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The Trail to You

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An independent blonde seeking a fresh start.

Orphaned and unhappy, Ally Hunter makes a life-changing decision to move across the country to a small town that once felt like home. As she reinvents herself, she realizes there’s one part of the equation missing—love. However, a tragedy from the past makes her hesitate when it comes to giving up her heart.

A betrayed man looking for a sense of pride.

Abandoned by his first love and family, Ronan has one friend he can truly count on—his two-hundred-pound mastiff, Henry. When he returns home from service in the National Guard, though, he finds his entire life catapulted in a different direction with the disappearance of his beloved dog.

A loyal four-legged friend who will unexpectedly bring them together.

When Henry, Ronan’s brindle mastiff, finds himself far from home, Ronan sets out on a journey to bring him back. However, as the trail to Henry leads Ronan to Ridgewood, Virginia, and an interior designer with a big heart, he’ll realize some hardships lead to beautiful discoveries.

The Trail to You is a sweet stand-alone romantic novel.

Unknown Binding

Published March 16, 2019

11 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Lindsay Detwiler

31 books369 followers

Love celebrating genuine, sweet love stories with a touch of spice? Join Lindsay's VIP Fan Club here and get a Free copy of Without You: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/p808sy2hmn

Lindsay Detwiler is a romance author and a former high school English teacher. She is also the USA Today Bestselling author of The Widow Next Door with HarperCollins UK.

Lindsay's goal with her writing is to show the power of love and the beauty of life while also instilling a true sense of realism in her work. With her novels coming from a place of honesty, she wants her fiction to resonate with readers as candid, poetic, and powerful.

Inked Hearts, released in 2017 with Hot Tree Publishing, was named a Romance Times Top Pick. Additionally, Remember When, released in April of 2017, was named a Route One Reads Romance Pick by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. She is also a USA Today Bestselling author with HarperCollins UK under the penname L.A.Detwiler.

Lindsay currently lives in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Chad (her junior high sweetheart); their six rescued cats; and their Great Dane, Edmund.

In addition to being a huge bookworm, Lindsay's also a fan of cruelty-free makeup, coffee, chocolate, Outlander, and shopping.

Be sure to connect with Lindsay: Instagram: @lindsayanndetwiler

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/lindsayanndet...

Blog: www.lindsaydetwiler.com

TikTok: @ladetwiler

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5 stars
21 (42%)
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20 (40%)
3 stars
7 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,305 reviews1,779 followers
March 17, 2019
Favorite Quotes:

I’m a sad, lonely housewife who cleans up boogers and deals with Candyland fights. Give me something interesting here.

Well, the guy thinks white socks and black dress shoes go together and believes watching Jaws is a romantic night. I had my doubts.

Her idea of being a foodie was knowing the different types of sauces at Chick-Fil-A.

You know how I spent Christmas Eve? Crying over bed bugs, looking up Pinterest ideas on getting gum out of Aggie’s hair, and reassuring Greg that the bump on his ass was not actually a bed bug bite… even though I’m pretty sure it was. Yeah, trust me, we weren’t exactly singing ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ either. Of course, maybe you were.

My Review:

This was one of those sweet and touching stories that make me want to run to the pound and adopt all the dogs, ALL of them… And I’m a cat person. As with all Ms. Detwiler’s emotive stories, The Trail to You was thoughtfully written yet pleasantly well-balanced, consistently engaging, relaxing and easy to follow, heart squeezing, insightfully observant, colorfully amusing, and stung my eyes a few times before reaching a satisfactory and sigh-inducing HEA. Her characters were endearing everyday people doing their best and ensnaring my heart along their journey. I adored this couple, they became so familiar I believe I would recognize them if I saw them walking their precious dog Henry on the street.
Profile Image for Debby (Alwaysbooking).
710 reviews
January 25, 2019
I’m not going to lie, I don’t think one chapter in this book didn’t make me cry, happy tears, sad tears, lonely tears, confused tears… just tears. I was just a sloppy mess for this book. I know the dog that the book is written after so of course he was the easiest character for me to picture and he just pulled everything together for me.

If there is one thing I can always count on with Lindsay Detwiler it is the slow burn romance. I adore the fact that these two characters had some sort of instant chemistry but didn’t immediately fall in love. Their main concern from day one is the dog…

Ally is a really great, yet flawed character, I love her trusting nature of people. Her instant chemistry with her new best friend Josie was wonderful. I loved the stay at home mom feature of the best friend, how she lives vicariously through Ally. This is so true for me at least, I live through a lot of my younger single friends. She really fits into this little town with all of these people, the whole town comes together to protect her and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.

Ronan has always been on his own and doesn’t know how to trust well. The only thing he trusts is the love of his dog. Who is now in the hands of someone he doesn’t know. I loved watching him slowly open up piece by piece. There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing a man loving up on a big drooling dog. I really, really enjoyed how he slowly won over the town and everyone in it. Not only was it a slow burn romance between him and Ally, it was a slow fall in love between the town and himself.

