Cover Image: Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer

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This was a fun Texas story with great characters you can relate too. A dog loving, country music star heroine Trina Potter is the main character with Texas twang along with mystery sweet romance and small town schemes. Well written story with relatable characters twisty plot and rescue dogs gotta love it. I recommend to everyone.

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If you are looking for a cozy mystery with entertaining characters, then Dog Days of Summer is a good choice.
The book starts off pulling you into the story with characters who are downhome, even though one is a famous country singer.
This is the second book in the series, but you don’t have to read the first one to know what is happening in this one.
D’Barbo writes characters who are very relatable.
A few sections dragged a little bit for me, but that’s merely my opinion. Other readers may not mind a little meandering. I felt that there could have been a bit more information about the main character’s singing career but that’s because I was interested, not because there was anything wrong with how it was written. I wasn’t a huge fan of how the love story was tossed in there as a plot point, but wasn’t exactly flushed out. The love story and the ending felt rushed to me but other readers may feel the pacing was just fine. Overall, this was a clean, cozy story that left me with a happy feeling at the end.

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Dogs, romance and mystery
Best-selling author Kathleen Y'Barbo presents "Dog Days of Summer", the second book in the "Gone to the Dogs Mysteries" series, published by Barbour Publishing. Trina, a country-music star is named grand marshal of the annual Lighted Christmas Parade in her Brenham, Texas, her hometown by her mother whose main occupation is to bake a variety of pies and make fancy dog clothes. Trina is confronted with things that she did not expect, e.g., a homemade bomb close to the dog rescue her niece Mari runs, or the desire to leave Nashville and move back to her home town. Then there is Wyatt, her former friend and now a lawyer with whom she is crossing path. But there are also the mysteries surrounding the new dog shelter on the land that Trina bought. Who tries to stop the work and why?
This is not the first book by Kathleen Y'Barbo which I read, but it is the first Christian novel that combines romance and mystery and suspense. I like the clean story line and the great and believable characters. I highly appreciated the book and recommend it to all readers who are interested in Christian novels that include mystery and suspense.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#DogDaysOfSummer #Netgalley

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What a fun read I must say. It took me a couple of chapters to get into it but as I sat quietly in front of my TV fireplace it all fell together wonderfully. I really enjoyed the witty fun conversations between Trina, Wyatt and her mother Peach. This light mystery did remind me of one of my favourite childhood games called Clue.

Towards the middle of the book, the mystery picks up and fast, and you are left wondering who did it. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting more to happen, but more did. To sum it up, I think you will enjoy this fun mystery as you follow this down to earth cute family and circle of friends, not to mention the smart furry friends especially Hector in this heartwarming story of coming back home. I thank God for Him being there in all kinds of life’s circumstances.

I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.🐾

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This cover is so cute. And it is so accurate of what the reader will find within the pages.

This cozy mystery was fun and engaging. I enjoyed that the main characters were a bit older than those we met in the first book, though they do make appearances often.

The mystery plot was interesting and though I had my one suspect, I didn't get the full picture until the end.

If you enjoy lighter mysteries, with some 4-paw characters bringing some fun scenes, you need to read this series.

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This is book 2 of the Gone to the Dogs series, a Christian Short Rescue Dog read. Trina decides to buy a ranch in Brenham, Texas and help her friend with her dog rescue facility. She never expected things to go this bad, from finding land, convincing her mother she is doing the right thing , and dealing with old high school acquaintances. When more strange things happen, Trina is wondering, what did she get herself into? What does all this mean for her career, friends and family?

If you love a good cozy read with some laughs and light mystery, read this book. I am an avid dog rescue person, so this was a favorite book to read for me. It is book 2 of the series, but can be read as a stand alone..... read this book for a relaxing, fun time! Can't wait for book 3

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

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I LOVE dog's therefore I love reading about them too. I adored reading this book. I have a rescue dog myself and he is the most loving being ever. I loved that they set up a rescue shelter in this story, it totally warmed my heart.

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I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

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Satisfying and enjoyable cozy starring Trina Potter, a country music star with family needs are pulling her back to her Texas roots. Naturally her label is not pleased and mischief runs rampant between her niece's dog rescue and various run ins with neighbors. No murder but a great cast of characters.

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Dog Days of Summer is the second book in the Gone to the Dogs series. I have not read the first book in this series, but I think I'll need to get that one as well since this was such a fun read.
A quick read, I enjoyed it, and the cover is cute too.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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A cute story about family and solving a mystery. Trina Potter is a famous country singer torn between staying in Nashville to continue music or start to slow down in Texas to be with her family. Some strange things have been happening where her niece could have been hurt and all these little things keep dragging her back to Texas. Is she able to find out who might be trying to get her to leave?

