Small Town Shepherd

Maple Cove Dog Lovers' Society #1

by Nala Henkel-Aislinn

Sam and Brody remind each other of what they want to forget—bad relationships and broken hearts.

Sam lost her career and her boyfriend on the same day. Needing an escape, she makes a radical decision—leave the big city for a small town, get a regular job, and take a break from men and romance.

Brody is picking up the pieces after divorce. He’s hoping for a fresh start in the small community of Maple Cove. Instead, he’s forced to co-manage a failing animal hospital with Sam, who seems ready to hate him on sight.

Watch two people learn to face their fears and love again in this sweet, small-town enemies to happily-ever-after romance.

Small Town Shepherd is the first book in the sweet romance series Maple Cove Dog Lover’s Society.

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Amazon, Contemporary

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2021

Reviews

[SarieBerrie]

DNF @ 17%
This was labeled under clean wholesome romance and that’s not what this is! There’s language and I can tell there will be smut.

[WendyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dogs and romance, what's not to love?

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance is light-hearted and witty on the surface, but there are other very real issues that both Sam and Brody are dealing with, especially when it comes to betrayal of trust in both their working lives and relationships. The small town of Maple Cove has its own run-down charm and Sam and Brody discover that they are dropped into a whole lot of trouble when Doc ups and leaves town to deal with personal business. Together with the quirky Olive and the charming Aramis, they are forced to pull together if they are going to make things work and discover that they have the perfect synergy. An unexpected accident changes everything in their lives, bringing about results they could not have foreseen. This romance is charming and I really enjoyed this book, which comes to a heartfelt and happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this one as a freebie on a stuff your kindle day. I absolutely loved it and have now moved on to the next one in the series! Fairly PG/barely PG-13 love and romance. Very Hallmark-ish story. I’m excited to see how this first one in the series and the second one are connecting.

Reminders to self: two vets, initially competing over running the animal hospital. Enemies to lovers.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love dogs? Do you love romance stories? Do you like watching two vets butt heads over the running of an animal hospital while also becoming increasingly more attracted to each other? Then this book is for you. In Small Town Shepherd, Brody and Sam end up comanaging an animal hospital together, each ending up there through different paths. They certainly don't get along at first but that needs to change so they can help save the animal hospital. As the chemistry starts to ignite between them, will they give in?

Overall, this was a cute story. I recently got a dog after wanting one for so long so it made for great timing to read this book because I definitely wanted to join the Maple Cove Dog Lover's Society. It makes a great story for animal lovers. It's also great for those that like small town romances. Maple Cove is certainly a small town that could use some revitalizing and I could definitely see more books in the series focusing on building up the town. This book is relatively clean in the fact that there no explicit scenes but it's not quite as clean as others I've reviewed. There is some language and references to sex.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Mia S · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have a passion for dogs and a fondness for heartwarming romance, this book is perfect for you. It tells the story of two veterinarians who find themselves at odds over the management of an animal hospital, yet amidst their differences, an unexpected attraction begins to blossom. Join them on their journey as they navigate both their professional challenges and their growing feelings for one another.

Sam, a veterinary resident specializing in neurology, faces a life-altering day when she loses both her job and her boyfriend. Seeking a new beginning, she relocates to the quaint town of Maple Cove. There, she crosses paths with Brody, a fellow veterinarian who is also trying to rebuild his life after a painful divorce due to infidelity. Their initial encounters are far from pleasant, but fate intervenes when they are unexpectedly assigned to manage the struggling local animal hospital while its owner is away. With a lack of patients, financial troubles, and their own clashing personalities, the situation seems dire. This charming enemies-to-lovers tale explores themes of forgiveness, the importance of what truly matters, and the journey of learning to love again.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but I am looking forward to many more.

Sam was a vet doing a neurology surgical residency in Olympia at a high powered animal hospital. Doing the right thing cost her the residency and her career. Then, to make matters even worse, she found out her boyfriend was cheating on the same day. She needed a change so she headed to the small town of Maple Cove to work at a small animal hospital.

Brody was also a vet who was reeling from a divorce and the knowledge that his ex-wife had cheated on him. He, too, wanted a change and headed to the small animal hospital in Maple Cove.

Sam and Brody's first meeting was less than cordial. The second wasn't any better. They were both tasked with running the small, struggling animal hospital while the current owner left town to deal with a personal problem. They had no patients, no money and few ideas. How was this going to work?

This was a sweet, enemies to lovers story about forgiveness, discovering what matters most and learning to love again.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Amber Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book! As someone who works in the veterinary field I can testify that it was pretty much accurate. It was overall a quick and romantic read.
The book reminded me of a cute hallmark movie!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small-Town Shepherd is the first book in this new series, and it is a wonderful start!

