Two Dogs and a Book

The Brideship Wife  by  Leslie Howard My rating:  4 of 5 stars 📚 Hello book friends! I love historical fiction based on true events. The Brideship Wife by Leslie Howard starts in 1862 and tells the story of twenty-one-year-old Charlotte. Her sister Harriet is determined to find her a husband. When her meeting with one of Harriet’s husband’s colleague turns to disaster, she and her sister are forced to leave everything behind and venture to the New World. The one hundred and six-day journey will take them from London, England to Victoria in British Columbia. The journey will be dangerous and filled with incertitude. Will this give Charlotte a chance to find freedom or none? . This book is based on the voyage of the Tynemouth, a ship that was used to bring single women from England to the New World to be married to the single men in that area. It also touches the history of the gold rush in British Columbia and the smallpox epidemic its ravage in the indigenous community. ...

The Spa at Lavender Lane  by  Phyllis Melhado My rating:  3 of 5 stars 📚 Hello book friends! I finished reading The Spa at Lavender Lane by Phyllis Melhado. The book cover is gorgeous and the book itself smells so good. I received a copy from Books Forward with a lot of wonderful gifts. The package also contained dry lavender which scented the book and all the goodies. I enjoyed this book. The story is great, and the characters are interesting and contribute to the plot. I was disappointed by only one thing. I thought the author put too much emphasis on defining the beauty of a woman based on her looks and weight (or lack of). We have come a long way to accept that the beauty of a woman should be based on much more than that. This disappointment did not stop me to enjoy the plot of this cozy mystery and the quality of the writing. It is a good book. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, Books Forward for sending me this beautiful book and all the goodies. The Spa at Lavender Lane by Phylli...

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse  by  Charlie Mackesy My rating:  5 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I love it when a book lives to its hype. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗹𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘅 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 by Charlie MacKesy was everything I expected and more. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the text is full of wisdom and positive empowerment. This was a very quick read, but I know I will read it again and again. It will touch young and old hearts in a special way. I purchased an e-copy of this book and now I will purchase a physical copy because it is a little masterpiece. #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #theboythemolethefoxandthehorse #...

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier My rating: 5 of 5 stars 📚 Hello book friends! I was lucky enough to get an e-copy of this  book from the Toronto Public Library a few weeks after its release. What an awesome read! Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier was so good and yet got me right to the heart. A mother let got of her four-year-old son’s hand for a few seconds. When Marin looks down, he is gone. Seconds, only seconds, took for her son to be taken by a stranger dressed as Santa Clause. Over a year has gone by now and the chances to find her son are slim. She has not given hope yet and hired a private investigator to continue looking for him. But what the investigator discovers will turn Marin’s world upside down. This book is filled with suspense and emotions. When you think you are on the last descent of this rollercoaster, you realise that the ride is not done yet. I recommend this book but be ready to be unsettled and shocked. Little Secrets...

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner My rating: 5 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I recently finished reading Emma by Jane Austen and it has become my favourite by this great author. I read Emma in preparation for reading this highly anticipated book by Natalie Jenner: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆. The story takes place between 1932 and 1946 in the town of Chawton, Hampshire where Jane Austen spent ten years of her life and wrote her last three novels. A group of eclectic Austen’s book lovers unites to create a museum to honour Ms. Austen and save the great library from the Great House where Ms. Austen lived part of her life. The characters are all wonderful and lovable. I was fascinated by the lives of these relatable characters and how they all work together for a greater cause. Natalie Jenner’s writing is superb and provides a feel-good sentiment towards this extraordinary group of people. This is a must-read for all...

The Legendary Shiver  by  J.H. MacAl My rating:  5 of 5 stars   📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! New author, J.H. MacAl, recently contacted me to see if I would be interested to read and review his first book 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 which was recently published. I am always honoured when authors contact me directly and trust me to read their books. I was not sure what to expect from this book, but I liked the promising synopsis. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 totally took me by surprise. I read it in one sitting and was blown away by the beautiful writing and story. This is a modern “Love Story” which will touch you, frustrate you, and enthrall you. The characters are superb, and the plot is well delivered. The ending is unexpected and mind-blowing. If you are looking for a beautiful love story, look no further, and get a copy of this stunning book. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, 𝗝.𝗛. 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗔𝗹 for sending me an e-copy of your astounding no...

A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena My rating: 4 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I got this book from a co-worker and it took me a while to get to it. I was not disappointed. 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 by Shari Lapena is an awesome thriller with twists and turns. A housewife is accused of killing her abusive ex-husband but has no recollection of doing it. Her new husband doubts her. All the signs point to her. Did she kill her ex-husband? Who else has a motive to kill him? I recommend this thriller with a surprising ending. It is a quick read, filled with suspense, and will not disappoint. #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography ...

Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron My rating: 5 of 5 stars 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! Whenever I am in a reading slump, I always turn to a middle-grade book to boost it back up. 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 by Rena Barron did just that! What an exciting new adventure with strong characters and unlimited action! This is an exhilarating read from the first page to the last. Twelve-year-old Maya and her friends Frankie and Eli discover that there is more than what meets the eyes when it comes to their lives. Together they need to face many dangers and brave darkness if they want to free Maya’s father from the Lord of Shadows. This is the first book in this new series. I am looking forward to reading the next one and see where the author will take us. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 for sending me an ARC of this fantastic book. 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 by Rena Barron will be available at your fav...

Emma by Jane Austen My rating: 5 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! 𝓔𝓶𝓶𝓪 by Jane Austen has been on my TBR shelf for an exceptionally long time. I am happy that I finally had the opportunity to read this masterpiece. This book has it all: friendship, love, misunderstandings (lots of them), humour, and happy ever afters! It was a pleasure to read this lovely book and to appreciate once more Ms. Austen’s literary wit. To be sure… this is a must-read. #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #emma #janeausten #bookreview View all my reviews

The Comet Seekers by Helen Sedgwick My rating: 3 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I pick up this book because the description was very promising. Unfortunately, I found it hard to connect with 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 by Helen Sedgwick. The back and forth in time and the many characters brought confusion. I did, however, love the interactions between Severine and her ancestors and how the book ending closed the family mystery loop. The writing is beautiful and the information about all the comets was remarkably interesting. I also loved the connection to the Bayeux Tapestry. I had to Google it and it has such a fascinating history. It is still a good read overall. #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcom...

Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs by Jennifer Finney Boylan My rating: 3 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I kept a box of tissues nearby while reading this book. I knew that there was a possibility that the content might be quite emotional. 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝘆: 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 by Jennifer Finney Boylan is a beautifully written book about the author’s transgender journey. She tells the story through the lives of the several dogs she had. Each chapter covers one dog and the progress in her journey. It is a touching memoir that helps the reader understand the deep struggles the authors experienced throughout her life. It is also a positive account which brings hope that prejudice against LGBTQ will one day be only a distant memory. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 for sending me an ARC of this moving novel. 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝘆: 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 by Jennifer Finney Boylan is available at your favourite bookstore. #poodl...

The First Emma by Camille Di Maio My rating: 4 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! If you like books with a strong female protagonist, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 by Camille Di Maio is the book for you. Emma Koehler knows that her life is coming to an end. She hires Mabel Hartley to record her story, but she has also an ulterior motive to bring this young woman in her home. Emma’s story starts with leaving her beloved family and town of St. Louis to follow her new husband, Otto, to start their new life in San Antonio, Texas. They will start a successful brewery that will become dear to Emma. While on a business trip to Germany, Otto and Emma are in a car accident that leaves Emma crippled. Emma is determined to walk again and with the help of two German nurses named Emma Dumpke and Emma Burgemeister, she does. But her struggles do not end there. She soon finds out that Otto is being unfaithful. This discovery only confirms what Emma already knew about the state of her ...

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer My rating: 4 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! Monday again. I smile every time someone says that since they are at home, they do not know what day it is. I am still working, so I am quite aware of what day it is, and I envy them a bit. I finished reading 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 by Meg Wolitzer. This is a fantastic read about a young woman who takes her place in this world. The book treats the subjects of love, feminism, friendship, loss, betrayal, and forgiveness. I relate to this book and its main character. I have tried all my life to do good to others and was often hurt in the process. This has not stopped me, but I am more careful and learned from my experience. The book is beautifully written and showcases the struggle and success of non-profit organisations geared to help women. It is an ode to all feminists who have wanted to improve women’s rights. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝘂...

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling My rating: 4 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I did it!!! I finally read the first book in the Harry Potter series. I enjoyed 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 by J.K. Rowling more than I expected. It was fun, full of adventures, and simply magical. I loved the characters and all their quirks. I also loved the tension between the characters which moves the story in an exciting way. I am not sure when I will read the next book, but I will read it soon. #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #harrypotterandthesorcerersstone #jkrowling #bookreview View all my reviews

What It Seems by Emily Bleeker My rating: 3 of 5 stars 📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! I just finished reading 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 by Emily Bleeker. Although the writing was good and the plot quite thrilling, the story was predictable. From the beginning, I guessed how the book would end and I was not wrong. This tampered the excitement about reading the book. It is still a great story and a good read with an awesome ending. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for sending me an ARC of this thrilling novel. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 by Emily Bleeker is available at your favourite bookstore. #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #whatitseems #emilybleeker #bookreview View...