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Free to a Good Home
A delightful debut novel about a woman coming to terms with past disappointments and forging a bright new future-man and dog included. Noelle Ryan works as a veterinary technician at a New England animal shelter, helping pets find homes. If only it were as easy to find one for herself. After discovering she can't have children-and watching her marriage fall apart after a shocking revelation by her husband-she feels as sad and lost as the strays she rescues. She can't seem to get over her ex, Jay. Unfortunately, all Jay wants from her is a huge serving as caretaker for his elderly mother, who blames Noelle for the breakup. While Jay heads off to Atlanta to live the life of a bachelor, Noelle is left only with her Great Dane, Zeke, to comfort her. But when a carefree musician named Jasper tugs at her heartstrings, giving her a second chance at life- and at love- Noelle comes to realize that home is truly where the heart is.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2010
About the author
Eve Marie Mont
4 books168 followersI'm a high school English teacher and author whose young adult debut, A BREATH OF EYRE, was released by Kensington Books in April, 2012 as the first in the Unbound trilogy. The sequel, A TOUCH OF SCARLET, will be released in March, 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book about veterinary technician, Noelle Ryan, who’s trying to move on in her life since her divorce from her husband, Jay. There’s a wonderful cast of characters. I especially enjoyed reading about Noelle's relationship with her ex-mother-in-law, Margaret, and new man in her life, Jasper. There’s also some pretty adorable dogs here, too. :)
February 5, 2011
Sometimes you need a book that is just a fun read and takes little or no brain matter to absorb. This is such a book.
Noelle is a veterinary technician at an animal shelter. Her life, right now, revolves around the dogs she is in charge of. She has just come out of a marriage that fell apart for many reasons, although the parting was very amiable. In fact it was so amiable that her husband left town and left her in charge of their Great Dane. He also convinced Noelle that she should take care of his mother, a mother-in-law who thought Noelle was a poor choice for her son's wife.
Noelle finds herself agreeing to everything her ex-husband, Jay, asks of her because she still believes she is still in love with him. Her life becomes complicated when she is introduced to Jasper and finds herself caring for him. The trouble is she is still haunted by her feelings for Jay. Jasper becomes aware of her duplicity and tells Noelle that their relationship is over until she can come to terms with her life.
There are many light hearted moments in this story. Noelle's interaction with her mother-in-law and her moments with her own family goes from very serious to very funny. She finds her brother, who is forever out of work, is about to become a father. The trouble he is not married.
A very easy read that will appeal to just about everyone. It has romance, a little mystery, comedy, and dogs - it doesn't get much better than that.
Noelle is a veterinary technician at an animal shelter. Her life, right now, revolves around the dogs she is in charge of. She has just come out of a marriage that fell apart for many reasons, although the parting was very amiable. In fact it was so amiable that her husband left town and left her in charge of their Great Dane. He also convinced Noelle that she should take care of his mother, a mother-in-law who thought Noelle was a poor choice for her son's wife.
Noelle finds herself agreeing to everything her ex-husband, Jay, asks of her because she still believes she is still in love with him. Her life becomes complicated when she is introduced to Jasper and finds herself caring for him. The trouble is she is still haunted by her feelings for Jay. Jasper becomes aware of her duplicity and tells Noelle that their relationship is over until she can come to terms with her life.
There are many light hearted moments in this story. Noelle's interaction with her mother-in-law and her moments with her own family goes from very serious to very funny. She finds her brother, who is forever out of work, is about to become a father. The trouble he is not married.
A very easy read that will appeal to just about everyone. It has romance, a little mystery, comedy, and dogs - it doesn't get much better than that.
August 25, 2010
A good read, though there wasn't as much about dogs as I expected or hoped for. It's actually a story about a woman recovering from a divorce and learning to live for herself, not others. She just happens to be a vet tech and raises money for the animal shelter where she works.
Noelle thought she was going to have it all. The perfect husband, a gorgeous house, and a couple of children. Instead, her husband has announced he is gay, she is living in a "tiny two bedroom shoebox" and has recently found out she is barren. Her gay ex husband is still making demands on her... "Take care of my mother.. move in with my new lover and I.. Help us adopt a baby from India..." Noelle either has to learn to say no or make the most of it.
