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shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
3.0
My final review may go up to 3.5 stars, but I need to think about this one. I enjoyed the story, but I'm not sure how I feel about Jess.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Dog Park by Laura Caldwell is an absolutely delightful novel about an adorable dog named Baxter and his dog mom, Jessica Champlin. This sweet and light-hearted read is also a wonderful journey of self-discovery and healing for Jessica after she and Baxter unexpectedly become an overnight sensation on social media and in the press after Baxter saves a young girl's life.
Jessica and her ex-husband Sebastian Hess adopted Baxter as a puppy in an effort to save their marriage. Although both fell madly in love with Baxter, their marriage ended in divorce and now they share joint custody of their lovable dog. After the video of Baxter's heroic exploit goes viral, Jessica begins a wildly successful dogwear line while Baxter remains everyone's favorite canine hero.
Since Jessica and Sebastian share custody of Baxter, they continue to see one another on a regular basis. They still have some of the same arguments that led to their divorce but when Jessica becomes involved with her new business, a lot of her animosity towards Sebastian lessens. She also begins a new romance and she is surprised by how much she enjoys her new life. But a shocking betrayal by someone close to her exposes her long hidden secrets and leads to a long overdue reconciliation with someone from her past. When another calamity strikes close to home, Jessica finds help from unexpected people in her life, but her most startling discovery is the hidden strength she finds within herself as she takes charge of a frightening situation.
The Dog Park by Laura Caldwell is an engaging novel with a charming cast of characters and a refreshingly unique storyline. While there is a bit of a romantic element, it is not a traditional romance. Instead, it focuses mainly on lead protagonist, Jessica, as she heals the wounds of her past. It is a fun, heartwarming read that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to everyone who enjoys stories with animals.
The Dog Park by Laura Caldwell is an absolutely delightful novel about an adorable dog named Baxter and his dog mom, Jessica Champlin. This sweet and light-hearted read is also a wonderful journey of self-discovery and healing for Jessica after she and Baxter unexpectedly become an overnight sensation on social media and in the press after Baxter saves a young girl's life.
Jessica and her ex-husband Sebastian Hess adopted Baxter as a puppy in an effort to save their marriage. Although both fell madly in love with Baxter, their marriage ended in divorce and now they share joint custody of their lovable dog. After the video of Baxter's heroic exploit goes viral, Jessica begins a wildly successful dogwear line while Baxter remains everyone's favorite canine hero.
Since Jessica and Sebastian share custody of Baxter, they continue to see one another on a regular basis. They still have some of the same arguments that led to their divorce but when Jessica becomes involved with her new business, a lot of her animosity towards Sebastian lessens. She also begins a new romance and she is surprised by how much she enjoys her new life. But a shocking betrayal by someone close to her exposes her long hidden secrets and leads to a long overdue reconciliation with someone from her past. When another calamity strikes close to home, Jessica finds help from unexpected people in her life, but her most startling discovery is the hidden strength she finds within herself as she takes charge of a frightening situation.
The Dog Park by Laura Caldwell is an engaging novel with a charming cast of characters and a refreshingly unique storyline. While there is a bit of a romantic element, it is not a traditional romance. Instead, it focuses mainly on lead protagonist, Jessica, as she heals the wounds of her past. It is a fun, heartwarming read that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to everyone who enjoys stories with animals.
couchnest's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cute doggie read about Jessica Champlin, her ex Sebastian, and their dog, Baxter. Her ex-Sebastion and her are still good friends, and share custody of Baxter... their parting was really due more to how secretive the nature of ex-Sebastion's journalist job was. Jessica simply could not handle not knowing where her husband was going and when he'd be back, etc. thus the breakdown of their marriage because he couldn't reveal certain details of his job to her.
