Oof. My heart! Forever Ripley was an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. I felt so connected to the Ripley and loved that the story was told from the dog's POV. It’s a beautifully written story that left my heart both aching and full! Thank you, NetGalley!

A beautiful story of love. I knew I was going to cry through out this book. McCall Hoyle continues to weave an amazing story, through the dogs eyes. The love that is felt and expressed, is so tangible. The furry friends in our lives, become a part of us and stay with us forever.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ripley is a senior German Shepherd who was trained by Charlie’s dad to be a sniffer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife in Eastern North Carolina. Both Ripley and Dad were involved in a helicopter crash the killed Charlie’s dad. Dad gave Ripley one last job - to take care of Mom and Charlie, who Ripley loves more than peanut butter, but it is getting harder as she ages and is diagnosed with cancer. Charlie realizes Ripley doesn’t have much time left and creates a bucket list of Ripley’s favorite things to do from chasing birds on the beach to eating fried chicken. They even throw a farewell party for Ripley with all her favorite people and favorite foods.
I cried throughout this book, probably because losing my previous dog recently to cancer hit me very hard. Okay, maybe not the whole book as the adventures were exciting and fun. I still think it’s a must read to help deal with loss and build empathy - possibly not for super sensitive readers who might be truly affected. Highly recommend for readers in grades 4 and up.
#ForeverRipley #ShadowMountainPublishing #NetGalley

#ForeverRipley #NetGalley

Charlie and Ripley live near a wildlife preserve and know where it is safe to explore. Ripley is a German Shepherd, and she loves to run, fetch, and play, but lately, her back leg hurts, and she is getting older. Ripley was a rescue dog, and she still uses her nose to smell and warn Life is hard when your four-legged family ember can't get around like she used to, and Charlie knows she will soon need to say goodbye

This was such a beautifully done novel, it had that element that I was looking for from a bond between dogs and humans and made me shed a tear or two. I was invested in what was going on and thought the world was so well done. It was a beautifully done goodbye and was everything that I wanted. The characters were so well written and glad I was able to read these story line going on through this. McCall Hoyle has such a strong writing style and was glad I read this.

McCall Hoyle has done it again! This book has all the feels and her talent for personification is second to none! It is almost like she knows how a dog would speak if it were given the chance. It is sad, but hopeful and as she says herself gives the reader the chance to experience big emotions in the safety of the pages of this book. Amazing!

Dog books get me every time and this was no exception! I had to stop several times while reading together myself because this made me so emotional. Ripley is the protector of a wildlife refuge, but when she near the end of her life, her new owners help her enjoy her last moments while dealing with her inevitable death.

“And I hope I will always feel bits of them clumped close to me.”
🐶
Ripley has spent her life guarding the wildlife refuge with Max, his owner and the best man Ripley has ever known. His final words before passing on were to “take care of the girls.” So that’s why Ripley watches over Max’s wife and daughter with such care and attention until one day Ripley realizes their time together might be coming to an end soon. When danger comes in the form of two poachers Ripley remembers his last promise to Max and vows to keep it at all costs.
🐢
If you’ve read @mccallhoylebooks before you know she centers her stories around dogs. This one tells the story from Ripley’s point of view and it was achingly sweet to read. Ripley loves his humans and that’s shown on every page. While this MG book made me sob, there’s also a lot of joy, hope and healing on the pages as well. Fans of Where the Red Fern Grows will love this one too. This novel releases September 2 and I’m hoping I can get McCall to sign my ARC at #glmasi25!

CW: parental death (off page), grief, death of an animal, dognapping, illegal laws broken in relation to a wildlife refuge

This is a story that was hard to read, especially if you have a pet or know the pain of losing a pet. However it's an important story. I am glad the author chose to tell it through Ripley's eyes, giving it a softer feel as you process the grief alongside the characters.

Just finished and blown away. I have read and loved McCall’s books (Best Friend Dog Takes series) but Forever Ripley is my favorite.
It deals with grief, loss and healing in a way that is healing. The wise words from Mr. Chen and the poem read by Ms. Alvarez, helped my own heart.
As a native Florida, I enjoyed the conservation and preservation part- including saving turtles! The problem (no spoilers) was totally believable and added to healing process.
Highly recommend for children and adults of all ages.

This was a tough book to read. I loved how it was told from the dog’s point of view. I liked how the dog was preparing his family for the time he won’t be there. There was a lot of death in this one, almost too much. I’m glad that I had a chance to read it though.

McCall Hoyle has been a hit with middle grade kids. Her dog stories are so entertaining. I have a hard time keeping them on the shelves. The length is perfect for all readers making it a fun quick read. This was a heart warming but sad story.