Praise For Allie Larkin's First Novel, "Stay"

Allie Larkin's novel, "Stay," is romantic fiction at its best. Larkin gives us a smart, funny, and vulnerable heroine hopelessly in love with an exasperating guy. She mixes this formula up with an endearing cast of supporting characters and her piece de resistance is a once-in-your-life-steal-your-heart dog. If you like contemporary love stories and dogs, you will love this book.

That time-tested formula of girl-meets-boy is already at work in the Prologue. "Six years ago, Peter and I were having one of our weekly dinners at this little Italian restaurant just off campus. The food wasn't good and the service was awful, but they served us without asking for ID if we ordered by the bottle instead of the glass. " (page 1)

Peter sits across from Savannah (known as Van to family and friends) telling her that he's pretty sure he passed all of his freshman exams. Van is "... too busy studying the angle of his perfect square jaw and thinking what it would feel like to press (her) lips against his slightly stubby chin and work her way down his neck." (pages 1-2)

The Van imagines the next step in her "pornographic daydream," Peter interrupts her train of thought by asking how she thinks she did on her Rhetoric. Van's non-committal response of "It wasn't too--it was fine." as she fails to meet Peter's eye, juxtaposes the depth of her feelings for this boy onto her lack of self-confidence. (page 2)

They trade one liners:

"I always have such a great time with you, Peter said, splitting the rest of the wine between our glasses.
"I am a hell of a lot of fun," I deadpanned, finally getting the courage to look him in the eye again. (page 2)

He is: oblivious to how she feels. She is: not going to tell him how she feels. They are: drunk. Her heart thumped in a drunken beat "and her hand" wobbled "as she raises her wine glass. "His bottom lip was stained purple from the wine, but his teeth were as perfect as Chiclets." (page 2) Peter's next comment is unexpected and climatic, deliberately so as Larkin writes it: "Will you marry me," he asked, clinking his glass against mine, "if we're not married by the time we're thirty?" (page 2)

This is skillful writing. By the time we get to Peter's marriage proposal, we want it to be an out pouring of his love for her because Van so desperately wants this. Larkin brings us to that emotional high with Van and then, immediately after Peter finishes his statement, Larkin smacks us down along with Van into Peter's obliviousness is Van's feelings.

Van herself aptly describes the roller coaster of emotions she's now riding in the next two sentences:

"My pulse spiked the elation crashed into the result of being his back up plan. From fiancee to consolation prize in a matter of seconds. " (page 2)

She may be drunk in this first scene, but Larkin leaves no doubt that Van is also resolute and determined, giving Van the last word: "Make it thirty-two, I said, clenching my teeth into a smile."At least give me a fighting chance, "(page 2)

Wasting no time, Chapter one takes us right back to the top of that emotional roller coaster the Van tells us that "The wedding was more than I ever could have wished for." Just when we think that Van has gotten her heart's desire, we find out that she's not the bride, she's the bridesmaid, and the story is off and running. (page 3)

We are quickly introduced to Van's best friend Jane (the bride) and Jane's parents, Peter's family, and we begin to find out about Van's past: where she grew up, what her mom was like, and, that six years after that dinner with Peter, Van is still hopelessly in love with him

The Peter and Jane promise to love, honor and obey, Van is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and get on with her life. She already has a job-one that lets her work from home and provides her a comfortable income so that she supports herself. She's smart enough to realize that it's more than time to get over her first love, but between that knowledge and the moving on part is an enormous learning curve. One that she's not sure she can make by herself.

She's dealt with a lot in her twenty-three years as Larkin deftly reveals in the next series of chapters, moving easily from past to present the the wedding scene unfolds. By the time the wedding is over, most of the secondary characters have been introduced.

As the story continued, I found myself engaged in heated arguments with almost all of them, especially with Diane, occasionally with Jane, most often with Van. I suspect the appeal was that at various points in my life, I've been like Jane and like Van. If you've ever been so me-focused that you selfishly hurt your best friend, then you've been Jane too. For everyone who's had their heart broken for the very first time and had to move on, you've been Van.

How does Diane fit into this three-some? She's the woman left behind. The woman whose best friend dies leaving a daughter that is best friends with her daughter. And, oh, by the way, her daughter and her friend's daughter are in love with the same guy.

The catalyst for change in this story is Van's spur-of-the-moment decision to get a dog. She makes this choice in a drunken stupor after the wedding is over and she's back home scrolling the internet. As she slurps Kool-Aid mixed with vodka, her thoughts twirl faster and faster, around and around like a never-ending carousel.

