permission to even approach. The respect was off the charts.
That said, this book understands the bond between dogs and their owners. The "invisible leash". It's a sort of a love story, with a happy ever after.
April 8, 2025
What a smart, good girl! In this book, our Bella is doing "Go Home" again with the same grit, determination, and loyalty that shone through in the first story (A Dog's Way Home). Although I prefer book one more, there is a lot to enjoy here. Mainly, the very satisfying closure with some of the other characters from A Dog's Way Home. Also, the entire story is written from Bella's point of view and that has to make you smile! Her deep understanding of so many things is perfectly balanced with her lack of understanding of others. Her processing her world never gets dull! Finally, there is a massive wildfire in the Rocky Mountains offering some very scary moments of survival and glimpses into the environmental aftermath and effects on the entire ecosystem such a disaster would cause. There is a lot to enjoy here and you will most definitely feel a wide range of emotions so keep your Kleenex nearby!
I just finished this book and I miss sweet Bella already!
I just finished this book and I miss sweet Bella already!
May 2, 2021
EXCELLENT BOOK, per normal.
I was given an electronic advanced reader's copy of A Dog's Courage.....a continuation of "A Dog's Way Home", by the author, W. Bruce Cameron. It's been quite a hectic time since I received the electronic version, but things settled down and I was able to read this wonderful book. I will not mention any "Spoilers", but note that the characters, and Bella, from the first book, continue in A Dog's Courage.
I have loved Mr. Cameron's books, because they are written through "the eyes of a dog".....
He's done it again, written another excellent book, that I enjoyed, electronically first, and will purchase one that I can "HOLD" in my hand, rather than a kindle!
Thank you, W. Bruce Cameron, for allowing me to read this excellent story before most! As mentioned, I will buy it also!! And request a signed bookplate, to put with my W. Bruce Cameron collection of books......EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!
I was given an electronic advanced reader's copy of A Dog's Courage.....a continuation of "A Dog's Way Home", by the author, W. Bruce Cameron. It's been quite a hectic time since I received the electronic version, but things settled down and I was able to read this wonderful book. I will not mention any "Spoilers", but note that the characters, and Bella, from the first book, continue in A Dog's Courage.
I have loved Mr. Cameron's books, because they are written through "the eyes of a dog".....
He's done it again, written another excellent book, that I enjoyed, electronically first, and will purchase one that I can "HOLD" in my hand, rather than a kindle!
Thank you, W. Bruce Cameron, for allowing me to read this excellent story before most! As mentioned, I will buy it also!! And request a signed bookplate, to put with my W. Bruce Cameron collection of books......EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!
September 26, 2021
This book by W Bruce Cameron is another of his marvelous dog tales. It is a continuation of his book “A Dog’s Purpose.”The story takes place in Colorado during a massive forest fire spanning some 6 million acres in Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho. Olivia, Lucas and canine Bella are ignoring a mandatory evacuation order in order to save an animal shelter’s many helpless animals.
After Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she embarks on an intense forest-animal-rescue adventure.
Believe me, life is better with a dog.
After Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she embarks on an intense forest-animal-rescue adventure.
Believe me, life is better with a dog.
November 14, 2025
A Dog’s Courage gave me exactly the heartwarming closure I felt was missing from the first book. Bruce Cameron really knows how to write a dog’s-eye view that tugs at your heart, and I loved finally getting that sense of completeness with Bella’s story. The emotional payoff landed beautifully.
That said, the pacing was a bit odd for me. The description makes it sound like Bella gets separated from Lucas early on, but it actually takes more than half the book for that part of the story to even happen. I kept waiting for the main plot to kick in, and it felt like a long lead-up before things really started moving.
Still, once the story actually got going, I ended up really enjoying it. Sweet, comforting, and full of the kind of loyal-dog devotion Cameron writes so well.
That said, the pacing was a bit odd for me. The description makes it sound like Bella gets separated from Lucas early on, but it actually takes more than half the book for that part of the story to even happen. I kept waiting for the main plot to kick in, and it felt like a long lead-up before things really started moving.
Still, once the story actually got going, I ended up really enjoying it. Sweet, comforting, and full of the kind of loyal-dog devotion Cameron writes so well.
May 2, 2021
I had the privilege of receiving an Advanced Reader Copy of A Dog’s Courage. Again, W. Bruce Cameron demonstrates that he is a master storyteller. The book reunites Lucas and Olivia along with Mack, Taylor, and Gavin. The story takes place in the mountains of Colorado during a horrific forest fire. Bella becomes lost and sets out to go home to her boy Lucas. She is reunited with Big Kitten and Dutch along the way. The attention to detail of forest fires and animal behavior is so excellent that I felt like I was there. Get a cup of coffee or tea and a comfy chair because this heartwarming story is difficult to put down.
May 3, 2021
As in all of W. Bruce Cameron's dog books, this book is written from the dog's point of view. In this sequel to A Dog's Way Home, we meet Bella again and her people, Lucas and Olivia. On a camping trip in the Colorado mountains, Bella gets separated from her people by a fast spreading wildfire and meets up again with Big Kitten, the mountain lion she traveled with in A Dog's Way Home. Very realistic details, and very timely in light of the horrific wildfires in Colorado in the summer and fall of 2020, as the plot explores the meanings of family, loyalty, and courage.
September 14, 2022
This is the sequel to A Dogs Way Home, which I thoroughly enjoyed. A Dogs Courage was almost as good but I’m dropping one star because I felt that the firefighting in the first half of the book was a bit dragged out and boring. The second half of the book was so much more enjoyable so don’t give up if you find this slow to start because the second half makes it all worthwhile.
May 4, 2021
I loved being back in sweet Bella’s mind with Lucas and Olivia and a tiiiiny piece of cheese. I could not put this book down it was riveting. I hope It becomes a movie. It read like an action adventure and no one paints a picture better than W Bruce Cameron. I love this author!
May 15, 2021
Another adventure with Bella. These dog tales are always enjoyable. 🐶
May 16, 2021
Another enjoyable tale featuring Bella.
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