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Rainbow Bridge

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Published October 6, 2020

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About the author

Dan V. Jackson

3 books4 followers
Author, family man, dog lover, financial consultant, runner, golfer and football fan. Oh, and author of the award winning 2020 novel Rainbow Bridge.

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5 stars
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5 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for CYIReadBooks (Claire).
565 reviews84 followers
July 29, 2020
"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge... All the animals who had been ill are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them..."

Rainbow Bridge by Dan V. Jackson is a wonderfully emotional tale of the life of Nathan Wilkinson and his canine companions from childhood through adulthood. It is a tale of how those canine companions shaped Nathan's life and made him the man that he is.

As heart-rending of a story that it is, Rainbow Bridge is also a feel good book about how our family pets give us joy, laughter, and unconditional love.

Five stars -- I loved it. For those readers that enjoyed A Dog's Purpose, you will love this book just as much or even better.

FTC Disclosure: I received a digital ARC from Mirador through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest and unbiased thoughts.
650 reviews13 followers
June 21, 2020
If you have ever loved and lost a dog, this book is going to tug on your heartstrings. I think I've cried most of the way through - not just because of the sadness of losing a dog but just how incredibly brilliant they are.

This book follows Nathan Wilkinson from childhood into adulthood when he is married and has children of his own and the dogs that have been a part of this life. It's about the bond he has with his dogs and that they have with him, as well as the devastating loss when the time comes... but we also get a little glimpse into what happens when it's time to cross the rainbow bridge, which is just lovely.

If you've never owned a dog, you'll probably struggle to understand the depth of connection possible with having a dog and the absolutely gut wrenching grief of losing one. If you have been lucky enough to have a dog in your life that has been a true member of the family, this book is going to rip your heart out!! Dogs are just amazing and this book is a real celebration of the special relationships we can have with our dogs and gives hope that life on earth is not the end, that those connections are forever.

This a book for dog lovers but you're going to need your tissues!!
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
1,773 reviews126 followers
October 30, 2020

if you enjoy reading W. Bruce Cameron's books you'll definitely want to read this book.
Wow, I could not put this book down. I read it all in one go!
We all have that memory of our first dog, mine happened when I was four years old.
My mother was watching a dog for someone when they were on vacation. I fell in love with this little black dog and said she was my dog and that her name was Lisa, I have no idea what her name really was but the owner let me keep her.
The day she died was a very sad day but if there is a rainbow bridge I believe she went there.
Though this is a fictional book the emotions put forth in this book by Nathan Wilkinson are very real and what we experience as dog owners.
I found myself nodding my head reading because yes so many of the things he went through we all go through as dog owners.
Dogs are part of our family just as much as people are they are our companions,guardians and defenders.
This book follows along with Nathan's life from toddler age to after he marries and has children and all the dogs he has during this time period.
These dogs share the adventures of his life,cheering him up as he bullied as a child,having courage under fire as he's called to battle and courageously a dog gives of his life to save his daughter's life when she's lost.
Saying goodbye to our best friend is so hard and I know I've shed more than a few tears over my dogs. What if this doesn't have to be the end though ?
In Rainbow Bridge, Nathan is able to be joyfully reunited, though just for a brief time with his dogs through an unexpected tragedy.
You are going to want to read this book it hits home and rings true with dog lovers.

Published October 6th 2020 by Mirador.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kristine L..
273 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2020
I can’t put into words how much I loved this book. How much I didn’t want it to end. How I really, really ought to buy stock in Kleenex.

When I’m getting ready to write a book review, I typically take notes throughout the book. I started doing that with Rainbow Bridge. Then I stopped. The story took over. It resonated so deeply, in fact, I couldn’t read it and take notes at the same time. So I put my notes away and immersed myself in this extraordinarily powerful and poignant story.

I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

Rainbow Bridge traces the love, losses and life of Nathan Wilkinson from toddlerhood into adulthood through the lives of his dogs: Frisco the border-beagle. Shiloh the German shepherd. Lindsay the mini schnauzer. Georgie the Belgian Malinois and military war dog. Labs Zooey and Boomer. Each dog has a distinct personality but evinces the kind of steadfast devotion to Nathan and his family that only dogs can.