Sam’s life recently went off the rails, and as someone who has been utterly focused on her career, it has left her reeling. So she makes the radical decision to turn her back on everything she’s thought she wanted, at least for a little while. And that leads her to taking a vet job in a tiny town far from the life she’s leaving behind. Brody’s life hasn’t been much better after his marriage fails in an epic way. So he’s trying to change his life, to live it the way he’s always wanted. Neither of them are looking for anything other than a new job and a little peace. But things don’t always work out the way you imagine…

I loved the characters in this book. I think we all know a Sam, someone so focused on their career that they’ve eschewed everything else. She’s become too pragmatic, too committed to her goals. She had a plan, and when that plan went to hell, she realizes just how much she flounders when faced with change. Brody is focused, too, but on a different level. And he’s gunshy after a bad marriage. The two are so relatable that it felt as I knew both of them. I fell into the story from the first page!

I loved the dynamic between them, the growth and the change. And I loved the other characters in the book, too. It was such an engrossing read, something comfortable and cozy to love!

My recommendation: This is small-town romance at its best! I definitely recommend this book!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in a new series "Maple Cove Dog Lover's Society", in my opinion it is a hit!
Sam(Dr. Samantha Worthington, DVM, working toward neurosurgery accreditation) in Olympia, WA.
Unfortunately the clinic she is employed by is ran by a doctor(Dr. Burt)more interested in profits than patients. So she is fired for completing a surgery in which she went the extra effort to prevent the dog from requiring additional surgery. And later that day finds her boyfriend cheating on her!
Tail tucked between her legs, she applies with Doc MeClure's Maple Cove Animal Hospital.
But so has Brody McMaster, DVM, who has bought a duplex in Maple Cove in hopes of starting his own practice. After a divorce from a cheating wife away from the Seattle area.
Lots of initial friction between Sam & Brody, but the are determined to work together and improve the clinic which has declined in business due to Doc's personal problems.
Olive is the office manager for Doc McClure, very protective of him. She is a fun character that adds to the story.
Vi is Sam's sister, always gives advice freely!
Madeline is Brody's ex-wife, so she makes appearances throughout the book.
Great beginning to a new series by Nala Henkel Aislinn, looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody and Sam are both dealing with recent relationship baggage that puts them on guard. They settle in the same small town, vying for the same job in the same veterinary hospital, where a past vet has left due to personal issues. Fate puts them together as co-managers and duplex neighbors, with his dog Aramis, who likes her better. The characters are heartwarming and determined in their goals, which do change during the story. The romance is slow but builds deliciously, quite surprising them both. Love all the stories of the animals they helped like the newscaster dog Chuckles, the newborn puppies, and the boa constrictor that freaked Olive out. The ending was perfect.... yeah, I love purple, too, and would love that desk!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Brody McMaster wants a fresh start. Getting over his acrimonious divorce, recovering from losing his successful Veterinarian Clinic in Olympia, WA and settling down in small, eclectic Maple Cove, WA is part of the plan. Dr. Samantha Worthington is escaping her perfectly planned life in Olympia, WA. Both her professional and personal life has shattered. An ad for a veterinarian job in tiny Maple Cove seems the perfect life change. And so Brody and Sam begin new adventures that bring them, and a town full of unique characters, together. Both main characters are self sufficient, intelligent and devoted to the animals they save. They are providing the first steps to saving, not only each other, but a whole communityand their pets. Add in Brody's beautiful German Shephard, Aramis, and you have a wonderful, touching and very satisfying small town romance.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

shes a vet who just got fired and found her boyfriend with the boss' daughter

she applied for and got another job in a small town

he is also a vet, with a beautiful german shepard dog. he was unable to convert his duplex into a clinic and apt so hes renting the other side out. he also wants to work at the same clinic she got the job in but the owner and worker are not very friendly to him

while the vet is out of town they are both co running the clinic

she rented his other side of the duplex
his dog loves her but they dont get along with each other, they both look like each others x's

she had to move to his side of the duplex when there was a flood

they were on tv when she saved a dog and got a ton of business

her old boss wanted her back but they saved the clinic and bought it together.

