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Sit! Stay! Speak!
Echoing the novels of Mary Alice Monroe, Allie Larkin, and Holly Robinson, this charming debut novel tells the unforgettable story of a rescue dog that helps a struggling young outsider make peace with the past.
Addie Andrews is living a life interrupted. Tragedy sent her fleeing from Chicago to the shelter of an unexpected inheritance—her beloved aunt’s somewhat dilapidated home in Eunice, Arkansas, population very tiny. There she reconnects with some of her most cherished childhood memories. If only they didn’t make her feel so much!
People say nothing happens in small towns, but Addie quickly learns better. She’s got an elderly next door neighbor who perplexingly dances outside in his underwear, a house needing more work than she has money, a best friend whose son uncannily predicts the weather, and a local drug dealer holding a massive grudge against her.
Most surprising of all, she’s got a dog. But not any dog, but a bedraggled puppy she discovered abandoned, lost, and in desperate need of love. Kind of like Addie herself. She’d come to Eunice hoping to hide from the world, but soon she discovers that perhaps she’s finding the way back—to living, laughing, and loving once more.
Addie Andrews is living a life interrupted. Tragedy sent her fleeing from Chicago to the shelter of an unexpected inheritance—her beloved aunt’s somewhat dilapidated home in Eunice, Arkansas, population very tiny. There she reconnects with some of her most cherished childhood memories. If only they didn’t make her feel so much!
People say nothing happens in small towns, but Addie quickly learns better. She’s got an elderly next door neighbor who perplexingly dances outside in his underwear, a house needing more work than she has money, a best friend whose son uncannily predicts the weather, and a local drug dealer holding a massive grudge against her.
Most surprising of all, she’s got a dog. But not any dog, but a bedraggled puppy she discovered abandoned, lost, and in desperate need of love. Kind of like Addie herself. She’d come to Eunice hoping to hide from the world, but soon she discovers that perhaps she’s finding the way back—to living, laughing, and loving once more.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
357 people are currently reading
1805 people want to read
About the author
Annie England Noblin
10 books550 followersWriter. Mother. Wife. Bulldog enthusiast. Curly hair afternoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
October 8, 2015
Honestly, I couldn't even finish it. I was really trying to like this, but am having a VERY hard time with the writer's style. She skips all over....one minute the main character is walking to buy a funnel cake, we read through a conversation she's overhearing, and suddenly she's walked back to her friend and they're eating the funnel cake together. No mention of her ever buying the funnel cake, paying for it, or walking back to her friend. This happens a LOT and it's making me crazy. Also, I'm about one third into the book and so far, it is NOT about the dog. The dog who by the way, is a puppy at the beginning of the book and less than a month later has grown men running in fear. Oh and at one point in the book, the main character is arguing with someone that she's been in town less than a month...and then the book fast forwards two weeks later and suddenly she's saying she's been in town for a few months. The local who befriends the main character is portrayed as dropping the ending G in many words....but only like 90% of the time....on random occasions her accent totally vanishes.
This book just hurts my head....I want to take out a red pen and mark it all up with my questions and findings of inconsistencies.
This book just hurts my head....I want to take out a red pen and mark it all up with my questions and findings of inconsistencies.
December 21, 2015
This book has it ALL! The cover is simply adorable, and I have to admit that it is what caught my attention. I am partial to pit bulls, as my baby girl is the sweetest dog you'll ever meet. I loved that this book touched on the subject of how misunderstood the breed is often portrayed. But you do not need to own or even like pit bulls to enjoy this story because the cover doesn’t even compare to the story inside. This is a great read. The book has so much depth that it pulls you in and keeps you entertained throughout. I couldn't put the book down! I absolutely adored the southern charm. I was laughing. I was crying. This book is incredible! It is full of emotion - heartbreak, loss, love, friendship, bonds... This book exceeded my expectations, and it was the perfect book to wrap up a summer of great reads.
August 26, 2015
sit! stay! speak! was written by my best friend of nearly 20 years. but that's not why you should read it. i have other friends whose writing doesn't make me nearly so happy. but this book...well, i got to read it as it was being written. it arrived in my inbox chapter by chapter as it was born. and every time i saw a new email from annie in my inbox as she was writing sit! stay! speak!, i got giddy. the same thing will happen to you when you read it, except you won't have to wait for the next chapter; instead, you won't be able to put it down. i promise. it's fun and sweet and just perfect.
