Suzy has a bad streak. Her boyfriend has run away and left her with the distillery business in ruins so she will have to take charge of it and decide what will happen next. The appearance of Scout, a lost dog, will make her life de ella more bearable and lead her to meet more people ...

The dog share is the first book I read by Fiona Gibson and well, it was not what I expected. If I'm honest, I got carried away a lot by the cover. I thought it was going to be a cute and romantic reading that was going to entertain me and also, with a little dog in between. Well, it has not been like that. There is practically no love in the whole novel, in the end you can intuit something, but it is not the central piece of the novel and that has disappointed me.

I always say that going with expectations is bad, but going with the wrong idea is also bad. Objectively, the novel is not bad, it is interesting and entertaining because it tells you * things *, but I have not connected with the story or with the characters. For me, many things have been missing. We have two points of view, that of Suzy and that of the male lead and it made me very nervous that the stories don't intermingle until almost the end.

The characters are mature, they have their lives made and I have not connected with any of them. Suzy is a woman who has already been divorced and has two children, ages nineteen and twenty-one. She never allowed a dog in her home, but when she finds Scout she decides to keep him. Ricky is a music teacher and takes care of his son. The relationship of these two characters does not happen until almost the end and that made me very nervous.

Anyway, The dog share has not been a book for me. I understand that someone else might like it, but I have not read it at the right time because my body asked me for a romantic novel and this has not been that. For now it is only available in English and there is no news from Spain.

When I first saw this cover, I thought the story was about two young people who shared a dog for some reason. Ex-lovers? Neighbors? I couldn't tell how they got themselves into this situation... So, that caught my attention.

But then, I read the synopsis.

And I realized that she had teenage kids, so it was a story about a mature woman. Interesting. I was curious to know who was the man and how he got involved with the dog. Still, I thought the story would be funny and romantic, totally focused on their relationship. Just the two of them and the dog.

Turns out, I was still wrong.

It's a funny book, but sometimes a little sad too. It's more like a story about families trying to move on, searching for new purposes in their lives and leaving their pain in the past. Yes, there's romance going on. And yes, the dog is amazing. But the message isn't really about their journey as a couple... It's actually about their own growth.

It's a beautiful story, but the slow-burning pacing killed me. If you're looking for an inspiring book, I would totally recommend it. But if you're just looking for a cute/romantic read, you might want to leave this one for later.

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In The Dog Share, Ricky and his son make friends with a stray dog on the beach, while visiting his father, Harry, on the Hebridean island of Sgadansay, but it runs off just when they have to catch the ferry to go home. Some time later, Suzy is staying on the island, trying to sort out problems at the distillery caused by the mismanagement of her ex partner, Paul, when a scruffy terrier, looking very cold and hungry, turns up at the door of her rental cottage. When the dog’s owner cannot be found, Suzy decides to keep him and names him Scout. He then acts as a kind of go-between, helping her to forge new relationships, as everyone loves the little dog and wants to help take care of him.
Told in alternating chapters mainly from the points of view of Suzy and Ricky, we get the story from both sides. The main characters are well written, though their romance is a bit underdeveloped; I would have liked a bit more interaction between them for their relationship to be believable, especially as they don’t even meet until quite far into the story. The situation at the distillery also feels underused. I think a bit of backstory and character development would have given a more rounded picture, as I had trouble differentiating the various people who worked there. Cara the artist was also an intriguing character who deserved a bit more room on the page.
Having enjoyed some of Fiona Gibson’s previous books, I thought I’d give The Dog Share a try as the Hebridean setting appealed to me. The wonderful descriptions of the island scenery made me long to return to Scotland, which I hope to do as soon as it is possible. It was also refreshing to come across a romance between characters in their forties who have lived a bit, but there is no escaping the fact that the scruffy terrier is the star of the show.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

I love a good book with a dog on the cover, who doesn't??

Sadly, this book wasn't for me, I had to DNF it after a couple of chapters as it wasn't what I personally enjoy. I'm sure that many others will enjoy it though!