She also meets a musician/financial advisor fellow who seems really interested in her.. BUT seems his super hot ex girlfriend is always around...
I liked the book and enjoyed the story, but felt the romance a bit lacking. You really expect a super hot, twenty something musician to be on standy by for a year? That's about how long it takes Noelle to get her "stuff" together and considering she only sees this guy every other month or so.. I found it just a bit preposterous.
Noelle thought she was going to have it all. The perfect husband, a gorgeous house, and a couple of children. Instead, her husband has announced he is gay, she is living in a "tiny two bedroom shoebox" and has recently found out she is barren. Her gay ex husband is still making demands on her... "Take care of my mother.. move in with my new lover and I.. Help us adopt a baby from India..." Noelle either has to learn to say no or make the most of it.
She also meets a musician/financial advisor fellow who seems really interested in her.. BUT seems his super hot ex girlfriend is always around...
I liked the book and enjoyed the story, but felt the romance a bit lacking. You really expect a super hot, twenty something musician to be on standy by for a year? That's about how long it takes Noelle to get her "stuff" together and considering she only sees this guy every other month or so.. I found it just a bit preposterous.
September 18, 2010
Eve Marie Mont's debut novel Free to a Good Home introduces veterinary tech Noelle Ryan, a woman whose life has been flipped upside down. Noelle's marriage began as the stuff dreams are made of, but it began to crumble when she had difficulty getting pregnant. Then her husband Jay left her -- for a man. Now Noelle is stuck in an in-between kind of place, still enamored with her unattainable former husband, living in a rental house, and working harder each day for no increase in salary. Her primary companion is Zeke, her Great Dane rescue dog -- always there for her, but lacking in the conversation department. And her favorite pastime -- browsing the House For Sale ads -- only reminds her of everything she doesn't have.
Jay is the worst kind of ex a woman can have -- just kind enough to keep Noelle hanging on, taking her to dinner for her birthday, finding little ways to stay in her life and not sever the tie between them. But as the book goes on, Jay shows his true nature, his self-centeredness that is evident to everyone but Noelle. First, he asks Noelle to help care for his mother who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Later, he refuses to travel from his new Atlanta bachelor pad back to Rhode Island when his mother is hospitalized. Finally, he asks Noelle to make a sacrifice for him that will change her life -- and prevent her from ever moving on.
Meanwhile, Noelle's life is pushing her to change at every turn, much to her chagrin. She meets a gorgeous, younger musician named Jasper who is as determined to get to know her as she is to keep her distance from him. And her relationship with Jay's mother, Margaret, grows into a friendship neither of them expected. In addition to her personal life, Noelle also begins to make changes at the animal shelter where she works, and to breathe new life into the programs there.
Arcing throughout the novel are several themes which Mont examines with grace: the timeless coming-of-age tale, no matter how old you might be; the difficulties of procreation and the pain of infertility; and the complicated dynamics that exist in every family. Mont forces Noelle into making difficult but realistic choices, capturing the reader's attention along the way.
The form the novel takes makes for an interesting and easy progression; rather than dividing the book into chapters, Mont chose to section it by months, from December of one year to December of the next. This allows readers to view Noelle from season to season, and as she herself progresses throughout that year. In the year-long span, Mont also describes secondary characters and their maturing during those twelve months. One of the most endearing minor characters is Noelle's brother Nick, whose year would make for an interesting story on its own -- he goes from unemployed and living with their parents to responsible adulthood during the novel's time frame.
According to an interview with Mont on the Free Book Friday blog, she is currently working on a Young Adult novel. With years of experience as a high school English teacher, I'm sure she has plenty of teenage inspiration to help her devise an excellent YA novel!
Win your own copy of Free to a Good Home on the book giveaway website Free Book Friday this Friday, July 9th; there are three copies up for grabs, so your chances are pretty good! Peeking Between the Pages also has a guest post and giveaway. For a sneak peek of the novel, visit Mont's own website, where the author is also hosting a Book Club giveaway in honor of the novel's release and National Pet Adoption month.
Jay is the worst kind of ex a woman can have -- just kind enough to keep Noelle hanging on, taking her to dinner for her birthday, finding little ways to stay in her life and not sever the tie between them. But as the book goes on, Jay shows his true nature, his self-centeredness that is evident to everyone but Noelle. First, he asks Noelle to help care for his mother who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Later, he refuses to travel from his new Atlanta bachelor pad back to Rhode Island when his mother is hospitalized. Finally, he asks Noelle to make a sacrifice for him that will change her life -- and prevent her from ever moving on.
Meanwhile, Noelle's life is pushing her to change at every turn, much to her chagrin. She meets a gorgeous, younger musician named Jasper who is as determined to get to know her as she is to keep her distance from him. And her relationship with Jay's mother, Margaret, grows into a friendship neither of them expected. In addition to her personal life, Noelle also begins to make changes at the animal shelter where she works, and to breathe new life into the programs there.
Arcing throughout the novel are several themes which Mont examines with grace: the timeless coming-of-age tale, no matter how old you might be; the difficulties of procreation and the pain of infertility; and the complicated dynamics that exist in every family. Mont forces Noelle into making difficult but realistic choices, capturing the reader's attention along the way.
The form the novel takes makes for an interesting and easy progression; rather than dividing the book into chapters, Mont chose to section it by months, from December of one year to December of the next. This allows readers to view Noelle from season to season, and as she herself progresses throughout that year. In the year-long span, Mont also describes secondary characters and their maturing during those twelve months. One of the most endearing minor characters is Noelle's brother Nick, whose year would make for an interesting story on its own -- he goes from unemployed and living with their parents to responsible adulthood during the novel's time frame.
According to an interview with Mont on the Free Book Friday blog, she is currently working on a Young Adult novel. With years of experience as a high school English teacher, I'm sure she has plenty of teenage inspiration to help her devise an excellent YA novel!
Win your own copy of Free to a Good Home on the book giveaway website Free Book Friday this Friday, July 9th; there are three copies up for grabs, so your chances are pretty good! Peeking Between the Pages also has a guest post and giveaway. For a sneak peek of the novel, visit Mont's own website, where the author is also hosting a Book Club giveaway in honor of the novel's release and National Pet Adoption month.
July 14, 2010
There are times when we read books that we bring our past life experiences with us into the story. Other times we are just looking for a fun read, a way to escape real life for a few hours. And then there are the times we are looking to identify with a character, to see how someone else might handle a situation that we currently find ourselves in. That's why we all rate books differently. My opinion about a book is influenced heavily by my ability to relate to the character, to understand him/her, and to find meaning in his/her thoughts and actions. Being a great story helps too!
Free to a Good Home is a book that I connected with, right from the beginning. Noelle Ryan is a woman who happens to be the same exact age I am. She is struggling to identify herself after her divorce to a man who turned out, as a complete surprise to just about everyone, to be gay. Noelle is also battling infertility. She is the tpe of person who wants to please everyone, do everything for everyone. Everyone, of course, except for herself. When Noelle meets Jasper, her relationship with him allows her to begin to explore her own self-worth and self-identity. She learns to stick up for herself and to do things for herself - things that will finally make her happy.
I am a huge dog lover so reading about Noelle's career as a vet tech and working in an animal shelter held my interest. I loved reading about Zeke, her Great Dane, as well as the other dogs that she interacts with throughout the book. Since children are not in my future, I really do see my dogs as being my "fur" babies.
I feel like this story was meant for me. I've found that books that deal with any type of infertility issue allow me to explore other people's mind-sets and give me permission to just be okay with being who I am, fertility issues and all. The author has a tremedous understanding of what I am going through as a woman, struggling to identify who I am and what I should be. Nine years ago, when I got the news that I would be unable to have children, my life changed in a heartbeat. I felt that this book really captured the emotions that I continually feel - longing, insecurity, low self-worth, and extreme disappointment. But this book also gave me hope. Hope that I can still lead a fulfilling life without having kids.
I loved this book. I connected with this book. I would highly recommend this book to others. It seems that I've been reading a lot of books lately that have made me ponder my own life, the choices I've made, and the choices that were taken from me before I could make them myself. I like books that make me think about my own life, books that make me feel that I'm doing what I want to be doing; that I am actually living my life and not just existing.
Bravo to Eve Marie Mont, first-time novelist - you hit this one out of the park!