November 14, 2015
What a disappointment. I truly do not understand how this book has so many positive 4 and 5 star reviews, unless people are just saps for a dog story. The main character, Addie, is clueless, childish, naïve, dense....get the picture?! She came from Chicago, not Mars. It isn't like she should be totally out of touch with reality or even the ways of the South - I am sure they have dog fighting in Chicago and that she should have been clued in immediately finding the puppy. She also can't be that ignorant of the South. The author attempted to portray Addie as headstrong and determined, champion of the abused dog. Instead, she came across as a bull headed, dense character. The puppy was just a background prop - aging and changing in a manner of 2 weeks. She started Felix as a puppy and in a few months, he was a full-grown, perfectly obedient, protector. The author jumps around in time - within a page, time will pass over weeks and months. Action in a scene is choppy and there are no smooth transitions. There are many authors out there who have self-published some fabulous books; I cannot understand how this one gained immediate mass market production, and I am kicking myself for falling for the hype and purchasing a copy. I am glad she touched some lives and others liked the story; I know I am in the minority, but I was so frustrated that I stopped over 1/2 way, skimmed the rest, read the last few chapters, and MISSED NOTHING!!
September 21, 2016
When Addie Andrews’ great-aunt Tilda dies and leaves her everything, Addie figures she’ll zoom into the small town of Eunice, Arkansas, look over her inheritance, sell what’s worth anything, and zoom out. Then Addie finds Felix, a badly abused young pitbull; befriends Wanda, the bubbly veterinary assistant; and meets Jasper, former lawyer turned local farmer, and her stay stretches on … and on.This was a sweet-enough romance, although I vastly preferred Addie’s love for Felix to her relationship with Jasper.
Let’s get the things I didn’t like so much out of the way:
My biggest issue with this book was that I didn’t like Jasper at all. Both he and the romance thread seemed to have wandered in from a 1980’s Harlequin romance. He was distant, barely talked with Addie, and touched her inappropriately IMO, and somehow she fell madly in love with him. Blech.
The big-city-girl-falls-in-love-with-small-town-and-decides-to-stay story line seemed a bit predictable, as well.
Also, the title had nothing to do with the book! There aren’t any scenes of training Felix, and while Addie might tell him to “Stay!” once, he’s never asked to sit or speak. Also, as other reviewers have noted, Felix’s age and size are confusing. He’s described as a “puppy” when Addie finds him, which made me picture “small,” but later it’s revealed that he was old enough to be used in a dog fight, so he must have been much closer to full grown, just not fully filled out. I wish it had been better clarified from the get-go.
So those are some pretty big weaknesses, especially the first one, because I want to be all for the romance in a romance novel, not rooting against the couple!
The rest of the book was decently good. I loved the setting -- seriously, this book had me pulling out my atlas, looking up the Arkansas delta area, and practically planning a vacation there. I also loved the other characters, especially BFF Wanda and her precocious 4-year-old son. I want to read a sequel where Wanda meets the love of her life! The descriptions of food were also fantastic. Don’t read this book on an empty stomach. I liked the mix of a bit of mystery with the romance, and how the ending had a bit of a twist. I felt for Addie during her personal journey from not-quite-widow (her fiance died) to feeling life again, although I found that thread a bit more tell than show. But still, it was decently subtle and believable. I also admired Addie’s willingness to stand up for herself and to confront other people. At times it was a bit risky and possibly stupid, but she was aware of that and showed guts anyway.
So this was a bit of a mixed bag for me, hence the three stars. I’ll also add a trigger warning -- there are some brief but hard-to-read descriptions of cruelty to dogs in this book.
Despite my criticisms, I’m definitely onboard to read whatever this author writes next, especially if the setting is as great as this was!
August 19, 2015
Terrifically awesome first novel by Annie England Noblin--Addie is called to settle her aunt's estate and her whole world changes--she rescues an injured dog, senses that something is up and starts to irk some locals with frightening results. It's a dog story, it's a love story, it's a thriller. This is a must read for anyone who loves the above, and just plain old good writing. The book is solid, has plenty of twists and turns, and yes, I blurbed it. I don't blurb books I don't love. And I loved this one. Pub date is Sept 8. GET IT NOW.
