The Goode Girls of Maple Lane

by Jacqueline Firkins

A struggling vet student and a rescue golden retriever save each other in this heartwarming, Fall-themed rom-com about second chances, found family, and the wholesome side of the internet.

Cameron Goode is on the verge of giving up her dream of becoming a vet. Buried under debt and juggling two jobs with a full course load, she’s utterly overwhelmed. Then a local rescue organization reaches out about a neglected golden retriever in desperate need of help. 

The last thing Cameron needs is another responsibility. But something inside her shifts when she looks into the eyes of the dog, who is so obese that she can barely move. Cameron is Aggie’s last chance. And she’s not going to let her go. 

Cameron brings Aggie home, where the promise of Autumn is in the air. As the leaves begin to change, so do both Cameron and her rescue, whose recovery she chronicles on a TikTok account. Aggie’s resilience inspires Cameron to open up to the neighbors in her building, including Everett, the guy next door who dropped everything to help Cameron save Aggie. He also happens to look really good in sweaters. 

When the account goes viral, Cameron finds herself faced with a choice between monetizing the best thing in her life or struggling to make rent and care for Aggie. Will Cameron be able to accept the help of a newfound family, including the first guy she’s fully given her heart to? 

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Animals

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Jacqueline's a writer, costume designer, and lover of beautiful things. She's on the full-time faculty in the Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia where she teaches character design, world building, script interpretation, and period costume construction courses. When not obsessing about where to put the buttons or the commas, she can be found running by the ocean, eating excessive amounts of gluten, listening to earnest love songs, and pretending her dog understands every word she says.

**A note about my reviews. As is probably obvious, I post reviews primarily to celebrate other authors and their books. I won't say I love a book if I don't, but I will focus on the things I like and/or the things I think readers might want to consider when choosing if a book might be right for them. If you're looking for more critical reviews, they're easy to find on here. We live in a world where tearing people down is often celebrated more strongly than lifting them up. Consider my universal 5-star ratings and my focus-on-the-positive book reviews a teeny-tiny rebellion against that attitude, and one that only works because I'm one voice among many. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to provide thoughtful reviews, no matter the stars. And happy reading.

Reviews

[Alyssa Nieves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming cozy read!

I have not read any other books by this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect but, I really enjoyed this!

The romance was so sweet between the characters and it was so refreshing to read. I also love how much this centered around animals and the rehabilitation of Aggie (the rescue golden retriever on the cover). It wasn’t just focused on romance but, also friendship and found family which I loved so much!!

This cover gives fall vibes but this book would be perfect for any of the ber months! If you’re a seasonal reader like me, I would definitely recommend it for these next few months!

𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒜𝓋𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐻𝒶𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝒱𝑜𝓎𝒶𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝒸! 🫶🏼

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for romantic comedy readers who also love animals! This is a new adult fiction read that left me heartfelt and happy. It came with lovable characters and animals, short chapters and was well written! I absolutely loved that this was Autumn themed, since it is one of my favorite seasons! This is a cozy and comforting book, where you can sit back, relax and have a nice cup of tea. This book also gave me some laughs, a second chance romance, some drama and a newfound family!

“The Goode Girls of Maple Lane” is a book that centers around a woman named Cameron and her rescue golden retriever dog named Aggie. Cameron starts posting about her rescue dog’s recovery on TikTok, which starts gaining a lot of attention! The account then becomes viral. This dog’s story is very inspirational that even her own neighbors begin watching the videos! A neighbor named Everett ends up dropping off stuff, so Cameron can help Aggie. As the story unravels, a new romance and found family starts to begin! Be sure to read the content warnings. Overall, I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Jacqueline Firkins and Avon and Harper Voyager for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on September 16, 2025!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Goode Girls of Maple Lane
3.5✨

Cute but simple. This is the perfect Autumn read for dog lovers!

[Cozy Puppy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goode Girls of Maple Lane by Jacqueline Firkins is truly heartwarming and charming. I was expecting a sweet story about a meet-cute involving a golden retriever, but it ended up being so much more! This book is the perfect escape, delivering a cozy, fall-themed romance that will have you smiling from start to finish. It’s a feel-good story that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly autumn day.