Jennifer
http://www.crazy-for-books.com
October 12, 2010
4.5 Stars
Noelle Ryan is at a crossroads in her life. Should she remain stuck where she is or try to push forward even though she doesn’t know what is to come? Noelle is recently divorced from Jay. During their marriage, she learns she’s unable to conceive. It’s about this time Jay discloses he’s gay. He married Noelle for stability, however he cannot deny who he really is. Noelle is devastated by this, but somehow she remains close friends with Jay.
When Jay comes back to town to ask Noelle to take care of his mother, Margaret, by giving her daily injections (Margaret has MS), Noelle is stunned. Margaret didn’t care for Noelle when she was married to her son, so imagine how she’ll be now.
It’s about this time that Noelle meets Jasper. During their first meeting, Noelle quickly makes assumptions about Jasper (which she later finds out are wrong) and her wall immediately goes up. Jasper is so obviously into her, that it frightens Noelle. As their friendship develops, Noelle is forced to make decisions she has feared for awhile. Can she let go of past hurts and disappointments and allow happiness to find its way to her?
Free to a Good Home is a wonderful book about finding one’s way to love again after feeling broken and bruised for so long. At first glance, it’s easy to judge Noelle and write her off as being weak and insecure. Mont does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged with Noelle, that you want her to keep moving forward and be vulnerable with Jasper, even though it’s absolutely terrifying for her to do so. Through Noelle’s relationship with Jasper, Mont shows how difficult, but yet necessary, it is to enter into a new relationship and allow someone into your personal space.
Noelle’s relationship with Margaret changes as Noelle grows patient with the physical and medical changes that Margaret is facing. Margaret, in turn, encourages Noelle to find life after the divorce from her son. After all Jay has moved on, and she wants Noelle to do so as well. Noelle begins to lean on Margaret, which in turns helps her to be with Jasper.
What brings comfort and peace to Noelle is Zeke, her Great Dane. Noelle feels so much love for her dog and the other animals at the shelter where she works. At times I wanted her feel this intensely for Jasper.
Free to a Good Home is a great read about healing, growth and finding the courage to love again. It’s one I highly recommend!
Noelle Ryan is at a crossroads in her life. Should she remain stuck where she is or try to push forward even though she doesn’t know what is to come? Noelle is recently divorced from Jay. During their marriage, she learns she’s unable to conceive. It’s about this time Jay discloses he’s gay. He married Noelle for stability, however he cannot deny who he really is. Noelle is devastated by this, but somehow she remains close friends with Jay.
When Jay comes back to town to ask Noelle to take care of his mother, Margaret, by giving her daily injections (Margaret has MS), Noelle is stunned. Margaret didn’t care for Noelle when she was married to her son, so imagine how she’ll be now.
It’s about this time that Noelle meets Jasper. During their first meeting, Noelle quickly makes assumptions about Jasper (which she later finds out are wrong) and her wall immediately goes up. Jasper is so obviously into her, that it frightens Noelle. As their friendship develops, Noelle is forced to make decisions she has feared for awhile. Can she let go of past hurts and disappointments and allow happiness to find its way to her?
Free to a Good Home is a wonderful book about finding one’s way to love again after feeling broken and bruised for so long. At first glance, it’s easy to judge Noelle and write her off as being weak and insecure. Mont does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged with Noelle, that you want her to keep moving forward and be vulnerable with Jasper, even though it’s absolutely terrifying for her to do so. Through Noelle’s relationship with Jasper, Mont shows how difficult, but yet necessary, it is to enter into a new relationship and allow someone into your personal space.
Noelle’s relationship with Margaret changes as Noelle grows patient with the physical and medical changes that Margaret is facing. Margaret, in turn, encourages Noelle to find life after the divorce from her son. After all Jay has moved on, and she wants Noelle to do so as well. Noelle begins to lean on Margaret, which in turns helps her to be with Jasper.
What brings comfort and peace to Noelle is Zeke, her Great Dane. Noelle feels so much love for her dog and the other animals at the shelter where she works. At times I wanted her feel this intensely for Jasper.
Free to a Good Home is a great read about healing, growth and finding the courage to love again. It’s one I highly recommend!
