What a Dog Knows by Susan Wilson

 What a Dog Knows

Book Summary

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Wilson comes What a Dog Knows, another heartwarming novel about humans and the dogs that change our lives.

Ruby Heartwood has spent her life running away. Away from the orphanage where she was left as a newborn, away from those who exploited her, and away from the man who raped her. She ran from child welfare authorities as a runaway and teenage mother. She’s never stayed put. She’s never felt connected. Until now.

Ruby is a psychic, a fortune teller. She has spent most of her life working at street fairs, carnivals, and the odd Renaissance Faire. Of late, her abilities to tell a person’s fortune have been declining. One night she pulls off the road during a violent thunderstorm, sheltering in her Volkswagen Westfalia. At the storm’s height, a bolt of lightning leaves Ruby shaken––and changes her life.

As the storm clears, Ruby finds a visitor sitting outside her van door: a little dog who says, quite distinctly, Let me in. Ruby has woken up able to hear the thoughts of animals, so she adds that to her list of psychic offerings and signs up for the Harmony Farms Farmers’ Market and Makers Faire.

With the little Hitchhiker, her fast friend and her familiar, Ruby finds herself lingering in Harmony Farms. At the same time, she is haunted by dreams that lead her to wonder if she hasn’t been running away all this time, but running toward something––or someone.

My Thoughts

What a Dog Knows by Susan Wilson is a cute story.  Ruby Heartwood is a traveling psychic.  She is looking for her next place to land when a rainstorm hits.  Ruby stops in by Lake Harmony in Harmony Farms for the night where something odd happens during a lightening strike.  The next morning, Ruby can hear someone outside.  It turns out to be a little dog and Ruby is “hearing” him inside her head.  Ruby signs up for the local Farmers’ Market and Markers Faire and adds “pet communicator” to her list of skills.  This is the beginning of a new venture for Ruby where events conspire to keep her from leaving the bucolic town.   What a Dog Knows is well-written with an interesting group of characters and animals. We learn Ruby’s history a little at a time.  I could certainly understand her nomadic existence and her desire to run when the going gets tough.   I loved the descriptions of the charming town. There was a cozy house that I would love to live in.  Ruby being able to hear a dog’s thoughts was intriguing.  I would love to know what my pets are thinking except after bath time.  I thought the author captured the animals’ thoughts and feelings very well.  I enjoyed the chapters from Hitchhiker’s (Ruby’s dog) point-of-view.  I did feel the pacing was a little slow at times, and the story played out in an expected manner.  I still enjoyed reading this sweet story.  What a Dog Knows is a mesmerizing tale with hope, fear, family, courage, friends, romance, and lovable animals.  What a Dog Knows is a relaxing story that is great to read on a hot summer afternoon (preferably while relaxing by the pool).  

What a Dog Knows is out today and can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Susan Wilson's other novels here.  I appreciate you joining me today and reading my review.  Do not forget to check out the deals for Amazon Prime Days. You can find them here.  There are new deals throughout the day.  Tomorrow I am featuring Loving Mrs. Bontrager by Loree Lough.  It is the latest book in A Little Child Shall Lead Them series.  I hope that you have a spellbinding day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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