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The Salty Dog

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Librarian's note: Alternate cover editions for this ASIN can be found here and here.

Libby and Luke were the perfect couple. They had the prestigious condo overlooking the bay in one of the most exciting cities in the world, they had financial success, and they had a love that was strong. When Libby's world is suddenly turned upside down, she is faced with many decisions. Drawn to two different men, Libby is tormented by the past and confused by the present. What will she do? The Salty Dog is a romantic tale of love and loss, and the essence of empowerment.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2015

120 people are currently reading
620 people want to read

About the author

Debbie White

39 books339 followers
Debbie is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her romance's range from sweet to spicy. When she's not writing the next bestseller, you can find her enjoying her backyard, riding on the back of their motorcycle, or visiting one of the many wineries in their area. They have two rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar. With pet rescue so dear to her heart, she gives a percentage of all book sales to rescue organizations. When you purchase one of Debbie's books you are also helping to feed, house and provide medication to a furry friend while they await their forever home.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice).
1,163 reviews165 followers
June 9, 2017
Don't forget to add me on Instagram! Instagram.com/alicetiedthebookishknot

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This was a quick read for me, Libby loses her true love Luke in a tragic accident and has to make decisions such as continuing running the café The Salty Dog as well as two different encounters by two different guys who could promise happiness but is it just too soon after the accident? I did have trouble connecting to Libby's character as well as some potential romances happening quite quickly throughout. I did love the story of it being set by the seaside, now as summer kicks off here in England.
Profile Image for Julie .
4,255 reviews38k followers
November 21, 2014
Salty Dog by Debbie White is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a short contemporary romance laced with sentimentality about life's ups and downs and in betweens. A sweet dog compliments the story all the way though and helped make the story charming.

When Libby followed her husband Luke's dream, she left behind the big city life she so loved. She was not the most content person when it came to this new way of life in the seaside community of Bodega, but she had finally adjusted when suddenly Luke was gone. Now, she has two businesses to run and times are hard. This is not the life she had envisioned for herself. But, Libby has no choice but to continue to work hard to keep things afloat while each and every day she misses Luke and tries to cope with his loss.
When two men come into her life she is suddenly thinking about her future in a whole new light. She has not one interested party, but two. Which one will she decide on and is she really ready to let Luke's memory go?

Well, first of all I loved Harley, the dog. His constant loyalty and companionship got Libby through some dark days.
I do have to complain just a little about how Libby was always the one who sacrificed everything for the man in her life. Both Luke and her new boyfriend had an “it's all about me or else” attitude and poor Libby ended up being the one to do all the sacrificing. On the bright side, she was stuck living Luke's dreams and although she had adjusted to the seaside area and her businesses meant a lot to her, I still had the feeling her heart wasn't all in it. So, in the end I was happy for Libby and her choices of who to share her life with.
I enjoyed the character development as Libby realizes she is still holding on to Luke and that she hasn't been totally fair about some things. Her good friend, Avery is there for some really sage advice and she turned out to be one of my favorite characters in the book. I also enjoyed the maturity of the characters from an age standpoint. These were not twenty somethings just out of college, but older people dealing with real life. This is a wonderful thing for me to see in a contemporary setting.
Overall this is the story of a woman who had some really bad breaks, who was making lemonade from life's lemons, or trying to, then she gets a second chance at love. It was not the easiest journey, but when all the kinks are finally worked out you get the feeling Libby's life will be a much fulfilled.
This is an enjoyable read with much depth and feeling. 4 stars
Profile Image for Jan Moran.
Author 75 books4,151 followers
August 9, 2014
The Salty Dog is one of the sweetest love stories I've read. The background marital relationship between Libby and Luke is heart-warming; her memories of her deceased husband are truly touching. The subsequent relationship that develops between Libby and Jackson is written with incredible depth and caring.

Author Debbie White draws the seaside settings with an expert eye: I felt the breeze in my hair and the salty sea mist on my face. Of special interest are the characters' entrepreneurial dealings; the author explains how Luke and Libby fled the corporate world and established their dream business (okay, it was his idea at first...) by the sea. I love the charming story of how the vessel got its name, which is a surprise near the end.