July 29, 2010
Free to a Good Home, a delightful debut novel by Eve Marie Mont, follows a year in the life of Noelle Ryan, a woman whose life has not taken the course she expected. Settling into recently divorced status, Noelle is trying to reconcile her dreams of the perfect life with the one she is actually living. While she keeps herself busy with combing real-estate listings for unachievable dream homes and trying to place unwanted dogs with deserving families, she is ultimately looking for a good home herself, not the physical space but its emotional equivalent. Through it all she must navigate a world of relationships that would test the patience of man’s most loyal best friend. Like the misunderstood dogs she tries to redeem, Noelle gets another chance at happiness in the form of a surprisingly grounded musician. While the Disney version of happily-ever-after may be just a fantasy, Noelle is searching for a real-life alternative that promises to be equally satisfying (and much more entertaining).
Anyone looking for the simple pleasure of a good read will be charmed by Free to a Good Home. The believably likable characters draw the reader into an engaging story that is hard to put down. Noelle’s bouts of self-doubt, struggles to replicate her hairstylist’s magic, and skepticism about the seemingly perfect guy make her the ideal protagonist; an everywoman to whom most readers can relate. The ebb and flow of her relationships provides layers of humor and emotion to a story that is completely relatable. And, while many stories about relationships and love become sappy or banal, thanks to Ms. Mont’s witty and honest writing, Free to a Good Home never falls into that trap. Instead, it is a perfect balance of humor, intelligence, romance, and reality.
Readers hoping to spend chapters of a book scratching their head in confusion should look elsewhere. This is not an overwrought morality tale. But, readers who like to close a book with a satisfied grin will not be disappointed. Like ‘comfort food’, Free to a Good Home is flavorful and filling, and it will leave the reader completely satisfied.
Anyone looking for the simple pleasure of a good read will be charmed by Free to a Good Home. The believably likable characters draw the reader into an engaging story that is hard to put down. Noelle’s bouts of self-doubt, struggles to replicate her hairstylist’s magic, and skepticism about the seemingly perfect guy make her the ideal protagonist; an everywoman to whom most readers can relate. The ebb and flow of her relationships provides layers of humor and emotion to a story that is completely relatable. And, while many stories about relationships and love become sappy or banal, thanks to Ms. Mont’s witty and honest writing, Free to a Good Home never falls into that trap. Instead, it is a perfect balance of humor, intelligence, romance, and reality.
Readers hoping to spend chapters of a book scratching their head in confusion should look elsewhere. This is not an overwrought morality tale. But, readers who like to close a book with a satisfied grin will not be disappointed. Like ‘comfort food’, Free to a Good Home is flavorful and filling, and it will leave the reader completely satisfied.
October 10, 2010
Free to a Good Home tells the story of Noelle Ryan, a veterinary technician at a New England animal shelter. Still struggling with her recent divorce from her husband who admitted he was gay after the two struggled with getting pregnant, Noelle has closed her heart off to love. A huge dog lover, Noelle is perfectly content to stay at home with her Great Dane, Zeke.
When her ex-husband Jay comes into town and begs her to help him out by giving a shot to his sick mom who has never liked Noelle, Noelle can’t help but succumb to her ex and she reluctantly agrees.
Noelle attends a party at her neighbor’s house where she meets Jasper, a musician. Noelle feels an attraction to him, but convinces herself that she can’t start a relationship because of her own personal issues.
Will Noelle open herself to true love?
I loved this book and read it in one day. I was immediately swept into Noelle’s quiet and cozy world in New England. The setting was absolutely beautiful and Mont did a wonderful job putting the reader right into the picturesque setting.
A cat lover myself, I didn’t know how I’d feel about this book with its heavy focus on dogs (nothing against dogs! I’ve just never had one myself) but I absolutely loved it. I loved learning about Noelle’s relationship with the animals she worked with and how a dog can truly be a best friend. This book made me rethink my status as solely a cat lover.
I did grow frustrated with Noelle’s unwillingness to open her heart to love. Several times throughout the book, I wanted to scream, “Open your eyes! Look at the perfect guy standing right in front of you!” But alas, that’s the beauty of love and of story telling. All cannot be perfect and the main character must have some sort of inner conflict. Even though I could see that Jasper was a great guy, Noelle had to learn for herself.
I also loved the unlikely friendship that developed between Noelle and her ex-mother-in-law.
Eve Marie Mont tells a beautiful and relateable story. You won’t want to put this one down.