I cried along with Nathan and his family over the loss of their loyal, ailing Shiloh. Applauded the steely resolve and dauntless courage of war dog General George S. Patton (Georgie for short). Laughed over the jealous affection of Lindsay and the crazy antics of Boomer and Zooey. And sniffled through the self-sacrificing love of Frisco, a heroic border-beagle mix with sparkly eyes.

Set mostly in Arizona and spanning some 30 years, Rainbow Bridge is sensitive and superlative writing at its finest. The plot is Rock of Gibraltar solid. The writing is warm and robust. The characters are people we know and might invite over for coffee. The structure is alert and brisk, tucking in the tail of every character and story arc into a satisfying and heartfelt ending.

Coming through loud and clear throughout the pages of Rainbow Bridge is how well the author knows dogs. How thoroughly he understands the unique and special bond that is forged between dogs and their humans. How the excruciating pain of losing a dog is like no other. Ditto how important it is to NOT abandon your dog to the vet when it’s time for them to leave you, and that you really do owe it to your faithful companion to be there and comfort them in their final moments.

With great insight and sagacity, the author also shows us how dogs are indeed “more than just animals wandering through your house; they really and truly are members of your family. And they really do love you more than anything else, even themselves.”

Propelled by the remarkable, limitless love and loyalty unique to canines, Rainbow Bridge will melt your heart, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever known the love of a good dog. It may also open a window into how your devoted dog sees you – and why.

Just hand me another tissue, okay?
Profile Image for Kimberly Thompson.
39 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2020
It is believed there is a 'Rainbow Bridge on the edge of heaven where our pets go when they pass from this world to the next. At the bridge, our pets are reunited with other pets and are able to run free without pain and the restraints of old age. There, the pet waits until its humanowner dies and is reunited with them. Together, they cross the Rainbow Bridge to heaven.
This book details the life of Nathan Wilkinson and the dogs who are a part of his life from childhood into adulthood. The book is beautifully written to show that our pets come into our lives at the exact time that we need them and they leave us when their 'work'' is done to run free at the Rainbow Bridge. The author shows the reader just how intelligent, loving and loyal dogs are. It pulls at the heartstrings in so many ways. From witnessing the wonderful relationship Nathan has with each one of his dogs to the devastating sadness and loss we feel when our dog dies and leaves us. You will need a box of tissues to hand when reading this book.
Despite it's sadness, what is reassuring throughout this book is the bigger picture/the message that the author wishes to portray... that our pets are here for a purpose and that they never really leave us. They will be watching and waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.
As the current owner of an elderly dog with cardiac problems, I was immediately attracted to this book in the hope that it would alleviate some of my worries about what the future might hold. And, although, reading this book did make me cry, it was reassuring and comforting too. I would recommend this book to all dog owners out there who have suffered the loss of a dog or who have a belief in spirituality/God and the afterlife. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for enabling me to read this wonderful book that has brought me some comfort at an anxious time.
Profile Image for Ruth.
659 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2020
Umm, bring tissues when you sit to read this book. The chapters are HIGHLY emotional but anyone who's ever really loved a companion animal or had it change their life would expect to have their heartstrings tugged, hard. Essentially, this book's story contains all the dogs (and their associated stories) during one human's life, from early childhood through adult; each dog serves a specific purpose and most will wait for him at the Rainbow Bridge when they pass.

I think this book would be great for tweens and teens and maybe grandparents looking for a chapter or two to read at bedtime. Although I appreciated the theme, the writing was not my style--a bit too much Reader's Digest for me. Marketed at the right audience, this book will go over well.
Profile Image for Jean.
254 reviews
August 6, 2020
Great book! Having 6 dachshunds and a lab at the bridge
made it a sweet tear-jerker. I love my dogs so much.
This book is written very well and it is a keeper.

Thank you so much, Dan V. Jackson, your publisher, and
NetGalley for the chance to read and review this wonderful
book!
June 22, 2020
Amazing, this book had me smiling, laughing and crying, my emotions were on a rollercoaster!
Dogs, and in fact all pets, are more then animals they are always a part of the family and this book explains that so well.
Any one with a pet will understand this book, but I think a box of tissues might be required.
Thank you netgalley
Profile Image for Mike.
165 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2020
Rainbow Bridge is pet fiction in a class all its own. Author Dan V. Jackson is clearly a dog lover, and that love is portrayed throughout the book. Jackson really captured the gamut of emotions pet owners go through during the lives of their beloved canine friends. (These emotions are not limited to only dog lovers. I imagine all owners of beloved pets go through much the same emotions.)