September 8, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“He wouldn’t have bitten you. But you call my dog a menace again, and I might.”
“You can’t feed a store-bought pie to the likes of Jasper Floyd… You want him to think you’re cheap and easy and lazy?”
“This is the first place I’ve ever lived where I had to put a dryer sheet in my pants to avoid contracting malaria.”
“What she felt after the funeral went deeper than death, and she didn’t know how to explain it to anyone.”
“Besides, even at night, Memphis is going to be hotter than a billy goat’s ass in a pepper patch.”
“That girl’s so tall if she fell down she’d be halfway home.”
“He’s so dumb he couldn’t pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written on the heel.”
“He was as calm as ever, a kind of furious apathy that was one of the most unsettling things Addie had ever seen, and she was afraid.”
My Review:
This gem of a novel took me by complete surprise. It was a sweet story with under-currents of grief and exasperation. It was not profound literary prose, but simply written, easy to follow, and profoundly touching. Just the right words were used in the just the right order to sting my eyes, put a hot lump in my throat, and squeeze my cold heart. I could actually start sobbing again just thinking of the scene where Addie finds a recipe in her aunt’s box with her name on it; and again, it was a simple scene yet precisely written and deeply felt. The main characters are realistic and flawed everyday type people, yet still endearing and likable. Even the villains are realistically presented and not overdone. Ms. Noblin can certainly turn a phrase and had me smirking at the down-home comments and observations made in passing. I adored this book and can’t think of enough nice things to say about it, other than I am stunned to see it is the author’s first works. I hope to see much more from this new talent.
“He wouldn’t have bitten you. But you call my dog a menace again, and I might.”
“You can’t feed a store-bought pie to the likes of Jasper Floyd… You want him to think you’re cheap and easy and lazy?”
“This is the first place I’ve ever lived where I had to put a dryer sheet in my pants to avoid contracting malaria.”
“What she felt after the funeral went deeper than death, and she didn’t know how to explain it to anyone.”
“Besides, even at night, Memphis is going to be hotter than a billy goat’s ass in a pepper patch.”
“That girl’s so tall if she fell down she’d be halfway home.”
“He’s so dumb he couldn’t pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written on the heel.”
“He was as calm as ever, a kind of furious apathy that was one of the most unsettling things Addie had ever seen, and she was afraid.”
My Review:
This gem of a novel took me by complete surprise. It was a sweet story with under-currents of grief and exasperation. It was not profound literary prose, but simply written, easy to follow, and profoundly touching. Just the right words were used in the just the right order to sting my eyes, put a hot lump in my throat, and squeeze my cold heart. I could actually start sobbing again just thinking of the scene where Addie finds a recipe in her aunt’s box with her name on it; and again, it was a simple scene yet precisely written and deeply felt. The main characters are realistic and flawed everyday type people, yet still endearing and likable. Even the villains are realistically presented and not overdone. Ms. Noblin can certainly turn a phrase and had me smirking at the down-home comments and observations made in passing. I adored this book and can’t think of enough nice things to say about it, other than I am stunned to see it is the author’s first works. I hope to see much more from this new talent.
February 27, 2018
I read Pupcakes by this author over the Christmas holiday, so I thought I would try another by her.
This tells the story of Addie Andrews who inherits a home from her aunt that is in a small town in Arkansas. Addie lives in Chicago, so she is definitely seen as an outsider when she arrives in this southern town. But, as always, there is a something that connects her to several kind people right away: a pitbull pup.
Addie rescues this dog from near death and her life begins to unfold in this new place. She is leaving behind a tragic past to begin creating a new life for herself. There is romance, a cute dog, and lots of memorable characters.
I love the pace and ease of the story and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in Addie's life, although her romance kept making me cringe. I didn't understand why she continued to pursue Jasper in the face of so much negativity.
This tells the story of Addie Andrews who inherits a home from her aunt that is in a small town in Arkansas. Addie lives in Chicago, so she is definitely seen as an outsider when she arrives in this southern town. But, as always, there is a something that connects her to several kind people right away: a pitbull pup.