As a dog lover and someone who also adopted an abused and neglected dog, this book really stole my heart from the very first page. The relationship between a struggling vet student named Cameron and her rescue golden retriever, Aggie, is so beautiful and real. My heart felt for poor Aggie, who was neglected and abused before being adopted by Cameron. It was incredibly moving to watch Cameron work so hard to help her, helping her through rehabilitation with a harness and a wagon through her different phases of healing. It reminded me of my own rescue puppy and how dogs can truly change our lives—and even the lives of those around us—for the better.

The romance between Cameron and her kind-hearted neighbor, Everett, is the sweetest kind of love story. He is the ultimate book boyfriend—supportive, caring, and ready to help at a moment's notice. The way they connect over their shared love for Aggie is both genuine and absolutely adorable.

What makes this book so special is its focus on found family. Cameron's journey from a solitary, isolated veterinary student dealing with burnout, to connecting with a caring community of neighbors is a testament to the power of human connection.

The story also makes you think twice about social media, exploring how it can both uplift and inspire, but also distract us and take us away from being present in the moment.
The story is a delightful blend of heartfelt emotion, gentle humor, and a heartwarming romance. It's an ideal read for anyone who loves cozy stories, sweet romances, and especially, dogs!

Thank you to the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of “The Goode Girls of Maple Lane.” All opinions are my own.

Perfect for fans of:
❤️ Cozy seasonal romances
🐾 Dogs! (especially rescue dogs!)
✨️ Found family
🍂 Fall to winter vibes
💚 Awkward yet cute plant-obsessed male main character x overworked vet student female main character
💛 Connecting and creating a sense of community
🍁 Gilmore Girls (for the small-town, academic, fall and winter vibes)
🥰 Rescue dogs learning to be dogs and to trust again
❤️ Overcoming burnout and finding a new path through love for your dog

[angelpompom · Rating 2 out of 5]

How did I hate a book with a dog that’s a main character? It’s simply terrible😭

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

No surprise that Aggie the Golden Retriever completely stole the show for me! I was so invested in her road to recovery with Cameron, a vet student who takes Aggie in for intensive rehabilitation after being severely neglected by a previous owner. It was so precious, yet simultaneously heartbreaking, knowing that animal abuse happens like this in real life. Gah.

I really loved Cameron's devotion to Aggie, as well as her struggles balancing vet school, financial stress, and the uncertainty of whether she was even on the right path. Her journey of figuring out her career and what it costs, both emotionally and financially, felt very true to life!

The story overall was super sweet with a cozy fall setting, but ... the romance fell a little flat for me. Cameron and Everett, her neighbour who helps her set up a social media page to document Aggie’s progress, start dating pretty early on. So while it was nice to see them happy together, there just wasn’t much tension or conflict. I needed more. And honestly, the spice felt very unnecessary in this story.

(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)

[Frida Hemborg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jag tror jag har dött sötdöden. Herregud vilken mysig, gullig och bara alldeles, alldeles perfekt bok. Hundarna, människorna, miljöerna, aaaahhh jag orkar inte alltså ♥️ Found family har alltid varit mitt absoluta favorittrope att läsa om, och det bjuds vi på i deluxe vara i denna. Den gemenskapen och genuina vänskaperna som växer fram sinsemellan dessa grannar (m fl i detta härliga område) är bara så fint att läsa om. Så olika, men så bra för varandra. Everett kan vi addera till min never ending list of book boyfriends. Han är inte perfekt, men det är det som gör honom perfekt. En golden retriever i mänsklig form. Och på tal om Goldens, Aggie…Oj vilka tårar och skratt denna underbara lilla vovve har lockat fram hos mig under läsningens gång. Hon addera så mycket till handlingen, och var verkligen limmet som fick allt att hålla ihop. Cameron är också en väldigt välskriven huvudkaraktär, som jag verkligen gillade att få följa. Som vill gott för alla, men glömmer ofta bort sig själv i den ekvationen. En karaktär som var enkel att relatera till, och känna igen sig själv i. Vi bjuds också på flera djupa insikter i känslor, och hur olika människor väljer att hantera sina liv. Att sätta upp det perfekta yttre, för att dölja det olyckliga. Jag älskade verkligen denna bok, och slukade den på en dag. Lättläst, engagerande och lämnar dig med en varm känsla inombords 🦮📖♥️

[Afton Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I put off reading this adorable book for so long?!

