Rosie

This novel reminded me a bit of The Rosie Project (in some of the mannerisms of the narrator) and Marley and Me (in some of the spot on reflections on dogs and their nature). I love the narrator's ability to reflect upon his relationship with his wife through his growing attachment to Rosie. Overall, a sweet read. Loved it!

This is such a moving, unforgettable story that features a lovely schnauzer puppy, called Rosie and Will Williams whose beloved wife, Rosemary, died after a long illness. Will is struggling to cope after her death and is finding solace in Scotch. His children live in Germany and the US, he's retired and is isolating himself from the world around him. That's when he has an unexpected knock on his door and a stranger delivers Rosie. Initially he doesn't want her but the lady informs him that his wife ordered the pup to be delivered to him along with a letter from her. The story takes the reader on a journey with Will, as he initially resents and rejects the pup but comes to love her and she helps him overcome his grief to face life - and adventures - again. This is such an emotional roller coaster read! I certainly needed the tissues handy at time but then there would be something to have me laughing out loud. It is a delightful read, reflecting on the power of pets to give new meaning to life after tragedy and the adventures these two have are brilliant! I can't give more than five stars, but this one easily earns all of those and more. It is a story I suspect I'll read again and again in future and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone! I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Fair warning! Humans should be prepared for leaky eyes while reading Rosie. It is the story of a newly bereaved man whose late wife knew him far better than he even knew himself. After the activity that follows a death, when everyone else goes home and the widower is left to himself, feeling lost and depressed, a little silver and black angel arrived to help Bill. Rosemary, Bill's late wife, had arranged for a schnauzer puppy to be delivered with a personal note. Bill, who did not like dogs, feels ambushed and wants nothing more than to be rid of Rosie. An untrained puppy can have lots of "accidents” which did not enamour Bill. But after three days, when he was just about to send Rosie back, he has an epiphany and decides to give it a bit more time. It was the best decision he ever could have made. One wonders how severe the downhill slide Bill was experiencing might have gone. Between drinking too much and caring too little, it would not have been pretty. We animals, be we dogs or cats, can create magic and Rosie was a pro. Little by little, Rosie brings Bill back to life and love and happiness. It is not without some very scary moments but their life together is a wonderful adventure and a testimonial to the power of four on the floor love. And let us face it, schnauzers are pawsome. I give this five purrs and two paws up.

If you enjoy reading books about dogs, this is the book for you. Several weeks after his wife of many years dies from cancer, Will Williams, grief stricken by Rosemary's death, receives a surprise present from his now deceased wife (who had arranged it before her death), a schnauzer puppy named Rosie. At first, Will is not sure he can or wants to take on a dog, but he agrees to give Rosie a short trial run. As can be expected, when that ends, Rosie has wormed her way right into his heart and soul, so he keeps Rosie. From than on, Rosie and Will become inseparable, as Rosie helps Will work through his grief and get on with life. In the book, the pair travel to Germany, Austria and Switzerland, packing in a myriad of adventures, some of which are delightful and some of which are fraught with danger (injury and possible loss of Rosie). This book brings home the pricelessness of pets to their owners as well as how pets can love and really help and comfort owners as needed. I loved the way the man and the puppy bonded almost from the start, each learning and accepting the other in his/her own way. The author has provided a sort of memoir a grieving widower and how he learns to cope with his wife's death. In the process, he explores the thoughts and emotions that come with the loss of a loved one, especially of a life's mate. This is truly a testament to just how much and what a pet can do for the people in his/her life who own, care for, love and protects them. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

A most delightful and heartfelt story involving a precious dog named Rosie and the owner who is bequeathed her. Going together through adventures--some fun and some dangerous the line between who needed the saving more becomes more and more obscure. I laughed, I cried and I totally enjoyed! Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this title prior to publication.