When Dr. Cyrus Mills returned home after inheriting his estranged father's veterinary practice, The Bedside Manor for Sick Animals, the last thing he wanted was to stay in Eden Falls, Vermont, a moment longer than absolutely necessary. However, the previously reclusive veterinarian pathologist quickly found that he actually enjoyed treating animals and getting to know the eccentric residents of the tiny provincial town-especially an alluring waitress named Amy.
So Cyrus is now determined to make Bedside Manor thrive. Not an easy goal, given that Healthy Paws, the national veterinary chain across town, will stop at nothing to crush its mom-and-pop competitor. And the rival vet practice isn't Cyrus's only competition; a handsome stranger shows up out of nowhere who clearly has a mysterious past with Amy. To top it off, Cyrus finds himself both the guardian of a very unique orphaned dog and smack in the middle of serious small town drama.
This charming sequel to The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs is a wild and delightful ride through one jam- packed week, where Cyrus must figure out how to outsmart the evil veterinary conglomerate, win back Amy's heart, solve several tricky veterinary cases, find a home for an orphaned dog, and detangle himself from an absurd case of mistaken identity. DOG GONE, BACK SOON brims with Nick Trout's trademark humor, charm, and captivating animal stories, and is proof that all dogs, lost or not, on four feet or two, deserve a second chance.
I got this ebook as an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Netgalley, but I should start this review out by saying that I have not read The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs, not realizing that it was a sequel until after I read the book. Even without reading the previous novel, this book stood up well on its own, and I enjoyed its charming story of the newly arrived small town veterinarian.
There was enough character background for Cyrus for him to be able to stand up on his own, though I’d wanted more for Amy’s character – I’m assuming we get more of her in the first novel.
I enjoyed many of the minor characters, especially Charlie and Gabe. I loved that they each had their own changes throughout the novel, and that Charlie and her mom’s relationship had its own growth – I especially like that they didn’t abuse Gabe’s skills any more than was forced upon Cyrus.
I gotta say, though, if things don’t work out between Cyrus and Amy, I really think that Dr. Honey and Cyrus would rock as a couple. That’s if she could forgive him for lying to her on the dates that he was set up on.
Stash the dog was great, although I’m not sure I approve of Cyrus keeping him from soldiers that probably need him.
I loved the resolution of the problem, which I won’t spoil for you, but I definitely recommend this book to animal lovers and those who enjoy small town life.