#BookReview: House Trained by Jackie Bouchard

Reviewer: Annie

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Alex Halstad, a childless-by-choice interior designer and dog mom, is a true perfectionist. But her orderly life turns chaotic when the teenage daughter her husband, Barry, never knew he had shows up on their doorstep…with a baby girl of her own in tow. While Alex’s dog enthusiastically welcomes the new arrivals, Alex struggles with the loss of her steady routine. She desperately needs peace and quiet to get her business back on track before Barry finds out she’s spent most of their savings. Meanwhile, the arrival of the girls stirs up old insecurities, and Alex can’t help but worry that Barry’s ex will make an entrance too. With her tidy life a distant memory, will Alex be able to learn from her dog the true meaning of love and acceptance?

From bestselling author Jackie Bouchard comes a humorous and heartwarming look at how life creates opportunities to love in surprising ways.

Review:

I have found a new author that I really enjoy!!! Jackie Bouchard delivered a heart-centered story that was a delight to read. I have to be sure to check out her two other books. I love the cover to this book! This had me at “hello”.

Alex Halstad is a super likeable character, and her husband, Barry and Dog, Marie, are wonderful additions. I fell in love with all three of them. I truly enjoyed the parts of the story that was about the Dog, Marie…a Labradoodle that will teach them all a few things along the way.

At the beginning of the story, we learn that Alex has spent all of their money to keep her business afloat….and, that Barry just found out he has an 18 year old daughter, who also has her own child.

This family increases in size rather quickly, and Alex feels everything is going to come crashing down on them. I mean, which is worse…the money situation, or the fact that Barry’s child’s mother is Jade…Barry’s first love.

After deciding mutually to not have children…..how will their life change with Alex now being a step-mother and step-grandmother? And, where is Jade?

Who will teach them life’s greatest lessons?

Fun, quick read…(now let me go snuggle with my dog, Simon..lol)

5 Stars