Hope to read more soon from this fine writer. The Salty Dog is a sweet sigh on the literary landscape; it's a book that will restore your faith in love and humanity. A five-star read!
Profile Image for Paige.
251 reviews70 followers
February 6, 2015
I love those books that from the first page on take you on a journey, especially the ones where you never know quite where they're headed. Debbie White is a true storyteller and these books read just like that - a story that you are told over a nice cup of coffee at a cozy kitchen table. The characters are as realistic as they are unique and I found myself so caught up in their pages that before I knew it I was closing that last page. Being an animal lover, I love that a dog plays such an integral part in this novel, and was especially a true companion to Libby after she suffered heartbreaking loss. Yes, this truly is a story of overcoming loss and finding hope again, and I am so happy to have gotten lost in the pages of "The Salty Dog." Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Ani's  Reviews.
285 reviews10 followers
September 24, 2014
So I started reading this book because it was recommended to me and was sceptic because of the name.

But boy was I wrong. This book is amazing and sweet and so good. I wanted to keep reading about them and to learn more of their life after the last page.

Absolutely fantastic read and I can't wait to start reading Passport to happiness. After this one I think I will love it.

Great work Debbie and I loved this book so much. It was sweet and just a great romantic story for every lover of romance out there.
Profile Image for Angie Barrile.
72 reviews
September 7, 2020
A really quick read, that's one plus..2 other positive notes, there's a dog named Harley as one of the characters, who is really sweet. I wish he'd been featured more, it may have been better! The other positive note is it takes place in area of Bodega Bay CA, near San Francisco, and the wine country. The dog and Bodega Bay were what attracted me to the book in the 1st place. Visited that area 18 years ago and still remember that Bodega Bay clam chowder, best I've ever had, to this day. Libby, the main character, owns a cafe in Bodega Bay and they are well known for their clam chowder!
The negatives..I felt it was a predictable romance story that honestly I don't feel was well written. Sentences short and choppy, came across as a juvenile writing style. Just my opinion. No surprises or mystery or plot twists.
Ready for a more riveting book!
Profile Image for Noelle Beltz.
13 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2014
*CAUTION - WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS*


















So, originally, my friend invited me to Debbie's Street Team on Facebook. So, naturally, I was curious about the author and her novellas. One day, I popped into the page and saw she was wiling to give me a copy of both her novellas, in order for reviews. I gladly agreed, and finally was able to get the opportunity to read the first book. What I read was something I didn't expect.

Within the first chapter, my interest was immediately sparked. I wanted to know what secrets were hidden in Libby's past. Let me start from the beginning... Her husband Luke and her work hard with their careers in San Francisco, CA. Both had their college degrees and were climbing up their corporate ladders. Debbie then reveals that Luke hate his job, and eventually gets a loan and sells their apartment in order to pursue his dream of doing commercial fishing. He then knows he definitely wants to pursue his dream when he finds Harley, a dog they rescue as a puppy from a homeless man, which they give him money for instead of taking the dog for free. With that, they gave up their life in San Francisco to pursue his dream, which eventually became theirs. They move to a small fishing town of Bodega, and they start their own fishing boat called The Salty Dog, and their own restaurant called The Seaside Cafe. The tides soon turn when Luke died after he fell off his ship, The Salty Dog, in rough waters. After this, I cried. I never felt more sympathetic for a character in a novella like I did for Libby.

Now, Libby ran the cafe all alone, and was suffering with the loss of her husband. She was with her dog, all alone. Her friend, Sam, was there the day he died. He continued to blame himself until Libby made it clear it wasn't his fault, and that they knew the risks of the job. She tries to continue on as her cafe gets more popular, and eventually hires Avery (who soon becomes her closest friend) and her husband, Blake. The business grows, so she hires Marshall and some other young teens who are living in rough conditions. Also, Sam takes up The Salty Dog and hires a crew, to keep the ship going, like Luke would have wanted. Things begin to get rough when Libby meets Jackson, and a love triangle begins to form between Jackson, Libby, and Marshall. Things get rough at sea, with so many dark and dirty secrets, or so to say, but eventually Libby succeeds, and find the one she loves - Jackson - and finds happiness, after facing the torment in her heart over the death of her beloved Luke, and struggling to move forward and take a grasp on her life.

I honestly applaud Mrs. White for doing such a spectacular job on this novella. I fell in love with Libby as a character. She sends a powerful message to all women. She shows that women are powerful, and that they can overcome anything they are determined to. She overcame the death of her husband, she overcame the difficult love triangle that was tearing her heart in two, and so many other obstacles that I don't think I could even overcome on my own, and be as strong as Libby did. She is an inspiration, she shows that as long as you hold your head up high, and never give up on your dream, or anything else you want to accomplish. I believe there are many ways to interpret this novella, but you'd honestly have to read this amazing piece in order to withdraw the message that truly reaches you - I'm only saying my part, but honestly, I highly recommend this novella to anyone. It reached my heart, and not only made me cry, but made me giddy and smile with joy.