The story covers the fictional life of protagonist Nathan Wilkinson, from a young toddler to an older adult, with emphasis on the dogs that were a part of his life. There were several dogs throughout those years, all different, yet each loved by Nathan. Each dog has a particular reason for being in Nathan’s life, from a dog’s perspective.

If this was simply a story about a boy and his dogs, it would be a good story. However, when you add in the element of Rainbow Bridge - that place where all beloved pets wait for their masters to come and pick them up on the way to heaven - it turns into a great story.

As I mentioned, each dog is placed in Nathan’s life for a particular reason. We’re not privy to what that reason is until it is upon us. The “placement” of the dogs is done by a very special dog. Saying more would reveal spoilers, so you’ll have to read the story to find out what is so special about that dog.

I think the author really captures the typical relationship between a boy and his dog(s) as he progresses from toddler to young boy to teenager, and up through being a parent. The relationship is not always the same. I know it to be true because it happened that way with me and the dogs in my life.

If you think this is a book that will tug at the heart strings - you’re right. It does. But it tugs at all the strings, not just the sad ones. There is a lot of joy in this story, as well as the inevitable sadness that follows. If a book can really move a reader emotionally, then the author did a great job. This, too, is the case in Rainbow Bridge. I admit that my eyes watered once at some point in the story.

Technically, the book is well edited. The story arcs for the main characters were good, with a few surprises along the way. The pacing kept me fully engaged from the beginning, and each dog seemed to have his/her own climax in the story, which I enjoyed very much.

The biggest surprise to me was the ending. I never saw it coming, and I was a little surprised that the author chose that ending. However, it did put closure on the story, and I finished it as a satisfied reader.

I heartily recommend this book to all pet lovers, particularly those that have shared their life with canine companions. You won’t be disappointed!
186 reviews
October 2, 2020
This is a truly beautiful book and one that, if you own (or have ever owned), a dog you will relate to and feel every emotion described in its pages.. It tells the story of Nathan Wilkinson from his very earliest days as a mere toddler and throughout his life as he encounters college, marriage, becoming a father and his time spent in the military defending his country. Greatly significant during these years are the dogs that come into his life. Loving, devoted companions who shape his life, who protect and save him and his family from dangerous situations and even one, who through his own bravery and courage during combat becomes a highly regarded Canine General. The experiences that Nathan shares with his various dogs are inspirational, heart warming and often amusing but there is, as every dog owner knows, the sad fact that at some point our dogs have to leave us and it is believed that they then go on to Rainbow Bridge a place where they meet their animal friends and run freely and healthily whilst awaiting the eventual reunion with their human families. Tissues are needed for these parts of the book but there is also so much joy and hope to be enjoyed in this lovely story. I thoroughly loved my time in this book with these human and canine characters and it left me feeling even more grateful that I share my life with a special and beautiful dog. My thanks to the author for this treat of a book and to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre-release copy in exchange for my honest review.
1,619 reviews13 followers
December 21, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a book where it might be best to have a box of tissues nearby. It is moving and beautiful as it tells the story of Nathan and the various dogs of his life. There is Frisco who saved his life when he was but 3 and will forever help guide the future dogs in his life. Then Shiloh who stood beside a scared and lonely kid and helped him grow strong. Lindsay came into his life when she was lost. Not only does she introduce him to his future wife but when he returns from Afghanistan, broken and wounded, she gives him the courage to heal. His war buddy, Georgie, joins him after his service is over and the two of them do remarkable things together. Then there are the two labs who risk all to save the life of his daughter.

Each of them, when it is time, are accompanied to the Rainbow Bridge by Frisco where they await Nathan. It is a beautiful place but something will be missing until their special human returns to them. There are smiles as the story of each is told but those smiles turn to tears as each must take his or her leave. It is the thing that hurts our humans almost more than they can bear when we must go. But it gives solace to think there might be a place where once again we will be re-united.