Addie rescues this dog from near death and her life begins to unfold in this new place. She is leaving behind a tragic past to begin creating a new life for herself. There is romance, a cute dog, and lots of memorable characters.
I love the pace and ease of the story and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in Addie's life, although her romance kept making me cringe. I didn't understand why she continued to pursue Jasper in the face of so much negativity.
January 1, 2016
Although I read this book reasonably quickly, I did have some issues with it at the same time. The first is the timing and transitions. Often there is a scene where key points are skipped, or the timeline gets a little fuzzy. At one point, she is at work, and then without warning she's looking at a mirror in her own home. There was no transition here, no acknowledgement of whether she was remembering the conversation at work or what. This wasn't the only time, there was that part with a funnel cake at the fair that had me a little confused as well. Also, the dog seems to grow rather quickly for the benefit of the story? weird.
I seriously despise 'Romantic' characters like Jasper. Douchey leading men, who press their leading lady up against the wall in hallways, bathrooms, but won't acknowledge them otherwise. Who answer a question about the status of a relationship with "I can't talk about this right now" or as an excuse to initiate sex but not actually talk about it. I've known one guy like that in my own dating experiences, and it was enough to turn me off them for life. His excuses just don't fly for me, especially knowing Addie can only still me hurting after losing Jonah.
Still, despite these failings, I did enjoy parts of this book. I liked ideas and suggestions here, like the cooking and the furniture making. Despite the confusing age, I liked the dog. With a little tweaking, this wouldn't be too bad. Three stars to begin my New Year in reading ;)
I seriously despise 'Romantic' characters like Jasper. Douchey leading men, who press their leading lady up against the wall in hallways, bathrooms, but won't acknowledge them otherwise. Who answer a question about the status of a relationship with "I can't talk about this right now" or as an excuse to initiate sex but not actually talk about it. I've known one guy like that in my own dating experiences, and it was enough to turn me off them for life. His excuses just don't fly for me, especially knowing Addie can only still me hurting after losing Jonah.
Still, despite these failings, I did enjoy parts of this book. I liked ideas and suggestions here, like the cooking and the furniture making. Despite the confusing age, I liked the dog. With a little tweaking, this wouldn't be too bad. Three stars to begin my New Year in reading ;)
November 18, 2015
Sit! Stay! Speak! by Annie England Noblin is one of the most delightful, heartfelt, sweet and touching story that I have read. Ms. Noblin captured my heart as she tugged all the right amount of emotions as she douses her readers with intrigue, charm, romance, and a four legged animal that will have us barking with excitement and love. What captured my attention the most while reading this charming book, was this book was layered with raw emotions with undertones of second chances and finding a love at unexpected moments in our lives. This book was filled with quirky characters, small town charm, and a budding unexpected romance that will keep readers like myself entertained with laughter, quirkiness, and sweet and adorable moments. With Noblin's beautiful prose and lively characters, she will delight readers with a story brimming with so much hope, love, and an adorable pit bull who will steal our hearts. What is there left to say but go Sit! Stay! and Speak! of this terrific and heartfelt book!!!!!
October 16, 2016
Addie Andrews has inherited her Aunt Tilda’s house in tiny Eunice Arkansas, so she moves from Chicago, and the painful memories there, to refurbish the homestead and heal from her wounds. Of course, she finds that the peace and quiet of a small Southern town is just a myth; there’s plenty going on and everyone seems to know her business. When she finds an injured pit bull puppy, she comes to the attention of local hunk Jasper Floyd, and things get complicated.
Oh dear … The best part of this novel – and unfortunately is a small part – is Felix, the pit bull puppy; and I say that even though I’m not a “dog person.” I knew going in that it was chick lit, and I wasn’t expecting great literature but this was really bad. The characters are cardboard, the plot is nonsensical, the relationships are unbelievable and the dialogue is tortured and clichéd.
On the plus side, Felix is a great dog, earning the book 1 star. It’s a fast read, and it satisfied several challenges.
