There’s a dog in it – I’m bound to love this book. The dog in question is a very opinionated Yorkie. And the Yorkie will have to like the girl, if she’s going to marry the boy. But this book is much deeper than romance, and much broader than family drama. A lonely protagonist is thrown into big family dynamics, while struggling to hide the darkness of her past. A wayward son thinks he’s found “the one” and makes too many assumptions. The strong daughter might not be as strong as she looks. And the mom? In this zanily real family, she’s a matriarch with a glorious sense of humor. And she’s almost as important as the dog.

The story starts with family – so many members, adults, children (and dog) – and smelly feet. But it soars when wounded Christina arrives, changing the whole dynamic, demanding to hide yet ever being seen. Faith, family and fun combine as Christina’s terrors subside. Painful hardships, cruel misunderstandings, and lobsters give the story a genuine edge. Meanwhile the combination of sharp and sweet ends up offering just the right flavor. With wise advice and genuine heart, the book is “Unexpected. Different. A little more than ... bargained for,” just like genuinely meeting the Dearings. I shall hope to read more.

Disclosure: I bought this in the Women of Heart collection and I offer my honest review. ( )