When her ex-husband Jay comes into town and begs her to help him out by giving a shot to his sick mom who has never liked Noelle, Noelle can’t help but succumb to her ex and she reluctantly agrees.
Noelle attends a party at her neighbor’s house where she meets Jasper, a musician. Noelle feels an attraction to him, but convinces herself that she can’t start a relationship because of her own personal issues.
Will Noelle open herself to true love?
I loved this book and read it in one day. I was immediately swept into Noelle’s quiet and cozy world in New England. The setting was absolutely beautiful and Mont did a wonderful job putting the reader right into the picturesque setting.
A cat lover myself, I didn’t know how I’d feel about this book with its heavy focus on dogs (nothing against dogs! I’ve just never had one myself) but I absolutely loved it. I loved learning about Noelle’s relationship with the animals she worked with and how a dog can truly be a best friend. This book made me rethink my status as solely a cat lover.
I did grow frustrated with Noelle’s unwillingness to open her heart to love. Several times throughout the book, I wanted to scream, “Open your eyes! Look at the perfect guy standing right in front of you!” But alas, that’s the beauty of love and of story telling. All cannot be perfect and the main character must have some sort of inner conflict. Even though I could see that Jasper was a great guy, Noelle had to learn for herself.
I also loved the unlikely friendship that developed between Noelle and her ex-mother-in-law.
Eve Marie Mont tells a beautiful and relateable story. You won’t want to put this one down.
August 12, 2016
Recommended because I loved
Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts
, and I was beyond delighted to find that this was almost as charming and engaging. Sure, her ex-husband immediately establishes himself as the kind of character you want to punch in the face ("I knew I was gay, but decided to pretend otherwise before later breaking my wife's heart"), but there are only so many ways to get rid of a first husband when writing a new love story, and all things considered, this one wasn't too emotionally devastating, keeping the tale light and fluffy.
I loved Jasper as soon as we met him, got attached to Margaret as her cantankerous attitude softened, and admired Noelle's whole family. Even though dogs weren't quite as centrally established as in the other book, they were still were frequently mentioned since she had the best job in the world and a big lunk of her own. More importantly, she seemed like an extension of me, living my dream life and being a doormat for every favor asked of her. I just loved watching her year unfold.
I loved Jasper as soon as we met him, got attached to Margaret as her cantankerous attitude softened, and admired Noelle's whole family. Even though dogs weren't quite as centrally established as in the other book, they were still were frequently mentioned since she had the best job in the world and a big lunk of her own. More importantly, she seemed like an extension of me, living my dream life and being a doormat for every favor asked of her. I just loved watching her year unfold.
January 2, 2016
What a great book! I really enjoyed this. It was fun, mostly light, and gave me warm fuzzies! :-) The “big revelation” wasn’t such a shocker. Shortly before it was revealed to the readers, it became clear to me what it was. I don’t think it’s much of a shocker to anyone but Noelle, who was a character I could relate to in so many ways. She’s a great main character! I really liked her.
The dogs were great, and I was relieved that they didn’t dominate the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals. But, well, I wanna read about people, not animals. But, the animals were perfectly integrated to the story. Not too much, but just enough that they are memorable. I loved the reference to the beagle named Jasper. LOL Perhaps it’s partly because I have a beagle, so I look upon those dogs with some fondness.
Overall, this book was a lot of fun to read. It reminded me of Emily Giffin‘s books, so if you’re a fan of her, give this one a try!
The dogs were great, and I was relieved that they didn’t dominate the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals. But, well, I wanna read about people, not animals. But, the animals were perfectly integrated to the story. Not too much, but just enough that they are memorable. I loved the reference to the beagle named Jasper. LOL Perhaps it’s partly because I have a beagle, so I look upon those dogs with some fondness.
Overall, this book was a lot of fun to read. It reminded me of Emily Giffin‘s books, so if you’re a fan of her, give this one a try!
July 10, 2010
Free to a Good Home is a great read. I found it hard to put down (and only did so because I had to tend to my duties as a mom...) The best part were the characters - I loved getting to know all of them, from the main character Noelle who is so relatable, to the guy on the cover - Zeke - who is so lovable. I loved watching all of the relationships bloom - including obviously the relationship between Noelle and her love interest but also the relationship between Noelle and her mom which took an unexpected turn, and especially the relationship between Noelle and Margaret. I loved the very realistic and very satisfying resolution of the problems introduced in the plot. The author really drew me in and kept me wanting to see how things would work out.
August 1, 2010
I received this book as a first read, and what a great suprise. I couldn't stop reading it once I started.
Noelle works for an animal shelter and her love for dogs is amazing. She finds herself in love with an (ex)husband who turns out to be gay, which causes her a lot of issues with trusting a new love. Along the way she finds herself taking care of her ex mother in-law, which opens all kinds of questions and answers in her life. Of course there is new love in the air, and the author doesn't dissapoint the reader with the ending.
Noelle works for an animal shelter and her love for dogs is amazing. She finds herself in love with an (ex)husband who turns out to be gay, which causes her a lot of issues with trusting a new love. Along the way she finds herself taking care of her ex mother in-law, which opens all kinds of questions and answers in her life. Of course there is new love in the air, and the author doesn't dissapoint the reader with the ending.
September 12, 2010
This was Mont's first novel and I think it was well written, easy to read, and a cute love story. Not just the typical guy-girl love story, but many love stories intertwined: family love, unconditional pet love, love for yourself, guy-guy love, and love for others. It wasn't a classic, sappy romantic novel. Mont threw some "real life" curveballs in the storyline that, more often than not, reflect today's modern families.
October 21, 2010
I bought this book after seeing it in Goodreads.
I really liked this book. Don't read it thinking it is about dogs because it is not a typical "dog" book. It is the story of a woman who just happens to work in a dog shelter and how her life evolves through many unconventional relationships. I found myself cheering her on knowing she deserved a happy ending.
I really liked this book. Don't read it thinking it is about dogs because it is not a typical "dog" book. It is the story of a woman who just happens to work in a dog shelter and how her life evolves through many unconventional relationships. I found myself cheering her on knowing she deserved a happy ending.
July 27, 2010
I really liked this book. Noelle the main character has to face the disappointment of not being able to have children and then finds out her husband is gay and wants a divorce. She inherits his Great Dane named Zack and also winds up taking care of her mother-in-law who blamed her for the divorce. it's funny and real.
August 2, 2010
Very satisfying, feel good read. I really liked the main character, Noelle, and her views on life, family and other things, especially her thoughts on home. She was funny, down to earth and had a big heart. I liked the family dynamics between her own and with her mother-in-law Margaret. Kudos to Eva Marie Mont on such a wonderfully endearing debut novel.
January 23, 2021
I'm not quite sure how to rate this. Overall I'd give it a 3.5 because I don't really like "chick-lit" but for chick-lit, I give it a 5. Cute story and a big thumbs up to the responsible animal views and care in the book.
December 22, 2010
i really loved this book. i could not put it down. what a wonderful story i was really moved at how unselfish noelle really was. How patient she was with life in genral. I want a Zeke. i read this book in less than a week.
July 27, 2011
I couldn't put this book down. I really enjoyed it.
November 9, 2010
Wonderful novel that kept me engaged, excited and eager for more!
November 21, 2010
Great story! Entertaining read full of warm, fuzzy moments, takes place during a year's -worth of holidays. Perfect for this time of year.
December 8, 2010
Excellent book. I cant wait for Eve's next novel!
September 5, 2010
What a fun short read!
January 10, 2024
Loved this book - a little frustrating that the lead (Noelle), was so easily manipulated by her ex - but overall such a great book. Loved that Noelle and her ex mother in law became friends and developed a relationship. I am a sucker for love stories and happy endings - this had both. An easy and lovely read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2018
loved it!!! the characters were so well developed and you just loved them. Great story of second chances and making the best of your situation.
March 19, 2018
It is a wandering story. It looks at why we do things and the mis interpertations that we spread and receive. Sorta happy ending. Not the greatest. NOt the worst.
April 17, 2019
I loved this book! It was such an enjoyable and easy read! I actually read the whole thing in 1 day. I instantly connected to Noelle. I wish there was a squeal!
November 6, 2019
Loved this book.
May 6, 2020
I really loved this book. Eve Marie Mont has a writing style that is like talking to a friend.
May 18, 2020
Fun read. Romance, family relationships and dogs. No surprises, but good writing. Even a mystery—why is a reading guide necessary at the end for a book like this? Trust me, you don’t need it.🙃
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