I don’t want to give away too much and spoil the story but I will tell you the book will move you deeply. Anyone who has ever loved a dog, or a cat, or any other animal, will recognize the emotions. But be prepared. There may be leaky eyes.

Five purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Shannon.
Author 12 books57 followers
October 18, 2020
I don’t know about you, but this increased time at home has made me especially grateful for my animals. They bring joy and entertainment to our house on a daily basis.

My dog is a senior citizen. He’s somewhere around 11 or 12 years old. He’s also a big dog which makes me want to make time slow down to hold onto the years I have left with him. I knew when I adopted him we’d have less time together, but nothing in life is a guarantee. While I’m in no hurry to get another dog, my thoughts do occasionally stray to my next dog and what that experience will be like.

Rainbow Bridge is the story of Nathan Wilkinson and all the dogs that have left pawprints on his heart over the years. For fans of Marley & Me and The Art of Racing in the Rain this is a sweet story of a life lived in and shaped by the companionship of dogs.

Jackson is a great storyteller and I found myself eagerly flipping the pages. His understanding of dogs means that every dog in Rainbow Bridge feels real, whole, and distinct – which anyone who’s ever had a pet knows. No two are the same and every dog in Rainbow Bridge feels unique. As unique as Nathan’s life is, though any reader who’s had a dog can surely see themself in Nathan’s story!

(A copy of this book was provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Jenn Brouwer.
571 reviews11 followers
September 28, 2020
A beautiful emotion story of how dogs can truly save our lives. This story made me laugh a bit and cry alot. The loss of a pet is a devastating occurrence and this story details those emotions. The only part I disliked was the lengthy war tangent, while I did understand it’s relevance to the story. This part was just not my forte. The rest of the story was a good read for me.
226 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2021
What a beautiful book! If you have ever loved and bonded with a dog, and then had the heartbreak of losing them, this book will give you hope of seeing them again. This book tells the story of Nathan and how each of his dogs impacted his life. So get out your box of Kleenex, as this book reflects what we all have felt.

I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
637 reviews8 followers
September 22, 2020
Received an arc from netgalley. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thirty years of life as seen from numerous dogs perceptions seems like it wouldn’t be very interesting but this book grabs you and sucks you in! Definitely recommend it!
Profile Image for Jamie Rincker.
148 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2020
Have you ever read that book which squeezes your heart and makes you miss your beloved pets who have passed on? After the first few pages, this book had me crying for the cat I have missed for the last two years. Those of us who believe in Heaven and truly love animals, we want this to be true, they are waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge.
You follow through the life of a young man named Nathan who is saved when he is only three years old by his first dog. This book takes you well into his 40's and all of the special canines who shared the journey with him. From playing college football to serving his country, he has some wonderful help along the way of the four legged kind. I always love a good animal story and this one exceeds expectations. The reader cannot help but anticipate the sadness as each dog leaves Nathan, but they all served their purpose in his life and will spend all eternity with him when the time comes. Not recommended to read on your lunch break from work unless you have plenty of tissues on hand. Thank you NetGalley, this was a sad, but pleasurable read.
650 reviews13 followers
November 1, 2020
If you have ever loved and lost a dog, this book is going to tug on your heartstrings. I think I've cried most of the way through - not just because of the sadness of losing a dog but just how incredibly brilliant they are.

This book follows Nathan Wilkinson from childhood into adulthood when he is married and has children of his own and the dogs that have been a part of this life. It's about the bond he has with his dogs and that they have with him, as well as the devastating loss when the time comes... but we also get a little glimpse into what happens when it's time to cross the rainbow bridge, which is just lovely.

If you've never owned a dog, you'll probably struggle to understand the depth of connection possible with having a dog and the absolutely gut wrenching grief of losing one. If you have been lucky enough to have a dog in your life that has been a true member of the family, this book is going to rip your heart out!! Dogs are just amazing and this book is a real celebration of the special relationships we can have with our dogs and gives hope that life on earth is not the end, that those connections are forever.

This a book for dog lovers but you're going to need your tissues!!
76 reviews
May 13, 2021
The author’s writing style was hard to keep my attention. I read 50%of the book. Won this via goodread giveaway - it was not the type of book I read often so that may have been part of my malaise to finish it.
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