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I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would! A country singer, a vet clinic, a small Texas town. The story was woven together well and had mystery, romance and a good ending. If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, this would definitely fit in that genre. A nice, light read which also had a comical character (the heroines mom) to keep it light and funny. Overall good read.

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Can they find out whodunit in time?

It's no secret that I love dog (cats too) stories...any breed and nearly any genre...but Dog Days Of Summer is the best of both worlds as it just happens to be a Christian cozy mystery with some canine and even feline hijinks. What more could a person ask for on a cold rainy fall day, hmm?

This is the second book in the Gone To The Dogs series (don't you just love the title?) of mysteries and Kathleen Y'Barbo's first contribution to it. I have to say that she did an excellent job! Not only with her own story but in meshing this second book with the first. All of the characters were pretty much as quirky and crazy as they were in Off The Chain – and that is saying something! Kathleen Y'Barbo certainly knows what she is doing!

One of the things that I appreciated about this story was the changing dynamic between mother and daughter. Even though this is a cute cozy mystery one could feel – and probably understand quite well – the frustration of both generations as they try to navigate the waters of the need for increasing care of an aging parent while trying to maintain a little independence for them both.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries and dogs you are in for a real treat with the Gone To The Dogs series. They are such fun to read and you can't help but enjoy every minute spent within its pages. Just as I knew it would be, Dog Days Of Summer was no exception. I liked both books and I am really looking forward to more tail-wagging fun with this series...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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This entertaining series offers readers a bit of suspense along with dog incidents and dealing with a stubborn older woman named Peach. Well, quirky Peach just happens to be mama to a famous country singer, Trina, who is the central character of this book, which she tells in first person, coming across naturally and offering insight to her thoughts and life. Trina’s niece, Mari, the star of the first book, still plays a major role—both in her work with canines and interaction with her family, etc. I enjoyed these first two novels, each written by a different author—which is not the ordinary way. The compelling story begun in the first book, with the fun characters and its Texas setting, continues in this tale. It includes humorous scenes (with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments) and family drama along with some romantic elements as the intriguing plot unfolds. The author makes it all seem real and inviting, making you want to join the characters as they romp through life. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

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I really enjoyed the first 'Gone to the Dogs' mystery but I think I enjoyed this one just a bit more. I like that this series is more around dogs rather than just one central character. In the first book we met Marigold and in this one we get to spend more time with Trina, Marigold aunt.

The relationships are continuing to develop with a few new characters added. If I lived in Brenham, I'd be using the Lone Star Vet clinic for my dogs.

I can't wait to read the next one in this series!

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I loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to get back and visit with some old friends again. Dog Days of Summer is an amazing sequel to a wonderful book. This series is fast becoming a favorite of mine and I hope you enjoy it too!

Patsy and Cline are hilarious. What fun dogs! They’re so full of life and just want to have fun and maybe a few adventures along the way. I have to admit they had me laughing out loud several times. Such a fun book!

I love dogs. I also love cats. In reality, there aren’t a lot of animals that I don’t enjoy. Well, snakes and reptiles. I’m not a fan of them. But most mammals are amazing and I love them. We live on a farm and have all of the animals. There’s nothing quite like snuggling up to a milk cow. But a dog cuddling on the bed or a cat sleeping on my pillow next to me are wonderful things.

This book is told from the view of Trina who we learned about in the first book. She’s a country music singer and she’s back in her hometown. So much is going on in this book and you’re going to love it!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

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What a nice trip back to Brenham, Texas this second in the series proved to be. Getting to know Mari in the first book, this time we get to know her Aunt Trina better. Trina Potter is a country music star living far away in Nashville. However, after a visit home she is really wanting to stay in her hometown for good. Can she do that with her contracts? Well, she is going to certainly find out. There is a lot she has been missing out on.

Trina wants to live privately in her hometown, nothing fancy, moving her mom in with her all the while helping Mari set up her animal rescue facility. But there are some ominous things surrounding Mari and her team when they go out at night for a rescue. Can the police get to the bottom of some of the troubling ones? And her Mama needs to be independent, but still have tabs kept on her. Especially after an accident that brings Trina home once again. Then there is Wyatt, her once upon a time prom date. He is not so nerdy anymore and he seems to keep showing up when she needs him.

