By Dana Mentink
Love Unleashed, #1
Harvest House, 2016
Summary
Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you're ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.
Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother's elderly dog, Tippy, he's quick to call on a pet-sitting service.
Gina isn't thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can't abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.
As Gina travels through Cal's world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too . . .
Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together.
My thoughts
Refreshingly different, funny, touching, romantic, heartwarming . . . Sit, Stay, Love resulted in one of the most pleasant reading experiences I’ve ever had, contrary to what I might have feared when choosing to review it. For one thing, I love dogs – other people’s dogs, that is. And I’m not particularly fond of baseball. But none of that mattered because I was entranced with characters and storyline from the first page – and Tippy, of course, for “There’s just something about Tippy.”
Cal and Gina are so easy to relate to, and I was drawn to them from the beginning. Cal’s emotional and spiritual growth from one chapter to another make this story especially enjoyable. I loved the slowly-growing relationship and sweet chemistry between these two. And strong secondary characters in Cal’s uncle, aunt and dad – Oscar, Sweets, and Mitch – add so much richness.
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Cal was adrift at what Pete seemed to be asking him to
do.“I don’t like dogs that don’t work for their keep.”
“You make a seven-figure salary. Hire someone to like
her for you.”
_________________________
Enter Gina, pet sitter extraordinaire. Sometimes I come across characters that I wish were real so I could actually meet them, and one of those would be Gina. She radiates a faith in God, humor, genuineness, and is a natural with people. To Cal, “It was like she had the sun inside her, energy which pulled him closer and warmed him.”
Gina’s faith is real and I loved the influence she had on Cal, helping him to realize that pitching was just his job, and that family was his world. Themes of forgiveness and second chances are also explored through the relationship between Cal and his dad.
I love Dana’s passion for senior pets and how she brings awareness to all they have to offer. Please note that part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
I give Sit, Stay, Love 5 stars based on my personal enjoyment factor and highly recommend it – for, after all . . .
There’s just something about Tippy.
My review on Amazon
(Helpful marks are always appreciated!)
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Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, as well as a giveaway copy.
Litfuse landing page:
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GIVEAWAY
To enter the drawing, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment sharing about a favorite pet in your life, past or present. If you've never had a pet, just leave a comment.
I promote on social media, but the best way to keep up with my reviews and giveaways is to subscribe by e-mail in the top right corner (no pressure intended).
BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Thursday, April 28. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.
Eligibility: US residents
Thanks for writing what I should have said! You covered everything so well. Great review as always.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, how dare you say that! I read your reviews and always envy the natural gift for communication that you have and feel like an amateur in comparison! But thank you for saying that. So glad you enjoyed this book also. It was exactly what I needed at this time.
DeleteI've already entered the giveaway yesterday as soon as I saw Tippy! I, of course, love dogs - could talk should the antics of mine for hours! I can't wait to read this book. It is definitely y on my wish list. Kim
ReplyDeleteKim, I can guarantee that you will love this book. Thanks for taking the time to visit here.
DeleteWe have had a slew of pets throughout the 37 years my husband and I have been married, but my favorite was our Shepherd\Collie\Husky mix DoD named Ginger. She was devoted to the entire family and was so gentle with our two daughters from the day they were born. She "talked" to me all the time and always had to have the last word...my husband found it endlessly entertaining. She's been gone for 23 years now and we still miss her. Thanks for the chance to win your book.
ReplyDeletedblaser(at)windstream(net)
I understand how you feel about Ginger, Diane. I've loved every pet that has been a part of our life, but some just tug at your heart in a special way. Thanks so much for sharing, Diane. Best wishes in the drawing!
DeleteEach of my pets have been a favorite. At the present time my black cat, Romeo Luigi, is my favorite. He has a line of Siamese in his blood and he owns me. As you can tell by his name, he loves to cuddle and give loves. I've shared your FB post. robeader53@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteRobin, I'm in love with Romeo Luigi and I haven't even seen him! I'm partial to black cats, though, as I have two solid black rescue kitties of my own, Melody and Grace. Please post a picture of Mr. Romeo on my FB page if you get a chance. Thanks so much for sharing, Robin.
DeleteDue to my dad's allergies, we couldn't have a dog. I'd look at all the breeds under Dog in the World Book encyclopedia and dream about which one I would get, if I could.
