Kristina A. reviewed on 1/31/2016 + 1528 more book reviews

Earnest by Kristin Von Kreisler is set on Gamble Island, Washington. Anna and Jeff are looking to adopt a dog. They go to the Seattle's Second Chance Shelter to check out their selection. They see Earnest (well, his name is listed as Moonbeam). He is a beautiful wheat colored Labrador Retriever. He was found tied to the shelter's doorknob (poor little thing). Earnest is a great addition to the family. Earnest goes to work with Anna during the day to her flower shop called Plant Parenthood. Her shop is housed in a beautiful Victorian home that she lived in with her grandmother when she was a child. After her grandmother's death, the home was sold. Anna and her two friends, Joy and Lauren (who also have shops in the house) are saving up to buy the gorgeous home from their landlady Mrs. Blackmore (who they called Mrs. Scroogemore). One day a fire breaks out in the house, but thanks to Earnest everyone made it out. Earnest, though, suffered some damage from the smoke and is rushed to the vet. When Anna calls Jeff to tell him about Earnest, she finds out that he is working to tear down her beloved Victorian (he is actually down the street turning in paperwork for the permits). Anna does not understand why Jeff did not tell her about the Cedar Place project (she had to hear about it from his office assistant). Anna does not even want to hear Jeff's side of the story. Anna asks Jeff to move out. This leads to a custody battle over Earnest. As well as a fight for Anna's beloved Victorian. Can Jeff and Anna work out their differences? What will happen to Anna's Victorian house? How will Earnest get his owners back together again?

Earnest is a cute novel, but I thought it a little over the top (the feud over the Victorian home). I give Earnest 3 out of 5 stars (which means it was okay). I have to admit to skimming a little through the middle (during Anne's thinking periods). My favorite character was Earnest (sounded like such a cutie and smart cookie). Earnest was the dominant character in the book. Earnest is an easy book to read (the author has a nice writing style) and can be finished in a couple of hours. I just thought everything was a little exaggerated and the story was basically frustrating (because of a lack of communication). Earnest is a simple story. I just felt it lacked depth. The novel felt more like a rough draft than a finished book.

I received a complimentary copy of Earnest from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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