DNFed at 50%

I was fooled, there is no dog!

The dog in the title was the sole reason I wanted to read this book. But in the 50% of the book that I've read, the dog has been mentioned... 3 times, and only as a backstory. The share - 0 times.

This was overly confusing, with no reason to be. I still have almost no idea what is going on. If the dog, that is in the title, was barely mentioned, I have to wonder where is the romance that this book was labeled to be?

I have NO wish to continue reading this. It has been a chore until now, and I don't even wish to find out what will happen.

There is no plot, guys! And the characters are constantly remembering things from the past and coming back to the present, and disappearing, and coming back again. It is hard to follow, really.

This book is so sweet. I love dogs so much, I hope to work with them in the future through behaviour and training and this book really was perfect for me. It was an easy 5 stars; a lovable, gentle and easy read that got me out of the COVID world we live in now. Scout is an adorable rescue dog that the main characters grow to love throughout the book. I will definitely be picking up more of Gibsons work

Another fantastic read from Fiona, this time with a waggy tail to boot. Very happy reader here! Gibson has a skill of delivering a fantastic read every time. Highly recommend this one

At the start of the book , it took me a while to warm to the characters , I'm really glad I did persevere with it because I ended up loving it ! The beginning chapter is setting the scene , Suzy and her husband have gone to visit the outer Hebrides and discover a whiskey distillery tour. After taking the tour her husband decides he wants to buy the distillery , because how hard can it be to run?
Skip forward in time and now Suzy has been abandoned with an unproductive distillery in crisis and major debts. The distillery has been the main source of employment for the residents of the Island and now their livelihoods are on the line.
Suzy decides to undertake the running of the business and is met with disapproval from both the community and her family.
This is a heartwarming and humorous read with likeable characters that are relatable and situations that make you laugh out loud at times. The Dog in The title finds it's way to Suzy cottage she has rented and she takes him in , for a night , trying to find his owner. She ends up keeping him and he becomes the focus that brings friendship, family and friends together through the bond with him.
This is an enjoyable and uplifting read and I thoroughly recommend it.

As a dog lover this book instantly appealed to me! Add in the fact that it is set on remote Scottish Island and you've got me!!

Suzy is having a rough time of it, her ex partner has left her not only with a broken heart but with a failing distillery on Sgadansay, a remote island off Scotland's west coast. While visiting the island to try and clear her conscious more than anything Suzie finds herself a little dog (or rather he finds her!). With her best efforts to find his owner failing Suzy comes to the conclusion that the little dog, now named Scout, must have been abandoned so, having formed a bond she decides to take him all the way home with her!
However, like a lot of things recently things back home don't quite go to plan and Suzy finds herself back on the island with Scout in tow. With Scout Suzy soon finds herself making friends!
I enjoyed this book but I feel more could have been done in parts to bump up it's rating for me. Some of the characters annoyed me and there was too many questions left around others!
I wouldn't say this is a rom com, while there is a romantic interest it doesn't fully play out in the story with the main focus, I feel, being on Suzy and her development.
It did make me really want to visit the islands though and had that -feel good factor- we all need just now!

Set on a small Hebridean island, the author creates an immersive world for the reader to enjoy.
There are relatable characters and a lovely dog. Suzy is struggling with her ailing distillery and the locals, who rely on her. When she realises Scout needs a home, she can't refuse, and it proves to be a sound decision for their future happiness.

This a story about family, relationships, and self-realisation, a gentle romance builds as the story progresses. The dog is a pivotal character who brings out the best in the human characters. If you are looking for a feel-good read, this is it.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this lovely story. Perfect, heartwarming escapism with the added bonus of a dog – what’s not to love! I think this is my favourite of Fiona Gibson’s books so far.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ricky and Suzy finally got together after 90% of the book. And there's no romance. I actually thought this book would be a rom-com with a cute dog in the middle. But nope. I only ended up only being confused and dissatisfied after reading it. Ugh! The characters were too old. I didn't really like it. I expected something sweet and different than what I got. Disappointed!

