Stay by Allie Larkin

Seriously, who can resist this cover? Better than the cover- the actual story and the characters that filled the pages. Stay is an impressive debut from Allie Larkin that belongs on your to-read list. The story follows Van Leone and her baggage of emotional problems- from losing her mother to cancer to losing the love of her life to her best friend. Van succumbs to loneliness one night, and impulsively buys a German shepherd puppy over the internet. When Joe (the outrageously large puppy) finally arrives, Van isn’t sure what she got herself into. On an emergency trip to the vet one night, Van meets Alex the veterinarian, and the sparks fly. But their budding relationship turns complicated when Van’s other emotional baggage comes to town- her best friend and her new husband.

It was so easy to fall in love with Van. She was a good person with a big heart, but always a little unsure about where to step. Her mother was the housekeeper for her best friend’s family, which always left Van feeling not as worthy. Because of this, Van seems to give in just a little too easily sometimes, like she doesn’t feel she is good enough to finally get the long end of the stick. Her journey reads as authentic, and the addition of Joe the puppy was like magic. Not only did Joe lead her to Alex, but he brought joy to life like only a dog can, and helped her jump through the hoops and hurdles life brought her. You have no idea how badly I wanted to finally go out and by that golden lab I have been eyeing after reading Stay. But the story is so much more than about a girl and her dog, or a girl looking for love. It’s about a girl finding her footing in life, how to cope with the loss of a parent, how to triumph when circumstances can bring you down. And, it’s all down with humor. I am giving this book the five stars that I think it deserves, and a place on my Favorites List!