she is going to stay there and they love each other

[Kenzley Ricklefs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute book centered around a failing vet clinic in maple cove, Sam and Brody start out not wanting anything series, sam just lost her internship and found out her boyfriend was cheating on her. Brody just went threw a divorce. Both looking for a new start find themselves co running maple coves vet clinic. As the book progresses so do their feelings for each other and no matter how they try to deny it they can’t. It really picks up when Sam does a highish profile neuro surgery the clinic gets tons of press and the vet clinic gets very busy and the original vet agrees to potentially sell the clinic to Brody which is what he wanted to start with. This was a super slow burn, kinda enemies to friends then friends to lovers with a forced proximity. It’s the purrfect book to curl up to on a rainy cold day.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Maple Cove Dog Lovers' Society series, once I started reading this book I was not putting it down until I had finished reading it. Samantha Worthington and Brody McMaster's story, both are DVM and wanting the same job in Maple Cove. They both have a lot to get over from their pasts, Sam's is a boyfriend that cheated on her and Brody's is an ex-wife. I enjoyed seeing this well written story that has a very good storyline come together. This story was well worth reading. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Sam and Brody are hired on to work as vets at the local animal hospital. Unfortunately, they both are coming out of failed romance situations and looking for a new beginning. Unfortunately, the senior vet and owner of the practice takes off cross country to attempt reconciliation with his wife. Unfortunately, once Brody takes a look at the practice's books, he realizes they've been in the red and failing as a business for months. Loved the quirky ideas Sam, Brody, and Olive come up with to increase business! A fun read! Looking forward to the next book in this series by this new (to me) author!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Brody start out as textbook enemies, but as often happens when that much chemistry is involved, those feelings morph as they get to know one another. I loved watching this pair as they learned to let down their defenses and let one another in, as they realized they could trust and depend on each other. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but I had so much fun that it certainly won’t be the last. I’m already starting to fall in love with the quirky members of the Maple Cove Dog Lovers’ Society, and I can’t wait to dig into the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is the first book I have read by this author and I was blown away. Her writing is so on point it cares a via like you are right there with the characters feeling what they are going through. This is a clean romance about two individuals starting over and learning to trust again. There are several interesting characters throughout the book however Aramis the German Shephard. This is an anzing book that you will not be able to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Gotta Love that Dog, Aramis!

This is an extremely fun story with its characters, Brody and Sam, at times at odds trying to co-run a veterinary clinic and other times working together but denying the attraction between themselves. Both are coming out of failed relationships and are gun shy about any new ones. And in between them is Brody’s dog, Aramis, who shows a strong affinity for Sam that is reciprocated even with the problems he causes by his affection. In a word “delightful” Is how I viewed this book. I received a free ARC copy for an honest review.

Sis

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, feel good story. Both the H/h are vets. She's actually much more accomplished then he is (a neurosurgeon) while he does enjoys the business side as well as being a vet.

The heroine is brilliant, and has clear career goals shaped somewhat by an unhappy childhood. Loved that she and her sister are super close.

The H has an extremely well trained & well behaved German Shepherd who totally adores the h.

Highly recommended. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. A big plus for me is that it's a wholesome read.

[Janice Gard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to live in a town that combines meetings of the village council with those of the dog lovers society! LOL I love to read books that feature German Shepherds since I have been lucky enough to have shared my life with four of them over the past 34 years. I have enjoyed the books in this series even though they follow pretty much the same formula. Boy meets girl; there's emnity between them at first but as they come to know each other they fall in love. And dogs are an important part of each relationship.

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute.

I am pretty sure that every reader will fall in love with the dog, Aramis. He's sweet, lovable, loyal, and always wants to be included.

Brody and Sam are both healing from failed relationships. Sam is very dedicated to her work. She is passionate and driven. Brody strikes me as an entrepreneur-wanna-be. He wants to rent out the duplex, buy the hospital, etc. They feel too different, but manage to work well together.

Overall, the story is okay, but I am not entirely in love with it.

[Ann Tosti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pets and romance, what more could you need? They may not love each other at first sight...in fact, it's more like hate at first sight. But their appearances may remind each other of an ex- their personalities are so different and that makes them perfect together.
Such a sweet romance. Can't wait to read the next one!

*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an arc.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a clean small town read with almost all of the stereotypes that are being made fun of on TV and the movies this December 2021. I realize that the office staff and Vet Techs are an important part of any Animal Hospital. I have never seen as bossy of a person as the clerical person in this book. They do not tell the DMV's what is policy, and stay employed. The epilogue was the start of the second book, not even mentioning any main characters from the first book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Book

Two Veterinarians unlucky in love end up in the same small town trying to get a Vet Clinic back on its feet. The attraction between Sam & Brody grows quickly and Aramis steals the book with being such a smart handsome dog. Great characters and storyline. It’s always fun to occasionally read a feel good story. I hope to read more books by this author in the future.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect

Anyone else get kind of emotional towards the end of this book… no just me?? lol this book was so good I didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed the characters they each were written so well their personalities exploded off the page. you can relate to each one. I fell in love with the dog he was so cute. I think this book was so well written you felt like you were part of the story. I can’t wait to read more

[Vevo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small-town love story with two realistic and really cute characters. a perfect example of how opposites attract each other. This is the first book by this author, which I did not know, I read: a very pleasant discovery !!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and romantic story. All the characters are wonderful and realistic. You understand the hesitation Brody and Sam have about starting a relationship. Great start to the series. The next one seems looks it might be very funny. It is also a very easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a volunteer ARC for this wonderful book. It is a clean romance that hooked me from the beginning. I loved the characters as well as Aramis the shepherd. This book was set in a small town. I found myself laughing at some of the scenes in the story. Looking forward to the next book! This book can stand alone.

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Brody are both coming out of bad relatiionships and looking for something new and end up in the small town of Maple Cove. When they are forced to co-manage a failing animal hospital sparks fly.This is a great book that I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.