Spectacular job Debbie, can't wait to read Passport to Happiness.
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,898 reviews48 followers
June 21, 2014
* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. *

Let me start by saying that I read Debbie's first book and loved the promise that it held, but there were a few things that I couldn't overlook, she was amazing and took my review and made this book into the 5 star read that I felt she was able to write! I loved this book, there were no editing issues, she was spot on with her character descriptions and development and it is an amazing book. I loved the way that she was able to make the reader feel like they were in the cafe having the chowder, and frigid with cold when they were outside. I enjoyed the banter between the friends and the overall feel of the story. It was amazing how she was able to make the dog become an important character in the story and it made me (an avid animal lover) want to add to my ever growing family of dogs.

The tragedy in the book was realistic as was the main character's reaction to it. I know just how Libby feels to lose someone suddenly as I was going through it as I was reading this book. The author was able to make a bad situation better just by acknowledging that tragedy takes time to get through and that it is ok to move on. This book reminded me that it is ok to move on, and that life does need to continue.

I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list and make sure you have a tissue or 2 handy as you will need them as you read this. Thanks Debbie for giving me a second chance to read your work, I look forward to the next story!! Enjoy the book, and remember that you need to have a block of time to read it as you won't want to put it down once you start!!
Profile Image for Bethany Turner.
Author 12 books1,391 followers
August 2, 2014
Let me first say this: sometimes it is just refreshing to dive into a gentle read. Don't get me wrong...there is a time and a place for edge-of-your-seat entertainment, but sometimes you just want to take the time to breathe along with the characters whose lives you are inhabiting for a time. Such is the case with The Salty Dog.

Author Debbie White has created such a sweet story. Our heroine, Libby, is successful, well-loved, and very much "together," but she unexpectedly finds herself in a situation which makes it impossible for her to carry on with life as she has known it. It's equally impossible for her to truly begin again.

The easy analysis would be to say that Libby does begin anew, but I don't believe that's the case - and for me that explains a great deal about the book's charm. Libby is not an immature young thing trying to "find herself." She is a grown woman with responsibilities, relationships, and commitments. She has known true love and it has shaped her. The easy thing to do, when her life is turned upside down, would be to run away, and many authors may have taken the easy way out and sent Libby down that path. Debbie White didn't take the easy path. She took the honest, realistic, relatable path, and that makes The Salty Dog irresistible. To "begin again" would be to deny the power of the past, so instead Libby just keeps on going.

This book is an incredibly easy, fast read. Take the time to get to know Libby, and breathe along with her.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,629 reviews69 followers
August 30, 2014
The Salty Dog is a novel by Debbie White. The characters are well developed and the plot, though seemingly simple, continues to change throughout the novel. You never know where the author is taking you next. I really liked this novel.
Luke and Libby were very much in love. They lived in San Francisco and both had good jobs. However, Luke was unhappy in his and decided to live out a childhood dream. He wanted to own a fishing boat and fish for salmon. He surprised Libby with having talked to the bank about financing a boat in Bodega Bay. When she objected, he was surprised as he thought they had discussed it at length and agreed it would be a good idea. However, she gives in and they leave their condo and head to Bodega Bay and their boat, which they named The Salty Dog.
Making a living fishing is a hard job. Luke relied on his friend Sam to teach him what he needed to know. Their dog, Harley would go out with them. In addition to the boat, they also purchased a diner and Libby ran it with her friend Avery. Things were looking up and then Luke died. Now what will Libby do? Will she stay in Bodega Bay and run the diner? What about The Salty Dog and the diner? Will she remain single?
Profile Image for Elly Michaels.
Author 2 books4 followers
July 3, 2014
The Salty Dog is a story about second chances. Second chances for careers, friendship and love. Replete with details, this novel takes you through the daily life of Libby, an ordinary heroine who finds herself in a lonely and uncomfortable role after an unexpected accident alters the course of her life. Alone in a world that she did not choose, Libby struggles to manage her guilt, her loneliness, and two businesses while searching for a new life. Baby steps, new friends and a friendly dog named Harley help her find herself and embrace the new life-style that comes with a budding romance.