Oh dear … The best part of this novel – and unfortunately is a small part – is Felix, the pit bull puppy; and I say that even though I’m not a “dog person.” I knew going in that it was chick lit, and I wasn’t expecting great literature but this was really bad. The characters are cardboard, the plot is nonsensical, the relationships are unbelievable and the dialogue is tortured and clichéd.
On the plus side, Felix is a great dog, earning the book 1 star. It’s a fast read, and it satisfied several challenges.
September 11, 2015
Sit! Stay! Speak! was a pleasant surprise. After a week of not liking anything I had been reading, I ended up devouring this book. It's book about second chances, new beginnings and finding love in unexpected places. Addie lost her fiance two years before and has moved to the small town of Eunice to try to start over. She ends up with a house that needs a lot of work, a dog who needs lots of love, and a mystery that she must solve in the town.
Addie was a great character. One of the things that she discovers about herself and about starting over is that a new place can be great, but it isn't without its own issues. The grass isn't always greener and it's what you do with what you have that counts. She also had a big heart and that made her very likable. I loved her slow tentative friendship with her crazy neighbor. That was cute. I also loved seeing her get a second chance at love. While her relationship with Jasper was at times rocky, I was rooting for them the whole book.
The book is filled with quirky characters that are often found in small towns. Gossip is rampant and quickly spread. But. to me , this wasn't your typical chick-lit book. Addie realized there is something not right going on in the town and she is determined to figure it out. That of course puts her life in danger. I'm not going to give anything away. Just go read it. This is a great debut book with a little bit of love, a little bit of mystery and a cute pit bull named Felix. How can you go wrong?
Addie was a great character. One of the things that she discovers about herself and about starting over is that a new place can be great, but it isn't without its own issues. The grass isn't always greener and it's what you do with what you have that counts. She also had a big heart and that made her very likable. I loved her slow tentative friendship with her crazy neighbor. That was cute. I also loved seeing her get a second chance at love. While her relationship with Jasper was at times rocky, I was rooting for them the whole book.
The book is filled with quirky characters that are often found in small towns. Gossip is rampant and quickly spread. But. to me , this wasn't your typical chick-lit book. Addie realized there is something not right going on in the town and she is determined to figure it out. That of course puts her life in danger. I'm not going to give anything away. Just go read it. This is a great debut book with a little bit of love, a little bit of mystery and a cute pit bull named Felix. How can you go wrong?
May 29, 2015
I won an uncorrected proof of Annie England Noblin's novel Sit! stay! Speak! from Goodreads.
Noblin's debut novel, Sit! Stay! Speak!, is the story of a young woman's search for healing after a devastating loss. Protagonist Addie Andrews moves to Eunice, Arkansas with hopes for a chance to escape the memories haunting her in Chicago and, perhaps, to find a new path in life. She starts down that new path by rescuing a pit bull that had been beaten, shot, and left for dead.
With a cast of characters that includes an elderly neighbor who parades around the neighborhood in his underware, Sit! Stay! Speak! is loaded with small-town spirit and woes as well as southern charm. Not everyone in Eunice is charming, however. Redd Jones decides that Addie needs to leave town permanently, and he's happy to help her do so.
Sit! Stay! Speak! is a novel for those who enjoy sweet stories set in small towns.
Noblin's debut novel, Sit! Stay! Speak!, is the story of a young woman's search for healing after a devastating loss. Protagonist Addie Andrews moves to Eunice, Arkansas with hopes for a chance to escape the memories haunting her in Chicago and, perhaps, to find a new path in life. She starts down that new path by rescuing a pit bull that had been beaten, shot, and left for dead.
With a cast of characters that includes an elderly neighbor who parades around the neighborhood in his underware, Sit! Stay! Speak! is loaded with small-town spirit and woes as well as southern charm. Not everyone in Eunice is charming, however. Redd Jones decides that Addie needs to leave town permanently, and he's happy to help her do so.
Sit! Stay! Speak! is a novel for those who enjoy sweet stories set in small towns.
August 12, 2015
Sit! Stay! Speak! is a settle on the couch with a cup of tea and don't get up until you find out what happens kind of book. Addie Andrews flees Chicago, running from memories of the loss of her fiancé and heads to the small town of Eunice, Arkansas to fix up an sell a house her aunt left her. Returning to the small town where she spent part of twelve summers during her youth is eye-opening to her in many ways. She deals with her loss, opens up her heart again by rescuing a dog, learns about the "sport" of dog-fighting, takes on the leader of the dog-fighting ring, and manages to find love again.
