Free to a Good Home
Author: Eve Marie Mont
ISBN: 9780425234785
Free to a Good Home tells the story of Noelle Ryan, a veterinary technician at a New England animal shelter. Still struggling with her recent divorce from her husband who admitted he was gay after the two struggled with getting pregnant, Noelle has closed her heart off to love. A huge dog lover, Noelle is perfectly content to stay at home with her Great Dane, Zeke.
When her ex-husband Jay comes into town and begs her to help him out by giving a shot to his sick mom who has never liked Noelle, Noelle can’t help but succumb to her ex and she reluctantly agrees.
Noelle attends a party at her neighbor’s house where she meets Jasper, a musician. Noelle feels an attraction to him, but convinces herself that she can’t start a relationship because of her own personal issues.
Will Noelle open herself to true love?
I loved this book and read it in one day. I was immediately swept into Noelle’s quiet and cozy world in New England. The setting was absolutely beautiful and Mont did a wonderful job putting the reader right into the picturesque setting.
A cat lover myself, I didn’t know how I’d feel about this book with its heavy focus on dogs (nothing against dogs! I’ve just never had one myself) but I absolutely loved it. I loved learning about Noelle’s relationship with the animals she worked with and how a dog can truly be a best friend. This book made me rethink my status as solely a cat lover.
I did grow frustrated with Noelle’s unwillingness to open her heart to love. Several times throughout the book, I wanted to scream, “Open your eyes! Look at the perfect guy standing right in front of you!” But alas, that’s the beauty of love and of story telling. All cannot be perfect and the main character must have some sort of inner conflict. Even though I could see that Jasper was a great guy, Noelle had to learn for herself.
I also loved the unlikely friendship that developed between Noelle and her ex-mother-in-law.
Eve Marie Mont tells a beautiful and relateable story. You won’t want to put this one down.
4.5/5
Stay tuned for an interview with Eve Marie Mont in the coming days!
Sounds like a sweet, moving story! Books featuring dogs always make me nervous, though; I'm waiting for something bad to happen to them!
Oh this sounds so good! I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the review, Jessica.