ReplyDeletetlw131 [at] gmail [dot] com
It wasn't because of allergies, but for some reason, my dad would never let us have pets when I was growing up. My love is for cats, but I had the same longing as you and became pretty familiar with all shapes and sizes. We eventually got a kitty when I was a senior in high school and he stole all our hearts, dad included. I hope you eventually have the dog of your dreams, Terri.
DeleteWe currently have 3 Boston Terriers. But I have had many since childhood. I wouldn't be able to live without my fur babies!
ReplyDeleteI'm a cat person, Cheryl, but feel the same as you about these fur babies who enter our lives. Thank you for sharing.
Deleteforgot email: zekthezookeeper at yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Carole! I so loved this book too :)
ReplyDeleteI believe we think alike about most books, Carrie. I don't know what I was expecting when I started reading this book, but was totally surprised at how good it was. Thanks for taking the time to visit, Carrie!
DeleteEnjoyed your review. I enjoy reading Dana's books.
ReplyDeleteLove having dogs!!!
Carol Smith
penelope223(at)yahoo(dot)com
Carol, I'm new to Dana's writing, although I may have read one of her mysteries a good while ago. Loved everything about this book. Thanks for visiting and best wishes in the drawing.
DeleteI absolutely love the excerpt for this book. Anything to help animals is a winner in my book! I shared your post on facebook. One of my cats is named Wendy. She is a dsh and black and white. She is a senior and a rescue as well. We moved to the country and there is a park across from our house. We saw a cat running around over there whenever we took the kids over to play. I already was feeding some stray cats in our yard and she came over to eat as well. She is now a pampered senior member of our house. This book has been on my radar and I look forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeleteDeanne P.
Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
When I was young, my mom adopted a Chihuahua. He cried day and night. We finally got him quiet by playing records and putting the speaker just outside his box. He was quiet when a Dean Martin records was played. When other records were playing he cried. We named him Dino. Many years later we had 3 different repairmen come to the house. He barked at all of them so my mom put him and our female dog outside. Dino stood at the screen door and barked. When mom told him to hush and get in the doghouse he looked at her and started walking away. He would look ahead and then look back over his shoulder and grumble. He was talking back to her. He minded her but let his feelings be know. Dino was small but was unafraid of anything. We believe that he thought he was a great dane. My sister one time got down in the floor and told him he was not a great dane he was a Chihuahua. He bit her on the nose.
ReplyDeleteoops fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeletePuppy was our first daughter after my husband and I married. She was energetic, playful, cuddly, and helpful. In fact, she detected a peeping Tom peering into the window of the apartment below ours. Another time she alerted me to a pot on the stove that had boiled dry. Needless to say, no one needed to ring the doorbell of later homes since she had long since barked about the approach. While she was with us for 16.5 years, we love her still. susiesellner@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a really fun read! I'm so glad you shared this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
ReplyDeleteTina
Shared on FB. I cannot wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteNtiveheart at Gmail dot com
We have had many cats and dogs over the years. I had 3 cats inside and they lived to be 19, and were like my children. This book looks like a really good read.
ReplyDeleteI shared on Facebook as TallulahJane
tallulahjane65(at)yahoo(dot)com
My dog's name is Day-Z. She is a 7 year old, 1 eyed Jack (Jack Russell Terrier). I am her 3rd owner. I rescued her from the Humane Society. Day-Z is my best friend. She gets along with everyone. The neighborhood children will knock on my door and asked if she can come out and play.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a delightful book to read! I enjoyed reading your review. It makes me want to read the book :) Thanks for sharing at #LMMLinkup.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win and be able to read and do a review on it. thank you for giving me this chance.
ReplyDeleteI commented on your Facebook review. However, I will gladly comment regarding as well. The first dog we had was a Golden Retriever named Diamond. We had her for 12 years. She was mellow, loved car rides - with the window open even in winter, and just loved everyone. She passed away in her sleep and we all cried, not figuring on another dog for a long time. However, Rikki came into our lives at 5 weeks old about 2 months later. She is completely different but we love her just as much!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I would love to read and share this book.
bettimace at gmail dot com
My favorite pet is the cat, Ms. Mouser that I have now. She is 18 years old and even though she has some health problems, she still acts like she's a lot younger than 18. I treasure every moment we have together.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail.com