The Great Gatz

Gatz Chronicles #2

by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Jackie Logsted

A dog tries his best to keep his two co-parenting owners and their happiness afloat in this hilarious and touching sequel to Joint Custody by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted.

The Man is happy. The Woman is happy. That means Gatz is happy. He'd like to forget about the trouble he made to get them back together--only slightly ashamed at his antics--and focus on the future. The Woman and New Man are about to get married, after all. But when The Woman loses her job because of some bad press about the two of them, her confidence is broken and she can't help but feel resentful towards New Man when his own career stays intact. Gatz has to give it to him; New Man remains as patient as a saint (of course he does).

The Man is doing better, too, thanks to the New Woman in his life, who just so happens to be a writer as well. But two authors in the same relationship can sometimes be one too many, and they find themselves getting quite competitive with each other. But Gatz has faith in them--The Man did learn from his mistakes, didn't he?

Gatz doesn't know what happened to these two perfectly happy couples, but he knows one thing is for sure: not all families are alike, and happiness can be found in the unlikeliest pockets--just like treats!

Genres: Romance, Dogs, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Animals, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Lauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).

Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.

Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.

In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.

Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.

In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.

Lauren’s favorite color is green.

Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.

Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and cuddly holiday treat with enough depth and humor to make the HEA feel earned. Also, it's delightful to see the literary magic of The Sisters Eight series in a mature tale. All the hygge I so needed.

Library copy
GoodReads giveaway copy

Some personal backstory: I have been internet friends with Lauren Baratz-Logsted since 2000 at Readerville, and a fan since she published The Thin Pink Line in 2003. She is responsible for one of the greatest memories of my parenthood. When she, and Jackie, and Greg were working on the first Sisters Eight book, she shared the manuscript for me to read to my kids for feedback. So every night I would read a a new chapter and the next day I would email her with their reactions. Some of their thoughts made it into the final published version. Nothing in a lifetime of reading is as amazing as reading a newly published book to your kids when they hear their idea.

That thirteen years later they have come together to write two more books just delights me no end. So, here you go: Video of Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted Virtual Book Club interview by Ashland County Library.

I look forward to more.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the perspective of the story is from the beloved Gatz - yes Gatz, the lovable and most adorable border collie Gatz - who is being shared by the now separated couple, The Man and The Woman. Gatz is a totally amazing view point and I do enjoy the thoughts, and even more, the dog moments.

I read this over the Christmas holiday and it was so heartwarming and perfect for the season.

This book is perfect for any dog lover - this is a wonderful and heart warming story I just adored.

i did not read the first book and this book definitely worked as a stand alone.

[katelyn :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a fun & entertaining story!! even in such a short book there was so much going on. i loved seeing these characters again & the book being in Gatz’s POV makes it so funny and entertaining.

maybe im just a crazy dog lover who also has a border collie😅

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gatz series, the first book is, Joint Custody where we meet Gatz a lovely shelter dog who splits his time between "The Man and "The Woman". Being that it's from the dogs' perspective there are no human names mentioned in the book. In this fun rom com, the man and the woman have each moved on, he has started dating again and she is engaged. Gatz is in some pretty embarrassing and funny situations as he must navigate his way through these while giving his humans the best possible advice. I though the book was cute but didn't like the fact they were referred to as "The Man and "The Woman as it makes me less able to connect with the story.

Pub Date: 7 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

The Great Gatz is the story about a family told through the perspective of their beloved border collie, Gatz. He's cute, funny, intelligent and always in the middle of everything. He loves The Man and The Woman fiercely and does everything he can to protect their happiness. The Man and The Woman are no longer together and they share Gatz on a split schedule through the week. I love how included they have him in their lives and how much credit he takes for all of their moments. They are each with someone new, The New Man and The New Woman, and he helps them navigate the ins and outs of new relationships and their careers.

I love the way this was written. Gatz is a dog and he has complete dog moments where he's telling us about the smell of hors d'oeuvres or how much he wants to sniff a butt but most of the story he is a psychologist who loves every aspect of his people. He is insightful and provides poignant quotes and advice that somehow always hits the mark.

If you love dogs and cozy family stories with real world scenarios that are not overblown with drama or steam then check this one out!

Thanks to Netgalley for access to this novel. All opinions above are my own.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things have gotten much more complicated for Gatz, the rescue dog who narrates this sweet story about two couples. Adopted as a pup by the Man and the Woman, he was crushed when the two of them separated and spent much effort trying to get them back together. That didn't happen, though, and now he's sharing his life with the Man and the New Woman and the Woman and the New Man. Only all is not well in their relationships either. Jealousy and competition are causing problems and Gatz, dear Gatz, does his best to wiggle his way into making life better for everyone. There are no devils here, only people coping with challenges. I liked the first book (Baratz-Logsted catches you up immediately so this is fine as a standalone) and I liked this one even more. Yes you must buy into Gatz, a dog, knowing things that many people do not about literature and life, but that was ok by me. He's a treat and he's got a sense of playfulness that is welcome these days. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A fun read.

