Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
I really, REALLY wanted to love this book. I have two dogs of my own and foster puppies for local rescue groups, so the description of this book really appealed to me. I was looking forward to a good cry.
Sadly, I could not get into this book. The biggest problem is that it essentially has no plot. There is enough background to explain how the girl got to the mountaintop, but from there nothing much happens besides dogs becoming less depressed. The Sanctuary is described in an overly reverent manner, and the human inhabitants come off as unbelievable and weird, as opposed to quirky and charming.
This book gave me the same impression as some inspirational fiction: A story was shabbily constructed to give the author an excuse to preach, rather than letting the message come through the story.
I admire what the author is trying to do here, but ultimately this book was a cheesy letdown.
Sadly, I could not get into this book. The biggest problem is that it essentially has no plot. There is enough background to explain how the girl got to the mountaintop, but from there nothing much happens besides dogs becoming less depressed. The Sanctuary is described in an overly reverent manner, and the human inhabitants come off as unbelievable and weird, as opposed to quirky and charming.
This book gave me the same impression as some inspirational fiction: A story was shabbily constructed to give the author an excuse to preach, rather than letting the message come through the story.
I admire what the author is trying to do here, but ultimately this book was a cheesy letdown.
Beverly H. (GainesvilleGirl) -
Ellen Cooney sure has a way with words. She had me immediately with her novel, "A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies," and now this. Although the first is still my favorite, this one is a high second. Evie, the protagonist, is kind of a lost soul when she comes upon this oddball place called The Sanctuary. it's a place for dogs who have been abused either emotionally or physically. It's also a place for people who love these dogs and in doing so find their love returned threefold! Ellen has problems, but she finds a wonderful resolution to her problems by working with the animals and learning from them, as well as helping to teach them to trust again. It's a heart warming novel that is unlike any other "dog rescue" story I have ever read.