She sits watching television before going online. Ironically, the show she stumbles upon is the wedding on Lifetime, so most likely, the bride was going to find out that her husband was really married to women all over the country, or that her maid of honor was trying to kill her. .. at that moment in the movie, everyone was all scuba sea snorkel and delighted with themselves, and it made me sick. " (page 54)

Watching this TV couple, Van finally realizes that Peter doesn't love her, giving these words the double-edged poignancy. Quickly switching channels, she finds herself watching a movie about Rin Tin Tin. "... the dog was incredible ...He was always there when needed. He never let anyone down. " (page 54)

And that becomes what Van wants-to not be let down. She wants a friend. Once she goes online to search for her dog, her life will never be the same again.

Getting a dog doesn't magically take care of what's wrong in Van's life, but it does help her begin to take those first tentative steps towards getting what she does want. As she falls head-over-heels in love with a five month old purebred German Shepherd, she slowly falls in love with who she is and what she has to offer in a relationship.

Larkin never lets us down. She refuses to write a "cookie-cutter" cutesy, love story. And, she doesn't stop writing until Van has come to terms with everyone in her life and found her true love.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your instant access to my free report about the dynamics between you and your canine pet. Visit: http://www.healingrescuedogs.com/.

Dog Obedience Books - Secrets to Dog Training

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There are many dog obedience books out today. From the author of "SitStayFetch" comes an all new version packed with even more information. Daniel Stevens is known worldwide for his training techniques. This is the most thorough and easy to read and implement series to date. His first book sold over 50,000 copies and this one has sold over 200,000 to date and is growing daily.

In this series he explains how to get your dog to stop being aggressive, stop biting, digging, barking, chewing, jumping up, whining, pulling on the leash and more. He teaches us about separation anxiety and how to deal with it.

Does your dog need to be housebroken? This series will teach you how to train your dog NOT to go inside.

There is information on how to solve over 25 dog behavioral problems with text and videos. Step by step instructions teach you what you need to know to get your dog under control in as little as 6 days.

There is also a 30 minute video that shows you exactly what you need to do. Step by step instructions on housebreaking, solving behavioral problems, no matter what the situation.

All of this is backed up with REAL LIFE case studies. People that have already used this program are seeing great results from their dogs.

He even gives you FREE consultations with his dog training team. Should you have a question about a specific subject or problem, just send him an email and someone from his team will get right back to you. This isn't some pre-recorded answer, there are actually real people that get back to you no matter what your question may be.

You can learn more about Daniel Stevens dog obedience books. If you are looking to get control over your dogs behavior, Click here for more information.

Your Pet Rabbit Guide - By Mary Barnes

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The book is written to assist individuals who are considering a rabbit as a pet and for those individuals who are rabbit owners.

It is provides simple facts to promote quick learning about rabbit ownership, how to overcome potential problems and identifies owner responsibilities.

The author has identified several steps you will want to complete before you buy your first pet rabbit. She points out that there is a growing problem with rabbits being abandoned because people do not understand their rabbit's specific needs.

In the first section the author discusses the steps you will need to complete prior to ownership of a pet rabbit.

The first step is to contact your local authorities regarding regulations about ownership and where or not you will need a permit.

The next step is to consider what kind of hutch would best meet the needs of your rabbit. The author makes recommendations regarding the size of the hutch or cage along with considering where the rabbit will sleep, eat and exercise.

The third step is to consider the rabbit's need for hands-on-care, play time, a regular routine, and the expenses for food, hutch and veterinary services.

The author also suggests that you consider how ownership of a pet rabbit will impact your family life. The book provides information on does and don'ts regarding family activities which will have to be changed and/or limited once you make a rabbit your pet. The author points out how ownership impacts your home, such as electrical and phone cords, carpets, and drapes. It provides information about how to identify danger spots and discusses the importance of property insurance.

In the second section, the author provides information on how to find and select the right vet for your pet rabbit.

The book provides several strategies on how to select a veterinarian for your pet rabbit. The strategies include a web site, how to assess the vet's office and staff, and how to interview and discuss annual and emergency costs.

The book stresses the need for quick access and what to expect on your first visit to the vet's. The author points out how best to transport your pet rabbit to and from the vet's office.

There is a section on how to find and purchase health insurance for your pet rabbit, how to choose your rabbit and how to handle your rabbit and another section on how to protect your rabbit from potential problems and what it might mean if your rabbit eats its own droppings.

The author dedicates a full chapter on how to bond, bath and brush your pet rabbit. It identifies the meanings to "bunny body language".

Information is provided about how rabbits mark their territories; communicate with same sex rabbits and communicate potential danger; what it means when your rabbit touches you; how rabbits let you know when they are in pain or uncomfortable; and what rabbit sounds mean.

The author provides information on how to litter box train your pet rabbit, the importance of walking your rabbit and techniques of discipline.

The book also, points out how to cut your rabbit's fur, examine its ears, checking the rabbit's teeth and how to clip your rabbit's nails.