This was a cute, quick and easy read. I really liked the main characters and the plot was sweet. I would of loved to read more about story and the characters.

A heartwarming tale of figuring out your life when life has thrown you a curveball.

This book was so enjoyable to read. It was wholesome and heartwarming. You really get to see the main character Suzy grow as a person. The side characters are interesting and the story has enough intrigue to keep you going. But let's be fair, who doesn’t love a book with a cute dog.

ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW

i feel like this books had a lot of potential but it wasn’t fully developed. it was a cute romcom but in some parts, mostly until the middle i thought the development was quite slow. however, i feel that it gives what it pretends to give: a cute romance to get trough with out pain

This book is all about second chances and it was truly inspiring. I loved it and felt so connected to them. Also - if you don't have a dog, this book will make you fall in love with them and want to get one yourself!!

The Dog Share was lovely and heart warming, I really enjoy a good book with a cute puppy! It has great characters and beautiful scenery, great read.

I found this slightly over hyped and didn’t devour it as I thought I might. I liked the characters and loved the setting, loved the concept of sharing a rescue dog. Very light and easy.

Suzy has a nightmare situation to sort out and whilst staying in holiday rental, a stray dog scratches at the door. Scout brings focus to her and leads her to meet other people who also fall in love with the dog.She has an uphill battle trying to save the local distillery, her ex left it in a real mess. The locals are initially hostile and I think I'd have felt like cutting and running!
There are a few different issues tackled and plenty to make you think. The beach makes you want to move and enjoy walks with Scout. It was a great read.

My second read by Gibson and another easy 5 stars! This was a lovely, gentle story and I really enjoyed watching the characters grow to love cute Scout, an abandoned dog who seems to personify the wilderness of Sgadansay, a quaint, remote island off Scotland.

I am in the camp of cat-lover, so reading a book about a dog is a little bit out there! However, it is impossible to not fall in love with Scout and I really enjoyed watching how this little dog creates so many relationships as a result. When it becomes clear that Scout has been abandoned on the island, Suzy decides to take him in. Even though posters have been shared about Scout, no one has claimed him. It is then that Suzy realises she cannot bear to part with him and this is the beginning of the first glorious friendship.

Through Scout, Suzy makes more friends in the island of Sgadansay. This is providential considering that Suzy also has come to own the failing distillery on the island. Providing many jobs on the island but not making a profit, Suzy is perceived as the “enemy”, with locals fearing for their jobs. It is down to Suzy to try and turn this business around – but she needs the support of the employees too. Therefore, not only does Suzy find herself settling down on the island, she has the steep upwards learning curve of trying to manage the distillery and reconciliate with its employees.

As a result, I don’t think this book is wholly romantic fiction. You cannot deny the love that everyone holds towards Scout but, between obvious characters, this is not a dominant part of the narrative. Sure, it is pretty clear where the romantic interest lies, but Gibson does not use this to push the story forwards. Instead, it is more about the distillery and Suzy getting to know the locals on the island, making several close friends along the way.

With many scenes taking place on the windswept beach, I certainly felt the cobwebs being blown away! I appreciated the setting that Gibson creates and vivdly felt like I was strolling along the beach with Suzy, Scout and their friends. I think this added to the relaxing atmosphere that this book conveys: taking it easy and enjoying life. There is no real “crisis” in this novel which I think makes it more appealing. Sure, maybe it is a bit too “glossy” in comparison to real life, but a bit of escapism, especially to the Hebrides, is never a bad thing.

I really like the concept of a group of people bonding over a dog. True, Suzy is Scout’s main owner, but the pleasure and love that comes from sharing him with others who have absent canine companions, is a really sweet idea. It brings together people who may not have necessarily crossed paths but without the full-time commitment of looking after a dog. In other words, all the characters are still able to go about their daily business, sharing Scout around so that technically, he is never on his own. Perfect! (And definitely something an aloof cat would never let you do!)

Another solid read from Gibson and one that left me with a smile on my face. If there is a Scout out there, I really want to meet you!

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.