The Salty Dog isn't a heart-stopping romance but a realistically portrayed novel about recovering from grief and learning to live and love again. It is a novel about peace and self-acceptance, and the courage and steps required to find it. I highly recommend it.

Elly Michaels

To purchase For Love of a Cause or read a free sample, click here:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DX6IV0E
For more book reviews, visit: www.kindleandotherebooksbyellymichael...
6 reviews
August 28, 2014
I highly recommend The Salty Dog. Trust me. At first, when Debbie gave me a copy of the book, I thought this story was all about a dog because of the picture. I don’t want to spoil the book, so I guess you need to read and find out – but that’s why I never judge the book by its cover. Because when I read this, I couldn't put it down. Although this story is considered, a “clean” romance the innocent love will warm your heart and you’ll wish that you were her. Libby a city girl followed her husband to experience country life. He was looking for less stress, calmness and peace. Things move along at a fast pace, when something happens that devastates her beyond words. I tried to put myself in her shoes, and wondered what I would do. You’ll have to read the book to see what I mean. I thought I had this book figured out, but there were many twists and turns that make it a real page-turner. I think you’ll like The Salty Dog, but you won’t know for sure, unless you buy it! I recommend The Salty Dog by Debbie White.
Profile Image for Patricia.
183 reviews27 followers
September 26, 2014
The Salty Dog is a beautiful story of love and life, then how bad things can happen and how to grab onto life when a new opportunity presents itself.

It’s a wonderful, quick read that lead my emotions all over. Libby and Luke are charming and warm characters. It’s easy to fall in love with their love. It was just a quick to fall in love with the quaint seaside town of Bodega and all it offered that wasn’t part of city life.

Debbie White draws upon the charming seaside life, finding enjoyable friends and building upon a dream. She writes with such feeling that I stepped into Libby’s world. I was able to feel her pain, her confusion, and ultimately her joy.

The Salty Dog is a marvelously sweet story that reminds us all the blush of love can happen any time, and anywhere.

I highly recommend it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Debbie White is an extraordinary writer and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

~ Patricia, Room With Books ~ © Sep 26, 2014
Profile Image for Lauren.
125 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say that I quite enjoyed this book. It was a quick, easy read, and one of those that are nice and light. A feel-good book.

At first, I thought I wouldn't enjoy the story. It kind of read like a fairy tale (think the beginning of Disney's Beauty and the Beast), which made it seem a little hokey. But once you get into the actual story, it was rather enjoyable.

Libby's character was well developed enough, but I didn't really connect on a level I usually do with a book that kind of stabs me in the guts. But, like I said, this was a light read, not a heavy book. It reminded me a bit of a Nicolas Sparks book, or possibly a Lifetime Movie. That is not putting the book down, as I enjoy both ;)

Solid 3.5 stars :)

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
Profile Image for Leslie Beebe.
339 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2014
The Salty Dog was a very good story with realistic, lovable characters. I loved the setting of this romantic story. Libby moved from the city she loved to a quaint seaside town so her husband Luke could make a living fishing on his boat-The Salty Dog. Libby suffered a huge loss but she learned with the help of her friends at her Seaside Cafe, Harley -her dog, Sam & Jackson she learned to love again. Libby finally got to live the life she wanted. Debbie White, the author, told a great story with well developed characters. It told the story of Libby & how she overcame her loss & found happiness again. I didn't want the story to end.
Profile Image for Pennie.
Author 62 books66 followers
September 20, 2014
A lovely story set in a seaside town that really captivates the essence of unpredictability and thoughtfulness. Libby takes us on a charming journey with heartfelt realistic purity. The dog is a delightful and important character with a mesmerizing capability of engaging all animal lovers soft side. The story leads you to a small fishing village that has an atmosphere and scenic views that come to life as soon as you read the first page. It invokes the true spirit of romance, over coming tragedy, and relationship dynamics with an vivid irresistible quality. An extremely enjoyable read that makes me want to go and buy a dog :)
Profile Image for Danielle Petter zentic.
4 reviews
February 11, 2015
I loved this book! I could not put it down.This is not my typical kind of read but I have been expanding my horizons on the books that I read. I loved the setting of the story. I felt when I was reading I was there enjoying the weather and the salty air. I became attached to the characters and really happy with the ending. If you have a couple of hours to spare I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Debbie! I look forward to reading more from you!