Certainly not a serious read, but a fun one!
I was given an ARC copy of this book by Goodreads in exchange for an honest opinion.
Certainly not a serious read, but a fun one!
I was given an ARC copy of this book by Goodreads in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 18, 2015
I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. The characters are enjoyable and readers will find themselves relating to Addie's struggles of life, loss, and love. The author successfully introduces readers to the issues and horrors of illegal dog fighting. Dog fighting is a reality for many animals. Communities must take actions to shut down current operations as well as deter individuals involved. Readers will find themselves cheering for Addie as she finds her way and battles to stop a horrific act occurring in her community.
October 8, 2015
All of the charm of the south and puppy kisses. The wit of a sharp, young mind, honed by the strength in past generations. Characterization so rich you'll search the Eunice white pages for the cast's names. Sit! Stay! Speak! is a fun romp for romance readers with enough introspection, clever dialogue, even staple southern recipes, and an important message on animal ethics for readers of other genres. Noblin's quality story-telling in this debut novel has established me as a serial reader and absolutely concreted my fan status!
April 30, 2016
This is another book that I'd really give just 2 1/2 stars to. About halfway through it just fizzled and I skimmed my way to the end. The romance didn't really work for me, and I was so disgusted by the ignorant, violent, cruel, dogfight perpetrators that I got really fed up with the "you just don't understand how things are here" line that kept getting fed to Addie. (though there was a reason for it, it was a long wait for it.) I did enjoy anything having to do with her furniture refinishing, and of course the loving animal stuff I appreciated.
September 10, 2015
Love, love, love this book. I want to go and get all the dogs, now, but apart from being about the relationship between pets and their caregivers, there's a terrific love story, a bit of a mystery, lots of southern charm and hospitality, great recipes and tales of friendship.
June 25, 2015
My review on site :)
https://librarycrystal.wordpress.com/...
https://librarycrystal.wordpress.com/...
September 6, 2015
Look for my full review with TLC Book Tours on 9/9! www.gspotsylvania.wordpress.com
This was a good debut novel, with flaws.
This was a good debut novel, with flaws.
February 17, 2020
A rescue dog helps a woman make peace with her past. A quick read that dog lovers will enjoy.
June 20, 2018
Really enjoyed so much of this one.
But my reader friend NAILED IT in her review.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
But my reader friend NAILED IT in her review.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
July 30, 2021
Great fluff when I needed it. Good storyline in need of editing. A few sequences didn’t make sense.
September 11, 2015
You think the adorable puppy on the cover is charming? Wait until you read the story!
The story grabs you fairly early on with Addie's discovery of Felix by the Mississippi River. He's covered in cuts and scratches and burns. He's been tied in a garbage bag. And, as Addie finds out later at the veterinarian's office, someone SHOT the little (young) dog. I tell you, I wanted to jump into the pages of the book and help Addie track down and bring justice to the pieces of *ahem* doodoo that did that.
Eunice, Arkansas, has a little of what's good and bad about a small town. If you upset the local drug dealer, you don't have a lot of places to hide. If the single son of the town's wealthiest family happens to drive you home on his tractor one night, all of a sudden, you and he are an 'item'. But if something bad happens to you, there are also people that will arrange meals, dog sitting, etc., whatever you need while you mend.
I have to say it kind of warmed this old country girl's heart that people were as rabidly interested in dear, departed Aunt Tilda's recipe box as they would have been in a buried treasure discovered on the property. (There are quite a number of recipes included the back of the book and I am SO going to make the fried pies before the year is out.)
At the beginning, I thought Sit! Stay! Speak! was just going to be a sweet comtemporary fiction, but the action became breathtaking as the denouement drew near. And Addie isn't the only one interested in Jasper, so you know sparks are going to fly in from that direction as well. Add to that the requisite tornado appearance and this is one exciting read!
There is a scene or two where the action between Addie and Jasper becomes a little too graphic for my taste, but not so much so that I wondered whether the story or the sex was most important. (I actually closed the cover when my son came into the living room so he would not see what was on the page.)
