Finding Riley

Finding Riley
by
Dan Walsh

MY THOUGHTS
Dan Walsh has a way of bringing a voice to animals that is charming and endearing. Finding Riley is the second book in the Forever Home series (the first is Rescuing Finley), but it definitely can stand alone (however I recommend reading Rescuing Finley -- it's fabulous!).

I really enjoyed the story line of this book -- what a great concept to integrate shelter pets with the homeless! Dan really brings out the difficulties and lifestyle of the homeless who live in tent cities -- a place most of us never see.

The writing in this book was not quite up to what I've seen Dan do in the past. Some of the characters and conversations seemed a bit simplistic and forced, but that did not detract from the story. Dan definitely has great insight into the behavior and perspectives of dogs, as demonstrated both in this book and Rescuing Finley.

If you are interested in a sweet book that provides insight to both the lives of the homeless and the perspectives of dogs, this is a good one!

ABOUT THE BOOK
An unexpected surprise brings the Mitchell family of Savannah a chance to experience the Christmas trip of their dreams. An unexpected disappointment threatens to turn it into the worst Christmas ever. John Finch and his friend Alfred live in the woods. Been doing it for decades. He likes wintering in Florida, but this year’s been particularly harsh. Between the cold, freezing rain and terrifying lightning storms, John’s starting to wonder how much more of this lifestyle he can take. A new friend enters the picture and changes everything. Kim Harper, the dog trainer introduced in Rescuing Finley, is contacted by a billionaire philanthropist seeking her help with a new dog training project that will help the homeless. Is he for real? And is her co-worker right, does this rich handsome man’s interest in Kim go far deeper than her dog-training skills?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan grew up in Florida and his primary interests through high school were basketball and surfing. In 1985, he was ordained as a pastor and served in the same church for the next 25 years. In August 2010, after three of his novels were published by Revell-Baker Publishing Group, Dan retired to write full time.

Dan's novels have received rave reviews from USA Today and magazines like Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews. His first, The Unfinished Gift, won two ACFW Carol Awards. His other books have won numerous awards and appeared on several national bestseller lists.

Dan has published seventeen novels. In addition to writing, Dan enjoys public speaking. He is married to Cindi and they have two children and two grandchildren.

I received a free electronic copy of this book with no expectations for a review.