[Laura Skladzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love, love, LOVED this sweet rom com! In "Joint Custody", the first book in this series, Gatz the dog splits his time living with The Man and The Woman (as he refers to them, since the novel is told from his perspective). The Woman is now engaged to New Man, while The Man begins dating New Woman, and Gatz is there through all the ups and downs to help The Man and The Woman find happiness. I was really impressed by how the authors spent the first chapter reminding readers what happened in the first novel, as I hate when authors jump right in and assume we are reading them back to back; however, the recap was done in a really natural way that didn't feel like the "Chapter 2" of the Babysitter's Club books of my youth ;) I had a tough time putting this down, and ended up reading it in just two days. I really hope there is a Gatz Chronicles #3, as these characters are delightful and the writing is sparkly fun without being at all ditzy.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming dog narrator Gatz is traveling between the writer "Man" and the editor "Woman" and her "New Man," who is also a writer in this humorous romance. Then "Man" meets another writer and Gatz is trying to make them all happy. The characters are all good to Gatz as well, but they all have problems and there are serious issues that develop through the story. Readers can read this without reading "Joint Custody," but starting with the first in the "Gatz Chronicles" is worthwhile. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[BLD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun read. I enjoyed it more than the first book. Hope there will be more books in the series.

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series from perspective of a dog!

[Lise Levesque McWilliams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just so cute ! It makes your lips curl. Easy relaxing read.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Great Gatz
Authors: Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Jackie Logsted
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Series: Gatz Chronicle #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
The Great Gatz" by Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Jackie Logsted

My Opinion:

'The Great Gatz' continues from the first series, 'Joint Custody,' where the authors have done an excellent job with this Gatz's story. We find Gatz's has two owners where The Man has custody Monday thru Friday...who is a writer and The Woman has him on the weekend...who is an editor. What has happened that has presented this situation? Well, that's a story you will have to read in the first series but now what is happening in this story...'The Great Gatz' as we find that since The Man and The Woman have split, it looks like she has moved on to a New Man in her life. And what will this mean for The Gatz as he [the dog] realizes that there will be some changes going on, so what will he do as 'drastic times call for extreme doggy measures?
Be ready for laugh-out-loud times that will have you doing just that...l o loud!

As we move on into this story...will Gatz be able to "keep his two co-parenting owners as their happiness afloat in this hilarious and touching sequel?" By the way, you know the dog is narrating this story...right! If only he could keep both Man and Woman happy ...he will be satisfied too but will that happen now that The Woman has a New Man and they are engaged to be married! But all in all, all looks good until some bad press about them causes The Woman to lose her job; however, nothing happens to The New Man's career. How will The New Man handle this situation?

Moving on, we find The Man has a New Woman in his life, and all seems to be going OK until competitiveness starts among them and my, my, my will this couple begins to have problems where it leaves poor Gatz wondering...someone 'did not learn from earlier mistakes? Will the therapy be the answer? Gatz's will be only left wondering 'what had happened to these two happy couples.' How, if anything, can Gatz help fix things for them? You will have to pick up 'The Great Gatz' to see how well these authors will bring it all out to the reader as they create a 'fun dog's eye view of a good romance.'

I would suggest one pick up the first series first to get ahead of what has previously gone on with Gatz and his owners.

Thank you to NetGallery and Berkley for an early copy of this read and for giving my opinion.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GREAT GATZ by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted offers a heartwarming perspective through the eyes of Gatz, a lovable border collie navigating the complexities of his owners' evolving relationships. The story unfolds as The Woman and The Man navigate new relationships, bringing humor and warmth to the narrative. Gatz's viewpoint adds a delightful layer, capturing the essence of dog moments that resonate with any dog lover. The book, perfect for the holiday season, delivers a charming tale of family dynamics and unexpected happiness. The unique narrative style, coupled with Gatz's insights, creates an engaging and heartwarming experience. A must-read for dog enthusiasts, this installment in the Gatz Chronicles series is a delightful and uplifting story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

✏ Favourite quote: “Maybe happiness is hanging in there. Maybe happiness is choosing to be happy with another. You love who you love, and if you work hard enough and you're lucky enough, by the grace of the Universe, you get to keep it."

[Kelly Dok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever bought a book based on the cover and not really read the synopsis? That was me, falling for Gatz on the cover with those eyes! If I paid attention, I would have learned it was a sequel.