I've decided that I like books that incorporate animals into the story as focus, and this story does just that. Baxter becomes "Super Dog" after saving a little girl from being hit by a car. Baxter's fame bolsters Jessica's business and thrusts her and Bax into the spotlight. Jessica meets a new guy and things start moving forward and looking up for everyone, but... there are some secrets from Jessica's past that threaten to expose her, and everything comes to a head when her new boyfriend is the one who exposes her to the world.
When Baxter is hit by a car in a hit-and-run, Jessica learns some important truths about herself.
Meanwhile, ex-Sebastion is going through a crisis at work and Jessica realizes how much they love each other. Can their love survive their secrets being revealed?
Let me just say that while I did not rate this 5 stars, that is not because it was a bad book. It just wasn't as riveting or suspenseful as what I normally like to read, so it was a little easier for me to put it down and read other things. A book that really grips me will take all of my attention away from all other books until it is finished, and this book did not do that. It was, however, a nice light distraction that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't think of any major flaws with it, except that it might have been a little predictable. If you like chick-lit and romance, and/or books with pets as characters, you will probably enjoy this book a lot.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've decided that I like books that incorporate animals into the story as focus, and this story does just that. Baxter becomes "Super Dog" after saving a little girl from being hit by a car. Baxter's fame bolsters Jessica's business and thrusts her and Bax into the spotlight. Jessica meets a new guy and things start moving forward and looking up for everyone, but... there are some secrets from Jessica's past that threaten to expose her, and everything comes to a head when her new boyfriend is the one who exposes her to the world.
When Baxter is hit by a car in a hit-and-run, Jessica learns some important truths about herself.
Meanwhile, ex-Sebastion is going through a crisis at work and Jessica realizes how much they love each other. Can their love survive their secrets being revealed?
Let me just say that while I did not rate this 5 stars, that is not because it was a bad book. It just wasn't as riveting or suspenseful as what I normally like to read, so it was a little easier for me to put it down and read other things. A book that really grips me will take all of my attention away from all other books until it is finished, and this book did not do that. It was, however, a nice light distraction that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't think of any major flaws with it, except that it might have been a little predictable. If you like chick-lit and romance, and/or books with pets as characters, you will probably enjoy this book a lot.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
bookertsfarm's review
5.0
Although I read a lot of fantasy and paranormal books, every once in a while I love to throw in something different to mix things up. Well, this past weekend was the time to do this as I was in need of a quick read and "The Dog Park" was the perfect choice. This book is all about second chances. I cannot resist a cute dog in almost any book and Baxter fit the bill. I would say he is just about the most important characters in the book as without him, none of the other would be very interesting at all.
The characters in this book are engaging and while not immediately likable, do tend to grow on you. I enjoyed watching Jessica grow and develop and by the end of the book, I could see her as someone I would hang out with if given the chance. I honestly had issues with all three men in the book, but by the end, the book ended in the best way possible.
When I was younger, while I always loved animals, I never thought I would be one of those animal-crazed nuts who treated their pets like little humans. But you know, I am one of those nuts and proud of it. My 4 legged boys are my children and I cannot imagine life without them and Jessica clearly feels the same in "The Dog Park."
I thought this book was going to be mainly a cute, rom-com but it actually contains a lot of substance and is much more deeper than originally imagined. Thanks Ms. Caldwell for a wonderful way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon.
The characters in this book are engaging and while not immediately likable, do tend to grow on you. I enjoyed watching Jessica grow and develop and by the end of the book, I could see her as someone I would hang out with if given the chance. I honestly had issues with all three men in the book, but by the end, the book ended in the best way possible.
When I was younger, while I always loved animals, I never thought I would be one of those animal-crazed nuts who treated their pets like little humans. But you know, I am one of those nuts and proud of it. My 4 legged boys are my children and I cannot imagine life without them and Jessica clearly feels the same in "The Dog Park."
I thought this book was going to be mainly a cute, rom-com but it actually contains a lot of substance and is much more deeper than originally imagined. Thanks Ms. Caldwell for a wonderful way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon.
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