If you love animals or have even a tiny soft spot for rescue stories, this one is going to melt you. The FMC actually reminded me a bit of Isabel from Simon Sits - big-hearted, full of kindness for all things, and impossible not to root for.

The community and found-family aspect was absolutely impeccable. Truly, we need more of this kind of warmth in the real world!

An easy five paws from me. 🐾✨

[Valisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75; This book is for the lonely girls and the dog lovers. Our leading lady is at an all-time low questioning everything about her life when she decides to adopt an overweight dog with a laundry list of health issues. What unfolds is a beautiful exploration of what it means to love a dog and be loved by one in return. That bond becomes one of the most touching highlights of the story. The way their relationship is portrayed feels so genuine and healing it’s not just about companionship, but about transformation.

Speaking of relationships, the male lead in this book is such a refreshing presence. He’s kind, grounded, and gentle. I especially appreciated that his physical appearance wasn’t written in a cliché way. He felt like a real person, which made their interactions feel even more authentic and emotionally resonant.

That said, there were a few moments that didn’t quite land for me. Our main character struggles to accept help from others, even when it’s clearly offered with care like during the whole TikTok dilemma early on. It was a bit frustrating to watch her resist support, especially when it could have made things easier.

I understood why the main character was struggling, and her emotional journey made sense but at times, it felt like it dragged on longer than necessary, which made it a bit frustrating to keep reading. There was also a lot of focus on Aggie’s rehabilitation process. As someone who isn’t very familiar with that kind of recovery and not much of a dog person I found myself zoning out occasionally. It was simply more detail than I personally needed to connect with the story.

That said, I still think this is a great book. The side characters added depth and helped shape the natural progression of the lead girl’s journey. Her relationship with the dog was written in a way that felt genuine and transformative, showing how it helped her come out of her shell. Moore did a wonderful job making the ending feel realistic and emotionally satisfying.

I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a warm story with a touch of sadness and a heartfelt message about the joys that are waiting on the other side when you decide to give trust a chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only thing that kept me interested was how much I related to the loss of a pet grief the main character had.

The romance was disgustingly cringey and I ICKED way too many times!! Maybe if I was 12 I would’ve swooned? Totally not a romance novel. Very lame and never got any better.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐4.5 stars⭐
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, The Goode Girls of Maple Lane. This story was about Cameron, she is studying to become a vet, living in a tiny apartment, and working two jobs just trying to make ends meet. And then she gets a call from a rescue about an emergency case, a dog that needs an immediate home. She asks her cute neighbor she barely knows if he could drive her, so then Cameron and Everett set off together to go meet this dog. As soon as Cameron sees this neglected golden retriever she knows she has to take her home, get her back to good health, and give her the life she deserves no matter what it takes. As Cameron and Aggie the golden retriever adjust to their new life together they spend more and more time with the cute neighbor-turned-boyfriend Everett, as well as finally getting to know Cameron's other neighbors, all thanks to Aggie. Both Aggie and Cameron have their share of hardships and struggles throughout the book but they have each other, Everett, and their neighbors in the Maple Lane Apartments surrounding them with love and support! I loved that the golden retriever was a main character in the story, and her journey was inspiring! The love story between Cameron and Everett was so sweet! And the bunch of neighbor side characters were so fun and brought a lot to the story! This was easy to read, had a happy ending, and was a great cozy fall read! 🧡📚

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Goode Girls of Maple Lane in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this book a review was like being on a rollercoaster.
3.5 stars

The “ups” first:
1.) Any dog-lover reading this one will lose their heart to Aggie, the neglected, grossly overweight canine protagonist. In spite of her misfortunes, she still gives unconditional doggie affection.
2). Cameron’s relationship with Aggie is just beautiful, especially how she’s willing to put her own needs aside to help her dog.
3).The friendly, slightly awkward “guy down the hall” is the kind of person everyone should have in their life.
4). The “neighbor bonding” was heartwarming!
5). Cameron is rather self-deprecating and anxious in personality; I could relate, and it made me want to hug her.
6). There was much “dogness” in this book to enjoy!
7). The cover is gorgeous!