The Great Gatz, by mother-daughter duo Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted, is the second novel following Joint Custody.
The book is told from the point-of-view of Gatz, a rescued Border Collie, who tries his barkiest best to keep all his co-parenting owners happy while living his best life at two homes with twice the holiday meals and gifts.

You don’t have to have read the first book, the Prologue helps get you up to speed, but I did have to re-read the first chapter. Why? Since Gatz knows no names, he describes the characters as: New Man, Woman, New Woman, Man, The Brunette, Lil Sis, Mega Bestseller, etc. As a cute rom-com, this was a unique way to name the characters!

The book also focuses on relationships, the ups and downs, as well as social and emotional story lines, with this, Gatz knows when to nudge, literally and figuratively. Gatz, in his slick way, helps his humans in times where he thinks there is a better decision for a situation.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gatz is back! Gatz is back! I fell in love with Gatz in Joint Custody and I think I love him even more, if that is possible. In this book Gatz spends his time during the week with The Man and New Woman and the weekends with The Woman and New Man. And boy does he have his work cut out for him in this book as each couple is having ups and downs.
I love getting the POV through beloved border collie Gatz, he makes me laugh. I had a smile on my fact the whole time I was reading.
If you read and loved Joint Custody, then you really need to read The Great Gatz. And if you have not read them, then you need to run to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of both of them.
I don’t want to spoil anything that happens in this book, but I will say that Gatz meets all kinds of new people and even a cat names Hoops LOL And oh yes Everyone loves him and he gets all kinds of hugs and great food.
I really really really hope there will be another Gatz book because I need him in my life.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this rom-com narrated by Gatz, the dog. Gatz was focused on getting his adoptive parents (The Man and The Woman) back together. They have joint custody of him. He is now beginning to adjust to them each getting involved with new love interests. Gatz has an entertaining and interesting perspective on their lives. All the humans know each other as three of them are writers and The Woman is a book editor. Gatz’s take on everything going on (both dog and human) is very on point. He even tries to intervene when his humans are doing something inappropriate. A must read for dog lovers and anyone who enjoys a rom-com.

[Debbie Schiedel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story told entirely from the perspective of an unforgettable dog, Gatz. This book was a heartwarming, rom/com about a divorced couple moving on but linked together by their shared custody of Gatz. This was actually a sequel, but not having read the first I had no problem following the story line. If you are a dog lover, please give this captivating book a chance. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

[A_Stylish_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @berkleyromance for The Great Gatz. This is the perfect book for a dog lover. It was so fun to have it told by the perspective of the adorable Gatz, a beloved dog, owned by The Man and The Woman who are no longer together.

Gatz gets to meet the New Woman and New Man and all the adventures of dating. I love there’s so many cute doggie moments like his love for hors d’oeuvre.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel reminds me of "The Art of Racing in the Rain" which I loved. It is told from the point of view of the dog, Gatz. This was a sequel although I had not read Joint Custody which was the first novel. Very well written with well developed characters. You can't hide character flaws from your dog, even though he will still love you.

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and delightful story from the viewpoint of Gatz, an insightful Border Collie. We first met him in “Joint custody” and this sequel begins 6 months after the events chronicled there. Family and work relationships play an important role, all described by Gatz. He does his absolute best to understand what’s happening and how to best help all his humans. Literary allusions included. Gorgeous!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speaking from the dog’s view of his humans; a man & woman divorced but share the supportive dog. He witnesses the woman and new man’s relationship develop and the man and new woman’s troubles and solving them.
The dog is loved by both including the new relationships as well as their families-if only dogs could talk!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series. The book has a good story. It's wonderful in that it shows the massive damage that can be done by Politically Correct people, who follow the mob on Twitter in making career decisions about employees!

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Great Gatz—he second book featuring the narrator-dog Gatz—seems tired. The conflicts of this novel feel contrived, and what was fresh and witty in the original grows familiar and predictable.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that animals are the narrators. This is book 2 in the Gatz Chronicles series and can be read as a stand alone. Gatz was a shelter dog and adopted by Man and Woman. (There are no humans named in the book.) When man and woman split up they split custody and Gatz travels between their homes. When Woman meets new man and man meets new woman Gatz must navigate human relations and guide all his people. This might sound complicated but the story is wonderful and Gatz truly is a wonder. This is a double love story. Can't wait for book 3 which was set up nicely. If you enjoy The Chet and Bernie series, (more cozy than love) you'll enjoy this series also. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mysterious]

DNF 12%

[Diane Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Such a cute,feel good story. I didn't read the first book and this is easily a standalone. You will fall in love with Gatz.

[Stacey Cormier · Rating 4 out of 5]

So darn cute 🥰

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good friendly dog book.

[Kayla Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, cute, and funny love story from the perspective of a dog. I cant decide which book i like the best, this is a must read!