Finding Riley

Finding Riley
A Forever Home Novel, Book 2
Dan Walsh
(Bainbridge Press)
ASIN: B01LBNE66I
ISBN: 978-0997983708
October 2016/242 pages
An unexpected surprise brings the Mitchell family of Savannah a chance to experience the Christmas trip of their dreams. An unexpected disappointment threatens to turn it into the worst Christmas ever.

John Finch and his friend Alfred live in the woods. Been doing it for decades. He likes wintering in Florida, but this year’s been particularly harsh. Between the cold, freezing rain and terrifying lightning storms, John’s starting to wonder how much more of this lifestyle he can take. A new friend enters the picture and changes everything.

Kim Harper, the dog trainer introduced in Rescuing Finley, is contacted by a billionaire philanthropist seeking her help with a new dog training project that will help the homeless. Is he for real? And is her co-worker right: does this rich handsome man’s interest in Kim go far deeper than her dog-training skills?

Bestselling author Dan Walsh is known for page-turning, character driven novels. Fans of Dan’s other novels, especially Rescuing Finley, as well as dog-lovers everywhere will love Finding Riley.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 17 novels and 1 nonfiction devotional, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion, and When Night Comes. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 3 Selah Awards, and 3 times his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year. For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, although recently Dan has also started to pen suspense novels (such as What Follows After and When Night Comes). Dan has been writing full-time since 2010. He and his wife, Cindi, have been married 39 years and have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren. They live in the Daytona Beach area, where Dan grew up. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, read his blog, or preview all his books by visiting his website at danwalshbooks.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I always enjoy Dan Walsh's books, and I loved Rescuing Finley, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review Finding Riley. Walsh once again captivated my heart in spite of my lack of affection for dogs in real life. The fact that it is a Christmas novel only adds to the charm. As usual, Walsh creates authentic characters that seem as if they are in my living room as I read. The Mitchell family is every family, right down to Lisa's annoying big sister impatience and condescending comments to her brother, Jeffrey. The interactions and experiences of the men and women in the homeless camp are well-balanced, neither over-simplifying the situation nor vilifying those in such circumstances. Including Riley's "thoughts" and point of view adds a charming touch to an already delightful story. While Finding Riley is easily read as a stand-alone, I enjoyed reconnecting with Kim as well as Amy, who were featured in Rescuing Finley. Finding Riley makes a great gift for yourself or someone you know. I'm already watching for Book 3, Saving Parker, coming in 2017!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Dan Walsh. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



FOREVER HOME NOVELS - MY REVIEWS
Rescuing Finley
Finding Riley