The “downs”:
1). There were some graphic sex scenes. They were further along, so I was a bit blindsided after the wholesomeness of the parts before.
2). This made the book difficult to rate. Without the aforementioned sex passages, I would have rated a 4 or 5. They brought the rating down to a 2. Aggie and her dog friend Pilot, with their “adventures”, brought it back up to a 3.5.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Amanda • ReadingWithMyGolden · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 biased stars because I have been a lifelong golden retriever lover and this book warmed my heart in allll the ways. This book felt like a warm hug (or a warm, cozy Everett sweater… iykyk) and was such a perfect cozy fall read for me. The found family aspect was also beautiful, and I love how Aggie brought so much community into Cameron’s life just by being her lovable, social self who people couldn’t resist wanting to meet. I absolutely adored it and found myself close to tears at multiple times, like at the beginning due to Aggie’s ability to love despite the hurt she’s endured (dogs are so much better than we deserve!!!) and then also in moments involving the bond between Cameron and Aggie because there is truly nothing like the bond between a woman in her 20s, figuring out life, and her golden retriever 🥰 I can absolutely tell that this author is a dog lover due to the beautiful way she wrote about the connection between a woman and her pup.

Thank you SO much to Avon for sending me a gifted copy of this title!

- sincerely,
a golden retriever mom in her 20s

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Cameron Goode es una estudiante de veterinaria que lucha por mantenerse a flote en medio de deudas, trabajos agotadores y el aislamiento emocional. Esta comprometida con su vocación, pero su realidad económica y la falta de apoyo familiar la han dejado al borde del colapso.

Todo cambia cuando una organización de rescate le pide que cuide a una perra golden retriever obesa y gravemente descuidada. Aunque no tiene tiempo ni recursos, Cameron no puede ignorar la mirada de Aggie, y decide salvarla. Este acto de compasión se convierte en el punto de partida de una transformación tanto para la perra como para ella.

La relación entre Cameron y Aggie es el corazón de la novela. Cuidar de Aggie se convierte en una forma de sanar sus propias heridas, de recuperar la esperanza y de reconectar con el mundo. La ternura, el esfuerzo físico y emocional que implica sacar adelante a Aggie nos muestran una versión de Cameron más humana y vulnerable, pero también más fuerte.

En este proceso aparece Everett, su vecino del edificio, que al principio solo le presta su coche para ir por la perra, pero que termina involucrándose de forma genuina en sus vidas. Everett no es solo un interés romántico; es un compañero sensible, presente, que la ayuda sin imponer, y que se convierte en un sostén clave cuando todo parece desmoronarse. Su vínculo crece de manera natural y cálida, sin grandes dramatismos, pero con una conexión real.


___

Aunque tiene romance, la relación de Cam y Everett no es el punto focal del libro, y me encanto esto. Aquí las protagonistas son Cameron Y Aggie (quien se robo el libro).


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is lovely. I don’t often describe books as “warm” or “kind” but they are the proper descriptors for a book that you read with a soft smile on your lips. And yet, it isn’t sappy or overly sweet. Cameron is a twenty-something veterinary student struggling with debt, doubt and loneliness, when she gets the opportunity to rescue an abused dog with severe medical conditions. Adopting and caring for Aggie the golden retriever is the beginning of Cameron’s transformation in what is more of a coming of age story than a straight romance. Yes, she begins a romance with her neighbor, Everett, but that is part of Cameron’s growth, not the sum of who she is or what the story is about. Her growing connections with her other neighbors and the found family they create are just as important.
As an aside, I feel compelled to mention that I appreciate this author for her intelligent use of language. It is refreshing to read a book about a character in their twenties that is not dumbed down as if all members of Generation Z only speak in slang that needs a search of Urban Dictionary to decipher.
If you are looking for a read that makes you feel good about humans in general and dog people in particular, look no further than this warm hug of a story. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this ARC.

[Balaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one surprised me in the best way. It’s emotional, layered, and full of those quiet moments that just hit. The story has this mix of small-town charm and dark undercurrents that make it impossible to put down. Everyone in Maple Lane looks picture-perfect from the outside, but the cracks run deep—and watching those secrets come to light kept me hooked.

I loved how real the characters felt. They’re flawed and human and trying their best, even when it’s messy. The relationships—especially between the women—felt raw and complicated in a way that just worked. It’s about grief, guilt, love, and the ways families hold onto each other even when it hurts.

The writing is gorgeous and atmospheric. It’s not just a mystery—it’s a story about healing, forgiveness, and what we hide to protect the people we love.

A quiet, powerful story that stays with you after the last page.

[✧ jay ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, where to begin? These characters had me hooked immediately, and adding a rescue pup to the mix sold me. The immediate chemistry without falling into the insta-love trope was refreshing and the sense of found family hit home.

I related to Cameron on a level I can’t quite describe. As someone who nearly went to vet school and chickened out after seeing the final tuition costs, I really can’t blame her for how she feels at times.

And Everett? Green flags everywhere. Top five book boyfriend. Why have one golden retriever when you can have two?

[Sam Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read The Goode Girls of Maple Lane by Jacqueline Firkins.

This is a wholesome, fall read. There’s a growth in community and a general love for dogs. If you’re looking for a fluffy seasonal read, this is the book for you.

I’d really like to highlight the awareness brought to animal neglect/abuse and the volunteers that help.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable book I read for the fall vibes it gave off, but in truth, it’s spanned all seasons.
The MMC was adorable, I loved him instantly. I also really enjoyed the MFC, and her endless faith in her rescue you dog.
This book also has such an eclectic and fun found family with all the people in Maple Lane.
My only criticism of the book is it felt at times a bit repetitive, and I wish some of the conflicts had been a little more flushed out.

3.75 ⭐️

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25-2.5. This was a story about saving a dog, finding family (neighbors come together to save the dog), and a lack luster romance all rolled into one. I love dogs but this wasn't for me and didn't give seasonal fun read material.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

Aw ... the sweetest romance (with some definite spice in there!)

Cameron is struggling to balance vet school and her part time job. The last thing she needs is a high maintenance senior foster dog who needs to lose weight and regain mobility. But she can't say no to Aggie the Golden Retriever. With the help of her formerly standoffish neighbors at the Maple Lane Apartments, Cameron tackles this new challenge.... and might even fall in love in the process.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

[shereadswith_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An undeniably heartwarming novel about the rescue of a Golden Retriever who captured the hearts of everyone around her.

Cameron Goode was in over her head with bills, vet-school, working two jobs and living in a tiny apartment but that didn’t stop her when the local rescue organization called to see if she was still interested in fostering.
After losing her family “golden” she was more than ready to have that companionship again. Given the state of the dog needing rescue she knew it would take everything she had to save “Aggie”. It’s a story of compassion, dedication and hope!

Cute romance
Fall season vibes
Romantic comedy
Social Media
Found family

Not only has this opportunity given Cameron the self love she needed, it has literally “opened doors” to her neighbors and her new boyfriend, Everett, down the hall at Maple Lane Apt’s.
It’s a novel that reminds you about kindness, friendship and what can happen when you take a chance on life and the love of a Golden Retriever. Highly recommend this adorable read.

Thank you to @avonbooks @harpercollins @netgalley for this book, eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Chantal Côté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I chose this book as part of my fall TBR.

This was heavily promoted as a fall vibes book by some influencers and the cover sure seemed very fall! However, there were almost no mention of fall and went until spring.

This is a story for animal lovers. Most of the story is about a dog rehabilitation. I was enjoying but after 75%, it became repetitive.