I won a copy of this book in return for a review.
Profile Image for Tammy Choate.
137 reviews9 followers
September 4, 2014
This is a new author to me and I am so glad I had an opportunity to win this! My tastes in books varies from one area to another and this here was just as its described a sweet romance of a young woman experiencing losing the love of her life and trying to move on. I cried quite a few times when she was reminiscing her past with Luke. The pain she has to push past and to move on made her so much stronger.I was lost in this book and didn't want to be disturbed. If your looking for a sweet, heartfelt book then this is for you.
2 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2014
It is so nice to read a modern day love story that is not dripping with sex. "The Salty Dog" is a story about recovering, about moving on from the bad points in your life to the good points that are awaiting. Debbie White's tale shows that people can overcome, and that love shows up when you are least expecting it.
I enjoyed "The Salty Dog" and highly recommend it to readers who want a good story.
Profile Image for Kristin.
350 reviews19 followers
November 22, 2014
What a cute story Debbie White created. It's simple and realistic. You couldn't adore the characters more. I love the idea of a seaside town and the description of it was wonderful. Very well developed characters you could really connect to. Plus who couldn't love Harley.

Highly recommend this book for those who want a HEA after some tragic events occur. A nice quick read (well to me at least) all around a good rounded book for all.
Profile Image for Christoph Fischer.
Author 50 books469 followers
December 26, 2014
"The Salty Dog" by Debbie White is a beautiful contemporary novel that combines romantic themes with some deeper notes about tragedy and moving forward.
It has an idyllic setting, a strong theme of fulfilling one's dreams and a strong female lead character. Like the title of the book, a bittersweet novel that has a lot to offer.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,475 reviews54 followers
October 5, 2014
~~~RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW~~~


Debbie White takes a story and makes it a loveable book. Well written and easy to follow. Once you start reading this book it's hard to put down!


Profile Image for Marielaurent.
252 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2014
I loved this book and enjoyed reading it a lot. I liked the dialogue between the characters. I loved the plot and characters they fit so well together.
490 reviews
January 9, 2017
This is a great girlie love story, but there's a dog character which gives this book an added plus.
The main character, Libby, her husband Luke and their dog, Harley, moved from the city of San Francisco to the seaside town of Bodega to make their life. They bought a little cafe which Libby ran and they bought the Salty Dog, a fishing boat which Luke ran. Luke got a fishing helper named Sam who became their good friend. All was good until there was a fishing accident and Libby became a widow. Sam continues with the fishing business while Libby hires help with the cafe. Libby's life was moving forward until two different men walk into her life. Libby thinks she might be in love, but which one? This book is very enjoyable and very easy reading.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2017
A...

A well written and sweet second chance romance. The development was good for both the main and secondary characters. The descriptions of the area, the cafe, and way of life in a tiny tourist town made it easy to imagine.
Libby was the main focus of the story. She had some difficult decisions to make after her husband's death. Decisions which took not only intense deliberation, but a strength she needed to pull from deep inside herself.
I enjoyed reading this contemporary romance!
Profile Image for HiDesert Granny.
261 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2020
I got this book free through a Bookfunnel promotion for sweet romances. I found it lukewarm and predictable. Nothing much happens other than sex without marriage, so it didn’t even have good moral values. I should not have been surprised as the connection between the main characters was physical attraction. It also lacked an emotional connect.

I am prefer the caliber of writing of such talented authors as Jessie Gussman, Cami Checketts and Jennifer Griffith.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,552 reviews9 followers
April 10, 2020
had me curious, super lucky i won this through a Goodreads giveaway, great book cover ... i see there are several for this book ... this is my fave. sweet love story. well developed. i am trying to think if i am familiar with Debbie White ... gotta say i have a billion authors in my head and keeping them separate is so tough. thinking? thinking??! wonderful and such a quick read for me ... u will be immediately pulled on in. such lovable characters.
Profile Image for Nicole Normand.
1,985 reviews30 followers
July 27, 2017
Received a free copy from InstaFreebie; this is my honest review.
The editing needs a serious pass, so I took one star off.
Second chance romance after loss, grief, loneliness. Empathy mixed-up with confusion and other feelings. Love comes easy and believable in this story.
Good descriptions of surroundings, characters, and events.
Loved the end.
Profile Image for Tommie Morris.
206 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2020
This was a most enjoyable book... The Salty Dog is the name of a boat that a couple had when they moved to an island to live .... very interesting story that started off a little differently than most stories , had a little slow spot , but picked up nicely & ended well.... good author ... will read more of her books !
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