Because of that, this book cannot be strictly called a cozy mystery, but it's about as cozy as you can get otherwise. Maybe it's a genre-introducing "semi-cozy mystery"!
Whatever you call it, if you like cozy mysteries (they are my favorite), you will adore Sit! Stay! Speak! I you like contemporary fiction with a hint of spice, you will like this book as well. Because of the sex, I wouldn't recommend as a book for the younger set. (My daughter is 12 and although she would LOVE to read the book because of the puppy on the cover, she won't be reading it for a couple of years.)
I give Sit! Stay! Speak! a strong four stars out of five and leave you with the following thought...
Sit!
Stay!
Read!
The story grabs you fairly early on with Addie's discovery of Felix by the Mississippi River. He's covered in cuts and scratches and burns. He's been tied in a garbage bag. And, as Addie finds out later at the veterinarian's office, someone SHOT the little (young) dog. I tell you, I wanted to jump into the pages of the book and help Addie track down and bring justice to the pieces of *ahem* doodoo that did that.
Eunice, Arkansas, has a little of what's good and bad about a small town. If you upset the local drug dealer, you don't have a lot of places to hide. If the single son of the town's wealthiest family happens to drive you home on his tractor one night, all of a sudden, you and he are an 'item'. But if something bad happens to you, there are also people that will arrange meals, dog sitting, etc., whatever you need while you mend.
I have to say it kind of warmed this old country girl's heart that people were as rabidly interested in dear, departed Aunt Tilda's recipe box as they would have been in a buried treasure discovered on the property. (There are quite a number of recipes included the back of the book and I am SO going to make the fried pies before the year is out.)
At the beginning, I thought Sit! Stay! Speak! was just going to be a sweet comtemporary fiction, but the action became breathtaking as the denouement drew near. And Addie isn't the only one interested in Jasper, so you know sparks are going to fly in from that direction as well. Add to that the requisite tornado appearance and this is one exciting read!
There is a scene or two where the action between Addie and Jasper becomes a little too graphic for my taste, but not so much so that I wondered whether the story or the sex was most important. (I actually closed the cover when my son came into the living room so he would not see what was on the page.)
Because of that, this book cannot be strictly called a cozy mystery, but it's about as cozy as you can get otherwise. Maybe it's a genre-introducing "semi-cozy mystery"!
Whatever you call it, if you like cozy mysteries (they are my favorite), you will adore Sit! Stay! Speak! I you like contemporary fiction with a hint of spice, you will like this book as well. Because of the sex, I wouldn't recommend as a book for the younger set. (My daughter is 12 and although she would LOVE to read the book because of the puppy on the cover, she won't be reading it for a couple of years.)
I give Sit! Stay! Speak! a strong four stars out of five and leave you with the following thought...
Sit!
Stay!
Read!
October 1, 2015
What a great, refreshing read for me!
Sit! Stay! Speak! tells the story of Adelaide, from Chicago, who has temporarily moved to pretty much my neck of the woods - small town Arkansas - after inheriting her aunt's home. Addie was close to her aunt while a child, having spent several weeks of her summers with her Aunt Tilda in Eunice, Arkansas. Her plan is to fix the house up in order to sell it before returning home to Chicago - as well as to get away from memories of her fiance, Jonah, who passed away prior to their wedding (I'm being general here; can't give too much away).
While on a work, reminiscing about the places her aunt took her, Addie is stunned to find a puppy in a garbage bag - bleeding and shot. She rushes to a local vet's office, which is the start of a turning point in her life. It is here that she meets new people and they become a part of her life, even though she is resistant; after all, this is supposed to be a temporary move.
This book was really a joy to read, having a bit of everything. Some great chick lit. Some romance. A bit of a mystery. Wonderfully written and rich characters - including the supporting characters.
The writing was simply awesome - I was able to picture everything clearly in my head; however, I will admit that a bit of it probably comes from my own past and living in this area, as well as being a frequent visitor to Memphis. I can't help but think that it would give anyone who hasn't been here a good understanding of how it is and how some small towns are.
There wasn't a thing I didn't like about this story. The pace was great, I was never bored, and I was really sad to see it end - I really felt as if these characters were people I knew. I also like the fact that the heroine stood up for not only herself, but for animals as well. There was a dark side to what can happen to animals, and as a pet owner and animal lover myself, I felt her frustration and anger.
I would give way more than 5 stars if I could. One of my favorites of this year, for sure.
Sit! Stay! Speak! tells the story of Adelaide, from Chicago, who has temporarily moved to pretty much my neck of the woods - small town Arkansas - after inheriting her aunt's home. Addie was close to her aunt while a child, having spent several weeks of her summers with her Aunt Tilda in Eunice, Arkansas. Her plan is to fix the house up in order to sell it before returning home to Chicago - as well as to get away from memories of her fiance, Jonah, who passed away prior to their wedding (I'm being general here; can't give too much away).
While on a work, reminiscing about the places her aunt took her, Addie is stunned to find a puppy in a garbage bag - bleeding and shot. She rushes to a local vet's office, which is the start of a turning point in her life. It is here that she meets new people and they become a part of her life, even though she is resistant; after all, this is supposed to be a temporary move.
This book was really a joy to read, having a bit of everything. Some great chick lit. Some romance. A bit of a mystery. Wonderfully written and rich characters - including the supporting characters.
The writing was simply awesome - I was able to picture everything clearly in my head; however, I will admit that a bit of it probably comes from my own past and living in this area, as well as being a frequent visitor to Memphis. I can't help but think that it would give anyone who hasn't been here a good understanding of how it is and how some small towns are.
There wasn't a thing I didn't like about this story. The pace was great, I was never bored, and I was really sad to see it end - I really felt as if these characters were people I knew. I also like the fact that the heroine stood up for not only herself, but for animals as well. There was a dark side to what can happen to animals, and as a pet owner and animal lover myself, I felt her frustration and anger.
I would give way more than 5 stars if I could. One of my favorites of this year, for sure.
September 11, 2015
This book was a good and fast read. Once I started it I didn't want to put it down. Even when I was done all I wanted to do is started it all over, which I still may do. This book is very moving and heartwarming. If you are not moved by this book you don't have a heart. I am thrilled to have read a book not only written by a friend of mine; but to have read one that I could relate to on a very cardinal level. I loved the characters and how they made the book flow with their lives and how it really brought out the truths about southern living. I also loved that she brought in her love for animals and some all too familiar stories that her and I have shared. I love this book for more reasons than I can give on here and if I keep writing I fear I will give away spoilers. I very much recommend this book.
January 18, 2024
I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down (I read it in three days). I truly enjoyed the Southern one liners that took me back to my childhood visiting my Grandparents in southern Arkansas when my Grandpa used to say similar things. It's rare to find those kind of colloquialisms in fiction writing.
I appreciated the diversity of plot going on in this book and the sense of intrigue and mystery. I especially liked that the answers to the mystery wasn't easily figured out and I had to wait for Annie England Noblin to reveal them through her characters and storyline.
The writing was good and flowed well. My attention was caught quickly and kept throughout.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new to read. It's got a little bit of everything, even a loyal dog. I cannot wait to read more of the author's work.
I appreciated the diversity of plot going on in this book and the sense of intrigue and mystery. I especially liked that the answers to the mystery wasn't easily figured out and I had to wait for Annie England Noblin to reveal them through her characters and storyline.
The writing was good and flowed well. My attention was caught quickly and kept throughout.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something new to read. It's got a little bit of everything, even a loyal dog. I cannot wait to read more of the author's work.
November 10, 2015
I really wanted to love this book, but sadly it wasn't to be. I give two stars only because the author is a fellow animal rescuer and the fact that the main character saves dogs. The story had potential but the writing style was frustrating. With about 170 pages to go I just skipped to the end reading enough in between to get the gist of it.
November 27, 2015
A charming fish out of water tale of a woman who moves from Chicago to Arkansas to take care of her dead Aunt's home. Reminded me a bit of the television show 'Hart of Dixie,' with all the classic southern characters.
Want to read
July 19, 2015Sit! Stay! and Sign Up! for the Tasty Book Tour for SIT! STAY! SPEAK!, http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/07...
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