There is a love story center which centers around the dog and some spicy sex scenes.

You also witness a sense of community developing between the neighbours of the building, but again mostly centered around the dog story.

If you are looking for fall vibes, this is not the book but a good one for animal lovers as the dog story is very enjoyable.

[Shannon Soukup · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things I love: books about rescuing a golden retriever

Things I don't love: books that focus on (or even slightly mention) social media, influencers, tiktok

[Ashley Batchelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romcoms, have a soft spot for dogs, and enjoy reading about found families, this book is for you. Going into it, I thought it would be more romance heavy, and while it’s definitely there, the main story is about Aggie, a golden retriever who is rescued and rehabilitated by vet student, Cameron.

Aggie has lived her entire life chained up outside, can hardly walk, and is severely obese. With the help of Cameron, her adorably awkward neighbor, Everett, that she’s falling for, other sweet neighbors and business owners, as well as a popular TikTok account, Aggie is able to live her best life!

If that wasn’t sweet enough, the romance between Cameron and Everett definitely is, and I just adored both of them and the way they communicated their feelings to each other. Along with the sweetness, there’s a little bit of spice. Overall, I loved it and would definitely read it again!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for people who really love dogs and would rather have a story focused more on the dog than on any relationship. (This is not me, unfortunately)

This really was not a romance. It was fiction that happened to involved two people falling in love without any substantial on page time that made it believable. This truly is mostly about a woman and the dog she adopts that because internet famous.

[Margie Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about Jacqueline Firkins' The Goode Girls of Maple Lane. It's about the love for dogs and people, finding family where you least expect it, and letting yourself be transformed, despite the stories you've always told yourself about your unworthiness.

Cameron Goode is a grad student at Cornell's veterinary school, living in a tiny apartment and scrimping on food and furniture because her student loans are astronomical. Even with two part-time jobs, she can barely pay her rent. But when an animal rescue organization asks her to foster a dog in need, she can't say no. She knows it doesn't make sense, but this 7-year-old golden retriever has been mistreated and overfed to the point where she is immobile, downtrodden, and very sick. Cameron has to ask a fellow 6th-floor dweller she knows only from the elevator to help, because she knows he has a car.

The rest of the book, narrated by Cameron, is her journey to provide a rewarding life for her dog with little to no resources, and without asking for help from her difficult parents. That's where the found family comes in. Suddenly Cameron finds herself interacting with her neighbors--a female couple whose PDAs are somewhat disturbing, a cyclist majoring in engineering with a focus on robotics, a Cornell English professor with a tiny, fearless dog named Pilot, and a young woman who is always on her cell phone. Over time, they all become enamored of Cameron's dog, whom she has named Aggie, as do many people who have seen Cameron outside "walking" Aggie, which requires a sling and a wagon as Aggie slowly tries to reclaim mobility. Cameron's childhood best friend, now in law school in the UK, also provides long-distance support.

At the same time, the guy with the car--his name is Everett--becomes invested in the lives of both Aggie and Cameron in delightful ways. I can only unapologetically say that Everett is my new book boyfriend. A sweet person with a creative marketing career, he helps make Aggie the star of her own social media account, and things start to get easier for Cameron. But she never wanted to monetize Aggie's experience, as it feels like a conflict with her pure and deep love for her dog. Of course, there are bumps in the road, but I was thrilled to watch each of the bumps being conquered.

The supporting characters are beautifully brought to life, with surprising details that make them each distinct and human. It was easy to root for Cameron's and Everett's relationship, as well as Aggie's new life, and despite the few problems the couple faced, I found the story overwhelmingly positive and life-affirming. It made me feel good all the way through and stayed with me after I finished the book, and sometimes that's the best thing you can ask of a book. I've loved two of Firkins' previous books as well, and I'm so glad I found this one. Highly recommended.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a charming read. We need all the heartwarming animal stories we can get. This one is for the people who find more joy following animal accounts on social media than people. (So, everyone honestly.)