The section on housing your rabbit identifies considerations for outside hutches/cages, how to house your rabbit inside and the significant role of plants play in rabbit care. There is information about what materials should be used in the construction of the rabbit's hutch and what materials should not be used in the building of the hutch. It discusses the pros and cons of housing the rabbit in side your home and outside; how to build the roof, develop a feeding system; how the weather impacts the rabbit and its food.

The author provides a web sit on what to do if the rabbit eats your house and/or garden plants.

There is information about when you are away. This chapter includes how to provide for your rabbit's daily needs; how to introduce your rabbit to the sitter and/or a professional care provider; how to manage the rabbit's feedings and need for daily attention; and what to do if the rabbit needs medication when you are gone.

The author has a section on feeding your rabbit. This chapter discusses what foods are beneficial and what foods may be harmful. There is information regarding the need for fresh daily hay and what kind of hay and how much is best for the rabbit.

The book has a chapter on common problems for rabbits. It discusses the effects of arthritis on rabbits and how best to treat it. There is information about coccidia and how it treat this parasite. What does it mean if there is blood in your rabbit's urine, how to handle broken bones and dirty rabbit bottom. It identifies deadly illnesses such as myxomatosis, drooling, gastric stasis and how to prevent these; and how heat can create problems for your rabbit.

There is information on what a tilted head means and how best to eliminate it.

The final chapter addresses how and when to say Goodbye to your rabbit. It discusses what to do with the rabbit remains; how to process your feelings; how to help other family members deal with the loss; what are the local regulations regarding the death and burial; and recommendations on how to memorialize your rabbit.

Steve Thornton offers a insight into the information product market, researching a number of niche topics and resourcing products in those areas. Please take time to visit the estore at:

http://lobbythornton.blogspot.com/

Daniel Stevens - Author of Secrets to Dog Training - Review

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Daniel Stevens, who is he?

For people who have not been aware of him, Daniel Stevens is the hugely respected author who developed the tremendously successful dog training series entitled "Secrets to Dog Training" (formerly Sit, Stay, Fetch) Daniel Stevens works as a professional dog trainer who has years of knowledge working with all kinds of different dogs in various situations.

Daniel's information has become very popular among dog owners because it very carefully and completely guides you all the way through each dilemma you could experience with your dog and describes how to have an understanding of your dog.

Daniel Stevens' book does not just teach you how to train a dog, additionally, it addresses many other areas such as dog care, dog ownership, dog health problems, and innovative commands and tricks. The most frequent and most annoying dog difficulties in particular biting, barking, jumping up, digging, aggression, anxiety as well as basic disobedience are all covered in depth.

This unique manual actually does much more than just teach you how to train your dog - what's more, it informs you of what you ought to be accomplishing as a dog owner.

"Secrets to Dog Training" is separated into 9 chapters. At first common facets of training dogs and some tips to totally understand dogs is dealt with. As the book progresses it turns to more involved dealing with essential dog commands, dog whispering, dog illnesses, plus it lastly concludes with a segment targeted on teaching your dog enhanced commands and tricks.

One of the things which I really like most about "StDT" is that the book is very well organized. It is extremely effortless to refer to and covers the greatest concerns in great depth.

The part concentrated on handling behavior problems is a good deal more in depth and focused than I've observed in many other training books. Case studies have also been documented for all 15 of the most well-known dog complaints.

"StDT" is not only a book. Daniel Stevens carries a crew of qualified support team who are superb with any constant challenges or fears you might have. I cannot bring to mind another animal training system that offers such in depth and on going help support.

"StDT" is continually developing as a program, as soon as fresh tips and instruction programs are added you are informed and kept updated with all the most recent training tactics.

Daniel has established an exceptional course in his book. As if that is not sufficient, when you purchase the program he gives you Complimentary Copies of the following books:

* 180 Gourmet Dog Food Recipes - Straightforward, fast, nutritious and cheap recipes your dog will adore * Top 20 Consultations - Immediate access to the 20 most frequently asked questions about training your dog * Secrets to Becoming the Alpha Dog - Learn why you've got to be the leader of the pack...not your dog * Dog Grooming Made Easy - learn how the pros groom dogs * All the House Training Methods and Tricks - How to easily and quickly house train your dog * A Quick Guide to Dog Aggression - Be able to fix your dogs aggression issues

These bonuses seriously top off what we have to say is the best quality, most comprehensive dog training guidebook available. Daniel Stevens leaves no stone unturned in offering you extremely high quality content presented in an easily understood and effective means.

Marcus Doyle has spent all his life around dogs and has put much research into, dog behavior [http://www.baddogtogood.com/dog-behavior-problems.php] and training methods. He has researched and reviewed Daniel Stevens' work. For more information you can visit: [http://www.baddogtogood.com/author-review-daniel-stevens.php]

The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein - A Dog's Life

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In The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein tells the story of a dog through the dog's voice. Lots of people compare it to Marley & Me, except it is very different from that book. This is a book that will make even the hardened laugh and cry and experience every emotion known to man. This book is narrated by Enzo the dog and told with a touching sense of humanity that drags you right into the story. Every experience that Enzo brings to life makes you feel like you are part of the story and that Enzo is right in the room telling it to you.

