Review: House Trained by Jackie Bouchard

House Trained

by Jackie Bouchard

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 291

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Alex Halstad, a childless-by-choice interior designer and dog mom, is a true perfectionist. But her orderly life turns chaotic when the teenage daughter her husband, Barry, never knew he had shows up on their doorstep...with a baby girl of her own in tow. While Alex’s dog enthusiastically welcomes the new arrivals, Alex struggles with the loss of her steady routine. She desperately needs peace and quiet to get her business back on track before Barry finds out she’s spent most of their savings. Meanwhile, the arrival of the girls stirs up old insecurities, and Alex can’t help but worry that Barry’s ex will make an entrance too. With her tidy life a distant memory, will Alex be able to learn from her dog the true meaning of love and acceptance?


Kritters Thoughts:  If there was ever a book that hit close to home, this one did!  Alex is a dog mom and has always been satisfied with a childless-life.  Her and her husband from day one have wanted to be puppy parents and keep their house a childless zone!  She has a younger sister who is the ultimate mom with three boys and is doing the stay at home.  When her husband has a child from a previous relationship come into their life, this couple's home and life is turned upside down.

This book hits home in so many spots.  I am a doggie mom (I have three).  My sister is doing the work from home mom thing with two daughters.  So from page one, I was sucked in and literally read this during a readathon in two sittings.  

I liked the "twists" of the book and loved the storyline.  I loved how often the sisters interacted.  The whole cast of characters were great and even the second tier characters felt full and I liked getting to know them.  Bouchard can write characters.

I have read two other Jackie Bouchard books and loved them, so I am officially a fan and will read anything she writes!


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.