Before I get into the people characters of it all…Aggie, you’re a STAR. I know there can be a lot of feelings and opinions about social media plots in books sometimes, but Aggie’s journey is exactly the kind of account that would have people locked in and rooting so hard for her. I can just picture the videos and updates on Aggie, and I would absolutely be one of her followers along for the ride. Her success and the love she gave and received made me so happy.

Onto the people. Cameron is a character I felt was very relatable and understandable. She is self-sufficient to the extreme while pursuing a very competitive and lengthy career path in veterinary medicine. She’s someone with a big heart who finds it hard to connect with people around her. Her determination to adopt Aggie and turn Aggie’s life around if there was any chance she could be saved was incredibly admirable. I feel like it gave a lot of credence to her career choice, even as part of her story was her second-guessing the course she had charted for herself. I loved the way bringing Aggie into her home gave her a source of unconditional love and also proceeded to expand her world outside the home. The bonding between neighbors was endearing. I also appreciated the longstanding friendship Cameron held onto with Hannah despite an ocean separating them.

Everett’s introduction into Cameron’s life as more than the Plant Guy neighbor, was a great setup to form a genuine, deep bond in a short amount of time by going from stranger to integral part of rescuing Aggie without flinching. It made it clear from the start that Everett was a good and decent man. One thing I liked most about the relationship between Everett and Cameron was that they, for the most part, were very straightforward with each other. There was awkwardness and misunderstanding, but they usually addressed things head on and didn’t play games with their attraction to each other. I felt the two of them were very good for each other.

I do wish some of the conversations that were told about — both between Cameron and Everett and those with the neighbors — had actually been shown through dialogue between the characters rather than summarized. Some of the those topics of discussions were things I would have loved to read as they were happening between the characters rather than being told about in a paragraph after the fact. I didn’t feel it had an effect on the overall story, it was just more of a personal preference for me.

Overall, this was a joyful, feel-good story of resilience and love, including the unconditional love of a dog. Thank you to Avon a for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Olivia | SpilltheTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Goode Girls of Maple Lane
⭐️ 3.75 | 🌶️ 2

Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Jacqueline Firkins for the opportunity to read this sweet eARC. I was so excited to dive in!

This story follows Cameron, a very in-debt veterinary student who firmly believes animals are better than people (she’s not wrong, and I think we can all agree). Cameron is socially awkward and chooses to live life very much on her own, keeping everyone at arm’s length except for her one friend who lives across the pond. Her hyper-independence and inability to accept help hit close to home for me.

One day, Cameron receives a call about a very ill dog who resembles her late pet. With the help of her “plant guy” neighbor—aka Everett, the hot guy next door—she takes on the care of this lovable golden retriever, Aggie. What follows is a slice-of-life story that shows both Aggie’s recovery and Cameron’s own healing journey—one she didn’t even know she needed.

The book is written in first person, and Cameron’s inner dialogue is hilarious. She’s witty, and her observations of her neighbors are both spot-on and detached, perfectly reflecting her “keep people at arm’s length” mentality. But as she slowly opens up to others—especially Everett—her world changes. Everett is a cozy-sweater-wearing, wire-framed-glasses kind of hipster. He bakes, respects her independence, and just wants to take care of her. I will accept no Everett slander. Their romance is sweet, but honestly, my favorite part was watching Cameron form genuine friendships she never would’ve made before Aggie.

The pacing started slow for me, and I wished for more exposition on her parents—that storyline felt flat. But I truly loved following Cameron and Aggie. As a dog lover, I understood Cameron’s take on people, her self-doubt, and her fear of being hurt. Her growth in learning to express her needs and desires felt so rewarding.

This book is warm and cozy, the kind of read that tugs at your heartstrings. I often felt like I was curled up on the couch, snuggling with Aggie, and watching old Ryan Reynolds movies. It’s the perfect September read to kick off the “-ber” months.

Should this spill into your TBR? Yes—grab your pets and get settled in! (Also, now I want to adopt a dog 🐶 …okay, I always want to.)

✨ You’ll like this one if you enjoy:
* Strangers to friends to lovers
* Second chance dog adoptions
* Found family