I really liked the camaraderie all of these characters have with one another. The family dynamics were heartwarming, and I am glad these three women have one another to lean and depend on. As for the romance or more, I was pleasantly surprised.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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Dog Days of Summer is book two in the Gone to the Dogs series. This book is written by Kathleen Y'Barbo. The series is written by two talented authors. I have read book one, and it's not neccesary to have read it to read and enjoy this one.

Country Music Singer, Trina Potter is super proud of her niece, Marigold. Her niece has created a dog rescue. Trina comes back to Brenham, Texas to participate in the Christmas Parade and to assist her niece in getting the rescue up and running. Trina finds out that both her mother, Mama Peach and Mari have not been truthful in things that have happened. Trina finds out that someone planted a bomb at the rescue's temporary location. Trina sets out to try and find out who is behind this.

The list of suspects grows and Trina and her childhood friend, Wyatt start to investigate. I love how I had NO idea who the culprit was until the end of the book. The book flows nicely and you find yourself caught up in the story.

I am loving this series. I love the characters they are well written. Next up is Veterinarian Kristin Keller's story - and I am super excited about that. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

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I am already looking forward to the next book in this series. This is a fun cozy dog rescue series. In Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y’Barbo, we find ourselves back in small town Brenham, Texas. Mari Evans, vet tech and pet rescuer, shares the spotlight with her famous aunt Trina, who must decide which of her two worlds to live in. If, in fact, she and Mari can stay alive.

I liked the fact that there are really two heroines in this novel, one older than the other. I find that refreshing. I appreciated the choices that Trina has to make and the difficulty those decisions could cause.

I loved Wyatt Chastain. He is a patient man, the voice of reason, has a good people sense, possesses a sharp wit, and seems rather laid back. He has learned how to deal with life’s difficult circumstances calmly.

Mama Peach. What can I say? She, along with her cat, Hector, adds humor, warmth, and eccentricity to the novel. You’ll want to keep reading just to discover what those two are up to next!

Y’Barbo throws out several red herrings until I was unsure who the perpetrator is. She produces a satisfying conclusion with a few twists I didn’t see coming. Next book in the series, please!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. Plus I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

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I loved this fabulous Christian cozy mystery! It is second in Barbour’s multi-author ‘Gone to the Dogs’ series. There is an excellent blend of humor, drama, faith, family, career, and mystery. Each character is well defined, and many are Southerners through and through. The Texas setting sounded gorgeous! The mysteries were challenging, and no murders took place.

I really liked Trina, the country singer who still is a down-home country girl at heart. When her mama is injured in a fall, Trina is determined to live at least part of the time in Brenham, Texas, and return to Nashville only when necessary. Her only sister had passed away from cancer, and her niece, Mari, has a full-time job as a vet tech while getting her dog rescue established so she can get her own facility rather than use a shed on a generous rancher’s property. Trina didn’t want to pass on to Mari the full responsibility of trying to keep Mama in line.

Trina has one substantial obstacle. Her long-term producer and record label owner, Sticks, demands that she live in Nashville. If she wants to live in Texas, even part time, she will have to give up her career. Trina has some hard decisions to make but won’t give up Mama’s remaining years for the sake of more money and gold records.

Trina also has Wyatt, an old friend, on her side. Wyatt was the high school band nerd and she was a cheerleader. There was never a more unlikely couple going to the prom, but she could not turn down his unique invitation. She has not seen him for years, but he was the one who called her when her mama went to the hospital. Wyatt is now a very successful and handsome attorney, one of the most eligible bachelors in town. It is a pity she isn’t looking for a sweetheart!

Trina is ready to look at property in Brenham. It has to be the kind of place where she could feel comfortable having Mama live, especially when she has to go to Nashville or on the road. It needs to have room to build an animal shelter or have an outbuilding to renovate. Incidents occurred at the ranch where rescue dogs were housed, as if someone were trying to drive the rescue away.

Those incidents didn’t stop when Wyatt found the perfect place for Trina to buy. One thing after another occurred at the new property where a building was being remodeled for the rescue. One of the neighbors even threatened to shoot her personal dogs. Too many things are happening at this perfect place, and she no longer feels it will be safe for her family.

The faith element is present without being preachy; prayer is an important part of their lives. I felt as if I were there with these (mostly) wonderful characters in this close-knit community. Trying to find whodunit seemed an insurmountable challenge. The sweet romances were well balanced and heartwarming without taking over the narrative. I enjoyed seeing how the complex mysteries were wrapped up. I could not have guessed these solutions on my own! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries that include faith, dogs, sweet romance, and gentle spiritual values. While this can be enjoyed as a standalone, it might be beneficial to read the series in order.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from Celebrate Lit and the publisher, Barbour, through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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