#Review: The Rescue by SL Rosewarne @floweringpot @rararesources #blogtour #doglovers #secondchances #TheRescue

Something a little different today – and I’m delighted to be joining the blog tour for The Rescue by SL Rosewarne. Described as “like Marley and Me, written by Marley”, it was independently published in January and is now available for kindle and in paperback via Amazon in the UK and US, or you may prefer to purchase your paperback via the author’s website. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the author for my advance reading e-copy.

Do forgive me if it’s a secret – and no, I’m sure it isn’t – but I know, from her website and because we have some mutual friends, that the author’s real name is Sue Kittow. As chance would have it, I already have one of her walking books, Walks in the Footsteps of Daphne du Maurier, on my shelf in readiness for my holiday in Fowey later this year. But this book is her first published novel – and with my current obsession with #SophieFromRomania and the frequent feeling that I’d rather like a rescue dog of my own, coupled with its theme of second chances, it immediately appealed to me.

Let’s take a closer look…

When terrier Moll’s owner dies, she is determined to protect his widow, Suki. As Suki navigates grief, dating and men with baggage of their own, Moll tries to push her beloved owner to moving on with someone Moll has chosen, with a good sense of humour, a generous heart, and a steady supply of biscuits.

 

But Suki has a frustrating habit of doing things the way she wants, instead of Moll’s way. Until she meets Ted, who Moll adores almost as much as Suki. Ted, though, has demons of his own, so is he really the right choice for Suki?

 

With Moll getting older, and Suki still struggling, can this devoted pup fulfil her promise to look after her owner, before her time runs out?

 

A quirky tale of second chances, told through the eyes of woman’s best friend.

This book was totally delightful – a story told from terrier Moll’s perspective of Suki’s journey after the loss of her husband Pip. Moll’s promised Pip she’ll look after her but – despite the intelligence she’s always so delighted everyone comments on – the world of human emotional attachments proves far more complicated than she could have ever imagined. If only people could sniff each other and understand the significance of all those different scents the way she does.

In many ways, Moll’s life is straightforward – she has the comfort of her new friend Titch (perhaps not the brightest woof in the pack, but cheerful and affectionate), and is deliriously happy when humans agree to share their food – but steering Suki down the path that will make her happy proves to be a considerable challenge. Ted becomes central to Suki’s life – and Moll approves of his smell of salt, fresh air and warm bread – but his own is particularly difficult and complicated, with little chance of a shared happy ending.

The way the bond between the owner and her dog is portrayed is just wonderful – and I loved the insights into a dog’s mind afforded by Moll’s quirky and endearing narration. The story itself is heartbreaking at times – a lot of grief, loss, sadness, thwarted second chances – but there’s a lovely humour and lightness in Moll’s take on life, despite her many responsibilities. The story itself doesn’t have many fireworks or big surprises – it’s just a woman and her dog navigating their way through life’s ups and downs – but that proves to be unexpectedly compelling. There’s a particularly strong sense of place to the book too – a lovely introduction to some beautiful corners of Cornwall. I’ll admit I do sometimes avoid books about dogs because of the inevitable emotional content given their limited life span – but, although Moll obviously ages as the story progresses, I really thought the book’s ending was thoroughly perfect.

If you love dogs, you’re going to really love this one – and if you don’t, you might still find yourself surfing rescue dog websites (as I did) when you reach the end. Perfectly judged, beautifully written – and very much recommended.

About the author

I live in Cornwall with my rescue dog Lainy (who features at the end of The Rescue) and is going on to have her own story in Lainy’s Tale, which I am writing now. I spend part of the week with my partner and his rescue dog, Twig, where we walk, cycle, swim and grow vegetables. When forced indoors he is addicted to shouting at politicians on the news, the perfect excuse for me to write.
 
When not writing or training Lainy, I sing with The Suitcase Singers, and also give talks to anyone who will pay to listen to me talking about my work. To my surprise, many have.
 
I am also a freelance journalist, researcher and author of five Cornish literary themed walking books – Discover Cornwall, Walks in the Footsteps of Cornish Writers, Walks in the Footsteps of Poldark, Walks in the Footsteps of Daphne du Maurier and Walks in the Footsteps of Rosamunde Pilcher, all published by Sigma Press and online in our ‘Books’ section of the website.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram