Main character Charlotte is obsessed with Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". Or, at least obsessed with the idea of finding the perfect man, her own Mr. Darcy, a man who will value and treasure her above all else. Sounds good in theory but, well, reality bites.
Charlotte has just broken up with her boyfriend and has sworn off men, well, for six months. She even talks her friends into doing the same and, maybe more importantly, into all of them adopting a dog. I liked that the one she picks isn't perfect, just close. So, yes, she can accept a non-perfect "perfect dog" but has trouble applying that concept to her choice in men. Enter George, a neighbor who is "just a friend" who provides dog expertise. George has his own dreams and we do alternate between them periodically, so we see things from both vantage points. Can "just friends" become true lovers and life partners?
In the process of following their story, we also get glimpses into the lives of George's family and Charlotte's friends. Charlotte is pushy enough to talk them into her Puppy Plan but as much as I love dogs, even the perfect dog won't solve all your problems. It's interesting to follow along as not just George and Charlotte sort things out -- and if patience defines a saint, George is a saint for tolerating the whims and needs of Charlotte -- who he dubs Charles. He's definitely the sort of person one can depend on although he shows depths I hadn't anticipated. Let's just say, self-growth happens for both.
Although I honestly was lukewarm about Charlotte, she is very real. She's smart, well-educated, loves her family and friends, but also pushy and needy, only to push away others to protect them from, no lie, being hurt by her. In other words, she's quite realistic while also having unrealistic expectations, if that makes any sense. While this wasn't quite the book for me, it was well written and has much to offer those who love the entire concept of love and family as put forth by Jane Austen. Luckily for Charlotte, she finds others who help her find her way to a more realistic, less needy place despite all the roadblocks erected to protect.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for introducing me to Charlotte and George, not to mention their delightful canine companions. As an Alaskan myself, I was delighted to discover Lizzie Shane is, too.
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