That's It, I'm Moving! (A Dog Called Jack Review)

TITLE: A Dog Called Jack
AUTHOR: Ivy Pembroke
PUBLISHER: John Scognamiglio Books
PUBLISHING DATE: January 29, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: Every street should have a dog like Jack. And every abandoned dog should find a new family like the residents of Christmas Street--a group of people who just might need Jack as much as he needs them . . . All day, he trots happily between the terraced houses, receiving treats and toys, offering a tail wag or lick in return. For Sam, a widower recently returned to London, Jack is Christmas Street's unofficial welcoming committee. For Sam's young son, Teddy, the small, scruffy mutt is much more than that--he's a confidante and Teddy's much-needed and so far only friend. But other neighbors also rely on Jack for company, including Bill, the street's oldest, grumpiest resident. Bill remembers when everyone knew and looked out for each other. Now, people live side by side for years, scarcely interacting. Jack--with some help from Sam and Teddy--is starting to change all that. After a bumpy start, Jack helps forge a bond between Teddy and the girl next door, and he's the unlikely connection between Bill and artist Max, who lives with his husband, Arthur. He's also an approving witness to the secret relationship between two teenagers from very different backgrounds, and to Sam's tentative flirtation with Teddy's teacher. After all, Jack, with his willing and open heart, knows how much happier these humans could be if they, too, took the time to connect with one another. Warm, witty, and as irresistibly charming as its canine hero, A Dog Called Jack is the uplifting story of an ordinary street and the extraordinary dog bringing all its inhabitants together.

MY THOUGHTS: So I'm moving.  See that cute purple house in the middle with the three shrubs in front?  That's the one I want.  And see that adorable dog on the cover?  He'll make a perfect friend for my pups.  Ivy Pembroke has created a setting I just want to beam myself into and live happily ever after.

Several years ago Sam's wife died so he and his son, Teddy, have moved to England to be closer to Sam's sister and her two kids.  Teddy hates living in a foreign country and is having a hard time making friends, all except for Jack.  Jack is the street dog.  The family that lived in Sam's house before left him when they moved (don't even get me started on that!) so all of the people living on the street take care of him.  However, they really don't know each other very well despite living side by side for years.  However, Sam has taken it upon himself to remedy that because he himself wants to make friends and what better place to start that the neighbors.

This book was quaint and fun and everything I wanted and more.  First of all, Jack is a wonderful dog who  is managing to pull the neighborhood together despite them being aware.  And there are some interested couples living there.  Bill Hammersly is the widowed elderly man who has the grumpy old man role down pat - except of course he has a soft spot for Jack.  He also finds he has one for Teddy, who insists on inserting himself in the old man's life.  Then you have Pen.  She's a writer and health nut who has created her own tales for everyone on the street and who insists on feeding Jack health food.  Add in Max and Arthur who are trying to adopt and two other families who have no idea their children have been dating for months and a single teacher and you have "A Dog Called Jack."

And don't worry, this book isn't all drama.  There is humor and fun incidents and stories that tug at your heart (and those who know me know my heart is encased in cement so that's some feat).  So basically I have a new favorite book full of favorite characters (Mr. Hammersly being the best).  And Jack, I was never once worried about his well being or safety so thank you Ivy!  If you love dogs or tales about people coming together, then you absolutely have to read "A Dog Called Jack."

RATING: 5 PAWS (more if I could)