This book had so many side characters that I truly adored and I can’t list them all. I loved the town itself, I loved the kids, I loved the couples, I loved hearing how the houses came together, I basically just loved everything about this book. Let’s be honest though the real star of the book is Henry the dog

Excerpt…

“Better a dog than a man, I guess, ” Ally said, grinning.

Josie mad a dismissive noise. “Please, honey. No woman needs a man.”

“But you’re married.”

“And I love him. But that’s only because I have to.” She grinned. ” I wouldn’t wish that misery on anyone, though. Be wild and young and free. Get a dog. They’re better company and not as annoying.”

“I don’t know. Maybe if it’s the right one came along. The right dog, that is”
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,277 reviews149 followers
March 18, 2019

The Trail to You was a nice,sweet and endearing read.

I liked all the characters,humans,little humans and dogs.And a beautiful dog is the main character of this novel, as a matter of fact thanks to this big mastiff named Henry the story starts,develops and ends.
I don't want to unveil the plot because it's such a good journey to take blindly and just enjoy the ride.

I love Lindsay Detwiler's writing, her books are always heartwarming and I can't recommend them enough.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,406 reviews274 followers
March 16, 2019
3.5 stars
Ronan Carter has one meaningful thing in his life and that is his dog, Henry. It breaks his heart to have to leave him with his mom while he serves overseas with the National Guard but he knows he will have Henry to come home to.
Ally Hunter is about to begin her life again after moving from LA to Virginia after the death of her parents and the need to slow down. Once there she befriends Josie who believes she needs some company in her life and finds her a dog named Hank.
When Ronan arrives home from overseas he discovers his mom and his dog have both disappeared and now he will do anything and go anywhere to try and find Henry. But when he discovers that Henry has found a new home will the owner be willing to give him up?
I enjoyed this book but there were a few little things that bothered me as I was a reading but it was my personal reaction to the story.
I felt so bad for Ronan and I couldn’t imagine the anguish he felt upon getting home and discovering both his mom and his dog gone. He truly did the responsible thing by asking his mom to watch Henry and then she just disappeared which left Ronan on a wild goose chase trying to find Henry. It made me sad every time he hit a road block.
I liked Ally and thought she was a smart girl who had been dealt a rough hand with the death of her parents and it really shook her hard and she blamed them. I liked her friendship with Josie and how they kept each other sane and happy!
When everything began to go down with Ronan tracking down Henry I had figured things out and was just waiting. I must admit that I was mad at Ally for not being more sympathetic to Ronan with everything he had been through. I realized she was attached but I truly was completely on Ronan’s side.
I liked that Ronan and Ally began to form a friendship and they both began to understand the other but initially Ally was still not budging which was totally frustrating me!! I loved how Ronan began to move his life over to Virginia even though he had no idea how things were going to turn out!
Towards the end I was so mad at Ally again for her actions, but I was happy when she realized her mistake!
The end was great although the epilogue was bittersweet! - By Rebecca
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,153 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book but there were a few little things that bothered me as I was a reading but it was my personal reaction to the story.

I felt so bad for Ronan and I couldn’t imagine the anguish he felt upon getting home and discovering both his mom and his dog gone. He truly did the responsible thing by asking his mom to watch Henry and then she just disappeared which left Ronan on a wild goose chase trying to find Henry. It made me sad every time he hit a road block.

I liked Ally and thought she was a smart girl who had been dealt a rough hand with the death of her parents and it really shook her hard and she blamed them. I liked her friendship with Josie and how they kept each other sane and happy!

When everything began to go down with Ronan tracking down Henry I had figured things out and was just waiting. I must admit that I was mad at Ally for not being more sympathetic to Ronan with everything he had been through. I realized she was attached but I truly was completely on Ronan’s side.

I liked that Ronan and Ally began to form a friendship and they both began to understand the other but initially Ally was still not budging which was totally frustrating me!! I loved how Ronan began to move his life over to Virginia even though he had no idea how things were going to turn out!

Towards the end I was so mad at Ally again for her actions, but I was happy when she realized her mistake!

The end was great although the epilogue was bittersweet!
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,351 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2019
Rating: 4.5*

This was such a sweet, beautiful read. It was a definite heart warmer, with it's wonderful tale of a man's best friend and fate.

Ronan and Ally find their way to each other through Henry, a glorious dog. Circumstances beyond Ronan's control mean that Henry is put up for adoption. A series of events lead him to Ally's home. Ally has experienced loss and is trying to rebuild her life and find her place. For her love is not on the cards and she has built walls to protect herself. Henry finds her way around her walls and open her up to the possibility of more, almost in readiness for Ronan.

This was a beautiful story that focused on the characters and their journeys to this point. Tissues are needed at different points of this story as it did bring all the feels. It was an emotional read and such a lovely one to read and experience. I loved these characters and fell completely in love with all them. I felt all warm and fuzzy after reading it. Just beautiful.

*** Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,613 reviews45 followers
March 18, 2019
This is the second book I have read by Lindsay. She writes slower burn romances. The characters have baggage and issues. They manage to help each other grow and discover themselves. Ally Hunter has moved across the country to start over and find herself. Ronan has just come back from a deployment to reunite with his best friend, Henry his mastiff only to find him gone. Ronan’s journey to find Henry leads him to finding Ally as well. Both Ally and Ronan have baggage from their past. Ally is still dealing with the loss of her parents. Ronan’s mom was never the most loving and he has issues with being good enough because of it. They manage to find each other at each at a difficult time for both of them. Henry the mastiff manages to bring these two together. But will love be enough or have they both been hurt to much in the past? I really enjoyed this book. It is different from the books I normally read. It was a slower burn and a lot less sex. I look forward to reading more books by Lindsay in the future.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,259 reviews53 followers
March 18, 2019
I was first drawn to this book because of the cover. I love books with animals in them. I'm so glad that I read this one because the characters love and appreciate animals as much as I do. The journey poor Henry takes, but where his end destination takes him makes it all worth it. He just had to spread his love around to those who needed it at the time. Ronan is a character that grabs your heart and his mission to find his beloved dog. Then you have Ally who is making some major life changes and her move to Ridgewood is going to change her life like she never anticipated. One of my favorite parts in this book is Ally's friendship with Josie. I loved Josie and her family. I will warn you get the tissues out for the epilogue. I was bawling my eyes out. I loved the emotion that this book pulled out of me the whole way. Great characters that just pull you in.
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
March 17, 2019
Who is Ronan? What do we learn about him? Where is he off to and why? Who are Rose and Tina? Where do they work? What happens to Henry while Ronan is gone? Who is All? Where do we meet her? What type of work does she do? Who is Josie? Where does she run into Ally at? What ends up happening? What happens when Hank (a.k.a. Henry) ends up with Ally, it is so funny. Oh boy, do things get interesting when Ronan comes home. You need to read this sweet, touching romance. Enjoy! I did!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Profile Image for Heather Jasinski.
442 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2019
The Trail to you by Lindsay Detwiler is such a light warm cozy story to read. Ally and Ronan had a difficult past and how those two meet is really heartwarming.

One of my favorite characters is Josie . I loved her encouraging Ally to go and be herself and if love happens it happens to not be afraid of it. Everyone needs a friend like Josie.

"Listen, the heart isn't something we can rationalize with. It wants what it wants, and that's it."

"Live crazy. Live boldly. Live wildly."

I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good story about finding love and is a pet lover.
381 reviews
June 24, 2019
This tear-jerker brought back Buddy boy! He died of anal cancer a few years ago. His half sister Kisse will be 16 the 10th of July. I'll never NOT have a dog! Right now I have 7, but most are over 12 years old except Nuzzles & Willow. Great read especially if you love dogs!
Glad I have 20 acres so they have room to run & enjoy the life of a loved pet!
Some sleep on the bed with us! Others on their doggie beds.
Definitely read this book!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,399 reviews119 followers
March 24, 2019
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

A Must Read

Lindsay Detwiler is one of my favorite authors. I’m always excited when she has a new book out. This book was absolutely fantastic and is a must read.
Profile Image for Marion.
72 reviews
September 25, 2019
Lindsay didn’t disappoint me! Love her heartwarming reads. The characters were so endearing. I loved them all. And especially Henry.
Profile Image for Fiona.
289 reviews
Read
November 3, 2019
Lovely story

I loved the whole story about 2 people coming together with the help of a dog. Not a huge fan of flipping from one person to another.
180 reviews24 followers
September 19, 2020
Delightful

Lindsay Detwiler has done it again! I found The Trail to You to be absolutely delightful! A sweet romance definitely worth reading. Kudos, Lindsay, for a job well done!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Cole.
373 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2019
Original review can be found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...

**A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

I was so excited when I got an email from the author asking me if I would read her newest book. I have been waiting patiently for her next book to come out and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Ally has just recently moved to a new town in Virginia. She is looking for a fresh start after the traumatic death of her parents a little over a year ago. Ronan has to go away on deployment with the National Guard in Pennsylvania. He leaves his dog, Henry, with Monica. He returns from deployment to find his house empty and Henry is nowhere to be found. Ronan looks everywhere for his dog eventually finding the rescue where Henry was dropped off. The people at the rescue can’t tell him who actually adopted Henry. Ronan eventually tracks him to the town that Ally lives in. Little does Ally know that he is searching for the dog that she just begrudgingly adopted. Ronan finally tracks Ally and his missing dog. Sparks fly between them. He wants his dog back and Ally is not prepared to give him up. Ronan stays in town for a bit and asks Ally if she can watch Henry while he went back up to Pennsylvania for National Guard drills. When he returns, he tells her that he is moving to the town permanently and asking if she wants to have joint ownership of Henry. Ally is over the moon and agrees. Will Henry throw two lost souls with walls around their heart together? Will they realize they are soulmates before it’s too late?

This book was fantastic. I started to read it about 3 months ago but stopped because I had another book due that I had to read. Once I came back to it I finished it in about 1.5 days. It was so good. The characters are well rounded and have believable issues. Once again, the romance is good and clean. It’s a book that I wouldn’t mind if my mom or kids read when they got older. Let’s be honest if this author wrote absolute drivel and I would still read it. I love her writing style that much. I will be waiting patiently for the next book with bated breath.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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