In The Art of Racing in the Rain, the author weaves a fun filled tale full of funny and sad moments all at once. It is about life, it is about death, it is about pet lovers and people in general. It underscores how much we love our pets in the manner in which it is written. We come to believe that Enzo is really for real and actually a talking dog. It is so amazing how Garth pulls that off. It is a talent not a lot of writers possess.

In the pages of the book that comes to life, the writer shows us the foibles of life as a dog. The wants and needs and wishes. Enzo would like to be reincarnated as a human and see life through the eyes of a human. It is a fun and intriguing paradox told with what can only be described as sincerity and a true understanding of knowing what a dog might want. You get the feeling that Stein is truly a lover of dogs and has spent a lot of time getting to understand them and know them. He brings Enzo to life so perfectly.

With The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein has created a timeless piece that will thrill and enthrall generations for years to come. Whether you are a dog lover or not, you will be absolutely taken with this charming and heartwarming novel. It will bring you years of joy. It's a real page turner too so expect long reading sessions. You will not want to tear yourself away from this one. Everyone should have a copy of this book in their library or bookshelf and read it often for inspiration as well as entertainment value.

Sherry Harris the author of a wide range of dog topics including, but not limited to: dog training, dog grooming, pet travel, pet insurance, pet food, house training, dog breeds and dog supplies. For hundreds more free dog expert articles visit http://www.dogstylenetwork.com/. Hope you found the book review: The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein informative. To order this book, or to check out the bookstore visit us today!

Dorothy's Heroic Measures Make A Wonderful Story

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I loved this book the most. Jill Ciment tells the story of an elderly couple in New York City living in a 5th floor walk-up. Their cat, Dorothy, is a precious dachshund who they adore. She is about 14 years old and the night before they are having an open house to show their apartment so they can sell it, she becomes ill. Alex and Ruth want to move to a building with an elevator as their apartment is five floors of tough climbing, especially at their age!

Dorothy has evidently hurt her back and in the cold, New York weather, they place her on their cutting board and cover her to take her far away to the emergency animal hospital. Getting a taxi that will get them there quickly is difficult as a tanker truck has jack-knifed and turned over in the tunnel stopping all traffic in and out of Manhattan as the driver ran away and is suspected as a terrorist.

The story develops around that incident in that if people are scared, they are likely to offer less for the apartment and with the showing of the condo to some superbly described characters by Ciment, there is the phone calls back and forth with the hospital where Dorothy has to have a risky surgery to see if she will ever walk again. I loved when the chapters alternated from Dorothy's point of view to the narrator as Dorothy described what was happening from her dog's eye view.

How the story ends would be a spoiler so I will stop there....but does Dorothy survive the surgery? Do Alex and Ruth sell their apartment and get into a new elevator installed building? Does the terrorist really follow through on an attack? It is an easy read but sweet and enjoyable and very cleverly written. I would like to read more by Jill Ciment after reading this book.

Karen D. Haney, Author/Developer of BOOKIN' WITH BINGO (http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/), reviews books and interviews authors for her book blog. Reading and writing are her passion.

Lost Souls Found By Kyla Duffy And Lowrey Mumford

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In this book, you find over 30 short accounts of people who have a rescued Boston Terrier. Some stories are fun and some serious. Several stories relate the awful thing about "puppy mills" and what happens to dogs there where they are used to breed purebred dogs and then they either die, or are abandoned or worse, once they are no longer of any use to the people who run these awful places. Many of the stories are heartwarming and funny. All in all, the stories give people the idea of how wonderful these little dogs are and how important it is that everyone remembers that there are so many dogs that need to be rescued and adopted.

One of the stories, "Eyes Only For You", tells about how an owner connects with his rescue dog just from the friendly eyes he sees when he meets her. In a sad story with a happy ending "Foster Failure" tells of a dog that nobody wanted and was taken in at a foster puppy home only to find the foster parents fell in love with the dog and wound up adopting him. This family gave a home to the poor dog who had lived such an awful life in a puppy mill. A few pages such as "A Snort Break" give a few sentences telling happy tails or funny moments about different Terriers.

I believe that a book like this would open any one's eyes to the importance of choosing a rescue dog when the opportunity arises. As different books on different breeds are written and read, I imagine even more breeds of dogs will be better off and more dogs adopted. Perhaps you might have a rescue dog story of your own or may want to adopt a rescue dog after reading about these great animals and all they go through.

Karen D. Haney, Author/Developer of BOOKIN' WITH BINGO (http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/), reviews books and interviews authors for her book blog. Reading and writing are her passion.