At the opening of Eve Marie Mont’s debut novel, Free to a Good Home, we meet Noelle, and on this Christmas, she is a newly divorced thirty-three year old veterinary tech, very unsure of what comes next. Unfortunately, her ex can still make her heart race, even though she knows that his being gay made the relationship more than unworkable. She’s also still reeling from the discovery that she cannot conceive a child, another turn in life that she was completely unprepared for. With all of that on her mind, she’s certainly not imagining a new beginning right around the corner. As readers, though, we know that the next year as chronicled in the novel, will hold lots of ups and downs, hopefully with the storybook happy ending.
If you’re looking for a summer novel with charm, humor, and a main character whose likability leaps off the page, let me encourage you to get to a bookstore or library. Noelle is the quintessential character who is less than fully self-aware– always there for others, but not necessarily keeping her own best interests in mind. She could be perceived as somewhat unbelievable… unless you know people like her (or you are that person!). Over the course of a year, Noelle not only learns some things about herself, but also deepens relationships with some other people in her life as well. With a new perspective, new beginnings come naturally.
Giving the book a special feel are both the New England setting, with the seasons playing out on the pages in lush descriptions, and the animal shelter component of the story, which provides some thoughtful parallels between the human and canine experiences.
With a comfortable and contemporary tone to the first-person narrative, not only is Noelle’s character extremely likable and easy to relate to, the whole novel flows quickly, making Free to a Good Home a wonderful summer read, when a long, lazy afternoon begs to be spent reading!
We’re happy to be able to offer a copy of Free to a Good Home to give away to one reader. Please leave a comment here to be entered, U.S. addresses only.
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Dawn’s ideal summer day involves a little sun, a little water, and a whole lot of reading. Oh, and don’t forget at least a few minutes blogging away at my thoughts exactly.
I would truly enjoy reading Free to a Good Home. I’m a sucker for books with dogs.
Please enter me! This book sounds great.
Sounds like a good book. I’d love to win and read it.
Free to a Good Home sounds like my kind of book. Please enter my name in the giveaway.
Mary (Bookfan)
I would love to enter this giveaway – sounds like a fun summer read.
I would love to read this book, it sounds like a good summer read. Thanks for chance to win it!
Sounds like a fabulous read. I think I need something light, fun and interesting.
Thanks, Dawn, for the lovely review! And thanks to all who entered the giveaway for your interest. To whomever wins, happy reading!!
Sounds like a good read. Please enter me. Thanks!
I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the possibility.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great book. Count me in
This sounds like a terrific summer read.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Would love to win a copy of Free to a good Home.
Thanks
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for reviewing it. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Would love to win this! =)
That book sounds like one I would love, plus, most importantly, the cover is real pretty. 🙂 I would love to win it. My library doesn’t carry it and usually that’s how I roll.
Looks like a another good one, thanks.
P.S. thanks for Travels with Gannon and Wyatt, I am sure I will enjoy it.
I’d love to win this one!
Oh I’d love to read this.
Sounds like fun read! Thanks
I’m not entering for the draw, I live in Canada. Just wanted to say I’m glad Dawn enjoyed the book and am adding it to my tbr list. I am not one for animal books but the cover of this book has drawn me in a way most don’t and I’m hoping I like it too. Thanks for reviewing it.
Thank you, Sandra! The cover is quite adorable, and I hope you enjoy the story!
Looking for a good summer read and Free to a Good Home sounds great.
Wow! I love this site! I am so glad I found it! I would love the chance to win this book, or any of the featured books, for that matter! Thanks!
I’m dying to read this one!
JHS
Colloquium
jhsmail at comcast dot net
Would love to read this book!!!
Free to a Good Home sounds very good! Love to be entered.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Thanks for a chance to win a book! Yay!
I love books with dogs. Please count me in.
Please enter me in this giveaway – Thanks!
seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love a light summer read. I’ve been plowing through books during my bus commute!
sounds like a delightful read!
I’d love to be entered for this book!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Sounds like a great read. Please include me.
thanks for the opportunity to read this novel 🙂
A nice summer read sounds perfect just about now!
This seems like it’d be such an engaging read. Perfect for right now.
I love reading debut novels!
My book club would love me…please enter me!
Thanks, [email protected]
Would be great to win this book! 🙂
Thanks for the great review, and a chance to win this book. As an empty nester, I drove 400 miles to rescue a beautiful German Shepard 2 years ago. He has become a valued member of our family and I can’t imagine life without him in it.
This sounds really good! Please enter me. I know I would enjoy this story.