In Dog We Trust

November 1, 2018
A woman inherits a pack of purebred show dogs, a mansion, and a whole lot of trouble.Jocelyn Hillier is used to working hard. Together with her mother, she runs a laundry business in Black Dog Bay, Delaware, washing sheets and towels for the "summer people" who vacation there. A chance encounter leads to Jocelyn's meeting Mr. Allardyce, the owner of several pedigreed Labrador retrievers and the fanciest of fancy shore-side mansions. Although Mr. Allardyce hates most people, he takes a liking to Jocelyn--or at least to how she treats his dogs--and hires her to give them some much-needed attention and exercise. When Mr. Allardyce suddenly dies, he leaves all of his money to his dogs...and he appoints Jocelyn as the dogs' guardian. Overnight, she gains access to a mansion and more money than she's ever dreamed of. The story starts out a bit slow, but it picks up when Liam, Mr. Allardyce's estranged son, shows up. Liam is rude, annoying, and contesting the will--but he's also very cute and strangely charming. As he fights with Jocelyn over the house and money, she starts to realize that he may have better intentions than she thought. Kendrick (Once Upon a Wine, 2016, etc.) creates fun and engaging characters, particularly Jocelyn. She's willing to take care of everyone in her life, from her new dogs to her mother, but she never comes across as annoyingly perfect--instead, she's a snarky hard worker who would do anything for her animals. The budding romance between Jocelyn and Liam is compelling, but the story really excels when Jocelyn interacts with her hilarious best friend, Bree. Although Kendrick does address some heavier topics, like absent fathers and socio-economic differences, the bulk of the story is a lighthearted take on family, friendship, and the importance of real, honest human (and canine) connections. Dog lovers and rom-com fans will find lots to like here.A funny and touching look at family and forgiveness--with plenty of dogs.

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November 15, 2018

After she saves a Lab and a mutt from being run over, Jocelyn Hillier is hired to dog-sit for Carmen, Curtis, and Hester, pedigreed Labrador show dogs belonging to grumpy, reclusive Mr. Allardyce. As a local in the resort town of Black Dog Bay, Jocelyn has always worked hard for her money. When Mr. Allardyce unexpectedly passes away, she's shocked to learn she's been appointed cotrustee to oversee the massive inheritance left to the dogs. Her life is in an uproar, her boyfriend dumps her, and Mr. Allardyce's handsome but hostile son Liam is trying to overturn the will. The dogs' show trainer is angry that she did not become the legal guardian and is suing for custody. Resolved to keep her new pack happy and well loved, Jocelyn turns to her friends and family for support. VERDICT Next in the "Black Dog Bay" series (after Once upon a Wine and Put a Ring on It), Kendrick offers a lighthearted, sweet story filled with entertaining characters of both the two-legged and four-legged kind. Fans of Kristan Higgins and dog lovers are in for a wagging good time.--Joy Gunn, Paseo Verde Lib., Henderson, NV

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2018
Everything is going to the dogs, literally, in this latest charmer from Kendrick (Once Upon a Wine, 2016). Black Dog Bay resident Jocelyn Hillier doesn't normally associate with the wealthy owners of the decadent beach houses that dot the bay, unless it's to wash their linens. But then Jocelyn becomes a dog walker for the wealthy Mr. Allardyce, and she is soon embroiled in more than just dirty laundry. When Mr. Allardyce passes away unexpectedly, he leaves the majority of his wealth to his three show dogs, Carmen, Curtis, and Hester. Mr. Allardyce's will appoints Jocelyn to be the dogs' guardian, catapulting her to the wealthy echelon of society. But more money means more problems for Jocelyn when people from Mr. Allardyce's past and present contest the legality of her guardianship. Written with wit and filled with characters brimming with sass, In Dog We Trust is a novel of friendship, family, and cute dogs that can be enjoyed by even the most canine-averse readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)